USA > New Hampshire > Grafton County > Bethlehem > The early history of the town of Bethlehem, New Hampshire > Part 3
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complishing the desired object was as great then as now, and the circumstances under which love- making commenced and ended in matrimonial bonds were as varied in the days when our nar- rative commences as in future times.
In the spring time of 1760, in the town of Bar- nardston, in the state of Maine, at early dawn a man might have been seen coming from the dwelling which had been his place of abode. He was of medium size and well porportioned with a build that showed him capable of physical endurance, unmarried and about 28 years of age. He had brown hair, blue eyes, a frank open countenance in whose general features were dis- tinctly seen strength of purpose and mind, intel- ligence and good character. With a large pack on his back, -- as if expecting a long journey,- and firm step, the subject of our narrative walked on in the direction of his destination, and in due time reached the town of Hanover. It was one of those lovely days characteristic of New England spring-time; not a cloud to be seen, and the air was soft and delightful. The king of day was lavish in bestowing its cheerful influence on the already changing aspects of na- ture, vegetation was awaking from its long inac-
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tive condition to begin anew a career of progress and unfolding, while beasts and birds alike showed that they, too, were receiving inspiration from the loveliness of the heavens. It was past mid-day, the sun was silently but rapidly nearing its destination to shine in all its magnificent splendor in the far off western sky; but our trav- eller took no note of swiftly passing timè, being absorbed in a line of thought in which he was deeply interested, involving, as it did, his future happiness and plan of action. Being unmarried and having a practical turn of mind, he naturally took a common-sense view of whatever he wished to accomplish, which would direct his medita- tions thus:
" I will thoroughly examine the locality and if half be true that has been reported of it, I in- tend to make a permanent home in that land of promise; but a good home, such as I contemplate, means a great deal and to obtain such an one a large amount of work must be done,-a heavy growth of timber removed, land cleared, seed sown and harvest gathered; also a barn and cabin must be created. Well, I think I can do all of this, for I am satisfied that my mind and body are equal to the emergency.
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"But this is not all that is needed to make a happy home. I shall want a partner for life, a companion to cheer me in my lonely hours, to speak words of comfort and encouragement in times of adversity. I shall need, yes, need,-for it is no boyish fancy,-a wife to care for those things pertaining to the inside of my cabin, and a loving heart and willing hands to administer to me in times of sickness. Yes, this is reasonable. I must have a wife !"
But, at this point his line of thought was in- terrupted by an impression on his mind, received through the medium of that unseen, mysterious telegraphic communication that connects mind with mind, which caused him to look up. As he did so he saw at once the author of the dispatch, that a moment before had disturbed him in his reveries. It was a female whose eyes were fixed intent upon him. The instant our hero saw the lady she turned her head, as though unconscious of the near proximity of a stranger, and this quick movement of our heroine might have de- ceived the stranger had it not been for a deep blush that mantled her fair face and the evidence it gave. In an instant, with true womanly sa- gacity, she put on an unconcerned air moving
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slowly on, as though the incident had not oc- curred. She was mounted on horseback and riding down a cross-road, the junction of which to the more public highway, was only a few rods distant. She had been to visit friends and was returning home,-was plainly but neatly attired, rode gracefully, and the manner she managed the spirited beast showed that she was well skilled in the art of horsemanship, which was not an uncommon thing in those early times.
What the feelings of a man would be to have a beautiful female spring up in his pathway, as if by magic power, at the very moment when he had just decided that he must have a wife and for aught he knew may have spoken his thoughts so loudly as to be distinctly heard by his fair friend, can be better imagined by the reader than described by a pen.
In a few minutes the two strangers met face to face, at the intersecting point of the roads and in a gentlemanly manner he saluted her, in the style peculiar to the times, and she returned the salutation in a graceful way with a genteel bow.
At first the two inclined to be reticent, arising on the one side from modesty and her peculiar situation, on the other from an inclination not to
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be too formal with strangers: but, as they jour- neyed on together (for they were going the same way,) this failing, as if by mutual consent, gave place to pleasant conversation.
The lady, with that instinctive quickness pe- culiar to woman, soon felt assured of the good character and noble qualities of this handsome stranger, and the sequel showed that she was correct in her hasty conclusions.
Having formed a favorable opinion of this young man her sympathy for him was at once aroused; having a kind disposition and willing to practice the golden rule, "Do unto others as you would have them do to you."
She generously offered to take his pack, which offer he readily accepted for his load grew heav- ier as the day neared its close, and the pack which he had carried from early dawn was de- posited on the back of the horse in care of his interesting companion.
Then and there was an opportunity for the ri- der to betray the man who had shown such con- fidence in her by giving loose rein to the fleet- footed beast, leaving the stranger minus his knapsack. But he had no fears of that and there was. no necessity of any.
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Being a close observer of human nature he unhesitatingly came to the conclusion that his female friend was a superior woman in point of intelligence and those qualifications that make woman truly noble, and in after life she proved to him that he did not overestimate her real value.
The rays of the setting sun now lingered on the summit of distant hills, as if unwilling to take a final departure, but only for a moment, for twilight soon claimed the right to exhibit her beauty and loveliness, as the mellow light that follows closing day began to disappear before the coming shroud of night.
She halted before the door of a neat looking cottage, at the same time informing her friend that this was her home and that he could stay all night with the family, if he choose. Being un- der the necessity of securing lodgings soon, as daylight was now gone, and confident that the accommodations would be satisfactory, he ac- cepted the invitation and walked in.
On the morrow he started on his journey.
The name of this lady was Parker, her husband having previously died leaving two children The name of the gentleman was James Turner.
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The acquaintance which commenced at the janction of the two roads Sually etided in mar- ringe relationa.
Mr. Tarmer resched Lloyd's Hill without any adventure worth revealing, and liking the place soon begab work
He was the third permanent sttier in Bethle-
He worked on bis land through the Mason, returning to Mamachusetts to spend the coldest part of the winter, coming back in the spring to rewanon his labor. This course be followed fur two or three years, not forgetting to patronize the bocuse where he found much good accommo. dations and pleasant society on a former coca- wion, in the town of Hanover.
When all was ready Mr. Turner was mamed to Mrs. Parker and went to reside at the new bome in Bethlehem, and the cabin was now made pleasant and cherfal (of which Mr. Turner was thinking at the junction of the two roule on a former occasion,) by the presence of the fair tranger who generously carried for bito bie well Slied knapsack
His union with Mra Parker was one of the mont fortanale transactions of his eventful life.
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while his wife found a husband worthy to hold that relation with a truly noble woman.
Mrs. Turner was a blessing to not only her own household but the whole settlement. Her skill in horseback riding, which she acquired be- fore her last marriage, to which we have already alluded, was of great advantage to her in the new condition of things in which she was placed, and the little community where she resided, for, there being no practising physician at hand, Mrs. Turner, for a period of a number of years,- whenever necesity required it, and that was frequently,-mounted a horse, took her saddle- bags of medicines and visited the sick, acting the part of nurse and doctress. Though not a reg- ular physician, she did good service, being ac- quainted with the medicinal qualities of many articles. By daylight and in darkness, in sun- shine and storm, she hovered like an angel of mercy about the bed of the suffering; her com- ing always was greeted with delight. The sun- light that beamed from her countenance, the kind words she spoke and the hope inspired in her suffering patients, rendered her an object of respect and love by all who needed her assist- ance.
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Although contented with her new place of abode Mrs. Turner was much attached to the many kind friends at Hanover whom she had left behind, to share with her husband the rude- ly constructed cabin in the bowers of nature. As difficult as was a long arduous journey to her former home and old associates, she was equal to the emergency and was permitted to behold again those many objects and friends so interesting and familiar to her in former times.
But how unlike the mode of travel then to that of to-day! Now the roads from Bethlehem street to Hanover are comparatively good and with a covered buggy, constructed in modern style, drawn by spirited horses, one can pass to and from those two places with ease and comfort; or, if one chooses to go by rail, he can go and return the same day, eating breakfast and supper at his own table. But the mode of travelling by the early settlers of this town was on foot guided by marked trees, on horseback, or with an ox team. In the last mentioned way Mr. and Mrs. Turner made three visit to Hanover, she, on one of these occasions, carrying in her arms a babe six weeks old.
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With the present facilities for journeying the mother of to-day can hardly realize the fatigue and weariness of a journey with an infant in her arms on an ox s'ed, of from 140 to 200 miles, as was the case with those kind but resolute and energetic mothers who lived in those early times, in respect to danger, toil and suffering, we really know but little.
Although much might truthfully be said in re- lation to those noble women who acted so con- spicuous a part in planting the germ of civiliza- tion in our beautiful highland home, yet we have no doubt but that the mothers and daughters of Bethlehem to-day would have, had they lived in those early times, as faithfully fulfilled their mis- sion.
But the circumstances that necessitated some of the education and practical training of the times of which we write have passed away and disappeared before development and progress. The women of to-day can with honor and credit fill the places allotted them by the great change in surrounding circumstances holding in grateful remembrance the worthy deeds and good quali- ties of their own sex, who have preceded them.
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CHAPTER 8.
THE first manner of going to mill was on foot with grist on their backs; the next was to put the grain on the back of steers, walking by their side. But, at the time of which we write, some used sleds.
Early one morning in spring-time James Tur- ner started for Bath to mill, with a yoke of wide- awake steers and sled. The morning was warm and pleasant, teamster and team were in good spirits and ready for the journey. With an oc- casional " Whoa boys!" the sled moved briskly on.
While Mr. Turner was making good progress, omens of a gathering storm was seen in the heav- ens; a gentle breeze from the south sighed among the branches of leafless tree-tops, and dark clouds wandered here and there, as if on some aerial mission, like scouts on an advancing host, while the wind as if inspired by knowledge of coming events moved with increasing vigor amid the vis- ible, craggy peaks of neighboring mountains, a prelude to a warm rain and coming thaw.
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Mr. Turner was acquainted with these signs and understood their import. He knew that if the storm should burst in its fury before he could recross the Ammonoosuc. on his way home, he might find himself surrounded with unpleasant and dangerous circumstances and, with hope and fear each in turn filling his mind, he made his way as fast as possible to his place of destination, which he reached without unnecessary delay or serious accident.
When everything was in readiness he started homeward. The atmosphere was now quite warm, with an increasing southerly wind and co- pious fall of rain. The snow was rapidly disap- pearing and soon water began to cover the ice in the river. He saw the danger and knew that his safety depended on the speed of his team. Soon an additional noise startled him, not because it was so loud or frightful, but it revealed the fact that jack frost was forced to succumb. The ice in the river was preparing to break, but at the same time he was aware that the catastrophe must necessarily be delayed for awhile.
The team received new impulse from the earn- est tone of the teamster's voice, and all shared in the increasing excitement.
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Faster went the steers, quicker and louder came the sound of breaking ice which finally mingled with a roar and a sound of rushing wa- ters. Glancing backward his quick eye compre- hended at once his true situation. A short dis- tance below him the river had become obstructed, turning the ice and water into the road only a a few rods in his rear, and it was rapidly ap- proaching to a dangerous proximity. It was now a race for life The roaring waters and mingling sounds of roaring elements so terrified the al- ready much excited steers, that they strained every nerve to escape the jaws of death that were opened wide to receive them. The water, as if infuriated by its own exertions, receiving an im- petus from the prospects of soon engulphing every object in its pathway, now increased in sound, volume, and rapidity of movement. While the manly form of Mr. Turner might have been seen as, in a voice distinctly heard above the con- fused mass of mingling sounds, he cheered his cattle on. It was a moment of great anxiety, for in that short space of time would be decided the question of life or death. Could they reach a point but a few rods distant all would be well, as at that place the ground began gradually to rise.
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A misstep of one of the steers and all would be lost. No accident occurred; they were saved, and at nightfall he reached the usual place of crossing at the point now covered by Littleton village.
The river was so swollen he did not think it advisable to attempt to cross. There was one cabin in that locality, occupied by the family of one Mr. Mann, with whom he staid all night, as he could proceed no further.
Mr. Mann informed Mr. Turner that he could stop with them, but there was nothing whatever for his team and that they were but little better off in the house for anything to eat. He replied, that while he stayed he would furnish meal from his grist for them all, which he gladly did, but the steers had no supper, as they refused to eat meal.
Early the following morning he succeeded in getting his team to the opposite shore, by stand- ing on the bank and driving it through the wa- ter. They, at first, were not inclined to go, but after a while the object was accomplished.
This part of his plan being executed, he at once began to carry out the remainder of his programme, which was to connect the two banks
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with some tall tree that might stand near the water's edge, on which to cross the swollen stream. Taking his axe he soon found one which he thought to be of sufficient length for the use he intended it. Quick and hard came the strokes of the axe, given with a will and by his strong vigorous arm, and soon this forest son came down with a crash into the surging water; but to his surprise it lacked much of reaching the opposite shore. He went further down the stream, made another selection which in due time shared the fate of the other tree, and again Mr. Turner was disappointed. As he followed the downward course of the river stroke after stroke, crash after crash might have been heard, and thus the day-hour by hour-wore away, and when the garments of night began to clothe the face of nature with gathering gloom, his ob- ject was not accomplished, and with no better prospects of reaching home than on the previous evening.
On returning to the crossing he found the steers had, some time during the day, recrossed the river and were now on the same side as himself and, as a matter of necessity, he stayed the second night at Mr. Mann's cabin.
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Early the next morning he went two miles down the river, to Mr. Hoskins's, and procured a bundle of hay for his team and then employed his time as he had done the day before and night-fall found him again at his humble lodging place.
But Mr. Turner was not the man to get dis- couraged and wait for something favorable to occur; like Napoleon, he believed in creat- ing circumstances; so, early the following morn- ing our hero, with his purpose unchanged, went to work hopeful and with his usual determination to succeed.
At a point about three miles below the cross- ing he fortunately succeeded in connecting the two banks, as a reward for his perseverance. His next move was to go to Mr. Hoskins's, whom he found at home, and engaged him to drive the team through the water while he (Turner) would cross on the tree and be ready to take the steers as they reached the shore.
After some delay a crossing was effected and Mr. Turner and team reached home without any further adventure, minus his sled and grist, which he left at Mr. Mann's, to return and get as
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soon as the water should subside sufficiently to make the undertaking safe.
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CHAPTER 9.
THE first settlers of Bethlehem were subjected to the same inconvenience as all others under like circumstances. They had no enclosed grounds in which to pasture their cows and so were compelled to turn them loose in the woods, without bounds or limitations to roam at pleas- ure where they would. The hunting of cows in a dense wilderness is not much like travelling for delinquent ones in an enclosed field. To loose a cow in the boundless forest in those days meant a great deal. The loss of the milk to the family was keenly felt, for they placed much reliance on the daily produce of the cow to supply them food in its season. It meant great anxiety on the part of the owner, as to the length of time be- fore she could be found, or whether she would ever be recovered; and, if she was, might it not be that the milk would cease to flow and they be.
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deprived of any further benefit from that source.
To illustrate the inconvenience of keeping stock to which the early pioneers were necessari- ly subjected, we give some facts relative to a genuine cow hunt.
Mr. Turner and Mr. Oakes had each a cow that ran together in the woods, coming home together at night, as a general rule; but, on one occasion, neither came and it being so near dark only a slight effort was made to find them that night. On the following morning, just at peep of day, Mr. Turner took his trusty gun and started out to search for the missing beasts. He went first to those places he thought most likely they would be, but to his surprise no trace of them could be found. During the first part of the day he con- fined his researches to those localities which he knew to be sometimes frequented by the cows; disappointed at not finding them, about noon he sat down to rest beneath the thick branches of a stately tree. Not expecting to be gone so long from home he had not taken the precaution to bring any food with him and having no dinner to eat and becoming somewhat anxious about the situation of things, he only stopped a short time. He now took a course that led him far from fa-
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miliar scenes, examining every spot where it was possible for the objects of his search to leave some trace of themselves had they passed that way, eyeing sharply the ground, taking notice of things and flowers, hoping to find some evidence of their whereabouts by the sides of brooks and streamlets, on high ground and in valleys. He continued to search until the rapidly setting sun admonished him that the inmates of his humble cabin would have fears that he was lost and he must return.
But all in vain. Night was fast covering the face of nature with its solemn grandeur, when Mr. Turner reached his home and reported the unfavorable results of the day's labor to his waiting, anxious wife.
After a consultation had been held between the two in relation to what was best to be done under the circumstances, it was unanimously agreed that the search must be continued.
On the following morning Mr. Turner again started to hunt for the cows, being careful this time to take something for a lunch; penetrating deeper into the dense growth of timber than on the previous day, squirrels chattered, partridges gazed intently but shyly from some secluded cov-
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ert on the strange looking intruder and a deer bounded past him with an expression in his looks that showed conclusively that a human being had never before crossed his pathway and old bruin, as if unwilling to form an acquaintance with a strange being of whose strength he had no knowledge and did not care to know, acted as though he considered prudence the better part of valor, kept out of the reach of the intruder's gun, keeping a sharp lookout at a respectful and safe distance.
Noon came, but the cows had not been found, and seating himself in a cooling shade in close proximity to a cold crystal spring he ate in a hurry, but with good relish, his humble meal.
Having stopped about fifteen minutes he again started, up and down, over and under huge trees uprooted by some wild mountain storm, through thickets and plats of tall weeds and grass, through and around bog-holes he directed his footsteps, looking for some sign, occasionally calling loudly to the objects of his search, but he saw no token of their presence and the echo of his own voice was the only reply.
In this manner the second day of the hunt was spent and at nightfall he returned home to
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again report a failure. Thus for nine days Mr. Turner continued to hunt for the cows. On his return home at the close of the ninth day's search with his usual report of " can't find them," Mr. and Mrs. Turner held another counsel, in which the matter was thoroughly re-examined and dis- cussed and the conclusion reached was; "The cows must be found, dead or alive !"
Some time during the evening the owner of the other cow, Mr. Oakes, came in and said he would accompany Mr. Turner in the search on the following morning, which he did.
The reader will doubtless be curious to know why Mr. Oakes seemed to take so little interest in the matter, and it is but doing justice to him that we give the reasons for his apparent indiffer- ence. The fact that he was very busy in other matters, besides that his cow did not give milk, and not being particular where she was if out of mischief and danger, and doing well, which he was satisfied was the case with her,-provided that she would return home when he had need of her, about which he felt but little misgivings. Knowing full well that she must be somewhere in the big pasture caused him to wait and see what would be the result of Mr. Turner's efforts.
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Early next morning, which was the tenth day of the hunt, both men with their guns and an ample supply of provisions, started for the woods, and on reaching it they held a consultation as to the best way of procedure. It was finally de- cided to go to the Ammonoosuc River, at some point near what is now known as McGregory Hollow. Soon after reaching the point desig- nated, they found signs of cattle having been there the night previous.
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