USA > New Hampshire > Strafford County > Rochester > History of the town of Rochester, New Hampshire, from 1722 to 1890, Vol. I > Part 18
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"There are few able to purchase many books of their own, but the common stock, if our laws are well observed, will soon be sufficient to open a fountain of knowledge, of whose stream we may all freely drink. To do this, for a small sum each member of the town and others may have free access; and the more there are come, the larger and more valuable will it be, and will descend a rich inheritance to our sons and daughters. Enthusiasm seems to fire my soul, when I consider the usefulness of this library to this and future genera- tions; when I see those hours now spent in idle diversion or hurtful sports, laid out in useful studies ; when I behold the long and perhaps tedious winter evenings rendered pleasant and profitable by reading history, moral and religious essays, with other instructive writings !
" Will not the ignorant soon see the advantage of our present institution, and even the covetous think our money well laid out ? We may now have an op-
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portunity of soaring above the common country education ! which is to be able to read the plainest books, to write a legible hand, and to practice in a few plain rules of arithmetic. With this scanty pittance of learning launch forth the quack doctor, lawyer, and divine, and puff out their nostrums, law phrases, and nonsense. But more knowledge will check these pretenders, and bring forth men of skill, ability, and worth. We have now an opportunity of ob- taining an acquaintance with mankind, by viewing them in all periods of the world, as well as in different ages and stations of life. Virtue will be set before us in all its alluring charms ; while vice will be clothed with shame, and strike with horror and detestation. This will be the case if we have authors well chosen, and historians who draw characters to the life. Then shall we behold the characters of great men portrayed in their true colors ; and in some their virtues and vices will be pretty equally blended together.
"Yet most of the ancient heroes of the world will appear no better than arbi- trary and despotic tyrants, tho' flattery once set their names high in the catalogue of fame, at the head of which we shall find an Alexander and Cæsar, the one a madman, the other a secret tyrant, ambitiously undermining all laws and deluging the earth with blood to raise himself to the head of empires. These with many others once famous in the world, are now sunk into contempt, and their names will be held in eternal execration. But the names of Wash- ington, Paine, and De Lafayette will ever be revered and held dear for their important struggles in favor of the rights of mankind, and their laying the foundations of freedom, liberty, peace, and happiness in America, Europe, and the world. Here are great talents blended together, and shining in the scholar, statesman, and soldier. Here we behold what literature and true virtue can do. " But perhaps we think these characters too high for our imitation ; that like the eagle in the air they have soared beyond our reach. Yet what is beyond the reach of virtue, resolution, and perseverance ? Was not David (the best and greatest of Israel's kings) from the shepherd's cot? Was not Cincinnatus, one of the most celebrated Romans, repeatedly called from the plow and his little farm to command in the army and senate, and to rescue his country from ruin and destruction ? Was not our American Cincinnatus, the great Wash- ington, in like manner called from his farm to command the army, and then to preside in the senate, again and again to redeem his country from the greatest dangers and calamities ? And may none in the humble, tho' most useful and honorable employment of agriculture, seek to copy after these great men in their knowledge, virtues, usefulness, and dignities ?
"If we wish to rise in the world, it must be by labor, watchfulness, and study.
" While we are diligent in our proper callings, we must spend our vacant mo- ments in collecting the flowers and fruits of literature. If without knowledge we rise high in office, shall we not be like the ass in the fable with the trap- pings of royalty, without skill or ability to fill the station, and therefore be the sport and ridicule of all ?
" But reading when properly managed, will tend to store the head with useful knowledge and to mend the heart. And when a good head and heart come together, the person is fit for posts of honor, trust, and importance; that with pleasure we can anticipate the public utility of our library, and hail the day that has set it open to our view. Cordially we invite others to join, that they may prepare themselves for office, at present engrossed by a few, because few only have knowledge sufficient to make a figure in our Congress, courts, or general assemblies.
"Let our young men now rouse from sloth and inactivity, and emulate the greatest and best of characters. This can be done not by pride or vanity, but a humble deportment, and a long and close application to the study of mankind. Many are ruined by a small tincture of learning, but a flood of pride. Their vanity keeps them ignorant, and self-importance renders them contemptible. If
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we ever become great or wise, humility will lay the foundation, and diligence, prudence, and study raise the superstructure.
" Let us not be afraid of a little time and expense, if thereby we can promote and cultivate useful knowledge. We may think hard we have not our share in government, when the only reason is, we do not prepare ourselves for it. Read- ing, though it may be hard and tiresome at first, will become easy and pleasant and fit for the important duties of great men.
" As knowledge increases, our desires after it will become more strong; but sloth is the bane of learning, and indeed of every useful calling and employment. Then let us exert every faculty of the soul to become wise, good, and useful. And that we may gain knowledge, let us pay a strict attention to our present institution; seek to support every good regulation, and to increase our stock of books. And that our children may be benefited by it, we should early and closely attend to their education; instill into their tender minds a love of knowl- edge, religion, and virtne. That they may venerate the character of the Deity, and live in the faith and practice of his holy religion.
" May this society and this institution long flourish and be of great utility; this town be a seat of the muses, and this land, under the kind auspices of heaven, rise far superior to all others. May the world now become wise and better, throw aside the sword and attend to the useful arts and sciences, that the happy time may be present, when peace, plenty, happiness, and concord may reign over America, Europe, and the world."
Mr. Haven was always deeply concerned for the moral and social improvement of his people, and if this idea of a Library was not first suggested by him, he was certainly one of its earliest advocates and patrons. He was the first-named grantec of the charter, and the style of composition of the articles of association indicates that he was their author. History was a favorite sub- ject with him, and his discourses made frequent allusions to the advantages derived from its study. That these advantages might be within the reach of all, he urged the establishment of this Social Library.
In 1794 the Association was incorporated by the Legislature, and continued to maintain some degree of life and interest till 1823. At that time there were about four hundred volumes in the library, but for eleven years following it was sadly neglected. No records were kept, and the books were scattered into all parts of the town. Through the efforts of Charles Dennett and others an act was passed in 1834 giving the society a new charter. At the first meeting, Dec. 8, 1834, J. H. Woodman, J. H. Smith, and Charles Dennett were appointed to collect all books belonging to the library, and to make out a list of members. This was a difficult matter as the records failed to show who had paid assessments. The committee reported the names only of " those who had taken books within the last ten years," and it was voted
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to remit all fines incurred during that period. The following is the list : -
Louis McDuffee, Jeremiah H. Woodman, Jonathan H. Henderson,
Heirs of Jonas C. March, Heirs of John Plumer, 3d, James Adams,
Moses Page, Charles Dennett, Levi Hayes,
Heirs of Nath'l Upham, John H. Smith,
Joseph Hanson, Jr.,
James Tebbetts. Samuel Chamberlain,
Isaac Jenness,
Heirs of David Birke, Jr., Ira Fish,
Heirs of Richard Dame, Moses Hale,
John McDuffee, Jr., Walter B. Knight,
Moses Roberts, Jr.
With a new charter, new by-laws, and a librarian thoroughly in earnest, new life was imparted to the society, and an interest was then aroused which has never since wholly died away. From this time the society has been prosperous, with an increasing membership, and respectable yearly additions to its library. The present fee for membership is $5.00, with an annual tax of one dollar. Non-members can use the library by the payment of $1.50 per year. The number of volumes is not far from 2,200, and about sixty persons avail themselves of their use.
The following is the list of librarians of this society, with the date of their election : - Joseph Clark, 1792; Joseph Haven, 1797; Joseph Hanson, 1798; Thomas Shannon, 1799, who died in office, and William Shannon served until another was chosen; Joseph Ballard, 1801, who was re-chosen in 1802, but " suddenly ab- sconded," or "found it inconvenient to continue in said office," and Samuel Adams took his place; Joseph Clark, 1803; Andrew Pierce, 1804; Joseph Sherburne, 1805; Jeremiah H. Woodman, 1806; Joseph Haven, 1809; Joseph Cross, 1813; John Smith, 1814; David Barker, Jr., 1819, served till 1823. From 1823 to 1834 there is no record. The following were under the new charter: - Noah Tebbetts, 1834, died in office 1843; Rufus K. Pearl, 1843; Daniel J. Parsons, 1844; Cyrus K. Sanborn, 1854; Henry Kimball, 1869; A. S. Parshley, 1872; Henry Kimball, 1875.
At East Rochester a circulating library containing about 600 volumes was opened May 13, 1885. A free reading-room is con- nected with it, which is open every afternoon and evening. The Cocheco Woolen Manufacturing Co. furnish the rooms warmed and lighted. The citizens of the village have furnished voluntary contributions to purchase books and periodicals, and for other
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expenses. Nov. 2, 1886, the town voted $100 "for the use and benefit of the East Rochester Free Reading-Room and Library." In no way can towns more wisely expend their money than in thus furnishing the means for popular improvement.
Some thirty years ago Gonic seems to have made a move to- wards a library, for " in the winter of 1857-58 the Gonic Library Association gave a course of four home lectures, and in 1859-60 a course of eight lectures."
In July, 1885, the Woman's Christian Temperance Union and Union Mission Band opened a public reading-room in Cocheco Block at Norway Plains. It has two rooms suitably furnished, pleasantly situated, and well supplied with newspapers and other periodicals.
Lyceums or debating societies, with occasional lectures, were at one time prevalent throughout New England, and were a valu- able means of education. Rochester was not behind other towns in this respect. No complete history of those lyceums can now be given. The first of which we have record was formed in January, 1839. Richard Kimball was president, Noah Tebbetts vice-president, John McDuffee, Jr., secretary, and H. C. Hunt, treasurer. The first question discussed was: - "Is there more happiness connected with celibacy than the married state ?" Dis- putants, Aff. Louis McDuffee; Neg. H. C. Hunt. Decided in the affirmative.
More than twenty years after, in the Fall of 1861, the Roch- ester Lyceum was reorganized with a new constitution. President, J. H. Edgerly; vice-president, James M. Palmer; secretary, Frank McDuffee; treasurer, Charles Dennett. Nothing better illustrates the change of times in twenty-one years than the character of the first question discussed : - " Would it be right and advisable to abolish Slavery as a means of ending the War?" Life had become a serious matter, and they had no time to spend on ques- tions designed to afford only amusement. It is altogether probable that lyceums were organized many other winters than these. Lecturers were procured from abroad, and there is no doubt much help was given to those who were then young by taking part in discussions and listening to valuable lectures.
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ROCHESTER NEWSPAPERS.
The first newspaper printed in the town of Rochester was issued by D. Warren Furber, on Sept. 16, 1858. It was called "The Rochester Review," and underneath the newspaper head was added in much smaller type the words: "And Carroll County Adver- tiser." This additional head was probably due to the fact that the printing material and two hand-presses, which composed the office, were purchased at Wolfeborough and removed to Rochester. They formed the outfit of the old "Carroll County Pioneer," a newspaper formerly printed in Wolfeborough.
The "Review " was published every Thursday, and purported to be neutral in politics. It was a 6-column paper (24 columns in all) about 22×32 inches in size, and its subscription price was " one dollar a year in advance, or $1.25 at the end of the year." In his introductory in the first issue "To the Public," the pub- lisher said, among other things : -
". . . We have looked over the ground with some care, and calculated the results with what little of judgment we may possess, and have arrived at the conclusion, that with the unusual business facilities with which this town is favored, together with the manifest disposition on the part of our citizens to increase business in this town, as well as the fact that this community is noted for wealth and intelligence, - all these are favorable to the success of a news- paper. . . . Without further remarks we launch upon the broad tide of popular favor, and await the verdict of the public."
Its motto under the editorial head was : - "Encourage Your Own," and the paper met with fair success for two years, its ad- vertising columns being patronized by many of the local store- keepers. Under a more thrifty and energetic management, it would doubtless have been continued until this time.
Mr. Furber, the publisher of the "Review," was comparatively a young man when he started the paper, being about twenty- three years of age. He had learned the printing business in the Great Falls "Sketcher and Journal" office, under James T. Furber, its proprietor then, and the same who is now the general manager of the Boston & Maine Railroad. Furber (D. Warren) after leaving Great Falls, had been employed at his trade in Dover, N. H., and in Lawrence, Mass. He was the son of Benjamin Furber, who formerly lived at Gonic, and afterwards at Great Falls.
* The rest of this chapter is from the hand of J. F. Place, Esq.
13
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While he was a pretty good printer, he gave but little attention to his newspaper, and it drifted along not possessing that hold on the community due to local interest and influence.
Furber had in his employ a part of the time, James Jasper Henderson, and two boys, - Russell B. Wentworth, and Charles S. Giles, afterward superintendent of the Norway Plains Manu- facturing Company. Henderson did most of the editorial work on the paper, usually "setting up" at the case such "items" as he picked up, without bothering to prepare "copy." He had just before then published a paper himself at Great Falls, and has since been connected with most of the newspaper offices of Roch- ester, Great Falls, and Dover, where he has been familiarly known to the craft for nearly fifty years as "Jim." Mr. Hen- derson still resides in Rochester, on his farm on the Gonic-hill road, where he has lived for nearly forty years.
The " Review " printing-office was in the second story of what was known as Cole's building, - a brick building on Main street, opposite the Methodist Church. The last issue of the paper was Sept. 6, 1860. The presses and type were taken to Great Falls where Furber changed the name of the paper to "The New Hampshire Review," but it was soon discontinued altogether. Furber, who never afterwards engaged in the newspaper business, died in Boston in 1886, and was buried in Great Falls. A com- plete file of the paper for the two years while published in Roch- ester, is in possession of the Rochester Social Library.
For a short time in 1859-60 John H. Fuller published a small monthly sheet, called the " Workman's Protest," which was printed in the "Review" office. It was not intended as a local newspaper, but purported to advocate the interests of journeymen shoemakers. Its circulation was very small, and it was soon discontinued.
The first number of the "Rochester Courier" was issued on Jan. 22, 1864, by J. Frank Place. The paper was a six-column sheet, 22×32 inches in size : the present size of the paper is 27×40, with eight columns to the page. It has been published continuously every Friday since the first issue. Mr. Place was a native of Gonic,Ea great-grandson of Capt. David Place, and, at the time of starting the paper, twenty-seven years old. He had learned the
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printing business in the office of the "Lawrence (Mass.) Courier," and had subsequently engaged in the publication of the "Daily Journal " in Lawrence, in company with C. A. Dockham, now of Boston. In settlement with his partner he had become possessed of a lot of type and printing material, which he shipped to Roch- ester, and with about $300 in money bought a Washington hand press and sufficient new type, etc., to get out the paper and do a fair amount of job work.
The printing office was on the second floor of W. B. K. Hodg- don's building, next to the Great Falls & Conway R. R. depot- about where the easterly platform of the present union depot now stands. The Hodgdon building was cut in two some years ago, and one part removed to Portland street for a dwelling house; the other part is now used as a storehouse at Meserve's planing mill.
Mr. Place canvassed for the paper, and issued a prospectus, a reduced fac-simile of which is given on the following page. The names appended to the card were in fact the original local sub- scribers to the "Courier." To this list was added after the first issue, a large number until between five and six hundred were obtained.
The editorial articles were mostly written by Mr. Place. John D. Lyman, then cashier of the Farmington Bank, contributed weekly " locals " and an occasional editorial of general interest. The edi- tion of the paper circulated in Farmington was called the "Farm- ington Advertiser " - hence the change over the editorial head in after years to " Courier & Advertiser." Benj. Barnes, Jr., of Dover furnished an occasional letter, while others furnished items from surrounding towns. Frank McDuffee and J. H. Ela (who was afterward elected Representative to Congress) contributed largely to its columns from time to time, and the "Sketches," out of which the present History has been developed, first appeared in the " Courier," and attracted much attention.
The paper was set up by two girls and a boy, with the assistance in busy seasons of J. J. Henderson. The paper had considerable " snap " and doubtless made for its editor many warm friends and some bitter enemies. During the presidential campaign in the fall of 1864, the " Courier " took a strong stand in favor of the second election of Lincoln, and in consequence the McClellan Club passed resolutions condemning its course and withdrawing all support from
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PROSPECTUS
- OF THE -
ROCHESTER WEEKLY COURIER.
The undersigned proposes to comnienco tho publication in Rochester on the Ist of January next of a weekly newspaper, if sufficient encouragement is obtained in the way of subscriptions and advertising patronage, bearing the abore caption, and to bo issued every Friday evening.
The need of a local journal in Rochester is perhaps questionable with a few ; but the undersigned does not purpose here to discuss the question, knowing as ho docs the value and influence to every community of its local paper, and he feels assured that, with the experience of the past three years in connection with the daily and tri- weckly Press and the Printing business, and with energy of purpose and an undivided attention to the daily wants of the public, a weekly newspaper can be established in which every citizen of Rochester and its neighboring precincts will feel that lic has a special interest-one which can be well sustained, and which will prove a credit to the publisher, give reputation to the place, and be a source of gratification and profit to all parties.
The paper will be neatly gotten up, and will be about 22 by 27 inches, containing twelve and often fourteen of the twenty columns of interesting locals, choice selected reading, latest news, etc., etc. £ Correspondents have been engaged in the neighboring towns to give the columns of The Courier the first benefit of such items and daily affairs of a public character as may transpire in the county, and this in connection with the Editor's own ex- clusive attention to the local interest of its columns, it is confidently believed will make the paper an interesting. readable and popular one. It will be the aim of the publisher to make The Courier a high-toncd and good local journal. Politically the paper will be perfectly though loyally independent (not neutral),-acting with and advo. cating the claims of no particular sect, creed nor party ; communications upon all subjects that divide public opinion will be welcomed, but political controversies will not be suffered in its columns under any consideration.
The undersigned enters upon the undertaking knowing well the care, labor and responsibility attending tlie publication of even a weckly paper ; and he trusts the public will ace the value and importance of the enterprise to them, and will cheerfully render him the patronage necessary for its success.
The Courier will be delivered to village subscribers, and mailed to others, at one dollar a .. ] a half per year. payable promptly in advance, or during the first month of publication. Your patronage is solicited. .
· J. F. PLACE.
Rochester, N. H., Nov. 1803.
To the Public.
The undersigned, Citizens of Rochester and vicinity, take pleasure in heartily recommending and co-operating in the Proposition contained in the foregoing Prospectus, knowing well the value and influence of a good local journal ; and they feel proud furthermore to add their must hearty encouragement to the efforts of the Projector of the enterprise, Mr. Place, who comes to Rochester' (his native place) with the highest recommendations from the leading citizens of Lawrence: where he has been connected as local cditor and associate proprietor of the daily press of that city for the past three years. His experience in this respect and in the Printing business commends itself to the Public, and they trust the generous and universal support which the enterprise deserves, and which is necessary to the establishment of a good country paper, will be heartily and promptly extended by their fellow citizens of whatever political or religious creed by at least a general and large local subscription to the Courier.
Chas. S. Whitehouse;
N. T. Kimball, Jonathan Wentworth.
Micsjah H. Wentworth. E. G. & E. Wallace, .
Janics I]. Edgerly. Thos. C. Davis. John McDuffee. Walter .B. K. Hlodgdon," William J. Roberts,
David Legro, Dr. D. Foss.
J D. Evans,
E. F. Whitehouse,
Jas. H. Place,
J. R. Marshall,
Isaac Wentworth,
Henry Nye,
C. K Sanborn, Geo. A Neal, William C. Fernald, E. J. Mathes,
Geo. B. Roberts,
J. H. Fuller,
Silas Wentworth,
J. S. Warren, Charles Dennett,
Alvab B !. Kimball.
Dr. Jas. Farrington,
Geo. C. Pinkham. John E. Mason, Jonathan T. Dodge, Charles K. Chase, Thos. Brown. Rev. U. Holman, John Hall.
Silas J. Wentworth, Nicholas R. Varney, Wm K. Kimball, William Rand, Watson Hayes, Stephen D. Wentworth, Jobn F. Torr, S. H. Feineman & Bro., Francia Orr. Jacob H. Ela, Benj. Barker,
M. H. Scavey & Co Dominicus Hanson. Rev. W. T Smith,
. Danicl McDuffee, Geo. Corson, Rev. J. M. Palmer, Enoch Whitehouse,
John Manson, Dr. M. R. Warren, Levi Meader.
N. V. Whitehouse, F. B. Moore, Franklin Mc Duffec, Charles Henderson,
.J. Edwin Chesley.
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the paper. Mr. Place regretted afterward the personalities growing out of this affair, but by this united action of the leading Democrats of the town the "Courier " lost very considerable of its business, and had it not been for a largely increased circulation among Repub- licans it is doubtful if the paper could have been continued. In the election of a member of Congress in March, 1865, a " bolt " was organized against the Republican candidacy of Gen. Gilman Mars- ton -the bolters being largely among the "Courier's " principal patrons. The " Courier " supported Marston, however, with a good deal of spirit, and this caused the paper to lose ground again, and that among the strongest friends it had made when the Mcclellan Club tabooed it.
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