USA > New Hampshire > New Hampshire as it is. In three parts. Part I. A historical sketch of New hampshire. Part II. A gazetter of New Hampshire. Part III. A general view of New Hampshire. Together with the constitution of the State > Part 38
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548
NEW HAMPSHIRE AS IT IS.
Subsequently, and after the death of his father, Mr. Hale entered Exeter Academy, then under the charge of Dr. Abbott, who died in 1838, after occupying that position of usefulness for fifty years.
Thus prepared, he entered the venerable college of Bow- doin, where he graduated in 1827. Among his college mates were Franklin Pierce, now president of the United States, and Nathaniel Hawthorne, the biographer of the nation's chief, and consul at Liverpool. He studied law at Rochester and Dover, in his native state, finishing his studies at the latter place, in the office of Daniel M. Chris- tie, who stands among the ablest lawyers of the state. Young Hale soon found himself in a large and agreeable practice, the more welcome because affording him frequent opportunities for the display of a degree of power before juries in criminal trials, which showed itself, in the prog- ress of the celebrated government cases in Boston, known as the "Shadrach trials," to be of rare attainment. But he was not less successful in the department of civil law, especially when before the jury, where his remarkable keenness in discerning the points at issue, and his adroit- ness and promptitude in meeting them, were early dis- played to great advantage. Among those with whom he occasionally met, either as associates or opponents, was Mr Pierce, who also has enjoyed a fine reputation in New Hampshire as a jury advocate.
Mr. Hale entered political life in 1832, as a member of the New Hampshire House of Representatives. He was called into it by an independent workingman's movement - an incident which may be regarded as a presage of his future services in the same direction ; for his congressional speeches and votes will clearly indicate that his fellow- citizens did not mistake their man in choosing him as the
549
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
champion of their neglected interests. The same year he was selected as a member of the nominating state con- vention of the democratic party, and thenceforward he be- came distinctively identified with their organization. In 1834, though only twenty-eight years of age, he had al- ready attracted the attention of the then president, General Jackson, in a way which induced his appointment to the responsible position of United States district attorney for New Hampshire.
In 1843 he was elected to Congress on a general ticket, with Messrs. Burke, Norris, and Reding. It was during this Congress that the Texas struggle began. Mr. Hale took a fearless stand against annexation, and immediately addressed a letter to his constituents, fully and candidly explaining his motives, and denouncing the project as, in his opinion, a scheme for strengthening slavery by extend- ing it into territory from which it had been excluded by the laws of Mexico. This bold step was censured by the state convention assembled in February, 1845, where his nomination for reelection, previously made with una- nimity, was reconsidered. In 1846 he was chosen a mem- ber of the state legislature from Dover, and at once made speaker of the House of Representatives. During this ses- sion he was chosen United States senator for the term of six years dating from March 4, 1847. On returning to the Senate chamber, he found himself associated with four members of that body who had been pupils at Exeter Acad- emy, viz., Daniel Webster, Lewis Cass, Alpheus Felch, and John A. Dix, all of whom had been trained under the venerable Dr. Abbott, who often observed, with apparent self-gratulation, that he had " five boys in the Senate, and pretty good boys, too." Mr. Hale's career in that august body is too well known to his countrymen to need descrip-
550
NEW HAMPSHIRE AS IT IS.
tion here. Suffice it to say that he on all occasions showed himself a fearless champion of liberty, according to his views, and an uncompromising foe to the encroachments of slavery, manifesting the utmost patience and good humor under all the severe, and sometimes violent attacks made upon his peculiar principles by political opponents. In his replies to his " pitted antagonist," Mr. Foote, occur many passages which, for eloquence, wit, and good nature, yet withering sarcasm, are seldom surpassed. As a public speaker he is prompt, energetic, and direct. He is never profound, but eminently practical, forcible, and methodical in his own way, which is founded neither upon established rules nor precedents ; the attempt to follow which would involve any one but himself in inextricable difficulties.
His oratorical powers are unquestionably great. He gains that control over his audience which changes aversion into breathless attention, and the antipathy which, at the outset, would denounce him as a fanatic, into generous sym- pathy. He worries his opponent into petulance and con- fusion, and at the same time shows towards him the utmost kindness and good will.
The firmness, constancy, and ability with which he de- fended his position against his southern opponents, gained for him the confidence and esteem of the " free soil " par- ty ; and at a convention held in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, on the 11th day of August, 1852, he was unanimously nomi- nated for the presidency of the United States, notwith- standing his positive refusal to stand as candidate for that high office. At the close of his senatorial term, in March, 1853, he removed to New York city, where he still resides, and is now actively engaged in the practice of his profes- sion, in company with a distinguished gentleman of the New York bar.
551
SOCIETIES AND ASSOCIATIONS.
SOCIETIES AND ASSOCIATIONS.
Our limits will allow us to make mention of but few of the various literary and benevolent societies which are found in our state. The following are the most important of those of which we have been able to obtain reliable in- formation : -
New Hampshire Medical Society. - This society was incorporated February 11, 1791. It was formed for the purpose of diffusing a knowledge of medical science in this state, and for discouraging empiricism and quackery. It has a library of considerable value, which is divided among the district societies. This society has a close con- nection with the Medical School at Dartmouth College. Its influence upon the profession has been most salutary.
New Hampshire Historical Society. - This society was incorporated June 13, 1823. The library and cabinet are located in the hall over the Merrimack County Bank, at Concord. The society has published six volumes of col- lections, containing a large amount of interesting and val- uable matter.
New Hampshire Bible Society. - The object of this so- ciety, as set forth in its constitution, is "to promote the more extensive distribution of the Holy Bible, by procur- ing and distributing gratuitously among the needy and des- titute, or selling at reduced prices, according to the dis- cretion of the board of directors, Bibles and Testaments in the English language." It was established in 1811. The total amount of receipts from that time to the present is $110,986.22. The receipts for the year ending August 23, 1854, were $6947.49.
New Hampshire Missionary Society. - This society was
552
NEW HAMPSHIRE AS. IT IS.
instituted in September, 1801. It was designed "to fur- nish preaching and religious instruction . to destitute churches in New Hampshire." The total amount raised in the state from 1802 to 1851, inclusive, was $170,403.18. Of this sum upwards of $141,000 were expended in New Hampshire and vicinity, and the remainder in the great west.
Independent Order of Odd Fellows. - The first lodge of the order in this state was instituted at Nashua, September 11, 1843, under the name and title of Granite Lodge No. 1. The Grand Lodge of New Hampshire now embraces under its jurisdiction forty subordinate lodges. There are also six Encampments and a Grand Encampment. The following abstract of the returns made by the subordinate lodges for the year ending June 30, 1854, will exhibit the condition of the order at that time : -
Number of contributing members, 2240. Amount paid for relief of brothers, $2674.42; do. widowed families, $75.04 ; do. burying the dead, $667.51. Total amount paid for relief, $3416.97.
Free and Accepted Masons. - This order reports in New Hampshire one grand chapter, one grand lodge, four royal arch chapters, and twenty-four subordinate lodges, with 931 members. Number initiated during the year ending June, 1854, 191.
RAILROADS.
The Ashuelot Railroad extends from Hinsdale to Keene, 232 miles. It is at present leased to the Connecticut River Railroad Company, which keep it in repair, and pay a year- ly rent of $35,000. Whole cost of the road, exclusive of its equipments, $499,681.17.
553
RAILROADS.
The Atlantic and St. Lawrence Railroad extends from Portland, Maine, to Island Pond, Vermont, entering this state just north of the White Mountains, and following the courses of the Upper Ammonoosuc River until it reaches the Connecticut. The length of that part of the road which is in this state, is 54} miles.
The Boston, Concord, and Montreal Railroad, incorpo- rated in 1844, extends from Concord to Wells River, Ver- mont, 92} miles. The first section was opened in 1848. Whole cost of road and equipments, $2,313,286.78.
The Boston and Maine Railroad, incorporated in 1835, extends from Boston, through Exeter, Dover, and other places, and unites with the Portsmouth, Saco, and Portland Railroad. Whole length, 741 miles, of which 372 miles are in this state. Whole cost of construction and equip- ments, $4,180,960.91, of which the sum of $825,660.68 was expended in this state.
The Cheshire Railroad, incorporated in 1844, extends from Fitchburg, Massachusetts, to Bellows Falls, Vermont, 53} miles, 43 miles of its entire length being in this state. Whole cost of road and equipments, $3,119,510.03.
The Cocheco Railroad extends from Dover to Alton Bay, at the southern extremity of Winnipiseogee Lake, 28 miles. Incorporated in 1847. Total cost of road and fixtures, $767,360.93.
The Concord Railroad, incorporated in 1835, extends from Nashua, up the Merrimack, to Concord, 34} miles. Opened for travel September 1, 1842. Cost of the road, including equipments, $1,412,576.91.
The Contoocook Valley Railroad, incorporated in 1849, extends from Contoocookville, in Hopkinton, to Hillsbor- ough Bridge, 14} miles. Total expenditures, $259,609.62.
The Eastern Railroad, incorporated in 1836, extends
47
554
NEW HAMPSHIRE AS IT IS.
from Boston to Portsmouth, 54 miles ; 162 miles in New Hampshire.
The Great Falls and Conway Railroad, incorporated in 1844, extends from Great Falls to Milton, 12} miles. When fully completed, it will extend to Wakefield line, 8 miles farther. Total expenditures up to April, 1854, $308,222.23.
The Manchester and Lawrence Railroad extends from Manchester to Lawrence, Massachusetts, 27 miles. In- corporated in 1847.
The Merrimack and Connecticut River Railroad, incor- porated January, 1853, includes the New Hampshire Cen- tral and the Concord and Claremont Railroads. Distance from Manchester to Hillsborough Bridge, 33 miles ; from Bradford to Concord, 25.
The Nashua and Lowell Railroad extends from Nashua to Lowell, Massachusetts about 15 miles. Incorporated in 1835. Cost of the road and furniture, $651,214.88. The corporation have leased the Wilton Railroad for five years from April 1, 1853.
The Northern Railroad extends from Concord to West Lebanon, 69 miles. The lower section was opened for travel in 1846. Incorporated in 1844. The Franklin and Bristol Railroad, running from Franklin to Bristol, 12} miles, is now united with this. The latter was incorporated ín 1846.
The Peterborough and Shirley Railroad, from Groton, Massachusetts, to Mason Village, in Mason, 23 miles.
The Portsmouth and Concord Railroad extends from Portsmouth to Concord, 47 miles. Incorporated in 1845. Cost of road and equipments, $1,075,575.56.
The Sullivan Railroad extends from Bellows Falls to Windsor, Vermont, 26 miles. Incorporated in 1846.
555
RAILROADS.
The White Mountains Railroad extends from Wells River to Littleton, about 20 miles.
The Wilton Railroad extends from Nashua to Wilton, 15¿ miles. It is leased to the Nashua and Lowell Railroad Company.
The Worcester and Nashua Railroad, from Worcester, Massachusetts, to Nashua, 45 miles, of which distance only 6₺ miles are in this state. Total cost, $1,352,045.79. Expended in New Hampshire, $116,058.51.
556
NEW HAMPSHIRE AS IT IS.
A STATEMENT
Of the condition of the several Banks in New Hampshire, as they existed on the first Monday of December, A. D. 1854, as furnished by the Secretary of State.
NAMES OF BANKS.
Places of Business.
Am't of Capital Stock
actually paid in.
Amount of Specie in
the vault.
Amount of the Bills of
the Bank then in cir-
culation.
Amoskeag,
Manchester,.
200,000
5,819.61
169,822
Ashuelot, ..
Keene, ..
100,000
5,739.58
76,536
Belknap County,
Meredith Bridge,.
80,000
3,969.15
79,168
Cheshire,
Keene,.
100,000
4,455.54
76,345
City, .
Manchester,
150,000
2,107.42
115,162
Claremont,
Claremont,
100,000
4,075.03
88,000
Citizens, .
Sanbornton,
50,000
2,822.85
47,128
Connecticut River,.
Charlestown,.
90,000
3,615.86
60,379
Cocheco,
Dover, .
100,000
4,148.57
94,779
Carroll County,.
Sandwich,.
50,000
2,654.16
46,909
Dover, ...
Dover,
100,000
2,791.72
93,469
Francestown,
Francestown,
60,000
2,334.21
58,356
Granite State,
Exeter,.
125,000
5,464.49
115,226
Great Falls,
Somersworth,.
150,000
3,666.10
130,331
Indian Head,.
Nashua,.
150,000
6,486.56
140,000
Lake,
Wolfborough,
50,000
3,683.60
38,936
Lancaster,
Lancaster,
50,000
114.48
3,304
Lebanon,.
Lebanon,.
100,000
9,588.93
90,767
Mechanics,
Concord,
100,000
6,173.83
74,611
Merrimack County,
Concord,
80,000
13,260.00
79,693
Manchester,.
Manchester,
125,000
5,137.36
114,298
Mechanics & Traders, .. Monadnock, ..
Jaffrey,
50,000
3,606.00
49,325
Nashua,
Nashua,
125,000
10,100.47
107,235
New Ipswich,.
New Ipswich,.
100,000
4,444.31
80,121
Piscataqua Exchange,.
Portsmouth,.
200,000
9,401.69
151,669
Pittsfield,
Pittsfield,
50,000
2,703.77
47,057
Rochester, ..
Rochester,
80,000
6,340.66
80,000
Rockingham,
Portsmouth,.
200,000
12,231.66
145,648
Salmon Falls,
Rollinsford,
50,000
2,328.67
45,480
State Capital,
Concord,
150,000
4,693.34
113,019
Strafford,
Dover,
120,000
3,137.68
99,882
Sugar River,
Newport,
50,000
2,633.16
49,717
Warner,
Warner,
50,000
2,974.00
49,668
Winchester,
Winchester,
100.000
5,108.07
78,520
White Mountain,
Lancaster,
50,000
3,345.33
49,446
Total,
3,626,000
176,434.73
3,079,548
Portsmouth,
141,000
5,276.87
139,542
557
NEWSPAPERS.
NEWSPAPERS.
" The New Hampshire Gazette," Portsmouth. The first number of this paper was issued in October, 1756, by Daniel Fowle, who owned and published it until 1784. It was the pioneer newspaper in New Hampshire, and is the oldest existing one in the United States, having contin- ued the even tenor of its way, without interruption, for the space of one hundred years. Fowle was succeeded by John Melcher, who conducted it until 1802, when he sold out his interest to N. S. and Washington Pierce. The subsequent proprietors were Messrs. Hill and Gardner, Hill, Hill and Pierce, William Weeks, Beck and Foster, Beck and Greenleaf, Laighton and Greenleaf, Virgin and Moses, S. W. Moses, William P. Hill, and Gideon H. Rund- lett. The present editor and proprietor, Mr. Edward N. Fuller, commenced its publication in 1852. It is demo- cratic in politics.
" The Portsmouth Journal of Literature and Politics." The publication of this venerable journal was commenced June 4, 1793, under the title of " The Portsmouth Ora- cle," and was issued semiweekly, by Charles Peirce editor and proprietor, until January, 1796. It was then enlarged and published weekly. Its subsequent proprietors were W. Mason and Daniel Treadwell, who sold their interest in the establishment, September 25, 1813, to Charles Tu- rell, when it received its present title. In July, 1821, it was transferred to N. A. Haven, Jr., who conducted it un- til July 1, 1825, when it was purchased by T. H. Miller and C. W. Brewster. In July, 1832, Mr. Brewster be- came sole proprietor, by whom it has been owned and pub- lished from that time to the present.
" The New Hampshire Sentinel " was established in
558
NEW HAMPSHIRE AS IT IS.
March, 1799, in Keene, by John Prentiss, and was managed by him as editor and proprietor until the close of the year 1847, a period of 48 years. In January, 1848, John W. Prentiss became proprietor, and conducted the paper until June, 1853, when it passed into the hands of Albert God- frey, who is the present editor and proprietor. The Sen- tinel was "federal " in politics, and advocated the doc- trines of Washington, the elder Adams, and John Taylor Gilman, and maintained its character as a federal paper until the period of Monroe's administration, when party names fell into disuse. It supported John Quincy Adams, and has been devoted to the interests of the whig party since its formation to the present time.
" The Farmer's Cabinet " was established at Amherst, November 11, 1802, by Joseph Cushing, Esq., and was managed by him until October 10, 1809, when he removed to Baltimore, and was succeeded in the establishment by the present senior editor, Richard Boylston, Esq., who has been connected with it for 45 years. During most of this long period the paper was under his entire charge ; he was unaided by a single " dollar's worth " of hired or gratuitous editorial. He labored constantly with his own hands in preparing the paper for the press, in directing the printed sheets for delivery, besides attending to the transient job work of the office, keeping the accounts, and attending a bookstore - an example of industry worthy to be followed by some of his younger brethren of the quill. In January, 1849, the proprietorship was assumed by Edward D. Boyl- ston, his son, who has since been its principal manager, although the name of the father has been associated as co- editor. In politics the tone of the paper is mild ; it is chiefly devoted to moral and religious subjects.
" The New Hampshire Patriot and State Gazette." This
47 *
559
NEWSPAPERS.
journal was established in Concord, in 1809, by Isaac Hill, and was managed by him several years. It is now published weekly by William Butterfield. This for many years had an extensive circulation in New Hampshire, and is one of the leading democratic papers in the state.
" The Congregational Journal," a religious paper, pub- lished in Concord, was established in 1819, and was at first called " The New Hampshire Depository," afterwards "The New Hampshire Observer," and " The Panoplist." The present editor is Rev. Benjamin P. Stone, D. D.
" The Dover Enquirer," a whig journal, established in Dover, was first published in February, 1828. Editor and proprietor, George Wadleigh. 4
" The Dover Gazette and Strafford Advertiser," a demo- cratic paper, published in Dover. The first number was issued December 14, 1825. Editor and proprietor, John T. Gibbs.
" The Exeter News Letter," a weekly paper, published in Exeter, was established in 1831. Editor, Franklin Lane, M. D.
" The Democrat " was first published in April, 1843. It is established in Manchester, and is an advocate of " free soil " principles. John H. Goodale editor.
" The Cheshire Republican," a democratic paper, pub- lished in Keene. It was first established in Walpole, about 30 years ago. Horatio Kimball editor.
" The Manchester Daily Mirror," established at Man- chester, October 28, 1850. John B. Clarke editor and proprietor. "The Dollar Weekly Mirror " is published at the same office, under the same editorial charge. The first number was issued February 1, 1851. Both papers are independent in politics.
" The Daily Chronicle " was established in Portsmouth,
560
NEW HAMPSHIRE AS IT IS.
August 2, 1852. " The Weekly Chronicle " was first is- sued January 1, 1853. Both papers are independent in politics and religion. Published by Millers and Gray.
" Nashua Gazette and Hillsborough County Advertiser," founded upon the " Nashua Constellation," a whig paper, started in 1827, by Brown and Wiggin, and afterwards published by Thayer and Wiggin, and by Andrew E. Thayer. It then passed into the hands of Israel Hunt, Jr., who changed its politics, and assumed for it its present name. It has since been published by Merrill and Dinsmore, C. P. Danforth, W. H. Hughes, W. Butterfield, and B. B. and F. P. Whittemore. It is now under the successful management of the Messrs. Whittemore.
" The New Hampshire Telegraph" was founded in 1832, by Alfred Beard, who was succeeded by his brother, Albin Beard, the present publisher. This paper is whig in politics, enjoys a well-earned reputation and extensive patronage.
" The Oasis " was established in January, 1843, by O. D. Murray, and A. I. Sawtelle. During the same year Mr. Sawtelle sold his interest to Horatio Kimball. In 1849 Mr. Murray was succeeded by J. R. Dodge; and in 1851 Mr. Kimball retired, giving place to S. H. Noyes. Since January, 1851, it has been conducted by Dodge and Noyes. It early attained the largest local circulation as an independent family journal, and commands a respectable and increasing patronage.
" The New Hampshire Statesman," Concord. This is a weekly journal, and was established in January, 1823, by Luther Roby, who conducted it for several years. It is now published by Messrs McFarland and Jenks. It is the leading whig paper in the state, and aside from its politics, contains a large variety of agricultural, moral, and religious matter.
561
NEWSPAPERS.
" The National Eagle." This paper was established in Claremont, in October, 1834, under the direction of a committee chosen at a whig convention for Sullivan coun- ty, the year previous. The first number was issued by John H. Warland editor, and Samuel L. Chase printer. In 1836 the establishment was purchased and managed by Messrs. Warland and Joseph Weber. In 1842 Mr. Weber became sole proprietor, and conducted the paper until Oc- tober, 1846, when Messrs. Charles Young and John S. Walker purchased the entire establishment, Mr. Walker taking charge of the editorial department. In 1849 Mr. Walker sold his interest to Mr. J. H. Brewster, who man- aged the paper in connection with Mr. Young, until April, 1854, when the establishment passed into the hands of Mr. Otis F. R. Waite, its present proprietor. It is devoted to the interests of the whig party.
" The Farmer's Monthly Visitor " was first published in Concord, January 15, 1839, under the charge and propri- etorship of the late Governor Hill. After his decease the establishment was sold and located in Manchester, under the editorial charge of C. E. Potter, who continued its publication during the years 1852 and 1853. On the 1st of January, 1854, this paper was united with " The Granite Farmer," under the title of " The Granite Farmer and Vis- itor."
" The Coös County Democrat," Lancaster, was estab- lished September 11, 1838, and was published about two years and a half by James M. Rix and James R. Whitte- more. Afterwards Mr. Whittemore became sole proprie- tor, and so continued until April 5, 1842, when James M. Rix purchased the establishment, and has continued sole editor and proprietor until the present time. The paper is democratic in politics.
562
NEW HAMPSHIRE AS IT IS.
" The New Hampshire Argus and Spectator," Newport. This paper is now in the 31st volume of its publication. Its predecessors were " The Newport Spectator " and " The New Hampshire Argus," both of which journals were merged into one under the title above given. "The Spectator " was originally established in Claremont, in January, 1823, by Cyrus Barton, but was soon after located in Newport, which town was about to be made the county seat of the new county of Sullivan. A short time after the removal to Newport, Mr. Dunbar Aldrich became a partner with Mr. Barton. Afterwards the partnership consisted of Messrs. Barton, Benjamin French, and Cyrus Metcalf. Subse- quently, the paper was conducted by Messrs. French and Metcalf during the space of a year or more, when Mr. Metcalf retired, and was succeeded by Simon Brown. "The Argus " was established in Claremont in 1833, removed to Newport in 1834, and was edited by Edmund Burke. The papers were united in July, 1835, and managed by Mr. Burke until January, 1838, when he was succeeded by H. E. Baldwin and William English. Mr. English, soon leaving, was succeeded by Samuel C. Baldwin, and the establishment thus continued until 1840, when it was transferred to Messrs. Carlton and Harvey, its present ed- itors and proprietors, who have conducted the paper for nearly sixteen years. It is democratic in politics.
" The Belknap Gazette." The publication of this paper was commenced by Charles Lane, at Meredith Bridge, Au- gust 5, 1840, as an organ of the democratic party. March 1, 1847, the establishment was purchased by a company of gentlemen, when the politics of the paper underwent a change. Since that time it has been devoted to the inter- ests of the whig party. The present editor and proprietor is R. C. Stevens, Esq. " The Belknap Gazette " was the
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