USA > New Hampshire > Coos County > Stratford > History of the town of Stratford, New Hampshire, 1773-1925 > Part 22
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42
KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS
Stratford Lodge, No. 30, was organized August 7, 1886, with the following charter members: John C. Hutchins, Charles E. Clark, Abner D. Norcott, Robert L. Brown, Edward Brooks, P. G. Abbott, Thomas C. Beattie, C. R. Beecher, J. O. Stevens, H. W. Blanchard, O. H. Danforth, C. E. Moses, R. L. Spencer, H. H. Danforth, George Twohey, E. W. Fisk, J. C. Pattee, H. B. Hinman, Clark Stevens.
The first Lodge room was in Knights of Honor Hall, which they furnished and equipped. When this block was burned in 1894, they lost nearly all, but saved their charter. They rented Grand
259
HISTORY OF STRATFORD
Army Hall in the Twohey Block, and furnished and equipped another Lodge room. When this building was destroyed by fire December 6, 1895, they lost their entire equipment, including charter and records.
The Knights then purchased the lot where the Gamsby house formerly stood, and erected their first block. This building con- tained a basement for storage; the first floor was occupied by three stores; second floor, public hall, and stage; third floor, kitchen, dining room, and Lodge rooms. September 30, 1903, they were again burned out, with great loss owing to inadequate insurance. The new block, standing on the site of the first, was erected the winter of 1903-04. The total cost, $15,000.
The basement contains kitchen, furnace room, etc., and a dining room seating one hundred. First floor, opera hall, stage and balcony, seating capacity not more than four hundred. Second floor, club and lodge rooms. Knights of Pythias Hall was dedicated with opening fair and ball, April, 1904.
More than three hundred men have been made Pythians by this lodge, among whom are clergymen, physicians, business men, merchants, lumbermen, and farmers, the representative men of Stratford. It has a high social standing, and has always stood for all forward community enterprises. In the thirty-eight years of its history, forty past-chancellors have been made, and one grand chancellor for the state, John C. Hutchins, 1903-1905, one grand prelate, Edward M. Fuller, May, 1923. There are 175 members in good standing upon the roster. The lodge owns its property both real and personal, free from all encumbrances. This lodge being the wealthiest in the state is valued at $22,000.
The present list of Officers are: C. C., H. Warren Dow; V. C., Fred C. Willard; P., Rev. E. M. Fuller ; M. of W., Frank L. Gilbert, M.D .; M. of A., Maynard R. Schoff; M. of F., Lewis Marshall; M. of Ex., John C. Hutchins; K. of R. and S., Albert C. Proctor; I. G., Harvey W. Bowker; O. G., George Dowling.
PYTHIAN SISTERS
The youngest society of the town is the Pythian Sisters, which was organized, as Coöashauke Temple, No. 33, April 27, 1922 with the following charter members: Flora H. Stevens, Mary E Hapgood, Cora M. Chase, Delia B. Hapgood, Mary E. Wisely
260
HISTORY OF STRATFORD
Maxine E. Johnson, Angie F. Johnson, Grace A. Taylor, Harriette Tremose, Grace L. Hurd, Ethel B. Marshall, Maud McNeil, Ruth S. Barnett, Nina Hand, Harriette H. Hinman, Esther Paradis, Ruth C. Schoff, Sarah A. Ridlon, Vesta C. Stevens, Ella Barnett, Mary C. Stevens, Rena E. Gale, Lottie L. Gale, Flora Ormsby, Lilla Cooper, Lena A. Howe, Lucy Fuller, Harriette D. Paul, Elva Gilbert, Jennie J. Carr, Fannie B. Cheney, Flora Kugelman, Alice B. Hutchins, Jennie D. Hinman, Grace Martin, Anna Shira, Edith T. Fuller, Irene G. Ridlon, Sadie D. Marsh, Emma Stone, Edna M. Nugent, Edna I. Holman, Saidee H. Hutchins, Esther P. Clark, Cleo Brown, Jeannette R. Thompson, Henrietta Merriam, Mattie C. Dow, Alice A. Norcott, Ethelyn M. Pattee, Olive B. Evans, Mary E. Watts, Margaret L. Baldwin, Ethel M. Nugent, Amelia Amey, Jennie Barnett, Lilla French.
The Knights .- Charles E. Clark, Eugene C. Gale, Abraham Kugelman, Winfield Nugent, Abner D. Norcott, H. Warren Dow, John H. Hinman, Ralph M. Hutchins, Mark H. Carr, Elmer Barnett, Vernus E. Shira, Roy F. Beattie, Herbert F. Watts, True G. Martin, Earl K. Howe, Michael Tremose, Harry Mer- riam, Aaron E. Stevens, Don W. Stevens, Frank B. Barnett, John G. Taylor, Fenwick Wisely, Eugene Chase, Everett Brown, William Hapgood, Frank L. Gilbert, Herbert C. Cooper, Frederick T. Paul, M. J. Murphy, Fred E. Cheney, William Miller, Orin M. Holman, John C. Hutchins, Edward M. Fuller.
The following officers were installed : M. E. C., Mattie C. Dow; E. S., Rena Gale; E. J., Anna Shira; P., Ruth Barnett; M. R. C., Jeannette R. Thompson; M. F., Fannie B. Cheney; M., Alice Hutchins; G., Ruth Schoff; P. C., Sarah A. Ridlon; Trustees, (3 years) Vesta C. Stevens, (2 years) Jennie D. Hinman, (I year) Flora H. Stevens.
Grand officers present at organization of temple: G. C., Lizzie E. P. McCarty ; G. M. R. C., Lena G. Davis; G. J., Cora M. Hayes.
The officers and degree staff of Silver Star Temple of Groveton, N. H., exemplified the ritualistic work.
Although there is no Masonic lodge in town, the various Ma- sonic organizations have large representation among the men of Stratford, while the Eastern Star has a considerable membership also.
CHAPTER XX
STRATFORD'S LIBRARIES
LIBRARY HALL AND LIBRARY AT STRATFORD HOLLOW
Reference has been made to Library Hall. The following in- formation in regard to this building is given by Fred N. Day, who says :
"In the spring of 1884 I endeavored to obtain subscriptions for the purpose of organizing a library, but the great objection raised by those to whom the matter was broached was this, 'There is no suitable place for it.' About the same time an effort was made to make some needed repairs on the church. Many objected to give anything for that on account of its being used for other than church purposes, there being no public hall or other suitable building, singing schools, concerts, festivals, suppers and even political meetings, were held in the church.
"I then formed the idea of building a public hall which would answer all these purposes. By putting the hall in the second story, the first floor of the building would give a place convenient for the library. After canvassing, night and day, for about three weeks I secured the necessary subscriptions for building the hall and formed an association for that purpose called the Stratford Hollow Library Association."
The original subscribers were: Fred N. Day, $120; W. R. Brown, $100; F. H. Wright, $50; B. B. Ockington, $120; J. M. Amy, $20; N. B. Waters, $100; A. L. Wheeler, $20; N. F. Haines, $10; W. C. Fisk, $10; G. W. Gordon, $10; E. B. Lapham, $100; S. Maria Day, $10; R. B. Marden, $150; W. V. Stevens, $10; J. I. Crown, $100; Guy W. Johnson, $50; Thomas Connary, $10; A. G. French, $10; C. D. Platt, $10; Paul Kelley, $10; T. B. Johnson, $10; F. L. Kenney, $10; Ira B. Hoskins, $10; E. F. Merrill, $100; Samuel Brown, $150; A. M. Hatch, $100: $1,700 was raised.
The first meeting was called June 23rd and $400 was voted ad- ditional, raising the subscription to $2,100. Those who subscribed the additional stock were: F. N. Day, E. F. Merrill and B. B. Ockington. The building committee were: N. B. Waters, B. B. Ockington and W. C. Fisk. The work was done by Ezra F. Merrill. The building is 65 by 36 feet and two stories high. It
261
262
HISTORY OF STRATFORD
was completed and opened October 16, 1884. The first cost was, with furnishings, $2,000.
The first officers of the Association were: President, R. B. Marden; vice-president, W. R. Brown; clerk, Charles Mahurin.
First officers of Library: President, B. B. Ockington; vice- presidents, F. F. Piper, W. R. Brown; secretary, C. D. Platt; treasurer, F. N. Day; librarian, Gertrude F. Ockington.
Other librarians since: Mrs. N. B. Waters, Helen M. French, Josephine L. Ockington, Mrs. Geo. B. Hall, Mrs. F. N. Day, Charles O. Ockington.
The library numbers 400 volumes and is furnished with the leading magazines.
The following is a copy of the Library card :
Stratford Library No. . ...
Tickets
Life Membership Tickets,
$5.00
Ticket for one year,
1.50
Ticket for one quarter, .50
Regulations :- Books must be returned within two weeks, or a fine of two cents per day will be charged for every day over two weeks.
Damages for injuries done to books will be assessed by the librarian. Persons who refuse to pay fines or dues will be refused use of Library.
Any person may take out books by paying five cents per week or fraction of week for the use of same.
Any person not a life member must deposit one dollar with the librarian before taking out books to insure their return in good condition.
The Library will be open on Wednesday and Saturday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 P. M.
Mrs. J. R. Ryans is the present librarian. Number of books in the Library, 1,349; weekly circulation averages 40 volumes.
NORTH STRATFORD LIBRARY
The local Woman's Christian Temperance Union, which was active in North Stratford.in the early '90's, claims the honor of providing for the public a collection of books for its use.
The first mention we are able to find in the town records, of an appropriation for a library, is in 1893, when $25 is raised for this purpose.
263
HISTORY OF STRATFORD
We read in the warrant for the town meeting in 1896: "To see if the town will authorize the Library trustees to purchase the life membership tickets of the Stratford Library Association, pro- vided they can be bought for $2 per share." The amount ap- propriated was $200; to purchase tickets, $100. The trustees at this time were John C. Pattee, Fred N. Day, and Guy W. John- son. Other men who have since served upon this board are Charles D. Platt, Garvin R. Magoon, W. H. Kimball, Fred J. Taylor, Fred L. Kinney, Charles Lyman, Orin M. Holman, and Fred E. Cheney.
In 1897, "the Library trustees of the Town of Stratford report that they have received the books purchased by the selectmen for the year 1896, for $50, also the books from the state to the amount of $100; and have divided them in equal shares and opened libraries in North Stratford and Stratford Hollow. We have ap- pointed Mrs. Mira C. Pattee and Mrs. Ellen F. Day librarians, and have paid $50 at each place for rent, fuel and lights. It is suggested by the trustees that we raise the sum of $100, which, with the sum raised last year, will give the sum of $100 to each place for the purchase of new books."
The next year's report shows that the Library in North Stratford was located in the Knights of Pythias building; at Stratford Hollow, in Library Hall. That year $403 were expended on the libraries. The reports show that in the various years an annual appropriation ranging from $50 to $450 has been made.
August 1, 1908, the Library was removed, after the burning of the Knights of Pythias building, to a room in the rear of the Post Office, where it remained until January, 1922, since which time it has been housed in a room in the residence of Charles M. Johnson -the Pattee house, where it had its beginnings. In 1911 funds had evidently accumulated sufficiently to warrant further outlay upon the town Libraries; and North Stratford's appropriation was $772.09, of which $298.50 was for unpaid rent, and about $100 for shelving, furniture, labor, etc. Stratford Hollow's account was $726.25-unpaid rent, $246.33; repairs, $7.78; books, $322.03. North Stratford received $100 from the local dramatic club to help out her appropriation, for the amount from the town was supposed to be divided equally between the two libraries. These sums represent the largest amounts spent on the two libraries in any year until 1917, when Stratford Hollow decided to apply her
264
HISTORY OF STRATFORD
share of the Laura Johnson fund to the purchase and reconstruc- tion of a house to be known as the Public Library Building, a part of which should be used as a parsonage for the Methodist Church. The house belonging to Fred L. Kinney, which had been used for library purposes for several years, was bought and remodelled, and the amount of that year's expenditure on the Stratford Hollow Library was $2, 116.81, of which $322.81 was raised by the town.
For more than a dozen years the Library at North Stratford was in charge of Miss Harriette H. Hinman, to whom the town owes a debt of gratitude for her faithful and efficient service. Miss Jeannette R. Thompson has been librarian since October, 1920. The number of books in the Library at this time is 2,500; weekly circulation, 100 volumes.
The present board of Library trustees consists of Fred. E. Cheney, Mrs. Frank L. Gilbert, and Mrs. Harry B. Merriam.
LIBRARY HALL 188
LIBRARY HALL
CHAPTER XXI
STRATFORD SOLDIERS
The long lists of names that fill the tablets upon Stratford's memorial monument, tell the story of her participation in her country's wars. From the time of the Revolution when she not only guarded the frontier, but numbered among her soldiers those that fought on large battlefields, to the days when her young men left her for training camps and service overseas, she has ever had men ready for duty.
We will not repeat what has already been given in the chapter upon the Revolution, of her soldiers in that period, for in the after years of her history, she has been called upon many times to give aid in her country's defense.
In the War of 1812 Stratford gave of her sons as freely as in Revolutionary times. Among those going as soldiers were Luther Fuller ; his sons, Samuel and Calvin; Jerry, son of Hezekiah Fuller; William, son of Isaac Merriam; Col. Haines French of Maidstone, with his three sons, Obed, Homer and John Milton, were at Plattsburg. The colonel and two sons died of black measles. John Milton French returned and died in Wisconsin about 1899, aged ninety years. Samuel Fuller died of measles, Calvin of spotted fever, and Jerry Fuller had his head taken off by a cannon ball. William Merriam was killed at the Battle of Chippewa.
Richard Holbrook enlisted but was not accepted, although he received a land warrant. Joseph and Elijah Blodgett, Isaac Lamkin, Henry Schoff and Dan Stevens went into the struggle. George Kimball, who became a resident here immediately after the war, was an 1812 veteran, wounded at the battle of Plattsburg ; upon his discharge from the hospital he accompanied his chum, a Stratford man, home and took up his residence here.
The raid upon Luther Fuller's house during the encampment of the five hundred Indians that are said to have been here during some part of the campaign represents the nearest approach Stratford had to direct action in that war.
INDIAN STREAM REPUBLIC
One item we quote from Stackpole's "History of New Hamp- shire," as it closely concerns a citizen of Stratford :
It was represented that the northern part of the state was in danger of an invasion, and by order of General Dearborn
265
SOLDIERS
Harry L. Curtis Clark Stevens George C. Kimball
Andrew J. Ockington Harvey Merriam E. W. Kimball
Robert R. Thompson Civil War Veterans
267
HISTORY OF STRATFORD
a company of detached militia from the brigade of General Montgomery was stationed at Stewartstown under command of Captain Ephraim Mahurin of Stratford, who as lawyer, sheriff, surveyor, commissioner, had a long career of useful- ness in Coös County. This company served six months.
Ephraim Mahurin was also closely connected with the disturb- ances in the north country known as the Indian Stream War. In the roll of Captain Mooney's company of militia ordered into service November, 1835, to control the riotous conditions prevail- ing in that section, we find the names of some Stratford men: Volney M. Brown, William Curtis, and Eli Kinerson; to these may be added Lieut. Haines French, Ahaz S. French, of Columbia, but belonging to Stratford families. This company was ordered out for three months unless sooner discharged. This company belonged to the 24th Regiment, N. H. M., and contained one captain, one lieutenant, one ensign, four sergeants, two musicians, and forty-two privates. The prompt and decisive action of this force, and the capture of the leaders of the malcontents, convinced the different factions that submission to the rule of New Hamp- shire was desirable. Those preferring British rule quietly emi- grated to Canada, and the Indian Stream Republic was merged into the state of New Hampshire, and received the name of Pitts- burg in 1840.
The militia in this campaign were disbanded in February, 1836, and were considered as veteran soldiers, and were granted one hundred and sixty acres of government land.
This little republic, so remarkable and romantic in its inception, lay in the territory deeded by King Philip, the Indian chief, to three white men (see Appendix), who sold large grants of land to incoming settlers. This territory was the strip of land, now comprising the town of Pittsburg, whose boundary line was still a matter of dispute between Great Britain and the United States and was claimed by both nations, the settlers in the meantime declaring themselves independent of the rule of either by the terms of their treaty.
In 1824, when New Hampshire declared them under her juris- diction, there were two hundred and eighty-five settlers. Great Britain was still pressing its controversy over the boundary, and the matter was submitted to the King of the Netherlands as arbiter. In 1827 the latter decided in favor of Great Britain, but
.
268
HISTORY OF STRATFORD
the United States would not accept the decision, and the settlers, during the interval of diplomatic controversies, remained jealous of any exercise of authority over them by either nation. When Canada, under the decision of 1827, attempted to enforce military rule, such a sentiment of opposition to outside rule was aroused that it was decided to form an independent nation, owing alle- giance to neither the United States nor Great Britain. A com- mittee was appointed to draw up a constitutional government, and on July 9, 1832, this handful of people, consisting of less than three hundred in all, formed themselves into a republic with a constitu- tion modelled after that of the United States, with its several branches of government, army, supreme court, etc., its executive power vested in a board of councillors.
That miniature nation, formed as some assert with the sole pur- pose of maintaining order until the question of boundary lines was settled, others maintain with the thought of complete inde- pendence, their thorough organization seeming to favor the latter view, lasted five years, and worked satisfactorily for a time. New Hampshire, however, did not recognize it, and served writs as offenders of the New Hampshire laws, upon the citizens of the republic. The levying of customs precipitated the inevitable result, and a petty warfare arose between the officials and the peo- ple. Prisoners were taken, and rescued, and shots exchanged, a lawless element had arisen which the little republic could not restrain.
The officials of Indian Stream appealed to the United States Government, declaring themselves ready to become a part of the union, but not of New Hampshire, and received the following reply from the United States attorney general: "If you are within the limits of the United States, as has always been maintained by this government, it is because you are within the limits of the state of New Hampshire."
Appeal of sixty out of seventy voters was then made to Canada, and we find the inhabitants of Indian Stream divided into three factions, the sympathizers with Canada, the favorers of the republic, and the "New Hampshire boys."
Prominent among the latter was Luther Parker, a man who had been one of the prime movers in the establishment of the republic, and one of the five men to draw up its constitution, but having become convinced of the impracticality of the idea, he threw his
269
HISTORY OF STRATFORD
influence upon the side of New Hampshire, drew up a petition, signed by several others to the New Hampshire government, and presented it in person to the governor in Concord in 1834. Other appeals were made at different times by different individuals, which finally resulted in the sending of a company of the militia, as already stated.
There is much conflicting testimony concerning Indian Stream, King Philips deed, the rights of boundary lines, the justice of New Hampshire's claims, and the charges of treasonable action on the part of some citizens of the republic. We shall not attempt to discuss them here, and no reference would have been made to this episode in New Hampshire history, but for one of the principal actors in it,-Luther Parker, before mentioned, who by the close connection with one of Stratford's leading families, forms a link in the chain of events which make up her history.
Luther Parker was born in Temple, N. H., son of Joshua Parker, who later settled in Pittsburg, N. H. Luther was educated at New Ipswich Academy, and in the years 1825 and 1826 taught in Stratford, presumably in the Baldwin district, as one of his pupils, whom he married in 1827, Aletta French, had been an inmate of Judge Nathan Baldwin's family since childhood. On his mar- riage he went to Indian Stream, and there some of his children were born. In 1836 he removed to Wisconsin, where he took a leading part in the formation period of that state. His son, Charles D. Parker, who has received many honors from his adopted state, still lives, and vividly remembers various incidents connected with the life at Indian Stream. It is from the family traditions, and researches made by descendants of Luther Parker, that much additional light has been thrown upon the history of the Indian Stream Republic.
MEXICAN WAR
Stratford can claim but one soldier in this war, James Powers. He was born in Ireland, came here early in life, and made his home with Judge Nathan Baldwin. He served in the Ninth Regiment, United States Infantry, during the Mexican War. He returned to Stratford and married Harriette Bond, daughter of Robert Bond, in 1851. Captain Powers was a shoemaker by trade, and built one of the first houses erected at North Stratford village, the house that was after converted into Coös Cottage.
270
HISTORY OF STRATFORD
When the call came for men in '61 he was one of the first to re- spond, and went in the first installment of soldiers Stratford sent out during the Rebellion. He served as captain in the Third Vermont Volunteers. While in the army he contracted a disease of which he died in 1864 at Orono, Maine.
CIVIL WAR
The years of agitation which preceded the Civil War had but partially prepared the people of Stratford for the years of struggle and sacrifice which were to follow. There were those who realized the magnitude and seriousness of the crisis facing them, and many of these went to the front. There were a few who violently opposed the war, and these received summary justice from their indignant fellow citizens. A cave is still shown on Lightning Mountain where one unhappy man hid from the righteous wrath of the Union sympathizers. Such instances were rare, however, and Stratford's war record during the Rebellion attests her loyalty and sacrifice.
E. S. Chase had a recruiting station at North Stratford April 17-30, 1861, and Stratford's first installment of volunteers was twenty-eight. In all she furnished ninety-eight men, sending seven installments. Fourteen of these men went from drafts, or as substitutes for drafted men. The remainder were volun- teers. Daniel Anderson was the first man to enlist from Stratford.
We insert the report furnished the adjutant general of New Hampshire in 1866, by the selectmen of Stratford, giving the names of the soldiers during the war, and the several bounties paid them. The first installment was paid no bounties. Whole amount for bounties, $20,858.34. The incidental expenses of $739.05 are also included, which is of interest as to the scale of prices, etc., of sixty years ago.
First Installment Company-Daniel Anderson, Barney John- son, Samuel F. Brown, Albert Curtis, Antipas Curtis, William Reed, William Morrow, George Hinman, Thomas Mccarthy, John Lee, Charles Huchinson, Samuel H. Clough, William H. Staples, Edward S. Hibbard, William C. Folsom, Capt. James Powers, Cyrus Hall, Harvey Gamsby, Samuel Rogers, G. Bush- rod Smith, Michael Lynch, Allen Luther, Charles Snow, Edward White, Wallace Savory, George Styles, Edward H. Folsom, Oliver D. Hibbard-28 men; no bounties paid.
27I
HISTORY OF STRATFORD
Second Installment-Carleton C. Fuller, John C. Walker, George C. Kimball, Frank Snow, Cyrus R. Blodgett, Robert R. Thompson, David Holbrook, Erastus D. Atherton, Albert C. Harris, Phillip Ladoe, Albert C. Blodgett, Albe Holmes, Abel Jordan, jr., Antipas Young, Alger L. Wheeler, William W. Johnson, Harvey R. Brown, Roswell Holbrook, James Spread- bury, George Brown, Jerry Morrow, William Merrill-22 men; $100 bounty for each-$2,200.
Third Installment-Seven men were drafted to fill the call of July 3, 1863: George B. Hall, Mortimer D. Blodgett, Benjamin F. Blodgett, Andrew J. Ockington, John G. Stone, Damon Den- nis, Wellington Brown; $300 bounty to each man-$2,100.
Fourth Installment-Call of October, 1863: John J. Johnson, Guy W. Johnson, Charles D. Gamsby, James Madigan, Patrick McGaffry, Daniel W. Stevens, Samuel F. Sides, Lorenzo L. Tollman, Newell F. Hill, Joseph Dunn, William S. Rines, John Warren-12 men; $200 bounty to each man-$2,400.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.