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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. 
