The history of Weare, New Hampshire, 1735-1888, Part 41

Author: Little, William, 1833-1893. cn
Publication date: 1888
Publisher: Lowell, Mass., Printed by S. W. Huse & Co.
Number of Pages: 1240

USA > New Hampshire > Hillsborough County > Weare > The history of Weare, New Hampshire, 1735-1888 > Part 41

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* Oct. 14, 1827, Susan Hale and Sarah Worthley were baptized in Mount William pond. Sister Worthley confessed to some irregularities, but they took her in. Clerk Joseph Philbrick was " sorry for receiving a member of irregular habits."

358

HISTORY OF WEARE, NEW HAMPSHIRE, [1825.

a quiet solitude and seemed the fittest place for the sacred rite. He went there to baptize many times when the rich, autumnal tints blazed on all the forest, and once in the early winter, when the glare ice, expanding and cracking under the bright, warm sun, uttered its strange, peculiar cry .*

In 1825 the church had many cases of discipline and did not shirk from its duty. It kept its standard high.

In 1827 a serious difficulty arose. Dea. George Hadley was called to account. The specification against him was for non-at- tendance at meetings and repeatedly uttering unchristian expres- sions apparently in anger. Deacon Hadley came to the monthly meeting and told his trials with Elder Buzzell. The church "sided with their minister." After several hearings, much consultation, the deacon was rejected from the fellowship and membership of the church. It was a triumph for Elder Buzzell .;

But soon the elder felt himself in danger of being disciplined. He had taken in and baptized Sarah Worthley, a member of con- fessed irregular habits, much to the grief of the clerk, Joseph Philbrick, and there were numerous scandalous reports about his intimacy with widow Sarah Kinson, another member. These were the trials Deacon Hadley had with Elder Buzzell. The brethren " found it indispensably necessary that a committee# go into an in- vestigation of the ill fame of the widow, she having apostatized in a high degree by giving herself over to lying and lewd abominations."

The committee saw her at once and reported, Oct. 22d, that they had "investigated the slanderous reports got into circulation by the suggestions, insinuations and hintings of said Sarah against Elder H. D. Buzzell." They went on to say that they had "fairly and plainly three times asked her if Elder Buzzell ever offered anything in any way, or manner, that was unbecoming, or improper, and that she three times emphatically answered, 'No, he never did.'" A brother also testified that she told him the same.

Now they thought they had her fast and that the elder was cleared. So they called upon the widow, who was present, to stand up and repeat under oath what she had told the committee. She began by confessing that she had lied about the matter; but now

* Nov. 26, 1831, Elder David Harriman baptized Hannah Martin in Mount William pond, near Capt. Thomas Worthiley's house.

t At this time Jonathan Marshall was ruling elder; Morrill Barnard and Osgood Paige deacons.

# The committee were Brothers J. Buxton, Morrill Barnard and Osgood Paige, who solicited the company and aid of Brotlier Joseph Philbrick.

359

TROUBLE IN THE FREEWILL BAPTIST CHURCH.

1828.]

she would tell the whole truth. She said she had told the commit- tee what she did to keep peace in the church "and to shield Elder Buzzell, but seeing that they had been so mean and dragged her into church-meeting to make a show of her, she would say that what she before insinuated was God's truth and that the elder was guilty of all she had charged him with.

This was astounding. For a few minutes they had a Quaker meeting. But the elder must be defended and sustained. So after due deliberation they found her guilty of other immoral conduct, and as it was plain that one or the other of her statements was false, they voted unanimously to reject her from the fellowship and membership of the church.

Nov. 16th they had a conference meeting at Brother Buzzell's house; Joseph Philbrick wrote " but few met, somewhat of a hum- bling, melting season ; rather in consequence of Elder Buzzells pass- ing through severe trials from the tongue of slander as may appear by the preceding records."

The elder struggled along for a season, "but he could not stand it," he was under a cloud. The widow Sarah Kinson had been ex- communicated ; but it ruined him in Weare. The record says, " April 24, 1828, Elder Buzzell at two o'clock in the afternoon started with his family to remove to Gilmanton."*

Elders Joseph Davis, Timothy Morse, Seth Allen, from Marlow, and Samuel Robins, then preached for the church, as supplies. They tried hard to have Elder Robins settle with them, but he de- clined. Then Elder David Harriman, who had long been well known in Weare, came and preached. He was much liked, moved into town March 17, 1829, and Aug. 5th was chosen pastor.

The church furnished two young men at this period for the min- istry. Brother John Kimball, a member of the church, grew up to be a powerful speaker. In 1826 he was approbated to improve his gifts. Jesse Whittaker, a native of the town, had shown great tal- ents as an exhorter, and he felt that he had a call to preach. The church also thought so, and all were in favor of setting him apart for the work of the ministry. Dec. 21, 1828, they voted to have a

* Elder Buzzell afterwards resided in Alton, and represented that town many years in the legislature. At last there was dissatisfaction, for some one else wanted the honor. So he got up in the next town-meeting to take himself out of the way; but he wanted them to give him a complimentary vote, that he might retire with respect. He was so smooth about it, they all voted for him. Quick as thought he rose and said, "That seeing they were so unanimous about it, he could not, for the life of him, decline; he would accept," which he did, much to the chagrin of many who aspired to the office. But he was never elected afterwards.

360

HISTORY OF WEARE, NEW HAMPSHIRE.

[1829.

council to determine "if the Holey Ghost saith, separate him " to the work.

The council met Jan. 14, 1829, at the south meeting-house. Brother Whittaker told his Christian experience and his call to public improvement. The next day the council publicly separated him to the work of the ministry by ordination.

The brethren in 1825 discussed modern singing and instrumental music in church ; a committee was appointed to consider the sub- ject and report. They were greatly exercised on the subject and kept it under consideration for four years, when they reported "in favor of spiritual singing," to which all agreed.

A great cloud of ministers came to Weare " along with " Elder Harriman. The people liked to see them, and they had meetings in all parts of the town. Among them was Lorenzo Dow, the highly celebrated and somewhat eccentric divine. Elder Knowles brought him from Candia, Jan. 18, 1830, and he preached in the south meet- ing-house to a large assembly. Elders Harriman, Knowles, Cush- man and Whittaker went into the pulpit with him.

The result of this great incoming of elders was disastrous to the first Freewill Baptist church in Weare. The brethren found it more convenient to go to meeting near home, and the ministers were willing to take mere nothing for a salary and find themselves. Many members lived in Deering, and May 5, 1830, they were dis- missed to form a church in that town. A few others formed a little church on Craney hill, and a number were dismissed to eventually form two more churches, one at North Weare, and the other at East Weare. Thus were formed five small churches from a single large one. Their history, though brief, will be very pleasant and enter- taining reading.

CHAPTER XLII.

THE 1812 WAR.

GREAT BRITAIN, stung at the loss of her colonies, soon after the treaty of peace in 1783 began a series of insulting and degrading aggressions upon the Americans, which made it necessary to keep up a considerable military force. These aggressions culminated in the 1812 war.

361

THE 1812 WAR.

1812.]

Meantime, in 1794, the Pennsylvania or whiskey rebellion broke out through the influence of French politics, and the Indians in the western country, stirred up by the English, were in open hostility. An army was raised at once, General Lee of Virginia marched into Pennsylvania with fifteen thousand men, and soon suppressed the "Whiskey Insurrection," while General Wayne ( Mad Anthony ) fought the Indians at Maumee, and dealt them so severe a blow that they were glad to sue for peace.

Soldiers were enlisted at this time in every town in our state. They were armed, drilled, and were to be ready to march at a mo- ment's notice ; hence were called " minute-men." Weare voted to give each man who shall enlist a bounty of $2, and $7 a month when in actual service, in addition to the government pay .*

There was trouble with France in 1797. She insulted our flag and captured our vessels. Three envoys were sent by Congress, to make a settlement. The French government would not receive them until they should pay a large sum of money into the treasury of that country; they refused; war seemed inevitable, and hostili- ties began on the ocean. A provisional army was organized, with Washington at its head; all the towns in our state were again called upon for minute-men. Weare had a special town-meeting Dec. 11, 1797, and decided to pay each enlisted man a bounty of $2, and $9 a month besides the regular pay .¡ Fifteen men enlisted. But the trouble was soon over; Bonaparte usurped the government of France, and made peace with America.

England kept up her aggressions; her men-of-war would stop American vessels on the ocean, search them for suspected deserters, impress our seamen and make prizes of our ships. She reduced the American commerce to a domestic coast trade. The people demanded a redress of grievances, and Congress again, in 1809, organized an army of one hundred thousand men. Weare voted, March 14th, the same bounty of $2 to each minute-man, and $5 a month additional pay .¿ The town was strongly Republi-

* Nov. 27, 1794. " Voted to give as a bounty to each soldier that shall enlist, to be in Rediness at a moments' warning, in defence of the United States, two dollars." " Voted to give said minute men, non Commission officers and Soldiers when called into actual service seven dollars per month in addition to what is allowed by Congress."

t 1797, Dec. 11. " Voted that the minute men shall each receive two dollars bounty and 9 a mo when in actual service in addition to what congress voted."

"1798. Pd. Solders bounty as minute men $30."

1 March 14, 18 9. " Voted a bounty of two dollars each to our proportion of sol- diers to make up the 100.000 called for and five dollars per month in addition to what the government allows them."

362

HISTORY OF WEARE, NEW HAMPSHIRE.

[1812.

can at that time, and firmly believed in the doctrines of Thomas Jefferson.

None of these minute-men were ever called upon to march from Weare, but they received their bounties.

The New Hampshire legislature, in 1808, enacted that all towns should provide a magazine, ammunition and other military utensils. A special meeting was held May 30, 1809, to comply with this law. The town chose Daniel Moore and Capt. Samuel Eaton a com- mittee to purchase the "military stores," and appropriated $50 to pay for them.

The British continued their aggressions. They sent their war vessels into our harbors and made prizes. They aroused the In- dians under Tecumseh to a war in the west. General Harrison fought a battle with them and defeated them with great slaughter. Congress without delay prepared for war with England. Twenty- five thousand regular soldiers were enlisted, fifty thousand volun- teers called for, and the respective states directed to arm and equip their proportion of one hundred thousand militia, for the defense of the coast and frontier.

There were two parties in the country at that time, the Republi- can and the Federalist. The first favored the war, the last violent- ly opposed it. The majority of the voters of Weare, as we have said, were Republicans, but there was a strong minority against them. At the annual town-meeting, 1812, the question, - "what they would do to raise their part of the one hundred thousand men called for," came up. It was vigorously debated, there was a great deal of noise and confusion, but the town voted that they would make up the wages of the drafted or volunteer soldiers from Weare to $15 a month, and would pay a bounty of $2 at the time of draft or enlistment, and $4 more when called to march into actual service.

Judge Joseph Philbrick, the town clerk, recorded that it was a clamorous meeting at which this vote passed.

The same opposition prevailed throughout the country. The Federalists favored the British, they gave them aid and comfort. It is said that in the seaport towns they painted their chimneys blue, and when the English blockading squadron was off the coast, they burned blue lights at the mouths of the harbors to guide them.

The Republicans rallied against their influence, and loyal meet- ings were held in every state.

363

EXCITING WAR MEETINGS.

1812.]

One for Hillsborough county was notified to meet at Amherst, Aug. 7th. The call for it was in Isaac Hill's New Hampshire Patriot, Aug. 4th. All the towns in the county were asked to send delegates, and it was thought there would be a large attendance. They were "to take into consideration the momentous subjects suggested by the present alarming situation of our national con- cerns, and to adopt such resolutions as the great occasion may be thought to require." The Republicans met in considerable num- bers, enough for a fair meeting.

But the Federalists were out with a larger force. Led by such men as Judge Timothy Farrar, of New Ipswich, Edmund Parker, Charles H. Atherton and Robert Read, Esqs., of Amherst, tories or sons of tories in the Revolution, they organized the meeting in spite of the Republicans, passed resolutions, made speeches to suit themselves and did all they could by the way of talk against the war. Judge Farrar said " we shall be careful not to involve our- selves in the guilt of an unjust war, by any voluntary aid to carry it on."* These same Federalist leaders later wanted to send dele- gates to the infamous Hartford convention from our county. They, as well as the Federalist state convention, were only prevented from doing so by the timely and patriotic efforts of the Hon. Daniel Webster.t

The Federalists tried to provoke a collision at this Amherst meet- ing, but the Republican leaders were too prudent and shrewd for that; they quietly withdrew and met at Emerson's hall; chose Gen. Benjamin Pierce chairman, John Burnham secretary, and decided to hold a convention at the town-hall in Weare on the third Tues- day of September following, to which the Republicans in all the towns in the county were invited to send delegates.

Isaac Hill in the Patriot characterized the meeting of the Feder- alists "as one of the most scandalous, outrageous and aggravating affairs," he ever witnessed.

At the appointed time, Sept. 20th, one hundred and fifty dele- gates met at the Weare town-house. Ours were Charles George, Bradbury Bailey, Abraham Morrill, Amasa Foster and Samuel Eaton. Fifteen hundred citizens of the county assembled with them. Hon. Robert Alcock was president. They had speeches and resolutions, introduced by Levi Woodbury, a young lawyer

* Hist. of Amherst, p. 123.

t Adj .- Gen.'s Report, 1868, p. 98.

364

HISTORY OF WEARE, NEW HAMPSHIRE.

[1813.

just commencing practice at Francestown, and they published an address. It was their hour of triumph. The report in the Patriot says : "Never was there so great, so respectable a meeting in the county ; never were the citizens of Hillsborough so arduous, so wakeful, so unanimous in the cause of their country." "It was a proud day for Weare."

War with Great Britain was declared June 19, 1812. As in the Revolution, Canada was invaded. Our army had no success this year. Hull disgracefully surrendered Detroit, Aug. 19th, and the Americans near Niagara falls were severely repulsed. To offset this, the American navy, though small, won great honor on the sea. New Hampshire sent a company of soldiers, under Capt. Ephraim H. Mahurin, to guard our northern frontier next to Canada; a few companies were stationed at Concord, and one or two regiments at Portsmouth.

Weare, so far as we can learn, sent but one man to the army this year: Levi Andrews, to whom was paid $4, bounty money.

In 1813 three armies were sent against Canada; one by the way of Lake Champlain, another by Niagara, and the third under Gene- ral Harrison in the west. The armies in the east had small success, but General Harrison won the battle of the Thames, where the In- dian chief Tecumseh was slain, and Commodore Perry gained a glo- rious victory on Lake Erie. Harrison and Perry were the heroes of 1813.

Early in the spring of 1814 the English began to devastate the 'southern coast, and the northern seaport towns were kept in a con- stant state of alarm. A large militia force was marched to Ports- mouth, about five hundred men were stationed at Concord, and another company from Lebanon, Hanover, Lyme and Orford, marched to the northern frontier. Weare sent two men to the army -Ephraim Philbrick, in Capt. Benjamin Bradford's company, and Isaac Grant, in Lieut. Jonathan Butterfield's company.

The battle of Lundy's Lane was fought within sound of Niagara falls, July 25, 1814. General Miller, of New Hampshire, with his famous "I'll try, sir," was the hero of this victory. Gen. John McNeil, of Hillsborough, at the battles of Chippewa and Niagara, by his meritorious conduct, won an honored name. At the battle of Lake Champlain the Americans were also victorious. New Hampshire furnished men in all these engagements. On the sea- coast, the British came north and committed many ravages. Our

Phinehas Stone

365

STONE FAMILY.

1814.]

commerce was completely destroyed, and the lights in the light- houses were put out, for they were of no use, except to the enemy. Several towns in Maine were captured, Stonington, Conn., bom- barded, Baltimore attacked and Washington destroyed. Our only New Hampshire seaport was in a feverish state of alarm. A Brit- ish fleet hovered off the coast, near the Isles of Shoals, all summer. Governor Gilman raised twenty-three regiments and stationed them for defense at Portsmouth.

Weare was required to furnish sixteen* men by draft. Capt. Phinehas Stonet commanded our militia company at that time.

* They were-

Phinehas Stone, Capt., Richard W. Cooper,

William Gray,

William Pope,

Oliver Belcher, James Butterfield,

Luther Locke,

Nathaniel Peaslee,

Jonathan Ordway,

Benjamin Tenney, Jr.,

John Colby,

John Philbrick,

George Woodman.

Jonathan Flanders,

t STONE FAMILY.

Samuel, born in Hartford, Eng., came to America in 1633; settled in Cambridge, Mass., as one of its first clergymen, and soon went with others and founded Hartford, Conn.

Simon, brother of Samuel, came to America in ship Increasein 1634; settled in Cam- bridge, Mass.

Gregory, brother of Samuel and Simon, came to America in 1635, in ship Increase; born in Hartford, Eng., 1590; settled first in Watertown, moved to Cambridge in 1638, and built his homestead on five acres of land on westerly side of Garden street, be- tween Botanic garden and Concord avenue Died Nov. 30, 1672.

John, first child of Gregory, born in Hartford, Eng., 1619; came to America with his father in 1635; settled in Sudbury, afterwards Framingham. In 1656, he purchased from the Indians land at falls of Sudbury river, and owned the larger part of Saxonville. He was freeman at Cambridge, 1665, and representative in 1682-3. Died at homestead in Cambridge May 5, 1683.

Nathaniel, ninth child of John, born at Sudbury, May 11, 1660; selectman 1706, four years ; died at Framingham in 1732.

Ebenezer, second child of Nathaniel, born at Framingham April 16, 1688; died at Framingham in 1743.

Silas, fourth child of Ebenezer, born at Framingham, April 29, 1728; died.

Silas, fifth child of Silas, born at Natick, April 5, 1755; died.

Phinehas, fifth child of Silas, born at Harvard July 3, 1776; died at Charlestown, Mass., January, 1852.

Phinehas Jones, second child of Phinehas, born at Weare, N. H., May 23, 1810.

Joseph Stone, fourth child of Phinehas Jones Stone, was born at Charlestown, Mass., Jan. 4, 1848. Graduated from Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1868 as Civil Engineer, and took the degree of S. B. Entered the office of William H. Thomp- son, Boston, July, 1868, as mill engineer. Became mill engineer for the Manchester Print Works, Manchester, N. H., in 1870, and was appointed agent Feb. 1, 1874. On the reorganization of the company as the Manchester Mills, in April, 1874, he was con- tinued as agent until Sept. 30, 1880. Oct. 1, 1880, was appointed superintendent of the Lower Pacific Mills, Lawrence, Mass., devoted to the manufacture of worsted goods.

He was married, Jan. 12, 1870, to Lillias Biaikie, only daughter of Rev. Alexander Blaikie, D. D., of Boston, who died without children, while living in Dedham, Dec. 26, 1873. He was again married, Feb. 10, 1880, to Minnie Harris, eldest daughter of Horatio Harris, Esq., of Roxbury, Mass., by whom he had a son, Harris Stone, who was born Dec. 4, 1880, and died Aug. 12, 1881; also a daughter, Marion Stone, born Oct. 14, 1882.

He lived at home with his father in Charlestown until 1870, when, after marriage, he moved to Dedham, Mass., where he lived until Feb. 1, 1874, when he moved to Manchester N. H.

PHINEHAS STONE was the son of Silas Stone, born in Harvard, Mass., that part now Boxboro'; he moved to Weare, N. H., about the year 1803; located at Oil Mill Village, built an oil mill, manufactured linseed oil; also kept store.

He married Hannah Jones in 1808; she was born in Londonderry, N. H., April 27, 1783; she kept school at Weare ( Oil Mill Village ) and died at Charlestown, Dec, 17, 1867, aged eighty-four years, 7 months, 20 days; buried in the tomb at Boxboro'. Phinehas Stone was the father of eight children : one daughter and seven sons, all of

David Grant,

George Philbrick,

366

HISTORY OF WEARE, NEW HAMPSHIRE. [1814.

They assembled, and to avoid the forms of a draft it was proposed that the drummer should beat up for volunteers, to form a rank in front of the company line. He did so, and to the surprise of every one, the entire company broke ranks and formed as volunteers. A majority of the company then had to be "drafted to stay at home." Those who went entered the service Sept. 12th, for sixty days, and at once repaired to Portsmouth.

A second detachment was soon called for, and eleven more Weare men* joined for sixty days the company of Capt. James T. Trivett,

whom were born at Weare, N. H., namely : Sarah Stone, Phinehas J., Silas, Josiah, Anios, Jasper, Joseph and Jonathan. All lived to grow up, except Josialı, who died. when an infant.

In 1824 he removed with his family to Charlestown, Mass .; there he kept a groeery store; died at Charlestown, Jan. 9, 1852, aged 76 years; was buried in the tomb which he had built the year before at Boxboro', his native town. Phinehas Stone was eap- tain of a company of New Hampshire detached militia of the first regiment, under Lieut .- Col. N. Fisk, in the war of 1812, went from Weare on or about Sept. 12, 1814, did actual service at Portsmouth, N. H., and was honorably discharged. He was drafted at Goffstown for three months, continued to be eaptain for some time and was sub- sequently ehosen colonel of the regiment.

The daughter, Sarah, married Sethi W. Lewis, of Claremont, N. H .; she died at Charlestown, Mass., April 27, 1872, aged 63 years. Her husband, Seth W. Lewis, died July 1, 1872, aged 66 years.

Phinehas J. Stone,now living in Charlestown, kept a grocery store for a number of years; was elected four years representative to the General Court; also served on the board of selectmen. After Charlestown became a eity he was several years eleeted to the common council and was president of the same; also upon the board of aldermen; and elected mayor for three years 1862-4. He was one of the prison commissioners for Massachusetts, and six years United States assessor for the sixth Massachusetts district. In 1854 was elected president of the Charlestown Five-Cents savings bank, which office he holds at the present time, July, 1885.

Silas Stone, when a young man, worked in New York city at baking; from there went to his native town, Weare, and kept store; from there went to Charlestown, and from there to Stoneham, Mass., where he died March 2, 1842, aged 29 years 5 months 2 days. He married Sarah Ann Hall. They had one son, who died June 22, 1841, aged 22 months; buried in the tomb at Boxboro'.

Amos Stone was city treasurer of Charlestown for eight years, from 1847 to 1855. In 1855 he was elected treasurer for the county of Middlesex and has held the office for thirty years up to the present time, 1885; and has also been treasurer of the Charles- town Five Cents savings bank from 1854 up to the present time. He has also been one of the directors of the Monument National bank for a number of years. He lived in Charlestown till 1873, when he removed to Everctt, Mass., where lie now (1885) resides. He is married, but has no children.

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The history of Weare, New Hampshire, 1735-1888, Part 41

Author: Little, William, 1833-1893. cn Publication date: 1888 Publisher: Lowell, Mass., Printed by S. W. Huse & Co. Number of Pages: 1240

Author: Little, William, 1833-1893. cn
Publication date: 1888
Publisher: Lowell, Mass., Printed by S. W. Huse & Co.
Number of Pages: 1240