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HISTORY
TOWN OF MARLBOROUGH .
CHESHIRE COUNTY, N.H.
WITH THE
REPORT OF ITS CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION IN 1 876; ALSO EMBRACING
GENEALOGIES AND SKETCHES OF FAMILIES FROM
1764 TO 1880.
By CHARLES A. BEMIS.
History gilds the Present with the Glory of the Past.
BOSTON:
Press of Geo. H, Ellis, 141 Franklin Street.
1881.
Copyrighted 1881,
By CHARLES A. BEMIS.
PEEFAOE.
1136949
In the fall of 1873, I was induced, partly by my own tastes
and pleasures, and partly by the earnest request of several
citizens and former residents, to commence the collection
of items for the History of Marlborough ; and now, after
more than seven years of labor in this direction, with reluc-
tance I lay down my pen, feeling that, though so much time
and labor have been spent in the preparation of this work,
it is yet imperfect in many of its details. Still I have done
the best I could with the material at hand. He who has
not entered upon an undertaking of this kind can form no
adequate idea of the vast amount of labor required to com-
plete it. The work has been delayed beyond expectations
and to the disappointment of many ; but it must be remem-
bered that the writer is one of that unfortunate class who
is dependent on his own hands for support, and therefore
has been unable to devote his whole time to this work, as
he has received no aid financially.
The town loaned him a sum not exceeding |1,000, which
is to be refunded from the sale of the book. Many of the
following pages have been compiled at night after toiling
ten hours at my handicraft.
I would acknowledge my indebtedness to Hon. Isaac
Hammond, Deputy Secretary of State ; to Elisha O. Wood-
ward and George G. Davis, Town Clerks of Marlborough,
who have been most obliging and helpful to me; also to
IV PREFACE.
John J. Allen, Registrar of Deeds for Cheshire County, Rev.
Dr. Sullivan H. McCollester, Hon. Rufus S. Frost, Charles K.
Mason, Jairus Collins, Daniel W. Tenney, and others, who
have shown me great kindness and encouragement.
And, now, I respectfully submit these pages to the people
of Marlborough, hoping they will be charitably received;
and, if the readers find as much pleasure in perusing, as I
have in compiling this volume, I shall feel in some measure
repaid for my extreme anxiety and protracted toil.
CHARLES A. BEMIS.
co]:^TE]srTS.
INTRODUCTION.
Situation and Boundary. — Surface and Geology. — Climate. — Trees
and Fruits. — Ponds. — Streams and Brooks. — Zoological History.
1 — 4.
CHAPTER I.
THE MAS ONI AN CHARTER.
Land in New Hampshire granted to Capt. John Mason. — New Hamp-
shire becomes a Part of Massachusetts. — The Grant to John Tuf-
ton Mason confirmed. — New Hampshire becomes a Separate Prov-
ince. — Conflict of Titles. — The Masonian Proprietors. — The
Curved Line. — Historical Error relative to the Grant of Monad-
nock Number Five. — The Charter. — Plan of the Township. —
French and Indian War. — New Proprietors. — First Meeting. —
Drawing of the Lots. — First Roads. 5 — 22.
CHAPTER II.
SETTLEMENTS, ETC.
William Barker. — Isaac McAlister. — Silas Fife. — Benjamin Tucker. —
First Meeting in the Township. — First Saw-Mill. — First Houses.
— First Census. — Delinquent Grantees. — Enoch Hale's Return of
Settlements. — First Grist-Mili. — Difficulty of Settling with Pro-
prietors' Officers. — Breed Batchellor. — Partial Organization of the
Town. — Town incorporated. — Origin of the Name. — First Town-
Meeting. — Tithingmen. — Deer-reeves and Hog-reeves. — Inven-
tory of Taxable Property. 23 — 44.
CHAPTER III.
REVOLUTIONARY HISTORY.
The American Revolution an Important Event in History. — Condition
of the Town at the Commencement of the War. — Result of the
CONTENTS.
Battle of Concord and Lexington. — Battle of Bunker Hill. — Loss
of Arms and Clothing. — Report of the Selectmen. — Expedition
against Quebec. — Jacob and Pearson Newell. — The Fourteenth
Regiment. — Tories disarmed. — Association Test. — Discharge of
Benjamin Goodenow. — Col. Baldwin's Regiment. — Alarm and De-
fensive Measures. — Bounties offered. — Battle of Stillwater. —
Lieut.-Col. Andrew Colburn. — Alarm at Ticonderoga. — Captain
Lewis's Company. — Three Men at the Battle of Bennington. —
Eight INIen in Col. Moor's Regiment. — Eleven Men in Col. Hale's
Regiment. — Report of the Selectmen, 1780. — Men called for, and
Measures taken to fill the Quota. — Continental Money. — Letter to
the Committee of Safety. — Names of those who served in the Army
at Different Times. — Some Account of Soldiers who afterwards
became Inhabitants of the Town. — Alexander Fish. 45 — 70.
CHAPTER IV.
ADOPTION OF THE STATE CONSTITUTION.— WAR OF
1B12. — INCORPORATION OF THE TOWNS OF ROXBURY
AND TROY.
Articles of Confederation drawn up. — Rejection of the Plan of Gov-
ernment by the Town. — Rejection of the Second Plan of Govern-
ment. — Amendments offei-ed. — War declared against England. —
Ammunition purchased by the Town. — Men called for. — The
Draft. — Inspection of the Militia by Col. Prescott. — A Sham
Fight. — Roxbury set off. — Troy incorporated. 71 — 79.
CHAPTER V.
THE CENTRE MEETING-HOUSE.
Charter Stipulations concerning a Meeting-House. — Voted to build a
Meeting-House. — Opposition. — Letters from Benjamin Tucker to
George Jaffrey. — Building raised. — Measures taken to finish the
House. — Description of the Interior. — Phinehas Farrar's Account.
— Warming the House. — Members of other Denominations ex-
cused from paying the Ministerial Tax. — Use of Meeting-House
divided among the several Denominations. — Repairing Meeting-
House. — The Bell. — The House forsaken. — It becomes an Object
of Contention. — Sold at Auction. — The Purchaser meets with
Difficulties. — The Town again becomes the Owner. — The House
legally disposed of. — Its Destruction. 80 — 97.
CONTENTS. VU
CHAPTER VI.
EC CLE SI AS TIC A L HIS TOR Y.
Early Efforts to secure Preaching. — Church formed. — Settlement of
Rev. Joseph Cummings. — Difficulties with Mr. Cummings. — His
Dismissal. — Protracted Controversy with Mr. Cummings. — Half-
way Covenant. — Different Ministers employed. — Rev. Ebenezer
Hill. — Halloway Fish called. — His Letter of Acceptance. — Ordina-
tion of Mr. Fish. — His Character. — His Death. — Union between
Church and Town dissolved. — A Society formed. — Rev. Salmon
Bennett. — A New Society — Building of the Brick Church. — Rev.
Moses G. Grosvenor. — Rev. Giles Lyman. — Meeting-House en-
larged. — A Parsonage built. — Resignation of Mr. Lyman. — Rev.
Henry B. Underwood. — Rev. Silas P. Cook. — Rev. John L. Merrill.
— Meeting-House repaired and enlarged. — A New Organ, — The
Chapel. — The Sabbath-school. 98 — 126.
CHAPTER VII.
HISTORY OF THE METHODIST, BAPTIST, AND UNI-
VERSALIST CHURCHES.
First Methodist Preaching in Town. — A Class formed. — Formation of
the Church. — Class Leaders. — A Meeting-House built in Potters-
ville. — Removal to Marlborough Village. — A Parsonage built. —
Early Preachers. — Lorenzo Dow. — List of Preachers. — Rev. D. S.
Dexter. — Baptists first mentioned in Town Records. — They obtain
leave to occupy the Meeting-House. — Other Places occupied by
them for Worship. — A Society foi-med. — Names of Ministers em-
ployed. — Deacons. — A New Meeting-House. — The Society unable
to support Preaching. — They disband. — ^ Meeting-House sold. — A
Universalist Society formed. — Rev. E. Paine. — Sunday-school. —
A Library. — A Meeting-House built. — Pastors. — Church formed.
— Parsonage. 127 — 141.
CHAPTER VIII.
SCHOOLS.
The Common Schools of New England. — Lease of the School Land. —
Children taught at Home. — First Schools. — Four School Districts.
— Money raised for Schools. — School-Houses built. — Eight Dis-
tricts. — School-Teachers. — School Money. — Superintending Com-
mittee. 142 — 162.
VIU CONTENTS.
CHAPTER IX.
THE REBELLION.
Marlborougli the First Town in the County to respond to the Call for
Volunteers. — Three Men in the Fu-st Regiment. — Lieut.-Col. Con-
verse. — Fourteen Men in the Second Re^^iment. — Sixth Regiment.
— The Fourteenth Regiment. — The Draft. — Amount of Bounties
paid. — Natives of Marlborough who enlisted from other Towns
163 — 167.
CHAPTER X.
MILLS AND MANUFACTORIES.
First Saw-Mills. — Tucker Mill. — Tenney Mill. — Grimes Mill. — Hunt-
ing INIill. — Wiswall Mill. — Collins Mill. — Osborne Mill. — Mason
Mill. — Grist-Mills. — Fulliug-Mills. — Pails. — Clothes-pins and
other Wooden Ware. — Knob-screws. — Blanket Mills. — Breed Pond
Company. — Machinists. — Blacksmiths. — Tanneries. — Shoe-mak-
ers. — Saddlers and Harness-makers. — Brown Earthen-Ware. —
Brick. — Granite Quarry. 168 — 188.
CHAPTER XI.
TAVERNS AND STORES.
The First Tavern. — Anecdote. — Taverns previous to 1792. — Old Red
Tavern. — Cummings Tavern. — Sweetser Tavern. — Flood Tavern
and Others. — The Half-way House. — Marlborough Hotel. — Sweet-
ser Store. — Roberson's Store. — Fife Store. — Aaron Gage & Co. —
Abner Boyden. — W. & E. Boyden. — Other Stores of the Olden
Time. — Union Store. — Present Traders. 189 — 199.
CHAPTER XII.
PHYSICIANS.
Dr. Justus Perry. — Dr. Kendall Bruce. — Dr. David Carter. — Dr. E. K.
Frost. — Dr. James Batcheller. — Dr. Samuel A. Richardson. — Dr.
Samuel J. Martin. — Dr. George L. Harrington. 200 — 211.
CHAPTER XIII.
SKETCHES OF PROMINENT INDIVIDUALS.
Charles Cummings. — Cyrus Stone. — Osgood Herrick. — Luther Wis-
wall. — Philander Wallingford. — William C. Whitcomb. — Edwin
CONTENTS. IX
Davis. — Sullivan H. McCoUester. — Jairus B. Collins. — Jeremiah
Stone. — Timothy L. Lane. — John Q. A. McCoUester. — Daniel B.
Woodward. — Sumner A. Mason. — Luther Farrar. — Joseph C. Ma-
son. — Andrew C. Stone. — John W. Converse. — Justus Perry. —
Sumner Wheeler. — Cyrus Wakefield. — Warren H. Wilkinson. —
Rufus S. Frost. — William H. Greenwood. — Deacon Abel Baker.
212 — 266.
CHAPTER XIV.
MISCELLANEOUS.
Monadnock Mountain. — Post-offices. — Libraries. — Odd Fellows. —
Cemeteries. — Mortuary Record. — Persons over Eighty, Jan. 1,
1880. — Town Officers. — Governor Vote. — Mirriam Newton's Diary.
— Pauperism. — Abatement of Taxes. — Wild Animals. — Alexan-
der Fish's Ear. — Anecdotes. 267 — 317.
CHAPTER XV.
The Centennial Celebration. 318 — 390.
GENEALOGICAL REGISTER.
APPENDIX.
INDEX.
INTRODUCTION.
SITUATIO^' AND BOUNDAEY. — SUKFACE AND GeOLOGY. — ClIMATE. —
Teees AND Fruits. — Ponds. — Streams and Brooks. — Zooeog-
ICAL History.
SITUATION AND BOUNDARY.
The town of Marlborough in Cheshire County, New Hampshire,
is situated in latitude 42° 54', and longitude 4° 49'. It is bounded
on the north by Roxbuiy ; east by Harrisville, Dublin, and Jaffrey ;
south by Troy, and west by Troy, Swanzey, and Keene. Its dis-
tance from Keene is five miles, from Concord fifty miles, and from
Boston ninety-three miles.
SURFACE AND GEOLOGY.
The surface of Marlborough is greatly diversified with hills and
valleys. Some portions of it are truly romantic and picturesque.
It is almost surprising that within an area of thirteen thousand
square acres, there should be such a diversity of highland and
lowland, forests, and clearings. With truth we can say that
Nature has smiled propitiously upon this town, filling it with
her choicest charms and attractions, beauties and sublimities.
Its geological formation is made up mostly of the primitive rock.
The outcropping ledges being numerous, are composed of granite.
Geology would call ours the "everlasting hills," having existed
from the very beginning of the world's history. The drift, or
loose formation, is comjjosed largely of silicates. The deposits
give evidence of glacial, aqueous, and iceberg action. The grooves
cut into the highest ledges, and holes worn into the granite, show
the result of long-continued water-action. The minerals consist
mainly of granite, gneiss, granular and rose quartz, feldspar, mica,
beryl, garnets, and plumbago. The gneiss has been quarried
extensively for building purposes. The granite ledges upon the
Stone Hill are of sreat value.
2 . HISTORY OF MARLBOEOUGH.
The sedimentaiy rocks are made up of sand, clay, and peat.
The soil is best adapted to grazing. The farms under good culti-
vation yield fair crops of Indian corn, oats, potatoes, rye, and
barley. Those who are tilling their farms after modern methods,
guided by the science of agriculture, are proving that systematic
farming is no humbug, but is certain to result in good buildings,
rich fields, fine stock, and independence of living.
CLIMATE.
The air of this town is usually pure possessing tonic proj)erties.
The elevation is such that even in the hottest days in July and
August it is seldom sultry. Of course the winters are long,
and the snows are frequently deep and drifted. The extensive
growth of forests, no doubt, has much to do in moderating the
air during summer and winter.
TREES AND FRUITS.
Some of the principal forest trees are the oak, beech, birch,
sugar-maple, elm, cherry, hemlock, pine, larch, and spruce.
Orchards are quite abvmdant in Marlborough. The apple and
pear trees are sure to yield here, if they do anywhere in this
vicinity. The orchardists count largely on the income from their
fruit trees.
The peach, cherry, and grape do Avell here in certain localities.
This town is highly favored with wild fruits. The blueberry,
huckleberry, blackberry, raspberry, and strawberry are usually
plenty in their season. Some years large quantities are shij^ped to
distant markets. It is seldom a season passes without a supply of
wild fruit sufficient to meet all home demands.
The flora here is very full. The botanist finds a great variety of
l^lants, all the way from the delicate mosses and ferns in the deep
dells to the Alpine flowers upon the highest elevations.
PONDS.
The Stone Pond situated in the east part of JVIarlborougli, is its
largest body of water; it is about three-fourths of a mile in
length and one-third of a mile in width ; its elevation is some
two thousand feet above the level of the sea. Its water is clear and
sparkling. Its native fish were trout y seventy-five years ago large
quantities of thoni were caught from it, weighing from three to
INTEODUCTION. • 3
four pounds each. At length tlie pond was stocked with pickerel,
and the trout since that have nearly disappeared. The pickerel
grow to a large size. The yellow perch are now its most abundant
fish.
The scenery just around this pond and in the distance can
scarcely be surpassed. Were it located in Italy or Switzerland,
it surely would have been famous in song and story; it would
have been possessed of as many charms and beauties as Luzerne
or Como.
The Cummings Pond in the north part of the town, is about
three-fourths of a mile long and one-fourth of a mile wide.
No doubt it was formerly much larger than at the present
time. Trout were once common in this pond, but now pickerel,
pouts, and shiners seem to monopolize its waters. Through the
ice hundreds of pickerel have been caught from it in a single day.
The Clapp Pond is in the north-east part of the town. It is not
as large as the Cummings Pond, but more depressed. Its waters
are not so clear as those of the Stone Pond. Its fish consist
mainly of pickerel and pouts.
The Meeting-house Pond, near where the old meeting-house
stood, occupies an area of one hundred square acres, including the
open water and what is grown over with bog. This pond has long
been a favorite resort for fishing. Its waters have been prolific of
pickerel and catfish,
STREAMS AND BROOKS.
The largest stream is the Minniwawa. Its head waters are in
Nelson and Dublin. Flowing through a very broken country, it
is subject to sudden rise and fall of water ; still, by the means of
reservoirs and ponds, it is supplied with power sufficient for exten-
sive maniifactories of woolen goods, wooden wares, and for grinding
grain. With propriety it may be called the mother of our present
thriving village. It has been faithful in driving saws, spindles,
and millstones so as to supply work for many active minds and
busy hands.
Its falls and basin, a short distance above the village, are natural
curiosities, of special interest to lovers of the grand and beautiful.
Another stream is known as the South Branch, which is about
the size of the Minniwawa. Its current is rapid and its bed
very stony. Its waters have been utilized to some extent in
propelling lathes and saws.
4 HISTORY OF MAELBOROFGH.
There are several brooks in town, which are supplied with pure
cold water, furnishing countless haunts for finny tribes.
ZOOLOGICAL HISTORY.
Though in the early history of this town, bears, wolves, pan-
thers, and deer, were numerous, still these all disappeared long
since, leaving only traditions of their feats and cruelty. Within
the remembrance of some who are living, beavers and minks were
quite common, but now it is seldom one is seen or caught. Foxes
are numerous ; they seem strongly attached to our hills and dales.
They appear to lose none of their sagacity or cunning, as civiliza-
tion presses upon them. They evidently enjoy turkeys and
chickens with as good relish, as they did pheasants and conies.
The woodchucks hold in their possession at present as much real
estate as they did fifty or a hundred years ago. In spite of guns,
dogs, and traps, they have kept their stock unimpaired and
undiminished. Babbits frequent our glades and thickets. Ked,
grey, and chippering squirrels inhabit our woods and forests. We
are all apprized now and then that skunks are around, and are
free to lend their influence to friend or foe. Rats and mice cling
to our homes with fondest attachments, assuring us that their
race is not yet run.
Hawks whistle and crows caw now as they did, when the whoop
of the Indian and the bark of the wolf echoed among the hills and
valleys. During some seasons, wild pigeons flock to our fields and
woods in large numbers. Ducks swim our ponds, partridges beat
our logs and whir through the leafy boughs, and the owls hoot as
they did, when the axe of the early settlers first rang from our
highlands and by our streams. The robin, the oriole, the bluebird,
the phebe, the wren, the lark, the bobolink, the nightingale, the
thrush, the ground-bird, the hair-bird, the king-bird, and the
humming-bird, are with us every year to furnish change and
enchantment.
CHAPTER I.
THE MASONIAN CHARTER.
Land in New Hampshire granted to Capt. John Mason. — Neav
Hampshire becomes a part of Massachusetts. — The grant
to .John Tufton Mason confirmed. — New Hampshire becomes
A SEPARATE PROVINCE. — CONFLICT OF TITLES. — ThE MASONIAN
Proprietors. — The Curved Line. — Historical error rela-
tive TO THE GRANT OF MONADNOCK, No. Y. — ThE CHARTER. —
Plan of the Township. — French and Indian War. — New
Proprietors. — First Meeting. — Drawing of the Lots. — First
Roads.
During the reign of King James I. of England, a
council was established which had the control of a large
territory including all of New England. One of the most
active members of this council was Gapt. John Mason
who was born at Lynn Regis, in the County of Norfolk,
England, about the year 1570.
Soon after his appointment as a member of this council,
he was chosen their secretary. Finding himself thus placed
in the front rank of those who were interested in promoting
discoveries and encouraging settlements in North America,
he determined not only to countenance these enterprises,
but also to embark his fortunes and devote his time to the
business.
In March, 1621, he procured from the council a grant
of land which included a portion of New Hampshire lying-
east of the Merrimac River. In 1629, the council granted
to Capt. Mason all the land " from the middle of Piscataqua
River, and up the same to the farthest head thereof, and
from thence north-westward until sixty miles from the mouth
of the harbor are finished ; also through Merrimac River to
the farthest head thereof, and so forward up into the land
westward until sixty miles are finished ; and from thence to
6 HISTORY OF MARLBOEOUGH.
cross overland to the end of sixty miles accounted from the
mouth of Piscataqua River." This grant is connected with
the history of Marlborough, as it Avas for many years sup-
posed that the patent line was the western boundary of the
town.
This tract of land was called New Hampshire, the name
being derived from the County of Hampshire in England,
Soon after this grant was obtained, the towns of Ports-
mouth, Dover, Hampton, and Exeter, were laid out ; but
the attempts at settlement were not successful. Capt.
Mason died, November 16, 1635, leaving the greater part
of his estate in New Hampshire to his grandson, Robert
Tufton, taking the name of Mason. In 1638, the widow
of Capt. Mason, who was executrix of his will, sent over
Francis Norton as her "general attorney," to whom she
committed the whole management of the estate. But the
expense so far exceeded the income that she was soon
obliged to give up the care of the plantation and tell
the servants that they must shift for themselves ; and they
immediately took their share of the goods and cattle.
These servants were Danes, and it may truly be said that
they were the pioneers of the great lumber business of New
Hampshire and Maine. In 1641, all the settlements in
New Hampshire, by a voluntary act, submitted to Massa-
chusetts, and were comprehended in the County of Norfolk,
which extended from the Merrimac to the Piscataqua
River. This union lasted about forty years ; and although
it was noticed by the heirs of jNIason, yet they were pre-
vented from taking any legal action in regard to it, for
reason of the civil Avar then raging in England.
As the family of Mason had always been attached to
the royal cause, they could expect no favors during the
Protectorate of Cromwell ; but no sooner was Charles II.
restored to the throne than Robert Tufton Mason peti-
tioned to the crown for a restoration of liis rights. This
petition was referred to Sir Geoifrey Palmer, the Attorney-
General, who reported that " Robert Mason, the grandson
and heir of (Japt. John Mason, had a good and legal title
THE MASONIAN CHARTER. 7
to the province of New Hampshire." Nothing effective,
liOAvever, was done to restore to him his chiim.
In 1680 New Hampshire was by royal commission sepa-
rated from Massachnsetts and made a distinct province.
The new government consisted of a president and conncil
appointed by the king, and a honse of representatives
chosen by the people.
At this time the whole nnmber of voters in the province
was two hundred and nine, all in the four towns of Ports-
month, Dover, Exeter, and Hampton. In the first Assembly
the whole nnmber of representatives was eleven, — three
each from Portsmouth, Dover, and Hampton, and two from
Exeter.
In the latter part of the year 1681, Mason came over
from England, empowered by the king to take a seat in the
council. He now attempted to enforce his claims in an
arbitrary manner, by compelling the people to take leases of
him ; but his claims were resisted, not only by the peoj)le,
but by the officers of the government : and, finding that he
had lost all countenance and support from the council, he
returned to England. After this he made several attempts
to compel the people to take leases of him, but was unsuc-
cessful.
He then commenced suits against several prominent men
for holding lands and selling timber ; and in these cases,
although a verdict was obtained in liis favor, yet he could
find no purchaser for his lands, and the defendants were
permitted to enjoy them as before.
In 1688, Mason died leaving two sons, John and Robert,
heirs to the claim. They soon sold their right to Samuel
Allen of London for £750. Allen attempted to enforce
his claims, but met with no l^etter success than his prede-
cessors. At last, Allen being poor and somewhat advanced
in years, proposed to compromise, but died before any
definite action was taken.
His son, Thomas Allen, renewed the suits, but died in
1715 without establishing his claim. AVhen the province
was sold to Allen tlie bargain was made in England, and
8 HISTOEY OF MARLBOROUGH.
the lands were by fiction of law supposed to be there,
and the process respecting the fine and recovery was
carried on in the court of the king's Bench.
During the lives of the two Masons, no notice was taken
of the supposed flaw. The brothers returned to America.
John died childless ; Robert married and had a son named
John Tufton ^lason who after the death of his father, con-
ceived hopes of invalidating Allen's claims, on account of
the informality attending the purchase, but died in 1718,
without having accomplished his purpose. He left two
sons, John Tufton Mason and Thomas Tufton Mason. John
Tufton Mason, the elder of the two brothers, became of
age about the year 1738, at the time when the controversy
between the provinces respecting the southern boundary
of Xew Hampshire was renewed and brought to a crisis.
While this dispute was pending, the agent of New Hamp-
shire, Thomlinson made an agreement with Mason in behalf
of that province for the purchase of his whole interest, for
one thousand pounds. New England currency. This agree-
ment was put into the hands of the governor who laid it
before the House. It lay on the table for some time without
any formal notice. In the meantime ^lason had suffered a
fine and recovery in the courts of New Hampshire, l)y which
he could convey his interest in fee.
He also presented a memorial to the Assembly, in which
he told them that he would Avait no longer, and that
unless they would come to a decision he should take their
silence as a refusal, intimating at the same time that, if
they would not ratify the agreement, a sale would be made
to other parties. After considerable delay, the House
came to the resolution " that they would comply with the
agreement," and chose a committee to complete the pur-
chase with Mason ; but they were too late ; for on the same
day, January, 30, 1746, he had by deed of sale, for fifteen
hundred pounds currency, conveyed liis wliole interest to
twelve persons, in fifteen shares.
The purchasers who are knoAvn as the Masonian Pro-
prietors, were Theodore Atkinson, three-fifteenths ; Mark
THE MASONIAN CHARTER. 9
H. Wentworth, two-fifteenths ; Richard Wibircl, John Wentr
worth (son of the governor), George Jaffrey, Nathaniel
Meserve, Tliomas Packer, Thomas Wallingford, Jotham
Odiorne, Joshua Pierce, Samuel Moore, and John Moffatt,
one-fifteenth each.
All the aforesaid gentlemen were residents of Portsmouth
except Thomas Wallingford who was of Somersworth, and
Thomas Packer of Greenland. These grantees immediately
relinquished all claims, except to the unoccupied portions
of the territory, — a course which was highly satisfactory to
the people. That portion in the vicinity of the Monad-
nock being still uninhabited was claimed by the Masonian
Proprietors.
Previous to the granting of townships from their posses-
sions, the number of shares was increased to eighteen, and
nine more persons were admitted into the association. The
new members were as follows : John Rindge, Joseph Blan-
chard, Daniel Pierce, John Tufton Mason, John Thomlinson,
Matthew Livermore, William Parker, Samuel SoUey, and
Clement March. Soon after the Masonian Proprietors had
taken their deed, they began to grant townships, and con-
tinued to do so to petitioners, often without fees, and always
without quit rents.
They early directed their attention to the lands around
Monadnock, which they laid out into eight townships, as
follows : Rindge was Monadnock No. 1 ; Jaffrey (sometimes
called Middletown) was Monadnock No. 2 (or Middle
Monadnock) ; Dublin (or North Monadnock) was Monad-
nock No. 3; Fitzwilliam (sometimes called Stoddard's town)
was Monadnock No. 4; Marlborough was Monadnock No. V ;
Nelson (formerly called Packersfield), Monadnock No. 6 ;
Stoddard (which was known as Limerick) was Monadnock
No. 7; and Washington (once Camden) was Monadnock
No. 8.
These townships were granted to different parties on
condition that they fulfilled certain stipulations. The
laying out of these was, however, the source of a contro-
versy respecting the western boundary of Mason's Patent
10 HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
which was for many years supposed to be on the west line
of Marlborough.
By early measurements, liowever, it was discovered that
only a part of Rindge and Jaffrey was included Avithin the
patent, and that Dublin, Fitzwilliam, Marlborough, Nelson,
Stoddard, and Washington were wholly without its limits.
The Masonian Proj^rietors had granted all these townships,
but, finding they had gone beyond the limits of their charter,
they laid claim to the extraneous territory, and successfully
maintained the control of the townships in dispute during
many years of controversy.
The original grant to Mason describes an extent of " sixty
miles from the sea, on each side of the Province, and a line
to cross over from the end of one line of sixty to the end of
the other." The Masonians claimed that this cross line
"should be a curve, because no other line Avould preserve
the distance of sixty miles from the sea in every part of
their western boundary."
They also claimed that the south-west corner of Fitz-
william was the termination of sixty miles from the sea ; and
then, by making a curved line, they would embrace the eight
Monadnock townships. Several of the more northern town-
ships had been granted by the crown, and a bitter conflict
of grants ensued, Avhich did not end until after the close of
the Revolution, when the l^egislature took up the matter,
and, after a hearing of the conflicting interests, ordered a
survey to be made, by running a line of " sixty miles from
the Atlantic Ocean on the eastern and southern boundaries
of the State, and a straight line from the end of one, sixty
miles to the end of the other." " The termination of sixty
miles, or the south-Avest corner of Mason's grant, was found
to be at lot No. 18, in Rindge, and one and one-fourth of a
mile from the south-west corner of the town, and thence
north thirty-nine degrees east, a distance of ninety-three and
one-lialf miles to the end of the eastern boundary."
This ended the contest. The iShisonians seeing they
could not substantiate their claim, now came forward and
purchased of the State all the land included between the
THE MASONIAN CHARTER. ll
straight and curved lines for the sum of forty thousand
dollars in public securities and eight hundred dollars in
specie.
These Proprietors, at a meeting held in Portsmouth,
December, 6, 1751, gave their agent, Joseph Blanchard,
Esq., of Dunstable, authority to grant a tract of land by
estimation, twenty thousand acres to James Morrison and
thirty-three others. This tract, or township, was called
Monadnock No. V. Keen-sighted gazetteers and historians
who give town statistics tell us that Marlborough was first
granted by charter, April, 29, 1751, to Timothy Dwight and
sixty-one others. This is a great error. By referring to
Charter Records, Vol. I., p. 71, we find that this does not
relate to Marlborough, N.H., but to Marlborough, Vt.,
which was chartered to Timothy Dwight and his associates
by Governor Wentworth, before the separation of the two
States, and is consequently entered on our State Records.
The following is a copy of the Masonian charter.
THE CHARTER OF MONADNOCK NO. V.
Province of
New Hampshire.
Pursuant to the Power and Authority Granted and Vested In me the
Subscriber by the Proprietors of Land, Purchased of John Tufton
Mason Esq"^ in the Province of New Hamp'' by their Vote Pass'd at
their Meeting held at Portsmouth in Said Province the 6''' Day of
December 1751.
I Do By these Presents on the Terms and Limitation, hereafter
Express'd Give and Grant all the right Possession and Property of the
Prop"" aforesaid unto James Morrison Jun'', Archibald Dunlap, Robert
Clark, James Lyons, Robert Allen, Andrew Armer, Halbert JNIorrison,
David ]\Iorrison, Samuel Morrison, John Morrison, Thomas Morrison,
Willi'" Gilmer, John Gilmer, Samuel Allison, Samuel AUison Jun"",
James Willson Jun'', John Willson, Robert Willson, Thomas Willson,
Samuel Willson, Samuel Steel, James Moore, John Warson, John Coch-
ran, Isaac Cochran, Thomas Cochran, Samuel Cochran, Hugh Mont-
gomery, Henry Neal, John Moore, Robert Moore, Samuel Mitchel,
Thomas M'^Clary, three Shares Each and To James Willson Sen"" one
Share, — of In and To that Tract Of Land or Township Call'd Monad-
nock Niuuber five — Situate in the Province of New Mamp'' Contain-
12 HISTOKY OF MARLBOEOUGH.
ing By Estimation twenty thousand Acres Bounded as followeth, —
Beginning at the Northwest Corner of the Township Call'd Xorth
Monadnock No. three and Runs from thence — North Eighty Degrees
West three Miles and an Inilf To a Beach Tree on the West Line of
Masons Patent and from thence Southerly in that Line Seven Miles three
Quarters & forty Rods To the North West Corner of the Township
Called Monadnock N". four from thence — South Eighty Degrees East
about foiu- Miles by the North Line of Said No. four till it Come to the
AYest Line of Monadnock N". two and from thence North by the
Needle by Monadnock N". two and N°. three To the first Bounds men-
tioned, To Have axd To hold To them then- heirs & assigns on the
foUowiug Terms Conditions and Limitations that is To Say that withhi
Nine Months from this Date there be One hundred & Twenty three fifty
Acre Lotts Lay'd out as Near the Middle the Township In the Best of
the Upland as Conveniency WiU Admit & Dra-^ii for and that the
Remainder of the Township be Divided Into One hundred & Twenty
three Shares not Exceeding two Lotts to a share In Such Quantity as
the Grantees Agree upon Each Lott & Drawn for within two Years
from this Date,
That three of the aforesaid Shares be Granted and appropriated free
of all Charge One for the first Settled minister One for the ^Ministry &
One for the School those forever One Lott for Each Said Share to be
Laid Out Near the Middle of the Town & Lotts Coupled to them So as
to Make them Equal with the Rest,
That Twenty more of Said Shares be Reserved for the Grantors their
heks and Assigns forever and Acquitted from aU Duty & Charge imtill
Improved by the Owner or Owners or some holding imder them
Respectively,
That the Owners of the Other Rights make Settlement at then- Own
Expense in the following manner Viz. aU the Lotts to be Lay'd out at
the Grantees Expense,
That all the Lotts in Said Town be Subject to have all Necessary
Roads Lay'd out thro' them as there shall be Occasion free from Charge
for the Land,
That at or Before the Last Day of December 175i there be three
Acres Clered Enclosed and fitted for mowing or Tillage on thii'ty of the
aforementioned Grantees Shares Viz on one Share of Each of the
aforenamed Grantees excepting Hugh ^Montgomery, James Moor &
Samuel Steel and from thence annually one Acre more in Like Manner
f(jr five years and that P^ach of the Grantees have a house Built on Some
One Lott in Said Township of a Room Sixteen feet Scpiare at the Least
Besides the Chimney Way with a Chinmey & Cellar fit for Comfortable
Dwelling therein In Six Years from the Date hereof and Some Person
Inhabiting and Resident- In Each house and To (Continue Inluibitaucy
there for foiu- Years then Next Cuming and tlial W'iliiiii the Teim of
THE MASONIAN CHARTER. l3
twelve Years from this Date there be Seventeen Lotts more Viz one of
the Rights of James Morrison, Robert Clark, James Lyons, Robert Allen,
Andrew Armer, Halbert Morrison, David Morrison, Samuel Morrison,
fJohn Morrison, Thomas Morrison, William Gilmore, John Gilmore,
Samuel Allison, James AVillson, John Willson, Robert Willson, James
Willson Jun'', have In Like manner five Acres of Land Cler'd Enclosed &
fitted as aforesaid Over & above What they are to Do as aforesaid &
Each a house in manner aforesaid & Some Person Inhabiting therein and
Continuing Inhabitancy for three Years afterwards thei-e,
That a Convenient Meeting house be Built In Said Township witliin
ten Years from this Date and finished as Near the Center of the
Township as Conveniency will Admit of to be Determined by a Major
Vote of Grantors and Grantees & Ten Acres of Land Reserved there for
Public Use, —
That the aforesaid Grantees or their Assigns Grant & Assess any
Sum or Sums of Money as they shall think Necessary for Carrying-
forward & Compleating the Settlem' aforesaid & any of the Grantees
Exclusive of the three Public Lotts aforesaid Who Shall Neglect for the
Space of three Months Next After Such Assessment Shall be Granted &
made to pay the Same So much of Such Delinquents Rights Respectively
Shall & may be Sold as Will Pay the Tax & all Charges arising thereon
by a Committee of the Grantees appointed for that Purpose,
That all White pine Trees fit for Masting his Majestys Royal Navy
be & hereby are Granted to his Ma'jesty his heirs & Successors forever.
And in case any of the Grantees Shall Neglect & Refuse to Perform any
of the Articles aforementioned by him Respectively to be Done he Shall
forfeit his Share & Right In Said Township, & Every part & parcel
thereof to those of the Grantees AVho ai"e not Delinquent in the Condi-
tions on their part Respectively to be Done and it Shall & may be
Lawful for them or any Person by their Authority to Enter Into & upon
Such Delinquents Right, & him or them Utterly to Amove Oust &
Expell for the Use of them their heirs & assigns Provided they Settle or
Cause to be Settled Such Delinquents Right within the Term of one
Year at the farthest from the Period that is by this Grant Stipulated as
the Conditions thereof a;id fuUy Comply with the Conditions Such
Delinq*** Ought to have Done within one Year from the Time after the
Respective Periods thereof and hi Case the said Grantees fulfilling their
parts as aforesaid Shall Neglect fulfilling as aforesaid of any Delinquent
Owner nor he himself Perform it, that then Such Share or Shares be
forfeit Revert & Belong to the Grantors their heirs & Assigns & to be
Wholly at their Disposal always Provided there be no Indian Warr in
any of the Terms Linrited as aforesaid for doing the Duty Conditioned
in this Grant to be Done & In Case that Should happen the same time
to be allowed after such Tmpedement shall be Removed.
14 HISTORY OF MAKLB0EOI'(iH.
Lastly the Grantors Do hereby Promise To the Said Grantees their
heirs & Assigns to Defend thro' the Law to King & Council if Xeed be
one Action that Shall & may be Bro't against them or any Xumber of
them by any Person or Persons Whatsoever Claiming the Said Land or
Any Part thereof by any Otlier Title than tliat of the said Grantors
or that by ^V^^ich they hold & Derive theirs from Provided the Said
Grantors are avouched In to Defend the Same and in Case on final
Tryal the Same Shall be Recovered over Against the Grantors the Said
Grantees Shall Recover Nothing over against tlie Grantors for the Said
Lands Improvements or Expences in Bringing forward the Settlement.
To all Which Premises I Joseph Blanchard Agent for & in Behalf of
the Grantors have hereunto Set my hand and Seal this 20"' Day of ^lay
in the 25"> Year of his Majestys Reign Annoque Domine 1752
JOSEPH BLANCHARD
This copy is a transcript from the Proprietors' Records,
where it was written in a neat and beautiful manner by
Joseph Blanchard who was allowed " <£1 8s, for calling the
first meeting, and for the Proprietor's Book and recording
the Charter."
" At a meeting of the Prop'^s of the Township called
Monadnock, No. V, held at the house of Joseph Blanchard
of Dunstable in the Province of New Hampshire, Esqr —
May the Twentyeth A.D. 1752," the following vote passed
unanimously : —
Whereas the Prop"" of ye Lands in the Province of New Hampshire
purchased by them of John Tufton Mason Esq, who held them mider
the title made by a common recovei'y did on the twentyeth day of May
afores'd, Grant the quantity of twenty thousand acres, beginning at the
Northwest corner of the Township called North Monadnock, No. 3, &
runs from thence North eighty degrees west three miles & an half to a
Beech tree in the west line of Masons Patent, & from thence Southerly
in that line seven miles three quarters & forty rods to the northwest
corner of the Township called Monadnock No. 4, from thence South
eighty degrees East about four miles by the North line of s'd No. 4, till
it comes to the West line of Monadnock No. 2, & from thence North by
the Needle by Monadnock No. 2, & No. 3, to the first corner mentioned.
Unto James Morison Jun"", Archibald Dunlap, Robert Clark, James
Lyons, Robert Allen, And* Armer, Harlbert Morison, David Morison,
THE MASONIAN CHARTER. 15
Sam' Morison, John MorLson, Thomas Morisou, William Gillmor, John
Gillmor, Sam' Alison, Sam'l Alison Jun'r, James Wilson Jun'r, John
AVilson, Robert Wilson, Thomas AVilson, Sam'l Wilson, Sam'l Steel,
James JNIoove, John Wason, John Cochran, Isaac Cochran, Thomas
Cochran, Sam'l Cochran, Hugh INIontgomery, Henry Neal, John Moore,
Robert Moore, Sam'l Mitchel, Thomas M'Cleary & James Wilson Sen'r.
Under certain conditions Limitations, and reservations in s'd Grant
mentioned as by References thereto will fnlly aiDpear.
Voted that we do hereby accept said Title and for ourselves our heirs,
& assignees, do acknowledge that we hold said land under said Title,
Conditions & Limitations with the Reservations therein mentioned.
MATTHEAV THORNTON Prop'- Clerk.
These grantees whom we will now call Proprietors, were
probably most of them residents of Londonderry and Dun-
stable, and doubtless never intended to take up their abode
here, but expected to realize something from the sale of
lands to those who would settle thereon.
Whether an effort was made by these Proprietors to bring
forward the settlement of the township it does not now
appear, for we find no record of their proceedings for over
nine years. If any effort Avas made at this time it was
suspended by the Frencli and Indian War which broke out
in 1753, and was, no doubt, the cause of the nonfulfilment
of the charter stipulations.
This war spread consternation throughout the settled por-
tions of New England. It was the course ever pursued l^y
the Indians upon the renewal of a war between the French
and English, to commence their attacks upon the frontier
settlements. In August, 1754, a party of Indians broke into
the house of James Johnson at Charlestown, earl}' in the
morning, and captured the whole family consisting of eight
persons. In 1755 Benjamin Twitchell was captured in
Keene, and several persons were killed at Walpole and
Hinsdale.
Parties of Indians were also seen lurking round in various
other localities. Exaggerated accounts of Indian atrocities
spread with great rapidity throughout the settlements, and a
general feeling of insecurity prevailed to such an extent that
no progress could be made toward settling new townships.
16
HISTORY OF MARLBOEOUGH.
In 1761 a mimber of individuals residing in the towns of
Westborough and Marlborough, Mass., obtained an interest
in the township. Their names were as follows : —
DaA-id Church,
Charles Biglo,
William Barker,*
John Taylor.
Jonathau Blanchard,
Xoah Church,
Joseph Biglo,
Stephen How,
Ebenezer Dexter,
^^^illianl Eager,
Jacob Felton,
Jonathan Green,
William Badcock,
Adonijah How,
Isaac ]\IcAlister,*
Daniel Harrington,
Jesse Rice,
Benjamin How,
Ebenezer Joslin.
Richard Tozer,*
Abraham How, Jr.
Jonathan Bond,
.Silas Gates,
Eleazer How,
Silas Wheeler,
John Woods,
Munning Sawin,
Daniel Goodenow,^
Those whose names are marked thus (*), afterwards
became settlers : the others sold their interest to such indi-
viduals as would promise to settle thereon. Several of
these were men of distinction. Noah Church was the son
of David and Mar}" Church of Marlborough, ]\lass.; being
a surveyor, he with Isaac ]MeAlister rendered assistance in
laying out the township. He afterwards removed to Xew
Marlborough, Mass. Ebenezer Dexter was a phjsician in
Marlborough. He married Lydia Woods, February, 7, 1754.
He was for some time Proprietors' clerk, which office he
held at the thue of his death. Ma}-, 4, 1769. Munning
Sawin was for many years a keeper of a public house in
Marlborough, Mass. He was a member of Capt. Abraham
William's company, organized in 1757, in view of the
dangers from the French and Indians. He died June, 28,
1807, aged 87 years. Jacob Felton was the son of Samuel
and Sarah (Goodel) Felton of ^Marlborough. He died
November, 20, 1789, aged 77; his son John became one of
the early settlers in the township, and his sou Matthias
settled in Fitzwilliam.
Silas Gates was the son of Simon and Sarah (Woods)
Gates of ^larlborough. He commanded a company which
turned out and nwirched to Cambridge on the Lexington
alarm, 1775. He died August, 25, 1793.
THE MASONIAN CHARTER. 17
P'riday, November, 20, 1761, there appeared in the New
Hampshire Crazette the following notification : —
Province of New Hampshire. Whereas application hath this Day
been made to me y"^ Subscriber by y^' owners of more than one 16"' part
of the shares Rights or Interests of the whole of that tract or Township
called Monadnock N° 5, — in said ProAdnce, Desireing me to Notify &
call a Meeting of the Prop*^ of said Tract of Land. — This is therefore
to Notify & Warn all the Proprietors of the common and undivided
Lands of the s'^ Tract or Township called Monadnock, N° 5. aforesaid,
To assemble & meet at y*^ House of Colo. Williams, Inholder In Marl-
borough in the County of IVIiddlesex on the Tenth Day of December
Next at Ten o Clock in the Morning in order to act and vote on the Fol-
lowing articles, viz. 1 To chose a Prop*** Clerk, 2'"y A Prop*^ Treasurer,
o Assessors, 4 a Proprietors Collector, S'^^'y To see if the Prop^** will agree
to allot out the said Township or any part thereof and raise Money by a
Tax or otherwise for that End or any other, to carry on any Publick
Matter or thing necessary to Bring forward the settlement of said Town-
ship, 6"' To agree on some Measures for calling Proprietors Meetings for
the Future.
November 10"' 1761
JOSEPH BLANCHARD Jus. Peace
The Proprietors assembled at the time and place specified
in the above notification, and we copy the following from
the records of that meeting : —
1^' Made Choice of Noah Church Moderator,
2'Uy Ebenz'- Dexter Prop'^ Clerk,
S'l'y Jesse Rice Prop*^ Treasurer,
4"'iy Noah Church T
Jacob Felton V Assessors,
Ebenz'' Dexter J
5"''>- Stephen How Prop''* Collector.
The meeting was then adjourned to April, 30, 1762 ; then
to meet at the house of Jonathan Warren, Innholder, in
Marlborough.
At the adjourned meeting, the Proprietors voted to lay out
the whole of the township into one-hundred-acre lots, ou or
before the 20tli day of the next June. "Dr. Bond, Capt.
Joseph Bigio, j\Ir. Daniel Harrington & Lieut. Silas Gates,"
were chosen a committee to carry this into effect.
To meet the expense, it was voted to raise five dollars on
18 HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
each Projjrietor's right. This meeting was adjourned to the
30th day of June to meet at the house of Capt. Bezaleel
Eager, Innholder, at Westborough.
At the adjourned meeting, the committee for lotting
out the town reported that they were not ready for the
drawing of the lots, "by reason of ye whole of the above
said Tract of Land not being allotted out " ; and the
meeting was further adjourned to the second Wednesday
of October, to meet at the house of Col. Williams, Inn-
holder, in Marlborough.
At this meeting little was done beyond choosing a
committee to couple the lots for drawing, and fixing upon
a method for calling Proprietors' meetings, which was as
follows: '-Upon applycation of the owners of five original
Rights Made to the Clerk in Writing inserting the articles
to be acted upon, he shall thereupon Make out a notify-
catiou Warning all y Prop*^ at such time and place as they
shall appoint, and He shall post up Two Notifycations Viz.
one in Marlboro, & one in Westborough at some Public
Places 14 Days before said Meeting, and all Meetings so
Posted & Held shall be good & Valid."' *
The drawing of the lots took place on November, 22,
1762. We insert here the schedule of the shares, with the
lots drawn annexed. The names in the left-hand column
are those of the grantees: on the right, those to whom
each riaht was transferred at the time of drawino-.
*The town was surveyed by Jonatlixn Livermore, Noah Church, and Isaac
MoAlister. A line was ttrst drawn throngli the geographical centre from cast to
west. South of this lino there were ei.s;ht ranges with thirteen lots in each range ;
north, one hundred and five lots, the ranges not being numbered.
THE MASONIAN CHARTER.
19
A List of the Proprietors of Monadnock N« 5. With the Draft of Their
Lotts excepting y'^ Lord Prop'^ Reference Being Had to the Plan
and Numbers as y^ came.
Tlios. Wilson
Henry Neal
James Lyon
Thos. Cochran
Wm. Gilmore
Robert Wilson
Jno. Wason
Halbr. Morison
Saml. Morison
Andw. Armer
Isaac Cochran
Saral. Allison Jr.
Archd. Diinlap
John Grilmore
Saml. Steel
Robert Allen
James Moor
Thos. McClary
James Wilson Jr.
Jno. Morrison
Jno. Wilson
Saml. Mitchel
Saml. Cochran
.Tames Morrison
Hugh Montgomery
John Moor
Robert Moor
Saml. Wilson
Thos. Morrison
Cavid Morrison
Robert Clark
Jno. Cochran
Saml. Allison
James Wilson
Minister
Ministry
School
<ji
s
1
^
"~
1
~
2
8
.3
5
59
27
1
n
01
9(i
5
4
2
2
2
5
U
4
5
8
1
2
4
lOfi
2
11
71
Mill Right
13
5
12
7
57
til
6
1
8
13
3
(i
13
30
46
104
8(1
3
8
25
fl
3
til
6
David Church
Jona. Blauchard
Wm. Eager
Addoni.iah How
Richd. Tozer
Eleazer How
Charles Biglo
Noah Chnrch
Jacob Felton
Isaac McAilester
Abraham How Junr.
Silas Wheeler
William Barker
Joseph Biglo
Jona. Klanchard
Jona. Blanchard
Jona. Blanchard
Jona. Green
Danl. Harington
Jonathan Bond
John Woods
.John Taj lor
Stephen How
Wm. Badcock
Jona. Blanchard
Jess-' Rice
Silas Gates
Muning Sawin
Ebenz'r Dexter
Dan'l Goodenow
Benja. How
Ebenz'r Jo-lin
Ebenz'r Dexter
Ebenz'r Dexter
A Copy.
Examined by
EBENZ'R DEXTER, Propts. Clerk.
The Proprietors now began in earnest to prepare the way
for settlement. To do this, convenient roads must be laid
out through the township. Accordingly, at a meeting held
at the house of Abraham Williams in Marlborough, it was
voted "to lay out and clear a Road from Dooblin to Keen."
Isaac McAlister, Noah Church, and Muning Sawin, were
chosen a committee for this purpose, and were instructed to
* 10 Acres of this lot to be taken out for publick usd by Charter.
t And north half of No. 11.
t And south half of No. 11.
II And north half of No. 6.
§ And south half of No. 6.
NORTH.
No.
102
No
103
Norths
No
_^^^J6erods.
104 1 r
1 No. |l05
s 1
No. ^0.
92 91
»2aer
'5 acre
3Jroc
^^acre,
'^^ acres.
922 - >
art.
100
No.
99
No.
No.
97
No.
96
No.
95
No.
94
No.
93
h
No.
81
No.
82
No.
83
No.
84
No.
85
No.
86
No.
87
No.
No.
89
No.
90
• /No.
/ 80
No.
79
No.
78
No.
77
GE
No.
76
No.
75
No.
74
No.
73
1
No.
72
No.
71
No.
70
/No.
/ 59
No.
60
No.
61
No.
62
No.
63
No.
64
No.
65
No.
66
No.
67
No.
No.
69
«^ ae,
^5 ro
^'' acres
^^ acres ^.
*^^cres. /
'US.
No.
58
No.
57
No.
56
No
55
No.
54
No.
53
No.
52
No.
51
No.
50
No.
49
No.
48
rts. /
No.
37
No.
38
No.
39
No.
40
No.
41
No.
42
No.
43
1 No.
1 44
1
No.
45
No.
46
No.
47
. /No
/ 36
No.
35
No.
34
No.
33
No.
32
No.
No.
30
No.
29
No.
No.
27
No.
20
No.
25
/ No.
f 13
No.
14
No.
15
No.
16
No.
17
No.
18
No.
19
GE
No.
20
No.
21
No.
No.
23
No.
24
No.
12
No.
11
No.
10
No.
9
No.
8
No.
No.
6
No.
5
No.
No.
3
No.
No.
1
19 acres J. |l3
12
11
10
9
8
6
5
3
2
1
42 acres. 113
12
11
10
9
8
6
5
3
2
1
58 acres. 113
12
11
10
9
8
6
5
3
2
1
73 acres. 1 13
12
11
10
9
8
6
5
3
2
■
82i. 1 13
12
11
10
9
8
6
5
3
2
1
»9 acres. 13
12
U
10
9
8
6
5
3
2
1
C5 acres j. J^
12
11
10
9
8
6
5
3
2
1
I ^" 1 ?^* IS
-.^ I
S3
5
Co
{&
3
2
1 ]
Center
Line.
Rang. 1.
Rang. 2.
Rang. 3.
Rang. 4.
Rang. 5.
Rang. 0.
Rang. 7
Rang. 8.
Marlborough, Dec, M, 1768. Purveyed by Jona Livkkmohe and Noah CiiURCii, in ye year 1762.
A Copy, examined by EnKMczr:i! Dkxter, Piopts Clerk.
THE MASONIAN CHARTER. 21
lay out the road in the manner they thought l)est, for the
benefit and advantage of the Proprietors.
To meet the expense, a tax was laid of two dollars on
each Proprietor's right; at the same time, liberty was given
for each one to work out his two dollars on the road at four
shillings per day, " he finding himself at his own cost (Noth-
ing being allowed for Travel & Expenses out & home)."
This road commenced at Keene line on lot No. 58, "and
thence across lot No. 57, and through No. 39 and 40 ; across
the corner of No. 32, and through Nos. 31, 30, and 29;
across a corner of No. 28, to No. 22; through the south west
corner of No. 26, and to No. 23 and 24 to Dublin line."
Or, in other words, commencing at the Keene line and run-
ning nearly the saine as the main street, to the mill of the
Monadnock Blanket Company, and thence through the mill-
yard to the top of the hill; then following the present road
up the hill by the Congregationalist church to the house of
Gilman Whitcomb, and thence on to the Blodgett place,
now owned by A. T. Woodward.
From this point the road has been very much changed;
and it would be a difficult matter to describe all its turnings
and windings until it came to the place now owned by
Samuel Jones. Here it ran several rods north of Mr. Jones'
house, and came out into the present highway at the foot
of the hill east of his house, and thence followed the present
road by the Stone Pond to the Dublin line.
This was the first road laid out in the township, and
when completed was little better than a bridle path through
the woods; for up to this time the township was an
unbroken forest with the exception of a 'small clearing
on what is now "West Hill" in Troy. At this late day,
we can hardly form any conception of the wildness of the
scenery at that time. The bark of the wolf and the cvy of
the catamount, were no unusual sounds; the bear roamed
at will through the forest, unpursued by man: the whole
forming a striking contrast with that which the eye beholds
to-day. The men who performed the labor of clearing this
road have left us no record of their transactions. How
22 HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
many there were, the time employed, how they lived or
where they stayed, is all unknown to us ; but certain it
is that it was only through much toil and many privations
that they were able to complete tlie road and make it fit for
travel.
At a meeting in August, 1763, the Proprietors voted to
"•lay out a road from Rowley (Rindge) to Doobleinn Road
Leading to Keen." This road led through the south part
of the town, but we have no means of knowing the exact
location.
CHAPTER 11.
SETTLEMENTS, ETC.
William Barkek. — Isaac MoAlistek. — Silas Fife. — Benjamin
TucKEE. — FiKST Meeting in the Toavnship. — Fiest Saw-Mill.
— Fiest Houses. — Fiest Census. — Delinquent Gkantees. —
Enoch Hale's eeturn of Settlements. — Fiest Geist-Mill. —
Difficulty of settling with Peopeietoes' Officers. — Beeeb
Batcheldee. — Paetial Oeganization of the Town. — Town
Incoeporated. — Origin of the Name. — First Town Meeting.
— TiTHINGMEN. — DeEE-KeEVES AND HoG-PiEEVES. — InVJ:NTOEY
of Taxable Peopeety.
We have now reached the period in the history of our
town in which the first settlement was made. The first
to try his fortnnes in this hitherto unbroken wilderness
was William Barker, a native of Westborongh, Mass.
According to the best information we have, he first came
to Monadnock No. V in 1761. It will be remembered that
he was one of the Proprietors, and as such, had drawn
several lots of land, and was, no doubt, influenced by the
desire to know something of the quality and worth of his
newly acquired possessions.
At this time he did little more than to select a location
for his future residence, which was lot No. XII in the fifth
range, being on what is now called " West Hill," in Troy.
In 1762 he returned, bringing with him a quantity of pro-
visions sufficient to last him a limited time, and commenced
a small clearing which, no doubt, was the first made within
the limits of Monadnock No. V.
24 HISTORY OF IMAELBOEOUGH.
His supply of provisions exhausted, he went back to his
native town, having made bnt little progress in levelling the
forest. In 1764 he returned, enlarged his clearing, built a
log-house, and made arrangements for removing his family.
Early in the fall he set out from Westborough, accompanied
with his Avife and three small children ; he also had an
ox-team well laden with stores of provisions and domestic
utensils. The roads being in a poor condition, their progress
was slow ; but they soon reached Winchendon, from wdiich
place there was no road, and they were obliged to be guided
by marked trees. This part of their journey was very
difficult; but, after much toil and many slight accidents,
they arrived safely at their new home the 17th day of
Sej)tember, 1764, being the first family/ that settled in
Monadnock No. Y.
Soon after the removal of Mr. Barker and his family,
Isaac McAlister who had previously constructed a log-
house on the farm now OAvned by Ansel Nye, removed
his family consisting of his wife — who was a sister of
Mrs. Barker — and four children ; this was the first settle-
ment within the limits of the present town of Marlborough.
These two families consisting of eleven members, were,
it is presumed, all the inhabitants residing within the
township during the winter of 1764-5.
1765. Silas Fiiel, a young man from Bolton, Mass-
having heard much of the undeveloped resources and great
adaptability of the Monadnock toAvnships for farming pur-
poses, together with their abundance of game (a matter of
no small importance to the first settlers of our New England
forests, as it was necessarily one of the principal sources of
food for themselves and families), determined to visit them,
with the view of purchasing a tract of land for a farm.
Consequently in the spring of 1765, as tradition has it,
with a small quantity of food strapped upon his back, he
started for IMonadnock, accompanied only with his trusty
dog and gun. On arriving at IMonadnock No. V, he pur-
chased a lot of laud in the south-easterly part of the
SETTLEMENTS, ETC. 25
township, including most of the land afterwards owned by
Deacon Abel Baker (for many years known as the Baker
farm), situated within the territory set off from Marlborough
in 1815 to form a part of the new town of Troy. Here
he constructed a temporary shelter, near the entrance of
which he cooked his food, while within he slept the livelong
night, gun in hand, ready at a moment's warning to send
Bruin howling from his presence. Young Fife appears to
have been an excellent marksman and fond of the chase.
The abundance of game in the vicinity of the mountain
afforded ample scope for the exercise of his skill. As his
supply of food during the first few months of his residence
in his isolated home Avas quite limited, he was obliged to
depend upon his favorite amusement for his daily suste-
nance ; and whenever he felt the pangs of hunger, the sharp
crack of his musket was pretty certain to bring him relief.
For several summers he toiled on mostly alone, clearing
his ground and bringing it into a state of cultivation ; in
the meantime he built a house, and then, thinking, like
many others, that he had experienced fully his share of
the sweets of single blessedness, married Abigail Houghton,
a young lady from his native town, and took her to his
wilderness home.
They were married in Boston, Mass., August 15, 1772.
Mrs. Fife was little accustomed to the rude life she had here
chosen, and it is, therefore, no wonder that many perplexing
incidents should happen to her in the discharge of her duties
as housewife ; one of which in after years she often related
with great merriment.
A few days after becoming settled in her new home, she
undertook to bake some pies, being arranged on pewter
plates and placed in the heated stone oven. Shortly after-
wards, on looking into the oven, it is perhaps unnecessary
to add, she found her plates a liquid mass, rolling about in
different directions. But a few such lessons jprobably
served to correct her judgment, and led her to avoid similar
unpleasant casualties.
In August, 1765, Benjamin Tucker, with his wife, five
26 HISTOEY OF MAliLBOROUGH.
sons, and two daughters, came from Leicester, Mass., to
Monadnock No. V, and settled on the place formerly owned
and occupied by Tarbell and Whitney ; the house standing
at the top of the hill, a few rods east of the present build-
ings. Mr. Tucker was fortunate in choosing this location,
for soon after his settlement here the great road from
Keene to Boston was laid out directly by his house, which
he opened as a tavern, being the first kept in the township ;
a full description of which will be given hereafter.
Mr. Tucker and his sons proved to be men of enterprise,
and did their full share towards forwarding the settlement
of the town. The meetings of the Proprietors were for
several years held at his house; he was frequently moder-
ator of these meetings, and also at different times held the
office of clerk, assessor, and treasurer. Mr. Tucker was
a man of natural business capacit}' ; but this was not
seconded by a good education, as is evident from the
manner in which he kept the Proprietors' records, mixing-
up his capitals strangely, and using as many letters as
possible in spelling.
The population was further increased this year by the
arrival of Daniel Goodenow, with his Avife and four or five
children, from ]\Iarlborough, Mass. Where he settled is not
certain, but it was probably in that part of the township
now included in Troy. Abel Woodward also became a
settler the same N'ear, but of how many persons his family
consisted we are unable to say, as no records have been
preserved. He located in what is now the village, on the
Joslin place, now owned in part by Murray Fitch; his
house standing on the west side of the road between the
residence of Joel S. Knight and the sand bank.
1766. November 13tli of this year, a meeting of the
Proprietors Avas held at the house of Isaac McAlister, which
was the first held within the township. At this meeting
Benjamin Tucker was moderator, and Dr. Ebenezer Dexter
of Marlborough, Mass., was clerk. The most important
luisiness transacted at this meeting related to highways;
SETTLEMENTS, ETC. 27
and the following is a copy of a vote passed in reference
to the sixth article of the warrant for this meeting:
" Voted that the great Roads so-called Leading from Keen
to Doobleinn, and from Keen to Rowly,* and from Swanzey
to Stoddard Townf so called, be Layed ont Three Rods
wide and the other Roads 2 rods wide." The Doctor
was, no donbt, a skilful physician, and if the medicine
which he dealt out to his patients, was equally strong with
his spelling, he must have met with unparalleled success
in his practice.
Nothing of importance seems to have been done this
year towards bringing forward the settlement of the town-
ship, nor does there appear to have been any increase in
the number of settlers.
1767. Only one meeting was held this year, and that
was at the old Williams Tavern in Marlborough, Mass., on
the 19th of May. The most important transaction at this
meeting was the provision made for the building of a saw-
mill. By the schedule of the lots drawn by the Proprietors,
it will be seen ,that Daniel Harrington drew the "Mill
Right." Tradition tells us that this was located at the
junction of the brooks, south of the school-house in District
No. 4.
Several attempts had been made on the part of the
Proprietors to induce Mr. Harrington to erect a mill ; but,
either from lack of means or wishing to have the Proprietors
bear the greater part of the expense, he neglected to go
forward in the enterprise. At the meeting above alluded
to, it was voted to "Raise one Dollar on Each Prpt^ Right,
for the use of Daniel Harrington, in case he compleats a
saw-mill fit for sawing of Boards, on or before the first of
July Next Insueing; and in case Mr. Harrington Throws
up the subscription made at Monad^^ No. five on the IS'i^
Day of Nov. 1766, Also Mr. Harrington, agrees to allow
Half a Dollar to Each Proprietor that lives in s^ Township
per Day, if they choose to work out said Dollar."
*Riu(lge. tFitzwilliam.
28 HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
The mill was completed during the season, and in the
autumn the first two framed houses were erected in town.
The first of these was built by Jedediah Maynard on the
farm now owned by Ivory E. Gates, and is the eastern half
of Mr. Gates' house. The second was that of Abijah
Tucker, and was located on the site of the Congregational
meeting-house.
Previous to this time the houses were mere log-huts with
stone chimneys, usually with but one room, no chamber or
cellar, and oftentimes with no floor except the hard-trodden
earth. The roofs were composed of large poles thatched
with bark. Window-glass was at first unknown, but a hole
or two cut in the logs with wooden shutters, answered the
purpose of windows.
The immigration to the town this year was much larger
than the preceding. Among the number were Joseph Col-
lins, his wife and seven children; Thomas Riggs who was
the first settler on the Sargent place ; John Felton and
Jedediah Maynard, each of whom was married.
In September the Provincial Legislature ordered an
enumeration of the inhabitants, and an inventory of the
ratable estate in each town in the province to be made in
December. The return of the inventory from Monadnock
No. V has not been found, and if any was made at this
time, it has been lost. The population of each town was
arranged in classes. The returns from this township were
as follows: —
Unmarried men from 16 to 60 years of age, 9
Married men from 16 to 60 years of age, 16
Boys of 16 years and nnder, 25
Men 60 years and above, 1
Females unmarried, 26
Fei^iales married, 16
^Male slaves,
Female slaves,
Total, 93
This census is important from the fact that it shows
the number of inliabitants in the township at the close of
SETTLEMENTS, ETC. 29
the third year after its settlement. Were it possible, we
would like to give the name and age of each inhabitant at
this time ; but it is impossible, owing to the fact that
the descendants of several of those early families are so
widely scattered we cannot obtain the necessary statistics.
From this time to 1770, the Proprietors held but few
meetings, and no business of importance was transacted;
their chief aim seemed to be to increase, as fast as possible
the number of settlers, in order to fulfil the conditions
of their charter. Some of the' grantees, however, failed to
perform their whole duty in this respect ; and had it not
been for the great forbearance and long suffering of the
Lord Proprietors, for whose interest it was to forward the
settlement of the town, they would, no doubt, have forfeited
all claim to the land.
These delinquent grantees were men of influence, and so
controlled the Proprietors' meetings that those who had ful-
filled their part considered, these delinquents were hindering
rather than helping fulfil the stipulations set forth in the
charter. In view of these proceedings, the resident Pro-
prietors in 1768 presented the following petition to the
Lord Proprietors : —
Province of )
New Hampshire. C
To the Proprietors of Lands purchased of John Tiifton Mason, Esq""
in the Province aforesaid, (commonly called the JLiords Proprietors of
said Lands).
Humbly showeth to your Honors, —
We the Subscribers, inhabitants of Monadnock No. five (so called) in
said Province, lying in said Mason's Patent, that on the twentieth day of
May, A. D. 1752, your Honors was pleased to grant said Monadnock,
number five to a number of people and gave a Charter of the same to
said people, with sundry conditions and restrictions, as mentioned in
said Charter. Since which we have purchased of sundry of the Grantees,
and settled in said Towaiship, and have fulfilled said Charter, as to our
part, as fully as hath been in our power to do. By reason that there is a
number of said Grantees that neglect to settle their rights, or do any
considerable part of the duty required of them by said Charter, altho'
we conceive the tune for the settlement on said Rights is long since
expired, and said delinquents at our meetings for bringing forward tlie
30 HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
settlements of said Townships &c., by means of their own votes, the
Interest they make, carry the votes as they please to the great damage of
the inhabitants of said Towiiship, and to the discouragement of others
settling therein &c.
The delinquent Rights are as followeth ; (viz.) Henry Neal, William
Gihnore, Halbert Morrison, Samuel Allison Jr, Robert Allen, Samuel
Mitchel, John Moore, Thomas Morrison. We having thus opened our
deplorable case to yoirr Honors, as obedient children to their Parents,
desire your Honors would take om' case into your wise consideration,
and if your Honors think proper, grant said delinquents Rights to the
inhabitants of said Township, on such conditions as your Honors shall
think proper; or otherwise release us, as your Honors in your great
wisdom shall think proper. And we as in duty bound shall ever pray.
Monadnock, jSTmnber five 25th day of July 1768.
Daniel Goodenoiigh, Joshua Tucker, Caleb Tucker,
William Barker, Isaac McAlister, Stephen Church,
Joseph Collins, Abijah Tucker, Charles Bigelow,
Abel AVoodward, Moses Tucker, Richard Tozer.
The delinquent grantees now began to bestir themselves,
and, fearing that the prayer of the petitioners would be
granted, engaged Jonathan Blanchard who was supposed to
have great influence with the Masonian Proprietors, to act
for them in the matter of opposing the petition of the
inhabitants for a new grant. Accordingly in December
following, that gentleman presented to the Lord Proprietors
the following memorial : —
To the Gentlemen Prop"" Purchasers of the right of John Tufton
Mason Esq. in the Prgvince of New Hami:)shire.
The Memorial of Jonathan Blanchard of Dunstable in said Province
shews, —
That your Memorialist and others are largely interested in the New
Township called Monadnock No. 5, granted to your Right some years
since. — That they (& other families) have at a large expense been &
still are carrying on & completing the- Settlement of said Township, as
injoined by Grant thereof. —
That your Memorialist, understands a Petition has been prefei'red to
your Society, (as well as many causeless Insinuations mentioned) Setting
forth that a number of the Original Grantees or their assigns are dila-
tory, wholly neglect the improvement and settlement of their Rights &
Shares. —
That your Memorialist declares (so far as he can find out) that the
Representation aforesaid is false, & tliat there is not one single right
SETTLEMENTS, ETC. 31
ill said Township, but that has more or less cleared & Improved on, &
that if the whole duty is not already done, as they are perfect of the
same, he i:)rayes for your further indulgence & is persuaded that any new
Grant cannot hasten the Settlement. That if the Petitioners aforesaid,
should again beg for the supposed forfeiture, your Memorialist prays
that he may have Notice and Liberty to state the Facts touching the
Settlement, before any Xew Grant takes place, which tho' perhaps cannot
take effect yet it may be prejudicial to the Present Claimers & no real
service, and your Memorialist as in duty shall ever pray.
JOXA BLANCHAKD.
Portsmouth, Dec. 22'', 1768.
The Masoniaii Proprietors wishing to act judiciously in
the matter, wrote to Benjamin Tucker requesting that he
woukl forward to them "• a just account of the settlement of
Monadnock, No. V," and how far they had complied with
the conditions of their charter.
They also employed Col. Enoch Hale of Rindge to
inyestigate the matter. As the results of these two investi-
gations were rendered at nearly the same time, and were
substantially the same, we Avill give that of Mr. Hale, which
is as follows : —
An account of y'^ Settlements in Monadnock Xo. tive, called New
Marlborough* in y'^ province of New Hampshire.
Dra't.
1. Thomas Wilson, settled by Thomas Kiggs.
2. Henry Neal.
3. James Lyon, settled by Joshua Tucker.
4. Thomas Cochran, settled by James Tiffany.
5. William Gilmore, settled by Eichard Tozer.
6. Robert AVilson, settled by William Adams.
7. John Warson, settled by Joseph Peck.
8. Halbert Morrison. Jonathan Nicholds made some improvement.
9. Samuel Morrison, settled by John Felton.
10. Andrew Armer, settled by Isaac McAlister.
11. Isaac Cochran, settled by Abel Woodwart.
12. Samuel Allison, settled by David Warrin.
10. Archibald Dunlap, settled by Bennidick AVebber.
11. John Gilmore, settled by Benjamin Tucker.
1.5. Samuel Steel. Called Dutv free.
*This is the earliest date at wliicla tlxe name of Marlborough apjiears in
connectioTi with the township.
32 HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
16. Robert Allen, settled by Jonatban Goodenow.
17. James Moore. Called Duty free.
18. Tbomas McClary, settled by Jonatban Sbaw.
19. James Wilson, settled by Jonah Harrington.
20. Jobn Morrison, settled by Silas Hooker ; made some improvements.
21. John Wilson, settled by James Grossman.
22. Samuel ]Mitchel, settled by Thaddeus Hastings ; made some improve'.
23. Samuel Cochran, settled by James Brewer.
24. James Morrison, settled by Benja. Tucker, Jr.
25. Hugh Montgomery. Called duty free.
26. John Moor, settled by Richard Robards.
27. Robert Moor, settled by Stephen Chru-ch, Single man, 1. acre im-
proved some acres girdled.
28. Samiiel A^'ilson, settled by Samuel Bishop.
29. Thomas Morrison.
30. David Morrison, settled by Daniel Goodenow.
31. Robert Clark, settled by Joseph Collins.
32. John Cochran, settled by William Barker.
33. Samuel Allison, settled by Silas Fife.
James Wilson Sen'' have one single share containing one hundred and
fifty acres no duty to be done sooner than the last duties on the double
shares, which contains four hundred and fifty acres to each share.
A true accomrt of all the Settlements Err^ Excep'', per
EXOCH HALE.
April 24"', 1770.
This account of settlements is interesting from the fact
that it gives us a certain knowledge as to who were the
inhabitants of the town at so early a date. Of these set-
tlers, twenty-seven in number, all had families except
William Adams, Silas Hooker, Thaddeus Hastings, Stephen
Church, and Silas Fife ; and of this number, Thaddeus
Hastings and Silas Fife afterwards married and raised up
large families in this town ; the other three remained here
but a short time, and then dej^arted, no one knows whither.
This account of Col. Hale seems to have been satisfac-
tory and to have ended the controvers}', as we hear no more
concerning the delinquent grantees ; and it is probable that
they seeing the matter was to be investigated, made haste
and settled their rights, as we find in this report that
several of those who had been complained* of as delinquent,
were reported by Col. Hale as settled.
SETTLEMENTS, ETC. 33
During this period Joseph Collins had built a saw
and grist-mill in the north part of the township on the,
Richardson brook near the bridge east of the place where
Stillman Richardson now resides. This was the first grist-
mill erected in town. Not far from this time, Abijah
Tucker built a saw and grist-mill on the site of the mill
now owned by the Monadnock Blanket Company. The
erection of these two mills did much towards advancing
the settlement of the town. Previous to this there was no
grist-mill within six miles, and the early settlers must have
hailed with joy the erection of one in their midst; for
carrying grain on their backs that distance through the
woods over a rocky, rough, and uneven country with only
marked trees to guide their steps, could have been no
easy task.
1769. Ebenezer Dexter who up to this time had held
the office of Proprietors' clerk, died; and by virtue of a
warrant issued by Thomas Frink of Keene, a justice of the
peace, the Pro]3rietors assembled on the 3d of January, 1770,
at the house of Benjamin Tucker, for the purpose of choos-
ing new officers and transacting other important business
relating to the township.
At this meeting Benjamin Tucker acted a conspicuous
part: he was not only moderator and clerk, but was also
chosen treasurer, chairman of the board of assessors, and
chairman of several committees. It was at this meeting
that the Proprietors voted to build the meeting-house ; the
measiu^es adopted for this purpose will be noticed in a subse-
quent chapter. It was also voted "that every man shall
vote in their meetings according to their interest in s^
township." " Voted that the oners of one sixteenth part of
the Lands in said township, — Requesting ye Clark to call a
meeting, he Shall be obliged to do it, by Posting a notifica-
tion in sd town Ship, and in Marlborough, (Mass.) at some
Publick Place near the senter of S^ Town."
There was also considerable legislation relating to high-
ways in this and subsequent years ; committees were chosen
34 HISTOEY OF MARLBOEOUGH.
to lay out and clear roads, and accounts were brought in
.at every meeting for "Worck done in ye Roads." The
average price paid per day was three shillings.
1771. There were four Proprietors' meetings this year.
Benjamin Tucker was dismissed from the office of clerk,
and Stephen Church was chosen in his room. The legisla-
tion related mainly to the difficulty which the Proprietors
had in settling with Capt. Jesse Rice, a former treasurer,
and the executrix of Stephen How deceased, and also
Daniel Harrington, — two former collectors.
Committees were chosen for the purpose of settling with
the refractory persons ; but, meeting with no success, they
were dismissed, and others were chosen in their stead, who
met with no better success than those who had preceded
them. At length the Proprietors, weary of the delay which
had been made in settling, determined to bring the matter
to a crisis : they discharged the old committee, and chose
Col. John Weeks, Breed Batchellor,* and Silas Gates, " to
Reckon & settle with the above mentioned Treasurer, & Col-
lectors, and voted that the above committee be impowered
to Discharge the said Rice, the former Treasurer, the
executrix of Stephen How's istate, and Daniel Harrington,
former Collectors, if settled Avith, or either of them that
will Comply to settle." Voted, that the " Committee be,
* Major Breed Batchelder was one of the earliest settlers of Packersfleld (Nelson).
He was a very wealthy man and a large landholder. He settled on the farm now
occupied by Oilman Nims in Roxhury. He owned a considerable quantity of land in
the north part of Marlborough, which gave him the right to vote in the meetings of
the Proprietors.
"When the Revolutionary war broke out, Batchelder became a Tory. His neighbors
were so exasperated at his conduct that, in the summer of 1777, he was obliged to
leave his family and reside some three months in a cave about eighty rods from his
liousp, not daring to be seen by bis neighbors, who, had they known of his where-
abouts, would have captured him, and he would have been shot or hung. The cave
where he resided is still known as "Batchelder's Cave." At length, satisfied that the
only way to save his life was to leave the country, he bade his wife and children
good-bye and lied.
He joined the British army, and was made a captain in Lieut.-Col. Peters' corps of
the "Queen's Rangers." He was with his company at the battle of Bennington,
where he was severely wounded in the shoulder by a musket-ball. After the war he
became very dissipated, and finally was drowned in 1785 by falling from a boat in
the Basin of Annapolis.
SETTLEMENTS, ETC. 8^
. • . .■ .1138949 .
and are impowered to JBnng an action m the Law against
the said Rice Treasurer, the executrix of the estate of
Stephen How Deceas^ & Daniel Harrington former Col-
lectors, or either of them that will not comply to settle."
In order to post themselves in all the formalities of the
law, Joseph Collins was instructed to buy a Law Book for
the use of the Proprietors. The committee, now armed with
this legal authority, at once proceeded to perform the duties
assigned them. The delinquent officers satisfied . that the
Proprietors now "meant business," and seeing they could
no longer hold back without being in danger of the law,
readily closed in with the proposals made by the com-
mittee, and came to a settlement. The terms upon which
this settlement was made, are shown by the following
report rendered by the committee, and accepted at a
meeting of the Proprietors, December 10, 1772: —
We the Subscribers being appointed by the Proprietors of monad'',
No. 5, as a Comitee to recon and Settle with Capt. Jese Rice Former
Tresur for said Proprietors aforesaid, that we have Recond with the said
Rice, and find that he has Payed out to Defray Proprietors Charges,
Between fom* and five Pounds Lawful money more than he has Received,
besides his Trouble of being Treasiu-er, and we have given said Rice a
Discharge in full of all accounts, and all demands that y*^ Proprietors
have against him as being Treasurer for said Proprietors, and have taken
a receipt in full of all accounts that the said Rice has against s"^ pro-
prietors ; the said Rice Throwing in the sum above mentioned and his
service as being Treasurer, for the needless cost that he has put said
Proprietors to for not settling when requested, and the Settlement made
with Dan' Harrington, Collector, may be seen by a paper bearing date
July the 27* 1771, wherein we Turned over the said Harrington to
L' Tucker the Present Treasurer, or to his Successors in said Office, with
the whole account of what we have done towards a Settlement with him ;
and as to the rate Committed to Stephen How Deceased, we have not as
yet Discharged the said deceased widow, but have taken the rate into
our hands as it appears that a number are not Crosed, to Examine and
notifie Those that have Paid and Crosed to make it aj)pear if paid.
witness our hands this 9"* Day of September 1772,
SILAS GATES > ^ .
BREED BATCHELORC^''"''*''-
36 HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
There was a rapid increase in the number of settlers
at this period, and many new names appear in the records
of the Proprietors. Among this number were Richard
Tozer, with a family of six children, from Southborough ;
James Lewis, wife, and eight or nine children, also from
Southborough; Ebenezer Rhodes, with his wife and one
son, fi'om Walpole, Mass.; Eliphalet Stone (who had not
yet removed his family); Thaddeus Hastings and Daniel
Emerson, both of whom were without families ; there were
several others whose residence here was so short that we
know but little about them or their families.
1772. Only two meetings of the Proprietors were
held this year, and nothing of importance was done beyond
choosing new officers and raising money for building and
repairing highways.
1773. At a, meeting, April 1, all officers were dis-
missed, and new ones chosen in their place. Eliphalet
Stone was chosen clerk and treasurer; James Brewer, col-
lector; Jonah Harrington, Richard Roberts, John Felton,
and Richard Tozer, highway siu'veyors; James Brewer,
Andrew Colburn, and Eliphalet Stone, assessors; Lieut.
Andrew Colburn, Lieut. Benjamin Tucker, and Richard
Tozer were chosen a committee to surve}^ mark, and bound
the roads, and make a return, in order to have the same
recorded. The following year this committee reported
twelve roads, the greater part of which were laid out three
rods wide.
This year the question of incorporation was proposed for
the first time, and an article relative to this was placed in
the warrant for a meeting held June 23, which, after being
duly considered, was passed in the negative.
1774. A meeting was held on the 19th of January,
at which it was voted to ''Incorporate said Township Into
a Town." "Voted that Eliphalet Stone, Andrew Colburn,
and Lieut Beiija Tucker, be a comm ittee to git it done."
SETTLEMENTS, ETC. 37
" Voted to raise half peney on Each acre in said Township
for the purpose afore Said.'*' ''Voted that the above said
committee shall endeavor that said Township be Incorpo-
rated after one of the three following names, viz: Oxford,
Salsbury, or Worcester."
Whether an attempt was made at this time to get the
township incorporated, does not now appear. We find
nothing on the Proprietors' records, or in the journal of the
Provincial Congress, to indicate that there was any petition
presented; neither do we find that this committee ever
made a report. The legislation of this year was mostly
concerning the meeting-house, and for providing preaching ;
and the records indicate that the people were anxious to
settle a minister. In striving for this, they met with
many difficulties, owing to the fact, they were not an
incorporated town; and this, probably, was one of the
main objects which led them the following year to put
forth still greater efforts for the accomplishment of their
purpose.
1775. ^t a meeting in March, Lieut. Benjamin
Tucker, Eliphalet Stone, and Thomas Riggs, were chosen
a committee to get the township incorporated. These
gentlemen petitioned to the Provincial Congress for an
act of incorporation.
The petition was read July 6, 1775, and Congress having
taken the same under consideration it was resolved " That
it be & hereby is recommended to the said Town of Monad-
nock, No. V, that they proceed to choose as soon as may
be, the several Town officers, which may be necessary for
the internal Government of s^ Town, such as Selectmen,
Constable &c, as are chosen in other Towns in this Colony
at their annual Town meeting; also that they choose a
Committee of Safety, or of Corrispondence for 8"^ Town, and
also that the s"^ town (if occasion requires it) may use the
money in the hands of Mr. James Lewis for the purpose of
purchasing of fire arms and ammunition, and for w^^ money
sd Towne is to be accountable to this Colony or Congress
38 HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
and County of Chesliire, when Demanded, and further it is
Resolved, that Mr. Jonathan Frost be & hereby is appointed
by this Congress the moderator of the first meeting in s<^
Town and that Messrs. Jonathan Frost, Benj^ Tucker
and Thomas Riggs, be & hereby are impowered to call s^
meeting."
We learn from a subsequent petition that the recommen-
dations of Congress were complied with; a meeting was
held and officers chosen. No records of this meeting have
been preserved, and we have no means of knowing who
were chosen to fill the various offices. No charter was
given at this time, and this partial organization only
served to perplex the people and throw them into greater
difficulties than before ; for they were very much in doubt
whether the Provincial Congress intended they should enjoy
equal privileges with other towns, or not. Accordingly, in
order to extricate themselves from this difficulty, in Sep-
tember they presented to the Provincial Congress then in
session the following —
PETITION.
Province of /
New Hampshire. C
MoNADNOCK N« 5, September 28'^, 1775.
To the Hone*'' Congress of Said Province,
Whereas Iu tlie month of July last the Congress See fit to grant us
privilidges which before we was Destitute of, and for which we do
express our gratitude, viz. In recommending to us to choose Town
officers, such as Select men, Constable and a Committee of Safety, all
which we have don, but as it is a Doubt whether the Congress Intended
we should Injoy privilidges equil to Towns Incorporated by a Governor)
or not, and as we have a desire to Settle a Minister in this Town, and as
we have one a preaching here wliome the people universally like, —
We, therefore, pray the Congress to Incorporate Said N^ 5, by the
name of Washington, and appoint a Day for our Annual meeting. In
so Doing your Honours would much oblige yom- Humble petitioners,
JONATHAN FROST, •) Committee
ELIPHALET STONE, I In behalf of Monad-
THO. RIGGS, J nock, No. Five.
SETTLEMENTS, ETC. 39
This was a most iinfortunate time for the presentation of
such a petition. Ah^eady had hostilities commenced with
Great Britain, and the Provincial Congress which was then
in session had more weighty and important business to
attend to ; and there is no record to be found among the
State papers to show that this petition was ever acted upon.
This year Monadnock No. V united with Dublin, and
was represented by Eliphalet Stone in the fifth Provincial
Congress, which assembled at Exeter, December 21st. This
Congress continued in session until the fifth day of the
following Januar}' ; then, by leave of the " Honbi% The
Continential Congress, they Resolved themselves into a
House of Representatives, or Assembly for the Colony of
New Hampshire."
The proceedings of this Congress related mainly to the
establishment of post-offices, a committee of supplies for the
army, and a committee of safety. This committee, under
the leadership of Hon. Meshach Weare, acted with great
boldness and judgment in the affairs of the Province, and
soon after of the State, placing "New Hampshire in the fore-
most rank both in point of influence and achievements."
17 70. The partial organization which had been
granted in 1775 to the inhabitants of Monadnock No. V
was not deemed sufficient to overcome the difficulties under
which they labored for the want of incorporation, and in
September of this year Eliphalet Stone presented to the
House of Representatives then convened at Exeter the
following —
PETITION.
State of New )
Hampshire. C
To the Hon^'<= the Council and house of Representatives Convened at
Exeter, Sepf 5, 1776,
Humbly shows Eliphalet Stone, of a place Called New Marlborough
in the County of Cheshire, Gent, in Behalf of the freeholders and
Inhabitants of said jilace. That your Petitioners, under a title from
the Purchasers of the Right of John Tufton iNIason Esq"" did enter
into and uj^on the premises & have with Great Toil & Labor formed
Settlements for themselves & families.
40 HISTOEY OF MAKLBOKOUGH. '
That the said tract of Land is AVell Situated for a Township, & of
the Contents of about Six Miles Square. That your Petitioners have
Erected a Meeting-house for Public Worship, & had preaching. That
they Labor under Diflaculties for want of an Incorporation which
Coud they Obtain are perswaded would be for the Public Good,
"Wherefore, your Petitioners humbly pray that they may be Incorpo-
rated in to a Body Politick, to have Continuance & be Invested with all
the powers, Priviledges, & Immunities that other Towns in this State
by Law hold & Enjoy, and your Petitioners as in Duty bound Will ever
^^^^' ^■' ELIPHALET STONE
In the foregoing petition it will be noticed that the
inhabitants expressed- no wish as to the name of the town;
but it was probably understood by all concerned that
the name should be Marlborough. Although the meetings
of the Proprietors were always called under the name of
Monadnock No. V, yet the place was knoAvn by the name
of New Marlborough as e^arly as 1770.
This name originated, no doubt, from the fact the
majority of the early settlers were natives, or had been
long residents of Marlborough, Middlesex County, Mass.;
and very many of the Proprietors were residents of that
place. At the time of incorporation, the qualifying word
" New " was dropped, leaving the name which it now bears.
We here present the charter as it is found in the town
records : —
In the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy-six.
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE.
An act to incorporate a place called New Marl-
borough in the County of Cheshire. Whereas a
petition has been preferred to the General Court in
behalf of the inhabitants of that tract of land called
New ^larlborough in the County of Cheshire, setting forth that they
labor under difficulties for want of an incorporation, and praying that
they may be incorporated, of which due notice has been given & no
objection has been made, and it appearing for the public good.
Be it therefore enacted by the Coucil and Assembly that there be &
hereby is a township erected and incorporated by the name of Marl-
borough within the following bounds, (viz) Beginning at the northwest
corner of Dublin, and from thence running North eighty degrees West,
three miles and a half by Packerfield to a beech tree standing in the East
SETTLEMENTS, ETC. 41
line of Keene ; thence running Southerly by Keene and Swanzey seven
miles, three quarters & forty rods, to the Northwest corner of Fitzwill-
iam; from thence South eighty degrees East, about four miles by the
North line of Fitzwilliam, till it comes to the West line of Jaffrey ; &
from thence running North by the needle by Jaffrey and Dublin to the
bounds first mentioned ; and the inhabitants of said tract of land erected
into a body politic & corporate, to have continuance & succession forever,
and are hereby invested with all the powers, and enfranchised with all
the rights, privileges & immunities which any towns in this State hold
and enjoy : to hold to the said inhabitants and successors for ever. And
jVIr. Thomas Riggs is hereby authorized to call a meeting of said inhab-
itants, to choose all necessary and customary town officers, giving four-
teen days notice of the time, place & design of such meeting, & such
officers shall hereby be invested with all the powers of the officers in any
other town in this State. And every other meeting which shall be annu-
ally held in said town for that pm-pose shall be on the second Tuesday of
March for ever.
State of
New Hampshire.
In House of Representatives, December, the ninth, A.D. 1776.
The foregoing bill ha\'ing been three times read, voted that it should
pass to be enacted.
JON^ LOVEWELL, Speak, P. T.
In Council, December, the 13*, 1776 this bill was read a thii-d time
and voted that the same be enacted.
M. WEARE Pres. D.
The public interests which had been controlled by the
Proprietors were noAV in part assumed by the town. As the
Proprietors were somewhat in debt, and still laid claim to
the meeting-house, they continued to hold meetings from
time to time as necessity required, until 1801, when, having
discharged their debts, they gave over their papers to the
town, and their organization was dissolved.
Although the town was incorporated December 13, no
town-meeting was held until the annual meeting, the 11th
of March, 1777. At this meeting the town officers for
the ensuing year Avere chosen, but no other business was
transacted.
The record of this meeting, and also a copy of the
charter, are found in the town records, in the handwriting
of David Wheeler, the first town clerk. The record of this
meeting is given entire.
42 HISTORY OF MAliLBOEOUGH.
March, the ) ^^^^^ ^^ ^,^^, Hampshire Cheshire ss
ll"", 1777. i
Having Received a coppy of incorporation act marlborongh in said
State, Wherein I the Subscriber Being appointed By the Honorable
general Com-t of s-^ State, to cal the first annual meeting in order to
Chose all Xesesary and Custumary Town officers, have warned Said
meeting to meet at the meeting House in said Marlborough, on Tues"!
the Eleventh Day of march 1777, at ten O Clock in the morning, at
which time and Place Preceded as follows, (viz) first made choice of in'
thomas Rigg, moderator for said meeting, Secondly Chose David '\'\Tieeler
To-mi Clark,* thirdly Chose Cap* James Lewis Treasru-er, Chose Cap*
James Lewis first Selectman; Chose Liu* Elipli" Stone Second Select-
man; Chose m"^ Richard Towzar third Selectman; Chose m'" Abel
Woodard Constable, Voted that the Selectmen Be the Sessors (viz)
Cap* James Lewis, Leu* Eliph* Stone and Richard Towzer; Chose m'
Daniel Cutting Survior for the South west quarter of Marlborough;
Chose William Tiney Survior for the South East quarter of said Town ;
Chose Phinehas Parks for the Survior for the North west quarter of
Said Towai ; Chose m'' Theodore man Sur^dor for the Xorth East quarter
of Said Town, Chose m"^ Silas Fife and m'' Jedediah Taintor Tithering-
men ; Chose m"" David Deufor and m"" Samuel Bishop, Dear Reaffs ;
Chas Egn Richard Robards, Liu* Eliph" Stone, David Wheeler, and m""
Reuben Ward, hog Reafs ; Chose Cap* James Lewis, David "Wlieeler, m'
Thomas Riggs, nV Oliver Wright, and m'' Benony Robens, a Committee
of Safty ; Chose m"" Richard atwell, m"" Jedediah Taintor, m'' Jonathan
goodenow, and m"^ Thadeus Hastings, fence vewers; all of the above
Chosen Said officers to serve the insuing year. Voted that this meeting
Be Desolved, Thomas Riggs moderator ; Recorded from the minuts pr
DAVID WHEELER, Town Clark.
The reader will notice that in the foregoing record several
oflfices are mentioned which are not in use at the present
day, as tithingmen, deer-reeves, and hog-reeves. It was the
duty of the tithingmen to keep order during public worship
on the Sabbath; and in addition to this duty they were
expected to stop all needless travel on the Sabbath. As a
badge of office, each tithingman was to have a black stajff
two feet long, with about tlu'ee inches of one end tipped
with brass or pewter. The law required that all persons
chosen to this office should be " of good substance and sober
life " ; but the law was not always complied with in this
*0n the old records this is invariably written Clark.
SETTLEMENTS, ETC. 43
respect, for men were sometimes chosen whose love of gain
was so great, they woukl not hesitate to take a bribe, and
allow the offending traveller to go on his way rejoicing. It
is related that on one occasion a young man Avho had been
to sea, and was on his way home to visit his mother, was
passing through this town one Sabbath morning, when he
was accosted by a venerable man who held the office of
tithingman, who asked him if he did not know it was
"against the law to travel on the Sabbath." The young
man explained to him liis circumstances, but the officer was
inexorable ; and the poor man finding that he could make
no impression upon him, offered him a dollar, stating at the
same time it was all the money he had. The bribe was
accepted, and the man was permitted to pursue his journey.
It was the duty of deer-reeves to expose any person who
killed deer at unseasonable times of the year. These
officers were chosen but a few years, as the deer became
extinct and there was no longer any need of their services.
The duties of the hog-reeves, though not laborious, yet
when called for, were rather unpleasant to perform. In
those days swine were allowed to run at large, if properly
yoked and ringed ; and it was the duty of the owners to
see that this was done as required by law : but in- case they
neglected it, then it became the duty of the hog-reeve to
yoke and ring them, and recover from the owner thereof
one shilling for yoking and sixpence for ringing each swine.
It was the custom to choose every man lately married as
hog-reeve. It sometimes happened that men Avho were " old
and well stricken in years " would be chosen to this office,
having for the second time entered the matrimonial state.
This -was the case with Esq. Sweetser who, after being
chosen to said office, arose in town-meeting, and in his
quaint manner thanked his friends for the honor conferred
upon him, but begged to be excused on account of the
infirmities of age, which, should he be called upon to per-
form the duties of his office, would prevent his " catching
the d — d hogs." This was deemed a sufficient excuse, and
the town voted "to excuse Mr. Sweetser from serving as
hog-reeve."
44 HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
For five years previous to the incorporation of tlie town,
there was a rapid increase in the number of settlers. A
large number of these were influential men, and their
descendants have become useful and valuable citizens.
Among this number may be mentioned David Wheeler,
Reuben Ward, and Jedediah Tayntor, from JNIarlborough,
Mass.; David Thurston, from Leominster; Jonathan Frost,
from Sherburn ; William Tenney, from Littleton, Mass. ; and
Robert Converse and Oliver Wright, residence unknown.
The whole number of inhabitants at this time must have
been less than four hundred.
The following inventory of taxable property for 1777
shows that the inhabitants had not only met with tolerable
success in clearing and bringing their lands into a state of
cultivation, but were good livers and rapidly increased in
wealth : —
Inventory of Marlborough, 1777.
No. Polls 18 yrs. & over, 76
" Acres arable or tillage land, 82
" " mowing " 403
" " pastm-e " 423
" Horses & Mares, 34
" Colts 3 jTS. old, 1
" 2 " " 7
" 1 « " 1
" Oxen, 64
" Cows, 107
" Cattle 3 yrs. old, 39
" 2 " " 30
" 1 " " 38
Sum total of money in hand and at interest, £253. 6. 4.
Sum total of Real Estate, £6089. 10. 0.
*Sum total, £141. 12. 7.
Proportion to 1000, £ — £4. 6.
As the main occurrences of this and succeeding years
relate mainly to the part which Marlborough sustained
during the war of the Revolution, we will pause here,
leaving those events to be chronicled in another chapter.
•1 i>resimie this means the assessed v.ahic of cattle, horses, »S:c.
CHAPTER III.
EEVOLUTIONAKY HISTORY.
The American Eevolution, an Important Event in History. —
Condition of the Town at the Commencement of the War. —
Result of the Battle of Concord and Lexington. — Battle
OF Bunker Hill. — Loss of Arms and Clothing. — Report of the
Selectmen. — Expedition against Quebec. — Jacob and Pearson
Newell. — The Fourteenth Regiment. — Tories Disarmed. —
Association Test. — Discharge of Ben.j amin Goodenoav. —
Col. Baldwin's Regiment. — Alarm and Defensive Measures.
— Bounties Offered. — Battle of Stillwater. — Lieut.-Col.
Andrew Colburn. — Alarm at Ticonderoga. — Capt. Leavis'
Company. — Three Men at the Battle of Bennington. — Eight
Men in Col. Moor's Regiment. — Eleven Men in Col. Hale's
Regiment. — Report of the Selectmen, 1780. — Men called
FOR AND Measures taken to Fill the Quota. — Continental
Money. — Letter to the Committee of Safety. — Names of
THOSE WHO Served in the Army at Different Times. — Some
Account of Soldiers who afterwards became Inhabitants
OF the Town. — Alexander Fish.
The American Revolution is one of the most interesting
events in modern history. Changes equally great, and con-
vulsions equally violent, have taken place ; and history tells
us of many instances in which oppression urged beyond
endurance has called forth the spirit of successful and
triumphant resistance. But in this event we see feeble
colonies without an army, without a navy, without a
revenue, without munitions of war, boldly stepping forth
to meet the veteran armies of a powerful and vindictive
nation.
We see these colonies amidst want, poverty, and mis-
fortune, supported by the pervading spirit of liberty, and
guided by the hand of a good Providence, for nearly eight
years sustaining the weight of a cruel conflict upon their
own soil.
46 HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
At length we witness them victorious. Their enemies sul-
lenly retire from their shores, and they stand forth enrolled
on the page of history as a free and independent nation.
What people can dwell with more just satisfaction upon
their history than ours? Almost all others trace their
foundation to some ambitious and blood-thirsty leader who
sought only to aggrandize himself by enslaving others. We
may with truth say that our independence was won by the
people who fought for the natural rights of man.
Whenever we advert to this portion of our history, and
review it as well we may with patriotic pride, let us not
forget the gratitude we owe to those who "fought and bled
and died" for us, as well as to that benignant Providence
who stayed the proud waves of British tyranii}-.
In giving this part of the history of Marlborough relating
to the Revolutionary war, it will not be necessary to detail
the causes which led to the struggle for American Inde-
pendence ; these are too well known to require reiteration
here.
At the time of the breaking out of hostilities with Great
Britain, Marlborough was but sparsely populated. There
could not have been more than sixty men in all the town
who were capable of bearing arms; the greater part of
whom were heads of families, who found it extremely diffi-
cult to provide food and clothing for themselves and those
dependent on them. When we consider this, we can see
that had they been ever so much inclined to join their
companions in the camp and field, they could only have
done so at the risk of bringing upon their families privation
and suffering. But these men were ardently attached to
liberty, and were not wanting in patriotism ; nor were they
indifferent to the interests of their country in its struggle
for independence.
On the 19th of April, 1775, that movement occurred which
opened the war of the Revolution. That day's experience
at Lexington immeasurably increased the courage of the
Americans : as its tidings spread, the voice of war rang
through the land, and preparations were everywhere made
to carry it forward to a successful end.
EEVOLUTIONAEY HISTORY. 47
It is to be regretted the public records give so little
information concerning the residents of this town who
served in the army during the Eevolutionary war. To
make the list complete the most faithful research has been
made, not only of the town records, but of the military
papers in the office of the Adjutant-General at Concord.
We cannot learn as any of our citizens Avere present at
the battle of Concord and Lexington, but immediately
following that action a large number of troops from New
Hampshire joined the army then assembled near Boston;
and among them were six men from this town, viz. : Moses
Tucker, Timoth}^ Rogers, Robert Worsley, Daniel Collins,
Lieut. James Brewer, and Pearson Newell. These men
were all in the Third New Hampshire Regiment, commanded
by Col. James Reed of Fitzwilliam, and participated in
the battle of Bunker Hill, June 17, 1775. Moses Tucker
and Pearson Newell were in Capt. Jonathan Whitcomb's
company; Timothy Rogers, in Capt. Phillip Thomas' com-
pany; Lieut. James Brewer, Robert Worsley, and Daniel
Collins, in Capt. Benjamin Mann's company.
This regiment was stationed for a season at Medford, but
on the 12th of June received orders from Gen. Ward to
march to Charlestown Neck, for the purpose of guarding
the ferry at that place. At the battle of Bunker Hill, the
New Hampshire troops took their position behind a rail
fence betAveen the redoubt and the Mystic River. Here
they thrcAV up a breastAA^ork of stones across the beach to
the river, extending the fence doAvn the hill to the Avail.
This hastily-constructed parapet served an excellent pur-
pose, as those behind it could take a most deadly aim at
the advancing foe; and it is an "established fact that the
British troops in front of this Avail Avere almost completely
annihilated.
The folloAving are the articles lost and the amount paid to
the several men in behalf of the Colony: —
£ s. £ s.
Moses Tucker, ... 2. 8. Robert Worsley, . . 15.
Pearson Newell, . . 2. 8. Daniel Collins, ... 8.
Timothy Rogers. . . 15. L* Brewer, .... H. 11.
■48 HISTORY OF MAELBOEOUGH.
The articles lost for wliicli the above sums were paid were
as follows : —
Moses Tucker st. Bod, d coat.
Pearson Xewell Gun, powder-horn and cartridge-box.
Timothy Rogers one shirt.
Robert Worsley a pair of Stockings.
Daniel Collins a i^air of Breeches.
James Brewer a pair of Shoes.
Ill August the Provincial Congress sent to the selectmen
of the several towns and places in New Hampshire, desiring
them to make a return of the number of inhabitants in
their respective towns, and also the number of fire-arms fit
for use, and the number wanting to complete one for every
person capable of using them, and also the quantity of
powder in each place. The selectmen of Monadnock No. V.
made the following —
REPORT.
]\Iales u.nder 16 years of age, 104
jNIales from 16 years of age to 50, not in the army, .54
All Males above 50 years of age, 2
Persons gone in the army, (out of which no. 2 are dead), .... 16
All Females, 148
Negroes and Slaves for life,
324
Monadnock, No. 5, Ocf^ 3'^ 1775.
In Obiediance to the Directions herein given, we have taken a true
account of all the persons belonging to this place, and Set the same
Down in the Collums above, also an acct of Fire arms fit for Use (viz.)
26, & the number Avanting is 28. Powder 5 1-2 lb. those persons that
are gone in the army have furnished them Selves with Fire Armes.
BENJ^ TUCKER"? Selectmen of
ELIPLA STOXE ^ Monadnock Xo. 5.
The comparative population of the town at this time '\\ itli
others in this vicinity will he seen by their returns : Jalfrey,
351; Marlow, 207; Nelson, 186; Dublin, 305; Peterbor-
ough, 549 ; Keene, 758.
Of the sixteen who were in the army at this period we
know but little; it is pr()l)able that Lieut. James Brewer
EEVOLUTIONAEY HISTOKY. 49
and Timothy Rogers were among this number, and remained
with the army in the vicinity of Boston until the close of the
year.
Robert Worsley was another ; he was in the expedition
against Quebec, under Gen. Arnold. This expedition left
Cambridge in September, and marched to Newburyport,
and proceeded thence by water to the head of navigation
on Kennebec River, thence through the forests of Maine
and Canada to Quebec. Seldom was there an expedition
attempted during the Revolution in which more hardship
was endured or more untiring perseverance manifested
than in this of Arnold's.
In ascending the Kennebec, his troops were constantly
obliged to work against an impetuous current, and often to
haul their bateaux up rapids and over dangerous falls ; nor
was their march through the country by an unexplored route
of three hundred miles less difficult or dangerous. They
had swamps and woods, mountains and precipices, alter-
nately to cross. Added to other trials, their provisions
failed; and to support life they were obliged to eat their
dogs, cartouch-boxes, clothes, and shoes. While at the
distance of one hundred miles from human habitations,
they divided their whole store, about four pints of flour to
a man ; when thirty miles distant, they had baked and eaten
their last morsel : yet the courage and fortitude of these
men was unshaken. They were suffering for their country's
cause, and contending for the rights and blessings of free-
dom. After thirty -one days of incessant toil through a
hideous wilderness, they came to a settlement.
Mr. Worsley in his later years was fond of relating anec-
dotes illustrating the sufferings and privations through
which he passed while on this expedition; some of these
are mentioned in Mr. McCoUester's Centennial Address.
Jacob Newell, Jr., was also in the army at this time ; he
joined the expedition that was sent to Canada, and was
stationed several months at Ticonderoga. His brother,
Pearson, was one of the two who were reported as dying in
the army.
9
50 ■ HISTOKY OF MAllLBOKOUGH.
Of the remaining number of this little company we can
give no information, as no army rolls of this date have been
found. About this time the State was divided into seven-
teen geographical regiments, and a colonel was appointed
over each, whose duty it was to see that his proportion of
the soldiers required was raised. The Fourteenth Regiment
was composed of the towns of Rindge, New Ipswich, Jaffrey,
Peterborough, Temple, Fitzwilliam, Dublin, Marlborough,
Stoddard, Nelson, Washington, and Sharon. Enoch Hale
of Rindge was appointed colonel of this regiment, Nov.
2, 1775.
In March, 1776, the Continental Congress took measm-es
to disarm all persons who were notoriously opposed to the
cause, of America. They passed a resolution on the subject,
a copy of which was transmitted to all the Colonies. The
Committee of Safety for New Hampshire, under the leader-
ship of Hon. INIeshach Weare, immediately sent to the sev-
eral towns a copy of this resolution, and also a pledge of
loyalty for the citizens of each town to sign. This pledge
was called the " Association Test " ; all those who refused to
sign it were supposed to be Tories, and were looked upon by
their neighbors with suspicion.
The original paper containing the signatures of fifty of
the citizens of Monadnock No. V. was found in the office
of the Secretary of State at Concord, from which the fol-
lowing copy was made : —
COLOXY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE, AC.
COMMITTEE OF SAFETY.
April, 12, 1776.
To the Selectmen of Monadnock, No. five: In order to carry the under-
written RESOLVE of the Honorable Continental Congress into execu-
tion, you are requested to desire all ^lales ahove twenty-one years of age,
(lunatics, idiots and negroes excepted.) to sign the DECLARATION on
this paper, and when so done, to make return thereof together with the
name, or names of all who shall refuse to sign the same to the GEX-
EIIAL, ASSEMBLY, or Committee of Safety of this Colony.
M. WEARE, Chairman.
REVOLUTTOKAEY HISTORY.
51
IN CONGRESS, March, 14'h 1776.
Resolved, That it be reconuiiended to the several Assemblies, Co}iyeii-
tions and Councils, or Committees of Safety of the United States imme-
diately to cause all persons to be disarmed within their resj)ective Colonies,
who are notoriously disaffected to the cause of AMERICA, or who have
not associated and refused to associate to defend by ARMS the United
Colonies against the hostile attempts of the British Fleet and Armies.
Extract from the minutes,
CHARLES THOMPSON, Secretary.
In consequence of the above Resolution of the Continental CON-
GRESS, and to show our determination in joining our American breath-
ren in defending the lives, liberties and properties of the inhabitants
of the UNITED COLONIES ;
We, the Subscribers, do hereby solemnly engage and promise that we
will to the utmost of our power, at the risk of our lives and fortunes,
with ARMS oppose the hostile jjroceedings of the British Fleets and
Armies against the United American COLONIES.
This was signed by the
returned by the selectmen : -
Benjamin Tucker.
Jonathan Frost.
Thomas Riggs.
Abijah Tucker.
Eliphalet Stone.
Benoni Robbins.
Phinehas Park.
Silas Fife.
Abel Woodard.
Benjamin Goodenow.
Berodick Webber.
Samuel Bishop.
John McBride.
Daniel Collins.
Joseph Cutting.
James Lewis.
Joseph Collins.
James Field.
Isaac McAllester.
Timothy Biemies.
Ebenezer Hixson.
John Tozer.
Stephen Woodard.
Moses Tucker.
Oliver Wriy-ht.
following persons, and duly
David Wheeler.
John Felton.
Richard Tozer.
Daniel Emerson.
Daniel Goodenow.
Thaddeas Hastings.
Reuben Ward.
Eluathan Newton.
Jonah Harrington.
William Adams.
Jedediah Tayntor.
William Tenney.
Richard Robbards.
Ebenezer Rhodes.
James Brewer.
Solomon Woodward.
James Flood.
David Dufer.
ms
Abraham + Brooks.
Mark
Jonathan Goodenow.
Daniel Cutting.
David Thurston.
Jacob Newell.
Robert Converse.
Theodore Mann.
52 HISTORY OF MAELBOROTJGH.
MoNADNOCK, No. FiVE, July, ye 9*, 1776.
In obedience to the within Riten we have ofered the same to all our
inhabitants and they have all sined excepting those whose names are
he are under Riten ;
WiUiam Barker. Icabard Shaw.
Richard Atwell. Daniel Lawrence.
Jonathan Shaw.
BENJAMIX TUCKER, 1 Selectmen of
THOMAS RIGGS, \ Monadnock
ELTPHALET STOXE, J Xo. five.
Tradition tells us that William Barker, altliougli lie
refused to affix his name to this resolution, was not a Tory
at heart, but, holding an office under the king, and not
knowing certain which party would in the end become
victorious, he withheld his name rather as a matter of
prudence than from any disaffection towards the cause of
the colonists.
Richard Atwell so far overcame his scruples that he
enlisted and joined the army at Rhode Island. Jonathan
and Ichabod Shaw were probably Tories indeed ; but, know-
ing that the sharp eye of the Committee of Safety was
upon them, they remained quiet and peaceable, and as such
were undisturbed. Daniel Lawrence was, we are informed,
at the battle of Bunker Hill, but why he refused to sign
his name to this resolution is a mystery that, at this late day,
we are unable to solve.
In July, 1776, a regiment of New Hampshire militia was
raised to reinforce the army in Canada, but joined the
northern army then commanded by Gen. Gates. This
regiment, commanded by Col. Isaac Wyman of Keene,
remained in the vicinity of Ticonderoga nearly five months,
and suffered much from sickness. On the roll of Capt.
Joseph Parker's company in this regiment, we find the
names of Benjamin Goodenow, Abel AVoodward, and Peter
Tozer, who enlisted for five months. Benjamin Goodenow
was discharged before the expiration of his term of enlist-
ment for reasons set forth in the following;
REVOLUTIOISrAEY HISTORY. 53
DISCHARGE.
Mount Independence, October the 11">, 1776.
This May Certify, that Benjamin Goodenow, a Private in Cap' Joseph
Parker's Company, of Col" Isaac Wymans Regiment, is rendered unfit
for future Service this Campain, by Reason of a Slow intermitting fever,
these six Weeks past. And is hereby Recommended for a Discharge.
To Col« Wyman.
SAML WIGGLESWORTH, Surgeon.
In consequence of the above certificate, and convinced that the
complaint of Benjamin Goodenow is not fictitious, I Recommend the
said Benjamin Goodenow, Private in Captain Joseph Parker's Company,
of the Regiment under my command. Aged Twenty Nine years, about
five feet Eight Inches high, Dark Brown hair, Blue Eyes, Dark
Complection, Belonging to the Town of New Marlborough in New
Hampshire, New England, as a proper Person to be Discharged from
the Army of the United States of America.
To The Hon"'« Major Gen^ Gates. ISAAC WYMAN Col°
Commanding at Ticonderoga.
I, Benjamin Goodenow, Private in Captain Joseph Parkers company
of CoP Isaac Wyman's Regiment, do acknowledge that I have Received
all my pay and Arrears of all kinds, due to me for my Service in the
Army of the United States of America.
BENJAMIN GOODENOW.
Benjamin Goodenow a Private in Cap' Joseph Parker's Company of
Col" Isaac Wyman's Regiment, is for the Reason above Mentioned,
Discharged from the Service of the United States of America.
HORATIO GATES.
Given at Head Quarters,
11th day of October, 1776.
In September, another regiment was raised to reinforce
the army in New York. This was commanded by Col.
Nahum Baldwin. The third company in this regiment
was commanded by Capt. Abijah Smith, of New Ipswich.
The pay-roll of this company gives but two men from this
town ; viz., Daniel Goodenow and Jonah Harrington. This
regiment was stationed on Long Island and in the vicinity
of New York until the first of December, and was under the
immediate command of Gen. Washington.
In the spring of 1777, it was settled in England that "an
invasion of the States should be attempted from tlie north.
54 HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
and a communication formed between Canada and New
York. The execution of the pUin was committed to Gen.
Burgoyne who left Canada with seven thousand troops,
besides a powerful train of artillery and several tribes of
Indians.
Measures were immediately taken by the colonists to raise
a sufficient number of men to prevent this invasion which
now seemed inevitable. Orders were issued to fill the
regiments with men enlisted for three years, or during the
war. The number required from Col. Enoch Hale's regi-
ment was one hundred and nineteen men ; of this number,
Marlborough was to raise six.
Calvin Goodenow, Frederick Freeman, and Reuben
McAlister immediately offered themselves to help -fill the
quota. No others being found who signified their willingness
to serve their countr^^ in this time of peril, a town-meeting
was called for the purpose of devising some method to fill
their quota. At this meeting, the town voted to give
" twenty pounds apiece to the three men that are now to
raise. " David Wheeler, Capt. James Lewis, and Ens.
Richard Roberts, were chosen a committee to procure the
men.
The offer of this bounty was sufficient to tempt Adino
Goodenow, Timothy Rogers, and Jabez McBride to add
their names to the list and complete the quota. The fact
that one-half of the number received twenty pounds apiece
more than the rest was probably the cause of some dissat-
isfaction on the part of those who had volunteered without
the promise of any bounty.
The town feeling that they had acted unjustly in the
matter, called a meeting on the 23d of June, in the warrant
for which was an article " to See if the town will Cum into
any method. Whereby Each person Liable By Law to pa}^
taxes, may Bare an Equel part with others, in Supporting
the american Cause according to their interest Both for the
time past and yet to Cum." In response to this article,
William Adams, Abijah Tucker, and Richard Tozer, engaged
to pay Calvin Goodenow twenty pounds for his services in
EEVOLUTIONAEY HISTOEY,
55
the war ; Stephen Woodward, John Felton, and Phinehas
Parks engaged to pay Frederick Freeman twenty pounds
for his services in the war ; and William Barker, Oliver
Wright, and David Wheeler engaged to pay Reuben
McAlister twenty pounds for his services in the war, " if
called for."
Peter Tozer also enlisted about this time, and received a
bounty of twenty pounds, as is shown by the following
paper, which was copied from the original, now on file in
the Adjutant-General's office at Concord : —
A Muster Roll and Pay Roll of a part of Cap. Daniel Livermore's
Comp in Col" Scanunels Regt mustered at the desire of L* Col. Colburn
of said Reg' which Regiment was raised by the State of New Hamp-
shire for the Continential Service, 1777.
We the Subscribers Do acknowledge that we have received of Tho.
Sparhawk one of the muster masters for the State of New Hampshire
the several sums prefixed to our names.
Adino Goodenough, May 2
Calvin Goodenougli, " "
Fredrick Freeman, " 4
Peter Tozer, " 30
Joseph Porter, June 17
-2
<
Private
22
17
"
17
"
18
li
16
o
i
>>
S
Marlboro
31
£20
5.^
31
20
5. 2
"
31
20
5. 2
"
31
20
5. 2
Chesterfield
29
20
4.10
£20.5. 2
20.5. 2
20.5. 2
20.5. 2
20.4.10
I have mustered the above men able
bodied, Eifective and have paid them the
several sums set against each of their
names.
THOMAS SPARHAWK MM.
These men were in Scammel's regiment, of which Andrew
Colburn of this town, was lieutenant-colonel. This regi-
ment participated in the battle of Stillwater, September 19,
1777. Never was more bravery and determination shown
than on this occasion. By turns the British and Americans
drove each other, taking and re-taking the field-pieces, and
often mingling in a hand-to-hand wrestle and fight. Scam-
meFs reo'iment was in the thickest of the battle ; it is said
56 HISTORY OF MAKLBOEOUGH.
the colonel fought like a hero, never leaving his post until
he was wounded and taken off the field. Lieut.-Col.
Colburn arose that morning with a severe headache, and
instead of wearing his hat he tied a handkerchief over his
head and entered the battle with his companions. The
handkerchief became a mark for the British, and he was
killed in the early part of the action. Of the history of
this brave and active officer, but little is known beyond
what is recorded here. He is first mentioned in the Propri-
etors' records in 1771, and for several years served as
moderator of the meetings. Col. James Reed, in a letter,
commended him to the appointing power as a man worthy
to receive the commission of captain, asserting that he had
had experience in the French war, etc. Frederick Freeman
was also killed in the same battle. Adino Goodenow Avas
discharged December 18, 1778, by Gen. Poor.
In the spring of 1777, the storm of war which had for
some time been gathering at the North, almost unnoticed b}^
the Americans, began to roll down upon the frontier settle-
ments with alarming rapidity. Although the leaders of the
Continental army were aware that a large British force had
landed tt Quebec, from which an invasion was expected,
either by way of Oswego or through the valle}" of Lake
Champlain, yet, counting on the same dilatory action which
had ever characterized the movements of the enemy since
the battle of Bunker Hill, they supposed it might be late in
the summer before the hostile army would reach the mili-
tary posts on Champlain. But in this they were greatly
mistaken ; for as soon as the waters of the North became
navigable, Gen. Burgoyne landed at Montreal, and in
another week his army was marching along the shores of
Lake Champlain.
The American generals were greatly surprised at the
rapid advance of the enemy ; and, having delayed to
strengthen their defences, they were but illy prepared to
meet so powerful a force. An alarm was immediately
sounded throughout the country, and men were seen in
every direction marching toward Ticonderoga.
EEVOLITTIONAEY HISTORY. 57
We do not learn as any of our citizens enlisted at this
time ; but at a second alarm, a few weeks after, James
Lewis immediately enlisted a company of twenty-six men
(all but three of them were from this town), and marched
for the scene of action.
Pay Roll of Capt. James Lewis' Company in Col. E. Hale's Regt.
which marched, June, 29, 1777, to reinforce the Garrison at Ticonderoga.
Capt. James Lewis. Robert Converse.
Lieut. Richard Robbins.* James Brewer.
Ensign Oliver Wright. Edward Wright.^
Sergt. John Rogers. James Dean.
Corpi Benja Goodenough. Samuel Bishop Jr.
John Felton. John Tozer.
Moses Tucker, Richard Tozer.
Jonathan Harrington. f Eliphalet Stone.
Thomas Upham. Phinehas Park.
John Lewis. William Tenney.
James Bemis. Elnathan Newton.
Elijah Park. David Barrass.J
James Flood. Ezra Towne.|
On the fourth day of their march, they received informa-
tion that Gen. St. Clair was about to abandon the fortress,
and, the compau}^ being ordered to return', soon after
disbanded.
Gen. Burgoyne now determined to send a large force
through Vermont, — or "New Hampshire Grants," as it was
then called, — and subjugate New England. As soon as it
became known that this was his object, the Committee of
Safety of Vermont sent out expresses to alarm the adjacent
States. The legislature of New Hampshire held a session
of three days, and divided the militia of the State into
brigades, to be commanded by Col. William Whipple and
Gen. John Stark. The brigade under Stark was soon filled,
and marched to Vermont with instructions "to act in
conjunction with the troops of the new State, or any other
of the States, or the United States, or separately, as it
*Tliis probably means Richard Roberts.
t Jonah Harrington.
J These three men were probablj- fr< m other towns in this vicinity.
10
58 HISTORY OF ISrABLBOEOUGH.
should appear expedient to him for the protection of the
people and the annoyance of the enemy."
For this brigade Capt. Salmon Stone, of Rindge, raised
a company of sixty-five men, which was joined to the
regiment commanded by Col. Moses Nichols. In this com-
pany Marlborough sent three men; viz., Isaac McAlister,
Sergeant, William Tenney, Corporal, and John Tozer.
These men were in the thickest of the fight at the battle
of Bennington, and also particij)ated in the stormy scenes
prior to and at the surrender of Burgoyne.
In Sex^tember another company was raised in this vicinit}-,
and James Lewis was appointed captain. In this company
were the following men from jNIarlborough : —
Jedediali Tapitor, Sergeant. John Tozer.
John Felton, Corporal. John Lewis.
James Beniis. Thornas Upham.
Moses Tucker was first lieutenant in the fourth company
of the same regiment which was commanded by Col.
Daniel Moore. This regiment joined the army at Saratoga,
and was present at the capitulation of the army of Gen.
Burgoyne.
In the summer of 1778, a French fleet was sent upon our
coast to operate against the British who were then in
possession of Rhode Island. While this fleet was to act
against them seaward, Gen. Sullivan was to attack them by
land. New Hampshire furnished a brigade of troops for
the occasion, commanded by Gen. William Whipple. Col.
Enoch Hale, of Rindge had command of a regiment raised
in this section of the State. In the fourth company of
which James Lewis was captain, Ave find the names of
eleven men from Marlborough, us follows: —
Moses Tucker, Sergeant. Thaddeous Ilayslings.
John Lewis, Corporal. John MoBride.
David Wheeler. Thomas Kiggs.
Phinehas Park. Richard Atwell.
.ronath:in (joodeiiough. Ahijali Tueki-r.
' Alwi Woodward.
REVOLUTIONARY HISTORY. 59
Jiimes Lewis entered the service August 8th, and served
twenty-three days, for which lie received £21 16s.; Moses
Tucker received for his service at this time .£12 4.9. M.
In 1779, the State authorities called for five hundred men
to fill up the three Continental battalions from this State.
James Lewis and Russell Oliver were hired by the town to
enter the service. We find no other enlistments during the
year.
From the following returns made by the selectmen in
1780, it would seem that the town had as yet spent but
little in paying bounties to soldiers, and that those who had
hitherto entered the service had enlisted more from a sense
of duty and love of country than for the sake of obtaining
a bounty : —
To the Honorable general Court of the State of Newhampshire,
gentlemen, the town of marlborougli Was called upon for six men to
Engage for three years, Which men the town made out to acceptance
of our head Colonel, as our proportion of Continential men. Jabez
nicBride, Reuben mcalester and timothy Rogers, Received no money of
the town as a hire, adino goodenow, Calvin goodenow, and Fredarick
freeman, have received twenty pounds Each as town Bounty Which the
town Paid the tenth Day of april, 17 — (records defaced.)
In July, 1779 the town hired two men more for to serve in the Conti-
nential army for the term of one year. Gave to Capt. James Lewis, as a
hire, 130 Bushels of Rie and forty pounds of money. Russell Oliver
Received 120 Bushels of Rie and forty pounds money this Being the
Whole that the town of marlborougli hath paid to the Continential
Soldiers. Which they had to Raise from January the 1. 1777, to Jan-
uary ye, 1, 1780.
Marlborough Feb. the 9^'' 1780.
DAVID WHEELER ) Selectmen of
OLIVER WRIGHT \ marlborougli.
There is no record of au}^ enlistments during the year
1780 ; but Feb. 13, 1781, a meeting was held for the purpose
of devising some method to fill their quota. The records of
this meeting show that it was no easy task to obtain the
requisite number of men. The}- voted first that Adino
Goodenow, Calvin Goodenow, and Timothy Rogers, answer
for ^' three of our Quota of Continential men During the
war." James Brewer, Moses Tucker, and Eliphalet Stone,
60 HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
were chosen a committee to procure the remainder of the
quota. The meeting was then adjourned to the 26th of the
month.
At this meeting, it was voted to " Excei^t of the man
John Tozer hired during the war and to make Return of
him as one of our Quota." Voted, to give " Sixty pounds
old way apeace for Each man for three j^ears, or Puriug
the war." Voted, " that the committee get the men Before
march meeting, if to Behad for the above Sum."' Voted,
" that Mr. Atwell and L* Brewer go to the muster
marster and make Return of thoes men which this town
has Engaged During the war."
At an adjourned meeting, it was voted "to give mr.
Daniel Goodenow three Hundred hard Dollars as a hire for
his son Ebenezer three years in the Continential Service."
Voted, "to pay one hundred Dollars to mr Goodenow in
one month, one hundred ,more in two years. Interest to
Begin with the second years service." Voted, "to pay
mr Goodenow one hundred more in three years Interest
to Begin in two years from now." Voted, "that the
Selectmen Give notes for the above Sums in Behalf of the
town to mr. Goodenow for his son's hire. Voted, that Lt.
Moses Tucker see the men mustered which this town hires
for the army."
At the same time Lieut. James Brewer who was moder-
ator of the meeting, made the town the following proposals :
" If I engage for the town for three years, I will have five
hundred dollars continential money, one hundred dollars the
old way the first year, one half in four months, if I serve
six months, and one hundred more for the second year, if I
serve six months in the second year, and one hundred more,
if I serve the third year six months more." The town
accepted tliese proposals, and the selectmen were instructed
to give Mr. Brewer security for the above sums in behalf of
the town.
One great barrier which rendered it difficult to procure
men for the service was the extreme scarcity of hard money.
In Jmic, 1775, Congress issued bills of credit to the amount
BEVOLUTIONARY HISTOllY. 61
of two millions of dollars. This emission was soon followed
by another of one million. For their redemption the con-
federated colonies were pledged; each colony to provide
means to pay its proportion by the year 1779. At the
expiration of eighteen months from their first emission,
when about twenty millions had been issued, they began to
depreciate. At first this Avas scarcely perceptible, but they
continued to lose in value daily. Desirous of arresting the
growing depreciation. Congress at length resorted to loans
and taxes ; but it was difficult to negotiate for the loans,
and taxes could not always be collected.
Pressed with the necessities of an army. Congress was
obliged to continue to issue bills after they had begun to
depreciate, and to pay that depreciation by increasing the
sums emitted; so that by the year 1780 the amount in
circulation was no less than two hundred millions.
The progress of this diminution is worthy of notice. At
the close of the year 1777, the depreciation was two or
three for one ; in '78, five or six for one ; in '79, twenty-
seven or twenty-eight for one ; in '80, fifty or sixty for one
in the first five months. From this date, the circulation of
these bills was limited ; but when they passed they soon
depreciated to one hundred and fifty for one, and finally
several hundred for one. Several causes contributed to
diminish the value of the Continental currenc3^ The
excess in' quantity at first caused a natural decline in value,
which was increased by the enemy who counterfeited the
bills and spread their forgeries through the States. These
causes cooperating with the decline of public confidence
rapidly increased the decline, until bills of credit, or what
was commonly called '' Continential money," became of little
or no value. The evils which resulted from this system
were immense. From this fact, it became extremely difficult
to raise an army and provide for its subsistance. At the same
time, it originated discontent among the officers and soldiers,
since their pay in this depreciated currenc}" was inadequate
to the support of their families " Four months' pay of a
private Avould not procure his family a single bushel of
62 HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
wheat, and the pay of a eohinel would not purchase oats for
Ids horse."
That Marlborough experienced her share of the evils
arising from this state of the currency, is clearly shown by
the following letter from the Selectmen to the Committee of
Safet}- of New Hampshire : —
May y, '20'h, 1782.
To the honourable, the Committee of Safety of the State of Xew
Hampshiie.
Gentlemen, in obediance to a precept Received From the Honorable,
the General Com-t to procure our Cota of Continential men, we have
yoused our utmost Endeavours to procure said men om'-selves, we
Emeadately called a town meeting and Chose a Com'" for that piirpose
which Committee has made a retm-n that they cannot procure said men
without paying such a large sum of hard money in hand to procure said
men that it puts the matter beyond our power to procure said men
upon so short Notice, we therefore Begg Leave to Inform your Honours
that it is not in Disobedience to that precept but it is the Extreame
Scarcity of hard money in this Xew town has put it out of our power
at present to yeild that obediance that we should have been glad to
have Done.
N.B.
we would Inform your honours that we have one man Now in the field
that was not Creadited for Last year, viz Calvin Goodenow who was
hired in y« year 1777 by this town to Serve for Said town During the war
and at the avacuation of ticonderoga he was taken prisoner and Never
joined his Regt till Last may and since that he Deserted and was Last
march taken up and is Now in the first Regt in the hampshire line.
JAMES BREWER 1 *
JAMES FLOOD Select
EBENEZER TEMPLE I men of
SILAS FIFE Marlborough.
DANIEL CUTTING J
Among the soldiers mustered from this town in 1781, we
find the name of Shem Kentfield who was mustered in April
16. Dr. Caverly reports him as "hanged, June, 1782," but
for what offence he does not state. He was probably the
man spoken of as hired by John Tozer.
In addition to the names already given of those who
entered the service from this town, we are informed that
Shubael Stone, Theodore Mann, Abraham Brooks, Peter
HE VOLUTION A RY HISTOKY.
63
Starkey, Eli Lewis, and Walter Caproii ^xvl^e in the army
for a longer or shorter time, bnt at what period of the war
we cannot say, as we have been unable to find their names
upon any muster-roll. Other persons who afterwards settled
in Marlborough were soldiers of the Revolution. Their
names are as follows : —
Beujaniiii Spaulding,
Francis Barker,
Jonas Gary,
Joel Porter,
Asa Porter,
Jacob Woodward,
Timothy Harvey,
Kimber Harvey,
Aaron Willard,
•David Willvinson,
Daniel Farrar,
George Farrar,
Ebenezer Tolman,
Benjamin Tolman,
John Garfield,
Thomas Moors,
Joseph French,
Oldham Gates,
Jonathan Adams,
Theophilons Howard,
Jonadab Baker,
Hezekiah Plodgkins,
Nathaniel Corbin,
A Seth Harrington,
Lawson Moors,
William Collins,
Ebenezer Tufts,
Benjamin Thatcher,
Ebenezer Hemenway,
John Wiswall, Sen.,
Oliver Parmenter,
Hugh Mason,
eTohn Buss,
Jonathan Blodgett,
Elias Hemenway,
Enoch White,
Daniel Lawrence,
Jonathan Belding,
Paul Fitch.
Francis Barker was a native of Concord, ^lass. At the
age of fourteen, he Avas apprenticed to Capt. Timothy
AVlieeler who was a miller and malt-maker. jNIr, Barker
was fifteen years old when the battle of Concord took place,
and was eye-witness to much that transpired between the
British and Americans in Concord that day.
The British soldiers. on their arrival divided into parties,
and went directly to the several places where the province
stores Avere deposited. They rolled out the barrels of Hour
which, iniheaded, they emptied into the streets and rode
their horses through it. Mr. Wheeler had a large quantity
of provincial flour, together with sonu^ casks of his OAvn,
stored upon his premises. A British officer demanding
entrance, he readily gave him admission. The officer
64 HISTOKY OF MAELBOEOTJGH.
expressed liis pleasure at the discovery, and ordered his
soldiers to destroy it; hut Capt. Wheeler, with much
affected simplicity, said t(i him, putting his hand on one of
his own barrels : " This is my flour. I am a miller, sir ;
yonder stands my mill; I get my living by it. In the
winter, I grind a good deal of wheat, and get it ready for
market in the spring."
The officer supposing they were all his, and replying that
he did not intend to injure private property, turned aAvay
and left it unmolested. This was all of the government flour
and grain saved in Concord that day.
The proceedings of the British on that occasion were
more than young Barker knew how to bear, and he was
heard to say in later years that it " made his blood boil with
indignation." He at once obtained leave of his master to
enter the service ; but, on going to the recruiting office, he
was told by the officer in charge that he "was not large
enough for a soldier, and that he must go home and get his
mother to make him another pudding." He waited one
year, and again offered himself to his country ; but again he
was doomed to disappointment. At the age of seventeen,
he entered the army, where he remained three years and six
months.
Jonadab Baker was in the campaign at Rhode Island,
where he remained three months. After his return, he
again enlisted, and went to West Point, and was there when
Major Andr^ was taken as a spy.
Joel Porter was in the army about two years : he was in
the battle of Bunker Hill, where he was shot through the
ankle near the commencement of the action. The bone Avas
badly shattered; but, having poured some rum from his
canteen through the wound, he continued in the fight till
his ammunition was expended and a retreat was ordered.
In consequence of his wound, he received a pension of fifteen
dollars per annum during the last twenty years of his life.
Asa Porter, a brother of Joel, was in many of the most
famous battles of the Revolution, including Monmouth,
White Plains, and Yorktown, and witnessed the surrender
REVOLUTIONARY HISTORY. 65
of Cornwallis. The battle of Monmouth was fought on the
28* of June, 1778. Mr. Porter used to say that the
extreme heat of that day "killed more men than the British
did." The tongues of many of the soldiers were so swollen
that it was impossible to retain them in the mouth. Mr.
Porter said that he, with many others of his companions,
drank gunpowder with their rum; and this he believed
prevented their being overcome by the heat. At the battle
of White Plains, Mr. Porter picked up a cannon-ball which
he brought home as a trophy of the war. It is still pre-
served by his descendants.
Jacob Woodward was in the army at three diiferent
times, entering the service at the age of sixteen. He was
at West Point also at the time of the capture of Major
Andr^, and was one of the soldiers who guarded him the
night before his execution,
Timothy Harvey and his brother Kimber enlisted from
Swanzey. Kimber was hired by the town of Swanzey to
serve for the period of eight months, for which he received
thirteen pounds.
William Collins entered the army from Southborough,
when onl}'' sixteen years of age, serving at first in the
capacit}^ of captain's servant. At one time, the army being
short of provisions, a strict guard was kept over the bread,
which was dealt out to the soldiers in very small quantities.
One day Collins and two or three of his comrades, feeling
more than usual the pangs of hunger, formed a plan to steal
a quantity of bread. Collins was to watch for an oppor-
tunity, when the guard was looking the other way, to catch
the bread and run ; and, if discovered, his companions in the
plot were to call the attention of the officers in the opposite
direction. They sauntered up near the pile of bread, when,
seeing a good opportunity, Collins suddenly snatched a loaf
and ran. The theft was immediately discovered; but his
companions, acting well their part, started and ran in the
opposite direction, crying as they did so, " This way ! this
way I '■ thus deceiving the officers, and enabling Collins to
escape to the place previously agreed upon, where he
66 HISTORY OF MAELBOEOUGH.
divided the loaf equally with his companions who had
assisted him in the plot.
Aaron Willard was at White Plains. The following
incident was related by him to Deacon Abel Baker, of
Troy who in turn gave it to the author. On the night
before the battle, a picket-guard, under a colonel including
the company to which Mr. Willard belonged, was ordered
on duty between Washington's camp and the British army.
They advanced through a piece of woods, and were
stationed for the night about thirty or forty rods toward
the British camp, leaving the woods between them and
the American lines. In the company to which Willard
belonged there was one Green who, though he had but one
eye, was considered the smartest man in the company. As
it began to grow light in the morning, a thick fog came on,
so that nothing could be seen at any distance; but, as
the fog cleared away about eight o'clock, they beheld the
British Light Horse Guards within twenty or thirty rods
of them. As soon as the colonel discovered the enemy, he
ordered his men to fire and retreat to the woods. The
British cavahy pursued, in order to overtake them before
they had time to screen themselves behind the trees ; but
Green stopped on the field and gave them a second shot, and
then followed liis comrades towards the woods, but was
singled out by a horseman Avho raised his sword in order
to finish him at a single blow. Green loaded his gun as he
ran; and, when he jumped the fence at the edge of the
timber, the Horseman brought liis sword down and gave him
a slight flesh-wound in the shouhler. As Green struck tlie
ground, he broi\ght his gun round back-handed, and fired
with so good aim that the horseman paid dearly for liis
recklessness, for he fell from his horse a dead man.
Benjamin Thatcher, it is said, served during the greater
part of the war, and was in many of the most important
battles. He was in the retreat from Ticonderoga to Still-
water in August, 1777, and was also present at the surrender
of (ieii. l)iirgoyne.
David Wilkinson, Senior, entered the army at the age of
EEVOLUTIONARY HISTORY. 67
sixteen from Walpole, Mass. He was at West Point at the
time of Arnold's treachery, and was present at the execu-
tion of Andre. The records of Walpole state that the town
" voted to give each soldier one-half bushel of Indian corn
for each day's service, and the same quantity for every ten
miles' travel."
Daniel Farrar was one of the minute-men at Concord,
and also took part in the Ijattle of Bunker Hill, where a
musket-ball clipped a lock of his whiskers. His term of
enlistment expired soon after, and we do not learn as he
again entered the service. His brother George was in the
army some five or six years, but we have not been able to
gain any information of his military career.
John Wiswall, Senior, the father of Major John Wiswall,
entered the army from Newton, Mass. He was at the battle
of Lexington, being a member of a company from Newton
which was commanded by his brother Jeremiah. His
father, Capt. Noah Wiswall, was in the same company,
being at that time seventy-six 5^ears old. The History of
Newton states that, in 1777, John Wiswall lent the town
twenty pounds to pay the soldiers.
Ebenezer Tolman enlisted from Fitzwilliam. He was
under Col. Stark, and was at the battle of Bunker Hill.
He assisted in building the breastwork of rail-fence and
hay, and fought behind it when the British made the attack.
He was also in the expedition against Quebec under Arnold,
where he was captured and held a prisoner four months.
After being exchanged, he re-enlisted and served through
the greater part of the war.
His brother Benjamin was in the battle^ of Lexington
and also of Bunker Hill, where he was in the thickest of
the fight. In a hand-to-hand conflict, his gun was Avrenched
from him by a British soldier; but he stood his ground,
defending himself with the weapons Nature had furnished
him, until his captain, seeing his condition, quickly brought
him another musket, with which he continued to fight until
ordered to retreat. Mr. Tolman was paid by the State for
articles lost in the battle, as follows : •' For shoes l-s-. ; for
68 HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
stockings 2.s'. ; for trousers 2s. 6d. ; for shirts 5«. ; for sun-
dries 2.S'." He was in the army about two and a half
years, receiving a compensation of <£4 lOs*. per month.
The hist battle in which he was engaged was that of
Bennington, where he passed through one of the most
trying scenes of his military life. Ezekiel Mixer, his
companion in arms, and the one who had been his most
intimate friend for two years, received his death-wound
while fighting by his side. Mr. Tolman bore him from the
field and closed his dying eyes.
Enoch White entered the service from Bolton, Mass.
The following is copied from an old book which formerly
belonged to Mr. White, and was once the property of his
father, Samuel White, having been purchased by the latter
in 1764.
A list of towns which I went through a going to Benington and halt'
moon in the American revolutionary war, July, 30, 1777, left Bolton in
the Bay State and went to Lancaster, Starlin; Shuesbury; Holden;
liutland : Bare : Petersham : Xew Salem ; Shntsborough : Amherst :
Hadley : North Hamten ; Chesterfield : Withington ; Patridgefield : Gage-
borough : Xew Providence : Whosick : Pownal : Benington : Dutch "Who
sick : Mapleton Pitsfield : Half moon. Came home September 3'^ 1777.
Also a list of towns I went through to Khodeisland. Sej)t. 17S1, left
Bolton Masachusets Bay and went to Marlborough, Southborough :
Hopkinton Milford : Belingham : Cumberland : Rehoboth : Swanzey :
Waring: Bristol: Pary: Rhodeisland Come home, Xovember 30 1781.
EXOCH WHITE.
Jonathan Belding was at West Point, and witnessed the
desertion of Arnold: he saw him (with the aid of a
spy-glass) climbing over the side of the vessel. Several of
the soldiers with himself were so excited thej^ fired their
guns at Arnold, but a cannon-ball would have failed to
reach him at so great a distance. Mr. Belding used to
relate that upon one occasion when on a long march their
rations failed ; and such was their famished condition that
they roasted and ate their shoes, after which they could
be tracked by the blood frorn their feet for tAvo days. The
first food thev eamc across was an ox which the\-
EEVOLUTIONARY HISTORY. 69
slaughtered and commenced dressing, l)ut sucli was their
hunger that, when tliey came to the inwards, these were cut
or torn open, thrown upon the fire, roasted, and being eaten
were dechired to be the best food that ever passed their lips.
Joseph French was in the battle of Bunker Hill. He had
been serving in the capacity of Drum-major; but one of his
neighbors to whom he had lent his gun, having served his
time, returned the gun to French just before the battle.
jNIr. French laid aside the drum, and took up his musket
and entered the ranks. Near the close of the action, he was
wounded in the back of the neck.
We regret that so little is known of tlie military career of
those men Avho fought for their country's liberty; but they
long since passed from earth, and their descendants have
treasured up but little of their history, so that at this late
day it is impossible to give any connected account of their
adventures and experience.
There was one man who, although he was a British
soldier, must not be forgotten in these pages. Alexander
Fish, a Scotchman by birth, was a soldier in the British
army. He started with Burgoyne from jNIontreal, and
shared in the trials and difficulties of the campaign from
that place to New York. His business was to drive a span
of horses attache*d to a large brass gun belonging to one
of the batteries. After the battle of Saratoga, and before
the surrender of the- army, an order was given to drive that
gun away from the encampment and bury it. The order
was obeyed. Fish drove the gun to the spot, the hole was
dug, the gun dismounted and buried. Fish marked the spot
with the intention of securing it at some convenient time
for his own benefit. Soon after the surrender, and before
the prisoners were exchanged, he deserted, and took up his
residence in Marlborough. He married an Englishwoman,
by the name of Mary Montgomery, whose history was even
more singular than that of her husband. She belonged to
the titled family of Montgomer}- in England, and was
brought up in affluence. At the time of the breaking out of
the Revolutionarv war, she was receiving the attentions
70 HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
of a British officer, mucli against the will of her parents.
The officer being ordered to America with his regiment,
invited her to accompany him, which she did, expecting to
be married upon their arrival in America ; but in this, for
some reason unknown to us, she was disappointed, and
instead of being married became an article of merchandise
among the soldiers. She followed the fortunes of the army
until the surrender of Burgoyne, when Fish having made
up his mind to desert, bought her of a comrade for a gallon
of rum, and brought her to Marlborough where they were
married. They resided in the east part of the town on
what is now called the Alger place, living in what was
called the " Old Tomb," being a dug-out, in a knoll near
where the Hunt road intersected with the one leading
to the Phinehas Farrar place. It is quite likely he
constructed this rude habitation, as it is not known that
any one had resided. there before him.
Some years after the war was over, he made a journey to
Saratoga to secure the buried gun : he probed about with a
bar where he supposed it was, but finally came away without
accomplishing his object. He then applied to a conjurer
for information, and being informed "that he struck the
muzzle of the gun with his iron bar," he started again about
1804 or 1805, accompanied with Luther Tenney and Tisdale
Howard ; but, after searching for some days, they gave up
the project without finding the gun.
In his intercourse with his neighbors, it is said, he was
not always conciliatory, and did not lose his fighting
qualities while in the army.
The latter part of his life he lived on -the north side of
the road, about half way between the place where William
C. Mason now resides and the farm formerly owned by
Xoah Porter. For many years he was intemperate, and
died leaving no descendants. He died about 1821 or 1825 ;
liis wife having died, October 3, 1821.
. CHAPTER IV.
ADOPTION OF THE STATE CONSTITUTION. — WAR OF 1812. —
INCOKPORATION OF THE TOWNS OF ROXBURY AND TROY.
Articles of Coxfederatiox dhaavx up. — Rejectiox of the Pl,a:n
OF GOVERXMEXT BY THE TOWX. — REJECTION OF THE SeCOXD
PlAX of GoVERXMEXT. — AmEXDMEXTS OFFERED. — W^\JR DECLARED
AGAIXST EXGLAXD. — AmMUXITIOX PURCHASED B\' THE TOWX. —
MeX CALLED FOR. — TlIE DRAFT. — IXSPECTIOX OF THE MtLITIA BY
Col. Prescott. — A Sham Fight. — Roxbury set off. — Tisoy
IXCORPORATED.
Soon after tlie Declaration of Independence, the Conti-
nental Congress believing that success must eventuall}-
crowii their efforts, commenced drawing up various articles
of confederation and perpetual union betv/een the States.
Such articles were obviously necessary, in order that the
line of distinction between the powers of the respective
States and of Congress should be exactly defined. In this
way only, could the peace and harmon}^ of the Union be
preserved. Accordingly, such articles were digested, and
at the sitting of Congress, October 4, 1776, were signed
b}^ all the members, and copies immediately sent to the
respective assemblies of each State, and by them sent to
each town in the State for approval.
These articles of confederation were brought before the
citizens of Marlborough at a meeting called for that purpose,
February 6, 1778. At this meeting, Lieut. Oliver Wright
was moderator, and it was ^' voted to accept all the articles
of confederation except the eighth." At the same meeting
it was voted to give Benjamin Tucker who was representa-
tive to the General Assembly, the following instructions : —
"Voted, that all the articles of Confederation Be Coneurd
72 HISTORY OF MAKLBOROUGH.
witli Except the Eighth, Which Wee Look upon that Every
Re.sidaiit in the united States, Should Bare their Equil pro-
portion according to .what thay poses, Both in Real and
personal Estate. Voted, that there Be a free and Ful Rrep-
resentation, to Lay a Lasting, just and Righteous Sistim of
government in this State."
A convention for the above purpose assembled at Concord,
June 10, 1778. We find no record of am- delegate being
sent from this town to attend that convention. From the
following record of a town meeting held September 2, 1779,
it appears that the convention prepared and sent abroad
a system of government. "Voted not to Except of the
Declaration of Rites and plan of government ; the Return
of Said Vote, forty fore Voters : forty three votes for not
Receiving S<J plan, and one for Receiving Said plan." It
Avas rejected b}^ a majority of the votes in the State.
Another convention was called June, 1781, which held
nine sessions before a plan Avas devised that was wholly
accepted, not closing until October, 1783. Li 1782, the
convention formed a plan of government, which they sent to
every toAvn, desiring the people to act upon it, and then
return it. At a town meeting held November 29, 1782,
this constitution having been read, it was voted not to accept
it ; and Alexander Parkman, David Wheeler, Joseph Follet,
Samuel Soper, Moses Tucker, Jedediah Tayntor, and James
Brewer, were chosen a committee to draw up an amendment
to lay before the town. The meeting Avas then adjourned
for a Aveek ; when, having met according to adjournment,
they A'oted to accept the amendments as draAvn up by the
committee, Avhich Avere as folloAvs : —
111 the 36 article in the Bill of Rights coiiceniiiig pensions, it is the
opinion of the inhabitants of this town, that no pensions Be allowed to
any person. Excepting particular persons meeting with Extraordinary
misfortune, as Loss of Limbs and the Like, •2">', that all Representatives,
their wages for their attendance, as well as travel to the general assem-
bly, be paid at the Expence of the State, 3.'>', that it is the opinion of 8''
town that where the Constitution limits any time as two, seven, or any
Number of years, for any person to Be an inhabitant in the State to
attain to office; that any person ought to be Elected without that
WAR OF 1812. 73
Re.straiiit, and that the Electors ought in all Reason to be Sole judges of
such Elections. 4.'-'' and that the governor & Comisil have power in the
recess of the General Court, to adjourn thirty Days, 5"^'^ and that the
governor and Counsil have power to put the inhabitants of this State
into marshal array upon any sudden Emergency, but not to keep them
longer than thirty Days without order from the general Court : G^'^y all
Judicial officers to be appointed by the general Court, and Commissioned
by the Governor, Except Justices of the peace. Captains and Subaltern
of Company, to be Chosen and ajai^ointed by inhabitants of Each town,
and to be Commissioned as aforesaid, 7"^^^ and it is the opinion of the
inhabitants of Said town, that the town Clark be appointed Eejerstor of
Deeds of Land Lying in their Respective towns, and in Such proceeding
would save Emense Cost, 8"^'y and it is further the opinion of S"i town
that the State Treasurer and Commisery General, be under Sufficient
Bonds for the execution of their trust.
The new plan of government was not linislied until
October, 1783, and was not declared to be the Constitution
of New Hampshire until June, 1784.
AVAR OF 1812.
Although generally spoken of as the tear of 1812, it was
not till June, 1814, that Congress passed a bill declaring war
against Great Britain, which soon after received the signa-
ture of the President. The principal grounds for war, as
set forth in a message of the President to Congress a short
time previous, were summarily : the impressment of Ameri-
can seamen by' the British ; the blockade of her enemies'
ports, supported by no adequate- force, in consequence of
which the American commerce had been plundered in every
sea, and the great staples of the country cut off from the
legitimate markets. On these grounds President Madison
urged the declaration of war.
Preparations were immediately made for hostilities ; and
each town provided itself with a stock of ammunition.
Marlborough following the example of her neighbors in
this respect, called a meeting August 31, at which time it
was voted to purchase one hundred pounds of powder, tAvo
12
74 HISTOEY OF MAELBOEOrCH.
liiuidrecl pounds of lead, and four hundred flints. What the
town expected to do with such a quantity of ammunition,
the record does not state : certain it is that it was never
used in defending her territory against the invasion of the
enemy, but was stored in the attic of the ohT meeting-house,
where it remained until after peace was declared, when it
was divided equally among the several voters in town.
May 29, 1812, his Excellency, John Langdon, issued
orders for detailing three thousand five hundred men from
the militia of this State to be organized into companies,
battalions, and regiments ; the same to be armed and equipped
for actual service, and to be ready to march at the shortest
notice. Tlie orders were executed at the annual training,
the last Wednesday in June. A draft, however, was not
made, because a sufficient number of volunteers were
accepted to fill the quota. When the Marlborough Light
Infantry (Avhich was the first organized company in the
twelfth regiment) was called upon for volunteers, the ivliole
company responded to the call ; and when Major Wiswall
who then commanded the company, said that out of the
whole number eight must go, the right number immediately
came forward ; and when they were notified that they must
be ready to take the field at a moment's notice, one man,
whose clothes were very clean, said he was ready, only his
clothes needed mending ; the man next to him, whose uniform
was somewhat soiled, answered that he was ready, only he
wanted a " grist in his gun." These men were never called
into the field ; and no one from this town entered the service
until 1814, when the Governor called for troops to garrison
the forts at Portsmouth. To fill this quota, a draft was made
on training day about the twentieth of September ; and the
following persons were either drafted or hired as sub-
stitutes : —
Etlieel Fiinuenter, Sergt. Henry II. Cutler.
Benjamin Fife. Xathan D. Barker.
Abner Fairbanks.
Tliese meu were all on the road towards Portsmouth early
WAR OF 1812. 75
the next morning. Tliey Avere attached to Capt. Oliver
Warren's company, and served tliree months.
A week later, when another draft was ordered, the select-
men came forward, and offered to make up their wages to
fifteen dollars jjer month ; and a sufficient number imme-
diately volunteered for the service. Their names were : —
Moses Perkins. Darius Williams.
Stephen Wliite. Aaron Hodgkins.
Ezekiel White. Levi Gates, Jr.
These men were in Capt. Silas Call's company, and served
about six weeks, when they were discharged, and returned
home.
After the second quota of troops had been desx^atched to
Portsmouth, as a very active campaign was expected the
next year. Col. Prescott, probably at the request of the
Governor of the State, ordered a military training in every
town belonging to his regiment. He and Adjutant Luke
Howe, of Jaffrey, inspected every company in these towns,
to see if they were lawfully and properly equipped in order
to make them efficient soldiers in case they were ordered to
take the field.
Sufficient notice having been given for a lawful training,
to show the interest the people in Marlborough felt in
defence of their rights, a company of old men came out in
very respectable numbers, and were organized. They made
choice of Col. Joseph Frost for Captain, Major John Wiswall
for Lieutenant, and Capt. Shubael Stone for Ensign, with
Lieut. Jonathan Frost for Orderly Sergeant.
A company of Indians had also been organized under the
leadership of Luke Blodgett as Chief, which was encamped
in the woods between the common and the ^Meeting-house
Pond.
After the companies had been inspected by the field
officers, the troops were formed into a hollow square, and
Adjutant Howe made a famous military speech which was
highly appreciated by all present.
After the field officers had retired, preparation^ having
76 HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
been previously made for a sham jight^ tlie troops were dis-
posed of in the following manner. The light infantry,
commanded by Capt. Asa Frost, and the Indians, represented
the British army which had concentrated on our borders and
used the rifle and tomahawk upon our defenceless settle-
ments. The Indians under Blodgett retained their position
in the woods, wliile the light infantry posted themselves at
the north-west corner of the woods, near the north-east
corner of the cemetery.
The company of infantry under command of Capt. E. K.
Frost, and the seniors under Col. Joseph Frost, were to
represent the United States army, and were disposed of as
follows : Capt. E. K. Frost with his company remained on
parade, while Col. Joseph Fyost with his command (in which
was Deacon Tucker who was on duty with his three-cornered
hat, small clothes, and the old hunting gun) was posted at
the east side of the woods near the Cummings pasture.
The action was commenced by a party of Indians falling
upon and scalping John Rodgers, an old Revolutionary
soldier ; while another party fired a few shots from behind
the horse-sheds at E. K. Frost's men on parade. A ser-
geant's guard was ordejed to dislodge the Indians, but in
so doing were obliged to retreat with the loss of one man
(Samuel Goodnough), who was taken prisoner, dragged off
to the woo'ds, and condemned to be burned at the stake.
He was tied to a tree, and the fire was lighted ; but, before
they had accomplished their object. Col. Frost's men appeared,
and with a very heavy discharge drove the Indians back on
the light infantry, and released him from his perilous situa-
tion. At this juncture Col. Frost's men were joined by
Capt. E. K. Frost's company. The light infantry coming
up to the support of their Indian allies, the two companies,
after a severe fight, retreated towards the church, and were
pursued by the light troops and Indians for some distance,
when, turning upon them again, they in turn fled, and
finally took refuge in the pound which Avas used as a fort.
This fortress was assailed from the most advantageous
[)osi<i<iiis witli mucli spirit by the two companies avIio kc[)t
INCORPORATION OF TOWNS OF ROXBUllY AND TROY. 77
Up tlieii- filing for some tinie, while those within fought
l)i'avely in its defence, showing a determination to drive their
assailants from the field ; but, as they manifested no disposi-
tion to raise the siege, terms were agreed upon, and the light
infantry and Indians were allowed to march out with the
"honors of war."
Col. Frost afterwards notified the Governor of the State
that he with his company would be ready to take the field
whenever in his wisdom it might be necessary to defend the
State from foreign invasion.
In the year 1812, the spirit of secession prevailed in the
northern part of the town to an alarming extent. For
several years, the people residing in that part of the town,
together with those in the south-western part of Packers-
field and the eastern portion of Keene, had become dissat-
isfied with living so far from the places of public worship in
their respective towns, and not onh^ this, but they had
suffered much inconvenience in residing at such a distance
from the place where their public business was transacted.
At that time, this district had become quite thickly popu-
lated; the dense forest had given place to well-cultivated
farms, and it was thought to contain, inhabitants sufficient to
entitle them to the privilege of being incorporated into a
town by themselves.
In 1803, those residing in Packersfield, not getting a road
to the middle of the town altered to their satisfaction, united
with the others, and built a meeting-house. Soon after, they
petitioned to the Legislature which sent a committee to
examine the district they desired to have organized into a
town. This committee decided in favor of the petitioners.
Keene remonstrated, and the matter was delayed for some
time. Petitions were, however, presented from time to time
to the several towns, asking leave to be set off as a separate
town but were refused.
In 1812, the svibject was again agitated to such an extent
that near the close of that year a new town was incor-
porated by the name of Roxbury. By this act. two ranges
78 HISTORY or MARLBOEOUGH.
of lots, including those wed<je-shaped^ were severed from
^Marlborough.
The spirit of discontent which had been so long moving
among the people of Marlborough did not end with the
incorporation of Roxbury. The inhabitants of the south part
of the town and the northern portion of Fitzwilliam had
long been agitating the subject of a new town in conjunction
with a part of Swanzey and Richmond. The reasons urged
why this separation should take place, were "that the
surface of this territory was so uneven and hill}*, and the
hills extended in such directions as to render it inconvenient
for the inhabitants of some parts of it to reach the centre
of their resjDective towns." That part which now consti-
tutes the pleasant village of Troy, had become thickly
settled, and was fast becoming a place of extensive business ;
and, being built up on the borders of two towns, it was
" under a divided jurisdiction." This being the case, they
must have felt that their interests to a certain extent were
divided : this feeling could have been neither pleasant nor
conducive to the prosperity of the place.
The first intimation we have that the inhabitants of this
territory desired a new town was in 1781. In the warrant
posted for a town meeting, February 6, 1781, the following-
article appeared : —
"to See if the town will vote off pat of the South End of
marlboro, that is Required to Be voted off By part of the
inhabitants of marlboro, and part of Fitzwilliam, and part of
Swanzey, and part of Richmond, in order to make a town."
The only response to this article was a vote to pass it over.
The matter now lay dormant for ten years, when it was
again taken up, but with no better success than before.
Again and again was the subject brought up, but in vain ;
for, although Swanzey and Richmond wei-e willing to con-
tribute their share of the territory for a new town, Fitz-
william and Marlborough were inexorable. In the summer
of 1812, seeing that the north end of the town was likel}^ to
meet with success in their efforts to form a new town, the
subject was again revived, citizens' meetings were held, and
INCOKPOEATION OF TOWNS OF ROXBFRY AND TllOY. 79
arrangements made for building a meeting-house. During
the following year, this was completed, and a charter peti-
tioned for ; but this was not so easily obtained. Marlborough
and Fitzwilliam placed every obstacle in the way, and for
a long time the battle raged ; but at last it resulted in a
verdict for the petitioners, and a new town by the name of
Troy was incorporated, June 23, 1815. By this act, Marl-
borough lost not only a large piece of her territory, but some
of her most enterprising men, — a loss that was deeply felt
for many years.
CHAPTER V.
THE CENTRE MEETIXG-HOUSE.
Charter Stipulations coxcerxixg a Meetixg-House. — Voted to
BUILD A MeETIXG-HoUSE. — OtTOSITIOX. — LETTERS FROM BeXJAMIN
Tucker to George Jaffrey. — Buildixg raised. — Measures
TAKEX TO FIXISH THE HoUSE. — DeSCRIPTIOX OF THE IXTERIOR. —
Phixeuas F-Irrar's Accouxt. — Warmixg the House. — Members
OF other Dexomixatioxs excused from Payixg the Ministerial
Tax. — Use of Meetixg-House divided amoxg the several
Dexomixatioxs. — Eepatrixg Meetixg-House. — The Bell. — The
House forsakex. — It becomes ax Ob.ject of Coxtextiox. —
Sold at Auctiox. — The Purchaser meets with Difficulties.
— The Towx agaix becomes the Oavxer. — The House legally
disposed of. — Its T)estructiox.
One condition of the charter granted by the Masonian
Proprietors required the grantees to bnild a convenient
meeting-house in the township within ten years from its
date, provided the}^ were not prevented by Indian Avars.
At a meeting of the Proprietors held at the house of Isaac
McAllister, November 13, 1776, the following article was
acted ujion : " to see if- the Prop'^ will Choose a Comm«e to
Lay out a Spot to set a Meeting House on, Cut Down and
kill ye growth on Two acres thereof." This was passed in
the negative. The subject of building was called up at
subsequent meetings ; but no movement was made towards
accomplishing the object until January 3, 1770, at whicli
time a Proprietors' meeting was held at the house of Benja-
min Tucker, when it was voted to build a meeting-house
forty-five feet long and thirty-eight feet wide. Benjamin
THE ce:nti;e isieeting-house. 81
Tucker, Daniel Goodeiioiigli, Joseph Collins, Jonah Har-
rington, Moses Goclard, James Brewer, and Isaac McAllister
were chosen a building committee. Voted "to raise ten
Dollars on each Prop'^ Right for to Build a meeting House."
" Voted that the committee that are appointed to build the
meeting House, are ini powered to notify the Lord Prop's
and Request their Voice where it shall be set."
A subscription paper was circulated for the purpose of
raising funds to aid in building the house. How large an
amount was raised we have not learned, but a majority of
the settlers in the township contributed something, as will be
seen by the following list of subscribers : —
Joseph Collins. Richard Tozer.
Benjamin Tucker. Moses Goclard.
Joshua Tucker. John Felton.
Abijah Tucker. Jedediah JMaynard.
Caleb Tucker. Stephen Chiu-ch.
Jedediah Tayntor.
The following is a copy of the request sent to the Lord
Proprietors, relative to locating the meeting-house : —
Mr. George Jafekey,
We the Subscribers being chosen a Committee by the Grantees of
Monadnock No. 5 to build a Meeting house for public worship, and like-
wise to acquaint the Grantors of said Township, of the Proceedings in
that affair, and request their voice in it agreeable to the Charter of the
Grantors. We have, therefore, according to our judgment, chosen the
best spot to set a Meeting house on nighest the Centre of said Town,
both in respect of the Grantors and the Grantees, and request the
Grantors to come and give their consent to it if they think proper, or
signify their minds to us any way as they shall think proper, AVe being
informed that Mr. Jaft'rey was Clerk for the grantees of said Township,
we have prepared to send the above request to him, and hope his favor
in laying the request before the grantors and his doing the same and
acquainting us of their minds, will greatly oblige the Grantees and us ;
Y'- Humble Serv'ts.
BENJA. TUCKER.
Monadnock, No. 5, Jan. y^' 11, 1770. DANIEL GOODENOUGH.
JOSEPH COLLINS.
ISAAC McAllister.
.MOSES GODDARD.
ja:mes breaveu.
joxaii iiabrixgtox.
82 HISTORY OF MAELBOEOrGH.
We do not learn that an}' difficulty was experienced in
regard to locating the house, but it seems that some dissatis-
faction was felt on the part of many of the proprietors
relative to its size.
Another meeting was called, and held at the house of
Jonah Harrington on the eighteenth day of the following-
April. At this meeting, it was voted " to Reconsider what
was don consarning a meeting House in the last meeting at
the house of B. Tucker." The committee chosen to build
the house was dismissed. It was then voted to build a house
thirty feet square, without the help of any subscription; and
a new committee was chosen to carry this vote into effect.
But this decision like those of the former meeting, were
• destined never to be carried out : for another meeting was
held at the house of Benjamin Tucker on the twenty-third
day of May, when the committee first chosen were reinstated.
What instructions were given to this committee in regard
to the size of the house does not appear ; but certain it is
that the Iniilding was much larger than had been voted at
either of the previous meetings, it being fifty feet long and
forty feet wide.
The two following letters, written by Benjamin Tucker to
(reorge Jaffrey, will explain the state of affairs in the town-
ship at this time : —
PoHTSMOUTH, April, y*^ 27"', 1770.
Esq'r Jakfrey, Sir,
These with my due }-egards to you, hoping they may meet you in
good health, and Sir, I would inform you that I made a journey to
Ports'* on purpose to see yourself with some others of the gentlemen
Grantors of our Township, Monadnock Xo. 5, but my fortune happens
to be here when Esq'r. Jaffrey is not at home, which I am exceeding
sorry for, I mucli wanted to see the Esq'r. and to advise with him
concerning the affairs of our town, for T received a letter from the
Esq'r. last Avinter, wherein he desired me to return him an answer
concerning the settlement of our township, which answer I had wrote
sometime ago, but having no op[iortunity to send it, I made this journey
to bring it, with a letter from a committee chosen to build our meeting
house, desiring the gentlemen Grantors of our town, to give their advice
where our meeting house shall stand, which they have a right by charter
to do. And. Sir, von will s(m> in iiiv answer lo vour letter, tliafc we liad
THE CENTRE MEETING-HOUSE. »5
agreed to build a meeting' lioiise, and how large, and when to \>e ready to
raise, but I must now let you know, that that part of my answer is
uncertain, for there is a number that has arose up and called another
meeting the 18 of this month, and reconsidered what was done at our
meeting, y'' 3 of Jan. last, after they were recorded on book, and say they
will not have this meeting house so large, but will have one 30 feet
S(|uare, and they dismissed the committee that was appointed to build
the meeting house, that I give you an account of in my answer to your-
self, and have not got any committee to build the 30 foot meeting house,
and we are now in a bad situation concerning our meeting house, for the
workman that we agreed with to build the house 40 feet wide, and 50
long, has cut the chief of the great timber, and hewn the long sticks, and
they are drawn together where we expect the house will stand, and ye
committee has entered into bonds to see ye workman paid by the first of
September next, and have taken bond of him wherein he is obliged to
have the house ready to raise by that time, and the committee were
obliged to draw all the timber to the spot, and to find all the work at ye
spot, but since they are dismissed by the last meeting from that office,
they think and say they have no further concern with it, which if that
meeting stands good," it must be so, and when ye workman has hewn all
the timber, he must stop his hand, for he will find no man to draw it
together for him, and there is nobody any power to agree with him to
stop, and not to proceed any further in this affair as things now stand,
and I would let the Esq'r. know that it was by reason of 3 or 4 persons
giving power to Capt. Jesse Rice, and Mr. Daniel Harrington, both of
Marlborough, to act for them, was the means of bringing us into this bad
situation, and they are those piersons that are the most behind as to
settling; viz; the Right of Henry ISTeel & Robert Allen & Thomas
JNIorrison, with ye three duty free rights which belong to old Madam
Blauchard, & others of that family, which you will see in my answer to
your letter, hold ; I have returned them, and in whose hands they are
now. Tn the Right of James IVIorrison, which is now in the hands of the
Widow Dexter, you will see in my answer to you that I wrote in her
favor, but inasmuch as she has empowered those men to act in her behalf,
to the damage of our town, I have no more to say in her behalf, and. Sir,
if you woiild be so kind as to get the gentleman Grantors together as
soon as may be, and. lay our case before them, and see if they will take
so much notice of us, as to give us their advice in all affairs concerning
our town, and whether that meeting be good wherein they disannulled
what was done before, and put on record, also to see what method they
will come into, in order to join with us on a spot to set our meeting
house, if we ever agree to build one, for we want to clear up ye spot to
set it. ISTo more at present, so I remain vour humble servant at com-
mand. BEX J A. TUCKER.
84 HISTORY OP MARLBOROUGH.
P.S. Sir, I have left some papers in ye hand of Catp Atkinson for
yourself, and Sir, Mr. Morse of Dublin gives his services to yourself, &
desires me to inform you that he received your letter last Friday, wherein
you desired him to return to you a true account of their settlement,
whicli he woKld do as soon as possibly he coidd. And, Sir, in my answer
to your letter, I did not set forth to you the number of acres that each
man had got cleared, but there is not above 2 or 8 but what has got more
land than the Charter required."
MoxADXOCK, Xo. 5, May ye 29"^ 1770.
EsQR. Jaffrey, Sir,
I wrote to you in a letter when I was at Portsmouth, that we met
with some difficulty about our meeting house, and that the Committee
that was appointed to build it was dismissed, and there was none to
carry on the work, but we have had a meeting -since and have made
choice of the old Committee again, and the House is -like to go on as
it was first proposed to be, and if the gentlemen Grantors would take
so much notice of our letter, as to appoint some man or men as they shall
think proj)er, to come and see the spot that we have chosen to set the
Meeting house on, and give their consent, if they think proper, for we
want to clear it up as soon as may be, for we cant draw the timber to the
spot, till the land is cleared up, and, Sir, what I wrote to you concerning
the Eights that were not settled according to Charter, still remain so, as
far as I know excepting the Right of Halbert Morrison. There is a man
daily at work and has got his family to Swanzey near by "his work, and
designs to bring them in to town as soon as he can get a house up to put
them in ; and, Sir, you Avrote to me in your letter, that I should be jiaid
for my trouble, but as for that, I leave witli you to do as you think
proper, 1 was exceeding sorry that Esqr. Jaffrey was not at home, for I
wanted much to see him, but was disappointed. Xo more at present, so
I remain your humble servant at command.
BEXJA. TUCKEPv.
The framing of the house was let to Stephen Church, and
the frame was raised sometime previous to November 21, at
which time a meeting was held at the house of Benjamin
Tucker, when it was voted to accept of " accompts brout for
sarvis don about the meeting house.'' Voted " to give Ben-
jamin Tucker '6s. 2d. 2(j. pur gallon for 8 gallons of Rum at
yc raising of ye meeting house." ^ We are not to suppose from
this item that the early settlers of our town were more
temperate than those of the neighboring towns ; for it is a
woll-knowii f;)('t tliat it was customarv on all occasions like
THE CENTRE MEETING-HOITSE. 85
tliis to procure at least one barrel of rwn. Tradition tells
us that the customary barrel was provided on this occasion ;
but the demand for tlie indispensable article was so great
that this quantity was not sufficient, and Benjamin Tucker
being chairman of the bidlding committee, procured the
additional eight gallons, for which he brought in a separate
account.
"When we take into consideration the fact that at the same
meeting it was voted to allow Benjamin Tucker's account in
full, and that at a vendue, sometime afterwards, when a
number of articles belonging to the proprietors were offered
for sale, a barrel was sold to Moses Tucker for 2^-. ScZ., we
may safely conclude that the first meeting-house was raised
with appropriate ceremonies.^ according to the custom that
prevailed in our New England towns at that day.
It would seem that, in taking the job of framing and
raising the house, Mr. Church did not correctly estimate the
cost, as the following vote was passed at the same meeting :
" Voted to give Stephen Church X5 12.s. \d. to make up
what he Saith he Loast b}' building the meeting house."
Subsequently, we find that Stephen Church received for
work done on the meeting-house X4-i 6.s-. 4*:?. '2q. At the same
meeting, it was " Voted to Raise five dolers on itch prop^*
Rite to cover the meeting house with," " Voted to dismiss ye
Commity that was appointed to Buld the meeting house,"
" Voted to Clioues 3 men for a commity to take care and
cover ye meeting house, and made choice of Benja Tucker,
Isaac McAlister & John Felton for that purpos."
During the next fifteen years, the subject of finishing the
house was discussed in the meetings of the proprietors ; but
little was done beyond finishing the outside, and even this
was not completed until 1779. At a meeting in January of
that year, it was " Voted to finish Cleapboording the meet-
ing house and colour it, to hang the Doors to Lay the Lower
floor and build the body seats and Git one Box of Glass to
Glaize it in part."
In 1785 the proprietors gave up all claim to the meeting-
house, and it passed into tlie hands of the town, nnd was
86 HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
finished during the next five years. To meet the expense,
pew grounds were sold at public auction at different times.
This barn-like structure was located on the north-west
corner of the common, and was as near the geographical
centre of the town as it could be conveniently. It had
entrances on the south, east, and west sides. Tlie pulpit
was on the north side, over which was suspended a huge
sounding-board. There was a row of pews round the house
next to the walls, and an aisle ran round just inside of this
row. There was also a middle aisle which led from the
south door to the pulpit, which was called the " broad aisle,"
and had two rows of "• body pews "" on each side. The
Deacons" seat was a narrow pew in front of the pidpit,
facing the congregation. The communion taljle was at-
tached to the Deacons' seat like a common table-leaf, and
was let down when not in use. The gallery extended on
three sides of the house, and had, as below, a row of pews
next to the wall, and three rows of seats in front. The
seats in the west gallerj^ were designed for old men, and
those in the east for old ladies ; the singers occupying the
front seats in the south gallery.
In 1785 twenty-one pew-grounds were sold at vendue by
Oliver Wright, Abijah Tucker, and Daniel Cutting, who
Avere a committee chosen by the town, for the purpose of
finishing the meeting-house. The terms of the sale were as
follows : " Each Pue struck off", the highest Bider Shall pay
one Dollar Down, three Dollars in four weeks from the sail,
the remainder in six months." These brought sums varying
from ,£3 to £1 IQs. The pews were made with panel-work,
surmounted by a light balustrade of minute ornamented
columns : they were nearly square, and had a row of un-
cushioned seats round the interior except at the door.
These board-seats were hung on hinges, so as to turn up
against the side of the pew for convenience in standing dur-
ing prayer-time ; and, as the congregation resumed their
seats, these were let down with a zeal that betokened some
interest, at least in this part of the ceremony. We know of
no language better adapted to describe this scene than the
FIRST MEETING-HOUSE IN MARLBOROUGH.
Drawn from memory by Rev. P. Wallingford.
THE CENTRE MEETING-HOrTRE. 87
following selection from the poem read by Samuel l>uruliaiii,
at tlie Centennial Celebration of the town of Rimlge.
And when, at last, the loud Amen
Fell from aloft, how quickly then
The seats came down with heavy rattle.
Like musketry in fiercest battle I
At a meeting in Octol)er, 1789, Capt. Phiuehas Farrar
presented the folloA\'iug account Avhich Avas allowed Ijy the
town : —
the Town of ^laiiboro, D''. riiinelias Fari-ar
for Servis as Committee Finishing the ^Meeting- hous in v'' 1789.
' ' i: .«.-. d.
to half a Day Settling with the old Committee, ". 16
to two journays to John Parkhui'st after- Xails, o
once to Joseph Cuttings after Corn for ]\Ir. Cunnnings, ... 1 (J
once to Calvins Stones after Xails Oil)
to five time attending vandue to Sel the Pues, 0-5
and once to Keene after Iron, 1 U
to Part of a Day after Boards, 10
to Cuting and Drawing stage Poles, .">
to one Day underpining the Meeting house o
to Carting one Lode of Boards from Tuckei's ]!iill, oO
to Carting one Load of Plunk, • 2 (J
to eight and a half wate of honey, .') 8
to one journey to Fitzwilliam after Nails 2
to time spent after stuf, 10
to two journey to Warrins after Nails :> (J
once to warrins after Rumb for the CarpL-uters, 1 (i
to me and horse one Day after Calves p.ites, 0.10
to making the same, o
to one journey to llindge to settle with tiie Caipt'uters. ...
to three half Days settling with people i
Once to Keene after Ballisters, <i 1 (>
to time .spent at sundry times, • PJ
to Cash Paid for Calves Pates for sisiug, i* ()
to Cash Paid for Rum 7 (Quarts and a pint. .3 7
to Ca,sh Paid for glew, oil
to one hundred of Boards, • iM)
tomy Cart to Dublin after a Barril of Kumli. . - 10
to one Day and a half settling accounts o (J
18 7
PlllNElIAS FARRER.
Marlboro the 12 October 1789.
88 FrrsToiiY of marlborough.
The ineeting-house was warmed chiefly by the siiii, for
stoves and furnaces were unknown in those da3's. A poor
substitute, however, was resorted to from necessity ; namely,
the foot-stove which the matron of each family was carefid
in the coldest Aveather to have well prepared with living-
coals from the hearth-stone. Aside from these, the worship-
pers were entirely dependent for their comfort upon the
ardor of the minister's exhortations and the fervor of their
own religious emotions.
Here our ancestors worshipped God; many of them
coming the distance of four or five miles, and sitting on
a cold winter's day while the Rev. Halloway Fish, Avith
the collar of his great coat turned up about his ears,
and striped mittens on his hands, put forth his doctrinal
views in sermons of not less than one hour in length. The
morning service being over, during the intermission the
women retired to the nearest house for a fi-esh supply of
coals for their foot-stoves, the men repaired to the tavern,
to warm themselves, and regale the inner man with a
mug of warm toddy, while they discussed the principal
events of the week, or expressed their A'iews on the subject
of the morning's discourse.
For the annual meeting of 1823, an article Avas placed
in the Avarrant as follows : " To see if the toAvn Avill vote
or consent that a stove, or stoves, may be Placed in the
Meeting house in ^larljjorough to render said house com-
fortable during public Avorship on the Sabbath and on other
occasions in cold weather, AAdiich shall be furnished and
supported by Subscril)ers." Notwithstanding souie men of
influence were opposed to the measure, the town voted:
"that the Stove or Stoves maybe Placed in the ^Meeting
house to render said House comfortable in cold weather
to be placed in said house by Subscribers." '' Voted, the
Stove or Stoves to be placed in the Meeting house may
be Placed at the east and Avest Doors during the pleasure
of the town." Sometime pre\'ious to the next annual
town-meeting, the stoves Avere procured and placed in the
house in accordance with the vote of the toAvn. A brief
TPTIC CENTltE IMEpyriNG-HOU.SE. 80
experience in a warm church changed pnblic opinion, and
only a short time eLapsed before those who had been most
opposed to stoves seemed to rejoice equally with the rest
in their warmth and comfort.
Previous to 1825, money was raised for the support of
preaching by a tax assessed on all ratable polls in the same
manner as for schools, or any other public purpose. Near
the close of the last century, however, laws were enacted by
which any person entertaining different religious opinions,
and joining himself to some other society, and contributing
to the support of its minister, was excused by the town
from paying this tax, on the presentation of a certificate
signed by the minister or clerk of his society. The fol-
lowing is a specimen of these certificates : —
Dublin April y^ 8'" 1794.
These may certify whom it may concern, that William 'White Jr. has
joined the Baptist Society in this place and has agreed to do his propor-
tion toward the support of the ministry with them.
JOHN MUZZEY Clerk.
It not unfrequently happened that some persons not
willing to identify themselves with any society in their own
town Avould go the distance of thirty or forty miles to
connect themselves with some other church or society. It
would seem by the following certificate that Richard
Roberts was one of these : —
Claremount, April, 4, 1797.
To all whom it may concern. This may certify that Richard Roberts
Esqr has joined the Episcopal Church and put himself under my care.
Test. DANIEL BARBER,
Rector of Union Church Claremount.
These certificates were not numerous at first, only five or
six a year ; but in 1824, the last year the town was taxed
for this purpose, out of one hundred and sixty-six tax-payers
there were only fifty-one assessed for the minister's salary.
Most of the persons presenting certificates were Baptists
who had connected themselves Avith the society in Dulilin.
In later years, a Baptist cliurch was formed in toAvn, some
account of which will be given in another chapter.
14
90 HISTORY or MAKLBOKOFGH.
July 1, 1819, a law was enacted in this State, which
opened the way for a more satisfactory method of support-
ing the gospel. In the language of this statute, ''Each
sect or denomination of Christians in this State, may asso-
ciate and form societies, may admit members, may establish
rules and by-laws for their regulation and government, and
shall have all the corporate powers which may be necessary
to assess ajid raise money b}^ taxes upon the polls and
ratable estate of the members of such associations, and to
collect and appropriate the same for the purpose of building
and repairing houses of public worship and for the support
of the ministry." There was also a provision that no person
should be taxed by such society, or be considered a member
thereof without " his consent was first had and obtained " ;
and any person having become a member of such an asso-
ciation had liberty to withdraw his name at any time. No
advantage was taken of the provisions of this act until near
the close of ]\Ir. Fish's ministry.
In 182-3, the town voted that the selectmen be a committee
to proportion the time of occupation of the meeting-house
to each religious denomination. This the selectmen were
instructed to do each year, also to divide the interest of the
ministerial fund among the several denominations, " accord-
ing to the proportion each pays of the public taxes." How
long each society was allowed to occup}^ the meeting-house
at this time is not known, but in 1835 it was proportioned
as follows : —
Unitarians, 1§ days.
Baptist, 6| "
Methodist, loi "
Congregationalist, 13 "
Uuiversalist, 20^ "
It is probable that the Congregatioualists did not occuijy
the house their proportion of the time, as they had the year
previous built one of their own at the village.
The old meeting-house now began to show marks of decay,
the exterior being in a somewhat dilapidated condition.
The town had been repeatedly asked to repair the liouse,
THE CENTRE MEETING-HOUSE.
91
and the subject had been discussed at the annual meeting-
each year, with tlie same result, — a refusal to take any
definite action.
In 1834, the town was again requested to repair tlie house,
but the only action taken was a vote to dismiss the article.
But the citizens were now thoroughly alive to the subject ;
and with such men as Samuel Jones, Sen., Abiel Alger,
and Benjamin Whitney, Jr., for their leaders, they were not
disposed to give up the project so easily, and it was deter-
mined, if possible, to procure by subscription a sum sufficient
to repair the house in a suitable manner. The following
is a copy of the subscription paper circulated throughout
the town for that purpose, together with the names of the
subscribers, and the amount each one contributed : —
We the undersigued, inliabitaut.s of the town of Marlboro ugh, do
hereby severally agree to pay the siuns set against oiu- names, to be
appropriated for repairing the old meeting-house in said town, Provided
that a sum shall be subscribed or contributed sufficient to make the
necessary repairs on said house, otherwise this to be void.
Marlborough, March 24, 1834.
Eber Tenney, $17.50
Asa Porter, 17.00
Noah^Vliite, 1.00
William Tenney, .... 25.00
John Lane, 17.00
Clark Mason, 6.75
Abel Nutting, 5.00
Luther Ilemenway, . . . 6.12^
George Richardson, . . . 2.50
Asa Hastings, 2.25
Levi Gates, 6.12^
Abiel Alger, 7.00
Levi W. Porter, .... 7.00
Caleb Baker, 3.00
Allen Woodward, .... 5.00
Moses Hunt, 10.00
Isaac T. Chase, .... 1.00
Aaron Stone, 5.00
Charles Gilbert, .... 5.12^-
Levi Thatcher, 1.00
Names.
Ziba Nason,
$5.00
Ziba Nason, Jr., . . .
2.00
David Wilkinson, . .
6.00
Daniel Buss, ....
1.00
Thomas Friuk, ....
3.00
Benjamin '\^^iitney, Jr.,
19.50
Calvin Hastings, . . .
5.00
Tabatha Baker, . . .
3.00
Aaron Parker, ....
5.00
Asa Porter, Jr., . . .
5.00
George Harvey, . . .
8.50
Asa Bemis,
3.00
John B. Farrar, . . .
2.00
Jeremiah Herrick, . .
2.00
Ebenezer Herrick, . .
. 1.00
Artemas Collins, . . .
2.00
Charles CoUister, . . .
. 1.00
Thomas Adams, . . .
. 12.00
William Richardson,
. 1.00
James Harvey, ....
. 1.00
92
HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
Names.
Jonathan Bemis, Jr., . . !$2.00
Daniel Reed, 3.00
Jabez AVight, 1.00
Franklin Priest, .... .25
Peter Starkey, 1.00
Thaddeus Parmenter, . . 5.00
Joseph Woodward, . . . 15.00
Enoch Bemis, o.OO
Calvin Xewton, .... 15.25
Miriam Newton, .... 2.00
Xancy Newton, .... 2.00
Jonathan Bemis, .... 7.00
Nathan E. Wild, .... 5.00
James Batcheller, .... 15.00
Luke Blodgett, .... 5. .50
Ezekiel Cudworth, . . . 5.00
Archa Tenney, 6.00
Samuel Jones, 30.00
Calvin Stone, 5.00
Calvin Tenney, .... 20.00
Stillman Woodward, . . . 6.00
Daniel Cutting, .... 1.00
Charles Holman, Jr., . . 1.07
Albert Jones, 1.00
After the circulation of this paper, the subscribers met
on the twelfth day of May, 1834, and organized by choosing
Levi (xates, chairman, and Nathan Wild, clerk. Allen
Woodward, Calvin Tenney, Samuel Jones, Benjamin
Whitney, Jr., and Abiel Alger, were chosen a committee
to examine the house, and report wliat repairs Avere nec-
essary to be made.
The committee made examination, and reported as
follows : —
Names.
Daniel Emerson, .
Curtis F. Hunt, .
11.00
1.00
Oliver Boyden,
Daniel Woodward,
3.50
1.00
Joseph Collins,
Amos Sargent, . .
Abner Russell, . .
1.00
5.00
1.00
William Greenwood,
John Sargent, . .
2.00
1.00
Elijah Fitch, . .
Lorenzo Hunt, . .
1.00
1.00
Daniel Clapp, . .
Osgood Collister, .
1.00
1.00
Lorenzo White,
1.00
Franklin Clapp, .
Daniel Wade, . .
1.00
1.00
Darius Richardson,
1.00
Jedediah T. Collins,
1.00
G. and N. Converse,
.25
Cyrus Ayers, . .
Jonah Davis, . .
.25
.12^
Abraham Priest, .
1.00
Abner Boyden,
1.50
1st. To underpin said liouse witli split st(
iliteen iuclu^s wide.
tlie west door,
it the west,
suitably fitted.
2d. Two thresholds, oiii' in tlic front, aiul lli(M)tli
with suitable doorstones.
3d. One new door in front, 3} or 1 ft. wide, and new doo
the size of the old ones and close the east door.
4th. To have all new window-frames, and sashes where it is necessaiy.
5th. All new clapboards on the front, and to repair the other side and
ends with lho-;o now (.n the front, and snilablv paint tli.' same.
THE CKXTRE MEpyrtxci-HorsE. 08
This report having been accepted by the subscribers,
Samuel Jones, Abiel Alger, and Allen Woodward, were
chosen a committee to make the necessary repairs, the esti-
mated cost of which was two hundred and fifteen dollars.
There having been considerable more than this sum raised,
the subscribers voted, at an adjourned meeting, to build a
belfr}-^ on the west end of the house, according to a plan to
be drawn by Capt. Charles Gilbert. The work of repairing
went forward as rapidly as circumstances would permit, and
by the middle of November the work was completed.
The belfry was tAvo stories in height : the first story Avas
about ten feet s(|uare, and rose twelve feet above the ridge-
pole ; the second storj' was proportionate in size and lieight,
and the appearance of the house was greatly improved.
No sooner was the work of repairing completed than those
who were the prime movers in this good work began to
agitate the subject of procuring a bell for the house. Sat-
isfied that the town would not aid in this project, it was
decided to pay for the bell in the same way the repairs were
made ; namely, by subscription. Accordingly, the following
paper was drawn up and circulated through the town, and a
sufficient sum raised to purchase a bell : —
The undersigned do hereby severally agree to pay the sums against
their names to purchase a Bell for the old Meeting house in Marl-
borough, said Bell to be divided into one hundred and ninety shares,
estimated at one dollar each, and be the property of tlie subscribers,
Dec. 9, 1884.
Eber Tenney, 15.00 Ezekiel Cud worth ^l.OO
Asa Porter, 5.00 Samuel Jones, 10.00
William Tenney, .... 5.00 Moses Hunt, 1.00
John Lane, 3.00 Isaac T. Chase 1.00
Clark Mason, 4.00 Charles Gilbert, '2.00
Luther Ilemenway, . . . 3.00 Ziba Xason, Jr., 1.00
George Richardson, ... 1.00 David Wilkinson 1.00
Calvin Xewton, 10.00 Daniel Buss, 1.00
Miriam Xewton, .... 1.00 Benjamin AVhitney, Jr., . . 5.00
Nancy Xewton, .50 Aaron Parker, 1.00
Jonathan Bemis, .... 4.00 Asa Porter, Jr., 2.00
James Batcheller, .... 10.00 George Harvey, 5.00
Lnke Blodaett 2.00 John B. Farrar 1.00
94
HISTORY OF ArATtLBOROFGH.
Artemas Collins, . .
. fl.OO
John Sargent, . . . .
. i$LOO
Charles CoUister, . .
. 1.00
Daniel Clapp, . . . .
. LOO
Thomas Adams, . .
2.00
Daniel Wade
. 2.00
Calvin Tenney, . . .
. 5.00
Jonathan Bemis, Jr., . .
. 2.00
Emerv Dickinson. . .
. LOO
G. and X. Converse. . .
. 2.00
George W. Ilowaid, .
. LOO
Cyrus Ayers,
. 1.00
Benjamin Thatcher, .
. 1.00
Jonah Davis,
. LOO
Elijah Gates, ....
:].00
Josiah Knight, ....
. LOO
Abraham Priest. . .
. 1.00
Josiah Fitch
. LOO
Asa Hastings, . . .
. LOO
Ebenezer llenienwav. . .
. 1.00
Levi Gates
. LOO
John iVIorse
. LOO
Abiel Alger, ....
. 5.00
Stephen Wheeler. . . .
. lO.OO
Levi W. Porter, ..."
. 2.00
Daniel W. Farrar. . . .
. 5.00
Caleb Baker, ....
. 1.00
Joseph Haskell
. 10.00
Joseph A\'oodward. . .
. 4.00
Daniel Priest
. 2.25
Enoch Beniis, . . .
. 2.00
Reuben Ward
. LOO
Stillman AV'oodward, .
. LOO
Jacob Brown, . . . .
.50
Cm-ti.s F. Hunt, . . .
.25
Until Stone,
. LOO
Oliver Boyden, . . .
. LOO
Nathaniel Richardson,
. LOO
Joseph Collins, . . .
. LOO
Lucy Collins,
.50
Amos Sargent, . . .
. LOO
Amos Cummings, . . .
. 1.00
Willi anr Greenwood, .
. 3.00
The bell, wliicli weighed about seven hundred pounds,
was purchased by Samuel Jones at an expense of 1175.25.
The ancient custom of ringing the bell at noon was followed
for several years, the town emplojdng Nathan Wild who
lived near the meeting-house, " to ring the bell at noon and
on funeral occasions."
The meeting-house was now used by the Methodist, Bap-
tist, and Universalist denominations. In 1842, the Metho-
dist Society, having built a house of worship in Pottersville,
removed to that place. They were soon followed by the
Baptists, who built a church in the village. The house was
now mainly occupied by the Universalists, who had preach-
ing about one-fourth of the time ; but they, feeling that
their place of worship Avas too far from the now rapidly
growing village, built a house in the latter place in 1851.
The old house, now unused except for town-meetings and
funeral occasions, began to show signs of decay ; and a severe
hail-storm, which swepfe over tlie town, broke nearlj^ {ill the
THK CENTUE M EET1NG-H< »[SE. 05
glass in the west end, and mischievous boys, by throwing
stones at the Avindows, completed the wreck connnenced by
the storm, so that in a short time there was not a whole
pane of glass remaining.
The town now became anxious to sell the house, l)ut a
difficulty here presented itself. It was maintained by some
that the town had no legal right to the building, but that
it was the property of the pew-holders. The subject was
warmly discussed at town-meetings ; but those living in its
immediate vicinity and at the south part of the town were
so opposed to selling the house, no move was made in that
direction. There were some wise heads who argued that the
town should purchase of the pew-holders all the right tliey
had in it, and then repair it, or take it down and remove it
to jthe village, and fit it up for a town-house ; but this
proposition did not meet with a favorable reception, and
thus the matter remained for several years, the old house
becoming an object of contention between the north and
south parts of the town, while at the same time it was
rapidly going to destruction, and becoming of less value
each year.
April 7, 1849, at a meeting called for tliat purp'ose, the
town voted ''to sell at Public Auction all the right, title,
and interest that they have in the centre Meeting-house
in said town." Nelson Converse, Charles (xilbert, and Asa
Greenwood, were chosen a committee to carry this vote
into effect. The house was accordingly set up at auction
August 18, and was bid otf by Asa Greenwood for the sum
of -llOO.oO.
When the sale took place, nothing was said about the bell
which was clearly the property of the subscribers. ^Iv.
Greenwood supposed that, v.hen he bought the liouse. he had
purchased all connected Avith it ; but Samuel Jones, Sen.,
who was one of the largest owners, disputctl his right to the
bell, and, INIr. Greenwood refusing to give it up, the matter
was carried into court, Avhere the case was decided in favor
of Mr. Jones. While the suit was pending, Mr. Greenwood
sold the hell which was carried to a foundry in ]Massachu-
06 HISTOIfY OF MAIU.BOKOrGH.
setts, to be recast. Mr. GreenAvood, fearful lie should meet
with the same opposition, if he attempted to remove the
house, that he did in removing" the bell, now wished to have
the tow^i take it off his hands.
At the annual meeting in 1852, the town voted " to pay
Asa Greenwood what he had paid for the old Meeting-liouse
with interest, by his redeeding it to the toAvn."
The people of Marlborough now found themselves no
better off than they were before ; having in their possession
an old dilapidated building, Avith no prosftect of getting rid
of it. The people, tired of the controversy, \A^ere uoav will-
ing to let the matter rest, as indeed it did for many years.
We remember of having heard one man remark at that
time, ''it Avas the Lord's house, and that he Avas Avilling that
the Lord should dispose of it in the AvaA' he thought b*st."'
This feeling seemed to prevail throughout the town ; but,
as the Lord did not see fit to dispose of it without human
agency, the subject was again brought up at the annual
meeting in March, 1856. At this time, Benjamin Whitney,
Thomas White, Jr., and Charles Gilbert, Avere chosen a com-
mittee to investigate and report at the ^ fall meeting the
best method for the toAvn to adopt, to dispose of their interest
in the Centre Meeting-house." Tliis committee reported that
they were unanimous in the opinion that the house might
be legally sold. This report served to revive the old con-
troversy, but nothing Avas done in relation to the matter,
farther than choosing committees from time to time to dis-
pose of the property legally.
Marlborough Avas not the only toAvn in Xcav Hampshire
Avhich found it impossible to dispose of their meeting-house
in a legal manner under the existing laAvs. There Avere
many such scattered throughout the older portions of the
State ; and, in vicAV of this fact, the Legislature of 1858
fortunately came to their aid, and passed an act, the first
section of Avliich reads as follows: —
If any iiit'cliii^-liuiisf has ceased to be oecupied l)y the inojuietors
thereof as a place of piililic worship for the space of two yeais, said
proprietors, at a meeting called for that purpose, may by major vote
THE CENTRE MEETING-HOUSE. 97
decide to sell the same at auction, and appoint a committee with full
power to make such sale and execute a conveyance of said house and
its appurtenances to the purchaser, said committee first publishing notice
of the time and place of sale. .
At the annual meeting in 1860, the selectmen were
instructed to sell the house, and make a conversance of
the same according to law. On the fifth day of the follow-
ing May, it was again set up at auction, and bid off by
James Townsend for fifty dollars. The door-stones were
bid off by Rev. T. L. Fowler, and were soon after placed
before the doors of the Methodist meeting-house, where
they still remain.
Mr. Townsend removed the pews and the best of the
finish inside, which he used for building and other purposes ;
but the house was allowed to stand until the summer of
1865, when in the stillness of the midnight hour, no longer
able to withstand the ravages of time, it fell to the ground.
Mr. George Thatcher purchased the tindjers. The best part
being old pine, he manufactured it into pails ; and nearly
every family in town purchased one or more of these pails
as a memento of the old Centre Meeting-Jiouse.
CHAPTER VI.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
Early Efforts to secure Preaching. — Church formed. — Settle-
ment OF Rev. Joseph Cummings. — Difficulties with Mr. Cum-
MiNGs. — His Dismissal. — Protracted Controversy with Mr.
Cummings. — Half-way Covenant. — Different Ministers em-
ployed. — Rev. Ebenezer Hill. — Hallo way Fish called. —
His Letter of Acceptance. — Ordination of Mr. Fish. — His
Character. — His Death. — Union between Church and Town
Dissolved. — A Society formed. — Rev. Salmon Bennett. — A
New Society. — Building of the Brick Church. — Rev. Moses
G. Grosvenor. — Rev. Giles Lyman. — Meetinc-House enlarged.
— A Parsonage built. — Resignation of Mr. Lyman. — Rev.
Hentiy B. Underwood. — Rev. Silas P. Cook, — Rev. John L.
Merrill. — Meeting-House repaired and enlarged. — A Neav
Organ. —The Chapel. — The Sabbath School.
The Proprietors' charter reserved one right of land for
the ministry, and another for the first settled minister ; but
these could not be made available until a minister was
settled.
The early settlers having come from towns in Avhich the
institutions of Christianity were maintained, must have felt
severely the deprivations to which they were subjected, in
having no public worship on the Sabbath. Especially was
this the case with those who were members of the Christian
church. Accordingly, as soon as they had reared a comfort,
able shelter for their families, and brought their fields into
such a state of cultivation as to supply their daily food, they
commenced to make preparations for uniting in the public
worship of God.
No record exists to show that there was any preaching in
the township previous to 1771. At a meeting the 21st of
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 99
March in that year, the Proprietors voted " to Lay a tax
of one farthing on the acre for to hire preaching witli."
" Voted that Mr. Benjamin Tucker, Mr. Daniel Goodenow
& Mr. James Brewer, be a Committee to hire a preacher &
voted that the preaching begin about the first of June
next."
The sum raised amounted to £16 8s. Qd., or about 154.75.
Whether the whole of this sum was expended for preaching
this 3^ear is unknown ; but we find on the Proprietors' rec-
ords that twelve pounds were paid to Mr. Abraham Wood,
and also allowed " Lieut Benja Tucker for boarding Mr.
Wood £2 lis. 4ci" Mr. Wood was a graduate from Har-
vard College, of the class of 1767, and was ordained the
first pastor of the church in Chesterfield, December 31,
1772, where he remained till his death, October, 1823,
aged seventy-five.
In 1772-73, the same sum was raised for preaching as in
the preceding year ; but there is nothing on the records to
show who were the ministers employed, beyond the fact
that during this time there were five children baptized by
the Rev. Benjamin Brigham of Fitzwilliam. It is probable,
however, there was some preaching during the summer
months by different ministers.
In 1774, the desire to settle a minister seems to have
increased; for, at a meeting the 19th of January of this
year,- it was voted to " Chuse a Committee to provide a
minister on Probation, in order for a Settlement. Voted
that Eliphalet Stone, andrew Colburn, and Phinehas Park^
be a Committee for that purpose. Voted to Raise half
peney on the acre for to provide preaching as afore said."
As no report of this committee has been found, we are
unable to give any account of the ministers employed.
At a meeting, July 12, 1775, it was^ voted "to hire some
preaching this summer." A committee was chosen to pro-
vide a minister. At a subsequent meeting, Capt. Jonathan
Frost was allowed £1 2s. "for procuring a minister and
keeping his horse." Nothing farther toward settling a min-
ister seems to have been done by the Proprietors.
100 HISTORY OF MARLBOEXDUGH.
The town being incorporated the next year, it riglitfnlly
belonged to the citizens to provide preaching. The}^ how-
ever, did nothing about the matter until April, 1777, when
a meeting was held, and it was voted "to hire preaching.
Voted, to Raise twenty Pounds for that Purpose. Voted,
that Capt James Lewis, Abijah Tucker and David Wheeler
Be a Committee to hire Preaching. Voted, to give the com-
mittee this instruction, Not to a gree with one for more
than fore Sabbaths at first. Not without he hath a mind
of settling."
This committee ajDpear to have been no more successful
than the former ; but the people were in earnest as to this
matter, and the subject was brought up at subsequent
meetings.
About this time, the Rev. Joseph Cummings, a native of
Topsfield, Mass., came among them ; and, after preaching
several Sabbaths as a candidate, a town-meeting was called,
August 6, 1778, at wliich it was voted " to Cum into sum
method of Settling a minister in said Town."
Voted, to give Mr. Cummings a call to settle with us as
a preacher.
" Voted to Chuse a Committee to propose a method of his
settling with us.
" Voted, Lent Benjamin Tucker, Capt James Lewis, Lent.
Eliphalet Stone, Lent James Brewer, and Mr. Samuel Soper,
a committee for that purpose.
"• Voted, to Except of this Committees Proposals,"' which
were as follows : —
State of New Hampshire.
Cheshire Ss August y'^ 6, 1778, att a Legal meeting of the Town of
marlborough the sixth Day of August inst, made Choise of Mr. Richard
Atwell moderator for s"^ meeting, Voted to give the Rev, mr, Josejih
Cummings of Sea Brook a Call to Settle in S'' marlborough as a gospel
minister. Voted By Said town to make the Rev, m"" Cummings the fol-
lowing proposals for a settlement, to take one share of Land in said
marlborough Containing By Estimation one hundred and fifty acres, one
hundred acre Lots the Lot on which the meeting house stands on Which
we Desire to Reserve four acres Round the meeting house For publick
use, Voted to Clear Eighteen acres on said Lot Leaving ten trees on
. ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 101
Each acre in addition to what is ah-eady Cleared on Said Lot in two
years, From ordination one half yearly, Voted that the Rev'* ni'' Cuni-
mings Shall have Liberty to go onto the ministry Land in said town
Cut any quantity of timber of any sort that shall Be Nesesary for his
own Buildings. For his salery to have For the first year Forty pounds,
for the Second year Forty five j)Ounds, for the third year fifty pounds
and to Continue Fifty pounds yearly, until there Becomes one hundred
and ten families in said Town then to have Sixty Six pounds thirteen
shillings and fore pence yearly so Long as he shall Remain our gospel
minister all the above sums to be made equevelent to Ry at three Shil-
lings and fore pence p'' Bushel.'
Lieut BENJa TUCKER
Lieut JOSEPH COLLINGS Committee
Mk DANIEL GOODENOW I in Behalf of
Ml' WILLIAM BARKER marlborough
Lieut JAMES BREWER J
DAVID AVHEELER Town Clark.
The following answer of Mv. Cummings is dated at Marl-
borongh, October 12, 1778 : —
To the Inhabitants of the Town of Marlborough. Friends and
Fellow Christians, — Whereas, it has pleased the great head of the
Church to incline your hearts to settle the gospel ministry among you
and disposed you to give me (unworthy as I am) an invitation to the
important work ; after mature deliberation and many anxious thoughts
upon a matter of so great moment ; having been importunate with God
for direction and asked advice of men —
I conclude to accept your invitation (provided you Vvill allow me two
or three Sabbaths yearly during my ministry to visit my friends as they
live at a distance,) Humbly confiding in ]3ivine goodness for assistance
faithfully to discharge the duty of a gospel ministei', and begging your
earnest prayers that a blessing may attend my ministerial labors.
Heartily wishing that grace mercy and peace may be the stability of our
times — I subscribe your affectionate Friend and Servant,
JOSEPH CUMMINGS.
Nov. 11, 1778, was the day chosen for the ordination;
and Benjamin Tucker, Eliphalet Stone, William Barker, and
Daniel Goodenow, were chosen to send letters-missive to
the several churches selected to call a council to ordain
Mr. Cummings ; namely, to the churches of New Ipswich,
Fitzwilliam, Swanzey, Dublin, Keene, and Winchendon.
How long Mr. Cummings had preached before his ordina-
102 HISTORY OF MAELBOROTJGH.
tion is not known, but the following accounts copied from
the records give evidence that it must have been, at least,
two months : —
"Voted to Exce^Dt of Capt James Lewis account For his
keeping m"" Cummings horse too weeks and three Days one
pound and ten shillings.
" Voted to Except of the widow martha frpst account for
her Boarding m"" Cummings fore weeks & his horse, thirty
six pound.
"Voted to Except of m"" Samuel Serjents account for
Bording mr Cummings one fortnit and for keeping his horse
three pounds."
The council convened on the day appointed. Rev. Mr.
Farrar of New Ipswich was chosen moderator of the council,
and Rev. Mr. Brigham of Fitzwilliam scribe. After its
organization, it proceeded to form a church, consisting of
eight members, with a covenant, the following being a
copy : —
We, whose names are hereunto Subscribed, apprehending ourselves
called of God into the Church State of the gospel ; do first of all confess
ourselves unworthy to be so highly favord of the Lord: and admire
that free and rich grace of his, that triumphs over so great unworthi-
ness ; and then witli an humble reliance on the aid of divine grace,
therein promised, for them that in a sense of their inability to do any
good thing, do hmnbly lay hold on his covenant, and would choose the
things which please Ilim, —
We do publicly and solemnly declare our serious belief in the Chris-
tian religion, as contained in the Sacred Scriptures, heartily resolving to
conform our Yixes unto the rules of that holy religion as long as we live
in the world, —
We give up ourselves to the Lord Jehovah who is the Father and the
Son and the Holy Ghost, and avouch Ilim this day to be our God, our
Father, our Saviour, and our leader, and receive him, as our portion
forever, —
We give up ourselves to the blessed Jesus who is the Lord Jehovah,
adhere to Ilim as the head of his people in the covenant of grace, and
rely on Ilim, as our Propliet, and our Priest, and our King, to bring us
unto eternal blessedness. — We acknowledge oiu" everlasting and indis-
pensible obligation to glorify God in all the duties of a godly, sober, and
religious life, and very particularly we seriously and solemnly promise
that we will uphold the worship of God here, and not forsake the assem-
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 103
bling of ourselves together as the manner of some has been that we will
attend on the ordinance of baptism, bring our children thereunto waiting
for Christ's blessing upon them, and will endeavor to bring them up in
the nurture and admonition of the Lord, We also solemnly promise
and engage to attend constantly on the ordinance of the Lords supper.
We likewise promise and engage constantly to attend on public prayei's,
preaching of the word and on every part of public worship and perform
therein.
We promise and engage to watch over one another as the gospel
directs, and to assist our Rev^i Pastor when God shall give us one in
upholding that government and discipline which Christ has set up in his
church and to submit ourselves thereunto together with our children,
taking the word of God for our only platform, and rule of faith and
practice. We seriously promise religeously to observe the Lord's day to
keep it holy. — We likewise promise to keep the worship of God in our
families, — To make our houses places of prayer ; and that we will
endeavor to walk soberly, righteously, and Godly among om-selves, set a
good example before others ; and in a word we will make it our care, to
live according to that rule Christ has set us, to do to others as we would
they should deal by us. — We also invite our christian neighbors, in this
town to join with us in this profession of faith and these covenant
engagements ; that so this Church of Christ may become beautiful as
Tirzah, comely as Jerusalem and terrible as an army with banners.
We promise to hold communion with all regular sister Churches,
asking their help, when we stand in need of it and willingly lending
them ours when properly desired. We pray that Grace, Mercy and
Peace, may be multiplied to all the Churches of oiu* Lord Jesus Christ
and that the kingdoms of this earth may become his kingdom and the
whole earth be filled with his glory. A. MEN.*
JAMES FLOOD WILLIAM ADAMS
JAMES LEWIS TIMOTHY BEMIS
SAMUEL SOPER BENJAMIN TUCKER
EBENEZER RHODES
JOSEPH CUMMINGS the first Pastor.
When this had been signed by the covenanting brethren
who formed themselves into a "Chnrch State," it was "unani-
mously voted by council that they acknowledge them to be
a regular Church of Christ." The council then proceeded
to make inquiry respecting Mr. Cummings' call to the work
of the gospel ministry in this place, and likewise into his
* During the pastorate of Rev. Moses G. Grosvenor, this covenant was laid aside
and a new one adopted, which was revised in 1867, leaving it as it bow stands upon
the records.
104 . HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
religious principles and qualifications for that position.
" Voted that they were satisfactory to the council."
After this, the council voted " that the Rev. Mr. Sprague
of Dublin shall make the introductory prayer, that the
Rev. Mr. Brigham of Fitzwilliam make the prayer preceding
the charge, that the Rev. Mr. Brown of Winchendon give
the charge, that the Rev. Mr. Goddard of Swanzey give the
right hand of fellowship, and that the Rev. Mr. Hall of
Keene make the concluding prayer."
At this time, the meeting-house was in an unfinished state,
having no doors or glass windows, and only a loose floor
laid inside ; and tradition tells us that the interesting ser-
vices of the ordination were performed on the carpenter's
bench.
That this council was well provided for is shown by the
fact that at a town-meeting, October 20, Lieut. Eliphalet
Stone and Mr. William Barker agreed to provide for the
council at the ordination for fifty-five pounds, *•' a seffisioncy ";
and it was voted " to accept of the men for the above said
purpose."
The salary of Mr. Cummings — $133.33 — not extrava-
gantly large at the best, was soon rendered wholly inadequate
by the depreciation of paper money, which began in 1777,
and went on so rapidl}^ that by 1781 it had become nearly
worthless. At a meeting in February, 1780, the town
" voted that the Rev^ m''. Joseph Cummings's salary for the
last year Be Doubled forty Times." But even this sum he
undoubtedly found to be quite unequal, in actual value, to
the original salary. At a meeting in October of the same
year, the town voted to "Dubble Mr. Cummings second
year's salary seventy two for one, or in other words to give
forty Dollars to Mr. Cummings in Lieu of each three shil-
lings and four pence Being what was in Lieu of one Bushel
of Rie."
At a church-meeting, July 5, 1779, James Flood was
chosen deacon ; and Eliphalet Stone, chorister. The Rev.
Mr. Cummings undoubtedly presided at this mcBting as
moderator, though he did not sign the record. Nothing
ECCLESEASTICAL HISTORY. 105
worthy of notice appears to have taken phice in the church
after this meeting, except the admission of a few members,
and the baptizing of a number of children, until the difficul-
ties arose, which terminated in the dismission of Mr. Cum-
mins-s. So measTe are the records of the town and church
o o
at this period that we can get no information as to how
these difficulties commenced, but they probably arose from
his neglecting the duties of a pastor, and failing to lead a
godly life before the people.
The town on its part, had failed to fulfil the contract to
clear eighteen acres of Mr, Cummings' land, which was to
be completed within two years from his settlement. What
excuse there could have been for the nonfulfilment of this
contract does not appear ; but it seems that, at the breaking
out of the troubles with him, only one-half of the first nine
acres had been cleared.
Considerable excitement prevailed throughout the town,
the people charging Mr. Cummings with unfaithfulness, and
the pastor denouncing the people for not fulfilling their con-
tract, and also charging them with unkindness.
If there were any church-meetings held at this time, the
record of them has been lost ; and what little we have been
al)le to learn, was gleaned from the town records. At a
meeting held Nov. 30, 1780, the town chose Lieut. Benjamin
Tucker, Dea. James Flood, Samuel Soper, Daniel Cutting,
Lieut. Phinehas Farrar, Reuben Ward, and Lieut. Moses
Tucker, a committee '■'■ to goe and try to settle Dificulties
Between m-^ Cummings and the Town, and if not, to goine
with him in calling and Chusing a Counsel." The meeting
was then adjourned to the fifth day of December, at which
time this committee was ordered to report. At the adjourned
meeting, it was voted to accept of the report of the committee,
which is as follows : —
Wee the Subscribers Being a Committee appointed by the Town of
marlboro to treat with the Revd. rar. Joseph Cummings to see what
nietliod to Come in to. In oi-der to Settle the Difficulties Subsisting
r>etween mr Cunnnings and this church and Town having attended iipon
that Business Beg Leave to Report (viz) —
to Chu>;e a counsil Consisting nf tive CimicUes Viz, tlie Rev^ iw.
1(5
106 HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
Farrar of Xew Ipswich, the Rev** mv. Bro\vu of Winchendon, the Rev'^
mv. Lee of Royalston, the Rev"i mr. Brigham of fitzwilliaiii, the Rev"' lur.
Goddard of Swanzey, agreed to per uie
JOSEPH CUMMIXGS
December y" 1"' 1780 ino.se.s Tucker
Beiija Tucker ^ Committee phinehas Farrar
Committee
James flood y of the Daniel Cutting (" ^^^ ^<^^^i^^i
Samuel Soper j Church Rerrbin AVard J °^ *^'*^ ^'"'^■"•
The council convened on the 26th of December, and was
composed of the pastors and delegates from the churches of
FitzAvilliam, Swanzey, and Royalston, and two delegates
from the church of, Xew Ipswich. The Rev. Benjamin
Brigham of Fitzwilliam was moderator ; and the Rev.
Edward (ioddard (jf Swanzey, scribe. The following is
the result of their deliberations : —
The council was opened by the Rev'^ ^loderator with humble prayer to
the Father of lights for influence and direction. The coimcil then went
into a full hearing of the objections of the committee of the Chh. and
Town against the Rev'' ;Mr. Cummings, and also of the Revd Mr. Cunr-
mings agauist the Chh. and people and also their several defenses and
luiving attained all the light and evidence we coiUd, came unanimously
into tlie following resolutions, viz.
Witli regard to the first general article charging the ReV' iMr. Cum-
mings with unfaithfuhiess in the great work of the gospel ministry,
which general being divided into i^articulars, was considered in the fol-
lowing manner, viz. —
•• Tart 1-' Ilis not spending a reasonable part of his time in his studies,
it was unanimously voted that the complaint was well supported.
I'art "i"' His not visiting the sick, voted unanimously to be well sup-
po,t.-d.
I'art o' His not catechishig the oliildreii, voted uiiauimously. that
aUJiouglr we do not view this complaint in tliis particular, to l)e fully
supported, yet we would express our sorrow that tlie Rev''. Mr. Cum-
Miiugs lias not taken greater i)ains in this branch of pastoral duty.
I'art 1"' His not seeking after those that went astray, or those he
supjiosed went astray, voted unanimously to he well supported.
Part .")"' His not faithfully warning of particular persons in private,
wliich he has accused to others, voted unanimously to be well sui)ported.
Artitlc H' In which Mr. Cvunmings is chai-ged witli being unexem-
phny in walk, imprudent in conversation, uncliristian in comparing, rasli
in judging, and slandering, voted unanimously to l>e well suiiportccl in all
its parts or particulars.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTOEY. 107
Article IIF Charging the Rev'i. Mr. Cummiiiys with pi-ofauity, voted
mianimousl}" to be well supported, —
Article HIP'' Charging the llev'^ Mr. Cummings with deceitfulness.
Voted unanimously that although this article with regard to particidar
instances does not appear to us to be supported by such evidence as the
laws of God require in order to full conviction ; yet we are constrained
to say that in our opinion there are some circumstalices which render
Mr. Ciuiimings character at least suspicious.
The council then took into consideration the matters of grievance on
the part of the Pastor and, I Voted unanimously that the people are
cliargable with breach of contract in not clearing the land and payment
of salary, yet that this breach of contract is not such as to alford any
reasonable excuse for his unfaithfulness in pastoral duty.
II With regard to unkindness from individuals, complained of by
the Pastor, it does not appear to this council that he has just cause of
complaint.
This council having seriously considered these things, cannot think
that it would be either for the honor of God, the interest of religion in
general, or the spiritual peace and edification either of the Pastor, or
people that the relations between them should be continued. And must
accordingly advise, that the Rev"^. Mr. Cummings ask and the Chh. and
people immediately vote him dismission. And that they mutually refer
all matters of controversy of a civil nature, if any such they have to
refei-ees as it is the judgment of this coimcil, that they cannot come
properly under our cognizance.
After some words of admonition and advice to Mr. Cum-
mings and the church, the result of the council was pub-
lished in the meeting-house.
Mr. Cmnmings being asked by the Moderator whether he accepted it,
]-tublickly declared his acceptance, and asked a dismission. Whereupon
the question was put to the Chm-ch whether they accepted it, and did
dismiss the Rev'' Mr. Cummings from his pastorate relation unto them,
and the vote being tried, passed unanimously in the affirmative, AVhere-
upon the Moderator in the presence of the council declared the pastoral
i-elations dissolved.
BENJAMIN BRIGHAM. ^Moderator.
Attest, Edward Goddard, Scribe.
The town voted on the 30th of December to accept of the
result of the venerable council, and to concur with the
church in having the pastoral relation between Mr. Cum-
luino's and the church and town dissolved.
108 HISTORY OF MAELBOROIJGII.
The difficulties growing out of Mr. Cummiugs' connection
witli the church did not end with liis dismission, but con-
tinued for ;i long time. Mr. Cummiugs, after waiting a
reasonable time, failing to get a settlement, had recourse to
the law in order to recover <£91 19s. 10(7. of his salary, which
remained unpaid; also another like sum which he claimed
was due him from the town; and also another sum of X108
for damage sustained in not having his land cleared as the
town agreed.
The case was brought to trial at the October term of
court, 1782, and was decided in favor of Mr. Cummiugs.
The town, not satisfied, appealed to the next term of the
Supreme Court, which was held in JNIay, 1783 ; but the case
never came to trial, for the town, on mature deliberation,
decided that it was better to settle the matter in some other
way. Accordingly, in June they voted " to concur with the
Committees of church and town in bringing the Difficulties
Between mr Cummiugs and the town to a happy issue."
" Voted to chuse a Committee to Joine with Mr. Cummiugs
in providing for the Counsel. Chose Abjiah Tucker, Silas
fife, and Deacon flood for the aforesaid purpose."
"Voted to Chuse a committee of five men to act in Behalf
of the town in the Dispute against Mv. Cummiugs. Chose
Lt James Brewer, mr Samuel Soper, mr Daniel Cutting,
Lt. Phinehas Farrar, and mr. Reuben Ward a Committee
for the afore Said purpose."
" Voted that this committee Get such Evidence in the
town or out as they shall think j)roper for the Defence of
the town against mr Cummiugs."'
We regret that we cannot produce the names of those
wlio composed this council, or give an account of their pro-
ceedings ; but we presume it was satisfactory to tlie town, as
they voted at their next meeting " to accept of the award of
the late arbitrators between Mr. Cummiugs and the town
committee," and subsequently we find that they voted to
" Raise the money the arbitrators Jirought in to pay mr
Cummiugs which is forty pounds."
That this council was not alloAved to deliberate on sucli
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 109
weighty matters witli empty stomachs is fully proved by the
following accounts which were subsequently brought in and
allowed by the town : —
Voted to allow Lt. Collins for lour pounds of Butter for Counsil,
£0:-2: S
Voted to allow Jedediah Tayntor for fifty nine pounds and ludf of Veal
for the Counsil, vq: 11: U)
Voted to allow Ebenezer Rhodes for half Busliel tuunups and seven
pounds Batter for the council, £() : 5 : 8
Voted to allow Richard Robherts for service and in finding Rum and
sugar for Counsil, X.() : 18 : 8
allowed to Lt. Eliphalet Stone to four Nights horse keeping and one
pound and half tobacco for Counsil, £0:3:8
allowed Reuben Ward for five pounds and three quarters of a pound
pork and six candles for Counsil, £0 : 6 : 2
allowed to Lt. phinehas farrar for thirty two pounds wt of Lamb for the
Counsil, £0 : S : G
Allowed to John m'-Bride for two pounds & half Butter. £0:1:8
The protracted controversy with Mr. Cummings proved a
great injury to the cause of religion. For more than nine
years there is no record of any additions to the church ; and
for nearly thirteen years there was no settled pastor, and
preaching onl}^ a part of the time. Ten were at different
times admitted to the church, and a few were dismissed
to other churches. There were sixty-four baptisms, the
number being swelled by the adoption of the ^ half-way
covenant," as it was called, in 1783. This covenant allowed
parents, publicly, to give their assent to the creed of the
church, which allowed them the privilege of presenting
their children for baptism, but not that of communion.
This custom prevailed only a short time, being set aside soon
after the settlement of Mr. Fish.
For the first few years after the dismission of jNIr. Cum-
mings, the people were so taxed to procure their quota of
men, and their share of beef and rum for the continental
army, that they raised but little money for the support of
the Gospel.
The ministers of the surrounding towns occasionally occu-
pied the pulpit. We find that the following clergymen also
110 HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
lo- tlii>
labored
liere for a longer or shorter time di
period : -
-
1785.
Rev. J. Dammoii.
1786.
^' John Remmington.
1787.
" Elijah Leonard.
- Caieb J31ake of Wrcntham, 'l\Ia,ss.
In 1789, Rev. Ebenezer Hill supplied the desk for several
months, giving good satisfaction, and was invited to settle,
but having, only a short time previous, received a similar call
from the church and town of Mason, X.H., lie declined the
call, and was ordained in that place, Nov. 3, 1790, where he
remained in the work of the ministry for the unusual period
of sixty years, and died May 20, 1851, aged eighty-eight
years.
In a letter written to a friend, under date of i\Iay 5, 1790,
he writes, '' I have tried to think it was my duty to settle at
Marlborough, but it appears (juite plain to me that Provi-
dence has pointed out Mason as the place." Notwith-
standing his declination to settle here, he ever entertained
for the people of Marlborough an affectionate regard.
Mr. Hill was the son of Samuel and Sarah (Cutler) Hill
of Cambridge, Mass., and was born at that place Jan. 31,
1766. He entered Harvard College at the age of sixteen,
graduated in 1786, and after this he studied theology with
Rev. Seth Payson of Rindge.
In 1790, the town and church invited the Rev. Solomon
Adams to settle with them, but Mr. Adams declined. The
Rev. Nathan Underwood supplied the pulpit for some time
in 1791, and was invited to settle, and probably would have
accepted the call, had they been able to agree upon his
salary. As it was, he, like the others, went his way ; and
the church, at the close of this year, found itself as before
witliout a pastor, and no immediate prospect of obtaining
one.
In 1792, a Mr. Walcott preached for a short time. In the
course of the summer. Rev. Halloway Fish of Upton, Mass.,
commenced his labors here. The first montion made of liim
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORA'. Ill
uii tlie records is iinder date of November 1(3, at wliieli time
the town voted '' to hire Mr. Fish twelve Sabbatlis Longer."
On tlie fourth day of tlie following February, the town voted
to concur with the church in inviting Mr. Fish to settle with
them in the work of the gospel ministry, voting him at tlie
same time a settlement of one hundred and seventy pounds,
with a salary of seventy pounds a year so long as he con-
tinued their minister. The settlement was to be paid one-
half in three montlis and the other half in twelve months
after Ids ordination.
Mr. Fish did not immediately reply to this call, but con-
tinued to supply the pulpit. In May, another meeting was
called, " to see if the town holds of a mind to settle mr.
Hallow Fish in the work of the Gospel ministry for it hath
bin Reported to him there is not so Good a union now as
there was when the Town Gave him his Call, and for that
Reason he Desires to know your minds in full."
It was voted '^ for mr. Fish to tarry with us in the min-
istry."" The result of this meeting having been conveyed to
Mr. Fish, he made the following reply : —
Tu the Cluii-ch of Clirist and Congregational Society iu Marlboroiigli
greeting.
I have taken into view the circumstances of the case before nie; your
broken situation for many years I have seriously considered and your
goings toward your former minister and toward Candidates and tlieir
treatment of you. I have seen the situation of the Chh. I have viewed
it is snrall and I fear that that dissipliue which is absolutely necessary to
l>reserve a Chh. from contempt and reproach has not been observed in
this place. Your offer 1 liave taken under serious Consideration. To
the union I have been an eye witness, and it is not so good as I could
wish that it was. I have endeavored to let every circumstance have its
]noper weight, and to discover what will probably be the conse(piences of
my accepting or rejecting your invitation. As for the Scriptures of truth
1 know of no particular direction in them which wall apply to my situa-
tion unless it be Christ's general rule, Therefore all things whatsoever ye
would that men should do to you do ye even so to them.
By placing myself in the situation of an inhabitant of this town and by
my placing him in my situation and then inquire what T should wish that
lie would do, affords me some light or assistance to understand my own
way. In addition to these things T have represented the situation of
matters iu this rilaoe in as just n liglit as T possibly could to those wlio [
112 HISTORY OF MAKLBOROIJGH.
have reason to suppose are friends to me and friends to religeon, and who
are experienced, and judicious, and the best, and ahnost the only advice
which I can obtain from them is this. Act like an honest man consult
the good of the cause in which you are engaged. And to the throne of
Grace I have often repaired for wisdom to understand my own way and
a heart to do those things which shall be for the Glory of God and the
interest of Zion. And what shall I do more, that I have not done in
order to understand my own way. Shall I delay the matter ? this will be
disagreeable to you and to me for a state of suspense is a disagreeable
situation and delays are often dangerous, though in some cases they are
suitable and proper, but as almost four months have past since you gave
me an invite to tarry with you, it appears necessary that matters should
be brought to a point and if I understand my own way, or know Avhat is
suitable to be done, it is my duty to comply with your request. I there-
fore accept of youi- invitation to become your stated minister in Divine
things, yet I must say it is with a trembling heart sensible of the work
which is before me, sensible of th'e difficulties which always fall to the lot
of ministers, and sensible of my own insufficiency for these things. But
if I am one of Christ's ministers. He will always be with me according to
His promise to His Appostles and to His ministers, " Lo I am with you
alway even unto the end of the world " and by His assistance I shall be
enabled to do all things which shall be incumbent on me as one of His
ambassadors.
What shall I say move V will it be improper to pi'ay that the relation
whicli will probably ere long be formed between ns, may be lasting
happy and profitable for Time and Eternity ? may we live together in
l^eace and be helpers of each other in the way to Glory ? This I present
you as nay answer with the following exceptions, viz. That I shoidd have
the liberty of l)eing absent from you two Sabbaths in the course of every
year during my ministry with you.
MarllHjrouuii. Mav. 1!)'". 179:}
IIALLOWAY FISH.
t
The town selected tlie last Wednesday of September as
the day for the ordination, and voted to send to the chnrches
in Upton, Northbridge, Westborougli, Keene, Swanzey. Fitz-
williani, Rindge, and Dnblin.
A'ot'.'d to choDse a Committee of three men to provider for the Council.
Voted that the committee provide for the Council and keep an account
of the cost and lay it before the Towni.
Voted Deacon Stone, Lt. ]\enben AVard, and j\Ir. Silas Fife, be a Com-
mittee to [n-ovidc for the Council.
The pastcn's of tlie above churches were present, with the
exception of Westborougli and Rindge, which were repre-
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 113
sented by their delegates. This council convened at the
house of Peletiah Cummings on the 24th of September, 1793,
at three o'clock P.M. The examination of the candidate
was interrupted by Daniel Cutting who presented a remon-
strance against the ordination of Mr. Fish, signed by Richard
Roberts and twelve others. The council voted that it was
not a sufficient bar to prevent the ordination.
At this time, the distinction between the Orthodox and
what afterwards became the Unitarian elements of Congre-
gationalism was becoming marked. Although there was no
actual division, j^et it was clearly understood on which side
each minister belonged, and the controversy frequently
cropped out at councils. Mr. Goddard of Swanzey was the
leader of what was then culled the '* Armenian " element.
The Fishes, father and sons, were stanch Calvinists. Rev.
Elisha Fish of UjDton, the father of Halloway, was moder-
ator of the council, and of course the strong points of Cal-
vinism were clearly brought out in tlie examination. When
the council were by themselves, led on by Mr. Goddard who
was scribe, a minority of four voted against ordaining. This
was in the evening, it being the custom to examine one day,
and ordain the next. The next morning, when, the council
assembled, the moderator, having consulted previously with
his Calvinistic brethren, proposed a reconsideration of the
vote which had passed by a strong majoritj- to ordain the
candidate. On reconsidering, all voted not to ordain ; thus
yielding the ground entirely to the four "Armenians." But
to this they dared not consent, knowing that it would raise
a storm of indignation against them. Accordingly, Mr.
Goddard immediately moved another reconsideration, and
the vote was made unanimous in favor of the ordination.
Mr. Goddard said he voted for it under the circumstances,
but '' with fear and trembling."
jNIr. Fish was born in Upton, Mass., Aug. 2, 1762. Grad-
uated at Dartmouth College, 1790. His father, Rev. Elisha
Fish, was pastor of the Congregational Church in Upton for
nuiny years. Mr. Fish was a very different man from Mr.
Cummings, serious and devout in spirit, exemplary in his
114 HISTOEY OF MAKLBOEOUGH.
life, being faithful as a minister of Christ. He was a man
of sound judgment, but not of popular pulpit talents.
He was not a natural scholar, like his brother Elisha, who
settled in Gilsum; but he was a much better manager of
business. Their father once said of them, " Halloway must
teach Elisha farming, and Elisha must teach Halloway
theology."
Although a very blunt man in his speech, he was friendly
toward other denominations, and always remained on good
terms with them. He was a most vigilant and sagacious
watchman on the walls of Zion. Very few men, if any,
of his times, were possessed of keener discernment as to
truth and error. He defended the truths and exposed the
errors of his times with boldness and strength, to an extent
not common to his contemporaries in the ministry. At one
time, he preached against dancing; and some of the gay
young people who were accustomed to attend balls took
offence, and sheared his horse's mane and tail. To this
he paid no attention, but rode his horse everywhere just as
before. When any questions were asked, he replied " that
it was not exactly to his own taste, but it was to the taste
of some of his people, and so he submitted to it." He
was a sound, sensible preacher ; and people who liked sound
doctrine, and plain, practical sense, always enjoyed his
preaching.
After the death of Rev. Mr. Hall of Keene, the neigh-
boring ministers, as was the custom, supplied the pulpit in
turn, for the benefit of the widow. The church in Keene,
at tliat time, was composed of both the Calvinistic and
Unitarian elements, and of course there was much com-
paring of the preachers of the different views. When Mr.
Howe of Surry (who was a decided Armenian) preached,
he was tliought very dull and weak. Elijah Parker, Esq.,
meeting Hon. John Prentiss on Monday, rallied him on the
dulness of his Armenian preacher. "■ Well," says Mr.
Prentiss, "he will do to offset Father Fisli, of Marlborough."
"Pooli!" says Mr. Parker : "I'd rather have Father Fish's
great coat stuffed, in the pulpit, than Mr. Howe."
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 115
During the iiniiistiy of Mr. Fish, the cluirch greatly in-
creased in membership. Tlie years of 1813-14 were seasons
of special ingathering; thirty-two being received into the
church by profession of faith. The largest increase in any
single year was in 1822, when forty were added, all by pro-
fession of faith, seven of whom still survive. The whole
number of members added to the church during the term
of Mr. Fish's pastorate of nearly thirty-one years, was one
hundred and seventy-eight, and three hundred and three
children were baptized. Mr, Fish died Sept. 1, 1824, aged
sixty-two years and one month.
The wife of Mr. Fish was Hannah Brigham of West-
borough, Mass., to whom he was united previous to his
settlement in Marlborough. To her few acquaintances who
still remain, no words of eulogy are necessary, to add
to their estimation of her life and character. Her pure
and useful life, her consistent example, winning deportment,
and earnest piety, shed a beautiful halo and a gentle radi-
ance over her husband's long pastorate. To that beloved
and venerated pastor, she was truly a helpmeet in all home
duties, and a most efficient aid in winning souls to Christ.
Many rise up to call her blessed. She remained in Marl-
borough until 1840, when she returned to Westborough to
reside with her nephew, Halloway Brigham, where she died
a few years after.
At the death of Mr. Fish, the union which had existed
between the town and church was dissolved, and a society
formed, September 25th of the same year, which was known
by the name of " The First Evangelical Congregational
Society of Marlborough." Thirty-seven persons affixed
their names to the constitution, only two of whom are now
living; namely. Rev. Luther Wiswall of Windham, Me.,
and Benjamin Whitney of Littleton, N.H.
May 25, 1825, the church and societ}^ united in extend-
ing a call to Rev. Salmon Bennett to become their pastor,
with a salary of $300 per year, which call was accepted ;
and he was installed September 28th of the same year. Mr.
Bennett had previously been settled in Winchester, where
116 HISTORY OF ]\rATlLBOROirGH.
he remained eiglit years, and had also labored one year in
Roxbuiy. His ]3astorate here was only about five and a
half years. The church and society being unable to make
up his salary for a whole year, he was dismissed, April 5,
1831. During his pastorate, twenty-five united with the
church, only five of whom ^-emain.
At this period, the church suifered much inconvenience for
the want of a stated place in which to hold their meetings
on the Sabbath. There were four other denominations that
claimed a right to the centre meeting-house ; and the Con-
gregationalists being few in numbers could only occupy it
occasionally, holding their services in school-houses and
private dwellings the rest of the time.
After the dismission of Mr. Bennett, Rev. Erastus Curtis
labored for them one year, and from that time until 1835
they had no stated preaching.
June 25, 1833, the society having disbanded, a new one
was formed, which took the name of the Trinitarian Congre-
gational Society of Marlborough. At an adjourned meeting
of this societ}^, June 29, 1833, it was voted to build a meet-
ing-house, to be under the control of the society, which
should be built by subscription, giving to all the subscribers
the choice of the spot on which the house should stand, and
the materials of which it should be built, and the choice of
the committee or agents to build the same.
There were numerous locations spoken of as the site for
the new house. Of the two most prominent, one was near
Esquire Sweetser's estate, and the other near Charles Hol-
man's, where it was finally located.
Soon after the above meeting, the following subscription
I)aper was circulated under date of Aug. 17, 1833 : —
The subscribers taking into consideration the inconvenience of having
but one house of worship for several denominations wisli to buihl a
meeting house on the following conditions, to wit : —
1st. The house shall be for the use of the Trinitarian Congregational
Society of Marlborough, and shall be legally secured to said society or to
persons appointed by it, to hold in trust for the society, and no other
denomination shall liave any right to use said house without the consent
of the societv.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 117
2d. The subscriptions shall be paid to Win. Favrar, treasurer of the
society, or his successor in office.
3d. The house shall be located in that j)lace of those mentioned below
for which the greater niunber of shares shall be subscribed, taking into
consideration the price of the building spot ; and no person shall be
obliged to pay subscription except the house be placed on the spot for
which he subscribes.
4th. The estimated expense of the house shall be divided into shares of
ten dollars each, and each siibscriber shall have the right of one vote for
each share he may own, provided always that this right of suffrage shall
not be so construed as to effect the right of said society to control the
pulpit.
Names. Near Charles Holman's. Near Esq. Sweelser's.
James Farrar, 20
David Wilkinson, Jr., .... 20
William Farrar, 6 3
Luther AViswall, 6 3
Calvin Stone, 1 3
Charles Holman, 5
Abner Boyden, 20
Ebenezer Hemenway, .... 2 1
Simeon Whitcomb, , • . . . 6 3
Jonas Woodward, 2 2
Phinehas Farrar, 5
Benjamin Whitney, 5
Charles CoUister, 1 '
John Joslin, 1
Asa Frost, 20 10
Josiah Woodward, 2
Jacob Woodward, 1
Ziba Nason, 3
Allen Clapp, 1
Daniel Buss, 1
JohnWiswall, 4
Joseph Frost, 2
121 38
By mail}' it was considered a foolhardy undertaking to
build a meeting-house on its present site, and the societ}^
being few in numbers, found it up-hill work ; but each one
took hold in earnest, and did with his might what his hands
found to do. Some aid was also received fi-om neighboring
churches and friends abroad, and the work Avent steadily
118 HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
forward ; and the new meeting-house was dedicated, Oct.
29, 1834.
At this time there were not more than six or eight dwell-
ing-houses, a store, blacksmith-shop, grist-mill, and tavern,
in what now comprises the village ; and the building of
the brick meeting-house was, no doubt, one of the determin-
ing causes of the beautiful village which has sprung up
around it.
Rev. Moses G. Grosvenor was installed pastor of the
church. May 20, 1835. Mr. Grosvenor was a graduate of
Dartmouth College and Andover Theological Seminary,
and had before labored as settled paster in Acworth, X.H.,
and Barre, Mass. Thirty-two united with the church
during his pastorate. Difficulties growing out of a case
of discipline, which came before the church, led to his dis-
mission, Dec. 2, 1840. He afterward removed to Troy,
Ohio. He died in Boston, Mass., in the summer of 1879.
Rev. Giles Ljauan was born in Belchertown, Mass.,
March 16, 1802 ; son of Giles and Mary (Hubbard) Lj^man.
Graduated at Amherst College in 1827, and Andover Theo-
logical Seminary in 1831.
Mr. Lyman maintained a high standing in college and
seminary as a scholar and a most conscientious Christian
man. He was ordained at Jaffrey, X.H., Jan. 11, 1832, and
installed colleague of Rev. Laban Ainsworth, over the Con-
gregational Church, as the first colleague this church settled
in connection with Mr. Ainsworth. Mr. Lyman thoroughly
indoctrinated this people, and thus shielded them against
any temptation in the future to settle a pas-tor of too lax
views. This pastorate was dissolved, May 3, 1837. After
this, he was acting pastor at Fowlerville, N.Y., 1837-38, and
at Ashburnham, Mass., 1838-39, and at Gardner, Mass.,
1839-40.
He commenced to labor in Marlborough, Dec. 13, 1840.
The distressing and disheartening malady which afflicted
him, making it problematical in his own mind whether he
could long discharge the duties of a permanent pastorate,
led him to decline a settlement during the twenty-eight
years he continued to labor in this town.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 119
He found the church, at the beginning of his ministry
among them, in a seriously distracted condition, with little
influence in the communit3\
The prejudice growing out of its establishment as the
town church during the first forty years of its history, had
abated but little, if any. Another cause of disturbance,
the removal of the place of worship from the middle of the
town to the village, had alienated many of the inhaln'tants,
and they had not yet forgotten their grievances. In addi-
tion, internal dissensions had brought the church to the
very verge of ruin.
Among these contending brethren, Mr. Lyman came ;
and by his wise course, unaffected piety, and unmistakable
interest in the real good of all, he gained the confidence
even of those who were most at variance in the church,
and thus was enabled in time, by the blessing of God,
to so heal the differences that prosperity smiled upon the
society.
The church became independent of missionary aid,
mainly through his self-denying efforts. He voluntarily
relinquished what was justly his due, that others miglit
receive its benefit.
A revival among the young people, in 1842, cheered the
heart of the pastor, and greatly aided in the work of recon-
ciliation. 1852-58 and 1864 were seasons of revival in his
ministry.
Mr. Lyman continued as acting pastor until May 10, 1868,
long enough to see a new generation come upon the stage.
During his ministry, one hundred and thirty-eight were
added to the church. After his retirement from the min-
istry, he remained in toAvn and in the parsonage until the
spring of 1870, greatly assisting his successors by his counsels
and his prayers, and was much respected and beloved by
the people of his former charge.
J^ this time, Mr. and Mrs. Lyman accepted the invitation
of their brother-in-law. Dr. Gordding of Winchendon, Mass.,
who had recently buried his wife, to spend the remainder
of their davs with him. to remove tlie desolation of his
120 HISTOKY OF MARLBOROUGH.
home. But in this retreat, which God had so kindly pro-
vided, Mr. Lyman did not long remain. On the 16th of
November, 1872, he was released from his earthly toils and
pain, and entered into his eternal rest.
A brother in the ministry well acquainted with him for
many years, says of him : " He was ever regarded by his
brethren in the ministry as an able writer and thinker. He
was likewise an earnest preacher, and very faithful in dealing
with his hearers and parishioners. The responsibility of
souls seemed to be upon him, and he burned to do his whole
duty to them in declaring the messages of God. Though
plain of speech in his dealings with sin, and keen in his
analysis of the motives of human action, his heart was full
of the milk of human kindness, and he had most attached
friends in his pastorates. Pure in morals, intelligent, and
fair-minded, he had the respect of all."
Mr. Lj'uian married, Dec. 14, 1835, Louisa Whitney,
daughter of Phinehas Whitney of Winchendon, Mass. She
was born in that town, May 30, 1812.
Few clergymen have ever found in a wife a more discreet
or safe counsellor, or one better suited to increase his influ-
ence in the pastoral relations. Her warm and affectionate
social nature, her cheerful, happy, and friendly manner, and
the Avelcome gush of youthful feeling, attracted many to
her, and made them devoted and long-tried friends. She is
remembered in this town, where she spent so many years
of activity, as a %voman of great excellence, gentle, modest,
and unassuming in her intercourse, self-sacrificing and yet
firm in her convicticms of duty, and in her loyalty to truth
and to Christ.
At the close of ten years from the commencement of Mr.
Lyman's pastorate, the congregation had so increased that
it was deemed expedient to enlarge their house of worship,
which was carried into effect during the summer of 1851.
At this time, the meeting-house, besides receiving the addi-
tion of twenty pews and a new pulpit, was painted and
carpeted, giving the whole a neat and tasteful ajDpearance.
In 1859, the society, having freed itself from the debt
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 121
which had clung to it, since the repairing of the church
edifice, eight years before, now began to take into serious
consideration the expediency of buikling a house for Mr.
Lyman. A meeting of the society was held on the 16th of
June, for the purpose of taking this matter into consid-
eration. A piece of land having been deeded by Charles
Holman to Mr. Lyman, for that purpose, it was voted to
build a house thereon.
Asa Maynard, Simeon Whitcomb, and Solon S. Wil-
kinson, were chosen a committee to carry this vote into
effect. The work was rapidly carried forward, and the house
was so far completed that Mr. Lyman took possession of it
the 29th of the following December. During the next year,
the grounds were tastefully laid out, the high bank in front
of the house was properly levelled, and Mr. Lyman, at
his own expense, did much toward beautifying the grounds.
To meet the expense incurred by building the parsonage,
Mr. Lyman generously advanced -1800. The ladies of the
" Benevolent Society " took upon themselves the responsi-
bility of cancelling this debt, being greatly encouraged
by Warren H. Wilkinson of Springfield, Mass., who made
them the generous ofi^er of placing twenty-five cents by the
side of every dollar raised for that purpose. It is needless
to say that the ladies went to work with a will, and that ere
long the whole was cancelled.
In April, 1868, Mr. Lyman, having served as acting pastor
of church and society for more than twenty-eight years, sent
in the following letter of resignation : —
Gentlemen op the Trinitarian Congregational Society :
I have long felt that I was unable, on account of imj)ah-ecl health,
properly to perform the duties of a minister of the gospel to this
Church and Society ; and with this conviction and on this ground, many
years ago, as some of you will remember, I proposed to the Society that
they should seek a supply elsewhere. But the Society unanimously, if I
rightly recollect, expressed a wish that T should remain, and labor as
I might be able with the health I had ; and I have acted accordingly.
At the time when your committee waited upon me after the annual
meeting of the society in January, I hoped I might be able to go through
the labors of another year, something as in the last year, and other s
18
122 HISTORY OF MARLBOllOUGH.
preceding, though I felt and expressed to them some doubt upon the
subject : since that time, however, having narrowly escaped a serious
illness, as I think from overtaxing my powers, and having a deep feeling
that the work which needs to be done here in my present state of health
is beyond my ability to perform, and especially in consideration of the
impaired health and serious disability of my wife, requiring relief from
care and labor, having sought guidance from God in a matter of such
importance, I have come to the decided conclusion that the time has
arrived when it is proper for me to resign my charge as your minister,
and will do this so soon as you shall procure one to take my place.
Thanking you most sincerely for all your kindness in the past, and
earnestly praying that God will guide and prosper you in obtaining a
suitable man to be yom- minister,
I am most affectionately yours,
GILES LYMAX.
Marlborough, April 27th, 1868.
The resignation of Mr. Lyman was accepted, and a com-
mittee chosen to hire a minister. Several candidates were
employed, among whom was Rev. Henry B. Underwood.
He was the son of Rev. Almon and Henrietta (Piatt)
Underwood, born at Poiighkeepsie, N.Y., Dec. 25, 1839;
graduated at Williams College, 1862, and Andover Theolog-
ical Seminary, 1865. He labored at Ringwood, 111., and at
East Long Meadow, Mass., previous to his coming to Marl-
borough. He remained here onl}^ about seven months. He
afterwards preached at Baxter Springs, Kansas, and also at
Hillsboro' Bridge, where he was installed pastor, March 7.
1871, dismissed July 7, 1872. In 1873, he was acting pastor
at Algona, Iowa, where he married, July 8, 1875, Emily,
daughter of Capt. Elkana and Sarah (Willey) Rich of
that place. He died at Algona, Sept. 2, 1875.
In the spring of 1869 occurred a very powerful revival, the
result of a series of protracted meetings held by Rev. A. B.
Earle, an evangelist. During the year, forty-three were added
to the church, many of them heads of families, and among
them some of our most influential citizens, thus raising the
church from the feeble position it had hitherto held, to one
of the strongest in the county.
In April, 1869, Rev. Silas P. Cook of Keene commenced
his labors here. After preaching some two months, he
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 123
received a unanimous call from the church and society,
which was accepted ; and he was ordained pastor, June 24,
1869. Mr. Cook, at his own request, was dismissed Feb.
23, 1870, since which time he has labored in Windsor and
Ludlow, Vermont.
Rev. John L. Merrill commenced his labors here in April,
1870, and was installed pastor. May 2, 1871. He was born
in Haverhill, N.H., May 24, 1833, the son of Abel Kimball
and Mary (Leverett) Merrill ; fitted for college at the Haver-
hill Academy and Kimball Union Academy, Meriden, N.H. ;
graduated at Dartmouth College in 1856, and at Princeton
Theological Seminary, 1859. Commenced to labor at once
with New Harmony Church, Chanceford, Pennsylvania.
Ordained by presbytery of DonegoU (now Westminster) as
pastor of the Presbyterian Church of New Harmony, Oct.
31, 1860. Was dismissed in November, 1865, and accepted
the position of principal of the combined high schools of
Lancaster City, Penn. Resigned in April of the next
year, to accept a call from the Congregational Church in
Acworth, N.H., where he was installed, June 13, 1866, dis-
missed March 1, 1870, and removed to Marlborough, where
he still labors.
In the summer of 1869, Hon. Rufus S. Frost of Chelsea,
Mass., made known to the society his wish to present them
a new organ, to be placed in the meeting-house whenever it
should be prepared to receive it.
At a meeting of the society, August 16, Elisha O. Wood-
ward, George G. Davis, and WiUiam M. Nason, were chosen
a committee to examine the meeting-house, and procure
plans for enlarging or remodelling, and repairing the same,
and report at a future meeting.
Another meeting was held August 30, at which the com-
mittee rendered their report, and it was voted unanimously
to repair the house. At the same time, E. O. Woodward,
Geo. G. Davis, and Wm. M. Nason were chosen "a com-
mittee to solicit subscriptions for making the necessary
repairs and additions." At a subsequent meeting, these
gentlemen were chosen a committee " to make suitable
-repairs and additions."
124 HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
Through the untiring and earnest efforts of this com-
mittee, the sum of -$1,427.99 was raised by subscription,
which amounted to nearly enough to defray the expense of
the repairs. Of this sum, $300 was generously donated
b}' Warren H. Wilkinson of Springfield, Mass.
A recess was built upon the east end of the building to
receive the organ, fourteen new pews were added, the ceiling
frescoed, and the interior tastefull}^ painted. Shortly after
the repairs were completed, the following letter was received
by the officers of the society : —
CHARLES E. HOUGHTOX, ~j Trustees of the
J. WHITNEY LAWRENCE, I Trinitarian Cong'l Soc.
CHARLES RYAN, J of Marlboro', N.H.
Gentlemen, — I hereby present to you and your successors in office
forever the Organ recently erected in the meeting-house of the Society
which you represent, for the use of those who may worship God with
said society. Although I desire to make no conditions herewith, I trust
that the wisdom of your successors may prevent their ever creating a
debt which may endanger the possession and use of this organ by those
for whom I have designed it.
Your friend, RUFUS S. FROST.
Marlboro', N.H., July 2.5, 1870.
At a society meeting, August 1, the following preamble
and resolutions were presented, and unanimously adopted : —
Whereas, this Society have been engaged in enlarging and repairing
their house of worship, and have been abundantly blessed and prospered
in completing the same, therefore be it
Resolved, That we devoutly acknowledge the good hand of the Lord in
uniting the hearts of the people, and in enabling them to complete this
work speedily in harmony and good-will.
Resolved, That we duly appreciate the kind motives and benevolent
feelings of Hon. Rufus S. Frost, manifested to the Society by the wise
and judicious means he has employed in promoting the best interests of
this Society.
Resolved, That we tender to Mr. Frost our most sincere and hearty
thanks for the valuable Church Organ which he has presented to this
Society.
Resolved, Tliat we return thanks to Mr. W. H. Wilkinson for the
liberal and timely assistance which he so generously bestowed upon this
Society.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 125
Resolved, That we tender our thanks to the executive committee of the
Society for the faithful discharge of all their duties as such committee,
and for their untiring and successful efforts in bringing this work to so
speedy a termination.
The society, having long felt the inconvenience of having
no stated place in which to hold their weekly meetings,
voted, at their annual meeting in January, 1875, to purchase
the old school-house, in District No. 2, for a vestry. This
vote was immediately carried into effect, and during the
summer the building was remodelled, and neatly and taste-
fully fitted up for that purpose.
Since the organization of the church, thirteen persons have
officiated as deacons. The following list gives their names,
with the date of their accession to the office, and that of
their retirement : —
Acceded. Retired.
James Flood, July 5, 1779, June 24, 1790
Eliphalet Stone, July 8, 1790, Feb. 9, 1817
Silas Fife, June 22, 1791, Sept. 3, 1815
Jacob Woodward, Dec. 28, 1815, Feb. 22, 1827
Kimber Harvey, Dec. 28, 1815, Feb. 22, 1827
James Farrar, Feb. 22, 1827, Nov. 3, 1861
Asa Holman, Feb. 22, 1827, Mar. 14, 1830
Simeon Whitcomb, June 24, 1830, Jan. 1, 1869
Luther Wiswall, June 24, 1830, Sept. 29, 1837
Charles E. Houghton, Sept. 2, 1864, — — 1875
Charles D. Tarbell, Sept. 2, 1864, Dec. .8, 1867
William M. Xason, Sept. 2, 1870.
Levi A. Fuller, Oct. 30, 1874.
The church numbers, at present, two hundred and thirty
members.
The Sabbath-school connected with this church was estab-
lished in 1816, by Cyrus Stone, afterwards a missionary in
India, who was also the first superintendent. The school
was held during the first two years in the school-house,
which then stood on the east side of the common. The
exercises consisted of recitations of chapters from the Bible,
hymns, and the catechism committed to memory. No lessons
were given out, but each youth in attendance chose one for
himself.
126 HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
All under twelve years of age received prizes according to
the number of Bible verses committed. When sixty verses
had been learned, the child received a ticket valued at one
cent : when he had received tickets to the value of ten cents,
he received a book of equal value. These tickets were
printed on stiff paper, with a passage of Scripture on one
side.
This method lasted for sometime. Then a quantity of
tracts were procured, which the children were permitted to
take home and read during the week, to be exchanged on the
following Sabbath.
About 1827, by the kindness of two former residents,
Miss Polly Barker and Mrs. Philinda Lane, the school was
able to have a library which consisted of about one hundred
volumes of second-hand books, procured by these ladies from
the Sabbath-school libraries in Boston.
The whole number of scholars for the year ending May 1,
1878, was two hundred and fifteen ; average attendance,
one hundred and fifteen.
CHAPTER VII.
HISTORY OF THE METHODIST, BAPTIST, AND UNIVBRSALIST
CHURCHES.
First Methodist Pbe aching in Town. — A Class formed. — Forma-
tion OF THE Church. — Class Leaders. — A Meeting-House
BUILT IN POTTERSVILLE. — REMOVAL TO MARLBOROUGH VILLAGE.
^-A Parsonage built. — Early Preachers. — Lorenzo Dow, —
List of Preachers. — Rev. D. S. Dexter. — Baptists first men-
tioned in Town Records. — They obtain Leave to occupy the
Meeting-House. — Other Places occupied by Them for Wor-
ship. — A Society formed. — Names of Ministers employed, —
Deacons. — A New Meeting-House. — The Society unable to
SUPPORT Preaching. — They disband. — Meetixg-House sold.
A Univers ALisT Society formed. — Rev. E. Paine. — Sunday
School. — A Library. — A Meeting-House built. — Pastors.—
Church formed. — Parsonage.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
The first Methodist preaching ' in this town was at the
liouse of Mr. Daniel Emerson in the year 1793 by the Rev.
John Hill, of Needham Circuit, New London District,
The immediate occasion of this was, Mr. Emerson not
believing exactl}^ in the doctrinal views of the Congrega-
tional and Baptist denominations, and hearing of a new sect
called MetJiodist, determined to hear for himself of their
faith.
Accordingly, he mounted his horse and rode to Ash-
burnham, Mass., which was then the nearest place where
Methodist preaching was held, and it is said by the old
ministers to have been the year of its introduction there,
128 HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
only three years after the first Methodist appointment
within the State of Massachusetts, and five years from the
first introduction of Methodism into New England. Mr.
Emerson was so well pleased with the views and manners of
this new sect that he earnestly besought Mr. Hill to come to
his house and preach, which he did in the year above named.
According to the best information we have, the people of
this town enjoyed the first regular Methodist preaching in
this State. At this time there was no circuit in New Hamp-
shire, Maine, or Vermont. But, although the first to hear it,
they probably were not the first to form a class and join the
church, as they do not seem thus to have moved for three
years ; and, as Chesterfield is mentioned in the old minutes
first, it is probable that town was the first to act in this
regard.
Till 1796, we have no evidence that even a class had
been formed in Marlborough which seems strange when we
remember the early customs, and especially the success of
the first itinerants of the Methodist Church. The reason
for this may be accounted for by the strength and influence
of the other denominations who held regular meetings in
the town, and naturall}' drew many away from a meeting
held irregularly, or at most monthly, and many times on
week-days.
During this year (1796), Phillip Wager preached a power-
ful sermon from Luke xiii., 7: "Behold, these three years I
come seeking fruit on this fig-tree, and find none : cut it
down; why cumbereth it the ground?" After which, he
extended an invitation to all to join the class, and seven
enrolled their names as follows: —
Mehitable ]\Ietcalf. Coley Smith.
Mehitable Metcalf, 2d. Xathaniel Metcalf.
Lucy Emerson. William Comstock.
Josiali Xewell.
This class was presided over by J. Coburn, of Rindge.
To this time, then, we may refer for the foundation of the
Methodist Episcopal Church in Marlborough. Although the
METHODIST CHURCH. 129
church proper was not formed as a separate organization
till some time subsequent, yet this was the starting-point,
and may be said to be the true beginning.
In 1801, the church Avas more fully organized; and Alfred
Metcalf was appointed leader, which position he continued
to hold until about 1802, when he was licensed to preach.
We find on his class papers the names of fourteen members.
Now the church seemed to be well established. Ministers
appointed for this station Avere holy men, filled with the
spirit of reformation.
In 1802, a powerful revival progressed for a long time,
and the church increased in influence and numbers. About
this date, Mr. Ebenezer Herrick was appointed leader, and
the meetings were removed from Mr. Emerson's to his
house. In 1807, Mr. Herrick was succeeded by Nathaniel
Metcalf. In 1808, Mr. Metcalf was licensed as a local
preacher, and Mr. Ebenezer Wallingford was appointed
leader. On his class papers are found the names of twenty-
seven members. There was some trouble in the church
from 1812 or 1813 until about 1820, and during this period
the circuit preachers did not regularly supply this station ;
yet there appears to have been preaching a part of the time,
either by the regular circuit riders, or local preachers, under
the sanction of the presiding elder.
In 1820, their meetings were held at the house of Thomas
White. In 1826, they were again held at Daniel Emerson's ;
and Abner Russell was appointed leader, in which office he
continued faithfuUj-, doing what he could for his Master, till
death called him to the rewards of the righteous in 1855.
Nothing worthy of note seems to have occurred from this
time till 1842, when a meeting-house was erected in Potters-
ville. Previous to the building of this, quarterly meet-
ings were often held in "barns, and 'not unfrequently in the
"Cooper barn," which formerly stood on the old road
leading to Pottersville, but is now a part of the blanket-mill
of Whitney & Clark.
The meeting-house was built in Pottersville for the reason
that it was the most central place, many of the members
130 HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
residing in Dublin, Roxbuiy, and Nelson. Preaching was
continued here without interruption until 1859, when
Thomas L. Fowler was appointed to the charge. During
the summer, he commenced preaching one-half of the time
ih the meeting-house then owned by the Baptists, and
situated in our village, which had long stood unused,
owing to the fact that they, being few in numbers, were
unable to support preaching. Mr. Fowler afterwards pur-
chased this meeting-house of the Baptist society, and made
it over to the Board of Trustees of the Methodist Epis-
copal Church. The preaching was then wholly removed
to this town, and the meeting-house in Pottersville was sold.
In the summer of 1867, a move was made to build a par-
sonage. A lot was purchased on Frost Street, the work
commenced, and so far completed as to be occupied by
Rev. D. S. Dexter who was appointed to the charge of the
church in the spring of 1868.
We have found it impossible to give a complete list of
all the Methodist ministers who have been stationed over
this church. In the early days of Methodism, it was not
unfrequently the case that the presiding elder transferred
preachers from one field to another after three or six
months, where it was thought they might be more useful.
Several of the ministers who were appointed to this
circuit in its early days became in after years distinguished
and eminent men. Among these were the eccentric Lorenzo
Dow, Bishop Hedding, and Martin Renter, afterward Presi-
dent of a Southern University, and also a Bishop in the
Southern Branch of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Lorenzo Dow preached here in November, 1796. This
was ascertained from his diary. Under date of Nov. 21,
1796, he says: "I preached in Rindge, thence to Marl-
borough, where our meetings were not in vain." Mr. Dow
was born October 16, 1777, and was only nineteen years of
age when he preached in this town. He is described as
being tall and of very slender form. His countenance
was serious and solemn, but not dejected; and the words
delivered by him cut like a sword. Abel Stevens, LL.D., in
IMETHODTST CHrECH. 131
his History of the Methodist Episcopal Church, says of him,
"He was a right-hearted, but wrong-headed man, hiboied
like a Hercules, did some good, and had an energy of char-
acter which, with sounder faculties, would have rendered
him as eminent as he was noted."
The following list comprises all who have been stationed
over this church since 1842 : —
1842.
John Smith.
1861.
Hiram A. Matters
1843.
Samuel S. Dudley.
1862.
"
1844.
"
1863.
Samuel S. Dudley.
1845.
Loreuzo Draper.
1864.
Anson C. Coult.
1846.
Ezra Wardwell.
1865.
"
1847.
0. Watkins.
1866.
Irad Taggart.
1848.
Rufus Tiltoii & J. C. Allen.
1867.
u
1849.
J. C. Allen.
1868.
D. S. Dexter.
1850.
Ira Carter.
1869.
" "
1851.
« u
1870.
u u u
1852.
J. G. Johnson.
1871.
L. Draper.
1853.
u a a
1872.
A. K. Howard.
1854.
G. W. Bryant.
1873.
" «
1855.
a a u
1874.
J. H. Hillman.
1856.
John Clough.
1875.
<4 tS ((
1857.
a »
1876.
Noble Fisk.
1858.
Thomas L. Fowler.
1877.
u
1859.
u a ii
1878.
u
1860.
u u u
1879.
A. C. Coult.
Of the above list, none have had a greater influence on
the hearts and minds of the people than Rev. D. S. Dexter.
The following, in relation to him, was kindly furnished for
our use by Rev. Irad Taggart : —
Kev. Deming S. Dexter was born in Newark, Vt., June 15, 1815, and
died in Marlborough, Aug. 20, 1873. He was converted under the
preaching of Rev. Eleazer Smith, and joined the Methodist Episcopal
Church in 1829. He was early convinced that it was his duty to
preach the Gospel. He spent a few terms in Newbuiy Seminary, pre-
paring for his life-work.
He began to preach when about eighteen years of age. He was ad-
mitted on trial in 1846 to the Vermont Conference, and with gTeat
acceptability filled various appointments for nearly twenty years.
In the spring of 1870, he was transferred to the New Hampshire
Conference, and appointed to Marlborough, having supplied the chmxh
for two years previous. During his three years' pastorate of the Meth-
odist Episcopal Church in Marlborough, he endeared himself to the
132 HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
people of liis own congregation, and also of the town. The citizens of
the town honored him by sending him for two years as Representative
to the General Conrt of New Hampshire.
]Mr. Dexter was a Christian gentleman, an affectionate husband, and a
loving and kind father. He was a good preacher and a faithful pastor,
respected and beloved by all who became intimately acquainted with
him. Aug. 20, 1873, he sweetly fell asleep in Jesus, and passed to
his reward in glory. Plis funeral was attended by a large number of the
people of Marlborough. His body rests in the cemetery, in hope of
a glorious resm-rection.
BAPTIST CHURCH.
The first mention of persons in Marlborough calling them-
selves Baptists is found in the town records under date of
Nov. 9, 1778, it being about two years subsequent to the
incorporation of the town, and some two or three months
after the settlement of Rev. Joseph Cummings as its first
gospel minister. In a warrant of that date for a town-
meeting is an article which reads as follows : " To see if the
town will relinquish those of other professions from paying
taxes to the minister of said town." The action on the part
of the town was a refusal to grant the request of the peti-
tioners. A second similar request made at the next annual
meeting, was also refused. The petitioners, not being dis-
couraged by these repeated denials, the third time asked the
town for a redress of their grievances, and the action of the
town, as recorded March 14, 1780, was as follows: "Voted
not to excuse the Separatists or Baptists without a cer-
tificate."
Accordingly, and in compliance with this condition, some
ten or twelve persons who were then connected with the
Baptist society in Dublin obtained papers, certifying that
they were paying for the support of preaching at that
place. Among this number, the churcli records give the
following names : —
Asa Brewer. William White.
Daniel Ball. Israel Greenlief.
Josiah Flint. Elias Ilemeuway.
Josiah Lewis. James Bemis.
John Greenlief. Isaac McAlister.
BAPTIST CHURCH. 133
September 2, 1791, the Baptists, tlirougli an article in the
warrant, asked the town to grant them the use of the meet-
ing-house a certain share of the time. This request, like the
previous ones, was, after repeated refusals, at last granted ;
and an arrangement was entered into by which»the Baptists
obtained the use of the house every fourth Sabbath. For
about three years from this time. Baptist preaching was
supplied by Rev. Clark Sibley. After this, and until the
formation of the church in 1837, there does not appear to
have been any stated preaching. Services were held occa-
sionally at the meeting-house, and at other ' times in the
school-house, which stood near where John M. Davis now
resides, and also at the hall in the " Old Red Tavern."'
During this period, preaching was supplied mostly by Rev.
Charles Cummings, Elder Willard of Dublin preaching
occasionally.
In the summer of 1837, agreeably to the request of Rev.
Charles Cummings, —
Benjamin Thatcher, Dudley Clark,
Elias Thatcher, Joseph Thatcher,
Howard Clark, Zeruiah White,
Levi Thatcher, Delilah Bemis,
A nna Farrar, Lydia Cummings,
Clark Mason, Jemima Thatcher,
Almira Mason, Almira Thatcher,
Catharine Thatcher, Nancy Thatcher,
a council composed of delegates from the churches of Troy,
Swanzey, Dublin, and Westmoreland, convened at the old
meeting-house June 21, and b}' their action constituted the
petitioners a church, to be known as the Baptist Chuech
OF Christ in Marlborough.
July 6, following, a meeting of the members was held,
at which Rev. Charles Cummings was chosen chairman;
Clark Mason, clerk ; Howard Clark, deacon ; and Rev.
Charles Cummings, pastor. In December of the same year,
a society was formed, and rules and by-laws were adopted.
The members of the society were: —
Clark Mason. Levi Thatcher.
Benjamin Thatcher. Amos Sargent.
134 HISTORY OF MAELBOROUGH.
Enoch Bemis. John S. Sargent.
Elias Thatcher. Gihnan Converse.
Jonathan Bemis. Asa Bemis.
Charles Cummings. William C. Mason.
Philander Thatcher. Artemas Bemis.
Simeon Blanchard. David Thatcher.
Willard Converse. Jonathan Calif.
Silas Collester. Charles G. Blanchard.
Allen Woodward. Almon B. White.
Asahel Collins.
From the society and cliurch records, we gather the
following nanles of ministers and their term of service : —
Rev. Charles Cummings, from July 6, 1837, to March 1, 1839.
" Joseph Sargeant, from March 1, 1839, to Dec. 11, 1810.
« Daniel P. French, from Dec. 14, 1810, to June 15, 1812.
" Heiuy M. Danforth, from July 3, 1813, to Oct. 27, 1811.
" C. L. Baker preached a few months in 1815.
« S. Dearborn, from Aug. 15, 1817, to Oct. 1, 1819.
" N. Clark, from Oct. 1, 1819, to Aug. 3, 1851.
" J. Q. A. Ware, from Aug. 21, 1851, to July 17, 1853.
" G. B. Bills, a few months in 1851.
" T. B. Briggs, a short time in 1859.
John Quincy Adams Ware was the son of Capt. Benjamin
and Martha (Chapin) Ware. He was born in Gilsum,
December 17, 1822. When a youth, he was considered a
young man of correct habits, strong to labor, of literary
tastes, and showing considerable ability in lyceum debates
and papers.
After reaching maturity, he embraced sceptical views,
though he did not refrain from attending divine worship and
listening to the gospel. During the preaching of Rev. Mark
Carpenter in Gilsum, while he was settled in Keene, Mr.
Ware was suddenly arrested by the power of the Holy
Spirit, and immediately yielded himself to the claims of
the Gospel.
To prepare himself for the work of the ministry, he pur-
sued a thorough course of study at New Hampton, soon
after which he came to Marlborough, and entered at once
upon the duties of a preacher and pastor.
BAPTIST CHURCH. 185
Mr. Ware was a man of considerable energy, natnrally
social and generous-hearted. Physically, there were not many
his equal. He was full six feet in stature, weighing one
hundred and eighty pounds. He was a man of more than
ordinar}^ ability, one whose air and mien made his pres-
ence felt. His style of composition for the pulpit was
that of strength rather than ornament of rhetoric and gloss
of diction. His manner of speaking was open, earnest,
and impressive.
After closing his labors here, he went to Sanbornton,
where he remained four years ; thence to Addison, Vt.,
where he labored two years ; and then to Whiting, Vt.,
where he remained till his death.
While a member of the Addison County Baptist Associa-
tion of Vermont, he occupied a position of influence and
prominence, showing that he had a power which he could
wield for good in the Association. He was many times
chosen its moderator, and took a more or less conspicuous
part in all its deliberations. The people of Whiting, while
he was a resident there, paid him a tribute of respect —
not only as a minister, but as a man — in choosing him
moderator of their town-meetings, which duties he ably
discharged, and by his influence sometimes carried measures
which otherwise would have failed.
The history of the church in Whiting, over which he was
pastor six years, shows what his influence was to build up a
society ; and although his record was not so great as he
himself could have wished, yet it was very creditable.
Being a man of good physical constitution, he was able
to perform and endure more mental labor than many of his
contemporaries. While on business at his sister's in Surry,
he Avas taken sick, and died suddenly, August 29, 1865.
Howard Clark, Clark Mason, Elias Thatcher, and S.
Blanchard served as deacons, and Clark Mason, Asahel Col-
lins, Curtis W. Capron, Charles G. Blanchard, and N. Clark,
as church clerks.
During the six years following the formation of the church,
there was an addition of thirty members. The next year,
136 HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
1843, there -seems to have been a greater degree of both
temporal and spiritual prosperity than in any previous, or
subsequent j^ears of the church. A new house of worship
(the one now owned and occupied by the Methodist society)
was dedicated July 4, and also the same year, there was an
addition to the church of seventeen members.
The next eighteen j^ears of this church are marked by no
events of particular interest. There was no special revival,
and the removal of church and society members by death
and from other causes greatly outnumbered the accessions,
in consequence of which the church was yearl}' growing
weaker, and less able to sustain stated preaching. Under
these discouraging circumstances, the faithful few remain-
ing struggled on, till, no longer able to bear tlie heavy
burden placed upon them, they reluctantly decided to sell
their church-property and disband the church. Accord-
ingly, a meeting was called, and convened at the house
of Silas Stone, August 20, 1862, at which time it was
"voted to divide the money belonging to the Baptist Church
equally to each of the male members who signed the deed
of the house. Voted to disband the aforesaid Baptist
Church, and report to the Dublin Baptist Association."
The meeting-house had a short time previous been deeded
to Thomas L. Fowler for the Methodist society.
HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE FIRST UNIVERSALIST CHURCH
OF MARLBOROUGH.
The history of this society reaches back nearly to the
eighteenth century. The first records of the society bear
the date, " Oct. y« 14'^ 1805." At this time, the first consti-
tution of the society was framed. There had probably been
some Universalist preaching in the town before this. Be
that as it may, in 1805 the laws of New Hampshire recog-
nized Universalists as a distinct religious denomination;
and, availing themselves of this change in the laws, a society
was formed, with the folloAving constitution : —
We the undersigned do firmly believe in the " restitution of things "
FLRST UNtVERSALlST CHURCH. 187
spoken of " by the mouth of all God's holy prophets since the world be-
gan " ; or, in other words, that God will in his infinite mercy, through
Jesus Christ our Lord, restore all men to a state of happiness. Know all
men, therefore, by these presents, that we have formed ourselves into a
Christian regular constitutional independent society, with a full determi-
nation to support that gospel which brings glad tidings to all men, so far
as our abilities will admit.
This constitution was signed by the following individuals :
John Wiswall. Jonathan Capron, Jr.
Jacob French. Joseph Willson, Jr.
Samuel Collins. Luther Hastings.
Nathan Wild. Joseph Cutting, Jr.
Oliver Wright. Tisdale Howard.
Joseph Follett. William Goodenough.
Christopher Harris. Eli Capi'on.
Thaddeus Hastings. Benjamin Goodenough.
This constitution gave place to a better one in 1816.
Only two of the original men, Samuel Collins and Joseph
Willson, signed the new one. This one was followed by
another in 1833, and this by another in 1835, and this
by still another in 1851, which was amended in 1875. One
hundred and thirty-nine persons have belonged to this
society, most of them heads of families.
The first society was probably formed as the result of
the preaching of Rev. E. Paine, who preached occasionally
in 1805, and once a month in 1806. Only one person
noAV living remembers attending his meetings. jNIrs. Sarah
Davis, then a girl of fourteen, remembers the excitement
occasioned hj the preaching of doctrines so different from
those usually preached at that time. The meetings were
held at the house of Lieut. Oliver Wright, near the old
meeting-house on the hill. Rev. Mr. Paine lived at Wash-
ington, N.H. He removed to New York State in 1811.
From 1808 to 1816 there was only occasional preaching.
Rev. Russell Streeter, the oldest living preacher in this
denomination, says he preached here once in 1810.
We have no means of knowing definitely all those who
preached here, the records of the society are so incomplete.
138
niSTOfiY OF MARLBOROUGH.
It is, however, well known that Rev. Hosea Ballon, Sen., a
native of the town of Richmond, Revs. Caleb Rich, William
Farwell, Thomas Barns, Elhanaii Winchester, Zebulon and
Adam Streeter, Joab Yonng, and James Babbitt, were
preaching frequently in Cheshire County about this time.
At this period, the Universalist clergy, like the Methodist,
were mostly itinerants, and preached in places where they
could obtain a hearing; and, to the credit of this early
time, it may be said that the people liked to go to church
so well the}* gave all who came a respectful hearing. ' Some
of the oldest citizens are quite confident that the}* have
heard in this place Rev. Hosea Ballon and James Babbitt
about the year 1812.
The society was reorganized in 1816, prol)ably by Robert
Bartlett, who was that year ordained. Mr. Elijah Gates
remembers Mr. Bartlett as a young man of twenty who
stayed at his father's frequently. As the records for tlie
year 1816 show that Elijah Gates, Sen., was collector and
one of the committee, this tends to fix the date of Mr.
Bartlett's services here.
The following names were affixed to the new constitution :
Samuel Collins.
Joseph Willson.
Enoch White.
Varnum Fiske.
Elijah Gates.
Calvin Harvey.
Caleb Emerson.
Jonah Davis.
Moses Maynard.
John B. Fanar.
Joseph Haskell.
Walter Gates.
Windsor Gates.
Artemas Collins.
Paul Newton.
Stephen Rhoadcs.
Robt. Emerson.
Josiah Fisk.
James DaA-is.
William Lincoln.
Daniel Cutting.
Among the preacliers that are knoAvn to have labored
here, some from 1818 to 1885, were Warren Skinner, Otis A.
Skinner, I. D. Williamson, Dr. Ithiel Smead of Roxbury,
formerly a Methodist minister, ^lathew Hale Smith, Thomas
Whittemore of Boston, editor of tiic Trumjwt, Robert Bart-
lett of Jaffrey, Oliver Wright and Joseph Wright, two
PIEST TJNIVERSALIST CHURCH. 139
brothers, grandsons of Lieut. Oliver Wright and cousins
to CoL Converse and Jairus Collins.
In October, 1835, Rev. J. V. Wilson of Jaffrey, formed a
society of forty members, and since that time the records
show greater regularity and more of the evidences of per-
manence and piety.
A Sunday-school was formed in 1838. Willard Converse,
who had been a Baptist preacher, was superintendent;
Edwin and Elisha Davis, Mrs. M. P. Allison, Elijah Boyden,
and Mrs. Boyden were teachers. This school, however, was
short-lived. Possibly the number of societies that occupied
the meeting-house made it impossible to continue it. Mr.
Boyden who is now known as a humorist insists that his
scholars, a fine class of boys, all rose to eminence as a
result of that year's instruction. If the record of the
rest of the school equals that of one of the scholars, S. H.
McCoUester, D.D., late president of Buchtel College, we
certainly would recommend Mr. Boyden to resume his
duties as Sunday-school teacher.
One of the young teachers, Mr. Edwin Davis, a few years
afterward became an efficient and zealous clergyman.
A library of about seventy volumes of theological, moral,
and historical books, was bought in 1835, and called the
Marlborough Moral, Religious, and Historical Library. This
library was only to be used by the clergy of the place and
the families of the stockholders. These books are now in
the library of the Universalist Sunday-school.
In 1847, an effort was made to buy or rent an interest
in the Baptist (now the Methodist) Church, but unsuccess-
fully. In 1851, a church-edifice was built by Asa Greenwood
and others, at a nominal cost of (i{)l,200. Forty-eight shares
of $25 each were taken as follows: —
Asa Greenwood 4
Jonah Davis, -i
George Harvey, 4
Elijah Boyden, 41 John C. Stone,
Amos 13. Teiiney, 2
Jonathan Jones, 2
Samuel Allison, 2
William Boyden 4
Cyrus Piper, Jr., 3
Rufus W. Piper, ...... 3
Luther Hemenway, 1
J. D. Barker, 1
Thaddeus L. Barker, .... 1
140 HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
H. E. Greenwood, 2 Nelson Converse, 1
Fred'k R. Greenwood, .... 1 James Knowlton, 1
F. R. Thiu'stou, 1 AugiLstine P. Snow 1
But Mr. Greenwood was the prime mover in the enter-
prise. He furnished the lot, built the church, paid all
the bills himself, and received nothing until the time of
the sale of the pews, wliich were taken at the appraisal
by the subscribers, to an amount equalling the number of
shares subscribed by each, they bidding for choice. The
pews remaining unsold being the property of Mr. Green-
wood, he, after his removal from town, generously deeded
to the "Ladies' Sewing Circle" connected with the society.
The church-edifice was dedicated Jan. 6, 1852. Rev.
Lemuel Willis preached the dedicatory sermon. The
Sunday-school was reorganized in April, and a choice
selection of Suudaj^-school books obtained. The school has
since greatly increased in numbers and usefulness, and
has for several years enjoyed the reputation of being the
" banner school " of the denomination in this county. The
Ladies' Society was also organized, which has since done
efficient work for the society, having raised and expended
f3,812.92 for preaching and current expenses.
The progress of the society since the building of their
house has been more marked, and the regidarity of worship
a decided improvement upon that of former jears. With
the exception of about two years in war times, the pulpit
has been supplied and the Sunday-school maintained.
The following statistical table gives the names of all the
pastors and all suppliers who preached six months or more,
]Most of these were young men. Edwin Davis alone, of
these, was a native of this town, and his history will be
given elsewhere. Most of these clergymen are still living.
Two of them, Warren A. Bassett and Lewis L. Record,
died at Marlborough in the midst of their usefulness,
honored and beloved by all who knew them. Three of
them served in the army during the " War of the Rebel-
lion." Truman Jackson enlisted in the ranks, was taken
prisoner, and died at Andersonville ; Lewis L. Record was
FIRST IJNIVER.SALIST CHtTRCH.
141
chaplain of the Twenty-third Massachusetts Vohniteers ;
Henry Wells Hand enlisted as a private soldier, and rose to
the rank of captain: —
STATISTICAL TABLE FROM 1835 TO 1879.
Names of Pastors.
Rev. John Virgil Wilson,
'■ J. W. Bailey,
" Joseph Barber,
" Edwin Davis,
" Joshua Britten,
" Judson Fisher,
" Alvin Abbott,
" Edwin Davis,
'• Earl Gilford,
" Warren A. Bassett,
" Judson Fisher,
Length of Pastorate.
Oct. '35 to July '37, \ time
July '37 to April '39, ^
April '39 to April '42,
June '44 to Feb. '46, h
Jan. '51 to Oct. '51,
Mar. '5a to Mar. '55,
Nov. '55 to ApTil '56,
May '57 to May '58,
Dec. '58 to Dec. '59, J
Jan. '60 to Aug. '60,
Oct. 'GO to April'ei,
Truman .Jackson, May '61 to Jan. '62,
H. P. Osgood,
L. L. Record, A.B.,
Earnest L. Senft,
Oct. '64 to May '70,
May '70 to Dec. '71,
May '72 to May '73,
R.T. Sawyer, B.D., Nov. '73 to May '74,
H.Wells Hand, B.I).
E. B. Burgess,
Oct. '74 to May '77,
June '77 to present time.
nesuJeat,
or othenulse. llemarks.
, Jaffrey, Still living.
Hinsdale.
Swanzey.
Marlborough, 1st resident pastor.
Richmond.
Marlborough.
Hinsdale.
Marlbdiough
Keene and
Marllxnough,
Died Aug. 4, '60.
Enlisted, and died
in Andersonville
prison.
Died Dec. 7.
.Made improve-
ments in church
building.
Organized a ch'h
March 28, 1875.
On the 28th of March, 1875, a church composed of twenty-
nine members was formed by the pastor, H. W. Hand,
assisted by T. J. Sawyer, \).\).^ of Tufts College Divinity
School. This church has at the present time over fifty
members.
The society having labored under great inconvenience
for want of a parsonage, in 1878, after mature deliberation,
decided to build one. A lot was accordingly purchased
of Samuel Allison just above the church, and neat and
commodious buildings were immediately erected, which are
now occupied by the pastor. The expense was defrayed by
subscription among the society, and generous and liberal
donations from friends and former citizens of Marlborough.
CHAPTER VIIL
SCHOOLS.
Thk Common- Scnooi-s of New Exglaxd. — Lease of the School
Land. — Children taught at Home. — Fihst Schools. — Folk
School, Districts. — Moxey raised for Schools. — School-
Houses built. — Eight Districts. — School-Teachers. — School-
Money. — Superintexdixg Committee.
The common schools of New England are closeh* inter-
woven with her history and prosperit}'. As early as 1649,
they were made a part of the legal establishment of the
Massachusetts colony, having already been introduced into
several of the towns. The code of that year was prefficed
by a preaml)le which declared that it was one of the chief
objects of "• the old deluder, Sathan," to keep men from the
knowledge of the Scriptures. It was therefore enacted that
each township should maintain schools for reading and
writing, and that a town of a hundred householders "should
maintain a grammar-school with a teacher qualified to fit
youths for the university." This school-law was soon after
adopted in Connecticut, and by the Plymouth and New
Haven colonies.
The first constitution adopted in Massachusetts, in 1780,
charged the legislature to cherish the interests of literature
and the sciences, and especially the public and grammar-
schools in the towns. The schools — and the same was
the case in New Hampshire and Connecticut, and also with
the county schools in Maryland — were continued on their
old colonial footing. At that time, these four were the only
SCHOOLS. 143
States tliat could boast of anything like a system of public;
instruction; and it was a long period before their example
was imitated by other States.
It will be remembered that in the grant of this township
one share of land was reserved for the benefit of the schools.
Jan. 1, 1767, the proprietors leased this land for a period
of one hundred years to Benjamin Tucker and his two
brothers, Joshua and Moses, for the sum of £33 6.s-. 8^7.
The following is a copy of the original lease now on file
in the office of the town clerk: —
This Indeutm-e made this First day of Jauuavy Anno Domini ow
'thousand seven hundred and sixty seven and in the seventh year of
his Majesties Reign. —
Between Daniel Harrington, Yeoman Jesse Rice, & SiLas Gates, dent"
all of Marlborough in the County of Middlesex and Pi-ovinci' of the
.■Massachusetts bay in New England, Isaac McAllister & Daniel (ioodc-
now ))oth of Monadnick N" Five in the Province of New Hanrpsliire
Yeoman — on the one Part And Benjamin Tucker Gent. Joshua Tucker
& ]\[oses Tucker Y^eoraen all of ]\[onadnick aforesaid on the Other Part.
Whereas the Proprietors of the Township of s'^ Monadnick No. Five at a
jMeeting of the s'^ Proprietors Legally Asseinbled on ]\Iarch the sixth
day A D. 1765 Chose and Appointed the aforesaid Daniel Harrington,
eTesse, Silas, Isaac, & Daniel Goodenongli a Connnittee to Lease and Rent
out the south half of Lot No. six lying in s'^ :\Ionadnick N" Five for a
Term of Y'^ears.
Now this Indenture Witnesseth that the said Daniel Ilai'rington,
Jesse, Silas, Isaac, & Daniel Goodenow In Pursuance of the Power and
Authority Given them as aforesaid and In Consideration of the sum
of Thirty three Pounds six shillings and eight pence lawful money tlie
province of the Massachusetts bay aforesaid to them in hand Paid by
the said Benjamin. Joshua, & Moses Tucker at & before the En.sealing
and Delivery of these Presents; Paid for the use & Benefit of the said
Proprietors agreeable to the Charter and Proprietors book of Records
of the said Township, the Receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged and
themselves therewith fully satisfied and Contented and have and do
hereby, so Far forth as they are Enabled and Impowered by the said
Proprietors Demise, Grant, Let & to Farm, let unto the said Benjamin
Tucker, Joshua Tucker, & Moses Tucker ami to them and to Each of
them and to Each and to Either of their Heirs, Executors. Administrators
and Assigns All the South half of Lot N" Six aforesaid,
Together with all the Commodities Priviledges and Appurtenances
whatsoever to the Said Demised Messuage belonging or otherwise Apper-
taining
144 HISTORY OF MAELBOROUGH.
To have and To Hold the Said Messuage with all the Priviledges
Commodities & Appurtenances thereunto belonging to them the s"i
Benj'', Joshua, & Moses and to their Heirs and Assigns &c For the Space
of One Hundred years next comeing from and after the date hereof
fully to be Completed and Ended : And the said Benj», Joshua, & Closes
for themselves their Heirs Executors & Administrators and Assigns Do
Covenant and Agree to Pay as a Yearly Rent one peny every year and to
surrender and Deliver up the Premises to the said Committee or their
successors in said Trust or to those that the same shall of Right belong
as if this Lease had never been given and that they or their Heirs &c
will have Xo Claim Challenge or Demand to the s'^ Premises after the
expiration of one hundred Years as aforesaid any more than if they had
never been in the Possession thereof and that the s'^ Benj-', Joshua, &
Moses their Heirs & Assigns &c. will Pay all Rates Taxes and Duties
that shall and may be Levied and Raised on said Premises : They and
Every of them well and truly pevform all things on their Part as afore-
said shall and may Peaceably Enjoy all the above mentioned Premises
without any Let Denial or Molestation fronr us or the aforesaid Pro-
jirietors or any other person or persons under us or them during tlie long
Term of one hundred Years as aforesaid.
Li Witness whereof the Parties to these Prest'uts liave interchangebly
set their hands and seals the day and Year first alioxe Written.
Signed Sealed and Delivered BEXJ'^ TTCKEK. (Seal)
in the Presence of us JOSHUA TUCKEH. (Seal)
ALPHEUS AVOODS. MOSES TrCKEH. ^seal)
JACOB FELTOX. DAXIEL nAl{PvlX(rr()X. \seai)
WH.LTAM ADAMS. JESSE RICE. (Seal)
SILAS GATES. ,seal)
DANIEL GOODEXOW. ,seal)
ISAAC McALLESTEK. ^seal)
At tlu' ('X])iriition of tliis term, it was again leased, but
this time for only fifty years.
During the first five years after the settlement of the
township, the proprietors made no effort to establish a
school; yet the children were not wholly neglected. The
parents them.selves, being people of intelligence, attended
personally to their education. Their school-books were few.
The spelling-book, Bible, and catechism, Avith the well-
thumbed volumes of the New England Primer and The
Pilgrim's Progress^ were perhaps in most instances their
only books. Yet what fountains of knowledge were derived
SCHOOLS. 145
from these sources I Many a man whose education was
begun in this primitive manner, has gone forth to the legis-
hxtive halls of our country, and there acted well his part.
One of the early settlers who took a deep interest in the
education of the youth was James Brewer. Possessing a
good education himself, he was anxious that the children
should not grow up in ignorance ; and, long before schools
were established, he would gather the children about him
and teach them arithmetic and the art of penmanship.
There is no record of public schools previous to 1770.
This year the proprietors voted that William Barker, Isaac
McAllister, and Richard Robberts be a committee to expend
the interest of the school-lot in schooling the children.
During the following winter, several schools were kept in
various parts of the town, one of which was in the house of
Phinehas Farrar, under the direction of William Barker, as
committee. Who the teacher was, is not certainly known,
but it is supposed to have been James Brewer. Another
school was kept in Silas Fife's neighborhood, but in whose
house, or by whom taught, we have no information.
No school-houses were built in town until long after this
period, so of course the schools — which were of but few.
weeks in duration — were kept in private rooms, and even
these few weeks' schooling could be afforded only once in
two or three years.
A vote was passed, April 10, 1777, to divide the town
into four equal squadrons for schooling. Jedediah Tayntor,
Silas Fife, David Wheeler, and Theodore Mann, were chosen
a committee for this purpose. On the 23d of June, this
committee submitted the following report, which was
accepted : —
Beginning at the Centre Line at the East Side of the to^Yn thence
running through the town ; then Beginning on said Line Between the
Sixth and Seventh Lots ; thence Running on said Line to Fitzwilliam
for the Xorth End Beginning at the South East Corner of Lot N". Sixty
nine, thence Running Westerly to the Xorth East Corner of Lot N" 53 ;
thence turning South to the South East Corner of Lot 53, thence Run-
ning West to the town Line.
146 lliSTOJttY OF MARLBOKOUGH.
In 1778, the town raised £100 for schooling. This sum
was dealt out sparingl}-, for we see by the report of the
treasurer in 1780 that only £25 had at that time Ijeen
expended. It may at first appear strange that no more
attention was paid to the subject of education, but it must
be remembered that the war of the Revolution Avas the
subject which principally engrossed the public mind. From
1782 to 1787, small sums were raised at different times for
schooling, and probably expended under the direction of the
selectmen.
In 1788, a vote was passed "to squadron out the town
anew for schooling " ; and Oliver Wright, Reuben Ward,
Phinehas Farrar, Ebenezer Temple, and Moses Tucker, were
chosen to make the division. We have no doubt that this
committee attended to the duties assigned them, but their
report cannot now be found.
On the 15th of December of the same year, the town
voted that "Each Squadron should build thereon School-
houses as near the Centre as possibly could be convenient."
" Voted that the Selectmen shall appoint the Place to
build in case of Disagreement in any Squadron in Town."
* " Voted that the Selectmen shall make the Rate for each
Squadron."
"Voted that every School House shall be built l)y the
first of December next."
But it would seem that some of the squadrons neglected
their duty in this respect ; for in a warrant for a town-meet-
ing, four years afterwards, an article was inserted "to see
what method the Town will Take with those squadrons that
have not provided their school-houses sufficient to keep
school in." In relation to this article, the town voted "that
the school squadron which Daniel Cutting and others belong
to, have until the first Day of may next to finish their
School House, and if not Done b}- that time, the Selectmen
are to build their school house and assess them to pay for
the same."
In 1789, an effort was made by a few individuals to estab-
lish a Grammar School; but, Avhen the town was asked for
SCHOOLS. 147
mouey to aid the cause, it inetwitli au uul'avorable reception,
and nothing further was done in relation to the matter.
During the next five years, the population increased so
rapidly by the arrival of new settlers that it was found
necessary to redistrict the town, as those on the outskirts
could receive but little benefit from the present arrangement.
At a meeting April 21, 1794, the following were chosen
a committee for that purpose : Lieut. Oliver Wright, Lieut.
Reuben Ward, Deacon Stone, Gideon Newton, Robert
Worsley, Hugh Mason, Theophilus Howard, Moses Tucker,
and David Wheeler.
This committee divided the town into eight districts,
three of which fell within the limits of the present town of
Troy ; namely, the south, south-east, and south-west districts.
The North-east District was by far the largest in town.
Besides the present District No. 1, it contained all of that
part of the town which was set off in 1812, as a portion of
the new town of Roxbury. The following is a list of those
who composed that district in 1794: —
Bartholomew Grimes. David Wilkinson.
Sylvauus Nye. Ziba Nason.
WiUiam Banks. Josiah Lewis.
Benjamin Mayo. Ebenezer Belknap.
William Collins. Timothy Kimball.
Amos Ciimmings. Nathaniel Fui'ber.
Charles Holman. Joseph Foster.
Oliver Parmenter. Gideon Newton.
Jacob Phelps. Daniel Cummings.
John Day. Timothy Johnson.
Putnam Phelps. Paul Fifield.
James Gleason, Asa Brewer.
Enoch Foster. John Whittaker.
Stephen Foster. John Tozer.
Jesse Hunting. Samuel Hemenway.
Israel IMcluirdson. Joshua Learnai'd.
Widow Rebecca Lewis. ' Isaac McAlister.
Ebenezer Hemenway. Samuel McAlister.
Daniel Emerson. David Dufor.
Ebenezer Herrick. Asa Metcalf.
Jona; Flood Southwick. Israel Greenlief.
148 HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
The first school-house in this district was situated a little
north of the Walter C'a})ron place, on the east side of the
road.
In 1812, when Roxbury was incorporated, no division was
made in the district; but all continued to go to the same
school until about 1815, when the school-house was destroyed
by fire. It was then thought best to divide the district ; the
Roxbury part building a house near the Guild place ; and
the Marlborough portion, one of brick on the site of the
present school-house. About 1845, this became unfit for use,
and the present one was built soon after. •
No7'th-ivest District. — This district comprised all of the
present No. 2 and No. 8. In 1794, it contained the follow-
ing list of voters : —
John Buss. Benjamin Thatcher.
Phinehas Farrar, Jr. Stephen Woodward.
Phiuehas Fari^ar, Esq. Abijah Tucker.
John Farrar. Abel AVoodward.
Jonathan Frost. Abijah Woodward.
Ebenezer Rhodes. William Lincoln.
Ebenezer Rhodes, Jr. Caleb Emerson.
Thomas Page. Samuel Collins.
John Page. Timothy Harvey.
Libbeius Page. John Harvey, Jr.
Kimbear Han^ey. John Wiswall.
Robert Converse. John Converse.
Daniel Gage. Samuel Stearns.
Jedediah Tayntor. Moses Tucker.
When the first school-house was built, it is impossible
to state, as we find no records earlier than 1797. The
house was situated on lot No. 39, a little west of David
Wilkinson's shop, which land was leased to the town for
that purpose by Abijah Tucker, under date of 1789. As the
school-house was standing on that spot at this date, it is
probable that it had been but recently built. This house
was a rude structure compared with those of to-day. It was
about twenty or twenty-two feet square, rough boarded, but
never clapboarded. The walls of the interior were finished
schodLs. 149
with pine boards. On the west side was a hre-place large
enough to admit wood four feet in length. On the other
three sides were the seats and benches for the scholars.
The seats were very simple in their construction, being-
hemlock slabs which run the whole length of the room.
These were placed the flat side up, and were supported by
round sticks for legs.
In rude structures like this, our ancestors obtained the
rudiments of an education, little dreaming of the comforts
and privileges to be enjoyed by their descendants in these
latter days.
Perhaps it will prove interesting to our readers, if we here
present them with a copy of the proceedings of the school-
meeting of 1797, which is the first we have any record of in
this district : —
At a meeting of the North Westerly School Squ.adron April 5"^ 1797.
Proceeded as follows,
First Made Choise of John Bnss Moderator
2'^ Made Choise of Jonathan Frost Clark
3*1 Chose Jonathan Frost ^
Simeon Newton > Commity
Kimber Harvey J
4*'i Voted to take one Qnarter of the Money for a Woman scliool t]ie
Present Year.
5"^ Voted that the Woman School Begin the Middle of May Next.
G Voted that Nabby Converse be Iinployed to keep tlie woman
school if she can be had.
7"! Voted that the Present Commity be a Connuity to Reeon with
the former Clark.
8th Voted that no Child be Pei-mited to Bring any Avork to scliool
of any kind.
9"' Voted that those People that Send Children to school Shall Pro-
cure wood to supply the School.
10"' Voted that the commity be Impowered to Imploy a Mistress and
hire her Boarded,
11"' Voted that this Meeting be Dissolved.
Attest JONATHAN FROST y Clark
JOHN BUSS, Moderator
The price of board was for many years determined by
vendue, the teacher being lioarded by the one who would do
150 HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
it the ulieapest ; the price sometimes going as low as sixty
cents per week. Wlien this was the case, the teacher was
sometimes reminded, as she sat at the table, that the sum
received was liardl}^ sufficient to pay for her board, and for
this reason she must partake sparingly.
The wood was sometimes obtained in the same wa}',
although for a time the custom prevailed that " every man
sliould bring two feet of wood for each, scholar that he sent
to school," and " that every man should chop his own wood,
that he brings to the school-house."
In 1807, the old hoiise having become unfit for use, the
district voted to build a new one. The work of building
was set up at auction, and struck off to Daniel Gage for the
sum of one hundred and seventy dollars, and the old school-
house. It was voted that the building should be con-
structed as follows : —
It is to be twenty-six feet long and twenty-four feet wide nine feet &
a half Posts. Six windows twenty-four lights in each 6 by 8 inch Glass,
two rows of Gallery seats on three sides of the house with one small seat
in the front with an alley in the centre of the seats. And it is to be
arched or crowning over head 9 inches. It is to have four feet Entry
way ; the floor to be laid with two inch plank. The walls of the house
to be ceiled as high as the bottom of the windows ; with a good brick
Chimney laid in lime & is to be two feet & a half on the back of the
fire place. And to be plastered over head and the waUs down as low
as the bottom of the Avuadows. The entry way is to be ceiled and
plastered over head; the closet on the opposite side of the chimney is
to be ceiled and plastered over head with shelves convenient. The out
side of the house to be inclosed with a square roof and well shingled
& the body of the house is to be clapboarded & painted with Spanish
Brown & trimed with white lead paint. And to be underpined with
split stone & a good door stone also window shutters to each window,
with a lock and key on the front door. There is to be a writing desk
& the hearth is to be laid with stone.
This house was located on the site of the old one, ancl
when completed was quite comfortable and convenient in its
arrangement, as compared with others of that day. Having
prepared a suitable place for the instruction of their children,
the parents were not unmindful of the spiritual interests of
those under their charge ; for at a meeting of the district,
SCHOOLS. 151
October 31, 1807, they voted " that the School Master teach
tlie Scholhirs the Catechism once a week," also " Voted to
have the Bible introduced into the School."
In 1823, the district chose Asa Frost, William Ward, and
John Wiswall to visit the schools, at such times as they
might think proper, to superintend the prudential affairs of
the district, and to advise in the settlement of any difficulties
winch might arise in the school. From this time until 1839,
a committee was chosen annually for this purpose.
As the population of the district increased, the scliool-
room became so crowded that in 1838 it became necessary
to divide the winter school ; and for the next seven years,
or until the building of the new school-house in 1840, the
primary department was kept in private houses. As the
village continued to grow, the pupils increased to sueli a
number that the school-house was found wholly inadecpiate
to the wants of the district, and in 1810 it voted to build a
new house, which was located on land of Simeon Whitcomb,
near the Brick Church. This was built at an expense of
about seven hundred dollars, and was large and ample in its
accommodations.
The old house was sold to Charles C. Hemenway Avho
removed it to Lowellville and converted it into a dwelliiig,
and is the main part of the house now OAvued and occu[)ied
by William Richardson.
In 1850, the district was divided by setting off all that
part east of the bridge, near where Warren W. Richardson
now resides.
In the summer of 1861, the district received from Rev.
William C. Whitcomb a generous present of a bell for their
school-house, which from that time to the present has con-
tinued to do good service, not only in calling the children
from their sports to the halls of learning, but also to ring in
the anniversary of our Nation's Declaration of Independence.
In 1872, the number of pupils had so increased that it
was found impossible to accommodate them in the over-
crowded school-rooms. At the same time, some of the dis-
tricts on the outskirts of the town had become so depopu-
152 HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
lated that it was with difficulty they could support a school.
By many, it was thought advisable to unite these districts,
and form a graded school. The subject was warmly dis-
cussed at the annual town-meeting, the result of which was
a vote to unite witli District No. 2, and build a school-house
suitable for the convenience of the schools, and for the
accommodation of a town high school, the expense of which
was to be equally divided between the town and the district.
This would probably have been carried into effect, had they
been able to agree on the location for a house ; but failing
in this, at an adjourned meeting, the town reconsidered their
vote, and refused to do anything further in the matter.
The district held several meetings, at which the subject of
building a school-house was discussed, but, being very much
divided in opinions on the subject, the matter was for a time
allowed to rest. At a special meeting called for that pur.
pose, INIarch 31, 1874, the district voted .to build, and chose
committees for procuring plans and locating the house.
After holding several meetings, it was decided to build
on land of Elisha O. Woodward. The lot containing three-
fourths of an acre was purchased for $1,500. The house is
large, commodious, and furnished with many of the modern
improvements. It is 70x36, two stories in height, and sur-
mounted with a cupola and vane. On the first floor are
two rooms, one 35x26 feet, the other 35x30 feet, containing
forty-eight seats each. These rooms are separated by a hall
running the entire width of the building. On the second
floor there is one room 35x32 feet, containing fifty-six seats,
and one 35x26 feet, which is at present used as an ante-room.
It is finished throughout Avith chestnut, and cost, including
grounds, $8,000. The bell was removed from the old house,
and placed upon the new one ; and the old building with
grounds was disposed of at auction for $795, and is now the
property of the Congregational society, and used by them
for a chapel.
CENTRE DISTRICT.
This district comprised all of No. 3, or Depot District,
SCHOOLS. 158
No. 4, and a part of No. 6. The following citizens were
voters there in 1794 : —
Richard Roberts. . Jonadab Baker.
Joseph Sweetser. Walter Capron.
Richard Tozer. Josiah Woodward.
Silas Rapnond. Elijah Frost.
Phillip Sweetser. Joseph Wellington.
Hezekiah Hodgkins. Joseph Wellington, Jr.
Peletiah Cummings. Francis Barker.
Isaac Cnmmings. Thaddeus Parmenter.
Oliver Wright. Benjamin Frost.
Amos Hodgkins. John Havein.
Rev. HalloAvay Fish. Ebenezer Temple.
Jacob Woodward. Joseph Follett.
Daniel Woodward. Luther Newton.
Jonathan Bemis. Asa Pratt.
The school-house was situated at the corner of the roads, a
little south-west of the old meeting-house. In 1808, it was
removed to the east side of the Common, near the Pound.
This was burned in January, 1827 ; and for the next two
winters the school was kept in the house which was formerly
owned by Isaac Cummings being kept by him for a tavern.
During this period, efforts were made to fix upon a
location for a school-house. The district was large, and it
was a difficult matter to decide upon a spot which woukl
convene all alike, and at last it was decided to build as near
the centre of the district as possible, and was accordingly
located at the fork of the roads, near where J. Merrill Davis
now resides. In 1840, the district was divided : two new
districts were made, and ti small portion was annexed to
No. 6.
District No. 3, or Depot District^ was set off from the old
Centre District in 1840, in which year the present school-
house was built.
District JVo. 4 was made from the south part of the Centre
District in 1840. The school-house is situated near the
residence of George Lovering. The luimber of pupils in
this, like other farming districts, is rapidly decreasing : and
154 HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
where once was a well filled school-room, only six or eight
children can now be found.
District No. 5. — This district for a long time bore the
name of the " Six Nations." It derived its name from the
fact that within its limits there resided six men, with
families so large that they were suggestive of the ancient
Israelites. In these six families, there were no less than
sixty-four children. In 1794, the district was composed ot
the following citizens : —
William Tenney. Benjamin Hazen.
Tlieopilus Howard. Alexander Fish.
Kendall Bruce. Melezm- Grant.
Bezaleel Baker. William Grant.
Jonathan Capron. Ebenezer Jennings.
David Capron. Asa Porter.
Daniel Whitney. Benjamin Whitney.
Widow Flood. Benjamin Goodenow.
Benjamin Dole.
The first school-house was located on the opposite side of
the road from the present one. This was given up in 1827,
and the present house was built. This has been kept in
good repair, and is the best school-house in town outside of
the village.
The East Seliool Squadron., or District No. 6. — This dis-
trict in 1794 was composed of eleven families, as follows : —
Henry Hunt. Seth Harrington.
Thaddens Hastings. Francis Hastings.
Luke Xewton. Calvin Stone.
Timothy Bemis. Shubel Stone.
Jeremiah Bemis. David Bemis.
Eliphalet Stone.
The first school-house stood in the pasture north of the
liouse of Samuel Jones. This, like others of that day, was
but a rude affair, and j\t the commencement of the present
century had liecome unfit for use. Consequently,, in the
year 1800, the school was kept at the liouse of Timothy
Bemis, the same now owned by Samuel Jones. Mr. Bemis
receivod fotiv sliilliiigs per week for tlie use of liis liouse.
S(JH()()LS. 155
This price being considered too dear, tlie following 3'eur
the schools were kept at the house of Luke Newton
who charged but thirty-three cents per week. The second
school-house was built in 1801, and was situated on the
north side of the present highway, on the line between the
farm of Samuel Jones and the one since owned by Curtis
Hunt. This house was 20x24 feet, 10 feet posts, and
surmounted with a square roof.
This was very comfortable in its arrangement, and was
erected at a cost of about one hundred and sixty dollars.
The old school-house was sold to Calvin Stone for IS. 75. In
1810, the farms which are now owned by A. T. Woodward,
R. S. Frost, Benjamin Cushing, and the Moses Hunt place,
were annexed to this district.
The old school-house being somewhat out of repair, it was
decided to build a new one, which is the same now in use ;
and, unless this district becomes more thickly populated, it
will last as long as they will need a school-house, for, where
once could be counted sixty children, there are scarcely
enough now to make a school.
District JVo. 7. — This district was known for many years
as the " Robert Worsley District." It was never very large
or populous. In 1794, it contained but eight families, and
only ten voters, as follows : —
Samuel Sargent. AVilliam White.
David Thurston. James White.
Benjamin Thurston. Daniel Ball.
David Thurston, Jr. WiUiam White, Jr.
William Greenwood. Robert Worsley.
The present school-house was built in 1828. Previous
to this, the schools were kept in private dwellings.
District No. 8, or LoinellviUe District. This was set off
from District No. 2 in 1850, and at that time it contained
twenty families. The school-house was built in 1850, at a
cost of 1390.87.
School-teaching is one of the noblest callings. The true
teacher is a benefactor to the race. He makes impressions
156 HISTORY OF MAKLltDUOUGTt.
and sets in motion influences which are lasting as the mind.
With what emotions of pleasure and gratitude do we call
to mind the teachers of our youth I Many of them liave
passed away, but their memory is precious.
Of those who have borne their part toward liuilding up
the common schools in this town may be mentioned Benja-
min Whitney, Sen., Levi Gates, Sen., and Nathan E. Wild.
Mr. Gates had a thorough knowledge of arithmetic, but
knew nothing of grammar ; while his esteemed friend and
neighbor, Mr. Whitney, though good in grammar, knew
but little of arithmetic. Mr. Whitney used to wonder how
Mr. Gates could get along so well in teaching without a
better knowledge of grammar; while Mr. Gates expressed
equal surprise at the success of Mr. Whitney who was so
lacking in the science of arithmetic.
Col. Cyrus Frost, now more than eighty years of age,
began teaching in the winter of 1818-19, and followed it,
with greater or less intervals, for more than twenty years.
He taught at least twentj'-four terms, and was known far
and near as a good manager of schools. Twice he was
called to finish out schools where others had failed. He
says: "I did the best I could. The first school I ever taught
was the stillest. I did not flog but little, — some two or
three times in the first school I taught, and occasionally
since, but a great many without striking a blow. I had one
scholar once, that no teacher before me could get along with
without flogging. An old teacher (Capt. Whitney) asked
me, 'How is it you get along with that boy, for I have
heard that you have not flogged him this winter ? ' I told
him that I came to the conclusion that he had been flogged
too much, and I thought I would try a different plan, and
s6 I appealed to his manhood." He taught two terms in
Newton, Mass., after he was forty years of age. At that
time, the Rev. George H. Hepworth, now of New York City,
then a lad of ten years, was one of his pupils. He also"
taught in this town after he was fifty years old.
Capt. Asa Frost, a brother of Cyrus, taught several terms
in this and neighboring toAvns, and is said to have been an
excellent teacher.
Luther Wiswall who is now ;i CougTegatioiial iiiiuister in
Maine, Benjamin Whitney, Jr., and Levi Clate.s, Jr., taught
many terms, and were quite prominent in onr common
schools. Jonas Whitney, a Ijrotlier of Benjamin, Jr., was a
teacher of considerable note. He was a graduate of Dart-
mouth College, and taught the higher branches. For a
number of years he followed teaching in New York State,
and later in St. Louis, where he died some years since.
Jairus Collins, Esq., commenced teaching in 1835, and has
taught nearly thirty terms. Rev. Sullivan H. McCollester,
A.M., is one of our most prominent and successful teachers.
He has for several years been President of Buchtel College,
Akron, Ohio. Henry Clay, son of Calvin Tenney, has been
a prominent teacher of both district and high schools in tliis
and other towns. Rev. Charles E. Houghton, although not
a native, was for several years a resident in town, and taught
many terms, not only of district but high schools, with good
success. He is now a Congregational minister in Auburn,
N.H. Joseph C. Mason and Joseph C. Shattuck were both
successful teachers, and are at present engaged in the cause
of education at the West, the former as Superintendent of
Public Schools in Missouri, and the latter as State Super-
intendent of Public Instruction in Colorado.
Among the female teachers who have Ijeen successfid in
their calling, we may mention Nabby Converse, who taught
many terms before the commencement of the present
century. She is said to have been self-educated, and
possessed a great faculty for teaching small children. She
died in 1803. Atossa Frost, daughter of Col. Joseph Frost,
and Miss Cynthia Farrar, daughter of Phinehas Farrar, Jr.,
were noted teachers. They both went as teachers and mis-
sionaries to Bombay. The former married Rev. Cyrus Stone.
Hannah Jones, daughter of Samuel Jones, Sen., was a
graduate of Mount Holyoke Female Seminary. She
followed teaching for many years, not only in tliis town, but
in Ohio. She afterward married Rev. jNIoses G. Grosvenor,
and died at Tro}', Ohio, February, 1875. Ellen Herrick,
daughter of Jeremiah Herrick, taught with good success
158 HISTORY OF MARLBOROrOH.
ill various parts of the West. Ellen and Eliza,. daiigliters of
Aaron Stone, are both successful teachers. Ellen L. Rich-
ardson, now Mrs. Harrington, has taught more tluin seventy
months, and always with good success.
Were it possible, we would like to give the names of all
our native and long resident teachers ; but so- numerous are
they that we find ourselves unequal to the task, and have
therefore only mentioned some who have l)ecome eminent in
their calling.
Tlie whole amount of money expended by the town for
schooling in the year 1878 was Sj^l,566.85. This is divided
among the several districts as follows, — one-third equally
one-third by valuation, and one-third by the number of
children attending school the fall and winter previous,
calling District No. 2 two districts. The Literary Fund is
divided equally, calling No. 2 three districts.
The town has received two small legacies for schools.
The first was in 1828, by Abijah Tucker, the interest of
which is $5.01 j^early. The other was in 1863, by Lydia
W. Wyman. The interest which is expended annually is
133.04.
Superintending school committee were first chosen by the
town in 1809: that year nine were elected, one from each
district. As this committee was composed of some of the
most enterprising men, it is to be inferred that they
attended to the duties assigned them, although we find no
report of their doings.
From the report of the school committee of 1820, we
gather the statistics of the winter schools : —
Teachers. No. of Scholars. Term.
Rvihama Whitney, 18 13 weeks.
Levi Gates, Jr., 52 8^ "
Luther Wiswall, 27 10
George Lane, 37 8
Solomon Tarbell 64 12
Augustus Xoyes, 81 14 "
Whole No. of scholars 279 65^ "
This committee reported that they believed the instructor^
SCHOOLS. 159
had been faithful and unwearied in the performance of their
duty, and that the pupils were orderly, their progress good
and encouraging. As a uniformity of text-books throughout
the various schools in town was desirable, the committee
recommended Murray's English Grammar, the History of
the United States, the American Preceptor, Cumming's
Spelling Book, and the Scriptures.
The following is a list of the Superintending School
Committee, from 1809 to the present time, with the
exception of the years 1812, 1832, 1837; 1838 and 1839. If
any were chosen these years, no record was made upon the
town books, and we have failed to learn their names : —
SUPEEINTENDING SCHOOL COMMITTEE,
1809.
Benjamin Whitney.
Col. Joseph Frost.
Abraham Coolidge.
Capt. Jonathan Frost.
Amos Ciunmings.
John Farkhurst, Jr.
Lieut. Jonathan Frost.
Robert Woi'sley.
Shubael Stone.
1810.
llev. Halloway Fisli.
Levi Gates.
Benjamin Whitney.
1811.
Rev. Halloway Fish.
Levi Gates.
Caleb Ferry.
1812.
jN'one recorded.
18l:j.
Rev. Halloway Fish.
Dr. Ephraim K. Frost.
Asa Frost.
1811.
Rev. Halloway Fish,
Dr. Ephraim K. Frost.
Asa Frost.
1815.
Rev. Halloway Fish.
Xathan Wild." '
Caleb Perry.
181G.
Rev. Hallov^-ay Fish.
James Farrar.
Levi Gates, Jr.
1817.
Rev. Halloway Fish.
Dr. Ephraim K. Frost.
Benjamin Whitney.
Asa Frost.
Amos Cummings, Jr.
Xathan Wild.
1818.
Rev. Halloway Fish.
Amos Cummings, Jr.
Asa Frost.
Levi Gates, Jr.
Nathan Wild.
Dr. Epln-aim Iv. Fi'ost.
1819.
Hev. Hallowav Fish.
160
HISTOEY OF MAIILBOEOUGH.
Nathan Wild.
Asa Holmau.
Capt. Beniamiu Wliituey.
Amos Curaraiugs, Jr.
Levi Gates, Jr.
James Farrar.
1820.
Rev. Halloway Fish.
Asa Holmau.
Dr. James Batcheller.
1821.
llev. Halloway Fish.
Dr. James Batcheller.
Levi Gates, Jr.
Asa Frost.
1822.
Rev. Halloway Fish.
Geo. H. Lane.
Thomas Tolman.
1823.
Rev. Halloway Fish.
Cyrus Frost.
Levi Gates, Jr.
1824.
Levi Gates, Jr.
Amos Cummings, Jr.
Asa Frost.
1825.
Asa Frost.
Levi Gates, Jr.
Rev. Salmon Benuet.
182t).
Rev. Sahnou Beuuet.
Levi Gates, Jr.
Luther Wiswall.
Benjamin Whitney, Jr.
1827.
Rev. Salmon Benuet.
Benjamin Whitney, Jr.
Levi Gates, Ji-.
Luther Wiswall.
1828.
Rev. Salmon Benuet.
Dr. James Batcheller.
Benjamin Whitney, Jr.
1829.
Rev. Salmon Benuet.
Dr. James Batcheller.
Benjamin Whitney, Jr.
1830.
Luther Wiswall.
Minot T. Lane.
Sumner Frost.
1831.
Luther Wiswall.
Benjamin ^V^litney, Jr.
]Miuot T. Lane.
1832.
Xone recorded.
1833.
Dr. James Batcheller.
Luther Wiswall.
Rev. Clark Sibley.
183L
Dr. James Batcheller.
Stillman Buss.
Willard Adams.
1835.
Rev. Moses G. Grosvener.
Dr. James Batcheller.
Stillman Buss.
1836.
Rev. Moses G. Grosvener.
Benjamin Whitney, Jr.
Stillman Buss.
1837.
None recorded.
1838,
None recorded.
1839.
None recorded.
SCHOOLS.
161
1840.
Jairus Collins.
Thoiiey CoUester.
1841.
Rev. David P. French.
Giles Lyman.
Jairus Collins.
1842.
Kev. Giles Lyuum.
Jairus Collins.
Stillman Buss.
1843.
Rev. Giles Lyman.
" Henry M. Daut'orth.
Jairus Collins.
1844.
Kev. Giles Lyman.
" Henry M. Danforth.
Dr. James Batcheller.
Jairus Collins.
1845.
Rev. Giles Lyman.
1840.
Rev. Giles Lyman.
" Calvin Baker.
Rev. Edwin Davis.
1847.
Rev. Giles Lyman.
Charles F. Holman.
Jairus Collins.
1848.
Rev. Giles Lyman.
" Sherburn Dearborn.
Jairus Collins.
1849.
Rev. Giles Lyman.
" Slierburn Dearborn.
Jairus Collins.
1850.
Rev. Giles Lyman.
Jairus Collins.
Norman Clark.
1851:
Rev. Giles Lyman.
Jairus Collins.
Cyrus l^iper, Jr.
1852.
Rev. Giles Lyman.
Cyrus Piper, Jr.
Rev. Judson Fisher. ■
1853.
Rev. Giles Lyman.
" Judson Fisher.
Jairus Collins.
1854.
Rev. Giles Lyman.
" Judson Fis'her.
Jairus Collins.
1855.
Rev. Giles Lyman.
Jairus Collins.
1856.
Rev. Giles Lyman.
Jairus Collins.
Dr. Samuel A. Richardson.
18.57.
Rev. Giles Lyman.
Jairus Collins.
Dr. Samuel A. Ricliardson.
1858.
Henry C. Tenney.
1850.
Rev. Solomon Laws.
Henry C. Tenney.
Dr. Sanuiel A. Richardson.
1860.
Rev. Solomon Laws.
Henry C. Tenney.
Dr. Samuel A. Richardson.
162
HISTORY OF MARLBOEOUGH.
1861.
Rev. Giles Lyinan.
Jairus Collins.
Dr. Samuel A. Richardson.
1862.
Jairus Collins.
Dr. Samuel A. Richardson.
Charles E. Houghton.
1863.
Jairus Collins.
Charles E. Houghton.
Charles K. Mason.
1864.
Dr. Samuel J. Martin.
1865.
Jairus Collins.
Charles E. Houghton.
1866.
Jairus Collins.
Rev. Hiram P. Osgood.
1867.
Rev. Hiram P. Osgood.
1868.
Rev. Hiram P. Osgood.
186.9.
Dr. Samuel A. Richardson.
Elisha O. Woodward.
1870.
Charles E. Houghton.
Elisha O. Woodward.
Jairus CoUins.
1871.
Elislui O. Woodward.
Jairus Collins.
Rev. Deming S. Dexter.
1872.
Jairus Collins.
Rev. Deming S. Dexter.
" John L. Merrill.
1873.
Rev. Deming S. Dexter.
" John L. Merrill.
Charles E. Houghton.
1874.
Charles E. Houghton.
Rev. R. T. Sawjrer.*
" John H. Hillman.
J. Kilburn Southwick.*
1875.
Rev. H. W. Hand.
" John H. Hilhmiii.
Charles Smith.
1876.
Charles Smith.
Rev. H. W. Hand.
1877.
Charles Smith.
1878.
Charles K. Mason.
Charles Mason.
Mrs. Carrie C. Fairbanks.
1879.
Charles Mason.
Mrs. Carrie C. Fairbanks.
Charles K. Mason.
Resigned.
CHAPTER IX.
THE REBELLION.
Marlborough the First Toavn in the County to respond to the
Call for Volunteers. — Three Men in the First Regiment. —
LiEUT.-CoL. Converse. — Fourteen Men in the Second Regi-
ment. — Sixth Regiment. — The Fourteenth Regiment. —The
Draft. — Amount of Bounties paid. — Natives of Marlborough
who enlisted from other towns.
It would be worse than useless for us, in a volume like
this, to attempt to write a chapter on the cause of the Great
Rebellion which deluged our country Avith the blood of
many of our bravest and noblest men.
Like the shock of an earthquake, it burst upon our land.
The opening scenes are still fresh in our minds : the election
of Abraham Lincoln to the presidency in 1860, the occupa-
tion of Fort Sumter by Maj. Anderson, and the final attack
upon it.
If Marlborough did not do as much toward the suppres-
sion of the Rebellion as some other towns, it was not for
want of fidelity to the Union, but because her territory
was smaller, her population less, and her resources not so
ample.
When the stars and stripes were ruthlessly assailed on
the ramparts of Fort Sumter by traitors, and Abraham
Lincoln issued a call for seventy-five thousand volunteers,
Marlborough acted promptly and patriotically, being the first
town in Cheshire County to respond to that call. Her
young men left their farms and work-shops, and went to the
field. They fought as bravely, suffered as much in battle,
in camp, and hospital, as those from other towns. The
164 HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
people of Marlborough shared fiiU}^ in the excitement which
spread over the entire North at the news of the surrender of
Fort Sumter.
As soon as a recruiting-office was opened at Keene, three
young men enlisted into the First New Hampshire Regiment,
which was raised for three months. They were honorably
discharged with their regiment on the 9th of August
following. They were Thomas L. White, James Totten, and
John Totten. The first-named is said to have been the first
man to enlist from Cheshire County.
Soon after this regiment went to the field, a company was
organized at Keene for the Second New Hampshire Regi-
ment, and several of our citizens enlisted, among whom was
Levi N. Converse. Young Converse first enlisted as a
private in Company A. He was soon promoted to Orderly
Sergeant, in which capacity, in the absence of his superior
officers, he commanded the compan}- through all the battles
of the McClellan Peninsular Campaign, and afterwards
became Lieut.-Col. He lost his right arm at Gettysburg ;
and, at the battle of Chapin's Farm, a minie ball passed
through the roof of his mouth, injuring and disfiguring his
face. Still he remained with his regiment until mustered
out in Concord, at the close of his term of service.
The following from Marlborough were also in the Second
Regiment : —
Daniel B. Woodward, Discharged June 20, 1864.
William H. Tenney, Discharged for disability, Oct. 8,
1862.
James Newell, Discharged with his i-egiment.
Mirrick H. Ross, Wounded at Williamsburg, Va.,
May 5, 1862. Discharged Dec. 5,
1862.
Amaziah Sawtelle, Wounded July 2, 1863, and again
June 24, 1864.
John Totten, Killed at Gettysburg, Pa., July 2,
1863. Grave No 15, Sec. A. N.H.
Lot, Gettysburg Cemetery.
Asa M. White, Discharged July 30, 1862, in conse-
(]uence of wound received in the
battle of Williamsbm-g.
THE REP.ELLIOK.
165
Rhodolphus I. White,
Liicius F. Hunt,
Amos L. Corey,
INIark True Greenwood,
Cyrus E. Hardy,
Augustus C. White,
IMilton G. Razey,
Died at Camp Ueaufort, Md., Dec.
20, 1861.
Discharged for disability. Reen-
listed in Co. F., 2d Regiment
Sharpshooters.
Wounded. Discharged for di.sal)il-
ity Feb. 2, 1803.
Discharged Sept. 25, 1861.
Mustered out Dec. 21, 1865.
Mustered out May 22, 1865.
Deserted at Warsaw, Va., Sept. 30,
1865.
This regiment participated in more than twenty battles,
and lost in action nearly one thonsand men. The most
sanguinary battles in Avhicli it was engaged were the first
and second Bull Run, Williamsburg, Fair Oaks, Gettysburg,
Cold Harbor, and the battles in front of Petersburg. In
these engagements alone, the loss in killed, wounded, and
missing, was more than eight hundred.
The Sixth Regiment was raised in the autumn of 1861 ;
and Nelson Converse was commissioned its Colonel, October
26, which position he held until the 8th of March, 1862,
Avhen he resigned in consequence of ill-health. In this regi-
ment were seventeen men from Marlborouo-h : —
Calvin Stone,
Falis H. Castone,
Edward F. Adams,
William A. Russell,
Thomas L. White,
George V. R. Farnum,
Arculus Vicar,
Charles L. Clark,
Oscar W. Farnum,
Charles A. Field,
John H. Priest,
Henry A. Atherton,
George H. Smith,
Discharged for disability.
Mustered out with regiment.
Promoted to captain Apr. 20, 1864.
Discharged for disability.
Promoted to corporal. Transferred
to V.R. corps May 1, 1864.
Discharged Dec. 26, 1864.
Reenlisted Dec. 22, 1863.
Reenlisted Jan. 4, 1864.
Transferred to V.R. corps July 1,
1863.
Discharged for disability.
Mustered out Xov. 27, 1864.
Discharged for physical disability
June 20, 1865.
Transferred to Invalid Corps Sept.
30, 1863.
166 HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH
Charles W. Pike,
Francis M. Farrar,
Everett F. Gates,
George Tilden,
Killed in 2d" Bull Run Battle Aug.
29, 18G2.
Discharged for disability at Wash-
ington, D.C., Oct. 20, 1862.
Died at Nicholasville, Kv., Aug. 30,
1863.
Discharged for disability at Ro-
anoke Island, N.C., Feb. 28, 18.62.
The Fourteenth, ^yhich was the hast of the three years'
regiments raised in the State, was mustered into service in
the autumn of 1862. Cheshire County furnished four com-
panies, and ^Marlborough was represented by eighteen of her
citizens : —
James Totten,
Christopher Totten,
William Collins,
Enoch Foster,
George H. Stone,
George H. StockweU,
Alphonso A. Adams,
Perley E. Collins,
Delevan C. Richardson,
Nathaniel P. Rust,
Theodore Pope,
Sumner L. McCollester,
William H. Pierce.
Luke Knowiton, Jr.,
Charles A. Mason,
ICdwin B. Matthews,
Ebenezer T. Greenwood.
Charles Knowiton,
Mustered out with regiment.
Promoted to sergeant Jan. 17, 1864.
Corporal. Discharged for disability,
at Concord, May 30, 1865.
First lieutenant. Wounded Sept.
19, and died Sept. 2.3, 186i.
Died at Troy, while at home on a
fm-lough, July 20, 1865.
Discharged at Concord, Oct. 13,
1864.
Mustered out July 8, 1865.
Wounded Oct. 19, 1864, mustered
out July 8, 1865.
Killed at Winchester, Ya., Sept. 19,
1864.
Discharged for disability at Wash-
ing-ton, D.C., Oct. 18, 1864.
Wounded Sept. 19, 1864, but served
to tlie close of the war.
Wounded Sept. 19, 1864.
Promoted to corporal Nov. 1, 1864.
Died at Washington, D.C., Soj^t. 7,
1863.
IVIustered out July 8, 1865.
Promoted to corporal Jan. 24, 1 863.
Wounded Sept. 19, 1864.
Died at Poolsville, Md., Jan. 20,
THE HEBELLLON. 167
Melviii H. Collins enlisted in November, 1861, in Company
F, Second Regiment, United States Sharpshooters, and was
discharged for disability, June 2, 1862. Asa C. Dort enlisted
April 29, 1864, and served as Quartermaster Sergeant in
Company D, First New Hampshire Cavalry, and was mus-
tered out July 15, 1865.
In September, 1863, there was a general draft throughout
the State ; and this town was no exception. Fourteen
were thus selected and held for service, only one of whom
entered the army; namely, Horace O. Lewis who became
a member of Company D, Fifth Regiment. He died at
Armory Square Hospital, Washington, D.C., in consequence
of wounds received at the battle of Cold Harbor, June 3,
1864. The remaining thirteen paid three hundred dollars
each as commutation. Their names were as follows : —
Cyrus S. INIoors. Albert W. Stockwell.
Thomas H. White. Joel S. Knight.
Charles H. Thurston. James Brown.
Charles E. Houghton. John Carr.
Luther G. Bemis. Lucius F. Hunt.
Fay Forbush. ■ Henry D. Richardson.
Henry H. Ward.
The whole number of men furnished Ijy the town, includ-
ing foreign substitutes, was ninety-eight; and the amount of
bounties paid was ten thousand four hundred and twenty-
one dollars.
Several of our young men were absent from town at the
time the first call was issued for soldiers, and enlisted into
the service from the places of their abode. We are unable
at this time to give the names of all who thus entered
the army, but among them were William ]M. Clapp, Lucius
H. Shattuck, Ora W. Harvey, Levi D. Jones, Alfred M.
White, and George H. Woodward.
CHAPTER X.
MILLS AND MAXUFACTOEIES.
First ,Saw-mills. — Tucker Mill. — Texxey Mill. — Grimes Mill. —
HuxTixa Mill. — WiswALL Mill. — Collixs Mill. — Osborxe
Mill. — Masox Mill. — Grist-mills. — Fullixg-mills. — Pails. —
Clothes-pixs axd other Woodex Ware. — Kxob Screws. —
Blanket Mills. — Breed Poxd Company. — Machinists.— Black-
smiths. — TannePvIes. — Shoemakers. — Saddlers and Harness-
makers. — Brown Earthen Ware. — Brick. — Granite Quarry.
FoK many years after the settlement of the township, the
excellent water power afforded by the numerous streams
running through the town was considered of little value,
beyond what was used for the sawing of lumber and the
grinding of grain. In Chapter II., allusion was made to the
first saw-mill built by Daniel Harrington, and the first two
grist-mills built by Joseph Collins and Abijah Tucker. Both
of these had a saw-mill connected with them, thus rendering-
it comparatively easy for the settlers to obtain lumber for
building purposes. The one built by Joseph Collins was
sold by him, in 1771, to his brother-in-law James Lewis,
after which we hear no more of this mill, and it probably
remained in existence only a few years. Mr. Tucker
continued to carry on his mill until the infirmities of age
compelled him to give up labor ; after which, he let the mill
for several years to different parties. His mill-dam was
the first obstruction placed across the river ; and at that
time it was no unusual sight, in the spring of the year, to see
shad below the dam, which had run up from the Connecticut
River.
MILLS AND MAXUrACTOP.IES. IGO
About 1826, this mill came into tlic possession of Charles
Holman who for many years carried on an extensive lumber
business. In 1837, Mr. Holman erected the stone-mill which
he continued to occupy until old age rendered him unfit
for labor, and the mill then came into the possession of his
sons-in-law, Messrs. Thurston & Wilkinson. They built an
addition to the mill and put in machinery for the manu-
facture of nailed and dovetailed boxes and trunk-cleats.
There was also a saw-mill built at an early date by
Benjamin Tucker and his sons a little below the outlet of
Meeting-house Pond on the site of the Whitney and Tarbell
mill, so called. A native poet of that day, whose rhyming
gives evidence of considerable inventive genius, notices this
mill in the following verse : —
Tucker's boys built a mill,
Half the time it did stand still, •
When it went it made a noise,
Because it was built by Tucker's boys.
The present mill was erected by William. C. Mason and
Nathaniel Tottenham in 1840, who intended to saw out chair
stock ; but, failing in their design, the mill was left in an
unfinished state till 1845, when it was purchased by Amos
A. Mason and Charles R. Bemis who finished the mill and
commenced the manufacture of cane-seat chair-frames. In
1846, Mr. Bemis sold his interest in the business to Mr.
Mason who carried it on for several years. After this
Mr. Bemis in company with Austin G. Parmenter carried
on the same business for twenty years in the mill now
owned by Osgood R. Wiswall. Mr. Mason was succeeded
by different parties, each of whom remained but a short
time ; and about the year 1856 it came into the possession
of Charles 1). Tarbell and Jared I. Whitney who for
several years carried on an extensive lumber business in
connection with the manufacture of chair-seat frames. In
1866, Mr. Tarbell sold his interest in the mill to Mv.
Whitney who continued the business some two or three
years, and then sold to Mortimer M. Stowe. The mill is
now in the possession of Amos A. Mason, and occupied
bv Miles Cudworth as a stave-mill.
170 HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
William Teiiney, Sen., built a saw-mill, probably about
1780, on the Baker Brook, about half-Ava}^ between the
bridge and the saw-mill since owned by Miles Cudworth.
The latter mill was built by Rufus Brooks some twenty
years since. In *1867, he sold it to Francis L. Mason
who used it as a saw-mill and also for the manufacture
of clothes-pins. After the death of Mr. Mason, Miles Cud-
worth purchased the mill, and used it for the purpose of
getting out pail-staves, until it was burned, Dec. 3, 1877.
There was a saw-mill on the Roaring Brook in Roxbury,
which is supposed to have been built by Bart. Grimes.
We ha~ve no account of the Ijuilding of this mill ; but it
must have been previous to 1800. This was afterwards
owned by Esq. Holnian.
A saw-mill was erected by Jesse Hunting, at the ouilet
of Cumming's Pond about 1800. It is said, when Mr.
Hunting was building this mill, that old Mr. Tayntor (father
of Jedediah), passing near the spot on his way through the
woods, remarked to Mr. Hunting, " This is an excellent place
to build a mill, but where is your water ? " This meaning
will be readily understood by all who are acijuainted with
the surroundings.
About 1805, John Wiswall, Sen., built a saw-mill on the
river near what is now called the " Day Bridge. " This,
however, Avas washed away in a few years, and never rebuilt.
About this time, a mill was erected on the Marlborough
lirook, upon the site of the old Harrington mill. This was
owned by Jonathan Whipple who ]:>robably sold it to Joseph
Wellington. When the latter left town, it came into the
possession of Capt. John Lane who continued to own and
occupy it until the great freshet of 1826, when it was carried
away.
Samuel Collins built a mill (probably a saw and grist-
mill) at an early date on the site of the lower mill of
the Marlborough Manufacturing Company. In 1803, this
was owned by Daniel Fisk who converted a part of it
into a fulling-mill. In 1807, it was i)urchased by Ebenezer
Hill who did considerable business at dressing cloth. He
MILLS AND ISrANUFAOTOREES. 171
remained here eight years, and then sokl to John B. Farrar
who continued the business for several years, and then sokl
to Gihnan and Nelson Converse who used it as a lumber-
mill. They also engaged in the manufacture of powder-
kegs. In 1834, the building was destroyed by iire ; and
some time after, the privilege passed into the hands of Asa
Greenwood who erected the main building now standing,
and engaged in the lumber business.
Of the mills erected in the south part of the town, now
within the limits of Troy, we can say but little bej'ond the
fact that there was a grist-mill built by Phinehas Farrar in
1784, a few rods above the Forestall mills. This was after-
wards owned by Daniel Gould. Alexander Parkman also
built a fulling-mill in that part of the town about 1778.
Jacob Osborne is believed to have been the first to erect
a saw-mill on the privilege now occupied by Levi A. Fuller.
As this was a part of the tavern property, it was bought and
sold in rapid succession for many years. Mr. Fuller, the
present owner, purchased it of his father in November, 1863.
In the spring of 1872, this mill was destroyed by fire. Mr.
Fuller immediately erected a neat and substantial building,
and is at present engaged in the manufacture of bail-boxes,
pail-staves, and coarse lumber.
Some years since a mill was erected on the stream, a few
rods below the above-mentioned Fuller mill, by Isaac Fuller,
and was used for the manufacture of various kinds of
wooden-ware. Osgood J. Bemis succeeded Mr. Fuller, and
for several years manufactured pail-handles to some extent.
In the fall of 1871, he lost the mill by fire, and built the
present structure which is now occupied by Levi A. Fuller
in connection with his other mill.
In 1837, James Robert built a saw and stave mill on the
Baker Brook, which was the one since owned by Aaron
Mason. Hobert carried on the business for a short time,
but, not making it profitable, it passed into the hands of Mr.
Mason who retained possession of it until the destruction of
the dam by the freshet of 1869. The dam was never rebuilt,
and the property soon passed into other hands. A part of
172 HISTOEY OF MA RLno HOUGH.
the mill was taken down, and the remainder converted into
a barn.
Some time previous to 1800, Samuel Collins built a grist-
mill at what is now called " Marlborough Glen." This was
in use by Mr. Collins and his sons until 1830 ; at which time,
being somewhat out of repair, it was deserted, and the same
year Joseph Collins built the mill now owned by Osgood R.
Wiswall, which he used as a grist-mill for a few years, and
then, selling to George Harvey, removed further down the
river, and about the year 1840 commenced to erect the one
smce owned by the late Barton Blodgett. Before it was
completed, Mr. Collins died ; and the mill soon after came
into the possession of Stillman Buss, under whose skilful
management it soon won the name of being the best flouring-
mill in Cheshire County, and was extensively patronized,
not only by the people of the adjoining towns, but by those
from a distance of more than twent}' miles around; and
so famous did this mill become, that Mr. Buss was obliged
during a part of the time to run it night and day. In 1861,
Jedediah T. Collins purchased an interest in the mill which
was carried on under the firm-name of Buss & Collins.
After the death of Mr. Buss, Barton Blodgett bought one-
half of the mill, and continued in company with Mr. Collins
for several years, when he purchased of Mr. Collins his share
and continued to run it until his death. It is now owned
by Jolm M. Farnum of Keene.
Eliphalet Stone erected a fulling-mill at the outlet of the
Stone Pond on the site of the present saw-mill at an early
date. This Avas probably the first mill for dressing cloth
within the limits of this town. Mr. Stone divided his time
between the farm and mill for many years, until, meeting
with some reverses, he divided his property between his
sons, Calvin and Shubael ; and Calvin, taking the mill,
resumed the business of dressing cloth. He removed the
old fulling-mill to the opposite side of the road, and con-
verted it into a dwelling-house for his father; built a
saw-mill in place of it, and also a new fulling-mill a few
rods below. Calvin Stone, Jr., with his brother Solon,
\riLL8 AND MANrKAOTORIES. 1 T^')
succeeded their father in the business, and during their
occupancy the fulling-mill was burned, and the present
building erected. Several different kinds of wooden-ware
have been manufactured here by different parties, such as
clothes-pins, pail-handles, staves, etc. ; but at present little
business is done.
Josiah Fisk built the mill now owned by James Town-
send in 1813. This was used by him for a fulling-mill. He
was succeeded by Calvin Page who carried on the business
successfully for several years. He also had a machine for
carding avooI into rolls for the accommodation of those who
could spin. In 1837, James Townsend purchased the mill
and commenced the manufacture of wbollen yarn, wliich
business he has prosecuted with success to the present time.
He also makes hose, knit jackets, sheej)'s-gray cloth, etc., and
his goods are some of the best found in market.
PAILS.
Pails were first made in this town by Robert Carpenter
who commenced the business in the mill now owned by
Osgood R. Wiswall. The pail-lathe used by Mr. Carpenter
Avas but a rude affair, compared with those in use at present.
It would now be considered a slow and tedious job to match
the staves by hand, and drive the hoops with a hand-driver ;
but, thanks to the inventive genius of the Yankee, these
obstacles have been overcome, and the facilities for manu-
facturing pails greatly increased. ^ Mr. Carpenter remained
here but a short time, and then, in company Avith Charles
Cooledge, commenced pail-making where N. Winch's pail-
shop now stands, a building having been erected for that
purpose by Calvin Page who then owned the privilege.
Jedediah T. Collins and others continued the pail-business
at the Collins mill till 1836, when it came into the possession
of George Harvey who carried on the business for seven
years. During this time, he built the house since owned
by Luther Smith. In 1843, he traded the house and mill
to his l)rother James, taking in exchange the farm on
174 HISTORY OF JrAKLBOHOITGTT.
Avhich he now resides. The business was continued by
James Harvey some two years ; but not being successful,
and becoming somewhat involved in debt, the property
passed into other hands. Carpenter & Cooledge carried on
the business at the Page mill until 1832, when the firm was
dissolved ; Mr. Carpenter going to Orange, Mass., where he
again entered into the pail-business on a more extensive
scale. Mr. Cooledge returned to Troy, and set up the same
business, which he carried on for several years. Joseph
Cummings now hired the Page mill, and manufactured pails
until April, 1834, when it was burned. The shop now
OAvned by Nathan Winch was exected by Charles Gilbert
and Cyrus Frost who manufactured chairs there for several
years. In 1837, Frost sold his share of the mill to George
Holman. About this time, they commenced the manu-
facture of pails. Silas Collester and Simeon Whitcomb
soon after purchased an interest in the business, and jSIr.
Gilbert retired. Mr. Holman soon sold to his partners who
continued the business until 1852, when the}- sold to Nathan
Winch who is still the proprietor. In 1837, Asa Bemis built
a saw-mill on the south branch, in connection with which
the following year he commenced to make pails. He con-
tinued in this business until the infirmities of age rendered
him unfit for labor, when he sold his business to Amasa
Fuller, Jr. who is the present owner. Pails were quite
extensively manufactured at the brick mill noAV owned by
the Marlborough Manufacturing Company. This was built
in 1835, by G. & N. Converse for a pail factory. It soon
passed into the hands of Asa Greenwood. He in a short
time sold to Robert Carpenter who in a few years was suc-
ceeded by Nelson Howe; and the l)usiness was successfully
conducted by him until 1859, Avhen it was purchased by
George Thatcher, who continued the manufacture of })ails
till 1866, when he sold to (Goodhue Tenney and Charles O.
Whitney who in a short time, in connection with others,
organized as the Marlborough Manufacturing Company.
William Tenney commenced the pail and tub business in
this town in 1853 at the lower mill of the Marlborough Man-
MILLS AiiD MANUFACJTUKIKS. 175
iifactuiing Company. He previously had had considerable
experience in this branch of business, having prosecuted
it with success in Swanzey, in Winchendon, Westminster,
and Ashburnham, Mass. In 1864, having acquired a com-
petency, he retired from the business, and was succeeded
by D. W. & W. M. Tenney who enlarged the factory, and
by putting in more machinery increased their facilities for
manufacturing both tubs and pails. They also did consid-
erable at the lumber-business. At the time of the decline
in wooden-ware in 1870, the Messrs. Tenney sold the mill
to the Manufacturing Company who converted it into a
woollen mill. In 1868, J. & L. Knowlton commenced pail-
making in connection with their clothes-pin business ; at
first, putting in only one lathe. Afterwards, giving up the
manufacture of pins, they from time to time added more
pail machinery, until they now have facilities for making
from one hundred to one hundred and fifty thousand pails
annually. In 1870, they erected a saw-mill on the opposite
side of the river, which is used mainly for getting out
their stock.
CLOTHES-PINS
Were formerly extensively made in this town. The prin-
cipal manufacturers were G. H. & S. W. Stone who were
succeeded by J. & L. Knowlton; and Charles (-. Heni-
enway who sold to W. W. & J. M. Richardson, Levi A.
Fuller, and Francis L. Mason. The scarcity of good tiudjer
together with, the low market value of ch)tlies-pins, long
since rendered the business unprofitable, and none have
been manufactured in town for several years.
Asa Greenwood built the shop noAv owned l)y Luther
Hemenway in 1844. This was used for a few years as a
clothes-pin and bobbin shop. Samuel Allison afterwards
became the owner, and rented it to Leonard Snow who
manufactured a variety of toys. He was succeeded in 1852
by Luther Hemenway who has continued the toy-business
to a greater or less extent up to the present time.
176 HISTOKY OF MARLBOROUGH.
Charles C. Hemenwa}^ in 1845 commenced to make bolj-
bins under the gnst-mill of Stilhnan Buss. In 1848, taking
his brother Luther as a partner, he made a change in
his business, and commenced making clothes-pins, and sub-
sequently the manufacture of wooden wash-boards. This
business he carried on successfully for some eighteen years.
In 1852, he dissolved partnership with his brother, and
built a small shop adjoining that of Austin G. Parmenter.
Here he did a thriving business in various kinds of wooden-
ware, such as wash-boards, bobbins, trowel-handles, knobs
for Avire screens, clothes-pins, etc. In 1859, he built the
shop now owned by Richardson & Dexter, where he con-
tinued the wooden-ware* business until the spring of 1868,
when he sold to W. W. & J. M. Richardson who carried
on thie wash-board and clothes-pin business till the fall
of 1878, when J. M. Richardson disposed of his interest
to James D. Dexter. Mr. Dexter had previousl}^ been
engaged in making boxes in a part of the grist-mill of
Barton Blodgett: he removed his machinery to the Rich-
ardson mill, and at present, in company with Warren W.
Richardson, is engaged in that Inisiness.
KNOB-SCREWS.
TJic patent knob-screw is the invention of Mr. Charles H.
Thurston who is a natural mechanic. His tastes from a child
have always run in this direction : he could never see any-
thing new in the mechanical line without trying to imitate
it ; and his grandfather Charles Holman and his father, did
everything in their power to encourage him, the former by
furnishing him with lumber, and the latter providing him
with tools. The water-wheels and saw-mills which he and
his constant companion, Asa C. Dort, constructed, were not
a few, as many can testify who knew them. When twelve
years old, his father purchased for him a nice turning-lathe,
allowing him to run it as he pleased, and on this he used to^
earn his own spending money. He afterward learned the
blacksmith's trade of his father in the " Old Stone Shop."
MILLS AND MANUFACTORIES. 177
For some time during the war lie worked at the United
States Armory at Springfield, Mass. From that place, he
returned to Marlborough, and in company with Solon S.
Wilkinson engaged in the manufacture of boxes, trunk-
cleats, etc., at the old Holman mill. It was while engaged
in this business that he in 1868 took out his first patent
for a Double Gimlet Pointed Screw, with a slot in one end
for a key, by which the slotted end could be firmly keyed,
in whatever article it was placed.
The business of Messrs. Thurston and Wilkinson not
proving what they desired, the mill was sold by them to the
Monadnock Blanket Company, in 1868. Mr. Thurston
remained with the Blanket Company for some time; but not
liking the business, nor the confinement, he left with the
intention of developing the screw business. But about this
time, he made the acquaintance of James H. Fowler, then
the successful manager of the Weed Sewing Machine Com-
pany's business in Boston, who hired him for three and one-
half years as a travelling salesman. He therefore had no
opportunity to do anything personally, more than to furnish
plans for others with which to build a machine for making
his patent screws ; but all attempts at constructing such a
machine proved a failure, and every one who tried it said
the screws could not be made that way. Mr. Thurston,
feeling certain they could, obtained leave of absence for two
weeks, and with but one man to help him (Mr. C. W.
Healey) soon had the satisfaction of seeing his machine turn
out perfect screws, and in a way he had been repeatedly
told it could not be done. The machine is self-acting, and
only requires to have the cutters kept in order, and a forty-
foot piece of wire placed in it from time to time, which it
rapidly converts into perfect screws.
Mr. Fowler and Mr. Thurston became much attached to
each other ; and the former, seeing the screws, machines, and
other inventions growing out of the original patent, desired
to take an interest in them, to which Mr. Thurston finally
consented. In the fall of 1873, they bought the building
now occupied by Mr. Thurston, and commenced to manu-
178 HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
factiire the screws and also various articles in which they
are inserted, such as hat and closet pins, drawer and picture-
knobs, door-stops, etc. They carried on the business until
October 12, 1877, when Mr. Fowler suddenly died. Since
that time, Mr. Thurston has continued it alone.
He is now engaged also in manufacturing the Companion
Sewing-machine, which is one of his own invention, and is
not only one of the best but is the simplest in the market.
BLANKET MILLS.
The most important branch of industry, and that which
has added most to the prosperity and growth of the town,
is the manufacture of horse-blankets. In the autumn of
1866, Dr. S. A. Richardson, D. W. Tenney, and C. K. Mason,
in connection with Goodhue Tenne}' and C. O. Whitney
(who had recently bought the brick mill, previously owned
by George Thatcher), formed a copartnership under the-
name of the Marlborough Manufacturing Compau}^; and,
in the spring of 1867, they made at that mill the first horse-
blankets manufactured in town. Mr. Whitney having pre-
viously sold his interest to Mr. D. W. Tenney, in January,
1870, W. M. Tenney and J. H. Kimball became associated
with the firm which now became an incorporated company.
At the same time they purchased the pail factory of D. W.
and W. M. Tenney, and converted it into a woollen-mill. In
1877, Rufus S. Frost and others succeeded the original pro-
prietors. The capital stock of the company is at present
$40,000. The number of employees at these two mills is
ninety, with an average pay-roll of |2,200 per month. At
the brick mill, they produce yearly 50,000 blankets,* and
at the lower one 50,000 yards of beaver, diagonals, etc.
The Monadnock Blanket Company was incorporated in
1868 at which time they purchased the Holman Mill, and
commenced the manufacture of horse-blankets. They have
a capital stock of 130,000, employ forty or fifty hands, and
•Since the above was written, the blanket machinery has been removed, and
replaced by new for the manufacture of woollen good?.
MILLS AND MANUFACTORIES. 179
produce from seventy-five to eighty thousand blankets
yearly. The amount of their pay-roll is from thirteen to
fifteen hundred dollars per month.
Charles O. Whitney and Warren H. Clark commenced
business in 1873, and formed what is now known as the
Cheshire Blanket Company. Their place of business is the
mill which was erected by Mr. Whitney in 1869, and used
by him as a chair -shop, until, in company with Mr. Clark,
it was fitted up for the manufacture of blankets. These
enterprising men have added to their business from time
to time, until they now have an investment of not less than
120,000, and facilities for producing fifty thousand blankets
annually. They have fifty employees, and their pay-roll
amounts to |1,150 per month.
Thus it will be seen that in this little village there are
annually manufactured no less than one hundred and
seventy-five thousand horse-blankets, giving employment to
one hundred and fifty hands.
BREED POND COMPANY.
The facilities for manufacturing in the village have been
greatly increased by the Breed Pond Company which was
incorporated in 1851. The object was to flow the Breed
Pond, so called, in Nelson, in order to form a reservoir.
This company consisted of Charles Holman, Stillman Buss,
Nelson Howe, Whitcomb & Collester, James Townsend,
F. R. Thurston, George Handy, and Fay & Joslin. These
enterprising gentlemen constructed a dam at an expense of
about four hundred and fifty dollars, making a pond which
covers about six hundred acres.
In the fall of 1861, Stillman Buss and Jedediah T.
Collins constructed at their own expense what is now
called the "Little Reservoir," near the Marlborough and
Harrisville line. This was intended to save what water
would otherwise be wasted at night. This came into the
possession of the Breed Pond Company in 1864. As manu-
facturing increased, it was found that these tAvo ponds were
180 HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
insufficient to supply the demand for water ; and another
reservoir was built at Bemisville, in the autumn of 1868,
which flows about one hundred and fifty acres. The con-
struction of these ponds improved to a great degree the
water-power, and has been the prime cause of the rapid
growth of the village for the last ten years.
In the autumn of 1877, the water-power was still further
improved by building the reservoir at Marlborough Glen.
James Knowlton superintended the building of the dam
which is one of the largest and best constructed in this
section. The whole length of this dam is two hundred and
fifty-five feet ; length of roll-way, ninety-four feet ; extreme
height, thirty-five feet; height of roll-way, thirty-two feet.
The material used in building was some thirty-five hundred
tons of granite and other stone, and fifty-seven thousand
feet of lumber, with three thousand pounds of iron; the
whole costing about three thousand dollars. The gate being
closed at night, this reservoir receives all the water which
would otherwise run to waste, and, being opened in the
morning, enables the water to reach the mills at an earlier
hour than formerly.
The rapid descent of the stream at this point renders it
one of the best water-privileges in Cheshire County, and it
is surprising to many that this has remained so long unim-
proved.
MACHINISTS.
Charles Buss commenced as a machinist in this town in
1847. The building, lie at first erected, was but a small
affair, and poorly adapted to the purpose. In the spring
of 1852, his business had so increased that he was com-
pelled to enlarge his shop ; but, before this was completed,
it was entirely destroyed by fire. Not disheartened, he
immediately rebuilt, and enlarged his business, subsequently
adding a foundry, thus enabling him to make his own cast-
ings, and turn off more work than previously. But soon
shop and foundry became too small for his rapidly increas-
MILLS AND MAlSrCJFACTOEIES. 181
ing business. A new foundry was set up ; and later he
erected a neat and substantial brick building in front of the
old shop, which he filled with machinery, and commenced
doing business on a larger scale. Here he manufactured
nearly all kinds of wooden-ware machinery which merited
the highest commendation, and more than once won for
the proprietor the proudest distinctions from various ex-
hibitions. His rotary-bed planer and Daniel's planing
machines, clothes-pin, tub, and pail machinery, gauge and
stretcher lathes, were all marvels of perfection, and always
combined the latest improvements. These machines were
shipped to all parts of the United States, and to several
countries of the Old World. Notwithstanding his hard
work and extensive trade, he was not altogether successful
in business; and, when the "hard times" came on, he was
unable to stem the current that set in against him; and,
leaving his property in the hands of his creditors, he
removed his machinery and tools to Grand Rapids, Mich.,
where he is now doing an extensive business.
Christopher Hodgkins commenced the machinist-business
in this town in 1854 in the second story of Franklin R.
Thurston's blacksmith shop. After continuing here a short
time, he removed to Keene, where, in company with John
Knowlton, he manufactured the circular vent water-wheel,
which was one of his own invention. In 1857, he returned
to Marlborough, and soon commenced the manufacture of
sewing machines. Mr. Hodgkins is a man of more than
ordinary mechanical ingenuity, and was soon able to make
many improvements in sewing machines, taking out no less
than five different patents. After a few years, he gave up
that business and turned his attention to manufacturing
various kinds of wood-working-machinery, some of which
he has greatly improved. Several years since, he obtained a
patent on water-rams : he has built a large number of these
which are in successful operation. In the fall of 1878, he
purchased the shops formerly owned by Charles Buss, where
he is now doing a good business.
182 HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
BLACKS^UTHS.
The first blacksmith in town was probably Jonathan
Capron, the first settler on the Whitney place, now owned
by J. M. Darling. His sons, Jonathan and Walter, also
followed the trade of their father : The former had a shop at
the fork of the roads, south-easterly of the present residence
of George A. Porter, where he worked for several j^ears,
and then removed to Troy.
Walter had a shop a little south-west of the old meeting-
house, where he plied his trade for a number of years.
Whatever faults Mr. Capron may have possessed, he was
evidentl}' a man of his word. At one time he was sorely
tried by a prominent citizen who took the liberty to tie his
horse in the shop every Sabbath morning without leave.
Mr. Capron was so incensed at this that he declared, if the
offence was repeated, he would shoe the horse and collect
pay for the same. On the following Sabbath, the horse was
found in its accustomed place in the shop ; and Mr. Capron,
good as his word, immediately shod it all round ; the noise
of his anvil somewhat disturbing the good people who were
listening to the ministrations of Rev. Halloway Fish. It is
perhaps needless to add that the horse was ever afterwards
found tied in the meeting-house sheds by the side of those
of his neighbors.
Levi Whitcomb followed blacksmithing for a number of
years, his shop standing a few rods from the house now
owned by Daniel Wright.
Capt. Luther Hemenway had a blacksmith shop near the
present residence of C. H. Caldwell. He afterwards removed
to Jaffrey, where for many years he occupied the brick shop
in " Blue City," so called.
Ezekiel Cudworth was a good smith, though he would
sometimes partake rather too freely of the spirit of the
times. When he had thus imbibed, he found it rather diffi-
cult to " get up a welding heat," and his customers were
obliged to go elsewhere for their work. His shop was at
the four corners, a little south of the William Tenney place.
He removed to Rindge in 1848.
MILLS AND MANUFACTORIES. 183
The first blacksmith shop in the village was built by
Abijah Tucker, occupying the site of David Wilkinson's
garden on Library Square. Joseph Willson worked in this
shop for several years, and then removed to the place now
owned by James Knowlton, the line between Marlborough
and Keene running directly through his house. He had
a shop on the site of the Messrs. Knowlton's pail-factory,
where he manufactured all kinds of agricultural implements
used in those days. Being a man well skilled in his trade
and of great mechanical ingenuity, he was able to make
many improvements in the articles he manufactured. He
was the inventor of the " potatoe hook," which he lived to
see come into general use. He was also the first in this
vicinity to manufacture the twisted auger and bit, which
took the place of the old-fashioned pod-auger ; and for these
he always found a ready market.
Aaron Lombard succeeded Mr. Willson in the Tucker
shop. About 1805, he sold to Paul Newton, and in 1811
purchased the place now owned by Thaddeus Metcalf, and
built an iron foundry a few rods below the shop of Charles
H. Thurston, which he carried on for several years, when it
was burned and never rebuilt. Soon after, Mr. Lombard
put' up a building with machinery for making shingles,
which proved a failure, as the market for sawed shingles did
not favor the enterprise.
Mr. Newton added a small foundry to his establishment
for casting small articles. He removed to Hadle}^, Mass.,
about 1817.
Mr. Ebenezer B. Wallingford succeeded Mr. Newton.
He worked here a few years, and then removed to Clare-
mont, and Joseph Cummings occupied the shop. While in
his possession in 1823, it was destroyed by fire, but was
immediately rebuilt by him : this he also had the misfortune
to lose in the same manner some four years afterwards.
The next building erected on that spot was of brick, and
was occupied by Elijah Fitch, Willard Converse, Ambrose
White, and many others, in rapid succession. This old
landmark was removed some fifteen years ago, and the
materials taken for other purposes.
184 HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
Franklin R. Thurston built the granite shop on the oppo-
site side of the stream from the Holman Mill in 1840. This
was used for a blacksmith shop b}'^ Mr. Thurston and others,
until 1868, when it was purchased by the Monadnock
lUanket Company, and by them converted into a picker-
house. It was destroyed by fire in 1875.
A few years since, L. A. Freeman built a shop a little
west of the Herrick house. This was afterwards removed
by J. Clemens to Mechanic Street, and is still occupied by
him. Charles H. Dustin also carries on blacksmithing in a
shop which he erected for that purpose back of the Library
Iniilding.
TANNERIES.
The first tannery was erected by Samuel Collins on
the Joslin place. His tan-house was located at the point
Avhere Mechanic Street intersects with Main, and the vats
were north of this building. The business was subsequently
conducted for a few years by William Lincoln. All traces
of this 3^ard are now obliterated, and there are but few
living who remember the fact that there was ever a tannery
in that locality.
In 1808, Eber Tenney, having served an apprenticeship
with his cousin Simon Tenney of New Salem, Mass.,
returned to Marlborough, and built a yard and convenient
Imildings on his father's farm. Although his capital was
small, having only fifty cents in his pocket at the time of
liis return to this town, yet he was successful. He sus-
pended business about 1837.
Josiah Woodward, in 1818, set up a tan-yard on the farm
now owned by Philander Thatcher. In 1825, he removed
to the village, built a house on the site of the one now
owned by Nathan Winch, and resumed the tanning business
there, which he carried on some three or four years. Some
of the vats were uncovered a few years since in digging the
cellar for the house now owned bv Luther S. Lord.
MILLS AXD MANUFACTORIES. 185
SHOEMAKERS.
In the early history of the town there was no such thing
as " sale boot and shoe work " ; and the shoemakers were
many of them itinerants, going about from house to house,
with their kit of tools, sometimes remaining with one family
two or three weeks, or long enough to make up a stock of
boots and shoes for the year. Thaddeus Parmenter was
one who used to ply his trade in this way, when not engaged
in cultivating his farm. His yearly visits were always
hailed with joy by the younger members of the families ;
for, possessing a good voice for singing, he was wont to
spend his evenings in that wa}^, and when in his prime
could sing all night without repeating a single song.
Walter Gates built the little red shop now owned by
Mrs. Davis in 1813, and for several years did considerable
business at making and repairing boots and shoes. This
shop subsequently passed into the hands of Jonah Davis,
who occupied it till his death, in 1856. It is now used as a
dwelling-house. About 1832, Asahel Collins built the little
brick house near the Congregational Church, one part of
which he used as a shoemaker's shop. Christopher Tilden
erected a shop and carried on this business for several years,
commencing about 1842. Gilbert Russell has also worked
at this trade more or less for the last twenty-five years, arid,
being a good workman, can always find employment in this
line. Charles Sta}' commenced business in the Davis shop
in August, 1865. Subsequently he built the store and
dwelling-house which he now occupies, devoting his time
to the making and mending of boots and shoes. He also
keeps on hand as good an assortment of shoes as can be
found in the market.
SADDLE AXD HARNESS MAKERS.
David Wilkinson, Sen., was the pioneer saddle and harness
maker of Marlborough, commencing business as early as
1790, devotino- his time to this trade when his labors were
186 HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
not needed upon the farm. We are informed that he was
a good workman, and 'feeing the only saddler in this vicinity
he found a read}^ market for his goods. He was succeeded
by his son, the " Uncle David " of to-day, who has for many
years occupied the old shop at the corner, and, though now
more than eighty years of age, is still active in his labors,
retaining somewhat the vigor of j^outh, can mend or make
a harness as well now as fifty years ago.* His three sons,
Warren H., Solon S., and Cyrus K. learned the trade of
their father. The two oldest carried on the business in
Marlborough for several years. Warren H. is noAv en-
gaged in the same business on a large scale in Springfield,
Mass. ; and Solon S. is located in Keene, where he has met
with good success. Cyrus K. commenced business in
Keene, but afterwards removed to Springfield, where he was
in company with Daniel C. Frost for years. He died July,
10, 1867. John W. Bradshaw is also engaged in harness-
making. He is at present located in Odd Fellows Block,
doing good business.
BROWN EARTHEN WARE.
Nathaniel Furber is said to be the first to manufactui-e
brown earthen ware in this town, but at what date he
commenced the business we have not been informed. His
shop was on the Herrick farm, now owned by Merrill
Mason. The non-intercourse and embargo acts, together
with the last war with England, gave sucli an impulse to
the manufacture of this kind of ware, that it soon became
a lucrative business, and some eight or ten shops were built
in tlie north-west part of Dublin, and several in the north-
east part of Marlborough. William Greenwood commenced
the business about 1813 on the farm now owned by Milton
White. It was also carried on for several years in the same
neighborhood by Eben Russell, on the Abner Russell place,
and likewise by Daniel Greenwood on his farm. About
1834, Chauncy Metealf built a pottery on the hill, a little
•Mr. Wilkinson has died since the above was wriiten.
MILLS AND MANUFACTORIES. 187
west of the present residence of Luke Knowlton. In a few
years, these buildings came into the possession of Josiah
Fitch, who removed them to Lowellville, where the business
was continued for a few years by Mr. Fitch and others.
The buildings finally came into the hands of James M. L.
Parker, who converted them into a dwelling-house which is
now owned and occupied by W. A. Russell.
In the spring of 1845, Capt. John Wight erected what
has since been known as the " Old Pottery " on the Dublin
road. He was succeeded by his son Abner who did a good
business there for several years. In the spring of 1866,
James A. White purchased the property ; he subsequeiitly
removed the buildings to the village, and made them into
dwelling-houses. No ware of this kind is at present man-
ufactured in town. The declension of this business was
caused partly by the low duties and large importation of
English whiteware, and partly by the low price of tin, these
two having almost entirely driven the broAvn ware from the
market.
Hugh -Mason was the first to commence brickmaking
within the limits of the town, having started in the
business soon after his removal here in 1793. His yard was
on the west side of the road, and a little north of the barn
of William C. Mason. There being an abundance of clay
in the immediate vicinity, well adapted for this purpose, for
a few years he manufactured a considerable quantity, which
found a ready market in this and neighboring towns. John
Wiswall, Sen., made brick for some years in the pasture and
mowing now owned by George Holman. David Wilkinson
was also engaged in this business for a short time, near the
" Old Pottery " on the Dublin road. The bricks for his
dwelling-house and the Congregational Church, were made
at this place.
THE GRANITE QUARRY.
A little west of the centre of the town is a ledo-e of fine
188 HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
and beautiful granite, which, for building purposes, is un-
equalled by any in the State. This was worked quite ex-
tensively for several years by Asa Greenwood who erected
all the granite buildings in the village, except the Library,
which was built by Jonathan Jones. Mr. Jones purchased
the quarr}' in 1850, and in company with J. T. Collins
worked it more or less for eighteen years. Mr. A. G. Mann
of Worcester, Mass., the present owner, purchased it in
May, 1868, and that year shipped to Worcester from three
to foiu' thousand tons, besides what was sent to other places.
In 1873, he shipped to Worcester 6005 tons, to Lowell 135
tons, to Boston 360 tons, besides small lots to other places :
add to the above figures the amount of wall-stone from the
quarry, and it would amount to nearly 10,000 tons during
that year.
The most prominent buildings constructed of this granite
are the Union Passenger Depot of Worcester, and the
Plymouth Congregational Church of Worcester, which is
one of the most substantial buildings in the city. The
beauty of this granite is that it retains its color the best of
any light-colored granite known, and is well adapted for
either fine or rough work, and also peculiarly so for block
paving and wide flagging, or flat stones.
CHAPTER XI.
TAVERNS AND STORES.
The First Tavern. — Anecdote. — Taverns previous to 1*792. —
Old Red Tavern. — Cummings Tavern. — Sweetser Tavern. —
Flood Tavern and Others. — The Half-Way House. — Marl-
borough Hotel. — Sweetser Store. — Roberson's Store. — Fife-
Store. — Aaron Gage & Co. — Abner Boyden. — W. & E. Boyden.
— Other Stores of the Olden Time. — Union Store. — Present
Traders.
TAVERNS.
One of the most important features of a country-town in
the olden time was its public houses ; and, as the number
of inhabitants increased, the number of taverns multiplied,
until they became too numerous for the good of the people.
The first to open a public house within the limits of
Monadnock, No. V., was Benjamin Tucker, being " inholder
in said township '" as early as 1769. This house is thus
described by the late Deacon Abel Baker of Tro}^ It was
situated on the old County road from Keene to Boston, a
few rods east of the mill formerly owned by Tarbell &
Whitney. It was a little past the top of the hill, where it
begins to slope toward the east, and on the north side of
the road. It was a low house, perhaps 26x30 ; and, if there
were four rooms in it, two of them must have been very
small. No outhouse whatever was connected with it, except
a horse-shed of some twenty-five feet in length, that run
from the south-west corner of the house toward the road.
On the opposite side of the road was a log barn, some
190 HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
twenty-live feet square. After the death of Mr. Tucker
in 1785, his son Moses continued the business until the
completion of the turnpike in 1801, which took the travel
away from this house. In a few years, the place was
deserted; and nothing now remains except the marks of an
old cellar and a few decaying apple-trees, to denote that
this place was once inhabited by man.
It was here that the proprietors were wont to meet for
the transaction of their public business. These meetings
must have been a source of considerable revenue to " mine
host " ; for who would think of deliberating upon the weighty
matters brought up at these meetings, without the inevitable
rum, brandy, and sugar, which were freely used on all
occasions ? At one time about 1792, quite a number, among
whom were some of the most influential men in town, met
at the " Tucker Tavern " for the transaction of some business,
but, having imbibed freely of the ardent, spent the night in
carousing, — acting, said an eye-witness, as though they
were " bedeveled." When the morning light began to dawn,
they had just sinrit enough in them to attempt to burn
John Rogers — who was one of the party — at the stake.
The stake was erected in a pile of green shavings. John
was led out, tied to the stake, and the brand of fire applied ;
but, not being able to make the shavings burn, Rogers was
saved, and a calamity providentially prevented, which, had
it taken place, must have put the town in mourning.
In 1770, William Barker opened a public house in the
south part of the town, within the present limits of Troy.
His sign was an upright post, with an arm projecting from
the top, upon the end of which was the picture of a heart.
Col. Richard Roberts kept a tavern during the Revolu-
tion, which was located in the south part of the town, on
the old road leading from the highway near George Porter's
to the Simon Butler place. He afterwards followed the
same business for several years on the site of the brick
house now owned by Rufus S. Frost.
In 1775, Jonathan Frost opened a hotel on the farm now
owned by Ansel Nye : this was destined to be of short
TAVERNS AND STORES. 191
duration, as he died the following year, and the place was
not afterwards known as a tavern-stand.
In 1792, Phinehas Farrar opened his house to the public,
having obtained the following license : —
September 2, 1792.
Phinehas Farrar is Licensed for to keep a tavern for one year from
this date.
SILAS FIFE, I
OLIVER WRIGHT, j '^^^e'^'"'^'*-
Eighteen days subsequent, these same official dignitaries,
with the addition of Phinehas Farrar, who was first select-
man, licensed Seth Stone to " Retail Spirituous Lyquors "
for one year from date.
About this time (1792), Abijah Woodward built the
" Old Red Tavern," which was for so many years one of the
principal objects of interest in our village. He was suc-
ceeded in 1798 by David Thurston, Jr., and from this time
until 1835 there were no less than sixteen different land-
lords in this tavern. We present their names, as nearly in
the order in which they come as it is possible : —
Samuel Thiu'ston. Spear & Ballou.
David Beard. Welcom Ballou.
Charles Deming. Oren Sales.
Bennoni Shirtliff. Olney Cook.
Reuben Muzzy. Zimri Cook.
Elnathan Gorham. Nathaniel Metcalf .
Alexander Ballou. Gilman Converse.
Olney Ballou. Lyman Tenuey.
Isaac Cummings opened a ^jublic house as early as 1793.
This was a two-story house, which formerly stood a little
south-west of the old meeting-house, on land since owned by
J. ]\Ierrill Davis. This Avas known for many years as " the
Cummings Tavern." Mr. Cummings removed to Winchen-
don in 18l7, and was succeeded by George H. Lane who
kept it open to the public until 1822, when he was followed
by Samuel Tenney.
In 1793, Joseph Sweetser was licensed to keep a public
house at the place since known as the " Sweetser Tavern,"
being the same that was occupied by Moses Hunt. In 1799,
192 HISTOUY OF MARLBOROUGH.
he was succeeded by his brother Phillips Sweetser, Esq.,
who continued the business for many years. This tavern
was always well patronized ; the ready wit and good man-
agement of the " old Squire," who always had the " best
of accommodations " making it a very desirable place for
the traveller. A large number always congregated about
this place on training and muster days. Many ludicrous
incidents occurred here at these times, which are well
remembered by the older inhabitants. On a certain occa-
sion, when all had partaken freely at the bar, some one in
the crowd offered to bet a stipulated sum with Henry Hunt
that he could not lead his two-year-old colt up the stairs
into the hall. Mr. Hunt who was full of spirit^ immedi-
ately accepted the bet, and led the colt in triumph into the
hall. The money was promptly paid but now a difficulty
presented itself. The colt, which seemed willing to climb the
stairs, utterly refused to descend, much to the discomfiture
of its owner who appealed to his neighbors to assist him,
but in vain. They were inexorable, until Mr. Hunt, in
despair, offered to expend the whole amount of the bet in
" toddy " with which to treat the crowd. Whereupon, he
immediately received all needed assistance.
In 1794, Jonathan Ball received a license to open a
public house which he kept for several years in the south
part of the town within the present limits of Troy.
In 1796, two more were added to the number of taverns:
Lemuel Foster's, the location of whose house is at present
unknown ; and Widow Betsey Flood's, which was situated
on the farm since known as the Daniel Priest place. At
the time her house was opened for the entertainment of
travellers, the road went directly by the house, and was the
main thoroughfare from Jaffrey to Keene, making it a very
desirable location for a tavern. Mrs. Flood was united in
marriage to Capt. Benjamin Spaulding of Jaffrey, in 1797,
after which the business was continued by her husband
until the present highway Avas completed, when Mr. Spauld-
ing built the liouse afterwards owned by Asa Hastings, and
transferred his hotel business to the latter place, where he
with others continued it for many 3'-ears.
TAYERN-S AND STORES. 103
Benjamin Longiey commenced keeping tavern in 1797, at
the place since owned by Aaron Stone. He was sncceeded
in 1808 by Elijah Boyden. Christopher Harris was also
licensed this year, and kept the honse which was formerly
owned by Jonathan Ball.
In 1798, John Cummings and Aaron Rider each received
a license for keeping tavern ; also William Pratt and William
Pierce, but where they were located is now unknown.
Simon Piper in 1799 opened a house to the public on the
site of the far-famed " Haskell Tavern." In 1804, he was
followed by Joseph Haskell, who, in turn, was succeeded
by his son Joseph and others of the famih'.
William Lincoln commenced the l)usiness in 1800 where
Murry Fitch now lives.
Capt. Rufus Houghton kept a tavern in 1803, probably in
the south part of the town. Jacob French was also licensed
for this purpose the same year, and doul^tless kept in the
same quarter of the town.
In 1808, Jeremiah Frost, in company with Capt. Jonathan
Frost, opened a public house where Levi A. Fuller now
resides. We find in 1818 Joseph Carter' "mine host" here,
who was succeeded by Jacob Osborn in 1820. He remained
here some eight years, and then rented it to his sons, Daniel
F. and Leonard Osborn, who kept it four years, when Daniel
F. sold his share to Leonard, who continued the business
five years, and then let it to John and Oren Black, who
were there in 1835. They were followed in quick succes-
sion by James Spaulding, Elijah Pierce, and Cyrus Bruce,
the latter commencing business here in 1838. Mr. Bruce
was followed by Ebenezer HoAvard who sold to Amasa
Fuller.
Justus Perry had a license in 1813 to keep a tavern
where Oilman Whitcomb now resides. In 1818, this was
kept by Jonathan Dwinnell.
In 1813, we find Silas Newton kept a hotel on the site of
the house now owned by Granville Morse.
The same year, Levi W. Porter commenced the busmess
of a hotel-keeper, which he continued for seven years at the
house now owned by his son George A. Porter.
194 HISTORY OF MARLBOKOUGH.
In 1826, John Pratt kept tavern for a short time at the
old Cummings stand.
Calvin Tenney in 1829 built the famous " Half-Way
House," so named from the fact that it was supposed to be
just half-way from Keene to Jaffrey, and not half-way to
the regions of woe, as was suggested by an aged man whose
wit far exceeded his wisdom. This was one of the best
locations for a public house, being a noted place of resort for
the drivers of the Vermont " Pod Auger " teams, and here
during the long winter evenings, regaling themselves with
their toddij which " Uncle Cal." knew so well how to pre-
pare, they would tell their stories and crack their jokes,
much to the amusement of the younger portion of the com.
munity, who never failed to put in an appearance on such
occasions.
In 1813, Robert Carpenter who then owned the brick
mill built the Marlborough Hotel. Clark was the
first landlord, and remained here some three years, when it
came into the hands of Asa Maynard. Mr. Maynard kept
one of the best public houses in the State, and it was known
far and near as a temperance hotel. In 1859, he sold to
George Thatcher who continued it as a temperance house
for several years.
In 1871, a number of gentlemen formed an association
known as the Marlborough Hotel Company, purchased the
house, and still own and keep it as a temperance hotel.
The Converse House was opened to the public several
years ago by its present proprietor. Col. Nelson Converse.
STORES.
Joseph Sweetser commenced trade in this town about
1792. His goods wore kept in a small, low building which
formerly stood in the corner of the roads near the house
since owned by Moses Hunt. His stock in trade consisted
of the usual inventory of a country store of those days,
such as codfish, tea, rum, tobacco, sugar, and molasses.
Previous to the Dpciiiiig of tliis store, the settlers were
TAVERNS AND STORES. 195
mainly dependent on the neighboring towns for such nec-
essaries of life as could be purchased only at a store. Mr.
Sweetser continued in trade but a short time, when he Avas
succeeded by his brother, Phillips Sweetser, Esq., who did
a thriving business in his store and tavern for many j^ears.
In the spring of 1794, Jonas Roberson opened a store in
the house of Reuben Ward, in the extreme south part of the
town, near the Fitzwilliam line. After trading here one
year, wishing to locate nearer the centre of business, he
removed over the line into Fitzwilliam, and built a store
on the site of the one now occupied by Charles W. Whitney
in the village of Troy. Mr. Roberson, being an enterprising
and honorable man, was not long in winning the confidence
and esteem of his fellow-citizens, and he soon became a man
of influence in the community. Possessing a talent for
business, he worked up an extensive trade. It was here
that the farmers and other citizens of the community were
wont to gather on a long winter's evening, and over their
mugs of toddy tell stories, and crack their jokes at each
other's expense. It is related that upon one occasion, when
quite a number had thus congregated, it was determined
that the worthy proprietor should treat the company at his
own expense. For a time all efforts in that direction failed.
Suddenly some one called upon Samuel Wright, a good-
natured, fun-loving fellow, to lead in prayer. Wright imme-
diately assumed the attitude of supplication, and, among
other petitions, asked the Lord to be pleased " to return to
Harrington's mill-pond all the water which Roberson had
taken therefrom with which to water his rum" ; at the same
time putting in the proviso that it might not all come at
once, lest there he a flood. At this juncture, he was inter-
rupted by Roberson, who declared he would treat ; and thus
their object was attained. Mr. Roberson remained in trade
here until 1806, when he removed to Fitzwilliam village,
where he died in August, 1819.
Samuel and Silas Fife, sons of Deacon Silas Fife, built a
house some seventy years ago in the south part of the town,
near the Jaffrey line, being the same that is now owned by
196 HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
Mr. Fox. One part of this they fitted up for a store. Not
being successful in business, they soon gave up trade, and
removed from town.
In 1813, Aaron Gage, Asa Hastings, and-^ — Roberts
erected the building now used by David Wilkinson as a
harness-shop. Tliis they filled with goods, and for about
one year traded in partnership. At the expiration of that
time. Gage sold his interest to Hastings & Roberts, who
continued in trade until about 1820, when they were
succeeded b}^ William Ward.
Alexander Ballon traded for a short time in the old
Sweetser store. He afterwards removed to Providence,
R.I. In May, 1820, Abner Boyden, in company with Dr.
James Batcheller, purchased the goods in the Sweetser
store, and continued in business until 1825, when Boj^den,
having bought the stock and trade of William Ward,
removed his goods to the Ward store, where he remained
in trade until 1837, and was succeeded by his brothers
William and Elijah.
Abner Boyden was one of the most influential men of
his time. His upright and manly course secured the con-
fidence of his fellow-citizens who ever found in him a
prudent and safe counsellor. For many years he was called
by them to the responsible and arduous duties of conducting
the business of the town, serving thirteen years as Town
Clerk, fourteen years as one of the Board of Selectmen, and
two 3'ears representing the town in the Legislature. It may
be safely said that he never neglected or betra3-ed the trust
reposed in him, but was ever faithful to his constituents.
To him, perhaps, more than to any other man, our beautiful
village owes its origin. Early foreseeing that the superior
water-power in this locality would give rise to a village, he
in 1825, as has been before stated, removed his goods
from the middle of the town to what is now the old harness-
shop. He aided in building the large brick house since
owned by James Wakefield, Esq., which soon after came en-
tirely into his possession, and through his influence the Con-
gregational cliurcli Avas built upon its present site. His
TAVERNS AND STOEES. 107
store became the central point of the town, where the people
informally came together for animated talks and the discus-
sion of public and private measures. He died June 4, 1837,
greatly lamented by a large circle of friends and ac-
quaintances.
William and Elijah Boyden continued business in the
old store until 1840, when they built the stone block now
owned by Elisha O. Woodward. Here they continued in
trade until 1852, when they sold their stock to G. D.
Richardson.
John G. Bond fitted up a store, some seventy-five years
ago, on the opposite side of the highway from the house now
occupied by R. F. Greeley. Timothy Twitchell, a brother
of Dr. Amos Twitchell of Keene, traded here for some time
about 1804. It was in this building that Justus Perry,
afterwards Gen. Perry of Keene, commenced business about
1811. His stock in trade for that year was invoiced at two
hundred and fifty dollars. He removed to Keene about
1813.
In 1807, Reuben Ward, Jr., purchased a small stock of
goods and commenced trading in a part of the house next
south of the common. He died in June, 1808.
The following account was taken from the Day-Book of
Reuben Ward, and is not only a fair sample of the accounts
of merchants of that day, but serves also to show the cost
of the various articles at that time : —
To 15 lb. Iron, $1.20
" 2 lb. Cotton at 32 cts., 64
" 1 oz. Parsnip seed 8 cts., | lb. Tea, 33
" 1 Tea pot 23 cts., 1 Cotton ball 25 cts., 48
" 1 pt. N. Rum 9 cts., 13^ lb. Iron, 1.15
" 4.6 oz. Fish at 7 cts., 31
" 2 Lemons at 7 cts., .14
' 1 pt. W.I. Rum, 15
" 1 lb. Sugar 17 cts., 1 qt. N. Rmn 17 cts., 34
" 1 lb. Sugar 17 cts., 2 pt. Boles at 9,— 18, 35
" 1 Spelling Book, 25
" 1 pt. jMolasses, 09
1807.
May
6.
<'
12.
"
13.
13.
June
5.
u
17.
"
25.
July
1.
"
13.
"
13.
"
13.
Aug.
8
198 HISTORY OF ISIAELBO-ROUGH.
Aug. 10 ■• 4.14 oz. Fish at 7 cts § .34
""^ 14 " 1 peck Salt 3S cts., ^ lb. Tea*25 cts., 63
" 25 " 1 lb. Sugar 17 cts., 1 pt. X. Rum 8 cts., 25
" 27 " i yd. Cambrick 23 cts., Thread 2 cts., 25
Sept. 2 " 1 pt. W.I. Faun, .15
" 15 " 2^ yds. Toe cloth, 63
" 24 " ^ peck salt, 19
Oct. 22 '' I doz. Biscuit 12
" 24 '^ i pt. Braudy, 17
Nov. 17 " 1 Spelling Book 25 cts., 1 lb. Raisins 16 cts., . . .41
" 17 " i lb. Tea 25 cts., ^ lb. Spice 13 cts., 38
Dec. 23 " i lb. Tea 25 cts., 1 Whip 13 cts., 38
" 20 " i lb. Tea 25 cts., 1 Almanac 10 cts 35
" 20 " 1 Pail, 40
Nathan E. Wild who afterwards occupied that place
fitted up the old blacksmith-shop which had been used by
Walter Caprou and others, and putting in a small stock of
goods traded here for several years
Some fifty years ago, James Nason had a store at the
north part of the town. This building was near the present
residence of Josiah H. Knight. A few years since it was
moved across the highway, and now forms a part of the
house owned by George F. Wise.
The Protective Union Stoke, division No. 241, was
formed in the spring of 1851 by Dr. James Batcheller,
Stillman Buss, and others. Their goods were placed in a
part of the grist-mill at Lowellville ; and Elisha O. Wood-
ward, a young man from Swanzey, was employed as clerk.
In 1853, Mr. Buss erected the building now occupied by
N. M. Chase ; and the Union Store was removed to that
place. Mr. Woodward afterwards purchased the stock in
trade of the Union, and remained there about one year. In
1858, he bought out G. D. Richardson at the old Boyden
store, and removed his goods to that place, where he has
remained to the present time, with the exception of about
three years spent in Grafton, Mass., durftig which time
Frank H. Robertson traded in this store.
Soon after the removal of Mr. Woodward from the
TAVERNS AND STORES. 199
Lowellville store, it was opened by Daniel W. Tenney and
William M. Nason. At the expiration of one year, Mr.
Nason purchased the entire stock, and continued in trade at
that place until 1865, when he sold to Wyman Sawyer and
George Tilden. He is now associated with E. O. Woodward,
Mr. Tilden soon sold his share to J. T. Collins. Subse-
quently Mr. Sawyer became the sole proprietor; and, on the
completion of the Town Hall Building, he in company with
George G. Davis removed his goods to that place. Henry
A. Spofford traded in the old Union Store building for
several years.
There are at present eight stores in the village. George
G. Davis is located in the Town Hall Building, and is a
dealer in dry goods, groceries, hardware, flour, grain, meal,
paints, and oils. C. Hale, meat and provision market, is
also located under the Town Hall. Woodward & Nason,
dealers in dry goods, carpetings, boots and shoes, gentlemen's
furnishing goods, small wares, room paper, etc. ; also Miss
E. A. Knowlton, dealer in millinery and fancy goods, — in
Woodward's Block. H. A. Powers, dealer in drugs, medi-
cines, perfumer}^ toilet and fancy goods, confectionery, etc.,
and George K. Harrington, jewelry and variety store, in Odd
Fellows Block. Charles Stay, dealer in boots, shoes, rub-
bers, etc. B. F. Merriam, manufacturer of tin, sheet iron,
copper ware, dealer in furnaces, stoves, pumps, lead pipe,
zinc, glass, and wooden ware.
CHAPTER XII.
PHYSICIANS.
Dr. Justus Perry. —Dr. Kendall Bruce. —Dr. David Carter.—
Dr. E. K. Frost. — Dr. James Batcheller. — Dr. Samuel A.
RiCHARDSox. — Dr. Samuel J. Martin. — Dr. George L. Harring-
ton.
The first physician to settle within the limits of Marl-
borongh was Dr. Justus Perr}-. Of the early life of Dr.
Perry, but little is known beyond the fact that he was
a native of Barre, Mass., and studied medicine with Dr.
Stephen Batcheller, Senior, of Royalstou. He settled in
Marlborough in 1786 ; and, possessing rare natural and
ac(iuired ability, he soon gained the reputation of a skilful
physician, and for a few years did an extensive business.
Unfortunately, however, he acquired the habit of using ar-
dent spirits, which so increased as to disqualify him for the
practice of his profession. In 1796, he removed to the south
part of the town, and located in what is now the village of
Troy. That his usefulness might not be lost to his fellow-
men, an effort was made to reclaim him. He was induced
to sign a temperance pledge, and obligated himself to ab-
stain from the use of alT intoxicating drinks for one year.
This pledge he faithfully kept ; but, at the expiration of that
time, he relapseel into his former dissipated habits, and,
losing his practice, returned the foUomng year to the centre
of the town, where he died in 1800.
Dr. Kendall Bruce was a native of Marlborough, Mass.
He was in this town as a practising physician as early as
PHYSICIANS. 201
1793. He remained here but a few years, and then removed
to Washington, this State, where he continued his profession
for several years, then went to Peterborough, and thence
to Cahxis, Vt., where he died Jan. 12, 1832.
Dr. David Carter was the next pliysician. He was a
pupil of the celebrated Dr. Carter of Lancaster, and came to
Marlborough soon after the completion of his studies, in
1795. He was contemporary with the late Dr. Amos
Twitchell of Keene, and always remained on intimate terms
with him. It was in this town, and in company with Dr.
Carter, that Dr. Twitchell first commenced the practice of
medicine. In his profession. Dr. Carter reached no incon-
siderable eminence : his practice extended much into adja-
cent towns, and somewhat into places more remote. He
removed to Peterborough in 1812, and thence to Dublin in
1820, where he died Jan. 9, 1828.
Dr. Carter was succeeded by Dr. Ephraim K. Frost who
commenced practice here soon after the removal of the
former from town in 1812. Dr. Frost was a native of Jaf-
frey. His early education was obtained in a school of three
months each year; later, from a course in Dartmouth Col-
lege. He studied medicine with Dr. Carter, paying his way
by teaching school. He remained in practice here some six
years, and then removed to Swanzey. He afterwards em-
igrated to Lincoln, Neb., where he died in 1871.
Dr. James Batcheller was born in Royalston, Mass., June
5, 1791. He was the son of Dr. Stephen Batcheller, the first
physician of that town, who established himself there in
1768, and continued in practice until his death in 1829, at
the age of eighty-three. Dr. James Batcheller spent his
youthful days in his native town ; attended schools and
academies ; then taught school two years in Pennsylvania.
On his return, he studied his profession with an elder
brother. Dr. Stephen Batcheller, Jr., and afterwards attended
medical lectures at Dartmouth, and took his degree of M.D.
In May, 1818, he came to Marlborough by invitation from
Rev. Ilalloway Fish, and established himself as a practising
physician. He was very social, and was generally liked by
202 HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
the people as a man and physician ; was possessed of more
than ordinary ability, and was frequently called out of town
for consultation. So extensive was his practice, that it
required the services of three horses to enable him to visit
his numerous patients. As a physician, he ranked high, as
is evident from the fact that he was honored for some time
with the presidency of the New Hampshu-e Medical Society.
Dr. Batcheller was widely known as a politician. He was
chosen Representative and Senator to the General Court
of New Hampshire; was also elected Councillor, and per-
formed the duties of each with honor to himself and bene-
fit to his constituents. He was also a delegate to the Con-
vention to revise the Constitution of New Hampshire in
1850-51. He was no timid advocate of the cause of eman-
cipation of the slave, and this, too, when it required strong
nerves to stem the large majorities against him.
At a meeting in Concord, for the purpose of discussing
the anti-slavery question, Dr. Batcheller and Gen. Frank-
lin Pierce, afterwards President of the United States, were
pitted against each other. So well did the Doctor argue
his side of the question, that he convinced his opponents
and, as they came out of the meeting, Pierce slapped him on
the shoulder, and said, " Doctor, j^ou are right, but the time
has not yet come."
He was also a zealous advocate of the cause of temper-
ance, and was one of the first to proclaim the doctrine of
total abstinence.
After a residence of some thirty-seven years in Marlbor-
ough, he removed to FitzAvilliam, to be near his sons who
had previously established themselves in business there.
He obeyed some calls for about a year, when, his health
suddenly failing, he gave up practice altogether. From
that time, he continued to become more and more feeble in
body and mind, and at length helpless as an infant gave up
life without a struggle. Although he was not a college
graduate, he was well educated. He was quick in motion,
rapid in speech, and of untiring energy. He read much,
thoiiglit much, and continued to gain as well as impart
i>HYSICIANS. 203
knowledge. He was a man in the noblest sense of the
term, a pleasant companion, true friend, good neighbor ;
and it may be truly said of him that the world was better
for his having lived in it.
The author is indebted to William S. Leonard, M.D., for the following
sketch of Dr. Samuel A. Richardson : —
Samuel A. Richardson was born in Dublin, Dec. 23, 1830.
He was the youngest of four children, and the only son
of Abijali and Mary (Hay) Richardson. His parents were
of the old Dublin stock ; a little austere in manner, perhaps,
as was the fashion of the time, but good types of those
sturdy virtues, such as honesty, piety, industry, and thrift,
which characterized a former generation in that mountain-
town. His early life was spent on his father's farm,
assisting in its duties and labor, as was usual with farmers'
boys of that period. The common schools of Dublin at that
time were equal, if not superior, to any in Cheshire County ;
and the early education and training of the son were
mostly gained in the somewhat famous School District,
No. 2, which has produced many young men who have made
their mark in the various walks of life. The Rev. Dr.
Leonard, who was singularly unerring in his estimates of
young men, early marked him as a boy of promise, and one
who would some day be heard from in the battle of life.
The good doctor was wont in his old age to enumerate the
scores of Dublin young men who had fulfilled the promise
of their youth and his own prophecy of success, and " Dr.
Sam " was always mentioned among the number.
As young Richardson approached manhood, he supple-
mented his common school education with such higher ad-
vantages as could be obtained at the " Hancock Literary and
Scientific Institute," an institution quite flourishing in those
days, and the " Normal Listitute " at Reed's Ferry. Beyond
this, we are not aware that he enjoyed the benefit of any
special school training before commencing the study of that
profession to which he has devoted his life. He early con-
ceived the idea of a medical education, and in the intervals of
204 HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
farm work bent his mind and studies in this direction. He
was obliged to rely almost entirelj'' upon his own resources
and earnings ; and we find him making the first decided move
in this direction by attending a course of medical lectures
at Philadelphia in 1852. The following spring (1853) he
entered his name as a student in the office of Albert Smith,
M.D., LL.D., of Peterborough, at that time among the most
eminent professors and medical teachers in the State. He
attended a course of medical lectures at the Woodstock
(Vt.) Medical College in 1854, and still another course at
the Albany (N.Y.) Medical College in 1855. In July, 1855,
he located as a physician in Marlborough, taking the place
of Dr. James Batcheller. He quickly gained the esteem
and confidence of the people and a fair share of the business.
Not content, however, with his medical acquirements, in the
spring of 1856, Dr. Richardson secured another physician
to fill his place temporarily, and attended still another course
of lectures at Albany, N.Y., receiving from that college the
degree of Doctor of Medicine. He also spent some time
as resident physician at the Albany County Almshouse
Hospital. The six following years were busy ones to him.
Having returned to Marlborough, he entered upon the full
tide of a very extensive and successful practice. His skill
and good judgment were early recognized, and he was soon
called to practise more or less in all the adjoining towns.
In addition to the arduous duties of his profession, he
identified himseK to a considerable extent with the manu-
facturing interests of the town.
In 1862, when the cloud of civil war darkened our
horizon. Dr. Richardson offered his services to his country,
and in September of that year was appointed Assistant
Surgeon of the Thirteenth Regiment N.H.V,, of which
Aaron F. Stevens (afterwards General) was colonel, and
George B. Twitchell, M.D., of Keene, was surgeon. The
following extract from the army report of Col. Stevens to
the Governor of New Hampshire, after the battle of Freder-
icksburg, dated Dec. 13, 1862, will serve to show how soon
Surgeon Richardson's sterling qualities were appreciated by
fHYRTCIANS. 205
his superior officer. He says : '' Witli particular pride and
pleasure, I call your atteutiou to the services of Assistant
Surgeon Richardson, who in those dreadful days proved
himself an honor to his profession, and an invaluable aid to
the army in its hour of suffering.* While I look with
shame and horror on the conduct of men, who calling
themselves surgeons attached to other regiments, I am
proud to say that, from personal observation, I know that
for two days and nights after the battle, and at times when
the shells of the enemy were falling around him. Dr.
Richardson pursued his arduous duties in the Hospital and
out of it with a fidelity and ability that has endeared him
to me personally, and gained him an enviable distinction
among his professional brethren in the army."
In April, 1863, Dr. Richardson was promoted Surgeon
of the Thirteenth Regiment N.H.V., vice Dr. Twitchell,
resigned. June 23, 1863, he was detailed as operating
surgeon to assist Col. Rivers, Fourth R.I.V. April 25, 1864,
he was appointed Acting Medical Director of the Second
Brigade, First Division, Eighteenth Army Corps. Dec.
6, 1864, he was assigned to duty with the Flying Hospital,
Twenty-fourth Army Corps, as Chief Operating Surgeon,
June 8, 1865, and was appointed surgeon in charge of the
same. It is impossible to make any estimate of the extent
or magnitude of Dr. Richardson's labors during this fearful
period. That must ever be unwritten history; but from
the lips of surviving soldiers, old comrades, and the sick
and wounded who came under his care, there is but one
expression, and that of gratitude and heartfelt thanks for
his unselfish devotion to duty, his tender and skilful minis-
trations to those in his charge, and, more than all, his never-
varying good cheer and light heart in the darkest days,
which infused new life and hope into the breasts of many
a poor sufferer, and rekindled the spark of life almost
extinguished.
* Surgeon Twitchell was unavoidably detained at Wasliington, and did not arrive
until the Tuesday after the battle. In the same report, Col. Stevens says, " I sincerely
regret his absence at a time when his distinguished abilities would have rendered
him so useful to the unfortunate suffering victims of the day's carnage."
206 HISTORY OF MAELBOROUGfir.
We cannot better close this brief epitome of Dr. Richard-
son's militar}' life than b}^ quoting from a letter recently
received from Gen. Aaron F. Stevens of Nashua. Under
date of Sept. 9, 1878, Gen. Stevens says : '■'■■ I desire to
reaffirm now whatever you may find in my army reports
favorable to Dr. Richardson, or in appreciation of his talents,
industry, and professional accomplishments, his kindness of
heart, and ever prompt discharge of liis duties in camp, field,
or hospital. He was a man of superior talent and extraor-
dinary resources, admirably adapted to public professional
service, as well by his force of character and power of
organization, as from his professional knowledge and ac-
complishments. Dr. Richardson was separated from my
immediate command, early in his term of service, by well
deserved promotion, but not until I had learned to appre-
ciate and love him, and to witness personally his strength
and fitness in the line of duty.
" We all deplore his misfortunes ; and I pray you, my dear
sir, to see to it that in Marlborough's History ample justice
is meted out to my friend and the friend of the soldier.
" I remain sincerely yours,
"A. F. STEVENS."
Dr. Richardson, in speaking of his army life to an intimate
friend, said simply, " It has cost me everything excejDt life
and honor."
Dr. Richardson returned to his home in Marlborough at
the close of the war, and devoted himself assiduously to his
profession for several years ; but he brought with him that
scourge of a Southern clime, fever and ague, which gradu-
ally made inroads upon his health, and, as a sequel to the
exposures, privations, and hardships of his army life, caused
his professional labors, comparatively unfelt before, to be-
come more and more a burden. In December, 1872, the
death of his only child, " the apple of his eye," a beautiful
girl, gave him a terrible blow, and threw him into a state of
nervous depression from which it was feared he would not
rally. When such strong liearts give way to grief and
PHYSIC TANS. 207
sorrow, there is not that reaction which comes to lighter
natures. In the years that liave passed since, there have
been many long years of sickness and suffering; but it is
our hope and belief that time and rest will accomplish a
cure, and that Dr. Richardson will regain in a good measure
his old-time elasticity and physical strength, as he retains
unimpaired his mental vigor, his happy, genial manner,
and personal magnetism.
It remains to speak of Dr. Richardson as a physician, a
point that perhaps should have come earlier in this notice.
There is quite as much difference in doctors as in men of
other callings. People are very quick to find out who the
good ones are, while " the poor ye have always with you "
in medical practice. Dr. Richardson inclined towards
surgery before the war ; and his military life, with its
splendid opportunities and practice, brought him, on his
return, into the front ranks among New Hampshire sur-
geons. He was ever firm, self-reliant, with nerves of steel,
all subservient to excellent judgment and discretion. In
the treatment of general diseases, he always has had distin-
guished success, never a great medicine-giver, but relying
much upon the vis medicatrix natural^ — the benign influence
of nature in the eradication and cure of diseases. Many
times it is the doctor's manner that helps the patient, quite
as much as the drugs he carries in his medicine-case. Dr.
Richardson always gained the confidence of his patients in
the outset, then their esteem and regard. They believed in
hiiij thoroughly and completel}^ and got Avell oftentimes
because he assured them they could not die. The late
eminent Prof. Dixi Crosby used to say that a doctor's
motto to his patients should be, " O King, live forever."
There should be no such word as " fail " written upon his
countenance. Dr. Richardson was always jovial, always
had a good story to tell, and some amusing anecdote to call
the sick man's attention from his own ailments, to get him
away from and out of himself, so to speak. There was
something positively infectious in his hearty laugh and his
words of good cheer. Said one, " I don't know why it is,
208 HISTORY OF AfAELBOROUGH.
but I alwii^-s feel better after Dr. Richardson bas been here,
even though he gives me not a drop of medicine." It is
true that there is an untold amount of potency in "the
hearty laugh that doeth good like a medicine." In those
grave and desperate cases, where life and death are equally
balanced in the scale, each struggling for the mastery, here,
too. Dr. Richardson was equally at home, — watchful, vigi-
lant, ready to meet any emergency, and combat dangerous
symptoms at every turn with all the best chosen weapons of
his art. Doctors cannot save everybody; and Doctor
Holmes has truly said "that the best physicians lose the
most patients," for the very reason that to them are in-
trusted the most critical cases, and patients given over by
others go to them as a last resort, in the vain hope of
obtaining relief when there is none in this world.
Thus briefly we have recorded our impressions of one of
Marlborough's physicians, giving glimpses of his early life,
his home practice in the town, and his brilliant record in
the service of the United States. It may be said that is
written with the partiality of a life-long friendship ; but we
claim that it only brings out into bolder relief and clearer
expression the strong and salient points in a man's char-
acter, if this delicate duty is intrusted to an intimate friend.
The records of a physician's life must be at the very best
imperfect and fragmentary, and the fame of the most noted
is often embodied in those brief but impressive words which
have the stamp of the Bible upon them, "the beloved
physician."
The life of a country doctor, though oft-times hard and
drearv, toiling on through summer heat and winter cold,
with long cheerless rides upon rough roads, over high hills,
and through stony valleys, has nevertheless its bright spots.
It is something worth living for to have your name deeply
graven upon the hearts of those whose suffering you have
alleviated, whose lives you have helped to save ; and, more
than all, to feel that at all times and in all places, whether
at home or upon the battle-field, you have ever done your
diitv, — so lived, been so disinterested, so forgetful of self, so
PHYSIC I AKS. 209
humane, tender, generous, and noble, that " the nobleness
that lives in other men, sleeping, but never dead, will rise
in majesty to meet thine own."
Samuel J. Martin, son of Jefferson and Rhoda (Davis)
Martin, was born in Weston, Windham County, Vermont,
Sept. 9, 1830. When three years of age, his parents
removed to Mount Holly, Rutland County, Vermont, where
he received his early education, dividing his time between
his studies and farm work. Previous to his seventeenth
year, his help was much needed at home ; and he conse-
quently had limited advantages for study. At this time,
however, he entered Black River Academy at Ludlow,
Vermont, and spent two terms each year, during two years ;
and for the next four years studied at the same place,
during one term of each year. His studies during this time
were confined to the English branches ; but he afterwards
spent two terms at Chester Academy, and there pursued the
study of Latin, with other higher branches, earning money to
defray his expenses by teaching penmanship and day school.
After leaving school, he engaged in teaching, and continued
it with the exception of one year — when he was in poor
health — until his twenty-eighth year.
He early developed a taste for the medical profession, but
in his desire to enter it was opposed by his father who
preferred that he should become a farmer. Accordingly, at
the age of twenty-eight, he yielded to his father's wishes,
and purchased a farm with money, a part of which he had
earned by teaching. At the end of one year, becoming
dissatisfied with farming, he began the study of medicine at
home, under the direction of A. E. Horton, M.D., of Mount
Holly. One year later, he sold his farm, and gave his
entire attention to his studies ; and after three years' study,
and taking two full courses of lectures, graduated from the
Eclectic Medical College of Philadelphia. He began his
practice in February, 1863, at Marlborough, and remained
there until April, 1866, doing a successful practice ; and at
that time removed to Walpole, New Hampshire, and there,
210 HISTOKY OF MAELBOEOITGH.
in addition to bis practice, opened a drug-store with another
gentleman who managed the latter business, while he
devoted himself chiefly to his profession. At the end of
eighteen months, having lost everj^tbing, he closed out his
interest in the drug-store, and gave himself unremittingl}^ to
his studies and practice.
The force of circumstances induced him to investigate
the subject of homoeopathy ; and, at the end of one year's
observation and careful thought, he embraced the principles
of that school. Not having recovered from his failure in
the drug business, and desiring a larger field of action, he
removed to the West in 1869. After spending four months
looking for a place in which to settle, he established himself
at Racine, Wisconsin, where he has since resided, building up
an extensive practice, and making for himself a most worthy
reputation as a skilful practitioner.
During his residence in Marlborough, he was elected
superintendent of public schools. He has filled the ofiice
two terms as Vice-President, and one term as President, of
the Homoeopathic Medical Society of the State of Wisconsin.
He is also a member of the American Institute of Homoe-
opathy and the Illinois Homoeopathic Medical Association.
Dr Martin has given much attention to self -culture, and
by extensive reading and observation, has acquired that
knowledge of men and things which, with his excellent
conversational powers, renders him a most agreeable and
social companion. This is but a brief outline of the life and
history of one who, though having many exjieriences in
common with others, has yet given an example of continued
effort and will-power that entitle him to an honorable
mention in these pages.
Dr. George L. Harrington, son of Leonard B. and Eunice
G. Harrington, was born in Winchendon, Mass., Nov. 11,
1844. In his childhood and youth, he was quiet and
unassuming, yet always thoughtful, fond of his books, and
anxious to gain knowledge. Having made the most pos-
sible out of his public school and academic privileges, he
became a medical student in the office of Prof. Walter
PHYSICIANS. 211
Carpenter, of Burlington, Vt. Here lie enjoyed peculiar
advantages under the instruction of a wise and experienced
teacher. In due time, he entered the medical department
of the Vermont University, and graduated in course M.D.
In the winter of 1872, he settled in Marlborough as a
physician. Naturally enough, for the first two years he did
not have a great run of practice. However, it became
evident to those who early employed him that he was
no quack, but one determined to establish himself in the
confidence of the people by his works ; and so gradually
he grew into public favor, all the while extending his pro-
fessional career. Long since it became extensively known
that, if he is not a man of many words, he is a man of
second thought, keen discernment, and sound judgment.
He never has been known to praise himself, or tell of
wonderful cures and almost miraculous deeds wrought by
his skill. Perhaps, he has been too reserved and reticent at
times for his own good and highest success. In the long
run, no doubt, he will lose nothing from such a constitu-
tional habit. The wise Socrates said he never had regretted
keeping silence, but had often sorrowed for much speaking.
From the fact he is an M.D., it is plain, he does not think
he knows it all ; for he spends much time among his books,
and finds it a necessity to acquaint himself with the latest
journals and modern works of his profession. In the sick-
room, he is affable, and naturally adapts himself at once to
the situation of things. He seems to possess a ready facult}^
of reading disease, and a willingness, in case he fails of its
diagnosis in any particular instance, to acknowledge his lack
of comprehending it. Such frankness is a virtue, and most
commendable, especially in a physician. So the sick under
his charge can scarcely fail of trusting and confiding in him
as a medical adviser. In not a few cases, he has proved
himself a skilful and cultured physician. Already he has
won a good field of practice, and certainly his future is
more promising than the present or the past. He has
proved himself a useful citizen and a Christian gentleman.
With truth it may be said of him that he is a true friend
to the sick and a well-wisher to all in health.
CHAPTER XIII.
SKETCHES OF PEOMINENT INDIVmUALS.
Chakles Cummings. — Cykus Stone. — Osgoob Hekeick. — Luther
WiswALL. — Philander Wallingford. — William C. Whitcomb.
— Edwin Davis. — Sullivan H. McCollestek. — Jairus B. Col-
lins. — Jeremiah Stone. — Timothy L. Lane. — John Q. A. McCol-
lester. — Daniel B. Woodward. — Sumner A. Mason. — Luther
Farrar. — Joseph C. Mason. — Andrew C. Stone. — John W.
Converse. — Justus Perry. — Sumner Wheeler. — Cyrus Wake-
field. — Warren H. Wilkinson. — Eufus S. Frost. — William H.
Greenwood — Deacon Abel Baker.
Rev. Charles Cummings, son of Rev. Joseph, and Anna
Cummings, was born in Seabrook, N.H., Sept. 23, 1777.
At the age of two years, his parents removed to Marlbor-
ough, where he passed his childhood. He was married in
1798, and settled in Sullivan.
It was about this time, or a little later, that he felt
impressed that it was his duty to preach the gospel, as
he understood it. He struggled with his convictions for
several years, feeling deeply his incompetency for the work,
having but a limited education, such as was furnished by
the common schools of those early days ; but, finding no
rest for the body or peace for the mind, his strong con-
victions of duty prevailed. In 1805, he was licensed to
preach by the Baptist board of ministers, and received
ordination in 1810 in Sullivan, where he formed a church,
and labored for many years, all or a part of the time. He
was also instrumental in organizing churches in Keene,
Swanzey, Marlborough, Peterborough, Hillsborough, Lynde-
borough, and Antrim, and preached more or less in other
towns in Sullivan, Hillsborough, and Merrimack Counties.
PROMINENT INDIVIDtTALS. 2l3
In 1820, he was called to the Domestic Missionary Avork.
He was truly one of the pioneers in the ministry. A man
of great energy and earnestness, not shrinking from any
sacrifice for the good of the cause he loved so well and
labored so faithfully to sustain, nothing but utter inabil-
ity could deter him from meeting his appointments, many
times travelling until late into the night, and through the
scorching heats and drenching rains of summer. He had
a strong physical constitution, which enabled him to endure
his arduous labors.
The following was copied from the Christian Watchman
and Reflector^ some time after his decease. It is from the
pen of Rev. G. Robbins, who officiated at his funeral, be-
ing at that time pastor of the Baptist church in Keene.
Speaking of his successful labors in the ministry, he says :
"He was a man of a kind, conciliatory spirit, humble,
prayerful, and zealous in every good work. And he be-
longed to a class of men that ought never to be forgotten,
— that class which performed the labors and endured the
privations of the pioneers of our cause in this State."
After his death in 1849, the Dublin Association, as an
expression of regard to his memory, passed the following:
"■ Resolved, that his faithful and arduous labors in planting
new churches in fields before unoccupied, and breasting the
force of opposition commonly incident to such a work,
claims from us not only a tribute of high respect, but of
affectionate and Christian remembrance ; and, as life is still
spared to us, may a sense of our increased obligations stim-
ulate us to renewed devotion in the service of our divine
Master."
He never wrote his sermons ; but, in the early years of his
ministry, he would select a text of Scripture before going
to the field (for at that time he tilled the soil), and while
laboring with his hands he mentally studied and wrought
out his sermons. He had a strong, sympathetic nature, and
possessed the power to move his audience to a remarkable
degree. It was no unusual thing to see the congregation
moved to tears. The last few years of his life he labored in
214 HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
Pottersville, aud preaclied up to the last Sabbath but one
before his death which occurred in Roxbury, N.H., Dec. 27,
1849, at the age of seventj'-two jears.
Rev. Cyrus Stoj^e, son of Shubael and Polly (Rogers)
Stone, was born in Marlborough, June 9, 1793. He became
a professing Christian at nineteen years of age, and re-
mained a farmer up to the age of twenty-four years. His
attention being then. turned to the condition of the pagan
world, he determined, after mature deliberation, to devote
himself to the preaching of the gospel among the heathen.
He spent a year and a half at the Kimball Union
Academy, Meriden, after which he entered Dartmouth in
1818, graduating in the class of 1822.
Possessed of little means and receiving but slight help
from others, he mainly supported himself, both in his pre-
paratory and through his collegiate course, by hi§ own exer-
tions ; laboring on the farm in summer, and in winter
teaching in Fitzwilliam, Westminster, Vt., and other places.
His influence in college and in places of temporary labor
was decidedly felt as a Christian worker. After graduating
at Dartmouth, he at once entered "Andover Theological
Seminary," graduating thence in the class of 1825.
It being deemed by the American Board desirable that
their male missionaries to India at that time should be
possessed of some medical knowledge, he spent the autumn
of the same year at Hanover, N.H., in attendance on
medical lectures. Early in 1826, he continued his medical
studies at the Harvard Medical School, spending the year
in their prosecution as well as in the performance of a large
amount of religious work in Boston and vicinity. During
this year, he was united in marriage to Miss Atossa Frost,
daughter of Col. Joseph and Zilpha (Roberts) Frost of his
native town, and with her sailed from Boston for Bombay
in the ship " Emerald " — Capt. Heard — on the 7th of May,
1827, arriving safely in India in September of the same year.
The children of this marriage were two, Elizabeth W. and
Atossa F., who, after the death of Mrs. Stone, were sent
PKOMTNENT INDIVIDITALS. 215
to America at a very tender age to be educated ; their
father remaining to prosecute his work.
In the year 1834, he married Miss Abigail W. Kimball,
of Waterford, Maine, who had gone to India, a single lady,
to teach in the girls' school, under the auspices of the
American Board.
The children by this union were five, two of whom, Mary
Sabine and James Farrar, were born in India, and are still
living ; and three, after their return to this country, of whom
only Rev. Cyrus Stone of Minnesota survives. * Of the
children by the first marriage, the elder, Elizabeth, died
before her father's return ; while t^e younger is still living.
In 1841, after fourteen years' service, he was compelled by
the state of his own as well as his wife's health to return to
America. He preached for varying times in Bingham,
Maine, Harwich, Saugus, and East Bridgwater, Mass.,
and then located for several years in Melrose, Mass., seven
miles from Boston, and engaged in the publication of the
"Mother's Assistant" and "Happy Home," monthly maga-
zines of a religious character, and books of a similar kind
for families.
His final work, however, was in the ministr}-. He was
instrumental in founding and providing with a permanent
house a church in Beechwood, a portion of Cohasset, Mass. ;
and he was called to be the pastor of the flock he had
gathered.
Here he died, on the 19th of July, 1867, of a chronic
affection of the liver, aggravated, if not caused, by his
residence in India.
Rev. Osgood Herrick,! son of Ebenezer and Lydia
(Eaton) Herrick, was born in Marlborough, Nov. 19, 1799.
He worked upon his father's farm until the age of fifteen,
when he was placed in a store in Keene, where he remained
until he was twentj'-one, giving entire satisfaction to his
employers.
*He was killed by lightning since the above wa^ written.
tThis notice is taken mainly from a sketch of his life published, soon after his
death, in the " Boston liecorder " of April 28, 1837.
216 HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
In the year 1818, at a time of great religious declension,
Mr. Herrick and two others became the subjects of renew-
ing influences of the Holy Spirit, and in the month of July
of the same year united with the Congregational Church of
Keene, under the pastoral care of Rev. Z. S. Bastow.
Soon after, he felt an ardent desire to become more
extensively useful than he could in the business in which
he was engaged. Accordingly, he resolved, as soon as
circumstances would allow, to prepare himself for the
ministry. In the spring of 1821, he commenced the study
of Latin, and in the fall of 1822 was admitted a member of
Dartmouth College. As* he allowed himself but little time
for preparation, he entered college under many disadvan-
tages, and consequently severe study became necessary
during his first collegiate year. It was during this year
that his constitution was impaired and the foundation
of that disease laid which resulted in his death.
In the autumn of 1826, he graduated at Dartmouth
College, being regarded as one of the most distinguished of
his class. The following year he was engaged in teaching
in the State of Virginia. In 1827, he became a member of
Andover Theological Seminary, where he remained the
usual term of three years.
On leaving the seminary, he received a unanimous call
to become the pastor of the Congregational Church in
Milbury, and on the 9th of December, 1830, was ordained
and installed over that church and society.
Ten days subsequent, he was united in marriage to Miss
Emily Wilder of Keene.
Mr. Herrick was a self-made man. By his own persever-
ance, he overcame dijfficulties from which most young men
would have shrunk. By his industry and economy, he
defrayed nearly the whole expense of his education. Dili-
gence and perseverance were among the distinguishing traits
in his character. He was never idle. He felt the work of
the ministry was too important to admit of indolence, and
he felt too great an interest in the salvation of men and
the honor of his Divine Master to be discouraged by any
difliculties that were surmountable.
PEOMINENT INDIVIDUALS. 217
Mr. Herrick's talents were more useful than splendid.
He excelled rather in clearness of mind than brilliancy of
imagination. His views were seldom contused or his
conceptions feeble on any subject to which he directed his
attention. He was a man of sound practicable wisdom. He
formed his opinions on subjects, after taking a comprehen-
sive view of their various bearings, and generally with such
precision as not to have occasion to change. He was also
a man of firmness of purpose, — did not form any plan of
action without careful examination and a conviction of
duty ; but, when his conclusions were formed, he was not
wavering, and only on the presentation of weighty reasons
did he desire to change. Cautious to resolve, convinced he
was right, he firmly and with all the energies of his soul
executed his resolutions.
His mind was well balanced ; and his faculties were not
only well proportioned, but cultivated in due symmetry.
As a preacher of divine truth, Mr. Herrick was clear,
instructive, energetic, and expressive. He never aimed, in
the solemn work of preaching the gospel, merely to amuse
the fancy or gratify a fastidious taste, but to enlighten the
mind, arouse the conscience, affect the heart, and save the
soul. His manner of delivery was earnest and impressive ;
his eloquence was that of clear thought, sound argument,
and ardent feeling. As a pastor, he was devoted and labo-
rious, ever ready to counsel the afflicted, to instruct the
inquirer, to encourage and edify the saints ; as a friend,
frank, affectionate, and obliging.
In June, 1835, at a Snnday-school convention, immedi-
ately after addressing the assembly, he was attacked with a
slight hemorrhage of the lungs. A few days after, he had
another severe attack, and from that time began gradually
to sink. He was, however, able to discharge the duties of a
pastor until the last Sabbath in December, 1836, when he
preached his farewell sermon. It was a solemn occasion.
He felt, and gave his hearers to understand, that he was
preaching his last discourse.
At no time during his sickness was he desponding or
218 HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
gloomy, but always cheerful and happy. He spoke of death
as "going home." "To me," he said, "there is nothing
gloomy or terrible in death." He manifested the most entire
patience and submission. During the whole of his protracted
sickness, not a word of complaint escaped his lips. He
often said : " I am an astonishment to myself. I did not
suppose it possible that I could endure all the pain and
languor I have, without a single impatient feeling. But
such is the fact. I can truly say that I have not felt even
the rising of a single impatient feeling." His countenance
was always lighted up with a smile, and, though he shed
tears, they were always tears of joy and gratitude. He died
at Milbury, Mass., March 16, 1837.
Rev. Luther Wiswall was born in Marlborough, Jan.
9, 1801. He was the son of Maj. John and Mary (Tayntor)
Wiswall. He early developed a thirst for knowledge, but
had only limited educational privileges, having simply the
advantages of common schools till he was seventeen years
of age, when he began to teach winter schools, and con-
tinued to do so for fifteen years. In the mean time, he
attended two terms at an academy, and pursued his studies
at home as he had opportunity. In 1829, he purchased a
small farm, and in 1830 married Miss Sophronia Kendall
of Athol, Mass. Six children were born to them, of whom
only two survive, a son and daughter.
In 1822, Mv. Wiswall united with the Congregational
Church, then under the pastoral care of the Rev. Halloway
Fish. He was soon brought into active service in the
church, and for several years superintended the Sabbath-
school. In studying the Scriptures to qualify himself for
the duties of his office, he became interested in study for
its own sake, and the thought often arose that he would
like to preach the gospel. This thought was not easily
repressed. His activity in the church led, much to his
surprise, to his election as deacon.
The church in Marlborough was at that time weak, and
much disturbed by the coming in of those who preached
PROMINENT INDIVIDUALS. 219
another gospel. Others claimed the right to occupy their
house of worship a part of the time. A small Unitarian
Church was organized, and the Congregational Church was
unable to procure preaching that was acceptable. But, after
a struggle of more than ten years, they built a small house
of worship, and have since seen better days. Mr. Wiswall
did much, in those days of trial, to encourage and strengthen
the despised band of believers, often bearing a large part
of the burden of sustaining public worship. In 1834, while
tliis hou.se was building, he sold his farm and stock, and
removed East, and entered the seminary at Bangor. His
mind had been turned to the ministry by witnessing the
great difficulty of small churches in obtaining ministers,
hoping to qualify himself to meet the wants of some needy
liock of God.
Mr. Wiswall was graduated at Bangor, Me., in 1836, and
was settled as pastor of the church in Brooks and Jackson
the following year. Here he labored till 1854, when he
removed to Windham, Me., where he has since labored.
Though late in entering the ministry, he has preached the
gospel more than forty years. Nor has he preached in
vain. Several seasons of refreshing were enjoyed by the
church in Brooks and Jackson, and large additions made
to the church. In Windham also, his labors have been
blessed of God. He has uncommon skill in building a
church on strong foundations, rooted and grounded in the
great truths of the gospel. His own mind clearly appre-
hends the foundation doctrines of the Christian system;
and he has the power of so presenting them as to convince
others of their truth.
Mr. Wiswall's intellectual structure is of a marked
character. He has great mental acuteness, is profoundly
logical and of sound judgment. He is therefore eminently
fitted to grapple with sceptical minds, and either convince
or confound them. A young man of sceptical proclivities
at one time boarded in his family, not at all apprehensive
that his confidence in the arguments on which he rested
Avould be shaken. He was well assured of his ability to
220 HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
defend liis position. Not many months of free intercourse
with his pastor had passed, before his confidence in infidel
sentiments gradually subsided ; and it was not long before
he gave in his adhesion to the truth and claims of the
gospel, and yielded himself as a friend and follower of the
Lord Jesus Christ. This young man subsequently, with
great honor to himself and benefit to the public, occupied
for years a seat on the bench of the Supreme Court of his
native State ; and for several years he " used the office of
a deacon well " in a prominent church. His death was a
public loss.
At another time, two young men of public education
came under his ministry. They belonged to the liberal
school of theology. Their course for a while gave rise to
the apprehension that they hoped to liberalize the church,
and supplant good, old-fashioned orthodoxy. For a season
affairs wore a threatening aspect. But the pastor was not
caught napping. By a course of reasoning upon the ques-
tions involved, and the wise use of Scripture, the sound-
ness of the church remained intact, and the young men
found it convenient to seek other places of residence.
Mr. Wiswall is a sound theologian, and an able defender
of the "faith once delivered to the saints." Nor does he
belong to that class of preachers who think it unprofitable
to preach the doctrines, the great vital truths, of the
gospel, — who seem to think they are effete, worn out, and
not fitted to this enlightened age. Men of this day are too
wise to embrace them, too free and liberal to yield to their
authority. But not so with Mr. Wiswall. He regards
them as the teachings of infinite wisdom, fitted to the
spiritual wants of men of all ages, countries, and climes, and
as the power of God unto salvation to all who cordially
receive them. Hence he preaches them clearly and con-
scientiously, as of vital benefit to his hearers. In his hand,
they are not stale and commonplace, but racy, and instinct
with life and energy.
Socially, Mr. Wiswall is one of the most genial and
companionable of men. A quiet wit, guided by strong
PEOMINENT INDIVIDUALS. 221
common-sense, adds much to the pleasure of social inter-
course with him. One needs to know him well to appre-
ciate him. He is a brother beloved in the churches of
Maine, having the confidence and respect of all who know
him, ministers and churches.
Rev. Philander Wallingford,* son of Ebenezer B.
and Mary Wallingford, was born in Marlborough, N.H.,
June 6, 1812. His childhood was passed like that of other
children, blessed, however, with the care of Christian
parents, whose counsels and discipline laid the foundation
of his future manhood. One incident, however, occurred at
school, when he was five years old, that gave pleasure to his
mother, and is worthy of notice, as it was the first sermon
he ever preached.
It was the custom at intermission for the boys in that
school to go down to Deacon Guild's to drink water out of
" The old oaken bucket that hung in the well " ;
and one day, while they were thus engaged, one of the little
boys swore that it was his turn to drink next. Whereupon
little Philander told him it was wicked to swear, and
that God would be displeased with him. When the school
assembled in the afternoon, the teacher came to him, and
presented him with a beautiful little book, upon the fly-leaf
of which was written : —
Presented to Philander Wallingford for reproving one of his school-
mates for using bad language at intermission.
(Signed) WILLIAM GUILD.
When he went home, his mother pressed him to her bosom,
told him he was a good boy, and that the book was a reward
of merit. From that moment he regarded that book of all
others the best. Never did he prize one more highly, — not
even the Book of books, which, more than twenty years
subsequent, the bishop delivered to him, saying, "Take thou
authority to read the Holy Scriptures in the church of God,
* This sketch is by Rev. A. K. Howard, formerly pastor of the Methodist Epis-
copal Church.
222 HISTORY OF MABLBOROUGH.
and to preach the same." Indeed, it was a primer con-
taining Scripture lessons adapted to the capacity of little
children, ^\ ith pictures to illustrate the same.
In 1827, his parents removed to Claremont. He remained
at home until he was twenty-one, laboring with and for his
father, thus forming habits of industry and economy, which
have been of great service to him through life. He early
saw that character was formed by the society in which men
move. He therefore chose his companions from the virt-
uous and upright, shunning the vicious and evil. Thus,
through good associations, as he reached his manhood, he
was cultured in wisdom and integrity, and was respected
by all.
Accustomed to attend public worship with his parents
and to join with them in their hymns of praise (leading
for some time the choir), he could but see and feel the
necessity of " the one thing needful," yet this one thing he
lacked.
A change, however, was soon to come over his life. In
the summer of 1831, he became more thoughtful, and con-
versed freely with an intimate friend upon his need of
a Saviour. About this time, he decided to attend the select
school of Rev. A. Buck, at Chelsea, Vt.
It was a time of religious revival; and the scholars, as
well as the citizens, were sharers in its fruits. The favor-
able time had come. The matter was well considered, and
his conclusion was to give his heart to Christ and his life to
the service of God. He immediately informed his parents
of the happy change, and, when he returned to his friends,
he united with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and has
continued a loyal member.
Having reached his majority, he resolved to improve his
education, to fit himself better for some useful calling. His
father gave him about one hundred and fifty dollars. This,
with what he could add by teaching singing-schools, and
other acts of industry, he expended at New Market Acad-
emy. When his funds were gone, he asked himself. What
shall I do? There was a sensible impression of a call to
PBOMINENT INDIVIDUALS. 223
the ministry, seconded by the voice of the Church. Ijiit, in
view of the responsibilities of the ministry and his inability
further to prosecute his studies, he turned aside to useful
and honorable business, which he pursued with fair success.
Jan. 1, 1838, he married Miss Caroline M. Treadwell, of
New Market, N.H., a lady well qualified to share with him
the responsibilities of his after life. She has been the light
of his home, and her companionship he still enjoys.
Mr. Wallingford was not long to continue in his secular
business. God had a higher and better work for him to do,
and he very signally and unmistakably called him to it.
In a protracted conversation with a clergyman who was
deeply solicitous that he should enter the ministry, and
who had come a long distance to converse with him on the
subject, and who pressed with great earnestness his en-
treaties, a pledge was given that, if Providence opened
a door that gave unmistakable evidence that it was of God,
he would no longer resist.
Very soon after this conversation, he went to Framing-
ham, Mass., to visit a sister, one hundred miles distant.
There, on the street, he met Rev. Phinehas Crandall, a
Presiding Elder in the New England Conference. They
were entire strangers. After paying to each other common
civilities, Mr. Crandall. asked him if he was a preacher.
He answered no. "Have you not had drawings and call-
ings in that direction ? " This question was not directly
answered. Following up the subject, Mr. Crandall said:
" I think it is a Providence that has brought us together.
I have a vacancy in my district, and I want you to fill it."
Every objection named on account of inefficiency was laid
aside by Mr. Crandall who still urged him to comply with
his request ; and, in view of the pledge he had so recently
made, he yielded to his importunities, and consented to go.
It was therefore arranged that at a given time he was to go
to Brookfield, Mass., as preacher in charge of that appoint-
ment, not having at that time a license to preach.
At the time appointed, he proceeded thither, and was
received with great cordiality, the people not dreaming that
224 HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
their preacher was a layman till the expiration of about
three months, when the}-- were informed by their pastor
that the quarterh^ meeting was approaching, and, if he
remained with them in his present capacity, it would be
necessary for him to have a license to preach, and that it
must, according to the laws of the Church, come from them.
At said quarterly meeting, he was licensed, and his license
signed by Phinehas Crandall, P. E., dated Brookfield, Mass.,
Sept. 20, 1842. In 1843, he joined the New England Con-
ference. In 1845, he was ordained Deacon by Bishop E. S.
Jones, and was subsequently ordained Elder by Bishop
F. A. Morris. All this speaks well of his abilit}^ as a
preacher, and progress in his theological studies.
He preached in the following places in Massachusetts:
Brookfield, Natick, Barre, South Barre, Winchendou, North
Brookfield, Shelburne Falls, and Hoh^oke.
On account of the feebleness of his wife, and a bronchial
affection, which for the time impaired his efficiency as a
speaker, in 1856 he returned and located at Claremont.
He could not, however, be allowed long to remain unem-
ployed. Many doors were opened for him to preach in his
located capacity. He was called to supply in New Hamp-
shire the following places: Hochester, Rye, South New
Market, Walpole, Cornish, and Goshen; and, in Vermont,
North Hartland and Weathersfield Bow. The church he
served at the latter place was Congregationalist, where he
preached more than two 3'ears.
The following rej^ort of the Windsor Association of Con-
gregational Ministers, before whom he was examined while
holding his pastorate there, Avill show how he was regarded
by that fraternity : —
Report of the Windsor Association upon the case of Rev. P. Wallingford,
acting pastor at Weathersfield Bow :
I. We found him a regularly ordained Elder in the Methodist
Episcopal Church.
II. A clear and full statement of his religious experience leaves no
doubt 0X1 our minds that he is a converted man.
III. The statement of his views in entering the ministry makes the
impression that he was actuated by an earnest desire for the salvation
T'liOINHNENT INDIVIDUALS. 225
of souls ; and nothing in liis uiinistiy here leads us to tliiuk any other
motive actuates him now.
IV.' In a i^rotracted examination of him as to his doctrinal views, he
seems to us thoroughly sound, and in entire agreement with us on every
point except election and perseverance.
V. In respect to worship and ordinances, he declares not oidy his
purpose, but his choice, to conform to the usages of this church, so long-
as he shall minister to it.
VI. As to his proposed labor, he is to do all the church asks ; namely,
to preach one sermon each Sabbath, superintend the Sabbath school, and
visit as if resident here.
VII. The Association find a very good degree of union and harmony
in the church, and no opposition personally to Mr. Wallingford.
VIII. As to the question of applying funds for the support of any
but a Congregational minister here, would say, were it to be done in any
instance, we cannot conceive of a case in which, so far as any thing-
appears, it could be safer than in this case.
Signed by vote of the Association,
S. II. COBB, President.
N. Bishop, Clerk.
Thus it will appear that lie labored with acceptance, not
only with his own denomination, bnt with others, showing
that he possessed a trne catholic spirit.
His sermons Avere carefully prepared, and impressively
delivered ; and, in all the churches he served, he strove to
do the work of a preacher and pastor.
Especially was he efficient in aiding churches to build
church-edifices and parsonages. His skill as a draughts-
man enabled him to plan wisely, and his habits of economy
led him to appropriate funds judiciously.
He has been an .earnest worker in the temperance cause,
seeking in this and in every other way the best good of
society.
In the location and establishment of the Claremont Junc-
tion Camp Meeting, he has been one of the leaders. The
grounds have been laid out under his special direction, and
whatever is beautiful and convenient in that regard is due
to him; The Association has made him its treasurer, and
he carefully looks after its interests.
What he accumulated before entering the ministry he
safely invested, the proceeds of which afford him now a
competency.
226 HISTORY OF MAUL Bono UGH.
He has made for his wife and himself a pleasant home
on Central Street, Claremont, N.H., near the church of his
choice. Thus, after his wanderings as an itinerant, he can
now sing : —
•• At home again from toil and strife,
Home made for wife and me ;
Where, in the evening of our life,
We may in quiet be."
Rev. William C. Whitcomb, son of Deacon Simeon
and Sally (Lincoln) Whitcomb, was born in Marlborough,
Feb. 9, 1820. He was in childhood singularly dutiful to
his parents, never requiring discipline to enforce their com-
mands ; and in mature years was ever anxious, according
to his means, to promote their welfare. He received from
them a religious training, and in 1837 united with the Con-
gregational Church in this town.
He pursued his literary and classical course at the Acade-
mies in Jaffrey, Troy, and Ashby. He earned his money to
attend them by teaching, always living in the most econom-
ical way.
He studied theology at Gilmanton Theological Seminary,
completing his course in 1847, at which time he was
licensed to preach. He received several calls to settle in
New Hampshire, but declined, as he wished to obtain
further help for his work by attending the lectures of Prof.
Park, in Andover Theological Seminary. He remained at
Andover two years as a Licentiate student.
May 1, 1851, he was ordained pastor of the church in
Stoneliam, Mass. May 1, 1852, he was married to Miss
Harriet L. Wheeler, of Concord, Mass. In August, 1855, he
was dismissed from the church in Stoneham, after which he
labored with the churches in Globe Village (Southbridge),
in North Carver, and in Lynnfield Centre, all in Massachu-
setts.
He received a commission as Chaplain of the United
States Hospital at Newborn, N.C., which bears the signa-
tures of Abraham Lincoln and Edward M. Stanton, dated
July 5, 1862, which he held to the thuc of his dcrtth. His
triOMINENT INDIVIDUALS. 227
labors in Newbern, Portsmouth, and Morehead City, N.C.,
were very abundant and interesting, and continued two and
one-fourth years.
In the summer of 1864, he came home on a furlough of
some length. In September, he returned to meet the sad
effects of the yellow fever, brought treacherously by the
enemy to our soldiers. Soon after his return, he was
attacked with malarial fever, and, before he had fully re-
covered, was taken with acute bronchitis, from the effects
of which he died at the hospital in Morehead City, Octr 29,
1864.
Mr. Whitcomb's character was strongly marked, and he
possessed many excellences. He had an untiring activity,
always doing with his might what his hands found to do.
He was in a remarkable degree frank and outspoken, being
incapable of disguise and knowing little of concealment.
But for nothing was he more distinguished than for a warm,
loving heart. He set a value on friends, and was true in
his friendships. That he had a devoted attachment to his
family is seen in the fact that, when absent on his chap-
laincy, his general practice was to write to them daily. He
was a decided Congregationalist, but loved all Christ's dis-
ciples of every name ; union among Christians being a
favorite theme. He cherished an affectionate remembrance
of his native town, in evidence of which may be mentioned
the gift of a bell for the school-house in the village a short
time before his death. He loved the slave and the colored
race, and from an early age was ever ready, according to his
ability, to aid the cause of emancipation.
From the outbreak of the slaveholders' rebellion, he took
a lively interest in the struggle ; an& that he was able with
so much cheerfulness to separate himself from a family he
loved so well may be taken as evidence of true patriotism.
Mr. Whitcomb had qualities of mind and heart which
could not fail to render him popular and useful as a pastor.
Much good, we are assured, was accomplished by his labors
in connection with the churches to which he ministered.
But his active temperament and habits, his self-forgetfulness
228 HISTORY OF MAULBOEOUGH.
in liis zeal to do good, his sympatl\y with the suffering, his
cheerfuhiess, and readiness with thoughts and words for
every occasion, seemed to fit him especially for the labors to
which he was devoted, as hospital chaplain; and much
Avas he loved by those who were the oljjects of his benefi-
cent labors.
Mr. Whitcomb was a pleasant newspaper correspondent.'
As an author, he published two volumes of original and
selected matter in prose and poetry to comfort the bereaved.
Although he fell in his prime, still he has left a full and
useful life.
Edwin Davis, son of Jonah and Sarah (Wilkinson)
Davis, was born May 8, 1821, under favorable circum-
stances. His ancestry reaches back to the first settlers of
New England. His father was a man of mental strength,
good judgment, and emulous to do good as he had oppor-
tunity. His mother was a woman of remarkable good com-
mon-sense and generous feeling. They were both extremely
desirous to make the most possible of their only child. So
Edwin was fortunately cared for in his early childhood, and
at a suitable age was sent to the district school. Being
of a genial disposition and full of fun, he was \ery much
of a favorite among his school-mates. He always stood
well in his classes. Having mastered to some extent the
common branches, he left home at the age of fourteen, to
attend Melville Academy in Jaffrey. Now, for several
years, he spent most of his time in academies, pursuing
the sciences, mathematics, English and classical literature.
At the age of seventeen, he taught his first school, in
Swanzey, N.H. Though a mere boy, he proved himself
able to instruct and govern young men and women who
were his seniors. For a number of successive winters, he
tauglit with commendable success. In the winter of 1840,
while teaching in Guilford, Vt., he formed an acquaintance
with Miss Nancy S. Chase, whom he married July 2, 1845.
Previous to this, he became acquainted with Rev. W. N.
Barber who was preaching in that town. Up to this time,
PROMINENT INDIVIDUALS. 229
he had not fully decided what he would do for a life-work.
He had thought of studying theology or medicine. But, as
he associated with Mr. Barber, his decision was made in
favor of divinity, much to the gratification of his parents,
and especially his father who thoroughly believed and prac-
tised Universalism. After he closed this school, he remained
in Guilford, studying for some time theological works under
the tuition of Mr. Barber. Here he wrote his first sermons
and certain articles for publication. In the last part of 1842,
he went to Westmoreland, N.H., to continue his studies
under the direction of Rev. C. Woodhouse. He had here
a 23ortion of the time, as a companion in his theological
studies. Rev. Josiah Marvin. The aid received from Mr.
Barber and JNIr. Woodhouse has effectually told on his min-
istry. In his case, at least, it would seem that the adage has
proved true, — " As is the teacher, so is the taught." In the
year of his majority, he preached his first sermon at Vernon,
Vt. While pursuing his studies, he continued to preach
occasionally. At this time, he was slim and tall, with quite
a youthful-looking face ; and so often, when he would rise iri
the pulpit among strangers to preach, there would be silent
questionings on the part of the older portion of the audience
whether that stripling would be able to preach much, but
they would usually become satisfied before he had advanced
far, that he was equal to the emergency.
He was ordained to the work of the gospel ministry at
the annual session of the New Hampshire Convention of
Universalists at Winchester, June 19, 1815. His first stated
engagement to preach was in his native tow^n, wliere his
labors were crowned with success. In 1815, he removed
to Richmond, N.H., where he remained some five years,
living in sight of the birthplace of Hosea Ballon, and
preaching in the meeting-house in which that gifted one had
proclaimed the gospel of glad tidings. In 1850, he changed
his location to Hinsdale, N.H., taking charge of the Univer-
salist society there, and preaching some part of the time iji
West Brattleboro' and Vernon, Vt., in Northfield, Mass.,
and West Swanzey, N.H. Duriiig his settlement here, he
230 HISTORY OF MARLBOEOTTGH.
tiiuglit several select schools and devoted considerable time
to overseeing the public schools. On account of the death
of his father, which occurred on the 24th of March, 1856,
he went to ^larlborough that same year to reside, for the
purpose of aiding his bereaved mother and settling his
father's estate. . By earnest solicitation, he made engage-
ment Avith the society there for the second time to supply
them with preaching for the year.
In the spring of 1857, he settled in Paper-]Mill-Yillage,
Alstead, N.H., where he remained four years, having a very
successful ministry, still proving himself a most devoted
friend to the cause of education.
In 1861, he had a call to settle in Methuen, j\Iass., which
he accepted. He had already spent some twent}^ years in
the ministry, living all the while in his native county. In
this new field of labor, he made many warm friends and
served well the society as a faithful, religious teacher.
After laboring three years in Methuen, he located in West
Acton, Mass., where he organized two societies, one in West
and the other in South Acton. He faithfullj^ ministered to
these societies for seven years, being instrumental in having
a good church edifice built in the West Village, and prepar-
ing the way for another to be built in the South Village.
During the centenary year of Universalism in America,
he was employed by the New Hampshire State Convention
to take the lead in raising her quota of money for the
Murray fund. In this enterprise, he accomplished all that
could rightfully be expected. In December of 1870, he
accepted a call, and settled in Canton, Mass., where he
has continued for nearly nine years. During this charge,
he has been employed a portion of two years by the ]\Iassa-
chusetts Universalist Convention as financial agent of that
body to raise money, and has been successful in securing
more than ten thousand dollars. Few men are better
adapted to solicit money for a good cause than Mr. Davis.
The people feel at once, as he makes an appeal, that he is
strictly honest and believes heartily in his cause.
As a writer, Mr. Davis's style is direct, smooth, and some-
niOMINENT INDIVIDUALS. 231
what florid. His sermons are quite methodical, and so
illustrated as to render them plain and interesting. His
published articles have been full of good thought, clearly
and tastefully expressed.
He seldom speaks publicly without special preparation,
and so he speaks because he has something to say. In
manner, he is affable without the least ostentation or affec-
tation. His voice is expressive of a good head and heart.
As a reformer, his trumpet has given no uncertain sound.
He has always been a bold advocate of freedom and tem-
perance.
Mr. Davis is very much devoted to his family, consisting
of a wife, a daughter, and two sons, one of whom, graduated
in 1878 from the Medical School of Boston University, is
now a practising physician in Milton, Mass., and the other
is in the Senior Class of Tufts College.
Mr. Davis never repels, but draws others toward him, so
he is a welcome servant of the Lord at the bridal altar, in
the sick-room, or in the place of deepest sorrow.
The subject of this biography is now doing his best work.
Though his hair bears the mark of fifty-five winters, still he
is well preserved and vigorous. His countenance is fresh,
and his eye as dark and vivacious as ever. Marlborough
is the better for his being one of her native sons, and the
world is better because he is living in it.
SuLLrv^AN H. McCoLLESTER, D.D.,* ouc of the most dis-
tinguished of the citizens, was born in Marlborough, Dec.
18, 1826, and has been on the stage of active life for a little
more than half a century. He is the son of Silas and
Achsali (Holman) McCollester. He is of Scotch descent,
his ancestors having come from Scotland. His youth was
spent like that of many New England boys, working on a
farm and at some mechanical employment. During the
winter, he was accustomed to attend the village school.
Here he had good privileges; for Marlborough has ever
* Sketch by Rev. Jolm S. Lee, D.D., of St. Lawrence TIniversitv, Canton, N,Y.
232 HISTORY OF MAllLBOROUGH.
been noted for her good schools. In his fifteenth year, he
first attended a select school and afterwards several of the
educational institutions near his home: Mt. Csesar Seminary
in Swanzey, Dublin Select School, Winchendon (Mass.)
Academy, Jaffrey Academy, and Melrose Seminary, Brat-
tleboro', Vt., where he gained a thorough knowledge of the
ordinary English branches, the higher mathematics, the
Greek and the Latin languages, and thus was fitted for col-
lege. I first met him at Mt. Caesar Seminary, in the fall
term of 1846. He afterwards attended Melrose Seminary
when I had charge of it. I remember him as a mild, pleas-
ant, genial, and social companion and scholar; eager for
knowledge and interested in all that concerned the school.
He was a general favorite among the students. He exerted
a good influence in the school, and by his kindness and
sympathy, aided the teachers in their arduous and trying-
labors.
When eighteen years old, he commenced teaching, first
engaging in a school at Richmond, and receiving for his
_ services only nine dollars a month. In Walpole, he taught
four successive terms, which shows that his services were
received with favor. He entered Norwich (Vt.) Univer-
sity in the winter of 1848, and graduated in the summer
of 1851, having finished the full classical course. Leaving
college with the reputation of a fine scholar, he entered
Cambridge Divinity School, and studied there two years
with the intention of entering the Christian ministry, when
he took charge of Walpole Academy. In the mean time lie
was married, Nov. 23, 1852, at Dummerston, Vt., to Miss
Sophia F. Knight, whom he first met in Melrose Seminary.
His wife, a ripe scholar and a successful teacher, aided him
in his school. As a woman adorned with genial, social
(qualities, quick sympathies, and all the graces of the spirit,
she has been a most excellent helpmeet to her husband
amid the labors and trials of their married life.
In 1853, he took charge of Mt. Caesar Seminary, where
for nearly five years he labored almost incessantly, doing
double duty teac;hing and ])reacliing. He is held in grate-
PROMINENT INDIVIDUALS. 233
ful remembrance here for his efforts in behalf of educa-
tion, morality, and religion. From Swanzey, he removed to
Westmoreland, and took charge of the Universalist Society
there, and the one also in West Chesterfield. He taught a
select school a portion of the time. He was soon elected to
the responsible office of School Commissioner for Cheshire
County, which he held till 1859. At the meeting of the
State Board of Commissioners, he was appointed president.
In winter, he visited schools and lectured on education. In
spring, he held Teachers' Institutes, and thus made his influ-
ence felt extensively among the teachers and the people.
From Westmoreland, he was called to take charge of
Westbrook Seminary near Portland in Maine, commencing
his labors there in April, 1861. He remained there nearly
eight years, and raised the institution into a flourishing
condition. His first term of thirty scholars, he was accus-
tomed to say, was the hardest he ever taught. He sought
to put the school upon a firm basis of discipline and
systematic study ; and he finally succeeded in infusing a
healthy, moral, and intellectual tone among the students,
and awakening a noble ambition in their hearts. The
school became very popular, sometimes numbering from one
hundred and seventy-five to two hundred and forty mem-
bers. In 1864, he obtained from the State Legislature a
charter for a woman's college, the first of the kind belonging
to the denomination in New England. From this college,
he graduated annually a class of young women who, by their
scholarship and moral influence, gave tone and vigor to the
society in which they moved. The seminary was noted for
the cultivation of the social powers of the students. A
common interest united teachers and pupils.
In the ■ summer of 1866, in company with liis wife, he
visited Europe, and remained there till the spring of 1867.
In their travels, they visited Ireland, Scotland, England,
Belgium, France, Germany, Switzerland, and Italy. He
was delighted with the varied and sublime scenery of the
Alps, and spent several weeks there, breathing the pure air
of the mountains in the warm weather, and dwelling on the
234 HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
shores of the Swiss and Italian lakes during the winter.
He stopped a long time also in London, Paris, and Rome,
and studied their history, antiquities, and social institu-
tions, and the topography of the surrounding country. He
wrote full, frequent, and interesting letters for the Portland
Transcript^ the Gospel Banner^ and other papers, which
were read with eager interest not only by his friends, but
also by many who had never before heard his name.
In the spring of 1867, he returned to his school with fresh
energy, and his mind invigorated and expanded by what he
had observed and studied. He remained in the seminary
till July, 1868, when, in company with the writer, taking
one of the Montreal and Liverpool steamers at Quebec, and
passing around the north of Ireland, he made his second tour
of Europe, revisiting the countries which he on his former
tour visited, and extending his travels to Egypt, Palestine,
Turkey, and Greece. It was a memorable journey, espe-
cially the month passed in the Hoi}'' Land ; and it produced
a vivid and lasting impression upon his mind. We went up
the Nile, ascended the Pyramids, landed at Jaffa, and spent
nearly two weeks in and around Jerusalem, stood before the
tombs of the patriarchs, bathed in the Jordan, walked along
the shores of the Sea of Galilee, supped and slept in the
birthplace and the home of the youthful Jesus, for two days
rode along the sandy shores of the Mediterranean, stopping
over night in the old, dilapidated cities of Tyre and Sidon.
He rode over the Leban mountains, visiting Baalbec and
the Cedars of Lebanon. Then we took steamer at Beyrout,
and passed among the Greek and Turkish Isles of the
Archipelago, spent a Sunday at Smyrna, and thence, along-
side the plain of old Troy, through the Dardanelles to
Constantinople ; thence to Athens, whence we made excur-
sions to Pentelicus and other ports of Greece, to Corinth,
Corfu, and Brindisi in Italy. He visited many of the cities
where he stopped on his first tour, but spent less time in
those, as his chief object was to pass through " the lands of
the Bible." The journey was fruitful in results, and his
social and professional life was greatly enriched by the
offerings he gathered.
PROMINENT INDIVIDUALS. 235
On his return in February, 1869, he lectured extensively
and his lectures were received everywhere with marked
favor. He also wrote letters for some half a dozen papers,
descriptive of the lands he visited; and these were read
more eagerly even than were those of his first journey.
He remained in the school at Westbrook until the sum-
mer of 1869, when he resigned, and in the fall took pastoral
charge of the Universalist Church in Nashua, N.H. His
pastorate was a success, productive of marked spiritual re-
sults. In the fall of 1872, he removed to Akron, Ohio, and
entered upon the presidency of Buchtel College, a new liter-
ary institution, established chiefly through the labors and
generous benefactions of John R. Buchtel of that city. In
this honorable and responsible position, he has worked for
six years ; and with the aid of the benefactors, the patrons,
and the members of the faculty, he has put the college upon
a firm basis, and given it a name, and made it a power in
the State. In addition to his official duties, he has preached
and lectured in the principal towns and cities of the State,
and thus extended his influence and the influence of the
college, and done much in behalf of education and religion.
In consideration of his merits as a scholar and his high posi-
tion as an educator, St. Lawrence University, in June, 1874,
gave him the honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity.
In their domestic relations. Dr. McCoUester and his wife
have been called to experience much sorrow. Of five chil-
dren born to them, only one remains, Lee, now growing up
to manhood and fitting to become a blessing to his parents
and the world. In his life, Mr. McCollester illustrates the
phases that distinguish the genuine New Englander, —
energy, patience, faith, industry, and perseverance. While
he has not sought honors, he has obtained them. He has
aimed to do good, and by faithfully pursuing his object he
has been eminently successful in life.
,Since the above was written, Mr. McCollester with his
wife and son has spent another year in the old country for
the purpose of making himsetf more familiar with men,
institutions, and places. During his absence, he wrote for
236 HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
several different papers ; and since his return he has had
more calls to lecture on his travels than he could fulfil.
He has a remarkablj'^ happy faculty in enabling others to
see what he saw and feel what he felt.
Jairits B. Collins, M.D., son of Samuel and Lydia
(Matthews) Collins, was born in Marlborough, April 21,
1794. He studied medicine with Dr. Ej)hraim K. Frost of
this town ; and at the completion of his studies, in 1822, he
removed to Londonderry^ Vt., where he was a successful
physician up to the time of his death which occurred Feb.
3, 1851.
Jeremiah Stone, M.D., son of Shubael and Polly
(Rogers) Stone, was born in Marlborough, Nov. 2, 1798.
He graduated at Dartmouth Medical College, December,
1825. He commenced the practice of medicine in Tops-
field, Mass., Jan. 6, 1826, and remained there eleven years.
Finding a countr}^ practice with its long and tiresome rides,
was impairing his health, he removed to New Bedford, and
thence to Frovincetown, Mass., in 1864, where he remained
until his death, with the exception of two years spent in
Chatham.
In town affairs, he ever took an active interest, endeav-
oring to build up the place and render it truly prosperous.
Foremost in all good movements, he cordially espoused the
cause of anti-slavery in its earliest days, when it was unpop-
ular to be an abolitionist. He was an ardent supporter of
temperance, and an earnest worker in the Congregational
Church, of which he had been a member since 1814. He
was an honorary member of the Massachusetts Medical
Society. He was intolerant of quackery in every form,
and strict in his views of professional etiquette. Prompt
in decision, self-reliant in the emergencies of his profession,
he inspired and retained confidence in his skill.
Though often abrupt in his manners, yet beneath was a
warm heart that beat in sympathy with the needy and
oppressed. Earnest in his convictions, decided in his opin-
PROMINENT INDIVIDUALS. 237
ions, and cheerful in his disposition, he carried the elasticity
of youth into the last years of his advanced life. Tall and
erect, of powerful presence, he inspired with hope the sick
who sought his aid.
To a naturally buoyant spirit was added the sustaining
power of a strong and earnest religious faith that made
belief to him a bright and clear reality. He died April
23, 1875.
Timothy L. Lane, M.D., son of John and Mary (Living-
ston) Lane, was born in Marlborough, Sept. 1, 1800. He
studied medicine with Dr. Batcheller. Attended school
first at Groton, Mass., afterwards at Hanover, N.H., where
he graduated in medicine in 1824. He located first at
Sullivan, in 1825; removed to Lunenburg, Vt., in 1832;
remained there until 1834, when he went to Gilsum, N.H.,
where he lived until 1838 ; from thence to Daysville, 111.,
practised medicine there till 1841, then removed to Fillmore,
111., and continued the practice of his profession until his
death, Sept. 1, 1849, being his forty-ninth birthday.
He was married in 1825 to Roxana Harvey who died Jan.
1, 1849, preceding him just eight months, leaving two chil-
dren, a son and daughter, both residing in Fillmore, 111., at
the present time.
John Quincy Adams McCollester, M.D., is the son
of Silas and Achsah (Holman) McCollester. He first saw
light in the easterly part of Marlborough, near the Roxbury
line. May 3, 1831. In March, 1836, the family removed to
the village. From the age of four years to that of ten, he
attended the district school which was usually kept two
terms a year, of eleven weeks each. Intelligent and active
in mind and body, at the age of ten years he commenced to
work in his father's pail manufactory, and soon exhibited
his capability by performing the usual labor of a skilled
artisan. His schooling was now limited to the winter term.
In the autumn of 1846, he attended a select school in his
own village, taught by two brothers. Ransom N. and Royal
238 HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
H. Porter, and subsequently received further instruction in
the schools and academies in Fitzwilliam, Walpole, Saxton's
River, and South Woodstock. He was often associated
with his brother. Rev. Sullivan H. McCollester, as an assist-
ant teacher, and it was under his supervision, mainly, that
he eifected his preparation for college. In the winter of
1848-49, he taught school in the "Fay Hill" district in
Walpole, and enjoyed the New England experience of
"boarding round." The Doctor frequently alludes to this
portion of his life with pleasure. The intelligence, applica-
tion, and interest of the scholars in their school work, he
represents as unequalled in any school with which he has
been acquainted. During the two subsequent winters, he
taught school in the same district. In 1851, he passed an
examination, and was admitted to the class that graduated
in 1853 from the Norwich University at Norwich, Vt. In
1856, he received the degree of A.M. from this institution.
After completing his academical course, he entered the
office of Dr. James Batcheller of his native town as a
student of medicine. He attended one course of medical
lectures at the Dartmouth Medical School, and for five
months in 1855 he was employed as an assistant in the
hospital at Deer Island, Boston Harbor. He went to Phil-
adelphia in October, 1855, attended the course of lectures
delivered at the Jefferson Medical College during the winter
of 1855-56, and received the degree of M.D. from this
institution in March, 1856.
Industrious and apt as a student, he received high mark-
ings in all his studies, but preferred mathematics and the
exact sciences to literary and classical branches. He has
often remarked that the great latitude, uncertainty, and
want of precision in the meaning and use of words in
literature and the classics have rendered them less congenial
to his taste than the study of the sciences.
In May, 1856, he married Miss Sarah E. Hazen of Shirley,
Mass., and during the same month settled in South Deer-
field. During his short stay in this place, he gained the
confidence of the people ; but, concluding that the field was
u^ ^,
PEOMDTENT INDIVIDUALS. 239
too contracted, in November of the same year he moved to
the village of Groton Junction, now known as Ayer. On
the 28th of August, 1857, his daughter Anna was born,
and on the 5th of May, 1858, his happy home was made
desolate by the death of his wife. Aug. 9, 1859, occurred
his marriage to Georgianna L. Hunt, who has borne him
six children, three of whom now survive.
In May, 1862, he volunteered his services as a medical
officer, and was employed as a surgeon in the field and in
hospital, during and subsequent to the disastrous campaign
of McClellan on the Peninsula. In November, 1862, he was
commissioned surgeon of the Fifty-third Regiment Massa-
chusetts Volunteers, and was on duty with the regiment
during its active service in Louisiana.
He was mustered out at the expiration of the term of
service of the regiment, Sept. 2, 1863. As a medical officer,
he gained the confidence of his superiors in rank, and was
regarded as able and efficient.
At the conclusion of his military service, he resumed his
practice at Groton Junction. He was appointed Examining
Surgeon for United States Invalid Pensioners in 1864, which
office he held till 1876, when pressure of professional duties
obliged him to retire from his position.
Dr. McCoUester has never been a political aspirant ;
nevertheless, he has always been alive to all matters of
social interest. He served seven years on the board of
school committee of Groton, and two years in the same
capacity in Harvard, in which town he has resided since
April, 1869. He is a charter member of Caleb Butler
Lodge of A. F. and A. Masons, and is one of its Past
Masters.
As a physician, gifted with senses remarkably acute, deli-
cate of touch, quick and keen in observation, taking in the
physiognomy of disease, reading understandingly books,
men, and things, his judgment, correct and rapid, appears as
if produced by intuition.
Probably the most reliable gauge of a physician's ability
is his reputation with his professional brethren. Many who
240 HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
stand high in public esteem as medical men speak very
highl}'^ of Dr. McCollester's professional abilities ; and were
it not for his attachment to his friends, which has confined
him to a laborious but not very remunerative practice, he
might easily have found a larger field for his talents, better
compensation, less physical and mental wear, and time for
scientific study.
As a man, his social nature is largely developed ; and the
repeated afflictions he has sustained in the death of his
children, have been very heavy blows to him. He is affable
and courteous to all, and treats the indigent sufferer with
the same kind consideration which he extends to the
affluent. He is not wanting in ambition, and desires and
appreciates the good-will and approbation of the public.
Love of money forms no part of his composition, and, were
it not for the large extent of his practice, he would be con-
stantly impecunious.
"I cannot explain anything about it," said a sick old lady
whom he attended. " I certainly thought I should die ; but,
when he came into the room, it was like a flood of sunlight.
I could not feel discouraged, if I wanted to be." To this
power of awakening hope and inspiring courage in the sick
and suffering, Dr. McCoUester owes no small part of his
success.
In his religious views, he is liberal, believing that we
know too little to assert dogmatically that our brother's
views, however different from our own, or however narrow
they may appear, are false. He feels contempt for cant
and also a genuine respect for honest religious conviction
wherever and whenever exhibited.
Daniel B. Woodward, M.D., eldest son of Stilman and
Eunice (Buttrick) Woodward, was born in Marlborough,
N.H., Oct. 1, 1835. He was the eldest of six children, four
sons and two daughters, all of whom but one^ the youngest
son, are married and still living.
Mr. Woodward was early instructed to care for and
cultivate his father's farm, and thereby at an early age
PEOMINENT INDIVIDUALS. 241
was inured to solid physical labor. He was einpliaticall}' a
worker in his bojdiood. His early education was limited to
the brief terms of the district and select schools of his native
town. He early imbibed an energetic inclination to think
and study for himself, being encouraged by his judicious
and strong-minded mother who had had experience in teach-
ing in the district schools of her native towju and vicinit}-.
His youthful mind waxed stronger and stronger while labor-
ing on his father's farm and in the wooden-ware shops near
his liome, till he arrived at his majority, when he spent two
brief terms at Westminster Seminary, Vermont. He was
unpretending, studious, and methodical in his attainments, —
progressive, persevering, hopeful, and bound to succeed.
He commenced his professional studies under the efficient
instructions of Dr. Samuel A. Richardson of Marlborough.
While pursuing his studies, not being unmindful of his duty
when his country called, he enlisted in her service, and
spent three successive years in a cause that lay near to his
heart, his country's freedom.
During this time, he suffered the hardships and privations
incident to the field, the camp, and the hospital; ever effi-
cient, faithful, and true on the field of battle as elsewhere.
He continued his professional studies in the hospitals of
the United States Army, and subsequently entered Harvard
Medical College of Boston, jNIass., where he graduated
JNIarch 8, 1865, and received the degree of M.D., and im-
mediately began the practice of liis profession in Troy,
N.H., in plain view of his old homestead, where he remained
actively and efficiently pursuing the profession of his choice.
The 17th of May, 1865, found the doctor uniting his
interests with the lady of his choice. Miss Ellen A. Burt,
of Plymouth, Vt.
In 1868, Dr. Woodward decided to leave the early held
of his profession, and removed to Ellenburg, Clinton
County, N.Y., where he continues to practise his pro-
fession.
The doctor's earl}'^ temperate habits, invigorating outdoor
exercises, and methodical studiousnoss, Inne developed a
242 HISTORY OP MARLBOROUGH.
sound mind in a strong body, enabling him to perform the
successive duties of each returning day almost unmolested
by sickness or pain. In Dr. Woodward we see that the
child and 3^0 nth was father of the man.
SiTMNER A. Mason, M.D., fifth son of Clark and Almira
(Towns) Mason, was born at the old homestead, May 23,
1888, where, he continued to reside until , twenty-one years
of age, receiving the limited common school education
granted to the residents of the farming districts of Marlbor-
ough. He subsequently became a student of Sullivan H.
McCoUester, in Westmoreland Valley Seminary, until the
breaking out of the Rebellion.
He says: " Here allow me to pav' a tribute of respect to
my quondam friend and preceptor; for whatever I may OAve
to other instructors for their efforts, or to parents for their
moral and religious training, who without doubt laid the
tbundation of character, it was he who first inspired me with
the hope of a professional future, — that something more
than the busy humdrum of life might be evolved from it.
And whatever success I may gain in my profession, Avliat-
ever fresh laurels I may win froni new efforts, I shall look
back upon his counsels and his teachings as upon 'apples
of gold in pictures of silver.' "
He enlisted with the first three months" troops sent from
New Hampshire, as a private in Company A, Cheshire
Light (luards, as named by Capt. Barker, which after-
wards became a part of the " fighting second." He went
from Keene to Portsmouth, Avhere the regiment rendez-
voused for some weeks, and encamped upon the ground.
The exposure, together with a severe attack of confiuent
measles, broke up his health for a long time, and confined
him to the hospital. Wiiile there, suffering from the second
stage of this disease, tlie only thing he can recollect is that
he was aroused by an unusual commotion, the sounding of
bugles and the rolling of drums; and when he asked, "AVhat
is Ihal?"' (*()1. H. H. Titus, who had called to bid him adieu,
ir])lii'<l. "'I'lial is your reginu?nt going to Washington.
t^ROMINENT INDIVIDUALS. 248
Goocl-by, old boy." After a partial eoiivalescence, he re-
turned home ; and his brother Charles took his place, he
assuming his.
It was after this that lie commenced his professional
studies in his native town, and pursued them under difK-
culties for upwards of one 3'ear, having charge at that time
of the homestead and his widowed mother. The most of
his time during the day was devoted to them, and his nights
to study. He then imagined he could rob Nature with
impunity, and never heeded the old clock as it rang out
"forever more " its midnight peal upon the silent air. The
winter of 1864-65 he spent in Philadelphia, for the purpose
of attending medical lectures. During the tAvo years and
upwards he spent in that city, he studied medicine in the
office of Henry T. Child, M.D., 634 Race Street, a Quaker
gentleman of great worth and intelligence, whose large
library was gratuitously open to him at all times, and whose
uniform kindness he will never forget.
In the spring of 1865, he found himself in need of rest,
and resolved to seek recreation in the camp of our soldiers,
where at least he could have a little relaxation from mental
toil, and at the same time render efficient service to the
unfortunate wounded. For that purpose, he visited Wash-
ington and Alexandria under the auspices of the Christian
Commission, where he was detailed to visit the various
camps and hospitals in and about those cities. He remained
here until the 3d of July, when he was ordered to City
Point, Va. Here again he visited the large goverinuent
hospitals ; and while engaged distributing stores, tracts,
religious literature, etc., he had a rare opportunity of observ-
ing the different phases of disease, as manifested in a large
number of patients.
City Point was one of the places designated by the
Government for the discharge of our soldiers, hence was
one of the last abandoned by the Christian Commission.
As long as there was a sufferer, its beneficent hand was
stretched forth to alleviate.
Let me not, he says, '' attempt to describe to you my
244 HISTORY OF MARLnoROUGH.
feelings when the Last footfall of the brave defenders of our
Ihiion ceased to re-echo upon my ears, when I watched
the last steamer, until its form grew spectral, gently gliding
from those historic shores, bearing upon its bosom the
household joys of far-oft' homes, leaving thousands to slum-
ber where erst the}^ walked in all the pride of manhood's
bearing." Soon after the departure of the soldiers from
the Point, the Commission was closed up, and its effects
turned over to the Freedmen's Bureau.
After this relapse from constant toil, he spent some time
in visiting the battle-field of Petersburg, and the line of
breastworks between it and City Point. It was while resid-
ing here that he made the acquaintance of his wife who
had been a nurse in the hospitals, and who in turn nursed
him. She was the only child of Lurad C. Heath, a lineal
descendant of Gen. Ileath of New Hampshire ; and as
the}^ journeyed together on horseback, the only means of
locomotion over those bloody fields, they concluded that
the journey of life would be incomplete unless they trav-
elled together. Miss Heath was seven years his junior, and
a graduate of Rockland Female Institute. This Avas a ro-
mantic meeting of a descendant of his native State in old
Virginia. After a few months' residence on the beautiful
banks of the James River, he returned to Philadelphia,
where, under the tuition of Dr. Child, he graduated in
1868, an allopathic physician.
He practised only a few months in Philadelphia, when he
removed to New York City, where he achieved considerable
success during the ensuing years, and where he still resides.
On the 18th of November (Thanksgiving), he consum-
mated his engagement with Miss Emma Josephine Heath.
He was married in Plymouth Church, by Rev. Henry Ward
JJeecher.
Luther Farrar, son of Phinehas and Lovina (Warren)
Farrar, was born in Marlborough, Jan. 11, 1778. Of his
early life, or where he obtained his education, we have not
been informed ; but, having completed his education, he
chose the law as his profession, and settled in Maine.
PROMINENT INDIVIDUALS. 245
He was eminently possessed of all those amiable and
useful endowments which render man an ornament and a
blessing to society. In the discharge of all the relative
duties of life, he was .governed by a fixed determination to
do what his conscience should dictate to be right. In his
family, mildness, discretion, and prudence, marked his de-
portment. As a neighbor, he was urbane and benevolent.
The predominant traits in his professional character were
lionesty and capability. The effects of religious principle
and a correct life were exemplified by a remarka])le compos-
ure and patience during a tedious and distressing sickness,
and a perfect resignation in death.
Early called off from activ^ professional duties to pine on
a bed of sickness and pain, he found support for several
years in the kind attentions of his numerous friends and in
the consolations of religion, until he cheerfully resigned his
spirit to God, in humble hope of a blessed immortality. He
died at Norway, Me., April 28, 1812.
JosEi'H C. Mason, son of Clark and Abnira (Towns)
Mason, was born at the old homestead, March 13, 1837.
He received a common school and academic education, and
began his career as an educator at quite an early age.
Later in life, he devoted considerable time to the study of
languages, sciences, and advanced mathematics. He re-
ceived a legal education at the Law College in Albany,
N.Y., and in the office of Dearborn & Scott, distinguished
attorneys of Peterborough, N.H. He was admitted to the
bar in September, 1864, at Nashua, N.H., at a session of the
Supreme Judicial Court. He practised his profession at
Mason Village (now Greenville), N.H., nearly three years,
and then removed to Missouri, where he has for the most
part since resided, and devoted his time mainly to educa-
tional Avork, though still maintaining his connection with
the bar.
He held the office of Superintending School Committee at
Mason Village, and in 1866 was appointed by the Governor
of New Hampshire to the office of Common School Com-
246 HlSTOtlY OP MARLBOROUGH.
missioner of Hillsburoiigh Count}-, and was e.v officio member
of the State Board of Education.
During the war, he was an earnest advocate of the Union
cause, and contributed to swell the Union Army by deliv-
ering patriotic speeches in various parts of New England.
After his removal to jNIissouri, he held the office of princi-
pal of the Washington Public School, St. Louis ; superin-
tendent of public schools at Boonville, Carthage, and Joplin,
which last-named position he still holds. He has been a
frequent contributor to educational and other journals, and
has published several quite extended reports growing out
of his official relations.
His work as an educator for several years past has been
largely that of an organizer. It may be added that a large
number of teachers have been specially prepared for this
work under his supervision in the Normal department of
the schools above mentioned.
Andrew Coolidge Stone, son of Aaron and Mary
(Ward) Stone, was born in Marlborough, March 16, 1839.
He was educated in the Marlborough schools, and attended
terms in the academies of Meriden and New Ipswich, N.H.,
Westminster, Vt., and graduated at Phillips (Exeter)
Academy. After graduating, he engaged for a short season
in teaching in the schools of Walpole, New Ipswich, Keene,
and Peterborough ; but, having chosen the law as his pro-
fession, he commenced its study in the office of Hon. D.
Sanders, in Lawrence, Mass., in 1861.
Upon the breaking out of the war, he postponed his legal
studies for the more important duties of the patriot ; and,
enlisting in Company A, Thirty-third Regiment Massachu-
setts Volunteers, he served to the close of the war.
With the return of peace, he resumed the pursuit of Ids
profession, and completed his preparatory studies in the
office of Hon. L. Sherwin, at Ashtabula, Ohio, and was
admitted to the bar in 1867.
At Ashtabula, he formed ^n acquaintance, happily con-
simimated in wedlock in 1869, with Mary F. Hulbert, the
accomplished daughter of J. D. Hulbert. Es(|., of that placQ.
PllOMINENT INDIVIDUALS. 247
Immediately upciii his admission to the bar, he established
himself in the practice of the law at Lawrence, Mass., and
speedily won, and now holds, an honorable position for
integrity and legal ability at the distinguished bar of that
State. Mr. Stone's ambition has not led him much into
political life, and therefore he has not sought public em-
ployment. The only political office he has filled was that
of member of the Common Council of Lawrence, of which
body he was the president. But that he is not without a
proper degree of interest in political affairs is shown by his
active and influential membership of the Republican State
Central Committee. He holds the judicial commission of
Master in Chancery. His successful career, social and pro-
fessional, is due to his native energy of character and the
moral qualities that distinguish the man of honor.
John Willie Converse, son of Nelson and Sally M.
(Jones) Converse, was born in Marlborough, Jul}^ 3, 1848.
Though a farmer's boy, and alwaj^s obliged to labor at the
farm work, he Avas regarded as being of a thoughtful and
studious turn of mind, and was encouraged in this l)y his
parents, they allowing him the full benefit of such school
advantages as the town then afforded, and afterwards send-
ing him to various seminaries in Vermont, Maine, and New
Hampshire.
When about twenty years of age, he commenced the study
of law at home, under the direction of the late law firm
of Wheeler & Faulkner, of Keene, N.H. ; and, when he
became of age, removed to Springfield, Mass., where he
continued his studies for two years in the office of Augustus
L. Soule, — noAv judge of the Supreme Court of Massachu-
setts,— and in 1872 was admitted to the bar of that State.
The following year he became engaged to and married
Miss Clara A. Wheeler, a woman of uncommon merit and
ability ; but she died in May, 1875.
Feeling that he wanted a larger field of action, in 1876
he travelled through the West, and visited the principal
cities there for tliis reason, but finallv settled in Boston,
248 HisruiiY OF maklbukough.
where lie is now practising his profession. When in Si^ring-
field, he became interested in politics, taking an active part
in campaign work, and earned quite a reputation as a polit-
ical speaker. He has alwa^'s been a Republican, l^ike all
others in his profession, he has been obliged to work hard
and earnestly for the position he holds, but is now in the
enjoyment of a moderate practice^ and the full confidence
of the bar. A clear thinker and close reasoner, his judg-
ment is always to be relied on, as he never gives an opinion
hastily. He is .fast growing into prominence, and his suc-
cess seems assured.
Justus Perry was born in Marlborough, Feb. 8, 1788.
He was the son of Dr. Justus and Martha (Frost) Perry.
Although Dr. Perry Avas the only physician of the place,
and had a large practice, he died leaving his family poor.
Dr. Adams, an eminent physician of Keene, who was his
compeer, when speaking of the circle of J^oung physicians
in that neighborhood, generously remarked that " Perry
had the most native genius of them all."'
The young Justus was apprenticed to an excellent and
worthy saddler, David Wilkinson, Sen. By him and his
wife he Avas treated as a son. At the age of nineteen years,
he bought his time of his master, and set up in the same
business for himself; his master, who was thorough and
skilful, working for him. The wife of Mr. Wilkinson had
the greatest turn for trade ; and before that period she once
took Justus to Boston with her, seeing his talent for busi-
ness. On Sunday morning, the boy of sixteen expressed a
desire to go to church. The clerk of the hotel said he
would accompany him and show him about. He took
Justus to hear Dr. Channing preach. This great preacher
made an impression upon the youth, which he never forgot.
He often referred to it in after life, saying that it Av^as a
turning-point in his religious character.
Not long after beginning business for himself, he accum-
ulated enough goods to exchange them for horses, Avhich lie
sold at NeAv Haven for a good profit.
PROMINENT INDIVIDUALS. 249
In the mean time, his step-father, Capt. Wheeler, for
whom he had a great respect, died. As soon as his mother's
affairs could be settled, he removed her, with her family of
young children, to Keene. She was a woman of remarkable
force of character, and had unusual sagacity in the labors
of love among her sick neighbors. The celebrated Dr.
Twitchell of Keene, when he gave up hope of a case, used
to say, " If she cannot save him, nobody can."
Justus rented a store in Keene, and began business there.
His mother's means were small, and he devoted his time and
strength to providing her with a home and the comforts of
life. When told that he was wearing himself out by over-
taxing his mind and body, and running great pecuniary
risks, he replied, "My wish is to see my mother and sister
well provided for, and I shall ask for nothing more." He
was never unfaithful to this early trust, although he paid
the penalty of excessive ambition b}'' a severe typhus fever,
which left his constitution somewhat impaired for life.
He was always on the lookout for opportunities and,
when a glass manufacturing company failed, he bought it at
great discount, and began a new business, which proved
very successful. He built a fine house, displaying a taste
beyond the times in the choice of a lot and the planting of
the grounds. There he installed his mother and her immar-
ried sister and brothers.
He shortly after married Mary Haven Edwards, of Bos-
ton, Mass., by whom he had two children, a boy and a girl,
Horatio Justus and Mary Olivia. His wife died soon
after the birth of her daughter ; and he afterwards married
Hannah Wood of Concord, Mass. By her he had three
children, two girls and a boy, Ellen Elizabeth, Martha Ann,
and Henry.
He was by no means a mere man of business. Although
his early education was scanty, he had a fine appreciation
of books, and collected a valuable library. His children
recall with pleasure the home where he took down these
books, and inspired them with a love of the best literature.
He was genial in his habits and hospitable, and never
250 HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
forgot his early friends, especially the good saddler and his
wife; and quickly came the social glass, which he would
mix for them after the custom of their times, when they
came up from Marlborough, and visited him. He was, how-
ever, strictly temperate himself. He had almost an abhor-
rence of alcoholic drinks, having seen the evil effects of
them so much. He drank nothing on his table but the
cider from the farmer's barn. He was somewhat reserved
in disposition with the public at large, and enjoyed most
the intercourse with his family and relatives, whom he loved
with unfaltering affection. His passion, if it might be called
so, in early life was for military achievement. He had a
fine form, and loved the excitement of the drill and com-
mand. He was first captain of a company, afterwards made
lieutenant-colonel, and at length general and brigadier-gen-
eral of the light infantry of the county. He went into this
with all the ardor of youth, and probably found stimulus
and refreshment for his jaded nervous system.
He was by nature a religious man. At the time of the
division in the Congregational Church of Keene, he took
his stand on the liberal side, and became a member of the
Unitarian Church, remaining ever one of its best supporters.
He was in the habit of having devotional services in his
family, and loved much to read the Bible, which, he often
said, " he needed no commentator to interpret for him."
During the last ten years of his life, he was a great
sufferer from neuralgic pain. His nervous system was
completely prostrated by it at length. He rarely ever slept
a night through, but was constantly watched by his faithful
wife, who lost her own health in her anxiety and care for
him. He would walk his sitting-room at intervals during
the day, suffering the most acute paroxysm of pain. As
soon as the agony began to pass away, he would turn ten-
derly and solicitously to his sorrowful wife and children,
saying: "Do not worry. I shall soon be over it." Such
was his native strength, that immediately after these attacks
he would put on his coat and go into the street. His strong
frame could not long hold out. His disease affected his
PROMINENT INDIVIDUALS. 251
whole system. He consulted the venerable Dr. Jackson of
Boston, who told him that there was great danger of its af-
fecting his brain. The prediction proved true, the last two
or three months of his life, when his mind succumbed to the
power of disease.
He died in November, 1840, aged fifty-two years, and was
laid in his own tomb, which he had provided on his family
estate. After the death of his wife and two of his children,
and the departure of the others from Keene, the place was
no longer sacred from intrusion; and his remains were
removed, with the rest of his family, to the beautiful ceme-
tery now in Keene, where they repose by the side of his two
companions and his children.
Sumner Wheeler, son of Capt. David and Martha
(Frost) (Perry) Wheeler, was born in Marlborough, March
8, 1807.
He was a young man of fine disposition and industrious
habits. He was early initiated into business habits by his
elder brother, Justus Perry. He continued with him until
he was received as a partner ; and after Gen. Perry became
disabled, and was obliged to retire, the business was carried
on by himself and his brother Quincy.
He was married, May 15, 1832, to Catherine Vose of
Boston, Mass. By her he had four children, Catherine
Frances, Ellen, Mary Bemis, and Frank Sumner.
On the death of his two brothers, he sold out his interest
in his business, hoping to enter into other active pursuits,
in which, however, he was disappointed. But he was far
from being an idle man. Such was his character for strict
integrity and generosity, that he was continually put into
private offices of trust, which gained him much esteem and
confidence in the community. The poor widow felt safe to
confide her all to him, and the orphan child leaned on him
for support. He had a disposition of remarkable geniality.
He loved his friends and his neighbors, and found his high-
est happiness in serving them. He was often seen with his
sleigh full of children, carrying them home from school
252 HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
on stormy winter days ; for all children were to him as his
own, and there was a seat at his table for young or old.
He it was who must lead the picnic and the family dance ;
and he also was the one who, with grave and sympathetic
face, conducted the funeral, or walked by the dead to their
last resting-place. He was a regular attendant and sup-
porter of the Unitarian Church in Keene, and not only filled
the office of treasurer for many years, but gave liberally of
his own substance.
The sudden death of his younger brother Quincy in the
prime of life, a young man of fine promise, was a severe
blow to him and to his family; but his attentions were
unwearied towards his older brother Franklin, who was an
invalid for many j^ears. His devotion to his half-brother,
Justus Perry, then in declining health, was constant, and
after Gen. Perry's death he was like a father to his
children.
He lived during the first part of his married life in a
hired house on Main Street. He afterwards bought the
fine place at the lower end of the street, formerly occupied
by Mrs. Catherine Fiske who had her celebrated school for
young ladies there.
It was the brightest of homes ; and many were the j"okes
that passed between him and the venerable Dr. Bastow
one side of him, Dr. Charles Adams in front, and Dr. Inger-
soU half-way up the street, whom he accosted every morn-
ing.
As an illustration of his character for integrity in the
town, we will mention an incident which occurred one day
in the bank. A knot of gentlemen were engaged in con-
versation on the subject of honesty. One of them said that,
no matter how honest a man might seem to be, there was
always a flaw in every man somewhere. Another said,
" he would wager ten dollars that he could show them an
honest man." Another spoke up and replied, " Leave out
Sumner Wheeler, and I will stand you." Sumner Wheeler
was the man of the first wager.
As he grew older and had more leisure, his services to his
PROMINENT INDIVIDUALS. 253
neighbors were more frequent. His face was a benediction
on the street. No misfortunes could make him gloomy.
He suffered pecuniary losses, but was never cast down. He
would sometimes say, when he heard others speaking de-
spondingly of this life, " For my part, I do not wish for any
better world than this." Yet when stricken down by
typhoid fever, and called suddenly away, he was ready to
go. He died Sept. 23, 1861.
The 15th Psalm, beginning, "Lord, who shall abide in
thy tabernacles ? who shall dwell in thy holy hills ? " read
at the funeral, was so singularly appropriate to him that
listeners who perhaps rarely read the Bible expressed admi-
ration and surprise at its fitness to so just a man.
His memory is still green in the home of his affections
and the community of Keene.
Cyrus Wakefield, son of James and Hannah (Hemen-
way) Wakefield, was born in Marlborough, Feb. 14, 1811.
His father's farm was included in that territory, which the
following year was set off to make the town of Roxbury.
Hence the report that he was a native of Roxbury. The
following sketch of his life and character is taken from
Eaton's History of Wakefield and Reading, Mass. : —
" His father's occupation was that of a farmer, and thus
his early associations were connected with the rugged dis-
cipline of a New England farm-boy.
" The school was a mile and a half over the hills ; and it
was no easy task in winter, with the snow over the fences
to reach it. Yet the New England boy lingers not by the
fire, even in the severest storms ; but with his books under
his arm, and his cap well tied about his ears, he resolutely
goes on to his place at school. And well he may, because
there are but two terms a year, of ten weeks each, one in
winter, the other in summer ; and, when he is twelve years
of age, he will not be allowed the privileges of the summer
term, since his help is required on the farm. Young Cyrus
seems to have realized the importance even of these slight
educational advantages, and, by applying himself with great
254 HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
zeal to his studies, mastered the rudiments of the common
school.
" The executive and administrative qualities of his mind
began to develop very early in life. There were number-
less projects in his busy child-brain, to the accomplishment
of which he bent not only his own, but also the abilities of
his brothers. He would induce his father to lay out work
in advance for himself and younger brother, sometimes
having plans which required a month's time for their exe-
cution. At one time, it would be the construction of a
fish-pond ; at another, the building of coal-pits, the product
of which he sold to the neighboring blacksmiths. . . .
" At an early age, he grew restive. Some of his relatives
had gone to other States, and at times would return to tell
what they had seen and done in the great cities. His
father's farm would seem now too small for his growing
ambition. The successes of his friends kindled in his own
bosom a generous emulation. He, too, would try his fortune
in the great world outside. At last, after much urging, his
father consented ; and Cyrus went to Peterboro', to enter a
cotton mill as a picker-boy. This was a most excellent
position to dissipate the rosy hues which had gathered about
his ideal world, and to discover to him the cold, stern
reality.
" Only a short time elapsed, and he was back at the old
homestead, still determined to realize his fondest hopes of
one day becoming a merchant. He had heard of the fame
of Mr. Appleton of Dublin, who had emerged from obscu-
rity like his own, but who was then widely known as a
successful and an honorable merchant. What others had
done he could do ; and he incessantly urged his views upon
his father, who as constantly presented the other and darker
side, showing how many who went to the city lost health,
time, and even character, in their pursuit of wealth, and
were ultimately obliged to return in disgrace to their native
towns.
" His father at length sent him to live Avith a clergyman
in a neighboring village, who, in return for his taking care
PROMINENT INDIVIDUALS. 255
of his horse and cow, should give him suitable books to
read, and if possible lead his mind into theological studies.
This good man, however, was not apt to teach. On the
first day, he put him down before a large book containing
the history of the controversy between Calvin and Armi-
nius. The book was dry and uninteresting. After a trial
of several days, the boy gave up in despair, convinced that,
if Calvin and Arminius could not settle the theological
matters in dispute, he certainly could not hope to do it.
" He returned again to his father's house, more resolutely
determined than ever to go to Boston, and try his luck in*
the great world of trade. After a few more futile attempts
to find congenial employment for him near home, he, at
the age of fifteen years, with his parents' consent, came to
Boston, declaring that he would achieve success, and make
a name of which his friends would be proud.
"Arriving in Boston, he at first entered a small retail
grocery store of Messrs. Wheeler & Bassett on Washington
Street, but soon after secured a clerkship with Messrs.
Stearns, Cobb, & Winslow on India Street. While in their
employ, he conceived the plan of doing business on his own
account, since he had some time at his command not
required by his employers. His employers gave him the
liberty to buy and sell empty barrels and casks. They also
assisted him in other ways in small business-transactions.
"At length he had saved one thousand dollars in hard
cash. But with the thousand dollars came a still stronger
desire for money. He saw the path to wealth opening
before him ; and, instead of pursuing a course of study at
some college, he bent his energies more strongly than ever
to the accumulation of property. This step he regretted
in after life, feeling that he had made a serious mistake.
He attended evening schools, both of an academic and
mercantile nature ; visited the various debating societies
and churches ; observed carefully the habits of the people ;
listened, so far as his time would allow, to the various
courses of scientific lectures, for which his mind had a keen
relish : and thus laid the foundation of what general knowl-
edge he possessed.
256 HISTORY OP MARLBOROUGH.
"During his business engagement with Messrs. Stearns,
Cobb, & Winslow, he made shipments to Valparaiso, and
other ports of South America, with indiiferent success. In
1834, he entered the grocery business, under the firm name
of Foster & Wakefield, on Commercial Street, opposite
Commercial Wharf. In 1836, the firm was dissolved; and
Mr. Wakefield sent to New Hampshire for his younger
brother, Mr. Enoch H. Wakefield, with whom two years
after he formed a copartnership under the name of Wake-
field & Company. This firm was continued until 1844.
During the latter part of this copartnership, a small lot of
rattan thrown out of a ship as refuse matter was acciden-
tally purchased, and sold at a profit to a few chairmakers,
who, working the raw material by hand, used the outside of
the cane in seating chairs. This favorable purchase led to
others, until, at the dissolution of the firm, Mr. Wakefield
opened an office at the corner of Commercial and Cross
Streets, where he carried on a jobbing trade in rattan. The
demand for split rattan in seating chairs now increased.
The great cost of preparing it in this country, without the
aid of machinery, caused Mr. Wakefield to look abroad for
a supply ; and as he had a brother-in-law in the house of
Messrs. Russell & Company, Canton, China, he forwarded
to him samples of the' cane most in demand. In a few
years, his importations of Canton split rattan were known
throughout the United States.
"In the year 1856, Mr. Wakefield resolved to begin the
manufacture of cane in this country, and to utilize, so far as
possible, the whole of the material. The American Rattan
Company was at this time the only party cutting cane by
machinery, and they used it only for seating chairs. The
remainder of the rattan was wasted. But Mr. Wakefield
determined to make the whole of the rattan — cane, pith,
and shavings — valuable. He began with one or two ma-
chines worked by hand, in Boston. A fortunate speculation
gave him both credit and capital, so that he could enlarge
his business. Hearing that there were several large lots of
rattan in the New York market, — the article being much
PllOMlNENT INDIVIPUALS. 257
depressed at that time, — Mr. Wakefield, with all the ready
money he could command, went to that city, established his
quarters quietly at the Astor House, and put his brokers at
work to obtain the lowest price at which the entire stock
could be purchased, enjoining on them not to name the
purchaser. Having obtained the desired information, he
decided to take all the available lots, for which he paid
sufficient cash to make the material subject to his order.
This gave him the whole control of the rattan stock in the
country. Prices soon advanced, and he was able to sell
and realize a handsome profit. This single operation, not
only put money and credit at his disposal, but also gave
him a prestige in the business, which he ever after main-
tained.
" Soon after this, he removed his works from Boston to
South Reading. Water-power took the place of hand-power
and, as the business rapidly increased, that of steam was
soon added. The mill at South Reading, in which he first
began soon became too small for him, and building after
building was erected, until at the time of his death his
manufactories and store-houses covered an area of ten acres
of flooring.
" Nor was this wonderful increase in his business the only
remarkable feature. There was a corresponding advance in
utilizing the whole of the rattan, so that nothing was lost.
From a comparatively small jobbing trade in an article at
that time of little value, he advanced to the manufacture of
reeds for Iwop skirts, then to cane for seating chairs, then to
the manipulation of the waste, and finally to the use of
all the small pieces, and even shavings in making various
beautiful and useful articles. His original idea was thus
realized ; and probably no one ever succeeded, in the face of
so many difficulties, and with such a stubborn material as
rattan, in so nearly accomplishing his object.
" In the year 1851, Mr. Wakefield made his first purchase
of real estate in South Reading. In July of that same year,
he bought the larger part of the land comprising his home-
stead; and in place of the mansion house, which then stood
258 HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
upon it, he built in 1861 a magnificent residence. About
this time, he fully realized that the town was destined to
become a very important place. And now he seemed never
to have enjoj^ed a moment so long as he knew that there
was a piece of real estate in the vicinity of his house or
factories which could be purchased. He would not rest till
he had a deed of it in his own name on record. Many of
these purchases were of low swamps and meadows, which
he cleared, filled up, and drained, making valuable building-
lots of what had been waste land.
"While in the spring of 1867 the citizens of South Read-
ing were considering the propriety of erecting some suitable
memorial to the brave men who had gone from their num-
ber to the war of the Rebellion and had perished, Mr.
Wakefield came forward, and voluntarily offered to give to
the town a lot of land arid a cash contribution of $30,000
for a Memorial. Hall. In accepting this munificent offer,
the town at once decided to change its name, and on the
20tli of January, 1868, by acclamation, voted that it should
henceforth be Wakefield.
" Mr. Wakefield more than fulfilled his promise to the
town. He more than quadrupled the cost of tliB edifice ;
and on Feb. 22, 1871, in the presence of an audience
completely filling the new and beautiful hall, he surren-
dered the keys of the building to the proper officers of the
town.
"Although Mr. Wakefield never held a position where
elevation was due to political influence, yet he was a leader
in all local enterprises and improvements, and sometimes
led the way where few were ready to follow. He was one
of the corporators of the Savings Bank, director in Citizens
Gas Light Company, president and largest stockholder in
the Ice Company, member of the School Board, of the
Agricultural Association, and National Bank of South
Reading.
" Mr. Wakefield was a man of iron will and resolute pur-
pose, combined with great physical endurance. Energy,
perseverance, and an indomitable coimige in the face of
'kur.o
PEOMINENT INDIVIDUALS. 259
almost insuperable obstacles, were liis prominent character-
istics. He had a keen perception, and results that other
men reached by hard thought seemed to intuitively come
to him. He knew human nature thoroughly, and could
read a man at a glance. To those who knew him best, he
revealed at times a warm, genial, and tender nature, though
to a stranger he might seem distant. He was charitable,
giving not only in large sums to public enterprises, but
cheering the hearts of the poor with his generous gifts.
Many students struggling for an education remember with
gratitude his timely aid. As a merchant, he was shrewd,
industrious, persistent, and careful in the details of his
business. His character and deeds are thus epitomized in
the resolutions adopted by his fellow-citizens on the even-
ing after his death :" —
" The valuable citizen, the prosperous merchant, the progressive leader
in ornamental and architectural improvements, the friend and helper of
education, the chief promoter of our local industrial pursuits, our munifi-
cent namesake, whose numerous and generous benefactions v^-ill remain
his endm-ing memorials."
Mr. Wakefield died very suddenly on Sabbath morning,
Oct. 26, 1873, at the age of sixty-two years and eight
months.
Warren Hubbard Wilkinson, son of David and Patty
(Hubbard) Wilkinson, was born in Marlborough, July 9,
1824.
During his boyhood, besides attending school, he assisted
his father in his labors on the farm, and at the early age of
ten began to work in the harness-shop, thus following the
trade of both his father aud grandfather, and during his
minority acquiring a thorough knowledge of the business,
by which mainly he has attained the success he has enjoyed
in his later years.
At the age of twenty-three, he became a partner with his
father, and continued the harness business in Marlborough
until 1853, supplying not only the home-demand, but also
stores in Keene, Peterboro, and Greenfield, Mass.
260 HISTOBY OF MARLBOROUGH.
Removing to Greenfield in 1853, he continued in business
there six years, when he removed to Springfield, Mass.,
which has since been his home. There he was endeavor-
ing to build up a trade, when the threatening clouds of
approaching civil war unsettled all plans and prospects of
commercial enterprise. During the winter of 1860, how-
ever, Mr. Wilkinson received an order for military work
from the quartermaster of the State of Connecticut, which
being satisfactorily filled led to his receiving similar orders
from other States and from the United States Government
for the manufacture of military leather goods of various
kinds during the continuation of the war.
For many of these, he furnished improved patterns, which
were adopted and are still used in the service. During the
last three years, he has furnished large quantities of goods
for foreign countries, amounting to about eighty thousand
dollars annually.
Since 1869, Mr. Wilkinson has been engaged in the
manufacture of horse blankets, first at Marlborough, then
at Winchendon, Mass. ; and, as his business increased, he
removed the work to Holyoke, Mass., where he now has one
of the largest mills of the kind in the country, the annual
production of which amounts to about two hundred thou-
sand dollars.
In these different manufacturing enterprises, emj)loyment
is furnished to more than three hundred persons.
In the midst of these various business interests, he has
not, however, forgotten his native town, but has again in-
vested in its manufacturing interests. Nor is he unmindful
of the church where he first professed his faith in Christ,
and to which he still belongs, as shown by his various gifts
as its needs have seemed to require.
Mr. Wilkinson married first Almira, daughter of Capt.
Asa Frost of Marlborough. She died in 1874. He has
since married Emily J., daughter of James Brown of Brim-
field, Mass.
Hon. RuFUS S. Frost, son of Joseph and Lucy (Wheeler)
PROMINENT INDIVIDUALS. 261
Frost, 'was born in Marlborough, July 18, 1826. His father
died when he was about four years of age. His widowed
mother moved to Boston with her children, less than three
years afterwards. He received his education mostly at the
public schools in Boston, and at the academy in Newton.
At twelve years of age, he went into the dry goods store
of Messrs. J. H. & J. Osgood, where he remained until he
was twenty-one, when he became a partner of J. H. Os-
good, which mutually pleasant relationship was continued
for five years. Similar business connections were subse-
quently formed with two other firms for shorter periods.
After these, he became the head of his own business-house
in 1866, taking younger partners as the exigencies of the
case demanded ; and with these he is still associated.
In his mercantile as well as in his manufacturing inter-
ests, both of which have been large, Mr, Frost has always
regarded himself as particularly favored in the honorable
business-standing and high-toned moral character of the men
with whom he has been and is still connected.
During the lapse of thirty years since he began his active
business-life, there have been the usual ebbs and floods of
reverses and successes, through which he has successfully
passed ; not only without failure or compromise, but with-
out a spot or blemish upon his reputation as a thoroughlj^
honest, upright, fair, and gentlemanly business-man.
At the age of twenty-one, he married Miss Ellen Maria
Hubbard of Chelsea. She died Feb. 28, 1878; and he
married June 18, 1879, Mrs. Catharine Emily Willard of
Tioga, Penn.
Mr. Frost left Boston when he was fourteen years old to
reside in Chelsea, then a rapidly growing village of seven-
teen hundred inhabitants. He grew up with it, and took a
lively interest in its development. After it became a city,
he was twice elected its maj^or — 1867 and 1868 — with
great unanimity, and was strongly urged to continue longer
in that office. In 1871 and 1872, he served as State Sena-
tor. In 1873 and 1874, he was a member of the Governor's
Council. In these various civic relations, Mr. Frost acquit-
262 HISTORY OF MAELBOROUGH.
ted himself with great credit, and to the entire satisfaction
of his constituency.
Mr. Frost indulged the Christian's hope, and united with
the Salem Church, Boston, when fourteen years old. Sept.
20, 1841, the First Congregational of Chelsea was organ-
ized, of Avhich he was one of the original forty-one members.
He at once identified himself with the choir, with the Sab-
bath school, and with all the various activities and benevo-
lences of the church. For a long time he led the choir and
played the organ. He superintended the Sabbath school
for years, until his health compelled his resignation. He
was always ready to take part in the social meetings, and
discharge any and all his church and parochial obligations.
Naturally of a cheerful and hopeful temperament, which
Christian assurance necessarily intensifies and adorns, Mr.
Frost has always been and is a good neighbor, a warm and
welcome friend, a genial companion, and a safe pattern and
counsellor to every young man.
The citizens of his native town do not need to be told
of his lively interest in all their public affairs. He early
secured the old family homestead for his summer residence.
He has aided the churches by contributions, and by sending
at his own expense ministers for holding especial religious
services. He gave a beautiful organ to the Congregational
Church, where he worships when in town. The gift of a
town library is a monument both to his generosity and to
his good judgment as to the best methods of interesting
and educating, and so elevating, such a community.
William H. Greenwood, youngest son of Asa and Lucy
Mason (Evans) Greenwood, was born in Dublin, March 27,
1832. He removed to Marlborough with his parents, work-
ing on the various public works in which his father was
engaged till 1850, when he entered Norwich University,
Norwich, Vt., graduating in 1852. The same fall he went
west to Illinois, and began as civil engineer on the line of
the Central Military Tract (tract of land) Railroad (after-
wards the Chicago, Burlington, and Quincy Railroad,) on
PROMINENT INDIVIDUALS. 263
the 23d of November, 1852. He remained with said com-
pany until the road was completed, and ran on the train for
sometime. He then went to work for the American Cen-
tral Railroad as assistant engineer, and was with that
interest until the beginning of the war. He was married,
May 19, 1857, to Evaline D. Knight of Dummerston, Vt.
He enlisted in the Fifty-first Regiment of Illinois infan-
try in 1861, and was commissioned first lieutenant of
Company H. He remained with the regiment but a short
time, though he retained his commission, being detailed as a
topographical engineer at department head-quarters.
At various times, as topographical engineer, he reported to
Gens. Grant, Rosecrans, Thomas, McPherson, Stanley, and
other general officers. He was aide-de-camp to Gen. D. S.
Stanley for some time, and was appointed assistant inspec-
tor-general of the Fourth Army Corps, a part of the army
of the Cumberland, in July, 1864, which position he held to
the close of the war. He was mustered out in Texas, and
was retained by Gen. Sheridan to rebuild the railroad, de-
stroyed by the rebel Gen. McGruder, from Port Lavaca to
Victoria in Texas. In April, 1866, he returned to Ver-
mont, remaining there only a month, when he again went
West, and was employed on the engineer corps of the
Union Pacific Railway, Eastern Division, afterwards known
as the Kansas Pacific. He was appointed chief engineer of
this road in 1867, which position he held up to 1870.
In the winter of 1867-68, he took charge of a survey for
this company through to San Francisco on the thirty-second
and thirty-fifth parallels, and advised the adopting of the
Cimaron, thirty-fifth parallel, and Tahatchpe Pass route.
While chief engineer of this road, he constructed one hun-
dred and fifty miles of railroad in one hundred working
days, and the last day they laid ten and one quarter miles
of track in less than ten hours, which was the largest
amount ever laid up to that time, and has never been
exceeded up to the date of 1876.
During his surveys across the Plains, he had several en-
counters with the Indians during their raids in 1867, 1868,
264 HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
and 1869, and endured hardships from cold and hunger
which few men have ever experienced. While with this
road, he was also consulting engineer of the Denver Pacific
Railroad.
In 1870, he made the first general report made in this
country in favor of a narrow gauge (three feet) railroad,
and was appointed general manager of construction of the
Denver and Rio Grande Railroad of Colorado. On the com-
pletion of the first division of said road, he was appointed
general superintendent of the same, and remained with the
road until the track was laid to Canon City, one hundred
and sixty-five miles. In 1872, in company with"Gen. W. S.
Rosecrans, Gen. W. J. Palmer, and others, he went to
Mexico to construct a national railroad in that country.
While on the Mexican national road, he visited England
and the Continent, to inform himself as to the best base of
supplies for that interest. Failing to get the proper con-
cessions from the Mexican government, he returned to the
United States, and established himself as a civil engineer in
New York.
In May, 1878, he took charge of the construction of the
Pueblo and Arkansas Valley Railroad for the Atchison,
Topeka, and Santa Fe Railroad Company, through the
Grand Canon and up the valley of the Arkansas River.
In March, 1879, he took charge of the Marion and McPher-
son Railroad, which was the last public work with which he
was connected, up to the writing of this history.
Deacon Abel Baker was a son of Bezeleel and Abigail
(Wood) Baker of Marlborough, and was born April 8,
1797. Like most lads in this town at that early day, he
was brought up on a farm, and inured to almost all kinds of
manual labor. He possessed a good constitution, was ath-
letic and energetic, and seldom failed to accomplish the
object of his desire. His educational advantages were
mainly limited to the district school, which at that period
was much less efficient than now. These advantages, how-
ever, were well improved ; and he became one of the best
PROMINENT INDIVIDUALS. 265
and most advanced scholars in his district. Having mas-
tered the branches taught in the district school, he was
sent to an academy in New Salem, Mass., where he studied
one term, and then commenced teaching. For several years,
he taught school in the winter, and assisted his father on
the farm in the summer. As a teacher, he was very success-
ful, and his services were sought by the best and most
desirable school districts.
He married April 18, 1821, and located upon a farm
in the adjoining town of Troy, and devoted his attention
to agriculture. His admirable qualities of head and heart
were soon recognized by his fellow-citizens, and he became
one of the leading men of the town. His sound judgment,
practical wisdom, and general intelligence fitted him for
any position in the community ; and he was consequently
elected at different times to almost all the civil offices in
the town. He served the town some fifteen years as select-
man, — the most of the time as chairman of the board, —
and represented it in the Legislature of the State in the
years 1840-42.
In all the ^public positions he was called to fill, he was
faithful and honest, and none of his constituents ever had
reason to feel that they had misplaced their confidence.
He did a large amount of business in the settlement of
estates. His ability and familiarity with the law fitted
him for the transaction of this kind of business, and for
many years his services in this line were in constant
demand.
The crowning excellence of Deacon Baker's life, however,
is to be found in his devotion to the service of his divine
Master and in his noble Christian character. He experi-
enced religion in early life, and united with the Congrega-
tional Church, of which he was »ver afterwards a worthy,
active, and honored member. Through the trying period in
the early history of the little church in Troy, he was one
of the few who remained steadfast in the Congregational
faith ; and through his and his co-laborers' efforts, under the
divine blessing, the church lived and prospered. Soon after
266 HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
he became a member of the church, he was chosen a deacon,
and held and honored this office during the remainder of
his life. As an officer in the church, he was vigilant and
faithful, watching over its members and laboring to promote
their spiritual welfare. He was honored by all classes, and
looked up to as a faithful friend, a wise counsellor, and an
exemplary Christian. After a long and useful life, he died,
Sept. 26, 1878, calmly, and in the full assurance of a glo-
rious immortality.
CHAPTER XIV.
MISCELLANEOUS.
MoNADNOCK Mountain.— POST-OFFICES. — Libraeies. — Odd Fellows.
— Cemeteries. — Mortuary Kecord. — Persons over Eighty,
January 1, 1880. — Town Officers. — Governor Vote. — Mirriam
Newton's Diary. — Pauperism. — Abatement of Taxes. — Wild
Animals. — Alexander Fish's Ear. — Anecdotes.
MONADNOCK MOUNTAIN.
Although the line of the town of Marlborough is at the
foot of the grand Monadnock on the west side, yet, it being
so situated that no other town can have access to it without
passing through Marlborough, unless the ascent be made on
some other side, it would seem that the History of Marlbor-
ough should give, at least, a description of that part of the
mountain which has been looking down upon the town
since its settlement. Formerly, a large portion of it was
covered with a thick kind of under-brush, and some quite
large timber which extended far up the sides, giving the
mountain a very different appearance from what it now
presents. But in the year 1800, after a very severe drouth,
the mountain was on fire for several weeks, and the west
side was nearly all burned over. The fire was followed
by a strong wind ; and the timber was hurled in all direc-
tions, and for years afterwards the large timber lay just
as it fell. The saplings were, however, soon rotten, and
the bald rocks were visible all over the mountain.
The best way of ascent was thought to be on the westerly
268 HlSTOKr OF marlbokough.
side, until 1850 or 1855, when the Mountain House was
built ; and the United States Coast Surveyors constructed
a new road to the top from the south side.
After the settlement of the towns in the vicinity of the
mountain, during the time that the wolves were on the
lookout for mutton^ and were very destructive among the
sheep, it was thought it afforded a secure shelter for them ;
and at three different times the inhabitants in the vicinity
on all sides, by a general agreement, surrounded it and com-
menced a general hunt, which continued from the foot
to the top. But these hunts were not very successful.
Sometimes a stray bear or wolf was killed, but there were
so many hiding-places it was difficult to dislodge them.
Some time after the American War, a few chivalrous
young men of Marlborough, on some important occasion,
undertook to make a bonfire on the top of the mountain,
which they intended should be seen for twenty miles. A
barrel of tar was carried up in buckets, and every effort was
made to illuminate the darkness ; but their efforts were not
crowned with success.
The pathway from the foot of the mountain to the top on
the west side was formerly marked by stones, some of
which still remain.
A little to the south of this path, about half-way up the
mountain, is what was called the Rock House. It is a
smooth split in a large rock some thirty feet long and eight
feet high, with an opening at the north some three feet
wide, running to a point at the other end with a flat stone
over it, so that several persons can be sheltered by it.
Formerly, every person visiting the mountain felt he must
not fail of seeing the famous Rock House.
The inhabitants living in the vicinity of the mountain
are attracted there to secure the large quantities of blue-
berries which are found, between the ledges in August and
September. And, in a fruitful year, the writer has seen
them so thick and large that a good picker would secure a
ten-quart pail full in two or three hours.
MONADNOCK MOUNTAIN. 269
GRAND MONADNOCK.
BY J. D. CREHORE.
THOU who rear'st thy wild, romantic head,
Piercing sublhne the bkie, ethereal sky, —
A huge, erratic pile, with igneous bed, —
Be thou my theme while I extol thee high I
Abrupt amid her thousand granite hills,
New Hampshire proudly claims thee for her own ;
But thy bold, awful peak with wonder fills
The eyes of other sons than hers alone.
No State can own thee by exclusive right ;
For when the rising sun tips thee with gold,
Or, setting, robes thee with effulgent light,
Thy splendor dazzles far through space unknown.
Tell me if, oft in meditation lost,
Thou ponderest not on ages rolled away ;
For thou art old and gray and tempest-tossed,
And round thy furrowed cheek the lightnings play.
Geology, in its research profound,
Has traced thy being back through endless time,
To when the ocean wave, with murmuring sound,
Roared round thy cliffs its melancholy chime.
Yes, from the deep, dark caverns of the sea,
Volcanic fire hath borne thee high in air.
To overlook the stream, the vale, the lea.
And evermore to stand majestic there.
1 fancy thou art Nature's monument,
Erected to record her mighty deeds, —
How from the deep she reared the continent.
And scattered o'er its face a million seeds ;
How thus she formed a dwelling-place for man,
Long years before he drew the vital air ;
And decked it, long ere hmnan life began,
With wavy trees and fruit and blossoms fair.
Thou bearest record, too, of wind and tide,
When yet the foamy wave was lashing thee ;
For, far above the shrubs upon thy side,
The Iceberg's giant footprints still we see.
270 HISTORY OF MAHLBOEOTJGH.
But in fond remembrance thou canst tui-n
Back to the later scenes of other days, —
When the wigwam, thinly thatched with fern, '
Cheered the poor Indian seated by its blaze ;
When all around thee. Mountain, far and wide,
Lay one vast wilderness of leafy shade ;
And here the chieftain with his dusky bride
Dwelt along the hillside and the floral glade.
But when the " Mayflower " met thy distant view,
Alas ! it brought destruction to his home,
, And the red-man before the pale-face flew,
No^more his native hiUs to roam.
The forest vanished at the Pilgrim's stroke,
And the wild waste was fi-uitful by his toU ;
Where the rude hut sent up its cheering smoke,
The corn is waving o'er the loamy soil.
Then watched om- fathers, struggling hard and lone
To plant on fair Colimibia's wildwood shore
A colony, which, dead, yet lives in song,
jRedecked with lam-els stained with heroes' gore ;
And heard the cannon's thundering peal afar.
Charge after charge on Bimker's awful height,
When our sii'es, oi^pressed, sought redress in war.
And many gaUant sous fell in the fatal fight.
How changed I The infant colony has gi-owii
To be a nation of extensive sway ;
No monarch ever pressed her lofty throne.
And Freedom has her quiet, unmolested way.
O proud Monadnock ! thy far-searchmg eye
Looks down upon a thousand happy homes, —
Homes of the joyful sons of Liberty,
Where despots are unknown, and gladness roams.
But Freedom's fane thou art ; and on thy top
The eagle oft, with weary spreading wings.
From the high, ethereal realms will drop,
And pause awhile midst her wanderings.
Upon thy summit, too, thy sons and daughters
Oft seek the cheering prospect far and wide
Of forest and gi-ove and silver waters
That slow and silent johi the distant tide.
POST-OFFICES. 271
But thou hast cheei* foi* me when far away ;
For, when in dreams I walk my native hills,
Thy image, basking in the sunlight gay,
My weary, troubled soul with rapture fills.
From the loved spot where passed my youthful days,
Thy awful grandness bounds the distant view ;
And oft in wonder I have paused to gaze
At thy wild beauty of cerulean hue.
POST-OFFICES.
The first post-office was established in this town Feb. 27,
1823. Previous to this date, the inhabitants received their
mail from Keene. Letters coming to that office for those
in adjoining towns were advertised in the New Hampshire
Sentinel. Those having letters to mail generally left them
with Dr. David Carter who handed them to the post-rider
who in turn delivered them at the post-office at the end of
his route. William Ward was the first postmaster. The
post-office was in the building since occupied by David
Wilkinson as a harness-shop.
The following is a list of the different postmasters at this
office, with the date of their appointment : —
William Ward, February 27, 1823.
Jonah Davis, July 4, 1825.
Elijah Boyden, July 29, 1833.
Abner Boyden, January 3, 1835.
Gilman Converse, January 27, 1837.
Silas Collester, August 19, 18il.
Elijah Boyden, May 16, 1815.
Gideon D. Richardsou, December 10, 1852.
George W. Garfield, August 8, 1857.
Elisha O. Woodward, •. . . May 26, 1860.
William M. Nason, June 23, 1874.
At the time of the reappointment of Elijah Boyden in
1845, the post-office was established in the Stone Store,
where it has ever since remained.
A post-office was established at Marlborough Depot,
272 HISTORY OP MARLBOROUGH.
March 24, 1852, since that time the following gentlemen
have held the office of postmaster : —
Names. Date of Appointment.
Nelson Co^verse, March 2-1, 1852.
George W. Garfield, Xovember 24, 1852.
Cyi-us S. Moors, Augiist 3, 1857.
Cleon M. Lane, January 23, 1871.
Andrew L. Felch, August 7, 1871.
Cyrus S. Moors, May 28, 1872.
LIBRARIES.
Sept. 22, 1795, a number of the citizens of INIarlborough
met for the purpose of forming themselves into a society to
be known as the Marlborough Social Library. At this
meeting, Rev. Halloway Fish, Dr. David Carter, Jedediah
Tayntor, Phinehas Farrar, Esq., and Lieut. Calvin Stone
were chosen a committee to draw up a constitution. It was
also voted that two dollars be the price of each share in the
library.
At a subsequent meeting, the committee presented a
constitution, which was accepted and adopted. The follow-
ing persons became members of the society, only one of
whom survives. Rev. Luther Wiswall, of Windham, Me. : —
Jedediah Tayntor. Daniel Priest.
David Carter. Simeon Newton.
Joseph Frost. Jeremiah Bemis.
Hugh Mason. George Farrar.
Jonathan Frost. William Banks.
John Parkhurst. Kimber Harvey.
Isaac Goiild. Abijah Tucker.
Jonadab Baker. Phinehas Farrai', Jr.
Reuben Ward. Charles Holman.
Isaac Cummings. Amos Cummings.
Simon Piper. Benjamin Longley.
' Eliphalet Stone. John Ilarvey.
Elijah Frost. Persis Sweetser.
Calvin Stone. Daniel Gould, Jr.
Jacob Woodward. Daniel Cutting.
Shubael Stone. Hezekiah Ilodgkins.
Samuel Collins, Pliinehas Farrar,
LIBKAEIES.
273
Isaac Robbius.
Benjamin Whitney.
Levi Gates.
William Tenney.
John Wiswall.
John Lane.
Anna Temple.
William Lincoln.
Elijah Boyden.
Nathan Wild.
Thomas Temple.
Luther Xewton.
Thaddeus Parmenter.
John Fitch.
Elijah Gates.
John Wiswall, Jr.
Robert Emerson.
Phillips Sweetser, 3d.
Robert Worsley.
Richard Tozer.
Amasa Converse.
Nathan D. Barker.
Ephraim K. Frost.
Jonas Woodward.
James Batcheller.
Lovell Porter.
Thomas Adams.
Charles Hohnan, Jr.
Enoch White.
Levi Gates, Jr.
John Joslin.
Luther Hemenway.
Amos Cummings, Jr.
Calvin Hastings.
Caleb Perry.
Luke Blodgett.
Jonathan Bemis.
Abner Smith.
Abel Baker.
Oliver AVright.
Asa Hastings.
John Buss.
William Ward.
Calvin Newton.
Thomas Tolman.
Luther Bemis.
Etheel Parmenter.
Luther Wiswall.
Joseph Woodward.
Samuel Jones.
Among the first books purchased were Belknap's Histoiy
of New Hampshire, Morse's Geograph};^, Cook's Voyages,
Gordon's History of the Revolution, Doddridge's Rise and
Progress, Blair's Sermons, Life of Franklin, etc.
The library was kept for many years at the house of
William Tenney, where S. O. Pope now lives. This place
was chosen, no doubt, on account of its being near the
meeting-house, as most of the books were exchanged on
Sunday, although it was accessible at all times.
Whenever it became necessary to purchase books, a tax
of from fifty cents to one dollar was assessed upon each
share.
The library was removed in 1843 to the house of Cliarles
Holman, where Charles H. Thurston now resides. The
interest in the library now began to decline, and in a few
years was given up altogether, and the books divided among
274 • HISTORY OP MARLBOROUGH.
the share-liolders, some of whicli have been deposited in the
Frost Free Library for safe keeping.
FROST FREE LIBRARY.
In the summer of 1865, Hon. Rufus S. Frost of Chelsea,
Mass., made known to the citizens of Marlborough that he
wished to present his native town with a free librarv, and
would do so, whenever the town would provide a suitable
place in which to keep it.
A meeting of the citizens was held in September, but no
definite action was taken in relation to the subject, further
than to choose a committee to correspond with ]Mr. Frost.
This committee attended to the duties assigned them, and
the following correspondence took place : —
Marlboro', X.H., S.ept. 15, 1865.
IUtcs S. FnosT, Esq.:
Dear Sir, — A meeting of the citizens of jMavlboro' was holden Wednes-
day evening to take into consideration the subject of providing a suitable
place for the library which, it is undei'stood, you are intending to p>resent
to the towni. It was not the object of this meeting to take any definite
action on the subject, any further than to ascertain more fully the minds
of the people here. There was quite a fidl attendance ; and it was the
unanimous opinion of those present that the town will, when the matter
is formally laid before them, vote to erect a building either independ-
ently or in connection with a tova\ hall.
It is not clear in the minds of all that it conforms with your wishes to
have a building furnished at the expense of the town. Some think you
l>refer to erect and present the building as a part of the donation.
To learn what, if anji:hing, j^ou would have us do, a committee have
been appointed to correspond with you, and are instructed to say to you
that a legal town-meeting will be called to act upon any proposition you
may make, whenever it shall suit your convenience. Also, can you in-
form us of the size of the building required, or the size you would build?
"\'ery respuctfidly yoiu's,
' E. O. WOODWAltl). 1
("IIAllLES E. HOUGHTON, [ Committee.
c;harles k. iniasox, J
Boston, Mass., Sept. 20, 1865.
Messrs. E. O. Woodward, Ciiarlks E. Houoiiton, Charles K. Mason,
Committee :
Dear Sirs, — Your esteemed favor of the 15th inst. did not reach me
FROST FREE LIBRARY. 275
till yesterday ; and, in reply, I would say that for over a year I have con-
sidered the plan of. presenting to my native town a free public library,
and have appropriated ti\e thousand dollars for that object, a part of
which is to be invested and the income of the same to be expended
annually for new books to freshen up the library. This being perpetual,
a proper place for such a library had early occupied my attention. With
pride and satisfaction, I have seen the good citizens of Marlboro' tax
themselves to raise men to carry to a triumphant termination the war
thrust upon us by the South. But the Rebellion is now crushed, and,
. with the glorious success of our arms, we are left with a large debt and
heavy taxation, of which I know your patriotic citizens will readily
assume their share. Under these circumstances, I could not consent to
have any of them feel that their taxes were increased one cent because
I had presented the town with a library. It has been suggested to me
that a town hall might be built by subscription by some of the citizens
(and thus avoid taxation), and that a suitable room in it might be made
fire-proof, and the free use of it donated perpetually for the library.
But there might be delay in building the town hall, or other difficulties
might arise connected with this plan, in which case I should probably
contract for a siiitable building.
I am pleased to learn from your letter that the citizens of Marlboro',
the friends and associates of my honored parents, and also the playmates
of my childhood and friends of later years, take so much interest in the
library.
I beg to assure them through you that every year's experience • in life
makes me value more highly the principles taught me by my parents,
and love more tenderly Marlboro', their home and the home of their
parents. Truly yours, etc.,
RUFUS S. FROST.
The library 'building, a handsome, substantial granite
structure, having been completed pursuant to the design of
Mr. Frost as indicated in the preceding correspondence,
and furnished with books to the number of two thousand
volumes, the citizens of the town were formally called upon
to meet at three o'clock, Monday afternoon, August 26,
1867, to see if they would vote to accept the proffered gift
upon such terms as the donor should dictate. Accordingly,
at that hour, the library was filled to overflowing by the old
and young of the town.
Charles K. Mason, Esq., having been chosen moderator
of the meeting, and the divint! Itlcssing invoked by Kev.
276 HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
Irad Taggard, Mi\ Frost thus addressed the large assem-
blage : —
Men, women, and children of my native town, the day which I have
been aiiticix^ating so long has at length arrived ; and it gives me great
pleasure to meet yon all, and welcome you here.
The -great nmnber i^resent indicates the interest you take in education,
which, with religion, must be the foundation of the prosperity of any
community.
The facts that my paternal and maternal ancestors lived here from the
first settlement of the town ; that in 1776 my Great-grandfather Frost
and Grandfather Wheeler, with other citizens of the town, signed the
agreement to oppose with arms the hostile proceedings of the British;
that, when I was four years old, my father (whom I well remember) died
here, and, with my eldest sister and most of our ancestors, lies in the old
graveyard ; that the first six years of my life were spent here, and that I
here received at the common school, the Sabbath-school, and from my
now sainted mother, the beginning of my education, — these facts have
rendered this place very dear to my heart.
And, as I have come back to the home of my boyhood from year to
year, with my family, to daink in health and enjoyment from these grand
old hills and valleys, and seen these stalwart young men and the beauti-
ful young women who are growing up here, I have longed to do some-
thing which would add to the attractions of " dear old Marlborough," and
prove a real benefit to all her people. It seemed to me that nfree library
would accomplish these results. In the summer of 1865, I made the first
purchase of books, and have been selecting and adding until the present
time ; and, in everything connected with the library, I have endeavored to
act for the town, without regard to denomination or party. I now olfer
you the property with the following deed : —
Know all men by these presents. That I, Rufus S. Frost, of
Chelsea, in the County of Suffolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
in consideration of the love and affection which I have to Marlboro', in
the County of Cheshire and State of New Hampshire, my native town,
and in the hope of contributing something to the moral and mental im-
provement of the present and future inhabitants of said town, do grant,
sell, and convey to said town forever the Library Lot and Stone Building
thereon, lately erected by me for a Public Library in said town. Said
tract of land is bounded as follows : Beginning on the Depot Road at
the north-west corner of land of Warren H. AVilkinson, thence northerly
on same road to other land of said Wilkinson near the intersection of
the roads; thence easterly on a curve on said AVilkinson's land to the
highway leading to the Brick Church; thence south-easterly on said
highway to a stake in the ground ; thence south-westerly on said Wilkin-
son's land to a stake in tlie groiuul; and thence southei-ly on said Wilk-
FROST FREE LIBRARY. 277
insoii's land to the place of beginning. Together with all the books,
furnitnre, and other personal property in said building, and all the privi-
leges and appiu'tenances belonging to said premises, To have and to hold
the same as and for a Public Library free to all the inhabitants of said
towii forever.
This conveyance is made for the uses and purposes, and upon the
trusts hereinafter expressed, to wit: That the premises shall forever
hereafter be used and occupied as a Free Library for the inhabitants of
said towai, and for no other use or purpose whatever ; that the town will
permit the general management and control of the grounds, building,
library, papers, funds, and property to be in the hands of a Board of
Trustees, consisting of the Selectmen of the town for the time being, the
Clergymen settled or statedly officiating in said town, and three other
persons without regard to residence, chosen or appointed as the town
may decide from tune to time, and for such length of time as the town
shall determine, not less than three years : which Board of Trustees are
to choose a secretary, and from time to time make all needful ndes, reg-
ulations, and by-laws for the management of the library and its property.
All books hereafter purchased, or received by gift or otherwise for the
library, are to be examined by the Trustees or some of them, and, if ob-
jected to in writing as unfit for the library by any one or more of the
Trustees, the book is not to be admitted into the library, but the objec-
tion made is to be recorded by the secretary. The town is to see that
the property is protected from encroachment and trespass, and that the
three Trustees are chosen or appointed, and that the library and all
funds given for the purposes of the library are used according to the
intention of the donor, under the active management of the Board of
Trustees.
Ellen H. Frost, wife of the said Rufus S. Frost, hereby releases all her
claim to dower, and other claim to the premises.
Witness our hands and seals this twenty-sixth day of August, A.D.
1867.
RUFUS S. FROST.
ELLEN H. FROST, [l.s.]
Signed, sealed, and delivered in presence of
WM. P. WHEELER.
VINCENT D. LENT.
The State of New Hampshire, )
Cheshire Co., Aug. 26, 1857. )
Personally appeared Rid;us S. Frost, and acknowledged the foregoing
instrument to be his free act and deed. Before me,
WM. P. WHEELER,
Justice of the Peace.
" Designing that the taxes of no citizen should be increased because
of this gift, I have also laid aside five thousand dollars, the princii>fll to
278 HISTORY OF MARLBOnOTTGH.
remain forever intact, tlie interest to be paid annually to the Trustees
to be used to freshen and perpetuate the library. And I ha^e alreadj'
appointed a trustee to pay oAer the five thousand dollars to the to^vn at
my decease."
The town having formally voted to accept the gift npon
the conditions specified, Mr. Frost, addressing Rev. H. P.
Osgood of the Board of Trustees, spoke as follows : —
My dear Sir, — The town of Marlborough, by the vote just passed
accepting the "Free Library" upon the conditions specified in the deed,
has constituted you one of its Trustees ; and I therefore transfer to you
the keys, and joyfully bid God-speed to the work of education and eleva-
tion which I trust the library will perform. But I cannot let them pass
from my hands without expressing my gratitude to our heavenly Father
that no loss of life or limb has been experienced in the construction of
the building. I wish also to express my thanks to the builder, Jonathan
Jones, Esq., and his assistants, for the substantial manner in which they
have accomplished theil- work ; to Samuel Crossfield, Esq., and his assist>-
ants, for the workmanlike finish which they have given to the mterior ; to
Warren H. Wilkinson, Esq., for assisting in arranging the boundaries of
the laud ; and to the citizens who have kindly assisted in grading the
library-lot. And, sir,Tioping that you and yom- associates may enjoy
disi^ensing the privileges of the library as much as I have enjoyed in
preparing them, I herewith deliver you the keys.
Mr. Osgood, recei^dng the keys in behalf of the town,
responded to the address of Mr. 'Frost, expressing the pro-
found gratitude of the peoj)le of Marlborough to him for
the inestimable benefit which, in the exercise of a gener-
osity so discriminating and provident, he had conferred
upon them.
At the close of Mr. Osgood's address, an appropriate and
fervent dedicatory prayer was offered by Rev. Giles Lyman,
after which the following resolutions were reported by Dr.
S. A. Richardson : —
Resolved, That the Hon. Rufus S. Frost, in the gift of a Library so
ample in the number of volumes and so rich in varied literature, with a
provision for so large additions from year to year, and in the erection of
so goodly a structure for its accommodation, shows himself a most worthy
son of Marlborough, and merits the warm and lasting gratitude of every
citizen of the town.
Resolved, That the town hereby tender to Mr. Frost, and place upon
FKOST FKEE LIBEAEY. 270
record, their sinoere and hearty thanks for his so liberal and desirable
gift.
Resolved, That we will perpetuate the remembrance of this day and
its pleasant and profitable associations by giving to this building and
Library the name of Frost, and it shall be designated as Frost Fkee
Library.
After appropriate remarks by Dr. Ricliardson, Hon. Will-
iam P. Wheeler of Keene, and Rev. Mr. Laws, these reso-
lutions Avere unanimously adopted.
This action was followed by the recitation, in a beautiful
and impressive manner, of a neat little poem by Miss Ida
Woodward, addressed to Mr. Frost, in behalf of the young
folks; and the exercises at the library closed by a bene-
diction.
A procession was then formed, headed by the Keene
Brass Band, and marched to the residence of Mr. Samuel
Allison, on whose grounds was spread a most bountiful and
tastefully arranged collation provided by the ladies of Marl-
borough. The collation was followed by pertinent senti-"
ments and animated speeches, interspersed with appropriate
music.
In the evening, many citizens having assembled at the
residence of Mr. Frost, fireworks were displayed and a
collation served. Impromptu bonfires sprung up on various
eminences throughout the town, expressive of the gratified
and jubilant feelings of the people ; and so, merrily and hap-
pily, closed a day which will ever form a bright spot in the
annals of Marlborough.
In November, Elijah Boyden, Esq., having been chosen
librarian, the library was open to the public. Mr. Boyden
held the office until August, 1872, when he resigned ; and
Charles A. Bemis was chosen, and holds the position at the
present time.
Additions have been made to the books from time to
time, and they now number over three thousand volumes.
280 HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
ODD FELLOWS:*
PAQUOIG LODGE, No. 50, I.O.O.F.
In tlie year 1868, five Odd Fellows residing in Marlbor-
ougli, and members of Beaver Brook Lodge in Keene,
petitioned to the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire for a
charter to institute a new lodge in Marlborough, to be called
Paquoig Lodge. A charter was granted, and the lodge was
numbered 50, of the Order in the State. And on the loth
of January, 1869, the Most Worthy Grand Master, Charles
H. Brown, assisted by brothers of Beaver Brook Lodge,
instituted Paquoig Lodge, with the following charter mem-
bers : —
Nelsou Converse. Charles Buss.
Charles O. Whitney. Luther G. Bemis.
George Tilden. Solon W. Stone.
AVilliam Collins. Charles Stay.
Martin J. Buss. F. R. Thurston.
E. O. Woodward. James Knowlton.
These twelve Odd Fellows were at the time members
of Beaver Brook Lodge, and withdrew to institute the new
lodge in Marlborough, they all living ki Marlborough at
that time.
Odd Fellowship in Marlborough dates back to the j^ear
1850. Col. Nelson Converse joined Beaver Brook Lodge in
that 3^ear; and soon after Asa Maynard, F. R. Thurston,
L. N. Converse, L. Hemenway, and Horace Bucklin of
Marlborough joined the lodge at Keene. But the war of
the Rebellion soon came on, and Odd Fellowship was nearl}^
dead in this section of the State, Beaver Brook Lodge
coming very near giving up its charter. After the close of
the war, the Order commenced to grow with a new interest,
and these other charter members joined the Order at Keene.
The first lodge of Odd Fellows in New Hampshire was
Granite Lodge, No. 1,'at Nashua, instituted Sept. 11, 1843.
The first lodge in the United States was Washington Lodge,
instituted in Baltimore, April 26, 1819.
'Sketcli furnished by Luther Hemenway, fEsq.
ODD FELLOWS. 281
The iirst officers of Paqiioig Lodge, who Avere installed
Jan. 13, 1869, were: N.G., Nelson Converse; V.G., Will-
iam Collins; R.S., Luther G. Bemis ; P.S., George F. Buss;
T., James Knowlton; W., Charles Buss; C, Charles O.
Whitney; I.G., Charles Stay; R.S. to N.G., George Smith;-
L.S. to N.G., L. Hemenway; R.S. to V.G., E. O. Wood-
ward; L.S. to V.G., M. D. Gay; R.S.S., George Tilden;
L.S.S., Solon W. Stone; P.G., F.' R. Thurston; Rev. H. P.
Osgood acting as chaplain, who was succeeded before the
close of the term by Rev. D. S. Dexter.
The lodge first met, and was instituted in the hall over
the Universalist Church, Avhich had been secured by a lease
for the term of five years. The hall had previously been
altered and fitted up with two anterooms at an expense of
some four hundred and fort}^ dollars, which was assumed
and paid by the lodge. The hall for the first year was
used by the society of Good Templers, they hiring it of the
lodge.
The lodge continued to hold its meetings in this hall
until the first of April, 1875. At the expiration of the lease
of the hall for five years, and as an effort to obtain a new
lease for another term of years at a satisfactory price failed,
the lodge decided to see if some other place could not be
procured for their use. Not finding a suitable one, the
lodge voted to build a hall that would be better arranged
to meet their wants.
The lodge first bought Rev. S. Law's house; but, after
some investigation as to expense in building on that lot,
they concluded to sell it, and did so at some advance over
what they paid. On Sept. 7, 1874, the lodge, through a
committee consisting of Charles O. Whitney, James Knowl-
ton, and Nelson Converse, bought of Mr. E. O. Woodward
the vacant lot of land north of the Stone Store ; also a
small piece adjoining, of E. Fitch.
The lodge then chose A. A. Adams, C. O. Whitney,
James Knowlton, L. Hemenway, and C. H. Thurston a
building committee to ' proceed at once to build on the
newly acquired land the present odd fellows' building.
282 HISTOKY OF MAELBOKOITGH.
The stone masonry, digging the cellar, and fitting np the
grounds, were done b}^ J. & L. Knowlton. The wood-work,
chimneys, plastering, and painting were contracted to and
completed by A. R. & E. S. Foster of Keene. The build-
•ing is of wood above the basement (which is of stone),
thirtj^-four feet by fifty feet, two stories with a French roof.
The first floor is finished and occupied as two stores ; the
second, a jeweller's store, barber's shop, and a tenement for
one family ; and the third story is finished and fitted up for
a hall for the lodge with two good-sized anterooms.
On the first of April, 1875, the hall was completed, and
the lodge moved in, and held its first meeting of the month
in their new hall ; and on the second day of June next it
was dedicated according to the usages and work of the
Order, the Most Worthy Grand Master, Samuel J. Osgood,
presiding, assisted by the ' officers of the Grand Lodge and
brothers from Manchester, Peterboro', and Keeue.
The lodge continued to groAv and increase from the first
twelve charter members till it numbered in three years over
fifty, and has continued to number fi'om fifty to sixty mem-
bers up to the present time.
The following is a list of the Noble Grands, or the highest
office in the lodge, each serving one term of six mouths : —
1869. — Nelson Converse, William Collins.
1870.— Charles Buss, Charles O. Whitney.
1871.— George F. Buss, Charles A. Howard.
1872. — Luke Knowlton, Jr., Luther G. Bends.
1873. — Luther Ilenienway, Jaines Knowlton.
1871.- A. A. Adams, Mason L. White.
187.5. — George L. Fairbanks, Alvin K. IMartin.
1870.- Bradley E. Wright, Oren S. Adams.
1877. — Ivory E. Gates, S. p]inersoii Partridge.
1878.— Charles Stay, William W. Applin.
CEMETERIES.
No sooner had the pioneer inhabitants of Marlborough
become permanently settled, than tlK3y, knowing the uncer-
tainty of life and the certaintv of death, began to look for
CEIMETEEIES. 283
a proper place in wliieli to bury their dead. Accordingly,
in 1767, a committee of five men was chosen, " to fix a place
for a Burying Yard, viz: Benjamin Tucker, Daniel Goode-
now, William Barker, Joseph Collins, and Thomas Kiggs."
But it seems this committee failed to perform the duties
assigned them ; for at a meeting in January, 1770, this com-
mittee was dismissed, and it was voted that "Benjamin
Tucker, Joseph Collins, and David Warren be a committee
to loock out a Buring place."
The spot selected by this committee was the one now
occupied by the old cemetery at the middle of the town.
This was probably chosen on account of its adjoining the
lot on which the meeting-house was to be built ; for in those
days it was customary to locate the burying-yard as near
the meeting-house as it could be with propriety.
We have no record when the first death occurred in the
township ; but the earliest date we have of one is about 1772,
when a child of Jonathan Shaw died, and was buried only a
short distance from Mr. Shaw's house. In the course of a
few years, other persons who died in that neighborhood were
interred there ; but, as no gravestones were ever erected to
their memory, we have no means of knowing who they
were.
The custom of burying the dead on the home farm pre-
vailed to a considerable extent among the early settlers,
owing to the fact that the roads were but little better than
bridle-paths through the woods, and there was no way in
whixih to convey dead bodies, except to carry them on the
clumsy, old-fashioned bier. Thus we find graves scattered
here and there on our hillsides, the last resting-place of
many who have helped form and mould into shape the
institutions of this town. Often the plough in the hands of
some thoughtless proprietor has levelled these little mounds,
so that their exact locality can no longer be pointed out.
There is no tradition to tell us who was the first ^jerson
interred in the old burying-yard, and there are no grave-
stones which date back earlier than 1777, the first being that
of an infant son of Col. Richard and Mrs. Sybil Roberts,
284 HISTORY OF MARLBOEOUGH.
which bears the date of April 2i>, 1777. There were also
two children of Ebenezer and Sarah Rhodes, that died the
same year. A little to the right of the centre of the yard
is a stone with the following inscription: "Mrs. Submit
Sanderson, wife of Lieut. Colman Sanderson, died Oct. 9,
1781, aged twenty-eight years." This we are informed was
the lirst adult person buried in the yard.
In 1785, William Barker, the first settler of the town,
deeded to the town one acre of land to be used as a public
burying-ground. This yard is located in the north part of
Troy village, falling within the limits of that town at its
incorporation in 1815.
In 1793, Daniel Emerson gave the town one-half acre of
land in the north part of the town for a " burying-place."
And Mr. Emerson, in order, as it would seem, to perpetuate
the memory of this gift, ordered to be placed on his grave-
stone the following epitaph: —
" This laud I cleared is now my grave.
Think well, my friends, how you behave."
The first person interred in this yard, it is said, was
John Lewis, who died Feb. 21, 1793. This yard has been
used chiefly by the inhabitants of the north part of the town
and those residing in the north-west part of Dublin, now
West Harrisville.
The burying-ground near Mr. Esty's was set apart for
that purpose at an early date. The first person interred
there was Mary, wife of John Harvey, Jr., who died in
1785. An infant child of John and Mary Harvey was also
buried there about the same time. This yard is now chiefly
used for the burial of strangers and paupers.
Graniteville Cemetery was laid out in the year 1852
by Asa Greenwood who foreseeing that a new cemetery
would soon be needed selected the site, laid out, and fenced
the same with a good substantial iron fence. The ground
was divided into sixty-four lots Avhich were sold at twelve
dollars per lot.
CEMETEKIES. 285
This cemetery was consecrated Oct. 20, 1852. The fol-
lowing is a copy of a lij-nin written for the occasion by Miss
A. A. Morton: —
HYMN.
We consecrate this chosen spot
For chambers of repose,
Where human forms may rest, nor feel
The weight of hmnan woes.
No gloomy fear, no chilling dread.
Shall hamit this calm retreat.
But forms imbued with life and hope
Shall here our presence greet.
Affection's hand around the grave
Shall gather trees and liowers.
To beautify and cheer the place
Through all save wintry hours.
Here would we bring our cherished dead,
And lay them 'neath the sod.
While Faith's sweet voice says, " Dust to dust.
The spirit to its God."
Here we would lie when Death's pale hand
Life's silver cord has riven.
And opened for om- waithig souls
The shining gates of heaven.
Our Father, bless this sacred rite,
Impart thy genial grace,
And fit us for that better land
Where is no bm'ial-j)lace.
Sarah, daughter of Nelson and Sally (Jones) Converse,
who died April 26, 1853, was the first person buried in this
cemetery. So rapidly have the lots been taken up that
within a few years two additions have been made to the
original yard. The whole is finely arranged, and presents
an attractive appearance. Much credit is due to the ladies
who have formed a society for the purpose of keeping this
cemetery in repair. In this work, they are aided by a por-
tion of the interest accruing from two hundred dollars
bequeathed to the town by the late Jedediah T. Collins for
the purpose of keeping the four cemeteries in repair.
286
HISTORY OF MARLBOROTTGH.
SEXTONS.
Since 1778, the following persons have served as sex-
tons : —
1778.-
— John Felton.
1800.-
— William Tenney, Jr.
Richard Tozer.
1801.-
- Oliver Wright.
1780.-
— John Felton. •
1802.-
- Oliver Wright.
Richard Roberts.
1803.-
- William Tenney, Jr.
1781.-
— John Felton.
1804.-
- William Tenney, Jr.
Richard Tozer.
Elias Hemeuway.
1782.-
— John Felton.
1805.-
- Elias Hemenway.
1783.-
— John Felton.
William Tenney, Jr.
Richard Roberts.
1806.-
— Elias Hemenway.
1781.-
— Richard Tozer.
1807.-
— William Tenney, Jr.
1785.-
— Richard Tozer.
Elias Hemeuway.
1786.-
-Richard Tozer.
1808.-
- William Tenney.
John Felton.
Elias Hemenway.
1787.-
— Richard Tozer.
1809.-
— William Tenney.
Coleman Sanderson.
Elias Hemenway.
1788.-
-Richard Tozer.
1810.-
— Ebenezer Hemenway.
Ebenezer .
William Tenney.
1789.-
— Richard Tozer.
1811.-
— William Tenney.
Coleman Sanderson.
Elias Hemenway.
1790.-
- Coleman Sanderson.
1812.-
— William Tenney.
Richard Tozer.
Elias Hemenway.
1791.-
- Richard Tozer.
1813.-
- William Tenney.
James Dean.
Joseph Cutting.
1792.-
- Richard Tozer.
Ebenezer Hemenway.
1793.-
-Richard Tozer.
1814.-
-William Tenney.
William Barker.
Luke Harris.
Daniel Cummings.
Ebenezer Hemenway.
1794.-
- Richard Tozer.
1815.-
— William Tenney, Jr.
Daniel Emerson.
Luke Harris.
Ebenezer liacon.
Ebenezer Ilemenway.
1795.-
— Richard Tozer.
1810.-
— William Tenney.
Ebenezer Racon.
Ebenezer Hemenway.
Ebenezer Ilemenway.
1817.-
— William Tenney, Jr.
1796.-
— Ebenezer Bacon.
Ebenezer Ilemenway.
Richard Tozer.
1818.-
— John Lane.
Daniel Emerson.
Daniel Emerson, Jr.
1797.-
1819.-
— William Tenney, Jr.
1798.-
— William Tenney, Jr.
Daniel Emerson, Jr.
1799.-
— William Tenney, Jr.
1820.-
— George Lane.
SEXTONS.
1820.-
- Daniel Enier.son,
Elijah Gates.
Jr.
1835.-
- Levi Thatcher.
Jeremiah Llerrick.
1821.-
- George H. Lane.
1836.-
- Luther Hemenway.
Daniel Emerson,
Jr.
Charles Gilbert.
Elijah Gates.
Jeremiah Herrick.
1822.-
— George H. Lane.
1837.-
— Luther Hemenway.
Daniel Emerson,
Jr.
LeAd Thatcher.
Levi Thatcher.
Jeremiah Herrick.
1823.-
- Lnke Blodgett.
1838.-
— Lutlier Hemenway,
Daniel Emerson,
Jr.
Levi Thatcher.
Levi Thatcher.
Jeremiah Herrick.
182i.-
-Luke Blodgett.
Winsor Gates.
1839.-
— Emery Cudworth.
Levi Thatcher.
Daniel Emerson,
Jr.
Jeremiah Herrick.
1825.-
- Luke Blodgett.
Levi Thatcher.
1810.-
— Emery Cudworth.
Levi Thatcher.
Daniel Emerson,
Jr.
Jeremiah Herrick.
1S2G.-
-Liike Blodgett.
Levi Thatcher.
Daniel Emerson.
1841.-
— Emery Cudworth.
Levi Thatcher.
Jeremiah Herrick.
1827.-
- Luke Blodgett.
Levi Thatcher.
1812.-
— Emery Cudworth.
Levi Thatcher.
Daniel Emerson,
Jr.
Thorley Collester.
1828.-
- Levi Thatcher.
Silas McColester
Luke Blodgett.
1843.-
— Emery Cudworth.'
Levi Thatcher.
Jeremiah Herrick.
1829.-
- Luke Blodgett.
Levi Thatcher.
1844.-
— Josiah Woodward.
Levi Thatcher.
Daniel Emerson,
'Jr.
Jeremiah Herrick.
1830.-
- Luke Blodgett.
Levi Thatcher.
1845.-
— Josiah Woodward.
Levi Thatcher.
Daniel Emerson,
Jr.
Jeremiah Herrick.
1831.-
-Luke Blodgett.
Levi Thatcher.
Daniel Einersou.
ISKJ.-
— Emery Cudworth.
Levi Tluxtcher.
Jeremiah Herrick.
1832.-
— Luke Blodgett.
Levi Thatcher.
Daniel Emerson.
1817.-
— Emery Ciidworth.
Levi Thatcher.
Jeremiah Herrick.
1833.-
— William Tenney
Levi Thatcher.
Daniel Emerson,
1848.-
— Emery Cudworth.
Levi Thatcher.
Jeremiah Herrick.
1831.-
- Luke Blodgett.
Levi Thatclier.
1849.-
— Emery Cudworth.
Levi Thatcher.
Jeremiah Herrick.
Jeremiah Herrick,
1835.-
- Luke Blodgett.
18.50.-
-JoluiM. Davis,
287
288
HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
■ Levi Thatcher. 1859.—
Jeremiah Herrick.
Emery Ciidworth.
Levi Thatcher. I860.—
Jeremiah Herrick.
■Emery Cudworth.
Levi Thatcher. 1861.—
Dai'ius Richardson.
Emery Cudworth.
Levi Thatcher. 1862.—
Jeremiah Herrick.
•Emery Cudworth. 1863.—
Levi Thatcher,
Darius Richardson. 1864. —
Emery Cudworth.
Levi Thatcher. 1865.—
Darius Richardson.
1856.— Emery Cudworth. 1866.-
Darius Richardson.
Levi Thatcher. 1867.—
Emery Cudworth.
Levi Thatcher. 1868.—
Darius Richardson.
Aaron Stone.
Darius Ricliardson.
18.50.
1851.
1852.-
1853.
1854.-
1855.
1857.
1858.
Luke Blodgett.
Levi Thatcher.
Darius Richardson.
Emery Cudworth.
Levi Thatcher.
Darius Richardson.
Darius Richardson.
Levi Thatcher.
Benjamin Whitney.
Jairus Collins.
Darius Richardson.
Jairus Collins.
Darius Richardson.
Jairus Collins.
Darius Richardson.
Jairus Collins.
Darius Richardson.
Jairus Collins.
Darius Richardson.
Jairus Collins.
Darius Richardson.
Jarius Collins, who has held
the office from that time to
the present.
Mortuary Record. — A record of deaths was kept by
Rev. Halloway Fisli and his successors, from Jan. 1, 1793,
to Jan. 1, 1841 ; and from that date up to the present
time by Jairus Collins, Esq. And from these sources we
learn that up to Jan. 1, 1880, there have been twelve hun-
dred and sixty-six deaths.
Year.
No.
1794, .
. 12
1795, .
. 9
1796, .
. 21
1797, .
. 17
1798, .
. 4
1799; .
. 12
1800, .
. 9
1801, .
. 12
1802, .
. 7
J803, .
, n
Year.
No.
1804, ... 15
1805,
14
1806,
17
1807,
12
1808,
15
1809,
14
1810,
10
1811,
11
1812,
9
1813.
16
Year.
No.
1814, ... 25
1815,
19
1816,
16
1817,
15
1818,
8
1819,
8
r820,
14
1821,
13
1822,
16
1823.
14
MORTLTARY RECORD.
280
Year.
No.
Year.
No.
Year.
No.
1821, ... 12
1813, . .
18
1862, .
. 17
1825,
13
1811, . .
7
1863, .
. 33
1826,
13
1815, . .
18
1861, .
. 25
1827,
14
1846, . .
9
1865, .
. 21
1828,
13
1817, . .
11
1866, .
. 11
1829,
13
1818, . .
9
1867, .
. 19
1830,
7
1819, . .
20
1868, .
. 18
1831,
13
1850, . .
8
1869, .
. 19
1832,
8
1851, . .
16
1870, .
. 11
1833,
9
1852, . .
15
1871, .
. 18
1831,
7
1853, . .
11
1872, .
. 19
183.5,
11
1851, . .
28
1873, .
. 20
1830,
9
1855, . .
8
1871, .
. 13
1837,
23
1856, . .
17
1875, .
. 23
1838,
12
1857, . .
11
1876, .
. 18
1839,
17 -
1858, . .
11
1877, .
. 19
1810,
18
1859, . .
18
1878, .
. 17
1811,
11
1860, . .
14
1879, .
. 30
1842,
18
1861, . .
23
From the following record, we learn that the number of
persons dying in this town since Nov. 24, 1808, eighty or
more years of age, has been one hundred and thirty-two ;
above eighty-five, sixty-eight ; above ninety, twenty-eight ;
and above ninety-five, eight : —
Nov. 24, 1808, Josiali Farrar, 87
Fel). 10, 1810, Hannah Farrar, widow of Josiah Farrar, .... 87
May 25, 1811, Ephraim Root, Esq., 85
Xov. 3, 1815, Israel Richardson, 87
Jan, 23, 1816, Mrs. Parkhurst, 80
March 21, 1816, Widow White, 81
Feb. 9, 1817, Eliphalet Stone, 82
INlay 9, 1817, Richard Tozer, 81
March 29, 1819, Widow Harvey, 90
April 19, 1819, Widow Abigail Whittaker, 96
Jan. 8, 1820, William White, 83
July 10, 1820, Lydia (Goodale) White, widow of Wm. White, . 80
Aug. 28, 1820, Elizabeth (Rogers) Tucker, wife of Abijah, ... 91
March 18, 1821, Lydia (Goddard) Stone, widow of Eliphalet, . . 81
Sept. 20, 1821, Widow Sarah Sampson. 89
Feb. 11, 1823, Theodore Mann, 81
July 4, 1825, Ebenezer Rhodes, 80
Dec. 31, 1825, Widow Betsey (Flood) Spaulding, 80
39
290
HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
June 4,
1827,
Dec. 21,
1828,
July 11,
1829,
March 27
, 1831,
March,
1832,
May 17,
1833,
June 28,
1836.
Sept. 14,
1836,
Feb. 25,
1837,
April 24,
1837,
Aug. 25,
1838,
1838,
Nov. 30,
1839,
July 23,
1839,
Oct. 27,
1839,
April 12,
1840,
Dec. 2,
1840,
April 1,
1841,
Jan. 7,
1842,
June 29, .
. 1842,
Feb. 9,
184.3,
Oct. 2,
1843,
Dec. 10,
1843,
March 25
, 1844,
Feb. 17,
1845,
Dec,
1846,
Dec. 20,
1847,
June 16,
1848,
April 9,
1849,
Sept. 22,
1849,
Oct. 1,
1849,
April 10,
1850,
Jan. 7,
18.51,
June 7,
1851,
July 5,
1851,
Oct. 6,
1851,
Oct. 20,
1851,
Jan. 81,
18.52,
March 21
, 18.52,
June 27,
1852,
Sept. 22,
18.52,
1852,
Sept. 24,
1852,
Nov. 30,
1852,
Sept. 2,
1853,
John Rogers, 80
Abijah Tucker, 89
Daniel Emerson, 82
Mehitable (Jones) Tenney, widow of William, . . 81
Josiah Parkhurst, 95
Widow Abigail Emerson, 87
Mirriam (Wheeler) Richardson, widow of Israel, . 90
Aseneth (Rice) Hastings, wife of Thaddeus, . . 85
Lois (Johnson) Wright, widow of Oliver, ... 92
Mrs. Mary Buss, widow of John 90
Hugh Mason, 80
Mrs. Goodenow, widow of Benjamin, ..... 85
ThaddeiTS Hastings, 95
Luke Newton, 84
Ebenezer Hemenway, 80
Queen Harrington, 90
Tabitha (Willson) Baker, widow of Jonadab, . . 80
Phinehas Farrar, 93
Ebenezer Hetrick, . 83
Mary (Maynard) Taynter, widow of Jedediah. . . 91
Aaron Willard, 85
Abigail Worsley, wife of Robert 95
David Wilkinson, 81
Hannah (Adams) Sargent, widow of Samuel, . . 89
Lovina (Warren) Farrar, widow of Phinehas, . . 92
Gratia Mann, : 80
Lawson Moore, 91
Samuel Collester, 81
Jacob Woodward, 87
John Converse, 82
Bezaleel Baker, 81
Benjamin Thatcher 90
Lydia (INIatthews) Collins, widow of Samuel, . . 89
Rath (Tower) Pai-nrenter, widow of Thaddeus, . 87
AVidow Morse, 80
Mrs. Atwood, 84
Jonathan Frost, 87
Mrs. Lydia Knight, 84
Martha (Clark) Tohnau, widow of Josepli, ... 89
Capt. Benjamin Whitney, 82
Mirriam (Newton) Newton, widow of Luther, . . 88
Mrs. Htjward, 84
Mrs. Robert, 87
Asa Porter, 96
Mercy (Totman) Woodward, widow of Jacob, . . 96
MORTUAEY KECOBD.
291
Sept. 30,
1853,
Feb. 5,
1854,
Feb. 7,
1854,
Feb. 10,
1854,
July 16,
1854,
Oct. 18,
1854,
Sept. 20,
1855,
July 27,
1856,
May 18,
1856,
Sept. -l.
1856,
Oct. 23,
1856,
Dec. 29,
18.56,
Jan. 12,
1857,
Xov. 10,
1857,
Feb. 27,
1860,
March 23
, 1860,
May 24,
1860,
Feb. 17,
1861,
July 8,
1861,
Nov. 7,
1861,
March 2c
(, 1862,
Apr. 10,
1862,
Aug. 6,
1862,
Oct. 12,
1862,
March 29
, 1863,
May 3,
1863,
Dec. 28,
1863,
May 21,
1864,
July 22,
1864,
Nov. 24,
1864,
Jan. 4,
1865,
Jan. 27,
1865,
Apr. 12,
1865,
July 30,
1865,
Oct. 16,
1865,
Dec. 8,
1867,
Feb. 22,
1868,
Dec. 14,
1868,
March IS
, 1869,
Nov. 25,
1870,
March 27
, 1871,
Aug. 16,
1871,
Aug. 21,
1871,
Aug. 30.
1871,
Mrs. Noyes, the mother of INIrs. James Fai'rar, . . 86
Silence (Be)knai)) Collester, widow of Samuel, . . 84
Mrs. Mary \Varcl, 82
Mrs. Emerson, 82
Widow Lucy Larrabee, 83
Ruth (Gates) Ilemenway, widow of Ebenezer, . . 87
Nancy (Fuller) AMiitney, Avidow of Benjamin, . . 88
Mrs. Scripture, 80
Catharine Hiscock, 81
Molly (Patterson) Hemenw'ay, widow of Elias, . . 93
Delilah (Rhodes) Bemis, widow of Jonathan, . . 84
Lydia (Collester) Cununings, widow of Daniel, . 85
Dorcas (Farns worth) Gates, widow of Elijah, . . 87
Eliza Knight, 86
William White, 87
John Towns, 82
Samuel Jones, 82
Jedediah Putney, 85
Esther (Maynard) White, widow of William, . . 91
Ebenezer Coburn, 81
Zeuriah (Capron) (Converse) White, widow of
Enoch, 81
Abigail (Wood) Baker, widow of Bezaleel, ... 91
Relief (Sawyer) Holman, widow of Esq. Charles, 90
Betsey Carlton, 96
Dea. Andrew Spooner, 82
Ruth (Allen) Wilkinson, widow* of David, ... 95
William Farrar, 81
James Wakefield, Esq., 82
Hannah Mason, 80
Mary (Tayntor) Wiswall, widow of Major John, . 89
Mrs. Howes, 84
Aaron Buss, 85
Rebecca (Metcalf) White, wife of Thomas, ... 81
Sarah French, 92
Thomas White, 82
Widow' Lydia (Richardson) Lowell, ... . . . 83
Silas Collins, 81
Major Thomas Tolman, 85
Keziah Brooks, 81
Joseph Carter, 83
Nathan E. Wild, Esq., 92
Emiice (Porter) Wild, widow of Nathan. ... 87
Anna (Pratt) (Lawrence) Willard, widow of Aaron, 94
Polly (Converse) Ilolman. widow of Charles, . . 80
292
Oct. 16,
1871,
Nov. 20,
1873,
May 3,
1874,
May 17,
1874,
Jan. 21,
1875,
Aug. 5,
1875,
Nov. 14,
1875,
Jau. 26,
1876,
March 29
, 1876,
Apr. 8,
1876,
Aug. 3,
1876,
Oct. 30,
1876,
Nov. 2,
1876,
Nov. 15,
1876,
Jan. 9,
1877,
Jan. 17,
1877,
March 1,
1877,
Aug. 11,
1877,
Aug. 24,
1877,
May 4,
1878,
Feb. 7,
1879,
Feb. 8,
1879,
Nov. 3,
1879,
Nov. 4,
1879,
Nov. 11,
1879,
HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
Luke Blodgett, 85
Sally Merriam, wife of Zadock, 84
Lois "White, wife of Porter, .84
Widow llhoda Stoue, 88
Betsey (Herrick) Russell, widow of Abner, ... SO
AViusor Gates, 81
Mi-s. Nancy Fairbanks, SO
Zoa (Noyes) Farrar, widow of Dea. James, ... 80
Moses Hunt, 87
Sally (Lincoln) NMiitcomb, widow of Dea. Simeon. 83
Lucy (Collins) Collins, widow of Artemas, . . . So
Lovisa (Converse) Buss, widow of John, .... 82
Jonas Woodward, 84
Jethro Coombs, 86
Jeremiah Herrick, 80
Hannah (Greenwood) Twitchell, 85
Olive (Parmenter) Woodward, widow of Josiali, . 80
Lucy Hunt, widow of Moses, S5
Silas "NVhitcomb, 80
Sally Allison, 91
Caty (Woodward) Thatcher, wife of Elias, ... 91
Elias Thatcher, 86
David AVilkinson, 80
Calvin Tenney, " 86
Zadock Merriam, 87
The following persons above eighty years of age were
residing in 'town Jan. 1, 1880: Benjamin Tilden, born in
Marshfield, Mass., Dec. 14, 1785; Sally (Wright) Griffin,
widow of the late Nathan Griffin of Nelson, born in Nelson,
Dec. 24, 1786; Dolphus Bixby, born in Hillsborough, Jan.
7, 1790 ; Sarah (Wilkinson) Davis, widow of Jonah Davis,
born in Marlborough, Oct. 29, 1790; Samuel Allison, born in
DubUn, March 20, 1795; Col. Cyrus Frost, born in Marl-
borough, Sept. 25, 1795 ; Clarissa (Johnson) (Stebbins)
Lawrence, widow of Capt. Asa Lawrence of Roxbury, born
in Bolton, Conn., Jan. 25, 1796; Levi Thatcher, born in
Marlborough, Dec. 6, 1796 ; Caroline (Richardson) Frost,
wife of Col. Cyrus Frost, born in Dublin, May 22, 1797 ;
Abraham Corey, born in Richmond, May 10, 1798; Cyrus
Thatcher, born in Marlborough, May 9, 1799 ; Permilla
(Porter) Gates, widow of Levi Gates, born in Marlborough,
June 15, 1799.
TOWN OFFICERS. 293
TOWN OFFICERS.
1777. — Moderator, Thomas Riggs; Clerk, David Wheeler; Selectmen,
James Lewis, Eliphalet Stone, Richard Tozer.
1778. — Moderatol-, Richard Atwell; Clerk, David Wheeler; Selectmen,
Richard Atwell, David Wheeler, Oliver Wright.
1779. — Moderator, Oliver Wright ; Clerk, David Wheeler ; Selectmen,
James Lewis, David Wheeler, Oliver Wright.
1780. — Moderator, William Barker; Clerk, Oliver Wright; Selectmen,
William Barker, Joseph Collins, Benoni Robbins.
1781. — ■ Moderator, Jedediah Tayntor; Clerk, Oliver Wright; Selectmen,
Oliver Wright, Samuel Sargent, Jedediah Tayntor, Samuel
Soper, David Wheeler
1782. — Moderator, James Brewer; Clerk, Oliver Wright; Selectmen,
James Brewer, James Flood, Silas Fife, Ebenezer Temple,
Daniel Cutting.
1783. — Moderator, David Wheeler; Clerk, Oliver Wright; Selectmen,
Reuben Ward, Phinehas Farrar, Alexander Parkman, Thomas
Upham, Joseph Blood.
1784.— Moderator, David Wheeler; Clerk, Oliver Wright; Selectmen,
Phinehas' Farrar, Thomas Thompson, Oliver Wright.
1785. — Moderator, Phinehas Farrar ; Clerk, James Brewer ; Selectmen,
James Brewer, Phinehas Farrar, David Wheeler. Representa-
tive, Alexander Parkman.
1786. — Moderator, Oliver Wright; Clerk, Jonathan Whipple; Select-
men, Oliver Wright, Eliphalet Stone, Abijah Tucker.
1787. — Moderator, Oliver Wright; Clerk, Jonathan Whipple; Select-
men, Oliver Wright, Joseph Collins, Daniel Cutting. Repre-
sentative, Jedediah Tayntor.
1788. — Moderator, Oliver Wright; Clerk, Justus Perry; Selectmen,
Oliver Wright, Ebenezer Temple, Jonathan Whipple. Repre-
sentative, Jedediah Tayntor.
1789. — Moderator, Phinehas Farrar; Clerk, Jonathan Whipple; Select-
men, Ebenezer Temple, Phinehas Farrar, Eliphalet Stone.
1790. — Moderator, Eliphalet Stone ; Clerk, Phinehas Farrar ; Selectmen,
Silas Fife, Daniel Cutting, Moses Tucker.
1791.— Moderator, David Wheeler; Clerk, Oliver Wright; Selectmen,
Oliver Wright, Joseph Frost, Calvin Stone.
1792. — Moderator, Phinehas Farrar; Clerk, OliA-er Wright; Selectmen,
Oliver Wright, Phinehas Farrar, Silas Fife.
1793. — Moderator, Richard Roberts; Clerk, Ebenezer Temple; Select-
men, Reuben Ward, Andrew Phillips, Moses Tucker. Repre-
sentative, Phinehas Farrar.
1794. — Moderator, Reuben Ward ; Clerk, Ebenezer Temple ; Selectmen,
Ebenezer Temple, Jonadab Baker, Phinehas Farrar. Repre-
sentative, Phinehas Farrar.
2P4 HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGIt.
1795. — Moderator, Phiiiehas Farrar ; Clerk, Calvin Stone; Selectmen,
Calvin Stone, Phinehas Farrar, Jonadab Baker. Representa-
tive, Phinehas Farrar. •
1796. — Moderator, Phinehas Farrar; Clerk, Calvin Stone; Selectmen,
Phinehas Farrar, Hugh [Mason, Benjamin Whitney. Repre-
sentative, Phinehas Fan-ar.
1797. — [Moderator, Phinehas Farrar ; Clerk, Ebenezer Temple ; Select-
men, Phinehas Farrar, Hugh ]\lason, Benjamin AVhitney
Representative, Phinehas Farrar.
1798, — Moderator, Hugh Mason ; Clerk, Ebenezer Temple ; Selectmen,
Ebenezer Temple, Joseph Frost, David Wheeler, Phinehas
Farrar, Gideon Xewton. Representative, Jedediah Tayntor.
1799. — Moderator, Phinehas Farrar; Clerk, Ebenezer Temple; Select-
men, Phinehas Farrar, Joseph Frost, Ebenezer Temple.
1800. — Moderator, Joseph Frost; Clerk, Ebenezer Temple; Selectmen,
Joseph Frost, Ebenezer Temple, Amos Cummings. Represen-
tative, Phinehas Farrar.
1801. — Moderator, Shubael Stone ; Clerk, Ebenezer Temple ; Selectmen,
Ebenezer Temple, Joseph Frost, Benjamin Whitney. Repre-
sentative, Phinehas Farrar.
1802.— Moderator, Phinehas Farrar; Clerk, Levi Gates; Selectmen,
Levi Gates, Phinehas Farrar, AVilliam Banks. Representative,
Phinehas Farrar.
1803. — Moderator, Phinehas Farrar; Clerk, Levi Gates; Selectmen,
Levi Gates, Phinehas Farrar, WiUiam Banks> Representative,
Phinehas Farrar.
1804. Moderator, Joseph Frost; Clerk, Levi Gates; Selectmen, Levi
Gates, Phinehas Farrar, William Banks. Representative,
Phinehas Farrar.
1805. Moderator, Joseph Frost; Clerk, Benjamin Whitney; Selectmen,
Benjamin Whitney, Phinehas Farrar, William Banks. Repre-
sentative, Phinehas Farrar.
180G. Moderator, Shubael Stone; Clerk, Benjamin Whitney; Select-
men, Benjamin Whitney, Jonathan Frost, William Banks.
Representative, Col. Joseph Frost.
1807.— Moderator, Col. Joseph Frost; Clerk, Benjamin Whitney; Select-
men, Benjamin Whitney, Phinehas Farrar, Jonathan Frost.
Representative, Phinehas Farrar.
1808.— Moderator, Shubael Stone; Clerk, Benjamin Whitney; Select-
men, Benjamin Whitney, Phinehas Farrar, Jonathan Frost.
Representative, Phinehas Farrar.
1809.— Moderator, Shubael Stone; Clerk, Benjamin Whitney; Select-
men, Benjamin Whitney, Col. Joseph Frost, Jonathan Frost.
Representative, Phinehas Farrar.
1810.— Moderator, Shubael Stone; Clerk, Benjamin Whitney; Select-
men, Bcnjaniin Whitney, Col. Josepli Frost. Jonathan Frost,
Representative, Phinehas Farrar.
( TOWN OFFICERS. 295
1811. — Moderator, Shubael Stone; Clerk, Levi Gates; Selectmen, Levi
Gates, Phinehas Farrai-, Maj. John Wiswall. Representative
Phinehas Farrar.
1812. — Moderator, Hugh Mason; Clerk, Benjamin Whitney; Selectmen,
Col. Joseph Frost, Jonathan Frost, Caleb Perry. Representa-
tive, Phinehas Farrar.
1813. — Moderator, Shubael Stone; Clerk, Jonathan Frost; Selectmen,
Jonathan Frost, Col. Joseph Frost, Daniel Cutting. Repre-
sentative, Col. Joseph Frost.
1814. — Moderator, Shubael Stone; Clerk, Jonathan Frost; Selectmen,
Jonathan Frost, Col. Joseph Frost, Maj. John Wiswall. Rep-
resentative, Col. Joseph Frost.
1815. — Moderator, Hugh Mason; Clerk, Jonathan Frost; Selectmen,
Maj. John Wiswall, Hugh Mason, Daniel Cutting. Represen-
tative, Phillips Sweetser.
181G. — Moderator, Shubael Stone; Clerk, Jonathan Frost; Selectmen,
Jonathan Frost, Hugh Mason, Maj. John Wiswall. Represen-
tative, Phillips Sweetser.
1817. — Moderator, Shubael Stone; Clerk, Jonathan Frost; Selectmen,
Jonathan Frost, Levi Gates, Hugh Mason. Representative,
Col. Joseph Frost.
1818. — Moderator, Shubael Stone ; Clerk, Jonathan Frost ; Selectmen,
Jonathan Frost, Levi Gates, Thomas Tolman. Re]3resentative,
Col. Joseph Frost.
1819. — Moderator, Shubael Stone; Clerk, Levi Gates; Selectmen, Levi
Gates, Thomas Tolman, Maj. John Wiswall. Representative,
Levi Gates.
1820. — Moderator, Hugh Mason; Clerk, Levi Gates; Selectmen, Levi
Gates, Maj. John Wiswall, Abner Boyden. Representative,
Levi Gates.
1821. — Moderator, Shubael Stone; Clerk, Levi Gates; Selectmen, Levi
Gates, Abner Boyden, Maj. John Wiswall. Representative,
Col. Joseph Frost.
1822. — Moderator, Oliver Boyden; Clerk, Abner Boyden; Selectmen,
Abner Boyden, Hiigh Mason, Charles Holman. Representa-
tive, Col. Joseph Frost.
1823. — Moderator, Hugh Mason; Clerk, Abner Boyden; Selectmen,
Abner Boyden, Hugh Mason, Charles Holman. Representa-
tive, Levi Gates.
1824. — Moderator, Col. Joseph Frost; Clerk, Abner Boyden ; Selectmen,
Abner Boyden, Charles Holman, Samuel Gage. Representa-
tive, Col. Joseph Frost.
182.5. — Moderator, Jesse Stone; Clerk, Abner Boyden; Selectmen, Abner
Boyden, Charles Holman, Levi Gates, Jr. Representative,
Joseph Frost,
296 HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
1826. — Moderator, John Wiswall ; Clerk, Asa Frost; Selectmen, Asa
Frost, Abner Boyden, John Wiswall. Representative, Col.
Joseph Frost.
1827. — Moderator, Joseph Frost, Jr.; Clerk, Abner Boyden; Selectmen,
Abner Boyden, Charles Holman, Levi Gates, Jr. Rei^resenta-
tive, Joseph Frost.
1828. — Moderator, Joseph Frost, Jr. ; Clerk, Abner Boyden ; Selectmen,
Abner Boyden, Levi Gates, Jr., Amos Sargent. Representa-
tive, Joseph Frost.
1829. — Moderator, Joseph Frost, Jr. ; Clerk, Abner Boyden ; Selectmen,
Abner Boyden, Levi Gates, Jr.,' Amos Sargent. Representative,
Col. Joseph Frost.
1830. — Moderator, Jonah Davis ; Clerk, Levi Gates, Jr. ; Selectmen, Levi
Gates, Jr., Abner Boyden, Eber Tenuey. Representative,
Abner Boyden.
1831. — Moderator, Jonah Davis; Clerk, Levi Gates, Jr.; Selectmen, Levi
Gates, Jr., Abner Boyden, Amos Sargent. Representative,
Abner Boyden.
1832. — Moderator, Charles Holman, Jr.; Clerk, Abner Boyden; Select-
men, Abner Boyden, Levi Gates, Amos Sargent. Representa-
tive, Levi Gates.
1833. — Moderator, William Tenney; Clerk, Abner Boyden; Selectmen,
Abner Boyden, Daniel Emerson, Charles Holman. Represen-
tative, Benjamin Whitney, Jr.
1831. — Moderator, Jonah Davis; Clerk,- Abner Boyden; Selectmen,
Daniel, Emerson, Benjamin AMiituey, Jr., Asa Frost. Repre-
sentative, Benjamin Whitney, Jr.
1835. — Moderator, Jonali Davis; Clerk, Abner Boyden; Selectmen,
Benjamin Whitney, Jr., Samuel Jones, Amos Sargent. Repre-
sentative, Benjamin AMiitney, Jr.
183G. — Moderator, Jonah Davis ; Clerk, Abner Boyden ; Selectmen,
Cyrus Frost, Levi W. Porter, Amos Sargent. Representative,
Cyi'us Frost.
1837. — Moderator, Jonah Davis; Clerk, Abner Boyden; Selectmen,
Charles Holman, Jr., Benjamin Whitney, Jr., Levi W. Porter.
Representative, Charles Ilohnan, Jr.
1838. — Moderator, John Wiswall; Clerk, Cyrus Frost; Selectmen,
Benjamin Whitney, Jr., Charles Holman, Ji., Jeremiah Her-
rick. Representative, Charles Holman, Jr.
1839. — ^Moderator, John Wiswall; Clerk, William Boyden; Selectmen,
Benjamin Whitney, Jr., Jeremiah Herrick, Levi ^V. Porter.
Representative, Benjamin Whitney, Jr.
1810. — Moderator, Nelson Converse ; Clerk, David ^Mlkinson, Jr., Se-
lectnren, Benjamin Whitney, Jr., Jeremiah Herrick, Levi W.
Porter. Representative, Jaijies Batcheller,
TOWN OFFICERS. 297
1841. — Modenitor, Nelson Converse; Clerk, William Boydeu ; Selectmeji,
Jeremiah Herrick, Levi W. Porter, Amos Cummings, .Jr. Rep-
resentative, James Batclieller.
1842. — Moderator, Nelson Converse ; Clerk, William Boyden ; Selectmen,
Amos Cummings, Jr., Levi W. Porter, Joseph Cummings.
EejDresentative, Amos Cummings, Jr.
1843. — Moderator, Nelson Converse ; Clerk, William Boyden ; Selectmen,
Amos Cummings, Jr., Levi W. Porter, Joseph Cummings.
Representative, Ajnos Cummings, Jr.
1844. — Moderator, Nelson Converse ; Clerk, William Boyden ; Selectmen,
Amos Cummings, Benjamin AVhitney, Jairus Collins. Repre-
sentative, Amos Cummings.
184.5. — Moderator, Nelson Converse ; Clerk, William Boyden ; Select-
men, Levi W. Porter, Jeremiah Herrick, Nelson Converse.
Representative, James Batclieller.
1846. — Moderator, Nelson Converse; Clerk, William Boyden; Select-
men, Levi W. Porter, Nelson Converse, Eli Dort. Representa-
tive, None.
1847. — Moderator, Elijah Boyden; Clerk, Jairus Collins; Selectmen
I^evi W. Porter, Nelson Converse, Jairus CoJlins. Representa-
tive, Levi W. Porter.
1848. — Moderator, Elijah Boyden; Clerk, William Boyden ; Selectmen,
Levi W. Porter, Merrill Mason, George A. Nutting. Repre-
sentative, Levi W. Porter. x
1819. — Moderator, Elijah Boyden; Clerk, William Boyden; Selectmen,
Levi W. Porter, Merrill Mason, Eli Dort. Representative,
Levi W. Porter.
1850. — -Moderator, Elijah Boyden; Clerk, William Boyden; Selectmen,
Merrill Mason, Eli Dort, Samuel Allison ; Representati*^e, Asa
Maynard.
1851. — Moderator, Elijah Boyden ; Clerk, William Boyden ; Selectmen,
Benjamin Whitney, Jr., Jeremiah Herrick, Samuel Allison ;
Representative, Benjamin Whitney, Jr.
1852. — Moderator, Elijah Boyden; Clerk, William Boyden; Selectmen,
Benjamin Whitney, Jr., Jeremiali Herrick, Asa Greenwood.
Representative, Benjamin Whitney, Jr.
1853. — Moderator, Elijah Boyden ; Clerk, William Boyden ; Selectmen,
Jeremiah Herrick, Asa Maynard, Jairus Collins; Representa-
tive, Asa Maynard.
1854. — Moderator, Elijah Boyden; Clerk, William Boyden; Selectmen,
Asa Maynard, Jairus Collins, Merrill Mason ; Representative,
Asa Maynard.
1855. — Moderatoi-, Nelson Converse ; Clerk, William Boyden ; Select-
men, Asa Maynard, Jairus Collins, Emery Cudworth ; Repre-
sentative, Nelson Converse.
298 HISTORY OF MAULBOEOITGH.
1856. — Moderator, Elijah Boyden ; Clerk, William Boyden ; Selectmen,
William Boyden, William Tenney, 2d, Emery Cxidworth.
Representative, William Boyden. *
1857. — Moderator, Edwin Davis; Clerk, Jairus Collins; Selectmen,
Jairus Collins, Phinehas Gleason, Amos B. Tenney. Repre-
sentative, Jeremiah Herrick.
1858.— Moderator, Elijah Boyden;' Clerk, Elisha O. Woodward; Select-
men, Henry C. Tenney, Phinehas Gleason, Amos A. Mason.
Representative, Jeremiah Herrick.
1859. — Moderator, Nelson Converse; Clerk, Elisha O. Woodward; Se-
lectmen, Henry C. Tenney, Amos A. Mason, Emery Cudworth.
Representative, Charles Gilbert.
1860.— Moderator, Elijah Boyden; Clerk, Elisha O.Woodward; Select-
men, Henry C. Tenney, Amos A. jNIason, Elias Hardy. Repre-
sentative, Charles Gilbert.
1861. — Moderatoi", Nelson Converse; Clerk, Elisha O.Woodward; Se-
lectmen, Amos A. Mason, William W. Greenwood, Charles K.
Mason. Representative, Charles K. INIason.
1862. — Moderator, Samnel A. Richardson; Clerk, Elisha O. VVoodward;
Selectmen, Amos A. Mason, William W. Greenwood, George
A. Porter. Representative, Charles K. Mason.
1863. — Moderator, Nelson Converse; Clerk, Elisha O. Woodward; Se-
lectmen, Amos A. Mason, George A. Porter, Cyrus S. Moors.
Rei^resentative, Amos A. Mason.
1864. — Moderator, Nelson Converse; Clerk, Elisha O. Woodward; Se-
lectmen, Amos' A. Mason, George A. Porter, Cyrus S. Moors.
Representative, Amos A. Mason.
1865. — Moderator, Nelson Converse; Clerk, Elisha O. AVoodward; Se-
lectmen, Amos A. Mason, George A. Porter, Elias Hardy.
Representative, William M. Nason.
1866. — Moderator, Benjamin Whitney; Clerk, Elisha O. AVoodward;
Selectmen, George A. Porter, Elias Hardy, George F. jNIason.
Representative, William M. Nason.
1867. — Moderator, Charles K.Mason; Clerk, Elisha O. AVoodward; vSe-
lectmen, Amos A. Mason, Josiah L. Sargent, Solon AV. Stone.
Representative, Daniel AV. Tenney.
1868. — ]\Ioderator, Charles K.Mason; Clerk, Elisiui (). AV\H)d\vard ; Se-
lectmen, Amos A. Mason, Solon AV. Stone. Elias Hardy. Rep-
resentative, Daniel AV. Tern icy.
1869. — Moderator, Charles K. Mason; Clerk, Elislia O. Woodward; Se-
lectmen, Jairus Collins, Levi A. Fuller, Josiah AV. Lawrence.
Representative, Jairus Collins.
* William Hoyden died March 30, and a,t a le.!?al niectinp;, held April 16, Jairus
Collins was choson Town Clerk aud first Selectman; and Nel.'joii Converse, Ropregen-
tiitivo.
TOWN OFFICEES. 299
1870. — Moderator, Charles K. Mason; Clerk, Elislia O. Woodward; Se-
lectmen, Jairus Collins, Levi A. Fuller, Josiah W. Lawrence.
Representative, Jairus Collins.
1S7L — Moderator, Cyrus S. Moors ; Clerk, Elisha O. Woodward; Select-
men, Jairus Collins, Levi A. Fuller, Josiah W. Lawrence. Eep-
resentative, Deming S. Dexter.
1872. — Moderator, Charles Iv. Mason; Clerk, Elisha O. Woodward; Se-
lectmen, Levi A. Fuller, Josiah W. Lawrence, Amos A. Mason.
Rej)resentative, Deming S. Dexter.
1873. — Moderator, Charles K. Mason; Clerk, Elisha (J. Woodward; Se-
lectmen, Amos A. Mason, Josiah W. Lawrence, Mowry A.
Thompson. Representative, Levi A. Fuller.
1874. — Moderator, Charles K. Mason; Clerk, Elisha O. Woodward; Se-
lectmen, Amos A. Mason, Josiah W. Lawrence, Mowry A.
Thompson. Representative, Levi A. Fidler.
1875. — Moderator, Charles K. Mason; Clerk, George G. Davis; Select-
men, Amos A. Mason, Josiah W. Lawrence, Mowry A. Thomp-
son. Representative, Jedediah T. CoUins.
1876. — Moderator, Charles K. Mason; Clerk, George G.Davis; Select-
men, Josiah W. Lawrence, Mowry A. Thompson, Levi A.
FuUer. Representative, Jedediah T. Collins.
1877. — Moderator, Charles K.Mason; Clerk, George G. Davis; Select-
men, Levi A. Fuller, Luther Hemeuway, Daniel W. Tenney.
Representative, Franklin R. Thui'ston.
1878. — Moderator, Charles K. Mason; Clerk, George G.Davis; Select-
men, Luther Hemenway, Daniel W. Tenney, Jedediah K.
Southwick. Representative, Franklin R. Thui-ston.
1879. — Moderator, Charles K. Mason ; Clerk, George G. Davis ; Select-
men, Amos A. Mason, Jedediah K. Southwick, Luther Hemen-
way. Representative, George G. Davis.
Since the incorporation of the town, the following per-
sons have served as treasurer : —
James Lewis, 1778.
Silas Fife, 1779, '88, '89.
Oliver Wright, 1780.
James Brewer, 1781, '82.
James Flood, 1783, '84, '85, '86, '87.
Abijah Tucker, 1790, '91, '92, '93, '94, '95.
Jedediah Tayntor, 1796, '97, '98, '99, 1800.
Jonathan Frost, 1801, '02.
Amos Cmnmings, 1803.
Jonadab Baker, 1804, '05, '06, '07.
Hugh Mason, 1808.
300
HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
Levi Gates,
Daniel Cutting,
Benjamin Whitney,
Col. Joseph Frost,
Elijah CoUins,
Joseph Frost, Jr.,
Jonah Davis,
Abuer Boy den,
AVilliam Tenney,
Charles Holman,
Stilhnan Buss,
Amos B. Tenney,
Asa ^Mapiard,
Henry C. Tenney,
Elisha O. Woodward,
Georoe G. Davis,
1809, '10, '15.
1811.
1812, '13, '11, '19, '20, '21, '22.
181G, '17, '18.
1823, '21, '25.
1826, '27, '28, '29.
1830, '36, '37, '38, '39.
1831, '32, '31.
1833.
1835.
1810, '11, '12, '13, '11, '15, '16.
1817.
1818, '49, '50, '51, '52, '53, '.54, '55, '56, '57.
1858.
1859, '60, '61, '62, '63, '64, '65, '66, '67, '68, '69,
'70, '71, '72, '73, '74.
1875, '76, '77, '78, '79.
VOTES FOR GOYERXOR.
1784,
1785,
1787,
1788,
1789,
1790,
1791,
1792,
1793,
1794,
1795,
1796,
1797,
1798,
1799,
1800,
1801,
1S02,
1803,
Meshech Weare, . .
No record of the vote.
John Langdon, . . .
Jonn Sullivan, . . .
John Langdon, . . .
John SuUivan, . . .
Scattering, . . . .
John Pickering, . .
Josiah Bartlett, . .
Josiali Bartlett, . .
Josiah Bartlett, . .
John Taylor Gilmau, .
John Taylor Gilman, .
John Taylor Gilman, .
John Taylor Gilman, .
John Taylor Gilman, .
John Taylor Gilman, .
Scattering, . . . .
John Taylor GiJman, .
John Taylor Gilman, .
John Taylor Gilman, .
John Taylor Gilman, .
Joliu Taylor Gilman, .
Votes.
Governor.
Votes.
21
1804,
John Taylor Gilman,
141
John Langdon, . .
10
50
1805,
John Taylor Gilman,
152
3
John Langdon, . .
36
17
1806,
John Langdon, . .
54
16
Oliver Peabody,
41
5
Timothy Farrar, .
13
26
John Taylor Gilmau,
8
25
Jeremiah Smith, .
3
19
John Goddard, . .
1
27
1807,
John Taylor Gilman,
41
11
John Langdon,
28
66
Jeremiah Smith, .
21
49
John Goddard, . .
1
46
1808,
Jeremiah Smith, .
35
45
John Langdon, . .
27
53
John Taylor Gilman.
24
1
1809,
Jeremiah Smith. .
147
43
John Langdon, . .
10
48
John Goddard, . .
1
140
1810,
Jeremiah Smitli. .
142
147
John Langdon, . .
26
143
1811,
Jeremiah Smith, .
131
VOTES FOK GOVERNOK.
301
Goveruoi:
Votes.
Governor.
Votes.
1811,
John Langdon, . .
29
1831,
Ichabod Bartlett, .
121
1S12,
John Taylor Giluuin,
130
Saumel Dinsmore, .
30
William riiuuer, .
31
Scattering, . . .
2
181;],
Joliii Taylor Gilmaii,
148
1832,
Samuel Dinsmore, .
45
William Tlumer, .
13
Ichabod Bartlett, .
79
1814,
John Taylor Gilnian,
187
Scattering, . . .
1
William Tlumer, .
15
1833,
Samuel Dinsmore, .
50
1815,
John Taylor Gilmau,
172
Scattering, . . .
1
William Plumer, .
24
1834,
William Badger, .
40
1810,
James blieafe, . .
118
1835,
Joseph Healy, . .
84
AVilliam Tlumer, .
32
William Badger, .
50
1817,
Jeremiah Mason, .
112
1830,
George Sullivan, .
90
William Tlumei-, .
32
Isaacliill, . . .
49
Josiah Bartlett,
2
1837,
Isaac Hill, . . .
37
1818,
Jeremiah Mason, .
85
1838,
James Willson, Jr.,
133
William Plumer, .
3y
Isaac Hill, . . .
41
1819,
William Hale, . .
92
1839,
James Willson, . .
125
ISamuel Bell, . . .
28
John Fage, . . .
57
1820,
Samuel Bell, . .
94
1840,
Enos Stephens, . .
121
Jeremiah Mason, .
9
John Fage, . . .
57
1821,
(Samuel Bell, . . .
113
Scattering, ... .
i
Jeremiah Mason, .
12
1841,
Enos Stevens, . .
102
1822,
hamuei Bell, . . .
120
John Fage, . . .
55
Jeremiah Smith, .
4
Daniel Hoit, . . .
14
Timothy Farrar, .
1
1842,
Daniel Hoit, . .
27
1823,
Levi Woodbury, .
133
John H. White, .
31
Samuel Dinsmore, .
5
Henry Hubbard, .
51
1821,
Levi Woodbury, .
112
1843,
Antliony Colby, .
81
Jeremiah Smith, .
18
Henry Hubbard, .
42
1825,
David L. Morril, .
121
Daniel Hoit, . .
15
Scattering, , . .
2
1844,
Anthony Colby, .
80
1820,
David L. Morril, .
84
John H. Steele, .
40
Benjamin Fierce, .
18
Daniel Hoit, . .
21
Scattering, . . .
1
Scattering, . . .
1
1827,
David L. Morril, .
73
1845,
Anthony Colby, .
05
Benjamin Fierce, .
25
John H. Steele,
29
Jeremiah Mason, .
4
Daniel Hoit, . .
17
1828,
John Bell, . . .
124
Scattering, . . .
1
Benjamin Fierce, .
2
1840,
Anthony Colby, .
09
1829,
John Bell, . . .
106
Jared W. Williams,
44
Benjamin Fierce, .
24
Nathaniel S. Berry,
28
1830,
Timothy Upham, .
94
1847,
Jared W. Williams,
44
Matthew Harvey, .
48
Nathaniel S. Berry,
28
Scattering, . . .
2
Anthony Colby,
88
302
HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
Governor.
Votes.
Governor.
Votes.
1848,
Jared W. Williams.
47
1862,
Nathaniel S. Berry,
151
Nathaniel S. Berry,
108
George Stark, . .
26
Anthony Colby,
8
1863,
Joseph A. Gilmore,
144
1849,
Levi Chamberlain.
71
Ira A. Eastman,
38
Samuel Dinsmore,
42
Scattering, . . .
1
Nathaniel S. Berry,
42
1864,
Joseph A. Gilmore,
162
1850,
Nathaniel S. Berry,
43
Edward W. Harriugt<
m, 34
Samuel Dinsmore,
49
1865,
Frederick Smith, .
157
Levi Chamberlain,
87
Edward W. Harringt
m, 27
1851,
Samuel Dinsmore,
40
1866,
Frederick Smith, .
166
John Atwood, . .
6(3
John G. Sinclair, .
31
Thomas E. Sawyer,
79
1867,
Walter Harriman. .
163
Scattering, . . .
1
John G. Sinclair, .
30
1852,
Noah Martin, . .
52
Scattering, . . .
1
John Atwood, . .
60
1868,
Walter Harriman. .
196
Thomas E. Sawj'er,
83
John G. Sinclair, .
37
1853,
Noah Martin, . .
44
1869,
Onslow Stearns, .
186
John H. White, .
56
John Bedel, . . .
33
James Bell, . . .
72
1870,
Onslow Stearns,
186
1854,
Nathaniel B. Baker,
35
John Bedel, . . .
28
Jared Perkins, . .
74
1871,
James Pike, . . .
211
James Bell, . . .
52
James A. Weston, .
43
1855,
James Bell, . . .
2
1872,
Ezekiel A. Straw, .
237
Asa Fowler, . . .
7
James A. Weston, .
45
Nathaniel B. Baker,
40
1873,
Ezekiel A. Straw, .
210
Ralph Metcalf, . .
159
James A. Weston, .
43
1856,
Ralph Metcalf, . .
152
Scattering, . . .
3
John S. Wells, . .
51
1874,
Luther McCutchins,
222
Scattering, . . .
1
James A. Weston, .
54
1857,
William Ilaile, . .
161
1875,
Person C. Cheney, .
252
John S. Wells, . .
. 31
Hiram R. Roberts,
59
Scattering, . . .
1
Scattering, . . .
1
1858,
Asa P. Cate, . . .
38
1876,
Person C. Cheney, .
252
William Haile, . .
168
Daniel Marcy, . .
49
1859,
Ichabod Goodwin. .
160
Scattering, . . .
2
Asa P. Cate, . . .
36
1877,
Benjamin F. Prescott
257
1860,
Ichabod Goodwin, .
176
Daniel Marcy, . .
50
Asa P. Cate, . . .
38
Scattering, . . .
1
1861,
Nathaniel S. Berry,
152
1878,
Benjamin F. Prescott
233
George Stark, . .
32
Frank A. McKean,
52
The small number of votes cast for many years after the
adoption of a State Constitution was probably owing to the
fact that the polls were not kept open through the day
REMARKABLE EVENTS. 303
as at present, and those wlio were not present at the time
the votes were called for had no opportunity to cast their
ballot.
Mrs. Miriam Newton, wife of Luther Newton, kept for
more than sixty years a diary in which she made a record
of remarkable events, — the weather, births, marriages, and
deaths of the town's people, or any noted persons she had
read or heard of. This diary, which is now in the posses-
sion of her daughter, Miss Nancy Newton of Troy, has been
of great value to the compiler in the preparation of these
pages. The following extracts from this manuscript may
not prove uninteresting to the reader : —
'' Uncommon darkness in New England, May 19, 1780, —
so dark at mid-day candles were lighted, the night equally
dark."
"A remarkable thunder-storm, Oct. 31, 1783."
"March 23, 1785, Rev. Mr. Packard was ordained at
Marlborough, Mass. The snow was so deep and hard that
people went Avith horses and sleighs over walls and fences,
acrost lots anywhere. It did not thaw any all day."
" An uncommon whirlwind in Southborough, Mass., Aug.
15, 1787. And several others in diverse places. Some
Ijuildings l^urnt by lightning, while others were torn to
pieces by the wind. A very remarkable day through almost
all the New England States."
"A remarkable wind, Aug. 19, 1788, blowing from south-
east, then from south-west. It turned up a great many
trees, and killed cattle, damaged fields, etc."
" A great frost. May 17, 17^91."
" A remarkable wind with snow, Oct. 9, 1804."
"A very extraordinary snow-storm and terrible wind,
]March 31, 1807."
"A remarkable north-west wind, and extreme cold day,
Jan. 12, 1810."
" Sept. 23, 1815, a dreadful gale of wind throughout New
England, in which many lives were lost, and the destruction
of property in buildings, ships, merchandise, timber, and
wood were bevond all calculation,"
304 HISTORY OF MARLBOKOUGH.
" June, 1816, from the 5th to the 12th veiy cokl, the
ground froze every night, some snow fell the 6th day."
" Sept. 27, 1816, a hard frost that killed all the corn."
" Jan. 17, 1817, a remarkable thunder-storm and some
snow. The meeting-house in FitzAvilliam burnt by light-
ning."
"March 1 and 2, 1818, remarkable raim* days that caused
a great freshet."
"Aug. 1, 1819, a severe thunder-storm, tlie 2d day very
heavy showers "with tremendous lightning, that struck a
great many buildings."
" Aug. 28, 1826, a great freshet. It carried off almost all
the bridges, broke dams, and damaged the roads greatly."
" March 12, 1832, a severe thunder-storm, a barn burned
by lightning in Jaffrey."
" Nov. 13, 1833, a remarkable streaming of the stars in all
directions."
"Nov. 17, 1835, uncommon brilliant northern lights."
"Jan. 25, 1837, great northern lights, very red."
The dark day alluded to in Mrs. Newton's diary Avas one
ever to be remembered in the histor}'- of New England.
The morning was clear and bright. About nine o'clock, a
thick, black cloud was seen rising in the west, which soon
spread over the whole sky. The cows came from the past-
ures, the fowls went to roost, and the birds flcAV to their
nests the same as at night. At noon, the darkness was so
great that lighted candles were placed upon the dinner-
tables. The night was much darker than the day, and is
described as being like that of Egypt, "a darkness that
could be felt." Elias Hemenway, who was ploughing on
that day, was obliged to put up his cattle before noon, as
the darkness was so intense that he could not see to jolough
a straight furrow. Thaddeus Hastings left home in the
morning, and on his return got lost, and was obliged to lie
in the woods all night. Others met with a similar experi-
ence, and the " Dark Day " was ever a subject of frequent
remark by the last generation.
PAUPERISM. 305
1»AIJPEEISM.
The town 1ms at times been subjected to great expense
in assisting the needy. In the early days of its history, the
custom of warning new-comers out of town, with a view to
prevent their acquiring a legal settlement, was practised to
a considerable extent. The following extract from the rec-
ords will serve to illustrate the legal process by which this
was accomplished : —
State op New Hampshire, > To Mr. Richard Tozar,
Cheshire, ss. | Constable of Marlborough.
You are hereby Required in the Name of the governmeut and people
of said State forthwith to notify and warn James Brook, and his wife
Elizabeth Brook, Drucilla Brook, mary Brook, Hannah Brook, Sibel
Brook, Esther Brook, Rebecca Brook, whose Last place of a Bode Sherly
in the State of the masachusets Bay to Depart and leave this Town
within the space of fourteen Days as the Law Directs.
Hereof Fail not and make a Return of your Doings herein to us as
soon as may Be, given under our hands and seal this third Day of March
1779.
Lieut. OLIVER WRIGHT, 1 Selectmen
Mr. RICHARD AT WELL, \ of
DAVID WHEELER, J Marlborough.
In obedience to the within warrant I notified and warned all the
within named to Depart and Leave this town as the Law Directs.
Mr. RICHARD TOZAR,
Constable.
Warrants like this were served at first on all indiscrimi-
nately, without regard to their condition in life or their abil-
ity to support themselves. Thus we find on the list several
who subsequently became men of influence, and were found
among the heaviest tax-payers. Even Dr. David Carter
who settled here in 1795, received this inhospitable welcome
from the hands of Shubael Stone, constable, costing the town
the sum of twenty-three cents. The vote in 1780, to "warn
all out of the town for the futer who are not inhabitants,"
seems to have been complied with to the letter, if we are to
take as evidence the great multiplicity of these warrants in
this and the following years. These have not been without
306 HISTOllY OF MARLBOKOTJGH.
use to the compiler, as" the dates have been the means of
ascertaining the progress of the settlements in town, and
generally contain the names of the towns from which these
persons removed.
Previous to 1778, we have no evidence that the authori-
ties were called upon to render aid to any individual. If
there were any needy persons prior to this, they were either
provided for at private expense or conveyed back to the
towns from whence they came.
In the warrant for the annual meeting in March of that
year, there was an article which reads as follows : —
"to see if the town Will make provision for support Mrs.
Rebecca Webber, according to the request of Mr. Benne-
diek Webber." The town voted, " not to maintain Mr.
Bennedick Webber's Mother as one of the Poor of this
town at present."
In 1789, Oliver Wright presented an account of two
shillings and sixpence for " time spent about Bethiah New-
ton and mother being brought and flung on the town."
For the next two years, the name of Bethiah Newton figures
conspicuously on the records. The accounts of several
different physicians for visits and medicine show her to
have been during this time an invalid ; and those of Daniel
Lawrence and others for Avood and provisions seem to indi-
cate that she lived by herself instead of being let to the
lowest bidder, as was not unfrequently the case in such
instances, in the early history of New England townships.
The la^t we hear of her was in August, 1791, when the
town voted to allow Ebenezer Rhodes four shillings and
sixpence " for a petticoat that he let liethiah Newton have
when she left town."
For many years, the support of the poor was let to the
lowest bidder. Subsequentl}^ all the poor were supported
by one person, in accordance with a contract made with the
town. But, as the number of paupers increased, it was
thought best for the tawn to purchase a farm, which was
carried into effect in 1838.
TJie farm purchased was the I3arker place, adjoining the
ABATEMENT OF TAXES. 307
farm of George A. Nutting. It was previously owned by
Asa Baker, and was purchased of him for the sum of twelve
hundred dollars. Here, under the direction of an agent
employed by the town, the poor were well cared for ; but,
after a trial of some seven years, it proved to be an unprofi-
table investment for the town, and the farm was sold.
Since that, those persons claiming assistance from the town
have been boarded in private families, or at the County
Alms-house.
ABATEMENT OF TAXES.
Previous to the commencement of the present century,
laws were enacted giving towns the right to abate the taxes
of any person who should request it, provided sufficient
reason for such abatement be given. Consequently, in the
warrant for the annual meeting of each year, there was an
article, " to see if the town will abate any person's rates."
Then, as well as now, there were many transient people in
town, who would remain only long enough to have their
names placed on the tax-list, and then leave without paying
their respective rates ; and the collectors, despairing of ever
collecting the same, would petition for their abatement, and,
this being brought before the town, they would generally
comply with their request, and the collectors would no
longer be responsible for the same.
There were many poor men, the income of whose land
was hardly sufficient to support the large family dependent
on them, and, money being very scarce, would find it at the
year's end impossible to pay the tax assessed against them.
Such men would avail themselves of the privilege proffered,
and ask for an abatement of their taxes ; and, in justice to
those belonging to the more wealthy class of that day, we
would say that the prayer of such petitioners was generally
granted.
There was also another class of individuals who sought
to avail themselves of this privilege, who were not always so
successful. They were those who did not make hard work
a specialty, and who, had they been industrious like their
308 HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
neighbors, would have been abundantly able to pay their
taxes. To this class, if we may believe tradition, belonged
Asa Metcalf. Being naturally an indolent fellow,* and
choosing to hunt and fish rather than till the soil, or work
for such of his neighbors as would have been willing to give
him employment, he sought to pa}^ his taxes in this way.
At length, the town, having complied several times with
his request, and thinking perhaps to rid themselves of all
such petitions from him in the future, passed the following
vote : " Voted to Abate mr. Asa Metcalf s Rates upon con-
dition he will Leave this town and Not truble it any more ;
also, voted not to Rate him this year." As he did not leave
the town, but continued to reside therein until his death,
more than thirty years thereafter, is sufficient proof that his
taxes were not abated.
WILD ANIMALS.
The early settlers of Marlborough were much troubled
by the invasion of wild animals; the most troublesome of
which were the bear, wolf, and catamount. Many anec-
dotes of the warfare carried on with these ferocious beasts
have been handed down to us ; some of which we will nar-
rate. In many instances, these animals were taken in traps,
the most of which were made of wood, and called log traps,
being constructed similar to the modern mink-trap now in
use. Steel traps were, however, sometimes used, being
more easily set than the former.
It is related that at one time Joel Porter was much
troubled by the depredations of a large bear. He tried
various ways to get rid of the animal, but without success.
Not knowing how to make a log trap, he applied to Mr.
Jonathan Bemis for assistance, at the same time offering to
give him five coppers^ if he would go and help set a log trap.
*Tlie writer has seen a copy of a return made to the State of the number of
paupers in town, and the reason why they could not support themselves. Among
the number is mentioned " Mr. Asa Metcalf, the reason why he cannot support him.
self is that he has always been an idle and indolent fellow."
WILD ANIMALS. 309
Mr. Beniis accepted the offer, and set the trap, baiting- it
with a hirge piece of meat. Having with them more iiieat
than was necessary for bait, the remainder they hung in
a tree near by. The next morning Mr. Porter visited the
trap, and found it sprung, the bait gone, as was also that
which was hung in the tree. Finding that bruin had once
more eluded his efforts, Mr. Porter, not easily discouraged,
again baited the trap, and on a second visit found he was
rewarded by a large bear, Avhicli weighed four hundred
pounds, when dressed.
About 1794, a couple of hunters started a large bear in
the town of Swanzey. Their dogs following him at a brisk
rate into Marlborough ; he finally turned his course toward
the Monadnock, and, getting tired, stopped and set himself
down with his back again&t a tree ; so that the dogs, when
they should come up, could not get in his rear. When the
dogs came up, a severe hght followed, in which one was
killed before the hunters reached them. On their appear-
ance, the bear darted off' before they could despatch him ;
and, night coming on, they called off" their dogs, and ]3ut up
for the night at Bezaleel Baker's. Benjamin Dole who then
lived on the Phinehas Farrar place, near the foot of the
mountain, — and who, by the way, was quite a noted
hunter, — found that night what course the bear had taken,
went home and made preparations for an enrlj start the
next morning, hoping to secure the bear before the hunters
sliould get upon his track. He chaj'ged his gun for the pur-
pose, and, soon as he could see in the morning, started off
into the forest toward the place where he supposed bruin
had hid himself from his pursuers. Some three inches of
light snow had fallen during the night. As he was jogging
along, and before he had begun to look for his game, he of
a sudden came upon him. The bear was completely covered
with snow, and the man was almost upon him before he
knew it. Bruin, thus suddenly disturbed, sprang up, shook
off the snow, and hastily pressed his way toward the moun-
tain. His enemy was too much frightened to level and dis-
charge his gun, and the bear escaped. Mr. Dole, who had
310 HISTORY OF MARLBOEOXJGS.
taken so much pains to capture liini, did not liear the last of
his bold adventure for many years.
When the country was new, the settlers who wished to
keep their sheep secure from wild animals were obliged to
have a fold made wolf-proof, where they yarded them during
the summer. Daniel Cutting, Sen., had a yard, the fence of
which was some six or seven feet high, so that he thought
no bear or wolf could* get over it. In this his sheep were
secured every night. On going to the yard one morning,
they found the fattest sheep in the flock missing ; and, on
examining the fence, they discovered where a bear had
raked the logs with his claws, which told plainly that bruin
had scaled the fence, secured the best sheep in the flock, and
taken what is called " French leave." A couple of hunters
with two or three dogs were immediately put upon the
track, and, after following some two miles, overtook, and
despatched him.
When the road from Keene to Boston led by Mr. Asa
Porter's, where Fuller Clark now resides, a teamster came
along one day, and informed Mr. Porter that a bear and
two cubs had just crossed the road between his house and
the " Brandy Brook," so called. Mr. Porter took his axe,
and started off, saying, as he did so, " I will have one of the
cubs." He went into the .woods, as he was directed and,
soon came upon one of the cubs, which he immediately
secured ; but the cub set up a bitter cry, which brought old
bruin to the spot, so enraged that Mr. Porter dropped the
cub, and, thinking he was on the point of being torn in
pieces, backed up against a tree, and by swinging his axe
kept the bear from springing upon him. Pie was too much
frightened to scream, but made a noise as though he was in
distress, which brought to the spot Mr. Ebenezer Jenne,
who was at work near by ; and the bear, seeing his enemy
thus re-enforced, left the field to his opponent; and Mr.
Porter was glad to return to his house without his game.
Thaddeus Parmenter, while going through the forest, be-
tween the Stillman Woodward farm and where George A.
Nutting now resides, walking, as was his custom, with his
WILD ANIMALS. 311
head down, found himself all at once confronted by a large
bear which sat up on its haunches, looking directly at him.
Mr. Parmenter stood still for a moment, at a loss to know
what to do, but finally concluded to try to scare it. He
accordingly took off his broad-brim hat, and, shaking it,
jumped toward the bear, at the same time screaming at the
top of his voice. As he jumped, the bear turned and ran,
with two cubs following, and were soon lost in the dense
woods. Mr. Parmenter, in relating the story, used to say,
he did not know which was the most frightened, the bear
or himself.
At another time, soon after his settlement on the farm
now owned by Mr. Nutting, he went one afternoon to the
grist-mill of Daniel Gould, in the south part of the town,
now Troy. Several customers had arrived at the mill
before him ; and, being obliged to wait his turn, it was
nearly dark before he started on his return. When he
arrived within about one-fourth of a mile of his home, he
was suddenly startled by the bark of a wolf, Avhich came
from the direction of his log house : this was answered by
another and another, until there were a score of them. He
paused for a moment, and to his horror perceived they
were on his down track, and were rapidl}^ approaching him.
He had but a moment in which to act, but his presence of
mind did not desert him. Taking the bag from his shoulder,
he threw it as far as possible into the forest, and then gave
a leap in the same direction ; and, picking up a club with
which to defend himself, he sat down and waited the
approach of the Avolves. He had not long to wait, for they
were close upon him. When the foremost of the pack
reached the place from which he had leaped, it paused for
an instant; and, finding the track freshened, they all pushed
on Avitli renewed vigor down toward the mill, not noticing
that their intended victim was within a few rods of them,
breathlessly awaiting the result. When they had passed
out of sight and hearing, he again shouldered his meal,
and traversed the remaining distance as rapidly as circum-
stances would admit, well knowing that the disappointed
312 HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
wolves would soon return, when it might not be so easy to
elude them. On his arrival home, he found his wife in great
distress. She, having heard the wolves, and knowing they
were upon her husband's track, had given up all hopes of
his return. Having learned from this experience the dan-
ger of being out after dark, he was careful ever afterwards
to go to mill in the morning, and return to his home by
daylight.
Abijali Tucker used to say that it was no uncommon
thing for him, as he passed through the forest between his
house and mill, to see bears and even wolves. He related
that, upon one occasion, he found his cow caught in a
thicket of brush, and a wolf gnawing the flesh from her
legs.
The catamount was the most ferocious of all the wild
beasts in this region. Being of large size, and possessing
great strength and agility of movement, it was the terror of
both man and beast. But fortunately they were not numer-
ous in this section.
Mr. Jonathan Bemis, Sen., having set some snares for
partridges, found on visiting them, on a certain morning,
that one had been caught and partly devoured by some
wild animal. He accordingly removed the snare, and set
in its place a large steel trap. On going to the place the
next morning, to his surprise he found the trap was gone ;
but, going on a short distance, he soon heard the clanking
of the chain with which the trap had l)een fastened, and,
following along some distance, came in sight of the animal,
which was caught by the leg, and was making off' with the
trap. Mr. Bemis, having no gun, was at a loss to know
what to do; but, seeing the chain was caught under a root,
he resolved to despatch the animal, if possil)le. Picking np
a large stone, he threw it with such unerring aim as to
hit the creature between the eyes, dropping him instantly.
Having made sure the animal was dead, he approached, and,
taking it from the trap, found it to be a catamount, so large
that, as he was carrying it home on his back, it dragged on
the grouiul,
WILD ANIMALS. 313
At the request of Jonathan William Fife of Hartford,
Conn., a great-grandson of Dea. Silas Fife, we insert the
following, which is taken from the History of Troy : —
" A most remarkable catamount was once killed by Dea.
Fife, near the pond, a little east of his house. Soon after
Dea. Fife settled here, his father came to make him a visit ;
and, as was the custom in those days, he brought his axe to
assist his son in clearing the forest. One day as they were
chopping a little west of the pond, they discovered a deer
that had just been killed by some unknown monster of the
wilderness. Being somewhat alarmed, they immediately
decided to take measures to rid the forest of so dangerous
a visitor. Without delay, young Fife took his father's
horse, and went to Rindge, where he procured of Dea. Love-
joy of that town a large steel trap. As the sun was setting,
with trap, gun, and axe in hand, the father and son sought
the carcass of the deer. But, to their surprise, it had been
drawn several rods, and finally taken up and carried away,
so that they could track it no farther. But, finding the
heart and liver, they felled a tree, from which they cut a
log and hitched the same to the trap, which they placed
in a position to take the fatal grip, whenever the animal
should return to obtain the fragments of his slaughtered
victim. The next morning the deacon took his musket, and,
in company with his father, was soon on the ground, and
to their astonishment the trap, log, and all were gone.
With much caution, they followed the track of the log in
the direction toward the pond, near which they perceived
the animal, with his appendages permanently entangled
among the rocks. When they had arrived -svithin a few
rods, the monster reared on his hind legs, and, as he took a
survey of his enemy, gnashed his teeth, and seemed to bid
defiance to them. As young Fife raised his gun to his eye,
his father pleaded with him not to fire, fearing that the
catamount would kill them both. But crack went the mus-
ket, and at first it seemed to make no impression upon
him. But it was soon reloaded and brought to his eye a
second time, when seeing his fury abating, and that he was
4a
314 HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
trembling, he waited a moment and the animal fell. On
approaching him, it was found that he was dead, the ball
having pierced his heart. His measurement was thirteen
feet and four inches from his nose to the end of his tail.
His skin was afterwards stuffed, and placed on exhibition
in the Boston Museum."
ALEXANDER EISH'S EAR.
The following is copied from the town records of 1793 : —
MARLBOROUGn, Jan. 2-1, 1793.
These may certify all persons whom it may Concern that Nathan
Frost Lawson Did in anger willfully Bite off Alexander Fish's Ear, this
instant, Jan. 1793.
Attest : PHINEHAS FARRAR, ^
SILAS FIFE, [ Selectmen.
OLIVER WRIGHT, J
For a long time, the compiler was at a loss to know the
meaning of this quaint record, or why it was thus placed
upon the pages of our town-books ; but diligent inquiry
among our aged people revealed the following facts. Na-
than Frost Lawson was a transient person, whose residence
in this town was very short. It is not known whence he
came nor where he went ; but it is known that in his youth
he committed a crime, for which he suffered the penalty of
having his ear cropped, according to the custom of those
days. It is stated that on the day referred to he and Fish
met at the tavern ; and, both having partaken freely at the
bar, an animated conversation took place between the two,
in the course of which Fish twitted Lawson about his ear.
This so enraged Lawson that he seized Fish, and, throwing
liim upon the floor, bit off his ear in like maimer as his
own. Fish, in his sober moments, fearing lest the people
might think that he, too, had broken the laws of his country,
requested the selectmen to make a record upon the town-
books, to which he could refer, if need be.
ANECDOTES.
Many pleasing anecdotes are told of Esquire Sweetser,
wlio for many years kejit the principal tavcrn ill town,
ANECDOTES. 315
It is related that on one occasion in town-meeting there
was considerable difficulty in choosing a representative.
Phinehas Farrar having held that office for several years in
succession, it was deemed advisable by many of the leading
citizens to choose some one else in his stead; but, being-
divided in their opinions, they were for some time unable
to make any choice among the several candidates. A warm
discussion was taking place, when the old Esquire — who, by
the way, had just patronized his own bar — entered the
room. Being a warm friend of Mr. Farrar, he felt himself
bound to use his influence to send him again to the General
Court. He accordingly rose, and said in his own peculiar
tone : " Mr. Moderator and gentlemen, let me give you a few
words of advice. If you want a man to represent you in
the General Court of this State, send Esquire Farrar by all
means, for he has been so many times he knows the way,
and the necessary steps to be taken. If you wish to send a
man to Canada, send Col. Joseph Frost: he has two or three
sons living there, and he would like to visit them. But, if
you want to send a man to hell, send Hezekiah Hodgkins ;
for he will have to go some time, and it is time he was there
now."
Esquire Sweetser and a Mr. Harrington who at that time
was proprietor of the Eagle Hotel in Keene, were firm
friends ; and, thinking alike in politics, many a time they
sat over a mug of toddy, discussing the political news of
the day. Having heard that Mr. Harrington had changed
his views in relation to politics, the Esquire harnessed his
horse and drove to Keene. Entering the hotel, he walked
up to Mr. Harrington remarking that he had heard, he had
somewhat changed his views in politics. Mr. Harrington
replied that he had, and attempted to explain, but was
interrupted by Mr. Sweetser, who said, " Mr. Harrington,
men and the moon change, but the sun and principle
never." And, turning about, he immediately left the hotel,
and from that time all intercourse between these men ceased.
The old Squire was very benevolent at times, and not
316 HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
unfrequeiitly lie bestowed his charity upon the school-chil-
dren. Going to the store, he would fill his leather apron
with figs, raisins, and candy, and go to the school-house
where the children were at play, and, calling them around
him, would give each a handful, at the same time repeat-
ing some passage from the Bible, touching upon charity,
like the following: " Charity covereth a multitude of sins" ;
or " He that giveth to the poor lendeth to the Lord," etc.
Theodore Mann was one of that class of individuals
who, not being blessed with superior intellect, was often
an object of ridicule among his neighbors, and not unfre-
quently was this carried so far as to become open abuse.
It happened on one occasion, as he was returning home from
town-meeting, that he was met by Peter Tozer, John Wis-
wall (afterwards Major), and Josiah Woodward (son of
Solomon). These young , men, having had the example of
their elders set before them, commenced to snow-ball and
otherwise ill-treat Mr. Mann, who was so incensed at the
abuse offered him that he determined to have recourse to the
law, and have the offenders punished. The culprits, fearing
this threat would be carried into execution, requested him
to desist, which he promised to do on condition that they
would apologize in writing, which was readily consented to
on the part of the young men. Accordingly, the parties
met at the house of Mr. Tozer ; and Peter, who was a ready
writer, and somewhat witty withal, was set to draw up the
paper, the substance of which was as follows : —
"We, the undersigned, do acknowledge that on town-
meeting night we snow-balled and otherwise abused Mr.
Theodore Mann ; but we did not kill him, and we are sorry
for it." ^his, having been duly signed, was handed to Mr.
Mann, who, after reading it, said he would accept it as their
apology, and overlook the injury done.
John Tozer, eldest son of Richard, was an eccentric fel-
low ; and many humorous anecdotes are related of him, and
among them is the following: When a young man, he paid
his addresses to a fair lady ; but his father (who had buried
ANECDOTES. 317
his wife but a short time previous) suppLanted him iu her
affections. Soon afterwards, going home on a visit, his
father being away at the time, his new mother requested him
to ask a blessing at meal-time, which he did as follows : —
" Although you are my mother,
I love you as my life.
If father had not been so spry,
I'd had you for my wife."
CHAPTER XV.
THE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.
At the annual town-meeting, March 14, 1876, pnrsnant to
an article in the warrant : —
" Voted, That there be a committee of five chosen to
make arrangements for celebrating the one hunclredth anni-
versary of the incorporation of the town, said celebration
to cost the town nothing. Chose Thomas White, David
Wilkinson, Mowry A. Thompson, Daniel W. Tenney, and
Charles A. Bemis."
The committee organized by choosing Thomas White,
Chairman ; Charles A. Bemis, Secretary ; and Daniel W.
Tenney, Treasurer.
On motion of Daniel W. Tenney, Charles K. Mason was
added to the committee.
As the one hundredth anniversar}^ of the incorporation
of the town occurred at an unfavorable season of the year
(December 13), it was decided to celebrate on the 4tli of
July.
At a meeting of the committee, April 7, six more were
added to this committee ; namely, George F. Wise, William
C. Mason, Cyrus E. Hardy, Samuel Jones, John McRoy,
and Jedediah T. Collins. This meeting was adjouilied to
Wednesday, April 19, at 7 o'clock P.M., at which time it
was voted unanimously to invite Rev. Sullivan H. McCoU-
ester of Akron, Ohio, a native of Marlborough, to deliver
the centennial address on that occasion. Chose Daniel W.
Tenney to invite tlie Mechanics' Cornet Band and the
THE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. 310
Marlborough Cornet Band to furnish music for the cele-
bration. Chose Charles K. Mason, Charles A. Bemis, and
Cyrus E. Hard}" to invite guests. Voted, To adjourn this
meeting for two weelrs.
May 3. — Met according to adjournment, and j)i"oceeded
as follows : Chose Jairus Collins, Col. Cyrus Frost, and
Mowry A. Thompson a committee to prepare sentiments.
Chose George F. Wise, Cyrus S. Moors, and E. Willard
INIason to furnish sacred music on the day of celebration.
Voted, To invite the old Cadet Band to be present, and
march together in the procession.
3Iai/ 13. — The committee met, and chose Col. Nelson
Converse Chief Marshal. He appointed as his aids for
the day the following gentlemen : George Thatcher,* James
Knowlton, William M. Tenney, Darius Richardson, Reuben
Ward, Elijah Fitch, Barton Blodgett, Charles R. Bemis,
Merrill Mason, Amos A. Mason, William M. Nason, and
Alphonso A. Adams. Chose Elijah Boyden President of the
day. Chose . Daniel W. Tenney, Thomas White, George G.
Davis, Cyrus E. Hard}^, Col. Cyrus Frost, and Dr. Samuel
A. Richardson Vice-Presidents. Chose Luther Hemenwa}-,
Albert Knowlton, and Franklin R. Thurston a committee to
select a suitable grove in which to hold the exercises on the
day of celebration, and to report at the next meeting.
Mai/ 20. — The committee appointed to select a suitable
grove in which to hold the exercises, reported that they had
selected the one on land of Luther Hemenway, near the
cemetery. Which report was accepted and adopted. Voted,
Tliat this committee trim the grove, l)uild the speaker's
stand, arrange the seats and tables, and make all necessary
arrangements on the ground, and appoint such assistants
as they shall think proper. Chose Rev. Henry W. Hand
and Rev. Noble Fisk, Toast-masters. Chose Rev. John L.
Merrill, Rev. Henry W. Hand, and Rev. Noble Fisk to
select appropriate pieces for the choir to sing. It was de-
cided that the collation should be free to all ; and, to carr}'-
■Mr. Thatcher was unable to serve on account of fjcUness,
320 HISTORY OF ^lARLBOROUGH.
tlie same into effect, the committee of arrangements ap-
pointed Mr. and Mrs. Charles Ryan, Mr. and Mrs. Charles
Smith, !Mr. and Mrs. J. Whitnc}^ Lawrence, Mr. and Mrs.
James Thatcher, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph ]\I. Richardson, Mr.
and Mrs. Ivory E. Gates, Mr. and IMrs. Jacob Procter, Mr.
and Mrs. Benjamin F. Gushing, Mr. and Mrs. George A.
Porter, Mr. and Mrs. David S. Derby, Mr. and Mrs. Elias
A. Thatcher, Mr. and Mrs. Stillman Richardson, a commit-
tee to solicit provisions, who performed their duties in a
commendable manner. Chose Mr. and Mrs. Goodhue
Tenney, Mr. and Mrs. Luke Knowlton, Jr., Mr. and ]Mrs.
Luther G. Bemis, Mr. and Mrs. James F. Townsend, Mv.
and Mrs. Thompson H. Richardson, ]Mr. and Mrs. Henry
A. Spofford, Mr. and Mrs. Josiah L. Sargent, Mr. and Mrs.
Milton J. White, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Jones, Mr. and Mrs.
Ivers L. Richardson, Mr. and Mrs. William C. Mason, Mr.
and Mrs. Stillman Woodward, Mr. and Mrs. Wilber F.
Wallace a committee to take charge of the food as it was
brought in, to superintend the tables, and appoint assistants
for waiting on the people, etc. Voted, To choose a com-
mittee of finance to provide funds to defray the expenses
of the celebration. Chose Daniel W. Tenne}^ Charles K.
Mason, Luther Hemenway, Marshall D. Adams, John Mc-
Roy, Benjamin F. Gushing, Cyrus E. Hardy, David S.
Derby, Philander Thatcher, and Isaac W. Holbrook.
Much credit is due to this committee, who attended to
their duties with promptness and despatch, and succeeded
in raising by subscription a sum sufficient to defray all the
expenses of the celebration. Chose Charles K. Mason, Col.
Nelson Converse, and Daniel W. Tenney to report a pro-
gramme of exercises and order of procession on the day
of celebration. Chose Albert Knowlton, Nelson Converse,
John Clemons, and Edwin B. Matthews to procure a sup-
ply of ice-water, and also to procure a suitable person to
sell lemonade on the grounds.
Jinw 23. — Voted, To fire one hundred guns, and ring
the bells on the morning of the celebration. Voted, To ex-
pend fifty dollars for fireworks. Chose Daniel W. Tenney,
THE OENTENNIAI. CELEBRATION. 321
George K. Harrington, and George W. Tenney to procure
the fireworks, attend to the firing of the cannon, and ring
the bells. Chose David Wilkinson and Charles Smith to
provide carriages for such aged people as could not walk in
the procession.
July 4, 1876. — The day dawned favorably, and was ush-
ered in by the ringing of bells and the firing of cannon.
Long before the hour for the exercises at the grove, the
usually quiet streets of the village were filled with the citi-
zens of the town, and the absent sons and daughters of
Marlborough, who had returned once more to their native
place, to lay their offerings on the altar of their ancestors.
Invited guests and citizens of the neighboring towns were
Hocking in, to participate in the joys and festivities of the
^^ay. _ ^
A little before ten o'clock, the procession was formed in
front of the Town Hall, in the following order, namely : —
Chief Marshal.
Mechanics' Cornet Band.
Torrent Engine Co., Ivory E. Gates, Foreman.
President and Orator of the Day.
Vice-Presidents.
Clergy.
Committee of Arrangements.
Specially invited Guests, expected to respond to Sentiments.
Old People of Marlborough.
Choir, C. S. Moors, Leader.
National Flag.
Sunday Schools.
Citizens from other Towns.
Citizens of Marlborougli.
At ten o'clock, the procession marched to the grove,
where seats were provided for over two thousand persons.
On the platform were seated the president, vice-presi-
dents, clergy, committee of arrangements, choir, and report-
ers, with a place for the speakers in front. At the right of
the platform, seats were arranged for the band; while in
front a smaller stand had been erected, ample enough to
contain seats for the old people.
822 HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
The seats were all occupied, and many were obliged to
stand or sit upon the ground during the exercises. It was
estimated that there were nearly twenty-five hundred people
present, which was the largest collection ever convened at
any one time in Marlborough. Had there not been cele-
brations on the same day at Keene, Troy, and Nelson, it is
probable the number would have been much larger.
The assembly was called to order by Chief-Marshal Con-
verse, who introduced Elijah Boyden, Esq., President of the
day. Mr. Boj^den came forward and spoke as follows : —
Fellow- Citizens^ — We have assembled on this our Hun-
dredth Anniversary of our National Birthday, to commemo-
rate the one hundredth anniversary of the incorporation of
the town of Marlborough. I congratulate you on the fi,ne
condition of weather with which we are favored to-day. I
am pleased also to see so many of the former residents of
the town present to participate with us in the exercises of
this occasion. It used to be said in former years that New
Hampshire was a good State to emigrate from. Perhaps it
was not intended as a compliment. Nevertheless, in the
sense that a family whose members are worthily brought up
and properly trained for the duties of life is a good famil}^
to emigrate from, so I consider the "Old Granite State," in
this sense, a good one to emigrate from. The very rugged-
ness of its soil obliges its children to practise the cardinal
virtues of industry and economy, in order to obtain a
livelihood. And, although Marlborough is not the State
itself, I consider it a fair representative town of tlie State,
and, consequently, a good town to emigrate from. Indeed,
we have present Avith us to-day many emigrants, former
residents of the town, who have returned to join with us in
the exercises of this occasion.
And, as men do not gather grapes of thorns or figs of
thistles, I submit to you that their very appearance is proof
sufficient that their commencement of life must have been
in a creditable locality. Some of them have obtained high
positions in the civil government of our country; some
THE CENTENNIAL CELEBllATION. 323
stand at the head of educational institutions ; others have
become eminent in the clerical and medical professions.
And, while all of them have been so successful abroad in
adding credit to the place of their nativity, I trust, on their
return, they will not find that we who have remained here
have been so unmindful of our duties as to cause them to
blush for our negligence. I was born in Marlborough, and
my recollection of it extends* back a little over one-half of
its hundred yeavs of incorporated existence. T do not wish
to speak too eulogistically of it as a town, but I think, I can
truthfully say that compared with other places of similar
natural advantages it has shown a commendable degree of
progress in its development. For this I can claim but very
little credit to myself, since for the last twenty years I have
been in no active business. But, for the citizens generally,
as a business community, I think they have shown a good
degree of enterprise and public spirit, and will compare
favorabl}^ with other places of no greater advantages. For
one of our greatest blessings, as you are all aware, we are
indebted to the liberal generositj?" of one of Marlborough's
sons, who is not now a permanent resident here, and who,
I regret, is unable to be with us to-day. But, perhaps, if
tlie town had not behaved itself tolerably well, the impulse
might never have entered his generous heart to bestow
upon it the inestimable gift of a Free Public Library. But,
in occup3dng the position I do to-day, it was not expected
of me that I should attempt to make a speech or to enter
upon any statistical information. I will not, therefore,
detain you longer.
The exercises then commenced with —
1. Voluntary, by the band, — ''Home, Sweet Home."'
2. Invocation, by Rev. H. W. Hand, Pastor of the Uni-
versalist Church.
3. Anthem, by the choir.
4. Selections from the Scriptures, by Rev. N. Fisk, Pastor
of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Psalm ciii.
5. Prayer, by Rev. J. L. Merrill, Pastor of the Congrega-
tional Church.
324 HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
6. Anthem, bv the choir.
7. Rearliiig of the DecL^ration of Independence, hy G. G.
Davis.
8. Music bv the band, — '• America."
9. The following Address by Rev. S. H. JMcCollester,
D.D.. of Akron, Ohio: —
Fellow- Citizens^ — The conri^e of time is fnll of epochs.
These are the milestones marking human progress. They
are diamond-points set on the bosom of the past, to light np
the present and reflect a halo of glory abont the futnre.
Around these epochs culminate the noblest characters, the
grandest deeds, and the brightest hopes of the race.
Every town, state, and nation has its epochs. About
these memory delights to linger.
" They are the spots of earth supremely blest,
The dearest, sweetest spots of all the rest."
There are occasions when God confers on men birthday
gifts. Then it is that conscience is almost certain to strike
the freedom-string in the harp of Liberty, inspiring courage
in the mind and faith in the soul. Such an occasion has
brought us together at this time. One hundred years ago
to-day " The Declaration of Independence " was read in the
Continental Congress at Philadelphia, and the question was,
" Shall it be adopted ? '" The ays had it. That vote at once
changed the political aspect of the Western World. It
made a nation free, — free to think and free to do right.
Tliat grand action at once quickened new energies of mind
and heart, which, in the course of a century, have blossomed
into the most marvellous fruitage. Let speech and cannon
commemorate the day our nation was born. It is worth the
struggles of the past. It is worth the blood of fallen heroes.
It is worth all the hard-fought battles of the American
Revolution, and the five millions of recent graves sown over
our land for its preservation. O Washington I O Lincoln !
it is worth all your prayers and anxious fears I For it tends
to develop the truest manhood and the purest womanhood.
It enables each citizen to live, liolding a birthright in his
a-^^:^^^
THE CENTENNIAL CELEP.RATION. 325
lumd, a common scliool in liis brain, and the Declaration of
Independence in liis heart.
But this day comes to us emphasized with a twofokl inter-
est. We meet to celebrate, not only the birthda}^ of our
Nation, but the incorporation of our native town. From
far and near, we have assembled around the shrine of our
nativity, that we may lay thereon offerings c»f gratitude and
thanksgiving.
Surrounded as we are with these comforts and blessings of
happy homes, successful enterprises, flourishing schools, and
consecrated churches, retrospection bids us look upon the
picture a hundred years ago. Then, as a natural exhibition,
it must have been attractive, being so diversified with high-
lands and lowlands, lakes and rivers, forests and mountains,
balmiest air and fairest sunlight. It must have been
strangely inviting to look upon, for the admirer of the
grand and beautiful. But for one to penetrate then into
the wilderness, with the view of settling here, must have
been foreboding. Then the ear was greeted with no busy
din from anvil or quarry; no whistle from saw or engine.
But the wide-spreading woods must have rendered the day
lonely ; and the hooting of the owl, the growl of the bear,
and the barking of the wolf must have made the night
fearfully liideous.
Hither came in that early time a few adventurers who
opened up a cavern in the earth, or built the rudest log
hut in which to dwell. This was to be their future home.
There was no cleared land for raising corn. There was no
grist-mill within. the distance of eight or ten miles. So they
were forced for some time to follow Indian trails, or tracks
marked by spotted trees, to improved fields where they
could labor till they had earned means with which to pur-
chase a bushel of corn. With this on the back, they would
go to tlie mill, and, after it was ground, would bear it far
away to their homes. When sickness came, what must they
have done? There were no neighbors, nor i)hysicians at
hand. Then, when the dark messenger snatched from their
embrace a companion, child, or parent, no kind friends were
326 HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
near to divide their sorrows ; no pastor was by their side to
point them to the many mansions. Those were hardships
which we can but faintly understand. Still, they were
realities to the few who were wont to walk through these
valleys and climb over these hills a hundred 3'ears ago.
These wild lands, it appears, were set off into a township
under the name of Monadnock, No. V., May 25, 1752. The
township was granted by charter to the proprietors of land
purchased of John Tufton Mason by their agent, Joseph
Blanchard, to James Morrison, Jr., and thirty-three others,
belonging mostly to the towns of Derry and Dunstable,
N.H.
One account sa^^s these proprietors soon transferred their
right to David Church and others who resided in Marlbor-
ough and Westborough, Mass. In 1762, the town was
surveyed. In 1764, Sept. 17, the first family moved into
the township. It consisted of William Barker, his wife and
three children, who came from Westborough, Mass., and
settled on what is called West Hill, now in the limits of
Troy. Isaac McCollester with his family moved to town
the same year, and settled on the Deacon James Farrar-
place. His daughter Dolly who was born Feb. 12, 1766, is
supposed to have been the first child having birth in the
town. Others, also, came about the same time. Abel
Woodward settled on what is known as the Joslin place
in this village ; likewise Daniel Goodenow, who resided in
various localities. In August, 1765, Benjamin Tucker with
a large family moved into town, and settled near the Whit-
ney and Tarbell Mill. There he kept the first tavern in
town. During the next two years, it is evident, more fami-
lies arrived ; for when the first census was taken, which
was in 1767, there were ninety-three inhabitants in the
township. Of these, sixteen couples were married. In
1775. tlio second census was taken, showing the population
lia<l incitased to three hundred and twenty-four, of whom
one lunidred and forty-eight were females, and one hundred
and four were males under sixteen years of age. Fifty-
loin- were n])\vards of sixteen, and two men were over fifty.
THE CENTENNIAL CELEBKATrON. 827
Sixteen men luid now already entered the ('ontinental
Army. Of these early settlers, nearly all came from old
Marlborough, Westborough, Southborough, and JJollon,
Mass. Their hearts were fired with the true spirit of patri-
otism. At this period, the whole country was heated and
ready to burst into martial liames. In this time of fiery
trials, our native State was remarkably free from toryism.
All were ready to strike mighty blows for freedom. As the
cry went forth from Boston on the 19th of April, 1775, pen-
etrating farther and farther into the country, declaring that
the British troops were marching toward old Concord, bells
were rung, drums beat roll-calls, men were hurrying from all
quarters ; axes were dropped in the forests ; ploughs were
left in the fields ; muskets were wrenched from the man-
tel-pieces, powder-horns and pouches were slung over the
shoulders, blankets were tied to their backs ; with faces ex-
pressive of courage and determination, might be seen men
hurrying to the fields of strife. Though devoted wives and
tender mothers wept, yet they bid patriotic husbands and
brave sons go forth, striking valiantly for God and country.
It seems but a day elapsed before a vast army was marching,
ready to do bloody work at Concord, Lexington, and Bun-
ker's Hill. Stark quickly deserted his saw-mill at J>,ondon-
derry, as he heard the booming cannon. Putnam left his
plough in the furrow, not even stopping to change his dress,
but hurried to the place of carnage.
This is a fit occasion for us to bestow fresh tributes of
love upon the life_ of Warren, whose courage and bravery
found an early grave, but whose memory will live in the
hearts of his countrymen. It is just for us to prune and
revive the laurel growing by the tomb of a Putnam. It is
befitting we should cleanse with the waters of retrospection
the epitaph inscribed on the monument of a Stark. Let us
forever cherish the deeds of the brave men and hei'oic
women of that early, critical period.
Marlborough with other towns of the Granite State bore
its share of hardships in the Revolution. We are assured
that no less than forty-three from our town enlisted to gain
328 HISTORY OF IMARLBOROUGH.
and maintain our independence. It is said thirty-nine who
were in the army afterwards settled in town. One James
Lewis served several years as captain in the Revolution.
Robert Worsley who was a peculiar though strictly reliable
and worthy man, entering the army almost at the first call,
was at the battle of Bunker Hill, June 17, 1775. After the
evacuation of Boston by the British, a thousand soldiers,
under the leadership of Benedict Arnold, left Boston, press-
ing their wa.y toward Quebec through the dense wilderness
of Maine. Marching to the Kennebec River, thence the}^
embarked in open boats, struggling against current and
barriers till the}' reached the head waters of that river ;
thence they bore their boats, heavily laden with army sup-
plies, across to the waters of the Chaudiere, following" it
down to the St. Lawrence, six miles above Quebec. In this
perilous march, their sufferings must have been beyond
description. They were terribly harassed by Indians; and
in the midst of the wilderness, their rations failing them,
they were forced, as Mr. Worsley reported, to eat the
leather of their shoes and cartridge-boxes. As they emerged
from the woods, approaching a settlement, a dog saluting
them with a bark, was shot at once. Mr. Worsley says :
''It fell to my lot to dress the animal. While I was pulling
out the entrails, the famishing soldiers, excited by- the scent,
snatched away the flesh, leaving for me only what I was
able to clutch in my hands." Although the flesh was raw,
he testified "it was the sweetest meat he ever ate."' In
another company, at the same time, he says, " some men
came upon the carcass of a hog, which was eaten quicker
than he could tell the story." Verily, were not those the
times that tried men's souls? The oppression of the
mother country had fired the liearts of our fathers with
truest bravery, and moved their minds with the determi-
nation to conquer or die. With the boldest stroke of the
pen, those members of the Continental Congress put their
names to that immortal Declaration which is being empha-
sized to-day by more than forty millions of free people, and
is being honored throughout the world. With that Dec-
THE CENTENNIAL CELERRATfON. 329
laration, supported by patriotic fatliei-.s, our own " Colony "
of New Hampshire was made an independent State ; and on
the 13th of December, 1776, our township received from
trliis State, carved out of rocky hills and mountains, its
corporate charter as the town of Marlborough. In July
of the same year, the "Test Act" was circulated. Fifty
citizens signed it, all but one wrote his own name ; while
only five refused to put theirs to it. What the exact pur-
port of this "Test Act" was, we do not know; but it is
safe to infer, it meant death to toryism and life to freedom.
In the war of 1812, Marlborough was true to her high
behests. At least fourteen brave men went forth from its
limits to do their duty, in driving forever British foes from
American soil. The bravery and patriotism of the fathers
should be held in lasting remembrance. We have reason to
feel their mantles have fallen upon worthy shoulders from
the loyalty and exalted daring of their sons in the recent
Rebellion. In their race with Sheridan to Winchester town,
in their unparalleled march under Sherman through the ex-
tended territory of the enemy, in Grant's repeated battles
in the Wilderness, they proved that the spirit of " 76 " was
still rife in American hearts. Our heroes of a hundred jenrs
ago, and our heroes of to-day, — may they be loved and hon-
ored in all true hearts, and their genius and patriotism will
create the noblest heroes of the future !
The ecclesiastical history of this town antedates a little
its incorporation. The earliest record we have touching the
subject, dates back to 1770, in which year the first meeting-
house was raised, and the roof covered. At that raising, the
town voted to give Benjamin Tucker 3s. 2d. 2qrs. per gallon
for eight gallons of rum at "ye raising of ye meeting-house."
This house was not boarded till the next spring ; but the
first meeting was held in it while the roof only was covered.
It is said the outside was finished in 1774 ; but this probably
did not include glass windows or hinged doors, for in 1779 it
was voted to put in eleven windows, hang the doors, lay the
lower floor, and build the body-seats. To cover this ex-
pense, a special tax of eightpence per acre was laid upon all
44
330 HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
ratable lands in town. But the house was not fully com-
pleted till 1790. It then had neither steeple nor chimney,
and for many years was called the " Lord's Barn."
In 1771, a tax of one farthing per acre on ratable lands
was raised for the purpose of procuring preaching. A com-
mittee of three was chosen, consisting of Benjamin Tucker,
Daniel Goodenow, and James Brewer, to hire a minister.
It was likewise stated that the preaching was to commence
the first of June. It is evident preaching was secured, at
least, a portion of the time that year, from the fact that
June the 23d three children of Daniel Goodenow were bap-
tized. These were the first baptisms in town. We find no
minister mentioned by name until 1778. On the 11th of
November of the same year, the first church, consisting of
eight members, was formed, and at the same time Rev. Joseph
Cummings from Topsfield, Mass., was ordained their pastor.
This solemn service of consecration, tradition says, was per-
formed on a work-bench, there being no desk as yet in the
house, while the congregation were seated on loose boards
resting on blocks. In these days, people were certain not to
go beyond their means, or in any waj'- appear extravagant.
This is made evident from the fact that they voted to give
their minister, as salary, forty pounds sterling the first 3'^ear,
forty-five the second, and fifty pounds the third, and con-
tinue at fifty pounds yearly, till there should be one hundred
and ten families in town, and then give him £66 13s. 4id.
yearly, so long as he should continue their gospel minister.
The above sums were to be made equivalent to rye at 3s. id.
per bushel. These good people designed that their minister
should also have a home among them, so they provided for
him the prospective parsonage in this way. He was to have
one share or lot of land laid out for that purpose, consisting
of a hundred and fifty acres, except four acres around the
meeting-liouse ; which were reserved for public use ; said land
was to be cleared by the town. The pastor also had the privi-
lege of cutting timber for his house on the ministerial lot.
The fii-st parsonage was located a little distance south-west
of tlie Old Meeting-house. Just how long it was kept as a
THE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. 331
parsonage is not known ; but I am informed it was at length
converted into a tavern, — to say the least, a sad terminus
for a parsonage.
The first church in town was organized as Congregational,
and has continued to be an influential and a successful one
to the present time. Among its revered ministers, the names
of Fish and Lyman are especially endeared to many hearts.
The first Methodist preaching was introduced to Marlbor-
ough by Daniel Emerson, in 1791. After meetings had
been held occasionally for three years in the house of Mr.
Emerson by Revs. Hill, Hall, and Wager, the latter divine
preaching an able discourse from the text, " These three
years have we come seeking fruit, and found none," formed
a class consisting of seven persons. This sect continued to
hold their meetings for some time in the same place. At
leugth, preaching was transferred to the residence of Eben-
ezer Herrick, where meetings were held on the Sabbath for
many years. Afterwards they were transferred back to
Mr. Emerson's for a while, at which time the first Sabbath
school of this society was organized ; thence, for a series of
years, to Thomas White's ; thence to William Greenwood's,
and thence to Abner Russell's, up to 1844, when a church-
edifice was built at Pottersville, where the Methodist society
held meetings for twenty years; then purchasing the Baptist
meeting-house of this village, and refitting it, they have
continued their Sabbath worship, proving themselves an
earnest Christian people.
The early Baptists of this town worshipped for many
years in Pottersville. At length, they had occasional meet-
ings in the Old Meeting-house on the hill, and finally were
able to build a house of worship in this village. Among
their good ministers settled here, the names of Cummings,
French, Danforth, Clarke, and Ware, must be especially
remembered by those who listened to their social and relig-
ious instructions.
Some eighty years ago, the Universalists in town began to
have occasional preaching. Not until 1805 was a society
formed. In 1851 their church-edifice was erected, and in
332 HISTOEY OF MARLBOROUGH.
1875 their cluirch-organization was perfected. Among their
sainted ministers may be mentioned Baily, Bassett, and
Record.
It is pleasant for us to realize now the fact that there
never have been any bitter religious persecutions in this
town. As a rule, all have been left to choose religiously for
themselves with none to molest or make afraid.
In this connection, I am pleased to make mention of the
worthy sons of Marlborough who have entered the ministry.
Ilev. Cyrus Stone was the first one who went forth as a gos-
pel minister. Fitted for his work, he sought heathen lands,
bearing the " glad news " to famishing souls. Self-sacrificing
in spirit, he spent his life in the Master's service.
Rev. Osgood Herrick was another minister who won
laurels at home and abroad for his ability and power in
the pulpit.
Rev. Luther Wiswall who is still laboring as a preacher,
has proved himself worthy and successful. He is regarded
by his people, where he has been long settled, as a man of
culture and sound judgment. He is most esteemed where
he is best known.
Rev. William C. Whitcomb, of sainted memory to so
man}^ of us, was an eloquent preacher and true reformer.
Though the destroyer cut him down in his prime, yet his
life was earnest, faithful, and full of good works.
Rev. Philander Wallingford has long labored as a worthy
Christian minister. If age has written its furrows on his
brow, his heart is still young and his mind strong with
Gospel truth.
Another whose face is familiar to most of us is Rev. Edwin
Davis who is known only to be respected for his ability and
moral worth. He lias already written out for himself an
honored name as a Christian minister.
John Capron and your speaker, two other clergymen, had
their birth in your town.
Let the spirit of the Master continue to work in the
churches of to-day, and they will bless and prosper as never
in the past, and will hasten the good time when "swords
THE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. 333
shall be beaten into ploughshares, and spears into pruning-
hooks." Christians never have gained anything by perse-
cuting. Wherein they cannot agree as to the letter, they
ought to agree to- disagree, and then they would enjoy the
fruit of the spirit which giveth life and Christian growth.
Of the educational history of the town, you have already
in print and circulation an interesting account of your
schools for the past hundred years. This supersedes the
necessity of my dwelling upon items and particulars.
It seems our forefathers in the early settlement of the
town took wise forethought, setting apart a portion of land
for the support of schools. However insignificant the little
seeds which they planted may seem to us, nevertheless, they
took root, sprang up, and have produced a hundred-fold of
fruitage. Feebly could that first teacher in Marlborough,
James Brewer, during the winter of 1770 and 1771, have
estimated what would be the result of that little school
which he was keeping in the private house of Phinehas
Farrar. How grand is the centennial tree which we behold,
the outgrowth of that tiny planting! Its blossoming has
been prolific, and its fruits are verily manifold. With pride
we may look to the schools of our native town. They have
furnished more than a hundred and seventy-five scholars who
have gone forth as teachers. Well may it be asked, " What
other town in New Hampshire, with a population little more
than a thousand inhabitants, can show a larger and more
honorable list than this?" But none can feel Marlborough
has been too liberal in the support of her schools. To this
and her religious instructions may be traced, in no small
degree, the reasons why so few crimes have been committed
within her limits ; why there have been so few paupers ;
why, possibly, the town never has been able to support a
lawyer ; why temperance organizations and literary associa-
tions have been so successful. Had it not been for her
schools, do you think she would have sent forth Philip
Sweetser, Joseph C. Mason, Luther Jones, Marquis De
Lafayette M'Collester, William Converse, as lawyers, who
rank high in their profession, and whose future is full of
promise ?
334 HISTORY OF MARLBOROTJGH.
Had it not been for your schools, Hannah Jones, now Mrs.
Grosvenor, would not have been fired with an ambition for
a collegiate education, which she obtained under difficulties,
when it was unpopular for a woman to be thoroughly edu-
cated. Neither would Henry W. Greenwood have fitted
himself for a first-class engineer; and many others made
themselves eminent as teachers, or skilful craftsmen in
wood, iron, and stone.
Marlborough has furnished her full share of professional
men. Quite a number have received a college-education.
She has sent forth her quota of ministers, physicians, law-
yers, and eminent men. Let her foster her schools, taking
advantage of every possible improvement of the age, and
the rising generations will increase in love for intellectual
culture and moral growth. In this way, new charms will
cluster in her beautiful vales, and new glories will be re-
flected from her lofty and picturesque hills.
Often has the remark been made, as travellers have been
passing through your town : " How bright and new the build-
ings look ! How singular such a thriving village should
spring up where the hills and rocks are so numerous ! "
Cherish and support your schools, and more taste will be
displayed, and greater attractions offered. Let these be
what you can make them, and they will stand as beacons
upon your hills to reflect honor and glory far and wide.
As a great help in this work of education, which gives to
the present and the future advantage over the past, is your
Free Library, the munificent gift of Hon. Rufus S. Frost, the
ex-Mayor of his adopted city, and forever the well-wisher of
his native town. , That substantial stone structure, quarried
from our ledges, and completed in 1866, at a cost of $8,000,
and furnished with $2,000 worth of books, and $5,000 more
funded, so that its annual interest can be used yearly for
replenishing it with new books, — all this he presented to
your town, in behalf of the cause of education and Chris-
tianity. To show due honor and gratitude to the generous
donor, let the books in that library be read and studied, —
books of history, poetry, biography, ethics, science; and
THE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. 335
minds here will come in contact with gifted minds elsewhere.
Yes, close acquaintance may be enjoyed in this quiet town
with Socrates, Schiller, Shakespeare, Scott, Franklin, Whit-
tier, and a host of other gifted minds. In this age, for a
town to be without a library is like an art-gallery without
windows. Books are the glasses through which the young
can see the past. Let them carefully and studiously scruti-
nize prophets and apostles, heroes and heroines, and they
will desire to imitate their virtues, and walk their gilded
heights. There is no other such monument to perpetuate
noble worth as a choice library.
" Blessings be with them, and eternal praise to Him who
gives us choicest books and free libraries."
From tradition and records, we learn that the long list of
physicians who have practised medicine in this town the
past century have acted no mean or common part. As a
rule, they have been men of erudition and influence. One
name among them stands out pre-eminent. The thoughts of
many turn at once to the name of Dr. James Batcheller,
who was not only a skilful physician, but a true politician
and real reformer. Soon after he settled in the town, he
became a thorough-going anti-slavery man. William Lloyd
Garrison was his ideal of a moral hero ; and his paper, a
perfect paradigm of good news. Though for a long while he
was the only subscriber to it in town, still that one copy
had a wide circulation. Surely that was the case, if it was
sickly ; for, everywhere the doctor went, Garrisonism went.
He was a true friend to the sick, the slave, and the good,
wherever found. If his eyes were most always shut when he
was awake, he saw more than most men. It is said, when
he raised the roofing to his brick-house, as the custom was,
lie furnished plenty of toddy, which made them so merry and
jolly they felt they niust toast the doctor, as follows : —
" This is the house that James built,
With ipecac, tartar, and pills.
May he be content therewith.
And cure the people of their ills." *
*Tbe author was Major Wiswall.
336 HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
This same raising opened the eyes of the doctor ; and a
few years after, when he was building a barn, he decided it
would be raised without any rum, but that he would give
to all assisting, after the building was up, a good supper.
Everybody seemed to be present at the appointed time, and
the greatest excitement prevailed. The rum party, includ-
ing most present, did not for some time offer to assist ; but
a few of the doctor's firm friends commenced the undertak-
ing, the doctor continuing to assert the barn would go up
without any rum, until, at length, cold water conquering, all
took hold with strong hands, merry hearts, and steady heads.
When the job was done, every one was fed with abundance
of beef and potatoes, pork and beans, brown bread and
pumpkin pies, cold water and spruce beer, making them
more health}' and wise. Thus the good doctor early com-
menced preaching and practising temperance, which he con-
tinued to do so long as he lived.
In this connection, I would say Marlborough has sent
forth young men who have become successful physicians ;
namely, Drs. Timothy Lane, Jeremiah Stone, Willard
Adams, Jairus B. Collins, Augustus Davis, John Q. A.
M'Collester, Daniel B. Woodward, and Sumner Mason.
Some of these have become eminent in their profession.
As we contrast the present prosperous condition of Marl-
borough with what it was one hundred years ago, we can
but feel progress indeed has been made. Happy homes are
now all around us. How was it when Mr. Robert Worsley
paid his first visit to the town prior to the Revolution ? In
his own words, he says : " I passed up the middle branch *
of the Ashuelot River to the hill between the branch and
Robbins Brook, where I discovered a deserted log-house on
Cooper's Hill. But I continued my journey till I came to
another cleared spot, which was afterwards called Ball's
Hill, where I found a most splendid growth of hard wood,
with some pine, spruce, and hemlock. Here, I felt, was the
place for me to settle ; for soil must be good to produce
such timber."
* Now c^led Minnewawa.
THE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. 3B7
So he put up his log buildings in the wilderness, and
began to live. Wild animals then were common. One
night, when Mr. Worsley was away from home, a bear took
a hog weighing three hundred and twenty pounds from the
pen, and, bearing it some distance off, killed it. The next
day, the neighbors caught old bruin himself; and he weighed
four hundred and twenty pounds.
Mr. Worsley speaks of a huge ash-tree, from which they
split rails enough to last them for ten years in fencing their
extensive lots. Also mention is made of a pine cut down
by Silas Rhodes, out of which he split thirty thousand
shingles and sawed several thousand feet of boards. These
trees must have been similar to those growing in Oregon,
which are said to be so tall that one must look three
times before he can see their tops.
Our ancestors were very social, it would seem, and fond
of fun. The English mirth, the Scotch humor, and Irish
wit, were sure to express themselves at huskings, trainings,
apple-parings, raisings, and night-mowing-bees, where gen-
erous hearts and active hands would do their best to bring
up the rears of some delinquent farmer. Oh, how the fire
would fly, as they swept over the stony fields ! Oh, what
stifled laughter at the end of the swaths ! And, when the
job was done, oh, the jokes, the plays, and the frolics of
merriment which were sure to follow ! Those were hale,
happy old times, which can never be enjoyed in their hearti-
ness again. It is right, however, that recollection should
review them, and our hearts be refreshed by —
•' Conning them o'er and o'er."
Of course, as our fathers came to this country, they neces-
sarily brought with them some of the faults and foibles of
their native lands. The haughtiness of the English made
them overbearing ; the rigidness of the Scotch caused them
to be dogmatical ; the disposition of the Irish to wit ren-
dered them hilarious and sometimes riotous : but their faults
were usually only virtues carried too far. They were posi-
tive and substantial in character. They were social and
fraternal in their feelings, polite in their manners, and faith-
338 HISTORY OF MAELBOROUGH.
ful to their duties. They sowed good seed in the church
and home. They laid a solid foundation on which future
generations might securely build.
The success of a town depends not so much on great ex-
ternal wealth as on the virtues planted in the hearts of the
young and cherished in the bosoms of the old. The 3^oung
grow strong by the hearth-stone consecrated by their fathers'
good counsels and their mothers' prayers. All honor should
be paid to our noble sires.
A century has gone since the wilderness here was first
disturbed by the ring of the axe. The last hundred years
are full of history. Within that time, five wars have caused
these hills and valleys to echo with the blasts of the trum-
pet and the roll of the drum, calling men to arms. Within
that time, the Indian has left his once favorite hunting and
fishing grounds ; the yoke of Great Britain has been lifted
from our land ; the foot of the French monarch has been
forced from our borders ; the Spanish flag within our domin-
ion has been trampled in the dust ; and the feeble thirteen
colonies have grown into thirty-seven States and ten Terri-
tories, netted over with railroads and telegraphs, dotted with
cities and towns, having seas and rivers whitened with the
sails of commerce from every clime.
Here in our own country within the past century, the
first steamboat was set in motion ; the first railroad of any
considerable length was constructed ; the first telegram was
sent ; the first mower was made ; and the first sewing-machine
was patented. A hundred years ago there were but four
small newspapers published in the country, and less than
seventy-five post-offices. The last ten decades htive witnessed
surely many and great changes. Minds have invented and
hands have wrought out wonderful improvements.
But there have been other changes in this town, which
have been felt more than any to which reference has been
made. The first generation of settlers in Marlborough has
gone ; only a few of the second remain, who are waiting
with us, soon to be called to their fathers. A few more suns
will roll round, and they will all be gone, — a noble ancestry,
THE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. 339
bold as the summit of yonder mountain, determined as your
roaring Minnewawa, gentle as the brooks purling through
your meadows, and as tender as the air that kisses your
hills. But the fathers are not wholly gone : their deeds are
around us. We know of their thanksgivings to God when
their rude homes were lighted up with children fresh from
the hand of God ; we know of their deep sorrows as their
hearths were darkened and fond ones passed from their
sight. For in thei^' homes were altars of love around which
bridal joys were wreathed, and shrines, too, which were
often draped with bitterest affliction. But, as we visit their
graves, the graves of our kindred, how significant the past !
Thanks be to God, they live ! The stone has been rolled
from the door of the sepulchre, and the fathers are clothed
with life immortal. Let the influence of the sainted dead
rest upon us. May they continue to teach us of their forti-
tude in the wilderness, on the field of battle, and in their
struggles for liberty ; of their devotion to their homes, their
schools, their church and country. Their inheritance is
worth all it cost. Their bestowals upon us are beyond the
price of rubies. As the grass shall grow green over their
graves and the pine sing its requiem above their peaceful
ashes, may their lives blossom perennially in the memories
of the living, making New Hampshire our Canaan, Marlbor-
ough our New Jerusalem, Monadnock our Pisgah, and
Minnewawa our Kedron !
A hundred years have gone. A century hence, and the
living here will be sleeping with the fathers. But may the
precious inheritance which we have received, of freedom,
truth, virtue, and faith, be so improved by our diligence,
that our children's children at the second centennial celebra-
tion of the settlement of our native town, shall be blest with
a hundred-fold greater inheritance than we enjoy to-day, and
the sons will continue to call the fathers blessed !
Come, Patrick Henry, the eloquent vindicator of liberty ;
come, Franklin, the patriot and philosopher; come, Wash-
ington, the great general and wise man ; come, Jefferson, the
judicious counsellor and statesman; come, Hancock, from
340 HISTORY OF MARLBOEOtJGH.
the Coutiuental Congress ; come, Adams, from Faneiiil Hall,
with thy memory laden with the wisdom of the past and the
present; come, Lincoln, the liberator of the slave and the
preserver of human rights, — come, all ye national heroes,
and teach us anew the worth of national freedom and State
government.
Come, ye Pilgrims from Plymouth Rock ; come, ye Revo-
lutionary heroes, who fought for the rights of State and
Nation; come, ye early settlers of our native town, who
Avrought so grandly for school and church, — come, all ye
departed and honored fathers, and baptize us afresh with
love and devotion to the mother of our nativity, leading us
and our descendants in the ways of faithfulness to her future
wants and prosperity, thus adding to her natural charms and
glory all the shades and touching beauties of cultured Chris-
tian characters.
At the conclusion of the address, the speaker acknowl-
edged his many obligations to Mr. Charles A. Bemis, Marl-
borough's historian, who had furnished him with many
historical facts for his address. He also expressed his thanks
to Mr. Thomas White, who, unsolicited, favored him with
several important reminiscences, and to Mr. Charles K.
Mason, who had been untiring in his efforts to lend him all
possible aid.
10. Original hymn by Mrs. S. D. Osborne of Keene, read
by Rev. E. Davis, sung to the tune of Italian Hymn.
HYMN.
Composed on the One Hundredth Birthday of the Town of Marlborough.
One hundred years ago !
Swift has thy silent flow,
Old Time, rolled on ;
Then forests crown these hills,
These rocks no hammer thrills,
No sound of busy mills
To man is borne.
THE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. 341
But strong young hearts are there,
With wills " to do and dare " ;
Trusting in God,
They send the fiat forth,
That things of real worth
Shall have a noble birth
On stream and sod.
Forests before them fled ;
Treasures, from rocky bed.
Were brought to light ;
The dashing stream was stayed.
Swift wheel and spindle played.
Each artisan of trade
Wrought with his might.
The house of God was reared ;
The school, 'mid shops, appeared
To bless the land.
Soon from their halls went forth
AVomen and men of worth
To every clime on earth,
A noble band.
We gather here to-day.
To gaze back o'er the way.
One hundred years ;
Each one, with blessings fraught.
Teach us " what God hath wrought,"
And to us all have brought
More joy than tears.
And when these vales and hills
Have crmnbled, and these rills
Are hushed for aye.
Then we, our earthly lays
Exchange, for heavenly praise
Will loud hosannas raise
At Home on high.
11. Benediction by Rev. P. Wallingford of Claremont,
a native of Marlborough.
AT TABLE.
Blessing invoked b}' Rev. Moses G. Grosvenor of Troy,
Ohio, formerly pastor of the Congregational Chnrch.
342 HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
Ample justice was done to the repast by the multitude
present, and much food was left unconsumed.
AFTERNOON.
Order being restored, the exercises were as follows,
namely : —
Music by the band, " Marlborough Centennial Quick-
step," composed by F. C. Hayes.
The President then called for the first sentiment, which
was as follows : —
The Day we celebrate, our Country's Natal Day, the First Centennial of
Marlborough, — An occasion of friendly greeting to all, of welcome home
to our friends from abroad, of solemn reflections for the past, and of
hopeful anticipations for the futiu-e.
Jairus Collins, Esq., responded to this sentiment as fol-
lows : —
Mr. President^ Ladies and Gentlemen., — By the invitation
of your centennial committee, I am called upon to respond
to the sentiment just read: The day we celebrate, our coun-
try's natal day, the first centennial of Marlborough, — An
occasion of friendly greeting to all, of welcome home to our
friends from abroad, of solemn reflections for the past, and
of hopeful anticipations for the future.
The day we celebrate, our country's natal day. It is well,
my friends, in our journey over the sea of life, that we have
stand-points on our passage, that we may take a retrospec-
tive view.
And this is a day eminently befitting such an occasion.
It is well that we meet and greet each other with a cordial
look and shake of the hand on this our double centennial
day, review the past and contrast it with the present. Let
us look where we see our national flag proudly waving be-
fore us, and read the meaning of those stars and stripes.
One hundred years ago, a piece of coarse bunting was flung
to the breeze, containing thirteen stars and stripes, — an
emblem of a Nation's independence, the signal of the rights
of man, a declaration that those thirteen States ought to be,
a^^.^^/iy7(7.
THE CENTENNIAL CELEBEATION. 343
and of right should and must be, independent of the British
crown. This was a time that tried the spirit, the manhood
of our forefathers. Though destitute of the comforts, and
much more the luxuries, of life, they were equal to the occa-
sion ; and by their valor, patriotism, and perseverance, we
are here to-day, enjoying the fruits of their labors, being
protected in our social, intellectual, civil, political, moral,
and religious rights and privileges by a government which
their sacrifices, hardships, and sacred devotion to principle
achieved, — yea, the best government the bright sun in the
heavens ever shone upon. May we ever emulate their devo-
tion, their self-sacrificing devotion to principle ; and, while
their names may pass into oblivion, let us, on this our coun-
try's natal day, commemorate their deeds of valor, and with
joy and gratitude in our hearts entreat our heavenly Father,
by well-ordered and virtuous lives, that he will continue to
rule in and preside over the destinies of this our beloved
country !
This is our first centennial of Marlborough. One hun-
dred years ago, the hard}^ men and women who commenced
the settlement of this town, where are they? Echo answers,
Where? Their names are obscured by the lapse of time.
Yet in the dim and faded records of the past may be found
the pioneer names of the first settlers of our town. Some
ten or more years before its incorporation, the names of
William Barker, Isaac McAllester, Daniel Goodenough,
Benjamin Tucker, Abel Woodward, and Joseph Collins
head the list of pioneers in its settlement. From that time
to the present day, what changes have been wrought ! To
recall some of these, we meet on this occasion. We extend
the hand of welcome to all. We greet you, kind friends,
with a thrice hearty welcome. We welcome home our
friends from abroad. It is proper that we should welcome
you here, to the old homesteads of former days and years
long gone by. Although the old familiar farm-houses,
fields, and yards, may be dilapidated and tenantless, or occu-
pied by unfamiliar forms and faces, still past reminiscences
will be revived, and solemn reflections will occupy the mind.
344 HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
when we visit the scenes of childhood and youth, about
which so many tender recollections cluster, that we are
prone to recall the language of the poet when he says: —
" How dear to my heart are tlie scenes of my childhood,
When fond recollection presents them to view, —
The orchard, the meadow, the deep-tangled wildwood.
And every loved spot which my infancy knew ;
" The wide-spreading pond, and the mill that stood by it,
The bridge, and the rock where the cataract fell.
The cot of my father, the dairy-house nigh it,
And e'en the rude bucket that hung in the well."
We welcome you, friends, to our hillsides, valleys, glens,
streams, and old Monadnock's splendid view. We welcome
you to our mills, shops, schools, churches, to our homes and
hearts. We thank you for leaving your work and homes, to
meet with us on this festal occasion, in this beautiful grove,
where the spirit of cheerfulness and friendship may mingle,
and gladness glow from heart to heart. We welcome the
children from our Sabbath schools, and from abroad, to see
and hear and partake of the joys and spirit of the occasion.
It is proper that the celebration of this day be enjoyed by
them, that they should hear from those that speak of some
of the hardships, privations, and sacred devotion to princi-
ples of the first or early settlers of Marlborough, when in
a state of primeval, unbroken forest. It is well for you to
know and all of us to think of those hardy men and women
coming into this unbroken, dense forest, following their bold
leader, William Barker, and felling the first trees, and com-
mencing the settlement ; building for themselves rude log-
huts to protect them from the inclemency of the weather
and the depredations of wild beasts and wild men of the
forests. You, of to-day, might deem this rather an uninvit-
ing home. Then view them in later times, in many cases
without the necessaries of life. They came here to make a
liome, to build houses, to clear up and cultivate fields, and
raise, by the labors of their hands, something on which to
live, — here to labor and endure, with a perseverance worthy
of our iuiitalion. Here tliey built, as they progressed,
THE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. 345
houses, felled the trees, established schools, organized
chiu'ches, passed over our hills and through our valleys
without highways, travelling by marked trees from place
to place, building mills, and thereby improving our water
powers, and amid all the trials and hardships improving their
mental, moral, and religious powers. And soon we see the
fruit of their labors becoming more and more visible.
Gradually their encroachments upon the forest show us
broader fields, with waving harvests ministering to their
wants. We look upon the bending, venerable forms of our
fathers and mothers in their rural simplicity of character,
with a just and manly pride of admiration, and we and com-
ing generations will bespeak the gratitude toward them as
public benefactors of our race. If we properly contemplate
the great disadvantages which they encountered, and con-
trast them with the present state of things, we can scarcely
fail to thank God in our hearts that oitr lot has been cast in
more favored times, and that we, enjojdng the necessaries,
the conveniences, and even luxuries of life, may fail fully
to conceive of the hardships and privations of those hardy
pioneers. These venerable men and women, without roads,
carriages, or even beasts of burden, bore upon their broad
shoulders their grain to the distant mills, guided by marked
trees through the dark, thick forest, with a perseverance
equal to their task.
One hundred years ago, — how changed! The same sun
in the heavens still shines benignantly upon us, but the face
of Nature a different aspect wears. Our fathers and moth-
ers, where are they? Echo answers, Where? View that
venerable village of graves (too little cared for) on yonder
hill, and those other villages of the dead on our eastern and
western hillsides, and the more lately populated cemetery
near by, with its three hundred and fifteen silent inhabitants
of mother earth, and we have the answer, — Dust to dust
returneth, while their disembodied spirits are with Him who
breathed the breath of life into man, and he became a living
soul. Their primitive habits, manners, and customs have
passed away, and given place to others more in harmony
346 HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
witli our times mid the progressive spirit of the present age.
One hundred years mark the hand of progress in the arts
and sciences, — oh, how rapid I Science has directed the
hibors of art, until results seem almost miracidous. Steam
instead of beasts of burden propels our carriages as on
wings, on the iron rail instead of over rocks and gravel and
through mud and sand. The broad Atlantic's wide expanse
is almost annihilated, and the forked lightning is tamed into
subserviency to man, and wades through the briny deep,
annihilating time and space, to carry messages of friendship
and love to the most distant civilized countries. The means
of civilization have progressed with equal strides of develop-
ment. The rude log hut is exchanged for the modern im-
provements of labor and art. The schoolmaster has been
among us. But, friends, the great question is. Have the
intelligence and virtues of the people kept pace with the
visible progress of the arts and sciences? Have the ten
talents committed to our keeping been fully utilized, so that
it can be said of us, Well done, good and faithful servants,
when the future shall look back upon the past?
One hundred j^ears, — what changes have occurred in the
nations and governments of the world I Thrones have
tottered and kingdoms fallen, kings crowned and dethroned.
Our national government has arisen through its incipient
stages of infancy, childhood, and youth, and passed onward
and upward into mature manhood; and, by the labors and
persevering patriotism, under a benignant Providence, our
forefathers have bearded the British lion through a bloody
war of eight years, maintained their manhood in 1812,
crushed out the late Rebellion, maintained the liberty and
rights of man, and shed a halo of glory for the emulation of
the whole civilized world.
The second sentiment was read : —
Our Forefathers, — Austere in theh* manners, strict in the execution
of the laws and tlie observance of the Sabbath and all religious duties,
primitive in their habits and customs, would it not be well for young
America to imitate many of their examples, — j)ractise their economy,
have the same regard for law and order, and their high sense of honor?
THE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. 347
Song, — " Landing of the Pilgrim Fathers."
The following letter from Snmner Frost, Esq., of Derby,
Vt., was then read : —
Derby, June 23, 1870.
To Charles K. Mason and Others :
Gentx, — Your very kind and flattering invitation to be present at the
centennial celebration of the good old town of Marlborough on the 4th
of July next, — the town where first dawned the light of day upon me,
and where are many of my earliest *and most pleasant recollections, —
and assist in commevmratintj the day with appropriate ceremonies, is this
day received.
I can assure you that it would be a great pleasure to me to be present
with you on that occasion. My engagements are such that it will be
wholljj impracticable. With my best wishes for a complete success, and
my kind regards to you and the many kind and loved friends of my
native town, I remain. Yours truly,
SUMXER FROST.
Third sentiment : —
The Church, — The great nursery of truth, virtue, and practical Chris-
tianity.
COMMUNICATION FROM REV. LUTHER WIS WALL OF WIND-
HAM, MAINE.
To THE Committee of Invitation :
G-entle7nen, — I thank j^ou for the kind invitation to be
present and take some part in the celebration of the centen-
nial anniversary of the organization of the town. It is a
sonree of gratification to know that I am remembered after
an absence of more than forty years. But, while I should
be very glad to be with you on that occasion, the various
calls for service nearer home will most likely make it virtu-
ally impossible.
The sentiment to which you invited me to respond is one
very near my heart; namely, "-The Churchy — The great
nursery of truth, virtue, and practical Christianity.'''' In re-
gard to the true Church of Christ, of whatever name or in
whatever clime, I would sa}-: —
" One family we dwell in him,
One Church above, beneath.
Though now divided by the stream,
The narrow stream of death."
348 HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
Most of those members of the great famil}^ when I became
a member, i^ow, I trust, belong to the family above. But
to confine m3'self, as you suggested, to the history of the
Church in Marlborough. I must premise that, with the
exception of a few historical dates, I must depend on per-
sonal recollections previous to 1834, in which year I left my
native town. For while I have occasionally visited my early
home and have known something of the progress of its civil
and religious concerns, yet not so as to enable me to speak
of them, among those who understand them much better
than I can be supposed to do.
Aside from the Congregational Churcli, there was a
Methodist society organized, as I have understood, about the
year 1800. It was composed of members living in Marlbor-
ough and in the neighboring towns of Dublin and Nelson.
Their meetings were held in the eastern part of the town.
I recollect of occasionally attending their meetings at the
house of Mr. Herrick.
There were several Baptists in town, but I am not aware
of au}^ organized church of that denomination previous to
1834. Some of them were connected with the Baptist
Church in Dublin, of which Elder Willard was pastor.
There was occasional preaching by ministers of the Uni-
versalist persuasion, previous to 1820;* but I do not know
that there was any organized church or society in those earh'
years, or Avliile I resided in town. Usually, as I recollect,
their meetings, which I sometimes attended, were held in
the school-house, then standing on the opposite side of the
road from the present residence of Mrs. Davis.
The first preaching by Lhiitarian ministers was in 1823 or
1824, and occasionally for some years afterwards. Tlie
preachers were graduates of Harvard College. I think a
Unitarian Church of a few members was organized during
those years. I do not know any thing of its subsequent
history. The above imperfect sketch of different denomi-
nations will of course be supplemented by those now living
among you.
* There was a society formed Marcb 29, 1806.
THE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. 349
In addition to these, there was another volnntary but
informal institution, which exerted a great influence in a
religious point of view. I refer to a social conference and
prayer-meeting lield on Sabbath evenings at the school-house
before mentioned. I cannot tell when it began as a regular
meeting, but it was previous to 1820, and continued, with
occasional interruptions, as long as I resided in town. Usu-
ally, no minister was present, and Christian brethren of dif-
ferent denominations by turns took the lead of the meeting,
in which all who were disposed took part in the exercises of
prayer, exhortation, or singing.
Among those more or less prominent in these meetings,
but scarcely remembered by the present generation, I recol-
lect among the Baptists the venerable Deacon Cummings
and Mr. Thatcher and his son Elias, who, I believe, con-
tinues to this day among you; also Mr. Samuel Gage and
Mr. Clark Mason. Among the Congregationalists were
Deacon Kimber Harvey and Deacon James Farrar and his
elder brother William, Deacon Simeon Whitcomb and
Joseph Frost, Jr. Of the Methodists who attended, I recol-
lect but one name, that of William White. I suppose their
social meetings were held in the same neighborhood witli
their preaching service.
I can speak more at length of the Congregational Church,
of which I beoame a member in 1822. It was organized in
1778 ; and Mr. Joseph Cummings, a native of Topsfield, was
ordained as its pastor at the same time. But people were
dissatisfied with his conduct, and he was dismissed after two
years ; and the church remained destitute of a pastor for
nearly thirteen years, though the}' had preaching a part of
the time from different ministers.
In 1793, Mr. Halloway Fish, a native of Upton, Mass., and
a graduate of Dartmouth College, was ordained pastor, and
remained such until his death in 1824, — thirty-one j^ears. To
adopt the words of another, which are in accordance with
my own impressions, Mr. Fish " was serious and devout in
his spirit, exemplarj?^ in his life, thoroughl}^ orthodox in his
opinions, and faithful as a minister of Christ." He was a
350 HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
man of sound judgment, but not distinguished for popular
pulpit talents. Two 3'ears before his death, a revival of
religion brought thirty-eight members into the church.
About one year after his death, Rev. Salmon Bennett was
installed as pastor, and continued five and a half years, when
he was dismissed; and the church was without a pastor
until 1835, when Rev. Moses G. Grosvenor was installed
pastor. Mr. Bennett was an acceptable preacher, and a man
of very kind and genial spirit. But the church and relig-
ious matters generally were in a transition state, and for
some years it was impossible to sustain a settled ministr}-.
In accordance with views generall}^ prevailing at the time
of the settlement of the town, and for manj^ years after-
wards, the civil authorities regarded themselves as under the
same obligation to prpvide moral and religious instruction
as they were to provide secular or literary instruction, as in
our common schools. This, of course, involved a sort of
union between Church and State. So it was the town that
built the meeting-house, and in conjunction with the Church
chose the minister ; and his salary was raised b}' tax on the
town, the same as the wages of school-teachers. I do not
think there was an}^ law of the State requiring towns or
churches to support ministers of any particular denomina-
tion ; and among my earliest recollections of these matters
was this, that any citizen who chose so far ti) identify him-
self with any other religious society as to contribute to its
support was released from paying the minister tax. In
1819, the State law was changed, so that no man was obliged
to pay any thing for the support of religious teaching. A
year or two before the death of Mr. Fish, the majoritj?^ of
the people, not being favorable to his religious views, though
not agreeing upon any other, decided, as they had the legal
right to do, to allow the adherents of different denomina-
tions to occupy their meeting-house, each their due propor-
tion of time. The proportion assigned to the Congregation-
alists was, I think, less than a third. And for several years
the old meeting-house was occupied in turns by Unitarians,
Baptists, Methodists, and Universalists, as well as Congre-
gationalists.
^1
H^^txA.
L^J L^y'-Z^^^t^
THE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. 351
This state of tilings was not conducive to harmony, or
kind feelings among people, nor to the progress of true
religion.
The Congregationalists finding themselves unable, under
these circumstances, to sustain a settled ministry, and find-
ing also after a few years that they were diminishing in num-
bers and pecuniary ability, finally, encouraged by the prom-
ise of some aid from abroad, resolved to build a house of
worship of their own, and give up all claim to the old house.
But there was a difficulty which delayed them for a time.
Among the few who were willing to aid, there was a differ-
ence of judgment and interest in fixing upon a location.
Some proposed a site on the hill near where Dr. Batcheller
then lived. Others preferred a site on what was called the
Goodenough knoll, near where J. Merrill Davis now lives.
According to my recollection, it was only by a plurality of
one or two shares that the present location was selected.
To account for hesitancy in regard to the location, it must
be remembered that within the bounds of the present beau-
tiful village there were only a few families, and those,
mainly, not in sympathy with the church; nor was there
any special prospect of increase. I left town soon after the
foundations of the house were laid.
Of the history and progress of the Church for the last
forty years, I do not feel competent to speak.
The Church looked upon it as a calamity and a hinder-
ance to their prosperit3^ and a source of great discourage-
ment to Christian labor when, more than fifty years ago,
they were denied for a considerable portion of the time the
use of the house which they had occupied more than forty
years, and in which all their religious associations had
centred. I confess to have shared in these feelings. But as
I now look at it, in view of results, I regard it as a great
blessing in disguise, the hand of God being in it.
I spoke of the promise of aid from abroad in building the
house of worship. Perhaps some would like to know the
sources of aid. The first was a subscription of about $140,
obtained by Miss Polly Barker, formerly a member of the
352 HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
Church, but who had been for some years a resident of
Boston, where she obtained the subscription. Through the
instrumentalit}^ of Rev. Mr. Baston, some aid was obtained
from Keene. Subscriptions were procured in Nelson, Fitz-
william, and Jaifrey, which were to be paid if the Church
found itself unable to meet the expense of building by the
sale of pews or otherwise. My impression is that these
were not called for.
In concluding, I wish to express my joy that, among the
true followers of Christ of different names, there aj)pears to
be more harmony and co-operation than formerly. I trust
it is so in my native town.
To use in substance the language of another, "I think
there is a day, not very distant, when from the watch-towers
of Asia, once the land of 'Lords many,' there shall roll out
the exultant chorus, ' One Lord ' ; when from the watch-
towers of Europe, distracted by divisions in the faith, shall
roll up the grateful chorus, ' One faith ' ; when from the
watch-towers of our own America, torn by controversies
respecting the initiatory rite of the Christian Church, shall
roll forth the inspiring chorus, ' One baptism ' ; when from
the watch-towers of Africa, where it is felt as if the God of
all the race were not her God, as though the Father of the
human family were not her Father, — when from the watch-
towers of despised and long-neglected Africa shall roll forth
the chorus, 'One God and Father of all'; when the sacra-
mental host, scattered over the face of this lower creation,
shall spring upon their feet, and, seizing the harp of thanks-
giving, shall join in the chorus with responding angels, ' One
Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all,
who is above all, and through all, and in you all, to whom
be glory, dominion, and majesty and blessing forever ! ' "
Music by the band.
Fourth sentiment : —
The Conlrihutions of MarlhoroiKjh to t/ie Populnlion of our Larye Cities, —
Atuoiig thtmi are men whose untiring business liabits have enabled thenx
to amass much wealth ; but their gold has not encrusted their hearts.
We trust their liberality and benevolence will continue to increase in a
ratio proportionate to their additional means.
THE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. 353
LETTER FROM HON. RUFUS S. FROST.
House of Representatives, Washington, D.C,
June 29, 1876.
Messrs. Charles K. Mason, Charles A. Bemis, C. E. Haudy, Com-
mittee :
Gentlemen, — I rejoice that the good people of my native town are to
celebrate the ceuteuuial anniversary of the settlement of the town on
the 4:th of July next, aiirl sincerely regret that other duties will prevent
myself and wife fi'ora participating with them on that occasion.
I have always loved Marlborough, and have been proud to call her my
native town.
The toast to which you invite me to respond is an excellent one ; and,
as it does not apply to myself personally, I feel all the more freedom in
responding to it. Although it is said to be very convenient to have wealth,
my own opinion has always been that a good reputation is much to be
preferred. I admit that both are desirable, and am glad that so many
sons of Marlborough who have remained at home, and also those who
have removed to other places, have acquired both.
The man who owns his well-stocked farm, and is clear of debt, is a
richer man than he who lives in the city and is frequently taking risks
large enough to ruin himself and family, although his yearly income may
be much greater than the farmer's.
You may ask, is the latter a necessity? I answer no; but with the
large expenses of the city is the temptation to take large risks. Hence
the ruin of so many. In responding to the toast assigned me, I desire to
impress upon the young people of Marlborough the idea that success in
life comes only from hard work and strict attention to some chosen occu-
pation in life. I believe that these qualities, aj)plied to a well-selected
farm, would yield as good an income, with more independence and better
health, than the average of other kinds of business away from Marl-
borough.
Our heavenly Father has given the town great natural advantages,
besides the beauty of its hills and valleys. Its water-power, which can
be largely increased, gives occupation to many people in the village, while
the farmers thereby find a ready cash market for their produce.
Let the people of Marlborough, like true patriots, stand by their town,
and give their assistance to all its religious, educational, and business
interests ; and the future prosperity of the town and its people will be
secured.
With my cordial respect for you, gentlemen of the committee, and
the people whom you represent, I remain.
Sincerely yours, etc.,
RUFUS S. FROST.
354 HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
Fiftli sentiment : —
The Future Generations of Marlborough, — May they emulate the courage,
patriotism, and virtues of the past, now quietly resting beneath the green
turf of our native hillsides.
Responded to by Rev. J. L. Merrill.
Sixth sentiment : —
The Flag of our Union, — A century ago a piece of striped bunting un-
furled to the breeze of freedom, now floating on every sea, and proudly
waving over thirty-seven States at home, the shield of liberty, a terror to
oppression and tyranny.
LETTER FROM COL. HENRY W. GREENWOOD OF DUM-
MERSTON, VT.
Philadelphia, June 18, 1876.
Messrs. Charles K. Mason, Charles A. Bemis, C. E. Hardy, Com-
mitlee :
Dear Sirs, — ! regret that I cannot be present with you and the
people of Marlborough on the 4th of July, to celebrate the double anni-
versary on that day.
The wandering life necessai-y to one of my profession has prevented
me from adopting a permanent home elsewhere; and, for that reason,
Marlborough and my boyhood haunts have ever held the memory of
the " dearest spot ou earth to me," and though family-friends are scat-
tered, and the old stone house has passed into other hands, I dearly love
to visit " The Harbor," the pet name of my native village.
The response to the toast " Our Flag " must be a silent wish that it
may wave for many centuries over Marlborough and the entire country.
Educated in military science, I naturally fell into the rank and file in
1861, and followed the fortunes of the " battle flag " of the army of the
Cumberland (the reunion of which on the 6th and 7th of July at this
place prevents my joining you on the 4th). I have wandered under the
protection of the dear old flag over the Plains of the great West, across
the Rocky Mountains, through the sands of Southern California, and
claimed its protection in foreign lands with a pride that is natural to an
American. Ever yours truly,
W. H. GREENWOOD.
Song, — " Our Flag and our Nation."
Seventh sentiment : —
The Primitive Inhahitants of Marlborough, — Their simplicity, wisdom-
energy, and virtues, were equal to their hardships, privations, and toils.
May we imitate the former, while we enjoy the fruition of the latter
God bless their memory.
THE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. 355
LETTER FROM DEA. PERLEY D. STONE OF ADAMS, N.Y.
Adams, Jefferson Co., N.Y., June 5, 1876.
Charles A. Bemis, Charles K. Mason, Cyrus E. Hardy, CVwj-
mittee of invitation to attend the anniversary of the organization of the
good old town of Marlborough, N.H., on the ith of July next:
Gentlemen, — Yours of May the 25th was received- in due time. I am
more than pleased that such a celebration will be had; should be glad
to be with you on that occasion, and share with you the pleasures and
sorrows that will vibrate in every bosom. Pleasure and sorrow often
mingle together on such an occasion. But my age and other circum-
stances (I now think) will prevent my being present.
Y'ou wish me to respond as to the first settlers' simplicity, wisdom,
energy, and virtues. I would say that they were made equal to their
hardships, privations, and toil. Were I present with you, I would speak
to you, and have you realize if possible, the township as it was one hun-
dred years ago, with its unbroken forests, — those hills and valleys
groaning under the weight of those towering oaks, maples, beech, bass,
and hemlock, that must fall before the axe, and be cleared up so as to
be productive; and those rocks to be dug out before the plough could
turn up the soil, and raise sufficient for the support of those growing
families numbering from eight to sixteen children.
To accomplish this did require simplicity, wisdoiti, energy, and virtues;
and, thanks be to God, our ancestors possessed these qualities in a
remarkable degree, as is shown by their fruits. They possessed in a
remarkable degree educational and religious principles, as is evident
from the erection of a house for the worship of God at so early a period,
and by planting the school-house in every district, and by the respect
shown to the sanctity of the holy Sabbath, sustaining the ministry for all
these rolling years. May God bless to us, their descendants, the remem-
brance of our fathers and mothers, that we may copy all that " was lovely
and of good report," and shun all that was wrong, so that we, their
descendants, may do good and be useful while living, and die the death
of the righteous. Y^ours truly,
P. D. STONE.
Eighth sentiment : —
The Clergy, — May they, as ever, be found in the front ranks of intelli-
gence, vital piety, freedom, and practical righteousness.
Responded to by Rev. Edwin Davis of Canton, Mass.
Ninth sentiment: —
The Venerable Men and Women irith ns to-day, — With age, the emotional
excitements and buoyant blood of youth pass away ; but the heart of the
wise, — the older it grows, the warmer it feels.
356 HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
Deacon Abel Baker of Tro}^ sent the following : —
Troy, N.H., June 26, 1876.
To THE Committee of Invitation :
Gentlemen, — I would express to you my sincere thanlcs for your kind
invitation, inviting me to be present and participate in and partake of
the festivities of your centennial celebration in the town of Marlborough
on the 4t]i of July next. ^
As it will probably not be convenient for nie to be present at that
time, let me give you some of my recollections of the events of my early
life, which are still fresh in my memory.
I was born in that town, April 8, 1797. My father settled and lived
on a new farm about one and a half miles east of the old meeting-house
on the hill ; and, as T attended school in two districts besides our own, I
was acquainted with and entertain the greatest respect for my youthful
associates in my early life, and formed many acquaintances which I still
cherish with profound respect.
Among my teachers in the common schools were Esquire Gates, Capt.
Whitney, Thomas Hardy, Rev. Mr. Rand, James Farrar, Asa Frost, E. K.
Frost, Catharine Newton, Jane Gilmore, and Anna Harvey.
And among my classmates were Rev. Cyras Stone, his wife, Attossa
Frost, and Cynthia Farrar, who, after qualifying themselves by diligent
study, went to India to teach the benighted inhabitants of Asia the
Christian religion ; and the two last beloved sisters found their last I'cst-
ing place in tliat distant country.
I likewise have a vivid recollection of the old meeting-house on the
hill, and our Christian fathers of that day, as they were seated in their
square pews; where the people from all parts of the town visited the
sanctuaiy almost every Sabbath ; where the Rev. Mr. Fish explained the
Scriptures, and Col. Joseph Frost, with his pitch-pipe, led the choir,
which performed the singing, to the great delight of my youthful mind.
There was also the huge horse-block on the north side of the church,
where our fathers, at the beginning of this century and before, after
mounting their horses, rode to the block, where their wives or daughters
seated themselves on the pillion, sometimes with a child in their arms,
and away they rode to their homes.
This horseback mode of conveyance continued for many years without
much interruption ; but a new way of travelling was introduced between
1812 and 1820.
Tiie first one-horse wagon I ever saw was owned by Elijah Boyden,
innkeeper oji the hill, in 1812 ; and in a few years that mode of convey-
ance was general throughout the town. And since that time one improve-
ment has succeeded anothei-, until we have only to take passage by i-ail,
and the utmost limits of our wide-extended country are reached in a few
days. Then let us rejoice, and bless a kind Providence for all the im-
provemenl^s which have been made duiiiig Mic last one innidi-ed years.
THE CEKTENNIAL CELEBRATION. 357
In conclusion, permit me to express my thanks to the Committee of
Arrangements, my cordial good wishes to the old survivors of INIarlbor-
oiigh, my old associates and theu- successors, while a tribute of respectful
memory hovers over the graves of the departed. I close with the follow-
ing sentiment : —
The grand Monadnock and Gape Mountains stand as watch-towers
near your eastern borders. JNIay your peace, prosperity, and temperance
be as enduring as the everlasting hills !
Very truly yours,
ABEL BAKER.
Tenth sentiment : —
Our Revolulionanj Soldiers, — Their names may be forgotten, but the
fruits of their labors survive, shedding a halo of glory for the people, a
prophetic hope to the nation.
Col. Nelson Converse responded to this sentiment in an
able manner.
Music by the band.
Eleventh sentiment : —
Our Merchants, — May they iu the future as in the past be honorable,
upright, respected at home and abroad.
Elisha O. Woodward, of Grafton, Mass., who for twenty-
five years was one of the merchants of Marlborough, sent
the following letter : — *
Grafton, Mass., June 27, 1876.
Charles K. Mason, Charles A. Bemis, C. E. Hardy, Commitlee of
Invitation : —
Yours of the 6th instant, inviting myself and family to unite with the
citizens of Marlborough in their centennial celebration, July 4, was duly
received. In reply, I have to say I regret that other duties prevent my
accepting your invitation, and sharing with you the enjoyment which the
occasion would afford me. Though Marlborough is not my native town,
and I am not now one of its citizens, j^et my long residence there, cover-
ing a quarter of a century, and the intimate acquaintance with all its
people, which the nature of my business, to which you allude, was so
well calculated to give me, have made the place and its inhabitants, with
all that pertains to its and their prosperity and welfare, dear to my heart ;
and it would give me pleasure to be present, and join with you and those
who will again return to the home and scenes of their childhood, in com-
memorating, on the one hundredth anniversary day of our nation's birth,
this important event in the history of Marlborough.
* Mr. Woodnaid has since returncrt to Marllioiough, and to liis former place of
business.
358 HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
Standing on the dividing line that separates the past from the future,
memory brings to my mind many changes which have marked the
twenty-five years of my residence in your town. But I will not trespass
on your time further, — will only say in closing, enlarging a little on the
sentiment to which you ask me to respond : —
May the merchants of Marlborough of to-day, profiting by whatever
is found worthy of imitation in the experience of their predecessors, and
improving the superior advantages of the present, strive to make their
business, and thus make themselves, in the future, as tiow, worthy of
support and respect.
Thanking you for the very kind and cordial invitation, and wishing
you success in all your arrangements, I remain,
Your obedient servant,
E. O. WOODWARD.
Twelfth sentiment : —
The Mothers and the Daughters, — The joy and sunshine of our homes,
and the pride of the century.
The committee assigned this sentiment to Warren H.
Wilkinson of Springfield, Mass.; but he, being n liable to be
present, sent twenty-five dollars to help defray the expenses
of the celebration.
Thirteenth sentiment : —
Our Public Men.
LETTER FROM BENJ. AVHITNEY, ESQ., OF LITTLETON, N.H.
Littleton, N.h., June 17, 1876.
Gentlemen, — Accept my thanks for your cordial invitation to be pres-
ent at the centennial celebration of the incorporation of the town of
Marlborough on the 4th of July next, to respond to the sentiment, "The
Public Men of Marlborough."
Be assured it would give me great pleasure to comply with your invita-
tion ; but distance, and the liability to sudden attacks of indisposition of
persons of my age, admonish me to forego that pleasure. But, permit
me to say, a vivid recollection of more than two-thirds of the past cen-
tury carries me back to those who are now considered the early inhabi-
tants of the town of Marlborough ; and, permit nie further to say, the
high moral stand taken by the public men of those days has had an
abiding infiuence on succeeding generations. A defaulter to the town
treasury was never known. But one attempt, and that an unsuccessful
one, has ever come to my knowledge. I hope many other towns can
boast as much, but am sure there are many others that cannot.
The first settlers of Marlborough were mostly farmers, emigrants from
THE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. 359
Massachusetts, — not men of great means, but industrious, intelligent, and
lovers of liberty. According to Iiistory, the Revolution found them true
to freedom, and ready to fight to obtain it. With resources not abun-
dant when it commenced, they veere reduced to poverty vs-hen it closed.
Their fields liad lain uncultivated, and Continental paper money had be-
come worthless. They were in debt, but not discouraged, and, to their
^honor be it said, by diligence and industry supported numerous families,
and accumulated comfortable fortunes.
Again in 1812, as also in the late Rebellion, when the camp-fires were
again kindled, and the authorities of the nation called again for help,
the patriotism of the sons had in no wise degenerated from that of their
worthy sires. Her quotas were promptly filled, — filled with men, — men
ready to do battle for the honor and safety of the nation.
It must be a source of gratification to those who assemble with you on
that day, whether at home or from a distance, after long separation, to
renew their attacliments, and mutually express their respect and affection
for the place of their birth and the home of their childhood.
Again accept my thanks for your kind invitation. Gentlemen, I am,
with respect. Your obliged servant,
BENJAMIN WHITNEY.
Messrs. C. K. Mason, C. A. Bemis, C. E. Hardy, Committee.
Fourteenth sentiment : —
Our Foremothers, — Their spinning-jenny spun but one thread; their
muscular-power loom wove for the protection of their sons and daughters ;
the hum of tlie linen-wheel lulled tlieir offspring to rest ; the horse saddle
and pillion was their only carriage, — models for wives, excellent patterns
for mothers, the only ingredients from which to raise grandmothers.
This sentiment was wittily replied to by Dr. J. Q. A.
McCoUester of Ayer Junction, Mass. His speech was full
of incidents of the early settlers, and we regret that we
cannot produce it here for the benefit of our readers.
Song, — "Spirit of Freedom."
Fifteenth sentiment : —
Roxhury, Marlboroy,gK s Secedincj Daughter, — Forming a triple alliance
in 1812, before she entered her teens, set up housekeeping for herself ;
regrets her folly, and desires a bill that she may marry a rich neighbor.
Eli Clark, Esq., of Roxbury, responded.
Sixteenth sentiment : —
Trorj, — In 1815, partaking of the independent spirit of her northern
seceding sister, with a loving heart embraced an amorous trio, and still
dwells in peace with her maternal ancestry.
360 HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
LETTER FROM HON. EDWARD FARRAR OF KEENE, A NATIVE
OF TROY.
Keene, July 3, 1876.
My dear Sir, — Please accept, in behalf of yourself and the committee
you represent, my sincere thanks for the kind invitation you have given
me to be present at your celebration to-morrow, and respond to the toast
with which you are to honor my native town. It would give me the
greatest pleasure to be present with you and respond in person, and par-
ticipate in the festivities of the occasion ; but a part has been assigned me
in my adopted city, which will prevent my observance of the day else-
where.
It would be tedious for you to listen to my personal recollections of
Troy. They are pleasant and interesting to me; and, as time passes on,
I find myself living over my Troy life more and more often. I might
recite many incidents in the history of Troy as well known by others as
by me. That would be out of place here. Besides, that duty has doubt-
less been assigned to other and more appropriate hands.
The words of your toast seem somewhat strange. The nation has but
just begun to recover from her exhausting effort to put an end to seces-
sion. I supposed " secession " had become a by-word. But now you speak
of my dear old town as a seceder. Call it any name but that. Still the
dignity and honor of a rebellion depend upon the question of its success.
The great llebellion which the nation has just suppressed, thanks to the
heroes of the last decade and to the God of battles, was not a success, but
went down in disgrace.
Not so with Troy. She fought a determined foe. Thanks to the men
of 1815, she maintained her right to self-government, and secession
became her honor. The union she then formed was legitimate, although
sniackiug somewhat of forbidden plurality. No one, — I presume to
speak for Troy, — no member of that union can desire that it should be
less close. May no court of law or other authority ever be graceless
enough to grant a divorce to any member of the family ! May the union
that made Troy a town ever endure !
Respectfully yours,
EDWARD FARRAR.
To Chakles K. Mason, l^sq.,/or the Committee.
Seveiiteentli sentiment : —
The Professions, — Their representatives at home and abroad.
This sentiment was ably and eloquently responded to by
Marquis De Lafayette McCollester, Esq., of Waseca, Minn.,
a native of Marlborough.
Eighteenth sentiment: —
Marlborough, — Not aspiring to the dignity of a city herself, still claims
many mimicipal officers of our cities as her sons.
THE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. 361
Solon S. Wilkinson of Keene replied to this as follows: —
Mr. President, her modesty bespeaks her merit. Though
she does not aspire to the dignity of a city and is not ambi-
tious to assume a municipal form of government, she has
a beautiful village, and is one of the most flourishing and
enterprising of our New England towns.
For one hundred years she has stood first and foremost
in all of the enterprises of the day ; and as we look yonder,
upon the marble slabs which mark the resting-place of the
fallen heroes, we are assured that she never shrank from
duty in the time of peril and danger. And as I look back
over the past and note the position she has always taken,
and which she takes to-day, I rejoice that this is my native
town.
Mr. President, as I look about me, I see, on either hand,
those who have and do occupy high positions of honor and
trust. And as I look upon the noble men and women who
are assembled here to-day, who have from time to time gone
out from these hillside homes, to bear the heats and burdens
of the day and bless the world, I am proud that I am one
of Marlborough's sons. And should she feel to rejoice, as
one by one rises to eminence, may her greatest joy be that
they are worthy the trust. And, as her sons continue to go
out from her, may it not be their greatest ambition to fill
high places, but to fill them well ; and may all their acts,
whether public or private, be such as to defy criticism and
investigation; and may their great desire be to live resj)ected
that they may die regretted, and long before another centen-
nial year merit and receive the approbation of Him who
holds in his hand the destinies of men.
Nineteenth sentiment : —
Our Bands, — They speak with brazen tongues, yet their uotes, at their
bidding, enkindle the fire of patriotism or the glow of friendship, melt
the heart with tender pity or warm it into fervent devotion.
Response by the band.
Twentieth sentiment : —
Our Common Schools, — The pride of our land, tlie nurseries of knowl-
edge, intelligence, and self-government, the only safeguard to the perpe-
tuity of the liberties of a free and enlightened nation.
48
362 HISTORY OF MAKLBOROUGH.
Henry C. Tenney, of Orange, Mass., spoke as follows : —
The vitality of every community depends upon its edu-
cational interests; and the rank any nation takes among its
compeers depends solely upon the intellectual status of the
people. Thus whatever aifects the general intelligence of
a community affects its moral, social, and political standing.
Is it, then, a wonder that "the heroes of '76" equally
guarded their educational with their political rights? Is it
strange that we had intellectual as well as political heroes?
Thus the common-school system of the land became co-
existent with the oft-repeated "inalienable rights" of one
century ago ; and hence the political standing of our gov-
ernment to-day, of which we all are so justly proud, is but
the outgrowth of the common-school seedling planted by
our sires little more than two hundred years since. As
these have been nourished, political science advanced, the
moral standard improved, general intelligence was diffused
among the masses, and old New England, first and foremost
in the rank, could but lead the van in the political, scientific,
and intellectual spheres; and well has she held her own.
America, first among the nationalities of the world ; New
England, ever foremost in America's every great enterprise ;
New Hampshire, second to none, when brains are wanting,
to make glory glad, to lift humanity higher, or to grapple
with the mighty issues of national life.
The common-school system, though, like every other great
and good institution, had its origin in and with that of
Christianity, yet in its present and peculiar form it had its
birth in New England ; and, nourished by her fostering
mothers, in its full-grown manhood it has become the pride
and glory of our land ; and in all the great councils of the
continent, or even of the globe, it has truly proven itself " the
nursery of intelligence, knowledge, and self-government."
Its vital force has energized the arts and sciences, and
their influence is felt in every land ; has given an impetus
to commerce, and its craft ploughs every water, its sail
whitens every sea ; has warmed the inventive genius till it
glows and gladdens the hearts of all humanity in the multi-
THE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. 363
tudinous inventions that almost annihilate time and space ;
gives the toiling millions rest, yet beckons them on, and still
on, to new fields of beauty and glory ; it has fostered the
spirit of discovery, and spread alike the jungles of India,
the wilds of Africa, and the polar glaciers at our feet ; it
lias visited the ocean's mysterious depths, and brought us
its hidden treasures ; it has enveloped the world in a net-
work of telegraphy, and the electric current darts tidings
to all people ; it has augmented the keen vision of man till
the minutest creations are ours to behold, and we are lost
in wonder, admiration, and awe.
Thus has it become the key with which we unlock the
garnered storehouse of created wisdom, the lever by which
we move the world of thought, the beautiful sunlight
that fills our inmost souls with the glow of intelligence,
knowledge, and wisdom.
It is the Common Schools that open the germ of budding
youth into the full bloom of manhood glowing through, and
ripening into the golden sheaf of God's noblest work.
Its riches are alike dispensed to titled princes and cringing
serf: it knows no high, no low, no rich, no poor, but with
a just, equal, and liberal hand it freely offers its store to all.
With it were reared the many noble heroes who in times
that tried men's souls, knew only their country, their God,
and the right.
With it were laid the very foundations of our national
greatness; and in after years, when grown to a great and
mighty people, it alone burst the shackles of human bond-
age and set the captive free. And though to-day our
country groans in bitter anguish and inactivity, — 'tis but
the merited punishment of ignorance and vice long un-
heeded. Its power and force have grown, as have the na-
tions. So must we guard, sustain, and support its interest,
as we would strengthen our republican institutions. Given
us as a birthright, let us transmit it to posterity, enlarged,
beautified, perfected.
The golden sheaves of the world's genius of thought are
being garnered for the coming ages. Eager millions will
864 HISTOKY OF MAKLBOKOUGH.
feast at the board. Strengthened, they will pile the sheaves
higher, higher, higher, till time is lost in the dim vista of
coming centuries. Still our common schools will beckon on
to richer fields, broader lands, more golden harvests.
The huge scroll of science will unroll at her bidding,
new fountains of thought will gush forth to gladden un-
born millions, and the infancy of a growing world of intelli-
gence will be the cherished legacy of our posterity.
Truly then our common schools are the only safeguards
to the perpetuity of the liberties of a free and enlightened
nation.
Twenty-first sentiment : —
The Profjress of the Century.
REMARKS OP PROF. A. E. DOLBEARE OF TUFTS COLLEGE.
Mr. Chairman, I thought when I received the invitation
of the committee to respond to the sentiment " The Prog-
ress of the Century," that no suljject could have been chosen
that I should preferably have responded to. But it seems
that nearly every speaker that has preceded me has, from
necessity, made allusions to this progress, and by so much
has covered the ground which I had expected to enlarge
upon. The advances, however, have been so considerable,
and in so many directions, that there is yet a good deal of
outstanding material that has not been mentioned. Let me
say, then, that the past century has been pre-eminently a
century of inventions of labor-saving machinery.
The steam-engine, which we know is the work of our
century, the most of the improvements which have been
made upon the engine for steam-power, have appeared since
1782. Steam applied to the propulsion of vessels was first
successful in 1806, upon the Hudson River. The success of •
the locomotive dates from 1829. The speed of travel upon
the railroad has been steadily advancing since that time.
In 1834 it was twenty miles per liour, in 1839 it was thirty-
five miles per hour, in 1847 it was sixty miles per hour, and
since then it has reached the wonderful velocity of one bun-
TJECE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. 365
drecl miles per hour. Men have never been able to travel
fast enough. Every increase in speed has but increased the
desire for still swifter translation. I am reminded of a story
that old Deacon Guild told, whose name has been mentioned
before to-day. After the Cheshire road was finished as far
as Troy, in 1847, his son William, then living in Newport,
R.I., wished his father to visit him ; but the old gentleman
saw the cars go by, and was afraid to trust himself upon
them. After much persuasion, however, he allowed himself
to be placed aboard the cars at Troy, though with much
trepidation. The cars started, and he said that he expected
every minute to be smashed up ; but they moved along with
no accident, and his fears wore away, and gave place to
more enjoyable feelings ; for, said the old gentleman to me,
"Before we got half-way to Boston, the faster they went^ the
better IfeltP So it has been with mankind in general, in
the business of travelling. The faster they go, the better
they feel.
In 1837, the first ocean steamers were built; and here let
me just mention that the year 1837 was a most remark-
able year for various contributions of value in human affairs.
I will simply mention a few of them of general interest:
the screw propeller, the Morse telegraph, the daguerrotype,
reform schools, ragged schools and industrial schools, female
colleges, cheap penny postage, — these all belonged to that
year.
Time will fail me even to specify all of the really valuable
inventions and discoveries in mechanical engineering ; but it
ought never to go unchallenged, — that statement so often
made, that the ancients had mechanic arts which surpass
ours.
We know, indeed, that the Egyptians built huge pyra-
mids which Herodotus says required, for the largest, the
labor of a hundred thousand men for twenty years to lay
the stones ; but I am sure that Mr. Buss could make an
engine that would in a year raise every stone to its place,
and even deliver them faster than the workmen could place
them.
366 HISTORY OF MARLBOEOUGH.
Some of the stones in the United States Treasury Building
at Washington are larger than any of the stones in the pyr-
amids of Egypt.
Most of the things which rank among the conveniences
of life, to even those old and called poor to-day, have been
contributed by this century. In order the better to esti-
mate their value and the poverty of past centuries in this
matter, suppose you strip from your houses all those things
which had no existence before tliis century, and think how
they would look, and how you would like living in such sur-
roundings. Strip the paper from your walls, the carpets
from your floors, take down the steel engravings and the
chromo -lithographs. Use candles instead of gas or kero-
sene, take off your door-knobs and make latches take their
places, for the watch and clock use a sun-dial. Carry awaj^
all the books except the Bible, and perhaps Pilyrinis Prog-
ress. The piano and the organ have no place there, for the
most of your furniture substitute old style. The sewing-
machine will help make room for a loom and spinning-wheel.
These are but a few of the changes which would be needed
to reduce housekeeping to the conditions of a hundred years
ago. I think that every one will agree with me that the
changes which I have indicated in such an incomplete way
have nevertheless been far greater than all the contribu-
tions of preceding centuries to such conveniences.
"* We always listen with pleasure and profit to one who tells
us of the deeds of heroism, of kindness, of charity, but they
are such things as every generation can boast of, and every
century has such heroes ; but mankind has always accorded
to intellectual work the highest place in its annals. There
have been many epochs in history in which knowledge has
advanced until it became science. Such a one marks the
age of Newton, when the discovery of universal gravitation
immediately raised astronomy to the dignity of a science
which was indeed the crowning glory of that age. Let us
see what has been accomplished in this line during the past
hundred years. It has indeed been a century of sciences.
Consider what has been done. In astronomy, over a
THE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. 367
hundred and fifty planets have been discovered, the whole
heavens charted, the nature of comets and meteors been
determined, and the distance of the sun and fixed stars
calculated. Moreover, through the revelations of the spec-
troscope, the physical condition of the sun, of the stars, and
distant nebulas, is now well known, so that what is called
physical astronomy is almost altogether the product of this
century.
The science of chemistry is just a century old. There
was no science of chemistry previous to that time, so that
that is peculiarly a product of this century. Equally so is
the science of geology, which has been mos'tly developed
within the past fifty years. The botany we know to-day
is almost wholly the work of this generation. Then zool-
ogy had no existence as a science until within seventy-five
years.
In the domain of natural philosophy, the laws of sound,
of electricity, of heat, of light, of magnetism, and of energy,
each a science by itself, have all been determined; and who
shall sa}^, in view of all these, that this century has not in
the line of intellectual work surpassed all previous centu-
ries ? But this is not the end. We honor Newton for his
great discovery, and most for his great generalization of uni-
versal gravitation ; yet this century can shoAv no less than
four such generalizations, each one of which is worthy to
take rank at once with the grandest achievement of Newton.
Of these I would speak first of the nebular hypothesis of
Laplace, which the researches of late years have so entirely
confirmed that all astronomers everywhere have adopted it
as being the expression of the truth as to the origin of the
solar system.
As the second, I would name the doctrine of the persist-
ence of force, which, through the labors of Faraday, Grove,
Mayer, Joule, and others, has forced its acceptance every-
where, and has profoundly modified all of our notions of
the relations of work to force, and teaches that the amount
of energy in the universe is constant, and that when force
in one form disappears it immediately appears in some other
368 HISTORY OF MARLBOKOUGH.
form. Tliat heat may be converted into motion, and elec-
tricity or light or magnetism, and all of these being mut-
ually interchangeable, — this is an achievement of which any
century might feel proud.
Third, the doctrine of natural selection proclaimed by Mr.
Darwin. This" was much laughed at at first, but laterly it
is not laughed at so much ; and not a few of those who
feared it most have become assured of its truth," while
almost every naturalist in the world believes it. The doc-
trine itself is so revolutionary that its acceptance makes
an epoch in natural history studies, and may properly be
ranked among the greatest achievements of the nineteenth
century.
Last, but not least, is the doctrine of evolution, pro-
claimed by Mr. Herbert Spencer, and worked out by him
with a marvellous skill, and exhibiting a wonderful knowl-
edge of phenomena both physical and mental. Prof. Jevons
said lately of this work that nothing had appeared compar-
able with it since the publication of Newton's Principia. It
reduces to law, order, and relationship all phenomena, and
will point out the true functions of government, and help
to the solution of all of the now knotty questions in politics,
religion, and education.
With such a record as this, the past century has no
reason to be ashamed ; for its labors have been more than
tenfold the labors of any other century, and its progress
has been an astonishment even to itself.
Twenty-second sentiment : —
Emigrants from Marlborough, both present and absent, — Scattered from
the Atlantic to the Pacific, and from Tropic to Tropic, may their early
instruction prove a shield in the hour of trial, and assist them to fill
with lionor and usefulness the different stations in life they are destined
to occupy !
This was wittily replied to by J. W. Converse, Esq., of
Springfield, Mass. The wind rose to almost a gale while
he was speaking, so that it was with difficulty he could be
heard ; but he was urged to go on, which he did, much to
the edification of those who remained to hear him.
THE CENTEN'NIAL CELEBRATION. 369
THE CENTENARY.
On Marlborough's hundredth anniversary,
We hail our Nation's centenary day :
We'd ring long and loudly sweet Liberty's bells,
As on every breeze the clear pa? an swells.
Lusty huzzahs for the " red, white, and blue,"
The symbol of principles just and true ;
On land, at sea, where'er she may wave.
Her stars gleam with light for the true and the brave.
We meet, and songs of deep gratitude bring,
And offer om- God, our nation's great King.
Oh ! what hath he wrought, and how hath he led.
Blest and delivered, protected and fed !
Om- Nation's faithful defenders who sleep,
We gratefully mention, revere, and weep :
Greatly be honored each citizen true,
Who donned and wore for his country the blue.
With words of good cheer, and kindness replete,
We gather to-day each other to greet ;
Together to talk of the memories of yore.
And God's guiding grace midst our toils to implore.
We meet to look backward, around, onward, up.
To chat, and to sing, shake hands, and to sup :
May this day be cherished in memory.
As stiU on we sail o'er life's tm-gid sea !
Hark ! what music's that so cheering
From the distant Orient ?
Who are they so sweetly singing.
As with hearts and voices blest?
List ! they are good news proclaiming.
And in confidence they speak ;
They with holy zeal are flaming.
They are Christ's disciples meek.
Onward in her happy mission.
Goes the Chm-ch lost men to win ;
And to save from false ambition,
And the subtile ways of sin.
Through the ages dark and hoary,
'Midst the fagot, rack, and chain.
She hath told to men the story
Of the cross, — and not in vain.
370 HISTORY OF MAELBOROUGH.
For, behold, the light of gladness
Tliat is beaming in the sky.
Which would -^an man from his madness,
And that brightens sorrow's eye !
As the gospel light advancing.
Driving sin's dark clouds away.
Knowledge, science, art enhancing,
Brighter dawns each century.
And as we, the last reviewing,
Xote the light's advancing power,
With our hope and faith renewing,
We can see the golden hour
When to ploughshares swords are beaten.
And men go to war no more,
And when love and justice sweeten
Every heart the wide world o'er.
Oh ! what progress marks oui- century !
What improvements year by year !
How sublime our Nation's histoiy,
Never as this horn- so dear !
Thrice baptized, her flag is floating
O'er the soil redeemed and fi'ee,
For no tyrant now is gloating
On her chains and slavery.
With electric fluid speaking
To the nations far away,
W^ith the mightiest competing
In all technics of the day,
W^ith our raikoads now imiting
Gulf to lakes and sea to sea.
As the millions were inviting,
Who can judge what we shall be ?
What a work the press is doing
In om- great America !
Reconstructing, and renewing
Bonds of union sweet to-day.
With magnetic power and wonder.
Speeds its influence o'er the land !
May its lightning and its thunder
Evermore^the wrong withstand !
With our books and schools refining,
With our courts of justice pure,
Press with pulpit e'er combining
Freedom's blessings to secm-e,
THE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. 371
Every man in every station,
We shall be a beacon bright,
And an honored, happy nation,
And to all the world a light.
Gentle hearers, friends so dear.
Who with joy have gathered here,
Thougli perhaps you scarcely need.
Will you a monition heed ?
Since in God we move and live,
Since from him all good receive.
Men of Marlborough, ladies too,
To yourselves and God be true.
Sad will be the day when ye,
Failing thus to grateful be,
Plave forgotten whence you came.
And shall dare revile his name.
In Jehovah's might confiding.
In his favor thus abiding.
Oh, to him your tributes bring.
And his praises ever sing !
Cherish long the memory
Of your sires who've passed away, —
Noble men who planted here
Institutions sweet and dear.
With no dram-shop's baneful sway
Leading young and old astray ;
But with ample churches, three.
Heralding salvation free ;
With good schools of fair renown,
Shedding influence sweet around.
With water power and fruitful soil
Requiting well your faithful toil, —
May it be your earnest care
E'er to seek to do and dare
For the right, and e'er aspire
With a patriotic fire 1
May the star of Marlborough shine.
With a lustre pm-e, benign,
Ever toward the zenith go,
Where few rivals she may know 1
While on earth they may assemble.
Like the pillars of a temple,
May her sons, renowned in story,
Be to her a joy and gloiy.
372 HISTORY OF IMARLBOEOUGH.
May her daughters, gems of beauty,
Nurtured in the school of duty,
Knowing well their God-like mission.
Finding there their true fruition.
Like the summer's gentle bi-eeze
Softly whispering 'mong the trees.
Pure as roses of the morn, —
Ever virtue's paths adorn.
While the granite hills shall stand,
Miij the guiding, loving hand
That has blest a centurrj
Guide and bless posterity !
Tweiitj^-tliird sentiment : —
The Violin, — Though superseded by the piano and organ, still speaks
for itself.
P. S. Batcheller, of Fitzwilliam, sent the following : —
To THE Sons and Daughters of the good old Town
OF Marlborough, greeting:
I felicitate you upon being permitted hy a kind Provi-
dence to behold this da}", — this, the one hundredth anniver-
sary of the birth of our native town, and of the nation.
With filial reverence, with heartfelt gratitude, let us.
thank the God of our fathers that we, their children, are
privileged to commemorate with appropriate ceremonies
this centennial year, — to us a double centennial. As the
blessed memories of our early childhood come welling up,
how the pulse of every son and daughter of our dear old
native town quickens!
Again, we live over the days of " Lang S3'ne," when the
future loomed up so invitingly bright and golden. Then,
to us, old time moved at but a sluggard's pace. Now, a}- e,
now^ he speeds on wings of lightning ; and we fain would
tiurn back his wheels, roll back the years, and become chil-
dren once again.
It is eminently fitting — yea, a duty — that at this period
of our town's history we pause for a moment, and, ere we
cross the magic threshold, separating the past from the cen-
tury just dawned, call home tlio scattered sons aiul daugh-
THE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. 373
ters of this, the " Mecca " of our youth, that we may here,
even as did the pilgrims to that more ancient Mecca, renew
our vows of loyalty and love for the town whose children
we are only too proud to be called.
- Yes, call them home to mingle their congratulations with
3^ours, — you who have so nobly borne the heat and burden
of these years, from Marlborough's infancy to the glorious
present.
With what iidelity you have discharged the duties inci-
dent to the healthy and rapid growth of our beloved town,
this charming village fully attests. Aside from natural
attractions, which are, indeed, very great, the village is in
and of itself one of the most lovely in New Hampshire.
The branches of industry here represented are many and
varied. Every facility for rapid and permanent develop-
ment, numerically and financially, is yours; and well have
these been improved. Verily, you have wrought with join-
might.
I trust you will pardon me for thus wandering from
a direct response to the sentiment just read, assigned me.
You know that the present is an age of " new departures."
'Tis the fashion ; and, having no especial desire to be " out
of the world," I have feebly endeavored to be in fashion.
At your next centennial, I will stick to my text. While
thinking of the many natives of Marlborough who will to-
day grace the occasion by their presence and eloquence,
old school-fellows, I can but feel a degree of honest town
pride that she has reared so large a number of eminent
men, men so well filling the different positions in life to
which they are called. She has sent forth ministers, doc-
tors, lawyers, teachers, merchants, and — fiddlers !
It really matters not so much what we do, presupposing
our calling honorable, as lioiv we do. You have doubtless
heard of old Billy Grey of Boston. When quite a young
man, he was a drummer. Later in life, he became a popu-
lar merchant, and very wealthy. A rival in trade, with
whom he had had some trouble, said to him one day,
" Billy, I can remember when you was nothing but a drum-
374 HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
mer boy." "Very true," says Billy Grey, "but didn't I
drum well ? " That's the point, my friends. Let us see to
it that we drum well.
It has been said of the violin that it was the deviVs own
instrument. Well, all I have to say is, his majesty's musi-
cal taste is far in advance of his morals.
Well do I remember my first violin. Forty years ago*,
I was made its happy possessor ; and no candidate for pres-
idential honors was ever made so completely satisfied with
the "situation," though possibly more surprised, inasmuch
as I knew the prize was to be my own.
But it is of my first violin how of which I would more
particularly speak. Just thinh of it, fair daughters of
Marlborough, to remember your first beau, — your very first.
The thing looks absolutely impossible. Still, in my case,
memory serves me well. The fiddle came, but the bow
with which to awaken its slumbering melodies was, alas !
non est. Finall}^ after much anxiety and mechanical delib-
eration, one was manufactured at the old homestead on
the hill, from the stave of a flour-barrel, that presented
the desired bend and shape. With the addition of a little
horse-hair, drawn from the tail of our favorite nag, the bow
was complete in all its parts. Although not a "thing of
beauty," it nevertheless brought great joy to that house-
hold. Of course I must give you the name of the artist to
whom I was indebted for this little gem. Although it is
customary for celebrated makers to stamp their names upon
their productions, yet in this case the exception was the
rule. Nothing but these words appeared, to wit: "Extra
superfine."
Even to this day, I have inclined to the belief that they
had more direct reference to the qualit}^ of flour the barrel
contained than to the maker of the bow, wlio was Dr.
James Batcheller. However, I am not disposed to be cap-
tious in the matter, and respectfully refer the decision to
the good citizens of Marlborough, with whom he spent his
best days, and for whom he cherished the kindliest feelings
of friendship and esteem. I deem no apology necessary for
THE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. 375
referring to one who, though not a native, was so thor-
oughly identified with all that could in any way contribute
to the prosperity of this, the town of his early adoption.
Could he but speak to you to-day, no uncertain sound
would assure you of his love for this people, of his unceas-
ing devotion to those principles, the development of which
has made Marlborough so eminently prosperous, her people
so happy.
Among the natives of our town who made for themselves
a reputation as teachers of the divine art of music, first and
foremost stands the name of Osgood Collester. Who of
his numerous pupils can ever forget his genial, facetious
style of teaching, his beautiful playing of the violin?
It was while attending one of his schools that I experi-
enced the first great grief of my life. At intermission one
evening, and while we scholars were having a " good time
generally," one of the young ladies (Miss Julia Wakefield)
inadvertently sat down upon my violin. It collapsed like
a torn balloon. She was distressed about it, I was frantic.
My heart was broken, and — my violin. If ever I felt like
singing, " How fleeting are all things below ! " it was then
and there. The minor key of A-flat would have been m
exact unison with my feelings, for the dear old fiddle was
flat " as a pancake."
Another name, and one held in very high esteem by Marl-
borough's true lovers of music, — Silas Collester, whose soul
was as full of music as his heart of kind and generous
impulses. His conception of the proper rendition of church
music was most correct. Pleasant, indeed, are my recollec-
tions of my old chorister, Silas Collester. I am not quite
sure that he was a native of Marlborough. At any rate, he
ought to have been.
You will hardly expect me, my friends, to admit that the
violin has been superseded by either the organ or piano.
In my belief, it is the king of all musical instruments. Its
tones more closely imitate the human voice than any other
ever invented. Until that has been superseded, the senti-
ment that the organ and piano take precedence is not my
376 HISTORY OF MAKLBOROUGH.
sentiment. Were I mtli you to-day, I would invite my
violin to " speak for itself," and in its own behalf. Really,
if the people of Marlborough ever felt like "tripping the
light fantastic " to the inspiring notes of " Money Musk "
and " Chorus Jig," now is the time and this the occasion.
I remember, when a lad, playing these tunes to a good,
staid Marlborough man, a near neighbor ; and, noticing he
was not over-pleased with my efforts, I ventured to inquire
if he liked dancing music. Said he hesitatingly, " Well, yes ;
but I want it played very slow I "
And now, in bringing these early reminiscences to a close,
j)ermit me to offer again my congratulations that you have
been given so goodly a heritage, that the material pros-
perity of the town is so marked and gratifying, that the
foundation for popular education was laid so broad and
deep, and that the great principles - of right, early inculcated
by the fathers, and without which no community can hope
to prosper, have been brought to so glorious a fruition.
For myself, I can truly say, if I have any ambition to sat-
isfy, any hope to realize, it is that, when I am gathered to
my fathers, by no act of mine need you have canse to blush
when you say, "He was a son of Marlborough."
Twenty-fourth sentiment : —
Early Reminiscences of Marlborough.
Rev. Philander Wallingford of Claremont responded to
this sentiment as follows : —
Mr. President, sir, and ladies most fair,
And gentlemen also, I too would declare
My participation in your joyful mirth,
As we gather to-day at the place of our birth.
There's nothing on earth more dear unto me
Than the mountains and meadows and streamlets I see :
Like a deer I have roamed o'er these valleys and hills,
And for minnows and trout have fished in these rills.
But first let me tell you of things that I know
That happened, I'm certain, sixty-fom- years ago.
That my right here to heirship may ever abound.
And never be questioned the wide world around.
THE CENTENNIAL CELEHKATION. 377
In the days of our fathers, when this land was new,
And the settlements here were scattered and few.
These townships were spacious, and broad were the bounds
A century ago, when they chartered these towns.
Yes, Marlborough then, sir, of famous renown, ■
Was broad in her acres, a large spacious town,
O'ersliadowed, it may be, by Monadnock Mount,
Yet rich in her treasures, we this day recount.
But as the good peoj)le increased year by year,
And centres of business were formed there and here,
'Twas thought to be wisdom some towns to create
From parts of old townships to make the lines straigiit.
So a strip from the south gave Troy her renown.
And a gore from the north made Roxbury a town ;
But this does not make my condition forlorn,
As neither existed before I was born.
The boys up in E,oxbury, in sadness or mirth,
May claim that small town as the place of their birth ;
And Troyites may think they were born in said Troy,
But I claim to be, sir, a Marlborough boy.
'Tis true the old homestead, the house, shop, and barn.
Where father made axes and mother spun yarn.
Are standing to-day, sir, for aught I can tell.
In Roxbury township, out on the side hill.
But the legislature, authority high,
And Governor Plummer, though nervous and spry,
Could not make a town ere the sixth day of June :
I therefore outstripped them, arriving at noon,
In Marlborough, surely, and oped my young eyes
To see your green pastures beneath your mild skies.
I think you must own, for the reasons laid down,
That I, sir, am truly a son of yom- town.
But very soon after — I know not the hours —
They made a new township with corporate powers,
And gave it the name of Roxbrn-y, forsooth, —
Appropriate enough, and thus not uncouth.
And so, without leaving our bed or our board,
We found om-selves surely in Roxbmy stored :
This neither the parents or childi'en enjoyed.
And thus we were deeply and sadly annoyed.
378 HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
AVith neighbors no nearer than Foster and Gove,
My father concluded it wisdom to move :
So packing his goods, vise, anvil, and all.
He came to this village, a place then quite small.
Six dwellings, a school-house, two shops, and a store.
Grist, saw, and carding mill, down on the Branch shore,
But why its name " Harbor " the letters should spell,
No one but a land-lubber ever could tell.
Then Tucker and Davis, the Holmans, and Ward,
And Jonathan Whitcomb and E. B. Wallingford,
Were considei-ed to be the firm business men,
In the year of our Lord eighteen twenty-one.
A bell was not needed to wake up that score :
The blacksmith's trip-hammer rang out the horn* four,
Announcing to all that the day had begun.
And work must begin in advance of the smi.
No wishing for slumber or sighing for sleep
By men of that day, who expected to reap
The fruit of their labor in a true, lawful way,
By the sweat of their brow, in the heat of the day.
The evening approaching by signs in the west.
And bodily lassitude calling for rest.
Still labored they on, keeping pace with the sun,
Till the orb of the day his journey had run.
The oldest of all this industrious group.
Whose age and infii-mity had caused him to stoop,
Was Tucker, the deacon, whose name we revere,
But the boys that were roguish thought him quite severe.
However the deacon and I were good friends :
I brought in his firewood and fed his gray hens,
Who, always when serving him doing my best,
AVould give me an apple as large as my fist.
And now I woidd give much more than a dime
For one of his apples at this very time :
No baldwin or pippin from nice grafted shoot
Can equal in flavor his genuine fruit.
Whenever the deacon would take a short walk,
Himself to regale or with neighbors to talk.
His wife being aged, e'en fourscore and nine,
Aud somewhat rheumatic iu limbs, I opiue,
THE CENTENNIAL CELEBBATION. 379
Would go in her weakness and stand in the door,
And say the same say she had oft said before,
"Missa Tucker, where going?" (Oh, tell, or I die.)
" Do go long and sit do\vn,"\vould be his reply.
The next one in order, permit me to say.
And the one that made boots and shoes every day,
Was Davis, our neighbor, who stuck to his trade,
As all could attest by the shoes that he made.
A companion for children we found him to be,
And ready at all times with us e'en to play;
But always we foimd him miich more than our match.
Whenever we ventured some mischief to hatch.
I remember quite well, though 'twas done all in fun,
That he happened one time myself to outrun ;
So catching my heels, by hook or by crook,
He ducked my re<l head in tlie little trout brook.
Next, Ilolmans, the millers and sawers of logs,
Who built them fine houses, and fatted large hogs :
They also were busy in those good old times,
When men preferred labor to making poor rhymes.
And no one was jealous, so far as I knew,
Because they made houses of timber they grew ;
Or that they ground barley their porkers to feed,
As all knew, of course, it was raised from their seed.
My father, the blacksmith, made ploughshares and chains,
Shod oxen and horses, but small were the gains :
However, lie managed eight children to feed.
And, with mother's prudence, supplied every need.
The merchant in broadcloth, of color dark blue.
All made up in fashion and looking quite new,
Who wore a broad neck-tie as white as the snow.
And kept up a living that made a fair show ;
Who sold to the women his buckram and tape,
And took in exchange sti-aw braid in good shape ;
^V}\o bartered with farmers as money was tight,
Receiving their produce both weighty and light ;
Who traded with persons that came from afar.
And treated his customers well at his bar, —
This man of all others, by name William Ward,
Seemed most consequential in that business board.
380 HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
One morning we saw there, as soon as 'twas light,
Some mischief performed in the dead of the night :
The burglars had entered his store in the rear,
And stolen his goods without favor or fear.
Such a stii" as it made in that little tribe
Exceeded by far my powers to describe :
" To Justice, io justice! these scamps we will bring,
And break up at once this vile thievish ring ! "
So Holman and Davis, and Whitcomb and Stone,
And Farrar and Converse, and Lombard and sou,
And Boyden and Thatcher, and Nason and Frost,
All just in their prime, a resolute host.
Proceeded forthwith on fleet-footed horse
To catch these vile knaves and give them remorse ;
But whether they caught these villains or not,
If ever I knew, I have long since forgot.
But none were more useful of all I can name,
"When girls wore pressed homespiin and women the same ;
And when the mechanics, and yeomanry too.
Wore cloth their Avives made of wool, flax, and tow, —
Tlian Jonathan Whitcomb, who, having good skill.
With carding-machine and nice clothing-mill,
Not only made rolls for the women to spin,
But colored and dressed all the flannel brought in.
Their clothes made of homespun, ere shoddy was known,
Would last lads and lasses till they were outgrown :
The coat I have on, rather coarse, it is true,
Is of cloth that was made forty-five years ago.
The soul most liberal of all in the to\^^l,
Who rode his horse queerly o'er hills up and down,
Was Doctor Batcheller, as seen through the eyes
Of us little children, more simple than wise.
He came to my father's one bitter cold day.
And while we, the children, were busy at play,
He took very slyly from his large " saddle-bags "
A genuine baby, — one not made of rags, —
And gave it to mother to keep as her owni, —
A generous feature in him widely known;
For tliis was his wont, at each house by the way,
Which accounts for tlie crowd convened here to-tlay.
THE CENTENNIAL CELEBKATION. 381
Out westward a furlong on the turnpike toward Keene,
An inn painted red from the Harbor was seen ;
But, as from my birth I have loathed such a place,
I knew not the landlord, his name, or his face.
I felt toward the place where liquors were sold
Like the Dutchman of whom this story is told :
Wlio moving his goods and chattels out West,
Being weary and thirsty, and sighing for rest.
Told John, his good son, the horses to drive,
And he'd go ahead, that he might arrive
Where he could find water, refreshing and cool.
To slake his great thirst, and bathe in the pool.
Ere long he discovered the water he sought :
He kissed it, but found it exceedingly hot.
Not knowing the nature of a boiling spring,
He cried out lustily that made the woods ring :
" Rive on, rive on, John ! Out of this place we'll get !
We can't be but ten feet from the bottomless pit."
So if by a grog-shop I was forced e'er to go,
I thought I was near to the region of woe.
The wives of these fathers were faithful and true,
A word in their praise is certainly due :
I remember v/ith pleasure the prim Mrs. Ward,
Full equal in worth to her portly liege lord.
Mrs. Holman, a worthy and complaisant dame.
In all life's vicissitudes was always the same :
I've heard my dear mother oft speak in her praise.
While living her neighbor in those early days.
Mrs. Davis, a lady in stature quite small,
But to me the fairest and best of them all, —
If she were not present to hear what I say,
I'd speak of her virtues more freely to-day.
The house of my mother, with white sanded floors.
Showed neatness, and prudence whate'er were the stores :
She suffered no carelessness ever to spoil
The handful of meal and the small cruse of oil.
Permit me to mention another dear friend,
Who came as om- teacher, the summer to spena ;
Where, in the red school-house, close by the old store,
We learned more of letters than we e'er knew before.
382 HISTORY OF MAELBOBOUGH.
I need not tell yoii the name of this one,
She afterwards married our friend Wilkinson :
Her sweetness of voice, her beauty and grace.
Were known and admired by all in the place.
High up on the hill the meeting-house stood,
A beacon to point the erring to God,
Wliere they, by the preaching of Halloway Fish,
Found food to satisfy their most ardent wish.
To that house of God I went in my youth,
To learn in tlie Sabbath-school virtue and truth ;
And now I possess a book I can show, —
A gift from my teacher, fifty-seven years ago.
I remember with sadness an event of that day.
That filled every one in the town with dismay :
It occurred on the eve of the Sabbath of rest,
A day then esteemed of all others the best.
Mrs. Harvey, whose age was nearly fourscore,
And the wife of Charles Holman, we've mentioned before.
Had spent the long Sabbath, their minds well to fill
With sacred instruction, at the church on the hill.
Returning from meeting when tlie service was o'er,
And neariug the village down by the Branch shore,
Their horse, old and gentle, and trusty and right.
From an unexpected occurrence took fright,
And, plmiging and leaping, with inry he went
Down, down the long hill of steepest descent :
Tlie harness was broken, — perhaps quite unsound, —
They were thrown from the carriage, and dashed to the ground.
To portray to you this distressing affair
Exceedeth by far my words to declare :
Mrs. Holman was rescued, as Providence willed ;
But her friend, Mi'S. Harvey, was instantly killed.
That Marlborough's children thereafter might know
The saddest disaster their records could show,
A stone was erected, if I mistake not,
To note the event and to point out the spot.
It also reminds us that short is our day;
That life is a shadow that passeth away.
Our fathers and motliers, oh I where are tliey now ?
Like them, to death's mandate we shortly must bow.
THE CENTENNI^\X, CELEBRATION. .383
With pleasiu-e we meet this centennial year,
Theii* deeds to recount and their names to revere :
We think of them now, in a Land bright and fair.
With anticipations of meeting them there.
How sweet to reflect on reunion above '
With friends, the bestowers of labor and love !
But our expectations must centre in God,
Through Christ who has bought us with his precious blood.
My range of inspection of men and of things
Is small, you perceive, and thus only brings
To mind what transpired in a short space of time,
When I was a boy in years less than nine.
Of farmers, mechanics, and things that occurred
Before I was born, and of which I've not heard,
And recent events which others well know.
These Marlborough boys will faithfully show.
I am an itinerant, as some of you know.
And so I left Marlborough fifty-five years ago :
I therefore will weary your patience no more.
And with due respect will yield you the floor.
Twenty-fifth sentimeut : —
July 4, 1876, — The centennial of our Nation's birthday.
LETTER FROM JOSEPH C. MASON, ESQ., OF CARTHAGE, MO.
Carthage, Mo., June 26, 1876.
Chas. K. Mason, Esq., Marlborough, N.H. :
My dear Sir, — Your kind favor, inviting me to take part in your cen-
tennial exercises on the coming 4th, was duly received ; and the response
has been thus delayed, in hopes that I should be able to say I could
be present on that interesting occasion. But such an enjoyment will be
impossible, and I can merely in this feeble manner express my feelings
in relation to an event that crowns the fii'st century of the lifetime of
my native town.
The welfare of her sons and daughters who now live as representa-
tives of what she is, and the memory of those who have passed out into
the great " beyond," having made her what she was, are still potent to
stir in my bosom emotions of respect and love. It is om-s to stand as
sentinels on the watch-tower in this centennial year, to survey that which
lies behuid us, and in the light of its marvellous realities forecast the
experiences of succeeding generations of men and women. They who
384 HISTOKY OF MARLBOKOUGH.
have fallen would have stood strong at this eventful epoch : they looked
with steadfast hope, with large expectations, to the consummation of
one hmidi-ed years, filled with labor and progress in the history of our
town, and nation as well.
Gentlemen of the Committee, I feel sm-e that the ith of July next
will prove the proudest, grandest day that Marlborough ever saw. Then
and there; her gifted sons and beautiful daughters will lift up their
voices in speech and in song and in that " distinguished presence " none,
not even the himiblest of her children, will be forgotten. Those who
slimiber on the village hillside, and those who, a little earlier, took their
places in the church-yard by the " old meeting-house " on the hiU, as
well as they whose dust mingles with the soil of other climes, — the living
and the dead, your kmdred and mine, — all will take part in the exercises
of that imposing yet solermr occasion. They who went down in the
shock of battle, or in any way gave life or service for country, will sjjeak
again, and a gratefid concoiu'se will give them audience.
Among those whose attachment remains strong, and who would hail
a prosperous futm-e for their native town, please include the writer of
this communication. From my present home, within a few miles of the
" Indian nation," on the very border of civilization, I shall, in mind and
heart, co-operate with those celebrating in the " old home." The same
old bells that made music and gladness for my boyhood will usher in
the morning of the coming Centennial , Day. Though " night's sable
curtain" will at that hour still hang above the soil of South-western
Missouri, yet the earliest note that summons my kindred and the neigh-
bors of my youth to honor the century past, and inaugurate the one to
come, shall find in my heart an instantaneous response ; and I will fondly
picture the thousand friendly greetings, as reunited friends once more
look into one another's eyes and recall past experiences, and as the noon-
day sun looks down upon a bountiful repast spread for the assembled
thousands.
May Grod bless my native town. May her children duly appreciate
circumstances of time and place, winch have fixed their abode in a local-
ity so well fitted to confer happiness and engender filial regard. May
their vktues and integrity be as firm as the hills that " abide while ages
flee " ! Yours tridy,
J. C. MASON.
Twenty-sixth sentiment : —
The Homes of our Youth.
LETTER FROM SUMNER A. MASON, M.D., OF NEW YORK.
138 E. 61sT Street, New York, Jidy 2, 1876.
Gentlemen, — I fully intended to have been with you on this occasion ;
and it is with regret that I find myself, at the last moment, unable to
THE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. 385
accept your kind invitation to be present at your centennial celebration,
and respond to the sentiment, " The Homes of our Youth."
It would give me more pleasure than I can express to meet with you,
and assist, not only in celebrating this time-honored day, but in paying
a fitting tribute to the one hundredth anniversary of our town.
There is something beautiful in the sentiment, " The Homes of our
Youth," — something that unlocks the floodgates of memory, bringing
with it a thousand fond associations of our childhood, rendered more
sacred by time and absence.
As I draw aside the curtain that separates the present from the j)ast,
I stand once more (in imagination) on my native hills, I gaze again
upon the old familiar landscape, I behold once again those youthful
faces which have grown with the lapse of years. I see those who with
strong hands and wise heads led on our youthful footsteps, and guided
us in wisdom's ways, grown gray with years, silently treading the de-
clining path of life.
There are others we were wont to meet in the halcyon days of youth,
whose forms we see no more. They sleep the sleep that knows no
waking. Some feU in life's green spring, when all was beauteous and
fair ; some, weary and worn with life's burdens, have gladly laid down
the cross, that they might gain the better life ; some died upon the far-
off battle-field, to save the Union and the " Old Flag," beneath whose
protecting folds we meet in peace and joy to-day.
They fell in the valley, they fell on the hill-top, they fell in the
swamps and morasses of the sunny South. The sun in its diurnal revo-
lution looks ill upon theii- lonely resting-places; and the leaves of the
trees, as they are tossed by the gentle southern zephyrs, sing their only
requiem. They shed their blood that this union might be cemented and
preserved; that these homes, around which so many happy memories
cluster, might be perpetuated.
You win assemble on that day amid the granite hills to celebrate the
centennial of our native town. One hundred years ago the bright smi
arose behind yon old Mbnadnock, and looked down upon a little handful
of adventurers, whose only home was the log cabin which they had
reared, whose children were rocked to sleep by the lullaby sung by the
winds amid the forest trees.
To-day the sun rises as of yore, but it smiles upon cultivated fields
and institutions of religion and learning, upon structures beautified by
industry and art, upon children and youth developing in their lives the
precious precepts and truths instilled in their early home training.
Thank God for the homes of our youth. Their gentle memories and
influences linger with us ever, and form, amid the turmoils of after life,
the green spots, the sunny pictures to which we turn for refreshing, the
shields from devious temptations which assail us.
As we note the mighty progress om" town has made in the last century,
51
386 HISTOKY OP MAKLBOROUGH.
as we meet and gi-asp the warm hands of her cordial sons and daugh-
ters, we say, We may find warmer lauds, we may travel in faii'er climes,
we may make more beauteous homes, but there is no other laud like
thee, thei'e are uo homes dearer than these.
S. A. MASON.
Twenty-seventh sentiment : —
Our Patriot Brothers, — For humanity they braved the hazards of war,
War gave some to death, the rest she gave back to life. Justice gives all
alike the hero's wreath, and gratitude will keep it fresh forever.
LETTER FROM ANDREW C. STONE, ESQ., OF LAWRENCE, MASS.
Lawrence, ]\La.ss., Jmie 15, 1876.
Messrs. Chas. K. Mason, Chas. A. Bemis, and Cyrus E. Hardy,
Committee, etc. :
Gentlemen, — I am in receipt of your kind invitation to be present on
the coming dth of July at the celebration of my native town, of her
one hundredth birthday, and to say something that will remind her citi-
zens of the valor and patriotism of her sons who participated in the late
war of the Rebellion.
I regret exceedingly that previous engagements render my acceptance
of your invitation impossible. In summing up the record of the good
old town of Marlborough for the first one hundred years of her corpo-
rate existence, I believe it will be found in all things honorable. And
her record of brave sons, which she furnished for our common country's
defence when assailed by internal, treacherous foes, is one of which she-
may justly feel pi-oud. There were no soldiers in the line more brave
than those who came from the " Granite State." Patriotic and intelligent.
they fought with a will, and for a purpose which they miderstood ; and by
their noble devotion we are enabled to celebrate a national centennial
throughout the domain of an unbroken country. I hope and predict for
you a glorious celebratiou. Allow me to offer the following sentiment : —
The Town of Marlborough, — May the modest but noble and patriotic
history of her first ceiitm-y run on, into, and through the next, with no
stain of dishonor or treachery to blot its brilliant page.
With expressions of personal regard to yom- Committee, I am yoms
very truly, ANDREW C. STONE.
LETTER FROM REV. S. LAWS OF AKRON, OHIO.
Akron, Ohio, June 30, 1876.
Gentlemen of the Committee, — Your courteous invitation to attend the
centennial celebration of the incorporation of Marlborough on the day
of the great National Centennial Jubilee, was duly and thankfully re-
ceived.
THE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. 387
It would give me much pleasure to join with the many friends in the
festivities and mutual congratulations of that occasion ; but the distance,
in connection with other circumstances, will necessarily prevent.
Allow me to say that my heart sympathies are with all who gather on
that eventful day, to do honor to their native or adopted town, and to
rehearse and work into historic form the hard toils, the brave deeds, the
sturdy virtues, and the sagacious enterprise of those whose combined
labors have conspired to make the town what it is, — one of great activity,
free thought, general intelligence. Christian principle, and temperate
habits. And if a very few individuals that could be named would fol-
low my example, so far as to leave the town for the toitm's good, it would
be one of the most desirable residences to be found among the rugged
hills of my native State. The persistent energy of the present leading
spirits miglit then soon mould it into a comparatively earthly paradise.
My two daugliters, eighteen years of whose younger days were spent
among you, until they left for collegiate advantages, join with me in
wishing you a most joyous festival, and your town permanent prosperity.
Very truly yours,
SOLOMON LAWS.
P.S. — The following is at your service : —
Marlborough, — May religious progress, sound learning, and pure morals
conspire to assuage the sorrows, sweeten the joys, and strengthen the
hearts of all her inhabitants.
LETTER FROM A. E. NEWTON OF ANCORA, N.J.
Ancora, Camden Co., N.J., June 27, 1876.
Messrs. Chas. K. Mason, Cpias. A. Bemis, and Cyrus E. Hardy,
Committee, etc.
Gentlemen, — I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your kind
invitation to attend the centennial .celebration of Marlborough, my na-
tive town, on the 4th of July proximo.
It would give me great pleasure to accept this invitation, did circum-
stances permit ; but I can only thank you for it, and express my interest
in the occasion.
Though my father with his family removed from Marlborough when
I was oiily two years old (i.e., fifty-three years ago), yet there has ever
remained imprinted on my memory, as the earliest picture there in-
scribed, a scene which had for me a peculiar charm. It presents a group
of children, of whom I was the youngest, playing on the borders of a
hay-field one summer afternoon, while my father and elder brothers
were loading a cart with hay, a short distance off ; the " cot where I was
born " standing near by, and the majestic form of old Monadnock loom-
ing up in the background.
388 HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
It is doubtless owing to my birthplace having been in the midst of
such surroim dings that I have ever been a great lover of mountains.
No landscape seems to me complete or satisfying in which they do not
appear. I " pine for the hills," and have long cherished a desire — never
yet gratified — to climb to the summit of that grand old pile which
stands sentinel over your town and my birthplace. But circumstances
compel me to " wait a little longer."
It is said that all fashionable Americans " wish to go to Paris when
they die." My preference would be, decidedly, to go to old Monadnock.
Wishing you and your town's people (who, so far as I know, are all
strangers to myself) much pleasm-e and profit from this centennial occa-
sion and all desirable prosperity for the century to come,
I am very respectfiilly yours, A. E. NEWTON.
The following poem was composed by Mrs. H. C. Piper,
of Dublin, a native of Marlborough : —
OUR FATHERS.
Our fathers, though they've passed away,
And mouldered in the dust,
Yet sweet the memories they leave.
The records of the just.
The warfare well did they endure.
The tried and true were they :
A sterner life to them was known
Than in our later day.
Oh I let us bless the patient love,
That strong, unflinching will.
That moved them on to do and bear,
Their place so well to fill.
Unlettered oft in books and art,
They sought to smooth the way,
That those who follow in their path
May walk in learning's ray.
Their childlike faith and Christian hope
Are lamps about our feet :
These were the sources of their strength,
Here found they joys most sweet.
Their virtues we will strive to gain.
And Christian graces bright ;
We humbly hope at last to reach,
Witli them, the land of light.
THE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. 389
It was unanimously voted to call henceforth the name
of the place where the celebration was held Centennial
Hill. •
Col. Cyrus Frost, one of the oldest persons present, who
remained on the ground until near, the close of the exer-
cises, moved that, "when we adjourn, we adjourn to meet
here one hundred years from to-day, for the celebration of
our second centennial."
It was decided by vote, after considerable discussion, all
of which was most friendly and pleasant, that the name of
the river on which our pleasant village is located should
henceforth be Minnewawa, signifying pleasant sound.
The following farewell hymn, composed for the occasion
b}^ Rev. Noble Fisk, was omitted, as the choir, together with
the player and organ, had left the ground at the approach
of the gale which sprung up while Mr. Converse was speak-
ing, as before mentioned: —
HYMN.
Father, we humbly pray
Thy hand of love
May guide our pilgrim way
To worlds above, —
Unto the perfect day.
In Heaven's own light to be
Nearer, our God, to thee,
Nearer to thee.
God bless our native towTi,
To us so dear !
With piirpose grand and high,
With love and fear,
May we draw nigh to thee,
Thus, pure and good, to be
Nearer, our God, to thee,
Nearer to thee.
Centuries flying past
On lightning wing,
Ages that ceaseless roll,
Oh ! may we bring
390 HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
A nobler type of soul,
By greater love to be
Nearer, our God, to thee.
Nearer to thee.
If led by God's own hand
To realms of day,
We need not stoi) to grieve :
Farewell we say.
In bliss supreme to be,
Throughout eternity.
Nearer, our God, to thee.
Nearer to thee.
It was after five o'clock when the exercises were brought
to a close. Thus passed a clay long to be remembered in
the history of Marlborough. It was an occasion which was
eminently calculated to unite heart to heart, and to cement
in still stronger union the ties of brotherhood, — a day in
which the lights and shadows of the past, mingling with
the bright joys of the present, spread a lustre over the
century of the town's history, and inspired the fondest
hopes that her future will never be shadowed by misfor-
tune or darkened by crime, but be enlivened by progress,
brightened by prosperity, and rendered more resplendent by
intelligence and virtue.
GENEALOGICAL REGISTER.
GENEALOGICAL REGISTER
FAMILIES OF MARLBOROUGH;
The preiiaration of the following genealogies has been the Avork
of years ; and, although it is not to be j»resnmecl they are free
from errors, yet care has been taken to make them as accurate
as possible. To secure these registers, hundreds of letters have
been written, and ' the records of many of our New England
towns, as Avell as county records, have been carefully examined.
Much information has been gleaned from Bond's Genealogies of
Families of Watertown, Waltham, and Weston ; Hudson's His-
tory of Marlborough, Mass., and the Histories of Newton, Fram-
ingham, and Winchendon, Mass., also the Histories of Dublin,
Rindge, Troy, Mason, and Temple, N".H. I have also availed
myself of the various genealogies that have been published that
relate to the Marlborough-families. I am also indebted to Rev.
S. Hayward, the Historian of Gilsum, and H. C. Tenney of
Orange, Mass., for much valuable information.
Owing to the great carelessness in keeping family records,
much trouble and inconvenience have been experienced. I have
solicited information from private sources wherever it was attain-
able, and in many instances from those who Avere indifferent,
and, if such persons find the record of their families incomplete,
let them remember their negligence and charitably OA^erlook the
omissions.
In the arrangement of the genealogy, the plan iised in the
History of Rindge, by Ezra S. Stearns, has been followed.
Explanations. — -In the registers, the name of the parent is given in
full and printed in small capitals. His children's names are printed in
italics, and are numbered in Roman numerals, i., ii., iii., etc. When-
ever the names of the grand-children of the person whose name intro-
duces the paragraph, are given-, they are indented, printed in lower case,
and are numbered 1, 2, 3, 4, etc. The numbers in the margin are con-
secutive ; persons bearing the same family-name are numbered in the
order in which they are introduced. The character + after a person's
name denotes that the name is thereafter repeated, and can be found
by following down the margin until the same number appears enclosed
in parentheses.
ABBRiiviATiONS. — b. stauds for bom ; bap. for baptized ; d. for died;
m. for married ; um. for unmarried ; dau. for daughter ; c. for childless ;
X. for aged ; q.o. for which see register of his or her family ; Marl, for
Marlborough.
GENEALOGICAL REGISTER
ADAMS.
JosEni Adams, of West Cambridge, m., Jan. 18, 1710, Rebecca Cutter,
who d. Jan. 12, 1717, aj. 2-1, and he m. again. They had nine children.
Joseph, the third, b. July 3, 1715; m., Jan. 10, 1739-40, Martha, dau.
of Ephraim Frost. She d. Dec. 23, 1749, and he m. (2d) Hannah
Hall, Sept. 11, 1750. He was for many years dea. of the church in
what is now Arlington, Mass. He d. May 3, 1794. His wife Hannah
survived him, and d. Aug. 13, 1803. He had sixteen children, fifteen
of whom lived to an adult age, and followed him to the grave. Thomas,
the fifth child, b. July 19, 1751, was in the field with his father and
elder brother when the British went to Lexington from Boston. Two
of the British officers went into the house. One ordered his mother,
who was sick on the bed, to get up and go out to the loom-house, while
the other poured a basket of chips on the floor, and, taking a brand
from the fireplace, put it with the chips in order to set the house on fire.
While he was doing this, Joel, another brother of Thomas, a bold,
daring boy who was under the bed with two or three of the children, put
out his head and told the officer not to do so ; for, if he did, his father
"would whip him when he came home." These officers were shot on the
threshold of the door. Thomas Adams m.. May 28, 1780, Martha Stone,
b. Aug. 22, 1750, d. Jan. 15, 1847. He settled first at Cambridge;
afterwards in New Salem, where he d. June 27, 1848.
(2)
Thomas Adams, son of Thomas and Martha (Stone)
Adams, the eldest of seven children, was b. at West
Cambridge, July 6, 1781. He m., Nov. 28, 1805, Nancy
Wyman, who was b, in Woburn, Mass., May 27, 1784.
For the first ten years of their married life they resided
at New Salem, wdiere their children Avere b. In April,
1815, he removed to Marlborough, and located on the
farm now owned by Mrs. Nancy Farnum, where he
resided until 1836, when he moved to Woburn, Mass.,
^\ here he d. July 19, 1851. His widow d. Dec. 11, 1869.
I. Willard, b. Dec. 6, 1808.+
II. Jernsha A., b. Apr. 22, 1809; m. Rev. Clark Sib-
ley, a Bai)tist minister. She now resides in
Boston.
III. Amira, h. Feb. 23, 1815; d. March 7, 1815.
Willard Adams, M.D., son of Thomas, m.. May, 1834,
Anstris Joslin of Jaffrey, b. May 5, 1808. He studied
396
HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
medicine with Dr. James Batchellor two years, after
which he sjjent one year at the Medical College in Han-
over, and graduated at Bowdoin College, Me., 1835. He
commenced practice in Wells, Me., where he remained
two years, when he removecl to "Woburn, Mass. He
practised medicine there six years, and then moved to
Swanzey where he resided until 1872, when he came to
Marlborough. He represented the town of Swanzey in
the State Legislature one year, held the office of County
Commissioner three years, and was Justice of the Peace
fifteen years; also Post-master from the time Lincoln
was elected President until 1872.
I. Josexjh W., b. in Wells, Me., Aug. 31, 1835.
II. Thomas, b. in Wells, Me., June 22, 1837.
III. Emily J., b. in Woburn, Mass., Apr. 2, 1839; d.
March 31, 1840.
IV. Randall, b. in Woburn, Mass., Sept. 23, 1841 ; d.
Feb. 17, 1842.
V. Amira K., b. in Swanzey, Jan. 19, 1847 ; d. Apr.
9, 1847.
VI. Emily X., b. in Swanzey, July 28, 1848; m. Levi
A. Fuller, q.v.
VII. Everett, b. in Swanzey, June 19, 1850; m. Emma S.
Ellis of Swanzey.
JoHX Adams of Sudbury m. Hannah Bent ; settled in Framingham.
He had John, b. March 12, 1684 ; m. Elizabeth Goddard of Eoxbury,
Mass., June 27, 1706; settled in Framingham, and had, among others,
Joseph, b. Aug. 12, 1723; m. Prudence Pratt; settled in Dublin about
1776.
12
21
Jo^'ATHAX Adams, son of Joseph of Dublin, b. in
Framingham ; m., Feb. 25, 1779, Hannah, dau. of Josiah
and Elizabeth (Bigelow) Parkhurst ; removed to Dublin
in 1782, and afterAvards to this town. He resided here
for several years, and then returned to Dublin.
I. Joseph, b. Feb. 22, 1780.
II. Hannah, b. March 13, 1782.
III. Elizabeth, b. Jan. 27, 1785.
IV. Ahayail, b. June 14, 1788.
V. Sally, b. Oct". 22, 1790.
VI. Lxmj, b. March 23, 1792.
VII. Eunice, b. Dec. 31, 1795; m. Clark Mason, q.v.
viTi. John, m., Jan. 8, 1822, Martha, dau. of Ebenezer
and Ruth (Gates) Hemenway; removed to Fort
Ann, N.Y.
William Adams, from Marlborough, Mass., was in
town as early as 1705, as the folloAving account on the
pro])rietors' records will sliow : "Eelowed to William
GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 397
Adams for worck don in ye Roads from Sept., y* 1765, to
May, ye 23, 1776, '21 days, £3 — 3." Pie is mentioned by
Benjamin Tucker, in his account of settlements in town,
1770, as " a single man." He was one of the eight origi-
nal members of the church formed 1778. Soon after this
date, his name disa^jpears from the records.
Capt. EdWxVrd F. Adams, son of Isaac and Adela
(Perkins) Adams of Jaffrey, b. May 25, 1825, came to
Marlborough in 1854. He enlisted into Co. E, 6th Reg.
N.H. Vols., which was mustered into the United States
service Nov. 28, 1861, at Keene. He was chosen Corpo-
ral at the organization of the company, was promoted to
Sergeant Dec. 1, 1862, to Orderly Sergeant Jan. 1, 1863,
to First Lieutenant Dec. ,10, 1863, and to Captain May 2,
1864, mustered out Jan. 6, 1865. He moved Avith his
family to Leominster, Mass., April, 1865. He now re-
sides at Brattleboro, Vt., having moved there May, 1873.
He m., Feb. 28, 1853, Sarah ![., dau. of George and
Louisa (Jones) Harvey; she d. Aug. 17, 1859.
I. John Quiiici/, b. in Marl., June 18, 1858.
He m. (2d), Dec. 25, 1860, Rebecca J., dau. of Jona-
than and Melinda Hill of Swanzey.
II. Eugene Elmer,' h. Oct. 27, 1865; d. March 21,
1867.
III. Winfield Scott, b. in Swanzey, May 1, 1868.
IV. Eva Jennie, b. in Bellows Falls, June 5, 1870; d.
July 28, 1878.
V. OrvilLe Edward, b. in Bellows Falls, March 17,
1872; d. Aug. 12, 1872.
VI. Gerty May, b. in Brattleboro, June 30, 1873.
Lysandeb a. Adams, a brother of Capt. Edward F.,
came to this town from Jaffrey in Se])t., 1859. He en-
listed in Nov., 1861, into Co. E, 6th Reg. N.H. Vols.;
served three years. He m.. May 6, 1861, Rebecca C,
dau. of George V. R. and Nancy V. (Webb) Farnum.
She d. in Marl., Dec. 15, 1875. He d. in Jaffrey, March
30, 1880.
I. Maud B., b. in Marl., May 14, 1873.
Alphonso a. Adams, son of Jesse and Ruth (Perkins)
Adams of Jaffrey, b. Nov. 13, 1834, came to Marl,
in the spring of 1854. He m., Jan. 20, 1857, Mary E., dau.
of John A. and Nancy (Wheelock) Cutter of Jaffrey, b.
July 27, 1836, d. March 6, 1879. He Avas a member of
Co. C, 14th Reg. N.H. Vols.
398
HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
34
I. Fred E., b. Jan. 1, 1858.
II. LUlie J., b. Sept. 24, 1859.
Orex S. Adams, son of Nehemiah and Lydia C. (Ben-
jamin) Adams of Jaffrey, was b. Apr. 1, 1841 ; enlisted
for three months in 1st Vt. Reg. Vols. ; re-enlisted Sept.
13, 1861, in Co. A, 2d Reg. N.H. Vols. He was wounded
in the shoulder while engaged in a skirmish near Big
Bethel, in 1861 ; was discharged May 30, 1863. He again
enlisted Jan. 30, 1865, in Co. C, 2d Reg. N.H. Vols.,
where he remained until the regiment-was mustered out
of service. He m., Feb. 2, 1865, Anna M., dau. of Bailey
and Betsey (Clark) Starkey of Troy, b. May 21, 1849.
He came to Marl, to reside in 1867.
I. Minnie G., b. March 22, 1868.
II. Wilbur a, b. July 25, 1872.
III.
Walter B., b. Nov. 29, 1876; d. Dec. 5, 1878.
Marshall D, Adams, son of Jarvis and Eunice' H.
(Mitchell) Adams, b. in Croydon, Sept. 12, 1833 ; m., Nov,
22, 1868, Lucy A. (White) "Stockwell, Avidow of Walter
E. Stockwell ; settled first in Keene ; came to Marl, to
reside in Auo-., 1873. c.
Moses Aldex came from Needham, Mass., to Marl,
in 1795. He was b. in 1760. His wife's name was Eliza-
beth Whitney. He resided hi the north part of the town,
on land now owned by Josiah Parker. The house stood
south of Mr. Parker's buildings, and only a short distance
from the pond. After residing here some five years, he
removed to Surry. He has descendants living in Alstead
and Newjjort, N.H. This family claim that they are
descendants of John Alden, who came over in the "May-
flower."
I. Beuben, m. Isabcll Philli])S of Roxbury.
II. Alvan, m. P^lizabeth Allen of Surry; d. in New-
l)ort, July, 1876, x. 85.
III. Moses, m. Amanda Boyden ; removed to N.Y.
IV. Mary, m. Rev. Warren Wilbur.
v. Sarah.
VI. Dexter, m. Mary Balconi; removed to Nashville.
VII. William, removed to Lewiston, N.Y.; d. 1873, um.
VIII. Maria, m. Blanchard of Charlestown, Mass.
Elijah Alexander was b. in Uxbridge, Mass., in
1741. About the year 1765, he married Elizabeth Taft
of Mendon, and settled in Uxbridge, where he worked at
shoemaking until 1793, when he came to Marl, and pur-
GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 399
chased the farm smce owned by his son Easman, now
within the limits of Troy. He was a highly esteemed
citizen, and lived to see the most of his children and
some of his grand-children settled in life. He d. in 1822.
His widow d. in 1838.
I. Gideon, b. Aug. 13, 1767; settled in Canada.
II. Amasa, b. Nov. 30, 1769 ; d. in N.Y.
III. Elizabeth, b. Sept. 13, 1771 ; d. ae. 30.
IV. Luther, b. Sept. 19, 1773. /Graduated at Harvard
University, and studied theology with Dr.
Crone of Northbridge ; but, as he was about to
enter the ministry, he went to Canada to visit
his brother, and while there he took the small-
pox and died.
V. Calvin, b. June 20, 1775, Studied medicine with
Dr. Willard of Uxbridge, and settled in Mon-
treal, where he achieved an honorable fame.
VI. Elijah, b. March 25, 1777; d. in Vermont.
VII. Jemima, b. March 15, 1779; m. James Cheever;
d. in Troy.
VIII. Timot/nj, b. Nov. 27, 1780; d. in N.Y.
IX. Phinehas, b. Aug. 29, 1782; m., Feb. 13, 1812,
Ada Bullock ; removed to Ohio.
X. Joseph, b. Oct. 20, 1784 ; m. Lucretia Howe ; set-
tled in Troy.
XI. Easman, b. Apr. 28, 1786.+
XII. Eunice, b. Jan. 29, 1788 ; m. James Davis of
Jaffrey.
XIII. Lois, b. Dec. 16, 1790; m. James Hicks; settled
in Wisconsin.
XIV. iSuhmit, b. Aug. 1, 1791; m, Isaac Garfield; re-
moved to Sedonna, N.Y.
XV. Ezra, b. A])r. 16, 1794 ; m. Lucretia Fuller ; set-
tled in Fitzwilliam.
Easmax Alexander, son of Elijah, m. Lucy, dau. of
John Garfield; settled on home farm with his father,
where he d. but a few years since.
I. Mary, b. May 13, 1805; m. Russell Waters of
Fitchburg.
II. Elizaheth, b. Dec. 20, 1808; d. March 8, 1830.
III. Elinor, b. July 25, 1810 ; d. Feb. 21, 1838.
IV. Annis, b. June 12, 1812; d. March 12, 1834.
V. Hannah, b. Julv 10, 1814; d. Dec. 22, 1833.
VI. Lucii,h. Apr. 12, 1817; m., Apr. 15, 1842, Levi
Whittemore, Jr., of Troy; d. Aug. 10, 1843.
VII. Easman, b. Sept. 5, 1819; m., Dorotliy Ann Law-
rence of Troy ; removed to Gardner, IMass.
400
HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
26
VIII. John C.,b. March 17, 1822; m., Dec, 1852, Laura
Bayard of Fitzwilliam ; d. in Troy.
IX. AhUjall, b. Feb. 26, 1824; m., Dec. 31, 1846,
Luther Whittemore of Troy.
X. Sarah, b. Oct. 4, 1825; m., Oct. 10, 1848, Levi
Merrifiekl.
10
Abiel Alger, b. in Bridgewater, Mass., June 22,
1772; m., 1789, Rhoda Drake, b. in Easton, Mass., Feb.
26, 1770. He settled first in BridgeAvater. About 1794,
he moved to Winchendon, where lie resided until 1814,
when he came to this town and located on the farm
Avhich still bears his name. Mr. Alger was a noted
fox-hunter ; and, his farm being in proximity to the
mountain, he found plenty of them. Oftentimes in the
winter season he Avould procure a quantity of meat, and
placing it in an open field he would Avrap himself in buf-
falo robes, select a position near, and Avatch the coming
of reynard. He Avas a good marksman, and Avould fre-
quently obtain seA^eral of these creatures in one night.
The first pair of oxen he jnirchased, after coming to
Marl., he jiaid for in fox-skins to the value of fifty dol-
lars. Li his old age, he returned to AVinchendon, Avhere
he d. Jan. 24, 1848. His widoAV d. Jan. 20, 1860.
I. Olive, b. in Bridgewater, Oct. 9, 1789 ; m., Apr.
19, 1812, Jonathan Wyman; resided in Win-
chendon, Avhere she d. Aug. 25, 1871.
II. Lavlua, b. in BridgCAA'ater, Apr. 1, 1791 ; m.,
Dec, 1825, A. Flagg. He d., and she m. (2d),
Jan., 1845, S. TenncA"; resided in Winchendon,
Avhere she d. Oct. 23", 1866.
III. Ahid, b. in BridgCAvater, March 19, 1793 ; d. in
Vt., Dec, 1814.
IV. Chloe, b. in Winchendon, Nov. 11, 1794 ; m., March
9, 1826, Lidcc Rice ; resided in Winchendon ; d.
Dec. 4, 1873.
V. Siflvia, b. in Winchendon, July 3, 1796; d. in
"Winchendcm, Nov. 26, 1873, um.
VI. Asnah, b. in Winchendon, May 18, 1798 ; m., Feb.,
1828, Sally Norcross ; she d., and he m. (2d),
Aug., 1860, Mary Moore; resides in Orange,
:\rass.
VII. Adah, b. in Winchendon, July 29, 1800 ; m., Oct.,
1821, Ezra Porter; resides in Winchendon.
VIII. NatJian, b. in Winchendon, Jan. 27, 1802; m.,
NoA'., 1831, Louisa Hale; resides in Winchen-
don.
IX. Melona, b. in Winchendon, Oct. 29, 1804; m..
May, 1829, Silas S. Norcross; resides in Win-
cliendon.
GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 401
X. Christopher Columbus, h. in Winchendon, June
17, 1807; m., March 29, 1836, Sabrina Balcom;
resides in Winclieudon.
1. Christopher C, b. July 14, 1837; m., Sept.
22, 1874, EUa L.May; resides in Win-
chendon.
2. Amelia V., b. May 17, 1839; m., Feb. 15,
1870, Calvin Miller; resides in Athol.
3. Belle J., b. June 27, 1852.
XI. Rhoda, b. in Winchendon, Jan. 17, 1811 ; m., July,
1834, Joel Sibley; he d., and she m. (2d), July,
1864, William Sibley; resides in Winchendon.
11. Horace B., b. in Marl., Xov. 17, 1817; m., 1842,
Betsey Smith. He was a member of the 10th
Ohio Cavalry ; d. while in the service, Apr. 6,
1864.
Charles A. Allen, b. in Wardsboro, Vt., Sept. 13,
1836; m., Sept., 1870, Susie A. Davis, b. in Rockingham,
Vt., June 27, 1838. Mr. Allen was a member of Co. I,
4th Reg. Vt. Vols. Served three years and one month.
I. George H., b. Aug. 17, 1873; d. Aug. 3, 1875.
Samuel Allison, son of Andrew and Sarah (Morse)
Allison, b. in Dublin, March 29, 1795; m., Jan. 28, 1851,
Mrs. Maria (Mason) Pij»er, widow of Artemas Piper,
b. in Dublin, March 6, 1804, d. in Marl., Jan. 26, 1880.
Mr. Allison came to Mai-1. to reside in 1848. He
removed to Charlestown in 1859, and returned to this
toAvn in 1867, where he still resides, c. His sister
Sarah resided with him for many years. She was b. in
Dublin, March 13, 1787; d. in Marl., May 4, 1878, um.
JoHiSr Amidon, b. in Fitzwilliam, Nov. 4, 1813 ; m.
Betsey Putney of Chesterfield, b. July 3, 1814 ; resided
in Fitzwilliam, Richmond, and Troy. He came to this
town in 1851, and resided here some seven years, work-
ing at his trade of blacksmithing. Mr. Aniidon was
a member of Co. F, 6th Reg. N.H. Vols. He d. at
Hatteras Inlet, Jan. 15, 1862. His widow resides in
Troy.
I. Sarah E., b. in Troy, July 1, 1841 ; m. J. Foster
Capron ; resides in Troy.
II. James 0., b. Sept. 10, 1842; m. Susie Bryant;
resides in Keene.
III. Henri/ J., b. in Fitzwilliam, March 18, 1845. He
enlisted in the same company with his father,
402
HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
served three years, and was in twenty-three
battles. He was one of the number Avho sur-
vived the wreck of the ill-fated steamer " West
Point," which Avas sunk in the Potomac River.
At the end of his term of enlistment, he re-
ceived an honorable discharge, i-eturned home,
where he soon d. of disease contracted in the
army.
Frank E., b. in Richmond, Jidy 30, 1847 ; m.
Sarah A.Wright; resides in Keene.
Charles H., b. in Troy, Nov. 3, 1849; is a sailor.
Ella 3L, b. in Marl., Oct. 2, 1855; m. Julius
Bemis of Athol, Mass., where she now resides.
George F., b. in Marl., May 11, 1857.
Hexry a. Athertox was b. in Ashburnham, Mass.,
Oct. 29, 1842. He enlisted in Co. E, 6th Reg. X.H.
Vols.; was mustered into service Nov. 28, 1861; was
wounded at the second battle of Fredericksburg. He
was discharged on account of ill4iealth. May, 1865, He
ra., Feb. 27, 1864, Mary L., dau. of Mose's and Mary
(Pratt) Putney; she d. July 24, 1865; m. (2d) Lizzie
M. Putnev, a sister of his first Avife, who d. May 29,
1870. He d. Apr. 2, 1869.
I. Willie, h. J n\y 16, 1867.
Richard Ataa'ell is first mentioned on the town rec-
ords as one who refused to sign the " Association Test,"
July, 1776. He is supposed to have resided on the
Sweetser place lately OAvned by Moses Hunt. He Avas
conspicuous in the affairs of the tOAA'n until near the
close of the Revolution. The names of only tAvo chil-
dren appear on the records.
I. Mari/, b. July 20, 1775.
II. Hannah, b. May 28, 1777.
Ebexezer Bacox came to Marl, at an early date, and
located in Avhat is now Troy A'illage. He Avas a clothier
by trade, and built a mill for fulling and coloring cloth.
He continued this business some nine or ten years, Avhen
he sold to John Potter, and left the place. He m.
Betsey, dau. of Ephraim Root.
I. Ira, b. Nov. 12, 1792.
' II. Septimous, b. Aug. 22, 1795.
III. Fanny, b. Apr. 15, 1797.
Almon Bailey, b. in Jaffrey, Jan. 21, 1801 ; m. Maria,
dau. of Shubael and Polly (Rogers) Stone ; resided first
GENEALOGICAL REGISTER.
403
in Jaffrey, then for a short time in Utica, N.Y. He
came to Marl, about 1836, and located in a small house
near the present residence of Clark Hill. Here he had
the misfortune to lose his house by fire, and he soon
after erected the house now owned by Hiram Collins,
where he d., Aug. 12, 1837. Mr. Bailey was a man pos-
sessed of considerable mechanical ingenuity, and could
manufacture almost any article to Avhich he turned his
attention ; but his chief business was building church
organs, and he is said to have been a very skilful work-
man at that trade. His widoAv m. Hiram Collins, q.v.
I. Alnion Fernando, b. Dec. 21, 1835; m., Apr. 9,
1856, Susan M. Smith of Worcester, b. May,
1835. He was a soldier in the Union army, and
d. at S])0ttsylvania, Va., May 12, 1864, twelve
hours after he was wounded in battle.
BAKER.
John Baker and Elizabeth, his wife, were in Concord, Mass., in 1729.
Of his ancestry, we have no knowledge ; but he was probably b. in
England, emigrated to this country when a young man, and settled in
Concord, where four of his children were b. He is supposed to have
returned to England, where he remained some three years, when he
again emigrated to this country, and settled in Waltham, where he
resided live or six years, and then, with a part of his family, moved to
Killingly, Conn. Richard, son of John and Elizabeth, was b. in Concord,
Apr. 8, 1729. When twenty-nine years of age, he purchased a tract of
wild land in Westminster, Mass., intending to take up his abode there,
but was pressed into the British service in the French and Indian War
for one year. At the expiration of his term of service, the English
officers refused to give him and his company their discharge, and
retained them against their consent. They prepared themselves with
snow-shoes ; and the w4iole company, consisting of about sixty men, left
the camp at Albany about midnight, intending to cross the Green Moun-
tains to Massachusetts. They got lost, wandered several days among
the mountains, but finally found Deerfield River, which they followed
to Coleraine, where they found inhabitants, after having been out nine
days without provisions, except a small dog which they killed the fifth
day, and having the snow, which was some four feet deep, for their
bed. Mr. Baker reached home in safety, and soon m. Mary Sawyer of
Lancaster, settled in Westminster, raised up a numerous family of chil-
dren, and d. Dec. 13, 1808. Mary (Sawyer) Baker's grandfather, Thomas
Sawyer, was one of the first settlers of Lancaster, Mass. He built a
house, surrounding it by a fort, and a saw-mill, to which the inhabitants of
his village resorted in case of Indian hostilities, which were very common
from 1670 to 1710. At one time, supposed to be between 1675 and 1680,
his garrison was attacked by the Indians ; and all were killed except Mr.
Sawyer and two women. Night came on, the women loaded the guns,
and Mr. Sawyer continued to fire from the port-holes till nearly mid-
night, at which time the Indians withdrew from the place. Mr. Sawyer
then caught his horse, and after setting fire to his house, which contained
shocks of grain, the women mounted the horse, and he walked by their
side until they reached a place of safety. On the 15th of October,
404 HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
1705, Mr. Sa\n'^er, with his son Elias and John Bigelow, were taken
captive by the Indians at his saw-mill, a little after daylight, whither he
had gone^ to commence the labors of the day, and the savages imme-
diately set oat with their prisoners to Canada. On their journey, they
treated Mr. Sawyer with great cruelty. On arriving at Montreal, he
remarked to the governpr, whose residence was at that place, that there
was a good site for mills on the River Chamblee, and that he would
build him a saw-mill, on condition that he would procure his, his son's,
and Bigelow's redemption. The governor readily closed in with the
proposal, as at that time there was not a saw-mill in all Canada, nor an
artificer capable of building one. He accordingly applied to the Indians,
and very readily procured the ransom of young SaA^^yer and Bigelow,
but no sum would procm'e ]Mr. Sawyer's redemjition ; him — l^eing dis-
tinguished for his bravery, which had proved fatal to a number of their
brethren — they were determined to immolate. The victim was. accord-
ingly led forth, and fastened to the stake environed with materials so
disposed as to produce a lingering death. The savages, surrounding the
unfortunate prisoner, began to anticipate the horrid pleasure of behold-
ing their victim writhing in tortures amid the rising flames, and rend-
ing the air with their dismal yells. Suddenly a friar appeared, and with
great solemnity held forth what he declared to be the key to the gate of
Purgatory, and told them that, unless they released their pi-isoner, he
would instantly milock that gate, and send them headlong thereinto.
Superstition prevailed, and wrought the deliverance of Mr. Sawyer: for
they at once imbound him, and gave him up to the governor. In one
year from that time, he completed the mill, when he and Bigelow wej-e
discharged. They retained his son Elias one year longer to instruct
them in the art of sawing, and keeping the mill in order. He was then
amply rewarded, and sent home to his friends ; and both he and his
father lived to an advanced age, and were gathered to their gTaves in
peace.
— = ■ >
1 I JoxADAB Baker, the eldest son of Richard and Mary
! (Sawyer) Baker, was b. in Westminster, Mass., Aug.
j 81, 1759. He served two enlistments during the Revolu-
tion (see Chap. III.). After his discharge, he returned
; to Westminster, built a shoemaker's shop in the centre
of the town, and, being an excellent workman, followed
that business some three or four years. He was one of
the government troops in the rebellion headed by Capt.
Daniel Shays, and followed them to Phillipston, where
Gen. Lincoln fired upon the insurgents. About tlie year
1787, he came to 3[arl. and i»nrchased the farm formerly
OAvned by Samuel Soper, in the south-east part of the
town, situated on what was then the great road from
Keene to Boston, and is now owned by David S. Derby.
Having received an injury in early life which disabled
him for hard labor, he liired most of his work done on
his farm, and resumed his foi*mer occupation of shoe-
making. It was a saying in those days that no man
could go to the General Court until Jonadab Baker had
made him a pair of boots. He m., Apr. 20, 1787, Tabi*
tha Willson of Royalston, Mass. He d. Sept. 25, 1820,
GEMEALOGICAL REGISTEE.
405
leaving an estate valued at about twelve thousand
dollars. Among his assets were twelve hundred silver
dollars, deposited in stockings, and kept in the old-
fashioned clock-ease. Mrs. Baker d. Dec. 2, 1840, se. 80.
I. Fei-sis, b. June 19, 1790; ra. Ei:)hraira K. Frost,
M.D., q.V.
II. Follt/, b. Feb. 3, 1^
1. Calvin Hastings
q.v.
III. Lucj/, b. Feb. 4, 1794; m., Dec. 26, 1815, Carter
Whitcomb, who d. in 1879. She still resides in
Swanzey.
IV. Tahitha, b. June 7, 1796; ni. Calvin Tenney, q.v.
Bezaleel Baker, fourth son of Richard and Maiy
(Sawyer) Baker, was b. in Westminster, Mass., Jan.
4, 1768. At fifteen years of age, the care of his father's
farm and brick-yard devolved on him and two younger
brothers, his father being confined to the house by sick-
ness for several years. He first came to Marl, in Dec,
1787, woi-ked for his brother Jonadab at shoemak-
ing and other business during the winter, and returned
to Westminster in the s])ring; went back and forth occa-
sionally until Nov. 16, 1789, when he purchased a tract
of wild land which com])rised the farm recently owned
by Lyman Underwood. He m., Sept. 17, 1793, Abigail,
dau. of Dea. Xathan and Rebecca (Haynes) Wood *
of Westminster, b. June 9, 1770. Mr. JBaker and his
wife came to Marl, the next day after their marriage,
attended the ordination of Rev. Halloway Fish, and
occupied their new house for the first time. Mr. Baker
was strictly a temperance man, when ever}' one else
thought it did them good to drink ; yet his neighbors
said that they never knew him drink spirits but once,
and that was at a wolf-hunt, where one was killed, and
the bounty paid in rum, and, Avhile the rain fell in tor-
rents, he drank with the others. But the infiuence of his
temijerance habits has been very salutary on his family,
for no one of them has ever made excessive use of
ardent spirits.- He built upon his farm, during his occu-
pation of it, two houses, four forty-feet barns, one hun-
* Deacon Nathan Wood was a descendant of William Wood, who came to this
country in 1638, and settled in Concord, Mass. Married, May 2, 1750, Rebecca,
daughter of Ahijah Haynes of Sudbury, Mass., b. Feb. 14, 1731. Mr. Wood removed
to Westminster in 1756. He was active in opposing those measures of the British
gjovernmeiit which led to the Revolution and the struggle for independence; whs a
member of the first congress, which met in Cambridge, and encouraged resistance
to the arbitrary acts of the English crown. But he died June 19. 1777, and hi-i
fifteen children followed his remains to the grave. His posterity have since settled
in almost every State in the Union, and among them have been many clergymen.
Ahijah Haynes w is a son of James and S irali (Noyes) Haynes, ai.d was bom in
Sudbury, Oct. 16, 1701. Married, Jan. 18, 1726, Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas and
Elizabeth Smith. James Haynes was the son of John and Dorothy Haynes, b. at
Sudbury, March 17. 1661.
406
HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
clred and eight}' feet of wood-houses, tool-houses, sheds,
and a cidei'-mill, one set of barns and sheds having been
struck by lightning and consumed in Aug., 1829. He
d. Oct. l" 1849. Ilrs Avidow d. Apr. 10, 1862.
I. Rebecca, b. July 14, 1795 ; m. Etheel Parmenter, q.v.
II. Abel, b. Apr. 8, 1797; ni., Apr. 18, 1821, Cordelia,
dau. of Caleb and Deborah (Fairbanks) Perry ;
settled in Trov; she d. Aug. 4, 1839, and he
m. (2d), Nov.*16, 1840, Mrs. Sarah (Crosby)
Bush ; she d. Jk[arch 27, 1872, and he m. (3d),
Apr. 29, 1875, Martha, dau. of Elijah and Pru-
dence (Newell) Harrington. He d. in Troy,
Sept. 26, 1878 (see Chap. XIII.). Children all
by his first wife.
1. Orissa, b. Aug. 28, 1822; d. Sept. 6, 1823.
2. Cordelia, b. Dec. 27, 1823 ; m., Dec. 1,
1845, John F. Hum})hreys; resides in
Athol, Mass.
3. Abel Warren, b. Apr. 28, 1825; m., Apr.
8, 1847, Mary, dau. of Joseph and Ruth
(White) Haskell; resides in Keene.
4. Caroline B., b. Jan. 5, 1827; ni., June 6,
1848, F. S. Parmenter; resides in Athol,
Mass.
5. Myra A., b. Feb. 24, 1832; m., Dec. 10,
1856, John IT. Beers; d. in Hinsdale.
6. Mary W., b. May 21, 1836; m. Rev. J. A.
Batcheller; resides in Bt)ston.
III. Ezra, b. Feb. 27, 1799; m., Feb. 21, 1826, Caro-
line Adams ; resides in Jaffi-ey, He was one of
the board of selectmen of that town in 1845,
1846, and 1847 ; also for seA'eral years one of
the directors of Monadnock Bank at East
Jaffrey. He is considered a man of sound
judgment and a good counsellor in settlhig
difficult mattei-s ]»ertaining to town affairs. A
nuui of Tiudoubted integrity, plain and unassum-
ing in his manners, kind and social in his inter-
course with his fellow-men, a good farmer and
a most worthy citizen.
1. Milton, b. July 23, 1830; resides in Jaf-
frey, um.
2. Mahula, b. Aug. 15, 1833; m. George A.
UnderAvood ; resides in Jaffrey.
IV. Mary, b. June 27, 1801 ; m. Luke Moors, q.v.
V. Asa, b. Feb. 24, 1803.-|-
VI. Th'trza, b. Dec. 7, 1804; m., Nov. 26, 1828, Joel
Holt; d. in Trov, June, 1862.
~^m
O
GENEALOGICAL REGISTER.
407
(19)
25
26
VII. Caleb, b. Feb. 27, 1807; d. Jan. 16, 1837, inn.
viii. Mahala, b. Apr. 3, 1810; m., Nov. 5, 1839,
Erastus Spaulding of Jaffrey ; d. in Troy, Nov.
18, 1847 ; was fatally burned by the firing of a
kettle of varnish that was upon the stove in the
room where she was sitting.
Asa Baker, son of Bezaleel, m., Sept. 19, 1830, Han-
nali Moors of Sharon, b. Oct. 28, 1807, d. Dec. 30, 1854;
and lie ni. (2d), June 19, 1856, Adaline Plunnner of Goffs-
town. Mr. Baker first settled on the farm lie had previ-
ously purchased of Nathan Barker. In the spring of
1889, he sold his farm to the town, and removed to
Jaffrey, Avhere he Avas for many years a prosperous
farmer. He d. Oct. 12, 1869. His Avidow now resides
in Antrim. Children all by his first Avife.
I. Erastus, b. in Marl., Apr. 8, 1833 ; d. May 3, 1833.
II. Sumner J., b. in Marl., May 5, 1834; m,, July 15,
1865, Myra A. Coombs of Winchester.
III. Edwin C, b. in Jaffrey, July 4, 1843 ; m., Nov. 18,
1869, Julia P. Paul of Walpole ; resides in
FitzAvilliam.
ElUott W., b. in Jaffrey, Sept. 1, 1846; m., Feb.
10, 1878, Julia V. McCoy; resides in Antrim.
IV.
Joseph Baker, supposed to be the son of William and Eliza Baker
of Concord, Mass., settled in old Marl., Mass., previous to 1710, at which
time he is mentioned as one of the proprietors. He d. June 2, 1755.
Robert, son of Joseph, b. Nov. 24, 1713; m. Lydia . They had
fifteen children, among whom was Thomas, b. Dec. 31, 1756 ; m. Sarah,
dau. of Jonathan and Dorothy (Morse) Temple of old Marl., and settled
in Nelson.
27
28
29
30
Thomas J. Baker, son of Thomas and Sarah (Tem-
ple) Baker, b. in Nelson, Aug. 27, 1804; m., Feb. 24,
1835, Lovina Taft, b. in Nelson, Sept. 20, 1802, d. in
Marl., Aug. 5, 1878.
I. C. Elmina, b. Dec. 6, 1836; m. James F. ToAvn-
send, y.r.
11. Sarah E., b. Feb. 24, 1838 ; d. in Keene, Nov. 3,
1855.
III. Dasrowb jr., b. Aug. 7, 1843; m. Nancy Petts;
resides in Keene.
Edward S. Baldavix, b. in Cambridge, Mass., Noa'.
12, 1837 ; m., Feb. 24, 1863, Josephine D". Black, dau. of
Horace and Betsey Black, b. in Putney, Vt., Feb. 4,
1843. He came to Marl, to reside in the spring of 1875.
I. Caj'rie Jane, b. in Putney, Vt., March 15, 1865.
n. Ada Maria, b. in Marl., Sept. 11, 1876.
408
HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
Daxiel Ball came from Holden, Mass., to this town
ill 1785, and located on the farm known as the Abner
Russell place, on the old road leading from Marl, to
PottersAdlle. He remained here until Apr., 1812, when
ho removed to that part of the town now included in
Troy, where he d, Feb. 23, 1830, a^. 7-4. His wife was
Lydia Smith of Worcester. She d. Oct. 13, 18-40, te. 86.
I. L>/dia, m. John Thurston, fj.v.
II. Betsey, m., March 24, 1807, Amos Stanford of
Dublin.
III. Belief, b. Oct. 15, 1781 ; m. Liebieus Rhodes, q.v.
Olive, in., Apr. 20, 1802, Simeon Cobb of Dublin.
Esther, ra. Benjamin Bosworth of Wincheudon.
VI. Rutli, b. March 14, 1786 ; m. Stephen Rhodes, q.v.
VII. Lucy, b. Feb. 24, 1789 ; m. Daniel Woodward of
Swanzey.
VIII. PatUi, b. March 4, 1793; m., March, 1816, Stephen
Harris of Troy; she d. 1852.
IX. Daniel, h. March 16, 1795; m. Hannah Bolls of
Richmond.
X. Wesson, m. Lydia Walker of Royalston, M:iss.
IV.
V.
JoxATHAis" Ball came from Southborough to Marl,
in 1787. He built a tavern on the Flint place, so called,
noAv Avithin the limits of Troy. He continued to keep a
I»ublic house until 1796, Avhen he sold his location to
Christopher Harris, and removed to New York. On his
Avay there, Rebecca, one of his daughters, became sud-
denly ill, and d. before reaching the end of the journey.
His wife was Anna, supposed to be the dau. of Isaac
Gibbs.
I. Jonathan.
II. Rebecca.
III. Polly.
IV. Nancy.
V. Nahhy, b. June 19, 1786.
VI. Lucinda, b. Apr. 25, 1789.
VII. Silas, b. March 26, 1792.
Israel Banks, son of William, — who came from Oak-
ham, Mass., and settled in that part of Keene which was
set off to make the town of Roxbury, — b. May 30, 1780 ;
m. Patty, dau. of James and Martha (Collins) Lewis, and
settled about 1802 on the farm known as the " Banks
place," on the Daken road, so called. About 1807, he
removed to Wheelock, Vt., and thence to Shefford, Can-
ada, about 1812. He d. in Oxford, Canada, 1835. The
three eldest children Mere b. in Marl.
GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 409
I. William, h. May 30, 1802; m. Rebecca Isham ;
resides in Gilsum.
II. Israel, h. Apr. 8, 1804; settled in Xevada, Iowa.
III. Eliza, m. Neal Raney ; d. in Oswego, N.Y.
IV. Alvin, m. and i^sides in Iowa.
V. Patty, m. Ilenian Clothier; d. in New Milford,
111.
VI. Lucinda, in. Samuel Beach of Oxford, Canada.
VII. Amanda, m. Washington Burr ; resides in Syca-
more, Mich.
VIII. Samuel, resides in Iowa.
IX. Sullivan, resides in New Milford, 111.
William Baa^ks, a half-hrother of Israel, m. Elizabeth
Dwinell, a native of To]»stield, Mass. He resided for
some time on the farm with his brother, afterwards re-
moved to Gilsum, where he d. Apr. 27, 1830. He was
for several years one of the selectmen of this town. His
wife d. in Gilsum, March 3, 1853, se. 97. c.
NATHAi«f Bakbkr was allowed for "woi-cl< in the
Roads in 1768 & 1769, 7s. 6dr On the chui-ch records
we find
I. " Hannah, dau. of Nathan Barber and Margaret,
his wife, bap. June 23, 1771."
II. ''Nathan, bap. Sept. 17, 1775."
William Barker is supposed to have been a native
of Concord, Mass. He m. Jane, dau. of William and
Keziah (Cloyes) Goddard, b. March 12, 1739; settled
1 first in Westborough. In 1761, he became one of the
I proprietors of Monadiiock, No. V., and immediately
I commenced preparations for settling here. He is said
i to have first visited the township some time during that
I year, and to have sjient considerable time here in 1762
j and 1763. He also spent the spring and summer of
i 1764 in clearing his land and erecting a log house, into
which he moved his family, Sept. 17, 1764. So to this
family l)elongs the honor of being the first one to settle
in this town. Mr. Barker was for many years an active
and influential citizen. He d. Oct. 5, 1798, ?e. 62.
I. Ahagall, b. Aug. 20, 1760.
II. William, b. June 5, 1762 ; d. X\n\ 12, 1790.
III. Mary, b. Dec. 18, 1763.
IV. Euth, b. Apr. 2, 1766; d. Apr. 7, 1790.
V. John, b. Dec. 1, 1767; d. 1820.
VI. Elizabeth, b. Feb. 5, 1770 ; m., March 20, 1800,
Abijah Cad well of Fair Haven, Yt.
VII. Luke, b. Oct. 12, 1771 ; d. March 8, 1786.
410
HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
13
vm. Nathan, b. Sept. 28, 1773; m., Jan. 6, 1804, Lucy
Lawrence ; settled in Vermont.
IX. Peleg, b. Aiig. 6, 1776 ; d. March 1, 1786.
X. Lucy, b. July 14, 1780.
XI. Olioe, b. Sept. 18,*1783 ; was scalded to death,
Jan. 7, 1786.
Francis Barkek, a half-brother of William, was b. in
Concord, Mass., Feb. 24, 1760. At the age of seventeen,
he entered the Continental army, where he remained
three years and six months. Soon after the close of the
war, he purchased a tract of land in the south-west part
of this town, afterwards the town-farm and still known
as the Barker-place. The land at that time was covered
with a heavy growth of pine-trees, some of which were
of immense size ; and, as he was looking about for a
place on Avhich to erect a temporary shelter, he by acci-
dent discovered that the stub of one of these was holloAV.
It had an entrance near the ground, and had evidently
lieen the abode of Avild beasts. He entered this opening,
and, to his surprise, found that, altliough nearly six feet
in height, he could lie down easily. This he at once
decided to make his abode, Avhile clearing his land.
Cleaning it out, he obtained a large flat stone, Avhich he
placed within to be used as a door, fastening it with a
prop placed against the opposite side. Here he would
lie doAvn at night after the labors of the day, having
his slumbers often disturbed l)y the howling of wolves,
which gathered in large numbers about his rude habita-
tion. Tliis Avas consumed Avhen he burned his first
chopping, although he used every precaution to prevent
its desti'uction. He then constructed a hut not unlike
an Indian wigwam, in which he continued to reside until
he could erect a more commoVlious dwelling. His food
consisted mainly of raw salt ]tork .and brown bread,
which he obtained at his brother's once a week. He ni.
Lucy Derby of Concord, Mass., who d. Se|)t. 16, 1817,
se. 55. He d. Oct. 4, 182S.
1. Nathan D., b. Oct. 14, 1781).+
II. Poll]/, 1). Sept. 5, 1701 ; m. John Hardy of
Westboro, Mass.; d. in Windham, N.H., June
28, 1866.
in. Joseph, b. Dec. 9, 1703 ; d. 1700.
IV. 7>w//, b. Sept. 0, 1706; m. Elijah Pratt of Mai-
den; d. in Watertown, ]Mass.", Oct. 6, 1876.
V. Betsei/, b. June 10, 1708 ; m., Mai-ch 0, 1824, John
Hardy of Westboro, Mass. ; d. Aug., 1833.
VI. Joseph, b. Feb. 26, 1800; m. Mary Britton of
Keenc; resided in Delevan, Wis. ; d. 1880.
GENEALOGICAL REGLSTER. 411
Nathax D. Bakker, son of P^'i-.incis, m., March 18,
1818, Susanna (Allen) Hastings of Sullivan. In 1830,
he sold his farm, and removed to the Cummings tavern,
where lie resided two years, and thence to Troy; re-
mained there a short time, and afterwards resided in
Fitzwilliam and Keene. He d. in Fitchburg, March 28,
1866. His widow d. in Fitchburg, Nov. 3, 1873.
I. Lucius, b. Jan. 22, 1819; removed to the West.
He was a member of the 14th Wis. Reg., and
was killed at the battle of Pittsburg Landing,
Apr. 7, 1862.
II. Thomas H., b. Jan. 4, 1821 ; m. Ann Jones of
Reading, Yt. ; d. in Fitchburg, P'eb. 25, 1856.
III. Charles, b. Aug. 1, 1822; m. Elmira Ellis; she d.,
and he m. (2d) Emilj^ Hall ; resides in F'itch-
burg. He served in the War of the Rebellion,
in the 21st and 57th Regs. Mass. Vols. ; was
promoted to First Lieut. Aug. 21, 1861, and to
Capt. Nov. 11, 1864.
IV. Luc,/ D., b. July 31, 1824; m., Nov. 18, 1848, Henry
P. Wheelock of Leominster; resides in Fitch-
burg.
V. Lorenzo, b. June 13, 1826; m. Ellen Jones of
Reading, Vt. ; resides in Fitchburg ; is a car-
])enter, lumber dealer, and manufacturer of sash-
doors and blinds.
VI. Sarah Jane, b. Aug. 25, 1829; resides in Fitch-
burg.
VII. Francis A., b. in Fitzwilliam, June 17, 1832; d.
Sept. 24, 1834.
Mrs. Sally Barker came to Marl, to reside in May,
1867. She is the dau. of Josiah and Sophia (Grilfin)
Parker; b. in Nelson, Jan. 21, 1816, and the widow of
Ora Barker, who Avas b. in Nelson, Felj. 16, 1814, and d.
in Lowell, Mass., Jan. 25, 1863. They were in. March
12, 1840. Of the children, the six eldest were b. in
Nelson, the remainder in Lowell.
I. Abner Ora, b. Oct. 18, 1841 ; d. May 9, 1845.
II. Thaddeus Angela, b. Oct. 13, 1843; in. Emma C.
Howe; resides in Boston.
III. Sarah Emma, b. Feb. 4, 1846, uin.
IV. Dajjhene Friscilla, h. Feh. 11, 1848, um.
V. Jerome Josiah, b. May 31, 1852 ; m., March 19,
1879, Emma F. Colburn ; resides in Lancaster,
Mass.
VI. Amelia So^jhia, b. July 27, 1854; d. Dec. 21, 1856.
VII. Charles Wilder, b. Feb. 29, 1856; d. May 16,
1856.
412
HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
VIII. James Ora, b. Aug. 3, 1857.
w. Edwin Ckapin, b. Feb. 3, 1859.
X. Minnie Stella, b. Oct. 8, 1862.
Calvust Barnard, b. in Schenectady, N.Y., Sept. 2,
1816; m., Sept. 29, 1846, Mary Miranda Perkins, b. in
Unity, N.H., Aug. 28, 1823. They came to this town
Apr.." 1859, and resided on the Shaker farm, so called, at
the foot of the mountain, near the Jaffrey line. The
family removed to Troy in 1872, where they now reside.
T. Josephine Clarinda, b. in Marlow, Sept. 30, 1847 ;
m., Jan. 2, 1872, Hudson D. Hale of Rindge.
He d. June 5, 1873; and slie m. (2d), Sept. 27,
1876, Charles H. Stanford of Keene.
IX. Adelaide Melinda, b. in Unitv, N.H., Sept. 28,
1849; d. Feb. 17, 1867.
III. Carlos Melvin, b. in Unity, N.H., July 24, 1851 ;
m., May 17, 1877, Harriet R. Lawrence of
Troy.
IV. Alire Betsey, b. in Unitv, N.H., June 26, 1853.
V. Homer Calvin, b. in Ashby, Mass., Oct. 17, 1855.
VI. Mary Eli^a, b. in Fitchburg, July 8, 1858; d.
Feb. 14, 1867.
VII. Henry Lyman, b. in Marl., Jan. 23, 1861.
VIII. Idella Frances, b. in Marl., March 10, 1863.
IX. Emily Lwy, b. in Marl., July 10, 1865.
1 John A. Batchelder, b. in Northfield, N.H., Sept. 16,
i 1830 ; m., July 3, 1852, Ehuina, dan. of George W. and
i Laura (Greenwood) Worsley ; he now resides in Keene ;
I is a carpenter by trade, and works for the Hum|)hrey
Machine Co.
2
3
4
I. Clara F., b. in Marl., Oct. 17, 1853 ; d. April 20,
. 1858.
11. Clarahelle L., b. in Swanzev, Sept. 18, 1859.
III. Ader M., b. in Ware, N.H., Ano-. 11, 1861; d.
Oct. 21, 1861.
James Batcheller, M.D., Avas b. in Royalston, Mass.,
June 5, 1791 (see Chaj). XTL). He came to Marl, in 1818,
and commenced the ])ractice of medicine; m., Dec. 31,
1821, Persis, dau. of Phillii.s and Persis (Joslin) Swoet-
ser. For a few years, he resided with his father-in-law
in the house since owned by Moses Hunt. He then
purchased the place now oAvned by Benjamin B. Gush-
ing, and built the present house about 1825. He re-
moved to Fitzwilliam in 1855, where he d. April 14,
1866. His wife d. in Marl., Aug. 14, 1851.
GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 413
I. James, I). Aug. 7, 18-2-2 ; d. Dee. 24, 1831.
IT. Charles, b. June 15, 1825; d. in Fitzwilliaiii,
Marcli 12, 1860, urn.
III. PhUlp S., b. Sept. 2, 1828; ni., Feb. 11, 1851,
Franees A. Chaplin, b. in Fitzwilliam, Sept. 30,
1836, d. Dee. 28, 1871; resides in Fitzwilliam.
He is a druggist in Co. with his brother.
1. Ida Loiiisa, b. Apr. 1, 1859.
IV. StejjJien, b. Sept. 14, 1830 ; m., Sept._ 13, 1859,
Abby Briggs of Claremont, N.H., b. in Cliarles-
towii, N.H., Apr. 10, 1841 ; resides in Fitz-
william.
1. Fannie, b. June 25, 1867.
2. James, b. March 17, 1872; d. Aug. 17,
1872.
3. James, b. June 29, 1873; d. Auo-. 26, 1873.
JoxATHAJsr Beldixg, b. in Xorthfield, Mass., Apr. 3,
1761 ; m. Sarah K. Lara1)ee, b. in Rindge, July 5, 1763 ;
settled first in Xorthfield, and was a soldier of the Revo-
lution from that town.
I. Sarah, b. in Northfield, Oct. 26, 1785 ; removed
to Canada.
II. Jonathan, b. in Northfield, Nov. 27, 1787 ; d.
May 31, 1818, um.
Mrs. Belding d. Oct. 12, 1788, and he m. (2d) Abigail
Coal, b. Apr. 11, 1771. The family came to Marl." to
reside in 1794, and located on the Thomas Page farm, in
what is now known as the "Prescott Pasture," south-
westerly of the farm now owned by Levi Jones. After re-
siding here some eight vears, they removed to Vermont.
He d. in Canton, N:Y.,'May 17, 1851. His wife d. Oct.
26, 1850.
iir. Ah'tt/aU, b. in Northfield, Nov. 2, 1790 ; m. Samuel
Williams of Dublin ; d. May 17, 1872.
IV. Harriet, b. in Northtield, Sept. 5, 1792; m. Samuel
Lewis of Cornish ; d. July 29, 1845.
V. Samuel C, b. May 6, 1794; m. Cynthia Wilson
of Shoreham, Vt. ; settled in Canton, N.Y. ; d.
Nov., 1854.
VI. Mary, b. in Marl., April 24, 1797 ; m. James
White of Cornish ; removed to the West about
1834.
VII. Submit, b. in Marl., Nov. 19, 1800; m. Oliver
•Holden of Pittsford, Vt. ; d. 1869.
VIII. Asa, b. in Marl., Oct. 10, 1802; m. Cynthia Mus-
sey of Brandon, Vt.
414
HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
AloiLzo, h. in Crown Point, N.Y., Aug. 24, 1804;
m. Maria Stillman of Brandon, Yt, ; removed
to the West.
Jemima, b. in Crown Point, Apr. 6, 1807 ; m.
Alverus Kilburn of Whitino-, Yt. ; d. Jan. 14,
1849.
Danford R., b. in Shoreham, Yt., Apr. 3, 1809;
m. Betsey Tasker of Cornish ; resides in Iowa.
Clement 3L, b. in Shoreham, Yt., Feb. 7, 1812 ;
m. Mehitable Wheeler of Pittsford, Yt. ; d.
Nov. 1, 1848.
Lvcina, b. in Leicester, Yt., May 22, 1815 ; m.
Mason Simons of Orwell, Yt. He d., and she
m. (2d) William McEwin of Marley, N.Y.
Ebexezer Belknap, eldest son of Jedediah and Deb-
orah (Streeter) Belknap of Framinghani, Mass., came to
Marl, at an early date, and settled in the north part of
the town, on what is now called the Capron place in
Roxbury.
Silence, m. Samuel McCollester, q.v.
Deborah, m. ■ • Taylor.
Ehenezer, d. young.
A daughter, m. Hadley.
A daughter, m. Winch.
Gapt. Ehenezer Belknap m. Mrs. Polly Rogers, Dec.
19, 1792. (Town records.)
2
I
3
II
4
III
5
IV
6
V
BEMIS.
Joseph Bemis, b. in 1619 ; was in Watertown, Mass., as early as
1640; was selectman, 1648, 1672, and 1675; d. Aug. 7, 1681. By wife
Sarah, he had nine children. John, the youngest, b. Aug., 1659 ; m.
Mary, dau. of Geoi'ge and Susannah Hai'vington, b. Jan. 12, 1663-61.
She d,, and he m. (2d), Jan. 1, 1710-17, Sarah, widow of Jonathan
Phillips, Esq. She d., and he m. (3d), May 30, 1726, Judith, widow of
James I3arnard. He d. Oct. 24, 1732. John, son of John and Mary
(Harrington) Bemis, b. Oct. 6, 1686; ni., May 8, 1710, Hannah, dau. of
Daniel and Elizabeth (Whitney) Warren, b. Jan. 25, 1690-91. Their
eldest son, John, b. Feb. 11, 1711-12; m., Feb. 16, 1731-32, Hannah, dau.
of Capt. Daniel and Haniuih (Bigilow) Warren, b. Apr. 28, 1715; settled
in Weston, and had twelve children.
TiaiOTiiY Bkmis, son of John and Hannah (Warren)
Bemis, b. in Weston, Mass., March 6,1734; m. Martha
Wesson, Jan. 10, 1756; settled first in Weston, where
several of his children were b. He came to this town
as early as 1776, and settled on the farm now owned by
Samuel Jones. He was killed in 1806, by falling from a
load of corn-stalks. His widow d. Apr. 24, 1808.
GENEALOGICAL REGISTEPw 415
I. James, b. Sept. 7, 1756.-f-
II. EUzaheth, h. Jan. 7, 1759.
III. Martha, b. Mnveli 3, 1761 ; m. Josiali Lewis, q.v.
IV. David, b. June 13, 17G3.-|-
V. Jeremiah, b. July 13, 1765.-[-
VI. ^^le^, m., March 4, 1793, Prudence Swan.
VII. Jonathan, b. July 2, 1769.-|-
VIII. Daniel, settled in Boston.
IX. Sally.
X. Timothij, b. July 19, 1776.+
James Bejiis, son of Tiniotliy, m. Hannah, dau. of
Jonathan and Martha (Leland) Frost, and settled in
what is now called "the Log-house Pasture," in the
northerly part of the town ; removed to Dublin about
1792.
I.- Jonathan, b. in Marl., Dec. 30, 1780.
Mrs. Bemis d. Feb. 9, 1785; and he m. (2d), in 1786,
Lois Walker of Sudbury, Mass. He d. Dec. 15, 1832.
II. Hannah, b. Jan. 30, 1786; m. Benjamin Faii--
banks.
III. James, b. Oct. 17, 1787; d. July, 1807.
IV. Lois, b. Apr. 12, 1789; m. John Knowlton ; re-
moved to N.Y. State.
V. Thomas, b. May 7, 1793 ; m., 1815, Sally Williams,
who d. June 22, 1818 ; and he ni. \'2d) Anna
Knight of Sudbury, Mass. ; settled in that i)art
of Dublin called Pottersville.
VI. Josiah, b. Aug. 20, 1795 ; m. Esther Riggs of
Cornish. She d., and lie m. (2d) Sybil Emerv
of Jaffrev. He d. March 6, 1852.
VII. Betsei/, b. Oct. 15, 1797; d. Sept., 1799.
VIII. iJli, b. A]>r. 30, 1800 ; d. Se])t. 9, 1833.
IX. Mem/, b. Sept. 12, 1804; m. Luke Knowlton, q.v.
David Bemis, son of Timothy, m., 1783, Lucinda,
dau. of Oliver and Lois (Johnson) Wright ; removed to
Londonderry, \\..
I. Oliver Wri;/ht. b. Jan. 31, 1784; d. Feb. 3, 1785.
II. Lveinda, b. Aju-. 12, 1786; m. George W. Philli})s,
q.C.
III. Patty, b. Apr. 2, 1788; m., Oct., 1811, Oliver
Plumly of Keene.
IV. Lois, b. Jan. 7, 1792.
V. David, b. Feb. 9, 1795.
VI. Cyrus, b. Sept. 3, 1802.
Jeeemiah Bemis, son of Timothy, m., Sept., 1'
416
HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
27
28
29
30
31
(8)
I Sai-ah, clan, of Oliver and Lois (Johnson) Wright ; re-
I moved to Dublin in 1795.
I. Jeremiah 1 b. in Marl., May 23, 1789; m. Hannah,
dau. of Ebenezer and Lydia (Eaton) Herrick ;
removed to Wethersfield, Yt.
II. Lncretia, b. in Marl., Feb. 16, 1791 ; m. John
Lewis, q.v.
III. Oliver, b. in Marl., Jan. 13, 1793 ; m. Diadama,
dau. of Joseph and Martha (Clark) Tolman ;
removed to Guildhall, Vt.
IV. Horace, b. in Dublin, June 22, 1799 ; d. Xov. 20,
1801.
V. Horace, b. in Dublin, Apr. 13, 1803; resides in
Williston, Vt.
VI. A daughter, b. in Du1»lin, Apr. 1, 1807 ; d. the
same year.
(11)
JoxATHAX Bemis, SOU of Timotliv, in., Feb., 1789,
Delila, dau. of Ebenezer and Sarah (Page) Rhodes;
settled on the farm afterwards owned bv his son Enoch,
where he d. Jan. 31, 1835. His widow *d. Oct. 23, 185G.
33
I.
34
11,
35
iir.
36
IV.
37
V.
38
VI.
39
VII.
40
VIH.
41
IX.
42
X.
43
XI.
44
XII.
45
. XIII.
46
XIV.
47
XV.
48
XVI,
A. in infancv.
William Thatcher ; d.
JonathaM, b. June 5, 1789
Sarah, b. Jan. 4, 1791 ; m,
Feb. 23, 1816.
A son, 1). Jan. 22, 1792; d. in infancv.
Delila, b. Dec. 17, 1793; m., Dec. 17, 1815,
Stephen Farrar of Troy ; d. July 31, 1838.
Jonafhaii, 1». Se])t. 17, 1794; d. in infancv.
Luther, b. Mav 21, 1796.-f
Calvin, b. Jan. 27, 1798.+
Martha, b. Sept. 12, 1799; d. Feb. 23, 1829, um.
Anna, b. July 5, 1801 ; in. Amasa Fuller, q.v.
Jonathan, b. Se])t. 16, 1803.+
Dollij, b. June 13, 1805 ; m., Dec. 23, 1827, How-
ard Clark ; resides in Troy.
Betsei/, b. March 19, 1807 ; d. Apr. 4, 1831.
Asa, b. March 13, 1809.+
Enoch, b. Jan. 28, 1811.+
Artemas, b. Dec. 21, 181 2.+
Harriet, b. Oct. 12, 1815; m., Sept. 21, 1841,
Daniel Bugbee; removed to Vermont.
Timothy Bemis, yoimgest son of Timothy, m., June 3,
1795, Lois, dau. of Ebenezer and Sarah (Page) Rhodes;
settled on the home farm. In 1812, he removed with his
family to Malone, X.Y. Children all but four b. in ^farl.
49 I. Harriet, b. Feb. 12, 1796.
50- ir. A child, b. Feb. 11, 1797.
aENEALOGICAL REGISTEU. 417
III. Jliram, h. July 14, 1798.
IV. Menezer, b. March 28, 1800.
V. Thlrsa, b. Aug. 12, 1801.
VI. Uaraues, b. Dec. 9, 1802.
VII. miiiGij, b. Dec. 13, 1804.
VIII. Marj/, h."May 9, 1807.
IX. Harrt/, b. Oct. 1, 1808 ; d. Aug. 26, 1810.
X. Eimice, b. in M;ilone.
XI. George, b. in Malone.
XII. Charles A., b. in Malone.
XIII. Harry, b. in Malone.
Timothy Bemis jjurchased a tract of wild land in
Malone, built a saw-mill, and soon acquired quite a
fortune for those times. In 1840, he became blind, and
remained so until his death, which took place May 24,
1848. His widow d. Aug. 2, 1856.
Luther Bemis, son of Jonathan, m., June 1, 1820,
Sally, dau. of George Farrar; resided for many years in
Troy, where he d. Sept. 6, 1842. His widow d. March
24, 1845, m. 48.
I. A son, b. Apr. 4, 1821 ; d. Apr. 19, 1821.
II. George F., b. Apr. 11, 1822.+
III. Luther G., b. July 11, 1828.+
Calvin Bemis, son of Jonathan, m., March 14, 1822.
Deborah, dau. of Asa and Deborah (Sargent) Brewer,
He settled first in Swanzey, where he remained eight
years, then came to Marl., and, after a residence of one
year, removed to Rindge, where he lived twenty years,
and thence to Troy in 1851, where he d. Aug. 9, 1872.
He was a man of sound judgment, and universally re-
spected.
I. Mlza, b. Oct. 10, 1823 ; m. Calvin Hastings, q.v.
II. Maria, b. Jan. 24, 1826 ; m;, March 31, 1847,
Chaiies Perry ; resides in Fitzwilliam.
III. Ilarg Jane, b. Apr. 9, 1839; m., Oct. 23, 1855,
Leonard Wright; resides in Keene.
Jonathan Bemis, son of Jonathan, m., Jan. 11, 1844,
Lois, dau. of Silas and Nabby (Wright) Collins; resided
in the house with his brother Asa, 'where he d. July 4,
1854. His widow m. (2d) David Martin of Richmond,
and d. July 22, 1856.
I. Abble J., b. Apr. 10, 1845; d. Oct. 10, 1851.
II. Maria L., b. Sept. 6, 1846; m., Dec. 9, 1869,
James M. Robbins of Leominster, Mass.
III. Osgood J,, b. Jan. 16, 1848.-|-
418
HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
71
72
73
(45)
74
75
76
77
(46)
78
79
80
(47)
84
85
(63)
IV. Gcijr<jc L., b. Jan 4, 1850; m., .Inn. 11, 1870,
Nettie Willsoii of P'itzwilliam.
V. Ahhle J., b. Aug. 5, 1852.
VI. John W., b. May 16, 1854; d. Oct. 30, 1854.
Asa Bemis, son of Jonathan, m., Xov. 8, 1838, Mary,
dan. of Abel and Rachel (Cutter) Nuttmg.
I. James H., b. May 27, 1846; ni., Ang. 7, 1871,
Louisa B. Mentyer of Stowe, Mass., who d.
Sept. 9, 1876, se. 25 yrs. 9 mo.
1. Leon M., b. Sept. 7, 1872.
2. Harvey Clement, b. Feb. 25, 1874.
3. May Louise, b. Apr. 15, 1875.
ExocH Bemis, son of Jonathan, m., Feb. 19, 1840,
Abigail Bugbee, b. Feb. 19, 1820 ; settled first in Bethel,
Vt. ; returned to Marl., and settled on the home farm,
where he remained till Oct., 1865, when he again re-
moved, to Bethel, Vt., where he d. Feb. 11, 1868. His
widow m. (2d) Justin H. Beckwith of Bethel, Jan. 1,
1870, and d. May 30, 1873.
I. Hennj F., b. Apr. 16, 1841 ; d. Mav 17, 1861.
II. Sarah U., b. Dec. 8, 1845; m., Oct. 19, 1872,
Charles A. BeckAvith ; resides in Bethel, Vt.
III. Edward, b. March 4, 1849 ; m. Minnie French.
Artemas Bemis, son of Jonathan, m., Nov. 6, 1845,
Catharine, dan. of Elias and Caty (Woodward) Thatcher.
He d. Nov. 14, 1863.
I. Calista D., b. Oct. 15, 1846, um.
II. Lucy E., b. Oct. 16, 1850 ; m. George E. Gould, q.v.
III. {Rosa L., b. Mav 2, 1853; m., Apr. 15,
J 1874, Horace A. McLane.
] Rossa i., b. May 2, 1853 ; m., Aug. 25,
[ 1874, Moses Maynard.
V. Clarence A., b. Apr. 27, 1858 ; d. Apr. 11, 1864.
Twins.
George F. Bemis, son of Luther, m., June 1, 1845,
Rowena L.Jackson of Fitzwilliam, b. March 31, 1826;
resided for several years in Troy. He was a member of
Co. F, 3d Reg. Vt. Vols. ; d. of wounds received at the
battle of the Wilderness.
I. Martin L., b. May 21, 1846; d. July 3, 1852.
II. Harlan A., b. July 14, 1847 ; d. Aug. 21, 1872. •
III. Sarah I., b. Marcli 22, 1849; m., Nov. 24, 1866,
Clinton J. Parker,
iv. Rom L., b. Apr. 28, 1852; d. Sept. 28, 1872.
GENEALOGICAL REGISTER.
419
90
91
92
(64)
93
94
95
(70)
V. Ada R., b. Feh. 19, 1854; d. Oct. 12, 1859.
VI. George L., b. Dec. 15, 1855.
vii. Byron C, b. Dec. 16, 1861 ; d. Oct. 12, 1862.
LuTHEu G. Bemis, sou of Lutlier, m., March 30, 1852,
Abby H., dan. of Moses and Abagail (Davidson) Cutter,
b. in Jaffrey, Nov. 26, 1832.
I. Charles Z., b. June 6, 1854; m., March 13, 1877,
Sarah A., dau. of Henry and Sarah (Flmt)
Gould.
II. Frederick C, b. Oct. 16, 1857.
III. Ahhy X., 1). Nov. 12, 1859.
Osgood J. Bemis, son of Jonathan and Lois (Collins)
Bemis, m., Sept. 23, 1868, Hattie S. Houghton of Leo-
minster, Mass., d. Feb. 8, 1870; m. (2d) Lucy J.
(White) Shepherd, Dec. 25, 1871. Children by first
wife.
96 I. Minnie L., b. June 17, 1869.
97 IT. FranJcie J., b. Jan. 12, 1870,
Philip Bemis, perhaps grandson of Joseph, who settled in Water-
town, Mass., in 1640 ; was in Cambridge in 1723, and m., Nqv. 21, 1723,
Elizabeth Lawrence. In 1738, he moved to Westminster, ]\*lass., being
the third settler in that township. He had six children, all born in
Cambridge. The date of their birth is not recorded, but the church
records give the date of baptism as follows : Philip and William, Nov.
13, 1726 ; David, July 30, 1727 ; Abagail, July 25, 1731 ; Edmund, Oct.
22, 1732; Zacheus, July 25, 1736. Zacheus m. Elizabeth Lyon, and
settled in Westminster. He liad several children, among whom was
William, b. Jan. 11, 1777; m., Nov. 28, 1799, Hannah, dau. of John and
Hannah (Garey) Derby, b. in Westminster, Nov. 17, 1781. He was a
Ijlacksmitli, and resided for the most part of his life in Westminster,
where he d. Oct. 8, 1835. His wife survived him, and d. in Ashburnham,
Apr. 12, 1861.
98
Charles Russell Bemis, son of William and Hannah
(Derby) Bemis, was b. in Princeton, Mass., Dec. 5, 1814.
Ilis j^outhful days were spent in Westminster at work
on the farm or in his father's sliop, until twenty years
of age, when he learned the painter's trade, serving an
apprenticeship with E. and G. Kendall. He afterwards
resided in Asliburnham, and in 1838 removed to Jaffrey,
where he in., July 21, 1839, Elmira, dau. of Etheel and
Rebecca (Baker) Parmenter, b. in Marl., Jan. 9, 1818.
After a short residence in Jaffrey, he went to Troy,
where he remained until the spring of 1842, when he
came to Marl, to take charge of the Baker farm. In
1845, in company with Amos A. Mason, he commenced
the manufacture of ch'aii- seats, in the mill since owned
420
HISTORY OF MAKLBOROUGH.
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
lOG
107
108
by Tarbell & Whitney. He soon sold his interest in this
mill, and commenced' the same business with Anstui G.
Parmenter, in the mill now owned by Osgood R. Wis-
wall, where he remained for nearly twenty years, since
which time he has followed painting. His wife d. Apr.
7, 1880.
I. ^llen B., b. in Troy, May 15, 1841.
II. Charles A., b. in Marl., Jan. 29, 1848.
Edmund Bemis, son of Capt. Edmund and Elizabeth
(Rand) Bemis, and grandson of Phili]> and Elizabeth
(Lawrence) Bemis, b. in Westminster, Mass., in 1765;
m. Susannah GraA'es, and settled first in Fitchburg, but
in 1807 he purchased a farm in that part of Marl, now
included in Troy. He d. Feb. 12, 1857 ; his wife, Jan.
5, 1848.
I. Clarissa, m. William Whitcomb.
II. Elijah., d. in infancy.
III. Elijah, m. Lucy Butler; d. Nov. 5, 1852.
IV. Susannah, m. William Jackson of Wallino:ford,
Vt.; d. Dec. 5, 1826.
V. Jonas, m. Fannie Lawrence ; d. in Troy.
. VI. Polly, m. George W. Brown ; resides in Troy.
VII. Sumner, m. R. Ann Thompson.
Rev. Salmon Bennett was b. in Brattleboro, Vt.,
Jan. 6, 1790. He received academic education in his
native town, and entered the Sophomore class of Middle-
bury College at the age of twenty-two. At that time,
there were one hundred and fifty students. Among his
college mates were many Avho attained eminence, both
in Church and State ; Silas AVright, the distinguished
Senator and Governor of New York, Pliny Fisk, Levi
Parsons, Myron Winslow, and others. After leaving
college, he studied theology Avith the Rev. Mr. NcAvton
of Marlboro, Vt. Li the winter of 1816, he had a call
to ])reach in Winchester, which he acce])ted, and was
ordained and installed their pastor the Sei)tember folloAv-
ing. He labored there eight years; and, after preaching
one year in Roxbury, he came to Marl., and was installed
pastor of the Congregational Church, Sejit. 28, 1825.
He i)urchased the farm now oAvned by Elias A. Thatcher,
Avhere he resided during Ins pastorate here. In 1832, he
accepted a call to BoscaAven, Avhere licAvasfor some time
the associate ])astor Avith the Rev. Dr. Wood. He after-
wards ])reached at Irving, Wendell, and Heath, Mass.,
and Halifax, Vt. He Avas noAV past tlireescore years,
and failing liealth m£ide it necessary for him to make
GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 421
other arrangements for his comfort ; and, in the fall of
1862, he removed to Sherman, N.Y., to reside with his
children, where he was living in 1876. lie m. in 1821
Hepsibah N. Jewell of Winchester.
I. Henry Martin., b. in Winchester, Apr. 10,1822;
m., Oct., 1851, Sarah Warfield of Heath, Mass. ;
d. at Painted Post, Steuben Co., N.Y., Jan. 17,
1873. His parents intended him for the minis-
try, but bronchitis affected his voice so that he
was obliged to relinquish the idea, but at the
age of nineteen commenced teaching, Avhich he
folloAved till his death.
II. Hepsihah C.^ b. in Roxbury, Aug. 18, 1824; m.,
July 14, 1847, Leonard Scott of Heath, Mass.;
resides in Dunkirk, N.Y.
III. Frances B., b. in Marl., July 25, 1826; m., May
16, 1849, Henry L. Kendri'ck of Heath, Mass.";
resides in Sherman, N.Y.
IV. Salmon, b. in Marl., Apr. 11, 1829; m., 1855,
Lvdia Heath of Sherman, N.Y.
V. Xoah, b. in Marl., A])r. 26, 1831 ; m., Sept., 1855,
Nancy Hill ; d. in Sherman, N.Y., Feb. 7, 1875.
VI. Lucia Maria, b. in Winchester, Dec. 12, 1836 ; m.,
Oct., 1861, L. Clark of Waterford, Pa. ; resides
in Sherman, N.Y.
NxVTHAXiEL BiGELOw, SOU of Nathaniel and Susannah
(Jennings) Bigelow, b. in Framingham, Mass.; m., 1813,
Catharine Tyler of Leominster, Mass. ; came to this
town, and located on the farm since owned by Noah
Porter. He removed to Leominster about 1818, and
thence to Jaffrey, where he d. July 28, 1876.
I. Perkins, b. Nov. 11, 1814; resides in Mansfield,
O. ; is a wholesale druggist, and Avas the first
mayor of that city.
II. Catherine, b. March 29, 1817; m. William Carter
of Jaffrey ; resides in Fitchburg.
John Bigeloav, a brother of Nathaniel, m. Betsey
Follansbee of Leominster, Mass, ; came to Marl, with
liis brother, and resided on the same farm ; returned to
Framingham about 1818. We find no record of this
family.
Albert S. Bigeloav Avas b. in Montpelier, Vt., Se])t.
10, 1831. He came to Marl in Jan., 1855, and m., May
14, 1855, Lydia Maria, dan. of John and Lovisa (Coii-
vei-se) Buss. Tn the spring of 1859, he removed to
422
HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
Swanzey, but returned to Marl., June, 1872, where lie
has since resided. He is a machinist by trade.
I. Arthur Fremont, b. March 21, 1856; m., May 28,
1877, Anna M., dan. of George W. Ellis of
Swanzey; resides in Keene, and is employed
in the Keene National Bank.
II. Edith Maria, b. March 7, 1860; d. Aug. 23, 1861.
III. Arlie Wilson, b. Aug. 15, 1862.
IV. Lester Lyman, b. June 6, 1869; d. Feb. 10, 1871.
Mrs. Bio-elow d. Sept. 24, 1872; and he m. (2d), Apr.
10, 1873, Alice L., dau. of Thaddeus and Eliza H. (Buss)
Metcnlf.
Russell. Bixby, b. in Windsor, N.H., March 1, 1816 ;
m., May 15, 1842, Sarah L. Wright, b. in Washington,
N.H., Aug. 15, 1813, d. Apr. 24, 1849; and he m. (2d),
Aug. 1, 1850, Emily R. Dame, b. in Goshen, Aug. 29,
1826. Mr. Bixby moved from Lempster to this town,
Dec. 29, 1870, and located on the farm formerly owned
by Capt. Asa Frost, where he now resides.
I, Helen Etta (an adopted dan.), b. in Keene, Apr.
7, 1860 ; m., Apr. 29, 1877, Walter H. Bruce, b.
in Shirley, Mass., March 28, 1855.
1. Clinton Russell, b. in Marl., May 24, 1878.
2. Maud M., b. in Marl., March 4, 1880.
BLANCHARD.
The history of the Blanchard family dates back to the time of
Louis XIV. of France, when there was living a race of people called
the Huguenots, who were persecuted to such an extent on account of
their religion that they were obliged to flee from the country ; they went
to England, and there took up their abode. Among this race was a
family of Blaucher (or Blanshaw as pronounced in French), who resided
in the town of Preston. In the year 1639, several families in that place
decided to emigrate to America, and among them was one Tuomas
BLAXcuAun and his wife Agne.s, who, with four sous, all by his tirst
wife, and an infant of his then present wife, embarked with this colony
in a vessel by the name of " Jonathan." Thomas Blanchard, who Avas
the ancestor of the larger part of the New England families of that
name, arrived in Charlestown, I\Iass., June 23, 1039. Before the vessel
arrived, his wife d., leaving an infant, who survived lier but a short time.
He m. a third wife, Mary , who survived him, and d. a widow in
1676. After leaving Cluirlestown, it is supposed he settled in Braintree,
where he resided from 16-10 to 1651. i He then purchased a house and
farm of two hundred acres on Mystic-Side, Charlestown, now Maiden, to
which he removed the same year, and where he d. INIaj^ 1051. He left
four sons, — George, who settled in Charlestown, Thomas, who settled in
Maiden, .Samuel and Natluiniel, who settled in Weymouth. Sanniel, the
third son of Thomas, tlie emigrant, was b. in England, Aug. 0, lOi'T. and
was twelve years old when he came to this country. He m., Jan. 3, 1651,
GENEALOGICAL REGISTER.
423
Mary, dau. of Seth Sweetser, Esq. ; settled in Andover, IVIass. His vvil'c
d. Feb. 20, 1669 ; and he m. (2d), June 24, 1673, Hannah Doggett. Dea.
John, son of Samuel and Hannah (Doggett) Blanchard, m. Elizabeth
, and had Thomas, b. in 1670; m. Tabitha Lippenwell, and had
John, b. May 20, 1696 ; who m. Mary , and had William, b. in Pep-
perell, Mass., Sept. 5, 1714, and d. in New Ipswich, Feb. 17, 1805.
William m. Deliverance Parker, and had Simeon, b. in Groton, June 11,
1747; m. Elizabeth Shattuck.
SiMEOX Bla^tciiarp, son of Simeon and Elizabeth
(Shattuck) Blancliard, b. Nov. '25, 1776; m. Submit Win-
sliip, b. Aiig. 14, 1779, d. in Roxbury, Sept. 6, 1856.
He d. Sept. 13, 1856.
I. Hosea, b. March 20, 1801; m. Melissa Bullard;
resided many years in Roxbury on the Benj.
Foster farm, afterwards owned by his brothers
Charles G. and Amos M. He afterAvards came
to Marl., and located on tlie farm more recently
owned by Simon Holt. He d. in Wincliendon,
March 21, 1863.
1. Ann, b. Jan., 1830; m. Whitney Thompson.
II. Joseph W., b. Dec. 21, 1802; d. Nov. 12, 1805.
III. Charles G., b. Sept. 8, 1806.+
IV. Nancy M., b. June- 2, 1809 ; m. Luke French of
Jaffrey; d. June 20, 1838.
V. Susan, b. June 15, 1813 ; m. Robert E. Robertson
of Chicopee, Mass.
VI. /Sarah, b. Aug. 10, 1816; m. George Lambert,
and reside in Portland, Me.
VII. Ainos 3£, b. Apr. 28, 1818; m. Maria E. Atwood
of Nelson. He purchased the old homestead
in Roxbiiry of his brother, where he resided till
1869, when he removed to Greenfield, Mass.,
where he now resides.
1. Eunice Amanda, b. Sept. 27, 1847; m.,
Feb. 20, 1866, Minot Ellis; resides in
Greenfield, Mass.
2. Milan Warren, b. Sept. 5, 1849; m., Sept.-
1872, Mary J., dau. of John and Emer-
line (White) McRory.
3. Araminta Maria, b. Nov. 1, 1851; m., 1867,
Henry Ellis. She d. Aug. 22, 1870.
4. Nancy "Eliza Jane, b. Dec. 24, 1854; m.,
Dec. 24, 1873, Frank D, Osborne; resides
in Greenfield, Mass.
5. Willie Edgar, b. May 28, 1857.
6. lola Frances, b. Apr. 8, 1859.
7. Hattie C, b. June 13, 1864.
8. Frank P., b. Sept. 15, 1867.
424 HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
18 viir. Joseph, b. Apr. 21, 18*21 ; m., K^x. 11, 1844, Eliza
. Jane, dau. of Charles and Emily (Frost) Gil-
i bert, and resided in Leominster, Mass., wliere
I he d. Dec. 25, 1877.
19 j 1. George F., b. Oct. 31, 1848.
(5) Charles G. Blaxchakd, son of Simeon, m., Sept. 23,
1832, Sophronia, dau. of Samuel and Sarah Davis, b. in
Compton, Lower Canada, Nov. 23, 1807. He first settled
in Roxbury, where he remained twenty years, and after
residing two years in Peterboro, several years in Hart-
land, Vt., and one year in Troy, he came to Marl., Avliere
he d. Dec. 15, 1867. His Avid<)Av m. (2d), 1876, William
Felch, Esq., of Felchville, Vt., where she now resides, a
widoAV.
20 I. Charles C, b. Aug. 12, 1833; m., May 31,4857,
Maria E. Jewett of Peterboro ; Apr. 1, 1858,
he removed to Maiden, Mass., Avhere his Avife d.
Nov. 28, 1858. He m. (2d), Jan. 2, 1862, Annie
M., dau. of Charles and Lucy Simonds. To him
the author is indebted for valuable information
concerning the Blanchard family.
21 1. Alice Lambert, b. June 12, 1867.
22 ! II. Samuel D.,h. Feb. 26, 1838; m. Lovina P. Dorr
of Bucksport, Me ; resides in Boston, and is one
of the police in that city.
23 ' 1. Mary Alberta, b. May 29, 1862.
24 2. Effie Lillian, b. Feb. *:i8, 1865.
25 3. Nellie Frances, b. Apr. 12, 1874.
26 , 4. [Charles S., b. Nov. 5, 1876; d.
rr • } Sept. 22, 1878.
27 I - 5. -^^^'"''S-S Florence E., b. Nov. 5, 1876; d.
I [ July 24, 1877.
1 JoNATHA^-^ Blodgett, b. in 1755 ; came to Marl, about
1794. He had previously resided in Harvard, Mass.,
. and Jaffrey. He was in tlie war of the Revolution,
entering the army when twenty years of age ; Avas at the
I battle of Bennington, and also one of the sufferers at
i Ticonderoga. His first wife was Susan Tenney, probably
' of Jaffrey.
2 I. Joseph, d. in Gilead, Me.
3 11. Zuke, b. 1787.+
4 III. AMthan, d. in Jaffrey.
5 iv. /Sai-ah, d. in Berlin, N.H.
6 V. Polly, m.. May 5, 1811, Levi Whittemore ; d. in
Troy, Jan. 31, 1858.
GENEALOGICAL EEGISTEE. 425
Mrs. Blodgett cl., and he m. (2d) Parney, dau. of
Benjamin Goodenougli, Oct. 8, 1795. About 1800, lie
removed to Gilead, Me., where he d. at the age of 96.
Children by second wife : —
VI. Susan, resided in Milton, Me.
VII. Nancy, resided in Attleboro, Mass.
VIII. Samuel, resides in Berlin, N.H.
IX. Joseph, resides in Berlin, N.H.
X. Hoxanna.
XI. Betsey.
XII. Washington.
xm. jReuben.
Luke Blodgett, son of Jonathan, m., Oct., 1810,
Catharine, dau. of Luther and Miriam (IsTewton) New-
ton. He resided for many years on the Tozer farm,
now owned by Augustus T. Woodward, where his wife
d. Jan. 1, 1860. He d. in Roxbury, Oct. 16, 1871.
I. Alton, b. Apr. 1, 1812; m., Nov. 9, 1837, Mary
Ann, dau. of Daniel and Mary (Knight) But-
trick; resided for many years in Fitchburg,
where he d. Sept. 19, 1878. c.
II. Melinda, b. June 20, 1813; ni., Apr. 20, 1841,
Joseph Brooks Wilson of Mason, N.H. ; d.
June 23, 1862.
III. Catharine, b. Nov. 13, 1814, um.
IV. Gyrus, b. Sept. 29, 1817 ; m., Aug. 1, 1855, Lorinda
Smith of Fitchburg; d. July I, 1880, c.
V. Barton, b. March 13, 1819.-J-
VI. Edmund, b. Sept. 9, 1820.-|-
VII. Miriam, b. Feb. 3, 1822; resides in Fitzwill-
iam, um.
VIII. Persis 8., b. Feb. 7, 1826; m., July 28, 1864,
Joseph Brooks Wilson; resides in Mason, N.H.
IX. Elizabeth, b. Apr. 28, 1827; m. L. D. Tomkins of
Orange, N.J., where she now resides.
X. HannaK b. March 15, 1829.
80
56
Barton Blodgett, son of Luke, m.. May 25, 1843,
Cosbi, dau. of Calvin and Tabitha (Baker) Tenney; d.
Sept. 5, 1879.
I. Jennie Cosbi, b. Oct. 30, 1852 ; d. Oct. 12, 1864.
11. Jdia Clara, b. Nov. 24, 1855 ; d. Jan. 25, 1859.
III. Flora May, b. Apr. 19, 1858.
IV. Frank Barton, b. March 28, 1860.
v. George Fllsioorth,\>. iwwQ '22, 1862; d. Sept. 11,
1866.
VI. Clement BaJcer, b. May 22, 1864.
426
HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
(20)
10
Edmuxd Blodgett, son of Luke, ra., Dec. 8, 1853,
Clara A. Esty, b. in Kcene, I^ov. 6, 1834. He resided
in Marl, until Apr., 1859, when lie removed to Keene ;
d. in Fitchburg, Jan. 18, 1873.
I. Alice A., b. Nov. 5, 1854.
II. Charles E., b. Jnne 11, 1856.
III. milie F., b. Nov. 23, 1857.
Elijah Boydex came from Walpole, Mass., in the
spring of 1806, and purchased of Benjamin Longly the
place now OAvned by Hon. Rufus S. Frost, and known as
the Aaron Stone farm. It is said he brought with him
thirty-seven hundred silver dollars, which he paid for
this place. He resided here until his death, July 22,
1814, ae. 52. His wife was Amity Fisher of Walpole,
Mass. She d. Oct. 29, 1841, £e. 76.
I, Abner, b. in Walpole, Mass., Nov. 4, 1792.-|-
II. George, b. in Walpole, Mass., March 16, 1794 ; d.
March 17, 1822, um.
III. Hannah, b. in Walpole, Mass.; d. Apr. 3, 1825, um.
IV. Oliver, b. in Waljjole, Mass., 1800; m., Dec. 31,
1821, Eliza Prescott. He d. in New IpsAvich
in 1855.
1. George, b. June 26, 1826; m.Myra Adams
of New Ipswich ; resides at Washington,
D.C.
2. Henry K., d. Apr. 8, 1831.
V. Addison, b. in Walpole, Mass. ; d. May 7, 1843, um.
VI. William, b. in Marl., Jan. 8, 1808 ; 'm., Sept. 21,
1837, Sarah N., dan. of Eber and Lydia (Adams)
Tenney, d. Aug. 25, 1845; and he m. (2d),
March 26, 1846, Nancy W., sister of his first
wife, d. Sept. 15, 1851. He d. March 30, 1856.
He was highly respected as an honorable, hon-
est, and upright man.
VII. Elijah, b. in Marl., Aug. 15, 1814.+
C^)
(10)
Abxer Boydex, son of Elijah, m. Nancy Crosby of
Jaffrey (see Chap. XI.). He d. June 4, 1837. His
widow removed to Troy, where she d. in 1842.
I. Charles A., b. March 27, 1829 ; resides in Kansas.
II. Ann Maria, b. Feb. 17, 1832 ; resides in Rockford,
111. : um.
Elijah Boydex, son of Ellijah, m., Apr. 5, 1838, Anna
G., dau. of Elder Charles and Polly (Hcmenway) Cum-
mings, Avhom he met for the first time in the stage-coach
7
GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 427
on his return from Boston, and the opportunity for
acquaintance was mutually improved. It is not known
that Mr. Boyden ever gave expression in words of his
opinion as to the importance of this accidental meeting;
but we doubt not he himself together with the many
friends of Mrs. Boyden regard it as the most fortunate
circumstance of his life. At the age of fourteen, he
entered the store of his brother Abner as clerk, where he
remained about six years ; and to the exjjerience and
training which he received during this time he is prob-
ably very largely indebted for the formation and strength-
ening of correct business-habits, which have given him
such marked success. At the age of eighteen, he had
so gained the respect and confidence of the citizens
of the town that he was recommended for postmaster ;
to which office he was soon after appointed. He dis-
charged the duties of this position nearly three years,
when he resigned;' and,with the consent and approval
of his brother, .he went to Boston, and in company
with Josiah L. Crosby engaged in the retail dry-
goods business, occupying a store at No. 73 Court St.
This business was successfully carried on for about two
years and a half, when, on account of the death of his
brother Abner, he sold out his business in Boston, and
returned to Marl. After settling his brother's estate,
Mr. Boyden, in company with his brother William, took
the stock of goods and store of his deceased brother,
and commenced trade under the firm-name of W. & E.
Boyden. The store then occupied was the one since
used by David Wilkinson for a harness-shop. In 1840,
Mr. Boyden and his brother built and moved into the
store now occupied by Woodward & Nason. In 1845,
he Avas again appointed postmaster, and held the office
till 1852, when he resigned, and about the same time the
firm sold their store to G. D. Richardson & Co. In
1854, Mr. Boyden was " appointed Route Mail Agent
between Boston and Burlington. This office he resigned
in 1860, since which time he has lived comparatively
retired from active labor. He has held the office of
Justice of the Peace for nearly twenty-five years, and
has been given many positions of responsibility and
trust in the affairs of the town. In 1865 and 1866, he
received the highest vote of his party for State Senator.
He has always taken a deep interest in political matters,
and by extensive reading has kept thoroughly conversant
with the politics of the'country, though in no sense has
he been an office-seeker, and his convictions of duty
have not been influenced by any considerations of per-
sonal distinction. He is conservative in his ideas, which,
428
HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
13
14
4
5
(2)
united with keen foresight and good judgment, make his
advice and counsel of peculiar value. In August, 1878,
Mr. and Mrs. Boydeu visited Europe, spending a short
time in England and France, and the winter in Italy.
In May following, they returned to their home in Marl.,
where they met a cordial reception from their many friends
and neighbors. Soon after their return, Mr. Boyden at
the earnest solicitation of many citizens gave an accoiint
of their journey, in an able and interesting address at the
Town Hall.
I. Emelia (adopted dan.), b. Xov. 6, 1849; m., Sept.
27,1872, Clark K Chandler of Keene, of the
firm of Dort «fc Chandler, druggists.
1. Carl Bovden, b. Nov. 10, 1877.
James Brewer came from East Sudbury, now Way-
land, Mass., to that part of Marl, now included in Troy,
in 1768 or 1769. He possessed naturally a strong mind,
which was considerably improved by education ; and in
his intercourse with his fellow-men he was upright, affa-
ble, and readily secured their confidence and esteem;
consequently, he was often promoted to stations of honor
and responsibility. He was an eflicient ofticer in the
Revolutionary army, and was Avitli his company at
Bunker Hill and subsequently at Ticonderoga. His
wife was Mary Hoar.
I. Asa^ b. July 24, 1767.-|-
ir. Persis, b. July 22, 1771; m., Aug. 12, 1789, Silas
i Wheeler.
I III. James^ b. June 10, 1779.
i IV. Mary, b. Oct. 8, 1782.
Asa Brewer, son of James, m., Aug. 25, 1794, Debo-
rah, dau. of Samuel and Deborah (Sylvester) Sargent.
; He resided for a few years on the "Gove place" in
■ Roxl)ury, afterwards on tlie Enoch Garfield and Jona-
] than Clark farms in Troy, and then removed to Barton,
Vt., where he d. March 11, 1824.
I. Polbj, m. Jonathan Clark, who d. Aug. 20, 1850;
and she m. (2d) Isaac Stowell.
II. Asa, m. Rachel Kniglit of Sudbury, Mass. ; moved
to Rindge in 1837 ; d, in Fitzwilliam, about 1866.
! III. Deborah, m. Calvin Bemis, q.v.
IV. Silas, m. Lovina Woodward of Swanzey.
V. Jjetsei/, m. Benjamin Garey of Jaffrey.
VI. Perm's, m, Samuel Cross of Salem.
GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 429
BRIGHAM.
Thomas Brigham, the ancestor of the Brighams of New England,
embarked at London for America, Apr. 18, 1035; at which time he was
32 years of age. lie settled in Watertown, Mass., on land subsequently
annexed to Cambridge. He was admitted freeman in 1639, and was
selectman several years. Soon after his arrival in this country, he m.
Mercy Hurd, who was b. in England. He d. Dec. 18, 1653; and his
widow m., March 1, 1655, Edmund Rice, then of Sudbury, and subse-
quently of Marl., Mass. After the death of Mr. Rice, she m., 1664,
William Hunt of Concord and Marl., Mass., who d. 1667, and she d.
1693. The children of Thomas Brigham were Mary, Thomas, John,
Hannah, and Samuel. Thomas, the eldest son, m. Mary Rice, eldest dau.
of Henry and Elizabeth (Moore) Rice, and settled in Marl., Mass., where
he d. Nov. 25, 1717. David, the fifth son of Thomas, Jr., b. Apr. 12,
1678; m. Deborah , who d. Oct. 11, 1708, and (2d) Mary Newton;
settled in Westborough, Mass., where he d. June 26, 1750. His son
Jonas, b. Feb- 25, 1718; m. Persis Baker; resided in Westborough, where
he d. Sej)t. 25, 1789. They were the parents of Hannah Brigham, who
m. Rev. Halloway Fish, the second pastor of the Congregational Church
of Marl. David, son of Jonas, b. March 31, 1762 ; m. Lucy Harrington
of Westborough, and resided there. They were the parents of Hannah,
b. 1796, m. Silas Paine of Randolph ; and of Halloway, b. 1801. These
children were adopted by Rev. Halloway Fish, and resided many years in
Marl.
Capt. Samuel Brigham, the youngest son of Thomas, the emigrant, b.
Dec. 11, 1652; m. Elizabeth How, and settled in Marl., Mass. His son
Jedediah, b. June 8, 1693 ; m.. May 18, 1720, Bethiah How, and settled
on the homestead. He d. May 21, 1763. Stephen, son of Jedediah and
Bethiah (How) Brigham, m., Jan. 4, 1757, Betsey, dau. of John and
Dinah Weeks; settled in Princeton, Mass., where he d. in his 90th year.
His son Stephen, b. Aug. 9, 1762 ; m., Feb. 13, 1791, Louisa Howe, b.
May 24, 1768. They resided in Alstead, and had a numerous family,
among whom was Aaron, b. Oct. 20, 1797; m., June 25, 1825, Susan K.
Proctor, and settled on the homestead in Alstead. Li his old age, after,
the death of his wife, he came to Marl, to reside, where he m., May 1,
1867, Mrs. Elvira (Wallingford) Stone, widow of Calvin Stone. He d.
Feb. 16, 1876. His son, Willard P., resides in Marl., and is number 8
in the following register.
Halloway Brigham, son of David and Lncy (Har-
rington) Brigham, was b. in Westborough, Mass., Se]it.
2, 1801. He was named for his uncle, the Rev. Hallo-
way Fish, who adopted him when less than two years
of age, and brought him up as his own son. He resided
on the Fish farm till 1830, when he sold to Luther Wis-
wall, and removed to Northborough, Mass. ; d. Marcli 28,
1869. He m., Aug. 1, 1823, Frances, dau. of Jonathan
Reed, preceptor of an academy in Portland, Me. She
was b. at Portland, Apr. 27, 1805 ; now resides a widow
in Boston.
I. Jane Putnam^ b. Aug. 29, 1824; m., Apr. 15,
1846, Austin Belknap of Westborough, who noAV
resides in Somerville, Mass., and was mayor of
that city in 1875.
430
HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
II. Hannah Farmr, b. March 20, 1827 ; m., A]n-. 15,
1847, Calvin Freneli; resides in East Randolj^h,
Mass.
III. 3Iaria E., b. Sept. 22, 1829; nm.
IV. Lyman 3L, b. Feb. 8, 1836; m., Nov. 22, 1864,
Jennie Moody of Waterbnry, Vt. ; is a trader at
Essex Jnnction, Vt.
V. Cyrus, b. Dec. 27, 1838 ; m., Dec. 6, 1865, Maggie
Evans ; resides in Boston.
VI. Harriet Frances, b. Jan. 1, 1842 ; m., Jan. 1, 1870,
Will E. Brvant ; resides in Boston.
WiLLARD Proctor Brigham, son of Aaron and Susan
K. (Proctor) Brigham, b. in Alstead, Aug. 25, 1835;
m., Feb. 5, 1865, "Mary J., dau. of Lucius and Cynthia
(Clay) Taft of Keene, b. in Putney, Vt., March 14,
1842. He came to Marl, to reside 1866.
9
10
I. Albert W., b. June 17, 1869.
II. £elle F, b. March 31, 1874.
!;i
Kendall Bruce, M.D., was a native of Marl., Mass.,
where he ra., 1787, Rebecca, dau. of Solomon and Mary
(Priest) Barnard, b. Aug. 1, 1769. He Avas in this town
as a practising physician as early as 1793. He resided
on the farm now owned by Ivors L.. Richardson until
1795, when he removed to Washington, this State, where
he practised his profession for several years; then to
Peterborough, and thence to Calais, Vt., where he d.
Jan. 12, 1832, a3. 64. His widow d. at Peterborough,
Sept. 10, 1852. The following record of his family is
taken from Smith's History of Peterborough : —
I. Luther, d. nm.
II. Peter, b. Jan. 30, 1790 ; m., Dec. 27, 1815, Eliza
French ; d. in Peterborough, March 1, 1850.
III. Jerusha, m. Hollis Bruce.
IV. Kendall, m. Nancy Carr; d. in Plainfield, Vt.,
1866.
V. WUliam, m. Lydia Carr; settled in Worcester, Vt.
VI. Louis, d. Oct.*4, 1861, te. 63.
VII. Solomon.
9 VIII. Benard, probably lost at sea.
1 Salmon Buckminster of Roxbury m., Nov. 23, 1826,
j Betsey, dau. of John and Polly (Wright) Converse, who
Id. July 17, 1840; and he in. (2d), March 30, 1841,
I Belinda, dau. of Samuel and Abigail (Merriam) Jones.
! He resided in Marl, till about 1841. He was residing in
j St. Louis, Mo., when last heard from. Children by first
'< wife : —
GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 431
I. George JIarvey, b. July 12, 1827.
II. OrviUe, \>. Jan. 14, 1829.
III. Harriet E., b. May 31, 1831.
IV. Joseph, b. May lU, 1838.
Y. Orman, b. Apr. 23, 1840.
JoHN^ Buss, son of John and Eunice Buss, was b. in
Lancaster, Mass., Jan. 3, 1737 ; m., in Lunenburg, Jan. 1,
1767, Mary Wood. He Avas residing in Fitchburg in
1766, in which year he was chosen to the office of sur-
veyor of hoops and staves, and was also one of the fire
wards of that town for several years. He came to Marl,
in 1778, and settled on the farm still known as the Buss
l)lace, situated east of the Henry T. Wiswall farm. We
find no record ©f his death. His widow d. in 1837, ae. 90.
I. Zephaniah, b. in Fitchburg, Oct. 26, 1767; prob-
ably settled in Vermont.
II. Joh?i, b. in Fitchburg, May 6, 1770; d. about
1794.
III. Mas, b. in Fitchburg, Jan. 20, 1773.
IV. David, b. in Fitchlmrg, Feb., 1775.-f-
V. Daniel, b. in Fitchburg, March 30, 1778.-4-
VI. 3Iary, b. in Marl., July 27, 1781; m., 1804, John
Jones of Dublin; settled in Marlow, Avhere she
d. Dec. 19, 1859.
VII. Pamela, b. in Marl., June 30, 1788; m.. May 8,
1808, Thomas Howard, Jr.; moved to Marlow;
d. Nov. 8, 1857.
VIII. Eunice, b. in Marl., Nov. 23, 1790; m. Ziba
Nason, q.v.
David Buss, son of John, m., Nov. 2, 1803, Anna,
dau. of Samuel and Anna (Gates) Jones of Dublin, b.
Jan., 1779; removed to Marlow in 1808, where he d.
Jan., 1845. His widow d. March, 1854.
I. Mary, b. July, 1804; resides in Alstead.
II. Samuel, b. March, 1806; resides in Marlow.
III. David, b. July, 1808; resides in Acworth.
IV. Eliza Ann, b. July, 1810; resides in Alstead.
V. Eunice A., b. Apr., 1813; resided in Marlow; d.
March, 1876.
VI. Daniel, b. Apr., 1815; resided for many years in
Keene.
VII. Elisha, b. Aug., 1817; resides in Marlow.
VIII. Anna G., b. Jan., 1820; resides in Claremont.
DA>fiEL Buss, son of John, m., Dec. 10, 1806, Tabitha,
dau. of Samuel and Deborah (Sylvester) Sargent; set-
432
HISTORY OF MARLBOHOTJGH.
18
19
(18)
23
27
28
29
(25)
30
tied on the home farm :
Feb. 25, 1857.
d. July 12, 1842. His widow d.
I. Stillman, b. Sept. 14, 1808.+
II. Harriet, b. Aug. 31, 1810 ; d. Jan. 31, 1816.
Stillmax Buss, son of Daniel, m., 1835, Mary W.,
dan. of Charles and Polly (Converse) Holman. He was
one of the leading men in town, and for many years the
proprietor of the grist-mill in Lowellville. He. d. Aug.
31, 1862. His widow now resides at Boston Highlands.
I. Levi H., b. Apr. 22, 1886; d. May 31, 1849.
II. Harriet A., b. May 20, 1841 ; resides in Boston,
um.
III. Emma M., b. Aug. 14, 1855; m. Thomas Sar-
gent ; resides at Boston' Highlands.
JoHX Buss, son of John, Jr., b. Nov. 2-i, 1794; m.,
Nov. 24, 1816, Lovisa, dan. of John and Polly (Wright)
Converse ; settled on the place now owned by Thaddeus
Metcalf, Avhere he d. Aug. 29, 1857. His widow d. Oct.
30, 1876.
I. Harriet, b. Feb. 13, 1818 ; d. Sept. 27, 1819.
11. Charles, b. Sept. 21, 1820.+
III. Fannie, b. Jan. 11, 1822 ; m., May 5, 1846, Ira P.
Smith of Pottersville, who d. Apr. 10, 1877 ;
and she m. (2d), Nov. 27, 1879, Caleb Goodnow;
resides in Keene.
IV. 3Iary L., b. Feb. 15, 1824; m., Nov. 28, 1843,
Caleb GoodnoAV of Sullivan ; d. in Keene, Jan.
30, 1878.
V. Eliza H, b. March 7, 1831 ; m. Thaddeus Met-
calf, q.v.
VI. Lydia M., b. May 13, 1834; m. Albert S. Bigelow,
q.v.
Charles Buss, son of John, m., Feb. 25, 1845, Jane
A., dau. of Allen and Lydia (Knight) Woodward. He
carried on the machinist business in Marl, until 1877,
when he removed to Grand Rapids, Mich., where he
now resides (see Chap. X.).
I. George FranJclin, b. May 30, 1847 ; m., Nov. 3,
1867, Clara E. Weeks; resides at Grand Rapids,
Mich, ; engaged in the machinist business.
1. Waldo Everett, b. in Marl., June 7, 1869.
2. Gertrude Inez, b. in Marl., Oct. 18, 1872.
II. Henry C, b. May 15, 1851 ; m., Sept. 21, 1871,
Sarah R. Bryant; resides in Grand Rapids,
Mich.
GENEALOGICAL KEGISTER. 433
1. Mary Adelle, b. in Marl., Oct. 2, 1872.
2. Lestoii Elbert, 1). in Marl., Nov. 27, 1874.
8. Grace Lillian, b. Jan. 1, 1877.
III. Edwards Far Jc, b. Oct., 11, 1853; m., Feb. 24,
1874, Rebecca E. Hetlierington of Keene ; is a
machinist, in company with his brother George
at Grand Ra])ids, Mich.
IV. WendaU Bawson, b. May 11, 1859.
V. Florence Antoinette, b. Apr. 22, 1864.
(10)
SiMEOiSr Butler came from Bolton, Mass., about 1805.
He was killed, March 1, 1822, by falling from the scaf-
fold in his barn. By wife Lucy, he had the following
children : —
I. Jefferson, b. Feb. 26, 1808.
II. Julia, b. Se])t. 7, 1804; m. Asa Butler, q:\).
III. Lucy, b. Dec. 14, 1806.
IV. Anna, b. A])r. 9, 1809.
V. Simeon, b. Jan, 16, 1814.
VI. Emerson, b. Nov. 18, 1818.
Joseph Butler, a brother of Simeon, b. proljably in
Bolton, Mass., June 2, 1767 ; m. Parna Temple, b. Nov.
22, 1770, d. in Troy, May 22, 1832. He settled first in
Bolton; came to Marl, about 1806, and located in the
south-east part of the town, — now Troy, — and, after
residing there several years, removed to the farm since
owned by Moses Putney ; d. March 28, 1844.
I. Betsey, b. Sept. 28, 1791; m. EliasMann; d. in
Jaffrey.
II. Amos, b. Dec. 13, 1793.+
III. Joseph, b. March 10, 1794; m. Polly Mason of
SAvanzey.
IV. Olive, b. Oct. 11, 1795 ; m. Simon Butler, ^/.u.
V. Ahigail, b. June 3, 1798 ; m. Levi Daggett.
VI. Lucy, b. June 3, 1800; m. Elijah Bemis, who d.
in Trov, 1852.
VII. Asa, b. June 15, 1802.-|-
VIII. Jahez, b. Nov. 14, 1803.+
IX. Levi, b. July 7, 1809; m., Nov. 11, 1827, Saphire
Sargent of Lancaster ; removed to Oxford,
Mass.
Amos Butler, son of Josejih, ni. Mary Sargent, b. in
Lancaster, Mass., Dec. 13, 1801; came to Marl, in 1820,
I where they resided until 1834; subsequently removed to
I Plvmouth, Vt., where lie d. March 19, 1862.
434
HISTOEY OF MARLBOROUGH.
18
19
20
21
22
28
21
2G
I. HampUton Erwln^ b. in Lancaster, May 9, 1817;
m., Dec, 1855, Mary Williams of Reading, Vt.
He was a machinist; d. in Plymouth, Vt., in
1865.
II. Ainos Orson, b. in Troy, Aug. 28, 1818 ; d. in
Shrewsbury, Mass., July 28, 1829.
III. Elmira, b. in Trov, Feb. 16, 1820 ; m., 1840,
Amos W. Dike. She d. in Plymouth, Vt., Dec.
8, 1844.
IV. Cordelia, b. in Marl., Dec. 10, 1822 ; d. in Ply-
mouth, Vt., Doc. 8, 1869.
V. George Appleton, b. in Marl., March 22, 1825; d.
Sept. 28, 1826.
VI. Susan Abif/ail, b. in Marl., Apr. 14, 1827 ; ni,,
Oct. 4, 1854, David Boyd, formerly of Antrim ;
resides in Plymouth, Vt.
VII. /Stephen Merrick, b. in Slirewsburv, Mass., Feb.
21, 1831 ; ni., Oct. 29, 1860, Ellen A. Williams,
who d. Nov., 1874.
VIII. Frederick Austin, b. in Lancaster, Mass., March
11, 1834; m., March 26, 1860, Julia Pollard of
Bridgewater,- Vt. ; is a carpenter ; resides in
Plymouth. He has ;> son who, at four years of
age, weighed one hundred i^ounds, and could
lift as much.
IX. /S. 31. WelMer, b, in Lancaster, Mass., Dec. 27,
1836; resides in Plymouth, Vt.
X. Fitzharkin H., b. in Plymouth, Vt., Feb. 4, 1840;
m., Feb. 4, 1863, Angle Johnson of Plymouth ;
removed to Stratton, Vt., where he Avas or-
dained a Freewill Baptist minister, Dec. 12,
1865.
(15)
28
Asa Butler, son of Jose])h, m., Apr. 2, 1826, Julia,
dan. of Simeon and Lucy Butler ; resides in St. Augus-
tine, 111.
I. Eli IL, b. July 7, 1827 ; resides in Worcester,
Mass.
29 i II. Fannie, b. Apr. 8, 1833 ; m. A. O. Wlieeler of
' Trov; resides in Illinois.
30 III. Manj, b. Aug. 22, 1834 ; m. Nathaniel Bourn of
Richmond; resides in Illinois.
(16) Jarkz Butler, son of Josepli, m. Betsey Bovden of
i Chesterfield. She d., and he m. (2d) Mary A.,\lau. of
Luke and Polly (Whitney) Harris, b. in Troy, Oct. 30,
1813; resides hf Plymouth, Vt. Children by first wife: —
31 , 1. Otis P., resides in Rindge.
GENEALOGICAL BEGISTER. 435
II, (Tason, d. young,
III, Ambrose, served in the U.S. army; since d.
IV. Angie, ni. W. Guild of Shrewsbury, Vt,
V. Omar D., d. in U.S. service.
Sniox BuTLEK, a native of Lancaster, Mass., m.,
March 5, 1817, Olive, dau. of Joseph and Parna (Tem-
ple) Butler ; resided in Marl, and Troy ; d. March 20,
1869. His Avife d. Jan. 8, 1860.
I, Lov ell Parker, b, Nov. 14, 1817; resides in Troy,
um.
II. Simon Oliver, b. March 30, 1819.+
III. Algernon Sidney, h. Sei>t. "23, 1822; m., March 4,
1847, Harriet Goddard of Rindge ; she d. May
22, 1861 ; m. (2d) Mary Darling ; resides in
Jaffrey.
IV. Charles, b. Jan. 25, 1826; m. Sarah P.Haskell,
Avho d. Sept. 13, 1856; and he m. (2d), Nov.
19, 1857, Maria L. Haskell; resides in Wor-
cester, Mass.
V. Ira Melvin Broad, b. Dec. 5, 1829 ; m., Se])t. 25,
1854, Eliza J. White of Fitzwilliani. She d.
Aug. 29, 1867 ; and he ni. (2d), March 29, 1869,
Rebecca Jane Ross of DubUn. She d. May 28,
1873; m. (3d), Aug. 19, 1873, Louisa Wilder
of Winchendon ; resides in Troy.
VI. 3Iary Jane, b. Nov. 9, 1835 ; m. Edward F. Star-
key, who d. ; and she m. (2d) Dickernian.
Simon Oliver Butlee, son of Simon, in., Apr. 12,
1854, Ruth E. Haskell of Oakham, Mass. He moved
from Troy to Marl., March 2, 1858, and resided on the
Bezaleel Baker farm. Apr. 1, 1861, he removed to
Holden, Mass., and thence to Oakham, where he now
resides.
I. Clara P., b. in Troy, June 7, 1856; d. Feb. 8,
1857.
II. Henry A^, b. in Marl., Mav 27, 1S58.
III. Olive Maria, b. in Marl., Dec. 19, 1859.
IV. George S., b, in Oakham, Dec. 4, 1863,
V. Sarah E. N., b. in Oakham, Oct. 5, 1867.
Erasmus Butterfield from Cliestertield came to
Marl. alxHit 1800; m., July 17, 1803, Esther, dau. of
Phillips and Persis (Joslin) Sweetser, He is said to liave
been educated for a lawyer; but, being of indolent
habits, he chose rather to gain a livelihood by otlier
means than his pi'ofession. He d. in Westmoreland,
Dec. 31, 1828.
4:^6
HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
I. Maria, h. in Marl., Oct. 2, 1803.
II. Charles Sweetser,h. in Fitzwilliani, Jan. 6, 18(Ki;
d. March 5, 1808.
III. Harriet, h. in Fitzwilliani, June '28, 1808.
IV. /Sidlt/ Sweetser, h. in Marl., Aug. 20, 1810.
V. fZohn, h. in Kecne, Se]>t. 6, 1812,
VI. Georc/e TFi, b. in Marl., Oct. 8, 1814; m., June 4,
1848, Panielia King. He d. Apr. 29, 1867.
VII. Charles, b. in Marl.,^ March 27, 1816; d. March,
1867.
VIII. Fannie, b. in Marl., Feb. 11, 1820.
IX. Eveline, b. in Marl., March 30, 1825.
Daxiel Buttrick, son of Daniel and Eunice But-
trick, was b. in Winchendon, Jan. 23, 1783 ; m., Dec. 23,
1810, Mary, dau. of AVilliani Knight of FitzAvilliam ;
came to Marl, about 1819, and for several years tended
the toll-gate on the south turnpike. In 1831, he removed
to Troy, where he d. March 31, 1860. His widow d.
Oct. 7, 1879, 03. 90.
I. Eunice, b. Sept. 26, 1811 ; ni. Stillman Wood-
ward, q.v.
11, Edwin, b. June 18, 1813; m., March 31, 1835,
Lucy Wetherbee of Swanzey; resides in Troy;
is a manufacturer of tubs and pails.
III. Daniel, b. Oct. 4, 1814; d. March 25, 1815.
IV. Mary Ann, b. Jan. 11, 1816; m., Xov, 9, 1837,
Alton Blodgett ; resides, a widow, in Fitchluirg.
3Iartha C, b. Jan. 18, 1818; m., Feb. 15,
1837, Osgood Collester, who d. Feb, 28,
1873; and she m, (2d) Lucius Aldrich;
Twins. -^ resides in Fitchburg.
3Iaria IC, b, Jan. 18^1818; m., Feb, 16,
1837, Harrington Sibley of Troy ; re-
sides in Fitchburg,
VII. Lydia ^i?., 1). Feb, 4, 1820; m, Walter Hay ward;
resides in Fitchburo-.
Charles H. Caldwell, b. in Woburn, Mass., ]\Lay 10,
1 1848; m., Feb. 7, 1871, Frances C. Wyman, a native of
j Webster, Me. He removed from Lynn, Mass., to Marl.,
I where he now resides.
l\
I. Alice B., b. in Lynn, Dec. 6, 1871.
II. Lila May, b. in Lynn, Apr. 12, 1874.
CAPRON.
The numerous families in New England bearing the name of Capron,
are the descendants of Banfield Capron, wlio is supposed to have been a
GENEALOGICAL REGISTEK.
487
native of Chester, a large seaport town in the north of England. We
have not learned the precise time of his imniigi-ation to this conntry, but
it was not far from lOUO, when he and three other youths, each about
fourteen years of age, mutually agreed to leave their native land and go
to America. They knew of a ship that was going to New England ; and
the night before it sailed they privately concealed themselves in the hold
of tlie vessel, with a small quantity of provisions to live on a few days.
The vessel sailed the next morning. When they had been to sea a few
days, a strange noise was heard in the hold : the hatchways were opened,
and these four lads came on deck, to the surprise of all the ship's crew.
The captain said he must return with them, for it was against the law
for the captain of a vessel to transport any of the inhabitants of England
to America, except they obtained license to go there. But both of the
mates and all the ship's crew thought it best to proceed, and the captain
finally fell in with their opinion, and brought them all safe to New England.
Soon after young Capron's arrival in this country, a family by the name
of Callender, with whom he was acquainted in England, came over and
settled in Kehoboth, Mass. They are said to have been a very respecta-
ble family, and in affluent circumstances. Young Capron renewed his
acquaintance with them, and afterwards married one of the daughters,
and settled in the adjoining towai of Barrington, where he lived about
twenty years, and then removed to Attleborough, where he resided till his
death, which took place, Aug. 20, 1752, being nearly ninety years old.
He is described as being of medium stature, well built, of a light com-
plexion, blue eyes, and reddish hair. He was thrice married, and had
twelve children, eleven of whom lived to marry and have families :
Banfield, Joseph, Edward, Walter, John, Jonathan, Betsey, Mary, Han-
nah, Margaret, Sarah, and a daughter who died young. Jonathan was
b. March 11, 1705; he m. Rebecca Morse, who d. Aug. 29, 1772. He
was a farmer, and resided with his father at Attleborough.
4
.5
()
7
8
9
10
Jonathan Capeon, second son of Jonathan and Re-
becca (Morse) CapvOn, m. Alice Alden, b. July 12, 1733.
She was a great-granddaughter of Hon. John and
Priscilla (Mullens) Alden, ■who came over in tlie "• May-
flower." He came to Marl, at an early date, and settled
on the farm afterwards owned by Benjamin Whitney.
T. Jonathan.-\-
II. Thankful^ b. June 12, 1762 ; 2>ublislied to Joseph
Fulluni.
III. Marqavet^ b. June IB, 1764 ; m. Levi Porter, q.v.
IV. Waiter, b. Marcli 6, 1766.+
V. CAaHds, b. Feb. 24, 1768.
VI. David, b. Apr. 19, 1770.
VII. John, b. March 2, 1772.
VIII. Putnam, b. Aug. 8, 1774-
IX. Rebecca, b. Aug. 23, 1777.
Jonathan Capron, son of Jonathan, m. Lois Porter,
a sister of Joel and Asa Porter. Settled on the farm
now owned by George A. Porter. His house stood at
the fork of the roads south-easterly of the jiresent build-
ings. He afterwards removed to Troy, where lie worked
438
HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
11
12
18
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22.
(5)
23
24
25
25
27
(24)
28
29
30
(28)
at liis trade — Llacksmitliing — some ten or fifteen years,
and then went to Vermont.
I. Zeruiah, b. Apr. 16, 1781; m. (1st) Amasa Con-
verse, q.v., (2d) Enoeli Wliite, f/.y.
IF. Ell, 1). Jan. 14, 1783.
III. Lois, b. Nov. 17, 1784; ni. Josiah Lio-alls of Fitz-
william ; d. March 20, 1855.
IV. IStephen.
V. Cyrus.
VI. Sarah, m. John Peak.
VII. Alice, m. Shnbael Plympton.
VIII. Hannah, m. Martin.
IX. JVancy.
X. Philinda.
XI. Jonathan.
XII. Patience, m. Cliapin.
Walter Caprox, son of Jonathan and Alice (Ahlen)
Gapron, m. Hannah Hemenway of Framhigham, Mass.,
b. Nov. 20, 1769. He was a blacksmitli, and resided for
many years in the house which formerly stood a little
south of the " okl meeting-house," and since owned by
Nathan E. Wild. In his old age, he removed to Rox-
bury to live with his son, where he d. Jan. 31, 1836.
His widow d. Jan., 1852.
I. Polly, b. Sept. 9, 1791 ; m., Oct. 24, 1810, Joseph
B. Andrews of Jaffrey ; removed to Ohio.
II. Walter, b. July 30, 1795.-}-
III. Curtis, b. July 27, 1797; d. Nov. 30, 1820, um.
IV. Rebecca, b. July 23, 1801 ; d. in Roxbury, Jan. 3,
1849, um.
V. Caroline, b. May 23, 1807; d. Nov. 29, 1807.
Walter Capron, son of Walter, m., March 20, 1822,
Lucy Parker of Keene, b. Apr. 20, 1801. He resided
for many years in Ruxbury, on what is known as the
Capron place. In his old age, he returned to Marl., and
resided on the place now owned by his son Curtis, where
he d. Nov. 22, 1866. His widow d. July 23, 1872.
I. Curtis W., b. in Roxbury, March 8, 1822.-(-
II. Charles W., b. in Roxbury, Feb. 8, 1827.-|-
III. Caroline M., b. in Roxbury, June 30, 1830 ; re-
sides in Marl., um.
Curtis W. Capron, son of Walter, m.. May 7, 1845,
Emeline B., dau. of Levi and Hannah (White)
Thatcher.
GENEALOGICAL KEGISTEK. 439
I. Emma A., b. July 16, 1846; in., March 16, 1865,
Edwin Foc^o-; resides in Concord.
11. Charles E.,^h. Aug. 5, 1848; ni., Nov. 2, 1868,
Emma A. Mabury; resides in Bellows Falls,
Vt.
III. Flora L.,\). June 28, 1852; m., March 16, 1870,
Charles M. Fairbanks.
IV. Jennie A., b. Auo-. 22, 1858; m., Sept. 3, 1878,
Willie A. Russell.
V. Cora M., b. in Springfield, Mass., Jan. 8, 1870.
Chakles W. Capron, son of Walter, m., Nov. 13,
1849, Aurelia H., dan. of Levi and Hannah (White)
Thatcher. Settled on tlie Thatcher farm, Avhere he now
resides.
I. Maria A., b. June 28, 1852; m., Jan. 20,1873,
Henry H. Pease.
1. Charles Henry, b. Sept. 18, 1875.
II. Ellen a, b. Jidy 28, 1857; m., Oct. 23, 1876, Ed-
ward B. Holt."
III. Lizzie M., b. Oct. 12, 1859 ; d. Jan. 11, 1860.
IV. George X., b. May 3, 1866.
Davis Carpexter, son of Willard and Serepta
(Smith) Carpenter, b. in Surry, Oct. 17, 1827 ; m., June
6, 1849, Livonia, dau. of Cai)t. Benjamin and Martha
(Chapin) Ware. He came to Marl, to reside, Sept.,
1876.
I. Martha Adelaide, b. in Surrv, Nov. 17, 1859; m.,
Nov. 3, 1873, William "Swithin of Quincv,
Mass. She d. in Keene, Dec. 3, 1874.
II. Amy 31., b. in Surry, June 13, 1855 ; m., Jan. 19,
1877, Frank L. Adams ; resides in AVinchester.
III. Jlan/ Emma, b. in Surry, Jan., 1857; d, Apr. 12,
1858.
IV. Charles Edward, b. in Surry, Oct. 6, 1859.
V. James Henry, b. in Surry, Aug. 12, 1862; d. in
Keene, June 14, 1865.
VI. Johnie A., b. in Keene, Mav, 1865; d. Sept. 15,
1867.
VII. Ida May, b. in Keene, Se])t. 1, 1S67.
VIII. Arthur Willie, b. in Keene, Dec. 25, 1870;
drowned Julv 25, 1879.
IX. W<dter, b. in "Keene, July 29, 1873 ; d. Sept.,
1872.
Oliver Carter came to Marl, to reside about 1808,
and lived in a small house which formerly stood near
440
HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
9
10
11
(«)
the brick oue since owned by Christopher Totten. Hav-
ing found no record of his family, we have 1)een obliged
torely on the memory of such elderly people as remem-
ber them. By his first wife he had
I. Oliver.
II. J*riscilla.
III. Betsey., m. AndrcAv Allison of Dublin.
IV. Joseph., d. young.
v. I)av\d.-\-
By a second wife, who d, June 9, 1816, he had
VI. Joseph., in., Feb. 9, 1800, Rebecca, dau. of Joseph
and Martha (Adams) Wellington.
VII. Phebe.
VIII. Nctncy.
IX. William, m., Aug. 23, 1812, Mary, dau. of Phillips
and Persis (Joslin) Sweetser.
X. Sally., m. Ezra Emmerson, q.v.
12
Daa^d Carter, M.D., son of Oliver, settled in Marl.
j in 1795 ; m. Betsey, dau. of Samuel and Alice (Wilson)
Twitchell of Dublin, and a sister of the late Dr. Amos
Twitchell of Keene. She was b. in Dublin, Apr. 18,
1773 ; d. Jan. 20, 1853. He removed to Peterboro in
1812, and thence to Dublin in 1820, where he d. Jan. 9,
1828 (see Chap. XH.).
I. Eliza, 1). March 5, 1792 ; d. in Keene, um.
Martix Chase, son of Stickney and Esther M. Chase,
b. in Unity, July 11, 1806; m., June 19, 1832, Betsey,
dau. of Dr. Xathan and Betsey Wright, b. in Washing-
ton, N.H., Oct. 8, 1 808. At* the age of 14 he coni-
menced to serve an a]»])renticeship at the boot and shoe
trade, which business he followed over thirty years.
He resided in Washington from 1830 to 1869, at Avhich
time he came to Marl. During his residence in Wash-
ington, he held the office of town clerk fourteen years,
and was, for a number of years, one of the selectmen,
collector, and treasurer of the town ; he also re])re-
sented that town in the Legislature in 1837, 1839, and
1840 ; was county treasurer two years, and road-com-
missioner for the' County of Sullivan two years. May
12, 1853, he was ai)pointed one of tlie judges of the
Court of Common JPleas, which office he held till the
Court was abolished. He was ai)poiiited justice of the
jieace in 1837, and justice of the peace and quorum
throughout the State in 1853, which office he still
holds'.
GENEALOGICAL REGISTER, 441
I. Helen^ b. in Washington, July 22, 1835 ; uni.
II. Caroline, b. in Washington, Oct. 27, 184(»; ni.,
Nov. 24, 1«(58, George L. F;iirl)anks, b. in
SpringHeld, Vt., Jan. (3, 1840.
Alvix B. Chase, son of Loren and Eliza (Bolton)
Chase, b. in Royalston, Mass., Feb. 7, 188(5; nu, Nov.
22, 1852, Sarah 'Burnett, b. in Wendall, Oct. U5, 1885.
He was a soldier in the war of tlie Uebellion, being a
member of Co. B, 53d Regt., Mass. Vols.; he also
served in the 4th JMass. Heavy Artillery. He came to
Marl, to reside, in the s])rnig of 1876.
I. Sylvanus Eugene, b. in Orange, Mass., Xov. 12,
1858; d. Oct. 12, 1855.
II. Emma Jane, b. in West Fitchburg, June 1, 1856.
III. Adah Florence, b. in West P^itchi»urg, Se])t. 28,
1858; in., Apr. 17, 1878, Edward L. Hardy of
West Harrisville.
IV. Sarah Nellie, b. in Fitcliburg, Jan. 21, 1860 ; m.,
Jan. 28, 1880, George F. Cla).].; resides in Or-
ange, Mass.
V. Effie Estella, b. in Fitcliburg, Oct. 28, 1864.
VI. Cora Mabel, b. in South Keene, May 14, 1867.
VII. Clarence Adoljyhics, b. in South Keene, July 28,
1871.
VIII. Loren Bertie, b. in South Keene, Jan. 23, 1874.
JoHX CiiEEVER, b. in Wrentliain, Mass., 1777 ; m.,
Sept. 24, 1806, Dolly, dan. of Capt. David and Rebecca
(Hoar) Wheeler. In 1808, he removed to NcAvton Up-
per Falls, where he d, in 1855. ■
I. Lyman, b. 1807; m. Lucy Gardner; she d., and
he m. (2d) Charlotte Dening; resides in New-
ton Upper Falls.
II. Elvira, b. 1808; m. Stillinan Twitchell ; resides
in Lowell, Mass.
III. Warren, b. 1810; resides in the West.
IV. Miranda, b. 1812; resides in NeAvton L^pper
Falls.
Stephen Church was in town as early as 1770. He
appears to have been a man of much inHuence in the
township, and was for some time j»ro]>rietor's clerk.
His writing, which is in a fair, boUl hand, shows him to
have been a man of some education. Being a carj»enter
by trade, he was employed to take charge of the framing
and raising of the old meeting-house. The eastern part
of the house now owned by Ivory E. Gates was also
442
HISTORY. OF MARLBOROUGH.
framed by him, and is probably all that remains of his
work in town. He is not mentioned on the town rec-
ords after 1776.
CLAPP.
Thomas Clapp, son of Richard Clapp, was b. in Dorchester, England,
1597. He came to this conntry in a sliip which arrived July 24, 1633,
and settled in Dorchester, Mass. He afterwards resided at Weymouth
and Scituate. At the latter place, he was deacon of the church in 1647.
His wife was Abigail . Their eldest son, Thomas, b. in Wey-
mouth, March 15, 1639 ; m., Xov. 10, 1662, Mary Fisher, and settled in
that part of Dedham afterwards incorporated as AValpole. Joshua, the
third son of Thomas and Mary (Fisher) Clapp, b. in Walpole, 1667 ; m.
Mary, dau. of Jonathan Boyden of Walpole, where he resided till his
death in 1728. Joshua, eldest son of Joshua, b. 1707: d. May 6, 1802.
He m., Dec. 12, 1728, Abigail BuUard, who d. Aug. 12, 1782. Their
eldest son, Joshua, b. Sept. 7, 1729, m. Margaret Guild, and settled in
Walpole, Mass.
Asa Clapp, son of Joshua and Margaret (Guild)
Clap]>, b. in Walpole, Mass., March 26, 1763 ; m., Sept.
16, 1790, Esther Allen, b. in Walpole, Mass., Dec. 16,
1771. He came to Marl, about 1798, and settled in the
north-easterly part of the town, near what is now known
as the "Clapp pond." He d. March 31, 1840; his wife
d. May 29, 1839.
2 I. Allen, b. in Walpole, Mass., Apr. 28, 1794.+
3 II. Asa, b. in Marl., Feb. 11, 1801 ; m.. May 5, 1825.
Delina Bullard, who d. in Walpole, Mass., Nov.
25, 1872. He now resides in Norwood, Mass.
4
5
6
7
8
9
(2)
10
1. Harriet, b. in Roxbury, Mass., July 10,
1827 ; m. Charles Robertson, resides in
Walpole, Mass.
2. Frances, b. Dec. 1, 1829; m. William
Allen ; resided in West Dedham ; d.
about 1860.
3. Asa Elbridge, b. Jime 22, 1834; m. Eliza-
beth Aniiis of Morrill, Me. ; resides in
NorAvood, Mass.
4. George A., b. May 7, 183« ; d. Feb. 24,
1850.
III. Franklin, b. in Marl., June 17, 1805.-1-
IV. Daniel, b. in Marl., July 16, 1810 ; m. Fannie Snell
of Roxbury, Mass.; d. July 31, 1846.
Ali.ex Clapp, son of Asa, m., Feb. 10, 1819, Hannah
NcAVComb of Roxbury; settled on home farm; d. Feb.
9, 1837. His widow d. March 26, 1846.
I, John micconih, b. Nov. 27, 1819; d. Jan. 4, 1834.
GENEALOGICAL REGISTER,
443
11
12
13
14
15
(8)
16
17
18
19
20
21
II. Esther, b. Sept. 1, 1822; m. Matthew Barr; re-
sides in Nashua.
HI. Ltira JV., b. July 8, 1825; m. Edwin Piper of
Nashua; d. 1873.
IV. Zi/dia B., b. March 5, 1828; m., Jan. 1, 1861,
Elbridge Cummings ; resides in Fitzwilliam.
V. SaraJi, b. Nov. 17, 1830; m. Fisher; re-
sides in Manchester.
VI. Allen Netocomh, b. Jan. 2, 1837 ; ni. Josie M.
Mason, dau. of Ashley Mason of Sullivan ; re-
sides in Manchester.
Franklin Clapp, son of Asa, m. Roxannaj dau. of
Archie and Susannah (Jones) Tenney. Settled on that
part of home farm since owned by Abraham Corey. He
d. March 13, 1854. His wife d. Apr. 29, 1853.
I. Sahrina H., b. May 31, 1830; m. (1st) William
Guild, who d. in Worcester, Mass, Sept. 18,
1855; and she m. (2d) William Dort of Keene.
Ti. Charles A., b. Sept. 27, 1831 ; m. Eugenia M.
Smith of Fitzwilliam.
1. George F., b. Dec. 30, 1854; m., Jan. 28,
1880, Sarah Nellie, dan. of Alvin B. and
Sarah (Burnett) Chase ; resides in Or-
ange, Mass.
III. William 3f., b. Dec. 25, 1832; m. Elizabeth, dau.
of Silas and Achsah (Holmaii) McCollester; she
d. May 7, 1864, and he m. (2d), Jan. 9, 1879,
Sarah M. Bryson of AVatsontown, Pa. ; resides
in Keene.
IV. Elmer Augustus, b. Aug. 15, 1835. He went to
California when twenty years of age ; remained
there about three years, aud thence to Chili,
where he m. Damiana Corasco, a Spanish lady.
He has had four children, one of whom, Will-
iam, is now living in Valparaiso.
V. Maria /S., b. July 21, 1839 ; m. Solon W. Stone, q.v.
CLAPJv.
Thomas Clark, from VVrentham, Mass., settled in Fitzwilliam in 1779 ;
d. 1818, at an advanced age. He had seven children. Thomas, the sec-
ond son, m., 1801, Roena Phillips of Richmond ; he d. in Troy, Oct. 1-4,
1856. His wife d. 1S57. Johnathau, youngest son of Thomas Clark of
Fitzwilliam, b. June 3, 1788 ; m., 1812, Mary, dau. of James and Mary
Brewer. He resided in Keene some twelve years, and then removed to
Troy, where he d. Aug. 20, 1850. Asa, eldest son of Johnathan and
Mary (Brewer) Clark, h. Sept. i, 1814 ; m., 1837, Martha Howe of Fitz-
william : resided for many years in Swanzey ; now resides in Oregon
City, Oregon. His son, AVarreii II., resides in Marl., and is nimiber 6
in the following register.
444
HISTOKY OF MARLBOROUGH.
Fuller Clark, son of Thomas and Roena (Phillips)
Clark, b. Oct. 26, 1804; came to Marl, in 1825, and m.,
Feb., 1880, Adaline, dau. of Asa and Eunice (Williams)
Poi-ter; settled on the Porter farm where he still re-
sides. Mrs. Clark d. Feb. 9, 1876.
I. Asa Zovell, b. Aug. 2, 1831 ; d. Dec. 27, 1854; um.
II. Josephine E., b. Dec. 25, 1834; um.
III. Charles Z., b. Feb. 9, 1839; m., Dec. 2, 1863,
Marv E., dau. of George V. R. and Nancy V.
(Webb) Farnum. She d. Apr. 17, 1864 ; and he
m. (2d), Jan. 9, 1868, Ellen L., dau. of John E.
Whitney, b. in Westminster, Mass., Oct. 26,
1847 ; resides in Dublin.
IV. Alfred F., b. March 9, 1845 ; um.
Warren H. Clark, son of Asa and Martha (Howe)
Clark, b. in Fitzwilliam, June 23, 1844; m., Feb. 27,
1870, Fannie M. Wentworth, b. in Holliston, Mass., Oct.
8, 1851.
I. Harry F., b. Sept. 24, 1871.
II. luife E., b. July 27, 1876.
John P. Ci,emons, son of John L. and Joannah
(Richardson) demons, b. in Hiram, Me., Oct. 18, 1850;
came to Marl, to reside in 1872; m., May 29, 1873, Mar-
tha E., dau. of Frederick and Sarah Hannaford, b. at
Cape Elizabeth, Me., June 1, 1853. Is by trade a black-
smith.
I. Lmian, b. Dec. 16, 1874.
11. Uella, b. Jan. 9, 1877.
Andrew Colhurn, probably from Chesterfield, came
into tlie townshi]) about 1770. He seems to have been
an actlA'c business man, and was not long in gaining the
resjK'ct and confidence of the jtroprietors. He was fre-
quently moderator of their meetings, and served on vari-
ous committees for laying out roads, providing ])reach-
ing, etc., etc. At the commencement of the Revolution,
he entered the army, I'ose to the rank of Lieut.-Col., and
was killed at the battle of Stillwater. No record of his
family has been found.
LiEirT. Joseph Collins came to tliis town in 1767.
He is supi>osed to be a descendant of Henry ColUns, who
was b. in England in the year 1606; came to America in
the shi)) "Abigail" of London, 1635, and settled hi that
|)art of Lynn now called Essex St, Joseph was prob-
ably b. inSouthborough, Mass., June 0, 1726; m., May
GENEALOGICAL REGISTER.
445
29, 1749, Eunice Matthews, b. Oct. 10, 1730. He came
from Southborough to Mai'l. on foot, taking with him
three sons, and provisions for a limited time. Tradition
says that each brought a pack on his back of as many
pounds weight as he was years old. He settled first on
the old Shneon Whitcomb place, near the pine woods,
on the old road leading jjast the lower mill of the Marl.
M'f'g Co. He was an enter] )rising man, and probably
did more towards bringing forward the settlement of
the township than any other proprietor. He was aji-
pointed the first Justice of the Peace in town, and held
various town ofiices. He d. July 15, 1798 ; and his
widow m. ('2d) Theophilus Howard, q.v., and d. March
23, 1809.
I. A daughter, b. in Southborough, Dec. 14, 1750 ;
d. in infancy.
II. Lucy, b. in Southborough, Nov. 16, 1751 ; m.
Daniel Emmerson, (j.v.
III. Daniel, b. in Southborough, Apr. 25, 1754 ; d
small-pox, Sejit. 17, 1776.
Samuel, b. in Southborough, Feb. 11, 1757.-|-
OUve, b. in Southborough, March 30, 1759 ;
William Collins, q.v.
Jarih, b. in Southl)orough, June 12, 1761.
A daughter, b. in Southborough, July 27
d. the next day.
Chedelomer, b. in Southborough, July 9,
jiublished to Sarah Severans, Jan 15,
probably settled in Unadilla, X.Y.
Hannah, b. in Southborough, Oct. 20, 1766; m.,
June 1, 17 ''^5, Zacheus Farnsworth of Fitzwill-
iam ; removed to Unadilla, N.Y.
1. Solomon, b. in Marl., Dec. 12, 1785.
2. Elizabeth, b. in Marl., May 21, 1787.
Eunice, b. in Marl., May 20, 174^)9; m. Joseph
Wilson, (j.v.
A daughter, b. in Marl., Apr. 13, 1772; d. in in-
fancv.*
Elijah, b. in Marl., Mav 28, 1776; d. Aug. 23,
1777.
IV.
v.
VI.
VII.
of
1763;
1764;
1785;
Samuel Collins, son of Lieut. Josei)h, m. Lydia
Matthews ; he resided for some time on the Joslin place,
which he sold to William Lincoln in 1792; after which
he settled on the farm lately owned by Henry T. Wis-
wall, where he d. in 1831. His widow d. Jan. 7, 1851.
*Lovina, an adopted dau. of Joseph Collins and Eunice, his wife, was bap-
Aug. 16, 1772.
446
HISTORY OF MARLBOEOrOH.
19
20
21
22
23
24
(17)
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
(24)
32
33
34
35
; (1. Jan. 1, 1 842,
I. Daniel^ —
ir. Artemas, b. June 4, 1788.-|-
[II. Jaii-us B., b. Aj.r. 21, 1794; m., ]\Iay 25, 1823,
Sylvia Gibson. He was a ])hysician, and re-
sided in Londonderry, Vt., where he d. Feb. 3,
1851.
1. Nancy C.
2. Jairns I.
3. Emeline E.
4. Henry H.
IV. Lovina^ ; in.
V. Joseph^ b 1805.-|-
Charles Wilson,
Artemas Collixs, son of Sanmel, ni., Nov. 17, 1818,
Lucy, dau. of William and Olive (Collins) Collins; set-
tled on the farm noAv owned by Ivorv E. Gates, where
he d. Feb. 14, 1863. His widow d. Ang. 3, 187(3.
I. Eunice Almira, b. June 27, 1823; m., Dec. 22,
1840, Sarel Whitcomb, b. in Swanzey, Feb. 27,
1814. She d. Dec. 17, 1857. He now resides
in Westmoreland.
1. Eveline A., b. in Marl., Apr. 24, 1841 ; m.
Charles R. Collins, q.v.
2. Olive -Ann, b. in Marl., Sept. 18, 1843; m.
Ivorv E. Gates, q.v.
3. Ella Viola, b. in Winchester, Dec. 1, 1847;
d. Sept. 25, 1849.
4. William F., b. in Swanzev, June 16, 1850.
5. Ella Viola, b. in Marl., Apr. 15, 1855 ; d.
in Swanzey, June, 18ti8.
6. Lucy Ellen, b. in Winchendon, Aug. 18,
1 8o7 ; m., Sept. 18, 1878, Cliarles Calkins ;
resides in Winchendon.
Joseph Collins, son of Samuel, m., June 18, 1829,
Eunice, dau. of Francis and Lydia (Richardson) Lowell ;
settled on the farm since owned by Henry T. Wiswall,
where he d. Sept. 7, 1840. His wife d. July 23, 1854.
I. Emeline F., b. July 18, 1830; m. Austin G. Par-
menter, q.v.
II. Harriet E.,h. Aug. 26, 1832; m., Jan. 22, 1855,
Alfred Richardson of Keene, by wliom she had
one child.
1. Annie V., b. June 9, 1857.
Mr. Richardson d. Jan. 17, 1862, and she m.
(2d) Henry Raymond of South Braintree, Mass.
III. Charles H., b. June 4, 1835; m., Jan. 24, 1806,
GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 447
Eveline A., dan. of Stirel and Eunice Almira
(Collins) Wlutcomb.
1. Charles B., b. Jan. 21, 1863.
2. Willie D., b. Feb. 21, 1866.
3. Ethel Eunice, b. Sej)!. 15, 1878.
IV. Lucy E., b. Dec. — , 1838 ; d. Sept. 30, 18n6.
V. Mary Z., b. Sept. 5, 1840; m. Edwin B. Mat-
thews, q.v.
William Colltxs, son of Mark and Sarah Collins,
and a ne})hew of Lieut. Josejih, 1). in Southborough,
Mass., Feb. 24, 1762; m., Feb. 13, 1783, Olive, dau. of
Lieut. Joseph and Eunice (Matthews) Collins ; settled
on the farm since owned by his grandson, Asahel
Collins, where he d. Apr. 15, 1809. His widow d. Oct.
28, 1814.
I. Elijah, b. Dec. 28, 1784.-|-
II. SUas, b. Dec. 26, 1786.+
III. Eunice, b. Oct. 9, 1788; m., Jan. 27, 1814, Martin
rienienway; settled in Unadilla, N.Y. ; she d.
Feb. 28, 1868.
IV. Lucif, b. Oct. 13, 1790; m. Arteinas Collins, q.v.
V. Asakel, b. Jan. 22, 1702; d. March 25, 1792.
VI. Sarah,h. Feb. 17, 1794; in., Jan. 12, 1815, Luther
Pond; removed to the State of New York,
where she d. June 16, 1843.
VII. Olive, b. Oct. 27, 1800; d. Sept. 26, 1805.
Eli.iah CoLLixs, son of William, m., March 9, 1808,
Rlioda, dau. of Jonathan and Chloe (Wilson) Wheeler
of Keene, b. June 16, 1791 ; settled on the home farm.
He d. Feb. 13, 1847, and his widoAv d. Nov. 28, 1870.
I. Hiram, b. Aug. 7, 1813.+
II. Elisha, b. Oct. 29, 1820 ; m., Dec. 20, 1846, Abby
Robbins ; resides in Chester, Vt.
1. Charles E., b. July 17, 1849; m., June,
1871, Julia M. Hemenway, b. June 26,
1852 ; he d. June 27, 1874.
2. Clinton A., b. Nov. 2, 1852; d. March 17,
1854.
3. Flora A., b. June 30, 1856; d. Aug. 9,
1858.
4. Cora L., b. Feb. 17, 1858; d. Nov. 7, 1860.
III. Sumn, b. Feb. 1, 1824; m.. May 1, 1845, Frank-
lin Wheeler ; resides in Acton, Mass.
448
HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
(43)
56
57
58
59
60
61
(49)
62
63
64
(58)
65
66
67
68
(59)
Silas Collins, son of William, m., Jan. 10, 1808,
Nabhy, dan. of Oliver and Lois (Johnson) Wright ; set-
tled on the westerly- part of home farm ; d. Feb. 22,
1868 ; his wife d. Nov. 15, 1806.
1. Asahel, b. Feb. 27, 1809 ; m., Apr. 22, 1841, Mrs.
Caroline (Woodward) Cudworth, widow of
LeAvis CudAVorth.
1. Infant son, b. Feb. 22, 1856; d. Feb. 24,
1856.
II. Jedediah Tayntor, b. Jan. 2, ISll.-f
III. Jairus, b. Apr. 13, 1816.+
IV. Lois, b. Oct. 30, 1824; m. (1st) Jonathan Bemis,
q.v. ; he d., and she m. (2d) David Martin of
Richmond ; she d. July 22, 1856.
V. William, b. July 31, 1827.+
HiRAM Collins, son of Elijah, m., Feb. 10, 1841, Mrs.
Maria (Stone) Bailey, widow of Almon Bailey ; she d.
Jan. 21, 1873, and he m. (2d), Nov. 18, 1875, Lavinia A.
Thompson of Framingham, Mass. Children by first wife.
I. Julia B. r., b. Aug. 12, 1842 ; m., Oct. 11, 1866,
Walter Clissold ; resides in Worcester, Mass.
II. Ferley Elijah, b. Feb. 26, 1844;, m., Sei)t. 15,
1868, Lizzie Locke, dau. of W. D. Locke of
New Ipswich ; resides at Great Bend, Kansas.
1. Laura Whittemore, b. Aug. 20, 1869.
Jedediah T. Collins, son of Silas, m.. May 9, 1842,
Martha, dau. of John and Annie (Lewis) Sargent ; he d.
Nov. 28, 1877.
I. iTe^um ^., b. March 20, 1843; m., Oct. 11, 1864,
Emily E. Webber of Fitchburg; d. May 25,
1867.
1. Minnie Maria, b. Sept. 29, 1865 ; d. Apr.
29, 1868.
2. Annie, b. Feb. 19, 1867.
II. Maria Z., b. Jan. 17, 1848; m. George G.
Davis, q.v.
Jairus Collins, son of Silas, m., Aug. 30, 1842,
Elmira, dau. of Joshua and Susannah (Babcock) Flint of
Roxbury, b. in Dublin, Feb. 16, 1820. lu early life he
fitted himself for school-teaching by attending academies
in Jaffrey and Keene. In the winter of 1835 he taught
his first school, in Swanzey, and since that time has
taught nearly thirty terms in Marl, and vicinity. By
GENEALOGICAL EEGISTER. 449
diligence, fidelity, and unswerving integrity, Mr. Collins
has won the confidence of those with Avhom he has had
interconrse and dealings. Tlie esteem of his felloAV-citi-
zens has been manifested in their selection of him to fill
the various oflices of honor and trust in the town, as
clerk, selectman, member and chairman of the school-
commitee. He also re]n-esented the toAvn in the Legislat-
ure two years. He has held the ofiice of Justice of the
Peace since 1850. His services in Avriting wills and
other legal documents, and settling estates, are fre-
quently called into requisition, and he has probably done
more Probate business than any other man in town.
Possessed of excellent judgment, he has never engaged
in hazardous speculations, but confined himself to the
legitimate operations of his vocation. By personal ai>pli-
cation to business, perseverance, and economy, he has
acquired for the evening of life a competent estate.
I. Clinton, b. May 29, 1858.
n. Lester, b. Apr. 24, 1863; d. Apr. 26, 1863.
William Collins, son of Silas, m., Sept. 7, 1848,
Lucretia J., dau. of Joseph and Nancy (Lincoln) Wood-
ward.
1. Ellen 31., b. Feb. 7, 1851 ; m. Martin Gay ; re-
sides in Acworth.
II. Flora Z., b. Jan. 12, 1854; resides in Springfield,
Mass., um.
in. Eddie W., b. Aug. 10, 1856.
IV. Frederick E., b. Jan. 15, 1858 ; d. Feb. 17, 1858.
V. Jennie A., b. Jan. 3, 1860 ; m., Oct, 18, 1874,
DuTee Knight.
1. Jennie Maud, b. in Swanzey, Aug. 30,
1876.
2. Infant son, b. in Marl., Sept. 1, 1880.
VI. Hattie S., b. June 21, 1862 ;.m., March 22, 1879,
William A. Booth.
VII. Martin T., b. Dec. 15, 1867 ; d. June 24, 1870.
VIII. Jessie 31., b. Feb. 7, 1870 ; d. Aug. 10, 1870.
IX. Frankie W., b. Apr. 30, 1871.
X. Katy Bell, b. Feb. 6, 1874.
William P. Qo^a^t, b. in Topsfield, Mass., July 22,
1831 ; m., Sept., 1865, Alice L., dau. of David S. and
Marinda M. (Creed) Derby. He was a member of Co. A,
23d Reg. Mass. Vols. Soon after the close of the Avar
he came to Marl., where he now resides.
I. Johnie Wxlliani Rider, b. June 29, 1866.
II. Herbert Chaplin, b. May 9, 1873.
m. JSr. Eulena, b. Feb. 25, 1878.
450
HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
(4)
Robert Converse was in town as early as 1776. He
settled on the farm known as the Converse place ; his
house was situated above S. H. McCollester's farm, and
on the westerly side of the road leading to the John
Wiswall place. He m., 1762, Sarah Newton, who d.
Sept. 17, 1820, SB. 75.
I. Dinah, b. Sept. 29, 1762; m. Daniel Wood-
Avard, q.v.
11. Jonas, b. Oct. 6, 1764; d. Apr. 29, 1778; was
killed by the fall of a tree.
III. John, b. Feb. 21, 1767.+
IV. Rahby, b. July 21, 1769 ; m., Nov. 13, 1799, James
White ; settled in Boston ; d, Sept. 28, 1803.
V. Sally, b. Jan. 15, 1772 ; m. Ebenezer Rhodes,
Jr., q.v.
VI. Robert, b. Apr. 14, 1774; m. Ednah Hale; d.
Sept. 19, 1848.
VII. Uriah, b. Nov. 22, 1776 ; d. Aug. 1, 1778.
VIII. Luther, b. Apr. 23, 1779 ; d. Jan. 20, 1780.
IX. Aniasa, b. March 1, 1782.-}-
X. Lovisa, b. July 15, 1784 ; d. July 19, 1786.
John Coj^verse, son of Robert, m,, Dec. 10, 1789,
Polly, dau. of Oliver and Lois (Johnson) Wright ; she d.
Sept. 16, 1814, and he m. (2d) Mrs. Betsey Brabrook, a
sister of his first wife. He d. Sept. 22, 1849, and his
widow d. Feb. 11, 1866. He was a carpenter, a good
workman, a great thinker, and possessed a retentive
memory. Although he never had the advantages of a
school education, and no knowledge of figures, he could
mentally solve difficult problems quicker than most peo-
ple could perform them on a slate. He settled on the
farm now owned by Rev. S. H. McCollester.
I. Polly, b. July 25, 1791 ; m. Charles Holman, q.v.
II. Lovisa, b. June 9, 1794; m. John Buss, q.v.
III. John Gihnan, b. Nov. 22, 1802; d. in Wilkes-
barre, Pa., Sept., 1872,
IV. Betsey, b. Aug. 20, 1806; m. Salmon Buckmin-
ster, q.v.
V. mison, b. Oct. 10, 1810.+
(10) Amasa Converse, son of Robert, m., March 15, 1802,
I Zeuriah, dau. of Jonathan and Lois (Porter) Capron ;
settled on the home farm, where he d. 1813. His widow
m. Enoch White, q.v., and d. March 23, 1862.
17 I. Esther, b. Nov. 19, 1802; m. Windsor Gates, q.v.
18 II. Abigail, b. Oct. 2, 1804; m., Feb. 28, 1827, Si-
mon Fosket of Westminster, Mass.
GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 451
III. Ira, b. Aug. 9, 1806.
IV. Luther, b. Feb. 22, 1809.+
V. Willard, b. May 27, 1811. +
VI. Arvilla, b. Apr. 25, 1814; m. Lorenzo White, q.v.
Nelson Converse, son of John, m., Sept. 10, 1829,
Sally M., dau. of William and Sally (Merriam) Jones.
She d. Nov. 9, 1872, and he m. (2d), Jan. 16, 1873,
Mrs. Fannie M. Everett. His mother dying when he
was bnt four years of age, he was placed in the
family of his sister, Mrs. Charles Holman, where he
remained until grown to manhood. Soon after his mar-
riage, which occurred at the early age of nineteen, he
moved to the town of Newport in the northern part of
Vermont, and located on a farm. After residing there
two years, he returned to Marl., and engaged in the mill-
business in company with his brother Gilman. Losing
their mill by fire, soon after commencing business, the
Colonel then turned his attention to boot-making for a
short time ; but, finding that the business returned but a
moderate income for the labor performed, he soon gave
it up, and became interested in the manufacture and sale
of trusses and supporters, which business he continued
until the completion of the Cheshire Railroad, when he
was appointed station agent at the Marl, station. Sub-
sequently he was transferred to the station at Bellows
Falls. After an experience there sufticient to satisfy him
that it was not a desirable position for him to occupy,
he resigned it, and returned to Marl., and purchased the
residence in the village, which he now occupies. He then
engaged in the stone-quarrying business, which he con-
tinued on his own account, and as agent for others, for
many years ; in the mean time jnirchasing and improving
considerable real estate.
Being a person of an active and sanguine tempera-
ment in his early life, he naturally took the lead in all
enterprises of a public character. His military career
commenced at the age of sixteen. In 1838, through his
instrumentality ])robably more than that of any other
individual, the Marl. Cadet Company Avas organized,
u^niformed, and equii)})ed. He soon became its com-
mander, and from thence rose to the command of the
12th Regiment of the N.H. Militia. Re-entering the
ranks again, he attained the i)Osition of Major-General
of the 3d Division of the N.H. State Militia.
Soon after the breaking out of the Rebellion in the
spring of 1861, he commenced a weekly military drill of
all citizens of the town who chose to assemble for that
purpose,' thus preparing them for the duties of actual
452
HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
service, in case they were called for. In the autumn of
that year, he was appointed Colonel of the 6th Regiment
of N.H. Yohmteers. The regiment was organized at
Keene, and left there in December for Washington, and
from there was sent to Cape Hatteras. In consequence
of severe and chronic indisposition, he was obliged to
relinquish the active duties of the field ; and, instead of
asking for a furlough and continuing under pay from
tlie government, he adoj^ted the less selfish course, and
resigned his commission at once.
In civil public office, the Colonel has officiated as
moderator in town meetings for many years, has held
the office of selectman for three years, declining to serve
again when afterwards elected, represented the town in
! the Legislature two years, was County Commissioner for
I three years, and one of tlie building committee for erect-
j ing the present court liouse at Keene. He has also held
' the office of Deputy Sheriff for six years, and was twice
.'unanimously nominated by tlie county delegation for
the office of Sheriff of the County, but declined accept-
i ing it, and has held a Justice of the Peace commis-
' sion for over twenty yeai's. In all these positions his
I record has been an honorable one to himself, and credit-
j able to the town.,
I As a citizen and neighbor, his sympathies are always
j active for those in trouble, and, consequently, his counsel
j and advice are ofteuer solicited, perhaps, than those of
I any other individual in town.
j I. Levi N., b. Apr. 30, 1830 ; d. in Louisville, Ky.,
! Oct. 3, 1870.
I II. Sarah J/., b. Aug. 13, 1834 ; d. Apr. 26, 1853.
: III. John William, b. July 3, 1848; m. Clara Wheeler
j of Mason. She d., and he m. (2d) Mrs. Georg-
ianna Huckins. He is a lawyer, and resides in
Boston (see Chap. XIII.).
(20) j Luther Converse, son of Amasa, m. Sophia, dau. of
Thomas and Rebecca (Metcalf) White; he d. May 18,
1843; his widow m. Samuel Blodgett, and d. Feb. 5,
1873.
I. Louisa, ; m., July 16, 1848, Bradley E.
Olmstead of St. Albans, Yt.; resides in Iowa.
[I. Henry Miles, b. Feb. 22, 1832; m., Sept. 5, 1854,
Rectina Louisa Ryder, b. at Hartley, Canada
East, June 26, 1837. He now resides in Canada.
1. Sophia, b. July 31, 1855.
2. William Luther, b. in Keene, Aug. 18,
1858.
GENEALOGICAL REGISTER.
453
30
31
32
33
34
(21)
35
36
37
39
40
41
3. Harriet L., b. in Orford, Sept. 5, 1860.
4. E. Louisa, b. in Orford, Apr. 28, 1862.
5. Wesley Miles, b. in Springfield, Mass.,
May 22, 1864.
HI. Amasa^ b. , 1837 ; d. June 16, 1842.
IV. Wesley, ■. — ; removed to the West.
WiLLARD Converse, son of Amasa, ni. Hannah Ellis
of Grafton, Mass. She d. Jan. 9, 1837.
I. Stillman Amos, b. Jan. 24, 1832.
II. Zerxiiah Lucretia, b. July 6, 1834.
III. WUlard Amasa, b. Dec. 28, 1836; d. Oct. 28,
1837.
Mr. Converse m. (2d), Apr. 13, 1837, Hannah, dau.
of Enoch and Hannah (Hale) White. She d. in 1851,
and he ra. (3d) Mary, dau. of William and Mary (Sweet-
ser) Carter, and settled in New Oregon, Iowa. Children
by second wife b. in Marl.
IV. Willard Enoch, b. Dec. 2, 1840.
V. Samuel Ambrose, b. Jan. 3, 1843.
VI. Cynthia Ahhy, b. Feb. 5, 1845.
VII. George Washington, b. Dec. 17, 1847.
COOLIDGE.
The ancestor of the Coolidge family in this country was John Cool-
idge, who was one of the earliest proprietoi'S of Watertown, Mass., in
1636-7. His eldest son, John, who was probably b. in England, m., Nov.
14, 1655, Hannah Livermore. His third son, John, b. Feb. 19, 1662, set-
tled in Sherburne. He was a carjienter by trade, and was a soldier in
King Phillip's war. Isaac, eldest son of John last named, b. Apr. 21,
1685 ; m., Aj>r. 26, 1710, Hannah, dau. of Capt. Joseph Morse of Sher-
burne. John, the eldest son of Isaac, b. June 21, 1714; m. Annie, who
d. Jan. 18, 1782. They were the parents of Samuel, who is ni;mbered 1
in the following register.
Joseph, another son of Isaac, b. Apr. 22, 1726 ; m., Jan. 26, 1746, Eliza-
beth Frost. They had twelve children, among whom were Abraham and
Hezekiah, who settled in this town, and are numbered 7 and 15, respec-
tively, in the following register.
Samuel Coolidge, son of John and Annie Coolidge,
was b. in Sherburne, Aug. 18, 1753. His wife was Han-
nah . They settled first in Sherburne, where his
two eldest children were born. The family resided for
many years in Marl., but no record has been found of
their death or removal from town.
I. Rebecca, b. March 1, 1779; m. (1st) Reuben
Ward, q.v., and (2d) John Stone, q.v.
3 II. Lawson, b. Apr. 4, 1782; d. May 26, 1806.
4 in. Persis, ; d. um.
454
HISTOKY OF MARLBOKOUGH.
18
IV. Curtis ; removed to St. Louis.
V. Henry ; d. in Keene.
Abraham Coolidge, son of Joseph and Elizabeth
(Frost) Coolidge, was b. in Sherburne, Jan. 1, 1764.
In company Avith his brother, Hezekiah, he came to
Marl, in 1787, and ]n;rchased of Reuben Ward one hun-
dred acres of land, lying in the soutli j)art of the town,
in what is now Troy. They resided together for several
years, and then divided the farm. Abraham afterwards
resided in various localities in town. He was quite an
active man, and during the early part of his life traded
considerably in cattle and sheep, which he disposed of
in Brighton market. He d. Jiily 26, 1843. His wife,
whose name we have not learned, d. Oct. 8, 1836.
I. Barak, b. Dec. 30, 1789; m. Nancy Harris; d.
March, 1851.
II. Asher, b. Aixg. 8, 1791 ; m. Olive Starkey ; d.
Nov. 15, 1837.
HI. Dorcas, b. May 24, 1794 ; m. Charles Farrar ; re-
moved to the West, Avhere she d. May 29, 1855.
IV. Orlando, b. Jan. 14, 1796; m. (1st)' C. Rock-
wood ; she d. and he m. (2d) Mrs. Louisa
(Woodw^ard) Eaton ; removed to Keene.
V, Oscar, b. July 22, 1698; m. Lovina Rockwood;
removed ta Chesterfield.
VI. Cosby, h. June 11, 1800; m. Moses F. Perkins;
removed to Jaffrey.
VII. Charles, b. March 28, 1804; m. Sarah Carpenter;
resides m Troy.
Hezekiah Coolidge, brother of Abraham, was b. in
Sherburne, Feb. 13, 1766. His wife was Esther .
He continued to reside in Marl, till the fall of 1805, Avhen,
on his way to Swanzey with an ox team after a load of
cider, he fell from the cart-tongue ui»on which he was
riding and one wheel passed over his head killing him
instantly. His widow m. Jonathan Frost, q.v.
I. Harriet, b. Jan. 6, 1792 ; in. Asa Frost, q.v.
II. miiot, b. Dec. 8, 1794; m. Jan. 22, 1818, Nancy,
dau. of Levi and Hannah (Brigham) Gates ; re-
moved to Canada.
III. Harloio, b. Oct. 21, 1698 ; d. young.
Jedediah CoorEE was a native of Westminster,
Mass., and the son of Jedediah. Of his ancestry we
have learned but little, except that liis mother was b. of
Dutch parents while on their way from Holland to this
GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 455
country. His father purchased the Thurston farm, —
Avhich is now known as the Cooper place, — on the old
road leading from Marl, to Pottersville, and gave it to
him and his brother Henry. After residing here many
years, he removed to Winchester, whei-e he engaged in
store-keeping, and thence to Swanzey, where he d. um.
Hexry Cooper, brother of Jedediah, resided in town
for several years, and then removed to Swanzey, where
he d. ixm.
1 Nathaniel Corbiis-, from Chesterfield, settled in
town about 1804, on the farm now owned by the widow
of Dea. Augustus Smith. After a residence here of a
few years, he returned to Chesterfield.
2 I. Arethusa, ; m. Stephen Hodgkins.
3 II. Joseph Saioyer, b. in Chesterfield, Oct. 4, 1776 ;
m., Oct. 5, 1815, Lydia, dau. of Hezekiah and
Lvdia (Cummings) Hodgkins. She d., and he
ni. (:2d), Feb. 22, 1822, Sally, dau. of Thaddeus
and Ruth (Tower) Parmenter; removed to
Rochester, N.Y., where she d. Dec. 19, 1826.
He d. Sept., 1869.
1. Josei»h, b. Dec. 19, 1822 ; resides in Roch-
ester, N.Y.
1 Abraham Corey, b. in Richmond, May 10, 1798 ; m.,
June 1, 1824, Hannah W. Perkins, b. in Jaffrey, Nov.
26, 1806. After residhig in Fitzwilliam, Jaffrey, and
Troy, he came to Marl., where he now resides. For sev-
eral years he resided on the Franklin Clapp place, where
he had tlie misfortune to lose his house by fire. May 1,
1870, since which time he has resided with his son,
Edward C, on the Sawyer place.
2 I. Louisa A., b. in Fitzwilliam, March 8, 1826 ; m.,
1847, Henry S. Applin of Swanzey; he d., and
she m. (2d) Wesson Applin; resides in Swan-
zey.
3 j II. Phehe E., b. in Jaffrey, Jan. 31, 1828; m., March
I 30, 1852, Charles Hunt of Swanzey ; resides in
j Peru, Vt.
4 I III. Mary Jane., b, in Troy, June 21, 1830 ; m., Oct. 5,
j 1852, George Perkins of Jaffrey; resides in
! Newport, R.I.
5 i IV. Edward Claris, b. in Fitzwilliam, Dec. 8, 1831.+
6 j V. Cynthia, b. in Jaffrey, Dec. 20, 1834; m., Oct. 11,
j 1853, John Kimball of Troy; resides in Winch-
I eudon.
456
HISTORY OF MABLBOROUGH.
10
11
(5)
12
13
14
(7)
VI. Amos X,, b. in Fitzwilliam, Aug. 1, 1837.-}-
vn. Alfred G., h. in Fitzwilliam, Apr. 13, 1840 ; d.
Sept. 2-J, 1870.
VIII. Francis A., h. in Trov, Feb. 9, 1843; m., March
16, 1871, Rebecca Dondes of Canton, Ohio.
She d., and he m. (2d), Apr. 20, 1874, Nellie
Medill of Canton, where he now resides.
IX. Clara A., b. in Troy, July 3, 1845 ; m. Joel S.
Knight, q.v.
X. ITenri/ C, b. in Marl., May 22, 1848 ; d. Aug. 23,
1852.
Edward Claek Corey, son of Abraham, jn., K
27, 1860, Mary A. Davis of Springfield, Vt., b.
Chester, Vt., March 4, 1836
ov.
in
I. Florence M, b. in Jaffrey, Sept. 7, 1861 ; d. Nov.
27, 1863.
II. Jlenry C, b. in Dublin, Oct. 8, 1863.
III. Emma Z, b. in Marl., May 7, 1872; d. June 15,
1872.
Amos L. Corey, son of Abraham, m., Feb. 13, 18<i3,
Ellen Sperry of Cavendish, Vt. He is a carpenter by
trade, and has also been a successful teacher of penman-
ship. He resided in town for several years, and then re-
moved to Swanzey, where he now resides.
I. Clara Adella, b. in Cavendish, Vt., Dec. 8, 1863.
II. Charles X., b. in Marl., Sept. 24, 1866.
III. Marij I., b. in Marl., May 30, 1869.
IV. Byron, b. in Marl., Sept. 28, 1871.
EzEKiEL CuDWORTH, b. in Greenfield, N.H., March
14, 1784; m. Lydia Lewis, b. Feb. 17, 1783. He
came to Marl, about 1817, and resided for some time
in the house south of the Common, since OAvned by
Squire Wild. He afterwards lived in the Wright house, so
called, a feAV rods south of the "William Tenney place. He
was a blacksmith, and worked in a shop which formerly
stood at the fork of the roads, a few rods south of the
last-mentioned place, hence the name " Cud's Corner."
He removed to Rindge about 1843, where he d. Sept. 15,
1866. His widow d. Jan. 5, 1869.
I. Zewis, b. Jan. 15, 1814; m., Sept. 28, 1837, Caro-
line, dan. of Jonas and Phebe (Parmenter)
Woodward; he d. Aug. 16, 1839, and his
widow m. Asahel Collins, q.v.
II. Emery, b. Aug. 2, 1815.-|-
III. Timothy, b. Sept. 6, 1818; m., Dec. 23, 1841,
GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 457
Ruth S., flau. of Aaron and Knth (Metcalf)
Sawtelle ; resides in liind^'e.
Ezeldel, b. Aug. 8, 1820; m., Apr. 3, 1844, A ch-
sali, dau. of Reuben and Beatrice (Beard) Tar-
bell ; resided in Rindge until 1872, when he re-
moved to Littleton, N.H., where he is en-
gaged in the lumber business. While in
Rindge, he was selectman three years, and held
other local offices.
3£oses, b, Apr. 27, 1827 ; m. Lavilla Moore, who
d. Jan. 5, 1855, and he m. (2d) Mary A., dau. of
Josei)h Kendall of Troy, b. Dec. 23, 1831 ; re-
sides in Rindo-e.
Emery Cud worth, son of Ezekiel, m., Oct. 8, 1837,
Eliza, dau. of Aaron and Annie (Pratt) (Lawrence) Willard ;
she d. July 31, 1850, and he m. (2d) Roxana Farwell of
Nelson, b. June 11, 1817. He resided for several years
on the Calvin Tenney place, where he d. Jan. 17, 1861.
I. Miles F., b. Sept. 3, 1852; m., Nov. 30, 1876,
Harriet L., dau. of George A. and Elizabeth V.
(Hartshorn) Lovering.
Rev. Joseph Cummings was b. in Topsfield, Mass., Jan.
7, 1746. But little is known of his history, except that
he graduated at Harvard University in 1768, after
which he taught school for a short time, and studied
divinity in his native town. He came to Marl, in 1778,
preached for a short time as a candidate, and iinally ac-
cepted a call to become the first settled 2J''^f^tor of the
Congregational Church .(see Ecclesiastical History).
At the close of his labors here, he returned to Topstie'ld,
and soon after went to Ohio as land agent for a com-
pany in Mass. While on his way home, he was taken
suddenly ill, returned to Marl, to the house of his
brother Amos, where he d. Sept. 24, 1788. He Avas bur-
ied in the cemetery near the old meeting-house, a few
feet from the wall, at the right of the gate. A white
marble stone Avas erected to mark the spot ; but this
mysteriously disappeared a few years since. His wife
was Anna Gove.
I. Charles, b. Se])t. 23, 1777. -f-
II. Mary, b. Aug. 31, 1779; m. Jacob Batchcller;
descendants live in Lynn, Mass.
III. Ci/rifs, b. July 30, 1782; m. Susan Wilder; set-
'tled in Topsfield, Mass.
IV. ( Cynthia, b. Apr. 5, 1785 ; m. Shnon Lane
Twins. •^ of Sanbornton, N.H.
V. ( Sarn.ud, Apr. 5, 1785; d. iit the age of 17.
458
HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
(2)
18
VI. Sophia; m. Josejih Sperry of Portsmouth, where
they settled.
Charles Cummings (known as Elder Cummmgs),
son of Rev. Joseph, m., Oct. 9, 1798, Polly, dnu. of Dea.
Elias and Molly (Patterson) Hemenway (see Chap.
XIII.). He d. Dec. 27, 1849. His widow d. Jnly 8,
1857. '
J. Charles, b. June 28, 1799 ; m. (1st) Lydia Higby
of Alstead; ni. (2d) Ruth Smart; settled in
West Windsor, Ohio ; d. Dec. 7, 1870.
II. Elias Fatterson, b. Apr. 18, 1802 ; d. Apr. 12,
1813.
III. Mary, b. Aug. 22, 1807 ; m. Luke Hemenway.
She now resides in Florence, Italy.
IV. Joseph Elliot, b. June 15, 1811 ; m. Daphne
Wright of Washington, N.H. ; settled in Lex-
ington, Mich., Avhere he d. June 26, 1855.
V. Enoch Patterson, b. March 28, 1815 ; m. (1st)
Dolly Pillsbury of Sutton ; m. (2d) Mary Rus-
sell of Sutton ; resides in Concord.
VI. Cyrus, b. Sept. 5, 1817 ; m. Harriet Condon ; re-
sides in Charlotte, Mich.
VII. Anna Gove, b. in Sullivan, Nov. 22, 1820; m.
Elijah Boyden, q.v.
Amos Cummii^gs, a brother of Rev. Joseph, was b. in
To])sfield, Mass., Dec. 15, 1765. He came to Marl, in the
spring of 1782, and purchased a lot of wild land in the
north part of the tOAvn, still known as the Cummings
])lace. In the autumn, young Cummings, having experi-
enced something of the hardshi]>s and privations of the
pioneer-life, returned to Topsfield. The April following,
on his return to Marl., he was obliged to travel on snow-
shoes, guided by trees marked by him the autumn before.
He m., 1785, Mercy KnoAAdton of Beverly, Mass., b. May
16, 1761, d. June 21, 1819. Mr. Cummhigs was a
strong man, ])ossessed of an iron constitution and great
powers of endurance. He was a good neighbor, a con-
scientious Christian, and cL Aug. 8, 1843.
I. Betsey, b. Oct. 4, 1785 ; in. Luther Hemenway, </.«.
II. Amos, b. Nov. 1, 1792 ; m., Jan. 21, 1817, Nancy,
dau. of Thaddeus and Asenath (Rice) Hastings;
settled on the home farm. Late in life, he re-
moved to the village to the stone house since
owned by Samuel Allison, Avhere he d. Aug. 28,
1862. I-iis Avidow d. July 2, 1866.
1, Eliza, b. Dec. 15, 1.817 ; m., Mav 15, 1839,
GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 459
Charles Sturtevant of Keene ; d. Auo-.
5, 1876.
2. Nancy, b. A])!-. 4, 1821 ; m., July 13, 1847,
Frederick M. Ballon of Blackstone,
Mass. ; resides in Providence, R.I.
3. Elbridge, b. Aug. 6, 1827; m., Jan. 1,
1801,'Lydia B., dan. of Allen and Han-
nah (Newcomb) Clapp. He is ])0stmas-
ter and station-agent at Fitzwilliani De-
pot ; he also represented that town in
the Legislature in 1879.
4. E. Jennie, b. Aug. 12, 1831 ; ni., Dec, 26,
1860, J. Reynolds Beal of Keene, cashier
of Keene Nat. Bank.
5. Maria, b. Feb. 3, 1834; resides in Keene,
um.
Pel ATI AH CuMMiXGS, another brother of Rev. Jose])]!,
purchased of the latter in 1786 the farm since known as
the Cumniings tavern place, a few rods south of the old
meeting-house, where he d. in 1803. His widow d. May
1, 1808. His children were all born in Topsfield, Mass.
I. John, b. July 12, 1755 ; m., and settled in Barn-
ard, Vt.
II. Pelatiah, b. March 6, 1758.
III. Lydia, b. Apr. 24, 1760; m. Hezekiah Hodg-
kins, q.v.
IV. Mehitable, b. Oct. 26, 1762 ; m. Stephen Adams
of Jaffrey.
V. Sarah, b. Nov. 28, 1764 ; d. um.
VI. Isaac, b. Jan. 23, 1767.-[-
VII. Abigail, b. March 25, 1769; d. young,
viii. Ahigail, b. Oct. 8, 1771 ; d. um.
IX. Oliver, b. June 4, 1773 ; d. in the war of 1812.
Elizabeth, b. Nov. 17, 1775; m. Stephen Benja-
min of Ashby, Mass.
Betty, b. March 24, 1778.
X.
Isaac Cummii^^gs, son of Pelatiah, m.. May 20, 1800,
Betsey Emery of Winchendon ; settled on the home
farm, where he kept a public house for several years.
In 1817, he removed to Winchendon, where lie d., Feb.
24, 1843. His widow d. Jan. 23, 1862, at the advanced
age of 92.
I. George, b. Jan. 2, 1803 ; d. the same year.
II. Eliza, b. Aug. 31, 1804; m. Levi Prentiss of
Winchendon; removed to Acworth in 1859,
where thev still reside.
460
HISTOPvY OF MARLBOKOUGH.
37
88
89
40
41
42
(49)
III. Geoi-ge., 1). June 22, 1806; m. Miranda Moore of
Lowell ; resides in Wincliendon.
IV. Ahitia, b. Dee. 17, 1807; d. Sept. 17, 1824.
V. VhwJ,'s Frat>lU)i,\). Auo-. 80, 1809; d. Apr. 80,
1812.
VI. Zsaac, I). Dee. 13, 1810; ni. Eliza Wood ; settled
in Wincliendon.
vii. Lydki., \). Nov. 17, 1813; in. Andrew Beard; set-
'tled in Palmer, Mass.; d. March 16, 1861.
Dea. Daniel Cummixgs, the fifth son of Capt. Thomas
Ouminings of Topsfield, Mass., was b. in that toAvii, A})r.
11, 1758. He m., Feb. 26, 1782, Mary, the fifth dau. of
Samuel Dodge of I]»SAvich, Mass., b. Apr. 13, 1756. He
came to Mart, in 1787, and soon after settled on Avhat is
known as the Stillman Fifield })lace, now included in the
town of Koxbury.. His wife d. March 10, 1824, and he
m. (2d), May 12, 1825, Lydia, dan. of Isaac and Hannah
(Goddard) McAllister. He was for many years deacon
of the Bajitist Church in Pottersville. He d. Nov. 26,
1836, and his widow d. Dec. 29, 1856. Children by first
wife: —
I. iJmdel, b. Feb. 26, 1783; d. Jan. 13, 1784.
11. Darnel, b. Dec. 18, 1784; m., Dec. 5, 1815, Eliza-
beth Daoget; d. in Chelsea, Mass., Dec. 30,
1852.
III. Mary, b. Feb. 10, 1787; d. Jan. 21, 1834.
IV. John, b. Oct. 29, 1789 ; m., Feb. 16, 1815, Eliza-
beth Emerson ; removed to Warren, N.Y, ;
d. June 5, 1852.
V. Thomas,h. May 22, 1792; m., Dec. 5, 1820, Sa-
rah Harvev; d. in Indiana, Feb. 8, 1844.
VI. Anna, b. Jan. 21, 1795 ; m., Nov. 6, 1821, Robert
Fay of Walpole; m. (2d), May, 1834, Alonzo
Hubbard of Walpole ; d. Jan. 31, 1841.
vn. Joseph, b. June 19, 1798.+
viii. Ahraham, b. May 15, 1801; m., March 20, 1817,
Daphne Carter of Roxbury; d. Aug. 31, 1827.
JosKPH CuiMMiNGS, soH of Daniel, m., 1819, Hep-
zibah Robbins, b. in Nelson, Jan. 17, 1799. He settled
lirst in Roxbury, but came to Marl, in 1821. He was a
blacksmith })y tra<le, and worked for many years in the
sho]) which formerly stood on Libraiy Square. He now
resides in Troy. His wife d. Aug. 12, 1880.
1. Am, b. in Roxbury, Aug. 12, 1819; d. in Provi-
dence, R.I., Nov. 13, 1844, nm.
II. Caroline E., b. in Marl., June 12, 1821 ; m. Eli
Dort, q.v.
GENEALOGICAL REGISTER.
461
53
JosKi'ii Cl'.aimix(;s and wit'e Ilaiiiiali warned to leave
town, in 1785, with their chihTren, Molly, Eunice, Natlian,
and John. The warrant states that they were from Jaf-
frey. The following is from the town records : " Second
wall Pew to the right of the fore Door Bid off By Mr.
Joseph Cumniings, for three jjounds," 1785.
CUTTING.
The ancestor of the Cutting family of Marl, was Richard Cutting',
who, at the age of eleven years, with his brother William, embarked
on the ship "Elizabeth" at Ipswich, England, for America, April, 1631.
Richard was a wlK^elwiiglit, and settled in "Watertown, Mass., where he
was admitted freeman, Apr. 18, 1690. He d. in Watertown, Marcli 21,
1695-96. His son James, b. Jan. 26, 1617-48 ; m., June 16, 1679, Han-
nah Cutler. Jonathan, the fourth son of James, was b. Jan. 12,
1687-88; m., Jan. 5, 1709-10, Sarah Flagg; d. May 29, 1754. Moses,
son of Jonathan and Sarah (Flagg) Cutting, b. Feb. 14, 1711-12;
m., May 25, 1736, Mary Stratton, and settled in Framingham. They
had eight children, among whom were Daniel, Joseph, and Moses,
who settled in Marl.
Daniel Cutttistg, son of Moses and Mary (Stratton)
Cutting, bap. 1749 ; m., 1771, Submit Ball. He came to
this town from Framingham in 1773, and located on the
farm since owned by Timothy Fife, in Troy. In 1779,
he purchased of Jonah Harrington the Lemuel Brown
place, in the north part of what is now Troy ; he built a
saw-mill on the spot afterwards occupied by Amos Sib-
ley's peg-mill. He resided here some sixteen years, his
time being divided between his farm and mill. Possess-
ing more than ordinary business-capacity, he managed
both to good advantage. He seems to have been a man
of considerable energy and public sjnrit, deserving the
confidence of his fellow-men, but, having been called to
experience severe affliction in the loss of his wife, and
his family-circle being broken up, in 1795 he returned to
Framingham, where he m. Mrs. Martha Brown. He d.
in 1812, ffi. 63.
I. /Sarah, b. Aug. 15, 1772 ; m. Al)ner Smith of
Dublin; d. Sept. 11, 1830.
II. iJaniel, b. Jan. 17, 1775.-]-
III. Joseph, b. March 15, 1777 ; removed to Framing-
ham.
IV. liehecca, b. June 5, 1779; m. Reuben Gould;
settled in ^''ermont.
V. Levi, b. March 2,' 1782; removed to Framingham.
VI. Lois, b. A])r, 25, 1785.
VII. Azuha, b. Sept. 22, 1787.
VIII. iSuhmiL b. March 5, 1792.
462
HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
(3)
Dai^iel Cutting, son of Daniel, ni., Feb. 22, 1807,
Sarah, dau. of Jonathan Lawrence, and settled on the
farm east of the school-honse in Dist. No. 3, in Troy,
which he purchased of the heirs of Hezekiah Coolidge.
He inherited much of his father's business-cai)acity, was
an upright man, took a deep interest in the affairs of the
town, and was elected to numerous offices of trust and
responsibility. He d. Nov. 16, 1855. His Avife d. Apr.
30, 1847.
I. Pennelia, b. Apr. 17, 1807 ; m. Abner Stanley,
II. Caroline, b. Dec. 5, 1808 ; m. Chester Lyman.
III. Adaline,}). Sept. 10, 1810; m. Samuel Garey.
IV. Albert, b. Aug. 20, 1812; d. Oct. 30, 1838.
V. jSarah, b. June 12, 1814; d. Sept. 29, 1815.
VI. Daniel Wise, b. March 7, 1816; removed to
Vermont.
VII. /Sarah, b. Feb. 19, 1818; m. Charles Coolidge.
VIII. Clarissa, b. Feb. 23, 1820; m. Hale Wetherbee.
IX. Abigail, b. Jan. 4, 1822; m. James R. Stanley.
X. Armlla, b. Nov. 25, 1823.
Joseph Cutting, brother of Daniel, bap. in Framing-
ham, Feb. 3, 1754; came to this town in 1775. From
the manner in which he left Framingham, we should
su])pose he had but little idea of devoting himself to the
service of his country, or that he possessed little of the
spirit of the Revolution. On receiving intelligence that
he had been drafted to enter the army, he fled from his
native town, and, after wandering about for some time
in disguise, directed his steps toward Monadnock.
When he had advanced so far as to be relieved from the
fear of being recognized, he pursued a more open course ;
and, on one occasion, seeing a group of men in the dis-
tance, he ventured among them to learn the subject of
their deliberations. But what was his surprise to see
posted on the walls of a building a large bill, offering a
reward of twenty pounds for the arrest of Joseph Cut-
ting. His self-})OSsession did not desert him, but he
simply remarked that, as he Avas nearly destitute of
money, he would like to capture the fugitive and obtahi
the proffered reward. As he excited no suspicion, he
was permitted to pursue his journey, and soon reached
the place of his destination, where he was safe from his
pursuers. He built a house in the southerly part of the
town, on the lot since owned by William Whitcomb, now
situated in Troy. He in., Dec. 1, 1795, Anna Ball of
Bolton. On that day commenced the most violent
snow-storm of the 17th century. The snow fell so deep
that Mr. Cutting could not return with his bride for five
weeks. He resided in Troy until his death in 1823.
GENEALOGICAL REGISTER.
463
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
I. mas, h. Dec. 18, 1796.
II. Joseph, b. Oct. 30, 1798.
III. Stephen, b. Nov. 23, 1800.
IV. Lucinda, b. Apr. 2, 1803.
V. Oilman, b. Apr. 22, 1805.
VI. Anna, b. Aug. 6, 1807.
VII. Lutheria, b. Feb. 5, 1810.
VIII. Submita, b. June 27, 1812.
IX. Elias, b. Jan. 25, 1815.
Moses Cutting, another brother of Daniel, came to
Marl, at an early date. In 1778, he purchased of Mose^
Kenney the Abel Garfield farm in what is now Troy,
and moved his family to that place. After a residence
here of twelve years, he sold his farm to John Colburn
and removed to Fitzwilliam. He seldom took part in
public affairs, but emi)loyed his time mostly in culti-
vating his farm, although he is said to have possessed
great mechanical ingenuity and could make almost any-
thing that had ever been accomiilished by human skill.
He m., 1770, Mary Whiteomb. He d. in 1834.
II.
II r.
IV.
V.
VI.
VII.
VIII.
Jjucy,
moreland.
■Dorothy^ —
Moses,
Delia,
Li/dia,
Polly,
Aaron,
Nancti,
N.Y.
Asa.
m. Bailey ; lived in West-
- ; m. Jonathan Lawrence.
d. n?. 30.
m. Piper ; d. in Maine.
m. Samuel Farrar.
m. Bolster ; removed to N.Y.
; m. Fanny Harvey,
m. Rufus Randall; removed to
DAGGETT.
JoHX Dagget, settled iu Attleborough, IMass., about the year 1666 ;
and Avas one of the proprietors of that township. His son, Joseph, built
the first corn-mill iu Attleborough. Ebenezer, son of Joseph, settled iu
Attleborough, and had two sons, — Naphtali, who was President of Yale
College from 1766 to 1777, and John, who was one of the leading men
in Attleborough during the period of the Revolution. Joab, son of John,
was the father of Levi, who m. Abigail, dau. of Joseph and Paruae
(Temple) Butler, and settled in Troy, and Marcus, who settled in Marl.
Marcus Daggett, son of Joab, b. in Attleborough, in
1793 ; m., 1817, Martha Nye of Falmouth, Mass. They
came to Marl, in 1818, and located on the farm since
owned by Noah Porter. After residing here eight
years, he removed to Rindge, where he remained one
year, and then retu.rned to his native town. His wife d.
March 21, 1861. He uoav resides in Fishervillc, N.H.
■464
HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
I. Martha Ann, h. Nov. 29, 1818; m. David A.
Brown.
II. 3k(rcus Z., b. June 15, 1820.
III. Fanny B., b. June 2, 1822 ; resides in Fisher-
ville, N.H.
IV. Eliza 31., b. Jan. 14, 1825; resides in Attlebor-
ongli, Mass.
V. Josexjh M., b. Nov. 14, 1828 ; resides in California.
VI, Ehenezer, b. in Attlel)orou<j;h, June 14, 1832;
d. fe. 31.
VII. Ellen ^4., b. in Attleborough, May 1,1835; resides
in Boston.
JoxAii Davis, son of Richard and Lois (Whitney)
Davis, b. in Jaffrey, Oct. 5, 1788; m., Aug. 20, 1818, Sa-
rah, dau. of David and Ruth (Allen) Wilkinson, and
located in the village, in the house now owned by his
widow. He was a shoemaker, and learned his trade of
Mr. Walter Gates in this town, having "bought his
tnne " of liis father, at the age of eighteen. On reaching
the age of twenty^one, he found himself in debt to the
amount of two hundred dollars, on account of sickness.
Having in a few years mastered his trade, he paid off
this indebtedness by his earnings, and, with only a small
sum in his purse, made his way on foot, seeking employ-
ment, Avith his tools and all his earthly goods strapjjcd
up in his leather apron, to Cambridge, Mass. Here he
engaged to work at his trade three months for one
Enoch Train, a custom boot and shoe manufacturer of
that town. At the expiration of the specified time, Mr.
Train engaged him for the term of three years. Before
the three years expired, Mr. Train was appointed High
Sheriff of Middlesex Co., and the charge of the county
jail located in Cambridge devolved upon him ; but, on
account of his frequent calls to other official duties, he
intrusted this charge to Mr. Davis, wlio served him in
this ca))acity during the remainder of the three years for
Avhich he was engaged.
At the expiration of that time, he returned to' Marl-
boro, and entered into partnershi]i with his former mas-
ter in the business of custom l)Oot and shoemaking.
About 1815, they erected the "little red sliop " now
standing on tlie corner near the Lil»rary Building; and
liere, for more than forty years, Mr. Davis worked faith-
fully at his humble calling.
Ilis habits of industry, economy, and order, were
remarkable, and exerted a marked and salutary influence
in the eommunitv.
GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 465
He was a man of decided convictions, and held his
political and religious oi)inions with no uncertain grasp.
He was uncompromising in his adherence to principle
and right, and was true to his religioTis, political, and
temperance principles, when it cost alienation of friends
to be so.
As a citizen, he was always interested in the cause
of education, temperance, and whatever pertained to the
welfare of the town and village, often suggesting general
improvements, and aiding in their consummation. He
first suggested the location of the present village ceme-
tery, and was active in having that tract of land set
apart for its present purpose.
Previous to his marriage, he purchased the house now
occupied by his surviving companion. On the day of
his marriage, he moved into it ; and it continued his
home during the remainder of liis earthly life. He d.
March 24, 1856.
I. Edwin (Hev.), b. May 8, 1821 ; m., July 2, 1845,
Nancy Sophia Chase of Guilford, Vt. He is
pastor of the Universalist Church at Canton,
Mass. (see Chap. XIII).
JoHX Merrill Davis, b. in Sullivan, Aug. 29, 1821 ;
m., Sept. 16, 1845, Maria L., dau. of Nathan and Eunice
(Porter) Wild. After his marriage, he resided in Marl,
until 1879, when he removed to Troy.
I. Martin Z., b. Apr. 6, 1846; m., Sept. 15, 1866,
Victoria L, Harris ; resides at South Keene.
II. Henry A., b. Jime 1, 1850; m., Aug. 23, 1873,
Annie M. Bowker.
III. Carrie M., b. Sept. 5, 1855.
IV. Hattie E., b. July 27, 1860.
V. Eumce C, b. Nov. 28, 1862; d. March 7, 1864.
Isaac A. Davis, son of Isaac and Fanny (Esty) Davis
of Roxbury, was b. in that toAvn, June 20, 1826 ; m., Sept.
5, 1852, Melissa D., dau. of Clark and Lucy (Adams)
Stockwell, b. in Dayton, N.Y., Aug. 12, 1885. He came
to Marl, to reside, Sept., 1859. He enlisted in Co. C,
14th Reg. N.H. Vols., Aug. 12, 1862, from Roxbury, to
which ])lace he had moved his family luit a shoit time
previous. He received an lionorable discharge May 30,
1865, having served nearly three years. He returned to
Marl. Nov. 21, 1860, where he has since resided.
I. Sidney •('., b. in Barnard, Vt., Oct. 21, 1S55 ; m.
466
HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
Sarah, dan. of George Seaver of Harrisville.
He d. Apr. 14, 1875, and his widow m. (M)
Harry Reed.
1. Albert Sidney, b. Feb. 24, 1874.
ir. Ina i., b. Feb. 24, 1866; m., Feb. 24, 1880, Her-
bert T. Wiswalh
George G. Davis, son of Joshiia and Eliza (Rice)
Davis, b. in Roxbury, Aiig. 28, 1 842. He was a member
of Co. A, 2d Reg. l^.H. Vols. He was severely
wounded in the arm at the battle of Williamsburg, and
at the end of eighteen months received an honorable dis-
charge. He came to Marl, soon after, and m., Jan. 1,
1866, Maria L., dau. of Jedediah T., and Martha (Sargent)
Collins. He has for several years held the office of town
clerk and treasurer; also represented the town in the
Legislature, in 1879.
I. Urnest 3feIoin, b. Mav 12, 1867; d. Dec. 5, 1868.
11. Zester Grant, b. Aug! 6, 1868.
III. Clifton Collins, b. May 31, 1877 ; d. Jan. 2, 1880.
JoHX Day, from Wal])ole, Mass., settled, in 1791, on
the farm known as the Day place ; the house being sit-
uated in the orchai-d north-easterly of the residence of
Hiram Collins. After a residence here of nearly twenty
years, he removed to Londonderry, Vt., where he died.
Mr. Day was said to be the strongest man in town. It
is rememl)ered of him that, on one occasion, at the rais-
ing of a barn in Roxbury, he easily lifted, Avith one hand,
a weight Avhich none ])resent could with both.
I. Clarissa, ; m., May 4, 1 813, Philander Ware
of Franklin, Mass.
II. John, ; m. Roxana Aldrich of Londonden-y,
Vt., and removed to the West.
III. Hannah, b. May 5, 1794 ; m. Edward Aiken of
Londonderry, Vt. He d., and she removed to
Triangle, Broom Co., N.Y., M'here she m. (2d)
Chester Osborn ; she d. at Glen Arbor, Mich.
IV. Bttsei/, b. Jan. 27, 1796; m., Dec. 25, 1816, James
Wis wall ; d. at Triangle, N.Y., Feb. 26, 1841.
CiiAULES DEMMiXii kei)t the " old red tavern " for
several years, commencing in 1804. He removed to
Brighton, Mass., 1810.
I. William, bap. June 10, 1804.
II. Isaac, baj.. :\rarcli 23, 1806.
III. Jonathan.
GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 467
IV. Annie.
V. diaries.
David S. Derby, b. in Leominster, Mass., jSTov. 16,
1809; m., Nov. 25, 1834, Marinda M. Creed, b. in Fitcli-
burg, Sept. 11, 1812. Settled first in Leominster, where
all their children were born. He came to Marl. No^.,
186H, and located on the Jonadab Baker place, where lie
now resides.
I. Dorothy Maria^ 1). Nov. 24, 1836; d. May 275
1856."
ir. CJiarleH Henry., b. Oct. 9, 1888; he was a soldier
in the war of the liebellion, a member of Co. A,
36th Reg. Mass. Vols., and was killed at Han-
over Conrt House, May 24, 1864.
III. Alice Z., b. Apr. 28, 1841 ; m. William P.
Conant, q.v.
IV. Mary F., b. July 22, 1851 ; d. July 12, 1852.
V. Emma Jane., b. June 28, 1854.
VI. Hannah Z., b. May 8, 1858 ; m. Nov. 25, 1879,
Rodney Cud worth; resides in West Rindge.
VII. Francis jS., b. Oct. 22, 1860.
Rev. Deming S. Dexter, b. at Newark, Vt., June
15, 1815; m., Sept. 19, 1836, Jerusha Humphrey of St.
Johnsbury, Vt., b. in Boston, Nov. 13, 1811. (See
Chap. VII.) Of their seven children, only the tw^o
youngest have resided in Marl.
I. James J)., b. in Craftsbury, Vt., June 16, 1853 ;
ra., Feb. 17, 1872, Carrie L. Taft, b. in Swan-
zey, Dec. 31, 1852.
1. James Deming, b. in Marl, May 4, 1873 ;
d. Nov. 8, 1873.
2. Abbie H.,b. in Keene, Aug. 9, 1874.
3. Addie v., b. in Marl., March 11, 1877.
II. Hattie J)., h. in Sutton, Vt., Feb. 18, 1855 ; um.
Eli Doet, b. in Surry, June 25, 1816; m., Nov. 19,
1840, Caroline E., dan. of Joseph and Hepzibah (Rob-
bins) Cummings ; settled in Marl., where he followed
the occupation of house-painting and grahiing, until
1865, when he removed to Keene, where he still resides.
I. Asa a, b. July 10, 1843 ; m., Dec. 27, 1865, Nel-
lie A., dau. of Edwin and Lucy (Wetherbee)
Buttrick of Troy, where he now resides, and is
engaged in the manufacture of pails and tubs,
under the firm-name of E. Buttrick & Co.
468
HISTORY OF MARH50ROUGH.
II. Eliza Almira, b. March 30, 1847 ; m., Jan. 8,
1867, Horace N. Irish of Colchester, Vt.
[II. Geor(je Gilnian, b. Aug. 27, 1850; m., May 81,
1877, Mary A. Wilson of New Bedford, Mass.;
resides in Keeiie. Is a druggist.
[V. Em Jalla, b. Aug. 16, 185-2; m., July 23, 1879,
T. Jewett Lock of Keene.
V. Mary Elizabeth, b. Jan. 27, 1859.
Feaxklix Due, son of Elliot and Lois Due, b. in
Hancock, Dec. 5, 1838; m., Oct. .12, 1868, Martha J.,
•lau. of Samuel and Lois D. Stearns, b. in Peterborough,
May 14, 1850. He served three yeai-s in the late Avar,
being a member of Co. C, 4th Reg. N.H. Vols.
I. Charleij F., b. Jan. 1, 1870 ; d. July 24, 1871.
II. Willie E., b. June 9, 1876.
David Dufer came from Bolton, Mass., in 1773, and
settled on land now owned by Ansel L. Nye. The re-
mains of the cellar are still visible on the knoll near the
spring, on the road leading from Charles Ryan's to Ivory
E. Gates's. He resided here but a few years, and then
purchased land and built a house in Avhat is now calle<l
the Dufer orchard, north-easterly of the school-house,
Dist. No. 1. No record of his death or removal from
town has been found.
I. David.
II. Ilepsy.
III. Silas. He was noted for liis love of mischief,
and there are those now living who can testify
to the many mischievous acts committed l)y
him Avhile a resident of this town.
JoxATHAX Davinell came from Keene, al)out 1818,
and located on the farm now occujtied by (Tilman Whit-
comb. No record has been found, but the following are
known to have belonged to liis family.
I. AMah.
11. Rachel.
III. Luther.
John Easteri'. hooks and Hannah, his Avife, Avith
their <-]iildren, San\uel, Sarah, John, Elizabeth Tri])hena,
and Lena, from Packersiield, Avarned to leave toAvn, Feb.
23, 1787, by Jedediah Tayntor, constable. This family
resided for a fcAV years on the Alden ])lace, so called,
betAveen Avhere Josiah Parker noAV lives and the Cum-
mings ))ond.
GENEALOGICAL REGLSTER. 469
Daniel Emeksox, known as " Dr, Emerson," was b.
in Plaistow, N.H., Apr. 19, 1747. Of his ancestry, or his
life previous to his coming to Marl., we iaave no accomit.
He was in toAvn as early as 1771, and was the first set-
tler on the farm since owned by Darius Eichardson.
He won the title of Dr. from his skill in the treatment
of the diseases of domestic animals. Eccentric in char-
acter, rapid in speech, and somewhat witty withal, he
made for himself many friends. Possessing an inquiring
mind, and ever ready to' hear the news, his neighbors
often practised jokes ujjon him, which he failed not to
take in good part, never harboring malice toward any
one, but oftentimes, being quick at repartee, would pay
tliem off in their own coin. Many humorous anecdotes
are related of him for which w^e cannot find place in
this volume. He m., Jan. 19, 1775, Lucy, dau. of Lieut.
Josej^h and Eunice (Matthews) Collins. This is the ear-
liest marriage recorded in the town records. His court-
ship was short, and peculiar to himself. He had but a
slight acquaintance with the object of his affections, and,
without consulting the young lady or her parents in re-
gard to the matter, went to the clerk and requested to
be published the following Sabbath. On his return
home, he met the young lady, and, stojjping his horse, ad-
dressed her as follows : " Well, Lucy, I have been to be
published, been to be published, jjublished to you, pub-
lished to you. You may forbid it or not, just as you
please. If you don't want me, you must forbid it." The
young lady, although surprised, concluded not to forbid
it, and in due time the marriage took place. Mr. Emer-
son d. July 11, 1829. We have found no date of the
death of his widow, which occurred in Barry, 111.
I. >6'a%, ; m., Dec. '21, 1797, William Com-
stbck of Sullivan.
II. Amia, b. May 27, 1782; m. Samuel Fife, q.v.
III. iJaniel, b. Jan. 9, 1790 ; m.. May 30, 1809, Rutli,
dau. of William and Lydia (Good ale) White ;
settled on the home farm, where he resided
some twenty years. About 1835, he removed
to Newfane, Erie Co., N.Y., and thence to
Barry, 111., Avhere he d. Nov., 1872. His wife
d. Nov. 9, 1849.
1. Asbury, b. Apr, 23, 1812 ; resides in Texas.
2. Gilman, b. June 11, 1815; m. Orinda Saw-
yer ; settled in 111., where his widow now
resides.
3. Minot, b. Aug. 26, 1818 ; m. Eliza Wood-
Avard ; was a carpenter by trade ; d. in
Illinois.
470
HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
10
11
12
13
14
15
1(5
17
18
10
(15)
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
4. Lucy, b. Sept. 26, 1820 ; lu. William Dal-
ton ; (1. ill Illinois.
5. Ira, h. Aug. 24, 1823; m. Sarali J. Rob-
erts, lie is a Methodist minister, now
jtreachin^: in Illinois.
6. Amos, 1). July 12, 1825; m. Jane Taylor;
resides in Texas. He and his hrother
Asbury are carriage-makers.
Lieut. Caleb Emeusox, probably not related to the
preceding family, was b. in IIain|)stead, N.H., about
1741 ; m, Abagail French. He settled in Marl., on the
place now owned by Thaddeus Metcalf, where he d.
Apr. 15, 1811.
I. ITan/ia/ij ; m. Johnson ; removed to
Vermont.
ir. Ahagail^ ; m. White of Bridgewater,
Vt.
III. ^Sally, ; m., March 10, 1802, Francis Curtis
of Woodstock, Yt.
iv. Bohert, h. Apr. 13, 1778.+
V. Cahh, ; m., July 22, 1813, Mary Farns-
worth; settled in Keene.
VI. Jo^ejyh, ; d. Apr. 28, 1810, x. 30.
VII. Lydia, ; d. Nov. 18, 1804, ». 23.
vjii. Ezra.-\-
Rohert Emerson, son of Lieut. Caleb, m., Nov. 14,
' 1805, Rachel Howard, b. Apr. 20, 1780. Mr. Emerson
d. in Marl., Apr. 1, 1824. The family left town soon
after the death of the father. Mrs. Emerson d. Feb. 27,
1868.
I. Mary Aym, b. Feb. 22, 1806; m., June 6, 1839,
Augustus French; d. May 15, 1860.
II. Abiyail F., b. Jan. 25, 1808; d. Jan. 12, 1863.
III. Lydla, b. Nov. 26, 1809 ; m., Nov. 9, 1843, George
"a. Nutt.
IV. Caroline, b. Dec. 15, 1811 ; m., June 19, 1834,
Albert 3Iarshall.
V. ASophia Maria, b. Jan. 23, 1814; m., June 14,
1836, Henry C. Dodge.
VI. Joscjy/i IL, b. Dec. 28^ 1815; m., Feb. 21, 1844,
Sophrouia Pierce of Holliston, Mass. ; d. May
20, 1851.
VII. Fanny X., b. June 14, 1818; d. Oct. 27, 1836.
VIII. Wiiliain li., b. Sept. 18, 1820; m., July 18, 1855,
Lizzie M. Hall.
IX. Ilof,ert, b. June 1, 1824 ; m., Sept. 30, 1847, Fran-
ces Vaughn of Amherst, who d. ; and he m.
(2d), June 23, 1862, Mrs. Hannah .
GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 471
Ezra Emerson-, son of Lieut. Caleb, ni.. May 7, 1815,
Sally, dau. of Oliver Carter. He was a millwright, and
resided in Marl, and Swanzey. The first two children
b. in Marl., the others in Swanzey.
I. FranJcUn Carter, b. Aug. 19, 1815.
II. Laurinda A., b. May 21, 1817.
III. Phebe Carter, b. Nov. 18, 1820.
IV. Marietta, b. Ajir. 21, 1822.
V. Infant, b. June 1, 1824; d.
VI. Joseph French, b. July 12, 1825.
VII. Laura, b. Sept. 27, 1827.
viir. An infant son, b. June 24, 1829 ; d.
IX. Sally Maria, b. June 23, 1830.
X. Irina, b. March 6, 1836.
Andrew J. Emersox, b. in Ware, N.H., March 6,
1828; m., July 4, 1852, Mary A. Crediford, b. in Abbot,
Me., Sept. 15, 1833. He has resided in Charlestown
and Cambridge, Mass., also Rindge, N.H., from which
place he came to this town in 1871, where -he still
resides.
I. Arthur H., b. in Charlestown, Mass., Jan. 8, 1856 ;
resides in Minnesota.
ji. Fred C, b. in Cambridge, Mass., Feb. 6, 1857 ;
resides in Minnesota.
III. Florence J., b. in Rindge, Nov. 13, 1862 ; d. Jan.
21, 1879.
IV. Ida May. b. in Rindge, Jan. 20, 1866.
V. Herman L., b. in Rindge, March 28, 1869.
Hexry Esty, son of Aaron and Susannah (Davis)
Esty, b. in Roxbury, Apr. 21, 1818. He came to Marl,
to reside, 1871; m., Feb. 4, 1874, S. Addie, dau. of
James C. and Elizabeth R. (BroAvn) Breed, b. in Antrim,
Sept. 18, 1842.
I. 3Iinetta L., b. July 22, 1879.
Timothy M. Fa.irb,vxks, b. in Wrentham, Mass.,
Feb. 18, 1760 ; m. Lucy Kendall, b. in Walpole, Mass.,
Aug. 23, 1764 ; settled first in Walpole, Mass. He also
resided for a short time in Wrentham. About 1799, he
came to Marl., and located in the north ])art of the town,
on what is now the Esty place in Roxbury. In 1816,
he removed, with his family, to Cambridge, Vt., and sub-
sequently to Water ville, Vt., where he d. Oct. 1, 1844.
His widow d. March 16, 1846.
I. Samuel, b. in Walj.ole, Mass., Oct. 28, 1788 ; m.,
1813, Lois Willey of Jericho, Vt. He resided
472
HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
in Lamoille Co., until 18'2U, -when he removed
to Cohmibia, Bradford Co., Pa.; d. in 1846.
She d. 1862. Descendants still living in Penn-
sylvania.
II. Benjamin^ h. in Walpole, Mass., Jan. 12, 1791 ;
m., 1816, Hannah, dau. of James and Lois
(Walker) Bemis. He d. in Richmond, May
29, 1871.
III. John, b. in Wali»ole, Mass., Sept. 17, 1794 ; d.
Jan. 22, 1875, i;m.
IV. Luc^y b. in Wrenthani, June 4, 1796 ; d. in llox-
burv, Mav 9, 1872, urn.
V. Sallii\\i. in Wrenthani, Mass., Feb. 10, 1798; d.
in Waterville, Vt., May 25, 1876, um.
VI. Thomas, b. Jan. 6, 1800 ; m. Arvilla Hodskins of
Belvidere, Vt. ; d. in Manchester, X.H.
VII. Susan, b. Jan. 14, 1802 ; m., 1826, David Willey
of Wiiterville, Vt.
VIII. N^ancy, b. Apr. 12, 1804 ; m. Riissell S. Many of
Montgomerv, Vt.
IX. Harriet, h. 1808; m., 1835, Silas Willey; resides
in Waterville, Vt.
George V. R. FauxUxM, b. in Chelsea, Vt., Sept. 5,
1812 ; m., Dec. 2, 1834, Xancy V. Webb, b. in Brook-
line, Mass., March 17, 1813. He d. of disease contracted
in the army, July 3, 1871.
I. Oscar W., b. Nov. 12, 1835 ; d. Apr. 22, 1868, um.
II. John B., b. Jan. 13, 1839; m., Aug. 15, 1864,
Ellen L. Wheeler.
III. Behecca C, b. Sept. 12, 1842 ; m. L. A. Adams,
q.v.
IV. 3Iary E., b. Oct. 15, 1845 ; m., Dec. 2, 1863,
Charles L. Clark; d. in Jatfrey, A])r. 17, 1867.
V. Ilattie M., b. Aug. 22, 1847 ; ]n., Aug. 22, 1867,
J. Allen Greenwood; d. Nov. 7, 1871.
VI. ^VnUan^ C, b. Mav 22, 1849.
VII. Charles E., b. March 5, 1852.
viii. Daniel E. J, b. Apr. 7, 1855.
FARRAR.
The iKime of Farrar is said to have been derived from the Latin
and Frencli word signifying iron, and was. doubtless, first used to desig-
nate a locality where that metal was found. As a family name, it was
first known in England from Walkeline de Ferrars, a Xorman of dis-
tinction, attached to William, Dnke of Normandy, before the inva.sion
of lOfjn. From him all, of the name in England and America, are de-
scended. His son, Henry de Ferrars, was the first of tlie family to settle
in England, which he did soon after the Conquest. The family after-
GENEALOGICAL REGISTER.
478
wards became very numerous in England. AuKing the original proprie-
tors of Laucaster, Mass., were two l)rotliers l)y the name of John and Ja-
cob Farrar. They were there as early as 1653. Tradition tells us that
they came from Lancashire, England. Jacob Farrar, the youngest of
the two, was probably thirty years old, or more, when he came to this
country. His wife and children remained in England till a new resi-
dence was prepared for them in Lancaster, 1658. During King Philip's
War, he had two sons killed. He d. iu Woburn, Aug. 1-1, 1677. His
eldest son, Jacob, b. in England probably about 16-12, m., 1668, Hannah,
dan. of George Hayward. He AA\as killed by the Indians, Aug. 22, 1675.
George, second son of Jacob, Jr., b. Aug. 16, 1670, m., Sept. 9, 1692,
Mary Howe, and settled in that part of Concord, now Lincoln. He was
brought up a farmer. When he was twenty-one years of age, he had but
a quarter of a dollar. Calling together his companions, he told them he
would treat them with all he had, and begin the world sqnare. He is
said to have been a man of great energy and thrift. He d. IMay 15,
1760. _ His wife d. Apr. 12, 1761.
Daniel, the second son of George and Mary (Howe) Fai'rar, b. Nov.
30, 1696; m. Hannah Fletcher; settled in Su'dbnry, and d. about 1755.
Josiah, the eldest son of Daniel, b. Sept., 1722 ; m., 1745, Hannah, dau.
of John Taylor, of Northborough, a man of considerable note and a
Tory of the Revolution, whose name was borne by a former Governor of
New Hampshire, John Taylor Gilman. Josiah Farrar d. in Marl., Nov.
24, 1808, having come here to reside with his son Phinehas. His wife
d. Feb. 10, 1810.
Daniel Farrar, a lirother of Josiah, b. 1724 ; m., 1748, INIary .
They were the parents of Daniel and George, who settled in this town,
and are numbered 57 and 69 in the following register.
Phinehas Farrar, son of Josiah and Hannah (Tay-
lor) Farrar, h. in Sudbury, Aug. 20, 1747 ; m. Lovina
Warren of Marl., Mass. In 1768, he came to this
town, purchased several lots of land, and built a small
house in the southerly part of the township, in what is
now Troy, and near the spot where Jonas Bemis for-
merly lived. In 1773 or 1774, he went to ISTewfane, Vt.,
where he resided about two years, at the expiration of
which thne he returned to Marl. In 1788, be exchanged
farms with Benoni Rohhins, wdio then resided on the
Artemas Collins place. He immediately sold, the latter
place, and bought the farm afterwards owned by his
son James, where Ansel Nye now resides. He d. Apr.
1, 1841, a;. 94. His widow d. Feb. 17, 1845, se. 92.
Phinehas, b. Nov. 12, 1771.+
John, b. Aug. 24, 1773 ; m. Cyntliia Stone.
Betsey, b. Jan. 18, 1776; m. Elijah Frost, q.v.
Calvin, b. Jan. 11, 1778; m. Bethshcba B. Bates
of Brimfield, and resided in Waterford, Me.,
Avbere he d. Feb. 9, 1819. His eldest dau.,
Caroline Eliza, b. 1804, m. Levi Brown of
Waterford, Me., and was the mother of Charles
Farrar Brown, whose nom de plume was Arte-
mas Ward.
I.
3
II.
4
III.
5
IV.
474
HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
14.
15
16
17
18
V. Luther (twin to Calvin), b. Jan. 11, 1778; m.
Mercy Whiting of New Ij)swicli ; Avas a law-
yer, and settled in Norway, Me. ; d. March,
1812 (see Chap. XIII.).
VI. Josiah^ b. Apr. 1780 ; m. Betsey Prince of
Waterford, Me., where he settled and d.
v[i. Bildad (wlio on becomino- of age took the name
of William), b. Oct. 21,'~178"2.+
VIII. Daniel W., b. Feb. 22, 1786; m.. May 24, 1812,
Eliza, dan. of Dr. Ebenezer Wright ; settled in
Troy, where he was for more than fifty years
one of the most enterprising men of the town.
His name was identified Avith almost every pub-
lic act; and, although his position at times may
have been violently assailed, yet all have been
willing to give him the credit of acting from
the best of motives. In some respects, he Avas
a remarkable man. He possessed good native
talent, an active mind, and was quick of appre-
hension ; but his school adA^antages Avere A'ery
limited. But lie had a mind for improvement,
and an energy Avhich enabled him to overcome
the most formidable obstacles, and to make up
in good measure the deficiency of early school-
advantages. Pie d. March 7, 1860.
1. David Warren, b. Jan. 80, 1817; m., June
29, 1841, Hannah Wheeler ; resides in
Troy.
2. Eliza Wright, b. Sept. 26, 1818; m., Aug.
17, 1844, Rev. Alfred Stevens; d. Dec.
8, 1844.
3. Helen Maria, b. June 15, 1820; m., June
7, 1848, Rev. A. Jenkins; d. Mav 22,
1851.
4. Edward, b. Nov. 14, 1822 ; m., Aug. 28,
1858, Caroline Brainard. He graduated
at Harvard LaAv School 1847 ; resides in
Keene; is clerk of the Court for Chesh-
ire Co., and has also been mayor of the
city.
5. Sarah, b. Sei)t. 28, 1824; d. March 27,
1888.
6. Daniel, b. May 29, 1886; Avas a physi-
cian ; d. in Leominster, Mass.
IX. iJarkJ, 1). July 5, 1788 ; d. at Waterford, Me.,
May, 1817. ^
( A'mcv, b. Marcli 16, 1792; d. May 14,
Twins.-! 179.
1.. :\rarrli 16, 1792.+
GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 47o
Phinehas FAKjiAK, SOU of Pliinelias, ni., May, 1794,
Abigail, dan. of Eli]thalet and Lydia (Goddard) Stone;
settled in Dublin on tSect. 22, Range 1, wliich by an act
of the Legislature was annexed to Marl, in 1818. His
wife d. Jan. 24, 1840. He afterwards removed to Michi-
gan, where he d. Sept. 24, 1855.
I. Cynthia, b. Apr. 20, 1795. She was a successful
teacher in Boston, but was led to think of be-
coming a missionary in connection with matri-
monial prospects. Just here is an element of
romance in her history, which may not be dwelt
upon at length. Siiffice it to say those pros-
pects were not realized, though it was no fault
of her own. The paths of the parties lay
Avidely apart. Having put her hand to the
plough. Miss Farrar was not one to look back,
and so she went alone. She left America in
1827, and was the first single lady to go as a
teacher from this country to India.
As has been said, her field was in India, and
she had for her associates such men and women
as the Graveses, Burgesses, and others whose
names are venerated in missionary annals. By
them she was held in high regard, her counsels
were often sought, and her judgment was
much respected. She Avas not only a teacher,
but a housekeei:)er also, and in this position
commanded the respect and esteem of both na-
tive and English residents among whom she re-
sided. In reply to some unfriendly criticisms
on the keejjing of servants by missionary fam-
ilies, she once said, after stating circumstances
in vindication of the custom, that, "of sixteen
girls who had lived with her at different times,
she had reason to believe all or nearly all were
no longer idolaters, and several gave evidence
of true change of heart." Testimonials of re-
gard were at different times sent her by her
friends at the English residency in both Bom-
bay and Calcutta ; and once, when her horse fell
with her and w\as killed, another and more val-
uable animal, with equii)ments complete, was
l)resented to her by some of them, with most
flattering expressions of the esteem in which
they held both her and her work.
Although of different church relations from
herself, they yet recognized and thus acknoAvl-
edged her worth and the value of her labors.
To her more immediate associates, she also
476
HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
28
(8)
33
greatly endeared licrself by lier coinfortiiig
ministrations in times of sickness and sorrow,
as may be learned from her letters, still in pos-
session of relatives. Of her death, which oc-
curred Jan. 24, 18(52, we have no particulars ;
but she was full of days, and had finished her
work. Her name shall be held in everlasting
remembrance. Her record is on high.
II. Charles, b. Nov. 16, 1796 ; m., March 12, 1822,
Dorcas, dan. of Abraham Coolidge ; removed
to Michigan.
III. jVanci/, h. Oct. 20, 1798 ; m. Asa Holman, (j.v.
IV. PhUinda, b. Feb. 24, 1801 ; m. George H. Lane,
q.v.
V. Elizabetli, b. Nov. 12, 1802 ; resided in Romeo,
Mich.; d. Aug. 24, 1878, um.
VI. Edniund W., b. Nov. 16, lfe04; m., June 6, 1838,
Harriet Kerchdale of Columbia, Tenn. ; resided
in Nashville.
VII. lluth, b. Aug. 8, 1807 ; in., Nov. 16, 1829, Minot
T.-Lane ; removed to Detroit, Mich. ; d. Jan. 9,
1863.
\rin. Minot, b. Sept. 22, 1810; m., Nov. 24, 1834,
Mabel Barns of Whitesborough, N.Y. ; settled
in Romeo, Mich. In Nov., 1837, he returned to
Marl., where he resided until March, 1858,
when he removed to Saratoga Springs, N.Y.,
where he d. Apr. 18, 1874.
1. Caroline E., b. Sept. 8, 1836; m., Apr. 21,
] 875, Samuel T. Bird ; resides in Boston.
2. George H., b. Jan. 14, 1840; m., Jidy,
1870, Meta M. Macarty of Philadelphia.
IX. (JaroUne, b. March 24, 1813; d. Dec. 17, 1834.
X. Lutlier, b. Sept. 14, 1817 ; d. in Michigan, Feb.,
1870.
William Farrak, sixth son of Phinelias, ; m., Nov.
27, 1812, Nancy, dau. of Levi and Hannah (Baker)
Whitcomb; settled on the eastern half of home farm;
d. Dec. 28, 1863. His wife d. Sept. 3, 1861.
I. Kllza, b. Dec. 12, 1815; d. Sept. 21, 1846, um.
II. Alonzu, b. Aug. 6, 1818; m., Sept. 16, 1845,
•Nancy S. Bailey of Jaffrey ; she d., and he m.
(2d), Dec. 20, 1852, Louisa Stone of Nelson;
resides in Sullivan.
III. Arvilla, b. June 7, 1820 ; m., May 25, 1848,
Charles Ryan, q.v.
GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 477
IV. Willhwi,l). Murcli 14, 1S22; in., A\n: 20, 185i,
Alinira B. Ta<4-g:u-d, b. in llillsboro, Oct. 16,
1825. He d. May 19, 1869; and his widow m.
(2d) Mosos 8. Dceth, resides in Rindge.
1. Einnui Eliza, h. Sept. 1, 1856; d. July 26,
1861.
2. Sarah Lizzie, b. Sejjt. 12, 1859.
3. Ida Florence, b. June 4, 1867.
V. Calvin, b. March 21, 1824; m., May 1, 1849,
Atossa F., dau. of Charles and Emily (Frost)
Gilbert ; resides on the farm formerly owned
by Charles Gilbert.
1. Charles Edwin, b. Feb, 8, 1850; resides in
Fitchburg,
VI. Myron, b. Aug. 2, 1826; d. Dec. 21, 1826.
VII. Maria A., b. Sept. 3, 1829; d. June 26, 1861, um.
VIII. Edwin, b. Sept. 18, 1832; jn., Oct. 4, 1855, Lou-
isa C. Bailey of .Jaffrey ; is a machinist ; resides
in Springfield, Mass., c.
DeacOiS' James Faerar, youngest son of Phinehas,
m., Feb. 22, 1816, Roxanna, dau. of Col. Joseph and Zil-
pha (Roberts) Frost ; settled on the home farm. He
was for more than thirty years a deacon of the Congre-
gationalist Church. Mrs. Farrar d. Nov. 6, 1845 ; and
he ni. (2d), June 3, 1846, Zoa Noyes of Westmoreland,
who d. Jan. 26, 1876. He d. Nov. 3, 1861. Children by
first wife.
I. mmcy, b. July 29, 1817 ; d. June 5, 1840, um.
ir. Harriet, b. Nov. 18, 1S18 ; m. Henry T. Wiswall,
q.v.
III. Caroline, b. Apr. 13, 1820; d. Dec. 12, 1825.
IV. Orinda, b. Apr. 22, 1822 ; d. July 4, 1840.
V. Warren, b. Dec. 26, 1823; m., Dec. 31, 1857,
Mrs. Louisa J. Woodward; d. Jan. 25, 1867.
1. Anna, b. Oct. 2, 1858; d. March 25, 1864.
VI. Sumner, b. March 6, 1826; d. Feb. 28, 1854, um.
VII. Elvira, b. Nov. 22, 1827 ; m. Albert Whitcomb,
q.v.
VIII. Cyrus S., b. Sei)t. 29, 1829; m., Dec, 1849,
Sarah Jane Sj^aulding, who d. Feb. 8, 1851; m.
(2d), Aug., 1851, Mary E. Pratt of Lowell,
Mass. He was a member of a Wisconsin Reg.
in the war of the Rebellion.
IX. 3Iiron W., b. Feb. 9, 1832; d. May 10, 1832.
X. Emily F., b. June 24, 1833; m. Loren L. Moors,
q.v.
478
FTISTORY OF IvrARLBOROtJGH.
56
Caroline A., b. July 10, 183.') ; ui. Cyrus S.
Moors, q.v.
Jllnot, h. Oct. 29, 1837 ; was a Corporal in the 5tli
Wisconsin Reg. ; was in the battles l^efore
Richmond, antl soon after was taken sick and
d. in the lios}»ital at Pliiladelpliia, Sept. 18,
1862, uni.
Francis J/., b. Nov. 26, 1842; m., Sept. 16, 1867,
Mrs. Harriet M. Rust, widow of Nathaniel
Rust; resided in Keene, where he d. Dec. 31,
1871, c.
57 Daniel Farrar, son of Daniel and Mary Farrar of
I Lincoln, Mass., was b. March 25, 1755. He served for a
short time in the war of the Revolution. Soon after
his return from the army, he m. a dau. of John Bruce of
Sudbury, and settled in Lincoln, where he resided until
1791>, when he purchased a lot of laud in the southerly
part of Marl, and noAV included in Troy. Early in the
following spring, he built a log house, to which he re-
moved his family, and devoted his time to clearing and
i cidtivating his land. He possessed a strong constitution,
and was able to perform more labor than most men.
He d. Nov. 13, 1837. His wife d. Aug. 20, 1838.
58 I. Elizabeth, b. Jan. 23, 1776; m. (1st) Nathan
Platts, (2d) S. Rockwood.
59 II. Daniel, b. March 24, 1778 ; d. le. 3 years.
60 III. Lucy, b. Oct. 31, 1780; m. Caleb Winch; d.
1848.
61 IV. Daniel, b. Nov. 10, 1782; m., 1806, Lucena, dau.
of Daniel Millin of Fitzwilliam ; settled in
Troy.
62 V. Samuel, b. Apr. 15, 1785; m. Lydia, a dau. of
Moses Cutting ; settled in Vermont.
63 VI. John B., b. Dec. 17, 1787.+
64 VII. Mary, b. Apr. 14, 1790 ; m.
removed to the West.
65 VIII. Sally, b. Feb. 16, 1792 ; ni. —
1843.
66 IX. William, b. Feb. 18, 1794; m.
temore ; removed to the West.
67 X. Nancy, b. Jan. 5, 1797 ; m. A. Rawson ; d. in
Vermont.
68 XI. Tryphena, b. Oct. 21, 1799; m. Robert Fitz; d.
I in New Ipswich, 1842.
69 i George Farrar, a brother of Daniel, came to Marl.
I in 1783, and located in what is now Troy. Li 1789, he
William Winch ;
Collins ; d.
Betsey Whit-
GENEALOGICAL REGISTER.
479
70
71
72
73
74
(63)
sold his farm to Hezekiah Coolidge; and after a resi-
dence of tAvo years in Templeton, Mass., lie purchased a
farm on what is now called " West Hill" in Troy, where
he d. Nov. 1, 1824. His widow d. March 26, 1825.
I. Georqe, b. Dec. 8, 1784; m. (1st) Naomi Starkey,
who d. Sept. 2, 1842; m. (2d) Sally, dau. of
John Wliitney.
11. Nalmrn, h. Nov. 7, 1786 ; d. 1812.
III. Stephen, h. Tan. 1, 1789 ; m., Dec. 7, 1815, Delila,
dau. of Jonathan and Delila (Rhodes) Bemis.
She d. July 31, 1838.
IV. Patty, b. Apr. 21, 1793; d. 1810.
V. Sally, b. Sept. 11, 1797 ; m. Luther Bemis, q.v.
JoHK B. Farrae, son of Daniel, m., Aug. 15, 1810,
Anna, dau. of Timothy and Martha (Long) Harvey ;
settled first in PTinsdale," afterward in Marl., on the farm
of Timothy Harvey, since owned by Elienezer Green-
wood. He d. Oct. 14, 1854. His widow removed to
Carthage, Jefferson Co., N.Y., where she d. Jan. 14,
1870.
I. Samantha, b. June 1, 1811 ; m. Worcester ;
removed to Canada, and thence to Illinois.
11. ArlaJine, b. Apr. 20, 1813; resides in Carthage,
N.Y., urn.
III. Em%ly,h. Feb. 1, 1815 ; m.. May 9, 1835, William
Jones ; removed to Carthage, N.Y.
IV. Amanda, b. Apr. 18, 1817; m. Loren C. Frost;
d. June 27, 1845.
V. Sarah, b. Sept. 15, 1819; d. Apr. 8, 1833.
VI. Martha, b. Sept. 11, 1^21.
vii. J. EldrhJqe, b. Aug. 11, 1823 ; m., and settled in
Denmark, N.Y. '
vin. Harvey D., b. March 2, 1828; m., June 1, 1853,
Caroline R., dau. of Silas and Achsah (Holman)
McCollester, who d. Oct. 8, 1854; and he m.
(2d), Jan. 1, 1862, Ellen A. McCollester, sister
of his first wife ; resides in Carthage, N.Y.
FELTON.
Xatuaxiel Feltox, b. in England, 1610 ; was in Salem, Mass., in
IGoo. The following year he went back to England, and returned to
this country in 1035. with his mother and brother Benjamin, and set-
tled in Salem, where he d. in 1705. He had, among other children, John,
who m., 1070, Mary Tompkins. Samuel, son of John, m., 1709, Sarah
Goodale, and had nine children. Jacoli, the third child, b. 1712, re-
moved to Marl., Mass., 1738, and soon after m. Sarah, dau. of Thomas
and Elizabeth Barrett. She d. 1742, fe. 27; and hem. (2d), July 27,
1749, Hezadiah. dau. of Ephraim and Ebzal^etli (Rice) Howe, who d.
Feb. 25, 1819, k. 93. He d. Nov. 20. 1789.
480
HISTORY OF ]\rARLBOROrGH.
JoHX Felton, son of Snmucl and Sarah (Barrett)
Felton, b. in Marl., Mass., Nov. 9, 17-41 ; m., Jan. 23,
1766, Persis Rogers, a sister of John Rogers of this
town. He is first mentioned in the proprietors' records
in 1767, when he was cliosen one of a committee of three
to serve as trustees of the school-money. He was the
first to make a clearing, and hring into a state of culti-
vation the farm noAv owned by Rufus S. Frost. He re-
moved to Coo])erstown, X.Y., jtrevious to 1800. Chil-
dren born in Marl.
John^ b. Sept. 17, 1766.
Sarah, b. Aug. 10, 1768.
Elizaheth, b. Mav 20, 1770.
Jededlah, b. Feb. 2, 1773.
Jacob, b. Dec. 6, 1774 ; d. Xov. 23, 1776.
Levi, b. Julv 22, 1776.
Persia b. Jan. 16, 1779.
Anna Sophia, b. A]>r. 5, 1782.
Si/luanns, b. Aug. 22, 1785.
2
J
3
II.
4
III.
5
IV,
6
V.
7
VI.
8
VII.
9
VIII.
10
IX.
James Field was in town as early as 1770, and was
that year allowed £2 ISs. lOd. for work done about
the meeting-house. He resided on the place near the
Cummings i)ond, afterwards owned by Moses Alden.
About 1787, he removed to Xelson, ])rol>ably exchanging
farms with Jolin Esterbrook.
Dkxtek Field, b. in Leverett, Franklin Co., Mass.,
Aug. 9, 1812; m., March, 1836, Celinda, dau. of Dea.
Andrew and Sally (Adams) Spooner of Oakham, Mass.,
b. Oct. 7, 1814. He resided ten years or more, after
marriage, in Leverett, and then removed to Montague,
where he lived seven years. In 1854, he came to Marl.,
and located on the Eber Tenney i)lace, now owned by
Amos A. Mason, where he d. Sept. 3, 1867. His widow
now resides in Jaffrey.
I. Charles Alien, 1). in Leverett, Mass., June 24,
1837; residei^ in Jaffrey, uni.
ir. Daniel Adams, b. in Leverett, Mass., July 17,
1S39; in., Aug., 1866, Mary E., dau. of George
AV. and Mary (Bemis) Brown of Troy ; resides
in Jaffrey.
III. Arthur Wells, b. in Leverett, Mass., Oct. 2, 1846;
m., Nov. 19, 1868, S. Delia, dau. of Mirick and
Charlotte E. D. Stimpson of Ashburnham ;
resides in Leominster, INIass.
IV. IdeUa Celinda, b. in Montague, Aug. 30, 1849;
d. March 11, 1863.
GENEALOGICAL REGISTER.
481
7
V. Frances Dexter, b. in Montague, Sept. 10, 1851;
d. March 4, 1863.
8
VI. Edwin Leroy, b. in Marl., Nov. 20, 1856 ; d.
March 21, 1863.
FIFE.
" The surname Fife claims to be descended from a younger son of Fife
Macduff, Earl of Fife, from which title they have the name and carry
the arms." — Loiver's Family Names of the United Kingdom. " It is not
doubted that those of the name of Fife are descendants of Fife Macduff.
They have the paternal arms of Macduff." — Old Manuscript furnished by
Joseph Bainbridge Fife, M.D. While it is true that the name had its ori-
gin in the foregoing manner, it is believed to have also been assumed by
natives of the county of Fife, Scotland, other than descendants of Fife
Macduff, and, as applied to their descendants, is a local surname. The
county is spelled Fife, but in Scotland the surname is most often spelled
Fyfe.
This is one of the oldest families in Scotland, as is shown by its fre-
quent and honorable mention in Scotland's history from the very com-
mencement of the use of surnames, and by traditions handed down in
the family from generation to generation. James and William were the
ancestors of the Fife family in this country. They were natives of Fife-
shire, Scotland, and were among the early settlers of Bolton, Mass.
James m. Patience Butler, a native of Bolton. They had twelve children,
among whom were Silas, and Robert, who is number 24 in the following
register.
Dea. Silas Fife, son of James and Patience (Butler)
Fife, b. in Bolton, Mass., Oct. 4, 1748; m., Aug. 15,
1772, Abigail Houghton, a native of Bolton. He was
one of the earliest settlers of this town, and located on
the farm, now in Troy, since owned by Dea. Abel Baker
(see Chap. II.). In 1779, Mr. Fife united with the Con-
gregational Church in Marl., of which he was made one
of the deacons June 22, 1791, and continued to hold
that office until Sept. 3, 1815, when he withdrew from
the Marl. Church in order to unite with the Congrega-
tional 'Church in Troy, on account of the latter being
much nearer his residence. He also held various posi-
tions of honor and trust in town, with credit to himself
and advantage to his fellow-citizens. He d. in Troy,
May 23, 1836. His wife d. March 25, 1823, ». 72.
I. Samuel, b. June 27, 1773.+
II. Betsey, b. May 3, 1775 ; m. William Tenney, q.v.
HI. Silas, b. Apr. 21, 1777 ; m. Abigail Johnson.
For a number of years, he was engaged in teach-
ing school in the vicinity of Marl., and was
afterward associated with his brother Samuel
in merchandising. He finally removed to Hali-
fax, Vt., where he d. Apr. 12, 1834.
482
HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
9
10
11
12
(2)
(6)
18
19
1. Otis, b. July 17, 1810; m., Oct. 15, 1832,
Temperance Pearce; d. in Oswego, N.Y.,
May 2, 1843.
IV. John, b. Feb. 6, 1779.+
V. James, b. Nov. 1-4, 1780; m. Mrs. Coy; d. in
Troy, 1840.
VI. Abigail, b. Dec. 2, 1782 ; d. in childhood.
VII. Benjamin, b. March 24, 1786 ; m. Betsey Newton ;
d. in Troy, Nov. 24, 1842.
VIII. Amos, b. Oct. 14, 1790 ; m. Nancy, dau. of Reu-
ben Ward. He d. in Boston, Dec. 18, 1830.
IX. Timothy, b. Apr. 24, 1792; m., Jan. 24, 1821,
Mary Jones ; d. in Troy, Dec. 12, 1871.
' X. Nathan, b. Feb. 22, 1795 ; m. Margaret Bird ; d.
at Isle-au-Haute, Me., Oct., 1834.
Samuel Fife, eldest son of Dea. Silas, m., Sept. 6,
1806, Anna, dau. of Daniel and Lucy (Collins) Emerson,
b. in Marl., May 27, 1782, and d. in Jaffrey, July 28,
1818. He m. (2d), Apr. 1, 1819, Sarah Thayer, b. in
Richmond, Aug. 15, 1776, and d. in Elmore, Vt., June
20, 1847. In early life, he taught school for several
years, and afterward engaged in mercantile business, in
company with his brother Silas. Late in life, he re-
moved to Chelsea, Vt., where he was successfully
engaged in farming for a number of years, and from
thence to Elmore, Vt., where he d. Oct.' 15, 1851. Chil-
dren by first wife : —
I. Almond, b. March 4, 1811 ; m., Jan. 5, 1841,
Marinda Peck ; d. Sept. 3, 1868.
II. Ahha, b. July 5, 1814; ra., Jan. 28, 1836, Char-
lotte Courser ; lives in Irvington, Iowa.
III. Mira, b. Apr. 19, 1818; m. Jason M. Kendrick of
Wilmington, N.Y. ; d. Apr. 5, 1848.
Children by second wife : — ,
IV. Em^erson, b. Nov. 13, 1819; d. Nov., 1853, uni.
V. Silas, b. Apr. 20, 1825; m., Jan. 1, 1857, Sarah
Allen ; resides in Chicago, 111.
John Fife, third son of Dea. Silas ; m. Sarah Seward,
b. March 27, 1774; d. in Peterboro, Aug. 24, 1858. He
remained in town but a few years after his marriage,
then removed to Jaffrey, where he was engaged in farm-
ing for many years, and thence to Peterboro, where
he d. May 7, 1843.
I. Abigail, b. July 29, 1800; m., Oct. 12, 1823,
Samuel Stratton ; resides in Jaffrey.
II. William, b. Nov. 23, 1803; m.,. Apr. 27, 1833,
GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 483
Kuth Gott ; m. (2d), Dec. 22, 1847, Sarah Sel-
lers; d, at Ellsworth, Me., June 2, 1857.
III. John, b. Jan. 31, 1807 ; m., Nov. 4, 1830, Caroline
Stone ; resides in Chai'lotte, N.Y.
IV. Mary, b. June 27, 1808; d. 1828, um.
V. { Ehnira, b. Aug. 11, 1811; resides in
rp • j Peterboro, um.
iwms. . ^^^^.^.^^^ b. Aug. 11, 1811; resides in
Peterboro, um.
Robert Fife, a brother of Dea. Silas Fife, b. in Bol-
ton, Mass., March 11, 1747 ; m., July 11, 1776, Hepzibah
Bash of Marl., Mass. He resided for a few years in this
town on a lot of land near his brother, and then returned
to Mass., where he d. in Apr., 1785. He had children
as follows, all of Avhom, except Jesse, were b. in Bolton.
I. Lucy, b. Jan. 1, 1777 ; d. in infancy.
II. Hannah, b. July 29, 1778 ; m. Solomon Moore ;
d. in Hillsboro', Feb. 21, 1841.
III. Lucy, b. May 18, 1780; m. Curtis Pollard; d. in
Bolton, Sept. 26, 1846.
IV. Hepzibah, b. Nov. 30, 1781; m. Asa Goss ; d. in
Sterling, Mass., 1871.
V. Robert, b. Sei3t. 27, 1783 ; m. Larhuhannah Nel-
son ; . removed to Florida, Mass., where he was
deacon of the Congregational Church, and
held nearly all the responsible offices within
the gift of his fellow-townsmen. He d. Nov.
24, 1846.
VI. Jesse, ; removed to Florida, Mass., where
he m. Lydia Kemp; d. Sept. 22, 1839.
Paul Fifjeld, b. in Concord, N.H., Aug. 6, 1763;
m. Temperance Fui'ber, a native of Portsmouth. She
was a sister of Nathaniel Furber, a potter who resided
for some time in this town and Dublin. Mr. Fifield
came to Marl, previous to 1800, and settled in that part
of Roxbury set off from Marlboro', being the first settler
on what is known as the "old Fifield place." He d.
July 22, 1840. His widow d. in 1855.
I. Samuel, b. Nov. 27, 1791 ; m. Alniira Allen of
Walpole ; removed to Otselic, N.Y.
II. Asa, b. Apr. 11, 1794 ; d. in Painsville, Ohio.
III. Gardner, h. Jan. 15, 1796; m. Hepsibeth Green-
lief of Medford, Mass., where he settled, and d.
in 1850.
IV. Ira, b. Jan. 11, 1798 ; m. Irena Allen of Walpole ;
removed to Otselic, N.Y.
484
HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
b. March 21, 1800; rri. Elias Tozer;
resides in Illinois.
VI. Stillman, b. June 12, 1802 ; m., Sept. 28, 1828,
Julia Kobbins of Nelson ; resided for many
years in Roxbury, then removed to Marl., and
thence to Swanzey,. where he d. Dec. 15, 1878.
VII. Cynthia^ b. Feb., 1806 ; m. Alvah Foster ; re-
moved to Wheatland, Mich., where she d.
March 28, 1875.
VIII. lAicina, b, Jan., 1808 ; m. Nahuni Nims ; resides
in Sullivan.
Rev. Hallow at Fish, son of Rev. Elisha Fish, was
b. in Upton, Mass., Aug. 2, 1762; graduated at Dart-
mouth College 1790, and was ordained pastor of the
Congregational Church, Sept. 25, 1793 (see Chap. VI.).
His wife was Hannah, dau. of Jonas and Persis (Baker)
Brigham of Westborough, Mass. He d. Sept. 1, 1824.
She d. Sept. 1, 1824. He adopted two children, a niece
and nephew of his wife.
I. Hannah^ b. in "Westborough, 1796 ; m. Silas
Paine of Randolph, Mass.
II. Halloway^ b. in Westborough, Mass., Sept. 2,
1801 (see Brigham family).
FITCH.
John Fitch, with his wife and two children, removed in 1739 from
Bradford, Mass., to that pai-t of Lunenburg now inchided in Ashby.
His abode was several miles distant from his nearest neighbors, and was
described by him as " seven miles and a half above Lunenburg meeting-
house, and three miles and a half above any of the inhabitants, on tlie
road leading from Lunenburg to Northfield." .The settlers in that vicin-
ity, apprehensive of an attack from the Indians, assisted j\Ir. Fitch in
fortifying his house ; and early in the year 1748 four soldiers were sta-
tioned within the garrison. Mr. Fitch was a man of considerable dis-
tinction. He had traded much with the Indians, and his frontier posi-
tion was well known. It appears that they had resolved upon his capt-
ure; and a party of them, not far from eighty in number, stealthily
approached his abode during the absence of two of the soldiers, and, on
the morning of July 5, 1748, suddenly fell upon him and his two remain-
ing companions, who were a short distance from the garrison. One of
the soldiers, named Zaccheus Blodgett, was instantly killed. Mr. Fitch
and the other soldier, named Jennings, escaped within the enclosure,
where they made a stout resistance for an hour and a half, when Jen-
nings received a fatal womid in the neck, from a shot through a port-hole.
The wife of Mr. Fitch loaded the guns, while her husband continued his
efforts to repel the assault. The Indians at last assured him that, if he
persisted in firing, he and his family should perish in the flames of the
building ; but, Lf he would surrender, they promised to spare the lives of
all within his house. A sui-render was then made, and the house and
fences were burned by the Indians ; and Mr. Fitch, accompanied by his
GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 485
wife and five children, was conducted to Montreal. The ages of the chil-
dren were, respectively, five months, four-, five and one half, eleven, and
thirteen years. A company of men from Lunenburg and vicinitj^, mider
command of Major Hartwell, started in pursuit, early the following morn-
ing. The Indians proceeded along the south side of Watatic Movmtain,
and made theu' first stop at the meeting-house in Ashbiu'nham, the inhab-
itants of which town had abandoned their settlement but a short time
previous. It is probable that they continued their course through the
eastern portion of Kindge, and thence by way of Spofford Gap in a more
northern du-ection. Somewhere ui the township of Ashburnham, the
pursuing party discovered a piece of paper fastened to a tree, containing
a few lines written by Fitch, imploring his friends not to attempt his
rescue, as the Indians had promised to spare theii- lives, if unmolested,
but threatened instant death to himself and family, if his friends at-
tempted to deprive them of their captives. The pursuing party then
retm-ned. After enduring the severest hardships in their long journey
through the wilderness and in captivity, the family were ransomed by
their friends in Bradford. After bravely enduring the perils of captiv-
ity, the wife of Mr. Fitch sickened while returning, and died in Provi-
dence, Dec. 24, 1748, nearly six months after the date of captm-e. The
others retru-ned to their former home in Ashby.
Mr. Fitch xised to relate that among the plimder taken from his prem-
ises by the Indians, was a heavy draft chain, which one of them carried
upon his shoulders to Canada, and there bartered it for a quart of rum.
Paul, one of tiie children, then between five and six years of age, was
strapped upon the back of an Indian, and performed the journey more!*
easily than other members of the family. He always remembered
this experience of his childhood, and used to say that, brought into such
close contact with his animated vehicle, the smell of the Indian made
him sick, and that he cried so lustily the savage tm-ned him about and
again bound him to his back. With his face toward his foi'mer home,
and blindly entering the unknown future, the journey was continued.
His new position was a truthful symbol of the uncertainty of his fort-
unes. Jacob, another of the sons of Mr. Fitch, then four years of age,
and who subsequently was one of the early school-masters in Eindge,
suffered more severely. Though in other respects well formed, his lower
limbs were of dwarfish size, on account of the rigor with which he was
bound to the back of his Indian transport. John Fitch m. (2d), Feb.
14, 1750-51, Elizabeth (Bowers) Peirce. He took an active part in secm--
ing an act for the incorporation of Fitchburg, and from him that city
received its name. He resided a few years in Eindge, after which he re-
tm-ned to Ashby, where he d. Apr. 8, 1795.
Paul Fitch, son of John, b. June 15, 1744 ; m., Apr.,
1767, Mary Jaquith of Billerica, Mass., b. June 25, 1744,
who was the mother of his nine children, and d. Feb. 18,
1800; and he m. ('id), in Rindge, Jan. 7, 1802, Joanna
(Rice) Walker, widow of Samuel Walker. He settled
first in Rindge, and entered the army from that town,
being a member of Capt. Stone's Company in 1777.
Soon after his discharge, he removed to Jaffi-ey, 
