USA > New Hampshire > Merrimack County > Salisbury > The history of Salisbury, New Hampshire, from date of settlement to the present time > Part 29
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71
John Robertson went into trade, in the east part of the town, quite early. His store was the old school house, which stood on the present site of the "John Sanborn Block." Thomas Greenleaf was associated with him at one time, as was also Robert White.
Joseph Noyes, familiarly known as "Hard Money Joe," built the house lately occupied by Mrs. Isabella West, and opened a store in the basement, in 1809, and continued three years, when he sold to Capt. Ebenezer Blanchard and moved up the River road where he built another store. He continued in trade many years and was succeeded by his grandsons, John, Ebenezer, and Andrew J. West.
The "Factory Store" stood just south of the "Webster House." It was built in 1822 by Ebenezer Eastman, accord- ing to an agreement with the Smithville Company for a three years' lease, at $100 rent. It was 25x45 feet, with a back store. In 1828, Caleb Merrill built the brick house now owned by Senator Pike, and the same year Ebenezer Eastman and Henry Greenleaf commenced trading in it.
Thomas and Eliphalet Williams, brothers, originally from Newburyport, Mass., but coming to Salisbury from Hopkinton, soon after 1790, built the D. J. Mann house in the Centre
1
346
HISTORY OF SALISBURY.
Road Village, which has more "fine wood work" than any other house in the town. Eliphalet opened a store in the west end of the house, which was fitted up for that purpose in 1794. He paid a tax on £200 value of stock in trade. He at length returned to Hopkinton, where his brother Thomas went several years previously.
In Elder Smith's book he gives an account of going into trade at the Centre Road and suffering pecuniary loss. He does not refer to partners, but the following paper contains a partnership contract :
We, whose names are underwritten, having this day mutually commenced Busi- ness in the Mercantile Line, do promise to each other to perform to each other under the forfeiture of five thousand Dollars the following conditions :
I. That each one will pay an equal part of the stock in trade.
2. That we will bear an equal part of all expense which arises from this con- nection and each guard the interest of the company.
3. That we will bear an equal part in all the gain and loss.
4. That this company shall not be dissolved but by mutual consent.
In witness whereof, we have set our hands and seals this IIth day of Oct. 1800. Woodstock.
ELIAS SMITH, JOSIAH GREEN, Jr., ELISHA PERKINS.
WOODSTOCK, Dec. 29, ISOS.
This day received of Josiah Green all the property belonging to the late part- nership of Green & Perkins, and I hereby engage and promise to clear said Green from all demands or debts which concern said partnership which I have contracted in behalf of said partnership since said Green and I dissolved with Elias Smith. Witness my hand.
ELISHA PERKINS.
This was the second store at the Centre, and stood a little to the northwest of Joseph Hutchings's house. The building was purchased by Samuel C. Bartlett about the year 1805, who put in a stock of miscellaneous goods the year following. The building, or one in its place, was occupied for trade for many years and was finally removed to South Road Village.
Jonathan P. Webster, although a Salisbury man, commenced trade in the neighboring town of Boscawen, but returned to Salisbury, where he opened a store in the house which he
347
MILLS, WORKSHOPS, STORES AND HOTELS.
built and which is now occupied as a hotel by Mr. Drew at the Centre. His first tax was assessed in 1801. He continued in trade for nearly half a century. He died October 29, 1858.
The old Nathaniel Noyes store at the South Road was re- moved by W. H. Moulton to a site near the Israel W. Kelly house and occupied first as a store and then as a barn. El- bridge F. Greenough, about 1850, built the " Greenough Store," in which he did business for about ten years, when he removed to Ohio. His stock of goods was sold at auction and purchased by C. E. Foote & Co., who carried on the business for several years. Deacon T. D. Little was the "company," and during President Lincoln's administration he was postmaster. The building has since been used by Amos Chapman, for the evap- oration of fruit.
The Greenleaf Store, so called, was erected by Samuel Greenleaf previous to 1794, in which year he paid a tax on goods valued at £150. It was, while under his proprietorship, and has since continued to be, the principal store in town. V Mr. Greenleaf was an active business man. Being situated on the principal thoroughfare between Vermont and the sea coast, he had an excellent opportunity for trade. The "northern freights" delivered their produce at his store, taking in ex- change such goods as were needed in their part of the country. The "seaboard freights " brought up groceries, manufactured goods, salt, fish, liquors, and similar articles, and returned loaded with such goods as found a sale in their part of the country. Under the arrangement Salisbury became known as " the seaboard town." Mr. Greenleaf usually employed six or eight clerks who worked busily from five in the morning until late at night. Francis S. Greenleaf was one of these. Finally he became a partner and then conducted the business alone. He went to Boston, and in company with one Cragin engaged in business under the firm name of Cragin & Greenleaf. After- wards Francis S. came to Franklin and went into company with other parties, on the cast side of the river, manufacturing stockings. He finally bought out the firm and conducted the business alone. He afterwards sold and removed to Holder-
348
HISTORY OF SALISBURY.
ness, engaging in business there, and then moved to Manches- ter and died. Mr. Greenleaf sold to Jonathan Clement, a son of Benjamin M. and Rachel (Herrick) Clement, who moved to New London in 1796, where Jonathan H. was born, July 28, 1810. He completed his education at Hopkinton Academy in 1834, went at once to Salisbury, where he served as a clerk for the Greenleafs for seven years. In April, 1841, he entered the firm of F. S. Greenleaf & Co .; continued five years ; then as Greenleaf & Clement six years more, and then became sole proprietor. In 1863 he removed to Concord and engaged in trade. In, 1871 he went to Derry, where he has since remained. He married Nancy M., daughter of John B. Smith. Mr. Clement was succeeded at Salisbury by his nephew, George S. Clement, who took as partner John M. Hayes, to whom he soon sold his interest. Mr. Hayes was born in New London, February 16, 1823, and was for several years there engaged in trade, and for twelve years was postmaster. He removed to Salisbury in 1860, where he was afterwards elected town clerk. He was chosen representative in 1866 and senator the two following years. He removed to Manchester in 1869, where he served as an alderman and was also a candidate for mayor. His death occurred January 10, 1880. His wife was Sarah M. Carr, of New London, who, with a son and daughter, is still living in Manchester.
Charles E. Foote & Co., who had been in trade in the Greenough store, succeeded Mr. Hayes at the Greenleaf place. They remained, however, but a short time, selling to D. R. Everett. Mr. Foote removed to Penacook, where he still carries on business as junior partner of the firm of Brown & Foote. Everett sold to Elbridge Smith and Arthur S. Calef in 1873. In 1878, David G. Bean, who owned the building, remodeled it, and in April, 1878, leased it to W. B. Parsons, who had previously occupied the Greenough store. Mr. Par- sons's son-in-law, Edwin B. Emerson, was a partner for a short time, but sold to C. P. Smith. In January, 1882, A. E. Quimby, of Boscawen, son of John S. and Jane B. (Dustin) purchased the stock and continued the business.
349
MILLS, WORKSHOPS, STORES AND HOTELS.
There were probably other parties in trade in the town in the early days, and doubtless several in later times who have not been named among the trading fraternity. It is quite probable that about the year 1804, "Master Chase" had a small stock of dry goods and groceries at the Centre, and that after a year or more he was succeeded by Joseph Adams, Jr. .
PUBLIC HOUSES.
The first tavern in the town was erected by Andrew Petten- gill, at the South Road, prior to 1767, and for a number of years all meetings of a public nature were held at his house. In 1762, when a resident of Kingston, Mr. Pettengill pur- chased one hundred acres of land of Benjamin Sanborn, situ- ated near the location of the Academy, on which the tavern was built. He was succeeded in the management of the house by his brother, Capt. Matthew Pettengill. The old tavern site is now occupied by Thomas D. Little.
Stephen Webster, son of Capt. John Webster, erected a long, two-story, framed house on the north side of the South Rangeway, afterwards the site of the hotel which for many years was kept there. It faced southward and had a door in each end. This was built not long after the erection of the Pettengill tavern, and it is claimed that it antedated it. This was not, however, probable. About the year 1795, he sold to Josiah Rogers, who built a one-story addition extending eastward. A second story to the ell was added, and when the Fourth New Hampshire Turnpike was built a north ell was also added.
In 1815, Lieut. Benjamin Pettengill left the homestead-the William Holmes place-and conducted the hotel. He was succeeded by Lyman Hawley, the well known stage proprietor, who drove the eight white horses on the carriage conveying General Lafayette when he visited Concord in IS25. True- worthy Gilman became his partner. The firm failed and Gil- man became a pauper, and eventually committed suicide by drowning in Greenough pond. Mr. Hawley subsequently went
350
HISTORY OF. SALISBURY.
to New York, and during a severe thunder shower was thrown from his carriage and killed.
Samuel Allen followed Hawley & Gilman, in 1827. John Shepherd was the successor of Mr. Allen. Shepherd had a fancy for stage business, and bought in Concord the first stage coach made by Lewis Downing. He built the long stable con- nected with the place, and was followed in the management of the house by the Ainsworth Brothers. Col. John B. Smith run the hotel in 1836, and afterwards his brother Nathan took possession and conducted it for fifteen years. While Col. Smith had control, it was a temperance house, not only in name, but in every day practice. It was a novel act for a hotel keeper to rise in town meeting and advocate the prohibition of the sale of liquors, as Col. Smith was accustomed to do. The hotel was afterwards managed by Col. John C. Smith, now a prominent citizen of the town. During his possession of the place it was known to be a temperance house. It was early called the Rogers tavern, after its builder. More recently it bore the name of Elm House. It was destroyed by fire, July 19, 1882.
The first tavern at the Centre Village was built by Abel Elkins, in 1794, and is now occupied by Caleb E. Smith. It was located near where the pump stands, facing southerly. Mr. Elkins was an energetic and liberal citizen, and was one of the prime movers in building the Baptist Church. The land on which it was located, the burying ground, and the common, were given by him.
Deacon Amos Pettingill erected the second hotel in this part of the town, on the lot where Daniel F. Searle resides.
Benjamin Pettengill purchased the Reuben True place, in 1816, on the west side of the turnpike, and fitted it up for a hotel, which became extensively known as the " Bell Tavern." In its day, it was one of the best hotels in this section. One of the barns was 40x140 feet and another 40x40, and it was no unusual sight to see one hundred horses stabled at night and the house full of guests. Mr. Pettengill retired in 1836, and was succeeded by Ezra Austin, son of Edward Austin, of Boscawen. He rented the place for two years, when Moses
351
MILLS, WORKSHOPS, STORES AND HOTELS.
C. Webster purchased it and for some years was its manager. Mr. Austin purchased the Deacon Amos Pettengill hotel stand and occupied it until 1840, when the hotel became a private residence. Mr. Austin moved to Franklin and took the hotel then owned by Joshua Heath. He continued there a few years, sold to O. B. Davis, removed to Illinois, and died. A public house is now kept in the Centre Village by Mr. Drew.
Ensign Moses Garland built the house owned by Dennis Larden, near the centre of the town, between the South and Centre Villages. This was a rendezvous on occasions of regi- mental musters.
Ebenezer Eastman built the first hotel at Republican Village, where the Webster House now stands. When the present house was built the old material was used. The house was well known for years under the management of O. B. Davis.
Moore's hotel was of later date, situated further north and on the opposite side of the street.
Col. Ebenezer Webster removed from his first framed house to thé Lower Village in 1784 or 1785. He built a large two- story house on the corner facing south, and a two-story ell extending north into what is now G. B. Matthews's garden. This was the first tavern in that part of the town. In 1799, he exchanged places with his son-in-law, William Haddock, who conducted a hotel for a little time and then leased it to Wil- liam Kimball Smith, in April, 1820. Smith was followed by Daniel Osgood, who sold it to Daniel Webster, in 1839.
We have but a meagre history of William K. Smith. We are told by old citizens of the town that he had one son, born in Salisbury, who became conspicuous as a public speaker and lawyer, who subsequently became a revival preacher, and died not many years ago. He changed his name from Smith to Durant, and under the new name achieved wealth and honor. It was through his liberality that Wellesley College, for young ladies, was established.
PUBLIC HALLS, ETC.
The first public hall in town was over Major Stephen Boho- non's store. In was in this hall that Major Stephen Bohonon,
.
352
HISTORY OF SALISBURY.
nephew to Judge Webster, taught a dancing school. The fol- lowing humorous story is told in which Judge Webster had the major part : Having some business with his nephew, he found him teaching the young people to dance. He entered the hall where the dancing was going on, and, after waiting a short time, finished his business and returned home. Soon after the rumor was circulated that Judge Webster had been seen in a dancing hall. A member of the church entered a complaint, requiring satisfaction for this reproach. Parson Worcester suggested a written acknowledgment. Judge Webster replied that he would put nothing on file, but would make an ample confession before the congregation. Accordingly on the next Sabbath, after the forenoon services were closed, he rose in his place and said : "A few days since, I had some business with my nephew, Stephen Bohonon ; went up to his house, found him in the hall of the tavern, instructing the youth in dancing. They were in the midst of a dance when I entered the hall. I took a seat and waited until the dance was closed ; took the earliest opportunity to do my errand with Stephen ; found the young folks civil and orderly ; saw nothing improper. Now if, in all this, I have offended my Maker, brethren, I am sorry for it."
CHAPTER XXIV.
BENEFICENT INSTITUTIONS.
" Think not the good,
The gentle deeds of mercy thou hast done,
Shall die forgotten all; the poor, the pris'ner, The fatherless, the friendless, and the widow,
Who daily own the bounty of thy hand,
Shall cry to Heaven, and bring a blessing on thee."
SAMARITAN LODGE OF MASONS.
Near the close of the last century there were in the town several members of the Masonic Order, though no lodge ex- isted nearer than Concord. With members from Andover, they were often seen at regular periods leaving their homes on horseback, on an afternoon, and returning the next day. It was at length discovered that they visited Concord to attend meetings of the lodge. Centre Lodge, No. 20, was organized in Sanbornton, in 1809, after which members of the order were accustomed to meet with brethren in that town. It is quite probable that meetings were sometimes held in town, at the residences of some of the members. As their membership increased, they applied to the Grand Lodge of New Hamp- shire for a dispensation, or charter, and in due time received the following answer :
[SEAL OF GRAND LODGE.]
To all the Fraternity to whom these presents shall come. The Grand Lodge o the Most Ancient and Honorable Society of Free and Accepted Masons for the State of New Hampshire sendeth Greeting.
23
354
HISTORY OF SALISBURY.
WHEREAS, A Petition has been presented to us by Andrew Bowers, Israel W. Kelley, Samuel Brown and others, all Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, pray- ing that they, with such others as shall hereafter join them, may be erected and constituted a Regular Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, which petition appear- ing to us as tending to the advancement of Masonry and the good of the Craft.
Know ye therefore that we, the Grand Lodge aforesaid, reposing special trust and confidence in the prudence and fidelity of our beloved Brethren, above men- tioned, have constituted and appointed, and by these presents do constitute and appoint them, the said Andrew Bowers, Israel W. Kelley, Samuel Brown and others, a Regular Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, under the title and desig- nation of Samaritan Lodge, No. 36. Hereby giving and granting unto them and their successors full power and authority to convene at Wilson's at the town of Salisbury in the County of Hillsborough and State aforesaid, to receive Entered Apprentices, pass Fellow Crafts, and raise Master Masons, upon the payment of such fees for the same as the regulations of the Grand Lodge do now, or may hereafter require. Also to make choice of Master, Wardens, and other officers annually or otherwise as they shall see cause, to receive and collect funds for the relief of poor and distressed brethren, their widows or children, and in general to transact all matters relating to Masonry, which may to them appear to be for the good of the Craft according to the ancient usages and customs of Masons.
And we do hereby require the said constituted Brethren to attend the meetings of the Grand Lodge by their Master and Wardens, or by proxies regularly ap- pointed. Also to keep a fair and regular record of all their proceedings and lay them before the Grand Lodge when required.
And we do enjoin upon our brethren of the said Lodge that they be punctual in the payment of such sums as may be assessed for the support of the Grand Lodge, that they behave respectfully and obediently towards their superiors in office, and in all other respects conduct as good Masons. And we do hereby declare the proceedings of the said Lodge in the Grand Lodge and elsewhere to commence from the date hereof.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, We, the Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, and Grand Wardens, by the power and authority to us committed have hereunto set our hands and caused the Seal of the Grand Lodge to be affixed at Concord, this 14th day of June, A. I .. 5821.
JOSHUA DARLING, Grand Master. SAMUEL LARKIN, Deputy Grand Master. ANDREW PEIRCE, Senior Grand Warden. FRED A. SUMNER, Junior Grand Warden.
Attest :
THOMAS BEEDE, Grand Secretary.
No record of the organization of Samaritan Lodge can be found, but its membership has been ascertained, and it in- cluded the most active business men of that day in the town.
The following residents of Salisbury received the degrees in this lodge : Andrew Bohonon, Edward West, John Greeley,
355
BENEFICENT INSTITUTIONS.
Samuel I. Wells, John Townsend, Thomas R. Greenleaf, William C. Thompson, James B. McGregory, Timothy Taylor, Moses West, John T. Hale ( first degree ), Francis S. Greenleaf.
Ithamar Watson, a resident of Salisbury, received the de- grees in Warner Lodge, No. 35, in 1819; was Secretary in 1830-34-38-39-44 ; Senior Warden, 1832 ; Master in 1833-36- 37-41-44-46-47-48. Joseph True, also a resident of Salisbury, received the degrees in 1821, and continued a member till 1830, in the same lodge. Nathaniel Thurston received one degree in 1819. Edmund Baker received the degrees in 1821, but does not appear as a member. Daniel Watson received the third degree in 1834 ; held minor offices and was Junior Warden in 1836-37 ; Master in 1839.
In Centre Lodge, No. 20, Sanbornton Square, John P. Sweat received the first degree in 1813 ; Jacob Trussell re- ceived the first degree in 1815 ; Jonathan Proctor received the first degree in 1815 ; but their names do not appear afterwards.
In Blazing Star Lodge, No. 11, Concord, Andrew Bowers received the degrees in 1799, and was elected Master the same year ; dimitted August 7, 1822. Zaccheus Colby received the degrees in 1801 ; Joseph Bartlett in 1806; Stephen Webster in 1809. Samuel C. Bartlett was elected to membership, in 1807, in Blazing Star Lodge, Concord ; dimitted to Samaritan Lodge, August 7, 1821 ; and was one of its leading members till it became extinct during the "dark ages." He furnished the silver coin for the jewels of King Solomon's Lodge. Ste- phen Morse received the first degree in Warner Lodge, No. 35, at Warner, June 5, 1822 ; passed Fellow Craft, in Samari- tan Lodge, at Salisbury, September 30, 1822; was raised to the degree of Master Mason in said lodge, November 25, 1822 ; and was returned by said Warner Lodge as a member thereof in its returns to the Grand Lodge, April 15, 1824.
From other sources we have the following : Samuel C. Bart- lett, Cyrus Gookin, David Carter Gookin, Garland Calef, Dea- con Peter Stone, and Stephen Morse were members of Samari- tan Lodge at the time it lost its charter by forfeiture and were among the petitioners for Kearsarge Lodge, No. 81, at Andover Centre, April 16, 1866.
356
HISTORY OF SALISBURY.
During the "dark ages" the public feeling was so strong against Freemasons that they were frequently assaulted on the street. Raids were made upon their lodge rooms and their furniture seized by force and burned. The records of Samari- tan Lodge were taken by a few of the members and secretly buried. For some years it was impossible to hold regular meetings. The lodge made its last return to the Grand Lodge, June 10, 1828, although it appears to have kept up an organiza- tion until 1830, perhaps later. In 1838 or 1839, a member of the lodge wrote the District Deputy Grand Master that the charter, furniture, etc., had been lost. Samaritan Lodge was stricken from the roll and its charter declared forfeited, June 9, 1840.
The meetings of the lodge were held in the hall over the old " Williams store " at the Centre Road, now owned by Dana J. Mann, and in the hall fitted up for that purpose over Thomas R. Greenleaf's hatter's shop, which stood just north of Nathan Kilburn's dwelling. It was afterwards moved to its present location and occupied by Deacon T. D. Little as a shop. The building was familiarly called "Freemasons Hall." It was drawn from the spot where it stood by sixty yoke of the largest cattle that could be collected in Salisbury and the adjoining towns. There were four strings of fifteen yoke each.
For the following notes we are indebted to Nathan Wood- bury, Secretary of Kearsarge Lodge, No. 81, Andover Centre : "The petition was signed by John Elliott, Jr., Samuel C. Bart- lett, William Little, Josiah B. True, John Woodbury ( Andover), Dudley Ladd, Samuel Cilley ( Andover), and Israel W. Kelley. The officers for the first year (5821) were : Andrew Bowers, Master ; Israel W. Kelley, Senior Warden; Samuel Brown, Junior Warden ; William Little, Treasurer ; Samuel C. Bartlett, Secretary ; John Woodbury, Senior Deacon ; John Elliott, Junior Deacon ; Josiah B. True, James Severance, Stewards ; Joseph Cilley, Tyler." This is shown by the records of his lodge.
In a return to the Grand Lodge, dated June 3d, 5822, and signed, Samuel C. Bartlett, Secretary, we find the above offi- cers chosen for that year, (1822), with the following note :
357
BENEFICENT INSTITUTIONS.
" Thomas Beal, Edward Baker, Samuel Cilley (Andover), Enoch Morrill, Jeremiah Marston (Andover), Elijah Hilton (Andover), Leonard W. Noyes, Otis Robinson, Jr., members."
The following officers are recorded for 1823 and subse- quently : 1823 .- Israel W. Kelley, Master; Samuel Brown, Austin George, Wardens; John Townsend, Secretary. 1824- 25 .- Samuel Brown, Master ; John Townsend, Secretary. 1826. -Thomas R. White, Master ; John Townsend, Secretary. 1827 .- Peter Stone, Master ; John Townsend, Secretary.
Mr. Garland Calef, at the age of eighty-one years, re- members as Masters of the lodge, Andrew Bowers, Israel W. Kelley, Samuel Brown (Andover), Thomas R. White, and Peter Stone ; as Secretaries, John Townsend, Thomas Green- leaf, James Severance, and Samuel C. Bartlett ; and also as members in addition to those previously named, Pelatiah Gookin, Lemuel Call, Royal Hale, John Elliott, Joseph Morse, and Paul Pearsons, all of Boscawen.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.