USA > New Hampshire > Hillsborough County > Manchester > Willey's semi-centennial book of Manchester, 1846-1896, comprised within the limits of the old Tyng Township, Nutfield, Harrytown, Derryfield, and Manchester, from the earliest settlements to the present time > Part 4
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managed. Judge Clough was a lawyer of the old school. He disliked sensational or criminal cases, but had a very large practice in settling estates and in general civil court business. He was a man whosc word was as good as his bond, and by his own sterling integrity and strict attention to the necds of his clients, he accumulated a handsome property. In early life he was a member of the Freewill Baptist church, but in later years he attended Grace Epis- copal church. He was a member of Wash- ington Lodge of Ma- sons, a director in the Amoskcag National bank, a trustce of the Amoskcag Savings bank, and a charter member of the Board of Trade. Charitable enterprises always found in him a liberal friend and valucd ad- viser. Judge Clough was a man of broad cul- turc, of rare literary ability, possessing an unusual acquaintance with the classics and the standard works of several languages. He had a strong taste for historical study, and had spent considerable time in gathering val- uable data for a history of Canterbury. He shunned public life, preferring to enjoy his library. his home, and his family. Hc is survived by his wifc, and two children, Rebecca Louisc, born Dec. 16, 1863, now the wife of S. L. Whipple of Brook- line, Mass., and Albert Lucien, born June 24. 1869. now a well known electrical engineer of Manchester.
LUCIEN B. CLOUCH.
D AVID P. PERKINS was born in Meredith. now Laconia, Jan. 29, 1810, a son of Deacon Josiah Perkins, a native of Newmarket, and Lydia (Sanborn) Perkins, born in Exeter Feb. 17. 1773.
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WILLEY'S BOOK OF NUTFIELD.
Hle was descended from John Perkins, Sr., who came to this country from Bristol, England, in 1631, in the same ship with Roger Williams, and settled in what is now Ipswich, Mass. Ilis mother's emigrant ancestor was Rev. Stephen Bacheler, who came to America in 1632 and settled near what is now Hampton. In his boy- hood he recited to Dudley Leavitt, the founder of Leavitt's Farmers' Almanac. In the spring of 1826 he entered the New Hampton Academy as a student, where he remained two terms. He then sought employment in Boston to secure means
DAVID P. PERKINS.
for further instruction, where he was introduced to Dr. Francis Wayland, who was about to enter upon the presidency of Brown University. He accompanied Dr. Wayland to Providence, lived in his family, and recited to him daily for six months. He then returned to New Hampton in June, 1827, teaching school during the winter months, and graduated in the fall of 1830. Subsequently he taught school in Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts, and finally settled in Manchester in June, 1841. He was the first male teacher in town.
Owing to impaired health, he finally gave up
teaching and purchased a bookstore, in connection with which he established a small circulating library. Meanwhile he studied law with Hon. George W. Morrison, and was admitted to the bar in 1849. He was special justice of the police court in 1848, and assistant clerk of the house of representatives in 1849, '50, and '51. Ile was a law partner in Manchester with Hon. Moses Norris, then United States senator from this state, from 1849 to 1853; was appointed to a clerkship in the pension office in Washington in the latter year, and remained in the government service ten years. He was for several terms Master of B. B. French Lodge of Masons.
On Icaving Washington hc resided in Hen- nikcr until 1869, when he returned to Manchester and practiced law in company with his son until 1885, when he retired from active work. In Henniker he was Master of Aurora Lodge of Masons, and was a charter member and an officer of the Woods Chapter of that town. Hc won great favor in the government service by the skilful detection of forged bounty land claims, involving a large number of cases. He travelled extensively as a government agent through the south and southwest, as well as the northern and middle states, attending sessions of the United States court, in which, from first to last, he obtained thirty-six convictions and saved to the government about $3,000,000. Mr. Perkins was one of the original members of the first lodge of Odd Fellows organized in Manchester, Hills- borough Lodge No. 2, instituted Dee. 21, 1843. He was a pioneer in the matter of introducing vocal and instrumental music into the public schools.
He married Lydia C., daughter of Ebenezer and Betsey (Green) Lane of Pittsfield, June 26, 1836, who died Oct. 13, 1838, leaving one son, David L. Perkins, born March 2, 1838. His second marriage was, April 16, 1839, to Mary Melissa, daughter of Col. Imri and Hannah (Patterson) Woods of Henniker, who died in this city several years ago. His children by his second wife werc : Lydia Melissa, born Feb. 16, 1840, who died at the age of five years, and Mary Eliza, born May 24, 1841, who died in this city Junc 13, 1889. Mr. Perkins is a member of the People's Baptist church.
1220900 PARKS AND COMMONS OF MANCHESTER.
W IILE Manchester may well feel proud of her regular system of streets and her twin rows of shade and ornamental trees, she has cvcn greater reason to rejoice over her liberal allotment of parks and commons. The wisdom of the carly architects of the city in providing against a crowded condition of the dwellings outside of the central portions can now be scen, while in no respect did they show wiser forethought than in
kcag Manufacturing Company in 1839, before the first land sale, and docdcd to the city in 1848, with the consideration that it should be surrounded by an iron fence within three years. The fence has never been built, but it is presumed that the con- tract has been fulfilled in intent by the laying of a granite curbing as a substitute. This common is well shaded, has beautiful walks, is provided with scats, and is a most delightful spot. Formerly
KUBURNĀ CRO
MERRIMACK COMMON, FROM TOP OF PEMBROKE BLOCK.
reserving for public benefit those little rcalms of nature amid the scenes of overcrowded tencment houses and business blocks. Manchester has now three parks and six commons, covering in all an area of 142.8 acres, which may be described as follows :
there was a small pond ncar the centre, fed by Mile Brook, but this was filled in and a fountain now marks its site. Concord common contains 4.48 acres and is valucd at $200,000.
Merrimack common, comprising 5.89 acres, valued at $200,000, is the largest in the city. Its deed of conveyance bears date of 1848, and its conditions have so far been filled that it is sur- rounded by the desired iron fence. Mr. Potter, describing these grounds in 1856, says: "This is a beautiful and picturesque common. Milc Brook
Taken in the order in which they were laid out, Concord square, bounded by Amherst and Concord streets on the south and north respcc- tively, and Pine and Vine streets on the cast and west, claims the precedence. This was planned and reserved for a public resort by the Amos- passes through it, furnishing a beautiful pond in
35
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WILLER'S BOOK OF NUTFIELD,
its centre, while on the southeast part of it, a por- beauty. Near the centre of this common stands tion of the original forest remains, adding a cool the soldiers' monument, raised "in honor of the men of Manchester who gave their service in the war which preserved the union of the states and secured equal rights to all under the constitu- tion." This common is bounded on the east and west by Chestnut and Elm streets, and on the south and north by Central and Merrimack streets. and quiet shade from the scorching sun of summer. Brook trout originally abounded in this pond, but the horned pout has driven them from it. The muskrat burrows in the banks of this square and their gambols in the water and upon its surface, of a moonlight evening, are among the pleasant features of this square." All this has changed in Tremont common was deeded to the city Jan. 25, 1848, by the same company as the others, and is doubtless the most pleasantly situated square in Manchester. It contains 2.25 acres and the forty years that have passed since the above was written ; the original trees have been sup- planted by others brought from a distance, mostly
ROSPECT
ST
+ DERRYFIELD .. ...
PARK +
+ MANCHESTER, N. H. +
1890 . .
& CITY ENGINEER'S . DEPARTMENT . WINFELD H DENNETT Cap Tysar
----
RoaD
STAE
BRIDGE STREET ROAD
PEARL ST
MAMMOTH
C
BEACON ST
WESTON ST
HIGHLAND S
elms and maples, the muskrats and horned pouts have been killed or driven away; the pond has been filled in with earth and a grass-grown surface now lies where erstwhile its waters shimmered in the sunlight ; Mile Brook even has been buried its entire length. But if robbed of all these, Merri- mack common has beauties and attractions to take Hanover common, without curbing or fence, and lying between Hanover street on the south and Amherst on the north, Beech street on the east and Union on the west, contains an even three aeres, valued at $100,000. It was given to their places. Its network of conerete walks, run- ning at almost all angles, are bordered with rows of shade and ornamental trees, its well cared for lawns are carpeted throughout the summer with a rich, green, velvety sward that is unrivalled in the city in 1852, when improvements were soon
is valued at $40,000. It has an iron fence around it, has conerete walks, a liberal number of hand- some shade trees and a fountain. Its boundary lines are Bridge street on the north, Union on the east, High on the south, and Pine street on the west side.
MYRTLE GT
ORANGE ST
₦
ROAD
WILLEY'S BOOK OF NUTFIELD.
37
after begun. This square, too, until 1887, boastcd of its pond made by damming that now lost stream, Mile Brook, which flowed diagonally across it. With a gentle slope on all sides running down to the basin-like valley in its centre, its wide walks, its profusion of ornamental trees and pleasant sur- roundings, a prettier or morc restful spot so near the bustle and excitement of busy streets cannot well be found.
Park common is of more recent improvement than the others, its shade trees are smaller and more scattering, its grassy carpet thinner, but
south, and Coolidge avenue on the east and north, is the only public common across the river, as well as the youngest and smallest of the city squares. It will doubtless be improved at an early day, when it will become an attractive oasis in the midst of a working city.
These comprise the public commons of Man- chester, there being several private grounds of greater or less extent, besides that open plot of over six acres belonging to the Amoskeag Manu- facturing Company's reservoir in the northcast part of the city. This reservoir is of sufficient
PLAN OF STARK PARK
- AT -
MANCHESTER, N. H.
MERRIMACK
ROAD
MONIALAL
DEPOT
RIVER
RIVER
OUTLOOK
0
somewhat elevated and very level, it is a glad breathing place to the many living in that vicinity. It was a gift of the Amoskeag Manufacturing Company, is surrounded by a granite curbing, has wide concrete walks and a fountain near the centre. It contains 3.49 acres and is valued at $60,000. It lies in nearly a perfect square, and is bounded on the south by Cedar street, the west by Chestnut, the north by Lakc avenue, and the east by Pine street.
Simpson common, laid out in 1895, and con- taining .056 of an acre in a three-cornered shape, bounded by Beauport strect on the west, Amory
size to hold 11,000,000 gallons of water, which is pumpcd from the Merrimack. The enclosure is surrounded by a picket fence and high terrace. The grounds about the city reservoir at the Centre are also quite attractive, and afford a pleasant view of the surrounding country.
Derryfield park, lying at an elevation that commands an extensive view of the country, has rapidly come into favor by those who have found opportunity to pass if but an hour within its retired domain. Its boundaries are the Mammoth road on the east, Bridge street on the south. Belmont on the west, and land of the Amoskeag
38
WILLET'S BOOK OF NUTFIELD.
Manufacturing Company on the north. An open tract comprising the western part affords a beau- tiful green with sloping sides, while the eastern portion is covered with its natural growth and retains its wildwood charms. A bicycle track has been built in the open grounds, and well made carriage drives and footpaths wind in and out of the pleasant retreat. Derryfield park contains 68 acres, and is valued at $25,000.
Stark park will ever be hallowed ground
upper portion has been cleared and seeded down, while a fine carriage drive in the form of a half circle has been built, running from the southeast corner down near to the centre and thence to the northeast corner. The park has an area of 30 acres and is valued at $9,000. The grave of the hero of Bennington is at the brink of the steepest part of the descent and on a summit that overlooks the Merrimack, a plain granite shaft marking the sacred spot.
NC
-
SOUTH MAIN STREET BRIDGE, MANCHESTER.
to those who revere the memory of him who sleeps within its peaceful inclosure. Sloping toward the westward, with a fringe of original growth at its lower edge, a delightful panorama of the Merrimack valley and its setting of hills is presented to the beholder, the " silver river " of the red man's joy cutting in twain the charming landscape. Though it has been only three years since improvements were commenced in this park, very much has already been done toward develop- ing and making accessible the grounds. The
Oak Hill park, which might be considered an extension of Derryfield, is the latest candidate for public favor, and it promises from its picturesque situation and commanding view to become no mean rival. It was laid out in 1895 and comprises 25.65 acres of wild land bordering upon the high service reservoir on this elevation. If from no other reason, Oak Hill park should be a favorite resort on account of the grand and far-reaching panorama of country here unfolded to the gaze of him who seeks its outlook.
CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN MANCHESTER.
THE religion known as Christian Science has many adherents in Manchester. Those who profess this faith acknowledge one supreme God, and take the Scriptures for their guide. They acknowledge the divinity of Christ and man as the divine image and likeness. They believe that sin and suffering are not eternal. They hold the way of salvation, as demonstrated by Jesus, to be the power of truth over all error, sin, siekness, and death. Their curative system is based on the metaphysical theory of the unreality or non-existence of matter. The first
MRS. MARY F. BERRY.
teacher and demonstrator of this religion in Manchester was Mrs. Mary F. Berry, C. S. D., a graduate of the Massachusetts Metaphysical College. One who knows Mrs. Berry well thus writes of her :
She started the work in 1882, taught a few classes, and was the instrument through which some good cases of healing were performed. Hoping to learn more of this gospel of glad tidings, she removed to Boston for a time, but was sent back by Divine Love to carry on the work which she had begun in Manchester.
She has labored indefatigably for the upbuilding of this cause, and with her faithful students organized, in 1894, the "First Church of Christ, Scientist," in this city, with twenty-three charter members. Mrs. Berry is a native of Hooksett, N. H .. but early went to Massachusetts, where for several years she was a successful dealer in dry and fancy goods in a suburb of Boston. Her parents were John H. and Mary G. Mitchell. and she is a descendant of the large family of Mitchells so well known in Manchester forty years ago. Mrs. Berry is a woman of fine presence and a fluent talker, and opponents of Chris- tian Science find her a close and logical reasoner. Unassumirg in manner, a true and generous friend, and a believer in " malice toward none and charity for all," it is evident that none but Divine Principle chose her as a pioneer and standard bearer in the cause of Truth.
The following account of the Christian Seience movement has been prepared for this work by Mrs. Berry :
Scientific mind healing was discovered in 1866 by Rev. Mary Baker Eddy, when she was supposed to be on the confines of that mysterious region whence one traveller only (Jesus) has returned. While earnestly praying that she might see every step of the way through the dark valley. it dawned upon her that death is but an incident in mortal existence which is abolished with the true understanding of Life or God. This light was sufficient to banish from her the gloomy cloud of death, and has increased with years, enabling her to establish the most practical religion which the world has known since the days of Jesus the Christ. In its short life of thirty years it has made amazing progress, and its followers now have two hundred incorporated churches in the United States. while numerous detached bodies worship in a less formal manner. Next to the Bible the followers of Christian Science hold in reverence the book of faith which Mrs. Eddy published in 1875. It is called "Science and Health, with Key to the Scriptures." and has reached its one hundredth edition of one thousand copies each. It is a key to the Gospel in the light of Christian knowledge as revealed to Mrs. Eddy. This religion has nearly as many fol- lowers in Europe as in America, and among these are persons of prominence in political, literary, and artistic life. The church which Mrs. Eddy founded in Boston is designated the Mother Church, and is considered the VINE. all other churches of this faith being called the BRANCHES. The church edifice in Boston cost nearly a quarter of a million dollars. and was dedicated Jan. 6, 1895. Christian Scientists in all parts of this country and in other countries belong to this church. which has now over 6,000 members.
It is safe to aver that no other religion requires so complete self-abnegation, or such purity of thought and life. as does Christian Science, and no other has a more intelligent or enthusiastic following.
39
WILLEY'S BOOK OF NUTFIELD.
MISS N. A. LEETE.
MRS. MARY E. CLOUGH.
MRS. MARY A. ROBIE.
ERNEST TAYLOR.
41
WILLEY'S BOOK OF NUTFIELD.
Miss N. A. Leete is a native of Shipton, P. Q., though the Leete homestead is in Claremont, N. H. Her life has been full of vicissitudes. At the age of ten she went to Boston, and has ever since considered that city more than any other place her home. She passed some time in the South, and was in Rich- mond. Va., at the close of the Rebellion. Though a member of a Baptist church when she first became acquainted with Christian Science principles, the new religion commended itself so strongly to her, and the call of the Master was so urgent, that like Levi the publican, she left all, rose up, and followed Him. She took a patient before her first course of instruction was finished. and successfully treated the case. She says, "I have never since doubted the efficacy and power of Christian Science to heal in the degree in which it is understood and realized. Eleven years of practice have strengthened that conviction." Miss Leete's work as a healer, while in Manchester, was attended with marked success, as her many patients will testify. In August, 1895, as an advanced step in understanding, she removed to Boston, where she is still engaged in Christian Science work. Her independence of thought is coupled with great kindness of heart, and her many friends consider her in every sense of the word a strong woman.
Mrs. Mary A. Robie, daughter of Moses B. and Angeline (Noyes) Harvey. is a native of Nottingham, N. H. Her advan. tages for education were confined to the district schools, but being a reader. observer, and thinker, she has acquired a fund of knowledge not furnished by the schools. In early life she united with the Advent church, believing and defending its doctrines and working for its advancement. When, however, her serious claims of sickness and suffering which materia medica had failed to relieve were destroyed through Christian Science, she accepted this more practical religion and became an ardent and self-sacrificing worker in the cause. Although a faithful wife and mother, she never allows family cares wholly to absorb her attention, but whenever an opportunity is presented she carries the Christ healing to those who need and will accept it. Mrs. Robie is characterized by frankness and fearlessness of speech, supported by integrity and honesty of purpose, and she is eminently fitted by nature and experience for a standing among Christian Science workers.
Mrs. Mary E. Clough, daughter of Ira and Susan ( Kidder) Emerton. is a native of Wentworth. . Her early opportunities for acquiring an education were limited, but later in life she attended district schools and academies, and finally graduated from the State Normal School at Salem, Mass., in the class of 1872. The same year she accepted a situation in the public schools in Gloucester, where she taught several years. Though not strictly a woman of letters, her writings, both in prose and verse, have been published to some extent. Mrs. Clough is not an aggressive woman, but she has the courage of her convictions, and dares to stand up and be counted with a minority. Previous to her acquaintance with Christian Science she was a believer in the Universalist faith, and an enthusiastic worker in church and Sunday school. Since the light of Christian Science dawned in her consciousness she is able to say, with the dis- coverer and founder of Christian Science, "I am joyful to bear consolation to the sorrowing and healing to the sick."
6
Ernest Taylor is the son of a farmer in Banffshire, Scotland. When sixteen years of age he left his home for the purpose of learning the trade of a blacksmith. While an apprentice, in a time of unusual religious interest, he united with the "Free Church of Scotland." In 188r he went to Glasgow, where he found a religious home with the " Plymouth Brethren." Although taking an active part in their meetings and laboring conscientiously for the upbuilding of their cause, he was never satisfied with his own spiritual attainments, feeling, as he expressed it, " that salvation was not of that church." While in Glasgow he married, and in 1887 came with his family to America. The land of his adoption proved all that he hoped, and he found ready employment at his trade, but he also found himself afflicted with serious claims of sickness and suffering which doctors and drugs failed to remove. In his extremity, a friend loaned him a copy of " Science and Health," and he accepted it at once as the grandest book he had ever seen. He applied for and received Christian Science treatment and soon realized health and harmony. As a natural result, he accepted this new religion, which heals the sick and casts out evil, and to his joy found in it that higher spirituality for which he had been unconsciously yearning. Mr. Taylor is a man of the strictest integrity, honored and respected by all who know him ; a man of sound sense and few words, and in all respects a good speci- men of the sturdy Scotchman. When the Bible and " Science and Health " were installed pastor of the "First Church of Christ, Scientist," in Manchester, Mr. Taylor was elected one of the readers, and as such will be remembered in coming years, performing the duties of his office faithfully and acceptably.
BIRTHPLACE OF HORACE GREELEY, AMHERST. N. H. (See page 98, Derry Edition, Bock of Nutfield.)
12
WILLEY'S BOOK OF NUTFIELD.
CLERKS AT MANCHESTER POSTOFFICE.
A. C. Barr. F. L. Blair.
Clara E. Messer.
H. H. Burpee. L. L. Sweet.
A. J. Nerbonne. F. A. Hawley.
J. F. Ladriere.
F. A. Consodine.
L. H. Carpenter. .C. J. Gippner.
Clara L. Burleigh.
D. A. Ryan. K. W. Bates.
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POSTOFFICE OF MANCHESTER.
THE first postoffice in Manchester was estab- lished at the Centre in 1835, under the administration of President Andrew Jackson. It had humble quarters in the store of Samuel Jackson, who was ap- pointed postmaster and held the office until 1840. A daily stage at that time conveyed all mails to and from Manchester. About the year 1838 the residents in the locality of the Amoskeag falls began to complain that they were obliged to go so far for their mail, and in consequence of this agitation an office bearing the name of Manchester was estab- lished in February, 1840, in the old Kidder family store in Duncklee's block on Elm street. Jesse Duncklee, who was appointed postmas- ter by President Van Buren, died in March, DANIEL W. LANE, FIRST PENNYPOST. 1840, having served only one month, and Col. John S. Kidder, a elerk in sey, appointed by President Taylor. the store, took charge of the office until the appointment of Paul Cragin, Jr., in 1841, whose term of office expired in 1845. The name of the office at the Centre was then changed to Man- chester Centre, but the similarity in names causing
much annoyance and it being found inexpedient to keep up two offiees, the old one was diseon- tinued. In 1841 the office was moved into the town hall at the north- west corner of Market and Elm streets, and when this building was burned in 1844 the office was removed to Mr. Cragin's house on Han- over street. A few weeks later it was again moved, this time to a small building near by, owned by George A. Barnes, where it re- mained until the city hall was built in 1845, and here it found a per- manent home until 1854, when it was removed to the building now occupied by Frank W. Fitts on Hanover street. In 1845 President Polk appointed Warren L. Lane postmaster, and he held office until 1849, when he was sue- ecedcd by James Her- In 1853
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