USA > New Hampshire > Strafford County > Rochester > History of the town of Rochester, New Hampshire, from 1722 to 1890, Vol. I > Part 55
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" Parson Haven " said that he once laughed in meeting. Paul Libbey was a tall, straight man who wore a flannel cap to keep his bald head warm. Levi Dearborn, who was also bald-headed, wore a wig. They were both singers and sat near together. One Sabbath as they were standing singing, Libbey's cap fell off. Im- mediately Dearborn threw off his wig that he might not look different from his old companion. The sight was so amusing that even the minister could not refrain from laughing.
In his last sickness the family asked Mr. Haven if he had any wishes about the arrangements for his funeral. His answer was: - " You attend to it. I shall be there, but you will not see me."
Josiah Main, grandson of the first minister, was something of " a character" in his day. He was noted for ready wit and skill in argument. Many characteristic anecdotes still survive. One day he was at work for his neighbor, Squire Baker, and sat next him at the dinner table. After asking the blessing, which was very long, the Squire sought to clear his throat as usual with a mug of cider which always stood by his plate. Somewhat sur- prised to find it empty, he turned sharply and said, " 'Siah, did you drink that cider ?" "I did, Squire," was the answer, "we are taught to watch as well as pray."
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He was familiar with the Scriptures and gifted in the use of language. So one day when a company happened to be gathered at Hurd's store near the common, among whom were Main and Elder Runnals, a bet was made of two quarts of rum, which could pray the best, the Elder or 'Siah Main. They had already "im- bibed " rather freely, or the Elder would not have assented to such a sacrilegious test. It fell to the Elder to begin, and he prayed so earnestly that the neighbors and others gathered in considerable numbers before he had finished. Then Josiah began and prayed with so much apparent fervor and effective eloquence that he easily won the bet. "I don't understand how you did it," said the Elder. "Why, I began where you left off, and put in what you left out, and that's how I did it," replied Josiah. And then they all took a drink.
He lived on Haven hill near the graveyard, and when seeking his second wife, told her his home was in the thickest settled part of the town. When she arrived at the little cottage standing alone, she inquired in much surprise, " Where are the people ?" " There they are," said her husband, pointing to the cemetery, " but they are very quiet folks, and won't disturb you." Not long after he told her that their residence would be a good place for a shoemaker. "Why so?" asked his wife. "Because when the people come forth at the resurrection, they will all be barefooted," was his sober reply.
Soon after Mr. Upham was settled as pastor, he called on his father's old friend, and said, "I don't see you at church, as I should like to." "No," said Siah, " the fact is I have no suitable clothes to appear in there, but I make use of my Bible all the same." " Yes," spoke up his wife, " he uses it to hone his razor Sunday mornings." "Parson," said Josiah, " do you know why a woman doesn't grow a beard ?" "No," said Mr. Upham. "Be- cause," was the reply, " she can't hold her tongue still long enough to get shaved."
APPENDIX.
WILLIAM N. HASTINGS, mentioned on page 12, distinguished for his success in microscopy, is about to publish a pamphlet, "Des- mids of New Hampshire," to contain a list of all desmids observed by him, with full descriptions and illustrative plates of all new ones. Only about one hundred varieties are known in the United States, of which Mr. Hastings has discovered sixteen, a larger number than any other person. He has kindly furnished the following list, with the date when the diagnosis of each was pub- lished in the " Anti-Monopolist and Record " : -
STAURASTRUM MEGALONOTUM (Nordstedt) variety OBTUSUM, Hast- ings, var. novum. Sept. 8, 1888.
XANTHIDIUM TRUNCATUM, Hastings, species novum. This was pub- lished as X. Antilopæum, var. Truncatum, but Prof. Otto Nord- stedt says it is a good species. Oct. 20, 1888.
CLOSTERIUM ANGUSTATUM, var. CLAVATUM, Hast. var. nov. Oct. 20,1888.
EUASTRUM MAGNIFICUM, variety CRASSIOIDES, Wolle, var. nov. Discovered by W. N. H., named by Mr. Wolle. Published Oct. 27, 1888.
EUASTRUM HASTINGSII, Wolle, spec. nor. This was published as E. Wollei, Hast., but Mr. Wolle says the name has already been used and names it as above. Sept. 1, 1888.
GONATOZYGON RALFSII, Brebisson. Not new to science, but new to United States flora. Nov. 17, 1888.
STAURASTRUM MAAMENSE, Archer. Not new to science, but new to the United States flora. Nov. 17, 1888.
STAURASTRUM CRESCENTUM, Hastings. Spec. nov. March 2, 1889.
MICRASTERIAS SWAINEI, Hastings. Spec. nov. This was discovered by Seorim Swaine of Rochester, and named as above by W. N. H. June 29, 1889.
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CLOSTERIUM ROBUSTUM, Hastings, spec. nov. Dec. 26, 1890.
CEOSTERIUM MACULATUM, Hastings, spec. nov. Dec. 26, 1890.
CLOSTERIUM LINEATUM, var. Costatum, Wolle, var. nov. Nov. 3 1888.
The foregoing are all the species and varieties that have been published. Four more have been discovered and some others not fully determined are under consideration.
The first page of the first bound volume of Church Records is as follows : - the items evidently having been copied from some volder record.
" A Book of Records of the Church of Christ in Rochester A. D. 1766.
" December 26th J728 Timothy Roberts moved his Family into Rochester, being the first Family'that Settled in said Town. (p. 43.)
" June 27th 1746 Joseph Heard; Joseph Richards; John Wentworth; and Ger- shom Downs were killed by the Indians, on the main Road about two Miles from the Foot of the Town. At the same Time & place, John Richards was wounded & captivated; and on the same Day Jonathan Door, a young Lad was «captivated by the Indians at Salmon Falls Road in Rochester. (p 22.)
6. May 1st 1747 The Wife of Jonathan Hodgdon was killed by the Indians, near Squamanagonic Mills, being Sabbath Day Morning." (p. 30.)
On page 22 the name of John Wentworth was omitted by mistake. The date of Mrs. Hodgdon's death is evidently as given on page 30, as May 1, 1748 was the Sabbath. Jonathan Hodg- don married again, and had in all twenty-one children.
Pages 245 and 265.
The first Sunday school in Rochester was started about 1819. It is remembered that it was a year before the first one in Ports- mouth. Hannah Upham first called a few children together at the Court House. She was assisted by Ruth Haven, and after- wards by Eliza March and Arabella Smith. The books used were the Bible, Watts's Hymns, and the Catechism. At the close of school they marched two and two to the meeting house where they had seats in the gallery. It was designed for poor children
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APPENDIX.
who had no instruction at home. Gradually others came in, and the whole system slowly developed to include all who would meet and study the Bible. It was at first held only in the summer, being kept through the winter of 1842-43 for the first time. The following is the roll of the Union Sabbath School of 1826. A part of the paper is torn off, removing entirely the 5th class of boys and mutilating the record of the 9th and 10th classes of girls. The names above each class are written with pencil, and appear to be the teachers. One or two are doubtful.
" 15 Verses Each. Tim (?) Upham.
Class Ist Theodore C. Woodman, George Hoyt, John B. Hanson, Joseph H. Hanson, Francis W. Upham, Benjamin D. Colbath, Jasper York, Haniford Odlin.
Mr. McCrillis.
Class 2d Charles Hurd, Rufus Hoyt, John Pray, Richard Ross, George Hoyt, Wingate Chase.
Joseph (?) Smith.
Class 3ª Charles L. Hoyt, Albert Upham, Joseph Hurd, Charles Main, Joseph Hayes, Charles Dame, Daniel Calef.
McDuffee.
Class 4th Shubal Cole, John D. Hoyt, Samuel Kenney, Charles Dennett, George Main, Oliver H. Tebbets.
15 Verses. Sarah Ann March.
Class 1st Sophia Henderson, Elizabeth Cole, Mary E. Hanson, Harriet Wood- man, Esther Ann Hanson.
15 Verses. Miss Cole.
Class 2ª Sarah Jane Woodman, Ruth Upham, Maria Demerit, Sophia Hurd.
12 Verses. Rosa Brewster.
Class 3ª Susan Bartlett Maria Woodman, Juanna Hurd, M. Hoyt.
12 Verses. Miss Pray.
Class 4th Caroline Hale, Betsey S. Chase, Roxana Runnels, Emerline Roberts, Martha S. Roberts.
15 Verses Lucy Hurd.
Class 5th Mary Ross, Mary Tebbets, Sarah Tebbets, Susan Clark, Charlotte Hurd.
12 Verses. Caroline March.
Class 6th Elizabeth Hoyt, Elizabeth Richards, Sally Hurd, L. Hurd Smith.
10 Verses. Mary Knight.
Class 7th Ruth Pierce, Mary Horne, Elizabeth Horne, Emerline Demerit, Mercy Kenney.
10 Verses. Miss Dimmick. (?)
Class 8th Dolly Haven, Lydia Haven, Susan Haven, Mary Demerit, Sarah Bickford.
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10
Class 9th Hannah York, Elizabeth Hodgdon, Sarah
Class 10th Sarah Charberlain, Mary J 6 Verses.
Ann Clark, Lavinia Corson, Olive C
Class 11th Abigail Henderson, Sarah Ann Hoit, Sarah Jane Cole, Deborah Ann Demerit, Lucretia Gowel, Elizabeth Ricker, Sally Hammet, Elizabeth Calf, Lydia Downs, Maria York.
Pages 264 and 270.
The corner stone of the old Wesleyan Chapel was removed July 25, 1867, and the copper plates with the other articles mentioned were found in a lead box about eight inches square and one and one half deep, with a cover not soldered on. The documents were in a moldering state, some of them dropping to pieces on the slightest touch. The Bible was much worm-eaten, though the Book of Discipline was in a better condition. The papers could none of them be replaced.
The corner stone of the new house was laid August 1, 1867. The ceremonies, after the regular church ritual, were as follows : -
"I. Announcement by the Pastor, Frank R. Stratton, of the several docu- ments to be deposited, consisting of the two copper plates from the old Corner Stone; a new copper plate with the following inscription: 'The. Wesleyan Chapel which was erected by the Methodist E. Church A. D. 1825 was demolished for the purpose of erecting a more ample Structure A. D. 1867. The New Methodist Church was erected A. D. 1867, and this
CORNER STONE
was laid with imposing Masonic ceremonies by the Grand Lodge of New Hamp- shire assisted by Humane Lodge No. 21, and many visiting Lodges, August Ist A. L. 5867'; the Bible; the Book of Discipline; a Hymn Book; list of Church officials, class leaders, members of society, and building committee; Centennial of American Methodism ; Methodist Almanac; Minutes of New Hampshire Confer- ence; Zion's Herald; Journal of Grand Lodge of New Hampshire; list, of officers and members with the by-laws of Humane Lodge; Rochester Courier containing Memorial address by the Pastor ; one copy of each paper published in the County ; the circular of invitation and programme of exercises; town report for 1866-67; copy of Boston Journal ; currency and coin in circulation from one dollar to one cent; bills of the Rochester Bank of the earliest and latest dates; spectacles worn by Col. John McDuffee, who died 1817, aged 94; Photograph of the Pastor finished in India ink by Abbie H. Dennett.
II. Deposit of the box by John McDuffee.
III. Lowering the stone with solemn music by the band.
IV. Ceremonies of Masonic ritual conducted by Grand Master John H. Rowell of Franklin, assisted by D. G. M. Alexander M. Winn of Farmington ; Senior Grand Warden John R. Holbrook of Portsmouth ; James Farrington of Roch- ester as Junior Grand Warden; and Betton W. Sargent of Rochester as Grand Architect.
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APPENDIX.
V. Anthem : 'Wake the song of Jubilee.'
VI. Address by Governor Walter Harriman.
VII. Anthem : 'Praise God from whom all blessings flow.'
VIII. Benediction by Rev. R. M. Sargent of Farmington as Grand Chaplain."
Page 271.
" A tribute to the] Memory of the Departed Heroes of Metho- dism, both Ministersfand Laymen, of Rochester, N. H. : written by request for the Ladies' Re-union Festival held upon the Dedication of their new Church, March 26, 1868.
BY REV. SAMUEL NORRIS.
In this glad day of Zion's light, With nursing queens and praying kings, While we rejoice in prospects bright, We think of days of feeble things.
Our fathers served the mighty God, When few and scattered through the land,
When persecution like a flood Assailed their cause on every hand.
Some called them " wolves in sheep's attire " Invading other shepherds' folds ;
Others, fanatics wild with fire To stir up strife in God's households.
" These zealous heretics contend That all the world is harvest field; Yet we our parish lines defend, With stubborn hearts refuse to yield."
But onward still they preached the cross, In hamlet, field, or shady grove ; Counting the world but dung and dross, To deck with stars their crown above.
A Lewis Bates of robust form, Dark as a cloud in yonder sky,
With voice above the raging storm, Cried, " Sinners, O why will ye die ?"
A Joseph Peck of mother wit, Social, but wanting holy fire, Hence many a scornful foe was hit By ready shafts of keen satire.
A Bannister of prime good stock, Eccentric, watchful every day, Always retired at nine o'clock, And rose at four to sing and pray.
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A Damon Young among the best Of all God's workmen in the field ; 'Twas hard to let him go to rest ; His master called ; we had to yield.
The scholar, Ruter, from his youth Was consecrated to the cross ; He founded schools, proclaimed God's truth, And fell a martyr to the cause.
John Brodhead, prince of pioneers, In those old days of chivalry Led Zion's hosts for scores of years, And fell with shouts of victory.
Charles Baker, too, God's nobleman, Courteous and kind, a genial friend, Long worked the old itinerant plan, And gained the conquest in the end.
We must not pass a Horton's name, Able, precise, and dignified ; He labored long, acquired some fame, Was much lamented when he died.
Another man of mark has gone, - His preaching like a rushing flood, - Far-famed as " Reformation John," And many souls were brought to God.
A son of thunder, Eben Blake, For fifty toilsome years he stood, Warning all sinners to forsake At once their sins and turn to God.
Nor must we fail in this array To give a Sanborn's honored name ; This gentleman, with some display, He lived to God, and died the same.
D. Kilburn, in his manhood's prime Mighty to preach, much on his knees ; For full two hours he many a time Assailed John Calvin's dire decrees.
0. Scott, "a burning, shining light," A prince in Zion's mighty host; His services for black and white, Ages to come will not be lost.
B. Eastman, too, long known and loved, Was strong for Scripture holiness ; Endowed with wisdom from above He lived and died in perfect peace.
575,
APPENDIX.
J. Perkins long traversed our hills ; His zeal and pathos made him great, Our best appointments ably filled, Was honored much in church and state.
William D. Cass has closed his day; A man of God faithful and strong ; His many friends will love to say That "few have done so well so long.""
N. Bigelow and J. B. White Were trained to learning from their youth ; Soldiers of Christ, to wield their might To spread the glorious gospel truth.
Tall brother Lord, P. Munger strong, Two foremost men in battle strife, Long lived to lead our hosts along, And fell in hopes of endless life.
H. Field, F. Dame, and Worthing, too, Belonged to this select vanguard ; L. Frost, A. Clark, and Jaques, who We trust have gained their great reward.
L. Wallace of the old school race, The preacher and the magistrate, Long lived to fill an honored place In doing good in church and state.
L. Bennett, and H. Morey, now Close up the list of pioneers Who held the mighty gospel plow Among our hills in former years.
But valiant laymen in this band, Quite as effective in their spheres ; We can't forget the noble stand Which they maintained so many years.
John Trickey and his godly wife Did good to souls and bodies too, Maintained their faith by works through life, Excelled by none, equaled by few.
We note the Wentworth family, Thomas and Richard, pioneers, They loved salvation full and free, And went to rest in ripened years.
How J. C. Cole would pray and sing ! His wife and mother swell the strain ! For them to live was Christ their king, For them to die was endless gain.
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And last, not least, Charles Dennett, who, Sagacious, firm, in manners plain, A Christian patriot ever true ; - "l'is hard to fill his place again.
All these have run their mortal race, Their master called them home to rest;
O may their sons well fill their place, And wait their turn to join the blest !
All other friends of righteousness Whose honored names have not been given, Who lived for God, and died in peace, - We hope to meet them safe in heaven.
The memory of the past is sweet, The fathers' deeds of love ; - While we enjoy their fruit so great, They wear their crowns above.
May we, their daughters and their sons, Prove worthy of our sires,
And consummate what they begun, And set the world on fire.
O may this blessed truth abound Throughout this world forlorn ! And Methodism be handed down To nations yet unborn !
Conclusion.
We leave the living grenadier, Both clergymen and laymen, To make report in person here, With an emphatic Amen!
Page 300.
Humphrey Hanson, a younger brother of Dominicus, composed some humorous verses describing the various tricks of the dealers, and induced one of the well-known drinkers to recite them in public places about the village. A few of these verses were as follows : -
" I've a song for your noddles though not very good, For something is meant though not well understood, Concerning our merchants so artful are they, Though they've no rum to sell they'll give it away.
There's C-n, and H-n, and M-h I mean, Three as clever good fellows as ever were seen,
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APPENDIX.
But show them your money and tell them you'll pay, Though they've no rum to sell, they'll give it away.
There's honest J- T- I liked to've forgot, For he with the rest has a hand in the plot,
But for love of your health, for the sake of good pay, Both water and rum he in fact gives away.
Now may God bless and prosper these dear, honest men, Who in buying and selling will make all they can ; But this must be told them, 'tis well known that they Are selling their rum while they give it away.
Now as to myself, I've not much to add ; I was drunk all last week, and now feel quite sad ; And as for my song, I'll ask for no pay, But for just half a glass will give it away."
The following sketch written by Charles S. Felker (p. 459) being received too late for Chapter XIV, is inserted here : -
SAMUEL DEMERITT.
SAMUEL DEMERITT, a well-known blacksmith of Rochester and a highly respected citizen, was born in Madbury in 1789, and at the age of twenty-two married Miss Alice Locke of Barrington. They had ten children : - Nancy F. and Lucy C. dying in infancy ; while Sophia L., Emeline L., Samuel, Jr., and Alice L. also passed beyond in early life; Elizabeth J. married Samuel S. Sher- man of Salem, N. Y., where she lived until his death, when she removed to Dover, N. H .; Maria B. married Nathan W. Wilson, also a citizen of Salem. These two sisters died at Gonic within eleven days of each other, while on a visit to the old homestead in 1880. Mary J. lived in Dover, N. H., until her death in 1875. She was twice married; the first husband being Oliver P. Burley, and the second John S. Glass. Deborah A., now Mrs. William H. Felker, is the only survivor. She was for a number of years a successful school teacher in Dover, but since marriage has resided at the former home of her parents.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Demeritt came of good stock; the former being a relative of Maj. John Demeritt who assisted General Sul- livan in the capture of fort William and Mary at Portsmouth; and afterwards took the powder which was first concealed under
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the Durham meeting-house, but later removed by him to his farm in Madbury for safer keeping, and hauled it in his ox-cart to the colonial army at Boston, arriving on the day of the battle of Bun- ker Hill; while the latter was a lineal descendant of John Locke, the renowned English philosopher.
Mr. Demeritt came to the town in 1815, and established his business on Main street, just below the Knight house. He was a master in his trade and besides running two forges, often worked when the town was otherwise hushed in sleep. His great skill in working steel extended to other towns, and brought him a large amount of that kind of work. In public affairs he early mani- fested a deep interest, and became associated with that class of citizens who were known as the solid men of the town, because of their quiet unassuming ways and strong determination to act from conviction.
When he removed to Gonic in 1827, the place was in a very crude condition. There was no church, no business of any con- sequence except farming, and no more society than the country districts of the present afford. Here he resumed his trade in the brick shop which to-day forms part of a dwelling-house on Main street, and found abundance of work awaiting him. Soon after settling in his new home, he began to deal in real estate in con- nection with his trade, and owned. a large farm on the western side of the village. On this farm is located the mineral spring which was a favorite drinking place of the Indians, while the large rock close by served as their lookout. Tradition says that a party of braves were once surprised here while drinking, and the one stationed on the lookout killed, his body being buried at the foot of the rock. Many now follow the example of the red men and resort to this spring in the hot days of summer, while some have been benefited by its medicinal properties.
He freely gave his time and energy for the improvement of the village, serving as a member of the committee that erected the first church in 1840, which was dedicated in the Freewill Baptist faith, and to this church he and his good wife assumed allegiance. They were liberal in its support, and entertained a large number of those who visited the parish. In fact so many ministers stopped with them that their house soon became the favorite resort of the clergymen.
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APPENDIX.
Mrs. Demeritt possessed a strong and sympathetic nature, while her kind and generous spirit often cheered the unfortunate on their way. Such a woman could not be other than a frequent visitor to the sick chamber, where she was greatly valued. She was one of those women who took great delight in ancient things, and among the many family relics cherished by her descendants is a silk dress which is of historical interest. This dress was imported from China about two hundred years ago, and is a pure yellow (the Chinese favorite color). It is compactly woven and twice as thick as modern silks. The style is ancient, with short waist, long sleeves, and wide collar, and any one wearing it would probably have no trouble in attracting attention. Although made nearly two centuries ago it is well preserved, especially the color, which has never been changed from the original. This ancient fabric is now in the possession of Mrs. William H. Felker, who very appropriately wore it, in the centennial year, at the golden wedding of Mr. and Mrs. Downing Varney, where she impersonated Lady Washington.
" Uncle Demeritt," as he was called in the later years of his life, served in the war of 1812, going to the defence of Ports- mouth. In politics he was a Jacksonian Democrat, but a life- long opponent of slavery, and it is related that a fugitive from Kentucky bondage once rejoiced to find food and shelter at his home. He was very conscientious in judgment, and was often called upon to act as referee. The following incident will illus- trate the great respect entertained for his integrity. A citizen
of Barrington once presented a bill against him to Hon. J. H. Woodman for suit. 'Squire Woodman refused with the laconic reply : - "He is an honest man." The suit was afterwards en- tered, however, but during the whole session of court the man failed to appear, and the judge" discharged the defendant in a complimentary manner.
Samuel Demeritt died June 30, 1856, aged 66 years, and the death of Mrs. Demeritt occurred April 19, 1866, at the age of 79.
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The following lines written by J. S. Cutler (p. 288) were printed in the " Rochester Leader " of June 20, 1888.
Where wild Cocheco dashes free, Through countless windings on its way To give its waters to the sea, And birds make glad the summer day, -
Through shady woods, on plodding nag, Rode Parson Main, - long years ago, - The Bible in his saddle-bag, And loaded gun for dusky foe.
A man of peace, he still believed 'Twas well to fight at duty's call ; Allowing much could be achieved By pushing prayer with musket ball.
His was a rigid iron creed, But well he knew the right from wrong; And hard he toiled with word and deed To help the cause of right along.
With earnest face and stirring blood, In time of drouth he prayed for rain ; And when the heavens threatened flood, He prayed to make it dry again.
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