USA > New Hampshire > Merrimack County > Dunbarton > Record of the centennial celebration of the incorporation of the town of Dunbarton, N.H., on Wednesday, September 13, 1865 > Part 2
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But it is time to take up another thread in our history, and since it is in the warp, and runs through the web, I must re- turn to the organization of the town. At the second meeting of the proprietors, March, 1752, a vote was passed, that a
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meeting house should be built within five years from May next ensuing. In October, 1753, Caleb Page, Samuel Rankin and John Stark, were appointed a committee to build a meeting house. In 1765, William Stark, William Stinson and Jeremiah Page, were chosen a committee to finish the meeting house. The house was finished previous to 1767 .- The people were not destitute of preaching during these years. It is related, that Mr. McGregor preached in the open air up- on the spot now consecrated as the resting place of the dead. This first meeting house is described as a low frame struc- ture, without pews ; with seats of rough planks, resting upon chestnut logs, and a pulpit constructed of rough boards. This house remained twenty years, when it was removed, and this venerable building was made to occupy its place-built in 1790. There were no means of warming a church in those .days. Nor am I sure that such a luxury would have been fa- vorably regarded by all good people, in those times. It might have been thought to be consulting one's comfort to the neg- lect of duties more appropriate to the sanctuary, and that cold hands and feet were so common, six days in the week, that they should not receive special attention on the seventh. However that might have been, I well remember how difficult it was to neglect our hands and feet, and give attention ex- clusively to the preaching. There were but two houses, far back in my memory, sufficiently near the meeting house, to which the people could repair, in the interim of divine ser- vice, to warm themselves. One of these was the house of Wm. Stark. It occupied the site of the new Congregational church, on the west side of the way. The other stood upon the angle formed by the main road, and the road running westerly, a little south of the church. It was built by Dr. McDugal, and occupied, in my earliest reccollection, by Mr. Wm. Bailey. For nineteen years after the first church was erected, there was no settled ministry. Several clergymen are spoken of as having been employed to preach at different times. The war of the Revolution so impoverished the peo- ple, that it was difficult to raise even a small amount of mon-
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ey for any object, other than the war. From 1780 to 1783, they hired preaching but twenty-four days. October 30th, 1788, a committee was appointed to hire Mr. Harris to preach one year, or a shorter period, on trial. January 26th, 1789, it was voted to give Mr. Harris a call. He was then a young man of about 27 years of age. He was ordained August 22d, 1789. Dr. Emmons, with whom he studied for the ministry, preached the ordination sermon. Dr. Harris was born in Lebanon, Conn., June 8th, 1761. He, with an elder and only brother, enlisted a soldier in the Continental army, at the age of 16, and served three years. When the war was over, he pur- chased some land in Lebanon, N. H., and labored a few years in felling the trees and clearing it up. One day, while thus employed, having become impressed with the idea that there was another sphere for him to occupy, he discussed the ques- tion aloud with himself alone. And when he had exhausted the subject, he summed up the arguments on both sides, and proclaimed his decision aloud in open court, in these words : " I am going to college." He struck his ax into the tree he had felled, and left it a present to the finder.
He graduated at Dartmouth College, with high lionors .- The part assigned him was a Hebrew oration. There was no other member of his class, who had studied the Hebrew lan- guage. The foregoing is substantially as I have heard Dr. Harris relate it. Dr. Harris was a man of more than ordina- ry intellectual endowments. His personal appearance and bearing, would indicate him to be of Puritanic stock. He had a logical mind. His perceptions were remarkably clear and satisfactory to himself ; and hence the entire confidence he had in his own views of truth. And those views he could defend with great power. Few men would venture to cope with him in argument. So clearly defined were his premises, and so logical his process of reasoning, that he stood like an impreg- nable tower, and no ordinary battery could move him. If his opponent denied his premises, (as the questions in dispute were generally theological), he would leave him to quarrel with their divine Author. If he admitted them, he was very
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certain, in the end, to slay his opponent with his own argu- ments, and to make him feel that he had been slain with the jaw bone of an ass. He had a wonderful faculty of annihi- lating the arguments of his antagonists, at a single dash- stripping him of his armor, in which he trusted, and compelling him to realize that he had been leaning upon a broken reed. I remember, when I was quite a lad, a man moved into town, who was a great skeptic. He was an intelligent man, and fond of discussion. He soon sought an opportunity to measure lances with Dr. Harris. He attended a conference meeting, and when the Dr. had finished his remarks, and given liberty to any one who desired to speak, the skeptic arose, and, ap- parently with a good degree of self-confidence, said ; "Dr. Harris, do you believe God ever made a man to damn him to all eternity?" "No," said the Dr., "nor to save him eternal- ly." This reply was unexpected, and the infidel was, at first, taken somewhat aback ; but he soon recovered, and asked- "What, then, did He make him for, if neither to damn him, nor to save him?" Dr. Harris fixed his piercing eye upon him, and replied with great emphasis : " He made him for his own glory." I do not remember that any reply was made ; in fact, I do not perceive that any thing more could have been said. I have long regarded Dr. Harris as one of the greatest natural orators of the age in which he lived. When he laid aside his notes, and raised his spectacles upon his forehead, his hearers knew well what to expect. His countenance would light up with great brilliancy, and his clear and ringing voice would so electrify his audience, that they were captives at the will of the speaker. The saints he would fill with joy, and carry them whither they would ; and the sinners, he would alarm and carry them whither they would not.
It would be a repetition of idea, at least, to say he was a man of great decision of character. I remember, that during the war of 1812, so called, political parties were very violent. Dr. Harris belonged to the party called Federal. The ques- tion was raised whether clergymen had the right to vote. On March meeting day, Dr. Harris, at the proper time, entered .
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the meeting-elevated himself upon the steps that lead to the pulpit, and with a full, commanding voice, said : "I have fought the battles of my country-my only brother fell by my side, and who is he who says I sha'n't vote?" and then deliber- ately extended his hand to the ballot-box, and deposited his vote. And stepping down, he walked majestically out of the house. During this exhibition, the house was as silent, and nearly as breathless as yonder grave yard.
The ministry of Dr. Harris was long and successful. For more than forty years, he went out and in before this people. He was " constant in season and out of season preaching the word, whether men would hear or whether they would for- bear to hear."
"In 1790, deacons were chosen for the first time, James Clement being the first, and Edward Russel, the second. In 1792, there was a powerful revival of religion, eighty persons were added to the church as the fruits. In 1826, there was another extensive work of grace, and many heads of families, in middle life, were added to the church." Frequent addi- tions were made to the church in the interval between these periods. There was one characteristic of Dr. Harris, which we should not omit to notice. It was always manifest, both in his preaching and in his private intercourse with his peo- ple, that he was more anxious to save their souls than to get them into the church. Hence, in his examination of candi- dates for admission, he did not hesitate to apply the severest tests. It would seem very difficult for one, while he was the under shepherd, to enter the fold, but by the door. And the result has been, that cases of discipline and exclusion from church membership, have been exceedingly rare.
Another thread in the warp of this historic web, is your schools. They also received very early attention. At the same meeting of the proprietors, when the subject of the Gos- pel ministry was considered, the subject of schools came up. Although, during the war and some time after the close, the appropriation for the support of schools, was frequently with- . held. March 12, 1771, an appropriation of thirty dollars was
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made for schools. This is the first of which we have any re- cord. The same sum was appropriated three years success- ively. From 1775 to 1785, no appropriation was made. We cannot forbear to contrast this fact with the fact in regard to education in New England, during the recent war of four years. Never was there so much done for education. Never so many and so large donations made-so much money raised. Massachusetts raised $100,000 more the last year, than in any one year in all her history. But to return to our subject. " The first schoolmaster who taught in this town was a Mr. Hogg-commonly called Master Hogg." And the first female teacher was Sarah Clement. Their means of acquiring knowl- edge were exceedingly limited, compared with the facilities of the present day. Their school books were the Bible and Psalter. In some schools, the New England Primer was re- quired to be studied. The study of arithmetic was pursued without the aid of a book, unless, possibly, the teacher might be the rich owner of one. The teacher gave out the problems to be solved, and the scholar must manage them as best he could. And yet, with these scanty means and rare opportu- nities, for their term of school was short, our fathers acquired so much of the elements of knowledge, as enabled them to act well their part as men, and men of business. In those days the people generally knew the value of education, and felt the necessity of making the best possible use of the means they possessed. The little they acquired at school, they put to im- mediate use. Few elements of knowledge properly applied, like the five mechanical powers, will effect wonders. Dr. Har- ris was ever deeply interested in the subject of education, and was generally, if not always, during his ministry, appointed a school committee to examine teachers and visit schools. The duties of his office he faithfully discharged. Dr. Harris was succeeded in the ministry by Rev. John M. Putnam, who also preached the word successfully for more than thirty years .- Under his preaching the church was edified and built up .- Mr. Putnam was succeeded by Rev. Silvanus Hayward, your present minister.
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Having now briefly considered the two main threads in the history of Dunbarton, Religion and Education-fundamental pillars they might well be called, in the structure of the town, we may turn to other characteristics which are generally found to be a part of the frame work of such a building. And these are temperance, virtue, stability, diligence in business, econo- my, benevolence, patriotism, and a condition of things grow- ing out of these, which is general prosperity, competence, and finally, abundance and independence. These are the outlines of the history of Dunbarton. From the character of such a people, it is not difficult to imagine the part they would act in those foreign and domestic wars, in which our country has been involved. In the French and Indian wars, Dunbarton bore an active and honorable part. Several of the veteran soldiers of those wars served through the war of the Revolu- tion, and bravely fought in the battles of Bunker's Hill, at Trenton, Princeton and Bennington, and other places. Dun- barton withheld neither her sons nor her means in that war, which was to establish, not merely our independence as a na- tion, but to establish the principle of the equal right of all men to enjoy the perquisites of being sons of God. In the history of this world, it was reserved to be the glory of the times in which our fathers lived, to give expression to the principle of the equality of the natural rights of all men .- Our fathers boldly proclaimed it to the world in the following ever memorable words-"We hold these truths to be self-evi- dent, that all men are born free and equal, having certain in- alienable rights, as life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."
In the slaveholders' war, or the Great Rebellion, as it will be called in history, which broke out in the spring of 1861, and ended in the spring of 1865, Dunbarton acted a noble part. By the kindness of David Tenny, Esq., I am furnished with the following statistics : " Fifty-four soldiers were called for by the Adjutant General, from an enrollment of 130 able bodied men. Dunbarton sent 80 recruits to the war, 65 of whom were volunteers, it being 26 above all calls." I omit the names of those brare men, as they are already safely en-
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rolled to re-establish those principles for which our fathers sacrificed so much. Dunbarton, as she had in the preceding wars, gave freely both men and money. This war, in some of its features, was the most remarkable in the annals of all time.
It was characterized, on one side, by the most unparalled bar- barity, manifested in starving to death and otherwise destroy- ing the lives of Union soldiers, while they (the enemy) held them prisoners of war. And on the other side, by the most unbounded liberality and generosity, shown in bounties to soldiers, and in provisions made for the support of their fami- lies-also for sick and wounded soldiers. It would be out of place, at this time, to discuss, at any length, the causes, or the issues of this war. But its thrilling events-how the wisdom of man was made to appear foolishness with God, and all hu- man calculations were set aside, and good brought out of evil, are so fresh in our memories, that it is difficult not to give them a passing notice. But this much we can and must do, thank God that the war is closed-that blood has ceased to flow-that the old ship of state has out-ridden the storm, and although the sea still heaves and rolls, and the vessel screaks,. still we trust in the Master of the storm, that He will again command the swelling of the sea, and all will be calm.
The bearing of this war upon the destinies of our country and the world, cannot now be estimated. We confess our- selves, within the last four years, to have been frequently startled by the sudden issuing forth of justice and judgment from behind the thick darkness that surrounds the throne, but we do not yet see the end from the beginning. When jus- tice and judgment shall run down our streets as a stream, and righteousness as an overflowing fountain-when justice and mercy shall again have met and embraced each other, then shall the salvation of our country be complete, and the ways of Providence vindicated to man.
We have now hastily glanced at the leading facts in the settlement and growth of Dunbarton. Of one thing, I think, we are assured,-that the first settlers of the town were men of great physical energy-of unyielding purpose-of unre-
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mitting perseverence; and, also, that they were men who practiced the most rigid economy. Of one other thing, we are equally well convinced, and that is, that those qualities will ensure success, whether possessed by an individual or by an organization of men into a body politic. And now we come to the great question of the hour, viz .:- What is the un- derlying principle, what is the family or school instruction, which secures to society such men for generations ? which has modified and shaped-given direction and tendency to the facts and events of the history of your town, and made the town what it is? The answer will be obvious, I think, from a consideration of certain other facts connected with its his- tory. The most prominent and interesting fact is, that Dun- barton has enjoyed the continuous preaching of the gospel for seventy-five consecutive years. The influence of the life and preaching of Dr. Harris is manifest to-day in every depart- ment of your material prosperity, as well as upon the moral and religious character of the people, and will be for genera- tions to come. It is not true that cither the good or the evil, that men do, is buried with their bones. The acts and the words of men are as immortal as the soul. We are assembled to-day to re-produce the character of the first settlers of the town,-to recount their virtues and to give them fresh vigor, and send them on through another century. I have referred to the influence of the long ministry of Dr. Harris, in con- nection with that of his successors, as underlying your pros- perity,-as the vitalizing force in all your pursuits. Com- pare your town with any other cown in your vicinity, where they have had no permanent ministry-have been subject to frequent changes-preaching a few Sabbaths, and destitute a few Sabbaths, and how stands the record ? Are the people as moral, as intelligent, temperate and industrious ? Is wealth as equally distributed-have they as few poor ? You have not poor enough in your town to verify, within your own observation, the Savior's words, " The poor ye have al- ways with you." Your poor-house was nearly emptied years ago, and you are all comfortable livers ; and many can com-
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mand the luxuries of life. By your industry you have com- pletely subdued your hard and stony soil, and forced it to yield abundantly. When I compare the real condition of the town and its appearance to-day with its condition and appearance forty years ago, when it ceased to be my perma- nent residence, I confess my surprise at the change. Then, by the industry and strict economy of all the members of a large family, both ends of the year could barely be made to meet. There was then no market nearer than some sea-port town, and but little produce to be sold. Now, there are in your immediate vicinity manufacturing villages, which furnish a ready market for every variety of the products of your lands. The industry of your young men has been stimulated-you have improved your farms, increased your means of obtaining wealth ; nor have you hoarded up your money to the neglect of the conveniences of life, and matters of taste. The contin- uous preaching of the gospel, and your schools, (always the hand-maid of the gospel) have given the people expanded and liberal views, so that in all that adorns society, Dunbarton has made most praiseworthy progress. She has sent about forty of her sons to college-four per cent. of her present popula- tion. Has any other town in your vicinity done as well ?
Time would fail me to dwell more at length upon the bless- ings which have come down to you from a pious and industri- ous ancestry. God said of Abraham, "I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord to do justice and judg- ment ; that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him." So do you command your children and your households, that the blessings you enjoy may be per- petuated to coming generations, and Dunbarton continue to occupy as now, an honorable and prominent place among her sister towns. Never forgetting to inculcate those principles and practices, which have brought you into possession of a heritage, unrivalled in beauty of scenery, and scarcely equalled in fertility and productiveness of soil. Remembering, that upon the universal prevalence of the truthis you have been
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taught, is pending the fulfillment of the promise that the time shall come, when the kingdoms of this world shall be- come the kingdoms of Jesus Christ. Then shall the inhabi- tants of earth celebrate the final victory of truth and human- ity over error and oppression, and be responded to by a mul- titude of angels with a shout, saying, "Hallelujah, for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth."
The following poem was then pronounced by Henry E. Burnham, A. B. :
In fair Scotia's land of story, Near the ocean's swelling tide, Stands a castle, grim and hoary, By the waters of the Clyde.
Now the sunlight lingers o'er it, You can see its moss-grown walls ; See dark chasms yawn before it, See its ivy-mantled halls.
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You can hear the wild winds sighing Round its old and crumbled sides ;
Hear the dark waves with them vieing, And the deep, resounding tides.
There it stands like some stern sentry, Born to rule mid wars and strife, .
Guarding well some fatal entry, Watching o'er a nation's life.
Often has the heavy hammer Of its tocsin bell been stirred ;
Often was the battle's clamor Through its gloomy portals heard.
Cruel time's effacing fingers Have its primal beauty marred ; Yet its ancient glory lingers- Theme for Scotia's wisest bard.
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"Chance, it may be you are asking What's the name this castle bears? Lest your patience I seem tasking, I'll relieve the querist's cares :
Close by Lomond's lovely strand, You have heard with honest pride, Lies our ancient father land- Fair Dumbarton on the Clyde.
'Neath the shadow of her towers, Lived a brave young pioneer ; But he left his native bowers, And he sought a refuge here.
He, in later times, reviewing Those fair scenes from which he came,
With fond mem'ries oft pursuing, Gave our native town its name.
Changing now our scene and story From brave Scotland's bonnie land-
From that castle old in glory- From that plain by Lomond's strand ;
Turning from this scene romantic, Which our souls with rapture fills ; 'Cross the waves of the Atlantic, Toward our own loved granite hills ;
Let us, other scenes beholding, View our own fair landscape o'er- All its rural charms unfolding, Let us gaze on them once more.
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Here within New Hampshire's border, 'Mong her mounts which proudly rise, And in wild, yet grand disorder, Lift their summits to the skies ;
Where dame Nature has presented All her loveliness combined ; And on people free, contented, Has bestowed sweet peace of mind.
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Here was our Dunbarton founded, By such sceneries surrounded, As that land across the main, Whose resemblance gave her name.
Have you o'er these hill sides wandered, With no thoughts inspired anew, As in loneliness you've pondered On the scenes that met your view ?
Ere the golden suns declining, Ere he bid us his good night, While with parting glory shining, We will climb to yonder height.
Looking northward, towering, peerless, We can see the white hills rise, And their outline, lone and cheerless, Painted on the autumn skies.
What's that shadow reaching nearer ? Surely, 'tis not near so large, Yet its features we see clearer- 'Tis the grand old Kearsarge,
Down whose sides, far distant sweeping, Come the wintry northern gales, , Which, with maddened fury leaping, Rush across the hills and vales.
Now the sun's last rays are playing In their mild, etherial light, And with fondness still seem staying On Monadnock's lonely height.
Where no woody hosts surround it, Where its summit towers aloft ; There the western winds howl round it, And the storm-cloud lingers oft.
Nearer still, two mounds appearing, In the twilight radience now, Quick reveal through former clearing, Uncanoonuc's double brow ;
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From whose heights, far upward soaring, Can be seen the ocean tides ; Though the music of their roaring Never reached her verdant sides.
View these mountains, old, gigantic ! See their summits boldly rise ! And with grandeur wild, romantic, Hold communion with the skies.
They have stood the shock of ages ; They have baffled conquering time ; And in vain the tempest rages All around their heights sublime.
Lesser hills we see extending, With their garniture of green ; And with guardian care seem bending O'er the vales which lie between.
Through each forest height is blowing Autumn's cool and genial breeze ; While below, the brooks are flowing To the music of the trees.
Near, the feathered throng are singing Through the branches bending now, With the fruits of autumn clinging To each fair and leafy bough.
Now this autumn day is ending ; Hushed the melody of song; And the farmer homeward wending, Plods his weary way along.
Twilight's pall of grey is sinking O'er these hills and valleys green ; And in sadness we are thinking Of the grandeurs we've not seen.
But the harvest moon is rising, With her soft effulgent light, And though silent, seems advising Us to leave this gladsome height.
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When the wand'rer, homeward turning, Gazes on his native hills, What strange passions in him burning, All his manly bosom fills.
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