USA > New Hampshire > Merrimack County > Dunbarton > Sketch of Dunbarton, New Hampshire > Part 2
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Of the native clergymen, Leonard S. Parker is probably the oldest now living. He has held several pastorates, and is now assistant pastor of the Shepard Memorial Church, Cambridge, Mass. One of the early college graduates was Isaac Garvin, son of Sam Garvin, whose name was a by word among his neighbors ; " as shiftless as Sam Garvin " was a common say- ing. Isaac obtained his education under difficulties which would have discouraged most men, and at first even Dr. Harris thinking it not worth wihle to help him. He probably studied divinity with Dr. Harris, and was ordained in the Congrega- tional Church, but late in life took orders in the Episcopal Church in New York. There were two Rev. Abraham Burn- hams, uncle and nephew, and Rev. Amos W. Burnham, whose
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only pastorate was Rindge where he preached forty-six years. Thomas Jameson held pastorates in Scarborough and Gorham, Maine ; he was blind during his last years. Charles H. Mar- shall preached in various places in Indiana, and died nearly thir- ty years ago. Ephraim O. Jameson held several pastorates ; he is now retired and living in Boston. He has compiled several genealogies and town histories. Rev. George A. Putnam, son of the second pastor of the church in Dunbarton, preached for several years in Yarmouth, Maine, then went to Milibury, Mass., in 1871, where he : till resides - an unusually long pastorate in these times. John P. Mills is preaching in Michigan.
Of the native Baptist ministers were Hosea Wheeler, Harri- son C. Page, who died at Newton Theological Seminary just before the completion of his course, and who gave promise of great ability; and the brothers Joel and Christie Wheeler who entered the ministry without a collegiate education, and both preached in Illinois.
Though the people of Dunbarton are too peaceable and hon- est to need the services of a lawyer, at least a dozen young men entered the legal profession. One of the earliest college graduates, Jeremiah Stinson, having studied law, opened an office in his native town, but devoted the most of his time to agriculture. He met with an accidental death at the age of thirty-six years. Among those who continued to practice law were John Burnham in Hillsborough, John Jameson in Maine, John Tenney in Methuen, Mass , Judge Joseph M. Cavis in California, David B. Kimball in Salem, Mass., Newton H. Wil- son in Duluth, Minn., and Henry E. Burnham in Manchester. Only the three last named are now living.
The people of Dunbarton are proud of the fact that there has been no resident physician in town for more than forty years. The last, a Dr. Gilson, was here for a short time only. Dr. Dugall was probably the first ; while others were Doctors Symnes Sawyer, Clement, Mighill, Stearns, and Merrill.
True Morse was a seventh son ; so was Rev. Mr. Putnam, but he refused to use his supposed powers. Among the native
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physicians were Abram B. Story, who died not long since in Manchester, William Ryder, John L. Colby, Gilman Leach, David P. Goodhue, a surgeon in the Navy, John and Charles Mills. The two last named practiced in Champaign, Illinois, and were living there when last heard from. William Caldwell is well remembered as a veterinary surgeon.
Of dentists we may name John B. Prescott, D. D. S., of Manchester, a graduate of Pennsylvania Dental College, and the late Dr. Edward Ryder of Portsmouth.
Nothwithstanding this exodus of professional men and others, many good and wise men made the place their home. Deacon John Mills was town treasurer for thirty five years, selectman twenty-two years, and representative eight years. He built the house afterwards owned by his son-in law, Deacon Daniel H. Parker, who was also a good citizen ; as Justice of the Peace, he transacted much law business and settled many estates ; he held many town offices, was a thrifty farmer, and accumulated a large fortune.
Henry Putney, of the fourth generation from the first settler of that name, was another strong man, who with Deacon Par- ker and Eliphalet Sargent formed a board of selectmen in the troubled times of the Civil War, that did good service for the town. His only daughter is the wife of Nahum J. Bachelder, secretary of State Board of Agriculture. He had six sons, five of whom are now living.
The name of Oliver Bailey has been known in town for several generations. The present representative of that name is one of the elder men of the town, a thrifty farmer, and was formerly in company with his son, George O Bailey, a cattle dealer on a large scale. His brother, James M. Bailey, still owns part of the paternal acres. Their father, Oliver Bailey, removed late in life, to Bow Mills, where he died in ISS9. John C. Ray owned a beautiful home in the west part of the town ; he was superintendent of the State Industrial School in Manchester for about twenty-five years betore his death in 1898.
The brothers, Captain Charles and William C. Stinson, were
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wealthy farmers in the south part of the town ; the former re- moved to Goffstown, and his farm is owned by Philander Lord. The house is probably one of the oldest in town. The last years of William C. Stinson were spent in Manchester. Harris E. Ryder was the first Master of Stark Grange which was or- ganized in October, 1874. His buildings were burned in 1875, and not long afterwards he located in Bedford, where he died. His brother, Charles G. B. Ryder, served on the school com- mittee for several years. He removed to Manchester many years ago and was engaged in the real estate business for many years ; he died there several years ago. The buildings on his farm were burned in July, 1899.
Major Caleb, son of General. John Stark, built a house in the west part of the town which is still owned by the family and is filled with interesting relics. His son, Caleb, was the author of the " History of Dunbarton," published in 1860. He and two unmarried sisters spent much time here, the last survi- vor, Miss Charlotte, dying in 1889, aged about ninety years. She was a fine specimen of the old time gentlewoman, much given to hospitality. The place is now owned in part by her grand nephew, Charles F. M. Stark, a descendant on the mother's side from Robert Morris, the great financier of Revo- lutionary times. His only son, John McNiel Stark, graduated from Holderness School, June, 1900. The Stark cemetery is a beautiful and well kept resting place of the dead. Besides Stark, the names of Winslow, Newell, and Mckinstry are seen on the headstones. Benjamin Marshall, and his son, Enoch, were prominent men in town. Many other names should be mentioned, but space forbids.
The daughters of Dunbarton are not less worthy of mention than her sons. Some of the teachers have already been men- tioned. Another was Marianne, sister of Deacon Parker, who married a Doctor Dascomb and went with him to Oberlin, Ohio, where he became profe: sor of chemistry in Oberlin College. . She was lady principal. It was said that there were two saints in the Oberlin calendar, President Finney and Mrs. Dascomb.
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Three of her sisters married ministers. Ann married Rev. Isaac Bird, and went with him to Turkey as a missionary ; and Emily married Rev. James Kimball of Oakham, Mass. ; and Martha, Rev. Thomas Tenney ; one of her daughters is the wife of the late Rev. Cyrus Hamlin. Two of Deacon Parker's daughters are the wives of ministers. Louise is Mrs. Lucien H. Frary of Pomona, California, and Abby is Mrs. John L. R. Trask of Springfield, Mass. Dr. Trask has been for many years trustee of Mt. Holyoke College.
Mary, daughter of Deacon John Mills, married Rev. Mr. William Patrick of Boscawen ; Dr. Mary Mills Patrick, President of the American College for Girl sat Constantinople, is her step- daughter and namesake. Sarah, daughter of Benjamin Mar- shall, married Caleb Mills who studied theology, though his life work was teaching. Mary F., daughter of Deacon John Paige, married Rev. David Webster, now of Lebanon, Maine. Mary L., daughter of John Kimball of Milford, formerly of Dun- barton, has been for more than ten years the wife of Rev. Arthur Remington, now in Philadelphia. Perhaps the latest addition to the list is Hannah C, eldest daughter of Horace Caldwell, who, January, 1899, married Rev. Avery A. K. Gleason, then pastor of the Congregational Church in Dunbarton, now Rayn- ham, Mass.
Mary A. daughter of Captain Charles Stinson, married Charles A. Pillsbury, known as the flour king of Minneapolis, who died more than a year ago.
Though the rough and rocky soil is poorly adapted to culti- vation, Dunbarton is, and always has been, emphatically a farming town. Yet a long list of mechanics might be given. Carpenters, blacksmiths, painters and masons still ply their trades, but the mill wrights, shoemakers, tanners, coopers, tail- ors, tailoresses, and pump makers are people of the past. Less than fifty years ago a tannery was in operation at the place owned by Benjamin Fitts, and a good sized pond covered the space opposite the house of Justus Lord. It was used on sev- eral occasions by the Baptists as a place of immersion.
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William Tenney was the carpenter who built the town hall ; Captain Samuel Kimball, the present Congregational Church, and many dwelling houses. Others were the work of John Leach. The man now living who has done more of this work than any other is John D. Bunten, whose work has always been done in a thorough manner.
The stone blacksmith shop of Jonathan Waite has been used by three generations, now only for the family work. John B. Ireland still uses the shop of his father, while Lauren P. Had- ley's specialty is iron work on wagons. During the past few years much timber has been removed by the aid of portable steam mills.
The first store in town was kept by Major Caleb Stark at Page's Corner. He had several successors, among them being Jeremiah Page and John Kimball. At the Center I find, in the " History of Dunbarton," a long list of store-keepers, among whom was David Tenney, one of whose ledgers is still pre- served, where the entries of New England rum sold to the most respectable citizens are as numerous as tea and coffee now- a-days.
Deacon Burnham kept the store for many years, and later Thomas Wilson and his son Oliver kept the store. The latter also did considerable business as a photographer for a time. His son in-law, John Bunten, is the present proprietor of the store. The business has increased greatly with the sending out of teams to take orders and deliver goods in various parts of the town.
Among the successful business men who have left town may be named Lyman W. Colby, who was a successful photographer in Manchester for more than thirty years, and whose recent sudden death is greatly to be deplored by his many friends ; John C. Stinson, a merchant of Gloucester, N. J. ; Samuel G. Burn- ham of St. Louis, Missouri : and the late Fred D. Sargent, owner of a restaurant in St. Paul, Minn., where he furnished meals to 500 people daily, and to miny more on extra occasions. He had also a branch establishment at Milwaukee, Wisconsin, of
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which his brother, Frank H. Sargent is manager. For several years a newspaper was published by Oscar H. A. Chamberlen, called The Snow Flake, afterwards The Analecta.
The first library in town was kept at the house of Benjamin Whipple, and was called the Dunbarton Social Library. Some of the books are still preserved. A parish library, containing many valuable works, was collected by Miss Mary Stark, and was for many years the source of pleasure and profit to the attendants at St. John's Church. Some years after her death the books were given to a Library Association, formed at the Center, which in turn was merged with the Public Library, founded in 1892, of which Miss Hannah K. Caldwell was, till her marriage, the efficient librarian. The position is now filled by Mabel Kelly. A library is also owned by Stark Grange.
For the past thirty years or more, many summer boarders have come to Dunbarton. The houses of James M. Bailey, William B. Burnham, and Peter Butterfield, were well filled for several years, while at many other places some people were accommodated. At the present time two houses at the Center, owned by Henry P. Kelly, are filled every summer ; also the house of Frank C. Woodbury, the former home of Deacon Par- ker on the " hill beautiful," where " glorious golden summers wax and wane, where radiant autumns all their splendors shed."
The pure air of Dunbarton seems to be conducive to long life. Two citizens passed the century mark. Mrs. Joseph Leach died in 1849, aged 102 years, 9 months. Mrs. Achsah P. (Tenney) Whipplelived to the age of 100 years, 9 months. Her centennial birthday was celebrated June 28, 1886, by a large gathering of relatives and friends. Her only daughter married Joseph A Gilmore, for many years Superintendent of the Concord Railroad, and also Governor of New Hampshire. Her grand daughter was the first wife of Hon. William E. Chan- dler, who, doubtless, has pleasant recollections of his visits to his betrothed at the home of her grandparents.
Among the residents of the town who attained the age of 90 years or more were Mrs. Mary Story, 98 years, 4 months, 12
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days ; Mrs. Ann C., widow of Deacon John Wilson, 98 years ; Deacon John Church, 97 years ; Mrs. Abigail (Burnham) Ire- land, 94 years ; There were several others whose ages I do not know. Mr. and Mrs. Guild, near the Bow line, I think were over 90 years. Many have passed the age of 80 years. Dea. con Samuel Burnham is now 88 years ; he and his wife lived together more than 63 years. Mr. and Mrs. James Stone lived together more than 65 years. Mrs. Stone survived her husband only a few weeks. Colonel Samuel B. Hammond and wife cel- ebrated their golden wedding in 1892.
Stark Grange is the only secret society in town, though some individuals belong to societies in adjoining towns. The mem- bership of Stark Grange is about ninety.
The patriotism of the town has always been unquestioned.
Dunbarton has sent her sons to battle for the right in every war. Seventeen men took part in the French and Indian War, including Major Robert Rogers, and other men by the names of Rogers, Stark, McCurdy, and others.
In the Revolutionary Army were fifty-seven from Dunbarton, including the brothers John and Thomas Mills, William Beard, and others. Caleb Stark, afterwards a resident, though very youug, was with his father at Bunker Hill.
Henry L. Burnham used to tell a story of a cave on the farm which was his home for many years (now owned by John Haynes) which once sheltered a deserter from the Revolution- ary Army. The man afterwards went to the northern part of the State, and at the very hour of his death, during a heavy thunder shower, the entrance to the cave was closed so com- pletely that the most diligent search has failed to discover any trace of it.
In the war of 1812, eleven enlisted, and twelve were drafted. Probably Benjamin Bailey was the last survivor. Among those who went to the Mexican War were Benjamin Whipple and Charles G. Clement.
Dunbarton sent more than fifty men to the Civil War ; sev- eral sent substitutes. To three men were given captain's com-
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missions, namely, William E. Bunten, Henry M. Caldwell, who died of fever in Falmouth, Va., in 1862, and Andrew J. Stone, who was killed at the Battle of the Wilderness in 1864. Mar- cus M. Holmes returned a lieutenant and Horace Caldwell was orderly sargeant ; Wilbur F. Brown died of starvation at Ander- sonville, and Benjamin Twiss narrowly escaped a like fate at Libby Prison. He was suffocated in a mine in the Far West not very long ago.
Two young men went to the Spanish-American War who were born in Dunbarton, and had lived here the larger part of their lives, namely, William J. Sawyer, who enlisted in the New Hampshire Regiment from Concord, and Fred H. Mills, who enlisted at Marlboro, Mass., in the Sixth Massachusetts Regi- ment, He died in Goffstown, June 26, 1900, of disease con- tracted in the army.
No railroad touches the town, and probably never will, but an electric car route over the hill has been prophesied.
The mail has always come by way of Concord, and the car- rier's wagon has furnished transportation for many people. Hon William E. Chandler drove the mail wagon for a time some fifty years ago. The postoffice was first established in 1817, at the Center ; another at North Dunbarton in 1834 ; a third at East Dunbarton in 1883. In 1899 the free rural delivery system was adopted, giving general satisfaction to the residents.
I have written chiefly of the past history of the town, but I think I may say that the people of the presentday are endeavor- ing to maintain as good a reputation as their ancestors.
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