USA > Vermont > Essex County > Guildhall > A history of Guildhall, Vt > Part 9
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Rev. Josiah G. Willis was engaged as pastor August 20, 1876; was ordained Oct. 11, 1876, and closed his labors with this church Ang. 20, 1878. During this time 3 persons were admitted to the church, all of whom are still living, and are now members.
Rev. Levi G. Chase was acting pastor for one year from Nov. 1, 1878. He was invited by the church to be installed as pastor, but was obliged to decline ou account of poor health. There were eight persons admitto I to the church in 1879, all of whom are now members.
During this year the debt, which had been a burden on the church and society from the year 1866, and which was occasioned by building a parsonage, was liquidated, and the church and society were relieved, having, during the time, paid almost us largo a sum for interest as the debt was at the date it was contracted.
Rev. Samuel W. Chapin was acting pastor from June
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HISTORY OF GUILDHALL.
1, 1880 to June 1, 1881 ; he was employed for another year but was obliged to give up the work on account of his health being poor. During his ministry 2 persons were admitted to the church, and are still members.
The church was theu without a pastor until May 1. 1882, when Rov. F. L. Small was engaged and com- menced his labors as acting pastor, and was installed as pastor over the church June 21, 1883, and continued his relation of pastor until May 26, 1885, when ho was by a council duly dismissed from further service. During his pastorate 17 persons were admitted to the church, all of whom are still members.
Rev. II. M. McLeod has been neting pastor from June 1885 to the present time (Jan. 1, 1886.)
While Rev. F. L. Small was pastor, a small debt was contracted, in repairing the church, building a barn, and other repairs, in and about the parsonage, which by some, might be regarded as needless ; still nothing was expended but what was needed to make the church building a convenient and suitable place for the pub- lic worship of God, and the parsonage buildings what the church and society ought to have for the use of whoever may have occasion to occupy them as the pastor for this church and society.
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HISTORY OF GUILDHALL.
Among very many pleasant things connected with the history of this church, it may not be improper to state that in the year 1882, Mrs. Eliza J. Chase of her own free will, prompted by the goodness of a large and gen- crous heart, saw fit, and made the church a present of a beautiful set of pulpit furniture, at an expense, which if the officers of the church had made, they would have been accused of extravagance, beyond the means of such a church to indulge in. Another giver who should be re- membered with grateful thanks is Mrs. Joshua Lamkin of Chicago, Ill., who made the church a present of a large and costly bound Bible for the pulpit.
In conclusion, perhaps it should be said that some things have happened in the history of this church, which it would in a worldly view, have been fortunate, could they have been avoided; but has any one a right to ex- pect that every act of the officers and members of this church should have been perfect? To such an one is re- spectfully submitted the suggestion : what might have been the influence that would have given character to this town from the year 1799 to the present time, had not this church been founded, sustained and directed as all God loving people believe, by an allwise provi- dence.
From the church records it appears that the whole or aggregate number of members is 375; average yearly additions between 4 and 5; greatest number admitted in one day 41; present number of members 71.
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HISTORY OF GUILDHALL.
THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
As already stated in the beginning of this chapter, if any one differed in belief with the majority of the town, (as the preaching of the Gospel was supported by taxation, ) they could be exempt from the payment of such tax, by giving a testimonial to that effeet to the town clerk; con- sequently we find among the town records many such testi- monials, and we here give one of them.
"To all people to whom these presents shall come, Greeting: Know ye, that I, Elijah R. Sabin, a traveling preacher of the sect of Christians known and distinguish- ed by the name of the Methodist Episcopal Church, do hereby certify that Benjamin Cook, Lemuel Cook, John Crawford, Jr., and Caleb Call, all of Guildhall, are of the same sect of the subscriber and that 1, the said Elijah R. Sabin, am an ordained minister of the said seet in the town of Guildhall, in the County of Essex and State of Vermont. Elijah R. Sabin.
Guildhall, August 31, 1801."
After a time, through the influence of a clearer light, and the steady and sure advance of liberal sentiment, this custom of uniting Church aud State, was forever abandon ed in this town: and the practice of each individual volun- tarily subscribing or contributing for the support of t'in Gospel in accordance with his own particular views was established.
The exact date of the formation of the church is not known, but it was not far from 1801.
This society did not have a church edifice of their own until 1865, when the present building was erected; their
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METHODIST CHURCH.
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HISTORY OF GUILDHALL.
pars mage however, was built as early as 1844 or 1849. It has been altered ard improved at various times, and last year ( 1885) extensive repairs were made.
Here, as in a great mriny places where a church and society have no building of their own to worship in, and depend upon other places in which to hold their meetings they have many hardships to conten I with, and so with this church, but by the peculiar abilities whereby some societies holl together and continue, under seming imposibilities, they held together and at last came off victorious, and today we have in our town a flourish- ing Methodist society, with a good church building and parsonage. good preaching. and a brightening future.
1 40, Rev. Erastus Pettingill labored at Guildhall; his charg> also inclu led Lunenburgh.
An extensive revival swept over this place in the year 1843 and a Methodist church was organized, or as we should think reorganized. but the only recor.Is we learn of date from this time. Guildhall was then clissel with Lunenburgh and Bloomfieldl.
Rev. Leonard Ansiin was appointed in 1842 and 1843 to Guildhall and Lunenburgh: he hell a protracted meet- ing in our town with goo.I success, a large number were converte.l and joined the church; it was through his iustrn- mentalities that the church was reorganized as it was at that time. The following being members of the Quarterly Conference :- STEWARDS: John Dodge, H. N. Shoff, R. C. Lucas. LEADERS: Isaac Cummings. Amos Rosebrooks, E. II. Webb, Christopher Cheney.
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HISTORY OF GUILDHALL.
MEMBERS. CLAS. NO. I .- Isaac Cummings. Ophe- lia Cummings, Henry Cummings, Catherine Cummings, John Dodge, D. P. Grow, Comfort A. Grow, Betsey Nichols, Lucy Smith, Simon Smith. Roxana Long, An- drew Smith, John Smith, HI. N. Shoff, Lydia Gould, Roxana Watson, Allen Gould. Lonise I. Cheney, John Little, James M. Flanders, Aaron Rowell, Polly Rowell, James Follansby. Ruth Follansby, Sabina Rowell. James Nelson, Joseph Rich. Maty Rich, Linda Rich, I. W. Bel- lows, Mary Austin, Harriet Haewood, Mrs. Bemis. Free- dom Densmore, Tiezah Densmore, Rosaline Rhodes, Caleb H. Marshall, Laura F. Marshall, Laura F. Marshall 2d. Jenett, Marshall. Julia A. Crawford, A. Crawford, Lucy A. Peck. Asthel McFarland1. Chas. M . Farland, Putney Follansby, Maryette Follansby, Dina Hun rid.
CLASS No. HI .- Amos Rosebrooks, Ora Hall, Sarah Hall, Lewis Hall, Lewis HI. Mashure. . Rachael Mashure. R. L. Boyce, Joanna Boyce. Mariam Boyce, Abigail Boyce, Abia Banfiel 1. Irene Stewart, Guy Lamkin. Ali- gail Lamkin, Alpheas Nichols, Sarah Elkins, Isaac Elkins. Miles E. Randall, Hannah Randall. Adeline Haskell.
CLASS No. III .- Edward I. Webb, Abba Webb. R. C. Lucas, Auna Lucas, Wm. Hopkins, Mary Hopkins, Oliver Bemis, Diadama Bemis, Julia F. Cutler, Wm. E. Howe. Adeline Howe, Eliza Howe.
CLASS No. IV .- Christopher Cheney. Parmelia Cheney. Caleb Call, Roxana Call, Elam Call, Aaron Wheeler. Margaret Wheeler, Thursa Call, Davil Stuart. Roxana Peabody, Lorinda Peabody.
HISTORY OF GUIL.DUIALI .. 167
Rev. fra Beard was pastor for the years 1844, and 1815. Supplied 46. Rev. Jonathan Gale 47. Rev. James Smith .48 49. Rev. Adua Newton 50 51. Rev. L. P. Cushman .52. Supplied 53. Rev. A. McMillan '54. Rev. I. Enright .55. Supplied 55 .57. Rev. C. D. Ingraham '60. Rev. H. Stevens . 64 '65. Rev. J. McDonal l .66 .67. Rev. M. Bullard .6% '69 Rev. Geo. Powell . 70. Rev. T. Mackie '71 72. Rev. Mr. Paintin .3. Rev. Mr. Narey '71. Rev. S. F. Cushmin . 75 76. R. W. C. Robinsou .77. No preaching '78. Rev. O. W. Barrows '79 .8) .81. Rev. C. P. Flanders .82 .83 . 81. Rov. S. L. Hedges . 85 .86. SABBATH SCHOOLS.
As early as 1816 efforts were made for sabbath school instruction. Mrs. Farrar of Lineister commenced a school in her home, inviting the people of the south part of Guil lhall to join, which they mostly did. At the same time Mrs. Wallo who with her husband1, Nathaniel Waldo were residing in Guildhall, started a similar school in our village. In 1 -2! a sabbath school was commenced at the south school house. and continued for quite a number of years. This school was more of a meeting for social. moral and religious improvement, as they had no regular organization or classification of later times. A competent person conducted the meetings, who originated and pro- posel questions, from whatever part of Scripture might have been under contemplation ; these meetings were con- tinned until Rev. James Tisdale became pastor of the Con- gregational Church, and then a regular organizition was affected with Hon. R. W. Freemau as first superintendent;
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HISTORY OF GUILDHALL.
this was in 1830. This organization hell its school in the church, which was then on the plain in the middle dis- triet, as long as meetings were continued in this house.
From that time there has been connected with the Con- gregational church a Sunday school which has been in operation whenever there have been servicesin the church, and in many instances when there have not. It is a flour- ishing organization and holds its meetings after the morn- ing services. Dea. Robert Chase is superintendent, which office he has held for a member of years.
There has also been connected the M. E. church a pros- perons Sabbath school for many years. And the fit of two good Sunday schools being conducted in our town, gives ample opportunity to all, who will, to become well instructed in religions topies. Both schools have good libraries : many rare books may be found there, and the scholars have thereby good a lvantages to improve their minds.
One circumstance in the history of both of these Sun lay schools, as well as the churches at large; while these soci- oties not being able to purchase the fina pipe orgins th it are in some other churches, both have good read organs. which are as a general thing. well played. The organ in the Congregational church has been in use for something like twenty five years, and is in good order at the present. time ; it will be hard to match it with some so called im- proved organs of today. The Methodists hat for years in old pipe organ which as we understand, came from Mont- pelier; it at last baume so terribly out of order that it was sold, and a new organ was purchased to take its place. Today both churches have good Estey Organs and their equal would be a ere lit to any society.
CHAPTER XII.
Cemeteries in Guildhall-No:th Burying Ground-Old Graves- 1795. the date of the first known Burial-South Burying Ground-Northumberland Burying Ground-Court House Hill Cemetery.
"Our dear old town ! How grand The views of mountain land Which here we meet ! We love these verdant hills, These vales our fathers tilled,
These woods the wild birds tilled With carols sweet.
Our native town ! How dear Each purling brook so clear, Each dale and steep- But there's a dearer spot Than rock, or rill, or cot,
Which ne'er can be forgot- Where loved ones sleep."
The principal Cemetery in Guildhall is situated about a mile below the village, south side of the river road, and near the bank of the Connecticut River. There is an- other, more pleasantly located in the south part of the town, nearly opposite the school house in school district No. 1.
On referring to the town records, we find that the selcetmen of the town, laid out a Burying Ground, in the year 1797. This was the North Burying Ground.
Their report, which may be interesting to some, is given on the next page.
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HISTORY OF GUILDHALL.
"Laid out by us the subscribers in Guildhall the follow- ing Plot, for a Burying Ground in said Town. Contain- ing about one acre, and described as follows (viz) Begin- ning at a stake on the North cast line of the River Divi- sion of School Lands. Lot No. 52 on the southerly side of the River Road, thence S : 45: E : 13 Rods to the Bank of the River to a Stake on sd Line, thence down the said River about fourteen Rods to a Stake on sd Bank, thence N.45°: W. thirteen rods, to a Stake on the South- erly side of said Road, thence on Said Road to the Bounds first mentioned.
Guildhall, November 14th. 1797.
Benoni Cutler, Simon How, {Selectmen. Timothy Holmes.
Surveyed by Sam'l. R. Hall, Surveyor."
It therefore appears that the first Cemetery was laid ont in 1797, yet we find that there had been burials there before that date, for in this yard there is an old stone bearing date of 1795.
The exact date of the first death, or burial in town, is not known, but there are some old graves in both yards.
In July 1885 the Writer went to the burying grounds referred to in this connection, and it was a noticeable fact how badly the grave stones were either sunken into the ground, broken in pieces, or fallen to, and lying flat on the ground, or partinlly buried under debris which has accumulated for years, and which looks as if it sellom, if ever were cleared away, especially in the north burying ground. Is it right, men of Guildhall? You may not know it ; you may never have given it a thought, and per- haps you do not care to. Many old graves have possibly
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an old slatestone slab at the head, and it may look and seem to be worthless, but it marks the spot where lies un old settler of Guildhall, and should be cared for. If you do not care to preserve them as historical facts, Du show some interest in the resting places of those who laid the foundation of the town.
AAmong the old graves in the north Burying Ground are: Dea. Joseph Berry. March 22. 1813.
.Mrs. Roxana Burge, consort of Key. Caleb Barge. who died March IT. iNIE."
Hubbard W .. son of Rer. Caleb Burge. Feb 28, 1811. Samuel, son of Rev. Caleb Burge. 1813.
Mrs. Ruth Hinman. March 8. 1813: and we find on the slate these words:
.. (jod my Redeemer lives And often from the Skies Looks down and watches all my dust. Till He shall bid it rise.
Harriet, daughter of Hon. Daniel Dana E-q .. and Mrs. Dolly his wife. April 12. 1>02."
.Miss Dolly Dana, daughter of Hon. Daniel Dana Esq .. and Mrs. Dolly Dana his wife. Feb, 20, 1808:" and here we lin 1:
. Tis not by works of righteousness. Which our own hands have done. But we are sav'd by sov'reign grace. Abounding thro' the Son. Raised from the dead. we live anew ! And justited by grace. We shall appear in glory too. And see our Father's face."
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HISTORY OF GUILDIIALL.
"Nancy Carlisle daughter of Thomas Carlisle et ux. September 20, 1811," and this verse appears:
"When the Archangel's trump shall call, And souls to bodies join, What crowds will wish their lives on Earth Had been as short as mine."
David Lindsey, Ang. 7, 1>01.
Simeon Lindsey, Jr., April 21, 1$10.
Edward How, Dec. 13, 1810.
Hains How, Dec. 24, 1810.
Ira How, Dec. 31, 1810.
The oldest stone we could find was a small double slate- stone marking the resting places of Alden and Melinda How, children of Samnel How and Mrs. Merey, his wife: Alden died Oct. 9, 1795, and Melinda died Jan. 9, 1798. Benoni Cutler, 1806.
Daniel Bundy, Aug. 8, 1810.
There are other old graves here, but we hardly feel like publishing more.
SOUTH BURYING GROUND.
In this yard we find some old graves, but none as old as some we have mentioned above.
Betsey Cushman, 1813. Mary Hopkinsou, 1813. Joshua Hopkinson, 1816. Francis Hopkinson, 1817. John Whipple, 1819. General Seth Cushman's grave is here and dates Mar. 18, 1845.
1
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HISTORY OF GUILDHALL.
THE NORTHUMBERLAND BURYING GROUND.
As we thought it might be interesting to some to know how the Grave Yards in Guildhall compare with the one in Northumberland, N. H., as to dates, the writer made a visit to this Cemetery, which is situated about two miles north of Northumberland village, and is pleasantly located, and quite well cared for, much more so than either of the Cemeteries previously alluded to.
The oldest grave we found was that of Mrs. Lois Smith, March 26, 1795.
Capt. Jeremiah Eames' grave stone bears date of April 22, 1817, and on it are these words :
"He was one of the first settlers of this town.'
THIE COURT HOUSE HILL CEMETERY.
There is a small private Cemetery in Guildhall village, located on the top of Court IIouse hill. This is compara- tively a new one, and it is by far the best one in town.
CHAPTER XIII.
War Chapter-The settlement of Upper Coos-Indian Path from Canada to Maine-How the news was received of the strike for Independence-Vital times for the new settlements at Upper Coos-Tories-) he Forts-Men who enlisted in 1776 -Some acts of violence --- War of 1812 --- At the Battle of Plattsburg --- Feeling amorg citizens in relation to this War --- The Great Period of Conflict --- War of the Rebellion --- List of Soldiers from Guildhall.
Up to the year 1760 it was not only considered, but in fact it was a perilous act to attempt settling in the Upper Coos .* and con- seynently it was not done. on at- count of the St. Francis tribe of Indians, who had again obtained control of this entire section. (although they had the winter before been partially swept out by Maj. Rogers' men, but by no means sub-Ined, ) and the French Govern- ment in Canada. A new settlement was almost sure to be destroyed, and the inhabitants taken prisoners or killed ou the spot. When they remembere } the fall of Deerfiel I, Mass .. and other similar circumstances, their desires to settle new territory were put somewhat in the background and the safety of themselves and families taken strongly into consideration; but when no longer the French and
· In writing the Arsl part of thischapterwe shall not attempt to con- Ine onr remarks to Guildhall alone; It would be needless. Guildhall, and the adjoining towns on the river to elher with Statfo. dan Ini tas
regards this subject isso intimately connected, that to single auf an devoid of good judgement.
HISTORY OF GUILDHALL. 175
Indians in Canada were feared, settlements soon started.
The Indians about here were not especially hostile if they were not disturbed ; yet in some towns there were acts of violence committed. The settlers were friend- ly to the Indians, which caused the Indians in this region to be friendly in return, and their influence upon the Ca- nadian Indians did much to heal up the deep wound which they received in 1759.
The minds of the new colonists, who were now settling the lands of the Upper Coos, were greatly relieved when they felt that no longer the Canadians were io be feared, for now all was one Government ; not out of fear, however, for braver men and more courageous women never settled new territories than those who were at that time in these various towns. They were tired of war and willing to be peaceable citizens if they could maintain their rights.
For a few years everything was peaceful enough, al- though at times the Indians who had a path from Lake Memphremagog in Canada to the Penobscot River in Maine* troubled them, but they came more to stop over night and to "drink," than any other way.
'Hello thore!" was heard as Mr. Stockwell who had jast come from his home in the south settlement, (for such was the name by which the families at South Guildhall and Lancaster were known. ) came riding up to Mr. Eames' yard in Northumberland. "What's the news. oldl fellow, and how are all the folks down at your place?"
"Well, Jerry," said Mr. Stockwell to Mr. Eames, "we're in a stew again: what do you think? I have just
*The Indian path from Maine to Canada passed through the towns of Northumberland, Maidstone, Stratford and Brunswick. After leaving Lake Memphremagog, they would take the Clyde River which would 1 ad them to Island Pond, then across to the Nulhegan River, following it to the Connecticut, thence to the Upper Amonoosne, and upthis river to some point in the present t wn of Milan, N. H., where they crossed to the Androscoggin, and followed that river into Maine. It had been a common thoroughfare for two or three tribes of Indians, who respect- ively occupied these portions of country, for a great many years; nor was it abandoned until these indian tribes had removed to other re- gions, Parties of Indians were almost every week passing either one way or the other, and as the settlements here were the only ones they met, it was very natural for them to call.
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HISTORY OF GUILDHALL.
heard by my man who has come from Newbury last night, that there's been fightin' at Lexington."
"What, are the boys down there agoin' to carry out their threat and fight for liberty ?"
"I s'pose so, and so I jest got on my horse and came right up to tell you fellers here, for ye are in dangerous ground here, you know, for them Indians who go up the Ame,* and as they'} fight us if they get a chance, ye had better keep an eye out for em."
"Well, Emmons, you surprise me, but we won't back down now: I have come here to stay a while. and if you fellers down south will stick by us, we'll fight ein if they come here."
"You may know that we will; I dare say that every man down there will join us."
"Well, you'd better go right back and have every man who can, come up here tomorrow for we must build a fort: have em come and we'll build it down on the medder."
Thus was the information given and received of the strike for Independence.
Now came a vital time to this new settlement, as a long and bloody war was to ensue. This was the frontier, and they must take immediate steps toward their own protection. The Canadians and Indians, (who were of course in league with the British to put down the Revolu- tion, ) wore not the worst enemies to be feared, for they had in their very midst, and in fact some of their nearest neighbors were Tories, and while seemingly, they were sympathetic with the settlers, they were in reality the worst type of humanity, and people whom it would hardly seem would be blessed enough to ever buve the form of a human being. They betrayed the settlers, and in every way they could worked in nn nnder handed manner to bronk
. L'pper Amonoosue River
HISTORY OF GUILDHALL. 177
down an honest government which was then in its infancy.
During this period the Indians received large sums of money, as bounty for each captive alive, or scalp that was taken by them. As the settlers could get no assistance from the government, they were obliged to rely entirely upon their own resources for self-protection, and defence against their various enemies. The inhabitants at Upper Coos united for that purpose, and chose a committee of safety. They built four forts: two in Northumberland, one of which was a' the month of the Upper Amonoosuc River, the other on the Eames farm ; one in Stratford, in the north part of the town ; and the fourth, (which was to be used in case of necessity as their last resort, ) was in Guildhall, and to which we have previously alluded in this book as Col. Bailey's Block House.
The Stratford fort was used almost altogether as an outpost. The young and able-bodied men were sent as scouts to the woods to prevent surprise from the enemy, . and those who were not able to go to the woods were left in charge of the lower forts.
Upon one of the high hills in Stratford they would put large piles of wood, which when it was necessary were set on fire and thus the alarm would be given that the enemy was coming; the women and children would flee to the lower forts, while the men would meet at the Amonoosuc fort.
Col. Wart Bailey was in command of the Rangers, or young men, and Capt. Jeremiah Eames was in charge of the forts.
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HISTORY
The only list of men who were banded together, which we have been able to procure, is the one we have already given in a previous chapter: we here give their names but there were many more who joined theu.
THOMAS BLODGETT - NATHAN CASWELL
JAMES CURTISS ARCHIPPA BLODGETT EMMONS STOCKWELL JOSIAH BLODGETT
SAM'L. NASH
LARNED
DAVID LARNED SAM'L. PAGE
ABNER 0$6000>
MOSES QUIMBY
DIES SAWYER AABEL WARD BAILEY LARNED JOSEPH BARI.OW
JOHN JERE H. EAMES JR.
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