USA > New Hampshire > Cheshire County > Rindge > History of the town of Rindge, New Hampshire, from the date of the Rowley Canada or Massachusetts charter, to the present time, 1736-1874, with a genealogical register of the Rindge families > Part 24
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343
EZEKIEL JEWETT.
COL. EZEKIEL JEWETT, son of Dr. Stephen and Nancy (Colburn) Jewett, was born in Rindge, October 16, 1791. He fitted for college in the schools of this town and in Jaffrey, and upon being encouraged to pursue a collegiate course of study, on condition that he followed the profession of his father, he promptly chose to abandon the plan alto- gether, rather than be placed under such restriction. It was apparently outside his plans for life to settle down in the quiet routine of professional labor. The war of 1812 soon presented an opportunity for the exercise of his ambi- tion and youthful energies. Having been an officer in the militia, in which he participated with enthusiasm, in the spring of 1812, he was appointed ensign in the Eleventh Infantry, then commanded by Col. Isaac Clark, but consol- idated the following year with the Twenty-first Regiment, under the more efficient command of Col. Smith, and, soon after, of Col. Ripley. After an engagement of a few weeks in the recruiting service, he joined his regiment in July, and continued in active service until the close of the war, without an absence, from any cause, of a single day. Sharing the fortunes of his regiment, he was 'early inured to the hardships of a most severe service, which character- ized the campaigns that ensued. In 1814, he was in Scott's Brigade, and participated in the battles of Chippewa and Lundy's Lane, and in the siege of Fort Erie.
At the close of the war, the love of adventure invited him to new fields of exploit and danger. Espousing the cause of Gen. Carera, the Chilian leader of a revolt against the oppressive dominion of Spain, he accompanied him to South America, and, after a long and tedious voyage, landed at Buenos Ayres, where he served two months as Major of the "Director's Guard "; and subsequently, with only three companions, he crossed the country to Chili, over the rudest
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highway, which had been built by the Aborigines, previous to the advent of the Spaniards. The first nine hundred miles, with relays of horses, was performed in eleven and one-half days; but this celerity was equaled by the slow and perilous journey across the Andes. One who has heard the thrilling story of this exploit from the lips of the gallant and intrepid adventurer, has kindly written an account of the daring feat. "When arrived at Mendoza, he was told that to cross the mountains at that season would be impos- sible; but he was determined at least to make an attempt. Starting upon mules, they slowly proceeded within four miles of the summit, when there came a snow-storm, which continued four days. They were sheltered, during that time, in an ancient stone building, erected by the Indians many years before for that purpose. Snow fell to the depth of four feet, and they were obliged to continue their journey on foot. In the afternoon they reached the base of the summit, or within a half mile of the height of elevation, which was thirteen hundred feet above the level of the sea. About sunset they fortunately reached another building, but the intense cold compelled them to continue exercise within the house, to keep from freezing. The following day, their descent, by sliding and tumbling through the snow, was rapidly performed. About noon they arrived at a place where cattle were driven for pasture, and there obtained provision and mules for the remainder of the journey. After an experience of many vicissitudes, occu- pying eleven days, a few hours past midnight they reached a village at the foot of the mountain, as much to the surprise of the inhabitants as if they had fallen from the sky. The most dangerous point was at the rincon, or corner, where the road was cut into a mountain of conglomerate, four hundred feet above, and nearly perpendicular to, the river. The
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EZEKIEL JEWETT.
action of the frost had filled the roadway, until it became an angle of thirty or forty degrees. Parties were sent out each spring to clear it; but at that season it was in its worst state. His men, being devout Catholics, slid off their mules, and repeated their prayers; again mounting, they passed over in safety. He followed, but with feelings more intense than those experienced on many fields of battle. Giving loose rein to his mule, he turned his face towards the mountain. The animal slowly proceeded, trembling at every cautious step, like a leaf in the wind. The passage occupied perhaps ten minutes, but it seemed an hour; and he has frequently said he was truly grateful when he was safely over."
Arriving in Chili, Col. Jewett served with distinction in the cavalry until the successful close of the war, when he sailed, by way of Cape Horn, for Rio Janeiro, where he remained two months, but not in idleness. He soon procured guides, and started for the diamond mines in the interior. Proceeding about three hundred miles, his chief man, or guide, fell over a precipice, and was instantly killed, which compelled him to abandon the enterprise; but he still vividly remembers the beautiful and grand scenery of that tropical country. In 1818, Col. Jewett returned to Rindge, and, soon after, he married Elizabeth Arnold, of West- moreland, N. H., a lady of many attractions and unusual loveliness of character, who was his cheerful companion in the journey of life for forty-four years, remaining ever constant in her sympathies, and an unfailing helper in the noble pursuits which have characterized his life of scientific labor and usefulness. Mr. Jewett remained in this town, residing upon the farm formerly of his father, until 1823, when he removed to Sacket's Harbor, New York, and, three years later, to Fort Niagara, of which he remained in
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charge during seventeen years. While at this place, he devoted much time to the study of the natural sciences, - a field of investigation and research in which he has won great renown. In 1843, he removed to Lockport, and devoted his undivided time to the study of geology, trav- eling meanwhile in nearly every State in the Union, in tours of collection and investigation. After a residence of four years in Utica, he was appointed, in 1856, to the sole charge of the Department of Natural History, at Albany, a posi- tion which he filled, with great credit to himself and incalculable benefit to science, for nearly ten years. Soon after the death of his wife, a loss which so changed his aspirations that he no longer desired to remain where her companionship had given zest to his favorite pursuits, he found a home in the family of his daughter, at Utica. Here he became interested in a collection of shells in the possession of his daughter, who is an intelligent and pro- ficient student of the science of conchology. With him, the purpose once formed, the deed was certain of accom- plishment. He at once made two journeys to the Pacific, and spent four winters upon the Gulf of Mexico, collecting an incredible number and variety of shells, which were a most valuable acquisition to the science of conchology. By numerous exchanges with students in this and other countries, he has now a collection of twelve thousand species, named, and many others known to the savants of the science. During these many years of scientific explora- tion and study, he has enjoyed a friendly correspondence and acquaintance with Agassiz, De Vernueil, and other distinguished scientists.
Col. Jewett is tall, and of a commanding personal appearance. His features are regular and attractive, and his manner dignified and courteous. The daring adventures
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347
GEORGE P. BARKER.
of his youth attest his courage as fully as his varied attain- ments assert his ability. Unbent with years, and unwearied with prolonged study and labor, he still pursues his favorite pursuits with all the zeal of youth. His enthusiasm and activity, his well-preserved physical and mental powers, are remarkable, which he ascribes to his out-door life and busy interest in studies, so free from the excitement and corrod- ing care inseparable from professional and business careers.
GEORGE PAYSON BARKER was born in Rindge, October 25, 1807. He was the youngest of the four children of William and Sarah (Payson) Barker, and the only one who lived beyond the age of youth. He is well remembered by many in this town as a bold and restless boy, who gave early indications of the rare genius and qualities of mind and of heart for which he was eminently distinguished in his subsequent career. Foremost in study, he maintained an equal supremacy in the pastimes and hilarities of youth. Popularity was his birthright, and he early won the honors of the school-room and the play-ground. Having pursued a preparatory course of study in the public schools, and under the tuition of Rev. Dr. Seth Payson, a cousin of his mother, he entered Amherst College a few months before he was sixteen years of age, and immediately won consid- erable distinction as a student. He left Amherst before the completion of the prescribed course of study, and, entering Union College in 1826, he graduated with honor the following year, in the class with Hon. Preston King, and several other men of note. While at this institution, he was often engaged in trying cases in the minor courts in the surrounding towns. In these early efforts, the genius of this remarkable man, his fluency of speech, his bold yet polished address, were unmistakably asserted. Upon leaving college, he entered his name as a student of law,
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in the office of Stephen G. Austin, Esq., of Buffalo, New York. While a student, he was frequently found in the minor courts, and on many occasions was opposed to Millard Fillmore, who was a few years his senior. He was admitted to the bar in 1830, and rapidly rose to the foremost rank in his profession.
With a tall, commanding form, a bold, firm countenance, and an eye in which burned the deepest fervency, he united the most polished manners, a melodious voice of rare com- pass and flexibility, and a wonderful command of language. In attack or defence, in irony or impassioned pleading, in fiery denunciation or in fervid entreaty, he was master of the manner or the argument which was most effectual in securing the verdict of a jury or the approval of a general audience. As a lawyer he was well read and attentive to the interests of his clients, and as an advocate he found few · equals and no superiors.
The qualities of Mr. Barker eminently fitted him for political service. Popular with the masses, and respected by all for superior ability, his record is one of brilliant achievements and accumulating honors. He early enrolled himself with the Democratic party, which was then, in his vicinity, in an apparently hopeless minority. When twenty- four years of age, and about a year after his admission to the bar, he was nominated by his party for the assembly, and received fourteen hundred and fifty-nine votes, which was considerably more than the strength of his party, but insufficient to insure his election. In the autumn of 1835, he was elected to that body by more than one thousand majority, while his party was in a minority, and his asso- ciates on the same ticket were defeated. In the halls of legislation, his lofty genius did not forsake him. He was at once recognized as an able legislator, and a ready
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GEORGE P. BARKER.
debater. Abounding in thought, clear, courteous, and at times vehement in expression, there was an irresistible force, both in the matter and the manner of his speeches, that won the admiration and respect of his associates.
In 1834, Mr. Barker was nominated by his party for Congress. Although he received a more generous support than the other candidates on the same ticket, the majority against his party, in the district, was not overcome. Two years later, he was again put in nomination, but declined.
When thirty-one years of age, he accepted a commission of captain in the militia. As in other pursuits, he entered upon his military career with a characteristic enthusiasm, and in less than two years he rose to the rank of brigadier- general, having held, in this short time, all the intermediate commissions.
In 1842, Gen. Barker was elected, by the Legislature, Attorney-General of the State of New York. At the close of his term of three years, he declined a reelection. The manner in which he performed the duties of this important trust, is given in Bryan's "Life of Barker," as follows: "It is conceded that he exhibited, in a preeminent degree, those qualities for which he was noted. In many important trials he acquitted himself with distinguished credit, and some of his forensic efforts are acknowledged to have been among the noblest emanations from the American bar. He was brought into competition with men of the highest legal . attainments, but on all occasions he sustained himself with honor. His intellect seemed to brighten by the contests, and each encounter added to his fame." The following passage from a funeral sermon, preached by Rev. John C. Lord, D.D., will be approvingly received : "A young man, called from the western and comparatively obscure and neglected portion of this great commonwealth, to take the official
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place of chief among the old lawyers at the capital who were giants in their profession, Gen. Barker so discharged the duties of his office, and so won the esteem and affection of the bar, the legislature, and the people, that his reelection at the close of his term was only prevented by his positive declinature."
"Gen. Barker was distinguished by a commanding person and a most winning and courteous manner. In personal popularity, he was without a rival in this part of the State. He had a hand and heart open as day to melting charity. There were none so poor or so lowly as to be denied his attention, or refused his sympathy. He was a ready and eloquent speaker, who felt, and made others feel, what he said. He had an instant command of his resources, yet was none the less a well-read lawyer, and an able and judicious counselor."
HON. AMASA NORCROSS, son of Daniel and Polly (Jones) Norcross, was born in Rindge, January 26, 1824. At twenty years of age he commenced the study of law, in the office of Torrey & Wood, Esqs., of Fitchburg, Massachusetts. Upon his admission to the bar, he opened a law-office in that place, in September, 1847. In his profession, Mr. Norcross has been industrious and suc- cessful. His cases are always well prepared, and ably conducted. In presenting evidence, in calling truth from a reluctant, or in crossing and confounding a prevaricating, witness, he has few superiors. His business is large, and includes many important cases. He was a member of the House of Representatives for the years 1858, 1859, and 1862, and of the Senate in 1874, and was honored with an appointment upon several important committees, including that of the Codification and Revision of the Statutes, of which Hon. Caleb Cushing and Gen. Benjamin F. Butler
Ira Russell
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AMASA NORCROSS.
were members; of Probate and Chancery, of which Hon. John A. Andrew was a member; and of the Judiciary. While a senator, he was Chairman of the Committee on the Judiciary, and of the Committee on Federal Relations.
In August, 1862, Mr. Norcross was appointed assessor of Internal Revenue for the Ninth District of Massachusetts, comprising twenty-two towns. This position, involving great labor and responsibility, he held during ten years, discharging its onerous duties to the acceptance of the government and of the people. Upon the adoption of a city charter, by the town of Fitchburg, he was elected Mayor of the new city, and reelected for the succeeding year. In the organization of a new form of government, in the completion of several public improvements, in the management of the financial affairs, and in presenting new measures to meet new demands, the executive abilities of Mr. Norcross were conspicuous. As a director of the Rollstone National Bank, of the Fitchburg Fire Insurance Company, of the Worcester North Savings Institution, and of several institutions of learning, he has proved a safe counsellor and a judicious manager.
DR. IRA RUSSELL, son of Eliakim and Sarah (Converse) Russell, was born in Rindge, November 9, 1814, and gradu- ated at Dartmouth College, 1841. His education was emphatically the result of his own industry and persever- ance. He studied medicine, under the direction of Dr. Dixi Crosby, of Hanover, New Hampshire, with Dr. Abell, of Rindge, and Dr. Godding, of Winchendon. While attending lectures, at the University of New York, he received an appointment of district physician, and was connected, for several months, with one of the city hospi- tals. Receiving his degree, in 1844, he immediately formed a partnership with Dr. Godding, his former instructor. He
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continued in active practice, in Winchendon, about nine years, when he removed to Natick, Massachusetts. In 1861, Dr. Russell relinquished a lucrative practice, and accepted an appointment of surgeon of the Eleventh Massachusetts Regiment. A few months later, he was promoted to brigade-surgeon, and assigned to Gen Grover's Brigade, in Hooker's Division. He remained with this brigade until the summer of 1862, when he repaired to Baltimore, and organized the Stuart Mansion Hospital, subsequently known as the Jarvis Hospital, of which he continued the surgeon in charge, until the following November. After a brief charge of the Lawson Hospital, in St. Louis, he was appointed medical director of the Army of the Frontier, then under the command of Gen. Curtis. The following spring finds him again at St. Louis, in charge of the post hospital at Benton Barracks, one of the largest hospitals in the West. Later, Dr. Russell was upon the staff of Gen. Thomas, and while in Tennessee he organized the Wilson Hospital, at Nashville, of which he remained in charge until the close of the war, receiving, meanwhile, the brevet rank of lieutenant-colonel, for long and meritorious service. Subsequently for a year or more he was engaged in the preparation of many valuable contributions to the "Medical and Surgical History of the War," for which his prolonged and varied experience. in the army furnished ample material. At the close of these labors he returned to Winchendon, and in partnership with his son, Dr. Fred W. Russell, is engaged in an extensive regular and consulting practice. Constantly familiar with the innovations of his profession and the progress of the schools, he belongs to the foremost rank of progressive practitioners.
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353
SAMUEL BURNHAM.
SAMUEL BURNHAM, son of Rev. Dr. Amos W. and Tirzah K. Burnham, was born in Rindge, February 21, 1833. He attended the public schools of this town, and subsequently pursued a preparatory course of study, under the tuition of his father, and at the academies in Frances- town and New Ipswich. He entered Williams College, class of 1855, and was there attacked by disease, before he had completed a full course of study. Although he was absent during a part of junior and all of senior year, the college promptly recognized his ability and his continued acquirements, by enrolling his name among those of his class as a full graduate of that institution. After leaving college, he spent a winter in the South in search of health, and returned to his home somewhat improved, yet still an invalid in all except freshness of thought, and a joyous, sparkling wit. He then filled a brief engagement in teaching, and removed to Boston, in 1857, to engage in literary pursuits. At this time, his active, busy life began. Frequent were the pauses from physical prostration, yet with uncomplaining industry and cheerfulness he pursued his tasks. During a portion of the last few years of his life his strength, in a measure, was renewed. It was, however, of short continuance. He soon experienced a severe sickness, from which he died, June 22, 1873.
Mr. Burnham labored in several fields of literature, and in each he displayed a sound judgment, a mind acute and well stored, which found expression in a style remarkably vigorous and versatile. While he wrote, at all times, with great candor and sincerity, and never employed words or phrases for dramatic effect, he was eminently a popular writer, one whose productions were widely read and atten- tively received. He was never dull and prosy; everything was rendered in a keen, thoughtful, entertaining manner,
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often illuminated with the brightest flashes of humor. Few men, dying at the age of forty years, have left as many enduring monuments in fields so varied. Among his earlier labors was the preparation, from the author's papers, of the "History of East Boston." He also wrote the sketches of Gov. Andrew and Charles Sumner, in Headley's " Massachusetts in the War." He devoted considerable time and labor to the supervision of the publication of the speeches of Charles Sumner, the author confiding in him unusual trust and confidence. At the time of his death, he was engaged upon a "History of the Old South Church, Boston," a labor in which he was deeply interested, and in which his sympathy for New England principles and religion found full exercise. But his voluminous con- tributions to the daily and weekly papers, and to the magazines, constituted his chief employment. He was a frequent contributor to the Boston Journal, Boston Adver- tiser, Springfield Republican, Christian Union, and other papers, writing, meanwhile, many articles for the maga- zines. For two years he was connected editorially with the Congregationalist, and for several years preceding his death, he was editor and one of the proprietors of the Congregational Quarterly. In the midst of these labors he frequently delivered poems at college commencements, and read many interesting papers before historical and kindred societies. In the efficient performance of his life- work, under physical weakness that would have palsied the hand of many of a less buoyant temperament, he was supported by a nature abounding in activity and hope, yet restrained and guided by a high sense of duty and Christian principle.
ALBERT SHERWIN INGALLS, a son of Thomas and Sophia (Shurtleff ) Ingalls, was born in Rindge, December 29, 1830,
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ALBERT S. INGALLS.
and was one of the many natives of this town who surrendered their lives in the cause of their country. Having enjoyed liberal educational advantages, at Appleton Academy, in New Ipswich, and at Dartmouth College, for several years he was a popular teacher in high schools and academies, at Wayland, Westminster, and Dedham, Massachusetts, continually cherishing the intention of entering upon the practice of law whenever his circum- stances would permit. He read for his profession in the offices of Hon. Charles R. Train, of Framingham, Massa- chusetts, of Wood & Bailey, and of Norcross & Snow, of Fitchburg, Massachusetts. Upon his admission to the bar, he commenced the practice of law, in partnership with Hon. J. W. Mansur, of Fitchburg. In 1859, he removed to West Cambridge, now Arlington, Massachusetts, where he was successfully engaged in professional labors, until he entered the army.
Shortly after the outbreak of the rebellion, he raised a company of volunteers for the Federal service. Those were days in which many persons believed that the war was to be a short one. When this company was ready to march, the quota of soldiers required from Massachusetts was full. Should the company disband, or wait in tedious uncertainty the possibility for further requisition for troops ? The spirit of this young officer, at once persistent yet impetuous, could not easily tolerate either alternative. He promptly offered the services of himself and company to the State of New York. They were readily accepted, and with two other companies from Massachusetts, were mus- tered into the Fortieth Regiment of New York Volunteers, at that time known as the Mozart Regiment, which soon joined the army in Virginia.
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Soon after the battle of Williamsburg, in which he bore a gallant part, eliciting for his heroism and soldierly bearing the warmest approbation of his superiors in command, he was promoted to major of the regiment. During five of the seven days of the fighting before Richmond, in the summer of 1862, he was in the hottest of the engagements, receiving a wound, on the evening of June 30, which rendered neces- sary the amputation of a leg. He was removed to Annap- olis, Maryland, and for several weeks his recovery was confidently expected, by his physicians and friends. His sufferings were extreme, but were borne with a brave and cheerful spirit, which was a part of his character. He died August 11, 1862.
A newspaper of the time contained the following account of the burial of Major Ingalls : "His remains were brought to West Cambridge, where they were received by the town authorities, citizens, and Masonic brothers, with every dem- onstration of respect and affection, the places of business being closed, and the flags at half-mast. Major Ingalls had many warm and true friends in his adopted home, and pre- vious to his death he had received the following expression of the esteem in which he was held : -
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