USA > New Hampshire > Rockingham County > Windham > The history of Windham in New Hampshire (Rockingham country). 1719-1883. A Scotch settlement (commonly called Scotch-Irish), embracing nearly one third of the ancient settlement and historic township of Londonderry, N.H > Part 20
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170
HISTORY OF WINDHAM IN NEW HAMPSHIRE.
uncommon thing for men to return from military trainings and town-meetings with shining faces, and this lustre they obtained not on Mount Horeb.
LIGHT BREAKS IN. - TEMPERANCE REFORMATION, 1831.
But the dawning of a brighter day was at hand, and the hour of liberation of many from this evil was rapidly approaching. The conscience of the community was to be aroused to newness of life, and the fruits of this quickening were to be found in happier homes, in nobler and purer men and women, and in the discarding utterly of the use of intoxicating liquors as a beverage.
Apparently, the minds of the people were first called to the subject of temperance by the "Society for the Reformation of Morals," organized in 1815, and noticed elsewhere. About 1828, a temperance society was formed, and a number signed the total- abstinence pledge. This society did not take deep root in the community, its fruits were not abundant, and its members were the subjects of ridicule.
The first real temperance reformation commenced in 1831. That year a powerful revival of religion took place, and Tem- perance being the handmaid of Christianity, they went together, and the results are felt to the present time. At that period, a large number of men and women changed their course of life, abandoned the use of liquors, and became the true friends of temperance and workers in its canse.
The prevailing sentiment of the town now is strongly on the side of temperance.
PAUPERISM. - FIRST WARNING OUT OF TOWN, MAY 21, 1751.
There were few panpers in our carly settlement. Those who became needy were undoubtedly aided by their friends, or by the gratuitous aid of the people, and thus avoided being a town charge. I find mention of only three persons who were aided by the town previous to the Revolution. After that time, those needing assistance became more numerons, on account of the war, the disturbed condition of affairs, depreciation in the currency, and other causes.
By an act passed May, 1719, it was enacted, "That if any per- son come to sojourn in any town in the province and be there received and entertained by the space of three months, and not having been warned by the constable to leave the place, and the names of such persons, with the time of their abode there, and when such warning was given, returned to the quarter sessions ; such person shall be reputed an inhabitant of such town, and the town liable to maintain such person. It is also enacted, that any person so warned ont, and neglecting for fourteen days to remove, may, by warrant from the next justice of the peace, be sent from constable to constable unto the town where he properly belongs,
FIRST PERSON WARNED OUT OF THE TOWN, MAY 21, 1751. 171
or had his last residence, at his own charge, if able to pay the same, or otherwise at the charge of the town sending him.""
The law seems harsh, but apparently no real cruelty was occa- sioned by it. If the individual was " warned out " according to law, the town was relieved of the expense of supporting him if he became a public charge, and the county or town of which he was a resident became responsible.
By the town records it appears that, May 21, 1751, Robert Adams was the first person warned out of town, and was probably the first pauper after incorporation. The following was the form generally used for warning persons from the town: -
Province of To Mr. Joseph Clyde Constable of Windham, New Hampshire S Greeting.
We the subscribers being informed that one Robert Adams, a transient person with a family hath come to Windham to inhabit from Londonderry some time in April last, and we being sensible that he the said Adams hath not wherewith to maintain himself and family at present, these are therefore to command you in His Majesty's name, forthwith to warn the said Robert Adams to depart forthwith out of Windham, with his family, or at least in fourteen days after the date hereof, and of this make return to us, and your doings therein, and this shall be your warrant. Given under our hands and seals at Windham this twentieth day of May, and in the twenty-fourth year of His Majesty's Reign, A. D. 1751.
SAMUEL CAMPBELL, HUGH BROWN, Selectmen. GEORGE DAVIDSON,
Windham, May the 21st 1751. Then was the above warrant made service of as the law directs. JOSEPH CLYDE, Constable .*
The next person who appears upon the scene is "Mary Galt, a widow," from Londonderry. She was "warned out of town" July 31, 1751. The warning seems to have been practised upon every new resident, and often upon those who became the most respectable and thrifty citizens. The first case on record was in 1751, and the practice continued till 1780, and perhaps later.
In 1780, Joseph Corliss was constable, and in the discharge of his official duties warned out of town an attractive young French girl, who subsequently became his wife. This romance will be found recorded in the history of the Corliss family.
This custom did not always shake off the person warned, and sometimes the town was obliged to render aid. For many years after 1751 the name of no one appears upon the records, who was aided by the town. If there were such, no mention is made of the fact. "Exceeding peace" reigned in the township. None
* Town Records, vol. i, pp. 50, 51.
172
HISTORY OF WINDHAM IN NEW HAMPSHIRE.
were rich, most were poor; but by frugality and perseverance they kept the "wolf from the door."
Oct. 22, 1770. - In the warrant was an article to see what the town " thought proper to be done with [a poor person ], in his pres- ent indigent circumstances." Also, what it would allow " Arthur Darrah for his care and charge" of him. Voted, that the selectmen provide "A good Strong Cloath Jacket and Briches" for him, and " line them both with red base-and carrie him to boston free, and then give him five Dollars to help him for time to come." *
Voted "Arthur Darrah 18 shillings for his trouble" with this same party.
Jan. 14, 1774. - The selectmen of Windham petitioned the Conneil held at Portsmouth for the "allowance of their acc'ts" for the support of one James Gillespy, an indigent stranger who came there about the middle of December, 1772, and died Oct. 29, 1773. On this £15. 8s. 3d. was voted, on condition that the selectmen of Windham furnish proof that the sd Gillespie was a pauper stranger, and could not have been removed from town during his sickness. t
This was proven, and the town paid no province rates in 1774, they being balanced by the amount expended by the town for Gillespy. The next person in necessitous circumstances was James Brown. He was a hard subject, and occasioned much · legislation. "Voted, Dec. 15, 1774, that William Campbell and William Gregg, Jr., shall go through the west side of this parish and receive what grain they can get gratis to support James Brown, as long as it will last, and when that is done the selectmen shall make further provision for him, and the selectmen shall agree with any person to get his fire wood this year that will do it cheapest." "James Brown and his wife troubled the town in 1776. Voted "to have James Brown to be continued in the house he now lives in-at the discretion of the selectmen for his maintenance."
In 1777 a new method was inaugurated. It was selling the paupers at public auction.
Sept. 4, 1777. - Voted, "That James Brown and his wife is to be vendned to the lowest bidder."
THEY STILL TROUBLE THE TOWN, SEPT. 8, 1778.
Sept. 8, 1778. - Voted, "Concerning James Brown and wife - that they be vendned for the ensuing year to the lowest bidder by the selectmen."
James Brown troubles the town no more, but his widow does.
Sept. 9, 1779. - "Voted, that the widow Brown be set up to the lowest Bidder."
* Town Records, vol. i, p. 163.
t Provincial Papers, vol. vii, p. 25.
173
THE TOWN PASSES A SENSIBLE VOTE, JULY 14, 1780.
April 10, 1780, -an article to see what the town will do to procure a place for Mary KyJe to stay at, her grandfather paying while he is able. She was a " young woman." It was voted to vendue Mary Kyle for three months " to the lowest bidder."
July 14, 1780. - " Voted, that the selectmen assess money to defray charges for supporting Mary Kyle."
" Voted, to support Mary Kyle and Janet Kyle for one year by classing the town into thirteen classes, according to poll and estate, and each class to take care of them four weeks." *
A SENSIBLE VOTE.
July 14, 1780. - " Voted, that the Selectmen treat with Dr. or Drs. in order to help those Lunatick Gorrils, and in case they do no visible good they are to have no pay."
Aug. 29, 1780. - Voted, that Sarah Brown be maintained for one year by classes, the same as the Kyles are supported.
Sept. 17, 1781. - Widow Brown maintained by classes this year, four weeks to a class. Mary Kyle becomes insane, and occasions trouble.
Sept. 10, 1782. - Widow Brown supported by classes.
Aug. 15, 1783. - Voted, Widow Sarah Brown to be vendued for the year. Voted, that the three lunatic Gorrils be classed, or supported by classes.
Aug. 31, 1784. - Widow Brown was vendued to the lowest bidder.
The same in 1785.
1786. - Widow Brown vendued.
1787. - Widow Brown vendued to lowest bidder for one year, " if she lives so long."
1788. - She still lives. " Votted, to let the Widow Sarah Brown to the lowest bidder." She probably died during the year, as her name is not met again upon the records, and the town and her own poverty trouble her no more. For in the " grave's democ- racy " there is no distinction between the rich and poor, but all find a quiet resting-place in the calm, peaceful bosom of mother earth.
March 12, 1789. - " Voted, that James Waugh have eight bushels of Indian corn at the end of one year from the 12 of March, 1789, providing he keeps the Widow Collins Clear of any other charges of this town."
April 24, 1792. - " Voted, that the town be classed as formerly for the support of Mary Kyle."
1793. - The town pays Dr. Wood six dollars for attending Nancy Currier in her last sickness, and paid Samuel Senter for trouble and funeral charges.
1793 .- Paid funeral charges of Polly, formerly wife of Ezra Wilds, 18s. 3d.
Town Records, vol. i, p. 235.
174
HISTORY OF WINDIIAM IN NEW HAMPSHIRE.
Aug. 27, 1798. - Mary Kyle's (deceased) effects are dis- posed of .*
Nov. 30, 1798. - Margaret Caswell asks aid of the town. Voted, to send her to Boston, and Abner Campbell performs the service at the lowest figures.
And so the record goes, - some persons being aided by the town as a town, and some apparently in the town's capacity as a parish; for church and state were not then separated.
Nov. 4, 1808. - John Plummer, an indigent person, was ven- dued, " and John Simpson bid him off at 55 cents per week to the first day of April, 1809."
Oct. 12, 1810. - Alexander Brown was vendued; struck off for eight weeks at $1.95 per week, another eight weeks at $2.00 per week, and struck off for the succeeding four weeks.
Aug. 10, 1811. - John Walkins was vendued for three months at $1.00 per week, and the next three months at 98 cents per week.
1811 .- Francis Adams was struck off for six months at $1.00 per week.
1814. - Rebecca Montgomery cared for by selectmen.
" Voted, that the selectmen use a discretionary power to sup- port the poor in the cheapest manner they can have them decently taken care of." -- Annual Meeting, 1814.
March 10, 1818. - "Voted, that the selectmen sell the town paupers at auction to the lowest bidder."
Aug. 17, 1818. - The town voted to defend the suit brought by the town of Nottingham West (now Hudson) against the town of Windham for the support of widow Sarah Lynch.
ATe May 3, 1819. - Voted, and chose an agent to prosecute to final judgment and execution, any town in this State that he the said agent shall find chargeable with the maintenance of one John Willson, a transient person who has become chargeable to the town of Windham. Chose Lieut. Samuel Davidson.
FIRST OVERSEER OF THE POOR CHOSEN, 1820.
The custom of venduing the poor to the lowest bidder, or sup- porting them by classes (the town being divided into classes or districts), continued till 1819, probably till March 14, 1820, when the town for the first time chose an "overseer of the poor," he being Capt. Barnet Hughes.
The practice of selling the poor was an exceedingly bad one, and could not but have a demoralizing effect upon the community which practised it. The auction took place usually immediately after the town-meeting, and the paupers were bid off for longer and shorter periods, but oftentimes for one year. Many of the unfortunates were so by their own habits and life, and their com-
* Town Records, vol. ii, p. 151.
175
A TOWN FARM PURCHASED, JAN. 18, 1838.
panionship would not be sought by thrifty, well-to-do people. The consequence was they were commonly "bid off " by persons of small means, and oftentimes by those who barely escaped being town charges themselves, but to whom the prospect of a few dollars of ready money was very tempting. The treatment of the poor was harsh, and in some instances cruel, when they fell into the hands of an unsympathizing and avaricions family. This practice was common in most towns, and was continued in some many years after it was discontinued in Windham. It became repugnant to the moral sense of our people, and was discontinued. A more humane and Christian method took its place.
Overseers were elected as follows :-
1822. - Samuel Anderson.
1823. - JJeremiah Morrison.
1824, Nov. 1. - Janet Kyle married - Lidgard. She was still deranged, and was very troublesome to some of our people. It was voted in town-meeting on this date that Capt. John Campbell shall convey her to the town where her husband lives.
1825. - Alexander Gordon.
1826. - Alexander Gordon.
1827. - John Hopkins.
1828. - Jonathan Cochran.
1829. - Eben C. Foster, third selectman, had " special care of the poor," and it became a rule for the third selectman to have charge of the poor.
A TOWN FARM PURCHASED. JAN. 18, 1838.
From this time to the date of purchase of the town farm, the selectmen had sole charge and care of the poor. Improved methods in their management had been adopted in other towns, and carried on successfully and economically. Farms had been purchased and stocked, where the poor were placed in charge of a superintendent, to be supported. The plan worked well. So, March 13, 1837, at the annual meeting, the selectmen, Samuel W. Simpson, Robert M. Campbell, Alexander Park, were ap- pointed a committee to find at what price a suitable farm could be purchased and stocked for the support of the poor, and to see what would be the probable expense of the farm and hiring an agent, over and above the probable income, and report at the next legal meeting. They investigated and came to the conclu- sion that it was expedient to purchase a farm.
Dec. 4, 1837, it was voted " to purchase a farm on which to keep the Panpers of this town, also household furniture, stock, and necessary implements to carry on the same." A committee was chosen, consisting of Jonathan Parker, Alexander Gordon, and Capt. William Campbell, with " discretionary power to make said purchase," and were to act for the interests of the town.
Jan. 18, 1838, a farm of eighty-five acres, to which small pieces were subsequently added, and which is now owned by Frederick J. Hughes, was purchased of Levi York, of Lowell, for
176
HISTORY OF WINDHAM IN NEW HAMPSHIRE.
fifteen hundred dollars. The farm was formerly owned by Henry Campbell, and also his son David Campbell. The buildings were fitted up for the "almshouse," and the place became known as the "town farm."
SURPLUS REVENUE APPROPRIATED FOR TOWN FARM, 1838.
In 1836, the "surplus revenue" of the United States then in the vaults of the treasury at Washington, consisting of twenty- eight millions, was by act of Congress distributed among the several States. By an act of the New Hampshire legislature, approved Jan. 13, 1837, her amount was divided among the sev- eral towns.
March 14, 1837, Windham voted to accept her share under the provisions of the act, and David Armstrong was appointed an agent to receive it. This money was appropriated for the pur- chase of the town farm.
March 13, 1838, it was voted that the almshouse shall be a house of correction, and a code of rules and by-laws was adopted for the management of its inmates. These by-laws and regulations were "iron-elad, " and gave the superintendent and overseers of the poor almost absolute power over persons com- mitted to the house of correction. These rules were made in conformity with an act which passed the Legislature Dec. 16, 1828.
One of these rules provided that any rogue or vagabond, lewd, idle, or disorderly person or persons, going about juggling or beg- ging, or persons using any subtle craft, unlawful games, or plays, or persons pretending to have any knowledge in physiognomy or palmistry, or persons pretending they can tell destinies or fortunes, or discover by any spells or magie art where lost or stolen goods may be found, common pipers, fiddlers, runaways, stubborn servants or children, common drunkards, etc., upon a complaint being made in writing, and a conviction before any justice of the peace for Rockingham County, may be com- mitted to said house of correction for the term of 90 days, and " shall be confined to hard labor, and to wear fetters or shackles or be confined in a dark cell and fed on bread and water." The superintendent "was empowered to inflict any or all of these punishments as he might think reasonable."' The overseers of the poor had authority, by a written order to the superintendent, to remit the punishment of any offender, and release any one from the house of correction at any time before the expiration of term of commitment.
Though these rules sound hard and arbitrary, there is no reason to suppose but that the worthy poor were properly cared for, or that the idle, vicions, and disorderly received more punish- ment than they deserved. The "dark cell" was never occu- pied, to my knowledge, nor were "fetters or shackles " applied. Superintendents were hired year by year, who, with their fami-
177
ANNUAL EXPENSES FOR THE POOR, FROM 1870 TO 1882.
lies, moved into the ahnshouse and house of correction, and superintended the affairs of the household, the paupers, crim- inals, and the farm. The pauper class was supported comfort- ably in this manner, and it was a great improvement upon the former harsh method of venduing the dependents upon town charity to the lowest bidder.
In the warrant of the annual meeting, March, 1867, was this article: "To see if the town will vote to abolish pauper settle- ments in towns, and throw the entire support of panpers upon counties." Also another, containing this clause : "Is it expe- dient to have a county farm?" On both articles the town decided in the affirmative.
THE TOWN FARM SOLD. - DEED GIVEN, NOV. 14, 1868.
Aug. 29, 1868 .- Voted to sell the town farm, in the autumn of that year, but gave the selectmen power "to proceed as they thought best for the interest of the town." They sold the farm to James C. Cloyd, and Nov. 3, 1868, the town instructed them to give a deed, and the money received for it was paid to Col. Thomas Nesmith, of Lowell, to whom the town was indebted. The farm of 123 acres was sold for $2,200, and deeded to James C. Cloyd, Jr., Nov. 14, 1868; the personal property was sold for $1,097.75. Total, 83,297.75.
Since the sale of the town farm, the annual expenses for the poor have been as follows, as shown by the town reports of these years.
1870, 8510 60 1871, 495 04 1874, 8787 95 1879, $240 30 1875, 583 88 1880, 358 86 1872, 446 95 1876, 555 42 1881, 297 95
1873, 441 95 1877, 364 96 1882, 37 25 t
1878, 293 71
The appropriation for the purchase of the county farm was made June, 1869. The farm was bought in Brentwood, and the house was built by a building committee, consisting of John R. Radding, of Portsmouth ; H. P. Hood, of Derry ; and William Robinson, of Exeter. Its first occupants were received April, 1870. The first itemized report and inventory of county expenses was made for 1871-72, by W. S. Pillsbury, of London- derry, of the board of county commissioners.
But few of our poor have been supported at the county farm. Since the sale of the town farm they have been wholly under the charge of the selectmen, and they have ever been treated with kindness. Those "to the manor born" have not been forced to go to the county farm, away from the friends and acquaintances of a life-time, but with a delicate consideration for their feelings, parties have been hired to provide for them, where they would fare as well, and have as many comforts as would be found in the homes of many of our most thrifty citizens. Others who pre- ferred, or had no choice, have been sent to the county farm.
178
IIISTORY OF WINDHAM IN NEW HAMPSHIRE.
CHAPTER XV.
ACCIDENTS. - SUDDEN DEATHS. - FRESHETS. - FIRES, ETC.
It is impossible to give a complete list of the fatal accidents which have occurred in Windham, of the numerous fires, of the sudden deaths. In many cases the dates are wanting. The fol- lowing catalogue does not always record them in the order of their occurrence.
1721. - About this time a boy was killed by the Indians on Golden Brook. 1780, Aug. 25. - Jane McCoy was killed by the bears in the woods of West Windham, according to tradition. Before John Morison, coroner, the verdict was, "The said Jane McCoy did die in the woods without the knowledge of any person whatsoever, part of the bones of the said Jane being found in the woods." -A child of Samnel Kinkead was drowned in a well, at the place now occupied by Isaiah W. Haseltine.
1786, Nov. 5. - "Mary Spaulding, a widow woman, did die by misfortune on the morning of the aforesaid day by falling backward into a small well and was drowned."
1787, July 31. - Sarah, daughter of Robert Stuart, five years of age, was drowned in a well. This well was in the pasture of Albert A. Morrison, in the Range. - One of the ladies of Windham, who had been to Salem, Mass., and sold the products of her loom, when near her house was thrown from her horse and had her leg broken.
1794, Sept. - The barn on the W. D. Cochran place, owned by James Cochran, was struck by lightning and consumed.
1796. - George Davidson was run over by his loaded team and killed.
1799, Sept. 17 .- Caleb Balch slid down the side of the barn head-fore- most, between the boards and the hay, and was smothered to death.
1801, June 16. - Benjamin Dow was struck by lightning in a house in Malden, Mass., and was killed. - The house on the Balch place, now occupied by Moses C. Page, was destroyed by fire, previous to 1800. The family were at church on the Hill, and when the news reached them, there was a general stampede for the scene of the fire, and the services broke up. - Theophilus Dinsmoor was using a cross-bow. Upon suapping the string, it slipped over the arrow, and the rebound of the bow caught the string on the head of the arrow and drove it back into his head, putting out an eye. - John Montgomery dropped dead in the field while making a band to tie his grain.
1804, Sept. 8. - A great fire in Simeon Dustin's woods.
1807. - The bridges ou Beaver Brook were carried away by a freshet.
179
ACCIDENTS, SUDDEN DEATHIS, FRESHETS, AND FIRES.
1811, Feb. 27. - Jesse Anderson froze to death. - March 29. Henry Campbell's house was burned. - April 11. Mrs. Ama, wife of Lient. Robert Smith, an old lady, was burned to death by fall- ing into an open fire. - Raphael Smith (colored), who lived with Lient. Robert Smith, died suddenly while sitting upon a wheel- barrow. - Sept. Joseph Park's house partially burned. - Isaac Dinsmoor's house was burned at an early date.
1819. - About this year, Thomas Sargent, who lived near Fletcher's Corner, was killed by being run over by his load of wood. - Samnel Gregg's hand was mutilated by the bursting of his gun, clate not known.
1821. - James Gilmore Davidson was killed in Brooks, Me., by a falling tree. - Aug. 28. Moses Sargent's barn, on what is now the Elijah L. Watts place, was struck by lightning and destroyed. - Peter Smith (colored) was killed by the limb of a falling tree.
1822. - The school-honse in District No. I was burned.
1830, Sept. - About the year 1830, in the month of September, a muster of the Eighth Regiment took place in Pelham; and the next day, as the cannon was being carried to Derry, a salute was fired at Windham, opposite the store of Wilson & Nesmith. The parties in charge were not experienced; and after one discharge, before the cannon had been properly swabbed out, another cartridge was put in, and Samuel Wilson was ramming it in when a pre- mature discharge took place. Mr. Wilson's face was badly burned, and his arms and hands were torn in a shocking manner. He lingered in great suffering for some five days, when death ended the scene. He was about twenty-eight years of age, ser- geant of the Windham company, was a good townsman, and much respected. Ilis sad fate cast a deep gloom over the community.
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