USA > New Hampshire > Grafton County > Campton > The Centennial celebration of the town of Campton, N.H., September 12th, 1867 > Part 5
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Centennial Celebration.
their superiors. Two or three years previous to 1815, a young man of this town had the thumb of his left hand torn away by his gun's splitting which was probably one cause of his afterward going to Haverhill to attend the Academy. Another young man not far from this time, was killed at the raising of a house frame. This last event led some young minds in this town to more serious thought than they had been in the habit of entertaining. In the Autumn of 1815, the Haverhill student was hope- fully born again in a revival of religion in the Academy where he was studying. On the first Sabbath after his return from Haverhill, this young man, with affections warmed into life by the love of God shed abroad in his heart, invited his young associates to go with him during the interim of public worship, to a school house near the meeting house, where he read to them an address on the subject of religion which had then been recently delivered to the students of Nassau Hall. This proved a good be- ginning. The next Sabbath the house was filled, the windows raised and many stood at them listening, while prayers were offered and addresses delivered. After this these meetings were held at the house of Dea. David Bartlett.
But from this time the work of revival went on, till the hopeful converts numbered nearly one hundred. Of these, nine subsequently entered the ministry, if we include Christopher Marsh, who was hopefully converted at Ha- verhill, and George Elliott, who was a subject of this re- vival, though a native of Thornton. There was also another subject of this revival who consecrated himself to the work of the ministry, but was called away by death while a member of college, viz: Leonard Willey. In speaking of these men I think that I shall speak truly and give no offence to any one, when I utter the opinion that the Haverhill student, who did so much to promote
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Clergymen of Campton.
the revival in this town, to which I have alluded, was not only first in point of time to enter the ministry, but was first also in talent, first in piety, first in real consecration to the work, being as we have reason to believe, richly anointed with the Holy Spirit. And he was the first also whom Infinite wisdom saw best to call home to the bright world of glory, to enjoy God's love in heaven ; where, doubtless, many souls are received as seals of his minis- try and as stars in the crown of his rejoicing. Christo- pher Marsh should long be remembered with thanksgiv- ing to God, by the good people of Campton. And prob- ably many in other places have reason to thank God for putting him into the ministry.
Perhaps, in point of talent, piety and a prospect for usefulness, we ought to place next to Mr. Marsh the indi- vidual who was called home to glory during his collegiate course. Leonard Willey was no unpromising youth ; but God saw best to take him, ere he was prepared to enter the ministry, to higher services in glory.
There have been revivals of religion in Campton, and many hopeful conversions since 1815, and some of these converts too have entered the ministry, making the whole number not less than fourteen, thirteen of whom are now living so far as known, besides Leonard Willey who con- secrated himself to the work, but died ere his preparation was completed.
Inhabitants of Campton, especially natives, what mat- ter of gratitude to the God of all grace that from time to time He has granted the influences of His Spirit, and so gloriously revived his work. And in addition to this, that there have been so many, who cannot only thank God for sending His Spirit into their hearts and drawing them to Christ, but, as we humbly hope, can add "I thank Jesus Christ my Lord, for that He counted me faithful in putting me into the ministry." God grant that
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all these now living may carefully examine themselves, and be found faithful unto the end. I think one of this number may well be particularized here, as having suffer- ed much during the late rebellion ; having to forsake all, flee for his life, and yet was, at last, taken by the rebels and their sympathizers among the Indians, and probably would have lost his life but for the persevering efforts of an affectionate, and beloved daughter. I refer to Rev. Worcester Willey, missionary among the Indians. And let me so far advocate woman's rights as to mention another individual, a lady missionary, a native of this town who was subjected to similar sufferings to those of Mr. Willey. I refer now to Mrs. Palmer, whose maiden name was Eliza Giddings. There is another individual who I think should not be forgotten in this connection, for though he never entered the ministry, he was a faith- ful missionary among the Indians for several years. This individual was a fatherless boy of some twelve or thirteen years of age, in 1830 or 1831, when he attended a pro- tracted religious meeting at Plymouth, where he was hopefully converted, and immediately became a mission- ary in an important sense, as he immediately commenced striving to persuade his associates to become christians. On Sabbath noon, he might be seen conversing with those near his own age on this all-important subject. He seem- ed to feel, from the very beginning of his christian course, that his own ease, convenience and comfort must be entire- ly subservient to God's will. Accordingly, though he was naturally near sighted and had wholly lost the sight of one eye, he felt that he must try to prepare himself to be useful. He attended the Academy at Plymouth, when Rev. Samuel Reed Hall was principal, and acquired a very good common education. He then offered himself to the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Mis- sions, and was accepted and sent as a teacher among the
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Clergymen of Campton.
Indians, where he continued his faithful labors till blind- ness prevented his doing more. He then took up his con- nexion with the Board and soon after died, full of love to God and the souls of men. It was said of him by a per- son of excellent judgment, who knew him well, " I never knew so self-denying a man as Charles Pulsifer." Will our christian friends be pleased to offer their prayers for clergymen, natives of Campton, who may be still living, that they may ever stand firm in God's counsel, and as they have strength and opportunity cause the people to hear His Word ; being preserved by Him who walketh in the midst of the golden candlesticks and holdeth the stars in his right hand.
And now as we have been looking back upon some few events of the past, how naturally are we drawn to an- ticipate the future, and earnestly entreat Him who ever lives and watches over the interests of His kindgom upon the earth, who waits to be gracious, hears prayer and is ready to bestow His blessing, that He will in the century to come, revive His work an hundred fold in Campton, and in other places through the land and world; and far down in the hearts of great multitudes cause to be felt the hidden power of Divine Grace, working mightily at the very fountain of life and action, and raising up scores of gospel ministers, even here in Campton, far more rich- ly anointed with the Holy Ghost than any of their prede- cessors ever have been. And in view of the signs of the times and the predictions of God's Word, may we not hope that ere another century close or not very far beyond that time that the voice of a great multitude, like that of many waters and many thunderings, shall be heard say- ing " Alleluia, for the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth."
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Centennial Celebration.
COMMON SCHOOLS.
BY W. C. BLAIR.
MR. PRESIDENT : In response to the sentiment just read, I confess myself utterly at loss in the brief time, which I know I must occupy to do anything like adequate justice to the theme.
The distinguishing characteristic of our American civ- ilization, and especially the New England type of that civilization, is the intelligence of the mass of the people. In Spain, in France, in Russia, even in classic Italy, in short in all Europe,-except perchance some of the Ger- man States, and possibly Sweden,-we find among the great body of the people that ignorance is the rule and knowledge the exception.
But it is not so here. The people in this country read the newspapers and the Bible, discuss politics and theolo- gy, and vote and worship as they please. There the mass of the population are chiefly interested in cock fights, bull fights, bear gardens, masquerade balls and the inevitable theatres of high and low degree.
Now what is true of our civilization as a whole, comes out in bold relief when considered in detail. For in- stance, New England in the methods and success of popu- lar education is far in advance of the rest of the country, and Massachusetts is in advance of any State in New England, and some towns and cities in that great com- monwealth in advance of a large majority of the residue of towns and cities.
So in our own State, in the methods and means of dif- fusing knowledge among the masses; some towns are much superior to others, and I claim here and now, that in this respect, Campton occupies a proud pre-eminence.
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Common Schools.
Within my own remembrance, I recollect that our good old town was the pioneer in the school house reform in this part of the State. The first old school house that gave place to a fine structure, complete in all its apart- ments, was at the village. I well remember that our wealthy and enterprising neighbors, in the most charming village in this beautiful valley of the Pemigewasset, were content with about as wretched and dilapidated a speci- men of school architecture as ever shocked human vision or gave to the very swine that might pass that way, long- ing for a habitation and a home. Yet that unseemly structure for the diffusion of knowledge to young ideas, perched upon an almost inaccessible bluff, existed for several years after the comparatively poor village of Camp- ton had such a school house as I have before mentioned, at once the pride and boast of the whole town.
Campton, I say then, was the pioneer in the great work of making decent habitations for public instruction, and if our good mother to-day stands more prosperous in her general material interests, in her enterprises for the pub- lic welfare, in her quiet but not less earnest devotion to the practical business of good living, and by the term good living, I mean to include the practice of all moral and spiritual virtues ; if, in a word, Campton really is, and she is, one of the first towns in the State, it is due more than to any one other thing, to the high character of her public schools. She has always stood high in this regard. From the early settlement of the town down through the ten decades of her existence, her schools have been superior, and her sons and daughters have been the recipients of better instruction, and more of it than has been vouchsafed to the people of most of our New Hampshire towns.
But this subject opens up a wide field, and I might occupy a full hour in observations upon this line of
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a
thought. I forbear, however, as the teachers of Campton claim our attention for a few moments.
Of course there must of necessity in every town be two classes of teachers, to wit: Natives of the town who taught school in the town and abroad, and those who were not natives that came into the town to teach.
Of the early teachers of Campton, I know but little. Enough evidence, however, exists of their diligence, fidelity and efficiency, in those instructed by them in their day, as evinced by what they have achieved in after life.
Perhaps of more modern days, I may be able to sug- gest a few incidents of interest. During the Autumn and Winter of 1862 and 1863, I happened, by accident, to board for a few weeks where several of the Judges of the Supreme Court of the United States boarded, and during that time I became acquainted with one of their number, who imformed me that the first school that he ever taught was at Campton Village. In conversation with him, I observed that his appreciation of the solid and stable character of Campton people, induced him to bear high testimony both to the intellectual and moral worth of the people. Without making any invidious dis- tinction, it is enough to say that almost every family was mentioned, among whom I well remember the Willeys, Bakers, Pulsifers, Littles, Holmes', Clarks, Spencers, and many others. Judge Clifford's idea of the superior char- acter of the people of the town, was, I know predicated upon the excellence of their schools.
I have the honor of an intimate acquaintance with another teacher of the village school. I refer to my bril- liant and accomplished townsman, Col. T. J. Whipple, one of the most remarkable men of our time, in many re- spects.
He taught the school at Campton Village about thirty- three years ago, and his reminiscences of that time are
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Common Schools.
exceedingly interesting. I remember among other things an incident showing the discipline he had in his school. The minister, as was the custom, visited the school, and his son, a boy about fifteen years old, at that precise age at which boys know more than ever afterwards, attended the school. Presuming, .upon his father's presence as a source of protection, the youngster took advantage of the occasion and behaved with most unseemly rudeness. Tom, as we familiarly called him at home, called the youth into the floor and administered to him in the pres- ence of his father, a most severe castigation. The father, unlike many parents, congratulated the teacher and prom- ised to administer the same punishment when the disobe- dient lad reached home. The Colonel also related many other incidents of interest connected with his school teaching experience in Campton.
Of teachers who taught away from Campton, nearly every professional man here to-day or absent, has at some time in his life, been a common school teacher, and with many of them it was the only means by which they were enabled to obtain their education. Of them it may be justly said, that their success in professional life is ample evidence of their capacity and influence as teachers.
One teacher who was a native of this town, made teach- ing a profession, and who had long experience both at home and abroad, I cannot help calling to your particular notice. I refer to Samuel R. Adams. In the late war, his valuable life, with hundreds of thousands of others, was given as a sacrifice upon the altar of his country, to make it free indeed. He has passed away, but his in- fluence and his example, have survived the patriot's grave. As a teacher he had unusual capacity. He knew how to command the love as well as obedience of all his pupils. He was firm, yet not harsh, ruling with kindness, yet al- ways holding his school closely in hand. In him were
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united all the qualities of a good teacher, and he exempli- fied in his life and character the highest qualities of a christian and a gentleman. Can I pay higher compli- ment than this to mortal man?
There are very many others, whom I have in mind, and would gladly mention in this connection, but I am re- minded I have already occupied too much of your time. And in conclusion permit me to offer the following senti- ment :
The future of Campton. If she is as faithful to the interests of popular education in the years that are to come as in the past, she will ever remain, materially, in- tellectually and morally, among the foremost of New England towns.
THE SABBATH SCHOOLS OF CAMPTON.
BY W. CHASE.
It is well known that there are in the solid ledge of the beautiful Connecticut Valley, many clear and distinct tracks of birds ; footprints of small as well as large mem- bers of the feathered tribe. The natural question that arises in view of this fact is, "How came they there?" We conclude that a long, long time ago the red sand stone ledge, so hard now, was in a soft plastic state, prepared to receive whatever impressions might be made upon it. Then it must be these birds walked upon the plastic yield- ing substance, that since has become hard and firm, re- taining as the record of iron pen this account of their transactions in those early days. Thus it is with the hu- man mind in childhood, it is wonderfully plastic, prepar-
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Sabbath Schools of Campton.
ed expressly by the hand of the Allwise Creator to readi- ly receive and imperishably retain impressions. Our Puritan fathers were persecuted in England because they worshiped God, as they thought they ought, and therefore they sought an asylum in Holland. But although they were there allowed to worship God and instruct their children as they believed right, they soon found that the habits and manners of the Dutch youth had a pernicious influence on their children, and must unavoidably tend to corrupt their morals and prevent their training them in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. To this they could not be reconciled. The new world through the skill and enterprise of Columbus had been discovered, and they determined to seek a home in it, hoping there to be free from those contaminating influences that had oper- ated so unfavorably on their youth. They therefore em- barked upon the bosom of the mighty deep, in the imper- fect sailing vessels of that day, and after a long and dan- gerous voyage, landed on the bleak and inhospitable shore of Cape Cod.
Be it remembered then, that our fathers left all the privileges and comforts of a long settled and fertile coun- try, and buffeted the waves and exposed themselves to the dangers of the billowy deep, and came to this wilder- ness to dwell amongst wild beasts and more savage men, to suffer from privation and want for the express purpose of training their children in habits of piety and virtue. Honor to their memory. They valued the right training and instruction of their children more than all worldly good. With these views and purposes, combined with the wisdom that cometh from above, they erected the church and placed the school house in its friendly shade, and brought their combined influence to operate in in- structing the .minds and moulding the hearts of their youth. They sought and procured holy and wise men to
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instruct them in the word of God and lead them in His worship. Here they all, young and old, repaired every Sabbath and on other days when they thought it expe- dient, to the house dedicated to this purpose, and listen- ed with unwearied attention while their teacher expound- ed God's word and brought forth his stores of theological lore. They also instructed their children around the family altar and at their firesides in the sacred scriptures, and had them commit portions of them to memory. They secured the services of persons qualified by good charac- ter, learning and skill, to teach the children to read and write, and the elementary principles of science. And all of suitable age were required to repair to the school house on week days, a portion of the year at least, to receive this important instruction. Thus a new and important era was commenced in the history of civilization, in which all, whatever the circumstances or pecuniary con- dition of their parents, were taught the rudiments of science, and the foundation of general intelligence was securely laid. But another institution was needed to more fully develop the religious nature and more effectually mould the heart aright. This is the Sabbath School. Here the scholar is brought under the influence of those best qualified by piety and intelligence, tact and skill, to cultivate the higher nature. The word of God, the most effectual means in this work, is brought into close contact with the mind and heart at the most favorable time. And when we take into consideration these facts, and especial- ly the inability of many parents to well instruct, and the indifference of others in regard to the religious instruc- tion and training of their children, we cannot but feel the importance of this institution in bringing forward the glorious period in the world's history, clearly predicted of in God's word, when none need to say to his neighbor, " Know the Lord," for all shall know Him from the least to the greatest.
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Sabbath Schools of Campton.
The descendants of the Puritans many years ago, saw the importance of this institution and organized Sabbath Schools all over New England. And the goodly town of Campton was not wanting in wise and good men to carry forward this work. In 1822 or about this time, Rev. Daniel Pulsifer, who so appropriately asked God to grant His blessing on this occasion, with some others whose hearts God had touched, to act for the rising race, met and organized a Sabbath School in connection with the public worship of the Congregational church. It has since that time been conducted with good success, much of the time embracing a large part of the congregation. It has greatly benefitted society, promoted the right ob- servance of the Sabbath, and above all has aided many to find Christ and heaven. Many will rise up in heaven, I doubt not, and call the founders and faithful laborers in this school blessed. About the time that this school was organized, Edmund Cook, since gone to his reward, invit- ed the children in the north part of the town to come to- gether and organized them into a Sabbath School and taught them with good success. His zeal and sacrifice in this work of love, is worthy of special commendation. I frequently meet those who enjoyed his instruction and labor to encourage them to learn Scripture truth and im- prove in this school. They tell me that he used to make little trunks, and present them to those who were most constant and diligent in their efforts. After a time the Baptist Society built a house of worship and organized a school in connection with the church that worshipped there, and it has been a great blessing to many. The speaker cannot forbear here to gratefully express his obli- gation to the founders and friends of this school. He expects to bless God forever that he was led in early childhood into this sacred institution, and especially that he was encouraged to learn portions of Scripture to recite
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Centennial Celebration.
there. More recently a meeting for public worship has been established, and a Sabbath School organized in the west part of the town by the Freewill Baptist Church, which I doubt not has been well conducted and accomplished much good. Other schools have been gathered and sus- tained for a short time in school houses in various parts of the town. But I think now there are only these three that have been mentioned that are in operation.
But are there not districts in town where a wise and enterprising christian laborer can collect jewels for the Saviour's crown by gathering the children, and teaching them the truths of the gospel of Jesus, and obtain for himself a reward which is of more value than all the pre- cious treasures of earth? If the seed of God's word is not sown in their hearts, it will never spring up and bring forth fruit unto their salvation. And if it be not sown there in childhood, it will not be very likely to take root so as to bear this fruit at all. Who will sow it? Or shall they be neglected to perish,-to lose eternal life, to be cast off, and the Saviour lose their praise? What an ap- peal does this case present to those who love Christ and priceless souls. In view of the readiness of children to receive impressions, and the tenacity, undying tenacity with which they retain them, what encouragement there is to gather them together on the Sabbath and teach them the Word of God, which is able to mould them into the image of Jesus. And in view of the facts in the case we ask all to carefully consider the question, "Is not the Sabbath School the most efficient of all means to hasten the glorious era when the knowledge of the glory of God shall fill the earth and all shall know the Lord from the least to the greatest?" Our duty is plain, our encourage- ment is great, to labor to bring every child into the Sab- bath school and to exert the most sacred influence upon his mind and heart while he is there.
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Remarks by Rev. Mr. Smith.
"HOW DEAR TO MY HEART ARE THE SCENES OF MY CHILDHOOD."
BY REV. FRENCH SMITH.
Mr. President-Ladies and Gentlemen :
I once heard of a public speaker who, in addressing his audience, stated that he remembered certain events that occurred when his grandmother was a little girl. I sup- pose he intended to say he remembered of hearing his grandmother relate certain events that occurred when she was a little girl.
Now, Mr. President, I think I should find no difficulty in interesting this audience in speaking upon the scenes of my childhood, if among those scenes were the events connected with the early history of this town which oc- curred when my grandparents were little children. And as there were interesting scenes in the days of their child- hood which were peculiar to the first settlements in this town, - which events we have come here to-day to com- memorate, - it may be proper for me briefly to refer to a few of them.
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