USA > New Hampshire > Hillsborough County > New Ipswich > The history of New Ipswich, New Hampshire, 1735-1914, with genealogical records of the principal families > Part 14
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1871-74
William A. Preston
1874-1903
John Preston .
1903-04 ·
Charles P. Poor
· 1904-05
Herschel W. Lewis
· 1906-
The teacher in charge of the Academy was first styled rector after the Scotch custom, then preceptor, and during these later years, principal, or more familiarly, Prof. Many of the principals were men of marked ability and worthy of note.
John Hubbard, son of Jonathan, was the first preceptor, and "soon brought the school into public favor." "A public-
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·
·
1842
Edward A. Lawrence
1844-51
E. T. Rowe
1865-66
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Faculty Sketches
spirited citizen, the town is much indebted to him for the spirit he infused and the institutions he founded. He was noted for his musical taste and talents."
"It was during the administration of Mr. Mulliken in 1806 or 1807 that Miss Allen, daughter of Rev. Mr. Allen of Bradford, Mass., and afterward the wife of Thos. A. Mirrill, D. D., of Middlebury, Vt., was engaged as preceptress. She was an accomplished teacher and had a large class of young ladies whom she instructed in the higher branches of litera- ture, and in the collateral branches of refinement and taste then taught in the best schools of female education. The spare rooms in the Academy were not large enough to accom- modate her school, and she used the hall in Mr. Barrett's house for a schoolroom. No female school of a higher charac- ter than hers has ever been taught in this place, and few any- where else." (T. F.)
Oliver Swain Taylor, a native of this town, born Decem- ber 17, 1784, died April 19, 1885, at Auburn, N. Y. "He ex- ercised the duties of the position with much success, and the school reached an unusual degree of prosperity."
After one of those periods of depression which are certain to occur in all associations, under the care of Mr. Coffin, as- sisted by his wife, the Academy "rose to a high pitch of prosperity," which was maintained by his successor, Mr. Allen.
Judging from accessible records the greatest number of students was in 1838, during the administration of Mr. Shedd, as there were 278 different students during that year. Tradi- tion tells of his success and popularity as a teacher.
Under the leadership of Mr. Quimby the school reached a high standard of activity. His influence over many of his pu- pils was very great. Prof. C. H. Chandler, whom we mourn, said that his school life here was of more value to him than his college course.
Mr. Herbert came here immediately after graduating at Dartmouth. Though so young, his discipline was worthy of note; "like one of the forces of nature, quiet, unostentatious, but powerful and all-pervasive."
"Mr. Preston was a rare scholar and his instruction was of a high order. Of brilliant and versatile mind, he possessed the true genius of teaching. Himself a poet, his instruction in Latin, Greek, and English poetry is to be remembered as
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History of New Ipswich
a rare privilege. Mr. Preston's teaching was supplemented in the department of mathematics by that of his brother, Mr. Frank W. Preston, no less gifted as a scholar and a teacher." (A former student.)
In 1810 there were eighty students, thirty-five of whom were young women. At that very year in the (then) town of Boston, girls were allowed to attend the public schools in the summer only, and not then unless there were seats left vacant by boys.
"Mrs. Preston (Betsy Champney) gives the following names of the members of the school in 1787: Samuel Farrar, (Andover,) William Sherwin, Thomas Cordis, (Boston,) Eben Lawrence, (physician, Hampton,) Rev. John Miles, (Grafton,) Rev. David Kendall, (Hubbardston,) Thomas Hazen, (Shir- ley,) Polly Farrar, (Mrs. Dakin,) Nancy Lawrence, (Mrs. I. Brown Farrar,) Dolly Appleton, (Mrs. Everett,) Jesse Apple- ton, John Ware, John Sparhawk, Polly Hartwell, (Mrs. Bel- lows,) Milly Woods, (Pepperell,)-Crombie." (T. F.)
In 1790 tuition was 12 shillings per quarter; in 1805 from 17 to 25 cents per week at discretion of the preceptor; in 1835, $3.50 to $4.00 per term, and needlework 25 cents to $1.00 per term; in 1879 tuition was $6.00 or $8.00 per term. Now it is $40.00 per year. "In 1852 Monochromatic, Calligraphic, Mezzotint, or Crayon drawing was $3.00 per term." In 1845 the price of board was $1.33 to $1.50 per week. "Instruction was given in music, vocal and instrumental, penmanship, elo- cution, and book-keeping, and there were lectures on Anatomy and Physiology, Geology and Botany." Before the days of state normal schools, there was a "Teachers' class" giving instruction in the theory and practice of teaching, and the best methods of governing schools. In 1851 Mr. Quimby, the new principal, was requested to outline a course of study, both English and classical, which, when completed, should entitle a student to a diploma.
In 1890 a reunion of Appleton alumni was held in Boston, an association formed, and a board of officers chosen with Mr. John Herbert as president. This was followed in a short time by a meeting at New Ipswich, and a great deal of en- thusiasm was aroused. Now the meetings are held in Boston in mid-winter once in five years, and in the summer midway between the Boston meetings one is held in New Ipswich on the familiar campus. A dinner is served in a large tent, with
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Present Conditions
after-dinner speaking, an informal social evening in Academy hall, and much interchange of reminiscences and the life- history of friends. In 1891 a catalogue of the alumni was published containing more than 1500 names. We may well be proud of our alumni. Scattered throughout the world, many of them have made their names famous, and wherever they may be found they are, with few exceptions, helping the world along in the right direction.
In the latter part of the last century the school passed through a period of depression, as it had several times pre- viously in its history, and the number of pupils became small. With the coming of the new century several new trustees were added to the board, who contributed liberally to its im- provement. Over $5000 was spent in repairs. The building was renovated; laboratories, chemical and physical, equipped with the needful apparatus; new floors laid; a furnace in- stalled which provides a comfortable temperature; important additions made to the library, and everything brought up to modern requirements. The Academy has a fund of about $50,000 carefully invested.
We now have a man as principal and two young women as assistant teachers, all college graduates. To quote from the annual prospectus, "The course of study at New Ipswich Appleton Academy is designed primarily to give the students an all-round training and to develop their practical as well as their mental abilities, that they may become good farmers and good business men, as well as good lawyers, doctors, or teachers. To this end two courses of study are laid out, desig- nated as the College course and the General or English course. A special elective course in Science is provided for those who desire to enter a scientific school." To these is added more recently a course in domestic science, to be followed so soon as possible by one in practical agriculture.
The general intelligence and literary cultivation of the people of New Ipswich is spoken of by strangers as unusual for a country town. This is due in very large measure to the opportunities given by the Academy for a larger education and broader knowledge of the world of literature and science.
May the sons and daughters of Appleton cherish the mem- ory of their Alma Mater and help her to be more and more a blessing to future generations.
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CHAPTER IX MISCELLANIES
Manufactures
T HE necessities of frontier life made it essential that the abundant waterpower of the region should be utilized for the daily needs of the people and, later, its use for manu- facturing purposes has been one of the chief sources of the enterprise and prosperity of the town. The earliest known record is of a sawmill built by the Massachusetts proprietors prior to 1741, probably on the site of the Farrar mills. To carry grain ten miles to Townsend over the rough road was burdensome, and a committee representing the town con- tracted with John Chandler of Westford to build a sawmill which should be "ready for service by the last of October, 1750, and the corn mill in October, 1751." In 1768 these mills were purchased by Capt. Eleazar Cummings.
Zachariah Adams and John Breed built the mills in Mill Village (now Smithville) as early as 1764. Though burned at least three times, they have always been at once rebuilt and constantly in use. The plant is now owned and used by Charles Wheeler and sons.
Farrar's mill on Saw Mill Brook, built about 1790, was first a gristmill. In 1816 a carding machine was added. The mill privilege has been used by Hervey Batcheller, and later by Warren Pratt for making cigar boxes. On the opposite side of the road, and on the same stream, a mill was built later for making potato starch, but it was not a financial suc- cess. The name still clings to the beautiful little sheet of water, and it has been the place where the boys of the village have taken their first lessons in the art of swimming. In 1860-65 cotton batting was manufactured there. About 1870 Charles C. Bellows purchased the mill privilege and there made washing machines, spring beds, and creasing machines. After the death of Mr. Bellows, the work was carried on by F. N. Gibson for many years. It is now used as a grist and sawmill by W. D. Ashley, who has rebuilt the dam that he may secure a larger and better amount of ice for sale in summer.
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Miscellanies
In 1776 a "Clothier's Works and Fulling Mill" was built on the present site of the Waterloom mill. In 1800 it was purchased by Ephraim Hartwell, who there made linseed oil, and oatmeal for the druggists of Boston, who had previously imported the article. This was done under the direction of James Barr of Scotland. They also manufactured malt.
"Before the year 1800 John Putnam, under the patronage of Ephraim Hartwell, commenced the manufacture of scythes. He first had a trip-hammer at Mill Village, but later erected the works down the stream." It is perhaps on this account that the mill is spoken of as the "Old Iron Works." In 1810 the mill became a cotton factory, and in 1826 it was converted into a sawmill. Bedsteads, washing machines, churns, etc., were made there and many varieties of work which come under the head of wood-turning. It is now owned by Albert F. Walker & Son, who are developing a fine and growing business.
About 1845 Charles Taylor built a sawmill and manufac- tured doors, blinds, window sashes, chairs (cane seat), and churns. The plant is now owned by Charles Hughes, who uses it as a gristmill and also for wood-turning.
In the old sawmill Jonas Nutting and Stephen Sylvester made wooden chairs, and also used it as a saw and gristmill.
Balch's mill, formerly Gibson's, built about 1800, is now owned by A. L. Balch, who uses it as a sawmill and also does wood-turning.
The Waterloom mill in Bank Village, a substantial brick structure erected in 1821, was originally 84 feet long, 40 feet wide, and three stories high, each story being ten feet high, well lighted, and all in one room. Some years later the build- ing was considerably enlarged. At first there was woven sheeting, and later jeans and flannels, and a fine, heavy quality of blue denim, which found a ready sale in foreign markets. The Columbian Manufacturing Company bought the mill in 1855. In May, 1895, the building was condemned as unsafe, was dismantled, and the machinery removed elsewhere. This mill is said to have been the first one in New Hampshire in which power looms were used.
The first mill at High Bridge went into operation about 1825, and was burned August 31, 1838, with an estimated loss of $30,000. It was rebuilt and again destroyed by fire in 1872. In 1875-76 the present beautiful brick structure was
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History of New Ipswich
erected and put in operation on the same site near the Souhe- gan River, from which it largely derives its motive power. This mill is 150 feet long, 60 feet wide, and five stories high, with a picker-house and a cotton-house attached. A large and handsome tower ornaments its front and affords a fine en- trance to the building. At the present writing (1913), the mill has 5800 spindles and 148 looms in operation, requiring the employment of 80 hands. It is lighted by electricity, and its whole equipment is up-to-date and of the most approved kind. Men now run from sixteen to twenty looms where formerly they could run only four looms. The mill uses 90 bales of cotton per week, which is converted into 800 cuts of blue and mixed denim and striped cheviot. The plant has a waterwheel of 300-horse power, and when the supply of water is short, two engines in the basement of 250 and 80-horse power keep the machinery in action. The mill is operated almost without interruption, and at the present time is the town's largest and strongest business enterprise. Careful re- search shows that ten cotton mills have been operated in town. At present there is only one, that at High Bridge.
"During the Revolution window glass was very scarce." An establishment for its manufacture was started just over the town line in Temple, but it was financed and directed by New Ipswich men. At the close of the war glass was im- ported at very low prices and the enterprise was financially a failure, but its promoters have the glory of manufacturing the first glass in America. There are many specimens of the work to be found among the ancient treasures in our homes.
"A tanyard was very early established on the west side of the Jo Kidder brook, and the north side of the road, where the blacksmith's shop now stands. By whom the business was carried on, I do not recollect. The building was after- ward turned into a pottery establishment, and brown earthen- ware was made and burned in a kiln there near the close of the last century, after the suppression of the tannery." (T. F., 1855.)
For many years the making of cigars was a prominent in- dustry carried on by Stephen Thayer and Moses Brickett, who each employed forty or fifty people, also there were several smaller establishments.
Tinware was made by Sanders Bros., Albert Thayer, Charles R. Fletcher, and others.
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THE PUBLIC LIBRARY
Miscellanies
Tradition tells us that at the "Forge" there were made nails and stove-castings, and it is said that the iron fence before the Barrett mansion was made there.
Bakehouse Village was so named because in 1785 Samuel Batcheller had a bakery there. This business was carried on there and in the Center Village by various parties until the later years of the last century.
Among other manufactures in the past we may note: broadcloths, satinet, velvets, ticking, wagons, windows, doors, chairs, carriages, blinds, coffins, printing-sticks, barrels, matches, trunks, saddles, harness, shoes, hats, guns, earthen- ware (1792), ink, essences, ashes (pot, 1795, and pearl), soap (hard and soft).
Library
In 1793 a town library was established by subscriptions and held in shares. This library of three or four hundred volumes was burned in 1812.
In 1866 the women of New Ipswich, under the leadership of Miss Caroline F. Barr, took measures to raise funds for a public library. Former residents and all interested in the town were asked to help us, and we used all means in our power to raise money. At first we were given a room in the Bank building, but when those quarters became too crowded measures were taken to provide suitable accommodations elsewhere, and the beautiful building which was first occu- pied in 1895 is not only a delight to the eye but helpful to the village as a rallying center for much that is both pleasura- ble and uplifting.
We have a carefully selected and well-balanced library of more than 6000 volumes; a reading-room with best periodi- cals; a fine reference library; a department for the children with table and chairs of suitable size, games and periodicals to attract them; an Arts and Crafts department of more than 140 volumes ; a Farmer's shelf; nature books in wide variety; a well-chosen Biblical library; and the object of our greatest pride, a case devoted to books written by natives or residents of New Ipswich and containing more than 80 volumes. We have complete files of the Farmers' Almanac for the last cen- tury and catalogues of our Academy. The rooms are open Wednesday and Saturday in the afternoon and evening. Books can be taken out by anyone resident or visiting in the
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History of New Ipswich
town, and there is no fee. The shelves are accessible to all, a privilege highly prized by those who are accustomed to select from a catalogue only.
In 1902 Mrs. Sarah (Fletcher) Hubbard left a bequest of $4,000, $1,000 of which was to be spent at once for books; her will named the committee who were to select them, and the books purchased with this bequest were to be called "The Helen Fletcher Collection" in memory of her sister. The building was not large enough to accommodate this addition and an annex was built and paid for by Prof. James Barr Ames, who then paid the salary of the librarian.
William Boynton, a trustee, left $5,000 to the library, the income to be used for books and periodicals. Samuel H. Wentworth, a former student of the Academy, left $1,000 in memory of his sister, Mrs. Lydia C. Wentworth Lee. Henry Ames Blood, a former resident, left $10,000 in trust to his widow for the use of the library. The recent deaths of mem- bers of his household make this available for use so soon as the estate is settled.
"An ideal village library in appearance, management, and influence." The good done here cannot be overestimated and it will go on.
Country Club
Our fathers, unwittingly it may be, chose a beautiful situ- ation for the town of their care and hope. Standing nearly at the base of the foothills, it combines the power and majesty of the hills with the charm and beauty of the river and the plain. When during the latter part of the last century dwell- ers in city homes learned the value of country life in the sum- mer, New Ipswich thus received her full share of guests. It is said that one year there were six hundred summer so- journers in town. Families who came here repeatedly became so attached to the region that they purchased houses or farms to be occupied in summer as homes. Thus a new element came into our social life, and the young people must be amused. A croquet ground was laid out in the Barrett mea- dow, of such excellence that it received complimentary notice in the New York Independent; tennis courts were laid out in the same field; bath-houses built at the river.
Most important of all was the organization of the Souhegan Country Club. In 1899 eight men bought the Jonas Woolson
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Miscellanies
farm on "Sol Davis Hill," and they now lease it to the club. The house, built in 1743, retains the vast fireplaces, the huge chimney, and the steep and narrow stairs; otherwise it has been modernized most tastefully. The men's room is fitted up in the fashion of an English grill-room. The view from the lookout is one of the finest in this town of glorious views. There are golf links and a tennis court. The clubhouse is open for the entertainment of members and their friends every Saturday during the summer, and daily through the month of August, and is a delightful social center. There are more than one hundred members, including people of neighboring towns, and others who are interested in the life of New Ipswich. The owners are Edward O. Marshall, Ralph E. Parker, Frank W. Preston, and John Preston, of New Ipswich ; Frederic W. Ely and Herbert J. Taft of Greenville; Simpson C. Heald of Wilton; and John W. Bemis of Temple.
The Children's Fair
Among all the reasons for our pride in our beloved town, not the least is the fact that the Children's Fair was invented here.
Rev. Calvin Cutler and Prof. E. T. Quimby of the Acad- emy, while considering ways in which the children of the Congregational church might be interested in the various charities of the church, evolved the plan which later took form as the Children's Fair. Each child was encouraged to earn money during the summer. A boy had a space given him for a garden where he raised vegetables or what he chose. Girls had other ways of earning money, and later there was a fancy table devoted to their contributions.
Wednesday in early October the large room under the auditorium of the old church was open early in the morning. The posters had said "Donors admitted free," and every child had the proud consciousness of being a "Donor," spelling it with a capital D. Each gift was labeled with a number, the name of the giver, and the object to which the proceeds of its sale were to be given. The vegetables and fruits were placed on a broad table which extended nearly the length of the room, to be seen and admired by all. Tables were laid for a dinner, and at noon every seat was taken. The baked beans, brown bread, cold meats, doughnuts, pumpkin pies,
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History of New Ipswich
were all of the best quality and very tempting to the appetite of those who had come perhaps from a neighboring town. At another table sandwiches and food that could be taken in the hand were provided for a nominal price for those who did not go to the dinner table.
After dinner the children recited their "pieces," perhaps written for the occasion, and dialogues and singing filled an hour. Then came the event of the day-the Auction. Each donation was held up on high by the auctioneer, bids were called for and came thick and fast with good-natured rivalry and fun. The day was given up to the children and they en- joyed it to the full. On the Common the boys played base- ball or kindred games, watched by many who were not in- terested in the auction.
In more recent years similar fairs have been held in other towns as they have seen the success of this original institution.
The first fair was held in 1862, and without a break they have continued for more than fifty years. The amount of money raised during that time for various benevolent objects is $4,265, and it is distributed between twenty-eight different charities, mostly out of town. These are the gifts. The good gained by the givers cannot be reckoned here or in the present years.
The Revere Bell
In 1815 a few individuals by private subscription raised the sum of $593 for the purchase of a bell, which we have recently learned was from the foundry of Paul Revere. The following correspondence is of interest.
55 Mt. Vernon Street, Boston.
To the TOWN CLERK, NEW IPSWICH, N. H.
Dear Sir: I am trying to trace the bells cast by Paul Revere, a complete list of which has recently been found, contained in his old stock-book.
In the year 1815 a bell weighing 1116 pounds was sold to the town of New Ipswich, presumably hung in the parish church.
I shall be greatly obliged if you can ascertain for me whether this bell is still in use, or if otherwise, when it was destroyed. Thanking you in advance for this favor, I am
Yours very truly,
March 8, 1910. ARTHUT H. NICHOLS.
An answer to this letter was sent at once, saying that the bell was destroyed when the church was burned. Dr. Nichols answered as follows:
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Miscellanies
March 14, 1910.
DEAR MR. PHELPS :
I am very grateful to you for your courteous reply to my inquiry about the old Revere bell of New Ipswich. The very full and accurate history given will be very helpful to me.
The bell was sold by Paul Revere May 2, 1815. Its weight was 1089 pounds, that of its tongue 27 pounds.
You say that it was sweet-toned. I do not doubt that it was of superior quality, for about that period Revere was casting his best bells, and the weight of your bell was above the average. It is a pity to have lost such a historic object. I shall take pleasure in mailing to you a copy of my paper when published.
March 8, 1910.
Yours very truly, ARTHUR H. NICHOLS.
Cemeteries
The earliest cemetery was on the Farrar Hill opposite the first meeting-house. In 1752 the Hill burying-ground was laid out. In 1778 the South cemetery near Smithville was devoted to the burial of the dead, and John Breed was probably the first person buried there. The land for the Main cemetery was bought in 1809 and Mrs. Elizabeth Appleton was buried there in October of that year. Twice since then needed additions have been made by the purchase of land in the rear of the cemetery until now it comprises a territory of about ten acres.
In 1849 public-spirited citizens, prominent among whom were Mrs. Henry Isaacs and Dr. T. H. Cochrane, greatly im- proved the appearance of the Main cemetery and for many years it was attractive; but lacking the care that is needed by all public domains, it grew to look neglected and unsightly. In 1889 Capt. G. H. Hubbard had taken a lot for himself and family, and he said "I would give $300 toward improving that place if anyone else would help." Finding that he meant all that he said two women, Mrs. S. T. Ames and Miss Sarah F. Lee, aided on some points by the wise advice of Mr. George R. Barrett, took the matter in charge and within six months the whole appearance of the cemetery was changed. A high and long bank which had been deeply washed by rain was turfed and made most beautiful. Trees were trimmed, shrubs were cut down, thus revealing monuments which had been concealed for years, tombs the walls of which were broken were closed and made sanitary, headstones were cleaned and
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