USA > New Hampshire > Strafford County > Rochester > History of the town of Rochester, New Hampshire, from 1722 to 1890, Vol. I > Part 34
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As we look back upon the period when Mr. and Mrs. Dennett began life in Rochester, it is astonishing to note the difference in the whole mode of existence compared with that of the present day. Stoves were wholly unknown. Open fires were used for cooking as well as warmth, the bellows being plied to fan the dying flames. About 1823 Mr. Dennett bought the first cooking-stove ever used in town; and people came quite a distance to see it, as a curiosity, often declaring they'd " never have such a black, dismal thing in their homes." Candles and whale-oil lamps gave dimly flickering light in public places as well as private houses. The convenience of Lucifer matches was unknown. For some years the tinder-box and flint were in requisition in the home of
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which we speak, and must have been a sore trial to the patience in times of haste. When they commenced housekeeping it was customary to keep liquors in the house to offer guests; ministers, as well as others, being then unenlightened as to the evils of the social glass. In later days, when speaking of the olden times, Mr. and Mrs. Dennett often said they would then have felt as mortified if without some kind of spirits for guests, as in after years if they had had no food to set before them.
Afterwards Mr. Dennett became widely known as a most zealous temperance advocate, time, strength, and money being freely expended in the cause. Of course railroads and telegraphs did not approach the town for many years after their marriage, the lumbering stage-coach being the only public conveyance.
Not long before Mr. Dennett's death he was asked if he thought there could be as many wonderful discoveries in the fifty years to come as in the past half century. He was of the opinion that there could not be as many that would be generally useful to all classes, and probably he was correct. Mr. Dennett had quite an amount of inventive talent. In 1822 he constructed a corn-sheller that would shell a bushel of corn in three minutes, separating the corn from the cobs; but he did not attempt to secure a patent on it. He also made a lock which was used many years upon the vault of the bank in which he was a director, and which repeatedly defied the efforts of burglars.
When about forty-one years old Mr. Dennett gave up cabinet- making, on account of machine work coming in competition with hand-made furniture. He then devoted himself to surveying land, administering upon estates, drawing up wills and other legal documents, giving so much attention to probate business that he became quite an authority in such matters. He had great versa- tility of talent, and generally succeeded in whatever he undertook. He was eminently a man of action, - not simply of ideas. One who knew him well said " he could do, thoroughly, a greater variety of business than any three average men."
He filled various offices of trust : as selectman, town clerk, county treasurer, representative to the State Legislature, and was deputy sheriff for eighteen years. He was on the first board of directors of the Rochester Bank, organized in 1835, and was connected with it during its existence. When the Norway Plains
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Savings Bank was incorporated in 1851, he was on the first board of trustees, of which he was president for many years. His strict conscientiousness was manifested in all his business relations, whether in public or private life. His integrity and sound judg- ment were so fully recognized that he was often chosen as arbi- trator in disputed cases among his townsmen, and he frequently acted as guardian for children.
He did much good, in a quiet way, by giving advice freely to the many who came to him for counsel; indeed, he was many times imposed upon by persons wishing to borrow money, winning his ready sympathy by pleas of distress and misfortune, and too often his kindness was repaid by the total loss of sums loaned in the hope of helping others in the struggle of life. Thus " his very failings leaned to virtue's side." Being thoroughly honest himself, it was hard for him to believe in, and guard against, the knavery that would deliberately obtain money with no intention of payment. His, truly, was mens sibi conscia recti. He was a close economist in many ways in order to be able to give liberally to every cause that seemed worthy. The modest competence he acquired would have been much larger had it not been for his generosity in business transactions. If a note written at annual interest was paid, he would frequently cast it at simple interest for a large part of the time it had run, or give outright several years' interest. If a mortgage was foreclosed, instead of taking full possession of the property, he would allow the incumbent to remain, and pay up by degrees on easy terms. As a matter of course, riches do not come by such methods; but he left the unselfish example of one who constantly strove to benefit others. In these grasping days his course may be worthy of consideration, if not of emulation.
Mr. Dennett was a prominent Free Mason and Odd Fellow; he joined the Free Masons early in life, and always said he had derived much benefit from the teachings of the order; he was Master of the Lodge fifteen years, treasurer fourteen years, and District Deputy Grand Master four years. He was a charter member of Motolinia Lodge, I. O. O. F., and was permanent secretary twenty-one years.
Mr. Dennett was in early life a Democrat, but feeling that in course of time the party had degenerated, and forsaken their
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original principles, he joined the Free Soilers when John P. Hale made his great departure, and was ever after an earnest Republican.
When the Rebellion broke out and goverment bonds were issued, many feared to invest lest the government should be defeated, and they should suffer loss in consequence. Mr. Dennett, with the spirit of a true patriot, bought the earliest bonds issued, saying if the government went down all would be lost, and no invest- ment would be of any value. He felt it a duty to aid, to the small extent of his means, by purchasing bonds issued to obtain needful funds for prosecuting the war.
It is difficult to give any adequate idea of the sturdy manliness, the strict sense of justice, the unswerving fidelity to right, the swift indignation at wrong or meanness of any kind, that charac- terized the whole life of Charles Dennett. Not that he was that impossible being, a perfect man; far from it; he had the faults incident to a quick, impetuous nature. He was prone to use very strong and outspoken language when roused to ire by anything that outraged his high ideal of right.
He seemed utterly destitute of any fear of man. In his zealous efforts for temperance he merely smiled when informed of threats against his life and property, and probably never had a moment of real anxiety in consequence. As sheriff, also, he was often placed in perilous positions without flinching. It is sometimes said of people that " they have no back-bone." The man of whom we write seemed to have been gifted by Dame Nature with a double allowance of that important portion of the human structure. Of course such a man could not fail to have enemies; yet it is not too much to say that he possessed the respect and confidence of all right-minded people in the community.
He could boast of no renowned ancestry, but he was one of nature's noblemen. His life was not brilliant with great deeds, but he was a just and upright man of the people; the widow and the fatherless found in him a safe guide and counselor. He was loyal to his town, his country, and his God.
He died March 4, 1867, being seventy-eight years and five months old, and in full possession of all his mental faculties, attending to business until a brief time before his death. His memory is still precious to the few left who knew him.
His wife survived him over nine years, dying Sept. 24, 1876,
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at the age of eighty-four years and nine months. She was a sweet, unobtrusive, unselfish woman, faithful in all her duties to her family, and the church, of which she was an exemplary member for over sixty years. "Their works do follow them ! "
REV. ENOCH PLACE.
ENOCH PLACE, the oldest of ten children of James and Abigail Place, was born in Rochester, July 13, 1786. In early life he was of feeble constitution, but by laboring upon the farm his system was strengthened, so that he enjoyed good health through his subsequent life. He had an eager desire for knowledge, but his opportunities were limited. He attended the district school every winter and learned what he could, but not a sentence of grammar was taught, and the other common branches were taught very imperfectly. His father kept him at work on the farm, intending, however, to give him education sufficient for ordinary business. This did not satisfy his aspirations, and he determined that he would get more education, cost what it might, even if he must wait till he was of age. Dr. Howe (p. 121), understanding the case, offered to take him into his family, that he might attend the village select school. To his great joy his parents consented, and he made good progress. The next term he walked two miles to attend school at Gonic. In this way he qualified himself to teach school winters while helping his father on the farm during the summers.
After several seasons of deep religious conviction, beginning even in childhood, he was converted in March, 1807, while teaching in the upper part of Barrington, now Strafford. From this time he bore a living testimony for the Saviour, praying in his school, at his boarding-house, and among citizens of the place as he had opportunity. He took some part in every meeting, and resolved to neglect no known duty. In May following he united with the Free Will Baptist Church at Crown Point, and "went on his way rejoicing."
Soon after this he became satisfied that it was his duty to preach the gospel, and made his first attempt in the very neigh- borhood where he was converted, taking Gen. 3 : 9 as his text.
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This was June 3, 1807, from which time he continued for fifty- seven years in the work which was his great delight. He was ordained at a Quarterly Meeting at Crown Point, Jan. 22, 1813. He removed to Strafford in 1814, having for many years the charge of both the second and the third churches there. Here most of his Sabbath labors were performed; but his missionary labors through all the neighboring towns were almost unremitting during the week days. Jan. 12, 1865, he performed his last public service, preaching at the funeral of an aged widow, from the text " Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord." After a distressing illness he died at Strafford Ridge, March 23, 1865, and was buried at Crown Point.
He was married Sept. 29, 1808, to Sally, oldest daughter of Capt. Daniel Demeritt of Barrington, and had nine children. She died at Strafford Jan. 4, 1880.
" Father Place " was a good man. He was kind, courteous, and obliging. His love of social converse was seldom equaled. His piety was warm and carnest, abounding in labors for the conversion of sinners. He took great delight in administering the consolations of religion to wounded hearts everywhere. Many remember him to bless his memory. His gifts and position qual- ified him for eminent usefulness. His services were much sought for at funerals, of which he attended not far from sixteen hundred. He was secretary of the New Hampshire Charitable Society; for many years clerk of the New Hampshire Yearly Meeting; also of the New Durham Quarterly Meeting; one of the trustees of the Free Will Baptist printing establishment at Dover; and mod- erator of the first General Conference at Tunbridge, Vt., in 1827. As a preacher he was warm and earnest. He welcomed Bible truth, and gave it faithful utterance in his sermons. His voice was clear and sonorous, and his presence commanding. He was a man of progress. "Onward " was his motto. He entered into the best element of the spirit of the times. In the dark days of the war, though feeble with age, he was found standing erect for God and his country.
Prof. T. C. Upham says : - "He was a man of more than ordinary intellect, of great benevolence of heart, and a zealous, self-sacrificing, and devoted follower of Christ. The whole region round about, including Rochester, Barrington, Strafford, Farm-
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ington, Barnstead, and New Durham, were made wiser, better, and happier through his faithful teachings and Christian benevo- lence. . . . I thank God that he has lived; I thank God for all the good he has done; I thank God that he is in glory. Let us follow on."
FARRINGTON.
Stephen Farrington, born at Andover, Mass., about 1707, settled as a farmer in Concord, N. H. He married Apphia Bradley, whose two brothers were massacred by the Indians on the road from Hopkinton to Concord, Aug. 11, 1746, and had eight chil- dren : - Stephen, John, Jeremiah, Samuel, and four daughters, whose names are not known. He died at the residence of his son Samuel at Hopkinton in 1791.
Jeremiah Farrington, third son of Stephen, in early life removed from Concord to Conway, where he settled as a farmer on the Saco river. He married Molly Swan and had seven children: - Hannah, Polly, Stephen, Elijah, James, Nancy, and Jeremiah. He was a member of the Congregational Church, and died at about the age of eighty-four.
JAMES FARRINGTON, the third son of Jeremiah and Molly, was born at Conway Oct. 1, 1791. He was fitted for college at Frye- burg Academy in 1814, and on the following February began the study of medicine under the tuition of Dr. Moses Chandler of Fryeburg, Me. He finished his studies with Dr. Jabez Dow of Dover, and was examined in the science of medicine and surgery by Drs. Crosby and Pray, the censors of the New Hampshire Medical Society, July 18, 1818. On the 9th of August following, he began practice in Rochester. He became a member of the New Hampshire Medical Society, in which he held the offices of censor and counselor. He was also president of the Strafford District Medical Society. He had many students in medicine, among whom were Drs. Joseph H. Smith, and Timothy and Alfred Upham. He was for some years on the examining board at Dartmouth Medical College. In 1845 he was appointed by the Governor one of the trustees of the New Hampshire Asylum for the Insane. His practice was extensive, and he ranked high as physician and surgeon of superior skill and judgment, being
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often called long distances for consultation. His professional record included many surgical operations regarded at that time as specially difficult.
Dr. Farrington was a man of great social and political influence, a strong man, and a zealous supporter of the Democratic party. He was representative and afterwards senator in the New Hamp- shire Legislature, and in 1837 was elected to represent his district in the Twenty-fifth Congress of the United States. He joined with his brother-in-law, John McDuffee, in organizing the Rochester Bank, in which he held the office of president till his death. He was very methodical in his habits, a marked gentleman, kind-hearted and generous, ready to render assistance whenever needed.
Dr. Farrington was married March 8, 1827, to Mary D., daughter of Joseph Hanson of Rochester, who died in April, 1853, leaving three sons and one daughter. After a practice of more than fifty years he died in Rochester Oct. 9, 1859.
Elijah Farrington, second son of Jeremiah, was born at Conway in 1784, and married March 5, 1814, Lois L. Farrington, who was born Dec. 25; 1793. He was an industrious, thrifty farmer, respected by all. He died June 3, 1863. His widow resided with her youngest son in Rochester, where she died May 29, 1888, in the full possession of her faculties, at the age of ninety-four years and five months. She was for over sixty years a worthy member of the Congregational Church, in the welfare of which she always took a deep interest. They had three children : - Albert E., who has resided in Minneapolis, Minn., since 1855; Mary H., deceased, the wife of Capt. Samuel Hazelton of Conway; and James.
JAMES FARRINGTON, youngest child of Elijah and Lois L. Far- rington, was born in Conway June 10, 1822. Reared on the farm, he early learned those cardinal principles of success, industry and economy. Attending the common school till the age of sixteen, he fitted for college at Fryeburg Academy. While getting his education he was obliged to teach winters to obtain funds to pursue his studies. He was a good, faithful boy on the farm, a diligent student at school, and a successful teacher. In 1841 he began the study of medicine with Dr. Ira Towle of Fryeburg, Me., and remained with him nearly five years, attending one course of lectures at Dartmouth Medical College in 1844. He graduated from the Medical Department of the University of New
James Harrington
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York City, and also from Dr. Whittaker's Medical School, in the spring of 1847. In May following he began practice in Rochester, being associated with his uncle of the same name. Upon the death of his uncle in 1859, he succeeded to the entire practice, which extends into all the adjoining towns. His advice is often sought in consultation. He is a member of the New Hampshire Medical Society, and was for some years president of the Straf- ford District Medical Society, and has contributed valuable essays on subjects of interest to the profession. His influence has always been in favor of the cause of temperance. A Democrat in politics, he has held some of the more important town offices, and repre- sented the town in the Legislature of 1863. For many years he has been a director in the First National Bank, and the Norway Plains Savings Bank of Rochester. He was the first High Priest of Temple Chapter of R. A. Masons, holding the office for many years. He is also a member of St. Paul Commandery of K. T. of Dover.
Dr. Farrington married Feb. 27, 1851, Harriette L., daughter of Simon Chase of Rochester. She died April 7, 1887, leaving two daughters : - Ellen Florence, born Nov. 18, 1854, married Dec. 25, 1879, George, son of John McDuffee; and Josephine Chase, born Sept. 13, 1859, married Dec. 25, 1879, Arthur V. Sanborn, a furniture dealer in Rochester. They have one son, James Far- rington Sanborn, born Sept. 1, 1880.
JONATHAN PETER CUSHING.
On the twelfth day of March, 1793, was born in Rochester, JONATHAN P. CUSHING, the son of Peter and Hannah (Hanson) Cushing. His father owned a saw and grist mill where the mills of the Norway Plains Company now stand. His mother died before he was seven years old, and four years later his father died also, leaving him without friends to support or to offer kindly encouragement. His guardian proved both morally and pecuni- arily unfaithful. He took Jonathan to New Durham, and made him a mere drudge on the farm and in the mill, without even the ordinary privilege of attending school in winter. After a year, Jonathan very properly refused to remain, and began to look out for himself. After visiting various mechanical shops to see what
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he could do, he finally decided to come back to Rochester, and at the age of thirteen bound himself as an apprentice to his uncle, Mr. Odiorne, who lived where Dodge's Hotel now stands, and had a saddler's shop close by. His prospects were the same as those of other apprentices, simply to serve out his time till he could go into business for himself; but he had far higher pur- poses in view. The mere drudgery of money-making could not satisfy his aspirations. One day he suddenly rose up from his bench and exclaimed to a companion, "I am determined to have a college education, if it takes forty years of my life to get it." Boys with such determination are sure sooner or later to attain their purpose. This resolution never forsook him, and he seized every means in his reach to carry it out. Boys of this generation know little of the difficulties he encountered. He had no friendly assistance, and it was his almost constant meditation how to accomplish his design. Apprentices were entitled by law to six months in the public schools. Availing himself faithfully of this privilege, he was stimulated to greater endeavors. Bound by his apprenticeship he took no dishonorable means to get free, but by working extra hours he at length purchased his time. He then went to Phillips Academy at Exeter, where he paid his way by working at his trade out of school hours every day during his course. After a year and a half his health became somewhat impaired, and he returned to Rochester for rest, taking charge of the village school for about eighteen months. With health renewed he went back to Exeter, pursuing his trade and his studies together till he was fitted for college. About this time he was taken sick with symptoms threatening consumption. A course of treatment was prescribed which he was told would relieve him provided the disease was not already seated upon his lungs, but otherwise would hasten his end. He did not hesitate to take it, saying "I am determined to have a liberal education or die in the attempt." He entered the junior class in Dartmouth College and graduated in 1817. After graduation he intended to fit himself for the legal profession, and went South, as the climate was more favorable to his health. While at Richmond, Va., he learned that a young man from New Hampshire was there confined with sickness. He at once sought him out, and they became warm friends. This stranger had been appointed tutor in Hampden Sidney College.
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After much persuasion he prevailed on Mr. Cushing to take his place till he should regain his health. Instead of recovering, he soon after died, and Mr. Cushing was permanently established in the institution. This was in the November after his graduation, and two years later he was chosen professor of chemistry and natural philosophy. In 1821, at the age of twenty-seven, he became president of the college, which office he held for fifteen years. The college had very much run down, with few students, and with no graduations for several years. Under his manage- ment it immediately began to improve, and became one of the leading institutions of the South. President Cushing by his per- sonal efforts raised $45,000 to establish professorships and purchase needed apparatus, and the number of students increased to one hundred. He became a man of note in the State, and exerted a great influence in behalf of public schools in Virginia. He first suggested the formation of the "Historical and Philosophical So- ciety of Virginia," and delivered the first annual address before that body. "He obtained high repute in literature and science." Much space would be required to give a complete record of the benevolent, Christian, and philanthropic enterprises in which he was conspicuous. In 1827 he married Lucy Jane, daughter of Carter Page of Cumberland County, Virginia. He died at Raleigh, N. C., April 25, 1835, while on his way to the West Indies in hope of recruiting his broken health. His life affords a striking illustration of what can be accomplished by genuine Yankee " pluck" in spite of adverse circumstances.
BARKER.
Benjamin and Deborah Barker resided in Stratham, and had five children : - Benjamin, born Aug. 29, 1756, died Jan. 5, 1786 ; Debby, born July 5, 1760; Phebe, born July 2, 1762, died Oct. 15, 1797; David, born Feb. 2, 1765; William, born Sept. 9, 1767. The two younger sons settled in Rochester about 1798, and built the "Barker Tavern," which was burned, near where the Methodist Church now stands (p. 131). David Barker kept the tavern for many years. He was a prominent man, and was high sheriff of the county. He married June 30, 1793, Ann Fros
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Simpson, who was born March 24, 1771. Their children were the following : -
1. Louise A. Barker, born Stratham, Aug. 17, 1794; married John Chapman, who was a trader in Rochester, and afterwards in Boston, and had five children : - Maria, Thomas, Henry, Wil- liam, and Anna. Mrs. Chapman died July 28, 1837.
2. DAVID BARKER, JR., born Stratham, Jan. 8, 1797. His natural taste for learning was manifest at an early age. After three years' preparation at Exeter, he entered Harvard College at the age of fourteen, where he graduated in 1815 with the high esteem of his instructors and classmates, among whom were John G. Palfrey and Jared Sparks. After leaving college he studied law in the office of the elder John P. Hale, Esq., of Rochester, where he began practice in 1819.
Mr. Barker was for several years a prominent member of the Legislature of New Hampshire, and in 1827 was elected repre- sentative to Congress. He was extensively acquainted with the science of politics in general, and particularly acquainted with the political history of his own country. He was a politician of inde- pendent principles and enlarged views, a ripe and finished scholar, a sound, correct, and able lawyer. Few men possessed more of the benevolent and amiable virtues. His promptness in all the duties of life, his uncompromising integrity, his unostentatious deportment, and his urbanity of manners won the respect and esteem of all who knew him. He was a Christian man, of deep and thorough conscientiousness. In all the relations of life he was a man his friends could least bear to part with. He was an original member of the New Hampshire Historical Society, and the present sketch is largely taken from a notice in their fourth volume of New Hampshire Collections, written by his pastor, Rev. Isaac Willey.
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