USA > New Hampshire > Grafton County > Bethlehem > The early history of the town of Bethlehem, New Hampshire > Part 5
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After the friends of Mr. Bemis had returned from their fruitless search, they held a council and it was decided to resume the search for him on the following day, which they did, their com- pany being enlarged by additional numbers, us- ing the same means as the day before to ascer- tain the whereabouts of the object of their search with no better results.
The movements of Mr. Bemis on this day were similar to those of the day previous, he
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growing more weary and confused, having less and less comprehension of his real situation. Travelling more in circles, coming back to his starting point, at the same time moving some- what higher up the river. Nature could endure no more for the time and he sank down upon the earth exhausted. A little sleep revived him, but on the following morning the once strong mind and body was deranged and weak, yet he con- tinued to wander about stopping often to rest and then to move again. Too much overcome with hunger, fatigue and exposure to have any well devised plan, only a vague idea that he was lost seemed to inspire him and he must go home. Thus he traveled having no regard as to where or in what direction.
After the second day was ended it was decided that the search should be continued until the lost man should be found, dead or alive as might be.
By this time the news that a man was lost in the forest had spread far and wide. On the next day the number of men that joined in the search was greatly augmented, and the manner of pro- cedure was similar to that of the preceding days, only, if possible, the party shouted more earnest-
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ly, blew their horns with greater rigor, and the guns were made to speak more loudly. Sudden- ly some of the men were attracted by the bark- ing of a dog belonging to the party, and on go- ing to the spot discovered the lost man.
When found Mr. Bemis was sitting on a log holding his gun. Examination showed his powder was wet and the flint of his gun lost, leaving him without the means to kill game or make a fire; his feet were badly frozen and he had eaten nothing since leaving home, excepting a piece of his dog's tongue, the remainder of which was found in his pocket.
The shock which Mr. Bemis received by this sad event caused his death about seven years later.
The place where Mr. Bemis was found was in the vicinity of Alder Brook, on what is now known as Platt's Meadow.
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CHAPTER 13.
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THE wants and needs of the early settlers were unlike in amount and kind, in many respects, to those of to-day, and their manner of securing the necessaries of life corresponded with their surroundings. Their food was of the plainest kind, anything eatable being gladly welcomed. The texture and cut of their wearing apparel was in harmony with their idea of durability, convenience and comfort. The animal, vegeta- ble and mineral kingdoms were put under con- tribution and every thing within their reach util- ized to the best advantage. Costly ornaments and silk dresses as well as the luxuries known to older communities had no place in their humble homes. The heavy growth of timber was made to serve a purpose, in a manner not practical now, neither would it be available at the present time. From early dawn to a late hour at night there might have been seen from various locali- ties the curling smoke making its way above the surrounding tree tops. A visit to the spot would
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reveal the reason why it was so, and also afford a practical illustration of salts making. There would be one or more men busy in rolling great hardwood logs on a large pile, on one side of which the fire was fast converting the once stand- ing trees into ashes, while close by would be seen large kettles in which alkali was boiling and foaming, having been obtained by leaching the ashes secured after the logs had been burned, as a row of tubs or old barrels near by indicated.
The salts obtained by boiling were sent to market, in exchange for which they would receive the necessaries of life. In various localities small mounds, made of ashes leached by the salt ma- kers may now be seen. On the Joel Winch place, near the line that separated that from Mr. Turner's, was a building where salts were manu- factured from ashes bought of all who chose to sell them.
One incident in salts making that has been handed down to the present generation, we give as an echo from the past. One of the salt mak- ers returned home at night for his supper, tak- ing good care to have his trusty rifle in readi- ness for use at a moment's warning, as he had seen a bear a number of times in that vicinity.
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It was dark when he set out on bis return. The surrounding gloom and thoughts of bruin had worked his imagination into so lively a condition that he would not have been disappointed in see- ing game at any time. With this state of feel- ings he came in sight of his place of work and suddenly halted; the dim light of fire gave sur- rounding objects an indistinct appearance, which combined with an excited brain, brought him to the conclusion that his shaggy enemy had, in his absence, taken the liberty to gratify his majesty's curiosity by making an examination of things in general, and, bringing his rifle to his shoulder, his eye rested along the barrel till it reached the unconscious object of his gaze, when a sharp report broke the pervading stillness of the place. Drawing his long knife to finish the ugly brute if not already dead, he rushed to the spot and to his surprise found what he supposed to be a bear was a kettle which he sometimes used in boiling alkali, but at that time it was not in use, which fact he did not realize when he discharged his rifle. Being a good marksman the ball had hit the mark so squarely that it destroyed its future use- fulness. But he had this consolation,-if it had
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been a bear he would have been sure of his hide and also the bounty.
The great suffering arising from the need of proper and sufficient food, and the importance of making salts in connection with obtaining it, is illustrated by the following incident :
When the bridge which the town voted to build was in process of construction, some of the workmen were obliged to labor continually in the water, with nothing to eat during the day, but warm milk porridge brought to them by their families. This extremity to which the citi- zens of Bethlehem were forced, resulted in dis- continuing the building of the bridge for the time and to keep themselves from starving, they went to making salts. When a sufficient amount had been manufactured it was sent to market a distance of about 170 miles, with an ox team. The people during the time it took to go to mar- ket and return (which was nearly a month) sub- sisted to some extent on boiled roots, and indeed everything that could afford them nourishment.
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CHAPTER 14.
THE inhabitants of Bethlehem resided so far from any post office and the facilities for distrib- uting mail matter were sobad that the newspa- pers were delivered at the homes of those who took them, by special arrangement outside of the post office department, the cost of which was paid by the subscribers.
The first person employed to act on this plan was Reuben Baker, then a boy, and who now re- sides in town. He obtained the papers in the town of Barnet, Vermont, and in connection with this, he did errands of various kinds and any other business that different inhabitants de- sired.
A serious accident would have befallen a man near Bethlehem street, but for the fortunate fact that the center of gravity was on the side of the horse opposite the danger. The man rode into town and after gratifying his desire for toddy and flip (his favorite kinds of drink) to an inor- dinate extent, it being near dark, he mounted his horse with some assistance and started home-
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ward, but a muddled brain and an unsteady hand guided his horse into an adjoining field in which was a deep well around which there was no curb. In that direction horse and rider went uncon- scious of any danger until they had reached a point so close to the well that one stirrup of the saddle hung directly over the edge of the yawn- ing abyss, when the rider lost his balance and fell to the ground on the side of the horse far- thest from the excavation. In his descent his boot was left behind and, as if disliking the turn events had taken, as soon as it was freed from the foot and stirrup it fell into the dark depth below. Search was made for the missing boot, but its whereabouts remained a mystery until af- ter a time it became necessary to clean out the, well, when, at the bottom, the article that disap- peared so mysteriously on that eventful evening, was found.
Accidents of various kinds with more or less serious results, occupy a place in the early his- tory of this locality. It was during one of these extremely cold days of winter that sometimes come to our northern clime, that a man with an ox team arrived in front of a tavern on West Hill, kept by Thornton Barrett (now owned by
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Luther Wallace,) being very cold he left his team in the road and went in to warm himself by a blazing fire and take something to cheer his drooping spirits.
Mr. Barrett had the reputation of being well provided with good fuel and that wonderful work- ing drink "that warms a man in winter and cools him in summer."
How long he stayed is uncertain, but when he was ready to depart he started out and coming in sight of his team which had not moved from where he left it, he gave in a sharp, loud voice the command, "Wake up my boys and go along there!" Perceiving that they took no notice of what he said, he started towards them, repeating the command with some additional exclamations and adjectives in a more vehement manner, but with no better results.
On reaching his team he found his cattle dead, they having died from cold while standing in their tracks.
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CHAPTER 15.
THE first resident shoemaker in town was Moses Eastman, who resided on the farm now occupied by Amasa Streeter. The first black- smith was Abel Hale, whose shop was located on the ground now covered by the Sinclair House. The first regular physician by profession in town was Peter Shattuck, but he did not practic medi- cine. The first practicing physician was a Mr. Rawson, who resided on West Hill opposite the spot where stood for many years the school house in District No. 4. The first grist mill was located at Mc Gregory Hollow, Stephen Houghton, pro- prietor. Two churches were erected not long after the town was organized. The Congrega- tional building was located near where now stands the beautiful Centennial House; the Free Will Baptist building was located about a mile farther west on the main road nearly opposite the resi- dence of Timothy Hildreth and his son Orville, at the junction of the two roads.
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After these places of worship had served the purpose first intended, they were disposed of in the following manner: The first was sold and used for various building purposes, it being very com- modious the amount of timber was large. The other was taken down and transformed into a starch factory, and located near the main street, on the stream once known as Bean Brook near Reuben Baker's residence, where it now remains. On that stream and in the same vicinity there once existed a mill for grinding provender, a threshing machine moved by water power, a blacksmith shop, clover-seed mill and chair fac- tory (some of the chairs there manufactured are now in existence,) and a brick yard.
Then, as now, officers of justice were on the alert to punish offenders of the law. The follow- ing is an incident connected with the administra- tion of justice at the time of which we now write. One Dutton, for not doing as the law required was duly arrested at the proper time and in an official manner by Stephen Houghton, constable, who politely informed the prisoner that his pres- , ence at Haverhill jail was very desirable and that as he was somewhat interested in the affair, and, to be sure that he, Dutton, was not prevented by
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some unforseen event from reaching the place he, Houghton, would escort him hither.
Apparently by mutual consent the two started for their place of destination. At the close of the first day's journey they reached the home of Caleb Baker, a merchant in Franconia, distant five miles from Bethlehem. Here the evening was spent in a jovial manner-telling stories and relating incidents in their individual lives -- the prisoner taking part in the conversation.
Everything progressed finely until the time to retire had arrived, when the question arose, "What shall be done with Mr. Dutton?"
To answer this grave.question in a legal way puzzled the officer. How to sleep and keep a sharp lookout for the prisoner at the same time was a task beyond his comprehension.
Some said one thing, some another; several plans were discussed, when one mind more fer- tile than the rest, said he had a feasible way of fixing things all right, and this was his plan.
In the room was a very large cradle having no footboard, in which Mr. Dutton was to be placed and securely bound. All agreed that this was just the thing to be done, wondering why it had not been thought of before.
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By this mode the prisoner would be placed be- yond the power of escape, besides securing com- fortable quarters, an opportunity for a short sleep and pleasant dreams,-at least so thought the officer of justice.
The scheme executed to the apparent satisfac- faction of all interested, officer Houghton waited until a deep sonorous sound from the cradle an- nounced his presence no longer necessary with his prisoner. His physical and mental powers beginning to feel the effects of the great strain to which they had been subjected through the day, and the reaction that sooner or later comes to all minds wrought up to a high pitch by exter- nal and internal causes, beginning to manifest itself, he arose from his sitting posture and taking one searching look at the place from whence came the sound, now changed to such loud heavy snoring as to be almost frightful. At which point the old family clock chimed its hourly music with a sat- isfied air announcing twelve o'clock. All was well and he retired. He was soon sleeping only as one can who needs rest and is conscious of having faithfully performed his duty.
All continued to slumber peacefully until the day dawned when Mr. Dutton awoke much re-
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freshed by the repose he had enjoyed. Every- thing was still and he was alone. After a few moments reflection he thus soliloquized: "I have no desire to escape; but if I could play a practi- cal joke on my keeper and make him an object of laughter, placing him in a position where he would feel compelled to pay certain bills I would very much like to do it, for, in that case, I would share in the fun and receive tangible proof of the benefit to be derived from the execution of such a movement. But, should I be detected and fail, the laugh would be turned on myself and I be obliged to pay the necessary expenses." After a moment's pause, he added, "Yes, I will try it, and run the risk, for in either case I shall get a drink!"
The cradle, though a large one, was short com- pared with the length of the occupant, his feet protruding far beyond the end of his prison house he could not extricate himself from his fastenings without arousing the family and thus frustrate his plans; but he could leave and take · his prison with him.
As every moment's delay endangered the suc- cess of his scheme he immediately got to his feet and noiselessly moved out of the house.
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A few rods distant from the house a secluded spot afforded him the necessary retreat, and here we leave him to return to his official majesty.
Hardly had Dutton ensconced himself and the shrubbery ceased to move when an inmate of the family came tripping along, pail in hand, bound for the spring. About the same time Mr. Houghton arose from his bed, hastily dressed and, with a serene and placid countenance, went to give a morning salutation to his friend Dut- ton.
On opening the door of the apartment wher he had left the prisoner only a few hours before, with one foot on the threshold he stopped in blank amazement, for the culprit was nowhere to be seen. Was he dreaming, in a nightmare, or was it a reality? At that moment the loud noise of swallows in the capacious old-fashioned chim- ney attracted his attention in that direction and he would have made an examination of that lo- cality but for the fact which he now for the first time seemed to realize, that the cradle was gone as well as prisoner; surely both could not be in that sooty aperture.
The calmness that sat enthroned on his hope- ful visage but a few moments previous had now
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disappeared. Hope and fear alternately occupied a place in his disturbed mind, occasionally blend- ing together in one confused mass making his situation no enviable one.
"Yes, he has vanished, and I, officer Houghton am responsible; but he must be found." The alarm was given, and search immediately com- menced. All were animated by the event: great excitement prevailed; men, women and children were on the alert running hither and thither, some giving their opinions quite freely in the matter, while others were silently endeavoring to find the trail, were scrutinizing every nook and corner, when suddenly a shout was heard fol- lowed by the declaration that made the welkin ring, "We have found him!"
Soon all gathered at the spot to find Mr. Dut- ton as quiet and undisturbed as though nothing unusual had occurred, at the same time, remark- ing, "I was enjoying life very much, and cannot comprehend the necessity for so much noise and confusion solely on my account."
He had come to that spot for a little out door exercise and change of atmosphere, and that he would have returned in due time alone; but, un- der the circumstances, he would go with the crowd.
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Rising to his feet he returned to the house as he left it, with the cradle on his back, saying as he. did so, in his most polite off-handed way, "Mr. Houghton, Sir, officer of justice: I think that it is your treat !"
The game had been successfully played and Dutton had won. Amid shouts and laughter, in which all joined, they returned back and as ex- pected, Mr. Houghton regarded it as a good joke and acted well his part in the closing scene.
The matter was settled on the spot and the two returned home together, leaving on record the fact that one man had literally taken up his bed and walked.
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CHAPTER. 16.
CONTRASTING Bethlehem, as it was nearly one hundred years ago, with what it now is we can hardly realize the fact that from so small a begin- ning has been developed our prosperous and flourishing condition. To say that wealth has done all this is to defame the time-honored mem- ory of our worthy ancestors and do great injus- tice to the honest laboring men of Bethlehem of to-day. It puts in the background intelligence, morality and Christianity-elements ever essen- tial to success. It ignores the fact that wealth is only an instrument in accomplishing high and noble purposes. It disregards prominent facts in our history, as though undisputed records of the past could be blotted out of existence by an empty, pompous assertion. It seeks to change the order of things established by the Creator, and to found prosperity on an entirely new basis. Such an idea is born of ignorance, with no true
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conception of the nature of true greatness or the mode of obtaining it.
Those who assert that wealth is the highest point to reach the one great object of life, reiter- ates the sentiments of Mr. Hammond of South Carolina, when he said of the laboring portion of the community, "They are the mud-sills of society !"
An attempt to enforce this theory has brought into existence secret organizations which honey- combed the nations of the East and made inse- cure the despotic governments of the old world, and like causes would produce like results in our own happy land.
The foundation of what Bethlehem now is and what she is capable of being was laid deep on broad principles that exist in the nature of things, unaccompanied by wealth and the many luxuries of a later date, but under a condition of things the reverse of all this. The germ of its great- ness was planted beneath overhanging branches of forest trees, among granite rocks and piles of snow attended by piercing blasts from the frozen clime. It was fostered and cared for amid the gloom of poverty as well as great perils and hardships, and at times with many fears of star-
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vation. It was watered by many tears that often times flowed like summer's rain to invigorate the tender plant destined to unfold its branches and bear its legitimate fruitage far down the pathway of time. Certain fundamental principles under- lie prosperity and true greatness and are essen- tial elements of success at all times and in all parts of the globe, whether surrounded with palm and cocoa trees, in the land of orange blos- soms, of cotton and of cane, or among the gran- ite hills of our New England homes. Industry in the right direction has acted a conspicuous - part in the growth of Bethlehem, from the day the woodman's axe broke the silence of the dense forests of Lloyd's Hill to the present time. Economy also takes its place as a valuable fea- ture in the great whole, to which much credit is due, while the school and meeting houses tru- ly proclaim : " Without our aid the present condition of things could not have been what they now are." The seed of prosperity was sown by other hands, we reap the harvest: they plant- ed the tree, we gather the fruit thereof. It is not for this generation to lay the foundation, but it is our duty to defend and, by our individual efforts, aid in strengthening that glorious struc-
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ture, the building of which was commenced by our worthy ancestors nearly one hundred years ago on the site of our pleasantly situated and beautiful mountain homes.
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BETHLEHEM AT THE PRESENT TIME.
Bethlehem village is situated upon a high pla- teau nearly 1500 feet above the level of the sea, with mountains fringing the horizon in every di- rection. Thousands of people visit this place annually to enjoy its beautiful scenery and in- vigorating air. Some of the best views in the world are obtained from Bethlehem, and the cars can be seen almost any day ascending Mt. Washington. The town is supplied with never- failing spring water, brought from a high hill back of the village. The drainage is perfect.
There are about thirty hotels and boarding houses, a public hall, three miles of sidewalks and all necessary improvements. Being situated midway between the White and Franconia Mountains every point of interest can be visited in a day's excursion.
Tourists visiting Bethlehem should come on the P. & O. R. R. or the B. C. & M. and White Mountains R. R. to Bethlehem Junction and there take the Narrow Gauge Road to the village. Those coming over the B. C. & M. R. R. can take
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the stage at Littleton and reach Bethlehem 20 minutes in advance of railroad time.
Below is a list of the principal hotels and boarding houses :
Maplewood,-one of the largest and handsom- est buildings of its kind about the mountains; accommodates 500 guests. Maplewood Cottage accommodates 100, and Maplewood Hall 150. These three houses are all under one ownership. The Sinclair House covers the site of the original establishment-the first of its kind in Bethlehem -accommodates 300 guests. Blandin House, H. C. Clark, proprietor, accommodates 30 guests ; Centennial House, H. W. Wilder, proprietor, 60 guests; Mt. Agassiz House, H. Nye, proprietor, 60; Mt. Washington House, C. L. Bartlett, pro- prietor, 60; Prospect House, G. W. Phillips, pro- prietor, 80; Ranlet's Hotel, D. W. Ranlet, pro- prietor, 75; Turner House, J. N. Turner & Son, proprietors, 75. The Highland House, the Belle- vue, the Alpine, the Uplands, the Bethlehem House, the Howard and the Strawberry Hill Houses each accommodate from 50 to 150 guests.
There are numerous smaller houses at which guests can secure good accommodations at rea- sonable rates.
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All these houses have good livery stables con- nected where fine teams can be obtained to visit any of the various points of interest, and return the same day.
Taking everything into consideration, Bethle- hem offers better advantages to the summer tou- rist than almost any place on the western conti- nent.
The Narrow Gauge Railroad from Bethlehem Junction,-which runs to the Profile House, also to Bethlehem street,-is a great accommodation to travelers.
Many fine private residences have been erected in this town in the past few years, among which is one built the present season on West Hill, and which is probably the most oddly construct- ed private residence in New England.
During the month of August 2,000 summer boarders have comfortable rooms in this town.
The population of Bethlehem is 1,400.
ENTERPRISE PRINTING HOUSE,
Odd Fellows' Block.
Posters, Dodgers, RAU Circulars, Pamphlets, Books, Bill Heads, Note and Letter Heads, Cards, Envelopes, and
Commercial Printing Neatly Executed, AT LOW PRICES.
Woodsville Enterprise,
One of the LARGEST and BEST FAMILY NEWS- PAPERS in Grafton County.
GOOD ADVERTISING MEDIUM.
Terms : $1.25 per Year.
ELI B. WALLACE, Proprietor, Woodsville, N. H.
A New and Important Discovery !
NATURE'S OWN REMEDY,
A SAFE AND SURE REMEDY
For all curable cases of Piles, Old Sores, and any case of Inflammation.
BEST THING OF THE XIXTH CENTURY !
A few applications will test its virtue.
Price 60 cts a Box; $6.00 per Dozen. Sent postpaid to any address, on receipt of price.
PREPARED ONLY BY REV, S. BOLLES, LITTLETON, N. H.
FOR SALE BY Robinson Bros., Littleton, N. H., and G. F. Abbott, Bethlehem, N. H.
Mail Stage between Bethlehem and Littleton.
Leave Bethlehem at 7.30 and 9 a. m., and 1.15 p. m.
Leave Littleton at 11.11 a. m., 3.05, 4.42 and 7.48 p. m.
Passengers leaving the train at Littleton save fourteen miles of railroad travel and two changes of cars, and reach Bethlehem twenty minutes in advance of those going round by Bethlehem and Wing Road Junction.
Stage fare 75 cents, being 25 cents less than by stage and railroads; Bethlehem to. Littleton and return $1.
HENRY C. CLARK, Bethlehem.
Agent U. S. & Canada Express Co. .
Best Work at Lowest Prices !
JAMES DAGGLE, (Cruft Block,)
Boot and
Shoemaker,
BETHLEHEM, N. H.
Superior Custom Work.
Q10
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