USA > New Hampshire > Rockingham County > Derry > The history of Londonderry : comprising the towns of Derry and Londonderry, N.H. > Part 22
USA > New Hampshire > Rockingham County > Londonderry > The history of Londonderry : comprising the towns of Derry and Londonderry, N.H. > Part 22
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Dr. McKeen was in his person considerably above the ordinary stature, and of noble appearance. He was dignified, yet simple and conciliatory in his manners, of kind and con- . descending spirit, always gentlemanly and affable. His
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whole intercourse in the community, as a citizen, was marked with urbanity and propriety of deportment. In the civil and political concerns of his country he took a deep interest, and was not afraid freely to avow his sentiments respecting them both in private and in public on all suitable occasions, though he always did it with great wisdom and prudence. So judicious was he in all his movements, that he rarely gave offence to persons of any party or sect. His unbending integrity and spotless morals were acknowledged by all. As a Christian, he was decided in his views and consistent in his practice ; uniformly serious and devout, but without the least appearance of ostentation or gloominess. His walk before the church and the world was so blameless, that no charge of the least impropriety was ever known to be made against him. It may well be questioned, whether any man of his day, in public life, ever came nearer than he to that apostolical description, " If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body."
President McKeen was sound in his views of theology, as received by the orthodox of the present day. His creed was substantially in agreement with the Assembly's Shorter Cat- echism, which he taught to the children and youth of his parish, through the whole period of his ministry, holding annual catechizings in different districts.
As a public speaker, Dr. McKeen's voice was clear and strong, and his articulation and enunciation so distinct, that he was easily heard by the largest audience. His pulpit style was marked by simplicity, purity, and strength, and his reasoning was lucid and impressive. His manner was always solemn, and evinced that he believed what he uttered to be important truth, although he was rarely so earnest in his appeals as to amount to what may be called pathos. Nothing light or trifling, or adapted to provoke a smile, was perhaps ever uttered by him from the pulpit.
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In his character as a pastor, he was affectionately attentive to his flock, and especially in cases of affliction was ever ready to sympathize and do all in his power to assist and comfort them. As illustrative of this excellent trait of char- acter in a minister of Christ is the following incident. When General Washington was making the tour of New England, after the Revolution, he passed through Beverly, and was to dine at the house of a distinguished gentleman in that place. Mr. McKeen was of course invited and expect- ed to be present on an occasion so highly gratifying. Just as he was leaving his house for this purpose, he received a request to visit a very humble parishioner, in a remote part of the town, who was at the point of death. Without plead- ing his previous engagement as a reason for delaying his visit, or hesitating for a moment, he at once repaired to the house of the afflicted, to administer the desired consolation, readily denying himself the privilege of an interview with the Father of his country, which must have been so highly gratifying.
Securing thus the esteem of his people to an unusual degree by his ability and fidelity, his parish remained united and in peace while other parishes around were divided and distracted. Although the leaven of French infidelity was prevalent to some extent in his society for several years, yet by his able instructions and judicious management it was kept in check, and finally to a great degree rooted out. So highly was Dr. McKeen estimated for his attainments in science and literature, and so distinguished was he for his gentlemanly and Christian qualities, that his elevation to the presidential chair of Bowdoin College gave great satisfaction to the friends of education in New England, and particularly in Maine, it being generally supposed that he was eminently qualified to give form and solidity, and extended usefulness, to the new institution. These expectations were not disap- pointed : for, by a discreet management of the affairs of the
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institution in its infancy, he contributed in no small degree to lay the foundation of its future prosperity.
Not only was he well qualified by his distinguished schol- arship to take charge of the instruction of this institution, but by his extensive knowledge of character, and his mild, yet firm and decided spirit, was eminently fitted for its govern- ment. He succeeded well in the presidential office, and did all that the friends of the college could reasonably expect in promoting its interests, and left it, at his decease, in a flour- ishing condition. Not only did he exert himself for the advancement of science and literature, but also for the gen- eral promotion of piety and religion, as well in the commu- nity as in the college.
In September, 1805, when he had been at the head of the college four years, he was attacked by what was thought to be a disease of the liver, which terminated in dropsy, and put an end to his valuable life, July 15, 1807, in the fiftieth year of his age. His long and distressing sickness he bore with Christian submission and fortitude, and deep humility. Toward the close of life, the fifty-first Psalm was his favorite subject of meditation and conversation. Deeply sensible of his ill-deserts as a sinner, and relying on God's free and sovereign mercy in Jesus Christ, this distinguished man fell asleep and was gathered to his fathers.
JOHN M'MURPHY.
John McMurphy, Esq., arrived in America from Ireland, and joined the settlement in Londonderry a very short time after its commencement. His name appears on its earliest records. He was one of the selectmen in the year 1722, and was a member of most of the important committees to adjust the concerns of the colony. He was also the first representative of Londonderry, and it appears from the records that he represented the town, as a member of the General Court, eleven years. He was very early appointed
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justice of the peace and of the quorum. Unless he had received his commission before his arrival in this province, he must have been preceded in the office by James Mc- Keen, Esq., who was appointed justice of the peace, April 29, 1720.
It appears that Esquire McMurphy was a man of intelli- gence and of probity. His character, intellectual and moral, was such as to secure the unlimited confidence of the town, and commanded the respect of his fellow-citizens. He was a ready scribe, was required to transact most of their civil business, and was continued in the office of town clerk four- teen years.
The lot of land which he selected, or which was assigned to him as a proprietor, is the farm now occupied by his great-grandson, James McMurphy. It has never passed out of the family. The house which he built, was the second framed house erected in the town, a part of which is now standing, and inhabited by Mr. James McMurphy. He died in 1755, at Portsmouth, while a member of the General Court. His decease was deeply felt and lamented by the town and the community at large. 'The following record appears on the town-books : -
"John McMurphy, Esq., Justice of the quorum, departed this life September 21, 1755, at Portsmouth, and was carried to Londonderry on Tuesday and buried on Wednesday, the 24th, at the old burying-place in this town, with an extraor- dinary company, aged about seventy-three years."
JOHN PRENTICE.
Hon. John Prentice was a native of Cambridge, Mass. He graduated at Harvard College, in 1766, his mother having been obliged to sweep the college buildings to aid in paying his expenses. He came to Londonderry in 1772, and read law with Hon. Samuel Livermore. On being admitted to the bar, in 1775, he purchased the farm of Mr.
20
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Livermore, on which, after building a new mansion, he sub- sequently settled, having as it is believed resided for a few years previous in Marblehead, Mass. He was appointed attorney-general June 5, 1787, and resigned in 1793. He was representative from the town of Londonderry thirteen years, and was chosen speaker in 1794 and 1795, and from 1798 to 1803. In September, 1798, he was offered the appointment of justice of the Superior Court, which he declined. He died May 18, 1808, at the age of sixty. ·
His first wife was Ruth Lemon, of Marblehead, who had six children, and died in 1791. He afterwards married Tabitha Sargent, a daughter of Hon. Nathaniel P. Sargent, of Haverhill, Mass., who died in 1806, having had six children.
GEORGE REID.
George Reid was the eldest son of James and Mary Reid, who were among the early settlers of Londonderry. He was born in the year 1733, married Mary Woodburn, daughter of John Woodburn, by his first wife Mary Boyd, and settled in Londonderry. At the time of the battle of Lexington, Mr. Reid was in command of a company of minute-men, and no sooner did the intelligence of that event reach London- derry, than, leaving his wife and children, he placed himself at the head of his company, and marched to join the left wing of the American forces, under General Stark, at Medford, near Boston. He, with his company, took part in the battle of Bunker Hill, on the 17th of June, 1775. His first commission under the Continental Congress, is in the following words : -
" The Delegates of the United Colonies of New Hamp- shire, Massachusetts Bay, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, the counties of Newcastle, Kent, and Sussex, on the Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina, to George Reid, Esq.
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" We, reposing especial trust and confidence in your patriot- ism, valor, conduct, and fidelity, do, by these presents, con- stitute and appoint you to be captain of a company in the 5th Regiment of Foot, commanded by Colonel John Stark.
By order of the Congress,
JOHN HANCOCK, President.
Attest, CHARLES THOMPSON, Secretary. January 1, 1776."
Mr. Reid afterwards, in 1777, received the appointment of lieutenant-colonel, and in 1778, that of colonel, of the second New Hampshire regiment. In 1783, he was, by act of Congress, appointed colonel by brevet in the army of the United States. In 1785, he received his commission, from the State of New Hampshire, as brigadier-general in the State service, signed by John Langdon, president. In 1786, he received the appointment of justice of the peace for the county of Rockingham, in those days an office of dignity and consequence, from his old commander, General John Sulli- van, then president of New Hampshire. In 1791, he was appointed to the office of sheriff of the county of Rocking- ham.
In the year 1786, was the celebrated rebellion in New Hampshire, of which an account has been already given in this work. The fact that General Reid was appointed by his old commander and companion-in-arms, General Sulli- van, then president of the State, to command the military forces called out on this occasion, is satisfactory evidence of his character for prudence, courage, and general ability. So great was the discontent in his own county, that General Reid received several anonymous letters, threatening his life, and the destruction of his property by fire, for the part he took in quelling the insurrection. So formidable did the matter appear to some of his friends, that they entreated him not to attend church on the Sabbath, as his life might fall a
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sacrifice if he did so. Disregarding their fears, however, he attended church as usual, though well armed, and accom- panied by two or three of his old military companions, who insisted upon going with him. On one occasion, a mob sur- rounded his house in the night, threatening his destruction. He instantly armed, and, though alone, presented himself at the window, and harangued the mob, in a calm but firm and determined tone, upon the great impropriety of their con- duct. The force of his expostulations, and his calm, undaunted, demeanor, at length induced the crowd to disperse; and many of them afterwards expressed their deep regret for the course they had taken. There are those of General Reid's descendants who remember his indigna- tion, when recounting, in after days, the events of that night.
General Reid held a command in the New Hampshire forces during the entire war of the Revolution ; and was in the battles of Bunker Hill, Long Island, White Plains, Trenton, Brandywine, Germantown, Saratoga, and Still- water. He was with the army, and partook of their suffer- ings and hardships, during their memorable encampment at Valley Forge, in the severe winter of 1777. He was also with Sullivan, and took an efficient part in the expedition planned by Washington, against the "Six Nations," to avenge the terrible massacres of Wyoming and Cherry Valley. He was for some time at West Point ; and during the summer of 1782, was in command at Albany, N. Y., the head-quarters of the army being at Newburgh. He fre- quently received letters from General Washington, and as some of them, though on ordinary business, may be interest- ing, we here insert them.
Head- Quarters, Newburgh, May 20, 1782.
Sir: I received your letter of the 11th inst., and another without date; the former inclosing the proceedings of a court-martial, held for the trial of Shem Kehtfield. Inclosed
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you have a copy of the General Order, approving the pro- ceedings, and a warrant for the execution of the prisoner ; the place of execution is left to you.
The necessity of the contractors furnishing hard bread when required, has been represented to Mr. Morris, who will doubtless take measures accordingly.
I am, Sir, your very humble servant,
GEORGE WASHINGTON.
COL. REID, commanding at Albany.
Head- Quarters, Newburgh, July 10, 1782.
Dear Sir: I am favored this moment with your letter of the 2d inst. The intelligence communicated therein appears to me to be vague and not perfectly founded ; it ought, how- ever, to have so much influence upon our conduct, as to excite unusual vigilance and preparation, in order to baffle any of the barbarous designs of the enemy, should they attempt to carry them into execution.
For my own part, I am more apprehensive of the country on the Mohawk river, than for any other part of the frontier ; because I think, from the circumstances, the principal effort (should there be any invasion) would be made against it ; and therefore it occurs to me, that withdrawing the State troops from Saratoga, and that quarter (where they cannot be very necessary), and extending them, together with the other levies on the frontier of the Mohawk, and at the same time concentrating your regiment to the neighborhood of the place you mention, would be a judicious plan ; though I do not pretend to be myself sufficiently acquainted with the local situation to determine with absolute certainty on the expediency of this disposition. It will, in my opinion, be well to consult and arrange with Colonel Willet, who is par- ticularly well informed of the geography of the country.
I have a confidence that you and the other officers, com- 20*
·
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manding on the frontier, will economize the means in your possession to the best advantage, and exert all your zeal and activity in the public service.
I am, dear sir, your most obedient, humble servant,
GEORGE WASHINGTON.
COL. REID, commanding at Albany.
Head-Quarters, Newburgh, July 7, 1782.
Sir : The Honorable Mr. Renden, of Spain, resident at Philadelphia, Mr. Holkers, and Mr. Terressen, have a desire to see Saratoga, and the field of action in that country. I recommend them to your civilities ; and if it should be judged expedient, I desire you will give them such guard, or so dispose the troops in the quarter where they are, as to give them security in their jaunt.
I am, sir, your humble servant,
GEORGE WASHINGTON.
COL. REID, commanding at Albany.
Mrs. Reid was a woman of rare endowments, and of most interesting character. It is related that General Stark, who was an intimate friend of the family, once remarked, in refer- ence to her: "If there is a woman in New Hampshire, fit for governor, 'tis Molly Reid." A more extended notice of her will be found in the account of the family of John Wood- burn. Although left with the care of a family of young children, she assumed, during the absence of her husband, - which continued, with the exception of a few short and hurried visits, a period exceeding seven years, -the entire charge of his farm and other business affairs. A few extracts from some of their letters, which have been preserved, may not be uninteresting. The constant reference to the Almighty, and the confiding trust in him, in regard to their daily cares, trials, and anxieties, which is evinced on the part of each of them, is a pleasing feature of their correspondence. General
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Reid's first letter is dated at Medford, May 30, 1775, a few days prior to the battle of Bunker Hill.
"I have not time," he says, "to give you an account of our late engagement, only that God has appeared for us, in most imminent danger."
The next is dated " Camp at Winter Hill, August 10, 1775. We are daily taking off some of their guards; and we expect to make an inroad upon them, some of these nights. May God prosper and protect us. I know we have your prayers, with many of God's people."
"I hope yet to live with you in peace and tranquillity, when we have subdued the enemies of our country. I com- mend you and my dear children to the Shepherd of Israel."
Same place, "November 22, 1775. As to engaging for another season, I cannot as yet inform you. To shrink from the cause we have embarked in, would be inglorious and dastardly cowardice, and which I hope I may never be stigmatized with. If ever I am dismissed, I hope it will be with honor. I hope that God will direct me in this case, and all others, as may be most to his glory and my eternal welfare."
The next is from a letter addressed by Mrs. Reid to her husband at Ticonderoga, dated " Londonderry, September 8, 1776. I received your letters of July 6th, and 21st, also August 10th, and to the former of those two would say, that God has laid you under the greatest obligations. Every mercy, every escape, must be accounted for. May we be prepared for the great day of account." She goes on to argue, with all the acuteness of "one who knew," various matters relating to the farm, stock, etc., but concludes with the very deferential remark of an obedient wife : " All this, with your advice, not otherwise. May the good-will of Him who dwelt in the bush, rest and abide with you."
In a letter dated at Ticonderoga, June 21, 1777, General Reid writes as follows : "Our enemy, according to the most
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accurate account we can get, is approaching towards us. It may be a feint ; but if they do attack us, we are resolved to defend ourselves to the last extremity. We could wish our- selves stronger. The Indians are lurking about us daily."
From the same, dated at Valley Forge, December 22, 1777. " General Howe came out with his whole army, about a fortnight since, and drew up in line of battle against us, first on our right, and then on our left, in order to draw us off some advantageous ground we were in possession of ; but being harassed by us on both wings, repeatedly, they thought proper to retreat, very precipitately, into Philadelphia. We have had several skirmishes with their light horse, and took ten horsemen and fifteen horses yesterday. No general action has occurred, nor is likely to, this winter. We are now making huts to winter in. I feel sympathy for you, but cannot be with you ; honor forbids it. May happiness attend you and the dear children."
His next letter is dated " Camp, White Plains, August 3, 1778. I have just come in from the enemy's lines, at New York ; have been down three days on command, and met with a party of the enemy, fired on them, and drove them into their lines."
In relation to a matter at court, Mrs. Reid writes her husband as follows, under date of July 5, 1782, addressed to him while in command at Albany. "I informed you in my last, that I had employed Mr. Neil, who was attending at court, to represent the true state of the affair; likewise to ask a continuance, till you were acquainted with the matter. The judge informed me, through Mr. Neil, that I need give myself no uneasiness about the matter, for it should be con- tinued till your return, if that should be five and twenty years.
Under date of June 11, 1783, General Reid writes as follows : " We are in daily expectation of a final dissolution of the army. I send by a public wagon a chest, containing various matters for which I have no occasion, and you will
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find in it the old regimental colors and standard of the regi- ment, which you will take particular care of, with some papers in the till. I shall make the best of my way to your cottage."
Having faithfully served his native town, State, and coun- try, General Reid died in September, 1815, at the age of eighty-two years. His wife survived him eight years, and died April 7, 1823, at the advanced age of eighty-eight years.
ROBERT ROGERS.
Major Robert Rogers was the son of James Rogers, and was a native of Londonderry. His father was one of the early settlers of the town; but after a residence here of a few years, he removed to Dunbarton, N. H., and was one of the first settlers of that town. He was afterwards shot in the woods, his fur cap and black clothes being unfortu- nately mistaken by a hunter for a bear.
Major Rogers was appointed captain of one of the three companies of rangers raised in 1756, and being subsequently promoted to the rank of Major, had the entire command of that celebrated corps. Many of the rangers were from Londonderry, and the immediate vicinity, and in skirmishes with parties of the enemy, in scouring the woods, and pro- curing intelligence of hostile movements, they performed active and important service. Many anecdotes of perilous adventure and hairbreadth escape, are related of them. At one time, Major Rogers, with a small party of his rangers, were nearly surrounded by the Indians, on the north-west shore of Lake George. Rogers, being on snow-shoes, made the best of his way to the top of a high rock which overhung the lake. Having thrown his haversack and other cum- brous articles over the precipice, he turned himself about in his snow-shoes, without moving them, and, having fastened them on in the reversed position, descended to the lake by
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another and less precipitous path. The Indians in pursuit, arriving at the top of the rock, perceived two sets of tracks leading to the rock, and none leading from it, and conse- quently supposed that two of the fugitives had attempted to descend to the lake at that place, and had perished. Soon after, however, to their astonishment, they saw Rogers, at a considerable distance, making his escape upon the ice, and believing that he had descended the precipice in safety, con- cluded that he was under the immediate protection of the Great Spirit, and did not venture to pursue him. The rock has since been known by the name of " Rogers' Slide."
In 1759, Major Rogers was sent by General Amherst to destroy the Indian village of St. Francis. In 1766, he was appointed governor of Michilimackinac. He was accused of constructive treason, and was sent to Montreal for trial.
would seem, however, that he was honorably acquitted, as, in 1767, he went to England, and was presented to the king. He afterwards returned to America, and, in the Revolution, espoused the royal cause. His name was on the list of tories proscribed by the act of New Hampshire of 1778. In 1777, he again went to England, where he died. He published, at London, in 1765, a journal of the military services of the rangers, which was republished at Concord, N. H., in 1831.
The following anecdote is found in the first volume of the Historical Collections, by Farmer and Moore.
"It is reported of Major Rogers, that while in London after the French war, being in company with several persons, it was agreed, that the one who told the most improbable story, or the greatest falsehood, should have his fare paid by the others. When it came to his turn, he told the company, that his father was shot in the woods of America, by a person who supposed him to be a bear ; and that his mother was followed several miles through the snow by hunters, who mistook her track for that of the same animal. It was acknowledged by the whole company, that the Major had
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told the greatest lie, when, in fact, he had related nothing but the truth."
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