USA > New Hampshire > Sullivan County > Newport > The history of Newport, New Hampshire, from 1766 to 1878 > Part 9
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TANNERS. Tanning, during the earlier days, was not so much of a business as at the end of the century. They had no large establishments, little machinery, few conveniences, and far less skill than at present. It was a slow, laborious process. They had each only a few vats. Their bark was crushed by hand in a samp mortar, which consisted of a hole made in a rock, in the form of an old-style iron kettle, into which was thrown the bark, which was beaten up by a long, flat stone, with a smooth round end, called a pestle. Upper-leather was tanned during the summer, and curried in the winter, while sole- leather, after being handled during the summer months, was barked down for the winter, and was a whole year in tanning. Hides were most frequently tanned for the farmers upon shares. Of the men who operated during this period, we might name
107
MANUFACTURES AND ARTISANS.
Jonathan Comstock, who tanned at Kelleyville; Nathaniel Fisher, at the foot of Claremont hill ; Moses P. Durkee, at his house, at the H. Brown place, in the north part of the town ; Levi Sholes, on Thatcher hill, at the A. G. Savory place ; and John Hunton, where the Phenix hotel now stands.
At a later period the business was confined to the limits of the present village. Improved machinery and new processes had been invented. The bark was now crushed by means of a large stone in the form of a mill-stone, but much larger. Through the centre of this stone was passed a horizontal shaft, or axle-tree, one end of which was attached to a central post, around which it revolved. To the other end was attached the horse. Upon a platform, underneath the circle marked by the stone, was placed the bark ; and while a boy drove the horse, the man was engaged in shoving the finer particles to the cen- tre, while he raked the coarser pieces under the track. The operators at this time were Luther Henderson, at the E. Wheeler house, and the upper tannery ; A. M. Woodard at the Phenix hotel ; and John Hunton, Moses P. Durkee, Ira Dwin- ell, and John B. Stowell, at the lower tannery.
During the subsequent time, dating back a full third of a cen- tury, since the introduction of chemicals, the steam boiler, by Asa Richardson, in 1835, the fulling mill, splitting-machine, and other radical improvements, and increased capital and facilities for transport, large quantities of foreign hides have been brought to town, the products of which have been sent to Boston and other markets. It has been one of the most important and suc- cessful branches of business in town. Since then the business has been confined to the present localities. The lower tannery was originally built by John Hunton. It has been carried on successively by John Hunton, Moses P. Durkee, IS26; Ira Dwinell, John B. Stowell, IS2S ; Asa Richardson, Charles R. Beard, Hunton & Jones, Hunton & Dill. John W. Hunton, Roun- sevel & Jackson, and at present by Lyman Rounsevel. The original building having been burned in 1868, it was rebuilt the same year by John H. Hunton, on a much more extensive and substantial plan.
The upper tannery, built by Luther Henderson, has been owned since by William Mitchell and F. W. Henderson, John
108
HISTORY OF NEWPORT.
Mccullough, Alpheus Pierce, Jabez Thompson, Cheney Chase, Benjamin F. Sawyer, Hunton & Ladd, and John H. Hunton.
The capital employed in the two tanneries in 1870 was $30,000 ; number of hands, 24; pay-roll, $11,000; value of products, $76,000.
TURNING. Col. Jacob Reddington had a shop at the Dia- mond mill, where he turned all sorts of wooden ware. Adams Dickey once had a last factory at the same place.
WALLET-MAKERS. Oliver Lund and James Wheeler for many years supplied this community with wallets and pocket- books. Nathaniel Cooper, and afterwards John Boyd, had a shop devoted to the manufacture of wallets. William O. Hop- kins had a manufactory of wallets and pocket-books in Wheel- er's block, commencing in 1863, employing some twelve hands in the shop and thirty outside stitchers, doing a business of $20,000 a year.
WHIPS. Norman McGregor for several years carried on an extensive manufacture of high-cost whips at his shop near the A. Wylie residence at Northville.
1amarettow.
CHAPTER XVIII.
RELIGION.
BAPTIST CHURCHI.
BY REV. HALSEY C. LEAVITT.
IN the year 1770, a colony came, mainly from Worcester county, Mass., and settled in the north-western portion of Newport and the south-western portion of Croydon. These were many of them members of Baptist churches, or Baptists in sentiment. Hence the name of Baptist hill, as the long rise of ground was then called which lies north of Northville on the old road leading to Croydon, on which was a school-house where they met to worship.
In 1779, Rev. Caleb Blood, of Marlow, addressed a letter to the Warren Association, by which they were induced to send two missionaries into New Hampshire, to labor a few months in the western section of the state. Rev. Job Seamans, of Attleborough, Mass., and Rev. Bial Ledoyt, of Woodstock, Conn., were selected to perform this service.
In May of the same year a small number of the followers of Christ were organized into a church, and recognized as the Baptist church of Newport and Croydon. It was, however, soon after known only by its present name,-Newport church. The constituent members were as follows : Seth Wheeler, Elias Metcalf, William Haven, Ezekiel Powers, Mrs. Seth Wheeler, Mrs. Elias Metcalf, Mrs. William Haven, and Mrs. Nathaniel Wheeler. Seth Wheeler, a man of marked ability, was chosen deacon. Elder Ledoyt was installed as first pastor of this church, Oct. 3, 1791. Elder Job Seamans, afterwards of New London, preached on the occasion from Acts 20 : 20.
In 179S, the church erected a house of worship forty-four feet
IIO
HISTORY OF NEWPORT.
square, adjoining the cemetery at Northville. The following description of this church edifice, and the worship and habits of the people, as they appeared in IS10, is from the pen of the late Baron Stowe, D. D., of Boston :
I am in that plain edifice, with a superabundance of windows and a porch at each end, with its elevated pulpit, sky blue in color, overhung by the sounding-board ; with the deacon's seat, half-way up the pulpit, with the square pews occupied by families, with a gallery containing one row of pews fronted by the singers' seats. There is the horse- shed ; there is the horse-block; there are the horses, with men's sad- dles and pillions, and a few women's saddles, but not a carriage of any description.
On occasions of baptism, the whole congregation would go down the hill, and, standing in a deep glen on the banks of Sugar river, would witness the ceremonies.
Elias McGregor played the bass-viol, Asa, a brother, led the choir, and his sisters Lucy and Lois sang soprano and alto. In that choir were Asaph Stowe, Moses Paine Durkee, Philip W. Kibbey, and more than one of the Wakefields.
In the year 1800, Elder Ledoyt requested and received his dismission. Soon after, Rev. Thomas Brown, formerly of Mor- ristown, N. J., became pastor. During his ministry there was an extensive revival, in which the whole town shared. He was dismissed in 1813.
In 1815 Rev. Elisha Hutchinson, A. M., formerly of Pomfret, Vt., accepted a call to this church, and was ordained in Decem- ber of the same year. He was pastor of this church about three years.
In 1816 there settled in town a young man by the name of Solomon Howe, who was an Arminian in sentiment, and who opposed Mr. Hutchinson in his views of divine purposes. By his discussions he created sorrowful dissensions. The breach continued to widen, until the disaffected and larger party with- drew, and formed an independent Baptist church, with Mr. Howe as their pastor.
In ISI8 a few resolved to make one more vigorous effort to maintain the visibility of the church. These sent delegates, with a letter, to the association then sitting at Mount Holly, Vt., and were recognized instead of the opposing party.
III
RELIGION.
Mr. James Parsons, of Boston, who was ordained by this church, October 7, 1819, as an evangelist, preached for some months with great success. He was followed by Bradbury Clay, of Nottingham West, N. H. The converts "universally ascribed both their conviction and conversion to the sovereign mercy of God, through the mediation and intercession of his Son. All consented to the law, that it was good, and to grace, that it was free." This revival proved the death-blow to those opposing the divine purposes of God ; and but a few years in- tervened before most of them came humbly back to the fold, where they were gladly received. From Nov. S, IS18, to Sept. 30, 1819, 110 united with the church.
A revival began in June, 1820, in the academy, which was under the care of W. Shedd, of Boston. From the academy it spread to the village, where "old and young, rich and poor, the rigid moralist and the abandoned profligate, indiscriminate- ly shared in the forgiving mercy of God." As a result of this awakening, twenty were added to the church. The church and society were incorporated in June of this year (IS20).
During the summer of 1821, through the active labor of Col. Cheney, who had been recently converted, they erected a house of worship at the village, its dimensions being 64 by 44 feet. In March the materials were in the forest, and in June the building was raised without accident. It was dedicated Oct. 11. Rev. J. Elliot preached the dedicatory sermon from Haggai 2 : 9.
In July of this year (1821) the Rev. Ira Person, of Hartland, Vt., began his labors with this people. He proved to be the most successful pastor they have ever had. During this his first pastorate, which ended in the year 1834, nearly two hun- dred were baptized.
For about nine months from this time the pulpit was sup- plied by Edward Peterson. Some time in the spring of 1836, Rev. Orin Tracy came here from New London. He preached for about two years.
In the spring of IS3S, the question of slavery became a fruitful source of contention. Bro. Person, seeing their need of a pastor, left his field of labor in Chester, Vt., to restore, by the blessing of God, harmony to this people. In the month of September, Rev. Mr. Grant came here as an evangelist. He
II2
HISTORY OF NEWPORT.
preached for six weeks, and after a little the revival began with power. Bro. Grant was followed by Rev. Mr. Walden, who preached with great success. Brethren then felt it a privilege to come day and night, from distant portions of the town, that they might render to God a tribute of praise and worship. This revival resulted in the addition to the church of 129.
Mr. Person served the church, in this his second pastorate, four years and eight months. In all, his labors extended over a period of eighteen years and eight months. During this time some 400 united with the church,-about 350 by baptism. Father Person, having retired from active labor of nearly sixty years, lives in this town, where he councils the church, and still continues to pray for the prosperity of Zion. [See Gene- alogy.]
Mr. Person was followed by Joseph Freeman, D. D., of Cav- endish, Vt., who remained here about four years. The Rev. Wm. M. Guilford became pastor in 1847, and resigned in 1851.
Rev. P. S. Adams, of Georgetown, Mass., was installed over this church Nov. 15, 1851. Several were baptized the following month ; eleven in 1852. The following year became a season of marked interest, during which ninety were added to the church. Mr. Adams remained here until Sept. 21, 1856, when he was, at his own request, dismissed to the church in Brattle- borough, Vt.
The Rev. James Andrews was installed June IS, IS57, and resigned in August, 1858. Rev. Mylon Merriam became pas- tor Oct. 17, 1858, and resigned Sept. 4, of the next year. Rev. W. H. Watson began his labors here in May, 1861. His res- ignation was presented and accepted the following month.
In April, 1862, the church extended a call to David James. He accepted their invitation, and was ordained June 3. Dur- ing the years 1864 and 1865 there were seventeen additions. He closed his labors here in 1866.
Mr. James's successor was Rev. Foster Henry, who entered upon his charge July S, 1866. In 1867 and 1868 a good, com- modious parsonage was built. In 1870, the church edifice was rebuilt, at an expense of $S,Soo. The corner-stone was laid July 8, 1870, by the now venerable Mr. Person. The house was dedicated Dec. 7, of the same year, there being present
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH AND PARSONAGE.
II3
RELIGION.
thirty-four persons who witnessed the dedication of the former house fifty years before. The pastor, Mr. Henry, preached the dedicatory sermon, from Haggai 2 : 9. Bro. Henry con- cluded his labors after a pastorate of six years, in which twenty- one by baptism and ten by letter were added to the church. He removed to North Bennington, Vt. [See Genealogy.]
The Rev. Halsey C. Leavitt, a native of Gouverneur, N. Y., commenced his labors here Oct. 1, 1872, and closed his pastor- ate Sept. 29, IS7S. [See Genealogy.]
The new vestry was erected in IS74, at a cost of about $1,400.
The following is a list of the deacons :
Seth Wheeler,
Israel Kelley, James Tandy,
Elias Metcalf,
Timothy Fletcher, Jonathan Cutting,
Asaph Stowe, Jeremiah Nettleton,
Austin L. Kibbey,
William Cheney, Abel Metcalf,
Henry A. Jenckes.
Joseph Farnsworth,
Parmenas Whitcomb,
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
BY REV. G. R. W. SCOTT.
In June, 1766, eight young men, from Killingworth, Conn., came into the town of Newport (chartered five years be- fore), to form a permanent settlement. On the first Sabbath after their arrival they met under a tree, and there united in praising God, by prayer and song and reading his word. It is a remarkable fact, that since these young men met under that tree, to the present time, the Congregationalists have never per- mitted a Sunday to pass without meeting for religious worship. The early settlers, after that first meeting, met for six or seven years in a private house, where they listened to one of their number, who conducted the religious exercises, and read ser- mons from printed volumes.
In 1773 a house was built, to be used for religious worship on the Lord's day, and as a school-house during the week. Thus we see that the fathers of the town were desirous of building upon Christ and a sound education. The character of these early settlers was such as to attract attention, and they soon received considerable accessions to their number.
114
HISTORY OF NEWPORT.
Few details of these early times have been preserved. It is certain, however, that prior to the 26th of June, 1775, the peo- ple had obtained the services of a regular preacher ; for it is found recorded that upon that day a committee was appointed to confer with Mr. Eliezer Sweetland, to see if he was willing to preach the gospel in Newport " for some time longer."
On May 4, 1778, a vote was taken to instruct a committee to confer with Rev. Thomas Kendal, " to see if he will return to this town as soon as he can with convenience, after he hath ac- complished his purposed journey."
On March 15, 1779, a committee was appointed to make ap- plication to Rev. Mr. Hall, of Keene, to look out for a man to settle over the proposed church.
On Oct. 28, 1779, a meeting was held by the Congregation- alists to organize a church. The Rev. Aaron Hall, being the only minister from abroad, acted as moderator. Aaron Buell was chosen scribe. Articles of faith, form of covenant, and rules of discipline were adopted and signed on that day, by
Robert Lane,
Josiah Stevens,
Mary Stevens,
Daniel Dudley,
Benjamin Giles,
Esther Lane,
Daniel Buell,
Esther Buell,
Chloe Wilcox,
Aaron Buell, Susanna Dudley,
Mary Buell,
Elias Bascom, Lydia Hurd,
Jane Buell.
Matthew Buell,
Eunice Bascom,
On Dec. 6, 1779, a committee was appointed to confer with Mr. Tracy, and " desire him to tarry and preach the gospel four Sabbaths longer, if they could discern a probability of his settling, or a disposition in him to settle with the people of this town as a preacher at some future time, if circumstances admit- ted of it ; if not, to proceed." The people, though they were ex- tremely desirous of having a settled minister, would not insist too much upon Mr. Tracy's coming. It seems that Mr. Tracy " proceeded " on his way, for we find, shortly after this, that a young man, Mr. Samuel Wood, was invited to preach ; and at a meeting held Aug. 7, 1780, it was voted to ask the above- named gentleman to preach " two Sabbaths longer on proba- tion." On the 24th of the same month, a call was given to
E
115
RELIGION.
Mr. Wood. He was offered £100 as settlement, and £45 per year as salary, which was to be increased £5 per year until it reached £70. This call was not accepted.
It would seem, judging from the hints given in the records, that the revival, which took place shortly after the formation of the church, was during the stay of Mr. Wood. As the fruit of this refreshing, about thirty were added to the church.
After this, Jan. 22, 1783, the church and town having a short time before given him a call, the Rev. John Remele was in- stalled as the first pastor of the Congregational church. He was dismissed Oct. 10, 1791. During this year an effort was made "to procure Mr. Bliss, or any other gospel minister, to preach the gospel in this town during the ensuing summer, or any longer or shorter term, as he may think proper."
On Nov. 7, 1791, it was voted that some land be procured from Mr. Absalom Kelsey, for the purpose of erecting a meet- ing-house upon it. Christopher Newton, Jeremiah Jenks, Phin- eas Chapin, Samuel Hurd, and Aaron Buell were appointed a committee to superintend the work. On Nov. 22, of the same year, the town voted to accept the doings of the meeting- house committee, and also voted to raise £200 for the purpose of defraying the cost of the above-mentioned house. This was in due time erected, and stood for many years upon the cone- like hill west of the present village.
Four years passed away without a pastor. It seemed as if the Lord had forgotten his people ; but he had not. Mr. Abijah Wines was raised up from the ranks to lead the host. He left his farm, and entered the ministry Jan. 5, 1796. Many still re- member that tall, large form. He was a good student and a successful pastor, for during his twenty-one years of work in this place the church enjoyed three revivals, and 212 were add- ed to it. On. Nov. 26, 1816, Mr. Wines was dismissed. [See Genealogy.]
Two years after, Dec. 2, ISIS, a young man from Dartmouth college, Mr. James R. Wheelock, a son of the late distinguished President Wheelock, of that institution, was ordained over the church. He was a man of talents, sensitive and enthusiastic, it may be impulsive. That he was a hard worker may be seen from the fact that during his little more than four years' stay-
II6
HISTORY OF NEWPORT.
for he was dismissed Feb. 13, 1823-148 were added to the church.
It was during Mr. Wheelock's ministry, in 1822, that the present large and beautiful edifice was erected, which shows that the people then were far in advance of their time in liber- ality, sentiment, and taste. James Breck, Hubbard Newton, Capt. Elkanah Carpenter, and Caleb Heath were appointed the building committee, they building the church, paying the bills, and depending upon the sale of pews for reimbursement.
On Jan. 28, 1824, the Rev. John Woods, who had been pas- tor of the church in Warner, was installed over this church. For more than a quarter of a century this man of scholarly ability preached to this people. During his ministry 329 were added to the church. Near the close of his pastorate there re- sulted an unfortunate division, which for a time made the dear old church a target for the enemies of the cross, who, with sar- casm in the words, said, "See how these Christians love one another !" A large number, including several leading members of the church, withdrew from its communion, and uniting with others, who were Methodists in sentiment, formed the present Methodist church.
Time and grace have smoothed, it is hoped, the asperity of feeling. The daughter, though she walks not according to the polity of the mother, still retains some of the old Puritan leav- en, and, with this and the " Roger Williams element " which she had drawn in, she has been the means of reaching many who otherwise would not have come under the sound of the gospel. The good Lord since then has brought order out of confusion.
On the same day, July 16, 1851, that the old pastor, Rev. John Woods, was dismissed, a young man, Henry Cummings, who had graduated not long before from Andover, was ordained. He came during a time of discouragement, when the church seemed weak. Although young and comparatively inexperi- enced, he had, to counterbalance these, a hearty love for Christ, a sound mind, and an earnest desire to do good. Near the be- ginning of his ministry, the interior of the church was repaired. The old pews were cut down, the floor raised, the pulpit low- ered, and other changes made. Some time after Mr. Cum-
John Woo9,
II7
RELIGION.
mings's ordination, God's spirit was poured out upon this church, and also upon the other churches of the place. There are many who can testify to the purity of life, the devotion and love, of Mr. Cummings : 170 were added to the church during his ministry. He was dismissed July 25, 1866, and immediately after was settled over the Congregational church in Rutland, Mass., where he still remains.
In the summer of 1867, a young man, G. R. W. Scott, then at Andover, was invited to preach a year to this people. He ac- cepted. During this year he was invited to settle as pastor. This invitation also he accepted, and was ordained Sept. 17, IS6S. He was dismissed Dec. 7, 1873 .- [He was an enthusi- astic worker, and drew a full audience. Is pastor of a Con- gregational church at Fitchburg, Mass .- ED.]
During the summer of 1869 the interior of the church edifice underwent a complete change, at an expense of nearly $S,000. The old pews on the floor and in the gallery were taken out ; new circular pews, made of chestnut and trimmed with walnut, were placed on the lower floor, while some of the old pews, handsomely refitted, were made to do service again up stairs. The ceiling and walls were beautifully frescoed. A circular platform, made of chestnut and walnut, was built, upon which was placed an elegant walnut desk, the gift of the pastor. These, together with the chairs, carpet, etc., are the furnish- ment of the east end ; while the large and handsome organ, the gift of Dexter Richards, Esq., is the attraction in the west end. Many other important improvements were made.
The present chapel was erected in IS71, at a cost of $6,000.
During the last years of Mr. Scott's pastorate, many were added to the church, thus showing that God has not forgotten to be gracious.
Immediately on the dismissal of Mr. Scott, the church and society obtained the services of the Rev. E. E. P. Abbott, a na- tive of Concord, who supplied the desk until March, IS75, when he accepted a call to settle as their pastor. He was installed March 24, 1875.
The present parsonage was built by individual subscription, in IS77, at an expense of $3,500.
I18
HISTORY OF NEWPORT.
DEACONS.
Josiah Stevens, Josiah Stevens, Jr.,
Dexter Richards,
Jesse Wilcox, Sylvanus Hurd,
Rufus P. Claggett,
Uriah Wilcox,
Joseph Wilcox,
Francis Foote.
Moses Noyes,
David B. Chapin,
Elnathan Hurd, Henry Chapin,
The fiftieth anniversary of the establishment of the Sabbath- school, in connection with this church, was observed January 9, 1869.
Elkanah Carpenter, at his death, left a fund for the promo- tion of Christianity, which was to be used at the discretion of the pastor of the Congregational church. This fund was dis- posed of under the direction of the Rev. Mr. Woods.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
BY REV. C. W. MELLEN.
The history of Methodism in Newport is replete with inter- est. The space allotted us, however, will permit us to give only a brief synopsis of it.
Some sixty or seventy years since, Peter Wakefield, then a member of the Baptist church, rejected the doctrine of the per- severance of the saints. All efforts to reclaim him failing, he was expelled from their communion. At the time he had never heard a Methodist sermon nor read a Methodist book, yet he was really the founder of Methodism in Newport. The first Methodist preacher he heard was Elijah Hedding, since bishop, who at that time preached occasionally at Sunapee. Father Wakefield invited him here, and probably he preached the first Methodist sermon in Newport. In IS30 a class was formed, consisting of six persons. They were supplied by preachers of the Goshen circuit. Eleazer Jordan, Guy Beck- ley, John Cummings, Daniel Lee, Amos Kidder, Joseph Baker, John L. Smith, Nathaniel Ladd, and Chester W. Lewis occu- pied, in turn, the pulpit most of the Sabbaths from IS29 to 1836.
In IS40, or about that time, objections were made to the use of the school-house by the Methodists for religious services, in
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