USA > New Hampshire > Cheshire County > Marlborough > History of the town of Marlborough, Cheshire County, New Hampshire > Part 29
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Among those more or less prominent in these meetings, but scarcely remembered by the present generation, I recol- lect among the Baptists the venerable Deacon Cummings and Mr. Thatcher and his son Elias, who, I believe, con- tinues to this day among you ; also Mr. Samuel Gage and Mr. Clark Mason. Among the Congregationalists were Deacon Kimber Harvey and Deacon James Farrar and his elder brother William, Deacon Simeon Whitcomb and Joseph Frost, Jr. Of the Methodists who attended, I recol- lect but one name, that of William White. I suppose their social meetings were held in the same neighborhood with their preaching service.
I can speak more at length of the Congregational Church, of which I became a member in 1822. It was organized in 1778; and Mr. Joseph Cummings, a native of Topsfield, was ordained as its pastor at the same time. But people were dissatisfied with his conduct, and he was dismissed after two years; and the church remained destitute of a pastor for nearly thirteen years, though they had preaching a part of the time from different ministers.
In 1793, Mr. Halloway Fish, a native of Upton, Mass., and a graduate of Dartmouth College, was ordained pastor, and remained such until his death in 1824,-thirty-one years. To adopt the words of another, which are in accordance with my own impressions, Mr. Fish " was serious and devout in his spirit, exemplary in his life, thoroughly orthodox in his opinions, and faithful as a minister of Christ." He was a
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HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
man of sound judgment, but not distinguished for popular pulpit talents. Two years before his death, a revival of religion brought thirty-eight members into the church.
About one year after his death, Rev. Salmon Bennett was installed as pastor, and continued five and a half years, when he was dismissed; and the church was without a pastor until 1835, when Rev. Moses G. Grosvenor was installed pastor. Mr. Bennett was an acceptable preacher, and a man of very kind and genial spirit. But the church and relig- ious matters generally were in a transition state, and for some years it was impossible to sustain a settled ministry.
In accordance with views generally prevailing at the time of the settlement of the town, and for many years after- wards, the civil authorities regarded themselves as under the same obligation to provide moral and religious instruction as they were to provide secular or literary instruction, as in our common schools. This, of course, involved a sort of union between Church and State. So it was the town that built the meeting-house, and in conjunction with the Church chose the minister; and his salary was raised by tax on the town, the same as the wages of school-teachers. I do not think there was any law of the State requiring towns or churches to support ministers of any particular denomina- tion ; and among my earliest recollections of these matters was this, that any citizen who chose so far to identify him- self with any other religious society as to contribute to its support was released from paying the minister tax. In 1819, the State law was changed, so that no man was obliged to pay any thing for the support of religious teaching. A year or two before the death of Mr. Fish, the majority of the people, not being favorable to his religious views, though not agreeing upon any other, decided, as they had the legal right to do, to allow the adherents of different denomina- tions to occupy their meeting-house, each their due propor- tion of time. The proportion assigned to the Congregation- alists was. I think, less than a third. And for several years the old meeting-house was occupied in turns by Unitarians, Baptists, Methodists, and Universalists, as well as Congre- gationalists.
Luther Niswall
TIFLIOTYP YPr PRINTING PO BOSTOY
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THE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.
This state of things was not conducive to harmony, or kind feelings among people, nor to the progress of true religion.
The Congregationalists finding themselves unable, under these circumstances, to sustain a settled ministry, and find- ing also after a few years that they were diminishing in num- bers and pecuniary ability, finally, encouraged by the prom- ise of some aid from abroad, resolved to build a house of worship of their own, and give up all claim to the old house. But there was a difficulty which delayed them for a time. Among the few who were willing to aid, there was a differ- ence of judgment and interest in fixing upon a location. Some proposed a site on the hill near where Dr. Batcheller then lived. Others preferred a site on what was called the Goodenough knoll, near where J. Merrill Davis now lives. According to my recollection, it was only by a plurality of one or two shares that the present location was selected.
To account for hesitancy in regard to the location, it must be remembered that within the bounds of the present beau- tiful village there were only a few families, and those, mainly, not in sympathy with the church; nor was there any special prospect of increase. I left town soon after the foundations of the house were laid.
Of the history and progress of the Church for the last forty years, I do not feel competent to speak.
The Church looked upon it as a calamity and a hinder- ance to their prosperity and a source of great discourage- ment to Christian labor when, more than fifty years ago, they were denied for a considerable portion of the time the use of the house which they had occupied more than forty years, and in which all their religious associations had centred. I confess to have shared in these feelings. But as I now look at it, in view of results, I regard it as a great blessing in disguise, the hand of God being in it.
I spoke of the promise of aid from abroad in building the house of worship. Perhaps some would like to know the sources of aid. The first was a subscription of about $140, obtained by Miss Polly Barker, formerly a member of the
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HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
Church, but who had been for some years a resident of Boston, where she obtained the subscription. Through the instrumentality of Rev. Mr. Baston, some aid was obtained from Keene. Subscriptions were procured in Nelson, Fitz- william, and Jaffrey, which were to be paid if the Church found itself unable to meet the expense of building by the sale of pews or otherwise. My impression is that these were not called for.
In concluding, I wish to express my joy that, among the true followers of Christ of different names, there appears to be more harmony and co-operation than formerly. I trust it is so in my native town.
To use in substance the language of another, "I think there is a day, not very distant, when from the watch-towers of Asia, once the land of 'Lords many,' there shall roll out the exultant chorus, 'One Lord'; when from the watch- towers of Europe, distracted by divisions in the faith, shall roll up the grateful chorus, 'One faith'; when from the watch-towers of our own America, torn by controversies respecting the initiatory rite of the Christian Church, shall roll forth the inspiring chorus, 'One baptism'; when from the watch-towers of Africa, where it is felt as if the God of all the race were not her God, as though the Father of the human family were not her Father,-when from the watch- towers of despised and long-neglected Africa shall roll forth the chorus, 'One God and Father of all'; when the sacra- mental host, scattered over the face of this lower creation, shall spring upon their feet, and, seizing the harp of thanks- giving, shall join in the chorus with responding angels, 'One Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all, to whom be glory, dominion, and majesty and blessing forever !'"
Music by the band.
Fourth sentiment : -
The Contributions of Marlborough to the Population of our Large Cities,- Among them are men whose untiring business habits have enabled them to amass much wealth; but their gold has not encrusted their hearts. We trust their liberality and benevolence will continue to increase in a ratio proportionate to their additional means.
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THE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.
LETTER FROM HON. RUFUS S. FROST.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, WASHINGTON, D.C.,
June 29, 1876.
Messrs. CHARLES K. MASON, CHARLES A. BEMIS, C. E. HARDY, Com- mittee :
Gentlemen,- 1 rejoice that the good people of my native town are to celebrate the centennial anniversary of the settlement of the town on the 4th of July next, and sincerely regret that other duties will prevent myself and wife from participating with them on that occasion.
I have always loved Marlborough, and have been proud to call her my native town.
The toast to which you invite me to respond is an excellent one; and, as it does not apply to myself personally, I feel all the more freedom in responding to it. Although it is said to be very convenient to have wealth, my own opinion has always been that a good reputation is much to be preferred. I admit that both are desirable, and am glad that so many sons of Marlborough who have remained at home, and also those who have removed to other places, have acquired both.
The man who owns his well-stocked farm, and is clear of debt, is a richer man than he who lives in the city and is frequently taking risks large enough to ruin himself and family, although his yearly income may be much greater than the farmer's.
Yon may ask, is the latter a necessity? I answer no; but with the large expenses of the city is the temptation to take large risks. Hence the ruin of so many. In responding to the toast assigned me, I desire to impress upon the young people of Marlborough the idea that success in life comes only from hard work and strict attention to some chosen occu- pation in life. I believe that these qualities, applied to a well-selected farm, would yield as good an income, with more independence and better health, than the average of other kinds of business away from Marl- borough.
Our heavenly Father has given the town great natural advantages, besides the beauty of its hills and valleys. Its water-power, which can be largely increased, gives occupation to many people in the village, while the farmers thereby find a ready cash market for their produce.
Let the people of Marlborough, like true patriots, stand by their town, and give their assistance to all its religious, educational, and business interests; and the future prosperity of the town and its people will be secured.
With my cordial respect for you, gentlemen of the committee, and the people whom you represent, I remain,
Sincerely yours, etc.,
RUFUS S. FROST.
47
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HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
Fifth sentiment: -
The Future Generations of Marlborough,-May they emulate the courage, patriotism, and virtues of the past, now quietly resting beneath the green turf of our native hillsides.
Responded to by Rev. J. L. Merrill.
Sixth sentiment: -
The Flag of our Union,- A century ago a piece of striped bunting un- furled to the breeze of freedom, now floating on every sea, and proudly waving over thirty-seven States at home, the shield of liberty, a terror to oppression and tyranny.
LETTER FROM COL. HENRY W. GREENWOOD OF DUM- MERSTON, VT.
PHILADELPHIA, June 18, 1876.
MESSRS. CHARLES K. MASON, CHARLES A. BEMIS, C. E. HARDY, Com- mittee :
Dear Sirs, -I regret that I cannot be present with you and the people of Marlborough on the 4th of July, to celebrate the double anni- versary on that day.
The wandering life necessary to one of my profession has prevented me from adopting a permanent home elsewhere; and, for that reason, Marlborough and my boyhood haunts have ever held the memory of the " dearest spot on earth to me," and though family-friends are scat- tered, and the old stone house has passed into other hands, I dearly love to visit " The Harbor," the pet name of my native village.
The response to the toast "Our Flag " must be a silent wish that it may wave for many centuries over Marlborough and the entire country.
Educated in military science, I naturally fell into the rank and file in 1861, and followed the fortunes of the "battle flag " of the army of the Cumberland (the reunion of which on the 6th and 7th of July at this place prevents my joining you on the 4th). I have wandered under the protection of the dear old flag over the Plains of the great West, across the Rocky Mountains, through the sands of Southern California, and claimed its protection in foreign lands with a pride that is natural to an American.
Ever yours truly,
W. H. GREENWOOD.
Song,- " Our Flag and our Nation."
Seventh sentiment : -
The Primitive Inhabitants of Marlborough,- Their simplicity, wisdom- energy, and virtues, were equal to their hardships, privations, and toils. May we imitate the former, while we enjoy the fruition of the latter God bless their memory.
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THE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.
LETTER FROM DEA. PERLEY D. STONE OF ADAMS, N.Y.
ADAMS, JEFFERSON Co., N.Y., June 5, 1876. CHARLES A. BEMIS, CHARLES K. MASON, CYRUS E. HARDY, Com- mittee of invitation to attend the anniversary of the organization of the good old town of Marlborough, N.H., on the 4th of July next :
Gentlemen,- Yours of May the 25th was received in due time. I am more than pleased that such a celebration will be had; should be glad to be with you on that occasion, and share with you the pleasures and sorrows that will vibrate in every bosom. Pleasure and sorrow often mingle together on such an occasion. But my age and other circum- stances (I now think) will prevent my being present.
You wish me to respond as to the first settlers' simplicity, wisdom, energy, and virtues. I would say that they were made equal to their hardships, privations, and toil. Were I present with you, I would speak to you, and have you realize if possible, the township as it was one hun- dred years ago, with its unbroken forests,-those hills and valleys groaning under the weight of those towering oaks, maples, beech, bass, and hemlock, that must fall before the axe, and be cleared up so as to be productive; and those rocks to be dug out before the plough could turn up the soil, and raise sufficient for the support of those growing families numbering from eight to sixteen children.
To accomplish this did require simplicity, wisdom, energy, and virtues ; and, thanks be to God, our ancestors possessed these qualities in a remarkable degree, as is shown by their fruits. They possessed in a remarkable degree educational and religious principles, as is evident from the erection of a house for the worship of God at so early a period, and by planting the school-house in every district, and by the respect shown to the sanctity of the holy Sabbath, sustaining the ministry for all these rolling years. May God bless to us, their descendants, the remem- brance of our fathers and mothers, that we may copy all that " was lovely and of good report," and shun all that was wrong, so that we, their descendants, may do good and be useful while living, and die the death of the righteous. Yours truly,
P. D. STONE.
Eighth sentiment :-
The Clergy,- May they, as ever, be found in the front ranks of intelli- gence, vital piety, freedom, and practical righteousness.
Responded to by Rev. Edwin Davis of Canton, Mass. Ninth sentiment: -
The Venerable Men and Women with us to-day,-With age, the emotional excitements and buoyant blood of youth pass away ; but the heart of the wise, - the older it grows, the warmer it feels.
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HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
Deacon Abel Baker of Troy sent the following :-
TROY, N.H., June 26, 1876.
TO THE COMMITTEE OF INVITATION :
Gentlemen,- I would express to you my sincere thanks for your kind invitation, inviting me to be present and participate in and partake of the festivities of your centennial celebration in the town of Marlborough on the 4th of July next.
As it will probably not be convenient for me to be present at that time, let me give you some of my recollections of the events of my early life, which are still fresh in my memory.
I was born in that town, April 8, 1797. My father settled and lived on a new farm about one and a half miles east of the old meeting-house on the hill; and, as I attended school in two districts besides our own, I was acquainted with and entertain the greatest respect for my youthful associates in my early life, and formed many acquaintances which I still cherish with profound respect.
Among my teachers in the common schools were Esquire Gates, Capt. Whitney, Thomas Hardy, Rev. Mr. Rand, James Farrar, Asa Frost, E. K. Frost, Catharine Newton, Jane Gilmore, and Anna Harvey.
And among my classmates were Rev. Cyrus Stone, his wife, Attossa Frost, and Cynthia Farrar, who, after qualifying themselves by diligent study, went to India to teach the benighted inhabitants of Asia the Christian religion ; and the two last beloved sisters found their last rest- ing place in that distant country.
I likewise have a vivid recollection of the old meeting-house on the hill, and our Christian fathers of that day, as they were seated in their square pews; where the people from all parts of the town visited the sanctuary almost every Sabbath; where the Rev. Mr. Fish explained the Scriptures, and Col. Joseph Frost, with his pitch-pipe, led the choir, which performed the singing, to the great delight of my youthful mind.
There was also the huge horse-block on the north side of the church, where our fathers, at the beginning of this century and before, after mounting their horses, rode to the block, where their wives or daughters seated themselves on the pillion, sometimes with a child in their arms, and away they rode to their homes.
This horseback mode of conveyance continued for many years without much interruption ; but a new way of travelling was introduced between 1812 and 1820.
The first one-horse wagon I ever saw was owned by Elijah Boyden, innkeeper on the hill, in 1812; and in a few years that mode of convey- ance was general throughout the town. And since that time one improve- ment has succeeded another, until we have only to take passage by rail, and the utmost limits of our wide-extended country are reached in a few days. Then let us rejoice, and bless a kind Providence for all the im- provements which have been made during the last one hundred years.
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THE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.
In conclusion, permit me to express my thanks to the Committee of Arrangements, my cordial good wishes to the old survivors of Marlbor- ough, my old associates and their successors, while a tribute of respectful memory hovers over the graves of the departed. I close with the follow- ing sentiment : -
The grand Monadnock and Gape Mountains stand as watch-towers near your eastern borders. May your peace, prosperity, and temperance be as enduring as the everlasting hills !
Very truly yours,
ABEL BAKER.
Tenth sentiment : -
Our Revolutionary Soldiers,- Their names may be forgotten, but the fruits of their labors survive, shedding a halo of glory for the people, a prophetic hope to the nation.
Col. Nelson Converse responded to this sentiment in an able manner.
Music by the band.
Eleventh sentiment :-
Our Merchants,- May they in the future as in the past be honorable, upright, respected at home and abroad.
Elisha O. Woodward, of Grafton, Mass., who for twenty- five years was one of the merchants of Marlborough, sent the following letter: - *
GRAFTON, MASS., June 27, 1876.
CHARLES K. MASON, CHARLES A. BEMIS, C. E. HARDY, Committee of Invitation : -
Yours of the 6th instant, inviting myself and family to unite with the citizens of Marlborough in their centennial celebration, July 4, was duly received. In reply, I have to say I regret that other duties prevent my accepting your invitation, and sharing with you the enjoyment which the occasion would afford me. Though Marlborough is not my native town, and I am not now one of its citizens, yet my long residence there, cover- ing a quarter of a century, and the intimate acquaintance with all its people, which the nature of my business, to which you allude, was so well calculated to give me, have made the place and its inhabitants, with all that pertains to its and their prosperity and welfare, dear to my heart ; and it would give me pleasure to be present, and join with you and those who will again return to the home and scenes of their childhood, in com- memorating, on the one hundredth anniversary day of our nation's birth, this important event in the history of Marlborough.
* Mr. Woodward has since returned to Marlborough, and to his former place of business.
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HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
Standing on the dividing line that separates the past from the future, memory brings to my mind many changes which have marked the twenty-five years of my residence in your town. But I will not trespass on your time further,- will only say in closing, enlarging a little on the sentiment to which you ask me to respond : -
May the merchants of Marlborough of to-day, profiting by whatever is found worthy of imitation in the experience of their predecessors, and improving the superior advantages of the present, strive to make their business, and thus make themselves, in the future, as now, worthy of support and respect.
Thanking you for the very kind and cordial invitation, and wishing you success in all your arrangements, I remain,
Your obedient servant,
E. O. WOODWARD.
Twelfth sentiment :-
The Mothers and the Daughters,- The joy and sunshine of our homes, and the pride of the century.
The committee assigned this sentiment to Warren H. Wilkinson of Springfield, Mass .; but he, being unable to be present, sent twenty-five dollars to help defray the expenses of the celebration.
Thirteenth sentiment : -
Our Public Men.
LETTER FROM BENJ. WHITNEY, ESQ., OF LITTLETON, N.H.
LITTLETON, N.H., June 17, 1876.
Gentlemen,- Accept my thanks for your cordial invitation to be pres- ent at the centennial celebration of the incorporation of the town of Marlborough on the 4th of July next, to respond to the sentiment, " The Public Men of Marlborough."
Be assured it would give me great pleasure to comply with your invita- tion ; but distance, and the liability to sudden attacks of indisposition of persons of my age, admonish me to forego that pleasure. But, permit me to say, a vivid recollection of more than two-thirds of the past cen- tury carries me back to those who are now considered the early inhabi- tants of the town of Marlborough; and, permit me further to say, the high moral stand taken by the public men of those days has had an abiding influence on succeeding generations. A defaulter to the town treasury was never known. But one attempt, and that an unsuccessful one, has ever come to my knowledge. I hope many other towns can boast as much, but am sure there are many others that cannot.
The first settlers of Marlborough were mostly farmers, emigrants from
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THE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.
Massachusetts, -- not men of great means, but industrious, intelligent, and lovers of liberty. According to history, the Revolution found them true to freedom, and ready to fight to obtain it. With resources not abun- dant when it commenced, they were reduced to poverty when it closed. Their fields had lain uncultivated, and Continental paper money had be- come worthless. They were in debt, but not discouraged, and, to their honor be it said, by diligence and industry supported numerous families, and accumulated comfortable fortunes.
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Again in 1812, as also in the late Rebellion, when the camp-fires were again kindled, and the authorities of the nation called again for help, the patriotism of the sons had in no wise degenerated from that of their worthy sires. Her quotas were promptly filled,-filled with men,- men ready to do battle for the honor and safety of the nation.
It must be a source of gratification to those who assemble with you on that day, whether at home or from a distance, after long separation, to renew their attachments, and mutually express their respect and affection for the place of their birth and the home of their childhood.
Again accept my thanks for your kind invitation. Gentlemen, I am, with respect, Your obliged servant, BENJAMIN WHITNEY.
Messrs. C. K. MASON, C. A. BEMIS, C. E. HARDY, Committee.
Fourteenth sentiment : -
Our Foremothers,-Their spinning-jenny spun but one thread; their muscular-power loom wove for the protection of their sons and daughters ; the hum of the linen-wheel lulled their offspring to rest; the horse saddle and pillion was their only carriage,- models for wives, excellent patterns for mothers, the only ingredients from which to raise grandmothers.
This sentiment was wittily replied to by Dr. J. Q. A. McCollester of Ayer Junction, Mass. His speech was full of incidents of the early settlers, and we regret that we cannot produce it here for the benefit of our readers.
Song,- "Spirit of Freedom."
Fifteenth sentiment :-
Roxbury, Marlborough's Seceding Daughter,- Forming a triple alliance in 1812, before she entered her teens, set up housekeeping for herself ; regrets her folly, and desires a bill that she may marry a rich neighbor.
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