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 24
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Sewall Rugg opened a school about 1849 in the northwest room in his house, No. 30. Later he taught in the hall in the ell of Frank E. Nesmith's house, No. 68.
A Mr. Gilpatrick taught singing school in the village school house 1852-3, and he was succeeded by a Mr. Partridge from East Alstead or Marlow. Mr. Olson L. Mason of Keene taught one term in village school house, about 1900, and there probably were others.
STEVENS BAND
This band was composed of Almond, George and Holland Stevens, Nathan D. Reed, John A. Cushing, Hiram Britton and Henry H. Wilcox, although,
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HISTORY OF SURRY
not all were members of the band at same time. For several seasons this band went about playing at balls, not only in Surry and adjoining towns, but Windsor and Windham counties in Vermont.
DANCING SCHOOL
Abijah Benton taught dancing school in town prior to 1835, being suc- ceeded by John Langdon Britton before 1845, who by his long experience in and near Boston, was an able instructor. Tradition says none knew the step better than "Lang Britton." Almond Stevens opened a school in the village hotel "ball room" in 1855 or '56 with 30 or 40 scholars. George A. Stevens had a class of 25 to 30 pupils during the winter, 1873-'74, and George Long of Alstead kept a school of about the same number of pupils during 1894-5.
THE SURRY OLD HOME WEEK ASSOCIATION
Inspired by one of the noblest sentiments that can stir the human heart Gov. Frank W. Rollins established the Old Home Week in New Hampshire in 1899. That year Surry became interested in the movement and formed an as- sociation, June 29th, and the following officers were chosen: President, Charles H. Blake; first vice president, Henry A. Pike; second vice president, Frederick R. Crain; secretary and treasurer, Frank E. Nesmith; executive committee, James D. Carter, Harrison N. Scripture, and Myron H. Porter.
The day was first observed in Surry, Wednesday Aug. 30, 1899 at "Carter's grove," now the "Wright grove." With the exception of 1918 the day has been observed each year since that date. In 1919 special exercises were held to celebrate the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the incorporation of the town. The following is abridged from an old invitation :
"The citizens of Surry having formed a local Old Home Week Asso- ciation, send greetings. All people now living in town, or former resi- dents thereof, are members of this Association without further action. This association cordially invites you to return and celebrate the occa- sion at James D. Carter's Grove on Friday Aug. 17, 1900. If stormy, at the Town Hall."
Mrs. Marietta C. Wright purchased the Grove about 1906 and upon her death bequeathed it to the town of Surry.
The following table gives date of celebration and officers:
1. 1899, Wed. Aug. 30, C. H. Blake, P., H. A. Pike,
1st V.P., F. E. Nesmith, S .- T., 2. 1900, Fri. Aug. 17, M. H. Porter, P., C. H. Blake,
3. 1901, Tus. Aug. 20, M. H. Porter, P., V.P., F. E. Nesmith, S .- T., S., N. Reed, T.
4. 1902, Wed. Aug. 20, S. J. Wilder, P., H. N. Scripture, V.P., F. F. Field, 5. 1903, Wed. Aug. 19, D. D. Wilder, P., J. V. Stillings, V.P., F. F. Field,
S.,
6. 1904, Wed. Aug. 24, H. W. Harvey, P.,
7. 1905, Wed. Aug. 23, E. H. Joslin, P.,
, V.P., Mary Ethel Britton, S., 8. 1906, Wed. Aug. 22, E. H. Joslin, P.,
, V.P., Mary Ethel Britton, S., S., V.P., Velma M. Newton, ,
10. 1908, Wed. Aug. 19, F. E. Nesmith, P.,
11. 1909, Thr. Aug. 26, F. E. Nesmith, P.,
E. H. Joslin,
V.P., Elizabeth E. Harvey,
S.,
12. 1910, Thr. Aug. 25, Geo. A. Hall, P., Rev. H. S. Kimball, V.P., Kate H. Porter, S.,
13. 1911, Wed. Aug. 23, Geo. A. Hall, P., Rev. H. S. Kimball, V.P.,
Kate H. Porter, S.,
14. 1912, Wed. Aug. 21, Geo. A. Hall, P., Rev. H. S. Kimball, V.P., Kate H. Porter, S.,
15. 1913, Wed. Aug. 20, Geo. A. Hall, 16, 1914, Wed. Aug. 19, Geo. A. Hall, 17. 1915, Wed. Aug. 25, Geo. A. Hall, P., Samuel Ball,
P., Rev. H. S. Kimball, V.P.,
Kate H. Porter, S.,
P., Rev. H. S. Kimball, V.P., Velma M. Newton S.,
V.P., Velma M. Newton S., 18. 1916, Wed. Aug. 23, Geo. A. Hall, P., Samuel Ball, V.P., Velma M. Newton S.,
V.P., Myrtie L. Carpenter, S.,
19. 1917, Wed. Aug. 22, Geo. A. Hall, P., G. B. Conley, 1918, The day was not observed. 20. 1919, Wed. Aug. 20, G. A. Hall, P., H. W. Harvey, V.P., Mrs. H. E. Scripture, S., S. J. Wilder, T.
21. 1920, Wed. Aug. 25, G. A. Hall, 22. 1921, Wed. Aug. 24, G. A. Hall, P., H. W. Harvey, P., H. W. Harvey,
P., H. W. Harvey,
V.P., Mrs. H. E. Scripture,
V.P., F. B. Kingsbury, S .- T., V.P., F. B. Kingsbury, S .- T.,
S., F. B. Kingsbury, T.
23. 1922, Wed. Aug. 23, G. A. Hall,
V.P., F. E. Nesmith, S .- T.,
, V.P., Ellen H. Newton, S.,
9. 1907, Wed. Aug. 21, E. H. Joslin, P.,
V.P., Elizabeth E. Harvey, ,
S.,
SOCIAL HISTORY
235
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HISTORY OF SURRY
The celebration has been held at the Carter-Wright grove each year when pleasant, except in 1919, when exercises were held at the hall in the forenoon and afternoon at the grove.
THE WRIGHT GROVE
For many years this pine grove was on a portion of the Crehore farm, No. 24. Amos H., James D. and Selwin I. Carter owned the property. The latter sold to Herbert R. Crain May 9, 1904. Mrs. Marietta C. Wright learning it was to be cut over purchased the property and upon her death bequeathed it to the town of Surry. The Surry Old Home Week Association have held their annual celebration in this grove.
A boulder was placed here upon which a bronze tablet with the following inscriptions was unveiled :
"I GIVE, DEVISE AND BEQUEATH TO THE TOWN OF SURRY, THE 'OLD HOME WEEK PINE GROVE,' TO HAVE AND TO HOLD THE SAME IN FEE SIMPLE FOREVER." MARIETTA C. WRIGHT
THIS TABLET IS ERECTED BY THE PEOPLE OF SURRY IN APPRECIATION OF THIS GIFT. DEDICATED AUG. 23, 1922.
FRATERNITIES
MASONIC ORDER
The first fraternity to meet and hold meetings within our borders, as is the case in many other towns, was that of the Masonic Lodge. Although there were several members living in town during the first half of the last century, we have no complete list and but little can now be gathered from the Lodges in Keene and Alstead, concerning the order here.
In the old hall on the second floor in Capt. Simon Baxter's tavern-the late Shaw house at "Shaw's Corner"-the Masonic body held their meetings in Surry. The compasses used in building the Surry Lodge are now in the pos- session of J. V. Stillings. St. Paul's Lodge was instituted at Alstead Centre June 11, 1818 and about 1840 moved to what was long known as Paper Mill Village, in the north part of that town-now, Alstead village.
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FRATERNITIES
In 1862 a fire destroyed their Hall and practically all their records. It is known, however, that in the early years of that lodge meetings were held for the benefit of their out of town members in "halls" fitted up for the occasion in each locality. Quite probably the Surry Lodge was connected with St. Paul's Lodge of Alstead.
The following is a partial list of men who have been members of that fraternity, who have lived in Surry at some time or have in some way been connected with the town:
Rev. Clement Sumner, pastor of the Congregational church in Keene.
Capt. Simon Baxter, Jr. of Alstead and Surry.
Alexander Ralston, who had interests in Keene, Surry and Claremont.
Peleg Sprague, of Keene, owned property in Surry; possibly lived here.
Samuel McCurdy, who lived in south part of Surry for many years.
James Kingsbury-probably the man of that name living in Surry in 1796. Rev. Perley Howe, pastor of Surry church over forty years.
Capt. Thomas Humphrey, a sea-captain and inn-keeper in Surry.
Silas Perry, Sr., of Keene; owned property and possibly once lived in Surry.
Asa Wilcox, Jr., a life long resident of Surry.
Henry H. Wilcox, a Surry man; lived and died in Keene.
Augustus Johnson, a resident of the town for many years.
Jasper N. Keller
Albert E. Vincellette
L. C. Stillings
J. V. Stillings
Samuel Ball
Francis Bain
Henry L. Phillips
Chas. N. Phillips
La Forest Carpenter
Chas. N. Carpenter
Fred A. Carpenter
SURRY GRANGE
No social or fraternal organization in town in the last fifty years has been more prosperous, or done more to promote industry, good-will and harmony among its citizens, than Surry Grange.
The following is a brief history of that Order; including the Charter Mem- bers and first officers taken from their records :
Surry, N. H. Nov. 11, 1890,
At a meeting called at the Town Hall for the purpose of Organizing a Grange, a petition was presented with fifty-two Charter Names as follows :
1 Dr. William H. Porter 6 Frederick R. Crain
2 Mrs. William H. Porter
7 Mrs. Melissa C. Crain
3 Miss Kate H. Porter
8 Miss Bessie Crain
4 Frank E. Nesmith
9 Frank P. Crain
5 Mrs. Mary L. Nesmith 10 Miss Jane H. Crain
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HISTORY OF SURRY
11 Harrison N. Scripture
32 Charles H. Blake
12 Miss Ada B. Scripture
33 Cyrus Kingsbury
13 Myron H. Porter
34 Mrs. Lydia J. Kingsbury
14 Mrs. Ada I. Porter
35 George B. Britton
15 Francis F. Field
36
Fred E. Carpenter
16 Mrs. Mary E. Field
37 Otis W. Kingsbury
17 Charles C. Olmsted
38 Mrs. Sarah R. Kingsbury
18 Mrs. Catherine L. Olmsted
39 Miss Mabel E. May
19 Miss Adelaide A. Olmsted
40 Stephen Slade
20 Ephraim B. Newton
41 Mrs. Ellen M. Slade
21 Mrs. Harriet P. Newton
42 Miss Maud L. Carpenter
22 Mr. Lewis Newton
43 John W. Conley, Jr.
23 Herbert R. Crain
44 Mrs. Ellen F. Conley
24 Mrs. Gertrude J. Crain
45 Miss Lizzie E. Britton
25 Mrs. Mary E. Carpenter
26 Miss Arabella E. Stearns
27 Mrs. Sarah W. Harvey
48 Mrs. Minnie E. Wilber
28 Hollis W. Harvey
49 Mrs. Anna Morrison
29 John A. Weber
50 Miss Anna E. Howes
30 Michael Gorman
51 Charles W. Bridge
31 Mrs. Alice H. Gorman
52 Mrs. Maria L. Bridge
The meeting was called to order by Brother George K. Harvey of Cheshire (Keene) Grange, who introduced State Deputy E. C. Hutchinson of Milford, N. H. After a few remarks by the Deputy and a song by the choir, then proceeded to organize a Grange. Brother George K. Harvey was appointed Treasurer and Brother William S. Mansfield as Secretary pro tem. The Grange being organized in due form; then proceeded to election of Officers. The following Officers were declared elected by Ballot:
SURRY GRANGE
Master, Dr. William H. Porter
Overseer, Frank E. Nesmith
Lecturer, Mrs. Mary E. Field
Steward, Harrison N. Scripture
Ass't Steward, Myron H. Porter
Chaplain, George B. Britton Treasurer, Cyrus Kingsbury
Secretary, John A. Weber
Gate Keeper, Otis W. Kingsbury
Ceres, Mrs. Catherine L. Olmsted
Pomona, Miss Belle E. Stearns
Flora, Mrs. Melissa C. Crain
Lady Ass't Steward, Miss Ada B. Scripture
SURRY REFORM CLUB
The Surry Reform Club was formed about 1874 in the interest of the Tem- perance cause, and existed for about three years, during which time it was
46 Ezekiel O. Whitcomb
47 Theodore G. Field
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PROFESSIONS
quite a successful and prosperous organization; holding several dramatic en- tertainments each year.
The records of this Club have not been discovered, but Mason A. Carpenter was the first President. The following are known to have been members:
Lewis F. Blake
George K. Harvey
George M. Blake
Persis E. Harvey
Mrs. Lucy A. Britton
James E. Harvey
Mary E. Britton
Edward H. Joslin
Frank H. Britton
Samuel L. Newton
Flora E. Britton
Frank A. Poole
Mary L. Brown
W. H. Porter, M. D.
Mrs. Lucy M. Carpenter
Mrs. Clementine R. Porter
Mrs. Mary E. Carpenter
Myron H. Porter
Mason A. Carpenter
Nellie H. Porter
Flora A. Carpenter
Kate H. Porter
Merrill D. Carpenter
Hattie A. Streeter
LaForest J. Carpenter
Mrs. M. Alice Thompson
Nettie M. Carpenter
Bertha A. Wilbur
George D. Holland
Alice L. Wilcox
PROFESSIONS
The medical profession was represented in town for over one hundred years -from about 1784 until the death of Dr. William H. Porter, in 1894. The two outstanding doctors were Dr. Philip. Monrce and Dr. Porter who spent most of their active lives in town.
Dr. Philip Monroe the first of the profession so far as known to settle in town, came about 1784. He lived first above the village but moved to No. 23 before 1790 and where he remained until his death in 1832. There is a tradi- tion that he believed in witchcraft.
Dr. Abner Bliss of Gilsum came into town as early as 1790 and after liv- ing here a few years, removed to Alstead. The Gilsum History states he was the first physician of that town, and "had an extensive and successful prac- tice." He died in Alstead in 1812.
Dr. Reuben Phillips was living in town prior to 1790 and remained until about 1796.
Dr. Isaac Monroe a brother of Dr. Philip Monroe was in town in 1792, re- moved to Westmoreland but returned in 1801 and remained until 1811-12. It is interesting to note there were four doctors in Surry in 1792.
Dr. Jeremiah Ingraham appeared in town as early as 1794 at which time he and his wife were "warned out" but remained for some years. It is be- lieved his practice was slight and of no very great importance.
Dr. Lewis Johnson was in practice in town, 1808 and '09, after which he lived in Westmoreland and died there in 1817. He was the father of Dr. Joshua Jewett Johnson of Keene.
240
HISTORY OF SURRY
Dr. Samuel Thomson, "founder of the Thomsonian System of medicine" was born in edge of Alstead but lived and practiced his profession in Surry and adjoining towns before and after 1800. During the first half of the last cen- tury his system had numerous followers among them one or more of his sons.
Dr. Calvin Haskins was in town, 1804 but remained only a few years.
Dr. James H. Bradford came in 1820 and removed about 1822.
Dr. John Wakefield moved into town as early as 1822 and remained until after 1824.
Dr. Jonathan E. Davis of Gilsum was in town from 1826 until 1828.
Dr. William H. Porter a student at the Worcester and Harvard Medical Colleges settled in town, Apr. 12, 1854, where he had a successful practice until nearly the time of his death. He was prominent in town affairs and postmaster for many years.
Old Dr. George W. Hammond of Gilsum; Dr. Noah Fuller of Westmoreland and Drs. Amos Twitchell, Gardner C. Hill of Keene, and others have prac- ticed in town.
241
POEMS
* LEGEND OF THE REVOLUTION
When the colonies strove for national birth, There were traitors in camp and around the hearth, As there always has been in all the earth- Bill Baxter was the man.
On the bend of the winding Ashuelot, ** An Englishman built on the land he bought, But his love for King George he never forgot- Bill Baxter was the man.
Round Bald Hill rises just east of the place ; § South, the White Rock looks like a shaven face- There the Tory lived, to the town's disgrace- Bill Baxter was the man.
The hillsides slope down almost to the dam, The beautiful pond spreads out like a fan, And here the vile Tory his treason began- Bill Baxter was the man.
The smoke cleared away from Bennington's ground, And many a Hessian was left to sleep sound; The roll was then called, and one was not found- Bill Baxter was the man.
The victors came back to Surry's bright vale, And told their story, and shouted "All hail"; The Tory looked down-turned suddenly pale- Bill Baxter was the man.
They marched him down to the gauntlet road,f Two beautiful elms as sentinels stood, And guarded the place as sentinels should- Bill Baxter was the man.
Each soldier was armed with a birchen stick, And he laid it on both heavy and quick, And followed it up with a terrible kick- Bill Baxter was the man.
Good Captain Harvey commanded so well, That some of the men made double strokes tell; Says the captain to Ase, "You laid it on well"- Bill Baxter was the man.
Let the Tories forever be treated just so, When we are attacked by a foreign foe- But fight not each other as savages do- Bill Baxter was the man.
*The author of this poem has not been discovered; the description is complete. ** This River is pronounced ; Ash-we-lot.
§The location of his house was at or near No. 116-see map.
¿Tradition says the "gauntlet road" was from the "Whipping Post" to No. 35, where two ancient elms are still standing.
16
242
HISTORY OF SURRY
SURRY MINE, NUMBER ONE.
Have you heard the news so fine? This much exciting story! They have found a priceless mine In little "One-horse Surry."
The Mountain old, brimful of Gold, Stands silent in its grandeur; There'll be a din when they begin To show its hidden splendor.
Tradition says, in olden times Some Spaniards came to Surry; They found a famous silver mine, But left it in a hurry.
For Civil war raged far and near, Their brilliant plans o'er throwing, They covered up their treasure here And left, but ne'er returning.
If in the spring the "boss" M. M .* Comes with his working army;
Perhaps we'll see heathen Chinee And men from every Country.
With greatest speed they'll build a bridge Across the roaring river; A level road will next be made Unto the great Bonanza.
We will ride with coach and span, Up to the very summit, And there the face of nature scan, Rare beauties stamped upon it.
Instead of this small one horse town, We'll have a two horse City; When this proves true as I have shown, I'll write another ditty.
Surry, November, 1879.
*"M. M." was for Mahlon Milleson, superintendent of The Granite State Gold and Silver Mining Co., which was then being formed.
CHAPTER XII.
INDUSTRIES.
No complete history of all the industries, large and small, is obtainable. Merchants, blacksmiths, tavern and hotel keepers, have predominated while there have been saw, grist, cider, fulling and malt mills; carriage and wheel- wright shops; tannery, hat shop, brick yard, charcoal pits and potash makers. There were two cabinet makers, several boot & shoe makers and silversmiths; a carding mill ran a short time; for years all the coffins used here were made in town. Between 1845 and 1865 the braiding of hats for out-of-town parties occupied the idle moments of both old and young, then came the seating of chairs for manufacturers in Keene. During more recent years several "por- table saw-mills" have been located in various parts of the town cutting off woodlots.
Several parties have built wood slides on the west side of the mountain and about 1873 Asa Fay built one, which ran down the hill east of No. 135.
During each fall for over 50 years droves of cattle from Vermont and northern New Hampshire passed through town.
MILLS, SHOPS, ETC.
Aaron Chapin and sons built the saw and grist mill at No. 112 about 1771, doubtless the first in town. After the death of Aaron, Capt. Simon Baxter purchased the property, then several parties held interests for from two to 10 years each. Harrison N. Scripture purchased the property in 1865 and he or his son now own the site. First they were called "Chapins mills," then for many years, "The Baxter mills" and now "Scripture's mill."
William Hayward built a saw mill at No. 5 before 1785. Many have owned this property and several mills have stood on the same site. The last one was torn down in 1920. During the last generation it has been called the "Rogers Mill."
Asahel Harvey had a saw mill at No. 174 as early as 1799 which stood until nearly 1850. After his death John Stevens ran the mill a year or two. The two latter mills, and the former (until 1880) all had the old up-and- down log saw, from which boards and timber were cut out to erect buildings in town.
George and C. Wharton Wilcox had bench saws in their carriage shop at No. 120.
Capt. Asa Wilcox had bench saws in his carriage shop at No. 127.
About 1850 bench saws and several lathes were being used in the old bark mill where bobbins were being turned out for factories.
The first grist mill, as stated, was built by Aaron Chapin at No. 112 about 1771. Mr. Scripture ran a grist mill in connection with his saw mill until about 1910.
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HISTORY OF SURRY
Asahel Harvey had a grist mill at No. 175 which was in use until about 1842. But little remains now to even mark its site.
Henry A. Weatherhead put in a small portable grist mill at No. 5 which he ran between 1900 and 1908.
CIDER MILLS.
Seventy or 100 years ago cider mills were quite numerous in town. Thomas Austin had one at No. 2; Eliphaz Field one at No. 8; Henry T. Ellis near No. 16; William Kingsbury at No. 20; Hollis Wilcox, at No. 92; Daniel Hodgkins at No. 133 after 1860; Benjamin Hills at No. 134; David Reed at No. 140; Ichabod Crane at No. 150; Jesse Streeter at 160; Ezra Carpenter at No. 169; Peter Joslin, No. 177; Royal Watkins, No. 219; Esq. Benjamin Car- penter, No. 222, and probably there were others of which we have no record. Frank E. Ellis built one at No. 6 in 1882 which is standing but not in use.
Ensign Asa Wilcox built a malt mill at No. 127 in 1799, but it was in use but a short time, if at all.
Capt. Asa Wilcox made cider brandy at No. 96 for a short time early in the last century.
The "fulling mill" built before 1800 at No. 120 was in use some 30 years, after which Capt. Asa Wilcox made it into a carriage shop, q. v.
CARDING MILLS
Between 1810 and '20 Capt. S. Baxter, Abijah Wetherbee, Jonathan Harvey, and John Stevens all paid tax on Carding Machinery.
John Hitchcock had a tan-vat near No. 118, in 1781-2, we therefore suppose he also had a tannery. Samuel Hills started in the tanning and currying business at No. 130 about 1800 and the business was in operation for some 45 years, under various proprietors.
Henry Kellogg, an ironsmith, built a shop at No. 148, about 1830, in which he carried on business a few years. He had a trip-hammer operated by water power.
Tradition says during the early history of the town a brick yard was in operation at No. 3.
BLACKSMITHS.
Blacksmith shops have been quite numerous. Joseph Whitney, a blacksmith, was living near No. 22 about 1767, and is supposed to have built a shop nearby, which Benjamin Whitney was running in 1772. In 1794, Lieut. John McCurdy opened a shop at No. 12. John Norris had a shop near No. 66 in 1804. In 1825 there was a shop near the Great road east of No. 35, which was in use some years. Elijah Norris had a shop at No. 29, which stood until about 1842. About 1849, Elijah Holbrook built a shop at No. 56, in which business was conducted by various parties for nearly 50 years. Elijah Norris also had a shop at No. 74 in 1821. Samuel H. Poole built a shop at No. 84 in 1870, which he ran a few years. Tradition says there was a black-
245
INDUSTRIES
smith shop on the east side of the road above No. 107 before 1840, but nothing positive is known. Francis B. Benton had a shop at 109 for a few years prior to 1849. Another tradition states there was a blacksmith shop near No. 117, many years ago.
Joseph Knight is supposed to have built a shop at No. 123, about 1825 and later Elijah Holbrook, it is said, owned the shop. A brick shop stood at No. 128 from 1810? until after 1860, and it was the most important shop during that period in that part of the town. In 1818 there was a shop on the Dr. Thomson place, No. 135, but it remained in use only a few years.
David Bragg, a blacksmith, is supposed to have lived at No. 158 in 1805, but whether he had a shop, is not known. Tradition says there was a shop at No 42 before 1840 and Otis Daggett had his shop at No. 43 in 1840, and earlier. In more modern times, Fred B. Marshall had a shop at No. 6, also at 15.
Ensign Asa Wilcox had a carriage shop at No. 127 soon after 1800 which was in operation about 50 years.
Capt. Asa and Capt. George Wilcox had a carriage and wheelwright shop in the old "Fulling mill" for many years, then C. Wharton Wilcox, a son of Capt. George, continued business until about 1895.
Capt. Eliphalet Dort had a shop at the toll gate place and later on the meadow north of his house-No. 86. He was considered a good workman, possessing considerable natural mechanical ability.
Levi Brooks had a shop at No. 95 in which he carried on the wheelwright business from 1835? until after 1850.
John Thayer did cabinet work to some extent while living at No. 16, from 1810 till 1813. Jonah Carter also was a cabinet maker.
About 1880 Eugene Gates made trays for M. A. Carpenter in a shop at No. 45.
BOOTS AND SHOES.
The boot and shoe makers were engaged in business from 1800 until around 1850. There was a shop at No. 35 about 1820 which is still in use on the place. There is some reason to believe the building when in use stood by the highway near the blacksmith shop, previously mentioned on this farm.
The old records speak of a shoe-shop at or near No. 48, between 1814 and '40. Doubtless this is where Theodorus Monroe and Asa Hutchings began business, May 12, 1814 .- K. S. Adonijah Marvin lived at No. 62 and had a shop in 1792. Harry D. Randall carried on shoemaking in his house at No. 70 about 1851. Elkanah Hixon was living in the northwest part of the town in 1825 and travelled from house to house making up the annual stock of footwear for old and young. William Kingsbury had a shop at No. 26 a few years around 1850.
HATS.
Daniel Ellis, a hatter, had a shop at or near No. 66 between 1816 and 1830. He sold the property, including a "hat shop" in 1836.
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HISTORY OF SURRY
CHARCOAL.
In order to reap some benefit from the wood and timber that originally covered the land the farmers converted large quantities into charcoal which was drawn in large racks to Keene and Bellows Falls, Vt., where it found a ready market among the blacksmiths. It not only required some skill but constant watching to get a "good burn." A pit was dug in the ground in which from 10 to 30 or more cords of four-foot wood was placed in nearly a vertical position after which the pile was covered over with sods and earth except one or two small vents where the fire was started and which served as drafts. From one to two weeks was required to burn a pit, and in case the fire broke out it was immediately checked by fresh dirt, or ashes. Several had coalpits near the foot of the Mountain, and in other parts of the town, between 1830 and 1860.
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