USA > New Hampshire > Cheshire County > Marlborough > History of the town of Marlborough, Cheshire County, New Hampshire > Part 26
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head down, found himself all at once confronted by a large bear which sat up on its haunches, looking directly at him. Mr. Parmenter stood still for a moment, at a loss to know what to do, but finally concluded to try to scare it. He accordingly took off his broad-brim hat, and, shaking it, jumped toward the bear, at the same time screaming at the top of his voice. As he jumped, the bear turned and ran, with two cubs following, and were soon lost in the dense woods. Mr. Parmenter, in relating the story, used to say, he did not know which was the most frightened, the bear or himself.
At another time, soon after his settlement on the farm now owned by Mr. Nutting, he went one afternoon to the grist-mill of Daniel Gould, in the south part of the town, now Troy. Several customers had arrived at the mill before him; and, being obliged to wait his turn, it was nearly dark before he started on his return. When he arrived within about one-fourth of a mile of his home, he was suddenly startled by the bark of a wolf, which came from the direction of his log house : this was answered by another and another, until there were a score of them. He paused for a moment, and to his horror perceived they were on his down track, and were rapidly approaching him. He had but a moment in which to act, but his presence of mind did not desert him. Taking the bag from his shoulder, he threw it as far as possible into the forest, and then gave a leap in the same direction ; and, picking up a club with which to defend himself, he sat down and waited the approach of the wolves. He had not long to wait, for they were close upon him. When the foremost of the pack reached the place from which he had leaped, it paused for an instant; and, finding the track freshened, they all pushed on with renewed vigor down toward the mill, not noticing that their intended victim was within a few rods of them, breathlessly awaiting the result. When they had passed out of sight and hearing, he again shouldered his meal, and traversed the remaining distance as rapidly as circum- stances would admit, well knowing that the disappointed
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wolves would soon return, when it might not be so easy to elude them. On his arrival home, he found his wife in great distress. She, having heard the wolves, and knowing they were upon her husband's track, had given up all hopes of his return. Having learned from this experience the dan- ger of being out after dark, he was careful ever afterwards to go to mill in the morning, and return to his home by daylight.
Abijah Tucker used to say that it was no uncommon thing for him, as he passed through the forest between his house and mill, to see bears and even wolves. He related that, upon one occasion, he found his cow caught in a thicket of brush, and a wolf gnawing the flesh from her legs.
The catamount was the most ferocious of all the wild beasts in this region. Being of large size, and possessing great strength and agility of movement, it was the terror of both man and beast. But fortunately they were not numer- ous in this section.
Mr. Jonathan Bemis, Sen., having set some snares for partridges, found on visiting them, on a certain morning, that one had been caught and partly devoured by some wild animal. He accordingly removed the snare, and set in its place a large steel trap. On going to the place the next morning, to his surprise he found the trap was gone ; but, going on a short distance, he soon heard the clanking of the chain with which the trap had been fastened, and, following along some distance, came in sight of the animal, which was caught by the leg, and was making off with the trap. Mr. Bemis, having no gun, was at a loss to know what to do; but, seeing the chain was caught under a root, he resolved to despatch the animal, if possible. Picking up a large stone, he threw it with such unerring aim as to hit the creature between the eyes, dropping him instantly. Having made sure the animal was dead, he approached, and, taking it from the trap, found it to be a catamount, so large that, as he was carrying it home on his back, it dragged on the ground,
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WILD ANIMALS.
At the request of Jonathan William Fife of Hartford, Conn., a great-grandson of Dea. Silas Fife, we insert the following, which is taken from the History of Troy :-
" A most remarkable catamount was once killed by Dea. Fife, near the pond, a little east of his house. Soon after Dea. Fife settled here, his father came to make him a visit; and, as was the custom in those days, he brought his axe to assist his son in clearing the forest. One day as they were chopping a little west of the pond, they discovered a deer that had just been killed by some unknown monster of the wilderness. Being somewhat alarmed, they immediately decided to take measures to rid the forest of so dangerous a visitor. Without delay, young Fife took his father's horse, and went to Rindge, where he procured of Dea. Love- joy of that town a large steel trap. As the sun was setting, with trap, gun, and axe in hand, the father and son sought the carcass of the deer. But, to their surprise, it had been drawn several rods, and finally taken up and carried away, so that they could track it no farther. But, finding the heart and liver, they felled a tree, from which they cut a log and hitched the same to the trap, which they placed in a position to take the fatal grip, whenever the animal should return to obtain the fragments of his slaughtered victim. The next morning the deacon took his musket, and, in company with his father, was soon on the ground, and to their astonishment the trap, log, and all were gone. With much caution, they followed the track of the log in the direction toward the pond, near which they perceived the animal, with his appendages permanently entangled among the rocks. When they had arrived within a few rods, the monster reared on his hind legs, and, as he took a survey of his enemy, gnashed his teeth, and seemed to bid defiance to them. As young Fife raised his gun to his eye, his father pleaded with him not to fire, fearing that the catamount would kill them both. But crack went the mus- ket, and at first it seemed to make no impression upon him. But it was soon reloaded and brought to his eye a second time, when seeing his fury abating, and that he was
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HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
trembling, he waited a moment and the animal fell. On approaching him, it was found that he was dead, the ball having pierced his heart. His measurement was thirteen feet and four inches from his nose to the end of his tail. His skin was afterwards stuffed, and placed on exhibition in the Boston Museum."
ALEXANDER FISH'S EAR.
The following is copied from the town records of 1793 : -
MARLBOROUGHI, Jan. 24, 1793.
These may certify all persons whom it may Concern that Nathan Frost Lawson Did in anger willfully Bite off Alexander Fish's Ear, this instant, Jan. 1793.
Attest : PHINEHAS FARRAR, SILAS FIFE, OLIVER WRIGHT, 7
Selectmen.
For a long time, the compiler was at a loss to know the meaning of this quaint record, or why it was thus placed upon the pages of our town-books; but diligent inquiry among our aged people revealed the following facts. Na- than Frost Lawson was a transient person, whose residence in this town was very short. It is not known whence he came nor where he went; but it is known that in his youth he committed a crime, for which he suffered the penalty of having his ear cropped, according to the custom of those days. It is stated that on the day referred to he and Fish met at the tavern ; and, both having partaken freely at the bar, an animated conversation took place between the two. in the course of which Fish twitted Lawson about his ear. This so enraged Lawson that he seized Fish, and, throwing him upon the floor, bit off his ear in like manner as his own. Fish, in his sober moments, fearing lest the people might think that he, too, had broken the laws of his country, requested the selectmen to make a record upon the town- books, to which he could refer, if need be.
ANECDOTES.
Many pleasing anecdotes are told of Esquire Sweetser, who for many years kept the principal tavern in town.
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ANECDOTES.
It is related that on one occasion in town-meeting there was considerable difficulty in choosing a representative. Phinehas Farrar having held that office for several years in succession, it was deemed advisable by many of the leading citizens to choose some one else in his stead; but, being divided in their opinions, they were for some time unable to make any choice among the several candidates. A warm discussion was taking place, when the old Esquire-who, by the way, had just patronized his own bar-entered the room. Being a warm friend of Mr. Farrar, he felt himself bound to use his influence to send him again to the General Court. He accordingly rose, and said in his own peculiar tone: "Mr. Moderator and gentlemen, let me give you a few words of advice. If you want a man to represent you in the General Court of this State, send Esquire Farrar by all means, for he has been so many times he knows the way, and the necessary steps to be taken. If you wish to send a man to Canada, send Col. Joseph Frost: he has two or three sons living there, and he would like to visit them. But, if you want to send a man to hell, send Hezekiah Hodgkins ; for he will have to go some time, and it is time he was there now."
Esquire Sweetser and a Mr. Harrington who at that time was proprietor of the Eagle Hotel in Keene, were firm friends ; and, thinking alike in politics, many a time they sat over a mug of toddy, discussing the political news of the day. Having heard that Mr. Harrington had changed his views in relation to politics, the Esquire harnessed his horse and drove to Keene. Entering the hotel, he walked up to Mr. Harrington remarking that he had heard, he had somewhat changed his views in politics. Mr. Harrington replied that he had, and attempted to explain, but was interrupted by Mr. Sweetser, who said, "Mr. Harrington, men and the moon change, but the sun and principle never." And, turning about, he immediately left the hotel, and from that time all intercourse between these men ceased.
The old Squire was very benevolent at times, and not
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HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
unfrequently he bestowed his charity upon the school-chil- dren. Going to the store, he would fill his leather apron with figs, raisins, and candy, and go to the school-house where the children were at play, and, calling them around him, would give each a handful, at the same time repeat- ing some passage from the Bible, touching upon charity, like the following: "Charity covereth a multitude of sins "; or " He that giveth to the poor lendeth to the Lord," etc.
Theodore Mann was one of that class of individuals who, not being blessed with superior intellect, was often an object of ridicule among his neighbors, and not unfre- quently was this carried so far as to become open abuse. It happened on one occasion, as he was returning home from town-meeting, that he was met by Peter Tozer, John Wis- wall (afterwards Major), and Josiah Woodward (son of Solomon). These young men, having had the example of their elders set before them, commenced to snow-ball and otherwise ill-treat Mr. Mann, who was so incensed at the abuse offered him that he determined to have recourse to the law, and have the offenders punished. The culprits, fearing this threat would be carried into execution, requested him to desist, which he promised to do on condition that they would apologize in writing, which was readily consented to on the part of the young men. Accordingly, the parties met at the house of Mr. Tozer; and Peter, who was a ready writer, and somewhat witty withal, was set to draw up the paper, the substance of which was as follows: -
"We, the undersigned, do acknowledge that on town- meeting night we snow-balled and otherwise abused Mr. Theodore Mann; but we did not kill him, and we are sorry for it." This, having been duly signed, was handed to Mr. Mann, who, after reading it, said he would accept it as their apology, and overlook the injury done.
John Tozer, eldest son of Richard, was an eccentric fel- low ; and many humorous anecdotes are related of him, and among them is the following: When a young man, he paid his addresses to a fair lady ; but his father (who had buried
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ANECDOTES.
his wife but a short time previous) supplanted him in her affections. Soon afterwards, going home on a visit, his father being away at the time, his new mother requested him to ask a blessing at meal-time, which he did as follows :-
" Although you are my mother, I love you as my life. If father had not been so spry, I'd had you for my wife."
CHAPTER XV.
THE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.
AT the annual town-meeting, March 14, 1876, pursuant to an article in the warrant :-
" Voted, That there be a committee of five chosen to make arrangements for celebrating the one hundredth anni- versary of the incorporation of the town, said celebration to cost the town nothing. Chose Thomas White, David Wilkinson, Mowry A. Thompson, Daniel W. Tenney, and Charles A. Bemis."
The committee organized by choosing Thomas White, Chairman ; Charles A. Bemis, Secretary ; and Daniel W. Tenney, Treasurer.
On motion of Daniel W. Tenney, Charles K. Mason was added to the committee.
As the one hundredth anniversary of the incorporation of the town occurred at an unfavorable season of the year (December 13), it was decided to celebrate on the 4th of July.
At a meeting of the committee, April 7, six more were added to this committee ; namely, George F. Wise, William C. Mason, Cyrus E. Hardy, Samuel Jones, John McRoy, and Jedediah T. Collins. This meeting was adjourned to Wednesday, April 19, at 7 o'clock l'.M., at which time it was voted unanimously to invite Rev. Sullivan H. McColl- ester of Akron, Ohio, a native of Marlborough, to deliver the centennial address on that occasion. Chose Daniel W. Tenney to invite the Mechanics' Cornet Band and the
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Marlborough Cornet Band to furnish music for the cele- bration. Chose Charles K. Mason, Charles A. Bemis, and Cyrus E. Hardy to invite guests. Voted, To adjourn this meeting for two weeks.
May 3 .- Met according to adjournment, and proceeded as follows: Chose Jairus Collins, Col. Cyrus Frost, and Mowry A. Thompson a committee to prepare sentiments. Chose George F. Wise, Cyrus S. Moors, and E. Willard Mason to furnish sacred music on the day of celebration. Voted, To invite the old Cadet Band to be present, and march together in the procession.
May 13 .- The committee met, and chose Col. Nelson Converse Chief Marshal. He appointed as his aids for the day the following gentlemen : George Thatcher,* James Knowlton, William M. Tenney, Darius Richardson, Reuben Ward, Elijah Fitch, Barton Blodgett, Charles R. Bemis, Merrill Mason, Amos A. Mason, William M. Nason, and Alphonso A. Adams. Chose Elijah Boyden President of the day. Chose Daniel W. Tenney, Thomas White, George G. Davis, Cyrus E. Hardy, Col. Cyrus Frost, and Dr. Samuel A. Richardson Vice-Presidents. Chose Luther Hemenway, Albert Knowlton, and Franklin R. Thurston a committee to select a suitable grove in which to hold the exercises on the day of celebration, and to report at the next meeting.
May 20 .- The committee appointed to select a suitable grove in which to hold the exercises, reported that they had selected the one on land of Luther Hemenway, near the cemetery. Which report was accepted and adopted. Voted, That this committee trim the grove, build the speaker's stand, arrange the seats and tables, and make all necessary arrangements on the ground, and appoint such assistants as they shall think proper. Chose Rev. Henry W. Hand and Rev. Noble Fisk, Toast-masters. Chose Rev. John L. Merrill, Rev. Henry W. Hand, and Rev. Noble Fisk to select appropriate pieces for the choir to sing. It was de- cided that the collation should be free to all; and, to carry
* Mr. Thatcher was unable to serve on account of sickness,
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the same into effect, the committee of arrangements ap- pointed Mr. and Mrs. Charles Ryan, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Smith, Mr. and Mrs. J. Whitney Lawrence, Mr. and Mrs. James Thatcher, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph M. Richardson, Mr. and Mrs. Ivory E. Gates, Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Procter, Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin F. Cushing, Mr. and Mrs. George A. Porter, Mr. and Mrs. David S. Derby, Mr. and Mrs. Elias A. Thatcher, Mr. and Mrs. Stillman Richardson, a commit- tee to solicit provisions, who performed their duties in a commendable manner. Chose Mr. and Mrs. Goodhue Tenney, Mr. and Mrs. Luke Knowlton, Jr., Mr. and Mrs. Luther G. Bemis, Mr. and Mrs. James F. Townsend, Mr. and Mrs. Thompson H. Richardson, Mr. and Mrs. Henry A. Spofford, Mr. and Mrs. Josiah L. Sargent, Mr. and Mrs. Milton J. White, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Jones, Mr. and Mrs. Ivers L. Richardson, Mr. and Mrs. William C. Mason, Mr.
and Mrs. Stillman Woodward, Mr. and Mrs. Wilber F. Wallace a committee to take charge of the food as it was brought in, to superintend the tables, and appoint assistants for waiting on the people, etc. Voted, To choose a com- mittee of finance to provide funds to defray the expenses of the celebration. Chose Daniel W. Tenney, Charles K. Mason, Luther Hemenway, Marshall D. Adams, John Mc- Roy, Benjamin F. Cushing, Cyrus E. Hardy, David S. Derby, Philander Thatcher, and Isaac W. Holbrook. Much credit is due to this committee, who attended to their duties with promptness and despatch, and succeeded in raising by subscription a sum sufficient to defray all the expenses of the celebration. Chose Charles K. Mason, Col. Nelson Converse, and Daniel W. Tenney to report a pro- gramme of exercises and order of procession on the day of celebration. Chose Albert Knowlton, Nelson Converse, John Clemons, and Edwin B. Matthews to procure a sup- ply of ice-water, and also to procure a suitable person to sell lemonade on the grounds.
June 23 .- Voted, To fire one hundred guns, and ring the bells on the morning of the celebration. Voted, To ex- pend fifty dollars for fireworks. Chose Daniel W. Tenney,
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George K. Harrington, and George W. Tenney to procure the fireworks, attend to the firing of the cannon, and ring the bells. Chose David Wilkinson and Charles Smith to provide carriages for such aged people as could not walk in the procession.
July 4, 1876 .- The day dawned favorably, and was ush- ered in by the ringing of bells and the firing of cannon. Long before the hour for the exercises at the grove, the usually quiet streets of the village were filled with the citi- zens of the town, and the absent sons and daughters of Marlborough, who had returned once more to their native place, to lay their offerings on the altar of their ancestors. Invited guests and citizens of the neighboring towns were flocking in, to participate in the joys and festivities of the day.
A little before ten o'clock, the procession was formed in front of the Town Hall, in the following order, namely : -
Chief Marshal. Mechanics' Cornet Band. Torrent Engine Co., IVORY E. GATES, Foreman. President and Orator of the Day. Vice-Presidents. Clergy. Committee of Arrangements. Specially invited Guests, expected to respond to Sentiments. Old People of Marlborough. Choir, C. S. MOORS, Leader. National Flag. Sunday Schools. Citizens from other Towns. Citizens of Marlborough.
At ten o'clock, the procession marched to the grove, where seats were provided for over two thousand persons.
On the platform were seated the president. vice-presi- dents, clergy, committee of arrangements, choir, and report- ers, with a place for the speakers in front. At the right of the platform, seats were arranged for the band; while in front a smaller stand had been erected, ample enough to contain seats for the old people.
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HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
The seats were all occupied, and many were obliged to stand or sit upon the ground during the exercises. It was estimated that there were nearly twenty-five hundred people present, which was the largest collection ever convened at any one time in Marlborough. Had there not been cele- brations on the same day at Keene, Troy, and Nelson, it is probable the number would have been much larger.
The assembly was called to order by Chief-Marshal Con- verse, who introduced Elijah Boyden, Esq., President of the day. Mr. Boyden came forward and spoke as follows : -
Fellow-Citizens,- We have assembled on this our Hun- dredth Anniversary of our National Birthday, to commemo- rate the one hundredth anniversary of the incorporation of the town of Marlborough. I congratulate you on the fine condition of weather with which we are favored to-day. I am pleased also to see so many of the former residents of the town present to participate with us in the exercises of this occasion. It used to be said in former years that New Hampshire was a good State to emigrate from. Perhaps it was not intended as a compliment. Nevertheless, in the sense that a family whose members are worthily brought up and properly trained for the duties of life is a good family to emigrate from, so I consider the "Old Granite State," in this sense, a good one to emigrate from. The very rugged- ness of its soil obliges its children to practise the cardinal virtues of industry and economy, in order to obtain a livelihood. And, although Marlborough is not the State itself, I consider it a fair representative town of the State, and, consequently, a good town to emigrate from. Indeed, we have present with us to-day many emigrants, former residents of the town, who have returned to join with us in the exercises of this occasion.
And, as men do not gather grapes of thorns or figs of thistles, I submit to you that their very appearance is proof sufficient that their commencement of life must have been in a creditable locality. Some of them have obtained high positions in the civil government of our country ; some
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stand at the head of educational institutions; others have become eminent in the clerical and medical professions. And, while all of them have been so successful abroad in adding credit to the place of their nativity, I trust, on their return, they will not find that we who have remained here have been so unmindful of our duties as to cause them to blush for our negligence. I was born in Marlborough, and my recollection of it extends back a little over one-half of its hundred years of incorporated existence. I do not wish to speak too eulogistically of it as a town, but I think, I can truthfully say that compared with other places of similar natural advantages it has shown a commendable degree of progress in its development. For this I can claim but very little credit to myself, since for the last twenty years I have been in no active business. But, for the citizens generally. as a business community, I think they have shown a good degree of enterprise and public spirit, and will compare favorably with other places of no greater advantages. For one of our greatest blessings, as you are all aware, we are indebted to the liberal generosity of one of Marlborough's sons, who is not now a permanent resident here, and who, I regret, is unable to be with us to-day. But, perhaps, if the town had not behaved itself tolerably well, the impulse might never have entered his generous heart to bestow upon it the inestimable gift of a Free Public Library. But, in occupying the position I do to-day, it was not expected of me that I should attempt to make a speech or to enter upon any statistical information. I will not, therefore, detain you longer.
The exercises then commenced with -
1. Voluntary, by the band,-"Home, Sweet Home."
2. Invocation, by Rev. H. W. Hand, Pastor of the Uni- versalist Church.
3. Anthem, by the choir.
4. Selections from the Scriptures, by Rev. N. Fisk, Pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Psalm ciii.
5. Prayer, by Rev. J. L. Merrill, Pastor of the Congrega- tional Church.
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6. Anthem, by the choir.
7. Reading of the Declaration of Independence, by G. G. Davis.
8. Music by the band,-" America."
9. The following Address by Rev. S. H. McCollester, D.D .. of Akron, Ohio : -
Fellow-Citizens,-The course of time is full of epochs. These are the milestones marking human progress. They are diamond-points set on the bosom of the past, to light up the present and reflect a halo of glory about the future. Around these epochs culminate the noblest characters, the grandest deeds, and the brightest hopes of the race.
Every town, state, and nation has its epochs. About these memory delights to linger.
" They are the spots of earth supremely blest.
The dearest, sweetest spots of all the rest."
There are occasions when God confers on men birthday gifts. Then it is that conscience is almost certain to strike the freedom-string in the harp of Liberty, inspiring courage in the mind and faith in the soul. Such an occasion has brought us together at this time. One hundred years ago to-day " The Declaration of Independence " was read in the Continental Congress at Philadelphia, and the question was. . "Shall it be adopted ?" The ays had it. That vote at once changed the political aspect of the Western World. It made a nation free,- free to think and free to do right. That grand action at once quickened new energies of mind and heart, which, in the course of a century, have blossomed into the most marvellous fruitage. Let speech and cannon commemorate the day our nation was born. It is worth the struggles of the past. It is worth the blood of fallen heroes. It is worth all the hard-fought battles of the American Revolution. and the five millions of recent graves sown over our land for its preservation. O Washington ! O Lincoln ! it is worth all your prayers and anxious fears! For it tends to develop the truest manhood and the purest womanhood. It enables each citizen to live, holding a birthright in his
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