USA > New Hampshire > Merrimack County > Sutton > The history of Sutton, New Hampshire : consisting of the historical collections of Erastus Wadleigh, Esq., and A. H. Worthen, part 1 > Part 13
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William Dodge (purchased 1824), Jacob Mastin, Jr. (purchased 1828).
Another bill for books for the library has been found, and is dated Walpole, Sept. 27, 1803.
Mr. Jonathan Harvey Bought of Thomas and Thomas.
1 Sett Morse's Geography
$6.00
1 Winchester's Lectures
4.25
1 Jefferson's Notes
2.00
1 History of Christ
1.50
1 Carver's Travels
1.00
1 Religous Life
1.00
1 Fordyce's Sermons
1.00
1 Price's Sermons .87%
$17.62}
Deduct 10 pr. ct
1.76%
$15.86
Rec'd Payment for Thomas & Thomas, Calvin Watts.
The following letter from Matthew Harvey (afterwards Governor Harvey) to his brother, Jon- athan Harvey, will be of interest in this connection. It indicates that, at the time of writing, the library contained three hundred books, and names two of the works additional to the list we have given. It also shows that an ambitious young lawyer at that day was only too glad to step out for a brief space from the dry, dusty highway of law study and practice, to take a refreshing draught from such a rare, cool water spring as the "Sicilian Romance."
201
ORGANIZATIONS.
HOPKINTON April 11, 1808.
Mr. Jona. Harvey,
Sir, I send you, by Mr. Chadwick, a volume of Josephus, and in it, a specimen of three hundred labels, which I have procured for Sutton Library-not convenient to send them now. I wish you to send me the "Sicilian Romance" when an opportunity offers, and you will much oblige your brother-MATTHEW.
The following are copies of some of the orders to the librarian from the directors in favor of those to whom they had sold shares in the library :
Sutton, Oct. 16, 1799. To the Librarian of the Sutton, New Lon- don and Fishersfield Social Library. We inform you that Stephen Woodward has bought a share in our Library. We desire you to let him have a book when he calls, as other proprietors.
William Pressey Jonathan Eaton Directors. Joseph Harvey
New London April 8, 1799. To Jonathan Harvey Librarian for the Library kept in Sutton. You are directed to deliver a share of the Library to James Witherspoon Jun'r, as he has secured the pay for the same to me.
Levi Harvey, Director.
To Jonathan Harvey, Librarian of Sutton, New London and Fishersfield Social Library. Please to let Capt. Thomas Wadleigh have a share in said Library as he has settled the same with us.
Sutton, Dec. 17, 1799. Jonathan Eaton Joseph Harvey Directors.
New London Sept. 15th, 1800. To the Librarian of Sutton New London and Fishersfield Social Library. This is to inform you that Jonathan Woodbury has bought a share in our Library, and become a proprietor.
Joseph Harvey Directors. Jonathan Eaton S
To Jonathan Harvey, Librarian of Sutton New London and Fishersfield Social Library. Please to let Ensign Jacob Bean have a share in said Library, as he has secured the same to us.
Jona. Eaton 1 Joseph Harvey )
Oct 16, 1799.
202
HISTORY OF SUTTON.
Other orders are in favor of Theophilus Cram, James Hutchins, Joshua Currier, etc. Feb. 27, 1798. Jonas Hastings transfers his share to Joshua Hastings. In 1808, Oct. 3, the librarian for the library gives his note to Jonas Shepherd for $26.10 which is paid 1809.
OFFICERS OF THE LIBRARY TEN YEARS LATER.
Oct. 1, 1810. Jonathan Eaton, Jonas Shepherd, and Joseph Harvey took the oath of office as directors of the Social Library in Sutton, Oct. 1, 1810. Then Jonas Shepherd and William Leach and John King took the oath of office as collectors of the Social Library in Sutton.
Before me, Jonathan Harvey.
KING SOLOMON'S LODGE OF FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS.
Statistics in regard to King Solomon's Lodge, No. 14, of Free and Accepted Masons. [Fur- nished for this work by Ervin A. Jones, secretary of the Lodge in 1884, being copied by him from the original records. ]
Date of its charter, January 27, 1802.
First meeting in New London, June 16, 1802, at the hall of Jonathan and Daniel Woodbury. John Woodman, Worshipful Master pro tem., Levi Harvey, Jr., Secretary, Daniel Woodbury, Treasurer, Richard Cressey, Senior Deacon. Moses Hill, Junior Deacon, Enoch Hoyt. Steward. Joseph Harvey, Tyler.
Stephen Hoyt, Benjamin Swett, Ezra Marsh, Thomas G. Wells, John King. Caleb Lovering, Ebenezer Cressey, members.
The Lodge removed to Wilmot Flat, Dec. 3, 1851, and to Scytheville, Sept. 4, 1878.
It is not known that it was ever located in Sut- ton any more than to hold meetings there occasion- ally, but that cannot be made certain, as one volume of records, embracing the years from 1814 to 1828, is missing.
203
ORGANIZATIONS.
During this time the anti-Masonic war or "Mor- gan times" raged fearfully, and it is supposed that the book 'was then hidden or destroyed. It has never been recovered, although diligent search has been made for it.
It is said that the charter of King Solomon's Lodge was carried through the excitement of the Morgan times by the constancy and courage of barely two members. One of these was Col. John Harvey, of Sutton, and the other (name forgotten by the narrator of this fact) believed to be a New London man. They used to hold their meet- ings in the night in lonely places in the woods and on the hills.
Many Sutton men became members of this lodge, and for this reason, if for no other, some account of it is of interest in the history of the town.
At the first meeting petitions came in for Jacob Morse, Fishersfield (?); Theodore Abbott, Sutton; John Quimby, Springfield (?) ; Moses Hills, Sutton; Arnold Ellis, Sutton and Newport (Dr. Ellis) ; Philip S. Harvey, Sutton; Samuel Roby, Sutton.
SOUTH SUTTON CENTRAL LIBRARY.
Members of the Association met July 19, 1824, and chose John Pillsbury, clerk. Chose a committee of three persons, viz. : Nathan Ames, Samuel Dresser, Jr., and John Pillsbury, to draft a consti- tution, which constitution at a subsequent meeting was accepted. Officers chosen, John Clark, secretary, Enoch Page, John Pills- bury, Samuel Dresser, Jr., directors, Enoch Page, librarian, Lewis J. Bailey, treasurer, William Pressey, collector. John Clark, Dan- iel Carr. Edward Dodge, committee to purchase books.
At annual meeting. 1825, chose Moses Pillsbury, moderator, John Clark, secretary, Dudley Bailey. Joseph Roby, William Pressey, directors, Enoch Page, librarian, Lewis J. Bailey. collector.
204
HISTORY OF SUTTON.
NAMES OF PROPRIETORS.
John Pillsbury.
Enoch Page.
Benjamin W. Peaslee.
William Pressey.
John Clark.
Dudley Bailey.
Daniel Carr.
Abigail Loverin.
Edward Dodge.
Nathan Ames.
Enoch Page, Jr.
Enoch Colby.
Joseph Roby.
Moses Pillsbury.
Thomas Cheney.
Hazen Putney.
Nathaniel Davis.
Moody Johnson.
Amos Pressey.
Samuel Dresser, Jr ..
Later were added the names of
Asa Page,
Miss Abiah Roby.
Henry Adams.
Thomas J. Wadleigh.
Moses Nelson.
Henry Adams.
Johnson Colby.
Aaron Russell.
The last meeting recorded dated Nov. 7, 1835.
The following names of books purchased are recorded :
Josephus, 6 vols. $4.00 Perils Women, 2 vols. $1.00
Life of Washington, 1 vol.
.50 Life of Decatur, 1 vol. 1.00
Charles 12th, 1 vol. .62} Blair's Philosophy, .37분
Scottish Chiefs, 2 vols.
1.25 Thomson's Seasons, .50
History of Rome, 2 vols. 1.00 Robins' Journal, .37
Lights and Shadows. .50 History of United States, .39
Tales My Landlord, 3 vols. 1.25 Pillett's England, .33
N. H. Collections, 1 vol. .75 Gazetteer N. H., .30
Life of Franklin, 1 vol. .68}Arabian Nights, 2 vols. 1.00
A bill for books purchased of " Marsh, Capen & Lyon," Concord, dated Oct. 17, 1833, shows the following books :
1 Buffon's Natural History, 5 vols., $3.50
1 Patrick Henry,
1.75
1 Franklin's Letters,
1.00
1 Irving's Columbus,
1.00
1 History Ireland,
1.00
" Thaddeus of Warsaw" was afterwards added to the collection of books.
The price of a share in this library was $2.00.
205
ORGANIZATIONS.
NORTH SUTTON DRAMATIC ASSOCIATION.
About 1845 a Young People's Club was inform- ally organized at North Sutton, which subsequently took the name of "The North Sutton Dramatic Association." For thirty years it is probable that an average of at least one entertainment a year was given.
Most of the popular plays of the period, adapted to the country stage, were produced. Among the earlier were " The Seven Clerks," "The Idiot Wit- ness, " " Golden Farmer," "Robert Macaire, " " Yankee Land," "People's Lawyer, " " Revolu- tionary Soldiers," and "Neighbor Jackwood." The earlier exhibitions were given in the old North Meeting-House before it was remodelled. There we brought out " The Brazen Drum," which during the thirty years was several times repeated. The stage was on a level with the "Deacon's table," in front of the pulpit. We had no scenery, nor did we need any, for the towering pulpit wherein was stationed the " music," and the ponderons " sound- ing-board" above it, were always in view. The audience, individually and collectively, were in hearty sympathy with the " Brave Poles," and when "Calvin Cartwheel" rescued the fair Rowena from the grasp of the " darned old Russian," and chucked him head foremost through the trap into the "rag- ing sea" beneath, slammed down the cover, and jumped upon it and crowed, the enthusiasm of the spectators was so demonstrative that it was several seconds before the "orchestra," consisting of two bass viols and a fiddle, could be heard. Later on
206
HISTORY OF SUTTON.
the excellent "Kearsarge" and Bradford bands were in attendance.
No claim was ever made to scientific acting, but that we succeeded, to a fair degree, in holding the mirror up to nature, was attested by the large and interested audiences that always greeted us.
The following is as full a list as we are able to furnish of those who have " trod the boards" since " first we met:"
Samuel Ambrose.
Nathaniel Ambrose.
Cyrus French. George S. French.
Ann S. Ambrose.
Jennie French.
Elizabeth Ambrose.
Lorenzo Grace.
Lawrence E. Bailey.
Frank Greeley.
Leonard Bailey.
Dorothy Greeley.
Mrs. S. E. Bailey.
Mrs. Maria Greeley.
Mary E. Bailey.
Alfred Harvey. Maroa C. Harvey.
Lucas P. Bean.
H. H. Bell.
Lydia A. Harvey.
Horace M. Howe.
Betsey J. Bessie. C. E. Carleton.
Sarah F. Huntoon.
Mrs. C. E. Carleton.
Ellen Huntoon.
William W. Coburn.
Lydia Huntoon.
William H. Chadwick.
Fred H. Keyser.
Mrs. William H. Chadwick. J. F. Chadwick.
Mrs. John H. Keyser.
Warren Comey.
Olney M. Kimball.
Allen O. Crane. E. F. Eastman. Charles A. Fowler.
Timothy B. Lewis.
Frank Little.
George Fowler.
Edwin A. Mastin.
Marietta R. Fowler.
Mrs. Ellen Melvin.
John T. Merrill.
Mrs. Effie J. Merrill.
John Moore.
Horace Morey.
Frank Morey.
Harriet A. Fowler. Katie Fowler. James Fifield. A. D. Follansbee. Ephraim Fisk.
John H. Keyser.
Mrs. Olney M. Kimball.
207
ORGANIZATIONS.
Benjamin E. Porter (1st). Abby E. Porter.
Walter P. Sargent.
Frank Shepherd.
Mrs. Fanny Porter.
Lucy Shepherd.
Jerome B. Porter.
Robert Wadleigh.
Reuben B. Porter.
James I. Walker.
Edward G. Porter.
J. Harvey Watson. Leonard H. Wheeler.
Mrs. Edward G. Porter.
Margaret Porter.
John Wheeler.
Hannah Porter.
Ransom Wheeler.
Harriet Porter.
J. Dearborn Wheeler.
Henrietta Porter.
Emma Wheeler.
Moses L. Pillsbury.
George Wheeler.
Charles Peaslee.
Kate Wheeler.
Benjamin Pressey.
E. L. Wheeler.
Betsy J. Pressey.
Daniel Whitcomb.
Alonzo Phelps.
Samuel Whitcomb.
Edgar Perkins.
Martin L. Walker.
Mrs. Edgar Perkins.
Jonathan Williams.
Dora Perkins.
Charles Towle.
Daniel Putney.
Horace Towle.
Charles Putney.
Abby Todd.
Edward Putney.
Frank Todd.
John A. Reed.
Charles Todd.
Ira Rowell.
Grace Todd.
George M. Shattuck.
Etta Thompson.
Ada Sargent.
Charles F. Worthen.
Emily Sargent.
Mrs. Augusta H. Worthen.
Hattie Sargent.
SUTTON WASHINGTONIAN TOTAL ABSTINENCE SOCIETY.
At a meeting of the friends of temperance in Sutton, held in the Union meeting-house, Feb. 8, 1843, Reuben Porter, Esq., was called to the chair. Rev. Joseph Sargent, secretary.
Appointed a committee consisting of Enoch Page, Esq., Henry Archibald, and Rev. Isaac Peaslee, to prepare business for the meeting.
Voted to proceed to organize a society.
Appointed a committee to draft and prepare a constitution.
208
HISTORY OF SUTTON.
Committee consisting of Rev. Joseph Sargent, Enoch Page, Esq., Revs. Amasa Brown, Henry Archibald, and Isaac Peaslee. Com- mittee reported, and after some discussion their report was accepted. Committee appointed to circulate petitions against the sale of liquors, viz., T. Sanborn, John Pillsbury. Esq., N. Abbott, Moses Pillsbury, Esq., Benjamin Farnham, Uriah Persons, Rev. Amasa. Brown, William H. Marshall, Rev. I. Peaslee, Nathan Andrew, J. Eaton, Moses Hazen.
Officers appointed were Samuel Dresser, president, Rev. Isaac Peaslee, vice-president, Henry Archibald, secretary, Reuben Porter, Ransom Farnham, Tappan Sanborn, John C. Dresser. Nicholas Rowell. executive committee.
The ladies of the committee were Miss Jenette Abbott, Mrs. Susan Pillsbury, Miss Mary Porter, Miss Caroline Russell, Mrs. Taylor Bean, Miss Mary W. Flanders, Miss Eliza. A. Sanborn. Miss Judith Little.
NAMES OF MEMBERS-MEN.
Reuben Porter.
Franklin Little.
Isaac Peaslee.
Elmer E. Sanborn.
Nicholas Rowell.
Carlos Little.
Edmund Richardson.
Thomas Nelson.
M. B. Buswell.
Benjamin E. Porter.
John C. Dresser.
William Porter.
George S. Morgan.
Horace Burpee.
Calvin White.
Francis Robbins.
David Ambrose.
Henry Archibald.
Joseph Carpenter.
Amasa Brown.
James M. Palmer.
Ransom Farnham.
John Pillsbury.
Joseph Sargent.
Philip N. Little.
Nathan Abbott.
Stephen Woodward.
Hiram W. Savary.
Tappan Sanborn.
Samuel A. Palmer.
Ezekiel Little.
Jonathan F. Palmer.
William H. Hunt.
Caleb Wells.
Noah Peabody.
James P. Wells.
Samuel Rowell, Jr.
John M. Palmer.
Zachariah Peaslee.
Thomas Wells.
Benjamin P. Nelson.
Elliott Wells.
209
ORGANIZATIONS.
John C. Wells. George W. Wells.
Benjamin Pillsbury. David Woodward.
Thomas H. Archibald. Benjamin H. Carlton.
Enoch P. Cummings. Samuel Dresser, jr.
John Dresser.
John Brockway. John C. Little.
Moses P. Chase. G. P. Hopkins.
George S. Rowell.
Chester Spaulding.
Truman Putney.
Joseph Wells, 3d.
Benjamin Carlton. Hartwell Melvin.
John Dalton.
Israel Chase.
Enoch Page.
Simon Cheney.
George H. Davis.
Nath'l M. Ambrose.
Robert B. Nelson.
Daniel Woodward.
Benjamin Carlton.
Nathaniel W. Cheney.
Daniel S. Russell.
Benjamin Wadleigh.
N. A. Davis. E. G. Haynes. Joseph T. Williams. Lyman Baker.
Frederic Eaton.
Lucian B. Eaton.
F. P. Newell.
Charles Morgan.
Henry Morgan.
Erastus Wadleigh. L. H. Whittier.
Gideon D. Felch. Sumner Ward. John Cram. Barnet Felch. 14
Jolın Morgan. Samuel Ambrose. Simon Kesar. David Bohonnan.
Ransom C. Palmer.
Ransom R. Wheeler.
Ira R. Dresser.
L. F. E. Dresser. Moses L. Pillsbury. Samuel Weston.
Otis J. Story. John S. Pillsbury.
Byron Watson. Charles E. Downing. Peter R. Kendrick.
Joseph Simons. Amos G. Davis.
Luther Dresser. W. T. Norris.
(1846) J. S. Harvey. John Eaton, jr. Rufus M. Roby.
Thomas J. Wadleigh. Samuel M. Chase. Versil E. Roby.
(1847) John Eaton.
Joshua Rogers. (1848) Charles H. Stone. Elbridge G. Rogers. Mansel Blake. Jonathan Heath. Jacob Bean, Jr. Samuel Colby. Corliss Wadleigh.
210
HISTORY OF SUTTON.
Moses C. Shattuck.
Ira F. Rowell. Nathan A. Eaton.
Reuel Noyes. Roswell Haddock.
NAMES OF MEMBERS .- WOMEN.
Nancy D. Peaslee.
Lydia F. Nelson.
Elizabeth M. Peaslee.
Betsey Peaslee.
Almina R. Peaslee.
Lavina F. Sanborn.
Sarah P. Johnson.
Lydia M. Ambrose.
Caroline E. Russell.
Lavina P. Brown.
Mary Andrew.
Lucy Gay.
Dolly N. Page.
Elvina A. Gay.
Hannah M. Peaslee.
Lucy C. Gay.
Hannah J. Andrews.
Mrs. Brockway.
Sally Andrew.
Betsey Farnham.
Hannah Rowell.
Hannah Andrews.
Mrs. Dolly Little.
Mrs. Elizabeth Pratt.
Mrs. Sarah E. Dresser.
Jennette C. Abbott.
Mary S. Porter.
Belinda A. Lovering.
Susan E. Porter.
Merriam F. Palmer.
Lavina Sanborn.
Temperance Palmer.
Mary G. Marshall.
Abigail N. Palmer.
Ruth Davis.
Ursula' Wells. Mary Wells.
Isabella Peabody.
Widow Mary Peabody.
Elizabeth Wells.
Judith Peaslee.
Rebecca Wells.
Rhoda W. Kendrick.
Deborah Wells.
Mary Peaslee.
Mary Palmer.
Mary Richards.
Lydia F. Wadleigh.
Mary White.
Mary W. Flanders.
Nancy Champlin.
E. L. Andrews.
Almanda C. White.
C. S. Gould.
Betsy Carpenter.
Nancy Palmer. Susan C. Palmer. Julia A. Sanborn. Eliza A. Sanborn. Lavina R. Palmer.
Nancy C. Palmer. Roxy A. Little.
Lydia Little. Susan Putney. Sally Champlin.
Harriet Champlin.
Caroline Champlin. Susan Pillsbury.
Betsy Richardson.
Nancy Burpee.
211
ORGANIZATIONS.
Fidelia Champlin. Jemima Eastman. Adams. Lucinda Sargent. Sarah Hoyt. Abigail Robbins.
Dorothy Nelson. Mary P. Blake. Hannah Russell. Abigail Nelson. Abigail Nichols. Sally G. Andrews.
Rebecca Archibald.
Hannah G. Andrews.
Margaret Bailey.
Lucretia Ann Dresser.
Sabrina Chase.
Dolly Chase.
Eliza Davis. Marian Harvey.
Betsy Spaulding.
Caroline Harvey.
Jemima Johnson.
Susan Harvey.
Ruth Woodward.
Sarah Pillsbury.
Sophia Carlton.
Hannah Huntley. Louisa M. Roby. Mahala Chase. Sally Harvey.
Hannah L. Porter. Margaret Porter.
Mary Ann Harvey.
Mary Williams.
Minerva T. Andrews.
Marilla Williams.
Sally Russell.
Mary Wadleigh.
Eliza Wells.
Mrs. Sally Harvey.
Dolly T. Wells.
Eunice W. Dresser.
Julia M. Roby.
Dorothy H. Chellis.
Nancy C. Adams.
Achsah Wadleigh.
Mary Simons.
Lucy Ann Roby.
Betsey Kendrick.
(1847) Sarah Christina Eaton.
Elizabeth Eaton.
(1848) Betsey Blake.
Harriet M. Davis.
Cervalla Rogers.
Hannah Davis.
Mary Ann Rowell.
Jennet G. Eaton. Meriam Worth.
Louisa Bean.
Ruth Chadwick.
Up to 1848 this society continued to act and to hold meetings, but "after that time," according to their Record Book, "the mem- bers became indifferent and meetings were discontinued .- Some of the members were in favor of political tests."
Mary Ann Kezar.
212
HISTORY OF SUTTON.
SUTTON GRANGE, No. 91, PATRONS OF HUS- BANDRY.
Organized Oct. 13, 1877, with forty-three members.
LIST OF OFFICERS.
Worthy Master-Charles A. Fowler.
Worthy Overseer-George W. Tilton.
Worthy Lecturer-Fannie F. Smiley. Worthy Steward-Sylvester S. Felch.
Worthy Assistant Steward-John M. Pressey.
Worthy Chaplain-George S. French.
Worthy Treasurer-John Pressey.
Worthy Secretary-Josie Roby.
Worthy Gate-Keeper-Harvey W. Chadwick.
Worthy Ceres-Betsey R. Pressey.
Worthy Pomona-Phebe G. Tilton.
Worthy Flora-Dolly N. Nelson.
Worthy Lady Assistant Steward-Abbie Littlehale.
NAMES OF MEMBERS.
James I. Walker.
George F. Nelson.
Lora S. Walker.
Josiah P. Nelson.
Thomas Roby.
Nancy Nelson.
Mary A. Roby.
French Nelson.
Sylvester S. Felch.
Jennie Nelson.
Abbie J. Littlehale.
John M. Pressey.
Charles A Fowler.
Electa Pressey.
William H. Chadwick.
Jacob B. Nelson.
George S. French.
George W. Tilton.
James R. Smiley. .
Phebe G. Tilton.
Fannie F. Smiley.
George Roby.
John Pressey.
Josie Robie.
Betsey R. Pressey.
Converse Gage.
Harvey W. Chadwick.
Cerlania Gage.
Joseph P. Nelson.
George W. Gage.
Dolly N. Nelson.
Francis F. Blaisdell.
213
ORGANIZATIONS.
Eliza A. Blaisdell. Charles S. Watson. Everett T. Sanborn Addison Ayer. Nellie Phelps. Thomas W. Nelson.
Angelina Nelson. Sarah Nelson. James S. Bohonan. Fannie A. Bohonan. James D. Prescott.
REMARKABLE NATURAL EVENTS.
THE DARK DAY OF 1780.
May 19, 1780, has been remarkable as the Dark Day. The morning was cloudy and rainy. Near 11 A. M. it began to grow dark as if night were approaching. Fowls went to roost, and cattle returned to barn-yards as if it were night. At noon it was too dark to read without lighted candles, or to perform the ordinary duties of the house. Judge Patten made the following entry in his journal as to this day :
" 19th May was a thunder shower in the morn- ing, followed by an uncommon darkness, such as is not remembered. It was so dark one would not know a man but at a small distance, and it was nec- essary to keep a light in the chimney to see to go about.
"The night was extraordinary dark until one o'clock, so dark that a person could not see his hand when held up, nor even a white sheet of paper. The day and night were cloudy. The clouds in the day did not seem thick, and were of a lightening up color. Our almanac-makers have given no account of the matter: the cause unknown."
The greatest alarm prevailed among all classes at this singular phenomenon. The more excitable ran
215
REMARKABLE NATURAL EVENTS.
about exclaiming that the Day of Judgment was at hand ; while the more self-controlled were filled with astonishment, not to say fear. The darkness was owing to natural causes. Fires had been rag- ing in the woods of the north-westward wilderness for a long time. Smoke and cinders filled the air, the west wind prevailing. On the night of the 18th and 19th, the wind changed, and blew from the eastward, bringing in from the ocean a dense fog. The fog and clouds meeting, loaded as it were with smoke, soot, and cinders, formed an impenetrable stratum in the atmosphere that for hours shut out the light of day. This remarkable darkness was mostly observable in New England, and heavier nearer the sea-coast. It did not extend very far south, nor farther west than Albany, N. Y. The Judge Patten alluded to as the writer of the jour- nal containing the account of the Dark Day was the Matthew Patten of the " Committee of Safety," and was the second judge of probate of Hillsbor- ough county.
A DAY OF DARKNESS, SEPT. 6, 1881.
Among the many descriptions of this most extra- ordinary day, written and printed, the following is the best yet seen, and is here copied.
This day will long be remembered, Tuesday, Sept. 6, 1881. The day was an extremely uncom- fortable one, although the mercury did not climb to an extraordinary height. At an early hour in the morning a very peculiar appearance was perceived in the air. No fog or haze was perceptible, but the
216
HISTORY OF SUTTON.
sun was thoroughly obscured, and the atmosphere was pervaded with a yellowish light which lent a strange appearance to every object. In every place where there was grass or foliage the green hue of the leaves was changed from its natural shade to something much more vivid and almost blue.
The aspect of the sky was such that some timo- rous people's minds were directed by it to the scrip- tural prophecy concerning the brassy appearance of the sky, which is to be one of the features of the Last Day.
The interiors of buildings grew dark as the day advanced, and the outer air, as viewed through a window or other opening, seemed to be pervaded with the reflected light from some vast conflagra- tion. It became necessary in cities to light the gas in stores and offices, and the jets emitted a white flame that was not unlike the electric light.
During the day the birds could hardly see to fly, and were strangely silent, and a sickly and melan- choly gloom overspread the face of nature. The phenomenon became more marked in the afternoon than it was in the forenoon. As late as one o'clock it was impossible for a person sitting near a win- dow to see to read or write without the aid of artifi- cial light, but after that hour the gloom deepened rapidly. The sky grew still more brazen in appear- ance, and the gloom was that of late twilight. There was something terrible in the scene, and it is not to be wondered at if some weak minds allowed themselves to be tormented by fears of what the extraordinary event might presage. (It will be remembered that this frightful and gloomy day was
217
REMARKABLE NATURAL EVENTS.
during the sickness of President Garfield, and while the minds of the people were in a state of feverish anxiety as to its possible result. To many this gloom and darkness seemed to be almost a warning to prepare for the worst, and abandon all hope for him.)
The climax was reached at about 3 o'clock, and after that light began gradually to return, although perfect daylight was not restored. At 5 o'clock the ruddy glare had disappeared from the sky, and the light, such as it was, seemed more natural than at any time during the day. Before 8 o'clock the moon had come out, the brazen thickness of the atmosphere had disappeared, and the sky had resumed its natural appearance.
It is considered probable that the appearance of this extraordinary day may be traceable to causes similar to those of the Dark Day of 1780, one hun- dred and one years before, as it is known that heavy fires in the woods of Canada had been raging for several days previous.
SHOWER OF STARS (METEORS), Nov. 13, 1833.
This most remarkable display of heavenly fire- works commenced a short time before daybreak. Each star resembled any falling star which can be seen of a winter's night, but it was the immense number of these meteors falling in all directions, at almost the same moment, which made the scene remarkable and beautiful, and their number did not seem in the least to diminish till daylight made it no longer possible to see them.
218
HISTORY OF SUTTON.
COLD FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, 1810.
The evening before this day was mild and warm, and a shower, with some lightning, occurred at about 10 o'clock. The wind suddenly commenced blowing from the north-west, and increased almost to a hurricane, and raged with unabated fury for twenty-four hours. The gale was extensive, and its damaging effects were felt in all parts of the coun- try. The cold was intense, and many persons were frozen to death, and also cattle in some cases froze dead in their barns; and in houses it was not pos- sible to keep from suffering. The two succeeding days were memorably cold. No snow was on the ground, and none fell till about the 20th of Febru- ary.
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