USA > New Hampshire > Merrimack County > Concord > The history of Concord : from its first grant in 1725, to the organization of the city government in 1853, with a history of the ancient Penacooks ; the whole interspersed with numerous interesting incidents and anecdotes, down to the present period, 1885 > Part 28
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ANDREW STONE.
In the warrant for the annual meeting, March 7, 1780, was an article " to see if the parish will choose an agent to prosecute
283
INTERESTING INCIDENTS.
those persons who pulled down the house of Andrew Stone, and see what provision they will make for the support of his wife." Andrew Stone was a soldier from Concord, in the Continental Army ; his house was in the southwest part of the town, on the road southeast of Mr. Ira Abbot's. Tradition says that during his absence in the army, one of Mr. Stone's daughters did not behave so well as the neighbors thought a fair and chaste maiden should do, and they undertook to correct her manners -at least to testify their virtuous disapproval - by pulling the house down. Whether the girl behaved any better afterwards, tradition saith not. But the " law and order " people of Concord chose Capt. Benjamin Emery an agent "to prosecute those persons that pulled down Andrew Stone's house."
LOTTERY -CURRENCY.
In 1781 Col. Timothy Walker was chosen agent to petition the General Court for liberty to make a lottery for building a bridge over Merrimack river. This petition was not granted ; but about three years afterwards, on petition of Henry Gerrish and others, a lottery was granted "for raising the sum of sixteen hundred dollars, to be laid out on the falls in Merrimack river, for the more easy conveyance of timber down the same." Timothy Walker, Esq., Gen. John Stark, Robert McGregore, Esq., Capt. Reuben Kimball, and Peter Green, Esq., were appointed managers, and laid under oath for the faithful discharge of their trust .*
In 1782 the currency became better regulated. Four hundred pounds lawful silver money were raised to defray parish expenses. Owing to delinquency in paying the minister's salary in former years, Col. Timothy Walker, Capt. Benj. Emery and Peter Green, Esq., were appointed a committee " to request the Rev. Mr. Walker to sue those persons who have been delinquent in paying his salary from the year 1749 to the year 1765." It does not appear that the parson ever complied with the request.
RICHARD POTTER - DR. CARRIGAIN.
Mr. Richard Potter was this year exempted from paying taxes. The reason of this is understood to have been the loss of one of
* Act, Feb. Session, 1785.
284
PARISII OF CONCORD.
his legs. Mr. P. was logging in Loudon, three or four miles from home. A large log which his team was drawing on a side- hill, suddenly slid and caught his leg between it and a small tree. The bruise was so severe as to endanger his life. A council of physicians was called, a majority of whom concluded that Mr. Potter must die, and it was of no use to cut his leg off. But, after the other doctors had left, Dr. Carrigain said, " Potter might be saved, and the leg should be cut off." Accordingly, cutting round the flesh, just below the knee, the doctor took a saw, which he brought with him, and commenced operating ; but finding the saw very dull, he stopped and requested Benjamin Thompson, a neighbor, to run home, about a quarter of a mile, and get a sharper saw. With this the operation was finished. Mr. Potter was insensible at the time, but the next night after the operation he knew the watchers. His leg was cut off close to the knee. The bone was left bare and smooth. In order to make the skin heal over, Dr. C. ordered New-England rum to be heated and poured slowly on, while the bone was picked and roughened with an awl !
Mr. Potter, after a long confinement, was able to get about ; and, being somewhat of a mechanical genius, he constructed for himself a wooden leg, with which he could not only walk com- fortably, but could even run and wrestle. Mr. Potter lived many years afterwards in good health. He died July 6, 1828, aged eighty-four years .*
DEATH OF REV. MR. WALKER.
The venerable pastor, who, more than fifty years before had come, with his flock, into the wilderness, was now released from his charge. He died suddenly on the first of September, 1782, in the seventy-eighth year of his age and fifty-second of his ministry .¡ His funeral, conducted by a committee of the parish, was attended by the great body of the people, who mourned as for a father! Neighboring ministers attended as pall-bearers, and a funeral discourse was preached by Rev. Mr. Woodman, of Sanbornton.
* See " Potter Family." t See Biographical Notice of Rev. Mr. Walker.
285
INTERESTING INCIDENTS.
The " funeral charges" were defrayed by the parish, and were as follows :
£
s.
d.
To eight rings,
4 16
0
" two gallons wine, 1
" a coffin,
0
9
" beers,
0
1 6
" a horse to Sanbornton, 0
3
0
do. to Gilmanton, 0
3
0
¥ do. to Warner, . 0
2
3
" digging the grave,
0
2 0
" provisions,
1
2 3
" grave-stones,
4
4 0
12
7 0
The first business of the parish, October 21, after the funeral of Mr. Walker, was to choose a " committee to supply the pulpit," viz. : Col. Timothy Walker, John Kimball and Capt. Reuben Kimball.
THE MEETING-HOUSE.
Measures had been some time in progress for the repair and finishing of the meeting-house. In 1779 the parish offered " to give up the pew ground to any number of persons who will finish the meeting-house, and add a porch, and the value of another porch ;" and also agreed "to be at the expense of building a steeple." In 1782 a committee was appointed "to treat with the proprietors of the meeting-house, and see upon what terms they will relinquish the same to the parish." In July, of this year, the purchase was made, and the meeting-house conveyed to the parish .*
* Know all Men by These Presents, That we, Timothy Bradley, Gentleman, Moses East- man, Gentleman, Nathaniel Eastman, Yeoman, Lot Colby, Husbandman, and Jonathan Eastman, Gentleman, and Joseph Eastman, Gentleman, all of Concord, in the County of Rockingham, and State of New-Hampshire - For and in consideration of Ten pounds, Lawful money, paid us by Peter Green, Esq., David Hall, Cordwainer, Benjamin Emery, Gentleman, John Kimhall, Joiner, and Benjamin llanniford, Joiner, a Committee Legally Chosen by the Parish of Concord to purchase of said Bradley, Moses Eastman, and Nathaniel Eastman, Lot Colby, and Jonathan Eastman, and Joseph Eastman, all their Right and property in a certain Meeting-House in said Concord, and a Lot of Land, containing One Acre and half, upon which the greatost part of said Meeting-Ilouse Standeth, Laid out to the Original Right of Zachariah Chandler, Alias Nathan Fisk, for the Sole use and benefit of said Parish forever ; have given, granted, sold and released, and by these presents do give,
4
0 0
286
PARISH OF CONCORD.
The next year (1783) the meeting-house was finished. The steeple, built by Mr. Ephraim Potter, was framed and finished inside of the porch, and then raised by means of tackling of Mr. Potter's contrivance. One object in putting the meeting- house in order at this time was to accommodate the General Court, which had begun to hold its sessions in Concord. The first session was held here March 13, 1782. At first they con- vened in the meeting-house, but, " on account of the inclemency of the weather, adjourned to a building which had been prepared for their reception." This is understood to have been in the north room of the store built by Judge Walker, two or three rods south of his dwelling-house.
The following table, carefully drawn from the original records of the House of Representatives, will show at what times the General Court met in Concord previous to 1816, when it became the permanent seat of government and capital of the State :
March 13, . . 1782 June 2,
1790 | November 23, . 1803
June 11, .
1782
January 5, 1791
June 6, 1804
September 10, . 1782
June 1, 1791 November 21, . 1804
June 10, . 1783 June 5, 1793
June 5, 1805
October 28, . . 1783
December 16, 1794 June 1, . 1808
December 17, . 1783 December 2, . 1795
November 23, 1808
June 2, . 1784
November 23, 1796
June 7, 1809
February 9, . 1785
June 7, . 1797
June 6, 1810
October 19, 1785
November 21, 1798
June 5, 1811
June 7, 1786
June 5, 1799
June 3, 1812
June 6, 1787
June 4,
1800 November 18, . 1812
June 4, 1788 November 19, . 1800
June 2, 1813
November 5, - 1788 June 2,
1802
June 1, . 1814
June 3, 1789
June 1, 1803
June 7, 1815
The meeting-house was finished in what was considered a superior style. The entrances were at a door in the middle, on
Grant, bargain, sell, release, convey and Confirm to the said Green, Hall, Emery, Kimball and Hanniford, for the use aforesaid, their lleirs and Assigns forever, all our Right, title, property and Demand of, in, and unto the aforesaid Meeting-House and Land, for the use and Benefit of said Parish forever ; hereby engaging to Warrant and Defend the same to said Grantees against us, and all persons claiming from, by, or under us. Witness our hands and seals, the first day of July, Anno Domini 1782.
Signed, sealed and delivered ¿ Thomas Wilson,
in presence of us : Daniel Carter.
TIMOTHY BRADLEY. [seal.]
LOT COLBY, [seal. ]
MOSES EASTMAN, [seal.] NATHANIEL EASTMAN, [seal.]
JOSEPH EASTMAN, [seal. ]
JONATHAN EASTMAN, [seal.]
287
INTERESTING INCIDENTS.
the south side, and at two porches, one at the east with a steeple, and the other at the west. The pulpit was about twelve feet high, with a window back of it, and over head a large sound- ing-board. On the lower floor, aisles extended from the south door to the pulpit - from one porch to the other -and side- aisles separated the wall pews from those in the body of the house. At the base of the pulpit, on a platform about two feet high, was a seat for aged men ; and in front of that, less ele- vated, was the deacons' seat. Suspended from the front of the deacons' seat by hinges, was a circular board, which served for a table on sacramental occasions. The pulpit stairs were on the west side, and underneath the pulpit on the cast was a closet. The wall and body pews were square, with seats hung on hinges, to be raised when the congregation stood in prayer. Near the middle of the house were five slips or " seats" on each side, reserved for persons who did not own " pews" - the men sitting on the west side, and women on the east. The gallery was also fitted up with pews, considerably elevated, around the wall. A large square pew opposite the pulpit was built for the singers, with a circular table, on which to lay their books. Two large pews were finished, contiguous to the singers' seat-one on the east and the other on the west side. The other space in the gallery was laid off into slips for common use ; reserving - ac- cording to the custom of the times - one slip for negroes, near the east door of the gallery !
The pews were sold at "public vendue," and numbered and recorded, by order of the parish .*
On the 10th of September, 1783, the parish voted " to lease to Timothy Walker, Esq., for the term of nine hundred and ninety-nine years, three acres of bog-meadow, in said Concord, which was laid out to the parsonage right for emendation - he, the said Walker, giving said parish a full discharge for all ar- rearages due on account of his late father's salary." Peter Green, Esq., Lieut. John Chandler and Mr. William Coffin were appointed a committee for the purpose.
An act was passed January 2, 1784, "to annex a part of Canterbury and Loudon to the parish of Concord." This was * See Town Records ; also, Doc. No. 3, Ch. IX.
1
2SS
TOWN OF CONCORD.
done upon the petition of John Hoit and others, setting forth " that they live upon a gore of land formerly claimed by the proprietors of Rumford and Canterbury ; that when said Rum- ford was incorporated, in the year 1765, by the name of Concord, they were left to said Canterbury, since which time said pro- prietors of Rumford and Canterbury have amicably settled said dispute ;* that by the late division of Canterbury they were all, except one, set off to the parish of Loudon," &e. - praying "that said gore of land, containing about one thousand and fifty acres, lying at the north-easterly corner of said Rumford, with the inhabitants thereon, may be dissevered from said Canterbury and Loudon and annexed to the parish of Concord." The petition was granted, and the gore of land, with the inhabitants thereon, annexed to Concord.
At the same time, by the same act, it was "enacted that the parish of Concord be henceforth called the town of Concord, any law, usage or custom to the contrary notwithstanding."t
THE NEW CONSTITUTION.
On the second of June, 1784, the new Constitution, established October 31, 1783, was carried into effect. The occasion was one of great interest and importance, and attended with imposing ceremonies. The venerable Meshech Weare was first President of the State under the new Constitution. A procession was formed, composed of members of the Legislature and civil au- thorities of the State, together with other persons of office and dignity ; also, of ministers of the gospel of various denomina- tions, and a large body of citizens, who marched at the sound of music to the meeting-house. The Rev. Samuel McClintoek, D. D., of Greenland, preached on the occasion,¿ and a public dinner was given at the expense of the State.
* See Document No. 4, for Chap. IX. t Acts 1784, vol. 1780-84, p. 501.
# This was the first "Election Sermon." For a notice of "election days," see Miscella- neous Chapter.
LIST OF TOWN OFFICERS,
REPRESENTATIVES, DELEGATES AND JURORS,
FROM 1775 TO 1785.
March 7, 1775.
March 5, 1776.
Moderator,
Col. Thomas Stickney.
. Col. Thomas Stickney.
Clerk,
. Timothy Walker, Jr.
. Timothy Walker, Jr.
Selectmen,
Reuben Kimball,
Amos Abbot,
Constable,
Amos Abbot.
Timothy Walker, Jr.
Joseph Eastman, Jr.,
Tythingmen,
- Nathaniel West, Lt. Phinehas Virgin, Thomas Wilson, Jabez Abbot, Ezekiel Dimond,
Jabez Abbot,
Ebenezer Hall,
Richard Hazeltine.
Sealer of Leather, . David Hall.
. David Hall.
Sealer of Wts. and Meas., Capt. Joshua Abbot.
. David Hall.
Col. Thomas Stickney,
Col. Thomas Stickney,
James Walker, .
James Walker,
Jos. Eastman, Jr., Richard Hazeltine, Jr., Lt. Eben. Virgin,
Richard Hazeltine, Jr.,
. Lt. Ebenezer Virgin,
Surveyors of Highways, { Ezekiel Dimond,
. Ezekiel Dimond,
Asa Kimball,
Asa Kimball,
Lt. Jona. Stickney,
Lt. Jona. Stickney,
Jabez Abbot,
. Jabez Abbot,
Reuben Abbot,
. Reuben Abbot,
Nath'l Abbot.
Nathaniel Abbot.
Fence-viewers, .
John Bradley, Robert Eastman, Thomas Wilson.
Timothy Bradley, Jr., Lt. Robert Davis, Lt. Joseph Hazeltine, Henry Martin.
Field-drivers,
Moses Eastman, Jr., William Coffin, John Chase.
Peter Green, Esq., Nathan Chandler, Timothy Walker, Jr.,
Hogreeves, .
Simeon Danforth, Robert Eastman, Philip Harriman, Benjamin Eastman, Theodore Farnum, . Lt. Jona. Stickney. .
John Kimball,
Surveyors of Lumber, . Benjamin Hanniford, Benjamin Sweat.
Pound-keeper, Benjamin Hanniford, .
Representative, . Timothy Walker, Jr., May 11.
Treasurer,
Timothy Walker, Jr., Dee. 5.
. Lt. Joseph Hall.
Timothy Walker, Jr.,
. Capt. Renben Kimball,
Benjamin Emery.
. John Kimball.
Daniel Gale,
Joseph Eastman, Jr.,
Theodore Farnum, Dan Stickney, Gilman West, Jeremiah Wheeler. Robert Ambrose, John Kimball, Benjamin Hanniford, Benjamin Sweat. Benjamin Hanniford.
19
290
HISTORY OF CONCORD.
March 4, 1777.
March 3, 1778.
Moderator, Col. Thomas Stickney.
Col. Thomas Stickney.
Clerk,
Timothy Walker, Jr. .
. John Kimball.
Reuben Kimball,
John Kimball,
Selectmen,
Amos Abbot, .
Capt. Joshua Abbot,
Constable,
Reuben Abbot. . Richard Hazeltine, Daniel Gale,
William Coffin,
Daniel Gale,
Lt. Timothy Bradley,
Richard Hazeltine,
[ Amos Abbot.
Sealer of Leather, . Sealer of Wts. and Meas., David Hall. .
Benjamin Emery.
David Hall.
Edward Abbot, .
Lt. Ebenezer Virgin,
Ebenezer Virgin,
Ens. Jona. Eastman,
. Amos Abbot,
. Josiah Farnum, Jr.,
James Mitchell,
Surveyors of Highways,
Jonathan Eastman, Jesse Abbot, James Walker, . John Chase,
Benj. Fifield,
James Walker,
Edward Abbot,
[ Cornelius Johnson.
Timothy Bradley,
Fence-viewers,
Timothy Bradley, Jr., . Joseph Abbot. Lt. Richard Herbert, Moses Eastman, Jr.
William Coffin.
. Moses Eastman, Jr.,
Field-drivers,
Moses Eastman, Jr., Samnel Hinkson, George Graham, Timothy Kimball, [ Phinehas Stevens.
Rich'd Hazzen Osgood. Abiel Blanchard, Robert Eastman, Phinehas Stevens, Lt. Joseph Hazeltine, Samuel Hinkson, Abner Flanders. James Stevens,
. Benjamin Hanniford.
Surveyors of Lumber, .
Jolin Kimbali, Benjamin Hanniford, Henry Martin, James Stevens.
.
Benjamin Hanniford. Col. Timothy Walker,
Representative, .
Col. Thomas Stickney, Dec. 8. 3 Delegate to Convention in June.
Treasurer,
Lt. Joseph Hall.
Representative,
March 2, 1779.
March 7, 1780.
Moderator, Clerk, .
Timothy Walker, Esq.
Col. Thomas Stickney.
John Kimball.
John Kimball.
Timothy Walker, Esq.,
Lt. John Chandler,
· Selectmen,
Ezekiel Diamond, John Kimball.
. James Walker,
Constable,
Capt. Reuben Kimball. Richard Hazeltine,
Tythingmen,
Lt. Robert Davis. William Coffin, . David Hall, Robert Ambrose, Joseph Hazeltine, Josiah Farnum, Jr. . Benjamin Emery.
Daniel Gale,
. Stephen Farnum,
Jonathan Eastman,
Phinehas Stevens.
Sealer of Leather,
David Hall.
David Hall.
Sealer of Wts. and Meas., David Hall. . Fence-viewers, . § Daniel Gale, Lt. Richard Herbert.
William Coffin,
. Capt. Joshua Abbot.
. Lt. Joseph Hall.
Ezekiel Diamond.
Tythingmen,
Phinehas Virgin, Robert Davis.
Capt. Joshua Abbot.
Benjamin Fifield, Ezekiel Dimond, Moses Eastman,
Ens. John Shute.
-
Hogreeves, ·
Pound-keeper, .
Benjamin Hanniford. .
. Nath'l Rolfe, in Dec.
. Thomas Wilson.
Jolm Kimball.
291
TOWN OFFICERS.
William Coffin,
Joseph Farnum,
Ens. John Shute, Ezra Carter,
Phinehas Virgin, Benjamin Fifield,
Amos Abbot,
Lt. Moses Eastman,
Robert Ambrose,
Timothy Kimball,
Nathaniel Abbot.
Moses Eastman, Timothy Kimball, Joseph Hall, Jr., Nathan Kinsman, William Currier.
Field-drivers,
Lot Colby,
Nathaniel Eastman,
Abner Flanders,
Gilman West,
Nathan Kinsman.
Surveyors of Lumber,
Benjamin Hanniford, Robert Ambrose.
. Benjamin Hanniford,
Pound-keeper,
Benjamin Hanniford.
Benjamin Hanniford. .
Representative,
Col. Tho's Stickney, Nov. 29.
§ Maj. Jonathan Hale, Dec. 8th.
John Kimball.
Petit Juror,
Ezekiel Diamond, (May.)
Reuben Abbot,
Grand Juror,
. Aaron Kinsman.
March 6, 1781.
March 5, 1782.
Moderator, Clerk,
Col. Thomas Stickney. John Kimball. .
Col. Thomas Stickney.
. John Kimball.
Timothy Walker, Esq.,
. Col. Timothy Walker,
Selectmen, John Kimball,
James Walker.
. Capt. Benja. Emery, Thomas Wilson.
Constable,
Chandler Lovejoy .*
.
James Walker.
Daniel Abbot,
John Chandler,
Tythingmen,
Phinehas Virgin, Daniel Abbot.
William Coffin,
[ Joseph Abbot.
Sealer of Leather, . David Hall. Sealer of Wts. and Meas., David Hall.
David Hall.
-
Aaron Kinsman, Joseph Farnum, Ephraim Farnum,
Jonathan Eastman,
Moses Eastman,
James Mitchel, Isaae Abbot,
Timothy Kimball.
Fence-viewers,.
Lt. Ebenezer Virgin, William Coffin. Richard Ayer, Robert Eastman, Gilman West, Samuel Bradley.
Richard Ayer,
. Moses Eastman, Jr.,
. Gilman West,
William Fifield.
Surveyors of Lumber,
Pound-keeper, .
. Benjamin Hanniford. Chandler Lovejoy, Benjamin Hanniford. Benjamin Hanniford. . Benjamin Hanniford.
S Col. Timothy Walker,
Representative,
Col. Timothy Walker, Oct. Ist. October 21st.
* Oct. 1st, chosen Constable, James Walker.
Hogreeves, .
Gilman West, William Currier, Phinehas Stevens.
Moses Eastman, Jr. .
- George Grayham,
Nathaniel Rolfe, Jr.,
Surveyors of Highways,
James Walker, Edward Abbot, .
Surveyors of Highways,
Capt. Aaron Kinsman, Lt. Phinehas Virgin, Lt. Ezekiel Carter, . Ens. James Mitchel.
Benjamin Fifield,
Hogreeves, .
Benjamin Hanniford, Richard Hazeltine, .
Ephraim Potter.
Parish Treasurer,
Ezekiel Diamond, (October.) . Robert Ambrose.
292
HISTORY OF CONCORD.
Treasurer, .
Grand Juror,
Mr. Rich. Hazeltine, Oct. 8.
Petit Jurors,
March 4, 1783.
Moderator, Col. Timothy Walker.
Clerk,
John Kimball. .
Col. Timothy Walker,
Selectmen,
Capt. Reuben Kimball, . Capt. Reuben Kimball,
Constable,
Lt. Richard Herbert.
Tythingmen,
- Daniel Abbot, Joseph Hall, Jr., Robert Ambrose.
Sealer of Leather, . . David Hall.
Sealer of Wts. and Meas.,
Ens. Jonathan Eastman, . Capt. Aaron Kinsman, Ens. John Shute,
Surveyors of Highways, { Asa Herrick, Jesse Abbot, Henry Martin, Lt. Moses Eastman.
Fence-viewers,
Field-driver,
Daniel Gale,
Hogreeves, .
Aaron Eastman.
John Kimball, .
Surveyors of Lumber, . John Blanchard.
Pound-keeper,
Caleb Buswell. .
Treasurer, . John Kimball.
Representative, . Col. Timothy Walker, Dec. 5. Col. Timothy Walker.
Grand Jurors,
William Coffin, Nov. 3. . Robert Davis, Oct. 28.
John Kimball. Josiah Farnum, Aug. 26th ; Capt. Aaron Kinsman, February 18th. Nathaniel Abbot, Jabez Abbot, Ebenezer Virgin, Ang. 26th.
March 2, 1784. Col. Timothy Walker.
. John Kimball. Col. Timothy Walker,
Col. Thos. Stickney. Richard Hazeltine. Nath'l Green, Nath'l Abbot, Phinehas Virgin, Jesse Abbot, John Kimball. Caleb Buswell.
David Hall. Peter Green, Esq., Lt. Phinehas Virgin, Amos Abbot, Lt. Moses Eastman, Stephen Farnum, Timothy Dow,
Lt. Joseph Hazeltine, William Coffin.
Samuel Butters, Asa Herrick, George Graham, Capt. Benj. Emery, Lt. Joseph Hall. Ens. Jona. Eastman.
John Souther, Benja. Fifield, Jacob Carter, Samuel Butters, Theodore Farnum. Ephraim Potter, John Kimball, Benjamin Hanniford. Benjamin Hanniford. John Kimball.
Mr. Rich. Hazeltine, Apr. 30;
Col. Thomas Stickney.
CHAPTER X.
HISTORY FROM 1785 TO 1795.
IN the period from 1785 to 1795 the affairs of the town were conducted with great regularity. Having with their fellow -- citizens gained independence, and established an excellent Con- stitution for the State, the inhabitants of the town now devoted themselves to the quiet pursuits of industry - cultivating their farms, improving their dwelling houses, laying out new roads, establishing ferries, clearing the river of obstructions, and pro- viding accommodations for the General Court, which they already anticipated would hold its annual sessions here.
TUCKER'S FERRY.
In February, 1785, an act was passed by the Legislature, vesting the exclusive privilege of keeping a Ferry over a certain part of Merrimack river, in Lemuel Tucker, of Concord. This ferry was at or near the present location of Federal Bridge, and had been kept many years before, under the name of " East- man's Ferry." The act secured to Tucker the right of ferrying over the Merrimack " in any place within one mile of his dwelling-house," which stood near the landing on the eastern bank of the river .*
A committee, consisting of Capt. Reuben Kimball, Capt. Aaron Kinsman, and Col. Thomas Stickney, appointed to supply the
* A part of the old house still remains, and was the " toll-house " after the erection of the bridge.
294
HISTORY OF CONCORD.
pulpit,* employed Mr. DANIEL STOREY a number of Sabbaths ; but were directed by the town "to procure a candidate on probation, the first opportunity." Mr. JONATHAN WILKINS, accordingly, was engaged to preach as a candidate ; and, on the 18th of December, 1786, received a call to settle, with the offer of £100 salary, the use of the parsonage, (excepting the meadow lot,) and £200 towards a settlement. This " call" of the town was preceded by a unanimous call from the church, December 17th, but the call was deelined for reasons set forth in Mr. Wilkins's answer, as follows :
" The unexpected harmony of the Church and general concurrence of the Town, are weighty circumstances in your favor, and almost suppress every declining thought; though we must confess it would have been more pleasing had there been no dissensions. Yet, taking into view your local situation with its attendant circumstances, it rather appears the encouragements you offered are, in part, and as they are now stated, will prove deficient to the proposed end ; if so, you with me in the event would be disappointed. But some may think this the result of false reasoning. I grant it may be so, as I have had but an unequal opportunity to examine matters relative thereto, since my return. However, in submissive complyance with the time prefixed, its consistent that I result consonant to present persuasion. Hence, in conformity to what appears duty and interest, which are inseparably connected, I think it preferable to decline an acceptance of your invitation, received last December, to take my settled residence with you in the important office. Beloved, though by this reply you meet a present disappointment, in christian firmness abide it; be not discomposed, nor greatly dispirited. We may in present tryals even find occasion to acknowledge the superintendence of His wise providence, who is able to cause unwished for events to operate for the good of his obedient subjects.
"I trust in the government of wisdom your social order and harmony will not only be cherished, but increased in your following attempts to get a man to enter upon the stated ministry of the divine word and ordinances among you. To this end admit the word of life as your approved guide, which discountenances every degree of envying and strife, while it encourages the genuine exercise of the opposite graces, charity, candor, &c. Closed with a passage in Heb. 13 : 20, 21.
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