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 72
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734
HISTORY OF CONCORD.
time engaged in preparing a History of Manchester, and is President of the N. H. Historical Society.
XXXVII. SHERBURNE B. PIPER, A. B., a native of Northwood, grad. at D. C. 1832, while his mother, a widow, was resident in Concord.
XXXIX. ALFRED K. GOULD, A. B., a native of Hopkinton ; member of the First Congregational church in Concord ; grad. at Y. C. 1838; died in Concord, July 29, 1835, while a member of the Theological Seminary at Andover.
XL. HORACE HERRICK, A. B., resident in Concord, and member of the First Cong. church; grad. at D. C., 1834; settled in the ministry at Fitz- william, Sept. 4, 1844, where he remained about four years, and has since been engaged in teaching.
XLI. HENRY SEWALL GERRISHI FRENCHI, son of Joel French, of Bos- cawen, was born April 17, 1807 ; served an apprenticeship at the printing business with George Hough, Esq., in Concord, where he was the first who professed conversion under the Rev. Mr. Bouton's ministry, 1826; gradu- ated at Y. C. 1834, and at Andover Theological Seminary, 1837 ; was or- dained for the foreign missionary service, at Concord, Sept. 19, 1838 ; mar- ried, April 9, 1839, Miss Sarah C. Allison, of Concord, and embarked at Boston for the Siam Mission, under the patronage of the American Board, July 6, 1839. Mr. French died at Bangkok, in Siam, Feb. 14, 1842. His widow, with her only son and child, returned to Concord.
XLII. ABRAHAM HAZEN ROBINSON, son of Josiah Robinson, graduated at Y. C. 1835; studied medicine, and practiced about one year at Hillsbo- rough Bridge, when, in 1840, he removed to Salisbury; was a member of the Constitutional Convention, 1850 ; postmaster some twelve years, and still is in practice in that town.
XLIII. HENRY L. Low, A. M., oldest son of Gen. Joseph Low, born Sept. 10, 1817 ; grad. at D. C. 1836; tutor, and professor of the Greek and Latin languages in Genesee College, N. Y. ; travelled in Europe ; spent some time in Berlin, pursuing classical and other studies. He took orders in the Episcopal church, and preached some time in Hopkinton, N. H. Mr. Low was a fine scholar, and highly esteemed for his intelli- gence, gentlemanly manners and piety. His health failed, and he died at the MeLean Asylum, Charlestown, Mass., April 26, 1852.
XLIV. EZRA E. ADAMS, A. M., son of Robert M. and Amaris Adams, was born in Concord, Aug. 29, 1813; commenced study in the family of Dr. Bouton, in the fall of 1829; grad. at D. C. 1836 ; kept an academy at Lyndon, Vt., three years, the last of which he was licensed to preach ; was appointed chaplain for seamen by the American Seaman's Friend Society, and ordained in the Old North church at Concord, Oct. 9, 1839. Having spent about two years in the seaman's service at Cronstadt, in Russia, and in England, and ten years at Havre, in France, he returned to this country, 1853, and was installed pastor of the Pearl street church, in Nashua, Aug. 31, 1853.
XLV. LUTHIER FARNUM, A. M., son of Ephraim, of Concord ; grad. at D. C. 1837 ; studied theology at Andover; was ordained pastor of the Congregational church in Northfield, Mass., Nov. 20, 1844. He is now res- ident in Boston ; preacher, and writes for religious papers.
XLVI. NATHAN BALLARD, A. M., son of Nathan, of Concord, born March 31, 1816 ; grad. at D. C. 1837 ; has followed the profession of teach- ing, and is now at Brooklyn, N. Y.
735
PROFESSIONAL IIISTORY.
XLVII. CYRUS P. BRADLEY, A. B., son of Mr. Isaac C. Bradley, born at Canterbury, Oct. 20, 1818; grad. at D. C. 1837. He died of pulmonary consumption, July 6, 1838, aged nineteen years. At the age of fourteen, young Bradley, upon recommendation of some of the principal citizens of Coneord, was received as a charity seholar into Phillips Academy, Exeter ; he possessed a high order of intelleet ; devoted mueh time in college, and afterwards, to the natural seiences, and to historical research ; collected a large number of autographs; of rare and curious pamphlets, and specimens of minerals-all of which he bequeathed to the New Hampshire Historical Society.
XLVIII. NATH'L BRADLEY BAKER, son of Abel. [see " Baker family,"] grad. at H. C. 1839; studied law, and was admitted to practice in Concord in 1842. From 1841 to 1845 was joint proprietor and editor of the N. II. Patriot, with H. H. Carroll, Esq. ; in 1846 appointed Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas and of the Superior Court, for Merrimack County ; Repre- sentative and Speaker of the House in 1850 and 1851; in 1852, one of the eleetors of president and vice-president ; and in 1854 ehosen Governor of the State. He is in law partnership with Col. F. B. Peabody.
XLIX. WILLIAM PICKERING HILL, A. M., son of Hon. Isaac Hill, born Oet. 18, 1819 ; was two years at H. C., but graduated at D. C. 1839; co- partner in " Hill's New-Hampshire Patriot" from 1840 to 1847; three years condueted the "New Hampshire Gazette," at Portsmouth ; in 1853 received an appointment in the naval office department at the Custom House in Bos- ton, where he now officiates. Mr. Hill married Miss Clara Anne, daughter of John West, of Coneord, Oct. 26, 1843.
L. SAMUEL HAZEN AYER, son of Dr. Samuel Ayer, born Dec. 19, 1819; grad. at Bowdoin College, 1839, while a ward of Hon. Isaac Hill ; admitted to the bar and practiced in Hillsborough, 1842; was representative from that town five successive years ; Speaker of the House in 1848 and 1849 ; solicitor for the county of Hillsborough in 1850. He removed to Manehes- ter, where, amidst growing prospects of usefulness and fame, he suddenly died, Oet. 4, 1853. ITis remains were interred in the old burying-ground in Concord, where is a beautiful family monument.
LI. ALEXANDER HAMILTON KENT, A. B., son of George Kent, was born in Coneord, Oct. 22, 1822; grad. at D. C. 1841 ; studied law in Troy, N. Y., where he died of disease of the brain, Oct. 10, 1844, mueh beloved and greatly lamented.
LII. CHARLES FRENCHI Low, A. B., son of Gen. Joseph Low, born Jan. 14, 1819; grad. at D. C. 1842; studied theology and law ; awhile editor of the N. H. Courier ; entered the United States army in Mexico as a private in Capt. Edward Webster's company; was promoted to a lieutenaney in the ninth regiment of infantry; has travelled extensively in the Western States ; opened a law office in Coneord in 1853.
LIII. DAVID DIMOND, A. M., son of David, son of John, son of Ezekiel Dimond, was born in Groton, N. II., April 26, 1819; lived in Concord in his boyhood ; graduated at D. C., 1842, and at Andover, 1845; went to the West, and has been a preacher at Troy, in Missouri, and at Collinsville, Ill., and is now Professor of the Greek and Latin languages in Webster College, St. Louis Co., Missouri.
LIV. LEVI BRIGIIAM, A. B., son of the late Levi Brigham, of Boston, born in Concord, May 2, 1822. After the death of his father. was the ward of his uncle, Richard Bradley, Esq. ; graduated at D. C., 1843 ; went
.
736
HISTORY OF CONCORD.
to Port Tobacco, Md., as a teacher, where he died after an illness of ten days, of congestive fever, Oct. 1, 1843.
L.V. JONATHAN TENNEY, A. M., a native of Corinth, Vt., born Sept. 14, 1817 ; was an apprentice in the office of the N. HI. Observer, in Concord ; graduated at D. C., 1843; pursued teaching as a profession several years ; editor of the " Stars and Stripes," and resident in Manchester.
LVI. WILLIAM A. PATTEN, A. M., a native of Kingston, N. H., born June, 1816; learned the printing business in the office of the N. H. Ob- server ; graduated at D. C., 1843, and at Andover in 1846; ordained to the ministry ; preached in various places, and was settled as pastor of the Congregational Church in Deerfield, 1850; dismissed in 1853.
LVII. JAMES O. ADAMS, A. B., son of Robert M. and Amaris Adams, born June 5, 1818 ; graduated at D. C., 1843 ; teacher in various places ; settled in Manchester, 1846; editor and proprietor some time of the " Manchester American ;" publisher of the " Granite Farmer ;" representative, and mem- ber of the Common Council of that city.
IVIII. EDWARD BARKER WEST, A. B., son of William West, born April 1, 1822 ; graduated at D. C., 1844; private tutor one year in the family of Gen. Jackson, at the Hermitage, East Tenn. ; studied law, and was admit- ted to practice in 1848. He opened an office at Warner, but now resides in Nashua.
LVIX. MELLEN CHAMBERLAIN, son of Moses, born in Pembroke, June 4, 1821. but while a resident in Concord graduated at D. C., 1844; studied law, and took the degree of LL. B. at II. C., 1848; was elected a member of the Royal Society of Northern Antiquarians, in Copenhagen, 1840, and of the N. II. Historical Society, in 1842; has a law office in Boston, but resides in Chelsea, Mass.
LX. JOSEPH B. WALKER, son of Capt. Joseph, born June 12, 1822; grad. at Y. C. 1844; studied law and admitted to the bar, March, 1847, and settled on the paternal estate, in the house built by Rev. Timothy Walker ; is engaged chiefly in agricultural pursuits ; is a director of the Mer- rimack County Bank ; trustee and secretary of the New-Hampshire Asy- lum for the Insane, and sustains various other important trusts.
LXI. CHARLES A. DAVIS, A. B., son of Robert Davis, 2d, born in Con- cord about 1821; grad. at D. C. 1845; took his degree in medicine at Harvard University in 1848; went into practice in Lowell, with Dr. Hunt- ington, 1851; and in July, 1853, was appointed surgeon to the United States Marine Hospital, at Chelsea.
LXII. DAVID LAWRENCE MORRIL, A. B., son of Gov. David L. Morril, was born in Goffstown, but resided in this town, and grad. at D. C. in 1847 ; studied law ; practiced in Winehendon, Mass., and is now in practice in West Brookfield, Mass.
LXIII. JOHN FURNESS JARVIS, son of John Jarvis, born in Concord, 1826 ; graduated at D. C. 1848 ; took his medical degree at Harvard Col- lege, 1853, and practiced in Boston.
LXIV. ANDREW JACKSON BURNHAM, son of Noah Burnham, born in Chester, July 2, 1829, but resident in Concord ; grad. at Y. C .; studied medieine ; teacher in several places; now in practice at Bellows Falls, Vt.
I.XV. GEORGE SULLIVAN BARTON, son of Hon. Cyrus Barton, born March 9, 1831, graduated at D. C., 1851; studied law ; admitted to the bar in Iowa, 1853, where he practiced one year. Returned to New-Hamp- shire, and is now in partnership with Hon. Edmund Burke, of Newport.
737
MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS.
LXVI. THEODORE FRENCH, son of Capt. Theodore French, graduated at D. C., 1852; studied law ; now in practice at St. Pauls, Min.
LXVII. NATHANIEL L. UPIIAM, son of IIon. N. G. Upham, graduated at D. C., 1853 ; accompanied his father, who was " Commissioner of Claims," &c., to England, the same year, and is now a student in theology.
LXVIII. WILLIAM W. BAILEY, a native of Hopkinton, graduated at D. C., 1854; a student of law.
LXIX. BELA NETTLETON STEVENS, son of Hon. Josiah Stevens, gradu- ated at D. C., 1854 ; a student of law.
LXX. BENJAMIN E. BADGER, son of Stephen C. Badger, Esq., gradu- ated at D. C., 1854 ; a student of law.
LXXI. CHARLES CARROLL LUND, son of Joseph S. Lund, graduated at D. C., 1855 ; now teacher in High School, Concord.
LXXII. WILLIAM KIMBALL ROWELL, son of Dea. Ira Rowell, born Nov. 9, 1829, graduated at D. C., 1855; now teacher of Academy in Hop- kinton.
No. 7.
MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS :
SOME OF WHICH ARE REFERRED TO IN NOTES IN THE PRECEDING HISTORY.
PRINTING. (See p. 310.)
In 1835 the late Jonathan Farmer, Esq., wrote an article, giving the history of printing in this town, - particularly of newspapers, - which was read at a Printers' Festival in commemoration of Franklin's birth-day, Jan. 17, 1835, and afterwards published in the N. H. Patriot, Jan. 26, 1835 : to which those who wish to investigate the subject are referred. In continuation of that history, the following statements are here added.
The New - Hampshire Patriot. Nov. 21, 1840, Cyrus Barton, associated with Henry H. Carroll, as editor and publisher, under the firm of " Barton & Carroll." Dec. 1, 1841, Cyrus Barton retired, and Nathaniel B. Baker asso- ciated with H. H. Carroll, under the firm of " Carroll & Baker." Oct. 30, 1845, N. B. Baker retired, and H. H. Carroll became sole proprietor. Mr. C. died Aug. 4, 1846, and the business was carried on by George Minot, Esq., adminis- trator - Thomas P. Treadwell, editor. Dee. 3, 1846, William Butterfield became sole proprietor. May 27, 1847, the N. H. Patriot, represented by Wm. Butterfield, and " Hill's N. H. Patriot," by John M. Hill, were united under the proprietorship of " Butterfield & Hill." May 10, 1853, John M. Hill retired, and William Butterfield became sole proprietor.
New-Hampshire Statesman and State Journal. George W. Ela, editor and publisher, disposed of his interest in this paper to Jacob H. Ela and A. C. Blodgett, in 1842 ; in July, 1844, it went into possession of George O. Odlin, John C. Wilson and John P. Osgood, in whose hands it continued with some changes of an unimportant nature, up to July, 1851, when the establishment was purchased by Asa McFarland and Geo. E. Jenks, who are now the proprietors.
New-Hampshire Observer. Since 1835 this paper has passed through many changes, as to editors and owners. Rev. David Kimball was a while connected
47
738
HISTORY OF CONCORD.
with Edmund S. Chadwick, in publishing it, under the title of " Christian Pan- oply ;" Mr. Kimball next became sole proprietor, and a connection was formed in 1840, with the Rev. Henry Wood as editor, and the name was changed to " Congregational Journal."" The connection between Mr. Kimball and Mr. Wood closed in 1842, and the paper was wholly conducted by Rev. llenry Wood. In 1846 Mr. Wood's interest in the paper was transferred to B. W. Sanborn, as publisher ; the former retaining a connection as editor, and contin- ned thus till Jan. 1, 1854, when the Rev. Benjamin P. Stone* became editor.
A paper advocating the principles of temperance has been published for a considerable time, but under so many names and so many editors that to trace its history is impracticable. Other papers have had " their day," and passed away.
The " Balm of Gilead and Practical Universalist" was published at Concord, Nashua and Manchester, in 1842, and continued a few years.
In April, 1842, Messrs. Tracy and Colby, of Concord, commenced the publi- cation of the " Iris and Literary Repository," a monthly periodical ; discontinued.
A semi-weekly paper, edited by George Kent, Esq., was started in Concord, in May, 1842.
The " Baptist Register " was published in Concord for several years, com- mencing about 1833.
The Independent Democrat was first published at Manchester, May 1, 1845, by Robert C. Wetmore ; moved to Concord in abont nine weeks, and shortly after, G. G. Fogg, Esq., then of Gilmanton, commenced contributing to its editorial columns, and soon became sole editor. In July, 1847, the proprietorship of the Democrat was disposed of by Mr. Wetmore to J. E. Hood and G. G. Fogg, and united with the " Granite Freeman," a liberty party paper, previously published by Mr. Hood, and under the title of " Independent Democrat and Freeman," published by them until Feb. 1, 1849 ; then Mr. Hood disposed of his interest in it to G. G. Fogg and A. H. Wiggin. In 1854 the former became sole pro- prietor.
The Semi-weekly State Capital Reporter was commenced by Col. Cyrns Barton, Jan. 1, 1852. In May, 1853, Amos Hadley, Esq., was associated with him under the firm of " Barton & Hadley." They commenced the weekly State Capital Reporter, July 1, 1853. In August, the same year, the Reporter became united with the "Old Guard," a journal commenced by Hon. Edmund Burke. In Nov., 1853, the name of the Reporter was changed to the " Reporter and Old Guard," conducted by the same editors, with Mr. Burke a contributor, and so condueted until Feb. 17, 1855 ; when, Col. Barton having died, his interest was vested in his widow, and the name of the firm was changed to " Hadley & Barton." The semi- weekly Reporter was discontinued in August, 1854.
At the present time, printing, not only of newspapers, but books of every description, is one of the most extensive branches of mechanical business in Concord.
" ELECTION DAY."
The great day in Concord, of all the year, was Election day. This occurred on Thursday, of the first week in June, when the new Governor was usually inducted into office. Preparations for the occasion commenced in May, when the women put every thing in order in-doors, and the men, out-doors. Rooms were swept, white-washed and garnished ; wood piled, and chips raked up ; door-yards cleaned ; fenees repaired ; barns put in order ; provisions laid in, and
* Rev. Benjamin P. Stone, D. D., bas resided in Concord since 1837. He was born in Reading, VI., Feb. 11, 1801, son of David Stone, a native of Groton, Mass., whose mother was Martha Lawrence, a descendant of John Lawrence, of Watertown, Mass., 1635. Mr. S. graduated at Middlebury College, 1828; studied theology at Andover ; ordained the first pastor of the church in Franklio, N. It., May, 1831, where he remained one year ; installed pastor at Campton, 1832 ; appointed Secretary of the N. H. Missionary Society, 1837, and moved to Concord.
739
MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS.
all things else put in readiness for " 'lection." From Monday to Wednesday, members of the Legislature, ministers of the gospel - all sorts of public men - would be seen " coming into town," some on horseback, some in wagons and carriages ; some in stages - but all would be on hand by Wednesday. Almost every family on Main street in old times took boarders. The ministers of the "standing order," as they were then called, who were always provided for, met in Convention on that day, and had a sermon preached at the Old North Meet- ing-house in the afternoon or evening. On Thursday, the "people" came from all adjacent and remote sections of the State - men, boys and negroes -equally eager to participate in the festivities of the occasion. Booths, tents, or stands well furnished with all kinds of eatables, and especially drinkables, were erected along on both sides of Main street, from the vicinity of the meeting-house to the middle of Main street. On the forenoon of Thursday was the great procession, composed of a cavalcade and of military companies, by which the Governor was escorted into town, amid a cloud of dust and the thunder of a six-pounder ! Next followed in procession all the honorable State authorities, ministers of the gospel, publie men of all ranks, titles and pretensions, with a more numerous side procession of the "people," including women and boys. Previous to 1819 this procession marched with martial music from the old town hall, and after- wards from the State House to the old meeting-honse to hear the Election Ser- mon. The sermon was preached by a person previously appointed either by the Governor and Council or by the Legislature. On this august occasion the old meeting-house was crowded to its utmost capacity - the honorables having seats in the pews below, and the people in the gallery. To prevent any accident from over-erowding the old oak edifice, the galleries were shored up with substantial timbers ! The appointment to preach the Election Sermon was con- sidered complimentary to the talents and standing or to the politics of the min- ister, and of course it was not uncommon for him on such occasions to do his best - speaking " to the times " - and often echoing the voice of the people, as well as the voice of God ! "Some of the election sermons were fine specimens of pulpit oratory, and are remembered by aged people to this day.
At the earliest period the sermon was followed by a public dinner, which, how- ever, was discontinued in later times. Gov. John Langdon, John T. Gilman and Samuel Bell, are remembered as among the most dignified Governors of former years. Gov. Gilman is remembered by many as wearing a cocked up hat, with a large cockade. For his body guard he had a negro servant by the name of " London." This London, having been a soldier in the Revolution, always appeared on election days, dressed in his regimentals, with a cocked hat, and bore the name of " Gineral." All the negroes in the vicinity, especially such as had served in the war, would rally, and march under command of " Gineral London," to pay their salutes to the Governor ; and, what was better, to receive from him a treat !
Previous to 1816, and even later, the head or center of the great gatherings on election day was at the north end. There was the meeting-house, and the post-office, and the great Washington tavern! But after the State House was built, the attraction was stronger that way ; so that, gradually, as the people drew down into that vicinity, the distance to the old meeting-house seemed mneh longer ; and finally the old customs of processions, sermons, booths and exhibitions on election day ceased. Though the name is kept up, the thing itself has passed away. "Sic transit gloria mundi !" *
LIST OF MINISTERS WIIO HAVE PREACHED THIE ELECTION SERMON, SO FAR AS COULD BE ASCERTAINED.
NAME.
RESIDENCE. YEAR.
NAME.
RESIDENCE. YEAR.
Rev. Samuel Mcclintock, Greenland,
1784.
Rev. John C. Ogden,
Portsmouth, 1790.
Rev. Jeremy Belknap,
Dover, 1785.
Rev. Israel Evans,
Concord, 1791.
Rev. Samuel Haven,
Portsmouth, 1786. Rev. William Morrison,
Londonderry, 1792.
Rev. Samnet Langdon,
Portsmouth, 1788.
Rev. Amos Wood,
Weare, 1794.
Rev. Oliver Noble,
New-Castle, 1789.
Rev. Wm. F. Rowland,
Exeter, 1796.
* An amusing reminiscence of " Election Day" was published in 1842, in a paper called the " Locomotive," edited by Geo. Kent, Esq. It was attributed to Hon. Edward Kent, of Maine. The article was republished in Hill's N. II. Patriot, June 9, 1842.
740
HISTORY OF CONCORD.
Rev. Stephen Peabody,
Atkinson,
1797. [ Rev. David Sutherland,
Bath,
1815.
Rev. Robert Gay,
Dover,
1798.
Rev. Pliny Dickinson,
Walpole,
1816.
Rev. Seth Payson,
Rindge,
1799. Rev. Daniel Merrill,
Notti'gh'm W. 1817.
Rev. Jacob Burnap,
Merrimack, 1801. Rev. William Allen,
Hanover, 1818.
Rev. Joseph Woodman,
Sanbornion, 1802. Rev. James B. Howe,
('laremon1, 1820.
Rev. Aaron Ilall,
Keene, I>03. 1804.
Rev. Jonathan French,
N. Hampton, 1822. llanover,
Rev. Reed Paige,
Hancock,
1805.
Rev. Bennet Tyler,
Acworth,
1825.
Rev. Nathan Bradstreet,
Chester, 1807. Rev. Ferdinand Ellis,
Exeter,
1826.
Rev. Nathan Parker,
Portsmouth, 1808.
1809.
Rev. Nathaniel Bouton,
Concord,
1828.
Rev. Roswell Shurtleff,
Hanover,
1810. Rev. llumphrey Moore,
Milford,
1829.
Rev. Thomas Beede,
Wilton,
1811.
Rev. Jazeniah C'rosby,
Charlestown,
1830.
Rev. Moses Bradford,
Francestown, 1812.
Rev. Nathan Lord,
Hanover,
1831.
Rev. Peter Holt,
Epping,
1814.
CONCORD LITERARY INSTITUTION AND TEACHERS' SEMI- NARY.
THE FIRST, AND THUS FAR THE LAST OF THE KIND EVER BUILT IN CONCORD.
In 1835 a building was created on the hill directly west of Union street, on land given by Samuel A. Kimball, Esq., for the purpose of a High School or Academy. The building was 58 feet long, 54 wide, two stories in height, with a cupola ; entrance, two doors in front, one for males and the other for females. The apartments were separated on the lower floor by a partition with sliding doors. In the upper story were rooms for a library, apparatus and recitations, with a spacious hall for exhibitions. The cost of the building, which was paid for by subscriptions, was abont $3500, exelnsive of apparatus and library, which were estimated at $200. A Board of Trustees was chosen, of which Rev. N. Bonton was President, Rev. E. E. Cummings, Secretary, and Dea. William Gault, Treasurer. An aet of incorporation was obtained, and a publie school opened in the building in the fall of 1835, under the instruction of Mr. T. D. P. Stone, as principal ; Miss Elizabeth Fuller, preceptress, and Miss Rowena Coffin and Miss Mary K. Coffin, assistants. Mr. Stone resigned in August, 1837, but the school was continued under successive teachers until 1844, when, on account of pecuniary embarrassments, the building was sold at public ane- tion for $540. It was afterwards bought by Hon. Isaae Hill, moved away, and constrneted into three dwelling-houses, at the lower end of Main street. [For further partienlars, see Records of the Institution, in N. H. Historical Society's Library, and document on file, marked "Concord Literary Institution," &c.]
BOATING COMPANY. (See p. 371.)
The navigation of the Merrimack by boats to this place was consummated mainly by the enterprise and energy of John L. Sullivan, Esq., a gentleman highly esteemed in this section, who was many years superintendent of the Middlesex Canal, in Massachusetts, and also of the locks and canals on the Merrimack. Most of them were built under his supervision. Ile carly con- ceived the idea of navigating the Merrimack by steamboats, and with this view, having obtained a charter from the Legislature giving him the exclusive right, he commeneed abont 1814, building boats at Charlestown, Mass., and, after trying various models and numerous experiments on machinery, he so far sue- ceeded as to get a boat propelled by steam to reach here in 1819. It was his purpose to tow the loaded boats by this steamboat, but it was found on trial that she had barely sufficient power to pass herself up the rapids, without any inenm- brance, and the project was finally abandoned.
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