USA > New Hampshire > Cheshire County > Surry > History of the town of Surry, Cheshire County, New Hampshire : from date of severance from Gilsum and Westmoreland, 1769-1922, with a genealogical register and map of the town > Part 23
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Jonas Pollard
Thomas Harvey
Samuel Robinson John Whitcomb
Samuel Allen."
This petition was granted, although several who signed the same were then living in the Middle District. What became of the school house, the number of scholars, and names of the teachers, has not been ascertained.
THE NORTHWEST SCHOOL DISTRICT
During its existence this school district was unlike others in town in that it possessed no building, the scholars attending a school in the town of Walpole. No action was taken in town meeting March, 1799, upon an article to set off a certain number of inhabitants in the Northwest part of Surry to join with Walpole. The following petition, however, was by a vote of the town, granted on March 2, 1801:
"The Petition of the Subscribers to the Legal Voters of the Town of Surry Humbly Shewith That as they Annually Pay their Proportion of School Taxes in said Town of Surry and that they are so situated that they are not conveaned by the school in their District, therefore they Pray that Said Town will set them off or grant them the privilege to pay their proportion of School Money to a District in Walpole where their children may be Greatly Benefited thereby, as in Duty bond will ever pray, Surry, February 28, 1801."
"N. B. The addition Daniel Marsh
Zebulon Streeter
will be very ac-
John Barnett John Marvin
ceptable to our School District in Walpole.
George Barnett
William Hartwell
Mathew Dickey Jesse Streeter
George Cochran Benjamin Isham
John Marsh Daniel Streeter William Perkins."
Daniel Streeter collected a tax of $8.65 for the year 1802; John Marvin in 1803 collected a similar amount. Conditions appear to have been harmonious in that part of the town for nearly a score of years while the youth were be- ing thoroughly instructed in "the three Rs" at No. 7 school in Walpole, fitting them to become respected and useful citizens.
For some unknown cause which the records do not reveal, it was voted in town meeting in March 1819, to concentrate the Northwest and the North school district into one school.
We have no knowledge of the number of pupils in that part of Surry dur- ing that period, nor the name of any of their Walpole teachers.
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HISTORY OF SURRY
SURRY SELECT SCHOOL
September 5, 1842, Rev. Luther J. Fletcher opened a school with about 40 pupils.
In 1857 or '58, S. Harrison Porter kept a select school in the village school house with about 30 scholars, and George W. Britton in 1859:
Surry July 18, 1859,
Surry Select School will begin Aug. 31, (Wednesday) and continue for eleven weeks under the charge of George W. Britton, Principal; Miss Persis E. Harvey, Assistant and W. H. Starkweather as teacher of Penmanship. Tuition and board, $3.00 to $4.00 per week.
-From Keene Sentinel.
This school was maintained for about three winter terms, then ceased.
SURRY COMMON SCHOOL ASSOCIATION
This association was organized and the first officers chosen, Jan. 6, 1858.
PREAMBLE
Believing that a Common School Association in the town will be conducive of interest to Scholars, Teachers, Parents and the friends of Education, and will have a tendency to promote a union of feeling and harmony of effect in the common cause; Therefore we resolve to form ourselves into such an asso- ciation and be governed by the following constitution and by laws.
CONSTITUTION
Art. i. This assocciation shall be known as the Surry Common School As- sociation.
Art. ii. It shall be under the direction of a President, two Vice Presidents, a Secretary and five directors. .
Art. iii. This association shall choose its officers annually on the evening of the second Wednesday in December.
Art. iv. This association shall meet once in two weeks during the months of Jan. Feb., and Dec.
Art. v. Any person will be considered a member of this associaton who will take part in its exercises.
Art. vi. This Constitution and By Laws may be remended at any regular meeting of the Association.
BY-LAWS
Sec. i. It shall be the duty of the President to preside over the meeting and preserve order.
Sec. ii. It shall be the duty of the Vice President to perform the duty of the President in his absence.
Sec. iii. It shall be the duty of the Secretary to keep a record of the meeting and report when required.
Sec. iv. It shall be the duty of the Directors to determine what exercises may come before the Association, and to attend to the general business of the same.
225
SOCIAL HISTORY
Sec. v. It shall be the duty of every member to assist in the exercises and give their influence to sustain order, and make the meeting in- structive and interesting.
John K. Joslin was chosen first president, and George H. Joslin the first secretary. No other officers, or records of this association have been dis- covered. It is probable it had but short existence.
THE SURRY LITERARY CLUB
This club was organized and the first meeting held Dec. 28, 1853. For several years it was in a flourishing and prosperous condition. Lyceums took place in the village school house and in the old meeting house during the winter months, and many of the debates were spirited and animated. The club held meetings until about 1856, and later the Surry Common School Association was organized.
THE SURRY LITERARY CLUB PREAMBLE:
Whereas we the undersigned consider the practice of writing and speaking conducive to the improvement of the young, we do hereby form ourselves into a society for the purpose, and adopt the following constitution and by-laws for the government of the same.
CONSTITUTION
Art. i. This society shall be known as the Surry Literary Club.
Art. ii. The officers of this Club shall consist of a President, vice-President, Secretary and five Directors.
Art. iii. It shall be the duty of the President to preside at all meetings of the Club & of the vice President to preside in his absence.
Art. iv. It shall be the duty of the Secretary to keep a faithful record of the doings of the Club, report the same, post notices, etc.
Art. v. It shall be the duty of the Directors to manage the general affairs of the Club.
Art. vi. Any person may become a member of the Club by signing the con- stitution.
Art. vii. This constitution may be altered or amended at any regular meet- ing of the Club.
BY-LAWS
Art. i. The meetings of this Club shall be held on Wednesday evening of each week at the center school house.
Art. ii. The exercises of this Club shall consist of debates, essays, declama- tions, etc.
Art. iii. The officers of this Club shall hold their offices for two weeks.
Art. iv. The board of directors shall consist of two members of the Club who shall act in connection with the President, vice President and Secretary.
Art. v. The by-laws of this Club may be altered as may from time to time be necessary.
15
226
HISTORY OF SURRY
The first officers were: Pres., George K. Harvey; vice pres., George A. Ste- vens; sec., Sewall F. Rugg. These, with Charles Davis and John C. Brown, formed the board of directors.
The following were the charter members, or became members soon after the club was organized :
George K. Harvey John K. Joslin
Charlotte B. Ellis
George A. Stevens
John L. Foss
Sarah B. Harvey
Francis A. Allen
Charles A. Whitney
Sarah J. Woodward
John C. Brown
Joseph B. Abbott
Rosanna A. Crehore
Charles Davis
Artemas A. Adams
Mary S. Stone
George W. Benton
Thomas S. Rice
Lucy M. Cushing
Sewall F. Rugg
Rufus Mason
Persis E. Harvey
George E. Holbrook
Dr. John Petts
Mary A. Joslin
Rufus H. Stone
J. C. Carpenter
Sarah R. Joslin
Luman M. Carpenter
J. Carpenter
Mary E. Dort
Marshal B. Britton
John Adams
Lucy A. Allen.
George H. Joslin
The club prospered and the debates were filled with zeal and much local talent was exerted. New members were added so that one year later the fol- lowing had joined :
William Carpenter
Wm. Wallace Wilcox
Pamelia A. Cushing
Elliot C. Scovel
C. Wharton Wilcox
Julia A. Tyler
Henry J. Day
Henry H. Wilcox
Caroline A. Durrell
Asahel H. Crehore
Geo. H. McCoy
Celuda J. Tufts
Edward A. Kingsbury
Luther A. Wilkins
Sabra M. Tufts
Lewis S. Woodward
Davis Carpenter
Ellen E. Cushing
James S. Carpenter
Susan A. Cushing
Andrew J. Allen
Louisa M. Holbrook
Mary J. Holbrook
G. Milton Reed John A. Wilcox
Sarah E. Stone
The meetings of the club were always well attended and from a few of the subjects under debate it would appear the members were well advanced for the times ;- Resolved, that the world grows better; that the Maine Liquor law is unconstitutional; that the tide of foreign emigration ought to be checked; that the learned professions offer to the young inducements equal to other employments.
George K. Harvey and J. C. Brown in the affirmative and Artemas A. Adams and Charles Whitney in the negative discussed and debated the sub- ject; resolved that the females should be entitled to the same political and educational privileges as the male. The record tells us that interesting re- marks were made on both sides of this question by volunteers, and it was de- cided by the house 11 in the negative and 10 in the affirmative. The board of decision, however, decided in favor of the affirmative.
"Resolved : That wealth exerts a greater influence over mankind than talent," was debated and decided in the affirmative by the full board of de- cision one evening.
George Henry Joslin and A. J. Allen in the affirmative and John K. Joslin and Marshall Britton in the negative debated the question: "Has intemper-
227
SOCIAL HISTORY
ance caused more misery than war?" The club voted "no" on this question, but the board of decision voted in the affirmative.
Declamations, music, and a paper edited by the female members of the club were a part of the order of exercises. The following is a sample of the club meetings :
"Surry Literary Club for mental improvement met at the appointed time (6-30 P. M.) March 8th, 1854. Called to order by the President A. A. Adams, heard the proceedings of the last meeting read by the Secretary, H. Hayward.
ORDER OF EXERCISES
1. Salutory by Ellery Merriam.
2. Song by Messrs. Rugg, Stevens & Britton. "I'll hang my harp on a willow tree."
3. Declamation by George H. Joslin. Subject, "The Devils Bridge."
4. Debate on the Resolution-That African slavery has reached the Zenith of its glory in the United States."
Disputants-
Aff. E. A. Darby. Neg. G. K. Harvey.
5. Decision of the question in the negative.
6. Reading of the Diadem by the editors, Misses E. E. Joslin & P. E. Har- vey.
7. Declamation by E. Merriam.
8. Poetical essay by E. A. Darby.
9. Colloquy by 9 young ladies.
10. A play from the Lady of the Lake. In 7 acts.
11. Song, "My Highland Home," by Messrs. Rugg, Stevens and Britton.
12. Reading of the Diadem by the editors.
13. Declamation by J. K. Joslin.
14. Comedy by J. K. Joslin and H. H. Hayward.
15. Recitation by George K. Harvey. Subject, "The Maniac."
16. Song, "The Dismal Swamp," by Messrs. Rugg, Stevens and Britton.
17. Valedictory by A. A. Adams.
Nov. 1, 1854, the constitution was changed, a treasurer was added to the list of officers, and the number of directors changed to three. The by-laws were also revised; treasurer and directors were chosen annually, other officers every two weeks. The place of meeting was the new meeting-house, and a new article was added which read:
"Art. 7. The Club shall close its meetings at 91/2 o'clock; the apportionment of time to be left to the directors. Provided that the Club may vote to extend the time an hour if in their opinion it would be condusive to the interest of the meeting."
The last meeting of the club was held in 1855 probably. A few years later the Common School association was organized on a similar plan as the Literary club.
228
HISTORY OF SURRY
SURRY SOCIAL LIBRARY
This library was incorporated in 1802 by an act of the New Hampshire legislature and continued to exist for a period of about 45 years. As will here-in-after be seen, the proprietors had authority to elect new officers, im- pose fines and penalties upon its members and in fact transact all business as occasion required.
State of New Hampshire,
In the year of our Lord, one thousand, eight hundred and two, An Act for incorporating certain persons by the name of the Proprietors of the Social Library in Surry.
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representative in Gen- eral Court convened, that Perley Howe, Nathan Estabrook, Lemuel Holmes and Jonathan Robinson and their associates, Proprietors of said Library and all such as may hereafter become Proprietors of the same, be, and they hereby are incorporated into a Body Politick by the name of Proprietors of the Social Library in Surry with continuation and succession forever; and in short they may sue and be sued in all actions pers x x X X X
x x ,and they are hereby vested with all the powers and privileges incident to corporations of that nature, and may injoin penalties of disfranchisement or fines not exceeding four dollars for each offence to be recovered by said society in an action of debt for their use in any Court proper to try the same and may make purchase, receive subscription & donations or grants of personal estates not ex- ceeding one thousand dollars for the purposes and use of their associa- tion.
And be it further enacted, that the said Society be and they hereby are authorized to assemble at Surry aforesaid on the first Monday in April annually to choose all such officers as may be necessary for the orderly conducting the affairs of said Corporation who shall continue in office until others are chosen in their room, and that said Corporation may assemble as often as may be found necessary for filling up any vacancies which may happen in said office and for transacting all other business excepting the raising of money which shall always be done at the annual meeting and at no other time, at which time they shall vote all necessary sums for defraying the annual expense of preserving said Library, and for enlarging the same, and said Corporation shall have power to make such rules and bye-laws for the government of said so- ciety as may from time to time be found necessary, providing the same be not repugnant to the Constitution and laws of this State.
And be it further enacted that Lemuel Holmes Esquire is hereby au- thorized and impowered to call the first meeting of said Proprietors at such time and place as he may appoint by posting up a notification (illegible; but possibly, thus-of such meeting) in said Surry at least fifteen days prior to-x x illegible .x x-the Porprietors at said meeting shall have-x x x x-choose officers and make bye-laws- X
x x x-Act at their annual meeting.
229
SOCIAL HISTORY
State of New Hampshire
In the House of Representative June 9, 1802
The foregoing Bill having had three several readings passed to be enacted. Sent up for concurrence. John Prentice Speaker.
In Senate June 10th, 1802. This Bill having been read a third time was enacted.
Amos Shepard President. J. T. Gilman Govnr.
Approved June 10th, 1802. A true copy examined. P. J. Pearson Secy. The list of officers and minutes of meetings of the Social Library prior to 1815 have not been discovered. In 1818 there were 31 members or proprietors, as follows :
1. Rev. Perley Howe
17. Levi Fuller
2. Nathan Estabrook
18. Josiah Knight
3. Jonathan Robinson
19. Peter Joslin
4. Jesse Streeter
20. James McCurdy
5. Alfred Carpenter
21. Samuel Robinson
6. John McCurdy
22. Asahel Harvey
7. Peter Joslin Jr.
23. Maj. Nathan Hayward
8. Dr. Philip Monroe
24. Alexander Ralston's heirs
9. Samuel Hills
25. Eliphaz Field
10. Capt. Samuel Allen
26. Phinehas Allen's heirs
11. Obadiah Reed
27. Eli Dort
12. Ezra Carpenter
28. Samuel Allen
13. Moses Field's heirs
29. Benjamin Gould
14. Levi Hancock
30. William Holbrook
31. Moses Hill
May 7, 1815 it was voted to choose a committee of four to revise the con- stitution and make such alterations and amendments in the by-laws as may be for the benefit of the corporation. The committee chosen for that purpose were: Samuel Hills, Esq., Asahel Harvey, Rev. Perley Howe and Dr. Philip Monroe.
February 23, 1818 the purchasing committee reported the following books bought and deposited in the library :
Bonaparte's Campaign in Russia.
Winchester's Dialogues.
History of the Shaking Quakers. Wars of the Jews.
Locke on Christianity.
Management of the Tongue.
Letters-Elder Brother to Younger.
Asahel Harvey, Purchasing Committee.
Ten years later Surry Social Library was in a flourishing condition and probably reached the apex of its existence within a few years.
Russell's History of the American War.
Complaint of Peace.
15. Gaylord Wilcox's heirs
16. Eliphalet Dort
230
HISTORY OF SURRY
The following Memorandum of Shares were sold at auction, by Jonathan Robinson, Jr., Apr. 7, 1828 for the payment of taxes of said shares :
Name of Proprietors.
No
Name of Purchasers.
Benjamin Proctor
Jonathan Robinson, Jr. 7
Dr. Philip Monroe
8 Dr. Philip Monroe
Samuel Hills (deceased)
9 Benjamin Hills
Esq. David Shaw
10 Capt. E. Dort
Obadiah Reed
11 Jonathan Robinson, Jr.
Dr. Jonathan E. Davis
13 Dr. Jonathan E. Davis
Levi Hancock
14 Jonathan Robinson, Jr.
Gaylord Wilcox, heirs
15 Capt. E. Dort
Luke Joslin
19 Jonathan Robinson, Jr.
Dr. Jonathan E. Davis
20
Dr. Jonathan E. Davis
Maj. Nathan Howard-Hayward
23
Obed Dort
Jonathan Robinson, Jr.
24
Jonathan Robinson, Jr.
Eliphaz Field
25
Ichabod Crane
Phinehas Allen, heirs
26 Jonathan Robinson, Jr.
Dr. Jonathan E. Davis
28 Dr. Jonathan E. Davis
Elihu Dort
29
Capt. E. Dort
William Holbrook, heirs
30
Dr. Jonathan E. Davis
Samuel Robinson
31 Jonathan Robinson, Jr.
Obed Dort
32 Obed Dort
Jonathan Robinson, Sr.
33 Jonathan Robinson, Jr.
Otis Daggett
34
Same
Jonas Pollard
35 Capt. E. Dort
Francis Holbrook
37 Ichabod Crane
Jonathan Robinson, Jr.
38 Jonathan Robinson, Jr.
Elihu Dort
39
Same
Samuel Hills
40 Benjamin Hills
James Hatch
41 Jonathan Robinson, Esq.
Benjamin E. Webster
43 Obed Dort
Warren Carpenter
44 Samuel Robinson
Silas Perry
45
Joseph Whitcomb
Louisa Perry
46 Benjamin Hills
Thomas Humphrey
47 Jonathan Robinson, Jr.
Peter Hayward
49 Jonathan Robinson, Jr.
Henry Britton
50 Joseph Whitcomb
Henry Britton
53 Obed Dort
Daniel Marsh
54 Capt. E. Dort
Jonathan Robinson, Jr.
55 Jonathan Robinson, Jr.
Isaiah Wilder
56 Obed Dort
John May, heirs
57 Jonathan Robinson, Jr.
Samuel Robinson
60 Rev. Perley Howe
Dr. Jonathan E. Davis
61 Dr. Jonathan E. Davis
Polly Withington
62 Jonathan Robinson, Jr.
During the existence of this corporation the library doubtless was kept in dwelling houses among its members-the last place being in Eliphaz Field's
231
SOCIAL HISTORY
house, now the home place, of Frank E. Ellis. The old book case for so many years connected with this library is now in the hands of Mrs. Helen (Ellis) Harris, of Keene.
THE REED FREE LIBRARY
Through the generosity of two sons of Surry-Charles Daggett Reed and Gideon F. T. Reed-this town and her citizens have received during the past 40 years a direct benefit, not only financially but mentally, as well.
At a legal town meeting duly notified and held at Surry on the 17th of July 1880 :
Art. 1, Chose George K. Harvey moderator.
Art. 2, "To see what action the town will take in relation to the furnishing of a suitable place for the keeping of the Library donated to the town by the children of the late David Reed, Jr., and to pass any vote re- lating thereto, and appropriate or raise money to carry out said vote," it was,
Voted: to choose a Committee of three-Dr. William H. Porter, George K. Harvey and Charles Wharton Wilcox-to make inquiries in relation to what can be done in the matter of a building for the Library and report at an adjourned meeting.
Voted to adjourn to August 7th, next at four o'clock in the after- noon.
Met according to adjournment August 7th, 1880: On Motion,
Voted, that the Town accept the proposition of George W. Britton to terminate his lease of the town building (Town Hall), and proceed to a final settlement according to the terms of the lease.
Voted, that the town finish off the west half of the lower Story of the Town Hall Building, suitable for a Library room, and present it to the Trustees of the Reed Free Library, for the use of the Library.
Voted, to choose a Committee of three by nomination to finish off the room for the Library; Chose John H. Rogers, Charles W. Wilcox and George K. Harvey for said Committee.
Voted to appropriate Two hundred and fifty dollars ($250.00) now in the Treasury to fit up the room for the Library.
August 7th 1880. "The following Resolution was passed unanimously by a rising vote :
"Whereas the children of the late David Reed have very generously remembered their native Town, by paying the town debt of forty five hundred dollars ($4500.00), and giving a further sum of five thousand dollars ($5000.00) to establish a free Library, therefore,
"Resolved-That the Citizens of Surry in town Meeting assembled accept the Magnificent gift and with hearty thanks ans Greatful bene- dictions for the donars, enter this resolution in the records of the Town-
"On motion voted to adjourn without day -.
A true record Attest. . W. H. Porter
Town Clerk."
232
HISTORY OF SURRY
At a Town Meeting Nov. 2, 1880: On motion,
Voted to request the Trustees of the Library to keep the Library open for the accomodation of the public one day in each week, also voted to pay the Librarian fifty dollars a year, to be paid quarterly.
This document which has hung on the wall of the Reed Free Library for over 20 years is supposed to be a copy of the original articles drawn by the donors of the Library :
The children of the late David Reed, Jr., of Surry, N. H. propose to donate to the town; First, $4500.00 to pay off the amount of the town debt in full as now estimated up to July 1, 1880, and also a further sum of $5000.00 for the purpose of establishing a Free Library for their na- tive town, on the following conditions, viz .:
1st. It shall be free to all the citizens of the town, and open one day in every week for the accomodation of the people, loan of books, etc.
2nd. In the selection of Books, they shall consist mainly of Standard Works on Agriculture, Mechanics, History, Biography and the useful Sciences, and such generally as are best adapted for the instruction and entertainment of the people old and young.
3rd. The doners shall nominate and appoint not less than five persons of the town to organize, make by-laws, rules and penalties for the safe keeping and management of the Library, and all vacancies there- after from any cause shall be filled by the remaining members, who may be male, female or both, that may be considered most competent and willing to serve gratuitously; they may however, employ a com- petent person as librarian at the expense of the town or by voluntary subscription as they may deem best, and consider most desirable at a proper compensation.
4th. (Nothing appears on the paper under this article).
5th. There shall be no distinction or preference for or against any sect, or party, either in religion or politics; all persons of good repute and habits to share equally in the benefits and use of the library.
6th. The committee or trustees named shall have the privilege and are authorized to expend a sum not exceeding $500.00 of the fund to fit up and furnish with proper shelving, cases and other necessary fur- niture in the town hall or any other place they may select for the safe use and convenience of the library, and comfortable accomoda- tions for the visitors and officers.
7th. The doners now nominate and appoint as a committee or trustees to carry out the foregoing;
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SOCIAL HISTORY
George K. Harvey, William H. Porter, M. D., C. Wharton Wilcox, Persis E. Harvey and Nancy A. Reed, who shall elect when organized one of their number chairman, and a secretary and treasurer, who shall keep a correct account of all outlays and record of their official acts.
"The Reed Free Library" was opened Jan. 1, 1881, with 757 volumes. Mary E. Wilcox, librarian, which office she held until her death in 1899. Francis F. Field was her successor. In 1909 he was succeeded by Minnie Harvey, who still holds the office (1923). The Library numbers at this time 4364 volumes. In 1923 Lois Anderson was chosen assistant-librarian.
During the fall of 1921 under the direction of Miss Grace Kingsland of the State Library Commission, a more systematic and up-to-date arrangement of the books in the library was made. A card catalogue was installed, juvenile books assigned to one corner of the library, reference books made more read- ily accessible, current fiction, magazines, works of science given a prominent place on the delivery table, and other changes were made.
None of the Trustees appointed by the donors are now living. The present board consists of Hollis W. Harvey, chairman; Myron H. Porter, treasurer; Grace E. Stillings, secretary; Mary C. Wilcox, Helen J. Reed.
MUSIC
So far as ascertained, Rev. Luther J. Fletcher taught the first singing- school in town. This was held in the village school-house and began March 2, 1842. He was succeeded a few years later by Nathan D. Reed. Mr. Reed, who possessed considerable natural musical ability, also played the violin and bass viol .. He had some 40 pupils in his school and on Sundays they all came out to assist in the music in the old meeting house. An old resident stated, "and never has Surry heard such swell music."
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