??***<' <4<C .Jt,:
 
 «je 
 
 THE LIBRARY 
 
 OF 
 
 THE UNIVERSITY 
 
 OF CALIFORNIA 
 
 LOS ANGELES 
 
 >. 
 
 Ex I.ibris 
 
 Katharine F. Richmond 
 
 and 
 
 Henry C. Fall
 
 -:• ••^^.i^ 
 
 -«>-* . •; fc^

 
 HISTOHY 
 
 OF THE TOWN OF 
 
 EOCHESTEE 
 
 NEW HAMPSHIRE, 
 
 FROM 1722 TO 1890. 
 
 BY 
 
 FRANKLIN MCDUFFEE, A. M. 
 
 EDITED AND KEVISED BY 
 
 SILVANUS HAYWARD. 
 
 " Threshing Time's neglected sheaves, 
 Gathering up the scattered leaves 
 Which the wrinkled Sibyl cast 
 Careless from her as she passed." 
 
 m TWO VOLUMES. — VOL. L 
 
 MANCHESTER: 
 
 THE JOHN B. CLARKE CO., PRINTERS. 
 1892.
 
 Copyright Secured by 
 M. F. McDVFFJEE.
 
 EDITOR'S PREFACE, 
 
 F 
 
 v.l 
 
 In 1865 the author of this History began a series of historical sketches in 
 the "Rochester Courier," and, with much labor during subsequent years, col- 
 lected a large amount of material for a town history. The minute and thor- 
 ough character of his work is seen in the early history, and especially in the 
 record of Rochester in the Rebellion. The carefully preserved sketches and 
 other papers contain scattered notes suggesting changes and additions indicative, 
 in some degree, of his general plan. His lamented death left the work, unfor- 
 tunately, incomplete. 
 
 His father, John McDuffee, Esq. (now recently deceased), took great interest 
 in the matter, and expressed his desire to put the money, which others would 
 have expended on marble or granite, into the History of Rochester, as a better 
 and more enduring monument to the memory of his son. At his request I 
 undertook the task of editing and completing the work. It has proved a far 
 greater labor than was at first anticipated. Every sentence has been carefully 
 reviewed and re-written in the desire to make it as nearly as possible what the 
 author himself would have wished. Much has been added, and many parts 
 are exclusively my own. Though I could not expect to attain the careful 
 accuracy, and clear, attractive style of the author, my hope is, that only special 
 critics will be likely to discern just the points of transition between the work 
 of the author and that of the editor. 
 
 The reader will observe that the standpoint of time varies with the time 
 of writing, or of going to press. 
 
 The date of publication suggests the transition from the ioiv7i to the cily of 
 Rochester, and that whoever shall resume the historic pen must begin with the 
 inauguration of a city government with the Hon. Charles S. Whitehouse as 
 first mayor. 
 
 The kind assistance of many besides those named in the body of the work 
 is hereby thankfully acknowledged. Special mention should be made of Irving 
 A. Watson. M. D., the Hon. A. S. Batchellor, the Rev. N. F. Carter, J. R. 
 Ham, M. D.. and my lamented friend, the late Hon. Isaac W. Hammond. 
 
 Like a broken column restored by some less skillful hand, it is hoped this 
 History will remain as a fitting monument to the fragrant memory of its author 
 and designer, Franklin jNIcDuffee. 
 
 S. H. 
 
 SouTHBRiDGE, Mass., August, 1892. 
 
 1,CS6r?3
 
 CONTENTS 
 
 Chapter. Page. 
 
 I. Descriptive 9 
 
 11. Indian History 13 
 
 III. In'corporatiox and Charter . . . . . . . 33 
 
 IV. Proprietary History 41 
 
 V. Revolutionary Period 51 
 
 VI. First Century of Church History 75 
 
 VII. Leading Men of the Revolutionary' Period . . . 115 
 
 VIII. Life of Early Settlers 124 
 
 IX. From the Revolution to the Rebellion .... 145 
 
 X. Educational and Literary . 156 
 
 XI. Rochester in the Rebellion 193 
 
 XII. CntRCH History since 1819 239 
 
 XIH. Lights and Shadows , . . 293 
 
 XIV. Leading Men since the Revolution ..... 321 
 
 XV. lUsiNESs OF Rochester 461 
 
 XVI. Political 517 
 
 XVII. Unclassified Miscellanies 545 
 
 Appendix 569 
 
 General Index 627 
 
 Index to Towns 651 
 
 Index to Names 655 
 
 Index to Baptisms and Marriages 677
 
 ILLUSTllATIONS, 
 
 To face 
 page 
 
 Franklin McDuffee Frontispiece. 
 
 Market Street 9 
 
 Plan of Lots 50 
 
 Army Roll of Capt. Place 63 
 
 Map of Rochester in 1805 144 
 
 J. H. Woodman 332 
 
 Charles Dennett 337 
 
 James Farrington 346 
 
 N. V. WniTKHOusE . 358 
 
 Charles S. Wiiiteiiouse 364 
 
 E. F. Whitehouse 366 
 
 John McDuffee 368 
 
 McDuffee Block 372 
 
 Joseph H. Smith 379 
 
 John P. Hale 381 
 
 DoMiNicus Hanson 394 
 
 EzEKiEL True 401 
 
 Charles Main 405 
 
 I. W. Lougee 407 
 
 James E. Lothrop 421 
 
 Damel Lothrop 424 
 
 John F. Torr 428 
 
 Charles K. Chase 430 
 
 Charles Greenfield 420 
 
 E. G. Wallace 474 
 
 Edwin Wallace 475 
 
 Norway Plains Company No. 3 Mill 477 
 
 Norway Plains Company Nos. 1 and 2 Mills 478 
 
 Dodge's Hotel 487 
 
 GoNic Mills 503 
 
 Agent's House at Gonic 507 
 
 Cocheco Mills, East Rochester 514
 
 ERRATA, 
 
 Page 10, first line, for Robert's read Roberts'. 
 
 Page 20, sixteenth line from bottom, insert S. after Charles. 
 
 Page 22, seventh line, add John Wentworth. 
 
 Page 27, eighth line, for as killful read a skillful. 
 
 Page SO, omit foot note. 
 
 Page 117, fifth line from bottom, for McDffuee read McDuffee. 
 
 Page IGl, eighteenth line, for Hiram X. read Hiram M. 
 
 Page lOS. tenth line from bottom, omit reference to Appendix. 
 
 Page 109. thirteenth line from bottom, after appoint omit a. 
 
 Page 170, sixth line, after George insert P. 
 
 Page 201, twenty-second line, for Cross read Union. 
 
 Page 205, third line insert a at beginning. 
 
 fourteenth line from bottom, omit comma after hearty. 
 
 Page 206, twenty-third line, after Luther insert B. 
 
 Page 211, twentv-first line, instead of Porter read Potter. 
 
 Page 212. twelfth line from bottom, for August 29, 1861 read 1862. 
 
 Page 224, nineteenth line, for Pocataligo read Pocotalgo. 
 
 Page 233, second line, for since read after. 
 
 seventeenth line, for Pocotaligo read Pocotalgo. 
 
 Page 234, seventh line from bottom, for Montoliuia read Motolinia. 
 
 Page 237, twenty -seventh line, for Ilenham read Hennem. 
 
 Page 2-52, eighth line from bottom, after James insert H.,-and after An- 
 dover, insert Ma5s. 
 
 Page 253, fifteenth line from bottom, for patorate read pastorate. 
 
 Page 258, tenth line, for 60 read 62. 
 
 Page 201, eleventh line from bottom, for geat read great. 
 
 Page 319, thirteenth line from bottom, after Charles, for C. read H. 
 
 Pages 324, 325, and 327, for Henry Orue read Henry H. Orne. 
 
 Page 331, second line from bottom, for 1766 read 1776. 
 
 Page 349, at end of last line, insert t. 
 
 Page 357. eighteenth line from bottom, after Nicholas insert V. 
 
 Page 305, seventeenth line, after Charles insert H. 
 
 Page 394, fifteentli line from bottom, for 300 read 381. 
 next line, for 380 read 369. 
 
 Page 408, twelfth line from bottom, for 1698 should perhaps be 1658. 
 
 Page 421, tenth line, for daugher read daughter. 
 
 Page 443, tenth line from bottom, after Stephen insert M. 
 
 Page 449, tenth line from bottom, for Gonic read Rochester. 
 
 PBge 459, sixth line from bottom, for 1880 read 1885. 
 
 Page 470, first line, for neergetic read energetic. 
 
 Page 473, eighteenth line from bottom, after Micajah insert H. 
 
 Page 4H.}, ninth line from bottom, omit last n. 
 
 Page 52!, first line, for Togers read Rogci's, omit comma after R, and 
 insert comma after Roberts. 
 
 Page 530, seventeenth line from bottom, for Colton read Cotton. 
 
 Page 531, twenty-fourth line, for Lewis read Louis. 
 
 Page 541, t*nlh line from bottom, for 141 read 142. 
 
 Page 543, fourth line from bottom, for 1854 read 1845. 
 
 Page 553, seventh line from bottom, at end put e in place of c. 
 
 Page 501, la.st line, for 1841 read 1881. 
 
 Page 572, fourth line, for Cliarberlain read Chamberlain. 
 
 Page 621, twenty-first line should be a foot note with asterisk.
 
 A U T 11 ir S I X T K D U C T I O N . 
 
 It is much to be regretted that so little pains is taken to preserve the inci- 
 dents of local history. Although the liveliest interest may be felt in the recital 
 of these incidents, yet they are generally left to the keeping of uncertain tra- 
 dition, so that after two or three generations have passed away it is difficult 
 to distinguish fact from mere fiction or embellishment. Even great events and 
 deeds are soon forgotten and entirely lost. 
 
 Every town should support a historical society or adopt some other means 
 for the preservation of its history. A library association might be made to 
 serve all the purposes; a local newspaper, too, is an excellent means, as its 
 value and prosperity depend upon its furnishing a complete record of current 
 events. 
 
 These remarks are well illustrated by the following incident. 
 
 In 1774, when the oppressions of the mother country were exciting resistance 
 in the minds of the colonists, and their hearts were beginning to yearn for 
 independence, General Gage, who commanded the British forces in Boston, 
 wanted carpenters to build barracks to secure the troops against the approaching 
 winter. But no carpenters could be hired in Massachusetts to work for British 
 soldiers. In this dilemma General Gage applied for aid to Governor Went- 
 worth of New Hampshire, who dispatched a secret agent to some of the back 
 towns to hire workmen. The success of this person in his visit to Rochester 
 is thus recorded in Belknap's History of New Hampshire : — 
 
 "The agent in this secret business was brought on his knees before the committee of 
 Rochester and made an humble acknowledgment. This prudent step of the committee dis- 
 armed the popular rage und prevented any injury to his person or property." 
 
 Every citizen of Rochester may well feel proud to find the town thus early 
 taking so unequivocal and decided a stand in the cause of independence. But 
 certainly this is but a meager and unsatisfactory account of so prominent an 
 event. "Who were this committee? and whence did they derive their authority? 
 What was the language of that "humble acknowledgment*'? and where did 
 the meeting occur? The records of the town furnish no light. Tradition even 
 gives us no clew. Who knows anything in regard to the subject? (p. 54.)
 
 8 author's introduction. 
 
 It is the purpose of the writer to give a few sketches of the early history 
 of the town, not entering minutely into barren statistics and details of gene- 
 alogy, but selecting such matters as are of general interest, and the knowledge 
 of which may be readily obtained. There are doubtless many old papers and 
 letters stored in attics in Rochester, which would elucidate important points in 
 its history, if the owners would bring them forth to the light. It is hoped 
 these articles will tend to this result, and awaken an increased interest in the 
 subject. 
 
 Rochester, 1865.
 
 o
 
 ROCHESTER. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 DESCRIPTIVE. 
 
 '' The sinless, peaceful works of God." 
 
 Rochester is situated on the 71st meridian west of Greenwich. 
 The viUage is al)Oiit one mile east of this meridian, and in hititude 
 43° 18' north. The town is approximately a trapezoid contain- 
 ing about 52,000 acres, with its diagonals extending nearly ten 
 miles north and south, and a little over eight miles east and west. 
 Its northeastern boundary is the state line on the east bank of the 
 Salmon Falls river which separates Rochester from Lebanon and 
 Berwick in Maine. On the southeast it is bounded by Somersworth 
 and Dover, on the southwest by Barrington and Straflbrd, and on 
 the northwest l)y Farmington, touching Milton for a short distance 
 between Farmington and the river. 
 
 Of natural ponds or lakes Rochester is almost entirely destitute. 
 The line between Rochester and Farmington crosses Ricker's pond 
 near its center, and a small portion of Round pond extends over 
 Barrington line. "Little Long pond" also crosses the same line 
 about half a mile farther east. The Salmon Falls river flows along 
 the northeastern side, and the Cocheco river crosses the town 
 towards the southeast from Farmington to Dover. Isinglass river 
 (probably named from the mica in its bed or along its banks) loops 
 into Rochester from Barrington, making a large ox-bow, where it 
 is crossed by the Nashua & Rochester railroad ; then returning to 
 Barrington it bends back again across the line and enters the 
 Cocheco near where Rochester corners on Dover. Owing to the 
 level surface of the town the brooks are few and of little importance. 
 
 2
 
 Ill ROCHESTER. 
 
 Tilt' primii.al cmk-s are lvol)ert's brook, flowing from Rieker's pond; 
 r>i TIN ■> hrook, wliicli suiiplie;^ the reservoir recently built; Willow 
 brook and IK-ath brook. 
 
 Dr. Javkson's report of the geology of the State says: — 
 
 '' Rochester is probably underlaid by strata of mica slate, which is covered by 
 drift consisting of fine sand and sandy loam. Our attention was directed to an 
 extensive peat bog, comprising more than one hundred and fifty acres, and not less 
 than forty feet in depth. It is but half a mile from the flourishing village of 
 Kochester. and will prove of great value both for fuel and for agricultural use. 
 The bog may be easily reclaimed by draining off the surplus water into the Cocheco 
 river by means of ditches which need not be more than six feet deep. Several 
 persons who visited this bog with me resolved to purchase, reclaim it, and convert 
 it into a meadow for ICnglish grasses. I have no doubt of its proving more 
 valuable than any upland soil in the town." 
 
 From Prof Hitchcock's " Geology of Xew Hampshire" we learn 
 that Rochester was under the sea during the "Atlantic period." It 
 was afterward (.-((vercd witli gneiss holding crystals of andalusite, 
 wliie-h are still largely prevalent here. The gneiss was subsequently 
 covered with "an uncouth mica schist." The movements of the ice 
 in the glacial period were toward the southeast. Bowlders are not 
 unfreipient, but none of remarkable size have been observed. Coarse 
 glacial drift and finer modiiied drift deposited by rivers of the Cliam- 
 plain period, cover most of the town, forming extensive plains which 
 obscure the underlying rock. These plains extendino; for eis-ht 
 miles along tlie Cocheco, are in many places, as especially at Gonic, 
 underlaid by clay. Their height at Rochester Village is two hun- 
 dred and twenty-six feet, and at East Rocliester and Gonic two hun- 
 dred I'eet, above sea level. The river falls much more rapidly than 
 the plains, so that it lies seventy-tive feet below them in the south 
 ]tart of the town. There are live "lenticular hills" in Rochester. 
 The linest of these is the one now owned by Walter S. Hussey. 
 
 " It rises with a very regularly rounded outline one hundred and fifty feet above 
 the lowland or valleys which surround it on every side. Another of similar height 
 but less typical in form, lies one mile southeast, near Gonic Village. Two of these 
 occur east of the ( "oclieco, being Haven hill crossed by the road to Great Falls, 
 and Gonic hill a half mile south, 'j'he former is less steep and prominent than 
 usual, but was shown by a well at its top to be composed of glacial drift at least 
 forty feet deep."' 
 
 Dry hill lying near IJarriiigton, and the range toward Farmington 
 called Cliestnnt liills, are probably the highest points in town, being 
 a little over five hundred feet above sea level. 
 
 The most important natural feature of the town is undoubtedly 
 tlie iM.;it bog already mentioned. A large portion of it lies between
 
 DESCRIPTIVE. 11 
 
 the village and the tirst crossing of the Great Falls & Conway rail- 
 road. Tlie greatest depth found in building that road was a little 
 over twenty feet. East of the railroad there are fifty or sixty acres 
 more, varying in depth from five to fifteen feet. A few persons 
 have used this peat for fuel with good success. It yields a large 
 amount of light, dusty ashes which are found useful for polishing. 
 The market value of these peat beds depends almost entirely on the 
 price of coal. Largely through the exertions of Franklin McDuffee, 
 the Strafford County Improved Peat Company Avas organized 
 November 13, 1866, at the office of iS'athaniel Wells, Esq., in Great 
 Falls. The capital stock was one hundred thousand dollars, all 
 owned by less than a dozen men. D. H. ButFum, A. A. Perkins, 
 and Royal Eastman of Great Falls, E. G. Wallace of Rochester, and 
 Jeremiah Evarts of Boston were chosen directors; and Franklin 
 McDuffee treasurer and clerk. The company was not designed for 
 stock speculation but for business, fully intending to enter upon the 
 work the following spring, but so great a fall in the price of coal 
 intervened that they were compelled to abandon the enterprise. 
 The land is still owned by these men and their successors. 
 
 Evidently Rochester has superior natural advantages for nuinufac- 
 turing. With the Cocheco flowing diagonally through the town, 
 iind the Salmon Falls forming its eastern boundary, our water privi- 
 leges are rarely surpassed. Its location also necessarily makes it a 
 railroad center. It is not possible that our great advantages should 
 fail to excite a sure and continual growth in manufacturing pursuits. 
 
 The soil of Rochester is largely sandy or slaty, and not favorable 
 for the highest agricultural success. In some parts, however, it 
 yields good crops. The plains are easily tilled, and, witli a large 
 supply of dressing frequently renewed, will well repay the diligent 
 fiU'mer. The soil is specially favorable for pines. White pines, 
 pitch pines, and Norway pines have always abounded. These with 
 several varieties of oak, hemlocks, chestnuts, birches, nuiples, and 
 larches are the principal trees. Shrubs and smaller plants are such 
 as are usually found in the light soils where pine and -wliito oak 
 prevail. 
 
 Formerly, here as elsewhere, wild animals were numerous. 
 Wolves, bears, deer, and moose fed or annoyed the early settlers, 
 and busy beavers built their curious dwellings along the streams. 
 They are now only traditions of the remote past. The level country
 
 12 ROCHESTEK. 
 
 affording no rocky hiding-places, these larger wild beasts were 
 sooner exterminated here than in many other places. The forests 
 also being early cleared away, no shelter is left even for the larger 
 birds. For the same reason, foxes and raccoons are fewer than in 
 most New Hampshire towns. Mr. William N. Hastings, who has 
 made a special study of microscopic objects, has found diatoms of 
 forms apparently somewhat rare, such as are assigned l)y other 
 investigators to distant localities only. On the whole, it must be 
 said that neither the fauna nor the flora of Rochester presents any 
 remarkable features.
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 INDIAN HISTORY.* 
 
 " Erewhile, where yon gay spires their brightness rear. 
 Trees waved, and the brown hunter's shouts were loud 
 Amid the forest ; and the bounding deer 
 Fled at the glancing plume, and the gaunt wolf yelled near. 
 
 "There stood the Indian hamlet : there the lake 
 
 Spread its blue sheet that flashed with many an oar, 
 "Where the brown otter plunged him from the brake, 
 
 And the deer drank ; as the light gale flew o'er. 
 
 The twinkling maize-field rustled on the shore; 
 And while that spot, so wild, and lone, and fair, 
 
 A look of glad and innocent beauty wore. 
 And peace was on the earth and in the air, 
 The warrior lit the pile and bound his captive there." 
 
 If we knew nothing of the past history of Rochester, the names 
 Kewichwaunoc, Squamanagonic, and Cocheco would be sufficient 
 proof that the Indians dwelt here before the white men came. It 
 was their custom to give names to the mountains and lakes among 
 which they dwelt, and the river falls and other places which they 
 frequented for hunting and fishing. The rivers themselves they did 
 not name, though the names they gave to the falls and other remark- 
 able places are often applied now not only to the rivers but to the 
 towns and villages upon their banks. 
 
 The Indians did not use arbitrary, unmeaning terms, but every 
 name had some peculiar fitness to the locality to which it was 
 applied. Neimchwannoe, by which name the Salmon Falls river was 
 formerly known, was two hundred years ago pronounced Ne-ge- 
 won-nuck. It is found spelled in no less than nine different ways. 
 It is difficult to resolve the word into its parts, although the last 
 syllable, ock or acke, denotes the name of a ^;?«cc. From several 
 sources worthy of credit it is interpreted to mean, "The place of 
 
 *In preparing this chapter, the author is largely indebted to Belknap's History of New 
 Hampshire.
 
 14 ROCHESTER. 
 
 many Mh," and was probably applied to the lower portion of the 
 river, for which it is very appropriate. 
 
 S(jua7nana(/onic, now abl)reviated to Gonic, is analyzed thus: 
 Squa/ii, water; an, a hill; a, euphonic, merely aiding the pronuncia- 
 tion; go/i, clay; k; a place. Literally rendered, then, it means, 
 " The water of the day place hill." Those familiar Avith the soil in that 
 part of the town will regard this as a tolerabl}^ faithful description. 
 
 Cocheco has been variously spelled, Cochecho, Cochechae, Quo- 
 checho, Kechceachy, etc. It was first spelled Cocheco in the name 
 of the Manufacturing Company at Dover, probably by accident. Its 
 meaning is as follows : Co, falls; che, great; co, falls; that is, falls 
 and great falls. The expression was probably applied by the Indians 
 to the succession of falls in Dover, including the great falls in the 
 city and the smaller falls a mile or more up the river. According 
 to the dialect now used by the Indians in Maine, it is supposed the 
 word should be written " K'tchecoke," in which case the meaning 
 would be r/rcai place ; that is, great place in the river, equivalent to 
 great falls. 
 
 A curiosity may exist to know something of these people who 
 inhabited this section before the white settlers, and thus fixed the 
 names of these localities. What tribes dwelt here ? "Were the 
 inhabitants numerous ? Were there Indian villages in this vicinity ? 
 Such questions doubtless suggest themselves to others as they often 
 have to the writer. 
 
 It should be remembered that the Indian population was very 
 sparse. Here and there a tribe had a little village of a few hundred 
 inhabitants at the most, and these villages were far remote from 
 each other. They were not great travelers except in their hunting 
 and fishing excursions and when on the war path, and the greater 
 I)art of the country was little visited by them. They were so igno- 
 rant of geography as to suppose that I^ew England was an island. 
 Their usual route from the mountains and lakes to the white settle- 
 ments was by tlie Cocheco and IS'ewichwannoc (now Salmon Falls) 
 rivers, and probably many a warlike band of both Indians and 
 wliitcs liave passed along these rivers near where our beautiful 
 village is now situated. 
 
 When our fiithers came to New England they found within its 
 confines five principal nations of Indians. In Connecticut were the 
 Pequotfi; in Rhode Island, the Xarragansetts ; in Massachusetts, the
 
 INDIAN HISTORY. 15 
 
 Massachusetts Iiuliant^. TIr- Paw kunnakiitts iiili;iliit<-'(l Xaiituckct, 
 Martha's Vineyard, and Plyniouth. Tlie Pawtucketts constituted 
 the tifth and last great saclienisliiii. To this general division of 
 Pawtucketts belonged the Peiniacooks living ujion the Merrimack 
 river and in the central portions of this State. Several other smaller 
 sachemships were also included in the national name of Pawtucketts, 
 such as the Agawams, Naumkoeks, and l*iscata(iuas. All these 
 originally formed one great nation under Tassacoiiaway, called the 
 great sacliem of Pennacook. The Peninicooks were prohahlv the 
 most powerful of these suhordiiuite tribes. 
 
 When New Hampshire was iirst settled, the remains of two tribes 
 had their habitations on the several lu'anches of the Piscatacpia river. 
 One sachem lived at the falls of Squamscott, now Exeter, and the 
 other at those of N^ewichwannoc, now South Berwick, Me. ; their 
 headquarters being generally in places convenient for fishing. Both 
 these, with several inland tribes residing about Lake Winnipiseogee, 
 acknowleged subjection to Passaconaway, the first great sagamore of 
 whom we have any account. He excelled the other sachems in 
 sagacity, du[)licity, and moderation, but his principal superiority was 
 his skill in some of the secrei operations of nature, which gave him 
 the reputation of a sorcerer, and extended his fame and influence 
 among the neighboring tril)es. They believed he could make water 
 burn, and trees dance, and metamorphose himself into fiame ; that 
 in winter he could raise a green leaf from the ashes of a dry one, 
 and a living serpent from the skin of one that was dead. At a 
 great feast of the Indians in 1660, Passaconaway, finding himself 
 near his end, made a farewell speech to his children and people, in 
 which, as a dying man, he warned them solemnly against quarreling 
 with the English, as it would prove the «ure means of their own 
 destruction. He told how he had tried all his arts of sorcery against 
 them, yet still they increased in numl)er and their settlements 
 advanced. Wonolanset, his son and successor, heeded his advice, 
 for when, fifteen years later, King Philip's war l)roke out, in which 
 were engaged all the other New England tribes, including even 
 those upon the Kennebec and Penobscot rivers, he withdrew his 
 people to a remote place that they might not be drawn into the 
 quarrel. But when in 1676 Major "Waldron seized four hundred 
 Indians whom he had invited to Dover, then called Cocheco, to wit- 
 ness a training and a sham fight, though all the Peniuicooks were
 
 16 ROCHESTER. 
 
 disniiijsed iinhamied, yet their Indian nature could not brook such 
 indignity, and forgetting tlie advice of the dying Passaconaway, 
 by resentment and thirst for revenge they Avere driven into war. 
 From this time the Pennacooks, in common with the other tribes, 
 became implacable foes to the white settlers. 
 
 A few months only after the capture of the Pennacooks by Major 
 Waldron occurred an event in the historj' of Indian warfare which 
 gave to a }iart of our town a name which it has ever since borne. 
 In March or April, 1677, a famous Indian scout and sagamore 
 named ''Blind AVill,'" who liad lieen frequently employed by ]Major 
 Waldron, was sent out by him with seven of his Indians up the 
 Coeheco river, to learn the designs of the enemy. They were sur- 
 prised by a company of Mohawks, who had 1)een stimulated by the 
 English to make war upon their ancient enemies, the Eastern Indi- 
 ans, and most of ther)i were captured or slain. Blind Will himself 
 was dragged awa}' by the hair of his head, and being wounded per- 
 ished in the woods "on a neck of land formed by the confluence of 
 the Cocheco and Isinglass rivers.'' In the early town records this 
 jjlace always bears the name, " Blind WilPs Xeck," now contracted 
 to the simple term "The N'eck." Thus more than fifty years be- 
 fore the town was incorporated or known b}^ any distinctive name, 
 "The Xeck" had been christened by this bloody incident. 
 
 In immediate connection with the story of Blind Will another 
 Indian incident prior to the incorporation of the town finds an 
 apia-ojiriate ])lace. Horrible in the extreme, it fitly illustrates the 
 savageness of this barbarous race. 
 
 The people living in the neighborhood of the Chestnut hills have 
 pro1)ably lieard with fear, in their childhood days, of the ghost of 
 Kogers, whose grave is said to be near the camp-ground, or Trickey's 
 ledge. Tradition says that Rogers, whom the Indians on account 
 of his ()l)esity nicknamed " Pork," being a prisoner, was unable to 
 keep up with his captors, and therefore they put him to death in the 
 most cruel manner, sticking pitcli wood into his body and thus roast- 
 ing liim alive. He was literally barbecued. The place is still shown 
 where his remains are said to be buried. Tradition has not exag- 
 gerated this account, Imt on the contrary has palliated the statements 
 of authentic history. 
 
 In the year 1600 an expedition of twentA'-seven French soldiers, and 
 about an equal nundjer of Indians under Iloodgood, a noted warrior,
 
 INDIAN lirSTOHY. 17 
 
 Avas fitted out in Canadu against the English settlements. They 
 uttaeked Salmon Falls, and after an obstinate iiglit in whicli thirty 
 of the l)rave defenders were slain, the garrison surrendered. Fifty- 
 four prisoners were taken, and the atrocity ahove mentioned took 
 place whik' on the retreat to Canada. The account is originally 
 derived from Di-. Cotton MatluT. 
 
 " Robert Rogers, a corpulent man, being unable to carry the burden which the 
 Indians had imposed upon him, threw it down in the path and went aside into the 
 woods to conceal himself. They found him by his tracks, stripped, beat, and 
 pricked him with their swords; then tied him to a tree and danced round him till 
 they had kindled a fire. They gave him time to pray and take leave of his fellow 
 prisoners, who were placed round the fire to see his death. They pushed the fire 
 toward him, and when he was almost stifled, took it away to give him time to 
 breathe, and thus prolonged his misery; they drowned his dying groans with their 
 hideous singing and yelling, all the while dancing round the fire, cutting off pieces 
 of his flesh and throwing them in his face. When he was dead, they left his body 
 broiling on the coals, in which state it was found by his friends and buried." 
 
 After reading this we can the more easily imagine what anxiety 
 fell upon the early settlers at the mere intimation that the Indians 
 were lurking around their homes. The very word Indian became a 
 terror. The jieople were haunted at every step by the fear of sur- 
 prise, and at the slightest alarm families were hurried to the garri- 
 sons for refuge. We cannot wonder that they took their arms with 
 them when they went forth to visit, or to work, to the shop, to the 
 tield, or to the church. 
 
 " The husbandmen, with muskets o'er them slung, 
 
 In danger and in watching held the plough ; 
 Sadly and slow the fearful moments sped, 
 
 For savage men athirst for blood were nigh; 
 And when at eve they bowed the weary head. 
 
 They knew not but ere morn the war-whoop cry 
 Would reach their lowly roof, and call them out to die." 
 
 In 1722 began the Indian war called " Lovewell's War" on 
 account of the bold and memorable exploits of Capt. John Lovewell. 
 He made several successful expeditions against the Indians, but 
 iinally being ambushed by a superior force under the chief Paugus 
 near LovewelPs Pond, a long and bloody fight ensued in which he 
 was slain, with many of his com}>any, and the remainder escaped 
 only through great suiFering and hardship. This war fell with great 
 severity upon the proprietors of Rochester, costing many of them 
 their lives. The first victim was Joseph Ham, who was killed and 
 three of his children taken prisoners. Soon after, Tristram Heard, 
 ^mother proprietor, was'waylaid in the road and killed. Another,
 
 18 ROCHESTER. 
 
 James Xock, one of the elders of the church at Oyster river, was. 
 killed wliile returning on horseback from setting beaver traps iiL 
 the woods. 
 
 Tlie Provincial Council offered a bounty of one hundred pounds 
 for every Indian seal}*. The prospect of so large a reward encour- 
 aged Abraham Benwick to raise a company of volunteers, whose 
 services were speedily called into requisition. In June, 1724, Moses 
 Davi^ and his son. l)eing at work in a cornfield, went to a l)rook 
 to drink, where they discovered tliree Indian packs. Xotice was 
 immediately given to the company, and while guiding them to the 
 spot they fell into an ambush and Davis and his son were both 
 killed. The company fired upon the Indians and killed their leader, 
 a Inilf-breed Indian, supposed to be the son of the Jesuit priest Ralle, 
 who was the chief instigator of the Indians against the English set- 
 tlers. His scalp was presented to the lieutenant-governor in council 
 by Robert Burnham, and the bounty was paid to Capt. Francis 
 Mathews in trust for the company. All the men named above were- 
 proprietors of Rochester, and Capt Mathews was the first selectman 
 chosen by the town. 
 
 Several families of Quakers, although conscientiously opposed to 
 war even in self-defense, yet suffered among the others. Ebenezer 
 Downs, one of tliis class, having been taken prisoner, was required 
 to dance for the amusement of his captors, and upon refusal was 
 grossly insulted and abused. Another, John Hanson, who lived in 
 Dover and had a large family, adhered to peace principles so rigidly 
 that lie A\'ould not even remove to the garrison for safety. While 
 he and his eldest daughter were gone to the Friends' weekly meet- 
 ing, a party of French Mohawks entered the house, killed and 
 scalped two small children, captured his wife with an infant, the 
 nurse, two daughters, and a son, and carried them to Canada. When 
 they ^\■crc afterward redeemed, the Indians threatened that they 
 would again capture them. A party came to Dover for this purpose, 
 but failing of carrying out this design, lying in wait, they shot dead 
 Jienjamin Evans, wouiuk'd William Evans and cut his throat. John 
 Kvans being slightly wounded feigned death, and submitted to be 
 scaljifd without discovering any signs of life. lie lived for many 
 years. Peace was finally concluded in December, 1725. 
 
 Peace was not, however, of long duration. France held the Can- 
 adas and Xova iScotia, and was ambitious to connect these with her
 
 INDIAN HISTORY. 19 
 
 colonies in Louisiana, Avliilc Enc^land occupied only a narrow strip 
 alon«: the Atlantic coast, and saw witli alarm the airii^rcssive move- 
 ments of her rival. Karh Jraloiisly eager for the extension of her 
 own domains, encroachments and wars continually ensued until the 
 final conquest of Canada hy the British hrought pernuinent peace. 
 An Indian war was invariably an appendage to a wai- between these 
 two nations, and as invariably the Indians were engaged upon the 
 side of France. This is not to be wondered at. The Canadian 
 French were a roving, adventurous people, by their plastic nature 
 -well calculated to gain the friendship and alliance of the red man. 
 They were themselves half Indian in manners, joining in the chase 
 and the dance, building and living in wigwams, and training their 
 children to the Indian mode of life. The French Jesuits traversed 
 continent and ocean to carry their religion to these heathen tribes, 
 and though they failed to civilize them yet they exerted over their 
 passions a restraining influence, which was lost, however, as they 
 withdrew from sight. Tliese priests claimed to have converted 
 great numbers; l)ut their conversion consisted in wearing little cru- 
 cifixes on their necks, being immersed in river or lake, and learning 
 by rote a few formulas of prayer. It is not strange, tlierefore, that 
 they acquired a powerful influence over these forest tribes. There 
 were strong ties of brotherhood between tlie two races, and as the 
 French always remained loyal to the home government, their Indian 
 allies were easily stmiulated to attack the settlements of the English 
 enemies of France. The French furnished arms and ammunition 
 for these hostile excursions, and found timple repayment in the large 
 number of captives for ^vhose redemption heavy ransoms were paid 
 by their friends. The Indians were serviceable allies, wily and 
 cruel foes. They dwelt at remote distances in the wilderness, 
 whither they could be pursued only with great difficulty and expense. 
 Making incursions in small bands, they fell unexpectedly upon the 
 isolated settlements, showing little or no mercy to their victims. 
 Their attacks could never be foreseen. Accustomed to forest life, 
 quick in all their perceptions and motions, trained in the love of 
 cruelty and bloodshed, and expert in every artitice to entrap a foe, 
 they were a dangerous and dreaded race. 
 
 Although the settlement of Rochester was long postponed on 
 account of Indian wars, yet for nearly twenty years alter the settle- 
 ment began, nothing occurred to interrupt its progress. At tliis time
 
 20 ROCHESTER. 
 
 there must have been nearly one hundred and fifty families, and 
 being: on the very frontier they were most helplessly exposed to all 
 the horrors of the inipendino; conflict. For a few weeks or months 
 they mig-lit have neglected their work and lived in garrisons or en- 
 gaged in active warfare, but as the contest continued year after year 
 they were compelled to expose themselves in order to provide means 
 of subsistence. 
 
 In 1744 the proprietors voted to give to the settlers all the mill 
 rents then due, to l)e appro}»riatcd for building five block-houses or 
 forts, — 
 
 -" three on the great road that leads to Norway Plains, one at Squamanagonic 
 upper niil!, and one on the road by Newichwannoc river near the Widdo Tebbets's, 
 or as his Excellency should otherwise order," — 
 
 and appointed a committee to carr}- out the vote. These forts were 
 built, although the rents could not be collected to pay for them. 
 Besides these public garrisons, many others were built at private 
 expense, receiving the names of their owners. One such was built 
 by Richard "VVentworth, near ^\here Thomas Fall now lives on the 
 main road. The Rawlins garrison was not far from the same place. 
 The Rev. Amos Main occupied a garrison house near the top of 
 Rochester hill. The Goodwin garrison was on the land now o^vned 
 by John Crockett, opposite the Bartlett place ; Copp's garrison, near 
 where Mr. Crockett lives. The garrison at Squamanagonic stood 
 where now is the garden of Col. Charles Whitehouse. The one upon 
 Newichwannoc road was not far from Asa Roberts's house. The 
 only one of these forts now remaining forms the rear part of the 
 present house of Edward Tebbets. The upper story having been 
 removed and the lower covered with clapboards and painted, it 
 would not l)e recognized by any out\vard appearance as a house 
 built to ])rotect the people of Rochester from the tomahawk and 
 scalping-knife of the savage. Garrisons were l)uilt Uvo stories in 
 height, the lower story l)eing of solid timlicr with strong window 
 sli utters fastening upon the inside. The upper story projected three 
 or four feet upon all sides, so that water could be poured down to 
 extinguish flaAies in case the house should l)e fired, while an enemy 
 who came near was exposed to certain death. Loop-holes were pro- 
 vided large enough on the outside for a gun-barrel to be pointed 
 through them, and hollowed or beveled upon the inside to allow the 
 gun to be aimed in dificrcnt directions. The second story was built
 
 INDIAN HISTORY. 21 
 
 according to the fancy or ability of the owner. In tlie Kiehard 
 Wentwortli garrison it Avas made of thick planks dovetailed together 
 at the corners like a chest, and without any frame, except a few 
 braces. The cellars of the public garrisons were divided by walls 
 into many apartments for the accommodation of different families; 
 this was the case with the one at Gonic. As an additional ])rotec- 
 tion, oftentimes the whole building was surrounded with a rampart 
 or palisade formed of timber or ])0sts set in the ground. To these 
 fortified houses the men, when driven from their hil)or in the field, 
 retreated ; here they left their women and cliildren when they went 
 abroad; and here they were compelled to pass much of their own 
 time in inactivity, while perhaps the cattle were being killed in the 
 pastures near by, and the crops remained unharvested or were being 
 destroyed by the enemy. 
 
 A few anecdotes will illustrate the cunning of the Indians and the 
 necessary caution of the settlers. One day the cattle were discov- 
 ered in the cornfield at Col. McDuffee's. The boys were starting at 
 once to drive them out, when they were stopped by the Colonel, 
 who said he knew the fence was strong, and the rascally Indians 
 must have laid a plot to tra[) them. ISTo one was allowed to move 
 out of doors for a day or two, but when it was safe to venture forth, 
 the place of concealment contrived by the Indians was discovered, 
 and it was CAadent that they had In'oken down the fence, driven the 
 cattle into the field, and placed themselves in ambush to kill or cap- 
 ture whoever came out. At one of the garrisons a large number of 
 hogs were kept, Avhich were suffered to roam about during the day 
 to feed upon acorns and such other food as they could find, and 
 were called, home at night. One evening they were called a long 
 time, but none made their appearance. In the night, when it was 
 quite dark, the hogs seemed to return suddeidy, and a grunting as 
 of a large drove was heard all around the building. The family, 
 however, were too wary to be deceived, and at once suspected the 
 truth, that the Indians had dispatched the hogs and were now imi- 
 tating their grunts to entice somebody out of the garrison. These 
 are only a few out of the many tricks and treacheries of their crafty 
 foes. More than once a hatchet was found sticking in the garrison 
 door, as a token of threatening and defiance. That the imagination 
 of the settlers sometimes magnified the real danger or excited need- 
 less fears is very probable. It could hardly be otherwise ; for little
 
 22 ROCHESTER. 
 
 Avould be required to produce alarm after a few persons had fallen 
 victims to these wily and savage foes. 
 
 A thrill of horror ran through the settlement when on the twenty- 
 seventh day of June, 1746, by an artfully contrived and boldly exe- 
 cuted plot, four men were murdered within sight of a garrison, and 
 a fifth was wounded and taken })risoner. Their names were Ger- 
 shom Downs, Joseph Heard, John Richards, and Joseph Richards. 
 They were on the wa}' to their work in the field, carrying guns and 
 traveling in company for mutual protection. A band of Indians, 
 liaving first sent one of their number forward to station himself 
 behind a tree at a convenient distance on the opposite side of the 
 road, had concealed themselves near where these men must pass. 
 Having thus prepared a snare with the noted cunning of the race, 
 they awaited the approach of their victims. When the workmen 
 arrived at the ambush the solitary decoy suddenly stepped forth in 
 full view and fired upon the company. "Face your enemies; fire!" 
 was the instant order of Joseph Richards who acted as captain. 
 All immediately discharged their pieces at the savage, who having 
 thus drawn their fire, instantly disappeared and escaped unharmed. 
 The remaining Indians springing from their ambush in the rear, 
 immediately rushed forward with terrific whoops and yells. All the 
 guns on both sides having been discharged, an exciting race ensued. 
 The men fled down the road toward a deserted house owned by 
 John Richards. The Indians followed with caution, lest some of 
 the guns might still remain loaded. The flying part}', except John 
 Richards, who was wounded succeeded in reaching the house. 
 Closing the door behind them, they planted themselves firmly 
 against it and hastened to reload their guns. But before they could 
 accomplish this, the Indians mounted to the roof, tore off the poles 
 of which it was constructed, and falling upon the now defenseless 
 men, dispatched them in the most brutal manner. The guns of the 
 nmrderedmen were afterwards found half-loaded; and an unfinished 
 web which Mrs. Richards had left in the loom, was stained with the 
 blood of her neighbors. John Richards, instead of following the 
 othei-s, directed his flight towards the garrison where his wife was 
 dwelling; but before he could reach it, an Indian overtook him, and 
 with uplifted tomahawk was about to take his life. Richards called 
 for quarter and was spared. His wound not being dangerous, and 
 being able to travel, he was carried prisoner to Canada. This
 
 INDIAN IIISTOUY. 23 
 
 "massacre occurred near the spot wliere a schoolhousc now stands, 
 on the main roach The anihusli was a short distance this side, near 
 where Bidtield Meserve now resides. Taking the wounded Rich- 
 ards with tliem, the Indians, to escape pursuit, struck hastily into 
 Whitehall swamp. After killing some cattle and cutting out their 
 touffues and a few tidbits, thev came out cm the Salmon Falls road 
 near Adams's Corner. Here a party of men were at work in the 
 field, one of whom had stationed his son, Jonathan Dore, a boy of 
 twelve years, on the fence to kee}> a sharp lookout and give the 
 alarm if any Indians appeared. As in youthful innocence he sat 
 whistling on the fence, the Indians suddenly came in sight. He 
 gave the alarm and the men all escaped; l)ut before he could get 
 down from the fence the Indians had seized him. The father from 
 liis hiding-place saw his son captured and carried away, but knew 
 that all attempts at rescue were hopeless. 
 
 The foregoing account of the capture of Richards and the slaugh- 
 ter of his companions is founded upon a few lines in Belknap's His- 
 tory. In order to form a more minute and connected narrative, 
 incidents and [)articulars derived from tradition and other sources 
 have here been added. The correctness of Belknap's history of the 
 atfair has been unjustly questioned l)ya great-grandson of Richards, 
 who received a different version from his father Tristram, His 
 account was published in a history of the Richards family by Rev. 
 Abner Morse. The following is the account as given in Mr. Morse's 
 book, and is, to say the least, interesting : — 
 
 " Richards and the other young man [doubtless meaning Dore] having arrived 
 in Canada and appearing to be contented, were permitted to go out hunting with 
 the Indians ; and as they did not try to escape were, after about a year, allowed to 
 go out alone. They then planned a way to escape. They found a large hollow 
 log in the forest, and prepared it to hide in. As the}- passed that way they stowed 
 a part of their provision there, and one evening crawled into the log out of sight. 
 The Indians, finding that Kichards and his mate did not come home at dark as 
 usual, were soon searching for them, making the woods ring with their calls and 
 answers, and many times passed over the log. After twenty-four hours' search the 
 Indians gave them up and retired to their wigwams. Richards and his mate 
 hearing no more of the Indians, then crept from their hiding-place and started for 
 Rochester. Their scanty allowance was soon gone, and they began to suffer from 
 hunger and fatigue. Richards's mate now gave himself up to die, as he could go 
 no further. Richards, being loath to leave him, carried him some distance, but 
 finding his own strength failing also, and the young man begging Ricliards not 
 to die with him, but to save his own life if possible, he reluctantly consented 
 to do so. They found here the entrails of a deer, which some hunter had left, 
 and striking a fire, broiled it on the coals. 'This,' said Richards, 'was the sweet- 
 est meat that I ever ate.' He now left his companion, but had proceeded but 
 a little way when he heard dogs barking behind him, and returning discovered
 
 24 ROCHESTER. 
 
 tbat some hunters had found his friend. They were from Rochester, and carried 
 Richards and his friend home." 
 
 Xot to dwell upon the improbability that hunters from Rochester 
 should have been, in time of war, at such a dangerous distance in 
 the wilderness in the enemy's country, // is veil known that Dore did not 
 escape as niattd. After careful investigation there is no doubt the 
 following accounts are substantially correct. Belknap's general 
 accuracy as a historian is uncpiestioned. He derived his information 
 of this particular event from the Rev. Joseph Haven, at a period when 
 manv persons were still living who dwelt here when these events took 
 place. Even Richards himself lived in the village after Mr. Haven's 
 settlement here. The account also agrees with the tradition pre- 
 served and credited by the people in the locality of the tragedy. 
 
 Richards was kindly used by the Indians, and under their skillful 
 treatment his wound was soon healed. After remaining a year and 
 a half in Canada, he was sent by a flag of truce to Boston, and 
 thence returned to his friends at Rochester. He bought the place 
 now owned by a son of Hon. Jacob H. Ela, and here lived till 1792,. 
 when he died at the age of seventy. His son of the same name inher- 
 ited the place, and for years was a miller in the Home and Hurd mill, 
 opposite where Dea. Barker's grist-mill now stands. He served 
 through the Revolutionary War ; Avas in the battle of Bunker Hill 
 and at the surrender of Ticonderoga, where he narrowly escaped 
 capture. He w^as also at the battle of Bennington and at the sur- 
 render of Burgoyne. He is remembered by many now liA-ing. The 
 following lines are conmiemorative of Richards and his mill : — 
 
 " Roll on, fair river ! yield your torrent still, 
 And turn with vigorous sweep Old Richards' mill. 
 "While others sing the men and deeds of fame, 
 Be ours to consecrate Old Richards' name. 
 For oft the aged miller at his hearth 
 Detained our boyish troop with well-timed mirth; 
 Told us strange tales, nor waited to be pressed. 
 Laughing old man ! he loved the tale and jest ; 
 Strong was his arm, and while the mill went round, 
 He hooped his pails and tubs with clattering sound. 
 His long gray coat with dust was thick beset; 
 His broad-brimmed hat was hat and epaulette; 
 Nor was he all for jesting, — in a trice 
 He sober grew, and gave us sage advice. 
 With shake of head and keen emphatic eye 
 Descanting loud on truth and honesty. 
 But baffled oft to make his audience hear. 
 When wheels and tubs and hammer claimed the eaj". 
 He raised his voice, and with its accents shrill 
 Defied the deafening clamor of the mill."
 
 INDIAN HISTORY, 25 
 
 Nothiiin" was lieard ot" vomig Dorc until the surrciuU'r of Fort 
 "William lEeiirv in Auiiust, IToT, more tluui eleven years after lii.s 
 capture. This Ibrt was garrisoned l)y IJritisli soldiers, among 
 wliom were recruits from New llampsliire towns. When compelled 
 to surrender, it was stipulated that the Freneh should protect the 
 garrison from the Indians, who were ready to nuissacre them. But 
 the Freneh perfidiously abandoned the garrison, after they had laid 
 down their arms and marched out of the fort, and one of the most 
 horrible scenes of butchery recorded in American annals took place. 
 The Indians were unrestrained, and nearly half of the garrison were 
 murdered. Among the New Hampshire soldiers who escaped was 
 a Dovei' man. On his arrival home he declared eonlidently that he 
 had seen Jonathan Dore. Dore's father's house had been a stop}iing- 
 l)lace for teamsters who came from Dover to Tiochester for the pur- 
 pose of logging on the Salmon Falls river. This mau had l)eeii 
 there frequently, and knew Dore well when a child. He said that 
 when the massacre became general after the surrender of the fort, 
 he fled to the w^oods and was closely pursued by an Indian. When 
 he found the Indian w^as wdthin a few^ feet of him, having no w^ay of 
 escape he turned round and faced the Indian, to meet his unavoid- 
 able fate. The uplifted tomahawk was just descending upon his 
 head wdien he recognized, amid the paint and costume of the Indian, 
 the eyes of Jonathan Dore. The recognition seemed mutual. The 
 Indian dropped his tomahawk by his side and Avalked slowly l)ack 
 to the fort. This story of the soldier gained little credit. It was 
 not thought possible that the boy of twelve could be recognized in 
 the man of twenty-three painted and dressed as a native of the wil- 
 derness. Nothing more w^as heard of Dore until Decendx-r, 1759, 
 when he suddenly made his ajipearance in Rochester, alter an ab- 
 sence of thirteen years and a half. His story was substantially as 
 follows: — He was treated kindly and adopted into the St. Francis 
 tribe, to which his captors belonged. He married an Indian girl at 
 an early age, and had several children. He acquired the habits and 
 disposition of an Indian, and almost forgot that he w^as descended 
 from another race. He bore a part in all the cruelties at the taking 
 of Fort William Henry. A white man whom he was pursuing 
 turned upon him just in season to arrest the descending tomahawk, 
 and then Dore saw a face which had been familiar to him in the 
 days of childhood. The recollection of his father's fireside and the 
 
 3
 
 26 ROCHESTER. 
 
 happy scenes of his hoyhood instantly rushed upon his mind ; his 
 arm fell l»v his side ; he walked back to the fort overpowered by the 
 lon,ii:-foro-otten associations so unexpectedly and so vividly revived 
 . within him, and took no further part in that horrible tragedy. 
 From that time he thought often of his boyhood home, but his wife 
 and children bound him to the Indians with ties too strong to be 
 severed. The village of the St. Francis tribe contained a mixed 
 population of French and Indians. On the evening of October 3, 
 1759. a wedding was celebrated in the village, at which a French 
 ])ricst otftciated. The }irincipal warriors of the tribes were absent 
 on a hunting expedition. During the wedding ceremonies persons 
 were heard around the wigwam supposed to be Indians who had not 
 been invited to the wedding. The result proved that they were 
 spies of that noted Xew Hampshire ranger, Major Kobert Kogers, 
 who Avas seeking an opportunity to revenge tlie massacre at Fort 
 William Henry, and discovered that evening that many of the war- 
 riors were absent from home. The dance went on, and the festivi- 
 ties did not end till long after midnight. Dore had some corn to 
 husk a short distance from the village, and as it Avould soon be day- 
 light, instead of retiring to rest he thought he w^ould go into the 
 field aiul husk his corn. Just before dawn he heard the sound of 
 guns. He supposed some of the Indians, who like himself had 
 cIk^scii not to go to sleep after the wedding frolic, were shooting 
 ducks. But soon, hearing a general discharge of muskets, he knew 
 that an enemy was among them, and kept himself concealed. From 
 his iiiding-jilace lie saw the women and children rushing into the 
 water for esca[»e, l)eing there shot or otherwise killed. It Avas a 
 horrid scene, equal to any Indian butchery. An hour or two later 
 he saw tlie smoke and flames of tlieir burning village, and after all 
 seemed (piiet he crept cautiously forth. A sad picture met his gaze. 
 Of the lieautiful village of the St. Francis tribe nothing but smoking 
 ruins remained. Their richly ornamented church and all their 
 dwellings had shared one common fate. The dead bodies of their 
 old men and women and children were streAvn in all directions. 
 Such was the summary vengeance visited upon the St. Francis tribe 
 by Major Rogers and his company of Rangers, for the massacre at 
 Fort William Henry. After long search among the ruins, Dore dis- 
 covered the bodies of his wife and children, and hastily deposited 
 tliem in one grave. No living being met his eye. He knew not
 
 INDIAN nrsTORV. 27 
 
 where the remainder of his tribe had fled. The objects of his attec- 
 tion were buried. The ties which bound him to the Indians were all 
 sundered, and his thoughts turned toward the home of his childhood. 
 He soon returned to Rochester, and settled on a farm in Lebanon, 
 Me., where he spent the remainder of his days. lie married again, 
 but having no children adopted a boy named John Dixon, who 
 became heir to his farm whicli he occupied for some years. 
 As might be expected, Dore was as killful marksman, ))eing expert 
 as an Indian in the use of the bow. He usually spent his winters in 
 hunting, taking Jolm Dixon with him. Upon his last excursion, 
 l)eing near the fork of the Kennebec, they met an Indian with whom 
 Dore had a violent altercation, during which tliey pointed their guns 
 at oacli other. Finally the Indian stepping backwards, disappeared 
 without turning his face from Dore. Dixon witnessed this but did 
 not understand its meaning, till Dore told him that the Indians were 
 determined to kill him, that he should immediately start for home, 
 and that he, Dixon, must make his way back as best he could. 
 They then separated, and Dore arrived home in ten days, while his 
 companion was two weeks in reaching the first white settlement in 
 Ossipee. The Indian whom they met was a relative of Dore's first 
 wife, and it is believed that the Indians accused Dore of betraying 
 tliem to the whites on account of his sudden disappearance when 
 their village was destroyed. On the subject of the loss of his Indian 
 family Dore was reserved, and would enter into no conversation 
 about it. He was often heard singing the song he was singing when 
 the Indians took him on the fence. After his return he was always 
 known as "Indian Dore." He died in Lebanon about 1816.* 
 
 The excitement produced by the atrocity of the twenty-seventh of 
 June cannot easily be imagined. The suddenness of the attack, — 
 its locality the most thickly settled part of the town, — the exciting 
 nature of the struggle, — the death of so many of their friends and 
 neighbors, — the capture of the wounded Richards and the youthful 
 Dore, — and the escape of the enemy before pursuit could be made, — 
 all must have roused the feelings of the people to an intense degree. 
 It is apparent from the haste with which they adopted measures for 
 
 *Two somewhat different accounts are given by the author. They are here combined and rec- 
 onciled as nearly as possible. The authorities cited are Judge Noah Tebbets, who " forty years 
 ago interested himself in the remarkable history of this man," and T. M. Wentworth, Esq., of 
 Lebanon, Me., " who was brought up near the place where ' Indian Dore ' lived." Mr. W. gives 
 the name of Dore's adopted boy as Jonathan Rankins. The other name has been given above 
 because it is the one used by the author in the later sketch. [I^ditor.]
 
 28 ROCHESTER. 
 
 future security, tliat great anxiety prevailed. Xo sooner were the 
 remains of the murdered men buried, than a petition was dispatched 
 to the Governor and Assembly at Portsmouth, representing the dan- 
 gerous situation of the inhabitants, and begging for a guard of sol- 
 diers to i)rotect them. This petition — 
 
 "Humbly sheweth that the inhabitants are few in number, — in indigent circum- 
 stances, — living in a wilderness, — and are continually liable to the assaults of the 
 barbarous Indian enemy, who have killed within the past week four men, and 
 taken prisoners one man and a boy; — they have killed and wounded a considerable 
 number of our cattle ; — they are continually lurking about our houses and fields, and 
 are seen by some of us almost every day ; — we cannot go out or come in without 
 being liable to fall by them, — and our families are suffering because we are not able 
 to go to our labor. * * * Therefore, we pray your Excellency and your Hon- 
 ors to take our deplorable circumstances under your wise consideration, and extend 
 to us your paternal care and affection by allowing us a suitable number of soldiers 
 to guard us in our garrisons and about our necessary employments." 
 
 The excitement had not subsided when another event occurred, 
 which carried it to a still greater height, and added another life lost 
 to the list of their calamities. Traces of Indians had been discov- 
 ered in the sand near the Heath brook at IsTorway Plain, and, in expec- 
 tation that a party were on the way to attack the settlement, a 
 company of men concealed themselves at night beside the road, a 
 short distance below ]*^orway Plain brook, at the foot of Haven's 
 Hill, intending to ambush the Indians when they came along. 
 Upon the approach of the enemy, however, one of these sentinels, 
 Moses Roberts, became alarmed, and began to creep through the 
 bushes toward his neighbor, who seeing the bushes wave, fired upon 
 him, supposing him to be an Indian. Roberts died the next morn- 
 ing, blaming only himself and justiiying the man who shot him. 
 
 To support the petition of the inhabitants the Rev. Amos Main was 
 sent to Portsmouth. His mission proved successful, for besides the 
 assurance of soldiers to protect them, he brought back a very sub- 
 stantial token of the "paternal care and affection" of the authorities 
 in the form of a huge cannon, — one of the iron guns of Queen 
 Anne's time, — for the safe return of which, when demanded, he 
 gave his receipt in a large sum. 
 
 Throughout the summer and autumn and a part of the winter, 
 scouting parties of soldiers were stationed in the town, Mdio went 
 their daily rounds upon the most traveled roads near the garrisons, 
 and from one garrison to another, occasionally making longer 
 marches wlien special reasons required. These parties or squads
 
 INDIAN HISTORY. 29 
 
 usually consisted of from twelve to twenty men, who were relieved 
 every few weeks 1)3- fresh soldiers. When lono- marches across the 
 country were to he made, the numher was iiinch larger. Upon 
 report that a party of thirty Indians had killed a man at Pennacook 
 (Concord), and were approachinu' Rochester, Gov. "Went^^'orth 
 ordered Major Davis with a detachment of forty men to march to 
 Rochester, to scout about the town. Similar cases frequently 
 occurred. It was doubtless owing- to such precautions and the con- 
 tinual presence of soldiers that there was no further loss of life this 
 y«ar. 
 
 In the spring of 1747 the inha])itants again found it necessary to 
 petition for a guard, and as a strong argument why this favor ought 
 to be extended to them, they set forth that no less than twenty of 
 their brethren were enlisted in His Majesty's service for the Canada 
 expedition. Driven by distress and fear of the enemy, several tami- 
 lies had already removed from the town. The petitioners confessed 
 themselves unable to defend the settlement. Their only dependence 
 for succor and relief was upon the provincial authorities, and while 
 they acknowledged ^^'itll hearty thanks the protection granted dur- 
 ing the past year, yet unless the same could be continued, they said 
 they must unavoidably move away and leave all their improvements 
 to destruction by the Indians. Major Davis, with thirty men, was 
 sent for their protection. Uncommon danger must have threatened 
 the settlement at this time, for at a public town-meeting in the fol- 
 lowing October, the town voted their grateful acknowledgment to the 
 Governor and Council for sending Major Thomas Davis with thirty 
 soldiers, who by his prudent, diligent, and careful management, 
 under Divine Providence, had been instrumental of defeating the 
 enemy in their attempts against them, and so of preserving their 
 lives. It is probable there had been an engagement, for on May 23, 
 1747, Samuel Drown, a soldier, had been wounded in the hi}). The 
 ball was ne\er extracted, and he was for a long time taken care of at 
 the expense of the Province. He died in 1795, aged 90 years. 
 
 Every one who has traveled the ISTeck road remem):)ers the spring 
 by the roadside, about half a mile below Gonic, l)etween the Rich- 
 mond Henderson house and Dudley Hayes's. On the seventh of 
 June, 1747, three boys, John and George Place, and Paul Jenness, 
 discovered a company of Indians lying in ambush near this spring. 
 The Indians fired upon them, and John Place returned the tire,
 
 30 ROCHESTER. 
 
 wounding one of tlieir number. Jenness presented his gun in a 
 threatening manner without tiring, and by keeping it aimed at the 
 Indians prevented them from rushing upon them until a part}^ of 
 men at work in the tield near by came to their reUef, and the Indians 
 were put to tiight. The wounded Indian was traced by the stains of 
 blood for a long distance. 
 
 A few rods from the road leading from Rochester Village to Gonic, 
 and not far from the latter place, in a quiet spot half encircled by 
 trees which line the high river l)ank, several rough, unlettered 
 stones, indistinctly visible to the passing traveler, mark the resting- 
 place of some of the early inhabitants. One of these graves is that 
 of Jonathan Hodgdon's wife, who was killed by the Indians, May 1, 
 1748. The locality of her death is just beyond the " Great Brook," 
 on the right hand side of the road, nearly opposite the place of her 
 ])urial. She had gone out on a still Sabbath morning to find and 
 milk her cows. A considerable party of Indians lying concealed 
 upon Ham's hill, which commanded a view of Squamanagonic gar- 
 rison, liad been for several days watching all the movements of the 
 settlers. Tradition says it was their plan to watch the fort until they 
 saw the men depart with tbeir guns to the church, and then surprise 
 and capture the women and children left behind, and finally waylay 
 the men as they should return, — a favorite stratagem of these tribes. 
 But when they saw Plodgdon and his wife leaving the fort together, 
 they determined to capture them. Mrs. Hodgdon was seized and 
 the Indians endeavored to keep her quiet and carry her away as a 
 prisoner, but as she persisted in screaming they killed her on the 
 spot. Her husband, who was a short distance away, hearing her 
 cries hastened to her rescue, intending, if she were taken by the In- 
 dians, to surrender himself also. He arrived at the instant of her 
 death, while the savages were in the act of scalping her. Presenting 
 his gun it missed fire, but he made his escape to the garrison.* The 
 news spread ra[)idly. The old iron cannon upon the hill charged, it 
 is said, with nine pounds of powder, thundered its note of alarm, — 
 heard even at Portsmouth. Hundreds of people gathered from near 
 and far. At two o'clock in the afternoon a company of light horse 
 arri\ed from Portsmouth, and the country was scoured as far as 
 Lake Winnipiseogee, but without success. It was believed that 
 
 •Jonathan Hodgdon niavriea agsiin unci hud in all twenty-one children. He died in 1815, 
 aged 90.
 
 INDIAN illSTORY. 
 
 81 
 
 the Indians concealed tlionisolves njioii if;lands in tlic river near 
 our village. 
 
 Governor Went\vortli had already ordered several well-known In- 
 dian fighters to raise men and to be eonstantly ready to protect the 
 settlers. Under date of March 26, Capt. Jol) Clements of Dover 
 had been directed — 
 
 "to impress or inlist into His Majesty's service thirty-five effective men — and 
 scout with them, in the neighborhood of Rochester, which scouting you are to 
 repeat as often as you shall judge it for the safety and protection of the inhabitants." 
 
 The pay of the men was £2 15s. per month. The seven first 
 named on the roll came to Kocliester, May 4, and were doubtless en- 
 gaged in the search above related. The following are the names on 
 the — 
 
 " Muster-Roll of a company of pressed men, under command of Capt. Job 
 Clements, at Rochester and Barrington, in 1748": — 
 
 .Tohn Hodgdon, Sergeant. 
 
 John Howe. 
 
 Samuel Toby. 
 
 Nicholas Weeks. 
 
 Edward Man. 
 
 .Joseph Downing. 
 
 Peter, negro belonging to 
 
 Greenleaf. 
 .lohn Huntress. 
 Daniel .\llen. 
 "William Johnson. 
 John Leavitt. 
 Elias Tarlton. 
 Thomas Wentworth. 
 Jonathan Ricker. 
 .James Perkins. 
 
 James "Wilkson, 
 Edward Man. 
 Joseph Rawlings. 
 James Perkins. 
 •John Huntress. 
 Joseph Downing. 
 Daniel Bunker, 
 Aaron Bickford. 
 Daniel Conney. 
 Ebenezer Nock. 
 James Hall. 
 Bryant Davis. 
 Ephraim Ricker. 
 .Joseph Downs. 
 Moses Ricker. 
 Samuel Ham. 
 
 Ebenezer .Jones. 
 William Hill. 
 Edward Burroughs. 
 -James Nute. 
 Moses Pinkham 
 Abraham Plaice. 
 James Clements. 
 J3enjamin Ricker. 
 Samuel Weymouth. 
 .Jacob Allen. 
 Ichabod Bickford. 
 .John McCoy. 
 John Lewis. 
 Thomas Hainack. 
 
 The repetition of names doubtless indicates a re-enlistment after 
 one month's service. 
 
 The attack of May 1st was the last attempt of the Indians in 
 Hoehester. Such vigor of pursuit perhaps deterred them from sub- 
 sequent attacks. Peace took place the following year, — a peace 
 of short duration, for in 1754 the sword was resumed. In these 
 later wars, however, the Indians were not so cruel and barbarous as 
 before. Prisoners were so valuable for redemption that they secured 
 as many as possible alive, and kindly cared for them, sharing their 
 food with them in times of scarcity. The settlers also, through ex- 
 posure and experience, had become better warriors, and understood 
 better how to cope with their savage and wily foes. Heretofore the
 
 32 ROCHESTER. 
 
 English had carried on the war in a desultory and feeble manner, 
 -which encouraged their enemies to undertake these marauding and 
 murderous expeditions. From this time the English displayed more 
 vigor, and, fitting out formidable expeditions against Canada, largely 
 relieved the eastern settlements from the calamities of the war. 
 The British oflicers, however, sent press-gangs into the towns to im- 
 press men into their service. The people of Itochester petitioned to 
 be exempted from the press, but it does not appear that the request 
 was granted. Wlien the press-gang visited the town, Jabez Dame 
 concealed himself until the danger was past ; but having informed 
 the girl he was courting of his intentions, he volunteered the next 
 morning. 
 
 The following are the names of some of the Eochester men 
 engaged in His Majesty's service at this time : — 
 
 Lieut. John McDuffee. .Jabez Dame. Ichabod Corson. 
 
 Daniel Alley. Ensign Wm. Allen. Gershora Downs. 
 
 John Copp, Jr. William Berry. Eleazar Rand. 
 
 The war was virtually closed in 1759 by the surrender of Quebec. 
 Tlie following year all the remaining French possessions in Western 
 Canada were surrendered to the English, and the eastern settlements 
 found a permanent peace from the ravages of the Indians.
 
 CHAPTEK III. 
 
 INCOKPORATION AND CHARTER. 
 
 Tlie New Ilanipsliire Register gives but nine places !ncor[ioi'ated 
 before Rocliester. An idea of the po})ulation and progress of the 
 Province at this time may be formed from tlie following statement, 
 dated ten years later. 
 
 Whole number of ratable inhabitants in N. H. . . . . . 2,'JiQ 
 
 " " two-story dwelling-houses . . . , . . 1,316 
 
 " " one-story dwelling-houses ...... GOG 
 
 " " acres of improved land 16,434 
 
 or less than one third of the present area of this town. This does 
 not include several townships then recently granted, some of which 
 had not been settled. 
 
 A few years prior to 1722 about one hundred families of Scotch 
 Presbyterians with their four ministers, ha^dng " conceived an ardent 
 and inextinguishable thirst for civil and religious liberty,"' arrived 
 in Boston from the north of Ireland, where they had settled in the 
 reign of James I. By permission of the colony of Massachusetts 
 many of these families settled above Haverhill upon a tract of land 
 which they called Nutiield. The town was incorporated in the same 
 year with Kochester, and was named Londonderry, from the city in 
 Ireland in which many of these settlers had resided, and where some 
 of them had endured the hardships of a memorable siege. These 
 people first introduced here the art of manufacturing linen, and the 
 culture of the potato. Their si»inning-wheels turned by foot were a 
 great curiosity in the country. They were an industrious, thrifty 
 people, and among their descendants have been civil and military 
 officers of the highest rank, and men eminent for learning and every 
 desirable accomplishment. Being among the early settlers of many 
 places in New Hampshire and A^ermont, an account of these people 
 often finds a conspicuous place in town histories. It is known that 
 some of them settled in Rochester, and amono; the faniilv names
 
 34 ROCHESTER. 
 
 now familiar to us, are those whidi appear in the early records of 
 Londonderry. 
 
 The settlement of these immigrants in Londonderry first gave a 
 stimulus to the inhabitants of tlie older towns to prepare new plan- 
 tations. They regarded the new-comers with jealous eyes. Had 
 not they themselves fought the king's wars? Had they not endured 
 the hardships and privations incident to the wilderness? And were 
 they not therefore entitled to the choicest and most fertile lands in 
 preference to strangers? Should they be restrained within the limits 
 of the old towns? Thus reasoning they soon began to petition for 
 new townships and grants of land. Special reasons founded upon 
 conflicting claims to the lands, kept these petitions for a long time 
 in suspense, but at length they were favorably regarded, and in May, 
 1722, J)arrington, Chester, Nottingham, and Rochester were incor- 
 porated. The signing of the charters of these four towns was the 
 last act of government performed by Col. Samuel Shute, his Maj- 
 esty's governor of the colonies of Massachusetts and Xew Hamp- 
 shire. Having once learned to evade all difliculties as to title, by 
 inserting the saving clause, " as far as In as lies," other grants through- 
 out the Province rapidly followed. The towns mentioned appear to 
 have been named from distinguished British statesmen of that day. 
 Viscount Barrington was brother to Gov. Shute. The Earl of 
 Rochester was brother-in-law to James II., and was one of the most 
 eminent men of his time. Macaulay says: — 
 
 " A statesman, who subsequently rose to the highest eminence to which a British 
 subject can reach, soon began to attract a large share of the public attention. 
 
 Lawrence Hyde [Earl of Rochester] was the second son of the Chancellor Clar- 
 endon, and was brother of the first Duchess of York. He had excellent parts 
 which had been improved by parliamentary and diplomatic experience ; but the 
 infirmities of his temper detracted much from the effective strength of his abilities. 
 Negotiator and courtier as he was, he never learned the art of governing or con- 
 cealing his emotions. When prosperous, he was insolent and boastful; when he 
 sustained a check, his undisguised mortification doubled the triumph of his ene- 
 mies; very slight provocations sufficed to kindle his anger; and when he was angry 
 he said bitter things which he forgot as soon as he was pacified, but which others 
 remembered many years. His quickness and penetration w'ould have made him a 
 consummate man of business but for his self-sufficiency and impatience. His writ- 
 ings prove that he had many of the qualities of an orator, but his irritability pre- 
 vented him from doing himself justice in debate, for nothing was easier than to 
 goad him into a passion; and from the moment when he went into a passion he 
 was at the mercy of opponents far inferior to him in capacity. Unlike most of the 
 leading politicians of that generation, he was a consistent, dogged, and rancorous 
 party man, a cavalier of the old school, a zealous champion of the crown and of the 
 church, and a hater of republicans and non-conformists. He had consequently a 
 great body of personal adherents. The clergy especially looked on him as their
 
 INCORPOKATION AND CHARTER. 35 
 
 own man, and extended to his foibles an indulgence of which, to say the truth, he 
 stood in some need, for he drank deep; and when he was in a rage, and he very 
 often was in a rage, he swore like a porter." 
 
 Those wlio are iU'4uahite<l with the style of this historian, know 
 well with what exaggerated outline his characters are frequently 
 (h'awn, rendering them in some instances mere caricaturi's, and will 
 be able to make a pro})er allowance. 
 
 Rochester became exceedingly po[)ular in I'higlaiid. During sev- 
 eral reigns the whole kingdom had been violently agitated l)y ques- 
 tions of religion, Protestants and Catholics striving for the asceiul- 
 ency with an alternation of success. James upon his accession 
 endeavored to establish the supremacy of Popery. Protestants could 
 not be retained in the }u-inripal otHces of government. l\oclioster 
 had for years held the exalted position of lord treasurer: he clung 
 tenaciously to the office; he pleaded for delay; he listened to set 
 arguments from the most learned of the papist clergy, who labored 
 for his conversion; yet when neither evasion nor his relationship 
 to the king could longer save him from a direct choice between his 
 treasurershi[) and his religion, he deliberately sacrificed his high office. 
 
 •' The Old and New Testaments, the martyrologies of Eusebius and Fox were 
 ransacked to find parallels for his heroic piety. He was Daniel in the lion's den, 
 Shadrach in the fiery furnace, Peter in the dungeon of Herod, Paul at the bar of 
 Nero, Ignatius in the amphitheater, Latimer at the stake." 
 
 Such was the admiration excited by his constancy. Doubtless the 
 rigid Protestants of ^N'ew Hampshire deemed it an honor to have the 
 new town named after so distinguished a leader. 
 
 To be among the grantees of the new plantations was a [irivilege 
 eagerly sought. Tlie prospect of receiving, gratuitously, an am[)le 
 tract of land, either a whole share of five hundred acres, or even a 
 fractional part of a right, was certainly alluring to those who had 
 been so long confined to the limits of the old towns. That all who 
 signed the petition, however, did not become grantees, is certain. 
 It is not so well known what qualifications were reipiired for projiri- 
 etorship, or for Avliat reason some were selected tt^ receive whole 
 sliares, while others had to be content with a half, a third, or a quar- 
 ter. Upon examination of the schedule, however, it can hardly 
 escape tlie notice of any one, that while the whole share [)roprietors 
 include the Governor, Lieut. Governor, members of the council, 
 and others whose consequence is indicated by such titles as Col.,
 
 36 ROCHESTER. 
 
 Lieut.-Col., Capt., Lieut., ami Ensign, the smaller proprietors have 
 no such prefix to their names. Evidently the poorer citizens, those 
 who most needed the lands, were not the ones to receive them. 
 
 Most of tlie inhabitants of Dover, with persons from Portsmouth, 
 Xewington. and Oyster River (Durham), joined in the petition for 
 the now township of Rochester. The following- is from the Journal 
 of the Council and Assembly : — 
 
 '• Province oi New Hampshike. 
 
 "At a General Assembly held at Portsmouth by adjournment ]SIay 3, 1722. 
 
 The petition of sundry persons mostly of The Town of Dover, praying for a Tract 
 of Land above The said"^ Town, &c was Read at the board and ordered To be deliv- 
 ered To Col. AValdron and Capt. Wentworth, That They might Collect out of the 
 said petitioners such persons as They Thought proper to be proprietors and present 
 The same To The board for approbation." 
 
 The lands had been surveyed to fix the limits of the proposed 
 townshi[) ; Col. Waldron and Capt. Wentworth had performed the 
 duty assigned them, when " the Greatest part of s'd petitioners with 
 sundry other persons," meaning, doubtless, the Governor, L't Gov- 
 ernor and members of the Council, were incorporated into a body 
 politic. At a Council meeting May 10, 1722, — 
 
 " Several Charters being prepared by order of His Excellency The Gov'r and 
 Council for granting away sundry tracts of land in This Province and incorporating 
 the Grantees, were This day laid before The board, and being Read were signed 
 and sealed (namely) 
 
 1 Chester Charter, dated the 8th Instant 
 
 2 Xottingham > 
 
 3 J3arrington > dated This day 
 
 4 Rochester ) 
 
 Copy's of which Charters are on file." 
 
 Fragments of the original Charter of Rochester, bearing the Pro- 
 vincial seal much obliterated, and the signature of Gov, Shute, 
 remain in the Town Clerk's office. The Avriting is in the bold and 
 beautiful hand of Col. Richard Waldron, clerk of the Council. 
 The Proprietors' Book contains a copy of this important document, 
 which will well repay a perusal. Its provisions are novel and inter- 
 esting. As nearly as it can be copied in print, it is as follows : — 
 
 GEORGE by the Grace of God of Great Brittain France and Ireland King 
 Defender of the faith &c 
 
 TO ALL PEOPLE to whom these Presents shall come GREETING : 
 
 KNOW ye That WE of our especial Knowledge and mere motion for the due 
 
 encouragement of settling a new Plantation by and with the Advice & Consent 
 
 of our Council have given and c;ranted and By these Presents as far as in US lies 
 
 do give and grant unto Sundry OUR beloved subjects whose names are enroU'd in
 
 INCORPORATION AND ClIAUTEK. :)'J 
 
 a schedule hereunto anexed in the Proportion and after tlie maner therein nien- 
 tion'd all that tract of Land lying and being between the river of Salmons falls 
 and the Northeastern side line of Barrington being bounded at the .Southeast end 
 by Dover head line, and to run northwesterly into the Countr}' and Southwesterly 
 upon Barrington head-line — according to the discretion of a Committee which 
 shall be appointed by the Proprietors to lay out the same not Exceeding the quan- 
 tity of ten miles square together with all the waters rivers rivolets and appurtinan- 
 ces within (and belonging to) the same and that It be a 'I'own Corporate by the 
 name of Kochester : To have and To hold the s'd land with its appurtinances 
 emoluments and Privileges unto the said Grantees in the proportions and the man- 
 ner mentioned in the afbres"d annexed Schedule (which is part of this Charter) and 
 to their heirs and assigns forever upon the following Conditions. 
 
 1st That the Proprietors of every share (except Parsonage School and furst 
 Ministers) build a dwelling house within three years and settle a family therein 
 and break up Three Acres of Ground and Plant or sow the same within four years 
 and pay his or their Proportion of the Town charges when and so often as occasion 
 shall require the same. 
 
 2d That a Meeting house be built for the Publick worship of God within the s'd 
 term of four years. 
 
 And if any Proprietors shall make default in complying with the conditions of 
 this Charter on his part such Delinquent shall forfeit his Share to the other Pro- 
 prietors which shall be Disposed of by a major vote at the then next legal Proprie- 
 tors Meeting. But in Case of an Indian-war within the four years then the s'd 
 Grantees shall have the same space of four years for performance of the above 
 conditions after such impediment of settling is removed Eendering and Paying for 
 the same to US OUR heirs and successors the annual quit-rent of one pound of 
 turpentine in the said Town if lawfully demanded on the first day of July yearly 
 and every year forever. Reserving also unto US OUR HEIRS and successors all 
 Mast trees growing on the s'd Tract of land according to the Acts of Parliament 
 in that Case made and Provided AND for the better order rule and Government of 
 the s'd Town of Rochester WE DO BY THESE PRESENTS for OUR selves 
 OUR heirs and successors grant unto the s'd Grantees to appoint and hold Town 
 and Proprietors Meetings from time to time as occasion requires and to chuse all 
 officers that are proper for the management of Town and Proprietary affairs with 
 all the powers privileges & authoritys which any other Town within this Province 
 hath enjoy'd doth enjoy or ought to enjoy according to the laws customs & usages 
 thereof. IN TESTIMONY whereof WE have caused the seal of OUR said Pro- 
 vince to be hereunto affix'd WITNESS Samuel Shute Esqr : OUR Cap't General 
 and Governor in Chief in and over OUR s'd Province at Portsmo : the tenth day 
 of May in the eighth year of OUR REIGN annoq Domini 1722 
 
 By order of His Excellency SAM'-f- SHUTE. 
 
 Y" Govr : with the advice 
 of the Council. 
 
 RICHARD WALDRON Cler : Cou. 
 
 The term "^^a7?'en^" used in the charter was applied to certain 
 kinds of rent, because the tenants thereby went quit and free of all 
 other services. The word came to be o-enerallv used to desio-nate a 
 small or merely nominal rent reserved. The pitch pines which 
 abounded in Rochester might well have suggested iarpeniwe as the 
 most proper form of quitrent. In the Londonderry charter the 
 annual quitrent was '■'■one Peck of Potatoes " and, as we have seen, the 
 settlers of that town first introduced the culture of the potato. The
 
 38 
 
 ROCHESTER. 
 
 quitreiit for many other towns was " one Ear of Indian Corn." The 
 *'31as( frees'' mentioned were such phies as were judged suitable for 
 masts to supply the royal navy, and A\hich the English government 
 was at that time expecting the American colonies to furnish. Survey- 
 ors were appointed to mark all such trees with " the broad arrov)," 
 and laws with severe penalties were enacted against cutting them. 
 On the back of the charter is the following : — 
 
 A Schedule of the names of the Proprietors of the Town of Rochester with their 
 respective proportions ascertained being Part of the Charter. 
 
 First Whole Share Proprietors: 
 
 Col". Pvichard AN'aldron 
 
 Cap" Benj" AVentworth 
 L' Col" James Davis 
 Cap" Sam" Tibbits 
 L' Jos. lioberts 
 Cap" Tim" Gerrish 
 Cap" Paul Gerrish 
 L' Tristram Herd 
 Cap" Tho~ Tibbits 
 L' John Ham 
 Cap" Paul Wentworth 
 Ens: John Waldron 
 Benj^ Wentworth 
 Eph'' Wentworth 
 Gersh'" Wentworth Jun' 
 Cap" Step'"' Jones 
 L' Jos: Jones 
 Cap" Franes Mathes 
 Sher : Benj" Gambling- 
 Cap" John Knight 
 Ens: Isra' Hodgsdon 
 Dea" Gersh'" Wentworth 
 Thomas Young 
 John Bussey 
 Eben'' ^'arney 
 Eli Demerit 
 L' John Smith 
 
 ( Whole 7 
 I share. ) 
 
 Whole 
 share. 
 
 Do 
 
 Do 
 
 Do 
 
 Do 
 
 Do 
 
 Do 
 
 Do 
 
 Do 
 
 Do 
 
 Do 
 
 Do 
 
 Do 
 
 Do 
 
 Do 
 
 Do 
 
 Do 
 
 Do 
 
 Do 
 
 Do 
 
 Do 
 
 Do 
 
 Do 
 
 Do 
 
 Do 
 
 Do 
 
 Do 
 
 130 L' Jon" Woodman 
 
 69 Jos: Kent Sen'^ 
 
 10 John Tompsou 
 
 33 W" Leathers 
 
 132 Peter Varanev 
 
 85 Eph» Tibbits' 
 
 125 Cap" John Downing 
 
 48 Benj" Bickford 
 
 64 W" Furber 
 
 52 John Dam Sen' 
 61 George Walton 
 
 106 John Usher 
 
 19 John Wille 
 
 36 James Durgin 
 
 96 John Doe 
 
 24 Thomas Drew of Bay 
 
 76 Jos: Jenks 
 
 32 James Bunker 
 
 135 John Bickford Sen"^ 
 
 86 Thomas Robburts 
 60 Clem' Hughes 
 
 46 Rich'i Waldron Jun"^ 
 
 53 Parsonage 
 
 7 Use of Gramar School 
 
 35 Furst ordained > 
 
 1 Gospel Minister ) 
 118 
 
 ^ Whole 
 
 [ 87 
 
 1 
 
 1 share. 
 
 Do 
 
 5 
 
 Do 
 
 66 
 
 Do 
 
 37 
 
 Do 
 
 29 
 
 Do 
 
 94 
 
 Do 
 
 126 
 
 Do 
 
 101 
 
 Do 
 
 18 
 
 Do 
 
 92 
 
 Do 
 
 6 
 
 Do 
 
 95 
 
 Do 
 
 40 
 
 Do 
 
 58 
 
 Do 
 
 78 
 
 Do 
 
 68 
 
 Do 
 
 98 
 
 Do 
 
 42 
 
 Do 
 
 15 
 
 Do 
 
 3 
 
 Do 
 
 44 
 
 Do 
 
 105 
 
 Do 
 
 121 
 
 Do 
 
 39 
 
 Do 
 
 Secondly Half Share Proprietors. 
 
 JJ Jos. Beard 
 & Son Plumer 
 
 .John Burnani 
 Rob' Burnam 
 
 Thomas Hanson 
 John Hanson 
 Nat' Hanson 
 
 ^ one share to be 
 
 [- Equally divided 71 
 
 ) betwixt them. 
 
 Do 
 
 67 
 
 Henery Tibbits J one share to be 
 Ens: John Tib- r Equally divided 
 bits Sligo. ) betwixt them. 
 
 Nich" Harford > 
 John Kennv t 
 
 Do 
 
 Thirdly Third Share Proprietors — 
 
 one share j , o- 
 
 ♦^ K« V 11 John Sias 
 
 to be Lquallv ,- t t> 
 
 divided ' '^' James Burnam 
 
 betwixt them. J°^" ^^^ -^"^ 
 
 1 one share 
 
 I to be Equally 
 
 ( divided 
 
 J betwixt them. 
 
 23 
 
 43 
 
 56 
 
 83
 
 INCORPORATION AND (JIIARTEH. 
 
 0!) 
 
 Tobias Hanson ] 
 Jos: Hanson ! 
 Benj" Hanson ] 
 
 
 
 Sam' Egerly 
 
 
 
 
 Do 
 
 22 
 
 John Egerly Jun^ 
 
 Do 
 
 lir> 
 
 
 
 W'" Wormwood 
 
 
 
 John Hayes 
 
 
 
 Jos: Daniel 
 
 ) 
 
 
 
 Peter Hayes 
 
 Do 
 
 4'J 
 
 Jos: Dani-^l Jun"^ 
 
 [ 
 
 Do 
 
 112 
 
 Ich* Hayes 
 
 ► 
 
 
 Jethro Bickford 
 
 \ 
 
 
 
 Sam" Hayes 
 
 \ 
 
 
 Moses Davis Jun"^ 
 
 } 
 
 
 
 W'" Hayes 
 
 Do 
 
 •)1 
 
 Tho^ Wille 
 
 Do 
 
 110 
 
 Benj" Hayes 
 
 > 
 
 
 W'" Jackson 
 
 
 
 Job Clements 
 
 > 
 
 
 John Hall 
 
 
 
 
 James Clements 
 
 Do 
 
 97 
 
 Tho^ Hall 
 
 Do 
 
 4.'i 
 
 John Clements 
 
 > 
 
 
 Sam' Carle 
 
 
 
 Philip Chesley ' 
 
 ) 
 
 
 Eben-- Tuttle 
 
 
 
 
 Ich" Chesley 
 
 Do 
 
 102 
 
 AV" Twambly 
 
 Do 
 
 9 
 
 Jon" Chesley 
 
 > 
 
 
 Jam* Guppy 
 
 
 
 SilV* Xock"^ 
 
 > 
 
 
 Sam' Alley 
 
 \ 
 
 
 
 Tho- Nock 
 
 Do 
 
 27 
 
 Benj" Post 
 
 Do 
 
 21 
 
 Zach: Nock 
 
 1 
 
 
 W" Post 
 
 
 
 Kichard Hnssey 
 
 ) 
 
 
 Sam' Herd 
 
 \ 
 
 
 
 Job Hussey 
 
 Do 
 
 38 
 
 Jam* Herd 
 
 Do 
 
 109 
 
 Jos: Rankins 
 
 y 
 
 
 David Watson 
 
 
 
 Gersh'" Downs 
 
 > 
 
 
 James Hobs 
 
 I 
 
 
 
 Thomas Downs 
 
 Do 
 
 26 
 
 Jos : Ham 
 
 Do 
 
 134 
 
 Eben"^ Downs 
 
 ) 
 
 
 John Pearl 
 
 
 
 Sam" Downs 
 
 
 
 Eben'' Garland 
 
 } 
 
 
 
 W" Downs 
 
 Do 
 
 72 
 
 Jabez Garland 
 
 [ 
 
 Do 
 
 20 
 
 Benj-' Stanton 
 
 
 
 Tho" Wallingford 
 
 ) 
 
 
 
 Nath" Perkins 
 
 
 
 Sam' Willey 
 
 ) 
 
 
 
 Sam" Perkins 
 
 Do 
 
 120 
 
 John Norway 
 
 [ 
 
 Do 
 
 73 
 
 Josh" Perkins 
 
 
 
 EdW Whthouse 
 
 ) 
 
 
 
 John Rickar 
 
 
 
 W'" Blackstone 
 
 -} 
 
 
 
 Meturin Rickar 
 
 Do 
 
 133 
 
 Rich'' Hammock 
 
 [ 
 
 Do 
 
 75 
 
 £ph» Rickar 
 
 
 
 James Hanson 
 
 ) 
 
 
 
 Jos. Rickar 
 
 ) 
 
 
 Tim" Robinson 
 
 ) 
 
 
 
 Geo. Rekar 
 
 [■ Do 
 
 41 
 
 Sam' Corson 
 
 [ 
 
 Do 
 
 17 
 
 Jeri" Rawlings 
 
 \ 
 
 
 John Rawlins 
 
 ) 
 
 
 
 John Winget 
 
 } 
 
 
 John Drew 
 
 ) 
 
 
 
 Moses "Winget 
 
 }■ Do 
 
 59 
 
 John Cook 
 
 [ 
 
 Do 
 
 30 
 
 Sam" "Winget 
 
 ) 
 
 
 Benj" Pender 
 
 \ 
 
 
 
 "\''alentine Hill 
 
 ) 
 
 
 Jos'''' Stevenson 
 
 } 
 
 
 
 John Nutter 
 
 y Do 
 
 74 
 
 John York 
 
 [ 
 
 Do 
 
 G3 
 
 Jam" Nutter 
 
 ) 
 
 
 John Ambler 
 
 i 
 
 
 
 James Nute 
 
 ) 
 
 
 J"" Aston 
 
 ) 
 
 
 
 Sam" Nute 
 
 y Do 
 
 77 
 
 Jon" Crosby 
 
 y 
 
 Do 
 
 100 
 
 Tho^ Tuttle 
 
 \ 
 
 
 Ens Jos : Chesley 
 
 ) 
 
 
 
 Dan' Horn 
 
 I Do 
 
 
 Jos : Chesley 
 
 } 
 
 
 
 "W"> Horn 
 
 02 
 
 Sam'. Chesley 
 
 [ 
 
 Do 
 
 111 
 
 "W"' Horn Jun' 
 
 
 John Williams 
 
 \ 
 
 
 
 Richard Pinckham 
 
 ) 
 
 
 Salathid Denbow 
 
 } 
 
 
 
 Sol« Pinckham 
 
 Y Do 
 
 70 
 
 Sam' Perkins 
 
 y 
 
 Do 
 
 107 
 
 Amos Pinckham 
 
 ) 
 
 
 W"> Clay 
 
 ) 
 
 
 
 John Tricky 
 
 I Do 
 
 
 John Renolds 
 
 ) 
 
 
 
 Tho' Tricky 
 
 IG 
 
 Job Renolds 
 
 y 
 
 Do 
 
 13 
 
 Hatevil Nutter 
 
 
 James Clark 
 
 ) 
 
 
 
 Edw"i Evans 
 
 [ Do 
 
 
 Nath Lammas 
 
 } 
 
 
 
 Jos. Evans 
 
 89 
 
 Jos : Wheeler 
 
 y 
 
 Do 
 
 54 
 
 Benj" Evans 
 
 
 Dan' Harvey 
 
 ) 
 

 
 40 
 
 ROCHESTER. 
 
 Ens: Hatevil Nutter ') 
 
 Henry Nutter r 
 
 Eleaz"" Coleman ) 
 
 Tho'' Laiton Sen"" i 
 
 John Carter 1 
 
 John Laiton back j 
 
 river. J 
 
 Peter Cook ) 
 
 Tho' Starbord J an"" ^ 
 
 Tho* Starbord ) 
 
 Ben]-' Mason ) 
 
 AVill'" Dam i 
 
 Cap' John Leighton ) 
 
 Xath' Randal ) 
 Sam' Randal 
 
 W'" Randal ) 
 Jos: Small 
 Zach: Small 
 James Basford 
 John Bickford 
 Elea"^ Bickford 
 Jos: Bickford 
 
 1)0 
 
 Do 
 
 Do 
 
 Do 
 
 Do 
 
 Do 
 
 Do 
 
 Moses Davis 
 34 Jam^ Huckins 
 
 Sam" AVilliams 
 
 John Williams 
 oo W"' Hill 
 ^^ Abr"' Clark 
 
 L'. Abr. Bennick 
 
 Elisha Critchet 
 14 John Moe 
 
 Wil"> Ellis 
 
 Geo : "Walton Jun"" 
 117 John Macpheadris 
 
 Nich" Follet 
 
 John Bucks 
 99 John Conner 
 
 John Banlum 
 
 Benedict Tar 
 83 Dan' Page 
 
 Do 
 
 124 
 
 Do 
 
 120 
 
 Do 
 
 12 
 
 Do 
 
 84 
 
 Do 
 
 5a 
 
 Do 
 
 57 
 
 Fourthly Quarter-share Proprietors. 
 
 John Tworably 
 Jos : Twombly 
 Benj'* Twombly 
 Sam'. Twombly 
 Benj* Peirer 
 Eleaz' Wier 
 John Connor 
 John Hogsdon 
 James Conner 
 Hugh Conner 
 Tho* Stevens 
 Rich-i. Rooks 
 John Gray 
 Abner Thurstin 
 Thos^ Westcot 
 James Xock 
 John Munsey 
 W'" Jones 
 Jos : Eastice 
 Sam' Bray 
 
 one share to 
 be Equally 
 divided 
 betwixt Them 
 
 Do 
 
 1 
 
 90 
 
 y 
 
 Do 
 
 28 
 
 Do 
 
 Do 108 
 
 Morris Fowler 
 
 John Hoit 
 
 Thos' Alden 
 
 Benj^ Green J 
 
 Associates Admittd 
 
 Gov' Shute for a home-lot & five 
 
 hund'^ acers 
 L' Gov Wentworth Ditto 
 
 Sam' Penhallow a whole share 
 Marck Hunking Do 
 
 Geo : Jaffrey Do 
 
 Shad'* Walton Do 
 
 Rich'' Wibird Do 
 
 Tho' Westbrook Do 
 
 Tho^ Packer Do 
 
 Arch"! Macpheadris Do 
 
 Do 
 
 31 
 
 82 
 
 104 
 103 
 116 
 136 
 122 
 123 
 137 
 131 
 11 
 128 
 
 Rochester Schedule being Part of the Charter and Contains one hand'* and 
 twenty five whole Shares to be proportioned as herein Expressid amongst the TwO' 
 hundred and fifty three I'roprietors herein Mentioned 
 
 Certifie:d 
 
 pr Rich'' Waldron Cler : Con. 
 
 \\y a sulj.scqueiit vote of tlie Proprietors, Paul Gerrisli changed 
 his lot 125 for lot 80 which was called " bad land " by the com- 
 ijiittee. Jose[)h Jenkiiigs Juii. who bought lot 124 of Moses Davis 
 and others, was allowed to exchange for lot 2, also called " bad land."
 
 CHAPTEK IV. 
 
 PROPRTETAllY HISTORY. 
 
 A PUBLIC notice issued by four leading Grantees, called upon the 
 " Proprietors and Commoners " to assemble on the 9th of July, 
 1722, " at the meeting house in Cochecho to consider, debate, and 
 resolve such matters and things " as were necessary for the perform- 
 ance of the conditions of the charter. Col. Richard AYaldron was 
 chosen Moderator, and Paul Gerrish, Town and Proprietors' Clerk. 
 
 The first condition of the charter recpiired that within three years 
 the jn'oprietors of every share should build a house and settle a fam- 
 ily therein, and within four years plant or sow three acres of ground. 
 The right of those who failed to comply was forfeited. In order to 
 facilitate the fulfilling of this condition, the following votes were 
 passed : — 
 
 " Voted that there be a Committe forthwith Chosen to run the bounds & Lay 
 out the lotts of the s'* Town according to the Charter and that they be allowed five 
 shillings Pr day Each for their service 
 
 Voted That the s'd Committe Consist of seven persons | vi : | L'. Col". James 
 Mathes Cap". Tim'^ Gerrish Cap". Sam" Tebbits Cap". John Knight and Cap". Benj" 
 Wentworth who are (after they have Laid out and run the bounds of the s^ Town 
 according to the Charter) to survey the land within the .s"! Town and pitch upon the 
 most commodious part of the s'' Town to be laid out in lotts with proper Roads and 
 streets and also a suitable Train-field, and the houses required to be built by the s'' 
 Charter shall be Erected on the s'' lotts soe to be laid out by the respec- 
 tive owners of the s'^ lotts, and when the s^' Committe shall have Compleated 
 there worck they are hereby Impowered to give Publick Notice to the Common- 
 ers to meet at time and place as they shall appoint to draw their several lott and 
 pay the Committes Charge tor the service they have don " 
 
 The Clerk was directed to procure a " book consisting of three 
 quires of paper bound up in parchment at the charge of the com- 
 moners," to keep the records in. The only result of this meeting 
 was this three-quire book bound in parchment, a quaint looking, 
 substantial, but time-worn volume, — still extant as a silent witness 
 to the faithful services of the aforesaid Paul Gerrish, " Proprietor's 
 Clarck."
 
 42 ROCHESTER. 
 
 The committee did not survey the lands. Indian hostilities had 
 already l)roken out, and in less than a month war was declared, in 
 which, as we have seen in a preceding chapter, many of these proprie- 
 tors lost their lives. In anticipation of an Indian war already im- 
 minent, the charter had made provision, if such a war should arise 
 to prevent the settlement of the town, that after the impediment 
 should be removed, four years should be allowed for the fulfillment 
 of the conditions. 
 
 Nearly a year and a half after peace was concluded, and about five 
 years after the meeting above recorded, upon petition of eighty-four 
 proprietors, directed to two Justices of the Peace, a meeting was by 
 them called to be held on the 24th of April, 1727, for the purpose of 
 consulting upon the best means to forward the settlement of the town 
 which as yet remained an unbroken wilderness. Paul Gerrish was re- 
 chosen Clerk, and continued to serve in this capacity till his death, 
 in 1744. There were also chosen the first selectmen in the history 
 of the town, — Capt. Francis Mathews, Capt. John Knight, and 
 Paul Gerrish. They were instructed to call upon the committee 
 a|)}^ointed five years before, and request them to attend to the 
 duty of surveying and laying out the lands according to the vote. 
 So little interest was taken in the affairs of the new plantation that 
 it was five months before the committee reported. They recom- 
 mended a plan of division, which not being acceptable to the pro 
 prietors was voted to be " void and of no effect." In place of this 
 large committee, Capt. Kobert Evans was appointed surveyor, with 
 specific instructions how to proceed. One hundred and twenty-five 
 lots, being one lot for each share, containing sixty acres each, were 
 to be laid out in ranges from Salmon Falls river to Barrington line, 
 beginning with land adjacent to Dover. All land not fit for settle- 
 ment was to be passed over. Suitable roads were to be laid out 
 through every range. The rivers were reserved, also twenty acres 
 of land at every fall suital)le for a mill. These mill jirivileges were 
 for many years a source of trouble to the proprietors, and afterwards 
 to the town, as it was found impossible to collect the rents. After 
 making his survey, Capt. Evans was to prepare a plan and go and 
 show the proprietors their respective lots. His wages were fixed at 
 fifteen sliillings per day, an instance of the care with which the pro- 
 prietors guarded against difliculty in settling with their servants. It 
 was common for them to fix the price of service whenever they ap-
 
 PROPRIETARY HISTORY. 43 
 
 pointed coniniittces or agents. This was necessary in part, on account 
 of the constant depreciation of the colonial bills of credit. At this time 
 three pounds of currency were equal to only one of sterling. The 
 drawing of the lots began at the meeting-house in Cochcco, upon the 
 13th day of December, and Avas com[»leted on the following day, at 
 Oyster River, whither the meeting had adjourned. Every proprie- 
 tor was notitied to bring or send to this meeting money to pay his 
 proportion of the expenses thus far incurred, — twenty shillings a 
 whole share, parts of shares in proportion, — delinquents to expect 
 to be voted out. One member entered upon the record his " dis- 
 sent " from the last requirement, on the ground of injustice in taxing 
 for the expenses before any account of the same had been exhibited ; 
 a point well taken, as the laA\'yers would say. The Rev. James 
 Pike was chosen to draw the lots. He was not a proprietor, and this, 
 with the fact of his sacred profession, affording the strongest guar- 
 antees of impartiality, may have suggested his selection. This did 
 not, however, prevent some dissatisfaction, for, at the request of ten 
 members, an article was inserted in the call for the next meeting to 
 see whether the proprietors would sustain the drawing or proceed 
 anew. The drawing was confirmed. 
 
 This division of home lots comprised all the land between Dover 
 and the Four Rod road which was laid out from Salmon Falls river 
 to Barrington, and is the same road which crosses the common at 
 the lower end of the village. 
 
 Another year elapsed before any permanent settlement was made. 
 As in most towns, there is some question as to the claim of being 
 the first settler. This honor has usually been given to Capt. 
 Timothy Roberts of Dover. He was not a proprietor, but bought a 
 quarter of a share of Samuel Twombly of Dover in November, 1728, 
 for which he paid ten pounds. The deed of Twombly to Roberts is 
 the first recorded conveyance of land in Rochester. He moved his 
 family into town, Dec. 26, 1728. The lot drawn by Twombly was 
 a part of number 90 in the first division, nearly opposite the fiirm 
 below Gonic now owned by Hon. John McDuffee, and here prob- 
 ably Roberts first settled. Tradition says that he settled on the main 
 road at the place now owned by George Yarney. He may have lived 
 there, but it was probably at a later date. The mill privilege at 
 Squamanagonic was leased to him for ten years, by the proprietors 
 in 1732, at a yearly rent of a little over seven pounds.
 
 44 ROCHESTER. 
 
 Jonathan Hani claims that his great grandfather, Eleazer Ham, 
 moved into town a month or two before Capt. Roberts, but after 
 stopping one night returned to Dover from fear of the Indians, and 
 that he came back to Rochester on the same day with Capt. Roberts. 
 He settled nearly opposite the Roberts place, the cellar being still visi- 
 ble near where George Varney lives, and died there at the age of 58 
 years. Jonathan Ham has a deed of the place dated in 1729. He 
 says that he had this account from his grandfather, Ephraim Ham, 
 who died in 1817 at the age of 83, and who was the third white child 
 born in Rochester, the other two being his brothers who died of the 
 " throat distemper," and were both buried in one grave. One was 
 not named, the older was Xathaniel. 
 
 It is worthy of notice that the names now most common in town 
 are those which frequently recur in the list of proprietors. Among 
 these are Bickford, Edgerly, Evans, Foss, Ham, Hanson, Hayes, 
 Horn, Ilurd, Roberts, Tebbets, Varney, Wentworth, and "White- 
 house. Although some of the settlers were of the Scotch-Irish 
 immigrants, the town was settled principally by people from 
 Dover where most of the proprietors lived. Yet the proprietors 
 themselves formed no large part of the new settlers. Of the 
 first sixty families, not one fifth part were of actual proprie- 
 tors. To the original grantees the lands were rather a matter 
 of speculation and profit than of occupation and improve- 
 ment. In order to fulfill the condition of the charter requiring 
 owners of every share to settle a family within three years, proprie- 
 tors sometimes gave away a portion of their lands, usually the first 
 division lot, to any one who would settle thereon, and thus secure 
 their right in the lands yet undivided. In some instances the lands 
 were given by the proprietors to their sons who settled them. 
 
 After the settlement was once begun, it progressed more rapidly, 
 BO that at the end of ten years there were sixty families in town, the 
 names of most of which are ascertained. There would have been 
 one hundred and twenty-five, had all complied with the charter con- 
 ditions. Great indulgence was evidently granted in this respect. 
 The records do not show that a proprietor was deprived of his right 
 for any cause, though sometimes those who failed to pay their pro- 
 portion of the charges Avere threatened with being voted out. 
 
 The lots thus far thrown open to settlement were comparatively 
 small, intended as homesteads whereon the people might be encour-
 
 PROPRIETARY HISTORY. 45 
 
 aged to settle. Thus they would l)e ueareach other, uulil they were 
 stronger in number, and would not oidy enjoy the pleasures of 
 neighborhood, but be less exposed to danger from the enemy. 
 
 At a meeting of the Proprietors held in Dover, A]>ri] 20, 1730: — 
 
 " Voted that there bo two hundred & forty acres of Land Laid out to Each Whole 
 Shiar in s'^ Town as a second Divition — that Cap". Robert Evans M'' James 
 Nute M'' John Trickey Cap". Frances Mathowes & m"" John Downing be appointed 
 as a Committe to Lay out the said Land in tlie Maner following Viz — 
 
 1'^' Each mans Lot or second Divition is to Lay all to geather in one body or 
 Place 
 
 2'y To be Laid out in Kaninges and the first Raing to begin upon the head of 
 the home Lotts or first Divition 
 
 S'y the s*^ Committe is to Leave such Land as they shall not think fit to settle by 
 or between any of the s'^ Divition or Rainges as a Common for the use of s** Pro- 
 prietors until their further Order 
 
 4'y to Leave for highways & roads were it shall be tho' Convenient 
 
 5'y to make allowances for Rivers & ponds were any shall happen to be Laid out 
 in any Lott. 
 
 G'y that Each of the Committe be allowed ten shillings Pr Day for the time 
 they shall spend in the woods for there service above s'^ — and to agree with a 
 survey'' & Chainmen to parfict the Laying out of said Land " 
 
 In the first and second ranges of this division was an extensive 
 level tract to which was given the name " Norway Plain," doubtless 
 from the IS'orway pines with which it was thickly covered. In 
 accordance with the vote of the proprietors reserving to themselves 
 all mill privileges with a suitable quantity of the adjoining land, two 
 hundred and fifty acres or more of tliis plain was left common. It 
 was not numbered, as were the other lots, but simply marked on the 
 plan " Mille Comon." The diagram on the following page repre- 
 sents its exact form as copied from the plan of Capt. Robert Evans, 
 the surveyor. 
 
 The curved line represents that part of the Cocheco river where 
 the mills are now situated. The Four Rod road, which now 
 crosses the common at the lower end of the village, as originally 
 planned, ran from the brook behind Otis's house, and joined the 
 present road at the fork near Kelley's, but this route was changed 
 for a higher location. The Ten Rod road is the road still called 
 by that name leading to Farmington, which, as originally planned, 
 extended across the river to the Four Rod road, by the west side of 
 the village, but the lower part was never opened. All who would 
 enjoy a view of our beautiful village, as it appeared one hundred 
 and fifty-five years ago, may find it here. A little exercise of 
 imagination to supply the " silent sea of pines," will render the
 
 46 
 
 ROCHESTER. 
 
 Font Rod Road.
 
 PROPRIETARY HISTORY. 47 
 
 picture complete. If the spirit of ('apt. Evans were i>eriiiitte<l to 
 revisit the scene of liis eartlily laboi's, lie would lind it difficult, even 
 ^vitll his trusty compass, to ascertain the precise latitude and longi- 
 tude of "' Norway Tlaiu Mille Comon." 
 
 A meeting for drawing the lots was held Dec. 14, 1780. At the 
 same time a town treasurer was first chosen. Hitherto the select- 
 men had performed the duties of this office. To receive and pay 
 out the money was not an onerous task, for the expenses were light, 
 and only small assessments had ever been necessary ; simply sufficient 
 to pay for making surveys and dividing the lands. Xow, however 
 business of greater importance arose, requiring a financial agent. To 
 advance the settlement as rapidly as possible, and thus enhance the 
 value of their lands, it was plaiidy the interest of the proprietors to 
 furnish the settlers a meeting-house, a minister, and passable roads, 
 that they might attend regularly upon Sabbath worship. Having 
 built a meeting-house in 1731, at a meeting held there on the third 
 of April, 1732, they voted that a minister should be called and set- 
 tled, and appointed a committee for this purpose. They also voted 
 thattheTenRod road, running across the town by the meeting-house, 
 should ])e cleared " fitt for man and horse to pass and repass," also 
 the other main roads. An overseer was appointed with authority to 
 hire men to carry on the work. The proprietors having almost 
 absolute powder over the settlement had also corresponding responsi- 
 bilities. They must manage all town and ecclesiastical affiiirs, and 
 supply the funds necessary for this purpose. An act of the Legisla- 
 ture April 1, 1737, took the management of all these affairs out of 
 the hands of the proprietors, and conferred it upon the residents. 
 It gave them the right to impose taxes upon non-residents, and col- 
 lect the same by distraint upon the property, to choose necessar}' 
 town officers, and to transact all business proper to be transacted by 
 towns. 
 
 From the incorporation of the town, the proprietors had held the 
 entire control. Their clerks, selectmen, commissioners, constables, 
 and surveyors were the authorized officers of the town. From this 
 date, however, their political importance rapidly declined. Their 
 chief business, from the beginning, had been to divide the lands 
 among themselves, and to make them as valual)le as possible. The 
 bulk of the land had now been divided. They kept up an oi-ganiza- 
 tion and held occasional meetings until 1763, but their business was
 
 48 ROCHESTER. 
 
 restricted to matters concerning the propriety only, and is mostly 
 without special interest. 
 
 Committees who were appointed to collect the mill rents were 
 unsuccessful, and the Proprietors after passing a vote to give to the 
 inhabitants what was already due, in order to build five block 
 houses for protection against the Indians, on May 28, 1744, gave all 
 future rents forever for the support of the ministry, to be equally 
 divided if there should be more than one settled minister. They 
 were thus relieved of what had been a source of continual trouble 
 and annoyance. 
 
 At this period, lumber was the principal export of 'New Hamp- 
 shire, consequently the preservation of timber on the undivided 
 lands had always required much attention. It was found impossible 
 to ] ire vent depredations upon the unsettled lands. Even after the 
 lands were divided, the proprietors found it necessary to associate 
 together to protect their property, and agents to prosecute trespassers 
 were chosen as regularly as selectmen. 
 
 October 21, 1751, the Proprietors appointed Walter Brayant, 
 John Bickford, and John Leighton " to Lay out all the Lands . . . 
 above the Second Division." This third division comprised a nar- 
 row strip of land at the head of the present towns of Milton and 
 Farmington. The drawing began Aug. 28, 1753, and was continued 
 on Oct. 1, and completed Aug. 1, 1754. There yet remained many 
 lots called " bad land," large commons near the mill privileges, and 
 various " nooks and gores " scattered through the town. "William 
 Allin, Joshua Wingot, and John Plumer were chosen Nov. 4, 1760, 
 to divide these lands, and were " allowed Twenty Shillings Each per 
 day Except the Surveyor shall have Thirty shillings." The drawing 
 of this fourth division was made Dec. 20, 1762. The lots were not 
 of uniform size as in the previous divisions, but varied according to 
 the quality of the land. The mill privilege at the Flume, in Milton, 
 was sold at auction to Samuel Ham. From the mill common at 
 East Rochester eight lots were carved out. Those who feel inter- 
 ested to follow the changes of the Xorway Plain mill common, as it 
 gradually passed from a wilderness to a village, will notice that in 
 this fourth division it was cut into three lots; still leaving a large 
 tract of land about the falls. The main street here appears for the 
 tirst time. The diagram on the opposite page shows the manner in 
 which these lots were taken out.
 
 PROPRIETARY HISTORY 
 
 49 
 
 Four Eod Eoad.
 
 50 ROCHESTER. 
 
 Xo. 88 fell to Lieut. Joseph Beard; Xo. 89 to Lieut. Jonathan 
 Woodman; and Xo. 90 to Samuel Edgerlj. Between 88 and 89 is 
 the main street leading from the brook to the center of the \allage. 
 
 In 1769 James Home owned Xo. 88. Xo. 89 was afterwards 
 owned by Paul Harford, and is the lot referred to in the following 
 town record in 1787: — 
 
 " Paid for a part of the 4'*^ Division Lott of Land of Collector Paul Harfords 
 Taken by Co' Dame by Extent & Sold at vendue & bid off by the Selectmen 
 94 _ — " 
 
 The last record of Jno. Wentworth, the Clerk of the Proprietors, 
 is dated Oct. 12, 1763, and contains the following : — 
 
 "Voted the 120'*' Lot in the 4"» Division be Given to the Clerk in full for his 
 Services as Clerk & Treasurer to this day." 
 
 After his death, the Proprietors' books and papers fell into the 
 hands of the administrator of his estate, who bore the same name, 
 and was probably his son. As he had no legal power to dispose of 
 these documents, a number of the proprietors petitioned him as 
 Justice of the Peace to call a meeting of the Proprietors, which he 
 did. The meeting was held at Stephen "Wentworth's house in 
 Rochester, June 28, 1784. The Town Clerk was elected Proprietors' 
 Clerk, all the books and papers were passed over to his custody, and 
 the office was vested in him and his successors forever. The last 
 record is by Josiah Main, Proprietors' Clerk, Sept. 28, 1785, being 
 his receipt for — 
 
 " a Record Book — the Original Charter — the Original plans together with 
 attested copies of the same, and fifty-five loose papers Containing Notifications 
 Accounts and Receipts."
 
 111', '1 1 
 
 
 C:iir^ !- 
 
 I J f* 
 
 ' V») 1.JMin 
 
 H 
 
 
 ^' 
 
 
 _-:. 
 
 > ' M>', W . 
 
 -■ 
 
 
 ■* 
 
 
 A- 
 <- 

 
 ',u'„-, .'/••If UU\ 
 
 o
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD. 
 
 " What flower is this that greets the raorn, 
 Its hues from Heaven so freshly boru V 
 With burning star and flaming brand 
 It kindles all the sunset land: 
 O, tell us what its name may be ! 
 Is this the Flower of Liberty ? 
 
 It is the banner of the free, 
 The starry Flower of Liberty. 
 
 " In savage Nature's fair abode 
 Its tender seed our fathers sowed ; 
 The storm-winds rocked its swelling bud, 
 Its opening leaves were streaked with blood, — 
 Till, lo I earth's tyrants shook to see 
 The full-blown Flower of Liberty ! 
 
 Then hail the banner of the free, 
 
 The starry Flower of Liberty." 
 
 Until the Rebellion, the Revolution was regarded as the most 
 interesting ]>criod of our nation's history. Its heroes, its battles, its 
 great i»rinciples of equal rights and free government, have been the 
 leading theme of the historian and the orator for more than a hun- 
 dred years. Veneration for the patriots who took part in the stir- 
 ring events of , that day has l)een constantly increasing. Their wis- 
 dom and eourage are more fully appi-cciatcd now than c\cr before. 
 The grand results of that war are better understood. To-day the 
 blessings flowing from the Deelaration of Independence are prized as 
 of inestimable value. It was the appreciation of these blessings 
 that inspired the nation and prompted it to deeds of valor during the 
 late civil war. The red battle-fields of the Rebellion attest, beyond 
 language, the attachment to the principles for which the Bcvoluiion 
 was inaugurated. 
 
 The interest in events of national importance during this period 
 has caused merely local incidents to l)e too much overlooked, yet, 
 it can not be uninteresting to know what services the citizens of our
 
 52 ROCHESTER. 
 
 own town rendered toward the achievement of Independence, what 
 feeUngs moved them, how eagerly they sprang to arms, and what 
 suft'erings they endured in the camp and on the field of battle. The 
 little that can now he rescued from oblivion is enough to gratify 
 our pride, but not enough to satisfy our curiosity. It is enough to 
 confer lasting honor upon the town. Her delegates were present at 
 all the conventions called to co-operate with the other American col- 
 onies; she paid her proportion of the expenses of each Continental 
 Congress ; she cheerfully took her part in the responsibility of 
 resisting British authority; her citizens shared largely in the feelings 
 which animated the American people ; they responded with alacrity 
 to every call for soldiers, gave them liberal bounties, and provided 
 for the support of their families. Their minute-men marched 
 immediately when notified, and, at one time, when other troops 
 withdrew from the field, Rochester responded to the urgent call of 
 Washington for re-enforcements, and sent a company of militia to his 
 army at Cambridge. Her soldiers took part in the capture of Bur- 
 goyne at Saratoga, and of Cornwallis at Yorktown; they were in 
 the battle of Trenton, and shared the suflferings of Valley Forge. 
 Some fell upon the field of battle; some died prisoners of the British 
 army; many were cut off" by the ravages of disease. Twenty-nine 
 men were lost during the war, — no inconsiderable number, when 
 it is remembered that the town had then less than half its population 
 in 1866. The soldiers of Rochester were sturdy men accustomed 
 to fatigue and inured to hardship. Some of them had seen ser- 
 vice in the French and Indian wars, had been at the siege of Louis- 
 burg, and taken part in the conquest of Canada. They early caught 
 the spirit of opposition to British tyranny and prepared for resist- 
 ance. There was nothing hesitating or doubtful about the action 
 of Rochester. The following record is from a copy of the New 
 Hampshire Gazette of Feb. 4, 1774, preserved in the oflice of the 
 Secretary of State at Concord. 
 
 "PROVINCE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE. 
 
 ROCHESTER RESOLVES. 
 
 In Consequence of the General Uneasiness in the opulent Towns on the Continent 
 of North America, and a Letter from the Committee of Correspondence, led us in 
 these bye Parts to consider seriously the Cause of it; and we find Taxation without 
 Representation (which as Lord Cambden well observes is inseparable) is the Cause 
 of it. We consider our Constitution, that our Fore-Fathers at last to prevent hard
 
 REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD. 53 
 
 Usage, left their Native Land, to enjoy tliat Liberty which they judged as freeborn 
 Englishmen, they were entitled to. Tliey then aiiived on this then hostile Shore, 
 which Avas a howling Wilderness, which was never purchased nor conquered at the 
 Cost of Great-Britain, where tiiey had to struggle with the Prospect of Famine, 
 cold Season, besides combating an artful vindictive Enemy, and almost all other 
 Difficulties that human Nature could surmount. When those Troubles were a 
 little over, and the Sunshine of Prosperity began to arise, all hard Thoughts of the 
 Mother Country's Behaviour vanislied, and they surrender'd Jurisdiction and Sov- 
 ereignty to the Crown of Great-Britain on Charters, with as strong Assurance as 
 crowned Heads could give, that said Charters should be inviolably observed on 
 both Sides; which Conditions were inserted in said Charters, by which we were to 
 choose our own Representatives; to make and ordain Laws for the Regulation of 
 said Colonies; raising Monies, and the like, not repugnant to the Laws of Great 
 Britain. We have always cheerfully accepted the King's Governor, and he has a 
 negative Vote in our Assemblies, as the King has in Parliament; and Men or 
 Money have been requested for upholding Government, it was readily granted, and 
 raised where the Subjects could bear it best. Therefore, after all this, for the Par- 
 liament of (ireat-Britain to take such a Step over all Charters, and the most solemn 
 Assurances, as to tax when and as they please, to raise a Revenue to support a 
 Number of Hungry Placemen, of what Denomination soever, that distress peace- 
 able Subjects, and are a Pest to Society, that after all the Struggle in recovering 
 the same, answers no other end but to alienate the Minds of the King's most duti- 
 ful Subjects from him, and run the Nation in Debt on a Ballance. Oh ! when 
 will the Eyes of Administration be opened: we think our Behaviour has merited a 
 more generous Treatment. 
 
 Therefore in Consideration of the above unhappy Situation of our American 
 Brethren in general. At a legal Town Meeting of the Qualified Voters of the 
 Town of Rochester, assembled at the Meeting House in said Town, on Monday 
 the 2-lth of this Instant January, A. D. 1774, to consider on the alarming Circum- 
 stances of this once free country. 
 
 1. John Plummer, Esq: chosen Moderator of said Meeting. 
 
 2. Voted unanimously that it is our delil)erate Opinion that we are freeborn, 
 aud loyal Subjects of the Crown of Great-Britain, and as such depend on Protec- 
 tion, and not Slavery. 
 
 3. That the present King GEORGE the Third is our lawful Sovereign; and the 
 Heirs of his Body, in the Protestant Line are so to remain; and as such promise to 
 pay him all lawful obedience, agreeable to our happy Constitution, and that we 
 will so render Tribute to him as his Due. 
 
 4. That as such freeborn Subjects, we will to our utmost be on our Watch that 
 no artful designing Men of any Rank soever, may deprive us of our Privileges by 
 creeping in at unawares, to undermine us of this Jewel Liberty, by setting up their 
 Placemen to pray and sport with the same. 
 
 5. Voted that the Hon. John Plummer, John ^McDuffee, Ebenezer Tebbits, 
 Esqrs; and Daniel Wingate, be a Committee to correspond with their Brethren 
 Committees, in the neighboring Towns or any Three of them. 
 
 6. Voted that a Copy of this be sent to the Committee of Correspondence at 
 Portsmouth, as.suring them that our Hearts are Knit with theirs in the noble 
 Cause of Freedom. And the meeting Dissolved. 
 
 John Plvmer, Moderator. 
 
 A true Copy, from the Original Vote of the Meeting. 
 
 Attest, JosiAii Main, Town Clerks 
 
 Of the committee thus appointed, Ebenezer Tebbetts was clerk. 
 Their work was exceedingly important and involved heavy respon- 
 sibilities, SO that it is not surprising that two days after the battle of
 
 54 ROCHESTER. 
 
 Bunker Hill by which the Colonies were irrevocably committed to 
 the war, they requested an addition to their number. 
 
 "June 19, 1775 it was put to vote to see if the Town will add to the former 
 Committee of Correspondents according to the desire of s-^ Committee and Voted 
 in the affirmative and Voted that the Committee shall Consist of thirteen Voted 
 that Esn Ichabod Cosen Lieut John Brieuster Capt William Allen Esn James 
 McDuffee Lieut William ]StcDufee Abner Dame Capt William Chamberlin Jabez 
 Dame Cap' David Place is Chosen a Committee according to the foregoing Notifi- 
 cation — " 
 
 Early in the war similar committees of safety- were appointed in 
 most of the principal towns of i!^ew Hampshire. Nearly every town 
 had some persons who had no sympathy with the colonists in the 
 impending struggle. These committees were of special service by 
 their vigilance and activity in marking out and reporting every one 
 suspected of toryism. They carried on extensive correspondence 
 with other committees, to secure a general concert of action, but 
 exercised large discretionary powers, and did not hesitate to act 
 independently and boldly when the good of the cause would be 
 imperiled by delay. 
 
 In the fall of 1774, when Gen. Gage, who commanded the British 
 army in Boston, wanted carpenters to build barracks for the troops 
 against the approaching winter and could not hire them in Massa- 
 chusetts, he applied to Gov. Wentworth of New Hampshire. The 
 governor, who was as popular as a British governor could be, 
 secretly dispatched agents to the back towns, in the hope of secur- 
 ing workmen. But Xew Hampshire was no more servile than 
 Massachusetts. One of these agents visited Rochester, but the loyal 
 men were on the alert. The following from the Xew Hampshire 
 Gazette states the result. 
 
 " Rochester, November 8th, 1774. 
 Strafford ss. 
 
 To show that we in these Parts of the Province are as warm Defenders of our 
 civil Liberties as those in the Capital, and are as much on their Watch against aid- 
 ing and assisting arbitrary Men in forging Chains to promote their Country's 
 Ruin, according to their Ability : 
 
 Therefore when Fame sounded the Report in our Borders that a number of 
 Artificers were gone from Wolfborough, ^Nliddletown, &c, to Boston, on the Errand 
 of erecting Barracks for the soldiery there, we were much alarmed here, and at a 
 Muster of the Companies of Militia here last Week it being suspected that Nich- 
 olas Austin of Middletown was an Accomplice or Agent somehow in sending 
 them, our Sons of Liberty here would have marched directly to have paid him a 
 Visit: but we fearing what might be the issue of the justly enraged People in such 
 an Undertaking; Numbers of the most considerate warmly withstood it and pro- 
 posed to send for him to meet us at some Time and Place that might be agreed on.
 
 REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD. 55 
 
 Therefore the Committee of Correspondence here wrote to liira to meet us at 
 the House of Steplien Wentworth Innholder in Rochester, on Tuesday, tlie 8th 
 instant, at which Time and Dace lie attended, and before a Xumberof the Inhab- 
 itants of this and the neighboring Towns, met to hear his Defense, by Examina- 
 tion on his solemn Allirmation before John Plumer, Esq; that he only spoke to 
 four of the Men, and gave them orders to go to the Governor, and speak to him, 
 and that he did not let the Men Know that they were to go to Boston, but had a 
 mistrust they were, by what the Governor said to him at his Keturn ; he further 
 says the Gov told him that the People would be dissatisfied when they came to 
 know it, but he thought it would be for the best, and further declares he told the 
 
 Men that the General of the Army would pay them their Wages 
 
 And then on his Knees, when nothing less would satisfy, he made the following 
 Confession. 
 
 * Before this Company I confess I have been aiding and assisting in sending 
 Men to Boston to build Barracks for the Soldiers to live in, at which you have 
 Reason justly to be offended, which I am sorry for, and humbly ask your Forgive- 
 ness, and I do affirm that for the future I never will be aiding or assisting in any 
 Wise whatever in Act or Deed contrary to the Constitution of the Country, as 
 Witness my hand.' 
 
 Nicholas Austin. 
 
 This is the true State of the above Transaction before us and a respectable Num- 
 ber of Attendance from the Towns round us to see the above. 
 
 Daniel Wing ate, "^ Committee 
 John Plummek, > of 
 
 John McDuffee, ) Correspondence." 
 
 The battle of Lexington was the signal for a general uprising of 
 the yeomanry of J^ew England. The excitement was intense. It 
 has been paralleled in our history but once ; when, eighty-six 
 years later, the news flashed over the wires that Beauregard had 
 opened fire on Fort Sumter. Each was the opening act of war. 
 The excitement of April, 1775, can be easily imagined by those in 
 whose memories the scenes of April, 1861, are still fresh. Men 
 instinctively sprang to arms. The militia of New Hampshire inmie- 
 diately poured in to join the patriot army around Boston. In Roch- 
 ester a recruiting office was opened, and men enlisted at Stephen 
 "Wentworth's tavern; over fifteen pounds was paid in bounties to 
 volunteers ; half a hundred of lead Avas bought at the town's expense ; 
 and, after the soldiers departed, blankets were forwarded to them 
 by the selectmen. 
 
 The Provincial Committee of Correspondence, upon receiving- 
 news of the l)attle, had hastil}' sent notice to seventy-one towns, 
 requesting delegates from each to assemble at Exeter, forthwith. 
 Only three days after the l)attle delegates had arrived from all these 
 towns. Commendable promptness! John Plummer was present 
 from Rochester. The members being pledged to secrec}^, the pro- 
 ceedings of the convention are not known. A Provincial Congress
 
 56 ROCHESTER. 
 
 had alread}^ been summoned to meet at Exeter on the 17th of May. 
 The notification of the town meeting in Rochester to choose dele- 
 gates to this Congress, implored " the serious and thinking party to 
 attend," it being a day of "trouble and distress." James Knowles 
 and John McDutFee were elected delegates. This Congress voted to 
 raise three regiments, those New Hampshire troops still remaining 
 around Boston to form two, and the third to be raised immediately. 
 As the new regiments began to be formed, many of the volunteers 
 who had hastened away under the first excitement returned home, 
 and for some weeks the force about Boston was very small. John 
 McDuflee, who had seen service in the French wars, had been a 
 lieutenant of rangers at the siege of Louisburg, and had commanded 
 a detachment of men under Wolfe at the capture of Quebec, oftered 
 his services to the Colony, and on May 20 was commissioned Lieut. 
 Colonel of the third regiment under Col. Poor. This regiment was 
 not fully organized at the time of the battle of Bunker Hill, but after 
 the battle, was immediately ordered forward and went into camp 
 with the other Xew Hampshire troops at Winter Hill. 
 
 The following Rochester men volunteered in this regiment : — * 
 
 (From a Roll dated June 2, 1775.) 
 " Capt. Winborn Adams' (^Durham) Company. 
 
 Age. Age. 
 
 Daniel McXeal, Yeoman, 24 years. John Walker, Yeoman, 26 years. 
 
 Jonathan Hodgdon, jr. » 20 " Edward Rolings, " 21 " 
 
 John Richards, jr. " 25 " Ebenezer Horn, " 26 " 
 
 John Bergin, Cordwaiuer, 30 " Thomas Tolley, " 27 " 
 
 Thomas Furber, Tailor, 26 " 
 
 Capt. Jonathan Wentworth's (Somersioorth) Company. 
 
 (Residence not given on the Roll.) 
 
 Samuel Nute, Sergeant, entered May 28. 
 James Chamberlin, Corporal, entered May 29. 
 
 Samuel Merrow, " " " 29. 
 
 Ebenezer Chesley, Private, " " 29. 
 
 Nathaniel Perkins, " u u 28. 
 
 Daniel Alley, " '• " 26. 
 
 Ephraim Alley, " " " 26. 
 
 Josiah Durgin, " " " 30. 
 
 James Wentworth, " " " 30, 
 
 Joshua ^lerrow, " " " 30. 
 
 Gershom Downs, " " " 28. 
 
 Capt. Benjamin Titcomb's (Dover) Company. 
 
 Jonathan Downing, Yeoman, 25 years old." 
 
 *In all lists of soldiers which may be given, it will be understood that the residence is taken 
 from the rolls, unless otherwise stated.
 
 IIEVOLUTIONAIIY PERIOD. 57 
 
 This is the on]}' one of this company, whose residence is given as 
 Rochester. Another later roll gives a. few names 2^^'obabli/ from 
 Rochester, but their residence is not stated. In all there were twenty- 
 six Rochester men in the arm}' during this summer. Their term 
 of enlistment was until the last of December, unless sooner dis- 
 charged. 
 
 The 22d of June had been appointed as a day of fasting and 
 prayer, and was duly observed in Rochester. The Rev. Joseph 
 Haven, then preaching as a candidate, thus alluded to their gloomy 
 prospects : — 
 
 '■ The times and seasons call for mourning. Our rights and privileges are invaded, 
 and that by those we looked upon as our protectors. They have turned a deaf ear 
 to all our petitions and i-emonstrances. The compassions of our King and Ministry 
 are closed against us, and Britain has become a cruel monster, not forgetting her 
 child, but seeking its ruin. We have once and again heard of the blood of our 
 friends being spilled in the day of battle. Some have lately left us to go to the 
 fatal field, there nobly to risk their lives for the defense of their country and reli- 
 gion. We wish them prosperity, and that they may do valiantly for their people. 
 But who knows how many may ever return ? Bravely have they gone forth and 
 with honor may they return, but the hearts of their friends here are no doubt full 
 of grief. It is a solemn day. My aged fathers, who among you can remember 
 such a day? Let us unite to call upon the Lord. Let us not hold our peace till 
 he hear and answer. Let us pray for our brethren who jeopard their lives contin- 
 ually for us in the field. And let us pray for a reconciliation with the parent State 
 on terras constitutional and honorable to both, and that there may be a final period 
 put to the war that is now begun between Great Britain and her Colonies." — War 
 was not the only calamity. The fruit of the laud was cut off by drought. — 
 " We are threatened with grievous famine. The fire devours our pastures and 
 rages in the wilderness. Some of our habitations have been already destroyed and 
 many more are exposed." 
 
 These extracts show with what feelings our people entered into 
 that unequal struggle, which after hours of victory and hours of 
 defeat, days of thanksgiving and days of fasting, years of painful 
 suspense yet of unfaltering determination, ended in the recognition 
 of the United States as a free and independent nation. 
 
 Portsmouth, the capital of the colony, was liable to be attacked 
 by British armed vessels at any moment. Alarms had already been 
 several times sent to adjoining towns ; and, indeed, the first act of 
 armed hostilitity in the Revolution had occurred at Portsmouth. As 
 early as December, 1774, a British ship of war being daily expected 
 from Boston with troops to take possession of Fort William and 
 Mary, John Sullivan and John Langdon put themselves at the head 
 of a band of volunteers from Portsmouth and the neighboring 
 towns, and before the British could arrive, captured the fort, made 
 
 5
 
 58 ROCHESTER. 
 
 prisoners of the garrison, and seized a hundred barrels of gun- 
 powder which furnished the Colonists with ammunition for the 
 battle of Bunker Hill. It is more than probable that Rochester was 
 represented in this daring exploit, for she charged the State seven- 
 teen pounds for bounties " on the Sea-coast alarm at Kittery." 
 Another and similar transaction in which she bore a part occurred 
 on May 26. The British vessel above referred to had arrived with 
 troops and taken possession of the fort. For a number of months 
 they interrupted navigation, and seized several vessels coming into 
 the harbor. In retaliation, a body of armed Colonists went to a bat- 
 tery on Jerry's Point, took away eight large cannon, and brought them 
 to Portsmouth. In Rochester's account with the State, she charged 
 sixteen pounds for bounties paid volunteers " to Jerry's Point after 
 cannon." For powder and ball for these raids five pounds and 
 twelve shillings were charged. Votes of thanks were passed by the 
 convention at Exeter, to all those who had been engaged in seizing 
 the powder at the fort and the cannon at the battery. But it was 
 recommended, — perhaps to restrain the too great freedom of such 
 acts, — that no movement of parties or bodies of men should be under- 
 taken without direction of the Committee of Safety. Rochester 
 adopted this recommendation at the next town meeting. ]^o more 
 such unlicensed expeditions occurred. After war had actually settled 
 upon the land, steps were taken for the better defense of Portsmouth, 
 and among other measures, the Committee of Safety ordered the 
 selectmen of Rochester to deliver to Col. Evans a four-pound cannon 
 for the defense of Piscataqua Harbor. This was, doubtless, the old 
 iron gun, so famous in the Indian wars. 
 
 The necessity of having the colony prepared against any sudden 
 attack by the enemy could not be overlooked. The Continental 
 Congress had already given directions for raising companies of min- 
 ute-men, — so called because they were to be ready to march at a 
 minute's warning. Out of the twelve regiments of militia in Xew 
 Hampshire, four regiments of minute-men were to be organized. 
 Men were most urgently appealed to to engage in this service. " It 
 was an important crisis," " all was at stake," and, for encourage- 
 ment, it was promised that the companies should be relieved every 
 four months, so that the duty might be divided as equally as possible 
 among the whole body of militia. Upon the 18th of October, in- 
 structions were issued to officers of militia, selectmen of towns, and
 
 REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD. 
 
 59 
 
 town committees of safety, to use their utmost endeavors to raise 
 their quotas of minute-men. Five days later came the startHng 
 report that a British fleet was about to attack Portsmouth. Wash- 
 ington, suspecting such a design, dispatched Gen. Sullivan to take 
 command of the militia and defend the harbor. The call for men was 
 promptly responded to by Rochester. The following is the roll of a 
 company of Kochester men who marched to Portsmouth under com- 
 mand of Capt. David Place, and served from four to six weeks on 
 Seavey's Island. 
 
 David Place, Captain. 
 Ebenezer Tebbets, 1st Lieutenant. 
 John Ham, 2d Lieutenant. 
 George Place, Ensign. 
 Paul Libbey, Sergeant. 
 Reuben Heard, Sergeant. 
 Joshua Courson, Sergeant. 
 
 John Marden, Sergeant. 
 John Woodman, Corporal. 
 James Wentworth, Corporal. 
 Jonathan French, Corporal. 
 Benjamin Taylor, Corporal. 
 Ichabod Rawlings, Drummer. 
 Samuel Place, Fifer. 
 
 Daniel Cook. 
 Samuel Goodwin. 
 George Heard. 
 John Rogers. 
 Amos Place. 
 Amos Spencer. 
 John Bickford. 
 James Rogers. 
 Mesheck Heard. 
 Samuel Robertson. 
 Ebenezer Courson. 
 Moses Drown. 
 John McDufPee. 
 James Coleman. 
 
 PRIVATES. 
 
 Joseph Berry. 
 Moses Hammet. 
 Daniel Watson. 
 Haniel Clark. 
 John Nute. 
 Robert McCreelis. 
 Thomas Chamberlain. 
 John Stanton. 
 David Wingate. 
 Joseph Plummer. 
 Jonathan Tebbets. 
 John Laighton. 
 Amos Hayes. 
 Jonathan Richards. 
 
 Joseph Richards. 
 Dudley Pike. 
 Solomon Clark. 
 Joseph Thompson. 
 Isaac Wentworth. 
 John Place. 
 Benjamin Furber. 
 John Rawlings. 
 Timothy Ricker. 
 James Berry. 
 Moses Furber. 
 Edward Rawlings. 
 John Bickford. 
 
 "Wlien the expected fleet failed to arrive, the excitement subsided, 
 and attention was turned to the siege of Boston, where Capt. Place's 
 minute-men found their next service. Six months of barrack life 
 around Boston had dampened the ardor of many of the Continental 
 soldiers. Their terms of enlistment were fast expiring, and new en- 
 listments were obtained with difliculty. The first eft'ervescence of 
 patriotism was over. The troops whose time Avas out were rapidly 
 marching home, and some Connecticut regiments hastened ofi:' before 
 their time expired. Washington was surrounded with difficulties, 
 and the camp was in danger of being left empty. In this exigency, 
 Gen. Sullivan dispatched by express to the New Hampshire Commit- 
 tee of Safety a letter calling for militia. The committee met and
 
 60 ROCHESTER. 
 
 ordered out sixteen companies. The first on the list was Capt. 
 Place's. On the next day the roll of his companj' was examined, 
 allowed, and ordered to be paid. This service was from the third of 
 December till the lifteenth of January. The names of the men have 
 not been found. The record among the army rolls is simply this : 
 
 " Return of companies of New Hampshire militia in the Continental Army, 
 December, 1775. 
 
 Rochester. 
 
 Capt. David Place — Lt. Thomas Hodgdon — 2d Lt. Aaron Hanson — Ensign 
 James Goodwin — 4 Sergeants — 4 Corporals — 2 drummers and fifers — 81 
 privates." 
 
 Lieut. Timothy Roberts and several other Rochester men engaged 
 in the same service under Capt. John Waldron, of Dover, ^'either 
 of these companies was in any action. This closes the first year of 
 the war. 
 
 Although the revolutionary' spirit had been increasing in the Col- 
 onies for years, yet the prayer of good men still continued to lie in 
 the words of Mr. Haven, " for reconciliation with the parent State 
 upon terms constitutional and honorable to both parties." On the 
 fourth of July, 1776, this hope was abandoned, and thenceforth the 
 Avar was for independence. The first danger to which the new cause 
 was exposed arose from the influence of the Tories, a numerous and 
 powerful party, from whom more was to be feared than from open, 
 armed enemies. Congress, therefore, recommended that measures 
 be taken " iminediatehj to disarm all persons who were notoriously 
 disaftected to the American cause, or should refuse to associate to 
 defend by arms, the Colonies against the British." The Xew Hamp- 
 shire Committee of Safety sent at once to the several towns printed 
 forms prepared as follows : — 
 
 " To the Selectmen of Rochester : 
 
 Colony of New Hampshire. 
 
 In Committee of Safety, April 12, 1776. 
 
 In order to carry the underwritten resolve of the Honorable Continental Con- 
 gress into execution, you are requested to desire all males above twenty-one years 
 of age (lunatics, idiots, and negroes excepted), to sign to the Declaratiox on 
 this paper ; and when so done, to make return hereof, together with the name or 
 names of all who shall refuse to sign the same, to the General Assembly or 
 Committee of Safety of this Colony. 
 
 M. Weare, Chairman. 
 
 In Congress, March 14, 1770."
 
 REVOLUTIONARY I'EKIOD. 
 
 61 
 
 Resolved, That it be recommended to the several Assemblies, Conventions, and 
 Councils or Committees of Safety of the United Colonies immediatehj to cause all 
 persons to be disarmed, within their respective Colonies, who are notoriously disaf- 
 fected to the cause of America, or who have not associated and refuse to associate 
 to defend by Akms the United Colonies against the hostile attempts of the British 
 lleets and armies. 
 
 (Copy) Extract from the minutes. 
 
 Charlks Thompson, Sect'y." 
 
 "In consequence of the resolution of the Honorable Continental Congress, and 
 to show our determination in joining with our American bretiiren in defending tlie 
 lives, liberties, and properties of the inhabitants of the United Colonies, 
 
 We, the subscribers do hereby solemnly engage and promise that we toill to the utmost 
 of our power, at the risk of our lives and fortunes, with arins, oppose the hostile pro- 
 ceedings of the British fleets and armies, against the United American Colonies. 
 
 Ebenezer Tebbetts, 
 Samuel Furber, 
 Benjamin Furber, 
 Barnabas Palmer, 
 William Trickey, 
 Daniel Hayes, 
 Ephraim VVentworth, 
 Kicliard AValker, 
 Benjamin Rollins, 
 Thomas Plummer, 
 Daniel Watkins, 
 Richard AVentworth, 
 Avery Hall, 
 Wentworth Hayes, 
 Isaac Libbey, 
 Mark Hartford, 
 John Brewster, 
 Daniel Kimball, 
 Moses Hammett, 
 Joseph Dame, 
 Joseph Haven, 
 Isaac Wentworth, 
 Josiah Main, 
 Paul Libbey, 
 Thomas Roberts, 
 Samuel Alley, 
 Stephen Jenkins, 
 Josiah Folsom, 
 Samuel Nute 
 Ebenezer AVentworth, 
 James Jackson, 
 James Deering, 
 Ichabod Rollins, 
 Closes Hayes, 
 William Jennis, Jr., 
 John Knowles, 
 Moses Brown, 
 Caleb Jackson, 
 Ebenezer Place, Jr., 
 George I'lace, 
 Jonathan Ham, 
 
 Daniel Wingate, 
 William Evans, 
 William Charaberlin, 
 Richard Furber, 
 Jacob Hanson, 
 James Foster, 
 Benjamin Fost, 
 Eleazar Coleman, 
 Dodovah Garland. 
 Bradstreet French, 
 David Fi'ench, 
 Thomas Ham, 
 Henry Tebbets, 
 Thomas Peevey, 
 James How, 
 James Chesley, 
 Daniel Garland, 
 Enoch Hoitt, 
 Benjamin Fost, Jr., 
 John Trickey, 
 John Trickey, Jr., 
 James French, 
 John Ham, Jr., 
 Joseph Knight, 
 James Chamberlin, 
 William Knight, 
 Ebenezer Chesley, 
 Solomon Perkins, Jr., 
 Joseph Plummer, 
 Jonathan Pinkham, 
 Jonathan Richards, 
 John Richards, 
 Thomas Furber, 
 Jonathan Morrison, 
 Joseph Page, 
 Aaron .Tennis, 
 Elijah Varney, 
 Henry Allard, 
 Ephraim Ham, 
 Robert Walker, 
 Beard Plummer, 
 
 John Beargin, 
 Timothy Roberts, 
 Samuel Plummer, 
 Lemuel Bickford, 
 Jabez Dame, 
 William Allen, 
 Joshua Pearl, 
 John Plummer, 
 William McDuffee, 
 John Plam, 
 Ebenezer Bicker, 
 Stephen Berry, 
 Abner Dame, 
 John Cook, 
 Daniel Rogers, 
 John Woodman, 
 William Wingate, 
 Hunking Colebroth, 
 James Rogers, 
 James Rogers, Tertius, 
 Samuel Chamberlin, 
 James Downs, 
 Ichabod Hayes, 
 Nathaniel Watson, 
 Samuel Twombley, 
 James Wentworth, 
 Simon French, 
 David Jennis, 
 William Hodgdon, 
 Solomon Drown, 
 William McNeal, 
 Aaron Ham. 
 Richard Place, 
 Alexander Ilodgdon, 
 Benjamin Hoitt, 
 Thomas Brown, 
 Moses Downs, 
 Zebulon Davis, 
 Nicholas Wentworth, 
 Eliluie Wentworth, 
 Joseph Jones,
 
 62 
 
 ROCHESTER. 
 
 Samuel Drown, 
 Joseph Hayes, 
 Samuel Seavey, 
 Diamond Pearl, 
 Turner Whitehouse, 
 Thomas Davis, 
 Moses Hayes, Jr., 
 Nathaniel "Watson, Jr. 
 Jonathan Twombley, 
 Job Clements, 
 Cornelius Jenkins, 
 Caleb AVakeman, 
 Benjamin Twombley, 
 Eeuben "Went worth, 
 Peter Horn, 
 Ebenezer Horn, 
 Thomas Drew. 
 "William Jennis, 
 James Knowles, 
 "William Ham, 
 Solomon Perkins, 
 Samuel Merrow, 
 George Willaud, 
 Samuel Merrow, Jr., 
 James Horn, 
 
 John Heard, 
 Zebulon Dame, 
 Josiah "Wentworth, 
 Jotham Nutter, 
 John Randall, 
 John Richards, Jr., 
 Abraham Morrison, 
 Daniel Page, 
 Joshua Downing, 
 John Nute, 
 Moses Jennis, 
 Samuel Robinson, 
 Paul Jennis, 
 Joseph Tucker, 
 Joseph Drown, 
 Joseph Jiles, 
 Ebenezer Place, 
 Alexander Hodgdon, Jr., 
 John Hammett, 
 Jonathan Bickford, 
 Samuel Twombly, Jr., 
 Edward Tebbets, 
 James Rogers, Jr., 
 Benjamin Hayes, 
 Joseph "Walker, 
 
 Edward Lock, 
 
 Charles Knight, 
 David Leighton, 
 Samuel Jones, 
 Moses Horn, ^ 
 Itharaar Seavey, 
 Ebenezer Garland, 
 James McDuffee, 
 John Jenness, 
 Richard Nutter, 
 John Place, 
 Joseph "Walker, Jr., 
 Richard Furber, Jr., 
 Joseph Thompson. 
 Reuben Heard, Jr., 
 Reuben Heard. 
 Moses Roberts, 
 Gershom Downs, 
 Lemuel Richardson, 
 Benjamin Copps, 
 Abraham Cook, 
 Edmond Tebbets, 
 Joshua Cossen, 
 Samuel "Wingate, Jr., 
 Thomas Brown, Jr. 
 
 The following persons refused to sign the annexed association : — 
 
 James Allen, 
 Ichabod Cossen, 
 Thomas Trickey, 
 Samuel "Wingate, 
 Joseph Heard, 
 Tristrem Heard, 
 Benjamin Bickford, 
 Jonathan Hodgdon, 
 
 Jona Ellis, 
 Edward Yarney, 
 Benjamin Dame, 
 John Witherell, 
 Morris Ellis, 
 Solomon Clark, 
 William Ellis, 
 Benjamin Heard, 
 
 Nathaniel Garland, 
 Abraham Pearl, 
 Samuel Downing, 
 Joshua Knight, 
 Stephen "Wentworth, 
 Daniel Jenness. 
 
 The undernamed persons are of the Society of Friends, and do not choose to 
 sign : — 
 
 Elijah Tebbets, 
 John Tebbets, 
 Joseph Tebbets, 
 David Tebbets, 
 Mordecai Varney, 
 Moses "V'arney, 
 Moses Austin, 
 John Cloutman, 
 
 By order of the Committee. 
 
 Jonathan Dame, 
 
 Benjamin INIeeder, 
 Jonathan Meeder, 
 Elijah Tebbets, Jr., 
 Ezekiel Tebbets, 
 Muzzey Gould, 
 Robert Tebbets, 
 David "Varney, 
 
 Moses Varney, Jr., 
 Ebenezer "Varney, 
 Thomas Cloutman, 
 Isaac Twombley, 
 Nathaniel Meeder, 
 Joseph Meeder. 
 
 Rochester, 15th October, 1776. 
 
 Eben'r Tebbets, Cl'k. 
 
 a true coppy. 
 
 Attest 
 
 A true list of all the whigs and tories in the town of Rochester in 1776." 
 
 Thus, one hundred and ninety-eight persons in Kochester signed 
 this agreement, twentj'-two belonging to the Society of Friends
 
 o 
 
 f / ■'■.•. ■■..•• ... ■is :j 
 
 
 f^' 
 
 ^■y/'/'/riSLy 
 
 
 4^: 
 
 
 C^\u-u^ \^l^.^/.^ 
 
 
 
 
 ■ ■•■■ ^ 
 
 c\^V/f<7/^^ 
 
 
 
 
 
 ^^,/^>.'i^" 
 ^^^'.^y 
 
 ^'' i U,^"^; 
 
 
 
 i^L^/S^i^- j^^iCy^Ui. /X.t\.aa^- 
 
 
 
 
 
 \^ 
 
 ^v. 
 
 
 
 
 ^
 
 REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD. G3 
 
 "(lid not choose to sign, aiiil twcntv-two otiicrs ix't'used to sign. 
 This placed every man as a iVicnd or an ciu'niy to his country, and 
 int'ornied tlie Conmiittcc of Saffty what iiidi\i(hials to \\atcii or 
 disarm. 
 
 In re-organizing the army tor 177G, three regiments were called 
 for from Xew ITampshire. These were I'egular Continental troops, 
 and must not be confounded with the mihtia companies, which were 
 called into the field in times of emergency. 
 
 Captain David Place raised and took command of a company in 
 the Second Continental Regiment, under Col. James Reed. The 
 date of his entr}- is the first of January. On the opposite page is 
 given a fac-simile of a pay-roll dated on the twenty-eighth of April 
 following, which shows that fourteen of his company had then de- 
 serted, seven were absent on sick-list, and sixty-seven were present 
 on duty. Only a small proportion of the men were from this town, 
 and it is impossible to select their names with any approach to 
 accuracy. Others, doubtless, enlisted in other companies. 
 
 During the jireceding fall and winter, Arnold had led an expedi- 
 tion against Canada through the wilderness of Maine. Montgomery 
 had advanced by way of the Lakes, and after capturing Montreal, 
 had pushed on and united his army with the force under Arnold. 
 A daring but unsuccessful assault had been made upon the city of 
 Quebec, in which Montgomery was killed and Arnold badly 
 wounded. The remnant of the army blockaded the city during the 
 winter behind ramparts of snow. In the spring, it became necessary 
 to withdraw these forces, and, as the British were much superior in 
 numbers, the retreat was beset with danger. All the regiments 
 wliich could be spared were sent to re-enforce the American army. 
 Boston having been evacuated by the British, Capt. Place had gone 
 with his regiment under Washington, from Cambridge to Xew York. 
 Thence they were ordered up the Hudson and down the Lakes with 
 the other New Hampshire regiments under comnumd of (ien. 
 Sullivan. These troops met the army retreating from Quel>ec, at 
 the mouth of the Sorel, above Montreal. From that point the 
 retreat was very rapid. So close was the pursuit of the enemy that 
 the men could scarcely find time to cook their victuals, and the 
 American force was so small that it became necessary to call out the 
 militia. Many Rochester men hastened to the service, chiefly in the 
 companies of Capt. Joseph Badger, Jr., and Capt. John Drew, of
 
 64 ROCHESTER. 
 
 Col. Wingate's regiment. Daniel McXeal of Rochester, who had 
 served as a private at the commencement of the war, was a lieuten- 
 ant in the latter company. The pursuit ceased at St. Johns, yet the 
 arm}' continued its retreat to Ticonderoga. This fort being strongly 
 fortified, and large re-enforcements of militia having arrived, the 
 enemy Avere unable to capture it. Here the troops remained during 
 the summer. Dysentery, small-pox, and putrid fever broke out 
 among them, and nearly one third of the New Hampshire men in 
 the service died this year by sickness. Rochester lost fourteen. 
 
 The day when the survivors returned to their homes was one of 
 mingled joy and sadness. On the Sabbath, December eighth, at the 
 close of the sermon, they were publicly welcomed by Mr. Haven in 
 these words : — 
 
 " I shall now use the freedom to speak a few words to those who have been far 
 from their friends, — far from the place of their nativity. You have been engaged 
 in the cause of your Country — a just cause, and one that I hope God will defend. 
 You have undergone much hardship and fatigue, but God has carried you through, 
 and you have returned to the habitations of your friends. You rejoice ; we rejoice 
 with you. I now welcome you home. I trust I may speak for all this Congre- 
 gation — I am certain I may do it in the name of every well-wisher to his country 
 and friend to mankind. I congratulate you on your return. My heart rejoices; 
 but even now a sudden gloom comes over my mind. I can but drop a tear for the 
 thought of the others who went forth with you. Will they return '? No ; for the King 
 of Terrors has bound them. No less than fourteen of your once fellow soldiers and 
 fellow townsmen are in the cold hands of death. Their ej'es are closed and their bodies 
 you have left in a distant land. Oh ye dear relatives of the dead, I am filled with 
 sympathetic grief for you. The return of these your friends brings the dead fresh 
 to your minds. Though you rejoice to see them, you can but rejoice with tears. 
 Your friends are done with the cares of this world. They will no more be called 
 into the field to oppose the soldiers of cruel tyrants. They have died for their 
 country ; they could do no more. We trust God is rewarding them for the love 
 they have shown to their country, and their sacred rights." 
 
 After warning those who had been preserved not to be guilty of 
 the sin of unthankfulness, he turned to those who had friends still 
 remaining in the army, and endeavored to give them encouragement. 
 He did not fail to enforce the duty of prayer for all those who were 
 still engaged in the defense of their rights and privileges that they 
 might be prospered and returned in safety to their friends. 
 
 Let us now inquire who these were that were still absent in the 
 service of their country. Besides the regulars of Reed's Continental 
 regiment now with Washington at Trenton, there were two compa- 
 nies of Militia commanded by Rochester officers and largely com- 
 posed of Rochester men, Capt. William McDuflee's Company, and 
 Capt. John Brewster's Company. The former of these in Col.
 
 REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD. 05 
 
 Tashc's regiment was called out In' order dated September sixteenth. 
 They were mustered in, and marched to re-enforce the army in New 
 York. They served about three months, during the whole of which 
 time tliev were stationed at Peekskill to guard the passage of the 
 Hudson. The Com})any numbered fifty-four men. Although the 
 places of residence are not given, yet tlie names of twenty-four are 
 found upon the town records of this period, and prol)al)ly a still 
 larger number belonged to Rochester. From the traditional accounts 
 of their poaehing raids upon the roosts and sties of the neighlioring 
 farmers, it is lair to judge that they saw more of the bright side of 
 soldiering than the troops generally. It is even said that one Koch- 
 ester boy gained a pension for a wound accidentall}^ received in 
 climbing a fence, as he was one night returning to camp with a good 
 fat turkey under his arm. 
 
 Capt. John Brewster's Company of Col. Pierse Long's regiment 
 was stationed at Newcastle, from August 7, 1776, to January 7, 1777. 
 
 The following Rochester men were in this Company: — 
 
 James Howe, M. D., Surgeon's Mate. Enoch Burnham, Sergeant. 
 
 John Brewster, Caj^tain. Benjamin Hoyt, Corporal. 
 
 John Bergin, Ensign. James Coleman, Corporal. 
 
 Stephen Berry, Sergeant. Anthony X. Rollings, Drummer. 
 
 Privates. 
 
 Samuel Eichards, Isaac Libby, Amos Place, 
 
 Amos Spencer, Moses Rollings, Amos Hayes, 
 
 John Richards, Charles Ricker, Abraham Morrison. 
 
 This company marched from Newcastle, to join the Northern 
 Army in January-, 1777, and were stationed at Fort Independence 
 near Ticonderoga. In preparing for the coming campaign, — the 
 glorious campaign which ended in the surrender of Burgoyne's 
 proud army, — Ticonderoga was the rendezvous of the New Hamp- 
 shire troops. Besides Capt. Brewster's company, there were many 
 other Rochester soldiers gathered here. Among these were the 
 recruits lately enlisted to fill up the regular Continental regiments. 
 In the second regiment commanded by Col. Nathan Hale, were the 
 following: — 
 
 Capt. Benjamin Titcomb's Company. 
 
 George Downing, 19 years of age. 
 
 Jonathan Downing, 30 " " 
 
 Joseph Pearl, 17 " " 
 
 John Garlin, 18 " 
 
 Samuel Forst, 
 
 21 years of age. 
 
 Samuel R5'on, 
 
 25" " 
 
 Thomas Shaw, 
 
 24 " "
 
 66 ROCHESTER. 
 
 Benjamin Xute of Rochester was afterwards a lieutenant in this 
 company, and Joshua Merrow was ensign and still later promoted to 
 lieutenant. 
 
 Capt. F. M. Bell's Company, 
 
 Daniel Cook, 
 
 20 
 
 years of age. 
 
 
 William Palmer, 19 ye; 
 
 Dauiel Watson, 
 
 23 
 
 a (( 
 
 
 
 Timothy Ricker, 19 " 
 
 Eben, Chestley, 
 
 23 
 
 U (( 
 
 
 
 Edwarcl Rollings, 21 " 
 
 Enoch Wingate, 
 
 24 
 
 a (( 
 
 
 
 George Heard, 19 " 
 
 Joshua Place. 
 
 16 
 
 a a 
 
 
 
 Paul Pearl, 28 " 
 
 ThomasChamberlain,19 
 
 a It 
 
 
 
 Simeon Pearl, 17 " 
 
 Daniel Wingate, 
 
 22 
 
 U it 
 
 
 
 Daniel Horn, 27 " 
 
 Daniel Rogers, jr., 
 
 30 
 
 Ll (( 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 CoMPAxy 
 
 Un 
 
 KXOWX. 
 
 Henry Durgin. 
 
 
 Jonath 
 
 an 
 
 Doe. 
 
 Amos Place, 
 
 Samuel Alley. 
 
 
 Daniel 
 
 Alley. 
 
 
 Before leaving home, the volunteers were thus addressed by Eev. 
 Mr. Haven: — 
 
 " I cannot close %vithout a few words to my young friends who have enlisted and 
 expect soon to go forth in the defense of their country. Brethren, I applaud you 
 that you have engaged in such a noble cause. Be strong and of good courage, and 
 may the Lord God go with you, and may he never fail nor forsake you. I hope 
 you have more noble views than those of gain or worldly honor. I hope you feel a 
 sympathetic grief for your bleeding country, and an ardent zeal of freeing her from 
 the hands of tyrants, who sport with our miseries, and glory in their more than 
 savage barbarity. Be strong and of good courage, for we have enemies, even 
 among us, that would be glad to see you fearful and shrinking back. Remember 
 that you are under the care of God, and that, though the arrows of death may fly 
 thick, yet they cannot hurt you without a commission from Him, . . . Seek 
 the best company and prize such highly when you find it. Bad company avoid 
 when you can, as you would the plague. The wickedness of it is contagious. 
 Watch over your morals, watch over your conversation. If there is anything good 
 in what I say, pray remember it. It may be the last time I shall have an opportu- 
 nity to give you counsel ; for I may not live till the time is expired which you 
 expect to be absent from home; or if I do, you may not live to return. Be bold, 
 then, in the cause in which you are engaged. Our all is now at stake : our friends, 
 relations, possessions, and country, ail call for vigorous exertion. Therefore, I 
 charge you, by all that is dear to you, that you act like men and like Christians." 
 
 !N"othing worthy of note occurred at Ticonderoga or Fort Inde- 
 pendence, where these troops were stationed, until the middle of 
 June. At that time a strong English ilotilla advanced to co-operate 
 with Gen. Burgoyne's grand arm3\ In a council of war, the Amer- 
 icans determined to abandon the Fort. A retreat was made with 
 the American flotilla up through the Lakes. Arriving at T\"liitehall 
 the troops disembarked, the vessels were blown up by Col. Long, 
 and the retreat continued toward Saratoga. On the way, an engage- 
 ment occurred at Fort Anne (July 6), between Col. Long's regi-
 
 REVOLl'TIONARV PKRIOD. 67 
 
 ment and the English Xiuth. in which the EngUsh were dcleuted 
 and compelled to retire. This closed the service of Capt. Brewster's 
 company. The period of enlistment having expired, the whole regi- 
 ment was discharged. Although great loss had been sufJered in this 
 hasty retreat, yet the other portion of the army retreating by land 
 from Ticonderoga, fared even worse. Col. Hale's regiment formed 
 a part of the rear guard. JJy reason of the great number of invalids 
 and stragglers, they were unable to keep up with the main ])ody. 
 They fell back six or seven miles, and, contrary to Gen. St. Clair's 
 express orders, stopped short at ITubbardton. They were overtaken 
 b}' the enemy, on the morning of July sixth, and sharply attacked. 
 The regiment fled panic-stricken, leaving their Colonel, Adjutant, 
 three Captains, and two other officers, with from one to two hun- 
 dred men, prisoners to the eneni}-. George Heard and Ebenezer 
 Chesley, with others whose names are not known, were missing 
 from Rochester. Three also of our soldiers died this year while 
 prisoners in the hands of the British. 
 
 The surrender of Ticonderoga, with its numerous artillery, came 
 like a thunderbolt upon Congress and the country. The New Hamp- 
 shire Assembly had just finished their session and returned home. 
 A summons from the Committee of Safety brought them together 
 again. The militia was re-organized, and a large portion ordered 
 to march immediately " to stop the progress of the enemy on our 
 western frontiers." Capt. Daniel McDuffee raised a company of 
 fifty-eight men, thirty of whom were of this town. They engaged 
 promptly in the service and at once marched to the seat of war. The 
 excitement throughout the N^orthern States was very great. Says a 
 Rochester writer, of that clay, referring to the alarm caused by the 
 rapid advance of Burgoyne's army : — 
 
 " It was a dark day to our people, and added greatly to the weight of all our 
 former troubles. While some were ready to sink under the feeling of despondency, 
 others were fired with a spirit of noble revenge. Great concern for the safety of 
 their relatives in the army fell upon many." 
 
 It was foreseen that a sanguinary battle must soon take place. In 
 August came the good news of Stark's victory at Bennington. This 
 was followed in a few weeks by the glorious triumphs over the 
 invaders at Stillwater and Saratoga. To crown all, the surrender of 
 the entire British army occurred in October. Alarm and anxiety 
 were followed by universal rejoicing. Says the writer last ([Uote<l: —
 
 68 
 
 KOCHESTER. 
 
 " The surreuder of the forces of a great general at the Northward is what we are 
 ready to call the grandest thing that ever happened in America. It is difficult to 
 moderate our joy or keep it within due bounds. We are a young people and not 
 much used to such conquests, and it is to be feared that there will be now unreason- 
 able joy as there was lately unreasonable sorrow. We are apt to go to extremes." 
 
 Capt. McDufFee's company had joined the IS'orthern army at Sar- 
 atoga in September, arriving in season to participate in these bril- 
 liant victories. From the roll of his company, which does not give 
 residences, are selected the following names of Rochester men : — 
 
 Bank. 
 
 Captain, 
 Ensign, 
 Sergeant, 
 Corporal, 
 
 Drummer, 
 Private, 
 
 Entered. 
 
 Sept. 8, 77. 
 
 Discharged. 
 
 Dec. 15. 
 
 Died Nov. 18. 
 Dischg'd Dec. 15. 
 
 Daniel McDuffee, 
 
 David Leigiitou, 
 
 Peter Glidden, 
 
 Solomon Clark, 
 
 Jonathan Ellis, 
 
 Eben. Twombly, 
 
 James Wentworth, 
 
 John McDuffee, 
 
 Enoch Hayes, 
 
 Tobias Picker, 
 
 John Kichards, 
 
 Joseph Richards, 
 
 John Allen, 
 
 Amos Spencer, 
 
 Jonathan Dame, 
 
 Dudley Pike, 
 
 Moses Eawlins, 
 
 Joseph Wingate, 
 
 Nicholas Wentworth, 
 
 Amos Hayes, 
 
 Richard Furber, * 
 
 William McNeal, 
 
 John Stanton, 
 
 John Nute, " " " 
 
 Joseph Thompson, " " " 
 
 John Bickford, 
 
 Stephen Starboard, " " '' 
 
 After the snrrender of Burgoyne, the militia returned home, but 
 the Continental regiments marched into Pennsylvania and passed 
 the winter at Valley Forge. The suft'erings of the troops at that 
 place form a part of our country's history familiar to every one. 
 
 All danger of an invasion from Canada being now at an end, the 
 theater of war was removed Southward. The militia of New Hamp- 
 shire was no more summoned to repel the invader at their very 
 door. Yet in the summer of 1778, an expedition was raised, com- 
 
 Died Nov. 16. 
 Disch'd Nov. 30. 
 
 Dec. 15. 
 Nov. 30. 
 
 Dec. 15. 
 
 Nov. 30. 
 
 Deserted Oct. 20. 
 
 * " Gen. Richard Furber died in 1848, in the 95th year of his ape. He was a Revolutionary 
 soldier, and lived in that part of Rochester which was afterwards Farniington. He acted as an 
 Adjutant at the surrender of liurgoyne." [Dover £n</uir€r.]
 
 REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD. 09 
 
 manded by Gen. Sullivan, to co-operate with the French to expel 
 the British from Rhode Island. The co-operation, however, was not 
 eftected, the fleet being- driven to sea by a violent storm. For this 
 expedition Rochester furnished nineteen men, who served about six 
 months in Col. Peabody's regiment. Again in 1779 six soldiers 
 from Rochester enlisted in Col. Mooney's regiment, for the defense 
 of Rhode Island, and served about six months, when, Newport hav- 
 ing been evacuated by the British, they were discharged. Their 
 names were : — 
 
 Joseph Ricker. Samuel Rollings. Paltiah Stevens. 
 
 Tobias Ricker. Thomas Carter. Isaac Hatch. 
 
 Thus far our attention has been almost exclusively coniined to the 
 fortunes of militia companies, or volunteers raised for special service. 
 We have seen men leave their homes with words of encouragement 
 and counsel, have traced them in long and difficult marches, have 
 followed them in hazardous retreats, have seen them exposed to the 
 dangers of battle and disease, and have listened to the tender words 
 of welcome with which they were greeted upon their return. If 
 more interest is found in the history of these brave bands than in 
 that of soldiers in tlie regular army, it is owing to the excitement of 
 the times when the former were called forth. A formidable enemy 
 was invading their land, and they were alarmed at his rapid pro- 
 gress. They were obliged to act promptly and decidedly. The in- 
 terest is greater, also, because they went forth and returned together 
 forming distinct companies, or parts of companies, having their own 
 officers, so that it is not difficult to discover what part of the com- 
 mon danger they shared. It remains to trace the fortunes of those 
 who were engaged in the regular army. This can be done only by 
 noticing the services of the regiments of which they formed a part. 
 During August and September, 1779, they were in Sullivan's expe- 
 dition against the Senecas. The object of this expedition was the 
 capture of Magara, and the destruction of the villages of the Indians, 
 who had been guilty of great outrages upon the Americans. It was 
 conducted through a region almost entirely unknown, and covered 
 with forests, and the march was beset with unusual dangers and dif- 
 ficulties. Many villages were burned, orchards cut down, and cro[»s 
 destroyed; yet the main object was not accomplished, and the enter- 
 prise failed of beneficial results. Several engagements took place, 
 the most severe of which was at Newtown, now Ehnira, New
 
 70 ROCHESTER. 
 
 York, in which the enemy were led by the celebrated chief, Joseph 
 Brant. The !N"ew Hampshire troops, under Poor, sustained the 
 brunt of the battle, and behayed with great coolness and intrepidity. 
 In 1780, the war was mostly confined to the Southern States. The 
 New Hampshire troops were stationed at West Point and in 'New 
 Jersey. In 1781, the three regiments were reduced to two, com- 
 manded by Col. Scammel and Col. George Eeid. They marched to 
 Virginia, and were present at the surrender of the British army 
 under Cornwallis at Yorktown. The names of those who served in 
 the Continental army are now^ giyen, with the history and fate pf 
 each man, so far as can be gathered from the rolls and documents 
 still in existence. 
 
 Col. Reid's Regiment. 
 
 As Col. Reid commanded the regiment formeiij- imder Col. Hale, the names 
 already given of men in that regiment are here repeated to give a more particu- 
 lar account of each man. 
 
 Joshua Merroav, Ensign. Engaged AjDril 2, 1777. Promoted lieutenant 
 July 12, 1780. 
 
 t Joshua Place. Engaged May 1, 1777 for 3 years. Died August 7, 1777. 
 
 t Simeox Pearl. Engaged Ap. 20, 1777 for 3 years. Died Feb. 10, 1778. 
 
 t Paul Peakl. Engaged Ap. 20, 1777 for 3 years. Killed Oct. 7, 1777, at 
 battle of Saratoga. 
 
 t George Heard. Engaged May 1, 1777 for 3 years. Missing July 7, 1777 
 in the retreat from Ticonderoga. 
 
 t John Garland. EngageclMay 10, 1777 for 3 years. Discharged May 10, 1780. 
 
 t Samuel Foss. Engaged June -i, 1777 for 3 years. Died Sej^t. 6, 1778. 
 
 t George Downing. Engaged Nov. 15, 1776 i'or the war. Promoted Co7'poral 
 Ap. 1, 1781. Promoted Sergeant^o\. 13, 1781.* 
 
 t Jonathan Downing. Engaged Xov. 15, 1776 for the ivar. Promoted Ser- 
 geant Major June 1, 1779.* George and Jonathan Downing thus enlisted very 
 earl)', and for the war. Thej iirobably received no bounty. In 1788 the Town 
 unanimously voted tliem $50 worth of Stock and Lumber for services in the Con- 
 tinental Army. 
 
 t Thomas 'Chamberlin. Engaged May 10, 1777 for 3 years. Discharged 
 May 10, 1780. 
 
 f Ebenezer Ciifsley. Engaged May 1, 1777 for 3 years. Missing July 7, 
 1777 in retreat from Ticonderoga. 
 
 t Daniel Cook. Engaged May 10, 1777 for 3 years. Discharged May 10, 
 1780. Re-enlisted for the war.* Was one of Washington's Guard in 1779. 
 
 t Tlmothy Richer. j:ngaged IMay 1, 1777 for 3 years. Discharged May 1, 
 1780. Was one of Washington's Guard in 1779. 
 
 t Daniel Alley, Corijoral. J]nga^ed Nov. 11, 1776 for the ivar. Reduced to 
 ranks Sept. 8, 1778. Transferred to Invalid Corps Feb. 1, 1780.* 
 
 X William Harper, age 25. 
 
 ]\Ioses Rolings. Engaged Nov. 13, 1776 for the tvar. Promoted Corporal 
 Jvme 13, 1777. Killed Oct. 13, 1777, while the Americans were endeavoring to 
 cut oft" liurgoyne's retreat. 
 
 Daniel Watson. Engaged :May 1,1777 for 3 years. Discharged May 1, 1780. 
 
 t William Palmer. Engaged Mav 1, 1777 for 3 years. Promoted Corpjoral 
 June 8, 1779. Discliarged Ap. 30, 1780. 
 
 Ephraim Ham. Engaged Ap. 10, 1777. Discharged May 1, 1780.
 
 REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD. 71 
 
 f IciiAi'.oi) Iloijx. Enj^a^cd Au<,^ 1."), 1779 lor the war. 
 Aijpointcd Dnoinner Dw. K;, 177!). Kediirod July 12, 1781.* 
 
 f John IlociKKS. Engaged Oct. lo, 1771) for tlie icar. Promotcnl Corporal 
 Oct. 1, 17S0.* 
 
 t Enoch Wingate. Engaged May 1, 1777 for 3 years. Discharged May 1, 
 1780. iJial Any. 4, 1828. 
 
 Daniel Wingate. Engaged ]\Iay 10, 1777 for 3 years. Discharged May 
 10, 17«0. 
 
 t Joseph Peakl. Engaged May 1, 1777 for the ivar.* Missing in retreat 
 from Ticondcroga. 
 
 t Joseph Rickek. Engaged Oct. 15, 1779 for the war.* 
 
 Matthias Welch. Engaged Feb. 1777 for the icar. Deserted Nov. 27, 
 1778. Joined :S[ay 1, 1780.* 
 
 Daniel Cook, Jr. Engaged Ap. 10, 1780 for the war.* 
 
 Samuel Rollins. Engaged Feb. 28, 1781.* 
 
 fSAMiEL Ryon. Engaged June, 1777. 
 
 Edwakd Rollins. Engaged May, 1777. 
 
 t IIenky Dlkgin. Deserted. Captured. 
 
 t Jonathan Doe. 
 Samcel Alley'. 
 fAMOS Place. 
 
 Colonel Scammell's Regiment. 
 
 t Thomas Shaw. Engaged Jan. 3, 1777. Deserted Ap. 5, 1781.* 
 Robert Ellis. Engaged Aug. 17, 1780. Discharged Dec. 31, 1781.* 
 RiCHAUi) Cook. Engaged July 15, 1779 for the war. Died Oct. 8, 1781 at 
 the siege of Yorktown.* 
 
 Colonel Cilley's Regiment. 
 
 Daniel Rogeus, Jr. Engaged May 11, 1777. Died July 20, 1777. 
 Ebenezer Allen. Engaged Ap. 15, 1780. Discharged Dec. 31, 1781.* 
 Daniel Sargent. Engaged Ap. 9, 1780. Discharged Dec. 31, 1781. 
 
 Regiment Unknown. 
 
 Otis Alley. Engaged Ap. 6, 1781 for 3 years.* 
 Henry Smith. Engaged May 1, 1781 for 3 years.* 
 Abner Coffin. Engaged Maj' 9, 1782. 
 Solomon Drown. Engaged Alay 10, 1782. 
 William C. Peavey. Engaged May 18, 1782. 
 Jonathan Ellis. Engaged May 18, 1782. 
 t Peter Cook. Enlisted Sept. 1779 for one year. 
 
 Ei'HRAiM Alley' of Rochester enlisted for Madbury, Sept. 1779 for one year. 
 Cesar Wingate. Engaged June 0, 1781 for 3 years.* He was Capt. Ham's 
 slave. 
 
 There were many others who served their Country upon the seas, 
 in privateering vessels. It is difhcult to find even the names of 
 these men, much more to learn any particidar account of their ser- 
 
 * Claimed by the Town as in service May 13, 1782. 
 
 t These names are found in Vol. XV. of the State Papers on the return of the "1st Repiment in 
 the County of Strafford whereof Stephen Evans is Colonel," as having enlisted from Kochester 
 for three vears. Daniel Wingate, Jr. and Daniel Walton are on the same list. Perhaps they 
 are the same as Daniel Wingate and Daniel Watson. Thomas Ellis is also credited to Rochester, 
 May 30, 1782. [Editor.] 
 
 JOn roll of absentees from Col. Cilley's regiment at Valley Forge Jan. 10, 1778, is "William 
 Sharper Left at Sopers. Desarted." Perhaps the same man. [Editor.]
 
 72 ROCHESTER. 
 
 vices and adventures. Among them were Bevjamin, Caleb, JosepJi, 
 and Timothy Roberts, and Isaac Hanson, who sailed with the gallant 
 Paul Jones. With them was George Roberts of Middleton. Benja- 
 min served also in the army, and died in 1830 at the age of 76. 
 George Roberts sailed in 1778 from Portsmouth in the Ranger and 
 in 1779 in "Bon Homme Richard." James 31arden was Drummer 
 in 2d X. H. Regiment in Capt. James Carr's Company. 
 
 During the first years of the war, there was little difficulty in fur- 
 nishing the town's proportion of soldiers. Militia officers were fre- 
 quently called upon to raise men from their companies, and the town 
 appointed a committee to co-operate with them. The term of service 
 was not long, and scarcely anything was paid for bounties. The 
 first bounty appears to have been paid in 1777, — =£34 each to 14 
 men. After the hardships of the Canada expedition, which bore so 
 severely upon the Rochester men under Captains Place, Brewster, 
 and Daniel McDuftee, volunteering received a check. The first ex- 
 citement was over. Enthusiasm had somewhat abated. It was 
 found that the war was no pastime of a few months, but a business 
 ^'S'hich would require years of determined and stubborn fighting. 
 An appeal had been made to the town to abate the taxes of those 
 men who suffered at Ticonderoga, and to repay those who had ad- 
 vanced money to hasten the enlistment of volunteers. The town 
 at first refused to grant either of these requests. Repeatedly called 
 on to furnish their quota to fill the Continental regiments for three 
 years, or for the war, they satisfied themselves with voting to raise 
 only nine months' men, offering SlOO * bounty; but it was found 
 impossible to raise them upon these terms. A recruiting committee 
 was appointed, but at the end of one month they reported in to^vn- 
 meeting that they had been able to enlist only one man, though 
 they had encouragement from others. " Encouragement " seems to 
 have been the only result of their effort. The people now saw 
 their mistake and began to retrace their steps. They presented 
 to the selectmen a large petition for another town meeting. They 
 then voted to repay the money which individuals had advanced 
 to procure enlistments, to abate the poll taxes of men in Place's 
 and Brewster's companies, and to pay every soldier who had served 
 in the campaign of 1777, thirty dollars. These measures were 
 attended with greater success. In 1779 the town was called uj^on 
 
 *This is the first time dollars is used to denote the currency, — Ap. 20, 1778.
 
 REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD. 73 
 
 for eleven men for the war. A recruiting committee was appointed 
 with discretionary power to pay such bounties as were necessary, to 
 enlist men in or out of town on as reasonable terms as they were 
 able, to pay bounties in money or in produce, and to call on the 
 selectmen to cash the bills. At this time the currency was rapidly 
 depreciating, and bounties as rapidly rising. In 1780 twelve hun- 
 dred dollars each was paid for six months' men. Volunteers pre- 
 ferred produce to paper currency, and in 1781 the selectmen charged 
 the town for 1,033 bushels of corn paid the soldiers. Even the State 
 preferred produce to its own bills of credit, for the town paid a State 
 tax in 1780 with 13,425 pounds of beef, and in 1781 with 171^- gal- 
 lons of West India rum. In 1780 five quires of paper for the use of 
 the town cost sixty pounds, or about $2.50 a sheet. Deacon Knowles 
 was paid $400 for expenses to Concord, m j^a?'^, on town business. 
 The price fixed for labor on the highway this year was fifty dollars 
 per day, workmen finding their own tools. N'ot only was paper 
 money nearly worthless, but the State was flooded with counterfeit 
 bills. At first sight, one feels that it is little credit to the acuteness 
 of the selectmen that they should charge $832 counterfeit money in one 
 item. Yet the sum does not look so large when reduced to a silver 
 standard, seventy-five dollars in paper being only equal to one dollar 
 in silver. It is not strange that prices were exorbitant, and the 
 spirit of speculation prevalent. Nor is it to be wondered at that 
 efibrts were made to counteract this spirit and restrict the prices 
 of necessaries by legislation. Imitating the example of Portsmouth 
 many towns — Rochester among others — appointed committees to 
 regulate prices. It does not appear what measures the Rochester 
 committee adopted, but prices continued at a high figure, in defiance 
 of all their efforts. An idea of the rapid depreciation of the cur- 
 rency during the Revolution, may be formed from the following 
 statement showing the amount of town expenses for each year : — 
 
 
 £ 
 
 s. 
 
 d. 
 
 
 £, 
 
 s. d. 
 
 1774, 
 
 125 
 
 11 
 
 10 
 
 1779, 
 
 11558 
 
 3 10 
 
 1775, 
 
 145 
 
 13 
 
 5>^ 
 
 1780, 
 
 about 115250 
 
 
 1776, 
 
 245 
 
 13 
 
 7 
 
 1781, 
 
 1894 
 
 18 2 
 
 1777, 
 
 806 
 
 12 
 
 
 
 1782, 
 
 1005 
 
 2 2 
 
 1778, 
 
 3047 
 
 10 
 
 6 
 
 1783, 
 
 464 
 
 12 
 
 In 1780, when the depreciation was the greatest, £2,799 16s. 9d. 
 was in ;part for Mr. Haven's salary, £10,000 for the meeting-house,
 
 74 ROCHESTER. 
 
 and the town's proportion of the State tax £34,943 5s. 7d. The new 
 currency came into use in 1781, and aiFairs began to improve. 
 
 The recruiting committees appointed from time to time were as 
 follows : — 
 
 . ., T„„o ( William McDuffee, .^-i i^tq ( William McDuffee, 
 
 April,ln8, JLtEbenezerRicker. ^P"^' ^^ ' ^' "i Ichabod Corson. 
 
 ( Ichabod Corson, 
 J , -,„»g ( John Brewster, 1779, -^ David Leighton, 
 
 J uiy, 1 / / 0, j Ichabod Corson. ( Ebenezer Ricker. 
 
 Upon the proclamation of peace in 1783, there was naturally great 
 rejoicing throughout the land. We cannot better close this chapter 
 than in the words of Rev. Mr. Haven from — 
 
 Lev. 26:6, "And I will give peace in the land, and ye shall lie down, and 
 none shall make you afraid ; and I will rid evil beasts out of the laud, neither 
 shall the sword go through your land." 
 
 " We have the confirmation of peace — a happy peace. It is one of the most 
 joyful events in the memory of any among us. One of the most powerful and 
 warlike nations in the world has taken up arms against us, and, in less than eight 
 years, has been brought to comply with the very terms we proposed to them. 
 Washington has obtained a great name in the earth, and perhaps is deservedly 
 called the greatest general in the world — a man whose memory will be ever dear 
 to his country — a man of whom even his enemies are obliged to sj^eak well. The 
 name of Washington has struck Great Britain with awe, and has hushed the 
 clamors of war. We were poor and despised — we were looked upon as rash and 
 imprudent, and as a people marked out to be crushed by the iron rod of oppres- 
 sion. But now the happy day has arrived in which we rank with nations of fame, 
 and feel our weight among the kingdoms of the earth. Let us consider who are 
 our benefactors. Let us give thanks to God who is our greatest benefactor. Then 
 let us call to mind those heroes who have sacrificed their lives to secure the rights 
 and privileges we now enjoy. Let the memory of the dead be precious to us, 
 whether the fatal lead ended their days, or they died a natural death in the camp. 
 Next let us bear in mind what our worthies have done who have lived through the 
 war and now partake of that peace for which they have contended. Shall we not 
 honor those who under God have been the defense of our country, and have out- 
 braved British veterans ? And now peace is restored let all animosities die. Let 
 us be friendly to that country which we were once fond of calling our parent. No 
 more would we be under her government, but we can extend to her the hand of 
 friendship as a sister kingdom."
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 FIUST CENTURY OF CHURCH HISTORY. 
 
 " We know, aud what is better, we feel inwardly that religion is the basis of 
 civil society, and the source of all good and of all comfort." — Burke. 
 
 Our forefathers were a religious people, and prized, above all 
 other institutions, the preaching of the Gospel. It was for religious 
 more than political freedom that the pilgrims left the old world to 
 find a home in the wilds of America. They established the closest 
 alliance between the church and civil government, so that church 
 membership became the essential qualification for the enjoyment of 
 civil franchises. The settlers of New Hampshire were imbued to a 
 large extent with these vigorous religious feelings. The first and 
 heaviest taxes were for the support of the ministry ; and although 
 the burden was great, yet to maintain the institutions of religion 
 was ever considered their first and chief duty. For nearly a cen- 
 tury, the history of the town is bound up in the history of the 
 church. The church might well be called the heart of the town. 
 Town meetings, in many cases, related exclusively to the affairs of 
 the ministry. The body of the people hired the candidates for the 
 pulpit ; invited to the pastorship ; voted the salaries, which were 
 raised by general taxation ; called the councils ; built the meeting- 
 houses and parsonages ; dismissed or buried the ministers ; and per- 
 formed many other acts of authority in relation to church affairs. 
 The proprietors took the first steps some years before the inhabi- 
 tants had gained a voice in town affairs. They voted April, 1730, 
 to build a meeting-hOuse, — 
 
 " forty feet long, thirty-five feet wide, and eighteen feet stud; to be well framed & 
 Inclosed &c. Voted also that Capt. Sam" Tebbets Paul Gerrish Esqr m"" John 
 Wengit & M"' Joseph Jennes be a Committee to agree with any person or per- 
 sons to build and Parfict the same." 
 
 A tax of three pounds was laid upon each share. The meeting- 
 house was erected the following year, at the fork of the roads near
 
 76 ROCHESTER. 
 
 where the late Gershom Home lived. This was a spot well chosen, 
 being near the middle of the settlement, upon high land, and easily 
 accessible b}^ roads from different directions. It soon became the 
 most thickly settled part of the town, for everything at that period 
 derived special value and importance from proximity to the church. 
 This was the only place for every kind of public gathering. Plere 
 the people congregated weekly for worship. Here the}^ met to dis- 
 cuss all questions which concerned the general welfare. It was the 
 political, moral, and social, as well as religious center. From this, 
 as the place of Sabbath worship — the house of God — went forth 
 influences the most elevating, refining, and chastening upon the 
 hearts of the people. 
 
 " A gentle life spreads round the holy spires, 
 "Where'er they rise, the sylvan waste retires, 
 And aery harvests crown the fertile lea." 
 
 Nothing was wanting on the part of the proprietors, so far as vot- 
 ing could do it, to supply the town with a settled ministry. The 
 inhabitants had reason to expect the prompt fulfillment of their flat- 
 tering promises. Perhaps they enjoyed occasional preaching; for 
 Mr. Adams, Mr. Pike, and Mr. Gushing, ministers of neighboring 
 towns, manifested much interest in the religious condition of the 
 colony. They attended, and one of them sometimes presided over 
 proprietary meetings when measures to supply the pulpit were 
 debated. They also served upon committees to procure a minister. 
 They would not be likely, therefore, to leave the people entirely 
 destitute of religious instruction. 
 
 But a minister was not yet settled. To vote that it should be 
 done, was not doing it. Differences arose between the proprietors 
 and the settlers, as to which should bear the expense of supporting 
 the Gospel. These differences increased from year to year. The 
 proprietors being mostly non-residents, were dilatory, and paid their 
 taxes reluctantly. The settlers were poor and unable to bear heavy 
 taxation, and yet were suffering for want of a pastor. Recourse was 
 had to the Provincial Assembly. The proprietors gladly availed 
 themselves of an act passed May 10, 1731, by which the inhabitants 
 were joined with them in being obliged to maintain the minister. 
 They even voted to support a minister seven years longer than was 
 required in the act. A year and a half passed away, and still they 
 had no pastor. The people became uneasy. William Chamberlain,
 
 FIRST CENTURY OF CIIIIRCH HISTORY. 
 
 77 
 
 a proiiiiiient settler, preferred a petition to tlie General Assembly, 
 in behalf of the people of Rochester, for tlir support of the Gospel; 
 and upon May 10, 1734, an act was passed, which provided that the 
 lands of dc]in(jnent proprietors might be taken " in execution or by 
 extents" and sold to pay the taxes. It conlinned to the proprietors 
 the authority to choose selectmen and other town otKeers, but at the 
 same time made it incumbent on them to call and settle the first 
 minister and defray the charges. This law Avas to continue in force 
 three j^ears. About a year before its expiration the inhabitants 
 again petitioned the General Assembly in the foHowing language: 
 
 " The Petition of your humble Petitioners Inhabitants of the Town of Rochester 
 in the Province afores'd, humbly showeth, — 
 
 That we the Inhabitants of Rochester being persuaded that the Gospel & 
 means of Grace is a rich & Invaluable privilidge ; for which Reason we Can't but 
 must Lament our Sad State while we live without s'd means; and seeing no 
 Rational Prospect of obtaining them for some Considerable Time to Come without 
 the help and assistance of the non-Resident Proprietors; Especially Considering 
 our own Poverty & the Difficulties in Subdueing a wilderness, and hoping it may 
 not be Deemed Unreasonable to Desire some assistance from them. In Order to 
 our Inioying the Gospel among us; Since tis too Evident to need any proof That 
 their Temporal Interest is greatly advanced by us; — that is, by our Settling in s'd 
 Town — And withall persuading ourselves that this honorable Court will Recon- 
 sider our State & now doe Something for our Relief ; — We, whose names are 
 underwritten doe once more humbly Request The Legislative I'ower to passe an 
 act whereby to Oblige the Proprietors of said Rochester to assist us, the Inhabi- 
 tants, In supporting the Gospel in said Town of Rochester for the space of six or 
 seven years Till tis Likely we may be able to doe it of ourselves; or for such a 
 Term of Time as this Honorable court shall Think fit; as also that the Honorable 
 Court would appoint Two or Three peisons for Calling the Inhabitants of the 
 Town together for the present Year for the Choice of Town officers &c. And 
 your humble Petitioners shall ever pray as in Duty bound." 
 
 Benjamin Merrow, 
 Sam" Richard, 
 Robbard Knite, 
 Joseph Heard, 
 Joseph Miller, 
 John Jenness, 
 Mark Jenness, 
 John Bickford, 
 Jonathan Yong, 
 James Lock, 
 Timothy Robberts, 
 Joseph Richards, 
 Clem" Dearins:, 
 
 Ebenezer Place, 
 Jonathan Cops, 
 Stephen Berry, 
 Joseph Richards, 
 John VVentworth, 
 William Chamberlin, 
 Solomon Clark, 
 AVilliam Elis, 
 Stephen Harford, 
 Phillip Dore Jun"", 
 William James, 
 John Macfiee, 
 Zebulun Dam, 
 
 John Bickford Jun'', 
 Samuel Marrow, 
 Ebenezer Bruster, 
 Benjamin Forst, 
 John Garlen, 
 Eleazar Ham, 
 John Allen, 
 Paul Tebbets, 
 Joseph Richards Jun"^, 
 Benj" Tebbets, 
 William Stiles. 
 
 Liberty was granted to bring a bill taxing each whole sliare fifteen 
 shillings and appointing Rev. Jos. Adams, John Jenness, and Wil- 
 liam Chamberlaine to call a meeting to choose town officers for one 
 3^ear only. A bill so prepared is still in existence, but never passed,
 
 78 
 
 ROCHESTER. 
 
 and was probably never presented. It seems likely tlie terms were 
 not so favorable as Ijad been hoped. 
 
 The next year another petition was presented as follows : — 
 
 " The Petition of the Inhabitants of the Town of Rochester, in s'^ province, most 
 hurably sheweth — 
 
 That your Petitioners have been settled liere, some of them, seven years or 
 thereabout, that we are now increased to the Number of about Sixty Families, & 
 are as j'et destitute of a Settled Ministry, & have no civil Order in the Town, hav- 
 ing never had any power to choose town officers, or to act in town affairs, y* your 
 petitioners put in a petition to this Hon'^'<= Court at their Sessions the last Spring, 
 praying for relief under our Difficulties afores'^ and also that, in Consideration of 
 our'low Circumstances and the Inconveniences and Charges such new Settlements 
 are exposed to, a tax mii^ht be laid on the Rights of the Non-resident Proprietors 
 towards the Support of the Ministry here; but so it happened that the Matter was 
 not perfected, so that your petitioners remain still in the same unsettled and 
 uncomfortable Condition, and do therefore humbly & earnestly entreat your Excel- 
 lency and your Honours to take their Case into your compassionate Consideration, 
 and that a Committee may be appointed to call a Meeting in Order to choose 
 Town officers for the Year ensuing, and that a tax may be also laid on the Non- 
 resident Proprietors of twenty Shillings a right per Annum, for Seven Years, next 
 ensiling, for and towards the Support of the Ministry — Or otherwise to do for us, 
 as to your Wisdom and Goodness shall seem meet — And your humble petitioners 
 as in Duty bound shall ever pray 
 
 Rochester March y'= 1736-7 
 
 John alon 
 Joseph Hard 
 Stephen Harford 
 Benjamin Merrow 
 Robard Night 
 John winford 
 Jack Busel 
 Joseph Richards 
 Joseph Hodgdon 
 John Bickford 
 William Eles 
 Samuel 1 merrow 
 John Garlon 
 Richard wentworth 
 Jeams Busell 
 Jeams Lock 
 
 Gesom Downs 
 John Bickford 
 Samuell Merow 
 John Hardie 
 Thomas Perkens 
 Elsar Ham 
 Ebnesar Place 
 willam wolford 
 .Joseph Berrey 
 Beimin Hayes 
 
 his 
 
 John X Smith 
 
 mark 
 
 Joseph Richards: sen 
 Timothy Roberts 
 John Mack fee 
 Zebulun dam 
 
 Benjamin Tebbets 
 Joseph walker 
 William Stiles 
 Stephen Beary 
 Joseph miller 
 Paul Tebbets 
 Jeams Cley 
 Solom Clark 
 will Door 
 will alen 
 Sam Richard 
 Sam Tombly 
 mathy mackfee 
 Jonathan Cops " 
 
 " Ma"" 26; 1737 In the House of Representatives the within Petition read: and 
 Voted : That Paul Wentworth Esq'' Cap' Thomas Millet and Stephen Berry; be 
 authorized A Coraitte to Call the first Meeting to Chuse Town officers — and 
 when such officers are Chosen, they to have full power to act as other town officers by 
 the Law of the Province and they to have authority to Charge a Whole proprie- 
 toi's Share w"^ a rate of fifteen Shillings per annum towards paym' of a Ministers 
 Sallary and so in proportion for y' part of a Share or Right each proprietor do 
 possess or Claime : this rate to be made yearely for payment only while they have 
 an orthodox Minister there; not to continue longer y" the End of y*' yeare 1742; 
 then to Support their Minister as y"^ Law directs in other towns and that the Pet™ 
 have Liberty to bring in a Bill accordingly — 
 
 In Coun' March 26, 1737 Read & Concured 
 Assented to March 26, 1737 
 
 JAMES JEFFRY CI-" Ass-" 
 R WALDRON Secy 
 J BELCHER"
 
 FIRST CENTURY OF CHURCH HISTORY. 7,9 
 
 Unfortunately, only scanty material exists out of ^^■liicll to con- 
 struct the history of the town during- its connection with the sup[tort 
 of the ministry. While many unimportant items are carefully pre- 
 served, questions are constantly arising u}>on matters of greater 
 moment upon which there is no light. This is true to a great 
 extent, through the whole history of tlic town : — 
 
 " For 'tis a common ordinance of fate, 
 That things obscure and small outlive the great." 
 
 The people had already selected their minister, and only waited 
 for legal authority to settle him. The Rev. Amos Main, who had 
 for not less than a year preached in Rochester with acce[itance, 
 hegan to supply the pulpit regularly on the first of April, the date 
 of the passage of the law. Paul Wentworth and Stephen Berry, 
 who were empowered to notify the first meetirig, called the people 
 together April 26. At this meeting Mr. ^lain was chosen town 
 clerk for the year ensuing, — a sure sign that he was expected to 
 become a permanent resident. 
 
 At a subsequent meeting. May 9, called expressly for that purpose, 
 it was voted " that Mr. Amos Main be the settled minister of this 
 town." Benjamin Forst, John Bickford, John Jennes, Benjamin 
 Hayes, and Timothy Roberts were chosen to receive his answer, and 
 agree with him upon terms of settlement. They were also, in case 
 of his acceptance, to send out invitations to a number of ministers 
 and churches for his ordination. It was voted to give Mr. Main 
 " his heirs assigns, the privilege of a pew in the meeting house, on 
 the right hand side of the pulpit, he to build it at his own proper 
 charge and cost." This was a favor enjoyed by no other family. 
 It was more than fourteen years before the town disposed of the 
 remaining pew privileges. It was further voted to give Mr. Main 
 the use of some of the common lands for seven years. The agree- 
 ment between the committee and the minister fixed his salary at one 
 hundred and thirty-five pounds in current passable bills of credit, — 
 equal to thirty piounds sterling, or about one hundred and fifty dol- 
 lars, — a 'part of ivhich he should take in such articles as he had occasion 
 for, at the money j^rice. The town was also to set him up a good 
 house frame, forty feet long, twenty feet wide, and two stories high, 
 wherever he might elect, and whenever he should call on the town 
 for it. However scanty these provisions for the minister's support
 
 80 ROCHESTER. 
 
 may appear at this day, they did not appear ilHberal then. They 
 illustrate the poverty of the people, in the matter of money. Their 
 means consisted almost wholly in their farms. Moreover it must 
 not be forgotten that, in addition to his salary, the first minister 
 became a large land owner. In the division of the town among the 
 proprietors, one whole share, exclusive of the parsonage lot, was 
 reserved for the first ordained Gospel minister. In all township 
 grants of that period the government wisely inserted this condition 
 to encourage the early settlement of a minister. It is certain that 
 considering the purchasing power of money, and the style of living 
 deemed necessary to a minister's family, these early ministers were 
 better paid than most of their successors. Mr. Main accepted the 
 invitation " relying upon the town for a comfortable support and 
 subsistence," and was duly installed into the pastoral ofiice. Par- 
 ticulars of the installation cannot now be found. The church record 
 opens as follows : — 
 
 " Sept. 18, 1737, Joseph Walker, Elizabeth wife of Eleazer Ham, and Mary 
 y^ wife of John Mac Fee wei'e admitted Into Full Communion with this chh." 
 
 A church writer of the third century, says that three may form a 
 church, but not a church government ; they are only laity. Accord- 
 ing to ancient Congregationalism seven persons being the least 
 number by which the rules of discipline in the eighteenth chapter 
 of Matthew could be reduced to practice, that number was held 
 necessary to form a church government. These seven, who were 
 called the " seven jnllars of the church," being united by solemn cove- 
 nant, admitted others to their communion. Accordingly at a meet- 
 ing held in K^ovember of the same year, seven persons having been 
 already admitted, Stephen Berry and Joseph Walker were chosen 
 deacons. There is no record of anv council called to oro-anize the 
 church.* 
 
 •' At a Church Meeting In Rochester, March 22, 174|. 
 
 The Chh voted Unanimously y*^ following articles viz : 
 
 1. That y* Principles of this Church as to articles of faith are agreeable to y® 
 Westminster Confession of faith & according to y<= Longer & Shorter Catechisms 
 of y* assembly of divines as they were drawn up at Westminster &c — which 
 Catechisms are Recieved among us. 
 
 2 : We Profess & Declare ourselves to be a Congregational Chh as to Disci- 
 pline according to y"^ Platform drawn up by a Synod at Cambridge In New 
 England Anno Domini. 
 
 *For list of cluuch members, see Appendix.
 
 FIRST CENTURY OF CHURCH HISTORY. 81 
 
 3 : As to Articles of faith ; we account y" Contrary Principles to y'' Confession 
 of faith & Catechisms aforesd to be Heretical & Erroneous & we Reject them as 
 such. 
 
 4 : Voted that those who Hold to, & Propagate Principles or Doctrines Con- 
 trary to y*^ aforesd Confession of faith & Assemblies Catechisms shall ])e deemed 
 & accounted by this — Church Erroneous & Heretical, & shall be dealt with by this 
 Chh accordingly Sc. 
 
 5 : Voted That y'' Children of y" Covenant & young People 'w" also are Herein 
 Included, shall be obliged to attend upon Publick Catechising on y" Lords Days 
 & at other Times when by y" Pastor of this Chh Called thereto from time to 
 time. 
 
 6 : Voted y' Every Communicant belonging to this chh Pay four shillings 
 towards Supplying y"^ Lords Table with y'^ Elements, for y'' year Ensuing — And 
 that what is unpaid by y*^ Communicants for y'' year Past be collected & laid out 
 for y^ chh as they shall think Proper." 
 
 The deacons were directed to provide for tlie sacranieut, one 
 gallon of wine and five pounds of flour from time to time, and 
 what was left over was to be given to the pastor. At a subsequent 
 meeting, it was voted, that those who did not bring in their pro- 
 portion for the four years past, before the next church meeting, 
 should be dealt with as disorderly persons unless the}' should show 
 sufficient reason for their failure. One of the many evidences of 
 the poverty of the people is found in their inability to pay their 
 taxes for supplying the communion table; often, individuals were 
 excused by vote, for sufficient reasons ; the time of payment was 
 frequently extended, and action taken to hasten delinquents. 
 
 Like most of the early churches of IsTew England, this little flock 
 had many trials in the eflbrt to keep its members in the straight 
 path of Christian rectitude. Several instances of admonition are 
 recorded, and many more of apparently voluntary acknowledg- 
 ments, mostly for neglect to attend upon the church communion. 
 Yet there were but few cases of punishment, even when the 
 otFenses were more aggravated. The following will serve for 
 examples : — 
 
 " William C Made Satisfaction to the Chh for what was offensive to them 
 
 Heretofore In his Behaviour, & was by a vote of y*-' chh admitted to occasional 
 Communion with this chh. 
 
 " Rebecca y*^ wife of Richard W made an acknowledgment before y'' chh 
 
 for y'^ Vile abuses she had given with her Tongue — y"^ chh Recieved Her to 
 Charity ag" as an occasional communicant — " 
 
 That " the tongue is an unruly evil which no man can tame " 
 is as true now as when the words were penned by the inspired 
 apostle. At several times this little member gave the church much 
 trouble. It received their earliest attention, for the first vote was
 
 82 ROCHESTER. 
 
 " a vote to Prevent Lying & Tattling, &c " — " Voted by this Church That 
 If any member of y^ chh do Raise or Spread a false & Evil Report of any of the 
 Communicants of this chh or of their Neighbours, It shall be deemed matter 
 of Scandal & offence, & y' upon its Being made known to y*^ Rev"^. Pastor of 
 y^ church by Evidence such oli'ender or offenders shall be & are by this Vote of 
 y' chh from time to time suspended from y*= communion of y^ chh untill that 
 Publi,ck Satisfaction be given to this Chh by y*= Person or Persons so offending — " 
 
 To present such particulars is not exposing the weakness of our 
 fathers. It is rather a proof of their wisdom, in that they knew 
 what an amount of mischief and misery is produced by sLander, 
 
 " Whose whisper o'er the world's diameter 
 Ti'ansports his poisoned shot." 
 
 The discipUne was not severe. The members labored rather by 
 patient and persuasive means, by constant watchfulness over each 
 other's conduct, by calling each other to account for public actions, 
 by committees of admonition, and by church votes, to keep all 
 wdthin the lines of duty. This was in strict accordance with the 
 Cambridge Platform w'hich had been adopted for the regulation 
 of their conduct. 
 
 The church book, at this period, was made the record of bap- 
 tisms and marriages, and in some cases of births and deaths. 
 IsTearly six hundred baptisms are recorded, many of them of infants.* 
 At this time, the general practice of the 'New England churches 
 admitted persons of serious and moral character to receive the 
 rite of baptism. This was called the " half w^ay covenant," and 
 was sanctioned by the synod of Boston in 1663 to obviate the diffi- 
 culty arising from the fact that church membership was necessary 
 in order to vote or to hold office. All baptized persons w^ere 
 recognized as church members, and their children, were entitled 
 to baptism ; yet they made no profession of personal faith, and 
 did not partake of the Lord's Supper. Baptized children were 
 considered members of the church, and a special guardianship was 
 maintained over them. Slaves also were baptized upon the faith 
 of their ow^ners. These remarks are necessary to understand such 
 records as the following : — 
 
 "Aug. 28, 1737. Simon Bussel Baptized upon his Parents acct — " 
 "May 16, 1756. Baptized Huldah Bickford so called Her master & mistress 
 Jennes Bro't Her to Baptism — " 
 
 " Sept. 5, 1756. Baptized Ralph Farnam son of Paul Farnam of Towow — " 
 
 * See Appendix.
 
 FIRST CENTURY OF CHURCH HISTORY. 83 
 
 "Towow" was the Indian name by ■which Lehanon, Me., was 
 long called. Ralph Farnam was the old revohitionary soldier who 
 died a few years since, aged over one hundred years. 
 
 In June, 1749, the church solemnly renewed their covenant, and 
 observed a day of fasting and prayer "for the revival of religion, 
 the outpouring of the spirit of God, and the advancement of the 
 Redeemer's Kingdom." Many confessions were made, votes of 
 satisfaction passed, and the offending members restored to their 
 standing. The sacrament was administered on the Sabbatli fol- 
 lowing. This was, perhaps, the first fiist in the history of the 
 tow^n ; a special day appointed by the church itself, religiously 
 and sincerely observed ; and not the idle form to which the }iublic 
 fasts of the present day have so nearly degenerated. 
 
 During all the years of Mr. Main's ministry not a ripple of 
 dissatisfaction that can now be discovered occurred between pastor 
 and people. Many things sliow that he dealt with them in a very 
 mild and affectionate manner. Small as his salary was, the de- 
 preciation of currency was so great during the Indian war, that 
 he did not receive his just due. In a call for a town meeting, 
 he caused an article to be inserted — 
 
 " to see what the town will do in relation to their agreement with Mr. Main, 
 as he saith he understands there is uneasiness among some people about these 
 things, and he desires that all the people belonging to his charge would meet 
 together on this occasion, that both pastor and people may have a friendly con- 
 versation, and labor to settle the affair in the best manner they can." 
 
 The people assembled, March 29, 1744, and after the " friendly 
 conversation," voted immediately to build him the frame house 
 which had been promised when he settled with them, and for 
 which he had patiently waited more than twelve years ; and chose 
 Capt. Timothy Roberts and Ensign Edward Tebbets a committee 
 for that purpose. The amount due on his salary was settled u}»on 
 terms of mutual satisfaction. Although the currency continued 
 to depreciate, Mr. Main received it without murmuring, frequently 
 giving receipts like this : — 
 
 " Received of the Selectmen of Rochester four hundred pounds old tenor on 
 account of my salary for 1751, which sum with what I frankly give in to said 
 town I take for the full of my salary for said year." 
 
 Amos Main was born in York, Me., Jan. 8, 170|-, and died 
 in Rochester, April 5, 1760. Of his early life little is known.
 
 84 ROCHESTER. 
 
 He graduated at Harvard College in 1729, and about the time of 
 his settlement in this town, he married Elizabeth, the daughter of 
 John White of Haverhill, Mass. It is related that she had several 
 sisters, who were all brought up to attend to domestic aifairs, 
 while she alone was sent to the best boarding-schools in Boston. 
 What is singular, she, at the age of seventeen or eighteen years, 
 married a frontier minister and resigned herself to the hardships 
 and deprivations of the wilderness, while her sisters all married 
 men of wealth. The late Judge White of Dover, a lineal descend- 
 ant, had in his possession a silk apron elaborately embroidered 
 b}' Mrs. Main, while a school girl in Boston. 
 
 Mr. Main's last sickness was of few weeks' duration. His 
 arduous labors and great exposure in attending to his diversified 
 duties as the guide and support of the infant settlement, doubt- 
 less hastened on the consumption of which he died. At their 
 annual meeting in March, the town took measures to supply the 
 pulpit, and on the twenty -fourth of the same month he made 
 a will in the usual length}' and formal style of that age : — thank- 
 ing God that though weak in body he remained of perfect mind 
 and memory; giving, principally and first of all, his soul into 
 the hands of God, who gave it, and his body to the earth, to be 
 buried in decent Christian burial, nothing doubting but at the 
 general resurrection he should receive the same again by the 
 mighty power of God; and as touching the worldly goods with 
 which it had pleased God to bless him, proceeding to bequeath 
 them to the difierent members of his famil}'. In lands he was 
 rich enough to provide liberally for the maintenance of his wife, 
 and also to give each of his children a good-sized farm. Of his 
 personal estate he gave to his wife, his " negro man Pomp, two 
 horses, three cows, and all his heifers." To Josiah, his only son, 
 he gave his oxen and steers for the common use of the family, 
 also one horse and a cow. His library was to be divided equally 
 among his wife and children. One half acre of land adjoining 
 the church burying -ground, he bequeathed for a burying-place 
 for his family forever. 
 
 The day of his death was a sad one to his people. For twenty- 
 three years he had been their counselor and Christian friend; 
 always earnestly devoted to their interests, rejoicing with them in 
 every time of prosperity, and sympathizing with them in every
 
 FIRST CENTURY OF CHURCH HISTORY. 85 
 
 affliction. lie had unlliucLingly remained throughout the perils 
 of the Indian wars. He had been their pastor, their teacher, 
 their physician, their adviser in worldly affairs. Many of them 
 he had married, and their children had grown up to look upon 
 him with love and respect. He had baptized them; he had 
 attended them in their hours of sickness, to administer relief to 
 the body and consolation to the soul ; and he had buried their 
 dead. It was said of him truly, that 
 
 " he was a great blessing to the people of his charge and greatly encouraged 
 them iu their concerns spiritual and temporal." 
 
 " The best portion of a good man's life, 
 His little nameless, unremembered acts 
 Of kindness and of love." 
 
 Mr. Main's sermons wdiich remain, are characterized by earn- 
 estness of style, and by elaborate division and arrangement of 
 subject. They are filled with the most direct warnings and en- 
 treaties, justifying the epithet of Boanerges applied to him by 
 Mr. Haven. He dwelt continually upon the danger and folly of 
 impenitence, and it w^as evidently his one great object to lead 
 sinners to repentance. Plis sermon number one, preached wdiile 
 a candidate, is perhaps a fair specimen of them all. It abounds 
 in Scriptural quotations largely from the Old Testament, and, 
 according to the custom of those times, is most methodically 
 composed, consisting of an introduction, three principal divisions, 
 eighteen subdivisions, and closing with practical remarks under 
 the head of Improvement. 
 
 Mr. Main's practice as a physician was very extensive. His 
 books show many charges against people in Berwick, Durham, 
 Barrington, Towow (Lebanon), Somersworth, Dover, and occa- 
 sionally Greenland, Rye, Wells, and Stratham. As w^e look over 
 his records, we can imagine this faithful Samaritan making his 
 way on horseback over rough and lonely roads to some distant 
 part of the settlement or some neighboring town. His gun ever 
 ready against the surprise of Indian foes is supported erect upon 
 his foot near the stirrup, while the barrel rests against the saddle. 
 At one place he stops to set a broken leg; at another leaves a 
 little liniment; here he writes an indenture or a will; here he 
 baptizes some aged person, or an infant, or a man upon his 
 deathbed; always making a note of such facts, and thus uniting
 
 86 ROCHESTER. 
 
 upon the same journey the duties of several professions. In pay- 
 ment for these services he received such as the people had to give, 
 wool, flax, boards, beef, pork, labor, occasionally a pistareen, 3'et 
 for the most part but little money. He often discounted their 
 ministerial taxes for such articles as they furnished him, according 
 to the agreement when he settled with them. 
 
 Though he carried his gun, yet the Indians had such a sacred 
 regard for his character that he was never molested. These 
 savages, at the close of every war, were in the habit of coming 
 to the white settlements and boasting of their exploits, and thus 
 the settlers often learned the circumstances of the capture or 
 death of their friends. They would frequently come to Mr. 
 Main's house, and give him an account of his travels about the 
 country during the hostilities, relating minute particulars. They 
 even told him when he walked or trotted his horse, and where 
 he stopped; showing that all his movements had been closely 
 watched. When he inquired why they did not kill him, their 
 reply was, " You one good man ; you same as one priest." 
 Having a great veneration for the Jesuit priests who lived among 
 them, this feeling was extended to Mr. Main whom they included 
 in the same class. 
 
 After Mr. Main's death, tradition says his remains were kept 
 fourteen days before burial, as it was necessary to procare many 
 articles from Portsmouth, and make suitable preparations that he 
 might be interred with the honors and dignity due to his high 
 position. The toAvn paid the expenses, and the following items 
 appear in the account of that year : — 
 
 " Paid Enoch Hoeg for six rings for Mr. Main's funeral, 15 — 17 — 3 
 Paid Stephen Evans for rum for the funeral, 11 — 5 — 
 
 Paid for things at Portsmouth for the funeral, 47 — 10 — " 
 
 The rings were mourning rings for the six daughters. He was 
 buried in the family lot now included in the common burying- 
 ground on Haven's hill. Just beyond this place stood the par- 
 sonage in which Mr. Main resided. "Within a few years this family 
 burial lot has been inclosed and a beautiful marble monument 
 erected by his descendants, to the memory of the first Gospel 
 Minister of Rochester. 
 
 A few days before the death of Mr. Main, after his recovery
 
 FIRST CENTURY OF CHURCH HISTORY. 87 
 
 was heyond hope, the town voted to hire a minister for three 
 montlis. The Rev. Samuel Hill was selected for this tem^iorary 
 supply. At the expiration of the time, " his doctrine and con- 
 versation being unreprovable and he appearing to he a person 
 able, learned and orthodox," it was decided to invite him to a 
 settlement as pastor. Many formalities were observed, and all 
 things proceeded according to exact system. A committee of ten 
 of the foremost citizens, at the head of which were Dea. Berry 
 and Capt. Roberts, were to treat with the candidate; a smaller 
 committee to procure a parsonage lot of the proprietors ; another, 
 to draw up a covenant of agreement; and still another, to build 
 a parsonage house. In the agreement they styled themselves a 
 committee of " the freeholders and inhabitants of the town, church 
 and congregation qualified to vote in town aiFairs." The contract 
 with Mr. Hill was for fifty pounds sterling as a yearly salary, a 
 house and barn to be built, the lot fenced, a well dug, and an 
 orchard planted. All wftre to have a fair chance to pay their 
 taxes in labor or in lumber such as was needed. Although the 
 town was several years in building the house and fencing the lot, 
 yet no time was lost in commencing the work. Sept. 29, 1760, 
 the proprietors sold lot N'o. 25, of the first Division for the use 
 of the ministry. Upon this lot was at this time commenced the 
 parsonage house, still standing upon the very top of Haven's hill, 
 and now known as the Gershom Home place. As Mr. Main's 
 house and land was his private property, this was the first parson- 
 age owned by the town, and is still a respectable edifice, which 
 the people, doubtless, then looked upon with much pride. While 
 waiting for the house, the minister boarded at Mrs. Main's. The 
 town bought him a pew, and omitted nothing which his necessity 
 or comfort required, i^othing is known cff his personal history or 
 that of the church during his pastorate. He was cut down by 
 death after a short ministry of four years, and the people were 
 called a second time to mourn the loss of a beloved jDastor. The 
 loss of the church records of this period, — the shortness of Mr. 
 Hill's residence in Rochester, — and the dispersion of his family 
 have deprived us of the usual sources of information in regard to 
 his life and character. 
 
 Samuel Hill was born Oct. 17, 1714, in Maiden, Mass., where 
 his ancestors settled early in the history of Xew England. He
 
 88 ROCHESTER. 
 
 graduated at Harvard Uuiversitj at the age of twenty-one, and 
 was ordained pastor of the Congregational Church in Marshfield, 
 Mass., Jul}" 16, 1740. Here he continued for nearly twelve years 
 of successful labor, though somewhat interrupted by ill health. 
 A revival occurred in 1742, resulting in eighteen additions to the 
 church. Xo similar revival followed there till one hundred years 
 later. Though liis health incapacitated him for public preaching, 
 his people were reluctant to let Mr. Hill go. He was sent on a 
 trip to the eastward, but his health was not restored. A day of 
 fasting and prayer on account of his weakness and inability to 
 preach was observed by the church, and neighboring ministers 
 were invited to attend. In February the church first met to 
 consult in regard to the supply of the pulpit, but not till ISTo- 
 vember was his dismission recommended by a council convened 
 to consider this subject. Their advice was accepted, and his 
 dismission occurred on the twentieth of March, 1752. His people 
 gave him, as a parting present, a "preaching Bible," — probably 
 the one from which he had been accustomed to preach. He 
 removed to Biddeford, Me., where he resided for a time in the 
 house of Capt. Samuel Jordan, whose daughter Mr. Hill had 
 married in 1739. He and his wife were received into the church 
 there, of which Rev. Moses Morrill was pastor, who had also 
 married a daughter of Capt. Jordan. In 1754 Mr. Hill was chosen 
 representative of the town of Biddeford. In 1755 his wife died, 
 and two years after he married EHzabeth Shapleigh of Elliot, Me. 
 In July, 1760, he received a unanimous invitation to settle in 
 Rochester, where he Avas installed the 19th of ISTovember fol- 
 lowing. 
 
 While at Marshfield, Mr. Hill acquired a passion for gunning, 
 and was in the habit of hunting wild fowl, A\'hich were found in 
 abundance at a place called Brant Rock. Upon one of these 
 excursions to this rock he was wounded, by the accidental dis- 
 charge of his gun. 
 
 The unpublished diary of the Rev. Josiah Cotton contains the 
 foUoAving in reference to his dismission from Marshfield : — 
 
 " A more pitiable case has happened at Marshfield, namely, — the dismission 
 of Rev. Mr. Hill from his ministry. A good man and a good preacher, but 
 very crazy and infirm, and otherwise in poor circumstances. The Lord provide 
 for him and his."
 
 FIRST CENTURY OF CHURCH HISTORY. 89 
 
 The arizincss here meant is simply bodi.li/ : there is no intima- 
 tion that his mind was aftected. "A o-ood man and a f^-ood 
 preacher " is the testimony of his contemporary. It is eulogy suf- 
 ficient. ]^o odium rests upon his character, and as a preacher 
 he was popular. 
 
 Probably his constitution was so much broken l^y ill health 
 before his settlement in Rochester, that the labors of the ministry 
 were too great for him to endure. lie died of dropsy on the 
 nineteenth of April, 1764, at the age of fifty. The town defrayed 
 the expenses of his funeral, as in case of Mr. Main. His remains, 
 were interred in the burying-ground close by the church in which 
 
 he had been accustomed to preach. No marble monument, no 
 
 lettered stone informs us of the spot of his burial. Tradition 
 even, does not attempt to point it out. Among the many imtne- 
 less graves of the people with whom he made a brief sojourn, his 
 ashes repose, " but no man knoweth of his sepulcher unto this 
 day." 
 
 For a year and a half after the death of Mr. Hill, the church 
 remained without a pastor. The people were lukewarm. Althouo*h 
 frequently called together to consider ministerial affairs and urged 
 " to attend for a short space and solidly debate these questions, '^ 
 yet they continued in a state of indiiference. One minister after 
 another was hired to preach " on approbation," and one after 
 another failed to give satisfaction, or to excite any permanent 
 interest. For weeks and months candidates supplied the desk, 
 uncertain of the wishes of the people, and when a decision was 
 demanded, it would be voted to " seek further for some orthodox 
 man." Among those who preached was Eev, Mr. Bowen, Vvho 
 soon after became pastor of the l^ew South Church in Boston, and 
 who was father of Bishop Bowen of South Carolina. 
 
 At length, ^oy. 6, 1765, an invitation to settle was given by 
 the church to the Rev. Avery Hall, who had preached only a few 
 Sabbaths. The town united in the call on the thirteenth of Jan- 
 uary following, and appointed John Plummer, Esq""., Ens". Ed- 
 ward Tibbets, and Dec". James Knowles a committee to present 
 the same. Mr. Hall signified his willingness to accept, if they 
 would make suitable provision for his support. They oft'ered a 
 salary of seventy pounds, which he thought insufficient. They 
 increased the ofi^er to seventy-five pounds, and the committee 
 
 7
 
 90 ROCHESTER. 
 
 " discoursed " with Mr. Hall ; but lie still thought the sum not 
 " honorable." They refused any further increase. Town meetings 
 were continued by numerous adjournments during the next three 
 months, till on July 7, 1766, it was voted " to give Mr. Avery 
 Hall the Sum of eighty Pounds lawful ]Money as his annual Sal- 
 ary," and Capt. William Allen, Deacon James Knowles, Jabez 
 Dam, Lieu*. David Cops, and Thomas Brown were appointed to 
 treat ^^dth ]\Ir. Hall and " perfix the time of Ordination." His 
 letter of acceptance is as follows : — 
 
 " To the Church of Christ in Rochester & to the Congregation in s"! Town 
 
 Avery Hall sendeth Greeting. 
 Dearly beloved in our Lord Jessus Christ, 
 
 \Yhere as in your destitute State, being deprived of a settled Gospel Minister, 
 GOD in his Providence hath pointed out me, to preach y'^ Gospel to you, & you 
 have made choice of me (1. as y" least of all Saints) to be your gospel Min- 
 ister, To take the charge of your Souls ; Seeing your Unanimity, & having im- 
 plored y'^ divine Guidance in this important Affair, & being moved as I humbly 
 trust by the Spirit of God, I think it my Duty to accept the call ; & I do freely 
 accept y*' Call to y*^ Work of the gospel ministry among you & stand ready to 
 be introduced into y'' Sacred OiBce according to gospel Order in a convenient 
 time, confiding in your Goodness that you vrill be ready to afford me all needful 
 helps & Assistances, for my comfortable Support among you ; expecting also 
 that you allow me a suitable time for Journeying once a year to visit my Friends 
 
 abroad. & now I beseech y*^ God of all Grace to bless us with all spiritual 
 
 Blessings in heavenly things in Christ Jesus ; and that y* Word of the Lord 
 may have free Course & be glorified among us. 
 
 This is y'' sincere Desire & prayer, of your Servant in Christ 
 
 Rochester, July 21, 1766. AVERY Hall." 
 
 " Sept. 2, 1766. Voted £15 to Defray the charge of Mr. Hall's ordination to 
 be Raised out of the Hire of the Parsonage Land in said Town for two years 
 Past and Dec° James Knowles William Chamberlin Jabez Dam John Plummer 
 Esq"^ Cap' Jon" Ham chosen a Committee to Provide the Materials for the 
 ordination and the choice of the Place where the Provision is to be made for 
 Entertaining of the Strangers is Left to said Committee to say where it Shall be." 
 
 The ordination occurred Oct. 15, 1766. The Sermon and the 
 Charge were by Mr. Hall of Wallingford, Conn., probably a relative 
 of the pastor-elect. The Ordaining Prayer and the Right Hand of 
 Fellowship were by the venerable James Pike who had been pastor 
 at Somersworth for thirty-six years, and was Moderator of the Coun- 
 cil. The Introductory Prayer was by Mr. Dame, and the Concluding 
 Prayer by Dr. Langdon of Portsmouth. The Rev. Matthew Meriam 
 present from Berwick, Me., was a classmate of Mr. Hall. " After 
 singing a Psalm & the Blessing was pronounced, the large Assembly 
 was dispersed." 
 
 With some suitable sense of what was becoming to their improved
 
 FIRST CENTURY OF CHURCH HISTORY. 91 
 
 circumstances, the people commenced a work of renovation. Be- 
 ginning with the meeting-house, the broken glass was mended, the 
 pews were changed, a bucket for the well, and a lock for the par- 
 sonage house were bought. Such items as nails, lumber, glass, 
 and " putte," again appear in the accounts. A spirit of reform 
 seems to have seized the community. Some wanted to modernize 
 public A\'orship ; and so, from mending the meeting-house, the town 
 undertook to mend the singing, — a delicate matter, — somewhat 
 hazardous at all times, and evidently, not without the common 
 result, hard feeling, at this time. The town was asked to grant — 
 
 " the liberty of a seat, in some convenient place in the meeting house, to accom- 
 modate the singers to sit together : " And it was voted " that A. B. C. have the lib- 
 erty to build, at their own expense, a seat before the front gallery, so as not to hide 
 the sight of the pews and those that sit back." 
 
 A committee of five was appointed — two of wdiom wore the dea- 
 cons — "to choose out the best singers ai^i^l say who should be 
 the A. B. C." 1^0 sooner, however, was the seat built, than the 
 subject was reconsidered. The town concluded to take away the 
 seat, pay the expense of building it, and try to reconcile all parties 
 by providing a place for the singers below. The authority to choose 
 out the best singers was renewed to the deacons, and those whom 
 they chose annually were to have the privilege of sitting in the 
 singers' seat. Thus, the first step towards the formation of a choir 
 was taken by the town in public town meeting. The church soon 
 took control of the matter. A year later, they held a meeting in 
 reference to the singing, and chose Richard Wentworth, Paul Libby, 
 Samuel Chamberlin, and David Place " to be with Deacon Walker 
 as Choristers to Tune the Psalm." 
 
 Having repaired the meeting-house, and formed a choir according 
 to the approved manner of that day, the business of setting things 
 in order extended to the parsonage. This building commenced 
 for Mr. Hill six years before, had never been completed. It was 
 one condition of the contract w^ith Mr. Hall that it should be made 
 fit for him to occupy, and be kept in good repair ; yet, for another 
 six years the work dragged slow^ly along, and at the end of that time 
 the town was still deliberating whether or not the " ministerial 
 house should be finished off"." 
 
 The period of Mr. Hall's ministry is remarkable only for the sad 
 divisions among the people of his charge. All the circumstances
 
 92 KOCHESTER. 
 
 attending his call and settlement were inauspicious, and foreshad- 
 owed the troubles which followed. The lack of interest, the long 
 dela^^s, the difficulty of agreeing about the salary, all show that the 
 congregation had suffered so long for want of a spiritual teacher, 
 that it was in ill condition to receive one. To the general apathy 
 which prevailed at his settlement, a state of passion and excitement 
 succeeded. Disputes arose which divided the church and people 
 into angry factions. Accusations led to counter accusations, and 
 bitterness took the place of harmony. When the contest was at 
 its height, the estrangement between the members of the church 
 was so great that those of one faction refused to partake of the sac- 
 rament with those of the other. The deacons were on opposite 
 sides. To increase the discord, the parties were very nearly equal, 
 the strongest party in the church having a majority of only one vote 
 upon all test questions. It is impossible, at this day, to write a com- 
 plete history of this cl^rch war ; even the causes of the troubles 
 can not be fully ascertained. "Written charges were brought against 
 the pastor, but no record of them has been preserved. It is alleged 
 that both the doctrine and the conduct of Mr. Hall were unsatis- 
 factory to the people. The facts which are now known, lead to the 
 opinion that the charges against his doctrine related to his position 
 on the " half way covenant," while the charges against his conduct 
 referred to the manner in which he conducted the controversy. 
 
 The " half way covenant," as it was called, had been sanctioned 
 by the practice of the !N"ew England churches from an early date. 
 Persons who had been baptized in infancy, upon arriving at maturity 
 with a good moral character and outward conformity to the require- 
 ments of religion, were received into covenant, and were entitled to 
 have their children baptized ; yet they did not partake of the sacra- 
 ment, nor make a confession of faith. This practice sprung in part 
 from the tenderness which the church cherished towards its children. 
 But a more powerful reason was found in the fact already mentioned, 
 that church membership was necessary to entitle a person to vote or 
 to render eligible to civil office. Union with the church, therefore, 
 being sought for political objects, the door was gradually opened to 
 the unworthy, whereby the church could not but suffer dishonor. 
 The " half way covenant " was devised as a partial remedy for this 
 evil, by giving moral men the civil standing conferred by church 
 membership, while not admitting them to the full spiritual privi-
 
 FIRST CENTURY OF CHURCH HISTORY, 93 
 
 leges of those who professed conversion. They were however siil)- 
 ject to some degree of discipline, as seen by the following vote. 
 
 "July 13, 1749. Voted by this Church that Such Persons as are In Covenant 
 with y^ Chh w'^ have not Joyned in full Communion with y'' chh Shall be Dealt 
 with from time to time In case of rublick Scandal or offence by y<' chh Equally 
 with those in full communion." 
 
 There wore, therefore, two classes of church-members ; those in 
 full communion, and those in covenant. A strong feeling of dis- 
 satisfaction with this state of the churches had already arisen in 
 many parts of New England. The great revival which swept over 
 the countr}' in 1741-2, did much to increase and extend this discon- 
 tent. Jonathan Edwards, the most distinguished theologian of the 
 country, had taken a decided position against the half-way cove- 
 nant; — a position which involved him in difficulties with his peo- 
 ple, raised an intense opposition to his preaching, and finally resulted 
 in his dismission from his pastoral office in ]S[orthampton. 
 
 In the third year of Mr. Hall's ministry, Dec. 7, 1768, a church 
 meeting was called especially to confer upon the question — 
 
 " whether any should be received into covenant, that did not come into full 
 communion, and the greater part gave in that they ought not to be received but 
 into full communion, but it was not passed into a vote." 
 
 From this time members began to absent themselves from church 
 meetings, and from the communion table, and those who were in 
 covenant ceased to attend upon public worship. Committees were 
 appointed to reason with the delinquents, and urge them to return. 
 At a church meeting, July 1, 1772, having been pressed to give 
 their reasons, they openly avowed their dislike to Mr. Hall's minis- 
 try. Mr. Hall, as moderator, checked them, forbidding them to 
 enumerate particular causes of complaint, until they had sought 
 private satisfaction. A paper containing charges against the pastor, 
 (prepared, as the record states, by the wife of one in covenant,) 
 was presented by Deacon Knowles. The pastor refused to read it, 
 and insisted that it should not be read. " A clamor was raised." 
 The church being determined to hear it, the moderator was over- 
 ruled, and the paper was read, but no further action was taken. 
 An attempt to settle the difficulties in a private way proved unsuc- 
 cessful. At the next church meeting. Dr. Langdon of Portsmouth 
 was invited to act as moderator. After the subject had been dis-
 
 94 ROCHESTER. 
 
 cussed at length, it was voted, by one majority, that the answer of 
 the pastor to the charges was unsatisfactory. At a subsequent 
 meeting a vote was taken upon the same question with the same 
 result, the vote standing " nine against eight." " A Christian con- 
 ference " was called Aug. 12, 1773, at the pastor's house. The 
 dissatisfied party were strongly urged to say what would satisfy 
 them, but refused to do so. Then the observance of the sacrament 
 was suggested, but the aggrieved members declined to participate. 
 " So y* Meeting was brook up." The town took up the matter, and 
 voted that they were dissatisfied with Mr. Hall's doctrine and con- 
 duct, and that he should not supply the desk until he had cleared 
 up his character ; but when the question of hiring another preacher 
 came up, they hesitated, and declined to act. Wlien a town by the 
 concurrence of a majority of its legal voters had settled a minister, 
 he had a life tenure in his ofiice, and could not be removed except 
 by action of a council or by legal proceedings. It was therefore no 
 easy matter to get rid of an objectionable pastor. To the vote of 
 dissatisfaction already passed, twenty-six voters entered an elaborate 
 protest, founded upon technical objections to the notification, and 
 want of power in the town. The town was still legally bound for 
 the support of Mr. Hall. He continued to receive his salary, and 
 maintained undivided possession of the pulpit. 
 
 All attempts to settle difliculties in a private way having failed, a 
 council was proposed with the approval of all parties. But how 
 should it be called? Mr. Hall's friends demanded a mutual council 
 called by the concurrent action of church and pastor. The other 
 party insisted that as they were in the majority, the council should 
 be called by the church, " as aggrieved icith their 2^(^stor." It being 
 impossible to agree, the dissatisfied party claiming to be the church 
 by. reason of having one majority, called a council in the name of 
 the church. All the minister's friends could do was to remonstrate. 
 When the council met, however, they allowed the remonstrants 
 to invite an equal number of ministers and churches of their own 
 selection, to unite with them ; and so the council became mutual. 
 The result of their deliberations was made known April 21, 1774. 
 It advised that the pastor should ask a dismission, and that the town 
 should pay him two hundred dollars as a compensation. Anxious 
 to be freed from their minister on any terms, the town immediately 
 accepted the result and voted the compensation. Mr. Hall declined
 
 FIRST CENTURY OF CHURCH HISTORY. 95 
 
 to receive it. His friends claimed that he was not yet legally dis- 
 missed, and alleged that unfair means were used to get the town to 
 vote the compensation. They styled the charges against Mr. Hall 
 cruel and unjust, and appealed to the result of council to show tliat 
 they had not been proved. They accused their opponents of assum- 
 ing the authority of the church when they were only a minor part 
 of it; of appointing church meetings and calling in the assistance 
 of mere covenanters to vote Mr. Hall's dismission ; and charged them 
 with thus amusing the people and keeping them in a rage to answer 
 their own ends. They proposed another council, but the proposi- 
 tion was instantly rejected. Each party claimed to be the church 
 and held its church meetings. One of these self-styled churches 
 had voted the pastor's dismission. The other did not accept the 
 result of council, but " signified their minds in writing, and desired 
 the pastor to continue with them." The refusal to accept the 
 decision of the council aroused the town. They appointed a com- 
 mittee to prosecute Mr. Hall, if he attempted to preach, and to hire 
 a candidate to supply the pulpit. One of this committee was 
 Deacon Knowles, an influential member of the church, and one of 
 the most able and respected citizens of the town. More than one 
 hundred persons protested against the proceedings of this meeting, 
 and the votes were not carried into effect. In spite of all these 
 measures, Mr. Hall continued to preach in the meeting-house for 
 more than six months longer. He then proposed to ask a dismis- 
 sion on condition that the town should give him " one year's salary, 
 one hundred pounds lawful money, the use of the parsonage house, 
 lot and barn, and a lot of land adjoining, and exempt him and all 
 his interest from paying any public taxes in town during his natural 
 life." The town met this offer with an emphatic negative, followed 
 up by a vote to lock the meeting-house against him. A " stock 
 lock" for this object is qne of the charges in this year's account. 
 The meeting-house locked against him, and a candidate hired to 
 preach in his pulpit, Mr. Hall concluded to make the best terms in 
 his power. A year had elapsed since the meeting of the ecclesias- 
 tical council which recommended his dismission. He now received 
 sixty pounds as a compensation, and agreed to ask that dismission. 
 The following record of a church meeting, April 10, 1775, is the 
 last record made by the hand of Mr. Hall.
 
 96 ROCHESTER. 
 
 *' Some unhappy Disputes having arisen in this Chh relative to your pastor, & 
 disaffection in the Minds of many towards the Pastor still subsisting, to the great 
 grief of your Pastor, & it having been advised to by an Ecclesiastical Council that 
 I should ask a Dismission from my pastoral Relation to this Church, I now ask a 
 Dismission of you ; If it be your Minds that my pastoral Relation to you, breth- 
 ren, be now dissolved, & that I should commend your Souls to God who has com- 
 mitted them to my pastoral Care, the Dismission is not from Office, but only from 
 my pastoral Relation to you, please to signify it, &c., & it passed in y« Affir* by 
 one." 
 
 After endeavoring for two years to break the bonds between 
 minister and jDeople, the town, in the end, succeeded only by hiring 
 the minister to ask a dismission. The conclusion of this unfortu- 
 nate controversy and the final reconciliation of the parties in the 
 church did not occur until the time of Mr. Hall's successor in office. 
 Soon after the ordination of Mr. Haven, the church voted to hear 
 the aggrieved brethren as to their grievances, — the words, "ag- 
 grieved brethren," being now reversed in their application, and 
 meaning those who had supported Mr. Hall. By the consent of all 
 parties, the subject was referred to the Rev. Mr. Lancton of York, 
 the Rev. Mr. Hemenway of Wells, and the Rev. Mr. Spring of 
 Kittery, all in Maine. They met at the pastor's house, Maj^ 28, 
 1776, and continued their .sessions two days. Upon the announce- 
 ment of their report, w^hich is not recorded, — 
 
 " The church unanimously voted to own and acknowledge the Rev. Mr. Avery 
 Hall (their late pastor) as a brother of this church, and to recommend him to 
 preach the gospel wherever requested." Shortly after. it was voted " that persons, 
 who are thought to be prepared, be admitted to own the covenant, and have the 
 ordinance of baptism administered to their children, if they labor under such 
 doubts and fears that they are afraid to come up to the table of the Lord." 
 
 The half-way covenanters had finally triumphed. If it be true 
 that these troubles sprang from Mr. Hall's attempt to establish a 
 more rigid discipline by overthrowing the half-way covenant, not 
 only is the fact creditable to his theological attainments, but the 
 subsequent history of the churches shows that he was in the advance 
 of religious reform. There w^ere, however, other causes of dissatis- 
 faction. His unpoj^ularity was increased by a feeling that he was 
 somewhat avaricious. He was censured also, for having accepted 
 the invitation to settle, while there was so great indift'erence to his 
 preaching. Mr. Haven regarded this prevailing indifierence on reli- 
 gious subjects as the chief source of the whole controvers}'. 
 
 The Rev. Theophilus Hall was the first pastor of the church which
 
 FIRST CENTURY OF CHURCH HISTuRY. 97 
 
 lie had gathered in Meridcn, Conn., where he died in the thirty- 
 ciglith year of his ministry. He was said to be " a man of strong 
 intellectual powers, a faithful advocate of civil and religious liberty, 
 much respected andl)clovod by his people." Several of liis sermons 
 were i»ul)lished; among them one preached at the ordination oI'Mr. 
 Meriam at Berwick, Me. Avery Hall, his son, was born in jSIeri- 
 den. Conn., Dec. 2, 1737, and graduated at Yale College in 1759. 
 During the year 1761 he taught the Hopkins Grannnar School at 
 New Haven, Conn., while pursuing his theological studies. He was 
 ordained at Rochester, Oct. 15, 1766. As a preacher ISlr. Hall was 
 moderate and monotonous in his manner, and had not the faculty 
 of communicating his ideas in a way to command the attention or 
 excite the interest of his hearers. This no doubt contributed to his 
 unpopularity in Rochester. 
 
 He is said to have been a man of considerable wit. CalUng upon 
 a friend one day, according to custom he was invited to drink. 
 Offering him a diminutive glass, " this," said his friend, " is very 
 old spirit, and very nice." Raising and scanning the glass thought- 
 fully for a few seconds, Mr. Hall replied, "Well, it seems to me it 
 is very small of its age." 
 
 During all the controversy with his parish, there seems to have 
 been nothing brought to impugn his moral character. Several aged 
 persons who have died within the last twenty years remembered Mr. 
 Hall well, and testified that he was a man respected for his exem- 
 plary habits, of good sense and judgment, and of very even temper, 
 seldom known to be in a passion. 
 
 After his dismission he removed to Wakefield, being among the 
 early settlers of that town. He preached for a short time at Effing- 
 ham, going and returning upon the Sabbath, but soon left the min- 
 istry and devoted himself to agriculture. He, however, was very 
 useful in rendering kindly offices to the sick, visiting them often, 
 and praying and conversing with them. After a church was formed 
 in Wakefield, he officiated as deacon, as long as he was able to per- 
 form the duties of that office. He was a successful farmer, manag- 
 ing his large tract of land with profit. In those early days he was 
 almost the only man in town to write legal instruments. Holding 
 the office of justice of the peace for many years, he was known as 
 " Squire Hall," and as a magistrate gave judgment upon many 
 cases at law.
 
 98 ROCHESTER. 
 
 His first wife, Mary Chesley of Dover, died in Rochester, and 
 he married Abigail, daughter of Rev. James Pike of Somersworth. 
 
 Mr. Hall died Aug. 5, 1820, at the age of eighty-two years, 
 having entirely lost his faculties. 
 
 During the time when the meeting-house was locked against Mr. 
 Hall, Joseph Haven was employed to preach as a candidate. He 
 was then twenty-eight years of age, and had just finished his studies 
 at Harvard University. In September, 1775, the church invited 
 him to become their pastor. Soon after, the town united with the 
 church in its invitation, offering the same salary and privileges 
 which had been granted to Mr. Hall. Mr. Haven was evidently not 
 well pleased with the state of feeling among the people, and had 
 much hesitation about settling in Rochester. Before replying, he ad- 
 dressed a very plain letter to the inhabitants of the town, alluding 
 to their troubles and expressing the belief that they would never 
 get through with them so long as their indifference to religion 
 existed. He regarded the fact that they had been already deprived 
 of three ministers as a sore judgment, and said that they might take 
 his answer as a decided negative, unless they manifested a more 
 general interest in the question of his settlement. He begged them 
 to come out and vote for or against him, that he might know what 
 course to pursue. The town immediately renewed the invitation 
 with such unanimity that he at once accepted, in the following 
 terms : — 
 
 " M"". Haven's Answer to the Chh & Congregation in Rochester. 
 
 The sovereign of the universe governs all things, & by his providence orders 
 them as shall be most to his honor & glory. He often brings about things contrary 
 to our expectations & even wishes : But where he calls to a thing there must be a 
 chearful resignation to his will, & we must be ready to go in the paths he has 
 pointed out for us. 
 
 After great divisions & sore trials among you (the cause of which I hope none 
 will now look abroad to find, but to his own heart) you have seen fit to give me 
 an invitation to settle in the gospel ministry in this place, & to take the care of 
 this chch & people upon me ; which is a great undertaking & what I am, of myself, 
 utterly unable to go thro' with : Yet when I see that 3'ou are so well united (which 
 is far beyond all expectation, & must be ascribed alone to the Lord) with an hum- 
 ble relyance upon him, I must think myself bound in duty to yield to your solicita- 
 tions, as being called thereto by the great head of the chch & bishop of Souls. 
 The prayers of this chch & people I do earnestly solicit, that I may be directed & 
 prospered in so great & arduous an undertaking : That I may be made a faithful 
 minister of Jesus Christ, & a successful laborer in this part of his vineyard ; that 
 I may be the means of winning many souls to him ; & that I may not fear the face 
 of man, so as to leave any part of the business alotted me to do undone. 
 
 And that the great head of the chch may bestow choicest of heavens blessings
 
 FIRST CENTURY OF CHURCH HISTORY. 99 
 
 upon his flock in this place, & upon the whole town, shall be the constant wish & 
 prayer of a hearty well wisher to your souls, & your humble servant 
 
 JosKi'H Haven. 
 
 As an addition to what you have proposed for a support, I shall expect that the 
 parsonage house be put & kept in good & decent repair during my ministration 
 among you. 
 
 It has been proposed that the fence around the lot upon which the house stands 
 be made good by subscription : this I shall likewise expect. 
 
 And as God has seen fit in his infinite wisdom to bring great troubles & distress 
 upon tins land, the burden of which will fall heavy upon almost every person ; to 
 testify my readiness to suffer with my brethren, & reposing my confidence in God, 
 I do freely remit a tenth part of my first years sallary (which is eight pounds) to 
 the town. 
 
 Kochester Nov^ 25"^: 1775," 
 
 The town voted Mr. Haven's call Nov. 20, 1775, and appointed the following 
 committee 
 
 " to Prosecute the above business as the Case shall require, Cap' William Allen 
 Barnabas Palmer Cap' William Chamberlin Ens Richard Furber Joseph Pearl John 
 Plumer Esq"' Dea"' James Knowles. 
 
 " Dec. 25, 1775, Chose Jabez Dame Barnabas Palmer Cap' William Allen a 
 Committee to Procure Meterials." 
 
 " Paid Committee for going after Mr. Haven 1 — 18 — G^g." 
 
 " Expences of Mr. Haven's ordination 12 — 10 — 4." 
 
 The ordination occurred Jan. 10, 1776. The churches represented 
 in the Council were the First and Fourth in Dedham, Mass., the 
 First and Second in Berwick, Me., and the churches in Somers- 
 worth, Dover, Barrington, and New Durham. 
 
 " Chose Rev"i. M'' Haven Moderator. Rev<i. M^ Foster Clerk. Rev*'. M'. Porter 
 made the first prayer ; Rev^ M^ Haven preached a sermon ; . . . Rev''. M''. 
 Foster made a prayer with laying on of hands ; then he gave the charge ; Rev'^ 
 M^ Merriam gave the right hand of fellowship ; Rev''! M''. Belknap made the 
 concluding prayer ; a Psalm was sung & the assembly dismissed with the blessings 
 being gave." 
 
 Thus happily commenced the relation of pastor and people, which 
 continued for nearly half a century. The parsonage was again re- 
 repaired, but the meeting'-liouse was almost beyond mending. ^Ir. 
 Haven omitted no opportunity of urging the importance of a new 
 building. He frequently illustrated the uncertainty of life by point- 
 ing to the shattered old building in danger of falling at every brisl-c 
 gale of wind. After three years of patient continuance with no 
 more prospect that the house would fall of itself, he gave them a 
 discourse which is a good example of his style of "plain preaching." 
 
 1 Corinthians, 11:22. "What, have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? 
 or despise ye the church of God? . . What shall I say unto you? shall I 
 praise you in this ? I praise you not." 
 
 He told his hearers that it was a mark of declension in religion to see God's house
 
 100 ROCHESTER. 
 
 going to ruin. " I hardly need make any closer application, for this old rack of a 
 building, which is going to decay without any repairs, and which, by our conduct, 
 we seem to think good enough to worshij? God in, seems to make application 
 enough. This, which is called the house of God, is become a by-word to passen- 
 gers. The season is coming on when a great many of you will excuse yourselves 
 from attending public worship, because you expose your health in such a house. 
 Do you think that if you have convenient houses yourselves to dwell in, it is no 
 matter how God is turned off ? Why should there be such neglect ? AVhy do you 
 show so little regard to God and religion ? Is it uot plain that you have not much 
 regard for either ? " 
 
 Before the breaking out of tlie Revolution, the necessary votes 
 had been passed for building a new house, committees had been 
 appointed, some of the large timbers had been cut and hauled, and 
 the town had been divided into parishes. The house was to have 
 been for the accommodation of the first parish, which consisted of 
 one third of the town lying towards Dover, and although the whole 
 town was to be taxed for this purpose, yet it was agreed that when 
 the upper parish should build a house of their own, their proportion 
 of the present tax should be refunded. Moreover, the meeting-house 
 was intended to be a great hoiior to the town in its style of archi- 
 tecture, for it was voted that it should be of the same dimensions as 
 that at Dover "where the Rev. Mr. Jeremiah Belknap now doth 
 preach," which was doubtless regarded as a model in those days. 
 The old house was far from the center of population, and to avoid 
 any difficulty about location. Esquire Chatburne and Captain Rogers 
 of Berwick, with Dr. Thompson of Durham, were chosen a commit- 
 tee to " perfix a place " where the house should be erected. The 
 work was scarcely begun when it was interrupted by the war, and 
 the crazy old building on the hill continued to be the capitol of the 
 town, where the peace of the Gospel was preached on the Sabbath, 
 and the war of Independence was discussed on week days. Associ- 
 ated so intimately as it had been with the historj'^ of Rochester as a 
 royal township, it was fitting, perliaps, that it should remain an 
 emblem of decaying despotism, until its place could be supplied ' 
 by an edifice which should be a worthy representative of free 
 government. 
 
 Mr. Haven's philippic at last roused the people to action. The 
 building of the new house, — the present Congregational Church, — 
 was commenced in 1780. Tlie building committee consisted of 
 Jabez Dame, Col. John McDuflee, and Capt John Brewster. The 
 committee who were to " perfix the place " selected the common 
 below the present village. The land belonged to Mr. James Horn,
 
 FIRST CENTURY OF CHURCH HISTORY. 101 
 
 and the town gave him in exchange a part of the planned ten-rod 
 road adjacent. So mnch of the ohl house was to be used as would 
 be profitable, and tax-payers were allowed to pay in labor or mate- 
 rial at the market price. The u})per parisli, contrary to the original 
 plan, was exempted from all tax for this house. The currency was 
 now at its greatest depreciation, so that ten thousand pounds were 
 voted for the material and for framing the l)uilding, and twentj'-iivc 
 dollars a day wages for the workmen. Eleven hundred and fifty- 
 seven days' labor were expended in getting out and raising the 
 frame, and the committee bought for the raising, thirty-four gallons 
 of rum, eleven pounds of sugar, one barrel of cider, two and one 
 half bushels of meal, thirty-eight pounds of salt pork, one hundred 
 and sixty-eight pounds of veal, one bushel of peas, one peck of 
 beans, nine pounds of butter, and two bushels of potatoes. 
 
 What a raising ! Imagination only can picture the scene. jSTo 
 record nor even tradition has preserved the doings of that eventful 
 day ; nor with the most minute knowledge of particulars could any 
 description do justice to such an occasion. 
 
 As soon as the frame was raised, the pew privileges were sold at 
 auction to get means to continue the work. A plan for the pews,, 
 presented by Jabez Dame, was adopted by the town. Purchasers 
 were to build their own pews. Kone were allowed to purchase 
 except those concerned in building the house. " All pews of the same 
 denomination to be built in a similar manner." One fourth of the 
 price was to be paid on demand, and eight months was allowed for 
 the payment of the remainder. One half of each installment was to 
 be paid in good merchantable white-pine boards, and the other half 
 in current passable money. As the value of currency was con- 
 stantly changing, the actual amount of money to be paid was to be 
 estimated by comparing the market price of white-pine boards at 
 the time of payment, with that at the time of the auction. The 
 house was at length completed, and the seat of government, of reli- 
 gion, of fashion, and of trade was lost to Rochester Hill and 
 descended to ISTorway Plains. 
 
 The town was now territorially divided into two parishes, but as 
 yet no division of the church or society seems to have been made. 
 By an arrangement voted by the town, Mr. Haven continued for 
 many years to preach in the upper parish a certain number of Sab- 
 baths every year, in proportion to the taxes paid by that part of the 
 town for his support.
 
 102 EOCHESTER. 
 
 Hitherto we find no record of a refusal to pay the tax for the sup- 
 port of the minister. Its lawfulness and propriety seem to have 
 been unquestioned. In 1780, however, John Jenness, Joseph and 
 Solomon Drown, and Elijah Varney were arrested and imprisoned 
 for refusing to pay their ministerial taxes. Joseph Drown brought 
 an action for trespass against the town, and succeeded in recovering 
 execution. The town then appointed a committee to examine the 
 other cases and report, special care being taken that none of their 
 personal friends should be on the committee. In accordance with 
 their report, the town settled with the complainants by paying the 
 charges of their imprisonment and abating the obnoxious tax. 
 
 This marks the beginning of the struggle b}^ which, during Mr. 
 Haven's ministry, the quasi-connection hitherto maintained between 
 Church and State was entirely abolished. The ferment of the Rev- 
 olution extended to religious aifairs. Freed from the odious tax by 
 a foreign power men began to chafe under taxation for the support 
 of a ministry whose instructions they disbelieved or disregarded. 
 But not yet for many years was the yoke thrown off'. Still towns 
 were authorized by law to tax all the citizens for the maintenance 
 of a gospel ministry. And these taxes could be collected by process 
 of law in the same way as any others. 
 
 In 1791 the town voted that accounts which particularly belonged 
 to the Congregational Society should be kept separate from other 
 accounts which concerned the town at large. June 3, 1799, the town 
 instructed the Selectmen to petition for a charter for the Congrega- 
 tional Society for " the purpose of incorporating the Society by the 
 name of First Parish, that they may have power to transact all 
 necessary parish business separate from the town." The petition 
 was accordingly presented, signed by Richard Dame, Beard Plumer, 
 and Joshua Allen, the selectmen of that year. But nothing seems 
 to have come of it. At least, no record has been found of any legis- 
 lative action upon this petition. The Congregational Society, how- 
 ever, seems to have maintained an existence separate from the town. 
 
 In Rochester, as in many other towns, the lands set apart for the 
 support of the minister occasioned more or less difliculty. Mr. 
 Haven, who was by no means quarrelsome or avaricious, brought a 
 suit against the town in 1814, for trespass on the Parsonage Lot. 
 March 27, 1815, the town appointed JST. Upham, M. Hale, and Jacob 
 McDuffee to confer with ]Mr. Haven in regard to his claim. They
 
 FIRST CENTURY OF CHURCH HISTORY. 103 
 
 reported a proposal from Mr. Haven elated May 11, oitering to relin- 
 quish Ills salary and all due him to the 29th inst., on condition of 
 receiving $1,500 in money or acceptable notes, with exemption from 
 all taxes, also to relinquish the parsonage lots after the following 
 March, provided they should be leased only to hire a preacher " of 
 good moral and religious character and approved abilities." The 
 toAvn refused to accept this oiFor, and he appears to have received 
 his regular salary till 1819, when the act of the legislature fully 
 divorced church aiiairs from the control of the town. At the next 
 annual meeting in 1820, an article to sec if the town would vote to 
 raise a salary for Mr. Haven was dismissed. Both Mr. Haven and 
 the town seem to have considered the contract between them still in 
 force, for in April, 1822, Mr. Haven stated that he had long since 
 expressed his willingness to release so much of the contract as re- 
 lated to his "yearly salary of 80£ of the late lawful money to com- 
 mence iTov. 19, 1819," but with the condition that this should in no 
 other way affect his contract with the town. This offer was accepted 
 by vote of the town. In October, 1824, Mr. Haven proposed to the 
 Congregational Society to relinquish " the parsonages " into their 
 hands, they to pay him |25 quarterly for " the second division par- 
 sonage lot," and he to quitclaim the " main road parsonage lot." 
 The Society accepted this proposition and voted to sell the same 
 " b}' quitclaim in lots with good security, interest annually, and pro- 
 ceeds to be invested for a permanent fund for benefit of the society." 
 A'^ery naturally, the town, or rather the voters supporting other 
 denominations, did not permit "the parsonages" thus to lapse into 
 the possession of the Congregational Society without claiming their 
 share. The Selectmen having refused when requested, to call a 
 town meeting to consider this subject, a petition was duly presented 
 to J. H. Woodman, Justice of Peace, and a meeting called by him 
 was held Feb. 19, 1825, to see " what method the town would take 
 to preserve its right in the parsonage lots." A Committee of one 
 from each religious society was appointed to consider the matter and 
 report at an adjourned meeting. The Committee were representa- 
 tive and leading men in their several Societies: — David Barker, Jr., 
 Congregationalist ; Charles G. Dennett, Methodist; Joseph Cross, 
 Universalist ; Jonathan Dame, Friend; Meshach Robinson, Baptist. 
 They reported imanm\ously, that the parsonage property was designed 
 for religious uses, and recommended that the Selectmen and their
 
 104 ROCHESTER. 
 
 successors in office should be trustees of the fund derived from said 
 property, and report annually to the town its condition ; also that 
 the incomes from this fund — 
 
 " be distributed annually among the different religious societies which are or 
 shall be recognized as religious societies, according to the taxable polls and estates 
 of the several members of the said societies at the time of taking the inventory 
 in said tovpn, and those persons who do not belong to either of said societies shall 
 designate at the taking of the inventory in each year, to which of said religious 
 societies their proportion shall be paid, and if any person shall refuse or neglect 
 to designate to which society shall be paid his proportion of said income, it shall 
 be distributed among the said several societies, according to the polls and estates- 
 of the members composing each." 
 
 They recommended also that the sales of the property which had 
 been made be confirmed by the town and that the selectmen receive 
 of the Congregational Society their transfer of the notes, mortga- 
 ges, deeds, and moneys arising from said sales, excepting so much 
 as had been paid to the Rev. Joseph Haven for his acquittance, and 
 the necessary expenses of the sales. This report was adopted, and 
 the Selectmen Avere subsequently instructed to give quitclaim deeds- 
 to previous purchases of parsonage lands, if desired. The Congre- 
 gational Society voted a committee to transfer the parsonage funds 
 to the town, and also to confer with the other societies about divid- 
 ing the same. The lands in some instances came back to the hands 
 of the town, from the failure of the purchasers to pay or from other 
 causes, so that it was several years before the lots were entirely dis- 
 posed of. In 1827 two lots are mentioned as " bid off" by Isaac 
 Pearl. In 1830 the Selectmen were a committee " to sell or let the 
 parsonage land which has reverted to the town ; " and the year 
 following it was — 
 
 " Voted to sell that part of the parsonage land that was formerly Daniel Hus- 
 sey's, and that trustees i-eceive proposals for sale of other parts of parsonage land 
 of which they have taken possession and report." 
 
 "With the disposal of the parsonage funds the whole connection of 
 town and church afiairs ceased. And this was nearly coincident 
 with the closing of Mr. Haven's ministry. 
 
 JS'o history of Rochester could be regarded as approximately 
 complete without a prominent record of the life and services of the 
 Rev. Joseph Haven. He was for many years the only religious 
 instructor of the people of Rochester, Farmington, and Milton, and 
 his pastorate was more than double the length of that of any other
 
 FIRST CENTURY OF CHURCH HISTORY. 105 
 
 minister here. It should also be noted that his ministry cxtoTided 
 over the most important periods of tlie town's history. The I-ievolu- 
 tion, the adoption of the Constitution, and the inauguration of both 
 State and National Governments, the transition from a Monarchy to 
 a Republic, the War of 1812-15, the separation of church from civil 
 authorities, all occurred during- his ministry. Nor was he by any 
 means a silent looker-on, but as became his position he was a leader 
 of public thought and sentiment, not hesitating to speak his opinions 
 plainly and forcibly on all public questions. Ilis father was a shoe- 
 maker in Hopkinton, Mass., and afterwards in that part of Dedham 
 which is now Dover, Mass., where he was deacon of the Congrega- 
 tional Church. 
 
 Joseph Haven was born in Hopkinton, Mass., May, 1747, and 
 graduated at Harvard University in 1774. He studied theology 
 with a clergyman of his own name in Dedham. As already seen he 
 Avas ordained at Rochester, Jan. 10, 1776. For forty-nine j-ears 
 excepting when prevented by sickness or the infirmities of age he 
 continued to preach the gospel, having the assistance of a colleague 
 the last two years. 
 
 Though the settlement of Mr. Haven gave general satisfaction to 
 all parties, yet the troubles and dissensions which had been so long 
 rife did not at once cease. Mr. Haven sometimes alluded to them 
 publicly, endeavoring thus to bring to a sense of shame those who 
 would not harmonize together in the social meetings. He was sev- 
 eral times on the point of leaving, and would have gone but for his 
 sympathy for their sad condition. After a time the parish became 
 harmonious and prosperous. 
 
 It is difficult, in these days of multiplied churches of almost end- 
 less variety, to realize the grief and anxiety with which the pastors of 
 old time saw the new isms creeping into and dividing their parishes 
 which had been co-extensive with the town. It is easy for scofters 
 to say that their salaries were in danger, and hence sprang their ear- 
 nestness. But although these ministers like all others were human, 
 the charge is on the whole grossly unjust. The anxiety of such a 
 man as Mr. Haven arose far more from an earnest love of his people 
 than from any self-interest. He sincerely believed that the practices 
 and teachings of these various denominations were on the whole 
 dangerous to their spiritual welfare. As a faithful watchman it was 
 his duty to warn the flock. This he did faithfully.
 
 106 ROCHESTER. 
 
 The Quakers or Friends were the earliest on the ground, and 
 though not many of his people were drawn after them, save from 
 curiosity, yet he admonished them very plainly against even occa- 
 sional attendance. The following is from a sermon preached March 
 29,1778: — 
 
 "John 4: 23. But y'^ hour cometh & now is, when y^ true worshippers shall 
 worship y^ father in spirit & truth: for y"" father seeketh such to worship him. 
 
 . . . This is a text often abused, being bro't to prove y' God does not now 
 . . require or regard external worship but y' of y* spirit only. . . . To affirm, 
 as some do, that y'^ worship of God under y<^ gospel should be purely spiritual, 
 without there being anything external required, is not only contrary to y^ practice 
 & experience of y*^ Xtian religion in all ages, but to y^ ordinances of y*^ Gospel 
 
 itself If baptism was only spiritual, why was water used iu y^ days of 
 
 X & his apostles, as it is evident beyond contradiction it was? If it be said y^ 
 spirit is meant by water, it may be ansr'd that can no ways be y"^ case at all times. 
 . . . . And so it is of y*" sacrament of y'= Lord's supper; that of giving & receiv- 
 ing bread & wine; for it will be very difficult to tell how this can be made only 
 spiritual: for when do we find y'' spirit compared to bread or wine? Or how can 
 we break y*^ spirit as bread is broken ? ... It is plain y' in y<= apostolic age, 
 y« outward ordinance of y'' sacrament was practiced ; y° how can any pretend that 
 this & baptism are only spiritually performed ? . . . I would not have you 
 think I am pleading for external performances as tho' they were in y*^ least meri- 
 torious; no, nor yet that they will avail anything without y® spirit. . . . But 
 why do I plead that there must be external duties, seeing there ai-e none who deny 
 it? I say none; for if any pretend it, even they are more formal than any others 
 & seem to depend more upon their forms. . . . The prophet asks this ques- 
 tion. What doth y^ L'd require of thee but to do justly, & to love mercy, & to walk 
 humbly with thy God? Now are not all these things external in some measure at 
 least? But w' is it to walk humbly with God? Is it not to pay a strict & reveren- 
 tial regard to all his commands & ordinances ? There can nothing savour more of 
 pride than to set up a way of worship not appointed in God's word: it is prefering 
 our wisdom to y' of God ; there is nothing of humility in it, nor can there be a 
 walking with God. ... It is y** spirit of God, that makes any worship truely 
 acceptable, & not our renouncing outward ordinances, & pretending to have our 
 worship in spirit only. This sort of worship is no more likely to be spiritual than 
 any other. . . . "Where worship is purely spiritual in y*^ manner some pre- 
 tend, w' isy'= preached word good for? Where any pretend to worship in a social 
 manner, & yet there is no appearance of worship, how can it be in spirit .^' truth ? 
 And how is it profitable for any to attend with such people? Is a sabbath spent 
 well where there is nothing either to edify or instruct ? . . . Where any meet 
 & y^ whole time is spent in silence, & there is nothing to keep one's tho'ts from 
 roving, & being upon vanity, would it not be better to worship in private; or in 
 private to be studying God's word, or some pious author ? Is it a proper time for 
 any to attend such meetings out of a vain curiosity ? I mention these things be- 
 cause there are some who attend meeting where they expect nothing profitable; I 
 roean attend at some particular times. Is it right for us to assemble where there 
 is no marks of the father's being worshipped in spirit & truth, or where y* ordi- 
 nances are not only neglected but denyed? I say, is it right upon y*^ L'd's day, 
 w^** should be spent in his worship ? Did the primitive Xtians assemble to be 
 silent? Did they deny y« ordinances? Was not water baptism practised in y'= 
 days of X & his apostles ? And did not X appoint y" ordinance of y'= supper, break 
 bread & give to his disciples, & also pour out wine for 'em to drink, & at y*^ same 
 time command 'em to do that in remembrance of him? . . . Let me warn 
 all not to forsake w' they know to be y* worship of God. It is of importance that
 
 FIRST CENTURY OF CHURCH HISTORY. 107 
 
 we be in y" i-ight way ; therefore let us not be led out of y*^ way by those whom we 
 have cause to look upon with pity, as they must be strangely ignorant or blind or 
 they could not so far forsake y'^' worship of God." 
 
 About 1806 Methodism was introduced and in a few years created 
 a great excitement drawins; awav many from the old churcli. People 
 of the present day have very little idea of the excesses in language 
 and methods then employed. Xo description can adequately por- 
 tray the scenes which our fathei's beheld. Mr. Haven did not fail 
 to speak his mind plainly. In fact, he was forced to speak in self- 
 defense, as the new-comers openly attacked the church, and the 
 record of his ministry, in unsparing terms. The following is from 
 the closing discourse of a series on the last petition of the Lord's 
 Prayer. It was preached Jan. 10, 1810. 
 
 " Math. 6: part of 13th Verse. ' Deliver us from evil.' l*^' The evil of sinning. 
 2^ The evil of sufiering." Under the first head, among other sins are named : — "a 
 pretended heated zeal in religion with or without knowledge. Dishonesty in reli- 
 gious pretences; & pride & ostentation in religious worship, as tho' we" were y" 
 only holy people on earth, & best favorites with heaven; assuming y judgment 
 seat in order to pass hasty sentence upon those we suppose good or bad; — con- 
 demning all as heretics but ourselves, as tho' there was no true religion till ours 
 came in fashion ; pretended dreams & visions to deceive; — Dying for y sins of 
 others; pretending to raise y'^ dead; whether really or fictitiously dead; — Pre- 
 tended secret prayer, when y'' design is to be heard & applauded of men : — & 
 superstition of ill founded enthusiasm." 
 
 Among various items under the second head, he considered : — 
 "what we may suifer by divisions & strife in families, in neighborhoods; in, 
 Towns; in States, societies or nations. There may be divisions from religious 
 political or other views, or they may be merely accidental. Divisions have ever 
 been common in y*^ O ; but y*^ first was a religious one, when Cain rose up & 
 slew his brother Abel ; & for no other reason than worshipping G'd in y'= most 
 rational & approved way, when Cain, no doubt by an innovation expected to 
 receive y*= divine approbation & reward. — A false worship was always y* most apt 
 to inflame y'' passions of mankind, & to be attended with y"" most heat and zeal: 
 this I could easily point out from history, sacred & prophane. Where divisions 
 are made, it has been common to call it a reformation, let y*^ sect be w' it may; & 
 all have been certain they were right, had G'd on their side & y' he helped in car- 
 rying on y*^ mighty work; & y« last sects always affect to be y'^ best & only right 
 ones. But aged people can witness in some measure, how many towns have had 
 these reformations, & their consequences; seldom have they been of any lasting 
 benefit, but have laid a foundation for irreligion; a multiplicity of opinions, lasting 
 confusion, & long divisions. The very remarkable retorraation as some call it w'^^ 
 has taken place in this Town, as well as in other places, lately, is matter of wonder 
 & surprise to many, but mostly to y*^ young who have seen no such thing before. 
 The elfects have been good in some things. It has been the cause of introducing 
 family religion into some houses, & at least to check prophane swearing with a 
 number. And if it be a benefit; it has y'' appearance of uniting y" converts in }•<' 
 strongest bonds of friendship ; but to cause 'em to stand aloof from others, as tho' 
 their evil habits were dangerous and their morals pernicious. If apparent zeal is 
 a proof they are right : if boasting of their great success, in their instructors ; if of
 
 108 'ROCHESTER. 
 
 their humility & love; & if a multiplicity of meetings, of forms & ceremonies; of 
 prayers; of dreams; of religious spasms are evidences in their favor, they have all 
 these. And if it is a proof in their favor, y' they are liberal in censuring others; 
 if in saying there has been no reformation here for more than thirty years, the 
 palm is yielded to 'em. Whether they shew any pride, spiritual, or of any other 
 kind, let others judge. But as to a reformation in y*^ space of time mentioned, the 
 wisest & best have observed there has been one of consequence. That there has 
 been much less of dissipation; of intemperance; of fornication, w<='^ has become 
 apparent; of idleness; of gambling & of some other vices, w'^'^ have too much pre- 
 vailed. This is a reformation w*^'* y'' wise are ever pleased with, as a tree is known 
 by its fruits, & not by y<^ fairness of its leaves. But as to religious zeal, none pre- 
 tend but it has been too cold, & now it may have got to y*^ other extream with 
 some, & may end in all y'^ vices we have mentioned ; w'^'' may G'd prevent, & cause 
 all to turn out well. 
 
 It is more than 34 years since I have been with this people; I have feelingly 
 taken part in all your joys & sorrows; no favor has been bestowed, but I have 
 wished gratefully to remember, & thankfully to acknowledge. I think I have not 
 sought yours, but you. To promote your temporal & spiritual interest; I have 
 endeavored to visit y"^ afflicted & to pour y^ oil of consolation into y*^ wounded 
 heart. Yet I boast of nothing ; w' I say is only in self defence at this period of 
 trial. But I must in justice to many, notice their increased kindness, when it 
 appears most necessary. I dread y*' future consequences of y^ present divisions, to 
 y'' town, when motives w'='^ may now be only suspected will be more fully devel- 
 oped. That there are a number sincere in their professions, none will doubt, tho' 
 they may [fail] of correct information in y'^ true principles of our pure, holy & 
 rational religion ; yet let all endeavor to cultivate charity as far as reason & re- 
 ligion will authorize." 
 
 One who understands the condition of afl'airs can but feel that Mr. 
 Haven was very moderate in his language concerning those who 
 were so actively endeavoring not merely to build up a new sect, but 
 seemed to be even more zealous to tear down and destroy " the 
 standing order." And yet this movement was doubtless on the 
 whole for good. The new sect was called out by Providence just 
 when it was demanded by the general religious deadness of the 
 times. Possessing what has been called " the enthusiasm of hu- 
 manity," the great essential of practical religion, it grew rapidly and 
 became prosperous. Its follies — and like all great reformatory 
 orders and sects, in its beginnings it had its share — were corrected 
 by time, its errors were rapidly outgrown, and when the law was 
 repealed which taxed the people to sustain one denomination, Meth- 
 odism began rapidly to absorb the religious population. 
 
 The Baptist Society soon followed, also drawing off large num- 
 bers, so that toward the close of his ministry Mr. Haven surrounded 
 by new and vigorous sects, and involved in controversy with the 
 town concerning the parsonage property, found his meeting-house 
 growing empty of hearers. He was now too old to create any coun- 
 ter sensation, or arouse any fresh enthusiasm. He was never elo-
 
 FIRST CENTURY OF CHURCH HISTORY. 109 
 
 quent of speech, and now seemed dull to the yonn<^er po()i)lo. 
 Younger preachers had come in, — not so intelligent, not so edu- 
 cated, not so talented perhaps, — hut more zealous, more attractive, 
 and representing ideas considered more progressive and answering 
 a growing demand in the community. 
 
 Many good qualities combined to render Mr. Haven a popular 
 man ; but that which particularly predominated was his social and 
 genial spirit, — his inexhaustible humor. The society of those per- 
 sons is apt to be most courted, who are able to bring to the dinner 
 or tea table the best supply of fresh and racy anecdotes. When the 
 more sober and substantial virtues have long been forgotten, witti- 
 cisms will not cease their rounds. A good story is remembered 
 longer than a good sermon. A hearty laugh is better appreciated 
 than money or wisdom, for there are more who share in its. enjoy- 
 ment. Few of the humorous sayings of Mr. Haven will bear record- 
 ing, their pith consisted so largely in the peculiar quaintness of his 
 manner. The following will answer as illustrations. 
 
 Walking in his garden with a friend to whom he was showing the 
 varieties of fruit which he cultivated, they came to a tree laden with 
 apples fair and inviting to the eye. Mr. Haven picking one of the 
 finest handed it to his friend, saying, " There, I recommend you to 
 try that apple." With expectations excited and mouth watering, 
 the friend took a generous bite. Instead of the rich, juicy flavor he 
 expected, he found only astringent bitterness. As he was recover- 
 ing from the effect, Mr. Haven looked good-humoredly into his 
 puckered face and said, " They need recommending don't they? " 
 
 Measuring some land one day, he carried one end of the chain 
 while a young man of his acquaintance carried the other. Just as 
 they were drawing the chain tight, the young man quoted the old 
 adage, " The Devil can go only the length of his chain." " Pull, 
 pull," instantly replied Mr. Haven, " and we will see." Such things 
 were not studied, but were the spontaneous outflow of a healthful 
 spirit of humor. 
 
 The genuineness of the following story is not vouched for, but it 
 has often been related of Mr. Haven and is probably true, though it 
 is not likely the device was original with him, as it is one of those 
 old stories that are ascribed to many different sources. One of the 
 boys had been guilty of a grave misdemeanor, and it was ditiicult to 
 ascertain which was the guilty party. But Mr. Haven assured them.
 
 110 ROCHESTER. 
 
 that he knew of a way to discover the truth. Accordingly he caught 
 the old crower and put him under the brass kettle in a darkened 
 room. Each boy was then required to go into the room alone and 
 touch the kettle with his finger, with the assurance that when the 
 guilty boy touched it the rooster would certainly crow. One after 
 another passed in and returned with trembling, but no crowing was 
 heard, and they began to think the test had failed, and that the pen- 
 alty would be escaped. But not so easily. Mr. Haven said he was 
 certain the guilty boy had not touched the kettle, for the old crower 
 had always told the truth. So he required them to hold up their 
 hands, and sure enough, one and one only had clean fingers. Of 
 course this was the culprit, whose fears kept him from touching the 
 kettle lest his guilt should be discovered. 
 
 Often were the younger members of the family where Mr. Haven 
 visited, astounded to observe him leave off abruptly in the middle of 
 some story, — perhaps a witch stor}' more laughable than refined, — 
 to ask a blessing over the tea-table, resuming the story so suddenly 
 that the thread of the narrative remained unbroken. 
 
 We are liable to misunderstand the true character of such a man. 
 The reputation of being an excellent joker or story teller, or even of 
 being fond of lively and mirthful company, is not considered the 
 most desirable for a clergyman. Where there is such an irrepressi- 
 ble vein of humor exhibiting itself on all occasions, a deeper vein of 
 religious sentiment may escape our attention. ISTot these lighter 
 traits surely, but far nobler qualities made up the character of this 
 excellent man. iTot only by nature but on principle, Mr. Haven 
 was affable and cheerful. He regarded cheerfulness as a Christian 
 duty. In his severest trials and afflictions, of which he had a large 
 share, he exhibited extraordinary calmness and cheerfulness. 
 
 He was a man of great wisdom and shrewd common sense, which 
 enabled him to manage all sorts of people with peculiar success. 
 Much superstition was prevalent in his day, and he was specially 
 fitted to expose its absurdities, by both ridicule and reason. People 
 then generally believed that witches had power to torment and 
 injure the souls and bodies of those who offended them. Many 
 believed that departed spirits had no better employment than to 
 return to the earth to vex and frighten terrified mortals. From his 
 house on the common, Mr, Haven could frequently see not only 
 youths and maidens, but men venerable with years and reputation,
 
 FIRST CENTURY OF CHURCH HISTORY. Ill 
 
 making a wide circuit by the meeting-house to avoid passing tlie 
 house of old Jenny Cook. Many foolish stories were alloat concern- 
 ing her power for evil. It was said that Col. McDutfee had jtrom- 
 ised her, if she would let her husband go to the army in the J{evo- 
 lution, and he should be killed, he would marry her himself. When 
 her husbaud fell in battle the Colonel refused to fulfill his promise. 
 So the story went that she bewitched his horse till it became neces- 
 sary to cut oii the horse's tail and burn it to drive out the witch, 
 and that as the tail ascended the chimney it actually took oft' the 
 bricks. Such stories and many like it were continually circulating 
 and widely believed. Mr. Haven was well skilled in meeting such 
 superstitions. When some ignorant sufterer from an overloaded 
 stomach would tell how the witches rode him off by night and 
 hitched him in the woods to stand till near morning, and then rode 
 him back, Mr. Haven would suggest some odd and original })lan to 
 discover where the witches had their hitching-post, — some plan 
 always sure both to cure the patient and afford the community a 
 deal of fun over a good story. 
 
 When Mr. Haven lived in the parsonage on the hill close by the 
 graveyard, he often heard the clattering hoofs go by in the night as 
 if Tam O'Shanter himself were on the road, and more than once 
 stopped the frightened traveler and led him back to the graveyard 
 to convince him that the ghost which had terrified him was only a 
 white rock on the wall with a bush waving behind it. Mr. Piper of 
 AYakefield once requested an exchange with Mr. Haven in order 
 that he might exorcise an evil spirit in a bewitched family of his 
 parish. Always ready to do what he could to relieve the suffering 
 Mr. Haven accepted the invitation. He found one of the daughters 
 and a vagrant girl living in the famil}^, so badl}^ bewitched that the 
 touch of silver or the proximity of a Bible would throw them into 
 fearful paroxysms. The daughter was confined to her bed, and 
 without exciting her suspicions Mr. Haven managed to rub one of 
 his silver knee buckles against her hand. It produced no paroxysm, 
 neither did the Bible which he always carried in his pocket cause 
 her any distress. He thus exposed to the family the folly and wick- 
 edness of the imposition, and then advised the father to send away 
 the vagrant girl who had so effectually duped them all. 
 
 Mr. Haven was a man of great benevolence of feeling. It was a 
 common saying that he was a friend of the sick and the poor. Xo
 
 112 ROCHESTER. 
 
 one could long be confined to the sick bed before he learned it, and 
 his presence with his kind and enlivening voice was often better 
 than medicine, indeed his long experience had given him an un- 
 derstanding of human ailments equal to that of most physicians. 
 He thus secured a general attachment and regard, and aged people, 
 at his death, recalled his kind attentions with heartfelt gratitude 
 and warm affection. His labors and perseverance, his love for 
 his people, and his zeal for his work among them were constant 
 and unwearied. We thus see that his aftability of manner sprang 
 from his heart, — the source of all true politeness. He never passed 
 even a boj or girl on the street without bowing and raising his 
 hat, a compliment sure to be acknowledged by bow or courtesy 
 in return. It was said that he had worn a hole through his three- 
 cornered continental by these frequent salutations. 
 
 Few men devoted more time to reading and study, or investi- 
 gated important questions more thoroughly than Mr. Haven. He 
 seldom came into the house without taking a book or paper to 
 read before he sat down. Literary in his own tastes he desired 
 to help others in the same direction, and it was largely through 
 his eflbrts that tlie Social Library Association was formed and 
 achieved its lasting success. 
 
 He was a man of great native independence of mind and thought. 
 On almost every subject he had an opinion, not received from the 
 authority of others, but formed by his own investigation. He 
 thought for himself, and did not hesitate to avow his conclusions. 
 His independence was not narrow and bigoted, the result of igno- 
 rance, but was broad and enlightened, because it was founded on 
 a basis of intelligent information on almost every subject. To 
 have acted the hypocrite b}^ denying or concealing his convictions, 
 in order to secure public or private favor, would have been impos- 
 sible to the nature which God gave him. 
 
 Though well versed in theological lore, he took little pleasure 
 in doctrinal discussions. " Foolish and unlearned questions he 
 avoided, knowing these do gender strifes, and as a servant of the 
 Lord he sought rather to be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, 
 patient, in meekness instructing." L^nlike many clergymen of his 
 day he avoided " dark and metaphysical disputes" about questions 
 of election and predestination and the like, which he thought only 
 served to " darken counsel by words without knowledge." So he
 
 FIRST CENTURY OF ClIURCII HISTORY. 113 
 
 preached to his coiiiyregation that thcj should follow righteousness, 
 faith, charity, peace A\itli them that call on the Lord out of a pure 
 heart. The extracts already given show that his sermons were 
 eminently practical, and as plain as they were practical. Xone 
 could misunderstand his meaning. He thus hoped to deliver his 
 own soul from the curse denounced against the careless or un- 
 faithful watchman. So he rebuked the sins of the people, and 
 used great plainness of speech in reference to their individual 
 offenses. Did some wild fellows rob his orchard or his melon 
 patch? They heard the next Sabbath these words from the ])ul[)it: 
 
 " What shall I call you ? Shall I call you thieves? This would affront you. 
 Shall I call you friends ? A thief is hardly worthy to be called so by any, for 
 he may soon rob him whom lie call his friend. I will call you poor deluded 
 souls. You may think that custom sanctifies theft, and that because it has 
 become a custom among some ■ — a pack of low-lived villains — to rob orchards, 
 vineyards, and the like, that therefore it is no sin." 
 
 If the behavior of the boys in church was disorderly, he re- 
 buked them in this style : — 
 
 " I am sorry to tell you my young hearers that some of you have got to such 
 a pitch of rudeness in this house, that you disturb many in the worship of 
 God. What if God should now call you out of the world, do you think that 
 your low cunning, or your pretty wit, as you consider it, could save you ? It 
 is shocking to think what you are, some of you, both in and out of God's house. 
 And there are some, if they will not take warning which is friendly, will find 
 to their surprise and shame that the laws will be put in execution against them. 
 This indecency and rudeness is not confined to young people alone. While 
 the benediction is pronounced there is too commonly a noise and stir in every 
 part of the house, but young people in particular are rushing from the house of 
 God, as though they were rushing from a place of confinement. It is some 
 time since any fatal, destructive distemper has in general spread among youth. 
 It is remarkable to see the large number of children and young people there 
 are among us. It is a most pleasant and delightful sight, when they behave 
 themselves well. But have you, my young hearers, no cause to fear that God 
 will soon send some fatal, raging disorder among you that you may be swept 
 as with the besom of destruction ? " 
 
 Mr. Haven's religious experience was deep and thorough. "When 
 about eight years of age, his elder brother reproved him for some 
 wrong act, reminding him that God would punish such conduct. 
 His heart revolted at the suggestion, and in the mad impulse of 
 the moment he exclaimed, " I wish God was dead." But very 
 quickly he was tilled with horror at the thought of his impiety, 
 and had a distressing view of the sinfulness and misery of his 
 heart. This anguish of mind never left him till he found relief
 
 114 ROCHESTER. 
 
 ill the hopes of the gospel through the blood of Christ. In this 
 early experience sprang up the impulse to lead others to the same 
 Saviour in whom he had found deliverance from the burden of sin. 
 He was a man of devout spirit. In the morning, long before 
 others were astir, he was in the habit of rising for private devo- 
 tion and study. One who resided several months in his family 
 says, " I have often seen him b}' morning candlelight with a large 
 Bible and commentary before him, poring over their contents." 
 His last days were peaceful and happy, giving the most satisfac- 
 tory evidence of his being a true and sincere Christian. When 
 asked, a short time before his death, if he felt resigned to the 
 will of God, " Perfectly resigned " was his answer. And though 
 very feeble and unable to speak much, he repeated the lines, 
 
 " How long, dear Saviour, O how long 
 Shall that bright hour delay ? 
 Fly swifter round, ye wheels of time, 
 And bring the welcome day." 
 
 He thus passed peacefully and joyfully to his rest January 27, 
 1825, and lies buried among the people of his charge. A plain 
 white stone marks his grave with the following inscription : — 
 
 Kev. Joseph Haven 
 
 born May 14"^ old style 1747, 
 
 died Jan. 29, 1825.
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 LEADING MEN OF THE REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD. 
 
 " With moistened eye 
 We read of faith and purest charity 
 In statesman, priest, and humble citizen, 
 O could we copy their mild virtues, then 
 What joy to live, what blessedness to die ! 
 Methinks their very names shine still and bright. 
 Apart, — like glowworms on a summer night, 
 Or lonely tapers when from far they fling 
 A guiding ray, or seen like stars on high." 
 
 Hon. John Plummer. 
 
 John Plummer was an active and useful man in our town for 
 many years before and after as well as througliout the Revolu- 
 tion. Interested in public affairs, and possessing a sound judgment 
 with considerable energy of character, he gained an influence with 
 the people, so that his opinion was authority on important ques- 
 tions. His business experience caused him to be elected to many 
 local offices. No man in the history of the town has been so 
 frequently chosen moderator of town meetings. Nearly sixty times 
 was he elected to this office. He was also selectman for several 
 years, and seldom was an important committee appointed, of which 
 he was not a member. At that time few persons had suflicient 
 education or business experience to qualify them for responsil)le 
 offices. The people were almost exclusively engaged in farming, 
 while the schools afforded no such advantages as at the present 
 day. The education even of the leading men of that time would 
 be regarded very limited now. Their success depended more upon 
 native force and good judgment than upon knowledge derived from 
 books. This fact must not be forgotten in estimating the char- 
 acter and abilities of men of that generation. Mr. Plunniier was 
 the first magistrate appointed in the town, " and by his remark- 
 ably conciliatory conduct was able to settle most disputes that
 
 116 ROCHESTER. 
 
 came before liim in an amicable manner, and was wortliy to be 
 ■called a peacemaker." Tliis expression well illustrates his char- 
 acter. His benevolent disposition was constantly manifested in 
 acts of kindness to the poor. By assistance, as well as good advice, 
 he gained their friendship and esteem. He was well known be- 
 yond the limits of the town, holding acquaintance with the influ- 
 ential men of the State. He was a friend of Gov. "Wentworth, 
 who showed his appreciation of his worth by appointing him Judge 
 of the Court of Common Pleas in 1773. Though perhaps some- 
 what restrained by this friendship of the British Governor, from 
 radical opposition to the royal government, yet his loyalty to the 
 American cause is unquestionable. He was hardy and athletic, 
 with an iron constitution. Witty and humorous, he was very fond 
 of company, especially that of the young. After the Revolution, 
 his house was much frequented by his old companions in arms 
 who always found a hearty welcome and hospitable entertainment, 
 and many hours were spent talking over the events of the war. 
 He was a man of much popularit}', for his kind-heartedness made 
 him beloved by the whole community. JSTo person's feelings were 
 more easily moved in behalf of the poor and distressed, whose 
 sufferings he was ever ready to relieve. If the corn crop hap- 
 pened to be cut ofi", the poor for miles around knew who had a 
 goodly store left over from which their wants would be freely 
 supplied. He often pleaded the cause of the poor in court, without 
 fee or reward, and sometimes volunteered his services in defense 
 of the unfortunate. In such cases, he was listened to with marked 
 attention, and seldom failed of success. The town manifested its 
 confidence by choosing him the first member of the Committee 
 of Correspondence. He hastened away — a volunteer delegate — 
 to the Convention at Exeter immediately after the battle of Lex- 
 ington, and rendered various services to the Committee of Safety 
 during the war. When an independent State Government was 
 established in 1776, such reliance was reposed in his patriotism 
 and integrity, that he was re-appointed to the Judgeship. He 
 retained this office until his voluntary resignation in 1795, at which 
 time he was Chief Justice. He was a member of the Constitu- 
 tional Convention in 1778. As a farmer he was successful, and 
 was a stock-raiser upon a large scale. His affairs were managed 
 with economy and skill, and he acquired large tracts of land which
 
 LEADING MEN OF THE KEVOLUTIONARY PERIOD. 117 
 
 were inherited by his cliiklren. He died Xov. 19, 1815. at tlie 
 advanced age of ninety-six years. 
 
 Of Judge Plummer's ancestry little is known. His parents 
 resided at Dover Neck, from which phice he came with several 
 brothers and settled in Rochester. Descendants of these families 
 are now quite numerous in this and neighboring towns. Judge 
 Plummer's natural endowments, benevolent disposition, and }»atri- 
 otism, rather than his moral cliaracter, gave him position. lie 
 whose duty it is to enforce the laws, ought to set the examjile 
 of obedience. But Judge Plummer was no Puritan. The town 
 treasury received frequent accessions by his numerous fines for 
 breaking the Sabbath. Even to-day, tradition recounts his noto- 
 rious amours, the memory of which is preserved as faithfully as 
 that of his revolutionary services. 
 
 Judge Plummer's first wife was Elizabeth, sister of Col. Titcomb 
 of Dover, a distinguished and gallant officer in the Kevolution. 
 After her death he married Lydia Dennett of Portsmouth. The 
 following amusing account of his courtship is from " Brewster's 
 Rambles about Portsmouth " : — 
 
 "Like a good housewife in those days, when no factories were in operation, 
 the widow Dennett kept her flock of sheep, and attended to the various pro- 
 cesses of converting their product into cloth, and her fame extended beyond the 
 limits of the town. Near the house is a good spring which still flows as of 
 old. It was a time of wool-washing. Laying aside her widow's weeds, dressed 
 in a leather apron, a man's broad-brim hat and other apparel to match, she was 
 washing her wool at the spring, when a stranger on horseback approached and 
 inquired for the residence of widow Dennett. Nothing daunted she pointed to 
 the house, directing him to the front door, while she stepped round and entered 
 the back way. He was not long in waiting before the lady of the house in 
 comely apparel appeared. The gentleman introduced himself as John Plummer 
 of Rochester. He had heard of her good reputation, said perhaps it was too 
 soon to come a courting, but would ask the privilege in proper time of pro- 
 posing himself to her favorable consideration. In due time Judge Plummer 
 came again, and they were married. They lived happily together many years, 
 and their gravestones in Rochester record the ages of each at about ninety years. 
 Whether he ever inquired who it was he found washing wool at the spring, we 
 have never been informed." 
 
 Lt. Col. John McDuffee. 
 
 The parents of Col. John McDffuee were among those Scotch 
 families that had been settled in the north of Ireland in the reign 
 of James I, and who emigrated to America to obtain freedom from 
 Popish laws, and from the rents and tithes with which they were 
 burdened. This son was born in 1724, soon after their arrival
 
 118 ROCHESTER. 
 
 in this country, and tlie family were among the early settlers of 
 Rochester. 
 
 Col. McDufFee entered upon military life in the French and 
 Indian wars. In the Earl of Loudon's Expedition against Crown 
 Point, he was commissioned a lieutenant in March, 1757, by Gov. 
 Benning Wentworth. In January following he received a similar 
 commission in William Stark's company of Rangers, and was au- 
 thorized to till up the company in any part of the Colonies. The 
 soldiers of New Hampshire were so expert in Indian w^arfare, and 
 so inured to fatigue and danger, that valuable services were ex- 
 pected of these rangers. They were raised by express desire of 
 Lord Loudon, to be employed in winter as well as summer, and 
 proved so useful in skirmishing and procuring intelligence that 
 they were kept in service till the close of the war. They sailed 
 in the expedition to Louisburg and were engaged in the siege of 
 that city until its surrender. Lieut. McDufFee with his rangers 
 was employed in scouring the island, making prisoners of the 
 French, men, women, and children, in accordance with an order 
 from Gen. Whitmore detaching him for this special service. In 
 the battle which resulted in the surrender of Quebec he com- 
 manded a considerable detachment under Gen. Wolfe. He spent 
 the following winter in that city, where he became enamored of 
 a young French lady of aristocratic family, and was very devoted 
 in his attentions. His addresses were not encouraged by the 
 parents, however, and the family secretly removed from the city 
 in order to interrupt the acquaintance. This disappointment was 
 the reason of his remaining unmarried through life. So says 
 tradition. After the conquest of Canada he returned home, and 
 in 1762 was chosen Representative to the Provincial Assembly, 
 being the first person chosen to this office in Rochester. He was 
 frequently employed by the government in making surveys of 
 public works. In 1768, in accordance with an act passed by the 
 Assembly, he w^as engaged in laying out a highway from Durham 
 Falls to Coos. In 1786, on petition of John Stark, the Legislature 
 appointed a committee, of which Col. McDuffee was one, to run 
 out the lines of Mason's Patent. Upon the basis of this survey 
 a settlement w^as made with the Masonian Proprietors, finally dis- 
 posing of a question which had been a source of trouble, vexation, 
 and expense from the first settlement of New Hampshire. On
 
 LEADING MEN OF THE REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD. 119 
 
 the approach of the RevoUitiou he took an active part in Ix'lialf 
 of the Colonies, and throug-hout tlie war was a zealous and enthu- 
 siastic friend of independence. In 1774 he was appointed one of 
 the town Committee of Correspondence, and was deleii:ate to the 
 first Provincial Cono:ress at Exeter, May, 1775. War had by this 
 time become unavoidable, and this Congress was principally occu- 
 pied in devising measures, raising men, and collecting munitions, 
 for the defense of the Colony. He gave to this object not only 
 the influence of his voice, but the force of his example, for on 
 May twentieth, only three days from the opening of the Congress 
 his name was enrolled as Lieutenant Colonel of the Second Regi- 
 ment commanded by Col. Enoch Poor. As he was at that time 
 one of the Selectmen, a town meeting was called to fill his place. 
 His regiment was not fully organized at the time of the battle at 
 Bunker Hill, but hearing the cannonading in the morning of that 
 day, he mounted his horse and left his home in Rochester arriving 
 at the field of battle the same evening. He remained at Camp 
 Winter Hill and Cambridge during the siege of Boston, then went 
 with the troops to IS'ew York, and thence up the Hudson to Mount 
 Independence, where many ]N^ew Hampshire troops were stationed, 
 and where he filled the ofiice of Brigade Commissary or Pay- 
 master. As his name occurs frequently in the town records during 
 the latter part of the war, it appears that he left the army about 
 the close of the year 1779. He was a representative to the State 
 Legislature in 1782. He was two years a member of the State 
 Senate under the new Constitution, occupying the position of 
 " Senior " Senator by which title the chairman of that body was 
 then called. He was also for four years a Senator under the 
 revised Constitution. His life was mostly spent in public service. 
 He retained his faculties remarkably until a few months before 
 his death, which occurred Oct. 15, 1817, at the age of ninety-three. 
 Col. McDufiee was a man of noble form and commanding ap- 
 pearance, six feet two inches in height, of large frame, yet not 
 corpulent. With a high sense of honor, he was firm and inde- 
 pendent in the maintenance of his opinions. Wlien the first pen- 
 sion act was passed, he was advised to apply for a pension, but 
 he spurned the suggestion with indignation, saying that it was 
 sutficient reward to him to see the object accomplished for which he 
 had fought. Impetuous in his feelings, he had no patience with
 
 120 ROCHESTER. 
 
 any kind of oppression or injustice. His passions were especially 
 violent against the enemies of his country; and in the last years 
 of his life he might frequently have been heard muttering impre- 
 cations against tories and redcoats, for, from being many years 
 a soldier associating with rough companions, he had acquired so 
 fixed a habit of profanity that he seemed to be utterly unconscious 
 of the vice. The " ISTew Hampshire Gazetteer " says, " He was a 
 man of strong mind and memory, of extensive information, and 
 a sincere friend of his country." 
 
 Deacon James Knowles. 
 
 James Knowles was born in Hampton in 1720, and came to 
 Rochester in 1749. Little can be said of his life, further than to 
 mention the positions he filled. Frequently moderator of town 
 meetings, member of nearly every important committee in town 
 during his active life, Representative to the Old Provincial As- 
 sembly, when that body was convened for the last time by the 
 British Governor, delegate to most of the conventions which 
 fostered the spirit of revolution. Representative for six years to 
 the new Assembly under the independent State Government, 
 member of the Constitutional Convention of 1778, and also of the 
 Convention of 1781, muster-master in the revolution, a magis- 
 trate of the town. Selectman for several years ; — such were 
 some of the ofiices he was called to fill. As servant of the peo- 
 ple, he spent a large part of his long life in unambitious yet 
 useful public labor. In the church, taking the oflice of Deacon 
 upon the death of Stephen Berry who had honorably filled that 
 position from the organization of the church till his death in 1762, 
 he zealously and with religious fidelity discharged its duties for 
 a space of forty years, until his own death at the beginning of 
 the present century. To his patriotism were added the virtues 
 of a calm and peaceful Christian character. He was one of the 
 pillars of the church, and at the same time was always earnest 
 in every cause which concerned the welfare of his country. As 
 large a share of public responsibilities fell to his lot as to that of 
 any one during this period. He died in 1802, aged eighty-two. 
 Few are the names that come down to us, around which cluster 
 so many pleasant and honored associations. In a sermon upon 
 his death, Mr. Haven says : —
 
 LEADING MEN OF THE REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD. 121 
 
 " As a friend he was to be trusted ; as a neighbor, benevolent and respected ; 
 as a magistrate or citizen he was for order and government ; and Ids general 
 deportment was that of a sincere Christian, — not ostentatious in his worship, 
 but steady and firm in his religion. As an officer of the church, he dignified 
 his office. The church has cause to lament his death, though he died in ven- 
 erable old age. He lived beloved and died lamented, and we trust his memory 
 like that of the just, will be sweet." 
 
 Dr. James Howe. 
 
 Among the patriots of the Revolution the name of James IIowc 
 should not be omitted. His pedigree runs hack to James Howe 
 who was a freeman at Ipswich, Mass., in 1637. One of his sons 
 removed to Andover, and afterwards to Methuen, where his son 
 Deacon James Howe was born in 1695, and died Dec. 22, 1771. 
 His son James was Deacon with him in the same church. This 
 Dea. James Jr. was born Kov. 7, 1723, and died 1805 or 1806. 
 He was married to Jemima Farnham Feb. 6, 1752, and had six 
 sons, as follows: — Jonathan, James, David, Jacob, Isaac, and 
 Farnham; all of whom served their country in the Revolution, 
 from Bunker Hill to the close of the war. 
 
 James Hoioe was born at Methuen, Mass., March 23, 1755, and 
 died in Rochester Oct. 13, 1807. He married about 1784, Lucy 
 Fisher of Needham, Mass., a sister of Mrs. Haven. She died in 
 Boston, Mass., June, 1836. They had eight children, as follows: — 
 1. Lucy born Sept. 7, 1785, married first Ephraim Dennett of Ports- 
 mouth who died in 1831. She afterwards married Josiah Vinton, 
 Esq., of Boston, — no children. 2. James born May 11, 1787, 
 and died in Boston May 12, 1832. He was a man of much en- 
 ergy and usefulness. He conducted a large business at Haverhill, 
 Mass., and afterwards in Boston, in the wholesale dry goods trade 
 with his brother Hall Jackson Howe. He had three sons and 
 one daughter, who are highl}^ respected residents of Brooklyn, 
 N. y. 3. George is a farmer in N"eedham, Mass., and has four chil- 
 dren. 4. Hall J. born Feb. 12, 1791, first settled as a dry goods 
 merchant in Portsmouth, where he married Eliza P. Waldron. 
 He removed to Boston, where he died August, 1849, leaving a large 
 and highly respectable family. 5 & 6. Willard and Mary died in 
 infancy. 7. Calvin Whiting born July 13, 1796, retired from 
 business in 1857, and resides in New York city. He married 
 Dec. 1, 1825, Charlotte Atwell. They have three daughters and 
 one son, who served as surgeon in the Army of the Potomac.
 
 122 ROCHESTER. 
 
 8. Fislier born Sept. 3, 1798, was in business at Haverbill, Mass., 
 from 1809 till 1820, wlien be went into company witb bis brotber 
 in Boston for sixteen years. Subsequently be resided in Brook- 
 lyn, K Y. He married first June 16, 1825, Matilda Saltonstall, 
 who died in Brooklyn May 21, 1831, leaving one daughter. He 
 was again married Oct. 1, 1832, to Elizabeth Leavitt, who had 
 three sons and two daughters. In 1849 he visited Europe and 
 the East. He wrote occasional sketches of travel which were 
 gathered into a volume and published. 
 
 Dr. James Howe, studied medicine with Dr. Bodwell of Methuen, 
 Mass., and came to Eochester about 1776. His name appears on 
 the Test Association. He became Surgeon's Mate in Col. Pierce 
 Long's Regiment, and was one of the sulferers in the Canada 
 expedition of 1777. He was esteemed as a man and a physician 
 on account of his great natural talent, and his benevolent dispo- 
 sition. His largeness of heart endeared him to the people far and 
 near. It is related that being called, at one time, to the bedside of 
 a poor woman, he found the family so destitute of clothing that 
 he repaired to the barn, took oft' his shirt which he left for their 
 use, returning home shirtless to tell the tale of wretchedness he 
 had been called to meet. He was emphatically a man of good 
 deeds. For many years they formed his only creed. It was his 
 ambition that his good deeds should overbalance his evil ones. 
 Hence it became a favorite maxim with him to make the rich 
 pay for doctoring the poor. In his later years, he kept no accounts, 
 paid nothing, and charged nothing ; but when he needed anything 
 for his family use, he applied to his rich neighbors. The sound of 
 a farmer's dinner-horn was suflicient invitation for him to walk 
 in and take a seat at the table, where he was always welcomed. 
 Though a man of great eccentricities, and perhaps great failings, 
 yet " even his failings leaned to virtue's side.'" His intemperance 
 scarcely needed an apology in those days when abstinence was 
 l)y all regarded a meanness and not a virtue, and his improvi- 
 dence was but too large a generosity. The duties of the medical 
 profession did not allow much time for other pursuits, yet the 
 town elected liim delegate to the Constitutional Convention ot 
 1791, and sent him for three years to the Legislature. By the 
 toils and exposures of his profession, a constitution naturally strong 
 was early impaired, so that he did not live to great age. Near
 
 LEADING MEN OF TIIK KKVOLUTIOXARY I'KRIOD. 123 
 
 the close of his life, renouncing his de}»uiidciiec u|K)n good deeds, 
 he sought a more enduring peace by reliance u[ion the merits ot u 
 Saviour, and died in the triumphs of Christian faitli. 
 
 Pre-eminent among the honorable names of this period is that 
 of the Rev. Joseph Haven, a full sketch of whom is given in the 
 chapter on Church history. There are doubtless other names 
 worthy of special mention. In fact almost every man, save the 
 few tories of infamous record, was a patriot and a hero in those 
 days " that tried men's souls." But the personal history of only 
 a very few can now be obtained. With this short Init brilliant 
 list we must close the record.
 
 CHAPTEE VIII. 
 
 EAELY SETTLERS: — THEIll IIAEDSHIPS AN1» MuDE VF LIFE.* 
 
 "The ambushed Indian, and the prowling bear: — 
 
 Such were the needs that helped his youth to train : — 
 Rough culture ; — but such trees large fruit may bear. 
 If but their stocks be of right girth and grain." 
 
 Our ancestors were a hardy race whose siifterings as pioneers 
 in the wilderness it is difficult for us to realize. At present, emi- 
 gration proceeds with more system, and when the gold-seeker 
 drops his pack at some rich lead, the comforts and even luxuries 
 of life are not long in overtaking him. Flourishing cities exist 
 to-day where only a few months ago not even the emigi-ant's 
 shanty was to be seen. lN"ot so in the early days of Xew England. 
 When Timothy Roberts moved his family into Eochester in mid- 
 winter, the prospect must have been cheerless. !N'ot for mines of 
 gold and silver did he come, but for a home, — a farm which by 
 hard and diligent labor might aftbrd sustenance to himself and 
 family. Others followed seeking the same object. The settlement 
 progressed but slowly for many years. How great the privileges 
 they had to renounce ! Dearest to them was the preaching of the 
 Gospel, and though their charter promised them this blessing, 
 yet more than eight years elapsed before a minister could be sus- 
 tained, and the numerous petitions to the Assembly praying for 
 assistance show how difficult was the task even then. For more 
 than twenty years there was no school. Four years after the 
 establishment of the church, there was no grist-mill in the town, 
 although, as the inhabitants themselves state, Indian corn was 
 their chief support. For several years their crops were cut off 
 by frost and drouth. The people were poor and distressed but 
 not discouraged. Then what labor was required in subduing the 
 
 *This chapter is taken malnlr from an address by the author, delirered before the Roch- 
 ester Social Library Gompanv, in the Congregational Church. Thursday evening, April -t, 1867. 
 [Editor.]
 
 LIFE OF EARLY SETTLERS. 12') 
 
 forest, — ill brcakino: up the land, — in making roads! A\')iiit 
 exposure in dwelling in cabins, — in tlic toils of logging and 
 hunting ! What deprivations of social enjoyments ! What a life 
 of self-denial and toil! Scarcely had the war with the wilderness 
 begun to turn in their favor, Avhen war with the Indians burst 
 forth calling them to new dangers and exposures. Their mills 
 built, their farms subdued, their orchards grown, their liouses 
 provided, and the church established, they lived for many years 
 in constant alarm lest not these only but their own lives also 
 should suddenly be destroyed. Yet at such a time, by their courage 
 and discipline, they became a terror to their foes. These trials 
 developed strong traits of mind, inflexible habits, and iron frames. 
 The men were distinguished for hardihood, boldness, industry, 
 and economy. As their circumstances tested all the energies of 
 their character, so their character was schooled and molded to 
 combat with circumstances. Their children brought up with 
 coarse food, coarse clothing, and hard lodging, — trained to the 
 use of arms and accustomed to danger, were preparing for the 
 contest of life, — to become themselves pioneers at still more 
 remote distances in the country. Notwithstanding their hardships 
 many of these fi^rst settlers lived to a great age. Of those who 
 died between 1776 and 1792, one was over a hundred years old, 
 two between ninety and one hundred, fourteen between eighty 
 and ninety, twenty between seventy and eighty, and four between 
 sixty and seventy. Of those living here in 1792 one was between 
 ninety and one hundred, nine between eighty and ninety, and five 
 between seventy and eighty. 
 
 The houses or rude cabins of the settlers were usually con- 
 structed of poles or logs so placed that by means of notches in 
 the ends, the whole was firmly bound together. Then crevices 
 or chinks were filled and plastered over with clay or stilt" earth, 
 mixed with moss or straw. The roof was made of bark or split 
 boards. Something resembling a chimney or fire-place was built 
 of stones, within which the fire was made upon the ground, A 
 hole in the roof allowed escape for the superfluous smoke. In 
 warm weather the smoke was desirable rather than otherwise to 
 drive away the mosquitoes and other insects with which the Avoods 
 abounded. Ovens formed of choice stones well plastered with clay 
 or earth were built a short distance from the houses. Of course,
 
 126 ROCHESTER. 
 
 after saw-mills were erected and better materials could be procured, 
 these temporary cabins gave place to more substantial houses. 
 
 As families began to settle in remote parts of the town the 
 necessity of making new roads was one of the heaviest burdens. 
 As their dwellings ^^ere widely separated, the roads were long 
 and the labor of keeping them in passable condition, great. Still 
 they complained not, as long as the roads were for their own 
 people. But when new settlements were formed in the back towns, 
 especially in jS'eAv Durham, Watertown (Wolfeborough), and East- 
 town (Wakefield), the burden could no longer be silently borne. 
 Great efforts were made to keep these roads clear through Roch- 
 ester, then including Farmington and Milton, but in vain. At 
 one time the town instructed the surveyors to warn men " to lay 
 out two nights and work three days " to clear the road to New 
 Durham. After performing more than five hundred days' work 
 on this road, the town did not escape indictment. They petitioned 
 the General Assembly, however, that a tax might be laid on the 
 proprietors' lands to pay these expenses, representing that there 
 were no inhabitants for seven or eight miles on this road, " neither 
 were they in a capacity to take packs and travel sixteen or eighteen 
 miles into the country to do so much labor as was needful, while 
 their families suifered at home." In spite of the opposition of 
 the non-resident proprietors, the prayer was granted, the lands 
 taxed, and the inhabitants largely relieved. These days were dark 
 and gloomy, as the record attests. His Excellency Gov. Went- 
 worth, to manifest his sympathy and benevolence, made the town 
 a present of nine pounds, for which they passed a vote of thanks. 
 The heavy tax for new roads continued for many years. When 
 absent from home, at work on the road, the men often camped 
 out for days or weeks together, and at inclement seasons of the 
 year. For shelter at night, they built a hut of poles or bark 
 with one side open to the air. Wrapping themselves in blankets, 
 lying with their feet towards a large fire in the center of the hut, 
 they rested comfortably and rose refreshed for their day's labor. 
 The roads were of a very primitive order. Little more was done 
 than to cut away the trees and bushes close to the ground, and 
 build rough bridges where streams could not be forded. The food 
 of the workmen was salted pork and beef with Indian corn bread, 
 and their drink largely spirit. It was their custom to invite
 
 LIFE OF EARLY SETTLERS. I liT 
 
 passing travelers to drink, c'X[)ectiiig soiac gratuity in return. 
 Alcoholic drinks were then freely used, especially upon such (jcca- 
 sions as funerals, weddings, huskings, raisings, and trials at eourt. 
 Wa(crii}(/ f/i.e Jar)/ was well understood l)y those who had rnucii 
 law business. The farmers early p]ante<l orchards, and the a[i[»les 
 were largely made into cider which became their common bever- 
 age. While the men engaged in these outdoor labors, the women 
 spun and wove the flax or wool, and attended to the clothing of the 
 family. 
 
 In addition to the afflictions of the husbandman already enumer- 
 ated, wild animals were numerous for man}' years, and often 
 pillaged his crops and rohbed his sheep-fold. They sometimes 
 ventured into the most thickly settled parts of the town. Mr- 
 Main once discovered near his dwelling a very large Ijlack bear, 
 which was killed and brought in by the assistance of his neigh- 
 bors. To check the depredations of these animals a bounty of ten 
 shillings was voted in 1751, to any inhabitant of the town who 
 should kill a grown bear or wolf, within ilic hounds of the toirn, to 
 be paid upon his producing the head of the animal with botli 
 ears on. During the first year, bounties were paid, under this 
 vote, for " bar's heads " to John Place, Daniel "Wingate, Matthew 
 Macafee, Charles Rogers, John Mialles, and Samuel Wingate. 
 Other bears were killed in years following, and within a short 
 period bounties were paid for five or more wolves. Besides the 
 town bounty, the Provincial Assembly allowed a discount upon 
 the Province tax to every person who killed one of these animals. 
 Bears were especially destructive to crops of Indian corn. Their 
 mode of operation was to station themselves between two rows, 
 and with their paws break down the stalks of four contiguous 
 hills, so that the ears might lie near together, then having devoured 
 them pass on. Thus, in an incredibly short time, they would lay 
 waste a whole field of this valuable grain. They were sometimes 
 killed by placing loaded guns with lines extending across the field 
 so that a bear striking against one of them would discharge a 
 gun and shoot himself. Oftener they were caught in log traps. 
 Wolves made great havoc among sheep, and were common in Xew 
 Hampshire long after this period. They were taken in various 
 ways; sometimes by log traps, sometimes by binding fish-hooks 
 together dipping them into melted tallow till a ball was formed
 
 128 ROCHESTER. 
 
 as laro-c as an egg. These balls being scattered near some carcass 
 were readily devoured bv the animals. 
 
 Plenty of deer tested the skill of the hunter. From 1758 to 
 1764, at the annual meetings for election of town officers, two or 
 more persons were regularly chosen " to search out who kills 
 deer contrary to law." A law of the Province prohibited the 
 killing of these animals at certain seasons of the year, yet deer 
 were so much sought after, that it was necessary to adopt strin- 
 gent means to check their wanton destruction. Ichabod Corson 
 and William McDuftee constituted this committee for five years. 
 Rattlesnakes abounded. It is recorded that a number of people 
 went to mow a meadow in Rochester, but found it so full of these 
 venomous reptiles, that they set fire to the grass and quit the 
 place. 
 
 Coming down to a later period, let us picture to ourselves the 
 Rochester of seventy-five years ago. Seventy-five years ! How 
 long, — how short the time! How long when we think of two 
 generations passed away ! How long when we think of the changes 
 which have taken place within that period ! And yet how short ! 
 How short even the whole period of our town existence ! How 
 few the years since our beautiful village was but a wilderness 
 untracked save by the Indian and the bear ! Only last Christmas,* 
 was buried in the eastern part of the town, Mrs. Dorothy Tebbetts 
 aged 101 years, who though she was born and passed her life in 
 Rochester yet was for ten years a subject of Great Britain. The 
 years of her life ran back beyond the Revolution, to within thirty 
 years of the formation of the first church and the settlement of 
 the first minister, — to within thirteen years of the first school, — 
 to within twent}' years of the horrible massacres here perpetrated 
 by the Indians, — back to within thirty-seven years of that winter 
 when the ringing of the white man's ax was first heard in our 
 forest. Thus one human life has embraced almost the whole 
 period of our existence as a town. Returning to the picture of 
 our village at that time, — let us banish our large woolen and 
 shoe factories from every part of the town, — our railroads, our 
 banks, our printing-oflices, our post-offices, our daily mails, our 
 newspa[»ers. The people with few exceptions are farmers. These 
 exceptions are a minister to attend the wounded in spirit, a phy- 
 
 * December, 18GG.
 
 LIFE OF EARLY SETTLERS. 129 
 
 siciaii to attend the wounded in body, and a lawyer to attend 
 those wounded in property or personal rights. In the days of 
 which we are speaking, Rochester was no insignificant town. 
 With the exception of Portsmouth its population exceeded that 
 of any town in the State. A few years later, after losing two 
 thirds its territory to Farniington and Milton, its population was 
 about the same as that of Dover, and still maintained its rank as 
 one of the principal towns. The village of " !N"or\vay Plains," or 
 "the city" as it was respectfully called by the rural people, con- 
 tained eighteen or twenty houses, and soon after this at least, 
 could boast of the only brick building in the county, — an object 
 of fame and curiosity to the people many miles distant. At a 
 later period, children were allowed to believe that the houses in 
 ■" the city " of Rochester were so near together that a man might 
 walk from roof to roof. A view of the appearance and business 
 of our village as it then was, may not be uninteresting. On the 
 next page is presented a rough sketch of its buildings and streets 
 as they were about 1788. Though not a perfect map it may aid 
 in forming an idea of the appearance of the village at that time. 
 The bounds and courses of the streets and mill-common are accord- 
 ing to a survey of the Selectmen in 1785. The location and de- 
 scription of the buildings are mostly from a memorandum made 
 by Joseph Hanson, who moved into town in 1788, and made this 
 record for the information of those who might be interested in 
 such matters after he was dead. There were then twenty buildings 
 in the village, including two or three unfinished dwellings, a log 
 house, a clothing-house or fulling-mill, a blacksmith's shop, an 
 inn, and the meeting-house. Most of the buildings were small 
 one-story houses. Of these buildings there now remain, the Moses 
 Hurd house, the Knight house, the Jabe;^ Dame house, and the 
 Harford house, besides two or three others that have received 
 additions and alterations so as to be hardly recognized. The 
 Harford house then stood where Feineman's store now is, and the 
 following incident is told of its removal : As a defaulting Collector, 
 Paul Harford had caused the town great trouble. When he moved 
 this building, he left it in the road near its present location, and 
 arming himself and barricading the building swore he would never 
 move it out of the street. The militia was called out under Gen. 
 Furber, but Harford had provided himself with tubs of hot water,
 
 130 
 
 ROCHESTER. 
 
 NORWAY PLAINS, 17
 
 LIFE OF EARLY SETTLERS, 131 
 
 with which ho kept tlieiii at resi)eetful distance till it was all spent, 
 when he was compelled to surrender. In the town account for 
 1789, we find this item: — "Paid i'-A\)t. Storer for rum when 
 Harford was put out of his house £1-1-0." 
 
 The log house was Avhere is now the corner of Market and 
 Bridge streets, and served as a connecting link between two periods 
 of our history. It stood as a memorial of the hardships of an 
 earlier generation, while in strong contrast, marking a great ad- 
 vance in comfort and luxury, could he seen the Knight house, the 
 building of which had just commenced. The clothing-house, 
 where the jSTorway Plains Upper Mill now is, represented the 
 manufactures of the town ; while the meeting-house and the inn 
 at the lower end of the village direct our thoughts to the morals 
 and social customs of their day. The log house was, of course, 
 the earliest style of architecture. After the erection of saw-mills, 
 these gradually gave way to a more finished and comfortable 
 structure, — a one-story low-posted house, containing but few rooms 
 and those small. Before the Revolution a two-story house came 
 into fashion with a double or gambrel roof, like the Louis Mc- 
 Duffee house, and the Ephraim Whitehouse house on the i^^eck 
 road. Still later appeared hip-roofed dwellings like the Dennett 
 and Kenney houses. Cottage roofs, piazzas, brackets, etc., distin- 
 guish the latest style. Thus with a little attention any one can 
 determine with tolerable accuracy the period to which each house 
 belongs. An aged citizen says that the first paint he ever saw 
 upon a house was a gaily colored red and white door in Josiah 
 Folsom's house, and the first green blinds were on the Joseph 
 Otis house or some house near by. 
 
 The raising of a house frame was in those days an event of 
 general interest and excitement. As soon as the ridgepole was 
 fairly in its place, it was customary to celebrate the completion 
 of the job by a " christening." A bottle of rum was dashed upon 
 the ridgepole, a name given to the frame, and sometimes a few 
 verses of doggerel repeated. This frequently fell to a droll and 
 original character named Thomas Hanscom. The last celebration 
 of this sort, of which we have any account, was at the raising of 
 the Methodist meeting-house. This house was built near the spot 
 where David Barker's house was burned. Only one stanza of 
 Hanscom's poetry on the occasion is preserved.
 
 132 ROCHESTER. 
 
 " The flames \Yere sent by Heaven's command 
 To purify this promised land; 
 Near where the traveler found a bed 
 This lofty building rears its head." 
 
 At tlie raising of the Woodman mansion, now known as Man- 
 sion House, April 20, 1799, Hanscom read the following verses : — 
 
 "On the twentieth of April, in the year '99 
 Our frame we got up in a suitable time. 
 It 's a very fine frame, the flower of the Plain, 
 The timber substantial and strong; 
 The stories are high, it is forty feet wide, 
 And forty-four feet it is long. 
 Not a long time ago this timber stood in trees, 
 But the workmen have tried the owner to please, 
 Got it up at the time without any neglect, 
 And we hope it will suit in every respect. 
 As for the owner with his loving mate, 
 We hope they '11 live long at a plentiful rate. 
 Their frame of itself is a picture to see ; 
 When fixed and moved in it, happy may they be. 
 As they are about their native place to forsake. 
 May they have cause to I'ejoice in the bargain they make. 
 With good neighbors united happy days may they see. 
 And long live together in prosperity. 
 So, long may they live, happy may they die, 
 With every good thing may they always comply; 
 Many years may they live to enjoy their cage, 
 And to heaven 'may they go in an honest old age. 
 The ' Flower of the Plain ' is the name of the frame. 
 We 've had exceeding good luck in raising the same ; 
 May God direct and instruct us in all that is right ; 
 It 's the last day of the week, and late at night." 
 
 Another illustration of this custom occurred about 1812. Nehe- 
 
 miah Eastman had sold the March house to Josiah Edgerly. As 
 
 Edgerly proposed to move the house whole, Eastman found that 
 
 it must be moved through his garden (the thought of which he 
 
 could not endure), or the front poplar trees which he highly prized 
 
 must be cut down, or his shed must be torn away. He tried to 
 
 buy back the house, but in vain. Of the three evils he chose 
 
 that which seemed the least, and decided to tear down the shed. 
 
 "When the new house was framed, ISTed Chamberline, the poet of 
 
 the neighborhood, was called upon for the christening ceremony. 
 
 But Ned unfortunately was drunk. He was brought up, however, 
 
 and Ijeing allowed to support himself over a brace, began as 
 
 follows : — 
 
 " As for Nehemiah, he is both lawyer and a squire, 
 But the moving of his house he did dread, 
 And, without anj' discretion, he fell into a passion, 
 And swore he would tear down his shed."
 
 LIFE OF EARLY SETTLERS. 133 
 
 At this stage of the proceedings, Eastman made liis appoaraiice 
 with a green hide in his hand, and quickly put to rout the (h'unken 
 poet, and ended the ceremony. It is said tliat tliis was the first 
 house huilt in this part of the country witliout l)cing name(L 
 
 It was the ancient custom to build houses on a north and south 
 line, which accounts for the fact that so many of the <»ld dwi'llings 
 stand corner to the road. This custom had a sensible reason in 
 the dail}' convenience of the inmates. Clocks then being too ex- 
 pensive for general use, the house was thus made the timekeeper. 
 Its shadow told the hour of noon, and thus the good housewife 
 knew when to get her dinner, and when to sound the horn to 
 call the hands from the field. Clocks were probably introduced 
 about the time of the Revolution. They were the old-fashioned 
 English brass clocks extending from floor to ceiling, usually occu- 
 pying one corner of the room, whence the broad white face with 
 its long pointers looked gravely down, and the slow and measured 
 tick admonished the fomily that their lives were constantly jogging 
 away. Few families could aftbrd them for they were very costly. 
 Afterwards came a cheaper clock of wood, sold for about $20. 
 Agents went from house to house insisting on putting them up on 
 trial till they came again, and when they returned were willing to 
 take almost anything in payment, and often took the cattle from 
 the barns. In this manner they were generally introduced and 
 were soon considered indispensable. In 1807 Edward S. Moulton 
 commenced the manufacture of clocks here. After some years 
 he was succeeded by one of his apprentices, James C. Cole. The 
 clocks were of brass after the English pattern. Mr. Cole carried 
 on an extensive business cutting the wheels with steel dies. He 
 employed several journeymen and apprentices, and a cabinet-maker 
 to prepare the cases. These clocks were carried far into the 
 country for sale, and attained a wide reputation. It is not un- 
 common, even in towns far back from Rochester, to find at this 
 day, these old time-pieces bearing Mr. Cole's name. 
 
 In these early times there was no post-office and no mail. 
 But few newspapers found their way into the town. On March 
 4, 1768, the following advertisement appeared in the " i^Tew Hamp- 
 shire Gazette," printed at Portsmouth : — 
 
 *' Wanted, an honest, sober man who is able to keep two good Horses to 
 ride as Post or Carrier through the towns of Kittery, Berwick, Somersworth,
 
 134 ROCHESTER. 
 
 Rochester, &c., to begin the first of April. Any Person inclining to undertake 
 this business is desired to apply immediately to the Printers hereof and they 
 will no doubt meet with Encouragement to their Satisfaction, as a great Num- 
 ber of People in the above said Towns are very desirous of having the News 
 Papers in case some Suitable Person constantly rides." 
 
 Botbre the close of the month it was announced that a post-rider 
 Avoukl immediately begin to ride through these towns, by whom 
 all i>ersons might be supplied with the " JSTew Hampshire Gazette," 
 etc., etc., for nine shillings lawful money per annum, carriage in- 
 eluded, and all who inclined to encourage so useful a person as 
 a post-rider were desired to give in their names at the printing- 
 ofUce. We can easily imagine the appearance of the post-rider 
 passing from town to town and from inn to inn with his bag of 
 " Gazettes " strapped behind him. The poet has already made us 
 familiar with his description : — 
 
 " He comes, the herald of a noisy world, 
 With spattered boots, strapped waist, and frozen locks, 
 News from all nations lumbering at his back. 
 True to his charge, the close-packed load behind, 
 Yet careless what he brings, his one concern 
 Is to conduct it to the destined Inn, 
 And having dropped the expected bag, pass on. 
 He whistles as he goes, light-hearted wretch, 
 Cold and yet cheerful." 
 
 In 1792 Josiah Paine advertised to ride Post from the printing- 
 office in Dover through Rochester, "Wakefield, Wolfeborough, Mid- 
 dleton, New Durham, and The Gore to Gilmanton, and back 
 through Barnstead, Barriiigton, Xorthwood, Lee, and Durham, 
 once a week. 
 
 A post-office was established in Rochester March 26, 1812; 
 "William Barker, innkeeper, being the first postmaster. The 
 revenue of the office for the first three months was $5.07; for 
 the next six months S7.99, making an average for the first nine 
 mouths of not quite a dollar and a half a month. In 1826 the 
 receipts for one quarter were but $25.76, and the postmaster's 
 commission was only $8.51i : yet at this time there were sixty 
 dwellings in the village, a cotton factory with four carding-ma- 
 chines doing a large business in dressing country cloth, a sc^-the 
 factory with a trip-hammer, besides two potteries and several 
 stores; and the town was one of the county seats where the 
 Court of Common Pleas held regular sessions. The annual rev-
 
 LIFE OF EARLY SETTLERS. 135 
 
 enue of the office is now (1867) $1,225 ; tlierc being also two other 
 post-offices in town. Still the whistling post-boy continued his 
 rides, and as he entered our village near the connnon, he r-oin- 
 iiienced to blow lustily his tin horn to announce to all the [k'(i1)1c 
 the safe arrival of the latest news foreign and domestic. Many 
 now living remember him. As late even as 1822, there was no 
 stage except the mail-carrier above described, — then Robert Clark, 
 familiarly called duck-legs, rode the following circuit : — starting 
 from Plymouth on horseback, Sunday evening or Monday morn- 
 ing, he passed through Center Harbor, Sandwich, Wolfeborough, 
 Middleton, Farmington, Rocliester, Dover, to Portsmouth, thence 
 returning to Rochester, he took a different route through Milton, 
 Wakefield, Ossipee, Tamwortli, Conway, to Plymouth, where he 
 arrived in season to commence the same circuit the following week. 
 In 1825 a two-horse stage was started running twice a week each 
 way between Dover and Wakefield. The business men of Roch- 
 ester, Moses Hale, J. H. Woodman, and the Barkers, were con- 
 cerned in this enterprise. Failing of success the owners, after a 
 year or two, persuaded Jonathan T. Dodge, who as a stable-boy 
 had saved a small sum of money, to buy out the line. In 1829 
 we find him with a partner advertising in the "Dover Gazette" a 
 stage from Dover to Conway, three days each week, returning 
 alternate days ; and promising as attractions of the route " a view 
 of the sublime and interesting scenery of the White Mountains" 
 and also of " the lead mines of Eaton." Mr. Dodge was engaged 
 in this business most of the time till the opening of the railroads. 
 At the latter part of this period, he had seventy-seven horses and 
 was running four and six horse coaches daily each way between 
 Dover and Ossipee. The stage business had become immense, — 
 " the great thoroughfares " of travel from northern New Hamp- 
 shire converging to this village as a focus, — and when the heavily 
 loaded six-horse coaches arrived from Wakefield, and from Con- 
 way, and from Wolfeborough, and from Sandwich, with others 
 less grand from Farmington, and from Gilmanton, our village 
 presented a lively, business-like appearance. With the completion 
 of the railroads to the towns above Rochester, these lively scenes 
 passed away to return no more. 
 
 The transportation of heavy merchandise through this town 
 was carried on to an extent almost incredible. These streets were
 
 136 ROCHESTER. 
 
 then alive every winter from December to March with long pro- 
 cessicyis of single and double pungs and sleighs, from early morn 
 till late at night. Like* caravans in length, an unbroken line 
 could frequently be seen from half a mile to more than a mile 
 in extent. They brought produce from Vermont and even from 
 Canada across tlie frozen Winnepisseogee, and passed on through 
 Rochester to Dover and Portsmouth. There they exchanged their 
 liogs, butter, and cheese, for iron, salt, rum, and molasses, and 
 then made their toilsome journey back. The building of the 
 Concord and Montreal Eailroad and the roads through Maine, 
 has diverted all this business into other channels. But these are 
 events of comparatively modern date, within tlie memory of many 
 people by no means old. Returning to the times of 1785 let us 
 look within the dAvellings. The work of the men was mostly 
 out of doors. The women prepared food and clothing for the 
 family. Cotton was bought unginned and the seeds were picked 
 out by hand, after which it was washed and spun and used with 
 flax in making shirts and summer clothing. The cultivation of 
 flax and the manufacture of linen were universal. It is doubted 
 if a bushel of flaxseed has been raised in town for many years ; 
 yet some of our older traders can remember w^hen the chambers 
 of their stores were filled with it, and hundreds of bushels were 
 annually bought and sold. Every farmer set apart a portion of his 
 land for flax. It Avas an indispensable crop, and the manufacture of 
 oil from the seed became a profitable business. It was carried on 
 for many years at Gonic b}- William Currier, and after him by N. V. 
 Whitehouse. The flax Avas carefully pulled up b}- the roots and 
 stacked in the field till thoroughly dry, when the seed was thrashed 
 out. It was then soaked in water several days and spread on the 
 ground to be rotted, frosty nights helping to w^hiten it. After a 
 suitable time it was stowed away till spring, when it was brought 
 out to be dressed by use of the brake, the hatchel,. and the swingle. 
 By this means the flax w^as thoroughly bruised without cutting, 
 and the tow and coarse woody parts separated from the finer 
 fibers of true linen. It was then combed to complete the separ- 
 ation and was ready for the wives and daughters to spin and 
 weave into garments. Woolen garments also were made at home. 
 The wool was carded into rolls b}- hand. The first carding- 
 machine was introduced by Eliphalet Home in 1811. It caused
 
 LIl-M OF EARLY SETTLERS. 137 
 
 much exciterneiit, and «et the okl ]>co}»lc to shakiiii;- Ihcir heads 
 and asking what the girls would have to do now. 'I'lic husincss 
 now carried on b}' our great factories was then all i)erl()rnied in 
 the hundreds of homes through the town. Maimfacturing in all 
 its different stages, from the wool on the back of the sheep, and 
 the flax waving in the field, was conducted at home. There were 
 made all their garments, not only for every-day wear, but the 
 sro-to-mcetinii' dresses of the women, and the breeches for the men, 
 even the suits that the minister wore into the pulpit, and Mr. 
 Upham to Congress. Every house had cards and great wheel 
 and little wheel, reel and swifts and dye-tub in the kitchen, and 
 scarn, Avarping-bars, and loom in chamber or garret, and the women 
 all understood the art of making cloth. 
 
 At a later period, the cloth woven by the women was carried 
 to the village, and colored and finished at Dame & McDuftee's 
 fulling-mill, where a large business Avas carried on, a number of 
 apprentices and journeymen being constantly employed. Home- 
 made cloth became a staple article of trade at the stores, and rolls 
 of cloth finished here often found their way back many miles into 
 the country. Dame was a popular man. So when the winter 
 teams came down to break out the roads from Chestnut Hills, 
 the hands would strike into the growth then standing just at the 
 upper end of the village, and with their axes quickl}- load the 
 sleds with logs which they took to Dame's mill, who in payment 
 took the boys to the store and gave them what rum they could 
 drink. Thus by exchange of fuel his fires and their fires were 
 both well supplied. 
 
 After the cloth came home from the fulling-mill, the tailor was 
 sent for to cut garments for the family. He came with his goose 
 ("whipping the goose" they called his trade), and between his 
 shears and the busily plied needles of the women, the family 
 w^ere in due time clothed. The boys now felt proud in their new 
 jackets with brass buttons, l^o sooner would the tailor be gone 
 than the shoemaker would be sent for. He came with his tools 
 tied up in his leather apron, and measured the feet, cut the leather, 
 and made up the shoes for the household. His business was 
 called " wdiipping the cat." Three shoes were a day's work. At 
 the earliest period they were sewed, but pegs soon came into use. 
 Then every shoemaker made his own pegs. From the end of a 
 
 10
 
 138 ROCHESTER. 
 
 stick of maple or birch a piece was carefully sawed of just the 
 right thickness for the length of the pegs. It was then split into 
 thin strips, and the edge of each strip shaved to a sharp edge, 
 after which the pegs were split off singly, all sharpened ready 
 for use. Mac-hine-made pegs were introduced about 1817-18. 
 As each family laid in a supply of cloth for the tailor, so each 
 secured a supply of up]ier and sole leather for the cordwainer. 
 Thus the family were clothed, unless perhaps the men wanted 
 hats. The hatter did not go round. But any one could be sup- 
 plied with hats of the latest style, bj' calling upon Haynes & Ela 
 at " the Plains," who commenced hatting as early as 1806, and 
 perhaps earlier. 
 
 The long Avinter evenings of those days have been so often and 
 so vividly described that imagination easily pictures them like 
 present realities. We can see the large chimney-place, — almost 
 large enough for a tenement for a small family, — with its broad 
 hearth, the back-log of green oak or maple, often requiring two 
 strong men to bring it to its position, tlie fore-stick, the top-stick, 
 the crackling, blazing brushwood. Whittier has embalmed the 
 scene in his vivid verse : — 
 
 " We piled with care our nightly stack 
 Of wood against the chimney back; 
 The oaken log, green, huge, and thick, 
 And on its top the stout back-stick ; 
 The knotty fore-stick laid apart ; 
 And filled between with curious art 
 The ragged brush ; then, hovering near, 
 "We watched the first red blaze appear. 
 Heard the sharp crackle, caught the gleam 
 On whitewashed wall and sagging beam, 
 Until the old, rude-furnished room 
 Burst flower-like into rosy bloom." 
 
 From each side of the chimney-place rose the music of the wheel, 
 where mother and daughters would vie with each other to see 
 who could s[)in the most. Before the first snow fell the boys 
 would be sure to provide a good cart-load of pitch wood split 
 from old stumps, which better than candle or kerosene gave light 
 to the whole household, by which the women saw to work, and 
 the boys to study their lessons. The younger children were often 
 amused by the mother's stories, who,
 
 LIFE OF EARLY SETTLERS. 139 
 
 " -while she turned her wheel, 
 Or run the new-knit stocking heel, 
 Told how the Indian hordes came down 
 At midnight ou Cochecho town." 
 
 While the mug of cider "between the andirons' straddling feet" 
 was slowly warming and the apples "sputtering" on the hearth, 
 the men talked over the day's work, and the morrow's plans, and 
 drank and talked, and talked and drank, and replenished the mug 
 from the hogshead in the cellar as often as it was exhausted. 
 So the evening wore away, till at nine o'clock the family went to 
 bed. The red log had crumbled to pieces, the men had knocked 
 the ashes from their pipes, and it only remained to rake up the 
 hot coals and cover them over that the tire might keep till morn- 
 ing; for there were no lucifer matches then, and the flint and 
 steel and tinder-box were very patience-trying. In summer the 
 fire would sometimes go out, and one of the boys would be dis- 
 patched half a mile or more perhaps, with a closely wound linen 
 rag to borrow fire of a neighbor, or if the distance was short 
 live coals would be obtained. This helped to keep up an intimacy 
 between neighbors, and short calls for borrowing fire became 
 proverbial. 
 
 The cooking of those olden times by the huge fire-place it is 
 not necessary minutely to describe. There were the Indian cakes 
 tilted upon the flat irons on the hearth. There was the turkey 
 suspended by a tow string from a gimlet in the mantel-piece, so 
 that twisting and untwisting by its own weight it kept revolving 
 before the fire till all sides were well browned; or else, as at Mr. 
 Haven's, transfixed by a long spit which rested on pins in the 
 andirons, so that a girl, in the middle of the room, turning a long 
 bandied crank kept the meat revolving. Then there were the 
 potatoes roasted in the ashes, — not bad eating they say. We 
 can see the girls shaking them back and forth through a long 
 stocking-leg to clean off the ashes. And there was the liasty- 
 pudding boiled in the kettle on the crane, and the baked sweet 
 pumpkins and milk, a delicious dish. Then pea and bean por- 
 ridge, the great staple of life, the chief article of food morning, 
 noon, and night. The boys were fond of it, whether it was — 
 
 " Pea porridge hot, pea porridge cold. 
 Or pea porridge in the pot nine days old."
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 'A 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 LIFE OF EARLY SETTLERS. 141 
 
 The meeting-house then stood ui)on tlie common with the front 
 <3nd toward the road leading to Dover over the hilh It was un- 
 painted and without a steeple or IjcH. They voted a steeple in 
 1803, but it was not then built. The following is the action of 
 the town in reference to a bell: — 
 
 Dec. 30, 1822. Voted not to raise money to purchase and hang a bell in belfry 
 of the Meeting House. Sept 1, 1823. Voted to raise $475 to purchase and hang 
 a bell, &c. Sept. 22, 1823, the town voted to reconsider the previous vote and 
 to dismiss the article. 
 
 The bell, however, was added by the Congregational Parish in 
 1823. March 9, 1824, a ballot was taken to see if the town would 
 pay for ringing the bell at the meeting-house. There were 121 
 yeas to 120 nays. At an adjourned meeting the article was dis- 
 missed. The Congregational Society was accustomed to pay the 
 expenses of having the bell rung. 
 
 Near by stood the pound, and some j^ears the town chose the 
 same man pound-keeper and " Saxton," and voted that he should 
 lock and unlock and sweep the meeting-house in consideration of 
 his fees as pound-keeper. There was a large gallery extending 
 round on three sides of the house. The pews were high, square 
 boxes, while the middle of the house was devoted to free benches. 
 The plan on the page opposite wall give an idea of the ground 
 floor. The lofty pulpit with its sounding-board Avas at the center 
 of the upper side, instead of one end, and looked down the broad 
 aisle to the main entrance. Furnaces and stoves were unknown, 
 and the congregation sat and listened to a two-hour service in 
 the unmitigated cold. Think of this, ye shiverers of to-day, who 
 sit over warm draughts of air from hot furnaces, and yet are 
 always complaining of the cold. A stove was not introduced till 
 near the close of Mr. Haven's ministry, and that was procured 
 more for his comfort than that of the congregation. Small foot- 
 stoves of perforated tin or sheet iron containing a pan of live 
 coals were brought by the old ladies to keep their feet warm. If 
 they came from a distance, they could till their pans at some 
 neighboring house. The old bald-headed men wore flannel caps, 
 and the deacons occupied a bench directly in front of the pulpit. 
 Facing the congregation, they presented an imposing and venerable 
 appearance. It was the custom for the deacon to " line the hymns."
 
 142 ROCHESTER. 
 
 Deacon Chamberlin would give forth the first two lines in a sol- 
 emn manner : — 
 
 "■While shepherds watched their flocks by night 
 All seated on the ground," 
 
 which the singers would sing after him, when he would continue 
 
 " The angel of the Lord came down, 
 And glory shone around," 
 
 and so on through each hymn. At first, the music was entirely 
 vocal, but a few instruments were introduced soon after the time 
 of which we are speaking. The first was the bass-viol bought 
 by subscription, and played for many years by John Smith, the 
 blacksmith. Of course such an upsetting of the ways of their 
 fathers and mothers as a " fiddle " in the church was not suftered 
 without commotion. Some averred that it made the music sound 
 like dancing tunes, while others as loudly declared that it was a 
 great improvement. Afterwards flutes, clarionets, and melodeons 
 were introduced. The oldest leader of the choir and teacher of 
 singing now living is Thomas Wentworth. 
 
 Throughout the meeting the services are orderly, and the au- 
 dience generally attentive. But our unaccustomed eyes are startled 
 to inquire who this man is with a black rod, moving quietly 
 about, now touching gently some snoring or nodding person, and 
 now punching roughly some mischievous boy. That is the tithing- 
 man with his badge of oflice. An ancient law prescribed that the 
 tithing-man should have a " black staft" two feet in length, tipped 
 at one end with brass or pewter," to be provided by the select- 
 men at the town's expense. Tithing-raen were regularly chosen 
 for nearly a hundred years, — from 1737 to 1829. The number 
 was several times changed by law, varying from one to eleven. 
 Their duty was to prevent work or travel or amusements on the 
 Sabbath, and to preserve order both in and around the meeting- 
 house during church service and also during intermission. They 
 were to see that there was no loafing at public houses on the 
 Lord's day, and to stop all travelers, though in cases of sickness 
 or errands of mercy justices of the peace could grant j)ermission to 
 travel. The law required tithing-men to be " of good substance 
 and sober life." The office finally fell into ridicule and disrepute.
 
 LIFE OF EARLY SETTLERS. 143 
 
 The last person who heUl it was Y.hau T). Trickcy in 1828. The 
 next year the town voted to disitcnst' with tithin^'-nien. 
 
 In those days .there were no wat^-oiis ior travelini^, no cliaisos, 
 no carriages. The people came to meeting on horseback or on 
 foot. But far more than now, it was then esteemed a valua])le 
 privilege to attend meeting. Sunday was the oidy day when the 
 people met from all parts of the town. The meeting was a social 
 institution and the intermission was a favorable opportunity to 
 make acquaintances, and talk over all the news of the week. There 
 being but one meeting in town a majority were compelled to 
 travel long distances. Those who had horses rode horseback, the 
 wife seated on a pillion behind her husband with arm encircling 
 his waist. There was a horseblock near the meeting-house to aid 
 the women in mounting and dismounting, and a long shed oppo- 
 site for the shelter of the horses. Young persons generally walked. 
 They thought nothing of walking three or four miles to church, 
 or even farther. The girls (they were always f/irls till they got 
 married) came barefooted, or wearing old shoes and stockings 
 till they arrived near the meeting-house, when they sat down in 
 the shade of a tree, or went into some house near by, and drew 
 on their clean white stockings and new shoes which they had 
 brought in their hands. On returning home they changed again 
 at the same place. The boys came barefooted bringing their shoes 
 to put on in the same manner. An old oak was standing a few 
 years ago, a little below the village, which was almost revered 
 by the old people as the place where in their youthful da^'s they 
 were accustomed to make these changes. Chaises were the first 
 vehicles for traveling. The first in town was owned by Capt. 
 Benjamin Page. In 1806 Capt. Page, Lawyer Tilton, and Joseph 
 Hanson, were taxed for chaises. Next year Moses Hale had one. 
 They had large round windows behind, and wei'c great curiosities, 
 so that the boys ran after them in the streets. Twelve chaises were 
 taxed in 1811. At funerals, instead of hearse or wagon, bearers 
 carried the cor|)se on a bier to the place of burial, and if the 
 distance was long, a sufiicient number was provided to relieve 
 each other at intervals. 
 
 The Inn situated near the brook was another representative 
 village institution suggesting a dilferent class of thoughts from 
 fulling-mill or meeting-house. Habits of smoking and driid<ing
 
 144 ROCHESTER. 
 
 were deplorable. People who used tobacco cultivated their own 
 weed to a considerable extent. Small patches could be seen grow- 
 in 2; here and there all over the town. At the stores could be found 
 tobacco braided or twisted and rolled into immense balls, from 
 which it was measured oif to customers and sold by the yard. One 
 William Pigeon carried on the business of tobacconist for a short 
 time in 1806. Xo particulars are known, and it is no ground of 
 regret that he did not succeed. There have been two brandy distil- 
 leries in this village, which, happily, succeeded no better than the 
 tobacconist. An Englishman named King first carried on the 
 business a short time, where the factories now are. The other 
 distiller was Benjamin Tebbetts, and his place of business was 
 where the Silas Wentworth house stands near the Town Hall. He 
 was so good a customer to his own still, that the business proved 
 unprofitable. More facts in regard to the drinking habits of those 
 days will be given in a subsequent chapter. 
 
 If we are candid and thoughtful, we cannot review the lives 
 of the generations gone before us without being more strongly 
 impressed with the sense of our own duties. We live not for 
 ourselves, nor for our own day, but our lives will bestow happiness 
 or misery upon those who follow to occupy our places. For them 
 we are preparing institutions; for them Ave are strengthening the 
 institutions which our fathers have given to us. From this point 
 of view, what then arc we doing? It is not wealth, it is not 
 manufactures, it is not keenness in trade, it is not railroads, it is 
 not development of mere business resources of any kind, that will 
 make men of our children. These things may make a city where 
 there is but a village, they may make five-stor}^ blocks where 
 are now humble shops, but unless other and higher objects are 
 first sought they mil make only narrow minds and selfish hearts. 
 Solomon tells us, " By knoiclech/e shall the chambers be filled with 
 all pleasant and precious riches."
 
 /f^- 
 
 / '
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 FROM THE REVOLUTION TO THE REBELLION. 
 
 This chapter is designed to record some of the principal events 
 affecting Rochester from 1783 to 1861, which cannot so well l)e 
 presented under a more specific heading. 
 
 History continually repeats itself One cannot read the history 
 of the country during the years immediately following the Revo- 
 lution, without being impressed with the similarity between that 
 period and the present time (1868), — the distress of the people, 
 the burden of taxation, the scarcity of money, the depression of 
 business, the clamor for relief, and the methods proposed. In 
 fact, if we change the dates, it would be difficult to realize that 
 we were not reading the history of our own time. During the 
 war the people had become accustomed to paper currency based 
 on landed property as security, — a currency which was legal 
 tender for all debts. They had seen this currency depreciated till 
 it became worthless. They had been used to the attempts of 
 legislators to establish prices under severe penalties. They had 
 seen an attempt to prohibit auctions, because, it was said, they 
 depreciated the currency, whereas they only showed its real want 
 of value. They had known Congress issue a circular to be read 
 in all the churches, declaring that paper money was the only 
 kind of money "which could not take to itself wings and ily 
 away." Frequent meetings were called to consult on practical 
 modes of relief. The resumption of specie payments had not 
 furnished a remedy. In 1781, as if by general consent, the paper 
 money had suddenly dropped out of circulation, and coin had 
 succeeded; yet the crisis of suffering seems not to have been 
 reached till 1786. In that and the preceding year, conferences 
 of the people were held to devise means of redress. iTaturally 
 the iirst expedient which suggested itself was to return to paper 
 money founded on real estate. The cry for paper money was
 
 146 ROCHESTER. 
 
 iiicespant. The " grccnbackers '" of that day said that rich spec- 
 ulators had a monopoly of everything good, while the poor were 
 distressed for means to pay their debts, and loudly called on the 
 people to assert their majesty. This clamor for paper money 
 increased till in every town there was a party in its favor. The 
 following specimen of their arguments reads as if written by the 
 " green backers *' of to-day : — 
 
 " Paper money would give a spring to commerce and encourage agriculture, 
 the poor would be ahle to pay their debts and taxes, all arguments against 
 issuing it are framed by speculators, and are intended to serve the wealthy 
 part of the community, who liave monopolized the public securities that they 
 may raise their value and get all the good bargains into their own hands. The 
 people have a right to call on their representatives to stamp a value on paper, 
 or leather, or any other substance capable of receiving an impression, and a law 
 should be passed to punish with banishment and outlawry every person who 
 shall attempt by any means to lessen its value." 
 
 County conventions in favor of paper money were held. In 
 this county, the convention was called to meet at Capt. John 
 Goodwin's, in Rochester, on the 5th day of September, 1786. 
 The town held a special meeting on the day previous, and voted 
 to have a paper currency, and chose Capt. John Goodwin. Lieut. 
 James Adams, and Josiah Folsom, delegates to the convention. 
 Capt. Goodwin's house was near the house built by the late John 
 R. Roberts at the low^er end of the village. 
 
 On the 20th of September, the Legislature at Exeter was sur- 
 rounded by a body of men formed in military order, armed with 
 muskets, swords, and clubs, and marching to the music of the 
 drum. The President tried calmly to reason w^ith them. But 
 their drum beat to arms, and the men were ordered to load their 
 guns with balls. They raised a demand for paper money, for an 
 equal distribution of property, and a release from debts. They 
 were finally dispersed by the approach of militia. 
 
 To still the clamor, the Legislature prepared a plan for paper 
 currency, and sent to all the towns for their action. There were 
 two questions submitted: — whether the Legislature could consti- 
 tutionally make paper money legal tender, and whether paper 
 money should be issued on the plan proposed. "In compliance 
 with a request from the General Court," these questions were 
 snbniitted to the town of Rochester at a meeting holden Nov. 20, 
 1786, and it was
 
 ADOPTION OF CONSTITUTION. 147 
 
 "put to vote to see if there should be a paper currency made; and voted in 
 the affirmative." It was " unanimously voted tiiat the jjlan for making a pai)er 
 currency be submitted to the determination of the General Court at the next 
 sitting." 
 
 By the returns received from all the towns, however, hoth (juos- 
 tions proposed were decided in the negative, and this seems to 
 have ended the paper money contest in New Hampshire for that 
 time. 
 
 The following is taken from a Portsmouth paper : — 
 
 " Rochester, Feb. 5, 1787. A number of respectable gentlemen having met 
 at the house of Col. John Goodwin in Rochester, in the County of Strafford 
 and State of New Hampshire, by adjournment, have unanimously agreed to 
 act agreeable to the Constitution of said State, and adjourned said meeting 
 until tlie last Monday in February inst., at the house of said Goodwin, at 12 
 o'clock A. M. precisely, when they request all raemliers chosen by the several 
 towns in said County'to meet at time and place to take into consideration such 
 things as may be for the benefit of the Community, and they earnestly recom- 
 mend to those towns in the County which have not sent members (chosen by 
 legal town meetings) to attend said meeting for the above purpose, to choose 
 proper persons to attend at time and place." 
 
 A sermon preached by Mr. Haven, April 29, 1789, contains 
 the following words, doubtless referring to the " greenbackers " of 
 that time : — 
 
 " If we take a view of the plots which have been laid against us by desiuning 
 men, and how they have been prevented from working our ruin, if not baffled 
 in their schemes, we shall see great matter of admiration and thankfulness. If 
 we consider how our streets for a long time have been patrolled by armed men 
 who have looked upon us as marked out for their prey, and yet how they have 
 been restrained by the Supreme Ruler (for it is he that hath done it), we may 
 justly wonder at all his goodness, and bless his name for this instance of his 
 goodness. I mention these things because they are well worthy of our notice, 
 and what we should ever truly be thankful for." 
 
 The adoption of the Constitution in 1788, was the occasion of 
 great rejoicing throughout the country. Celebrations were almost 
 universal. In Eochester, Thursday, Nov. 27, was observed for 
 this purpose. Parson Haven preached a sermon, from which the 
 following extract is taken : — 
 
 " We have been loaded the past year with temporal blessings. We have enjoyed 
 peace, — an important blessing, — and a Constitution is adopted which fills the 
 world with admiration, as we have no account of such an event before. The 
 most have been forced upon people by a conquering power, but ours has been 
 collected from the wisdom of the nation, where about thiee millions have been 
 represented, and the matter has been debated once and again; no slaughter has 
 ensued, nor even dangerous divisions. Has there not been an overruling power
 
 148 ROCHESTER. 
 
 in this, and are we not now called upon to make our grateful acknowledgments? 
 This event is important, and a thing before unheard of, and we trust that the 
 same God who has ever had us under his fostering care, has also in this. But 
 some are afraid of this Constitution, and suppose it may be an evil. No doubt 
 it may, for the wisest and best institutions have been sadly perverted, as I have 
 observed before, not that I pretend to say that this is to be numbered among 
 such, for now we do well to try the event, yet with all proper care to have men 
 of wisdom, religion, and virtue put into posts of trust: if we can only have 
 such, 1 dare say we shall be happy. Let our condition be what it will, still 
 much depends upon us. There is not any power anywhere lodged by this Con- 
 stitution but originated first from the j^eople, and if we are wise, we shall be 
 cautious whom we delegate it to. We shall not look out for those to serve 
 private ends but the public good, nor shall we let private friendship interfere, 
 nor private interest bear too much sway. Notwithstanding all the fears and 
 jealousies which have prevailed, we have a fair prospect of becoming of some 
 consequence among other nations, and of being happy. If wisdom, virtue, and 
 integrity, and a public spirit prevail : in short, if we observe the Christian reli- 
 gion, we shall be a happy, a flourishing, wealthy, and renowned people. But if 
 we give up ourselves to vice and folly, to cheating and defrauding, to ground- 
 less and unreasonable jealousies, to contention and strife, to idleness and extrav- 
 agance, to intemperance and debauchery, we shall banish our religion, and become 
 the most miserable and contemptible people on earth. It is of consequence to us 
 that we be good. Do we complain of our rulers? When they are chosen by a 
 free people they must be in a great measure characteristic of the people. This, 
 perhaps, we do not consider. If we had a real and sincere regard to the 
 Christian religion, if we were ourselves wise, virtuous, just, and good, we should 
 seek for such men to represent us. But if we have no regard to Christianity, such 
 as have none we may most likely think will best serve our own cause. But I 
 shall dismiss this and attend to other things." 
 
 Scarcely thirty years liad elapsed from the close of the Revo- 
 lution, when the United States was confronted with another war 
 witli England. A long series of insolent aggressions on the part 
 of Great Britain forced us at length to the last extremity of appeal 
 to arms. Party spirit at this time became very intense. Feder- 
 alists and Democrats abused each other in the most approved 
 style of political animosity. The Federalists were stronglj^ opposed 
 to the war, and denounced the embargo and other acts of the 
 administration in no measured terms. Rochester at this time had 
 a strong Democratic majority, and as before and since was ready 
 to do her part in defense of the country. No extended history 
 of the war can here be given, nor even many items concerning 
 the part taken by Rochester. The present sources of information 
 are very meager. Our town records contain onlj- two items re- 
 ferring to this war : — 
 
 "July 20, 1812. Town voted to give each militia man belonging to this town 
 who has already been or may hereafter be detached to go into the army under 
 the present six months establishment the sum of ten dollars per month including 
 the sum voted by the United btates."
 
 WAR OF 1812-15. 149 
 
 " Sep. 29, 1814. Voted to raise SlOO for procuring arms & ammunition of 
 ■war for defense of this and adjacent towns, in the present critical & alarming 
 times." 
 
 The following persons from Rochester served as soldiers in 
 tliis war : — 
 
 Capt. Andrew Pierce's Company. 
 
 Name. Kaiik. Time of Service. 
 
 John Nutter, Lieutenant, May 24, to July 3, 1814. 
 
 Ebenezer Plumnier 
 
 Corpor 
 
 al, 
 
 
 
 
 ti li 
 
 Ephraini Pltuniner, 
 
 Private, 
 
 
 
 
 
 (( u 
 
 John Roberts, 
 
 " 
 
 
 
 
 
 <c u 
 
 Thomas Roberts, 
 
 '( 
 
 
 
 
 
 H li 
 
 Israel Whitehouse, 
 
 a 
 
 
 
 
 
 (C i( 
 
 Capt. Vincent Meskrve's Company. 
 John Place, Corporal, May 25, to July 3, 1814. 
 
 Capt. John D. Hakty's Company. 
 
 Benjamin Hanson, 4th Corporal, Sept. 28, 1814, 60 days. 
 Phineas Hoit, Drummer, Sept. 29, 1814, " " 
 
 Samuel Spinny, Private, Oct. 4, 1814, " " 
 
 Capt. John Haven's Company. 
 
 Name. Rank. Time of Service. 
 
 John Haven, Captain, Sept. 12 to Sept. 29, 1814. 
 
 Samuel Jackson, Private, " " " " 
 
 Benjamin Roberts, " " " " " 
 
 Israel Whitehouse, " " " " " 
 
 William Pearl, " " " " " 
 
 George Varney, " " " " " 
 
 Joel Varney, " " " " " 
 
 These are all that can now be identiiied, though there were prob- 
 ably others, and some of these may have been only transient 
 inhabitants of this town. 
 
 The annexation of Texas, with a boundary not fully settled, led 
 to the Mexican War in 1846. There is nothing upon our records 
 to show that Rochester had any connection with this war. It 
 would be strange, however, if no native of this town was in service 
 at that time. But neither records, nor traditions, have been found 
 to indicate that Rochester was represented in the Mexican War. 
 The only evidence extant is an item from the "Dover Enquirer": — 
 "Died in Rochester, Dec. 1, 1848, after a hngering illness, Joshua 
 Locke, age 23, a soldier of the Mexican War." He was probably 
 a native of some other town, as his history cannot be traced here.
 
 150 ROCHESTER. 
 
 At tlie close of the last century, Rochester was a large town. 
 Of Xew Hampshire towns, Portsmouth alone exceeded it in popu- 
 lation, and an idea of its extent in territory may be formed by 
 referring to the charter. The line of Barrington, before Strafford 
 was severed from that town, formed our western boundary, while 
 on the east, the Salmon Falls river flowed along the whole length 
 of the town, a distance of more than twenty miles. Between 
 these limits, according to the charter, Rochester extended from 
 Dover so far north as to include ten miles square. At this time 
 the whole tract was a wilderness. Land was limitless and of little 
 value, and surveyors we^^-e not merely careless, but intentionally 
 liberal in their measurements. The first division lots, designed 
 to contain sixty acres each, are found to contain several acres in 
 excess. The territory was ample for three large towns. 
 
 The lower section of the town increased in population much 
 faster than the more remote parts. It was long apparent that a 
 division would be necessary, but the subject was agitated many 
 years witliout result. So large a territory was the occasion of 
 many inconveniences to the people. Some were doubtless political, 
 or such as related to the management of town affairs. But the 
 most influential consideration w^as in connection with public wor- 
 ship and taxation for the support of the ministry. The Puritans, 
 driven by persecution to seek freedom of worship in America, 
 impressed a religious character upon the governments which they 
 formed. Church membership was made a condition for the exer- 
 cise of political rights. Early charters show that the support of 
 the ministry was a prominent object in the organization of towns. 
 Town privileges consisted largely in voting for a minister, voting 
 and paying taxes for his support, and building and repairing the 
 meeting-house. Towns had a regular progress or growth based 
 upon the idea of supporting a gospel ministry. Wild land granted 
 by the Crown or the State was called a " township." When the 
 number and ability of the inhabitants became sufficient to build 
 a meeting-house and support a minister, they were incorporated 
 as a " town," with authority to assess taxes for these objects. As 
 towns increased in population, and it became difficult for the more 
 distant settlers to attend the same meeting, the "town" was divided 
 into "parishes," never very thoroughly organized, but which, by 
 sufficient growth, in their turn became "towns." Thus, Somers-
 
 DIVISION OF ROCHESTER. 151 
 
 worth was a parish of Dover before it became a town; Milton 
 was the " North P]ast," and Farmington the " South West " parish 
 of Rochester, before they were incorporated as towns ; while the 
 present town of Rochester was often called the " First Parish," 
 to distinguish it from the others. In this state of affairs a large 
 proportion of the inhabitants were annually taxed to support a 
 ministry the benefits of which they were unable to enjoy or un- 
 willing to pay for. This inconvenience was the beginning of a 
 desire for division, the progress of which can be easily traced till 
 separation was accomplished. The subject was earnestly discussed 
 as early as 1774, in connection with the attempt to build a new 
 meeting-house. As related in a preceding chapter, it was agreed 
 to divide the town into three parishes, one third of the whole 
 number of acres to constitute the first parish. A division line 
 was run, and the house was finally built by the first parish only. 
 No division, however, was observed in raising money for the sup- 
 port of the minister, but Mr. Haven was authorized by vote of 
 the town, to divide his preaching among the dift'erent parishes in 
 proportion to their taxes. In 1783 the upper parts of the town 
 petitioned to be set off by themselves but without success. In 
 1787 the accounts of the first parish were separated from those of 
 the town, and the minister's salary raised wholly in that parish, 
 the inhabitants of the other parishes being taxed in like propor- 
 tion, and their tax paid over to them to hire their own preaching, 
 but after one year the old method was resumed. 
 
 In 1788 a petition for disannexing two ranges of lots from the 
 southwest corner of the town and annexing them to Dover was 
 presented to the Legislature by Joseph Pierce and others. Roch- 
 ester sent an agent to the General Court to oppose the petitioners 
 and the plan was defeated. The town was petitioned to consent 
 to a division in 1790, and an efibrt was made to get a vote to 
 divide the town into three towns, but without success. The 
 dissatisfaction was now becoming mutual, and even the first [)arish 
 petitioned for some dift'erent method. Before 1794 it luid l)ecn 
 unanimously voted to divide the town into three towns, and a 
 committee had run out the lines. In 1794 a committee from out 
 of town was appointed to run the line between the supposed first 
 and second parishes. They reported the same line already fixed 
 by Jonathan Dame, which was accepted. In 1797 a petition from
 
 152 ROCHESTER. 
 
 the Soiitli West parish for a division was dismissed, but in the 
 following year, the consent of the town was voted, and on the 
 first of December, 1798, Farmington was incorporated as a town, 
 its poi.dation being about 1000. After the separation of Farm- 
 ington, there was Httle to bind the ^orth East parish to Roch- 
 ester. The town approved the petition presented to the Legisla- 
 ture, and on June 11, 1802, Milton was incorporated with a pop- 
 ulation less than 1000. Claims and property questions between 
 the old and new towns were settled by committees appointed for 
 the purpose. 
 
 It seems proper at this point that some facts should be given 
 relating to the settlement and history of Farmington and Milton 
 previous to their separation from Rochester. These new towns 
 could easily throw off the burden of taxation for the ministry. 
 Puritanism had largely lost its power. The old church system, 
 which had been the foundation of all things political as well as 
 religious, had lost its hold. The war of the Revolution had given 
 its remains a severe shock. Patriots who had fought against 
 English taxation found religious taxation irksome. Meeting-houses 
 were indeed built in these towns, soon after their incorporation, 
 but meeting-houses, in those days, were town halls. According 
 to ancient custom the house at Farmington was erected on a high 
 hill near the center of the town, about two miles below the 
 present village. After remaining unfinished about fifty years it 
 was moved to Rochester, and is now the currying shop of E. G. 
 & E. "Wallace. As early as 1797 meetings were held in barns at 
 Farmington, b}- Benjamin Green, then preceptor of Berwick 
 Academy, afterwards a lawyer and judge. He is said to have 
 been a man of witching eloquence, whom the people from great 
 distances flocked to hear. No church was formed till 1819, when 
 James AValker from Concord preached alternately at Farmington 
 and Milton. In 1834 a meeting-house was built a short distance 
 below Farmington village, by several denominations unitedly, but 
 no regular preaching was sustained till 1840, and then only by aid 
 of the iST. H. Missionary Society, so great was the declension 
 from the puritanism of the fathers. By the division of the town 
 many individuals, whose names had long been associated with the 
 history of Rochester as honored citizens, fell within the limits of 
 the new towns, among whom may be named Dea. James Knowles,
 
 FAHM]N(iTON. 153 
 
 Hon. Aaron "Wingate, and Jonas C. March, skotdics of whom 
 are elsewhere given. 
 
 The vina2:e of " Farmino;ton Dock" is situated on wliat was 
 formerly known as the " Old John Ilani Farm." The lirst hoiLse 
 was a log house occupied by one Berry, on the lot where the 
 Eastman house now stands. The first frame house was erected 
 nearly opposite, where H. B. Edgerly now lives. John Roberts, 
 who was born on Dover Xeck, May 19, 1752, had this house so 
 nearly completed that he moved into it, at the time of his mar- 
 riage in 1782. Here he reared a numerous family, and his de- 
 scendants are among well-known citizens of Rochester. He died 
 July, 1837. The second frame house was built by Jonas C. March 
 upon the Eastman lot, sometime before 1792. jS'ehemiah Eastmart 
 afterwards owned the house and sold it about 1812 to Josiah 
 Edgerly who moved it away, and it is now .Josiah B. Edgerly's 
 house. Mr. March built a store near his house, and was succeeded 
 in trade by Hiram Ward, — Ward, Roberts & Co., Read & Fabins,. 
 John AV. Gookin, Jeremy Wingate, and others. This store Avas 
 burned a few years ago. The "Dock" is indebted to Mr. March for 
 its peculiar sobriquet. He dealt extensively in lumber, and at Ports- 
 mouth, where he had previously resided, the word ^^ dock" was a 
 familiar appellation given to yards near the water where lumber 
 was deposited. On the confines of the swamp back of his store, 
 Mr. March had such a lumber yard which the teamsters and traders- 
 called " March's Dock." From this the name was naturally trans- 
 ferred to the village. The word first occurs in the town records- 
 in 1792. After the March house and store, others were erected 
 in nearly the following order. Benjamin Jones built a " half 
 house " which was afterwards the rear part of Barker's store, called 
 the " Old Smith Store," on the spot now occupied by the Congre- 
 gational Church. The next was Eleazar Pearl's house, where 
 the Peter Pearl house now stands opposite the Ridge road. 
 A blacksmith's shop was then built by Benjamin Jones, on the 
 corner of the Ridge road. This was afterwards Lemuel Rand's 
 dwelling house, and at one time Dr. Libby's store. Dr. Libby 
 was probably the first ph^'sician in Farmington. He located there 
 about 1800, entered the army in 1812, and left Farmington in 
 1816. Lemuel Rand built a house called the red house, on the 
 Ridge road, where !M. L. Hayes afterwards built. About 1800, 
 n
 
 154 ROCHESTER. 
 
 John Wingate, Esq., built a house, and a blacksmith's shop where 
 he carried on his trade. The shop stood on the corner of the 
 street, and the house, now the liiram Barker mansion, was on a 
 part of John Ham's field back of the Eoberts lot. This was long 
 noted as " Wingate's Tavern," where " Squire Wingate dealt out 
 justice" and supplies for the hungry and thirst}'. He was a 
 stanch Federalist, and a great admirer of Gen. Washington. A 
 branch of the Washington Benevolent Society held its meetings 
 here in a room which he had fitted up for the purpose. During 
 the War of 1812-15 party spirit ran high and Federalism was 
 very unjiopular in Eochester. At one time a company of Dem- 
 ocrats having imbibed rather freely, found this room, and seeing 
 the cabalistic letters W. B. S. on the chairs concluded they be- 
 longed to some accursed Federalist society. In their rage they 
 were proceeding to demolish the chairs and hurl them through 
 the windows, when the " Squire " suddenly appeared on the scene, 
 and] persuaded them to desist by telling them they all could see 
 that W. B. S. stood for Wingate's Best Seats. In front of the 
 tavern was an open square long known as "Wingate's lane." It 
 has since been narrowed, one part now forming the street which 
 extends to the river. Benjamin Canney soon after built on the 
 new street nearly opposite Wingate's. Capt. Josiah Edgerly built 
 a cabinet shop where J. B. Edgerly's oflice is. This shop is now 
 a dwelling back of the store which Eleazar Pearl built near his 
 house in 1807-8, and where Gilbert Horney traded about 1815-20. 
 Dr. Hammond's house built by a Mr. Home, on the Eidge road, 
 and subsequently owned by the widow of Levi Hayes, was more 
 recently used as a boarding-house known as Central Cottage, and 
 is now converted into a hotel. 
 
 Milton. 
 
 We have less complete information in regard to the first set- 
 tlements in Milton. At an earl}- date the Plumer and Jones 
 families, and others of considerable influence, settled upon the 
 Eidge, and the intelligence and character of these men, with the 
 valuable farms they possessed, made this at all times an important 
 section of the town. Immediately after the separation from Eoch- 
 ester, measures were adopted for building a meeting-house, which 
 was located on the Eidg^e, and is now used for a town hall. The
 
 MILTON. 155 
 
 valualile mill privilege at the Three Ponds naturally made this 
 the trading center, and a, considerable village gradually sprang 
 u}», its growth being accelerated, at periods, by the prospect of 
 large manufacturing establishments. Among the earliest traders 
 were Joshua Hartford, John Fish, and a Mr. Tlovey. In 1810 
 Simon Chase, who had been a clerk with Joseph Hanson in 
 Rochester, commenced business there, being the only trader at 
 that time. There was a fulling mill operated by John Fish, and 
 the houses of Hartford, Gerrish, Fish, Palmer, and perhaps one 
 or two others. Samuel Palmer and John Fish engaged in several 
 diving-bell adventures, endeavoring to raise the cargoes of sunken 
 vessels, one at Portsmouth, and one upon a western lake, but 
 were unsuccessful in both. Various kinds of manufacturing have 
 been established at Three Ponds, at different times, among which 
 were several cotton mills. At one time the manufacture of shoes 
 was quite extensive. But, notwithstanding the fine water privi- 
 leges and railroad conveniences, these attempts have until recently 
 met w^ith poor success. Since 1883 business has become more 
 prosperous. A shoe shop and a leather board factory have been 
 built, and are conductins: an extensive and flourishing business.
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 EDUCATIONAL AND LITERARY. 
 
 " Education alone can conduct us to that enjoyment which is at once best in 
 quality and infinite in quantity," — Horace Mann. 
 
 " Education is the only interest worthy the deep controlling anxiety of the 
 thoughtful man." — Wendell Phillips. 
 
 Very early in the history of the Province of I^ew Hampshire 
 a law was enacted requiring public schools to he opened in all 
 settlements of sufficient population. The preamble of this law is 
 in the characteristic style of Puritan theology which was always 
 quick to perceive the agency of the Devil, through all his disguises 
 of hypocrisy and ignorance : — 
 
 "It being one chief point of that old deluder, Satan, to keep men from the 
 knowledge of the Scriptures, — as in former times by keeping them in an un- 
 known tongue, so in these latter times, by persuading from the use of tongues, 
 that so at least the true sense and meaning of the original might be clouded 
 by false glosses of saint-seeming deceivers;* — that learning may not be buried 
 in the grave of our fathers, in the church and commonwealth, the Lord assisting 
 our endeavors, — 
 
 " It is ordered, that every township in this jurisdiction, after the Lord hath 
 increased them to the number of fifty householders, shall then forthwith appoint 
 one within their town to teach all children as shall resort to him to write and 
 read." 
 
 Xotwitlistanding this law there was, as now, a class of persons 
 who did not realize the great importance of public instruction, 
 and felt it too great a burden to maintain the schools required. 
 Consequently the law was not thoroughly enforced. It was ob- 
 served or neglected according as the leading men of a town 
 appreciated the advantages' of education. 
 
 Though numbering many more than fifty families, the settlers 
 of Kocliester, amid the hardships and sufl:erings of an Indian war, 
 
 •The modern opposers of "dead lanf^uages " would do well to study these words and see 
 under whose leadership they would have been classed by our fathers. — [Editor.]
 
 EDUCATIONAL AND LITERARY. 1 ')' 
 
 did not even ao;itate the question of scIkxjIs. ]5ut in the interval 
 of peace in 1750, the subject was brought directly before them 
 for decision. They voted to have a scliool, and app()inte<l "rimothy 
 Roberts and Isaac Lil)bey to hire a seliool-niaster, Xo regard was 
 l)aid to this vote, and in 1751 they openly detied the law by voting 
 not to have a schooh There was evidently, however, a determi- 
 nation on the part of some of the citizens that the statute should 
 not be disregarded. They caused a special meeting to be called 
 to see if the town would vote to hire a school-master three or 
 four months. Again voting that they would not have a school 
 the meeting dissolved. In less than three months another meeting 
 was called to choose agents to defend the town which " lies under 
 a presentment for want of a school being kept, and to be heard 
 and tried at the next court of quarter sessions." If ever the 
 excuses of poverty and grievous taxation were true and weighty 
 in justification of such neglect, they were in this case; yet the 
 law was inexorable and they were compelled to pay the fine. 
 The courts had a deep sense of the importance of this subject, 
 for grand juries were particularly/ charged to present all violations 
 of school laws. 'No town can justly plead that it is unable to 
 support schools : the richest community cannot aftbrd to do without 
 them, — much less those that are poorer and stand more in need 
 of the elevating and enriching influences of education, for they 
 are a source of intelligence, enterprise, and happiness. 
 
 The next year after the indictment there was a school of six- 
 teen weeks. The master's name was John Forst, now written 
 Foss. He was paid in all fifteen pounds, or — allowing for the 
 depreciation of the currency — less than ten dollars in silver. He 
 "boarded round," four families taking him each a month, for 
 which thej^ were paid by the town at a rate equal in silver to 
 thirty cents a week. For a few years after this the town con- 
 tinued to maintain a school, and then relapsed. Several persons 
 threatened them with prosecution, in consequence of which a 
 special meeting was called in 1755. They were determined not 
 to sustain the school; they had avoided it thus far whenever 
 they could, and now they stubbornly voted that there should be 
 no school-master hired, but that they would pay the fine if recovered 
 by ])resentme.nt. The next year, however, they repented and hired 
 a master. This irregularity continued for some time, until the
 
 158 ROCHESTER. 
 
 town was in more prosperous circumstances, or had learned that 
 it was impossible to evade the law with impunity. 
 
 lu revicAving these facts, there may be danger of being unchar- 
 itable towards the men of that day. They probably felt they had 
 all the burdens they could bear, and we should not criticise them 
 ungenerously. Yet, who can but admire the perseverance and 
 zeal of those who kept this subject continually before the people 
 until schools were permanently established, and who, though 
 aware of the extreme poverty of the town, realized that this was 
 no adequate excuse for failing to provide suitable means for the 
 mental and moral instruction of the young? Such are the men 
 in all times, who are often an unpopular minority, but who com- 
 prehend the true interests of their own and future generations. 
 
 In 1767 the town was divided " into six equal parts as nearly 
 as could be," and each part had the liberty to hire a school- 
 master two months. These were not school districts as afterwards 
 established by law, but simple divisions for convenience. One 
 of the six was on the J^eck, one at Gonic, one at Chestnut Hills, 
 and one on Salmon Falls road. 
 
 In 1774 a Grammar School was kept three months, after which 
 the town voted not to continue it any longer. At that time the 
 Granmiar School was at the head of the public school system, as 
 the High School is now. Every town of one hundred householders 
 was required by law to maintain such a school. The master was 
 to be " a man not vitious in conversation, and able to instruct 
 youth so far that they might be fitted for the university." Dur- 
 ing the Revolution, except one year, no money was raised for 
 schools. At the annual town meeting in 1775 the usual sum had 
 been voted, but after the battles of Lexington and Bunker Hill as 
 " the prospect looked dark and gloom}- with regard to the drout, 
 famine and the wars," the Selectmen were instructed not to assess 
 the tax. Before the war closed an attempt was made to get a vote 
 to dispose of the first division school lot for support of the schools, 
 but it failed. After the war, a Grammar School was not estab- 
 lished till 1783, when the town was presented for not having one, 
 and to avoid paying a large fine it was voted to hire a master. 
 The next year, though money was raised, the Selectmen neg- 
 lected or refused to use it for that purpose, and one article 
 in the notification for the next meeting was, to see if the town
 
 EDUCATIONAL AND LITERARY. lo9 
 
 would oblige the Seleetmeii to expend the school money for school 
 purposes, or pay the cost of presentment for their neglect. After 
 this schools were regularly maintained. 
 
 The schools of those early days have often been described. 
 'W^'liittier has given the key to the situation in the couplet, — 
 
 " Brisk wielder of the biicli and rule, 
 The master of the District school." 
 
 The teacher's chief business in those days seems to have been 
 the wielding of the birch and rule. One of the early school- 
 masters who tlogged our fathers in this village was a Mr. Tanner, 
 who the boys thouglit was rightlj' named. He had lost an arm 
 in the war, but could administer the birch with the remaining 
 arm, vigorously enough to satisfy even the parents, who had 
 never thought of discussing the question whether corporal ]iun- 
 ishment in school is or is not beneficial. He was very cruel, 
 though his school numbered only twelve or fifteen pupils. After 
 him came Master Orne, who taught in different districts for a 
 long time. He flogged singly, and by classes, and by the whole 
 school ; just as officers review their soldiers, by squads, by com- 
 panies, by regiments, and by battalions. The boys rebelled, but 
 the parents sustained the master, for they knew no other way to 
 have a good school. They went to just such a school when they 
 were bo3's and girls, and why should not their children ? So the 
 old dyspeptic flogged on. 
 
 In the "Autobiography of a Landlady of the Old School," 
 published bv Mrs. Samuel Wvatt in 1854, we find the followinic 
 account of " Teaching School at Meaderborough."' The time 
 referred to must have been before 1800 : — 
 
 " Before I was thirteen I had an invitation to teach a school in IMeader- 
 borough in the upper part of Kochester, N. 11. I commenced the school under 
 favorable auspices with eighteen or twenty scholars, young men and women, 
 
 and three babies Schools then were not as now filled up with all 
 
 branches necessarj' to make a finished education in these modern times. The 
 only branches taught were reading, spelling, and wiiting. But little was thought 
 in those days of the education of daughters. To read and write, with a smat- 
 tering of geography and arithmetic were considered the ne plus ultra of female 
 education. The minds of girls were then considered to be inadequate to struggle 
 with the higher branches of education which they now master so readily. The 
 only books then used in school were Webster's Spelling Book, the Testament, 
 
 and the Third Part for the upper class Special attention was given 
 
 to the manners of the pupils. They were taught how to enter and leave the 
 school-room. They were not allowed to run in and out, like a Hock of sheep
 
 160 ROCHESTER. 
 
 passing over a gap of wall. The low of the little boy was something more than 
 a nod over the shoulder by just turning the neck askew and bending it to one 
 side. The courtesy of the little girl was attempted till it could be gracefully 
 performed. The manner even of walking to and from their seats was uot for- 
 gotten to be taught. By strict attention to these little matters, the young 
 * school-marm ' soon gained au enviable pre-eminence. Her school was famous 
 throughout the whole region. A school-mispress in those days was a wonder, 
 and especially one so young. I closed tliis my first school with more than the 
 approbation of all concerned." 
 
 As seen by the charter one whole share of the town was set 
 apart for a Grammar SchooL The history of these school lands 
 cannot now be traced. In the "first division" the school lot 
 was ]S'o. 39, the location of which can be seen on the map. 
 
 " March 12, 1749. Voted that the Selectmen of this town Let out the School 
 Lot to those that will Give the most for it for the present year. And the Rent 
 to be Convarted to the towns Youce." 
 
 There is no evidence however that any rent was ever received. 
 A certain degree of lawlessness in regard to public property 
 prevailed then as well as now, and these school lands like the 
 parsonage lands were subject to frequent trespass. The town 
 records for 1785 and for ten years after show legal proceedings 
 against trespassers. In 1791 it was voted to sell the fourth 
 division school lot " in the best manner for the interest of the 
 town." This vote was not executed, for in 1796 it was voted to 
 sell the same lot " to build Court houses." No account of the 
 sale has been found. Xeither records nor tradition give us any 
 further clue to the disposal of these lands. Certainl}' no fund 
 from their sale has been available for school purposes within the 
 memory of the oldest citizens. 
 
 In 179o a committee of eight was appointed to divide the town 
 into school districts, to fix the center of each, and to appoint 
 a committee in each district to build a school-house. The 
 number of districts is not on record. In 1805 the State passed 
 a law empowering towns to establish school districts. This was 
 really the Ijcginning of the district system which prevailed in J^ew 
 Hampshire for almost exactly eighty years. The Selectmen of 
 1806 were directed to divide the town into eighteen school districts, 
 which remained with only slight changes till 1853, when another 
 district was added, and still another in 1855. Excepting the year 
 1882, these twenty districts remained nearly the same till abolished 
 bv law in 1884.
 
 EDUCATIONAL AND LITERAKY. 
 
 KU 
 
 The first Superintending- Scliool Coniniittee was iipiiointed 18<)!>, 
 and consisted of the Kev. Joseph Haven, John ]*. Hale, L)r. 
 Samuel Pray, Jacob McDuftee, James Tebbets, and Moses Rob- 
 erts, Jr. In 1810-11 tlie office was held by the liev. Joseph 
 Haven, Dr. Samuel Tray, and Jeremiah H. Woodman, Esq. No 
 more were appointed till required by law in 1828. 
 
 So far as can now be ascertained the followino- is the list of 
 persons who have served the town as Superintending Scliool 
 Committee : * — 
 
 Joseph Haven, 1809 to '11. 
 
 John P. Hale, 1809. 
 
 Samuel Pray, 1809 to '11. 
 
 Jacob McDuffee, 1809. 
 
 James Tebbets, 1809. 
 
 Jeremiah H. Woodman, 1810, '11. 
 
 John McDuffee, Jr., 1828, '38. 
 
 Jonathan Dame, 1828. 
 
 Winthrop A. Marston, 1828. 
 
 Joseph H. Smith, 1829, '30. 
 
 Thomas Stackpole, 1829. 
 
 Louis IMcDuifee, 1829, '33. 
 
 Isaac Willey, 1833. 
 
 Cyrus Jenness, 1833, '34. 
 
 John H. Smith, 1834. 
 
 John Meader, 1834. 
 
 John M. Berry, 1838, '39. 
 
 Richard Kimball, 1838. 
 
 A. H. Worthing, 1839. 
 
 Francis V. Pike, 1839, '41. 
 
 Noah Tebbets, 1841. 
 
 llufus K, Pearl, 1841. 
 
 O. C. Baker, 1845. 
 
 John Pray, 1845. 
 
 J. C. Garland, 1845. 
 
 J. E. Farwell, 1851. 
 
 J. M. Hackett, 1851. 
 
 Joel Bean, 1851. 
 
 D. J. Parsons, 1853, '54, 'Gl, '08 to '71. 
 
 George Spaulding, 1853. 
 
 H. H. Hartwell, 1853. 
 
 W. A. Kimball, 1854. '56, '04. 
 
 Tobias Foss, 1854, '55. 
 
 J. C. Seagraves, 1855. 
 
 Xathaniel Hayes, 1855, '57, '58. 
 
 Zebadiah Sargent, 185G. 
 
 Jesse ]\Ieader, 1856. 
 
 John W. Pray, 1857, '58. 
 
 David Hayes, 1857, '58. 
 
 James M. Palmer, 1859 to '02. 
 
 Harvey Brewer, 1859. 
 
 Daniel W. Hayes, 1859. 
 
 J. H. Edgerly, 1860, '61. 
 
 Wm. Hewes, 1800. 
 
 Charles S. Whitehouse, 1861, '71, '72. 
 
 Thomas Bartlett, 1861. 
 
 Hiram N. Sanborn, 1862. 
 
 Wm. T. Smith, 1863, '64. 
 
 Calvin Ilolman, 1864. 
 
 Joseph H. Worcester, 1865, '72. 
 
 George J. Abbot, 1866. 
 
 Isaac Hyatt, 1867. 
 
 A. F. Marsh, 1868, '69. 
 
 A. Lovejoy, 1870, '71. 
 
 Henry Kimball, 1873 to '76, '78 to '81, 
 
 '83 to '85. 
 Daniel J. Smith, 1872, '73. 
 Charles Blazo, 1873, '74. 
 George S. Lindsey, 1874, '75. 
 Ezra Pray, 1875 to '77. 
 A. P. Tracy, 1876. 
 J. H. Wardvvell, 1877. 
 Ezekiel True, 1878 to '80. 
 Arthur L. Morey, 1879. 
 Wallace W. BrJwne, 1880 to '82. 
 Sidney B. Hayes, 1881 to '87. 
 Emma J. Wentworth, 1882. 
 Wm. Rand, 1882. 
 Sarah C. Home, 1882. 
 Frank E. Whitney, 1882. 
 Willard S. Packard, 1883 to '84. 
 Stephen C. Meader, 1885 to '86. 
 Wm. N. Hastings, 188(5. 
 Edward H. IMeader, 1886. 
 Dudley B. Waldron. 1886, '87. 
 Louis Richardson, 1886 to '88. 
 
 This list includes many of the leading men of the town, tliose 
 
 *In this and similar lists the year named is understood to begin from March meeting.
 
 l(\-2 ROCHESTER. 
 
 who have made its history, — ministers, lawyers, physicians, and 
 men of business. A careful compilation of all their suggestions 
 for the last sixty years would doubtless furnish an elaborate system 
 of pedagogy. In the reports which have been preserved there is 
 frequent evidence of sound judgment, an insight, and a foresight 
 which the town might have heeded to the great improvement of 
 its schools. The lirst written school report ever presented to 
 the town was at the annual meeting in 1829. It is from the pen 
 of John McDuffee, Jr., whose colleagues were Jona. Dame and 
 Winthrop A. Marston, then a law student in David Barker's office. 
 The report specities the condition of each of the eighteen schools, 
 and complains of the lack of suitable text books. " Morse's Geog- 
 raphy, old edition," is named as one that " should not be used," 
 and the following are recommended : — " The Sequel to the Ana- 
 lytical Reader, Analytical Reader, and Marshall's Spelling book, 
 — also Putnam's Murray's Grammar, Colburn's Intellectual Arith- 
 metick, Adams' Arithmetick, and Woodbridge's Geography and 
 Atlas." They report 616 pupils in attendance, 13 between the 
 ages of 4 and 14 not attending, and none between 14 and 21 
 who cannot read and write. The practice of printing the annual 
 school reports is of only recent date, so that but few of them 
 are now extant. In those which we have, the following points 
 are worthy of notice. One of the most frequent suggestions is 
 the need of new and better school-houses. This is declared to 
 be " a great and pressing need." " The want of suitable school- 
 rooms is a great hinderance to good schools," says one committee. 
 Another declares they " lay like blotches on the landscape, uncouth 
 and hideous without and within." A few years later it is said 
 that they were " poorly built at first, now of venerable age and 
 in various stages of dilapidation." Perhaps no one thing shows 
 more clearly the good judgment of the men selected for this 
 office than the frequency with which they recommend the con- 
 solidation of districts. This advice has been reiterated many times, 
 beginning with the modest suggestion of uniting some small 
 districts, and advancing to the only true position of their entire 
 abolition. When this plan was adopted in 1882 the committee 
 commended it as successful. But the town disregarded their 
 advice and went Ijack to districts. After the abolition of districts 
 by the state law, the committee speak of the evils of the old
 
 EDUCATIONAL AND LITEKAllV. IG-'i 
 
 system under prudential coniniittoes and evideiitlv toiu-h tlic ^;ist 
 of the whole matter when they say that '' ' civil scrvicL' rcfoi-m ' 
 is needed in the selection of teachers." This cduld wrwi Ix- 
 accomplished under the old system. Very sensibly tlie connuittee 
 say " The advantages to be derived from this new law make it 
 possible for our schools to enter upon a new era of prosperity." 
 As in all the country towns of New Hampshire the schools ha<l 
 been rapidly diminishing in size. In many districts through tiie 
 State where once were large schools of from fifty to ninety pupils, 
 there had come to be less than a dozen. In some districts there 
 were absolutely no pupils at all. Here in Kochester the diminu- 
 tion was not so great as in some smaller towns, but in 18G9, one 
 school had but seven and another only nine pupils. In 1878 
 twelve schools had less than twenty each, of which six had between 
 ten and twelve each, and four had less than ten each. In 1880 
 one district reported a school of only tico pupils with an average 
 attendance of 07ie. In 1884 there Avere eight schools in Rochester 
 numbering less than ten each. Surely the time hatl fully come 
 for a change of system. 
 
 Prior to about the beginning of the present century the amount 
 of money appropriated to school purposes was left to the discre- 
 tion of the Selectmen. The " literary fund'' set apart for schools 
 by state law is first mentioned in 1829. Rochester raised no 
 more than what the law required till 1848, when $300 was voted 
 for schools. In 1849-50 this was increased to $400, and from 
 1851 to 1881, $500 was the annual appropriation. In 1882, when 
 the town was merged into one district, $6,000 was raised for 
 schools, and $1,000 annually since that time. The school money 
 was always divided equally among the districts, the village re- 
 ceiving no more than any other. 
 
 At Gonic the earliest school of which there is any remembrance 
 was kept in the old Henderson house, a little below the village. 
 Not long before 1800 the first school-house was built by Micajah 
 Hussey, between ^lain street and the Barrington road. The fioors 
 were raised on three sides two or three feet for high seats and 
 " writing boards." Wood was [>lenty and there was a huge fire- 
 place " giving the large boys a chance to toast their shins, and 
 the smaller ones a chance to get theirs switched, if they moved 
 their feet to warm their toes or to get an easier position." In
 
 164 ROCHESTER. 
 
 1800 this school was kept by Martha Evans of Dover, afterwards 
 Mrs. Benjamin Hayes and mother of Stephen E. and James D. 
 Haves. In 1802 the teacher was " Master Main." Among the 
 larger pupils at that time were Tristram Tucker, Jacob Heard, 
 John and Daniel McXeal, Israel and John Henderson, most of 
 whom read in the Psalter or the Bible. Isaac Place, Hannah 
 Hussey, Sarah Ham, and Sally Chesley were the best readers, and 
 had the American Preceptor or Webster's Third Part, books then 
 just coming into use. From this time to 1813 the teachers in 
 this school were Amos Main, Dr. Jacob Main, Daniel Dame, 
 Pierce P. Furber, Levi Hayes, Robert Gray, " Old Junkins," and 
 a Mr. Merrill. This first school-house was in use as late as 1816, 
 and perhaps later, and is still standing as a dwelling on the same 
 spot, with little external change except paint. The next school- 
 house was of brick, on the opposite side of the street, and a little 
 above the first. The third and present school-house was built on 
 the same spot in 1858, and dedicated in December of that year. 
 The services on the occasion were prayer by the Rev. Mr. Brewer, 
 singing by the Grlee Club, report of the Building Committee, 
 Charles S. Whitehouse, an address by Dr. J. T. W. Pray of Dover, 
 School Commissioner for the County. An Ode written for the 
 occasion by the Rev. T. J. Greenwood, was then sung. X. V. 
 Whitehouse then made a speech in which he said this was the 
 third school-house in that district since his remembrance. There 
 were only two of his early school-mates present, — his wife and 
 Deacon Ham. Contrasting the past with the present, he said he 
 remembered when there were only six weeks schooling in the 
 winter. The writing-desks were coarse benches ranged on the 
 sides of the room. A huge fireplace filled with wood scorched 
 those on the front seats, while cracks in the floor and badly fitted 
 windows chilled those on the back seats. Other speeches were 
 made by Dr. Stackpole of Dover, C. K. Sanborn, Esq., AV. A. 
 Kimball, G. F. Hobbs, and the Revs. J. M. Palmer, Dearborn, 
 and Brewer. In 1886 this district was annexed to district So. 8. 
 What is now known as East Rochester was formerly a part 
 of District Xo. 9, and the children had to so a mile awav to 
 school at "Adams Corner." In March, 1853, on petition of the 
 inhabitants, the Selectmen set oft' the village, then known as 
 Garland's Mills, as District So. 19. A school-house costino- about
 
 EDUCATIONAL AND LITERARY, 10.> 
 
 $500 was built ia August following on the south corner "i 
 is now the yard of the Free- Will Baptist Church. There 
 15i^ weeks of school that year, taught by Harriet Corson. In 
 1868 the house was enlarged and a second story added at a cost 
 of about 61,700 including furnishing. In 1879 about two acres on 
 Cocheco Avenue was bought for §1,100, and in the summer of 
 1880 a school-house containing three rooms well furnished and 
 heated by steam, was built thereon at a cost of about S6,000. 
 About 115 pupils are enrolled in primary, intermediate, and 
 grammar grades. In 1886 this, together with '* Adams Corner '' 
 and one other district, was annexed to the High School district 
 Xo. 8. 
 
 Jforway Plains early became one of the most important school 
 districts. Among the papers of the late Hatevil Knight is found 
 the following record : — 
 
 •• At a meeting of the School District at Xorway Plains on the 31*= dav of 
 March A. D. 1796 held at the dwelling house of Peter Gushing — for the pur- 
 pose of compleating the School House now raised and boarded on said Norway 
 Plains — 
 
 Toted, That the said School House shall be Compleated in a good workman- 
 like manner, after the model of the Dover School House near the Quaker 
 Meeting House and as near like it as may be excepting the chimney which is 
 to be made of good Brick — the painting also to be excepted. 
 
 Voted That said School be Compleated by the setting of the Court of Com- 
 mon Pleas in said Rochester in June next." 
 
 The job was " set up at Vendue to the lowest Bidder,'" and 
 was taken by Peter Cushiug for one hundred and six dollars. 
 Hatevil Ejiigbt was his bondsman in the sum of $100 that it 
 should be finished at the time appointed. This school-house was 
 very small and stood on the same lot with the court house. 
 It evidently failed to accommodate the increasing numbers, for it 
 is remembered that Edward C. Piper kept the school for some 
 years in the court house. The boys would sometimes hide in 
 the sheriff's box, and some by this means escaped reciting for 
 a week together. In 1815 a new school-house was built where 
 the Main-street house now stands. It was a wooden building 
 with two rooms, and was occupied while yet unfinished, the 
 teacher using the carpenter's workbench for a desk. Jared Sparks, 
 afterwards president of Harvard University, taught here at that 
 time. He used to ferule the boys' feet, and set them between
 
 166 ROCHESTER. 
 
 the ^irls for punishment. Boys were about the same then as 
 now, as it is remembered how they were in the habit of stoning 
 the school-house vane, which was in the form of a huge goose- 
 quilh This school-house is now the blacksmith's shop on "Went- 
 worth street. In 1829 two schools were kept in this house, one 
 by Dr. ^I. 11. Warren, the other by Sally Pray. His wages was 
 §15 a month and board. JS'ot long after this a brick school-house 
 having three rooms was built on this spot in the form of a cross, 
 and continued in use till 1856. In the summer of 1844 three 
 schools were kept here, one by Moses T. Gate at $28 per month, 
 one by Caroline Knight at §16 per month, and the other by 
 Eliza A. Pray at §14 per month. These schools kept increas- 
 ing as the village grew till there was urgent need of more room. 
 Formerly the law did not permit school money to be used for 
 instruction in any but the common branches of study. In 1848 
 what was called " the Somersworth act " was passed enabling 
 districts which should adopt it to have higher branches taught, 
 grading their schools, and appointing a Superintending Committee 
 separate from the town. This act was adopted here in 1849,, 
 and in April, 1850, thirteen hundred dollars was raised for a 
 new school-house, containing two rooms, on Wakefield street, and 
 E. J. Mathes, John ]McDuflee, and John Legro were appointed 
 building committee. Their work was accomplished so that the 
 house was occupied in the fall of 1851. At this time there 
 435 children in the district, and they were very soon again 
 straitened for room, and the school-house question was contin- 
 ually agitated. Some thought two more houses were needed, 
 some wanted to build one in the cheapest manner, and some 
 wanted only*" to repair the old brick school-house." For nearly 
 five years meeting after meeting was held to discuss this ques- 
 tion. Important votes would be passed only to be reconsidered 
 and rescinded, either at the same meeting, or one immediately 
 called for that purpose. Thus nothing was accomplished till 
 April, 1856, when it was voted to raise §4,000 to build a new 
 school-house " where the brick School-house now stands." This 
 meeting proved illegal, and another was called for May 15, when 
 the same votes were renewed, and J. D. Sturtevant, J. McDuffee, 
 J. Legro, J. 11. Edgerly, and C. Iv. Sanborn, were chosen building 
 committee. This house is the one now standino; on Main street.
 
 EDUCATIONAL AND LITEllAUY. ]lj7 
 
 The same year another scliool-liouse was built on Elm stre'ct. 
 This now stands on School street, to which place it was moved 
 in 187G, at a cost of ^650 with rei)airs. After a year's struggle 
 on the part of those who wished to huild " a brick house two 
 stories high . . . and a wooden house above the bridge," it was 
 voted in April, 1875, " that a new school-house be built above 
 the bridge . . . and that the old house be moved to Portland 
 street," and $6,300 was raised for these purposes. The new 
 house, located on Maple street, was of two stories, with 112 seats. 
 The building committee consisted of C. W. Bradley, J. D. Evans, 
 and J. L. Duntley. In 1878 ll^athaniel Burnham, John D. 
 Parshley, and Geo. C. Pinkham were chosen committee to build 
 a school-house on Pound street. This house is two stories high, 
 with 104 scats, and cost $2,558.61. The next year $300 was voted 
 for high school apparatus, and $300 to furnish a recitation room 
 for use of the high school. The school-house question was again 
 agitated, but nothing resulted till 1883 when it was voted 
 
 " that we build a School house of brick near the central portion of the dis- 
 trict, of sufficient size to accommodate at least the present High and Grammar 
 School scholars and such increase to their numbers as may reasonably be ex- 
 pected for several years to come, with suitable laboratory, etc., etc., at a cost 
 not to exceed twenty-five thousand dollars." 
 
 The building committee consisted of Chas B. Gafney, Geo. F. 
 Richardson, and Wm. G. Rankin. The house was located on 
 " the Hale lot so called " w^hich contained over five acres, and 
 cost $2,000. Five hundred dollars was afterwards voted for im- 
 provements on the lot. " The building will accommodate 344 
 scholars, single desks," besides two recitation rooms. " All modern 
 conveniences have been introduced," and the committee believe 
 it is " the best school-house in ISTew Hampshire built at its cost." 
 The total expenditure including purchase of the lot was $25,540. 
 This house was first occupied in the fall term of 1884 by 285 
 pupils. 
 
 In 1850 the Legislature enlarged the powers of districts adoi)ting 
 " the Somersworth act," so that if they had a hundred pupils 
 within their limits, they could raise money to support a High 
 School. At the next annual meeting of this district an efibrt was 
 made to do so. This failing, a special meeting was called in 
 April, when the proposition was again rejected. These ettbrts
 
 168 ROCHESTEE. 
 
 were renewed from time to time without success till 1868, since 
 which time the following sums have been raised for the High 
 School : — 1868, $500; 1869, $1000; 1870, none, as the last year's 
 money had not been expended; 1871, $1200; 1872, $1000; 1873, 
 $1500 ; 1874 to 1876, $2000 ; 1877-78, 12500 ; 1879, $2000 ; 1880, 
 $2500; 1881-82, $3500; 1883 to 1885, $5000; 1886, $6500. 
 
 The only advantage which the district derived for many years 
 from the adoption of " the Somersworth act " was the opportunity 
 atforded a few bright and persevering pupils to pursue studies 
 above the common branches, without resorting to private schools. 
 The first school which was called a High School was in the 
 brick school house in 1857. It was taught by Wm. A. Kimball 
 at $40 per month. The year's schooling was only 22 weeks, and 
 there were less than 70 pupils, very few of whom studied any- 
 thing above the common branches. Though there was nominally 
 a High School from this time, it diiiered from a district school 
 only in aftbrding opportunity' for individual pupils to pursue higher 
 studies. As late as 1869 there were only ten who desired these 
 branches. In 1873 a new departure was made by grading all the 
 schools and establishing a regular four years' course of study for 
 the High School. Another year of Grammar School work was. 
 for several years assigned to the High School. There were fifty 
 two pupils this year, and two teachers. From this time the 
 schools of lower grade in this district rapidly improved and have 
 been doing excellent work. The High School, however, did not 
 flourish. Pupils dropped out all along the course till none were 
 left to graduate. The conmiittee grew discouraged, and in 1877 
 not only reduced the English course to three years, but allowed 
 all who had studied any course for three years in the High 
 School to receive diplomas in 1878. (See Appendix.) Four years, 
 were still required for all except the English course, and for 
 this also since 1886. The High School is now in a very pros- 
 perous condition, with over one hundred pupils, and three teachers. 
 Its graduates have been as follows : — 1878, 8 ; 1880, 4 ; 1881^ 
 13; 1882,4; 1883,16; 1884,14; 1885,16; 1886,16; 1887, 13. 
 The following list of principals of the High School is as nearly 
 accurate as it can now be made: — Wm. A. Kimball, 1857-58; 
 ]ronry Dudley, one term in 1859; Hiram M. Sanborn, 1859 to 
 '62; John S. "Warren, 1863; Charles E. Lane, James J. Header.
 
 EDUCATIONAL AND LITERARY. 1G9 
 
 John Runnells, Mr. Ilazen, and Owen Cobb for dittbrent periods 
 till 1860, when James 1*. Dixon came for two years; then Mr. 
 Kennedy and Mr. Anderson; Wm. H. Farrar, 1860-70; then 
 John C. Pike and Geo. E. Smitli ; A. N. Marston, 1871-75 ; M. C. 
 Lamprey two years ; Rev. Mr. Pitkin, one term ; F'rank P. Shep- 
 ard, 1877-78; Charles E. Hussey, 1879-83; Warren O. PHmpton, 
 188-t ; Alfred B. Morrill, 1885 ; Wm. H. Allen, 1886-87. 
 
 Under "the Somersworth act'' the district first appointed live- 
 persons as Superintending Committee. In 1863 the number was 
 reduced to three. There were eight years during which the office 
 was left vacant, as will appear by the following list: — 
 
 Asa P. Hanson, 1849. Charles E. Johnson, 18«1. 
 William A. Kimball, 1849 to '51, '55 to Franklin McDuffee, 1861 to '07, 70. 
 
 '62, '71. James Farrington, 1862. '03. 
 
 John E. Farwell, 1849 to '51. Joseph H. Worcester, 1804, '05, '07, '69 
 Jeremiah C. Garland, 1849, '50. to '71. 
 
 Nathaniel D. Wetmore, 1849. Prescott Fay, 1866. 
 
 George B. Roberts, 1850, '55, '61. Moses R. Warren, 1807 to '09. 
 
 Silas Green, 1850. A. F. Marsh, 1808. 
 
 J. C. Cromack, 1851. Lewis P. Cushman, 1869. 
 
 Jesse Meader, 1851. Henry Kimball, 1871 to '76, '78 to '81. 
 
 John Nutter, 1851. H. M. Stone, 1872 to '74. 
 
 J. C. Seagrave, 1855. Daniel J. Smith, 1872, '73. 
 
 C. K. Sanborn, 1855. Susan M. Warren, 1874 to '81. 
 
 John W. Pray, 1855. E. C. Cook, 1875 to '77. 
 
 Reuben Tilton, 1855. John H. Wardwell, 1877. 
 
 Jeremiah D. Evans, 1855, '02. Ezekiel True, 1878 to '80. 
 
 James M. Palmer, 1801. Charles W. Folsom, 1881. 
 Jas. H. Edgerly, 1861 to '06, '08 '70, '71. 
 
 In 1877, a law was passed enabling this district to appoint a 
 a Board of Education having entire control of the schools, and to 
 consist of six persons, two to be elected each year. This law was 
 adopted by the district in 1883, and the following persons have 
 constituted the Board : — 
 
 Charles W. Folsom, 1883 to 1885. Henry M. Kellev, 1883 to 1880. 
 
 Joseph H. Worcester, 1883 to 1885. Henry Kimball, 1883 to 1886. 
 
 John L Copp, 1883 to 1887. Julian II. Cutler, 1880 to 1888. 
 
 Charles W. Brown, 1883 to 1887. Frederick H. Lunt, 1880 to 1888. 
 
 In 1885, four other districts united with this. It is to be hoped 
 all the rest will follow their example, constituting the whole town 
 but one district. Thus all would have as nearly equal school 
 privileges as their locations will permit. In 1886 the Board of 
 
 12
 
 170 KOCHESTER. 
 
 Education recommended the introduction of music into the schools, 
 and secured a vote to furnish reading hooks at pubhc expense. 
 
 At the annual town meeting in March, 1886, there were re- 
 ported eighteen schools outside the High School District with an 
 enrolment of 468 pupils. The ten smallest schools numbered 
 respectively 3, 4, 5, 5, 6, 6, 9, 11, 11, and 13 pupils. The amount 
 expended for each pupil was §45.73 in one school, and over $30 
 in three others. Total amount expended in these schools for the 
 year $4,333.35 or an average of $9.25 for each pupil. In the 
 High School District, which for this year included Nos. 8 and 18, 
 there were enrolled 131 pupils in the High School, 215 in the 
 five Grammar Schools, 163 in the three Intermediate Schools, 
 and 324 in the six Primaries, making a total of 833. Total 
 expenditures $9,574.35, making an average of $11.49 to each pupil. 
 The last few years have witnessed a great advance in the educa- 
 tional facilities of this town. While credit is due to many for 
 their share in the w^ork, it cannot be deemed invidious to say that 
 the people of Rochester are specially indebted to Henry Kimball, 
 Esq., for his enthusiastic and persistent efibrts for the improvement 
 of the schools. 
 
 Rochester Academy. 
 
 In the spring of 1820 a petition was put in circulation, addressed 
 to the Trustees of the Newmarket Wesleyan Academy, asking 
 for the removal of that institution to Rochester. Being one of 
 the county towns, Rochester was a place to which, during the 
 sessions of the court, visitors were ch-awn from all parts of the 
 county then comprising the present counties of Straftbrd, Carroll, 
 and Belknap. It was therefore well adapted to become the seat 
 of a flourishing school. The subscribers obligated themselves to 
 pay certain sums, amounting to about $1,200 to secure this insti- 
 tution. Joseph Hanson subscribed $150 ; Moses Hale, $125 ; Wm. 
 Barker, $120; Charles Dennett, James C. Cole, Jabez Dame, $100 
 each; John Roberts, Jr., John Plumer, 3d, David Barker, Jr., 
 Hatevnl Knight, Jonathan II. Torr, William Ilurd, $50 each; 
 and others smaller sums. The town also voted the use of the 
 Court House to Wesleyan Academy. The failure of this effort 
 seems to have been due to objections raised b}^ some influential 
 persons against a school controlled by a religious denomination.
 
 EDUCATIONAL AND IJTEHAKY. 171 
 
 " The Proprietors of the Kochcbter Aeademy " were incorjto- 
 riited June 30, 1827, and held their first meeting Septeniher 19. 
 The only business transacted was a vote to call a general meeting 
 of persons interested in the subject. Afterwards committees were 
 ap})ointed to recommend suitable measures, and to cin-ulate sub- 
 scription papers. Two papers were prepared, one to raise money 
 for erecting a building, the other to establish a fund for the 
 support of the school. Twenty-five dollars was agreed upon as 
 the price of a share, the payment of which constituted any person 
 a proprietor. Rochester people were appealed to more especially 
 to provide for the building as they would reap peculiar advan- 
 tages from the effort, 
 
 "in the addition of good society, in affording their children a good education 
 with diminished expense, in tlie increased value of their real estate, and in the 
 rare and distinguished ornament to their village of a respectable school." The 
 subscribers were as follows : — David liarker, Jr., Nathaniel Uphain, Jeremiah 
 II. Woodman, 4 shares each; Charles Dennett, John Greenfield, Aloses Hale, 
 Joseph Hanson, Jr., William Hurd, John Roberts, Jr., William B. Smith, 2 shares 
 each; Benjamin M. Akerman, George Barker, Simon Chase, James C. Cole, 
 James Cross, Joseph Cross, Peter Folsom, Benjamin Hayes, Jr., Richmond Hen- 
 derson, Charles Hoyt, Joseph D. Hurd, Nathaniel II. Hurd. Lowell Kenney, 
 Hatevil Knight, David Legro, Lydia March, John McDuffee, Jr.. Louis McDuf- 
 fee. Ivory M. Nute, John Nutter, Jr., Sarah Odiorne, Benjamin Page. Elijah 
 Rob(>rts, John Smith, Jonathan II. Torr, Simon Torr, W. & E. D. Ti-ickey, 
 Daniel Waldron, Isaac Willey, John York, one share each; and Samuel Meader 
 12 dollars, making in all $1412. 
 
 The proposed fund for the support of the school was not secured. 
 A lot just below the court house, where Wallace's Shoe Factory 
 now stands, was presented by the town and at first accepted by 
 the proprietors, but not being considered an advantageous location 
 it was abandoned, and the lot on which the Academy now stands 
 was purchased of John Roberts, Jr., to pay for which four dollars 
 was assessed on each share. The subscriptions were nearly all 
 expended in buying a lot and erecting a two-story brick building, 
 which was completed in 1828. 
 
 James Towner, A. M., who for some years had been a very 
 acceptable instructor at Wolfeborough Aeademy was secured as 
 first preceptor. The school was formally opened October 31, 
 1828, with an elaborate address by Rev. Baron Stowe of Ports- 
 mouth. The preceptor was a man of literary culture, and under 
 his management the school was large, many of his former pupils 
 having followed him to his new field of labor. The only quali-
 
 172 ROCHESTER. 
 
 fioations required for admission were " to be able to read and 
 spell well and to write a legible hand." The more advanced 
 branches pursued were such as were then necessary as a prepara- 
 tion for college. The teacher's salary was $500. After two 
 years Mr. Towner left Rochester because the scanty funds of the 
 Academy could not insure a suitable support. He removed to 
 the West and died there. His successors were as follows: — 
 
 Charles William Woodman a native of Rochester, a graduate 
 of Dartmouth in 1829 ; formerly Judge of Probate, and afterwards 
 Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, now a lawyer in Dover. 
 He taught the Academy one or two terms. 
 
 Lewis Turner, a graduate of Bowdoin, took charge of the Acad- 
 emy in February, 1831, and remained two terms. Instruction in 
 French announced. 
 
 Ingersoll, afterwards a lawyer in Bangor, Maine. 
 
 F. Good^vin of South Berwick, Me., afterwards an Episcopal 
 minister in Brooklyn, IsTew York. 
 
 Levi IS'elson Tracy, then a student, afterwards, in 1834, a grad- 
 uate of Dartmouth. He possessed much energy of character, 
 teaching and singing himself through college. He died at Hart- 
 ford, Conn., in 1846, aged 39. 
 
 Cyrus W. Hamlin taught here three months in 1832. He was 
 a young man of only nineteen or twenty years, the first scholar 
 in his class at Bowdoin, of rare piety, and as remarkable for his 
 modesty as for his intellectual attainments. He is now well known 
 as having been for many years one of the foremost missionaries 
 in Constjmtinople. Besides being a scholar, he is a practical man 
 of much mechanical ingenuity, by which he rendered much ser- 
 vice to the English during the Crimean war. He has since been 
 President of Middlebury College. 
 
 A. P. Chute, also of Bowdoin, came in September, 1832, and 
 was recommended as " eminently qualified to promote the moral 
 and literary improvement of his pupils." 
 
 George Pickering Mathes followed. He was a native of Dur- 
 ham, prepared for college at Rochester Academy under Mr. 
 Towner, and graduated at Dartmouth in 1834. He died at Dover 
 in 1836, while a law student in the ofiice of Daniel M. Christie. 
 
 About this time the Trustees gave up the control of the insti- 
 tution, and thereafter each preceptor took upon himself the respon-
 
 EDUCATIONAL AND LITERARY. 173 
 
 eibility ot coiiductiiio; the scliool. The Trustees avoix' J. IT. Wood- 
 man, Nathaniel Upham, Rev. Isaac Willej, l^avid Barker, Jr., 
 Moses Hale, Joseph Cross, James C. Cole, Nehemiah Eastman of 
 Farniington, Daniel M. Christie of Dover, Rev. Josiah T. Ilawes, 
 Jeremiah Kingman of Barrington, and Rev. Enoch Place of Straf- 
 ford. Sept. 4, 1829, Hatevil Knight was chosen to fill the vacancy 
 occasioned bj- the death of Nathaniel Upham. Sept. 3, 1830, 
 John Greenfield was chosen to fill the vacancy occasioned by the 
 resignation of Rev. J. T. Ilawes. J. H. Woodman was president; 
 Moses Hale, treasurer; and Rev. Isaac Willey, secretary. No 
 other Trustees were appointed. 
 
 In September, 1835, John C. Ingalls was announced as I'rin- 
 cipal ; Alonzo Jackman, Teacher of Mathematics; Betsey J)o\v, 
 Instructor in French and Painting. " French, Greek, Geometry, 
 Trigonometry, Surveying, Navigation, Book-keeping, Belles-Let- 
 tres, Botany, Logic, Painting, Music, Latin, Logarithms, Chro- 
 nology, Stenography, Rhetoric, Declamations, Conic Sections, 
 Moral Philosophy, Chemistry, exercises in Calisthenics, and the 
 formation of aftable manners," are among the attractions oftered. 
 Students assembled every morning at sunrise for reading the 
 Scriptures and prayer. Mr. Ingalls remained two and a half 
 years. 
 
 In January, 1838, Harrison Carroll Hunt, a native of Ash- 
 burnham, Mass., took the school. He was a highly successful 
 teacher, remaining for about three years. While here his name 
 was changed to Hobart. He graduated from Dartmouth in 1842; 
 became a prominent lawyer and politician in Wisconsin ; was 
 speaker of the Wisconsin House of Representatives, a member of 
 the State Senate, and Democratic candidate for Governor; was 
 Lieut. Col. of a Wisconsin Regiment in the Rebellion, and was 
 one of the captured Union oflicers who escaped from Richmond 
 by tunneling the Libbey prison. lie has since practised law in 
 Milwaukee, Wise. 
 
 In November, 1841, the school was taken by Jeremiah Hall 
 Woodman Colby of Sanbornton, who graduated at Dartmouth 
 the next July. He studied law with Daniel M. Christie, and settled 
 in Manitowoc, Wise, where he died in 1853. " His standing aa 
 a lawyer was high, and his character exemplary." 
 
 From March, 1844, to the latter part of 1845, David Fogg
 
 174 ROCHESTER. 
 
 Drew, son of Dr. Stephen Drew of Milton, was principal. After 
 graduating at Dartmouth in 1842, he read law and practised five 
 or six years, Avhen he studied medicine, and settled in practice 
 at Lynn, Mass. 
 
 He was succeeded by Joseph W. Drew, who remained about 
 two j-ears, and was assisted by Miss Caroline Knight. Mr. Drew 
 was a native of Dover, graduated at Dartmouth in 1844, read law 
 one year, studied medicine two years, went to California in 1849, 
 removed to Oregon in 1850, where he held important U. S. offices, 
 and was afterwards a clerk in Washington, D. C. In February, 
 1847, he announced " instruction on the piano by a competent 
 teacher." 
 
 In May following " Rochester Institute " was advertised by Rev. 
 G. C. V. Eastman who had " ten years' experience as principal 
 of boarding and day school in Connecticut." He described Roch- 
 ester as " pleasant, healthy, and easily accessible, containing few 
 incentives to vice, and having a large proportion of educated and 
 refined society." 
 
 Jarvis McDufi'ee, w'ho had been an instructor in the U. S. Kavy, 
 announced himself as Principal of Rochester Academy for the 
 Fall Term, 1847, but a " veto " announcement appeared on the 
 part of the proprietors. The female department was continued 
 under Miss Knight, the former assistant. By some arrangement, 
 however, Mr. McDufi'ee held the principalship for a few terms, 
 and afterwards removed to Exeter, where he became a farmer. 
 
 The Spring Term of 1848 was taught bj^ James Wingate Rol- 
 lins and Miss Knight. Mr. Rollins was from Somersworth, grad- 
 uated at Dartmouth in 1845, taught South Berwick Academy two 
 years before coming to Rochester, afterwards read law with Hon. 
 William A. Hayes of South Berwick, Me., and settled in Boston, 
 Mass., where he still practises. 
 
 In March, 1849, Rev. A. B. Worthing was principal, with J. 
 B. Wentworth, associate. This was the last term taught by a 
 male teacher. In fact the Academy may properly be said to have 
 ended its existence here. Miss Caroline Knight however continued 
 a private school for both sexes till 1872. She was the third 
 daughter of Ilatevil Knight, and was born in Rochester, May 17, 
 1806. She early manifested superior mental and moral endow- 
 ments. With a determination that pressed through difficulties
 
 EDUCATIONAL AND LITEUAIIY. 175 
 
 which would liavc dislicartcncd most g;irls, slic ucquircd ii sjupe- 
 rior education for tliose days. In 1826-27 she tau_tji:lit scliool in 
 Exeter. AV^heii tlu' Academy opened in 1828, slie returnt'd lionie 
 and was assistant pui)il for a time with Mr. Towner, for whom 
 she ever retained a lii^h reo;ard. In 1830-31 she taught in the 
 Academy at Hopkinton. She afterwards taught in Canandaigua, 
 N. Y., where she improved the opportunity to gain a l)etter 
 knowledge of French under a native teacher, and of Mathematics 
 under the well-known Prof. Robinson, who testilied to her superior 
 ability in that department. In 1840 she returned to New England 
 and taught two seasons in ^orth Conway, when she opened a 
 private school for girls in her father's house. This continued till 
 she took the position of assistant to Mr. Drew. "When the Odd 
 Fellows bought out the shareholders of the Academy, she secured 
 enough with her father's share to retain the use of one room 
 where she continued to teach till failing strength compelled her 
 to retire. She was a self-denying Christian woman who devoted 
 her life to doing good. She gave instruction not only in the 
 common branches but also in Latin, French, Algebra, and Geom- 
 etry for twenty-live cents a week, and even this was sometimes 
 abated that the poorest might be able to avail themselves of the 
 privilege of instruction. Her work was of a high order. One 
 who was specially interested in education remarked that liocliester 
 could never establish a public High School while Miss Knight 
 continued hers, for she used all the material. Her religious influ- 
 ence was positive and wholesome. Many of her pupils, some 
 now in high positions, can still testify to the deep and lasting 
 impressions there received. In 1854 she adopted two children 
 whom she trained and educated for lives of usefulness. One 
 known as Mary M. Knight is now Mrs. Alvan S. Pratt of Wor- 
 cester, Mass. ; the other, John H. Wardwell, graduated at Dart- 
 mouth College in 1870, and is now a teacher at Medford, Mass. 
 He still owns the old Knight house built in 1790, where his 
 adopted mother died, Aug. 8, 1882, in the same room in which 
 she was born 76 years before. 
 
 For about twenty years Rochester Academy was a flourishing 
 and useful institution, the benefits of which were felt and appre- 
 ciated by the people of this and neighboring towns. No catalogues 
 were published, so that it is now impossible to obtain accurate
 
 176 ROCHESTER. 
 
 information in regard to the number of pupils, names of grad- 
 uates, or courses of study pursued. As each principal conducted 
 the school according to his own ideas, its character for the time 
 dejiended upon his ability and aptitude in his vocation. 
 
 Among the many students of this institution may be named 
 the following : — George Matlies already noticed ; Elijah Martin 
 Hussey a graduate of Dartmouth in 1852, now a lawyer in 'New 
 York city; George L. Hayes a graduate of Bowdoin of more 
 than ordinary ability, who died in Kentucky a few years after 
 o:raduation ; Theodore Chase Woodman a graduate of Dartmouth 
 in 1835, a lawyer of Bucksport, Me., has been a member of the 
 Executive Council, and Speaker of the Maine House of Repre- 
 sentatives; Rev. Worster Willey for many years a missionary 
 among the Cherokees; Hon. Edward Ashton Rollins a graduate 
 of Dartmouth in 1851, Speaker of the New Hampshire House of 
 Representatives, U. S. Commissioner of Internal Revenue, and 
 who gave funds to build the Rollins Chapel at Hanover where 
 he died Sept. 7, 1885; Sylvester Waterhouse, Ph. D., a graduate 
 of Harvard in 1853, professor in Washington University, St. 
 Louis, Mo.; John P. Newell who graduated first in his class at 
 Dartmouth in 1849, a successful teacher at Derry and Manchester, 
 of which city he has since been Mayor; John ISToble of Great 
 Falls a graduate of Harvard, a teacher in Boston, Clerk of the 
 Supreme Court in Mass. ; Tolman Willey, an able lawyer in 
 Boston; J. H. York, M. D., a successful physician in Boston; 
 Hon. J. H. Ela; Hon. J. H. Edgerly; and many others. Many 
 ladies also now exerting a salutary influence in society were 
 educated here at least in part. Among them was Caroline Bodge 
 a graduate of South Hadley, who with great self-denial taught 
 for several years in the most ignorant parts of New Jersey. She 
 was teacher of Latin in the female seminary at Rockford, 111., 
 and afterwards principal of a female college in Wisconsin where 
 she died. 
 
 In 1846 the proprietors voted to lease the upper story of the 
 Academy l)uilding for ten years at twenty dollars per annum to 
 Motolinia Lodge I. O. of Odd Fellows. This Lodge eventually 
 bought out the rights r»f the various subscribers to whom the 
 property reverted when it ceased to be used for a school. Having 
 erected a much larger building in the front yard the Lodge sold
 
 EDUCATIONAL AND LITKRAUY. 177 
 
 tin- old academy which is now fitted up into a two-teiienicnt 
 dwelling facing on a new street called Academy street. 
 
 The first and most important cause which kd to the decline of 
 the Academy was the want of a Fund hy which talented teachers 
 miglit he secured and retained. Being without this permanent, 
 independent basis, the division of tlie County into three, and tlie 
 removal of the courts from Rochester, dealt the final blow. This 
 change occurred when the institution was in the height of its 
 brief prosperity, and not only diverted patronage to other insti- 
 tutions but was the beginning of an entire revolution in the char- 
 acter of our population and society. In the early years of the 
 school such men as Mr. Woodman, David Barker, Jr., Judge 
 Tebbetts, the Uphams, and the Hales, not only appreciated edu- 
 cational advantages for their own town, but their extensive 
 acquaintance as lawyers and public men would naturally increase 
 the patronage of the school. The courts having been removed, 
 the death of any one of these men was a loss not to be repaired. 
 The change of liochester from being almost exclusively an agri- 
 cultural to a manufacturing town ; the establishment of Academies 
 at Le])anon, Me., and at Strafford; improved TTigh Schools at 
 Great Falls and Dover; the introduction of more advanced studies 
 into the public schools; the increased facilities for traveling to 
 and from institutions of established reputation and ample funds; 
 all combined to diminish the prosperity of this school. 
 
 After the decline of the Academy, though possessing abundant 
 elements of material wealth and prosperity, Rochester was for 
 many years sadly deficient in the means of affording a good 
 education to the young. Many citizens appreciated the value of 
 such advantages, mourned over the deficiency, and used their 
 l)est endeavors to rouse others from their apathy and to provide 
 the much-needed facilities for education. After long delays tlicir 
 efforts were crowned with success in the establishment of a Public 
 High School with excellent accommodations far superior to the 
 " Academy " in its best days. 
 
 Social Library. 
 
 An essential element in the education of this town is ''The 
 Rochester Social Library Company.^' Next to churches and schools, 
 libraries are the most important factor in the education of any
 
 178 ROCHESTER. 
 
 community. Wlien this company was formed libraries were even 
 more a necessity than now. Books were scarce and costly. As 
 for newspapers, a few families received the " I^ew Hampshire Ga- 
 zette," and later, the " Dover Sun." But the great variety of 
 weekly, monthly, and quarterly periodicals, which we now esteem 
 lightly because so cheap and common, was then unknown. The 
 jiress did not teem with productions which railroads and coaches- 
 could convey to every door, but the family reading was narrowed 
 down to the Bible, the Almanac, a school book or two, and in 
 families that could afford it, a few religious works, reminding us 
 of Whittier's lines : — 
 
 " The Almanac we studied o'er, 
 Read and re-read our little store 
 Of books and pamphlets scarce a score." 
 
 Almost every intelligent family of to-day has more books than 
 could have then been collected from the whole town outside the 
 libraries of professional men. Yet there was a general desire for 
 information, and the people understood, perhaps even better than 
 now, the great value of books. The excitement of the revolution 
 which awakened and absorbed all their energies had subsided; 
 the new government was firmly established and had ceased to 
 excite speculation. Mental activity therefore sought new objects 
 and new channels, and the arts of peace were pursued with un- 
 wonted ardor. In almost every town of 'New Hampshire will be 
 found traces at least of a Social Library started at about this 
 period. Rochester is one of the favored few which have kept up 
 the institution to the present time. 
 
 On the twelfth day of March, 1792, a few persons assembled at 
 the house of Col. John Goodwin and subscribed a paper in which 
 they declared that learning tended to enlarge the views and soften 
 the tempers of mankind ; that it was more profitable and more 
 pleasant when enjoyed in a social manner, and as social libraries 
 had been found in other places to serve the cause of learning 
 and virtue, tliey were agreed to form such a society in this town. 
 Each member was to pay eighteen shillings towards the first pur- 
 chase of books. Only ten paid their tax before the time appointed^ 
 and in all twenty-three paid before the end of the year, some by 
 turning in, at a fair price, such books as they could contribute.
 
 EDUCATIONAL AND LITKUAUY. 
 
 179 
 
 The first hook mentioned was presented hy Mr. naven, and is 
 entitled "The Principles of Natural and Political Law," — a work 
 tiien esteemed of great merit. The tbllo\vin<;- titles will t^how to 
 admirers of the ephemeral literature of the i)resent day, what our 
 ftithers considered a substantial nucleus for a public library: — 
 
 Butler's Analogy of Natural and Revealed Religion, Foster's Discourses upon 
 the Principal Branches of Natural Religion and Social Virtue, Scott's Cliristiaa 
 Life, Morse's Geography, Chesterfield's Principles of Politeness. Goldsniitii's Ilo- 
 man History, Robinson's History of Charles V., Voltaire's Charles XII. lSc Peter 
 the (ireat, Brydone's Tour, Robinson's America, Tom Jones, etc., etc. 
 
 Not one in twenty of those early volumes was in the department 
 of fiction. The iirst book presented by an author was " A Com- 
 pendium of Military Duty," the first of its kind ever published 
 in this country. This was by Jonathan llawson, an aid of Gen. 
 Sullivan, and a lawyer at Dover. The society voted tlianks, and 
 elected him a member of the association. 
 
 The list of members on the first book of records evidently in- 
 cludes many who did not sign at first, as well as some who soon 
 dropped out of membership. It is as follows : — 
 
 John McDuffee, 
 Aaron Wingate, 
 Ricliard Furber, Jr., 
 Joseph Clarke, 
 Benj" Odiorne, 
 John Brown, 
 David Place, 
 Daniel jNIcDuffee, 
 Moses Horn, Ju""", 
 John McDuffee, S^, 
 Daniel Hayes, Jun'', 
 Beard Plumer, 
 Jotham Nute, 
 Hateval Knight, 
 James Hov^, 
 Isaac Brown, 
 Jacob Hanson, 
 Daniel Dame, 
 Banabas Palmer, 
 Ephraim Kimball, 
 Jacob McDuiiee, 
 
 Joseph Haven, 
 Daniel McDuffee, Jun'', 
 L'. William Palmer, 
 Ephraim Blasdell, 
 Samuel Palmer, 
 Paul Dame, 
 L'. Edward Rollins, 
 Peter Cushiug, 
 Esther Copps, 
 Joshua Lane, 
 Hezekiah Cloutman, 
 Joshua Haiford, 
 Ephraim Twombly, Jun"", 
 James McDuffee, 3'*, 
 Daniel Rogers, 
 Jonathan McDuffee, 
 Col. Jon'' Palmer, 
 John Plumer, Jun"", 
 Jonas Clark March, 
 Daniel Hayes, 3<i, 
 Amos ISLain, 
 
 Sam'. Chamberlain, Jun' 
 Richard Dame, 
 Wm. \V. Blasdell, 
 ReVi. Robert Cray, 
 Thomas Bancroft, 
 Josiali Edgerly, 
 John Plumer, 3'', 
 John Downs, 
 Thomas Tash, Jr., Esq', 
 Hannah Raw.sou, 
 Thomas Piolierts, 
 Joseph Walker, 
 Dearborn Jewitt, 
 Moses I>. Xeal, 
 Edward Cole, 
 Levi Jones. 
 Moses Roberts, Jun', 
 Joseph Hanson, 
 John Haven, 
 Polly Bell (Dover), 
 Daniel McDuffee. 
 
 This list includes the most prominent and respectable citizens of 
 
 that day, and it is evident from the first, that they felt they had 
 
 founded an institution not merely for themselves but for posterity. 
 
 During the summer of 1792 the first purchase of books was
 
 180 ROCHESTER. 
 
 ordered, and the Rev. Joseph Haven was invited to deliver an 
 oration before the Society. On the first of October this oration 
 was delivered, and a copy was solicited for the press. It was 
 published in the " liochester Courier," but not until nearly seventy- 
 five years had passed away, when all who voted at that meeting 
 were sleeping in their graves. In the introduction he said : — 
 
 '• We are now assembled in order to open a Social Library in this town ; 
 and though it may be looked upon as a day of small things, our hopes are raised, 
 and we expect, with reason, that from a small beginning, happy effects will 
 follow ; that our society will increase, our library multiply, and literature so 
 prevail, that this town will rise in honor and usefulness; have a better knowl- 
 edge of mankind, and the important doctrines of Christianity ; that religion, 
 virtue, morality, and the arts and sciences will flourish." 
 
 He then spoke of the general benefits of literature, as shown 
 in the history of mankind, tracing the influence of learning from 
 Chaldea and Egypt through Greece and Rome, the darkness of 
 the middle ages, the crusades, and the great reformation, to our 
 own land. 
 
 " Even in the wilds of America a seminary of learning was early founded, 
 and many of note have there received their education, that the old world have 
 been no less surprised at our knowledge than firmness ; nor have we lacked 
 men of great abilities to conduct us safely through our struggles with Great 
 Britain. France for a number of years has been celebrated for the progress 
 she has made in the arts aud sciences ; and the consequence is like to be 
 libei-ty, freedom, happiness, and glory. I hasten over other matters to attend 
 to things that may appear more connected with the designs of this day. When 
 we take a view of this town from its first settlement, we shall have little cause 
 to look for the propagation of the arts aud sciences. It was for many years a 
 frontier town, struggling with poverty and a savage foe; [so] that the people could 
 attend to but little but their safety and support. Necessity led them into the 
 habit of neglecting the education of youth, which is not yet conquered or re- 
 moved. The Amercan war, high taxes, and the distressed situation of the in- 
 habitants of the town have been looked upon as sufficient excuses for the neglect 
 of public schools. But now an institution is formed and a library founded, 
 which we hope will give a greater thirst for knowledge, and tend to promote 
 literature. 
 
 " There are few able to purchase many books of their own, but the common 
 stock, if our laws are well observed, will soon be sufficient to open a fountain 
 of knowledge, of whose stream we may all freely drink. To do this, for a 
 small sum each member of the town and others may have free access; and the 
 more there are come, the larger and more valuable will it be, and will descend 
 a rich inheritance to our sons and daughters. Enthusiasm seems to fire my 
 soul, when I consider the usefulness of this library to this and future genera- 
 tions; when I see those hours now spent in idle diversion or hurtful sports, 
 laid out in useful studies ; when I behold the long and perhaps tedious winter 
 evenings rendered pleasant and profitable by reading history, moral and religious 
 essays, with other instructive writings ! 
 
 *' Will not the ignorant soon see the advantage of our present institution, and 
 even the covetous think our money well laid out? We may now have an op-
 
 EDUCATIONAL AND LITERAUY. 181 
 
 portiinity of soaring above the common oonntrv edncation I which is to be able 
 to read the plainest books, to write a k-gilile hand, and to practice in a few 
 plain rules of arithmetic. With this scanty pittance of learning launch forth 
 the quack doctor, lawyer, and divine, and puff out their nostrums, law phrases, 
 and nonsense. But more knowledge will check these pretenders, and bring 
 forth men of skill, ability, and worth. We have now an opportunity of ob- 
 taining an acquaintance with mankind, by viewing them in all periods of the 
 world, as well as in different ages and stations of life. Virtue will be .set 
 before us in all its alluring charms ; while vice will be clothed with shame, 
 and strike with horror and detestation. This will be the ca.se if we have 
 authors well chosen, and historians who draw characters to the life. Then 
 shall we behold the characters of great men portrayed in their true colors ; 
 and in some their virtues and vices will be pretty equally blended together. 
 
 " Yet most of the ancient heroes of the world will appear no better than arbi- 
 trary and despotic tyrants, tho' flattery once set their names high in the 
 catalogue of fame, at \he head of which we shall find an Alexander and Ca'sar, 
 the one a madman, the other a secret tyrant, ambitiously undermining all laws 
 and deluging the earth with blood to raise himself to the head of empires. 
 These with many others once famous in the world, are now sunk into contempt, 
 and their names will be held in eternal execration. But the names of Wash- 
 ington, Paine, and De Lafayette will ever be revered and held dear for their 
 important struggles in favor of the rights of mankind, and their laying the 
 foundations of freedom, liberty, peace, and happiness in America, Europe, and 
 the world. Here are gi-eat talents blended together, and shining in the scholar, 
 statesman, and soldier. Here we behold what literature and true virtue can do. 
 
 "But perhaps we think these characters too high for our imitation ; that like 
 the eagle in the air they have soared beyond our reach. Yet what is beyond 
 the reach of virtue, resolution, and perseverance? \\'as not David (the best 
 and greatest of Israel's kings) from the shepherd's cot? Was not Cincinnatus, 
 one of the most celebrated Romans, repeatedly called from the plow and his 
 little farm to command in the army and senate, and to rescue his country from 
 ruin and destruction ? Was not our American Cincinnatus, the great Wash- 
 ington, in like manner called from his farm to command the army, and then 
 to preside in the senate, again and again to redeem his country from the greatest 
 dangers and calamities ? And may none in the humble, tho' most useful and 
 honorable employment of agriculture, seek to copy after these great men in 
 their knowledge, virtues, usefulness, and dignities ? 
 
 "If we wish to rise in the world, it must be by labor, watchfulness, and 
 study. 
 
 " While we are diligent in our proper callings, we must spend our vacant mo- 
 ments in collecting the flowers and fi-uits of literature. If without knowledge 
 we rise high in office, shall we not be like the ass in the fable with the trap- 
 pings of royalty, without skill or ability to fill the station, and therefore be 
 the sport and ridicule of all ? 
 
 " But reading when properly managed, will tend to store the head with useful 
 knowledge and to mend the heart. And when a good head and heart come 
 together, the person is fit for posts of honor, trust, and importance ; that with 
 pleasure we can anticipate the public utility of our lib'-ary, and hail the day 
 that has set it open to our view. Cordially we invite others to join, that they 
 may prepare themselves for oflSce, at present engrossed by a few, because few 
 only have knowledge sufficient to make a figure in our Congress, courts, or 
 general assemblies. 
 
 "Let our young men now rouse from sloth and inactivity, and emulate the 
 greatest and best of characters. This can be done not by pride or vanity, but 
 a humble deportment, and a long and close application to the study of mankind. 
 Many are ruined by a small tincture of learning, but a flood of pride. Their 
 vanity keeps them ignorant, and self-importance renders them contemptible. If
 
 182 ROCHESTER. 
 
 we ever become great or wise, humility will lay the foundation, and diligence, 
 prudence, and study raise the superstructure. 
 
 '• Let us not be afraid of a little time and expense, if thereby we can promote 
 and cultivate useful knovs-ledge. We may think hai-d we have not our share in 
 government, when the only reason is, we do not prepare ourselves for it. Read- 
 ing, tiiough it may be hard and tiresome at first, will become easy and pleasant 
 and fit for the important duties of great men. 
 
 "As knowledge increases, our desires after it will become more strong; but 
 sloth is the bane of learning, and indeed of every useful calling and employment. 
 Tiien let us exert every faculty of the soul to become wise, good, and useful. 
 And that we may gain knowledge, let us pay a strict attention to our present 
 institution; seek to support every good regulation, and to increase our stock of 
 books. And that our children may be benefited by it, we should early and 
 closely attend to their education; instill into their tender minds a love of knowl- 
 edge, religion, and virtue. That they may venerate the character of the Deity, 
 and live in the faitli and practice of his holy religion. 
 
 " May this societ}"^ and this institution long flourish and be of great utility; 
 this town be a seat of the muses, and this land, under the kind auspices of 
 heaven, rise far superior to all others. May the world now become wise and 
 better, throw aside the sword and attend to the useful arts and sciences, that 
 the happy time may be present, when peace, plenty, happiness, and concord 
 may reign over America, Europe, and the world." 
 
 Mr. Haven was always deeply concerned for the moral and 
 social improvement of his people, and if this idea of a Library 
 was not first suggested by him, he was certainly one of its earliest 
 advocates and patrons. lie was the first-named grantee of the 
 charter, and the style of composition of the articles of association 
 indicates that he was their author. History was a favorite sub- 
 ject with him, and his discourses made frequent allusions to the 
 advantages derived from its study. That these advantages might 
 be within the reach of all, he urged the establishment of this 
 Social Library. 
 
 In 1794 the Association was incorporated by the Legislature, 
 and continued to maintain some degree of life and interest till 
 1823. At that time there were about four hundred volumes in 
 the librarj', but for eleven years following it was sadly neglected. 
 No records were kept, and the books were scattered into all parts 
 of the towii. Through the efforts of Charles Dennett and others 
 an act was passed in 1834 giving the society a new charter. At 
 the first meeting, Dec. 8, 1834, J. II. Woodman, J. II. Smith, 
 and Charles Dennett were appointed to collect all books belonging 
 to the library, and to make out a list of members. This was a 
 difiicult matter as the records failed to show who had paid 
 assessments. The committee rei)orted the names only of " those 
 who had taken books within the last ten years," and it was voted
 
 EDUCATIONAL AND LITERARY. 183 
 
 to remit all fines incurred duriiii^ that })erio(l. The tullowiug h 
 the list : — 
 
 Louis McDuffee, Jeremiah II. Woodman, Jonatiiaii II. Ilendorson, 
 
 Heirs of Jonas C. March, Heirs of John Plumer, 3d, James Adams, 
 
 Moses Page, t'harles Dennett, Levi Hayes, 
 
 Heirs of Nath'I Upliam, John H. Smith, Jo.sepli Han.son, Jr., 
 
 James Tebbetts, Samuel Chamberlain, Isaac Jenness, 
 
 Heirs of David Birke, Jr., Ira Fish. Moses Roberts, Jr. 
 
 Heirs of Kicliard Dame, John McDuifee, Jr., 
 
 Moses Hale, Walter H. Knight, 
 
 With a new charter, new by-laws, and a librarian thorou2;hly 
 in earnest, new life was imparted to the society, and an interest 
 was then aroused which has never since wholly died away. 
 From this time the society has been prosperous, witli an increasing 
 membership, and respectable yearly additions to its library. The 
 present fee for membership is ,|5.00, with an annual tax of one 
 dollar. ISTon-merabers can use the library by the payment of 
 ^1.50 per year. The number of volumes is not far from 2,200, 
 and about sixty persons avail themselves of their use. 
 
 The following is the list of librarians of this society, with tlie 
 date of their election : — Joseph Clark, 1792; Joseph Haven, 1797; 
 Joseph Hanson, 1798 ; Thomas Shannon, 1799, who died in office, 
 and William Shannon served until another was chosen ; Joseph 
 Ballard, 1801, who was re-chosen in 1802, but " suddenly ab- 
 sconded," or " found it inconvenient to continue in said office," 
 and Samuel Adams took his place ; Joseph Clark, 1803 ; Andrew 
 Pierce, 1804; Joseph Sherburne, 1805; Jeremiah II. Woodman, 
 1806; Joseph Haven, 1809; Joseph Cross, 1813; John Smith, 
 1814; David Barker, Jr., 1819, served till 1823. From 1823 to 
 1834 there is no record. The following were under the new 
 charter:— Noah Tebbetts, 1834, died in office 1843; Kufus K. 
 Pearl, 1843; Daniel J. Parsons, 1844; Cyrus K. Sanborn, 1854; 
 Henry Kimball, 1869; A. S. Parshley, 1872; Henry Kimball, 
 1875. 
 
 At East Rochester a circulating library containing about 600 
 volumes was opened May 13, 1885. A free reading-room is con- 
 nected with it, which is open every afternoon and evening. The 
 Cocheco Woolen Manufacturing Co. furnish the rooms warmed 
 and lighted. The citizens of the village have furnished voluntary 
 contributions to purchase books and periodicals, and for other
 
 184 ROCHESTER. 
 
 expenses. Xov. 2, 1886, the town voted $100 "for the use and 
 benefit of the East Rochester Free Reading-Tioom and Library." 
 In no way can towns more wisely expend their money than in 
 thus furnishing the means for popular improvement. 
 
 Some thirty years ago Gonic seems to have made a move to- 
 wards a library, for " in the winter of 1857-58 the Gonic Library 
 Association gave a course of four home lectures, and in 1859-60 
 a course of eight lectures." 
 
 In July, 1885, the Woman's Christian Temperance Union 
 and Union Mission Band opened a public reading-room in Cocheco 
 Block at Norway Plains. It has two rooms suitably furnished, 
 pleasantly situated, and well supplied with newspapers and other 
 periodicals. 
 
 Lyceums or debating societies, with occasional lectures, were at 
 one time prevalent throughout I^ew England, and were a vahi- 
 able means of education. Rochester was not behind other towns 
 in this respect. No complete history of those lyceums can now 
 be given. The first of which we have record was formed in 
 January, 1839. Richard Kimball was president, Noah Tebbetts 
 vice-president, John McDufiee, Jr., secretary, and H. C. Hunt, 
 treasurer. The first question discussed was : — "Is there more 
 happiness connected wnth celibacy than the married state ?" Dis- 
 putants, Afl[. Louis McDuflfee; Neg. H. C. Hunt. Decided in the 
 affirmative. 
 
 More than twenty years after, in the Fall of 1861, the Roch- 
 ester Lyceum was reorganized with a new constitution. President, 
 J. II. Edgerly; vice-president, James M. Palmer; secretary, Frank 
 McDufiee; treasurer, Charles Dennett. Nothing better illustrates 
 the change of times in twenty-one years than the character of 
 the first question discussed: — "Would it be right and advisable 
 to abolish Slavery as a means of ending the War?" Life had 
 become a serious matter, and they had no time to spend on ques- 
 tions designed to afford only amusement. It is altogether probable 
 that lyceums were organized many other winters than these. 
 Lecturers were procured from abroad, and there is no doubt 
 much help was given to tliose who were then young by taking 
 part in discussions and listening to valuable lectures.
 
 educational and literary. 185 
 
 Rochester Newspapers.* 
 
 The first newspaper printed in the town of Rocliester was issued 
 by D. Warren Furber, on Sept. 16, 1858. It was called '^ Tlie 
 Rochester Review," and underneath the newspaper head was added 
 in much smaller type the words : " And Carroll County Adver- 
 tiser." This additional head was probably due to the fact that 
 the printing material and two hand-presses, which composed the 
 office, were purchased at "Wolfeborough and removed to Rochester. 
 They formed the outfit of the old " Carroll County Pioneer," a 
 newspaper formerly printed in "Wolfeborough. 
 
 The " Review " was published every Thursday, and purported 
 to be neutral in politics. It was a 6-column paper (24 columns 
 in all) about 22x32 inches in size, and its subscription price was 
 " one dollar a year in advance, or ^1.25 at the end of the year." 
 In his introductory in the first issue " To the Public," the pub- 
 lisher said, among other things : — 
 
 "... We have looked over the ground vsrith some care, and calculated the 
 results with what little of judgment we may possess, and have arrived at the 
 conclusion, that with the unusual business facilities with which this town is 
 favored, together with the manifest disposition on the part of our citizens to 
 increase business in this town, as well as the fact that this community is noted 
 for wealth and intelligence, — all these are favorable to the success of a news- 
 paper. . . . Without further remarks we launch upon the broad tide of popular 
 favor, and await the verdict of the public." 
 
 Its motto under the editorial head was : — " Encourage Your 
 Own," and the paper met with fair success for two years, its ad- 
 vertising columns being patronized by many of the local store- 
 keepers. Under a more thrifty and energetic management, it 
 would doubtless have been continued until this time. 
 
 Mr. Furber, the publisher of the " Review," was comparatively 
 a young man when he started the paper, being about twenty- 
 three years of age. He had learned the printing business in the 
 Great Falls "Sketcher and Journal" office, under James T. Furber, 
 its proprietor then, and the same who is now the general manager 
 of the Boston & Maine Railroad. Furber (D. Warren) after leaving 
 Great Falls, had been employed at his trade in Dover, X. H., 
 and in Lawrence, Mass. He was the son of Benjamin Furber, 
 who formerly lived at Gonic, and afterwards at Great Falls. 
 
 * The rest of this chapter is from the hand of J. F. Place, Esq. 
 13
 
 186 BOCHESTER. 
 
 "WTiile lie was a pretty good printer, he gave but little attention 
 to Ms newspaper, and it drifted along not possessing that hold on 
 the community due to local interest and influence. 
 
 Furber had in his employ a part of the time, James Jasper 
 Henderson, and two boys, — Eussell B. 'Wentwori:h, and Charies 
 S. Giles, afterward superintendent of the Norway Plains Manu- 
 facturing Company. Henderson did most of the editorial work 
 on the paper, usually " setting up '' at the case such " items '' as 
 he picked up, without bothering to prepare •• copy.'' He had 
 just before then published a paper himself at Great Falls, and has 
 since been connected with most of the newspaper offices of Roch- 
 ester, Great Falls, and Dover, where he has been familiarly 
 known to the craft for nearly fifty years as " Jim." Mr. Hen- 
 derson still resides in Rochester, on his farm on the Gonic-hill 
 road, where he has lived for nearly forty years. 
 
 The " Review " printing-office was in the second story of what 
 was known as Cole's building, — a brick building on Main street, 
 opposite the Methodist Church. The last issue of the paper was 
 Sept. 6, 1860. The presses and type were taken to Great 
 Falls where Furber changed the name of the paper to " The Xew 
 Hampshire Review," but it was soon discontinued altogether. 
 Furber, who never afterwards engaged in the newspaper business, 
 died in Boston in 1886, and was buried in Great Falls. A com- 
 plete file of the paper for the two years while published in Roch- 
 ester, is in possession of the Rochester Social Library. 
 
 For a short time in 1859-60 John H. Fuller published a small 
 monthly sheet, called the " Workman's Protest," which was printed 
 in the "Review" office. It was not intended as a local newspaper, 
 but'purported to advocate the interests of journeymen shoemakers. 
 Its circulation was very small, and it was soon discontinued. 
 
 The first number of the " Rochester Courier" was issued on 
 Jan. 22, 1864, by J. Frank Place. The paper was a six-column 
 sheet, 22x32 inches in size : the present size of the paper is 27x40, 
 with eight columns to the page. It has been published continuously 
 ever)' Friday since the first issue. Mr. Place was a native of i 
 Gonic.Ja great-grandson of Capt. David Place, and, at the time of j 
 starting^the paper, twenty-seven years old. He had learned the
 
 EDUCATIONAL AND LITERARY. 187 
 
 printing business in the office of the " Lawrence (Mass.) Courier," 
 and had subsequently engaged in the publication of the "Daily 
 Journal" in Lawrence, in company with C. A. Dockham, now 
 of Boston. In settlement with his partner he had become posse^- ■•! 
 of a lot of type and printing material, which he shipped to R'^.L- 
 ester, and ^vith about $300 in money bought a TTashington hand 
 press and sufficient new type, etc., to get out the paper and do a fair 
 amount of job work. 
 
 The printing office was on the second floor of "W. B. K. Hodg- 
 don's building, next to the Great Falls & Conway R. R. depot — 
 about where the easterly platform of the present union depot now 
 stands. The Hodgdon building was cut in two some years ago, 
 and one part removed to Portland street for a dwelling house ; the 
 other part is now used as a storehouse at Meserve's planing mill. 
 
 Mr. Place canvassed for the paper, and issued a prospectus, a 
 reduced fee-simile of which is given on the following page. The 
 names appended to the card were in feet the original local sub- 
 scribers to the " Courier." To this list was added after the first 
 issue, a large number until between fi.ve and sis hundred were 
 obtained. 
 
 The editorial articles were mostly written by Mr. Place. John 
 D. Lyman, then cashier of the Farmington Bank, contributed weekly 
 '* locals " and an occasional editorial of general interest. The edi- 
 tion of the paper circulated in Farmington was called the •• Farm- 
 ington Advertiser " — hence the change over the editorial head in 
 after years to " Courier & Advertiser." Benj. Barnes, Jr., of Dover 
 ftimished an occasional letter, while others furnished items from 
 surrounding towns. Frank McDuffee and J. H. Ela (who was 
 afterward elected Representative to Congress) contributed largely to 
 its columns from time to time, and the " Sketches," out of which 
 the present History has been developed, first appeared in the 
 " Courier," and attracted much attention. 
 
 The paper was set up by two girls and a boy, with the assistance 
 in busy seasons of J. J. Henderson. The paper had considerable 
 " snap " and doubtless made for its editor many warm firiends and 
 some bitter enemies. During the presidential campaign in the fell 
 of 1S64, the " Courier " took a strong stand in favor of the second 
 election of Lincoln, and in consequence the McClellan Club passed 
 resolutions condemnins: its course and withdrawing all support fi*om
 
 188 
 
 ROCHESTER. 
 
 i»i«.osi»E:cri?xjs 
 
 Tlic undersigned proposes to commence the publication ia Bochcater on the Ist of January neit of a weekly 
 newspaper, if tufficieiU enoouragemenl is obtained in the loay of tuUcriplions and adceriiiing patronage, bearing tlie 
 abore caption, and to bo issued every Friday evening. 
 
 The need of a local journal in Kochestcr is perhaps questionable with a few ; but the undersigned docs not 
 purpose here to discuss the question, knowing as he docs the value and iiiSucnce to every community of its local 
 paper, and he feels aseured thai, with the experience of the post three years in connection with the daily and tri- 
 weekly Press and the Printing business, and with energy of purpose and an undivided attention to the d»ily wants 
 of the public, a weekly newspaper cau be established in which every citizen of Kochestcr and its neighboring 
 precincts will feel that he has a special interest— one which can bo well sustained, and which will prove a credit 
 to the publisher, give reputation to tlic place, and bs a source of gratiScalion and profit to all parties. 
 
 The paper will be neatly gotten up, anil will be about 22 by 27 inches, containing twelve and often fourteen of 
 the twenty columns of interesting locals, choice selected reading, latest news, etc., etc. Correspondents have 
 been engaged in the neighboring towns to give the columns of The Courier the first benefit of such items and 
 daily affairs of a public character as may transpire in the county, and this in connection with the Editor's own ex- 
 clusive attention to the local interest of its columns, it ia confldently believed will make the paper an interesting, 
 readable and popular one. It will be the aim of the publisher to make 77i« Courier a high-toned and good local 
 journal. Politically the paper will be perfectly though loyally independent (not neutral),— acting with and advc 
 eating the claims of no particular sect, creed nor party ; communications upon all subjects that divide public 
 opinion will be welcomed, but political controversies will not be suSercd in its columns under any consideration. 
 
 ' The undersigned enters upon the undertaking knowing well the care, labor and responsibility attending tbo 
 publication of even a weekly paper ; and he trusts the public will see the value and importance of the enterprise 
 to them, and will cheerfully render him the patronage necessary for its success. 
 
 The Courier will be delivered to village subscribers, aud mailed to Others, at ono dollar a; 1 a half per year, 
 payable promptly iu advancc.i or duiingijh&lirst taonth of publication. ^" Your palronage is eolicited. ' 
 
 BocUcatcr, H. U., Mo 
 
 J. F. r»LACE. 
 
 To the I»ablic. 
 
 Tbc undersigned. Citizens of Rochester and vicinity, take pleaeorc in heartily recommending and co-opcraling 
 In the Proposition contained in the foregoing Prospectaa, knowing well the value and influence of a good |oc:il 
 journal ; and they feel proud (urthcrraore to add their most hearty encouragement to the efl'orts erf the Projector 
 of tlie enterprise, Mr. Place, who comes to Rochester (his native place) with the highest recommendatioDS from 
 the leading citizens of Lawrence: where he has been connected as local editor and associate proprietor of the 
 daily press of that city for the past three years. His csperienco in this respect and in the Printing business 
 commends itself to the Public, and they trust tbc generous and universal supp<U't which the enterprise deservcSa 
 and which is necessary to the establishment of a good country paper, will b? heartily and promptly extctldsd bj^ 
 their fellow citizens of whatever political or religiuoe croed by at least a geocral and large local subscriplJQD (0 
 \Uc Courier. 
 
 Chas R Wliitehoase, 
 .lames H. Kdgerly, 
 Tbos. C. Davia. 
 John McDuB'cc. 
 Walter B. K. Ilodgdon." 
 'William J. Roberts, ■ 
 C. K ^■anborn, 
 Geo. A Neal, 
 William C. K'emald, 
 K. J Mathcs, 
 Oo. C Pinkbam, 
 John b\ Mason, 
 Jonathan T. Dodge, 
 Charles K. Cbasc, 
 Thop. Brown, 
 Her. U. Holonan, 
 John Hall. 
 N. V. Whitchoosc, 
 F. B. Moore. 
 Franklin McDoiSee, 
 Charles HendcrsoDi 
 
 M. T. Kimball, 
 Jonathan Wentworth. 
 David L«gTO, 
 Mr. D. FuM. 
 Jes H. Place, 
 Isaac Wentworth, 
 Geo B. Roberts, 
 Silas Wentworth, 
 J. Edwin Cbesley. 
 .Alvab M. Kimball. 
 Sitaa J. WeotTorth, 
 Nicboli« R. Vamey, 
 Wm K Kimball, 
 \VilliaiD Rand, 
 Watson tiay»'a. 
 Stephen D Wentworth, 
 John P. Torr. 
 S. H. Feioeman & Bro , 
 Francis Orr, 
 Jacob H. Els, 
 BcDJ. Barker, 
 
 Micajah H. Wentworth, 
 E. G. & B. Wallace,, 
 J D. Evans, 
 E F. Whitehouse, 
 J. R. Marshall, 
 Henry Nye, 
 J. H. Fuller, 
 J. S Warren, 
 Charles Dennett, 
 Dr. Jas. Farrington, 
 >l. H. Seavey & Co 
 Dominicus Hanson, 
 Kev. W. T Smith, 
 ' Daniel McDuflec, 
 Geo. Corson, 
 Rev. J. M. Palmer, 
 Enoch Whitchouse, 
 John Manson, 
 Dr. M. R. Warreo, 
 Levi Ncadcr.
 
 EDUCATIONAL AND LITERARY. 189 
 
 the paper. Mr. Place regretted afterward the personalilies growing 
 out of this affair, but by this united action of the leading Democrats 
 of the town the " Courier " lost very considerable of its business, 
 and had it not been for a largely increased circulation among Repub- 
 licans it is doul)tful if the })aper could have been continued. In the 
 election of a member of Congress in March, 1865, a " bolt " was 
 organized against the Republican candidacy of Gen. Gilman Mars- 
 ton — the bolters being largely among the "Courier's" principal 
 patrons. The " Courier " supported Marston, however, with a good 
 deal of spirit, and this caused the paper to lose ground again, and 
 that among the strongest friends it had made when the McClellan 
 Club tabooed it. 
 
 In 18G5 an active temperance movement was started in Rochester. 
 Union meetings were held by the two principal churches. Citizens' 
 meetings were also held, and lecturers obtained from abroad. In 
 addition, one or two special town meetings were called to consider 
 the matter. One of the results was the guaranteeing of a good 
 fund by subscription to close up the liquor saloons, and the a}»point- 
 ment of a citizens' prosecuting committee consisting of Frank 
 McDuffee, Robert McHroy, Charles K. Chase, Charles W. Brown, 
 and J. F. Place. Any one now living who remembers the time 
 will doubtless remember that that committee was very active in its 
 work, and that it was pretty effectual. The " Courier " took a hand 
 in this work, and supported the movement heartily, and of course 
 came in for a good share of abuse. The paper, however, continued 
 to thrive ; its independence now counted in its favor ; and in spite 
 of a libel suit in 1866, the vicissitudes of politics and the constant 
 opposition and hatred of the saloons, it paid a comfortable income. 
 
 Mr. Place sold the "Courier" and job printing office May 31, 
 1867, to George C. Foster of Acworth, N. H. Mr. Foster a few 
 months afterwards sold half of the establishment to Charles W. 
 Folsom, who on Oct. 1, 1868, bought his partner's remaining half 
 interest. 
 
 Mr. Folsom " was born under the shadow of Mt. Chocorua, the 
 only mountain in New Hampshire that has a legend, but came to 
 Rochester when less than a year old." He received an academic 
 education at West Lebanon, Me. His father, David J. Folsom, was 
 one of " the thirteen who signed the original ' Hale ' call, when John 
 P. Hale came out of the Democratic ranks and formed the Free Soil 
 party of New Hampshire."
 
 190 ROCHESTER. 
 
 Mr. Folsom continued editor and proprietor of the "Courier" 
 for nearly eighteen years. His special forte was local news, and he 
 made his paper in that respect one of the best in New England. 
 Edwin E. Small at Farraington, Charles E. Drayton at Gonic, and 
 Aliss Addie Cowell of Lebanon, Me., were the local correspondents 
 for a long time. Edward F. Ricker was assistant in the office for 
 several years ; afterwards Thomas C. Hennem had charge of the 
 office, where he still remains. 
 
 In 1871 the office was removed from the Dodge " Bank building" 
 (so called, next to Dodge's Hotel) to the second floor of D. Hanson's 
 building on Central Square, corner of Hanson's street, Mdiere it 
 now is. The paper was enlarged to a seven-column paper in 1870. 
 A Fairhaven cylinder power press was put in in 1872, and soon 
 after a steam engine. In 1878 the paper was jagain enlarged to its 
 present size — eight columns to a page. The " Courier " during 
 Mr. Folsom's management was invariably on the moral side of every 
 question. Mr. Folsom twice represented the town in the Legislature, 
 and was a member of the State Senate in 1883, where he introduced 
 and advocated earnestly the passage of the bill providing for the 
 compulsory teaching in the public schools of the effect of the use of 
 narcotics on the human system. 
 
 Mr. Folsom sold the " Courier " and its printing office Dec. 4, 
 1885, to Dr. I. W. Lougee, for $3,500. Dr. Lougee still conducts 
 the paper, which maintains its reputation for local news, so well 
 earned under Mr. Folsom's management. 
 
 The first number of the " Anti-Monopolist," a greenback news- 
 paper, so called, was issued Oct. 19, 1878, by George G. Berry & Co. 
 — a politician named Moses Hull being the " Co." Hull did the 
 editorial work, and Berry the mechanical work and looked after the 
 "locals." 
 
 Hull, prior to this, owned a small printing office in Boston, and 
 Berry had Ijeen carrying on a job printing office for several years in 
 liochester — his office being in the Ela building on Market street. 
 Hull's materials were moved from Boston, and the two combined 
 formed the " Anti-Monopolist " office, which was located in Mc- 
 Duflee block. In a few months after the paper was started, Hull 
 retired and turned over his interest in the concern to his brother, 
 Dr. D. W. Hull of Michigan. In August, 1881, Dr. Hull, sold his 
 interest to Mr. Berry, and Frank H. Berry (son of George G.) was
 
 EDUCATIONAL AND LITERARY. 191 
 
 then taken into partnership, and the paper has since then been pub- 
 hshed by Geo. G. Berry & Son. Mr. Berry, senior, died Oct. 25, 
 1885. He was a native of iS'orth Stratibrd, and aljovc forty-live 
 years of age at time of his death. 
 
 The " greenback party " was made up from that extreme wing of 
 the Democratic party known as "soft money" Democrats, who 
 favored the payment of all government bonds and obligations in 
 paper money, or United States paper currency, bearing no interest 
 and not redeemable in coin. The "Anti-Monopolist" was started 
 to represent and advocate the opinions of that political class. The 
 paper has also given considerable attention to local news. It has 
 been much improved in this respect, and as a newspaper of general 
 interest, since Mr. F. IT. Berry has conducted it. 
 
 It is issued every Saturday, its subscription price being one dollar 
 a year. The paper has been twice enlarged, and is now an eight- 
 column neAvspaper, 26x39 inches in size. For the first three years 
 it was printed in the "Courier" office, afterwards in McDuftee 
 block on a "Washington hand press. The office is now in Went- 
 worth block, on the second floor, and the paper is printed on a 
 Whitlock cylinder press, run by steam power. 
 
 In May, 1884, the Union Mission Band commenced the publication 
 of a small monthly paper called " Missionary Echoes," 13x22 in 
 size. It was edited by Mrs. J. G. Harvey, the president of the 
 organization, and was printed in the " Courier" office. Its object 
 in the main was to raise funds for the establishment of a public 
 Reading Room. The paper was continued for a year, and the pro- 
 ceeds turned over to the Women's Christian Temperance Union, 
 and used for the above purpose. It was a very creditable work by 
 the young ladies of the " Band," and the editing by Mrs. Harvey 
 compared favorably with much more pretentious publications. 
 
 A weekly newspaper called the " Rochester Leader " was started 
 Dec. 2, 1885, by H. L. Cate and Irving E. Home, under the firm 
 name of Cate & Home. Home soon after retired, and the paper 
 has since been published by Mr. Cate. It is an advocate of the 
 labor interest. Mr. Cate is a native of Reading, Mass., and was 
 twenty-seven years old when the "Leader" was first issued. He 
 learned the printing business under Mr. Folsom in the " Courier " 
 office, where he served for ten years.
 
 192 ROCHESTER. 
 
 The " Leader " is 26x40 inches in size, and the subscription price 
 is S1.25 per year. It is printed in the " Anti-Monopolist" office in 
 "Wentworth block on Main street. 
 
 The newspaper business of Rochester has one peculiar feature — it 
 has been largely conducted by native talent. Both Furber and Place 
 — the first the pioneer of the " Eeview," and the latter the founder 
 of the "Courier" — were born in Gonic, and went to the district 
 school in that village. Henderson was a native of Rochester, and 
 learned his trade with S. J. Varney, another " Rochester boy," who 
 was at that time publishing the " Gazette," at Methuen Falls, Mass. 
 Mr. Varney learned his trade in the " Dover Gazette " office, and 
 thus gave the name " Gazette " to his new venture at Methuen. 
 This was years before the great manufacturing city of Lawrence 
 was thought of, which has since grown almost around the little 
 village at Methuen Falls, and was before Mr. Place was born, who 
 a quarter century later learned the business in the " Lawrence 
 Courier " office, about a mile or so from Methuen, and afterward 
 gave the name " Courier " to his individual enterprise at Rochester. 
 Mr. Varney after leaving Methuen established the " Vox Populi " 
 at Lowell, which is still continued by some of his family. Mr. Fol- 
 som who conducted the " Courier " for eighteen years, was raised 
 *' above the bridge," as that part of Rochester village is still known. 
 The Berrys of the " Anti-Monopolist," both father and son, were 
 born close to the Rochester line. 
 
 Among others who have been identified with the business, may be 
 mentioned J. T. S. Libby, for many years connected with the " Dover 
 Enquirer," who was born in Rochester. Hon. J. H. Ela, so long 
 a resident of Rochester, and a native of the town, learned the print- 
 ing business in Concord, and did eminent service on the "Herald of 
 Freedom," in molding public opinion which finally resulted in the 
 formation of the Republican party and the overthrow of slavery. 
 Edwin A. Fernald now of the " Detroit Tribune," and George E. 
 Place, a Directory publisher in Los Angeles, Cal., are both 2^^'oteges 
 of the " Courier " office, and natives of Rochester. Mr. Fernald 
 was the founder, and for several years publisher, of the " Great 
 Falls Journal."
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 
 ROCHESTER IN THE REBELLION. 
 
 " Hark ! I hear the tramp of thousands, 
 And of armed men the hum; 
 Lo ! a nation's hosts liave gathered 
 Round the quick-alarming drum — 
 Saying ' Come, 
 Freemen, come ! 
 Ere your heritage be wasted,' said the quick-alarming drum. 
 
 And they answered, hoping, fearing, 
 Some in faith, and doubting some, 
 Till a trumpet-voice proclaiming. 
 Said, ' My chosen people, come 1' 
 Then the drum 
 Lo! was dumb; 
 For the great heart of the nation, throbbing, answered, ' Lord, we come !' " 
 
 The election of Abraham Lincoln to the presidency in 1860 
 was regarded by the South as threatening to their interests in 
 the triumph of freedom over slavery. They therefore proceeded 
 to execute the threat of dissolution which they had so long bran- 
 dished over the terrified politicians of the North. The passage of 
 ordinances of secession, the establishment of the Confederac}', the 
 resignation of Southern officers in the United States naval, mil- 
 itary, and civil service, the Peace Congress, the various compro- 
 mises proposed and rejected or abandoned, the warlike attitude 
 hastily and angrily assumed by the South, the gathering of troops 
 at Charleston, the hesitation of the government, the bombardment 
 and capture of Sumter by which war was fairly inaugurated, are 
 now familiar events in the general history of our country. In 
 them Rochester took her due proportion of interest, and manifested 
 her full share of political and patriotic ardor. At the presidential 
 election this town had cast 376 votes for Lincoln, 268 for Douglas, 
 and 22 for Breckenridge. Thus the party which had elected 
 Lincoln was strong here at the beginning of the crisis, and when
 
 194 ROCHESTER. 
 
 war actualh' burst upon the land, and the question became one 
 of maintaining the government against its deadly enemies, party 
 differences were for the time laid aside, and all were of one heart 
 and soul. Who that was then living has forgotten those early 
 days in the war? the wild excitement when news reached us that 
 Beauregard had opened his batteries, and each mail for two days 
 told us that the brave Anderson still held the fort? Hopes were 
 raised only to be blasted ^^'ith consternation when the little band 
 of 70 surrendered at last to 7000. Then still more thoroughly 
 were the people aroused at the President's call for 75,000 troops. 
 And as news came of hundreds of thousands of men with money 
 and munitions of war quickly offered to sustain the government, 
 daily and hourly the excitement grew. The riot at Baltimore, 
 the telegraph cut, the first bloodshed, made the people wild with 
 patriotic frenzy. The present generation cannot understand it. 
 But who then living has forgotten that terrible Sunday? As if 
 the truth itself were not bad enough, the air was filled with most 
 astounding rumors from the telegraph ofiice at Great Falls, whence 
 couriers were continually arriving. " Baltimore on fire." " The 
 city shelled from Fort McHenry." " Gen. Butler shot dead on 
 the street." Then the people were ready to believe anything. 
 But after a while telegrams became a by-word of untruthfulness, 
 to be received with distrust, or like dreams to be interpreted by 
 contraries. 
 
 In this crisis what was Rochester doing? When the battle of 
 Lexington opened the revolution ninety years before, the energy 
 and alacrity of Rochester in raising and forwarding volunteers 
 calls forth our admiration. Did the spirit of the fathers still 
 survive ? Our record shows no diminution of patriotism or zeal. 
 Immediate steps were taken to raise volunteers. But some could 
 not be persuaded to wait a single day. A young man at Gonic, 
 named Joseph D, Home, upon learning the fall of Sumter, 
 started the same afternoon for Lawrence, Mass., where he volun- 
 teered to fill a vacancy in the 6th Regiment, which started early 
 the next morning for "Washington. In the Baltimore fight a 
 comrade (Needham) fell by his side. This was the first full regi- 
 ment that reached the capital, and Rochester was honored with 
 a worthy representative. Home proved himself a brave soldier 
 and died in the service of his country-.
 
 ROCHESTER IN THE REBELLION. 195 
 
 On reception of the President's proclamation a public meeting 
 was at once summoned at the town hall. The call for this meeting 
 was signed by a large number of the leading citizens witliout 
 distinction of party. A reduced fac-simile of this call is seen on 
 the following page. At the appointed hour the hall was crowded. 
 The meeting was called to order by Jacob H. Ela. James II. 
 Edgerly was called to preside, with a list of vice-presidents and 
 secretaries chosen alternately from each political party. The fol- 
 lowing resolutions, presented by Mr. Ela, breathe the same spirit 
 of lofty patriotism which pervaded those passed at the dawn of 
 the revolution. (Page 52.) 
 
 " Whereas, after numerous acts of war upon the government, which if perpe- 
 trated by a foreign power would have been promptly redressed, and after for- 
 bearance which would be characterized as imbecility, war exists and has been 
 wantonly urged against the government and its authority, and upon principles 
 which lead to anarchy and despotism, therefore 
 
 " Resolved, that we will sustain the administration in the most vigorous prose- 
 cution of all the means necessary for maintaining the authority of the gov- 
 ernment, protecting the public property, and maintaining the honor of the na- 
 tional flag. 
 
 " Resolved, that the Selectmen be requested forthwith to call a town meeting 
 for the purpose of appropriating and authorizing the Selectmen, or a committee 
 of citizens, to use at their discretion such sums as may be necessary, not ex- 
 ceeding two thousand dollars, for the purpose of securing the pay of all such 
 persons as may volunteer, until otherwise provided for, and for the benefit of 
 such families as may need it. 
 
 " Resolved, that a committee of five be appointed to receive the names of vol- 
 unteers, and make such arrangements as may be necessary to secure prompt 
 compliance with the requisition of the government." 
 
 These resolutions drew out eloquent and patriotic speeches from 
 many citizens. A few thought that since the banks had made 
 liberal offers of loans for war purposes, it was not necessary to 
 call a town meeting at once, and proposed an amendment to the 
 effect that a committee be appointed to have a town meeting 
 called if it should prove necessary. The people, however, were 
 in no mood for delay, and promptly voted down the proposed 
 amendment. The resolutions were then adopted with unanimous 
 enthusiasm. The firing of a cannon was agreed upon as a signal 
 to summon the people to the town hall, and from this time spir- 
 ited meetings were held nearly every week. Men of both parties 
 from this and other towns addressed these meetings in the most 
 fervent manner, making earnest speeches upon the duty of sus- 
 taining the government. At one meeting X. V. Whitehouse
 
 196 
 
 ROCHESTER. 
 
 PUBLIC 
 
 MEETING 
 
 CSi>^^^^^->'^'^\- 
 
 Fellow Citizens ! 
 
 The time has come wheu by the 
 
 bombardment of tk<4 Forts and organized resistance tr> its aiithoritj — War 
 
 exists against a Gorernment which has conferred onlj benefits. The President calls udoq 
 the country for aid .to maintaiD that Government and its authority. In thia-trial hour which 
 tests our capacity for self government — when an armed conflict is upon us — political differ- 
 ences should give way to patriotism, and all who recognize the ballot box as tbe rightful 
 means of revolution in a Free Government---who prize the blessings of Liberty over usur- 
 pation and anarchy---should unite together to sustain the Government All citizens anima* 
 ted by such a purpose, are invited to meet at the 
 
 Town Hall 
 
 In RochBStsr, Thursday Evening, April IStb, 
 
 to take soch action as they may deem proper. 
 
 WATSON HAYES, 
 NICHOLAS R. VARNEY. 
 BE.VJA HUBBS, 
 CHARLES K. CHASE, 
 JOHN MANSON, 
 IRA DOE, 
 DAVID AUSTLN, 
 JOHN STOTT, 
 J. WESLEY HORNE, 
 W. K. KI.HBALL, 
 S. D. WENTWORTH, 
 JOSIAH B. KIMBALL, 
 JOHN FOLSO.M, 
 JOHN W. SANBORN, 
 JOHN CORSON, 
 SA.MUEL JELERSON, 
 E. J. MATIIES, 
 E. L. GLIDDEN, 
 DAVID J. SANBORN. 
 
 BENJA BARKER, 
 
 DANIEL McDCFFEE, 
 
 F. McDUFFEE, 
 
 JOHN LEGRO, 
 
 J N WILKINSON, 
 
 J O HOW.4RD, 
 
 R McDUFFKE. JR 
 
 B FLETCHER, 
 
 T C DAVIS 
 
 J FARRINGTON, 
 
 JACOB H EL A, 
 
 JAMES H EDGERLY, 
 
 EDWI-N WALLACE, 
 
 E G WALLACE, 
 
 J WENTWORTH, 
 
 T BKOWTV, 
 
 S H FEINEMAN, 
 
 GEO F GUPPY. 
 
 F FEINE.MAN. 
 
 SIMON CHASE, 
 GEO B ROBERTS, 
 M H WENTWORTH, 
 WALTER B K HODGDON, 
 CHAS E BLACKMAR, 
 CH.4S W FOLSOM. 
 HARRISON H.4L£, 
 J D PILLSBURY, 
 J ABEZ D.IME, 
 EPHW.71M H.4MMETT, 
 D^VID J FOLSOM, 
 J D EVylNS, 
 JOHN McDUFFEE, 
 G D PLUMER. 
 SIL.4S HUSSEY jb, 
 CH.IS DENNETT, 
 «EUflEN TILTON, 
 THOS S eUSSEY, 
 CHAS HENDEItSON..
 
 ROCHESTER IN THE REBELLION. 107 
 
 displayed a piece of a rebel Hag wliich he had ohtainod in Hostoii, 
 and offered to give a bounty of twenty dollars each to the tirst 
 five who would enlist from Rochester. The highest degree of 
 enthusiasm prevailed. Processions marched through the streets 
 to the stirring sound of fife and drum, frequently meeting other 
 processions coming in from different parts of the town. A com- 
 mittee was appointed to present each Rochester volunteer with a 
 revolver, and to furnish such personal comforts as might be needed. 
 It was voted to revive the Rochester Phalanx as a company of 
 minute men if called for. April 30tli a committee of women 
 was appointed to provide each man with two flannel shirts, two 
 pairs of woolen drawers, tw^o pairs of woolen stockings, and a 
 supply of handkerchiefs, towels, etc. Mrs. Anna Hanson, in her 
 94th year, offered her services and made up half-a-dozen shirts. 
 Her memory of the revolution doubtless increased her patriotic 
 zeal. In a very few days the above-named articles were furnished 
 to our soldiers then about leaving Dover. Meanwhile young men 
 were continually enrolling themselves. The first volunteers enlisted 
 at Dover, and went daily to that place for drill, receiving free 
 passage on the railroad. 
 
 When the call for 75,000 troops w^as first received, and one 
 regiment assigned to 'New Hampshire, it was thought that our 
 town's proportion would be eight or ten, and the question was 
 often asked, "Who will go? War was a new thing, and though 
 there was much enthusiasm and people loved the old flag, yet 
 visions of battle, blood, and death w^ould intrude themselves. 
 Who would go? The question was speedily answered. It was 
 no longer asked what our proportion was, but men pressed in so 
 rapidly that the first regiment was organized and sent forward 
 leaving many enlisted men behind who saw no service. The 
 first legal action of the town was on May 11th, when three 
 thousand dollars w^as appropriated to procure whatever was needed 
 for the comfort and safety of the soldiers and for the support of 
 their families during their absence. The selectmen were instructed 
 to pay for the revolvers presented to the first twenty volunteers, 
 and to provide all necessary articles of clothing. J. II. Edgerly, 
 Richard Cross, and C. K. Chase were appointed to distribute 
 what sums should be needed for the support of soldiers' fi\milies. 
 The people largely shared in the sanguine expectations of Secre-
 
 198 ROCHESTER. 
 
 tary Seward, that tliirtj, sixty, ninety days, or at most a few 
 months would suffice to crush the rebellion. These hopes were 
 very soon blasted, and it is no wonder that some few began to 
 falter. The flush of the first glorious excitement had passed. 
 Such as had more emotion than sturdy principle proved recreant 
 when brought face to face with continued sacrifices and persistent 
 struggles. But these were comparatively few. The people as a 
 whole in Rochester stood loyally and magnificently by the old flag. 
 They were ready to do and to sufter all that the heroes of '76 
 had done and endured for their country. The second battle of 
 Bull Run had taught both government and people that they had 
 no holiday task before them. Volunteers again pressed forward 
 in larger numbers than before. During August about forty, and 
 in September many more Rochester recruits hastened to the field. 
 And their enthusiastic support at home was by no means lacking. 
 The Sanitary Commission had now become thoroughly organized 
 for its beneficent work, and the women of Rochester were sending 
 frequent supplies for the comfort of their brave volunteers, and 
 the necessities of the sick and wounded. 
 
 At the annual town meeting, March 11, 1862, 
 
 " Voted that the Selectmen be authorized to hire 85000 to furnish necessary 
 aid to wives, children, or parents of volunteers in service from Rochester, and 
 that the aid rendered families shall be to the extent which with their own 
 reasonable efforts shall maintain them in comfortable circumstances." 
 
 With such noble and loyal support of the citizens at home, no 
 wonder patriotic young men were ready to march to their coun- 
 try's defence. 
 
 In June four soldiers returned wounded at the battle of Fair 
 Oaks : — Stephen D. Avery who had been shot through the body 
 and taken up for dead, Charles H. Bliss badly wounded in breast 
 and thigh, Charles "W. Gilman whose right thumb had been shot 
 off", and James W. Blaisdell who had lost his right fore-finger in 
 the same way. Every such return helped to stimulate and con- 
 firm the determination of the people. In a few days came the 
 President's call for 300,000 more three years' men, followed a 
 month later by the call for the same number of nine months' 
 men. If there were less of outward excitement and noisy demon- 
 stration than a year before, the people were more deeply aroused,
 
 ROCHESTER IN THE REBELLION. 199 
 
 and more thoroughly imbued with a iirm-set jiurpose to conquer 
 the rebelUon at whatever cost. N. V. Whitehousc offered ?100 
 to be divided among the first twenty who shouhl enlist. Enthu- 
 siastic war meetings were now occurring daily all over the state. 
 Scarcely a week passed without a crowded meeting at our town 
 hall, many not being able to get in. Stirring speeches were made 
 by men of both political parties from this and neighlioring towns. 
 At one meeting thirty enlistments were made, and at every gath- 
 ering rousing and repeated cheers for the Union testified to the de- 
 termined loyalty of the people. The women were actively engaged 
 in making lint, bandages, etc., and soliciting funds from every 
 quarter with great success, for " none could withstand their ap- 
 peals." The last w^eek in July they sent two large boxes to the 
 Sanitary Commission. The " Dover Enquirer " for Aug. 14, con- 
 tained the following item : — 
 
 " Forty-seven recruits from Rochester went up [that is to Concord] Monday 
 for the 9th N. H. Capt. C. W. Edgerly raised in a short time thirty-five young 
 men, some of the best in town, some of whom never used intoxicating drink, 
 and not even tobacco." 
 
 By this time the ranks of young men were becoming depleted, 
 volunteering flagged, prices for substitutes began to advance, and 
 the government ordered a draft to begin Sept. 15. This was 
 deferred, however, for nearly a year. Two special town meetings 
 were held in August, at which $200 bounty was voted to each 
 volunteer, and the selectmen were instructed to hire ^^8000 for 
 this purpose. Samuel Jones, Daniel McDuffee, Daniel Young, 
 Charles Chisholm, and Rufus Clark were appointed a committee 
 to assist in raising volunteers. The prospect of a draft roused 
 the people to still deeper earnestness. The 9th of September was 
 devoted to a military drill of the citizens at large, all the mills 
 and places of business being closed, and the evening was spent 
 in speech-making and other patriotic demonstrations. 
 
 September 22d, the President's preliminary proclamation of 
 Emancipation was issued, and three days later the citizens of 
 Rochester met to express their views on the subject. J. D. Sturte- 
 vant was chosen to preside. Resolutions introduced by J. H. Ela 
 were adopted by an almost unanimous vote. Thoy declared that 
 
 " with profound satisfaction we hail the proclamation as a measure calculated 
 to cripple the rebellion, defeat the intrigues of foreign intervention, and bring
 
 200 ROCHESTER. 
 
 the war to a speedy and triumphant close, and that these and all other consti- 
 tutional measures meet our approval, and we pledge the President our hearty 
 support," etc. 
 
 The meeting was largely attended, harmonious, and enthusiastic, 
 though not so crowded as previous war meetings. 
 
 October 25th valuable swords and sashes were presented by the 
 citizens to Capt. G. E. Pinkham, and Lieuts. A. M. Kimball and 
 L. F. Place. Charles S. Whitehouse presided, and spoke of the 
 ready liberality of the citizens in presenting swords, not only at 
 this time but previously to Capt. C. W. Edgerly, and Lieuts. 
 Henry W. Locke and Samuel F. Varney, saying that Rochester 
 had done her duty nobly and was willing to do it till the Stars 
 and Stripes should wave in peace over the whole country. 
 Cyrus K. Sanborn eulogized the zeal and energy of Capt. Pink- 
 ham in encouraging men to enlist and now going himself with 
 the confidence and respect of his men, and the best wishes of his 
 fellow citizens. He said that Lieuts. Kimball and Place had 
 already done honor to the town ; leaving home a year ago as 
 Sergeants, their faithfulness, courage, and ability had won their 
 present position. Presenting the swords in behalf of the citizens 
 he said he committed them to good hands of loyal men who had 
 taken them in defense of a righteous cause, and hoped the splen- 
 did gifts would inspire them with renewed exertions in crushing 
 out the wicked rebellion. The recipients responded in fitting 
 words amid repeated applause. 
 
 Aug. 19, 1863, the town voted $300 bounty to each drafted 
 man or substitute, to be paid ten days after being mustered in, 
 and the same aid to families of drafted men as heretofore to 
 families of volunteers, and the selectmen were authorized to hire 
 $30,000 for that purpose. December 5, another $30,000 was voted 
 to be employed in the same way. In August the long-deferred 
 draft took place at Portsmouth. Rochester reported 322 liable to 
 military service, out of whom 97 were drawn. Only three of 
 these, Henry Grant, George F. Guppy, and Ichabod Worster 
 entered the service. Two, Otis Meader and John C. Shorey, 
 paid the commutation fee of $300. Twenty-six procured substi- 
 tutes. The remaining sixty -six were rejected for disability, or 
 declared legally exempt for family reasons. 
 
 The war " dragged its slow length along " far beyond the ex-
 
 ROCHESTER IX THE KEUELLIoN. 2<)l 
 
 Jtoctations of any. But tlirouo-h miiiirlod successes and (k'tuats 
 the courai!:eous heart of the people did not falter, nor their duter- 
 niined i»urpose waver. They still pressed on confident of final 
 victory. In February, 1864, the town voted §5,000 to re-inihurse 
 drafted men who, in order to obtain substitutes, had been obli^-ed 
 to pay sums in excess of tlie town bounty. In March it was 
 voted to u;ive those who had served two years without bounty 
 the same amount tliat had since been given to others. 
 
 At (htferent meetings during the remainder of this year 872,000 
 was voted for bounties. In July Wm. J. Roberts, B. L. E. Gowen, 
 and John Legro were chosen to act with the selectmen in pro- 
 curing volunteers, and |300 was voted to each enrolled citi/.en 
 wlio should furnish a substitute. 
 
 This steady, faithful work for the cause was accompanied with 
 stirring manifestations of patriotic enthusiasm. " The glorious 
 fourth " was observed at Rochester in 1864 by a fitting celebra- 
 tion. The following account is condensed from the " Rochester 
 Courier " of that week. In the early morn the bells were rung, 
 and a National salute was fired at sunrise. Soon after eiglit 
 o'clock a procession, under command of Judge Edgerly, marched 
 by the old Academy building, up Main and Wakefield streets, 
 through Cross street, up Market street above the bridge, returning 
 through Market and Main streets down past the cemetery to 
 Willey's Grove. It was escorted by a platoon of returned soldiers 
 under Lieut. S. F. Varney, bearing the flag of the 15th N. H, 
 Volunteers, tattered and torn as when carried in the assault on 
 Port Hudson. Next came Great Falls Cornet Band, followed by 
 the officers and speakers of the day with invited guests, Humane 
 Lodge of Masons, the Methodist and Congregational Sabbath 
 Schools, Motolinia Lodge of Odd Fellows, and a large cortege of 
 carriages and citizens generally. This procession was nearly half 
 a mile long, and was flanked and followed by a very large 
 number of townspeople and strangers. Ebenezer G. Wallace 
 presided on the occasion. After prayer by Rev. S. Ilolman, the 
 vast assemblage joined in singing "America." Mr. Wallace made 
 some timely remarks alluding to former celebrations, and giving 
 a very practical view of the war and of our duty of meeting the 
 issues here at home in order to sustain it. Col. C. S. Wliitehouse 
 then read the Declaration of Independence, and tlic band played
 
 202 ROCHESTER. 
 
 " Hail Columbia." The orator of the day was Franklin McDuftee, 
 who spoke substantially as follows : — * 
 
 " This is a day of festivities. The joyous peal of bells aud the echo of guns 
 with which its dawn was saluted ; the general desertion of business by those of 
 all classes and occupations ; this procession, this martial music ; this assemblage 
 in such a delightful spot, of old and yoimg, of men, women, and happy children, 
 all proclaim that it is no common holiday. This day of all the days of th& 
 year receives at our hands peculiar honors. And why? Because it is the nation's 
 birthday ; because it is the first day of the American year ; because upon this 
 day, nearly a century ago, were laid broad and deep the foundations of repub- 
 lican government and republican institutions; because upon this day the patriot 
 hand first smote the rock from which gushed forth in living streams all those 
 privileges and blessings which at this very hour distinguish the American citizen 
 above the citizens of every other nation upon the face of the earth. It is a day 
 celebrated throughout the whole extent of our country wherever there is a loyal 
 American heart. North, South, East, or West. And in the countries of the Old 
 World, too, wherever there beats a true American heart, that heart turns fondly 
 towards the associations of its native land ; and in London, in Paris, in Pekin, 
 will be remembered the anniversary of American Independence." 
 
 The speaker next contrasted this ^vith other holidays, showing 
 that this alone is purely and distinctivel}- American, and that it 
 ought to be celebrated with the most earnest and devoted patri- 
 otism. Then followed a brief outline of our National history, 
 showing the mistake made at the beginning by admitting the 
 institution of slavery which was directly in conflict with the 
 immortal Declaration on which our government was founded. 
 
 " Let us all give thanks then upon this great day that such a great evil is 
 removed from our government. We all professed to loathe it. We all professed 
 a desire to be rid of it. Let us rejoice that it is gone, forever gone. 
 
 ' But yesterday the word of Cfesar 
 Might have stood against the world; 
 Now lies he there. 
 And none so poor to do him reverence.' 
 
 Stabbed by the hand of his friend was Caesar; stabbed also was slavery by the 
 hand of those who declared they would make it the corner-stone of a new and 
 mighty empire." 
 
 The words of John Adams in reference to the Declaration were 
 then quoted and tlie incidents connected with its adoption were 
 recalled. A somewhat extended comparison was made between 
 the patriotism and energy of the time of the Revolution and the 
 then present crisis, the speaker confidently asserting " that the 
 
 ♦Probably the author himself would not have inserted this address, but it seems to be 
 worthy of permanent preservation. — [Editor.]
 
 ROCHESTER IN THE REBELLION. 203 
 
 patriotism of tliis generation is not exceeded Ijy tliat of the Revo- 
 lution or any other period." lie declared also that history had 
 never recorded " a brighter instance of constancy and determination 
 of purpose than has been manifested during the past three years 
 of the present war." In proof of this assertion lie cited the 
 various prominent battles which had already given renown to our 
 arms throughout the world, adding a stirring panegyric upon the 
 exploits of our heroic soldiers. 
 
 "Noble men I Defenders of their nation's honor! They are writing the 
 nation's history, — writing it with the sword and bayonet, in characters of indel- 
 ible glory. They are sacrificing their lives by hundreds and thousands daily, 
 that the government so dear to them may live and not die. They shall live in 
 history, and as we have read of the exploits of our fathers at Bennington, at Sar- 
 atoga, at Trenton, and at Yorktown, so shall future generations study with admi- 
 ration and pride the achievements of these men at Gettysburg, at Port Hudson, 
 at New Orleans, at Charleston, and at Richmond. So long as history shall be 
 read, so long as language shall be written, so long shall be admired their con- 
 stancy, their patriotism, their self-sacrificing devotion. Living they shall expe- 
 rience the care, the protection, the veneration of their fellow-men ; dying, their 
 virtues shall be forever embalmed in the memories of a grateful posterity." 
 
 The opposition to the war in revolutionary times was compared 
 with the present opposition and the hope expressed " that even 
 in these particulars the present generation has not been without 
 some improvement upon their ancestors." The closing portion 
 of the speech was as follows : — 
 
 " The question is often asked, For what are we fighting ? It implies on the part 
 of those who frequently ask it, either real ignorance of the objects of the war, 
 or an entire inability to comprehend the vast importance of the questions at 
 issue. If we are fighting for nothing, or what is worse than nothing, simply 
 to gratify the passions of hatred and revenge, then the w^ar is one stupendous 
 and outrageous piece of folly. In order therefore that our minds may be assured 
 of the justness of the cause in which we are engaged, it becomes us solemnly 
 to inquire and constantly keep in view the great objects for which we are con- 
 tending. When we consider the magnitude of the contending armies, the dreadful 
 perfection of the enginery of death, the vast extent of territory over which the 
 strife rages, the carnage, the destruction of property, the number and tlie ob- 
 stinate character of the battles fought, we cannot but feel that perhaps the 
 human race never suifered a more direful calamity; and when we reflect that 
 in addition to being sanguinary the war is a civil war, that these combatants 
 were a few years ago peaceful members of the same government, a government 
 founded by a common ancestry, a government in whose history they felt a 
 common pride and delight, a government whose protection they shared and en- 
 joyed together in common; we are amazed that the fratricidal hand should ever 
 have been uplifted to destroy the life of such a beneficent government. 
 
 " Then, firstly and chiefly, we are fighting for the national existence ; we are 
 fighting for the preservation of the integrity of the Union, its oneness, its 
 wholeness, that it may remain, as it has ever been, one great, whole, undivided, 
 undiminished nation, unshorn in honor, power, magnificence. We are fighting
 
 204 ROCHESTER. 
 
 not simply that Georgia may not secede, or South Carolina, but that New 
 Hampshire may not secede, or Massachusetts, or any other State, or every 
 State, for if one may then may all. We are fighting that Rochester may not 
 secede, that any individual here present who happens to be dissatisfied may 
 not secede; we are fighting for the great general principle which lies at the 
 foundation of all government, and without which no government could exist 
 for a single day, the principle that no part can withdraw from the remainder. 
 AVhen we once recognize or admit the right of secession, that moment the 
 national existence virtually terminates, and we have instead of government, 
 anarchy; instead of law and order, we have chaos and confusion. Every 
 individual here present is part and parcel of the national government, whether 
 he wills to be or not, voluntarily or involuntarily he is such a part. If, 
 therefore, one of you should commit a crime against his neighbor, or against 
 the community, think you that you could avoid punishment therefor by simply 
 declaring that you would most respectfully withdraw from the government 1 
 The idea would be simply ridiculous, and it is fully as ridiculous when applied 
 to the State as when applied to the individual. Nothing can be clearer than 
 that national existence itself is at stake in this controversy. 
 
 " Again, we are fighting for our institutions. This is a war between democratic 
 ideas and aristocratic ideas. Upon one side the people say, ' We have educated 
 ourselves through our public schools and free institutions, we have qualified 
 ourselves to take part in the administration of the affairs of government, we 
 claim an equal share and equal voice in the direction of its affairs; we claim 
 equal rights and privileges under that government.' On the other side it is replied, 
 ' Not so, you have mistaken your true position. Democratic government is a 
 failure. The people are not qualified to govern themselves. You are but the 
 mud-sills of society. Slavery is the proper foundation of a model government. 
 Slavery is the normal and healthy condition of society.' It is a war between 
 free institutions and slave institutions. It is a war between free labor and 
 slave labor. Between free schools, free churches, free everything, on the one 
 side, and on the other the institutions of barbarism, ignorance, and depravity. 
 
 " Again, we are fighting for the great cause of humanity. It is the cause of 
 the poor, the persecuted, the oppressed, the enslaved. It is the cause of the 
 ignorant and the deluded. It is the cause of the Declaration of Independence, 
 and the great self-evident truths therein contained ' that all men are created 
 free and equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with inalienable rights, 
 life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.' Although the abolition of slavery 
 was not one of the immediate objects of the war, yet during its progress it has 
 become unavoidably one of the inevitable consequences. Although we engaged 
 in the war simply to preserve the government and defend its integrity, yet we 
 find ourselves unavoidably fighting at the same time in behalf of the cause of 
 human rights and human freedom. In still another sense are we fighting for 
 the cause of humanity. In a sense nearer to us all, which appeals more directly 
 and deeply to all our tender feelings and sympathies. We are fighting against 
 the inliumanity of our enemies, — against the barbarous, fiendish, hellish inhu- 
 manity which exhibited itself at Fort Pillow and Libby prison, — against the 
 inhumanity which with cool and deliberate purpose murders, tortures, degrades, 
 and insults the unfortunate victims who fall within its clutches. We are fighting 
 for the brave Union soldiers, the husbands, fathers, sons, and brothei's who are 
 scattered throughout the rebel Confederacy. Did ever holier cause inspire the 
 heart or nerve the arm of patriotism ? 
 
 " Again, we are fighting in behalf of civilization. Already the civilized na- 
 tions of the earth were united in their detestation of the institution of slavery, 
 while we boasting ourselves the freest and most enlightened of all have toler- 
 ated, encouraged, and fostered it. AVe have made ourselves the hissing stock of 
 Christendom. Since the present war began, civilization has been making rapid 
 strides in the Old World. The monarchical governments of Europe have adopted 
 the most vital and important reforms. Russia has by proclamation given emanci-
 
 ROCHESTER IX THE llEBKLLloX. 205 
 
 pation to all the serfs of all that vast empire. France has liberalized lier govern- 
 ment by introducing a juster system of representation. England is even now 
 gitating and discussing the same subject, to carry it to still further extent. Yet 
 while these events have been taking place around us, our own nation has been 
 engaged in a desperate struggle, at the bottom of which lies tlie institution of 
 human bondage. One of the most distinguished writers of Great Britain lias 
 written of the American war, that it is the foulest chimney of the nineteenth 
 century; let it burn itself out. Though started as matter of taunt and sarcasm, 
 I accept it as true. It is a fact that slavery is the blackest soot that ever 
 befouled any national chimney, and it is just as true that the war is every day 
 burning it out. 
 
 " Again, we are fighting for the national honor. We did not engage in the 
 war until we had been robbed and plundered of our property. Our arms, our 
 navy yards, our custom-houses were seized, our transports fired upon, our na- 
 tional flag insulted, our ports bombarded, and their garrisons captured, and every 
 motive of national honor appeals to us to avenge and punish such daring out- 
 rages. Otherwise we should forfeit the respect of mankind, and be esteemed 
 little better than a nation of arrant cowards whose rights could be trampled 
 upon with perfect impunity. 
 
 " And still again, we are fighting for peace. We all desire peace. We are 
 sick and tired of the miseries of war. Alas, w'e begin to have a realizing 
 sense of the dreadful import of that little word — war. We desire its termina- 
 tion. The whole country prays earnestly for peace. But we wish a permanent 
 and substantial peace — a peace not for a day and this generation simply, but 
 a peace for to-morrow — a peace for coming years, and future generations. No 
 such peace can be obtained on the basis of a divided nationality. Look at the 
 countries of Europe, and the causes of their frequent quarrels and wars — dis- 
 puted boundaries and grasping avarice to acquire territor}-. As it is with them, 
 so would it be with us, and were a peace patched up to-day on the principle 
 of a divided nationality, we should find that instead of peace we had gained 
 eternal war and eternal dread of wars to come. 
 
 " These are some of the objects for which we are contending. We are fighting 
 for the existence of the government, and the preservation of its integrity. We 
 are fighting for our institutions. We are fighting for the cause of humanity 
 and civilization. We are fighting for national honor, and we are fighting for a 
 permanent and abiding peace. This war is not second in importance to that of 
 the revolution. It is vastly more vital in its issues. Unless we are successful 
 in this, then was the revolution fought in vain. 
 
 " Let us then profit by the example of the fathers of those times. Let us 
 imitate their virtues, while we seek to avoid their faults, — knowing that His- 
 tory will judge us as it has judged them ; with honor, if we are true to the 
 great requirements of national duty; if false, with ignominy and contempt. 
 Let us remember that the first great duty of an American citizen is loyalty to 
 his government, — earnest, hearty, loyalty: not the reluctant loyalty which 
 springs from fear or shame, not the faint, glimmering twilight of loyalty, but 
 loyalty which shines with the full brightness of the sun — loyalty which is 
 founded upon faith — faith in the government and its defenders — faith in the 
 justness oi our cause, and its final triumphant establishment — faith in the bright 
 destiny of our nation — and faith in the protection of an overruling and 
 almighty Providence, In the words of Webster, ' Fellow citizens, take courage. 
 Be of good cheer. We shall come to no ignoble end. AVe shall live and not 
 die. During the period allotted to our several lives we shall continue to rejoice 
 in the return of this anniversary. The ill-omened sounds of fanaticism will be 
 hushed; the ghastly specters of Secession and Disunion will disappear, and the 
 enemy of united constitutional liberty, if his haired cannot be appeased, may 
 prepare to have his eyeballs seared as he beholds the steady flight of the 
 American Eagle on his 'burnished wings for years and years to come.'"
 
 206 KOCHESTER. 
 
 March 14, 1865, $30,000 was voted for bounties and the support 
 of soldiers' families. This is the last war vote of which we have 
 the record. Soon came the collapse of the rebellion. In less 
 than a month Richmond had been taken, and Lee had surren- 
 dered. The news was received everywhere with great rejoicing. 
 " The Rochester Courier " says, 
 
 "Monday [Ap, 9] was a red-letter day iu the way of rejoicing. The news 
 of the surrender of Lee and his army brought out the flags and the cannon, 
 and half an hour after the arrival of the train, the bells and the cannon brought 
 out the people. Work was abandoned, and congratulations and rejoicings were 
 the order of the day, except among the copperheads who looked soui- and disap- 
 pointed, and generally answered the congratulating salutation that the news 
 was glorious, with a sort of reluctant assent, with the qualification, ' Yes, if it 
 is true.' One poor devil whose name, if given, might disgrace his children, impo- 
 tently threatened prosecution if a bonfire was made in the street. He went 
 home. The war wing of the Democracy went in good earnest for celebrating. 
 In the afternoon a huge pile of wood, hogsheads, tar-barrels, boxes, and all 
 conceivable kinds of fuel was heaped up on the square near the flagstaff. 
 "With the shades of evening came a most brilliant illumination, a great bonfire, 
 and a great crowd. The whole business part of the village was a blaze of light. 
 With one exception every store was illuminated, also the lawyers' offices, and 
 the various shops and saloons, besides many private residences, which were 
 greeted with cheers by the procession marshaled by Capt. Luther Sampson and 
 C. K. Chase, Esq. It was a happy time. All enjoyed themselves whose sym- 
 pathies were not with the rebellion, and without a single instance of rowdyism 
 or drunkenness, the festivities closed before ten o'clock, and the crowd retired 
 to their homes." 
 
 Less than a week later came that day of terror when the foul 
 assassination of President Lincoln flashed over the shuddering 
 wires to the consternation and overwhelming grief of all good 
 citizens. The news reached Rochester Saturday noon, April 15. 
 The following is condensed from the " Rochester Courier." 
 
 "The appalling circumstances of his death seemed to strike every one with 
 terror, and the fact could scarcely be realized. Our little business community 
 was dressed in mourning, all work was suspended, the flags were at half-mast 
 draped with crape, and people went about with sad and downcast faces, relating 
 the particulars of the assassination to astounded crowds on the corners of all 
 the streets and in all public places. In pursuance of the proclamation to observe 
 Wednesday, the day of the funeral, in a fitting and proper manner, a prelimi- 
 nary meeting was held on Monday evening, and James H. Edgerly, Jacob H. 
 Ela, James Farrington, E. G. Wallace, Robert Mcllroy, J. F. Place, and Henry 
 Sondheim were appointed to make the necessary arrangenioits. They decided 
 upon a public meeting at one o'clock p. m. on Wednesday, at the Congrega- 
 tional Church, and invited John McDuffee, Esq., to preside. Public notice was 
 given under authority of the Selectmen, and there was a large attendance of 
 people from all parts of town. The church was draped with festoons of black, 
 and immediately back of the altar were large porti-aits of Washington and Lin- 
 coln adorned with rosettes and pendants, while in front of the organ. was a 
 splendid specimen of the stars and stripes. Mr. McDuffee opened the rneeting
 
 ROCHESTER IN THE REBELLION. 207 
 
 with a few timely remarks, and then read the Governor's Proclamation in rela- 
 tion to the public observance of the day. llev. W. T. Smitli read a portion of 
 scripture and offered an appropriate prayer. Rev. Prescott Fay delivered an 
 address of about three fourths of an hour in length, which was listened to most 
 attentively throughout. He alluded very feelingly to the many virtues of tiie 
 President, to the trials and responsibilities of his position, and to the only 
 reward which vile traitors gave him for his goodness of heart towards them. 
 Rev. W. T. Smith made some appropriate remarks severely denouncing the 
 conspiracy and the assassin, and eulogizing our beloved President who had 
 been so foully murdered. Hon. J. H. Ela in a brief speech of much fervor, 
 which found a warm response in the hearts of his hearers, introduced the fol- 
 lowing resolutions in behalf of the citizens' committee : — 
 
 " ' Whereas we believe it to be a fitting occasion when the loyal heart of the 
 whole nation is plunged in grief at the loss of its beloved Chief Magistrate 
 assassinated to paralj'ze the executive arm of the nation, for each community 
 to express its sense of the great bereavement, and do honor to the distinguish- 
 ed public services and private virtues which adorned the character of the Pres- 
 ident; and in view of the great common loss, to come together and solemnly 
 resolve to pledge anew our devotion and undoubted faith in the principles upon 
 which our nation is founded — our determination to maintain its unity — and 
 our desire that mercy may be mingled with justice in dealing with those who 
 have offended against it, therefore 
 
 "'Resolved, that in the death of Abraham Lincoln the nation mourns an 
 Executive Chief Magistrate, who, to a love of liberty and unbending integrity, 
 added the spirit of justice and unfaltering faith in the darkest hour of trial, 
 mingled with tender sympathy for those in error, and forgiveness for those in 
 wrong, which endeared him to every American heart; and who by his irre- 
 proachable example in public life, joining in a happy degree prudence with 
 power, humanity, patriotism, and wisdom, with firm religious trust, has added 
 new luster to the Presidential office. 
 
 " ' Resolved, that in this afflicting dispensation we feel that new obligations 
 are laid upon us to devote more of our energies to the welfare of the Republic, 
 that by absolute justice we may secure lasting peace and prosperity, — that out 
 of this furnace of national and personal afliiction, we shall as a people be better 
 prepared to accomplish our mission of a great, united, and Christian Republic. 
 
 "'Resolved, that we desire to express our deep sympathy with the family 
 afflicted by this bereavement, and our admiration of the husband and father 
 who by kindness of heart, purity of intention, and sincerity of purpose, had 
 endeared himself to the nation. 
 
 " ' Resolved, that to Andrew Johnson called by this sudden visitation to the 
 Presidency, we extend our sympathy and support in the trying responsibilities of 
 his position ; and commend him to the protecting care of the Infinite Ruler 
 who holds in his hands alike the destiny of nations and individuals. 
 
 "'Resolved, that trusting ourselves to the guidance and j^rotecting care of the 
 Sovereign Ruler of the universe who has so often daring this rebellion frus- 
 trated the designs of evil men, and made theni cfiicient workers to destroy what 
 they sought to build up, and to build up what they sought to destroy, that we 
 will continue our efforts in the confident hojie and faith that out of this seeming 
 evil he will bring good to an afilicted nation.' 
 
 " Remarks were made by C. K. Sanborn and Edwin Wallace strongly endorsing 
 the resolutions, and eulogizing the noble character of the illustrious departed 
 Chief Magistrate. Mr. Wallace was in Washington at the time of the tragedy 
 and related some interesting facts in relation to the same. The resolutions 
 were adopted by the unanimous rising vote of the assemblage. The exercises 
 were interspersed with the singing of appropriate hymns by the Congregational 
 choir led by Thomas Brown."
 
 208 ROCHESTER. 
 
 The war was ended. Rocliester had proved her devotion to the 
 cause of national freedom. She had sent her sons to the field. 
 She had seen them return with depleted ranks, some maimed and 
 emaciated from rehel prisons. She had in several instances received 
 back her dead. With reverential tenderness she had borne their 
 battle-scarred remains to their last resting place, amid the stillness 
 of business cessation, half-masted flags, tolling bells, with maimed 
 veterans for pall bearers, and wasted heroes for mourners, and left 
 them with parting volleys of honor over their graves. Her loyalty 
 was tested and failed not in the hour of trial. As in the revolution 
 there were a few tories, so now there were a few copperheads. 
 Some ventured to say that the departure of the first soldiers was 
 murder. Some, Judas-like, dared to ask " To what purpose is this 
 waste ?" But the spirit of '76 was yet alive, and so prevalent 
 throughout the town, that the mutters of disaffection were faint 
 and few. 
 
 Eochester furnished two hundred and seventj'-three men for the 
 service at a direct cost of $67,281.89 in money paid b}' the town. 
 This does not include sums paid by individuals, nor the generous 
 gifts of the patriotic women. These were pre-eminent in hearty 
 devotion to the cause of their country, proving themselves worthy 
 daughters of the women of the revolution. Luxurious idleness, 
 self-indulgence, trifling amusements, were at a discount during 
 the war. Fancy work was laid aside for scraping lint, knitting 
 socks, making flannel garments, and gathering hospital stores. 
 Even at concert or lecture the click of knitting needles at work 
 for the soldiers was heard on all sides, and those who visited sea- 
 shore or other places of summer resort took with them materials 
 for scraping lint or other work for the heroes in the field. They 
 accomplished a vast amount of work, the record of which cannot 
 be given. In these times when people seem to think nothing 
 secular or religious can be done without an organized society 
 represented l)y a string of cabalistic letters, it is refreshing to find 
 tliat the ladies of Eochester were too busy and too much in earnest 
 to form any society for this work. The}' simply went right to 
 work and did it, meeting around at difterent houses. The Town 
 Hall served them for headquarters where they packed the many 
 boxes and barrels forwarded from time to time. Many remember 
 with a feeling of disappointment to this day that one box of
 
 ROCHESTER IN THE REBELLION. 209 
 
 garments from new flannel was lost on tlio way to the army, and 
 never recovered. Not only did they furnish stores for the Sanitary 
 Commission, but the Christian Commission also shared their gifts. 
 On the evenings of March 18 and 19, 1864, a " Soldiers' Levee " 
 was held. The " Rochester Courier " says : — 
 
 "The aftair was one of tliose rare successes wliicli are brouglit about in unpro- 
 pitious times, by the determined and combined efforts of the ladies by whom the 
 word fail is never considered when it is unanimously resolved to do. Ciiarades, 
 tableaux, hot coffee, music, fish-pond, fun, and 03'sters were among the many 
 inducements held out to entertain the multitude. ' Ye Old Folks' Concert ' 
 under the leadership of Col. C. S. Whitehouse gave excellent vocal selections 
 which were admirably executed of course. The receipts net above all expenses 
 $284, which is to be transmitted to the Christian Commission." 
 
 The cost of such devotion cannot be measured. It is beyond 
 price both in the sacrifices made and the work accomplished. It 
 seems belittling even to name sums of money in presence of 
 soldiers' graves and the tears of mothers, widows, and orphans 
 of the heroic dead, or to reckon up the cost of such priceless 
 boons as freedom, national honor, and human rights. In fact no 
 self-denial could be too great, and no labor too toilsome, '' that 
 the government of the people, by the people, and for the people 
 should not perish from the earth." 
 
 The following is the list of Rochester soldiers and sailors in the 
 war, Avith their military record in brief. 
 
 Levi L. Aldrich. Private, Veteran Reserve Corps. Mustered Jan. 5, 1SG4. 
 Three j'ears. 
 
 Charles Andersox. Private, Co. I, 13th Reg't. Mustered Dec. 28, 1863. 
 Transferred to Navy March 13, 1864. 
 
 Henry J. Armstrong. Substitute for James Richards. Private, Co. B, 14th 
 Reg't. Mustered Aug. 14, 1863. Deserted at Washington, D. C, Nov. 4, 1863. 
 
 David Austen. In Navy May, 1861, and served on schooner " Wanderer." 
 Discharged June, 1862. Re-enlisted Aug. 30, 1864. Served on board -'Colorado" 
 in South Carolina, afterwards on board schooner " Hope " at Fort Sumter, rais- 
 ing sunken vessels. Discharged September, 1865. 
 
 Daniel Plumer Avery. In Navy, was on board the " Cumberland," witnessed 
 the battle of the '-Merrimack" and "Monitor." Re-enlisted private, Co. II, Dth 
 Reg't. Mustered Aug. 21, 1862. Deserted at Antietam Sept. 17, 1862. when 
 ordered to assist in conveying Col. Titus from the field. Re-eulisted for two 
 years in Gibbs (Mass.) Battery. After a year came home on a furlough, and 
 was advertised to lecture in a school-house in Rochester, where he was arrested 
 as a deserter. Was allowed to return to his Regiment. Served in the '- Red 
 River Expedition '' where he is supposed to have died, as he has not since been 
 heard from. 
 
 Frank L. Avery. Private, Co. B, 1st Reg't. Mustered May 2, 1861. Mus- 
 tered out Aug. 9, 1861.
 
 210 ROCHESTER. 
 
 John Avery. Private, Troop E, 1st Cavalry, for three years. Mustered March 
 24, 1865. Promoted Corporal May 1, 18G5. Mustered out July 15, 1865. Had 
 served in another regiment from which he was honorably discharged. 
 
 Samukl a. Avery. Private, Co. H, 9th Reg't. Mustered Aug. 13, 1862. 
 Deserted with his brother D. P. Avery at the battle of Antietam. 
 
 Stephen- D. Avery. Private, Co. D, 5th Reg't. Mustered Oct. 23, 1861. 
 Discharged for disability Oct. 28, 1862. Re-enlisted private, Troop I, 1st Cavalry. 
 Mustered April 1, 1865. Shot through the lungs at Fair Oaks and supposed to 
 be killed, but recovered. Mustered out May 6, 1865. 
 
 Walter M. Avery. Private, Troop I, 1st Cavalry. Mustered April 7, 1865. 
 Mustered out Ma.j 6, 1865. 
 
 Joux W. Babb. Drummer, Co. I, 15th Reg't. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862. Mus- 
 tered out Aug. 13, 1863. 
 
 Stephen E. Babb. Private, Co. A, 4th Reg't. Mustered Sept. 18, 1861. Re- 
 enlisted for Dover. Mustered Feb. 20, 1864. Wounded June 7, 1864. Transferred 
 to Veteran Reserve Corps Jan. 13, 1865. 
 
 Jacob H. Baker. Private, Co. C, 18th Reg't. Mustered Sept.' 14, 1864. Mus- 
 tered out May 29, 1865. 
 
 Joseph Bamford. Private, Co. I, 15th Reg't. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862. Mus- 
 tered out Aug. 13, 1863. Re-enlisted in Navy, on ship " Albatross." Substitute for 
 Geo. H. Rogers. Mustered Aug. 30, 1864. 
 
 Michael Batty was an Irishman about twenty years of age, a spinner em- 
 ployed by the Norway Plains Co. Enlisted as a private in Co. G, 8th Reg't. 
 Mustered Dec. 23, 1861. Was drowned while crossing a bayou in the night, and 
 buried at Camp Parapet, La. 
 
 David Shepard Bean. Son of Wm. M. and Lucy, was born at Newport, Me., 
 Nov. 28, 1843. Was a shoemaker and lived with his brother Henry in Rochester 
 fifteen years. Enlisted private, Co. A, 4th Reg't. Mustered Sept. 18, 1861. Died 
 very suddenly of diphtheria at Hilton Head, Jan. 23, 1862, and was buried there. 
 
 George .Tunkins Bean. Son of Levi, was a soapmaker. Private, Co. D, 5th 
 Reg't. Mustered Oct. 26, 1861. Was in the battle of Fair Oaks, and the seven 
 days before Richmond. Died after a sickness of five weeks in hospital at Newark, 
 N. J., Sept. 9, 1862. Was buried there in Fairmount Cemetery. Left a wife and 
 one child. 
 
 Henry F. Bean. Private, Co. A. 4th Reg't. Mustered Sept. 18, 1861. Mus- 
 tered out Sept. 28, 1864. 
 
 John Beecher. Corporal, Co. I, 15th Reg't. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862. Mus- 
 tered out Aug. 13, 1863. Re-enlisted as siibstitute for Gershom H. Home. Private, 
 Co. E, 5th Reg't. Mustered Aug. 14, 1863. Transferred to the Navy April 21, 
 1864. 
 
 Robert Bennett. Substitute for S. F. McDuffee. Mustered Jan. 5, 1865, for 
 three years in Navy. 
 
 David Bickkord. Private, Co. I, 15th Reg't. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862. Mus- 
 tered out Aug. 13, 1863. 
 
 James F. Bickford. Private, Co. H, 6th Reg't. Mustered Nov. 28, 1861. 
 Discharged for disability at Hatteras, N. C, May 21, 1862. 
 
 AViNFiELD Scott Bickford. Son of Isaac and Mehetabel (Henderson) Bick- 
 ford, was born in Sanbornton, N. H., Oct. 4, 1841. Had lived in Rochester about 
 five years. Was at work in the woolen mill, though by trade a joiner. Mustered 
 as private in Co. H, 6th Reg't, Nov. 28, 1861. Exposure to a hard storm on the 
 way to North Carolina brought on a brain fever so that he was left behind at Hat- 
 teras, N. C, where he died March 12, 1802, and was buried there. 
 
 Benjamin Franklin Blaisdell. Son of Joseph and Eliza M. of East Roch-
 
 ROCHESTER IN THE REBELLION. 211 
 
 ester, where he was born Dec. 5, 1845. Worked ia dye room of the Coclieco 
 Woolen Co. Determined to serve his country in tlie war he lir.st tried to enlist at 
 Rochester, but being a minor his father refused his consent. He next tried Con- 
 cord but was rejected on account of slight deafness. Persisting in his design ho 
 ■went to Boston and was mustered as a private in Co. G, I'.'tli Mass. Keg't, March, 
 1864. May 12 he was in the battle of Spottsylvania. In a skirmish a day or 
 two after the battle he was wounded in neck and shoulder by a musket ball. 
 He returned home where he died from the effects of the wound Nov. IG, 18G4. 
 
 CiiAKLES C. Blaisuell. Corporal, Co. B, 1st Reg't. Mustered May 2, 18G1. 
 Mustered out Aug. 9, 180 1. 
 
 Daniel G. Blaisdell. Private, Co. I, 3d Reg't. Mustered Aug. 24, 18G1. 
 Re-enlisted Feb. 25, 1864. Slightly wounded May 16, 1864. Appointed wagoner. 
 Mustered out July 20, 1865. 
 
 James Blaisdeel. Private, Co. B, 10th Mass. Reg't. Mustered June 21, 1861, 
 under a fictitious name. Had finger shot off at Fair Oaks. Enlisted in 9th N. H. 
 Reg't, and was commissioned 2d Lieut. Co. H, Aug. 10, 1862. Promoted 1st Lieut. 
 Jan. 1, 1863. Promoted Capt. March 1, 1863. After the battle of Antietam he 
 was arrested as a deserter from the 10th Mass. but was honorably discharged from 
 arrest by order of Gen. Burnside. He resigned shortly before the battle at the 
 springing of the mine at Petersburg He had been on a court martial with Gen. 
 Porter, where they quarreled, and Porter had charges preferred against him, in 
 consequence of which he was dismissed from service Aug. 4, 1864. He was after- 
 wards offered re-instatemeut by the War department, which he declined. He 
 received, however, a complimentary notice from Gen. Griffin for bravery and good 
 conduct. 
 
 Joiix Blaisdell. Carpenter in construction Corps about five months. 
 
 John W. Blaisdell. Private, Co. I, 15th Reg't. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862, 
 During the charge on Port Hudson was wounded in the thigh June 13, 1863. Mus- 
 tered out Aug. 13, 1863. 
 
 Charles E. Blackmar. Sergeant, Co. H, 9th Reg't. Mustered Aug. 13, 1862. 
 Transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps Jan. 16, 1864. Discharged after nearly a 
 year in the hospital at Cincinnati. 
 
 Charles H. Bliss. Private, Co. A, 1st Reg't. IMustered April 29, 1861. Re- 
 enlisted private. Co. D, 5th Reg't, Oct. 23, 1861. Re-enlisted for Dover, Feb. 19, 
 1864. 
 
 Sami-el F. Bliss. Private Co. D, 5th Reg't. Mustered Oct. 23, 1861. Deserted 
 April 30, 1862. 
 
 Pierre Bouciie. Private, Co. F, 2d Reg't. Mustered Nov. 25, 1863. Mus- 
 tered out Dec. 19, 1865. 
 
 James L. Boyle. Private, Co. A, 4th Reg't. Mustered Sept. 18, 1861. Slightly 
 wounded at Pocotaligo Bridge Oct. 22, 1862. Re-enlisted Feb. 15, 1864, for Dover. 
 Mustered out Aug. 23, 1865. 
 
 Cyrus Brackett. Private, Co. K, 18th Reg't. Mustered April 5, 1865. Mus- 
 tered out May 6, 1865. 
 
 Moses D. Brackett. Substitute for George W. Chesley. Private, Co. B, 5th 
 Reg't. Mustered Aug. 14, 1863. Promoted Corporal. Wounded June 3, 18G4. 
 Mustered out June 8, 1865. 
 
 Nicholas Brock. Private, Co. D, 1st Heavy Artillery. Mustered Sept. 4, 
 1864. Was in defenses about Washington, D. C, till June^ 1865. After that in 
 Fort Constitution at Portsmouth. Mustered out Sept. 11, 1865. 
 
 Charles Brown. Substitute for Lewis J. Smith. Private, Co. B, 14th Reg't. 
 Mustered Aug. 14, 1863. Deserted at Washington, D. C, Nov. 14, 1863. 
 
 Enoch G. Bro\vn. Private, Co. A, 1st Reg't. Mustered April 29, 1861. Mus-
 
 212 ROCHESTER. 
 
 tered out Aug. 9, 1861. Re-enlisted private, Co. A, 1st Battalion U. S. Regular 
 Army 1861-2-3. 
 
 Joseph E. Bkoavx. Private, Co. I, 15th Reg't. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862. 
 Wounded in the hand at Port Hudson. Mustered out Aug. 13, 1863. 
 
 Joseph F. Bkowx. Private, Co. A, 4tli Reg't. Mustered Sept. 18, 1861. Dis- 
 charged for disability Jan. 9, 1862. Re-enlisted in Navy. Mustered Sept. 1, 1864, 
 for one year. 
 
 JosiAH BRO^^'N. Private, Co. I, 15th Reg't. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862. Deserted 
 at Concord Oct. 21, 1862. 
 
 RoiiEKT Bkoa\ts'. Private, Veteran Reserve Corps. Mustered Dec. 29, 1863, 
 for three years. 
 
 John W. Browning. Substitute for Thomas Hall. Marine Corps. Mustered 
 Aug. 22, 18G4, for four years. 
 
 James M. Bryant. Substitute for Peter Donlay. Private, Co. F, 11th Reg't. 
 Mustered Feb. 2, 1864. Supposed to have deserted en route to Reg't. 
 
 Loris Buckley. Private, Co. D, 6th Reg't. Mustered Dec. 28, 1863. Sup- 
 posed to have deserted en route to Reg't. 
 
 Edward Birke. Private, Co. D, 1st Heavy Artillery. Mustered Sept. 4, 1864. 
 Deserted at New York city Sept. 11, 1864. 
 
 John Burke. Private, Co. D, 6th Reg't. Mustered Dec. 26, 1863. Wounded 
 June 17, 1864. Taken prisoner at Poplar Grove Church, Va., Oct. 1, 1864. Re- 
 leased and returned to Reg't. Mustered out July 17, 1865. 
 
 Benjamin F. Burns. Private, Co. B, 1st Reg't. Mustered May 2, 1861. Mus- 
 tered out Aug. 9, 1861. Re-enlisted Sergeant, Co. G, 8th Reg't. Mustered Dec. 
 23, 1861. Wounded by a buck-shot in the thigh at Port Hudson, and remained in 
 hospital till close of service. Mustered out Oct. 24, 1864. 
 
 William Butterfield. Private, Veteran Reserve Corps. Mustered Jan. 5, 
 1864. Mustered out Nov. 13, 1865. 
 
 Patrick Caine. Substitute for George S. Hussey. Marine Corps. Mustered 
 Sept. 1, 1864. 
 
 George W. Calef. Private, Troop E, 1st Cavalry. Mustered March 24, 1865. 
 Mustered out July 15, 1865. Was taken sick about this time and died in Rochester 
 Aug. 7, 1865, ffit. 34 years and 8 months. 
 
 Charles William Can'ney. Son of Edward M., was born in Tuftonborough, 
 had lived in Rochester two years. Private, Co. D, 5th Reg't. Mustered Oct. 23, 
 1861. Promoted Sergeant. Killed at battle of Cold Harbor, June 3, 1864, jet. 19 
 years, and buried there. 
 
 EiJWAiiD IMoody Canney. Father of the preceding, and son of Ebenezer and 
 Elizabeth, was born at Tuftonborough. Had lived two years in Rochester working 
 at his trade of house carpenter. Private, Co. H., 6th Reg't. Mustered Nov. 28, 
 1861. Killed in the second Bull Run battle Aug. 29, 1861. He had been detached 
 to work at building bridges, but by his own request was permitted to leave his 
 work to engage in this battle. His last words after he had fallen were " Boys, go 
 in ; I'm done." He was 45 years old, and left a wife and five children. 
 
 Augustus Gate. Private, Co. D, 5th Reg't. Mustered Oct. 23, 1861. Dis- 
 charged for disability Sept. 24, 1862. 
 
 John G. Gate. Private, Co. H, 18th Reg't. Mustered Feb. 8, 1865. Mustered 
 out July 29, 1865. Died in Rochester. 
 
 Andrew Jackson Cater. Son of Otis and Lovey, was born at Farmington 
 in 1842. Had been .shoemaker in Rochester about two years. Private, Co. D, 5th 
 Reg't. Mustered April 20, 1862. Contracted fever by exposure in severe storms 
 at battles of Fair Oaks. Was sent to hospital at Long Island. His brother went
 
 ROCHESTER IN THE REBKLLIOX. 213 
 
 on and attended him there till he died July 13, 18G2. Was buried in Cypress Hill 
 Cemetery, L. I. 
 
 Isaac C. Catkij. Enlisted Sept. LSGl, in Navy for one year. Visited the 
 Western Islands and the Mediterranean on sailing vessel '' Onward," and was after- 
 ward discharged. Re-enlisted Sept. 15, 18(J2. Served on the "Colorado," and 
 on the "Winona." Was in several expeditions on Santee River, and at the 
 bombardment of" Fort Fisher. Re-enlisted 1804. Discharged June, 18G5. Died 
 at Rociiester Sept. 26, 18G5, xt. 28 years, 2 months, and 7 days, leaving a wife and 
 one child. 
 
 Owen Cakholl. Enlisted in Navy for one year. Served on the " Colorado." 
 After second attack on Fort Fisher was transferred to another boat. 
 
 Aktiiuk Cavanaugii. Private, Co. E, 2d Eeg't. Mustered Nov. 25, 18G3. 
 Slightly wounded June 3, 186-1. Promoted Corporal April 1, 1865. Mustered out 
 Dec. 19, 1865. 
 
 William B. Cavkuly. Private, Co. A, 7th Reg't. Mustered Oct. 29, 1861. 
 Discharged for disability Jan. 4, 1863. Re-enlisted in Veteran Reserve Corps. 
 
 Geohge W. Ciiadm'ick. Musician, Co. G, 2d Reg't. Mustered Jan. 5, 1864. 
 Transferred to Co. H, 10th Reg't, June 21, 18G5. Mustered out Dec. 19, 18G5. 
 
 Charles W. Chase. Served nearly three years in 1st California Cavalry iu 
 Arizona. 
 
 John Chesley. Substitute for John W. Hall. Private, Co. H, 7th Reg't. 
 Mustered Aug. 18, 1864. Supposed to have deserted en route to Reg't. 
 
 Wilbur H. Choate. A blacksmith by trade. Private, Co. I, 3d Reg't, Mus- 
 tered Aug. 24, 1861. Slightly wounded three times at James Island, Morris Island, 
 and Deep Bottom. Mustered out Ang. 23, 1864. 
 
 Charles H. Clark. Son of Samuel of Rochester. Private, Co. I, 2d Reg't. 
 Mustered Nov. 20, 1863, Promoted Corporal July 1, 18G5. Mustered out Dec. 19, 
 1865. 
 
 James F. Clark. A currier at Wallace's. Private, Co. I, 3d Reg't. Mustered 
 Aug. 24, 1861. Wounded in knee at James Island, and was in hospital four 
 months at Port Royal. Mustered out Aug. 23, 1864. 
 
 Charles H. Clay, Private, Co, A, 4th Reg't. Mustered Sept, 18, 1861. Re- 
 enlisted in same Co, Feb. 18, 1864. Mustered out Aug 23, 1865. 
 
 Hosea Chapman Clay. Son of Alpheus, was born in Madbury, May, 1841. 
 At an early age went to Chelsea, Mass., where he learned the carpenter's trade, and 
 by his upright conduct and industry won the confidence of his employers. On the 
 first call for three months' volunteers he enlisted as a private in a Massachusetts 
 Regiment and served his time faithfully. Re-enlisted in Dover and was mustered 
 as Sergeant, Co. H, 6th Reg't, Nov. 28. 1861. Promoted 2d Lieutenant July 4, 1862, 
 "Was favorite among both officers and men. In time of danger his voice was 
 heard ' Come, boys, follow me,' and they were always ready to follow so zealous a 
 leader." He w^as in five battles but escaped without a wound. Into one action 
 he led his company of 47 men, only 8 of whom returned. He acted as Captain of 
 his company for several weeks, struggling manfully against a debilitating malady 
 which compelled him at length to ask a furlough. He died at the house of his 
 sister in South Boston Nov. 3, 1862. Was buried with military honors in Pine Hill 
 Cemetery, Dover. He married about the time of his enlistment a daughter of 
 Charles Nutter of Madbury, He brought his wife to Rochester, which he seems 
 to have chosen for his home, and where she resided during hi* absence in the 
 war, but went to Boston with their infant child, to take care of him in his last 
 sickness. 
 
 George Edwin Clougii. Son of John and Sarah, was born in Effingham, 
 July 22, 1843. Resided in Rochester about six months before entering the army. 
 First served in a Maine Regiment in the early part of the war, and was discharged
 
 214 ROCHESTER. 
 
 for disability at Ship Island. Re-enlisted private, Troop B, 1st Cavalry. Mustered 
 March 2G, 18G4. Received a severe injury by falling from his horse while fording 
 a river about two months after his enlistment. Was sent to a hospital where he 
 remained several months. Obtaining a furlough, he was brought home to his 
 parents in Effingham, Nov. 15, where he died Dec. 12, 1864. 
 
 JoAKiN Coi.ADO. Private, Co. C, 14th Reg't. Mustered Aug. 14, 1863. De- 
 serted at Washington, D. C, Jan 31, 1864. 
 
 Stephen Colhy, alias John D. Ross. Private, Co. D, Independent Battalion 
 Minn. Cavalry. Enlisted Sept. 21, 1863. Served 2 years and 9 months, mostly 
 against the Indians in Dakota. 
 
 Benjamin F. Colcord. Private, Co. I, 3d Reg't. Mustered Aug. 24, 1861. 
 Transferred to U. S. Signal Corps, Oct. 13, 1863. Mustered out Aug. 23, 1864. 
 
 Anduew Collins. Private, Co. H, 9th Reg't. Deserted from railroad train 
 in Indiana on way to Vicksburg, June 6, 1863. 
 
 James Collins. Private, Co. A, 4th Reg't. Mustered Sept. 18, 1861. Dis- 
 charged for disability, Feb. 17, 1863. Re-enlisted private, Co. K, 12th Reg't, Dec. 
 17, 1863. Wounded, and discharged July 22, 1865. 
 
 Jacob Colont. Private, Co. I, 3d Reg't. M istered Aug. 24, 1861. Discharged 
 for disability May 15, 1862. Re-enlisted Aug. 30, 1862, private, Co. I, 15th Reg't. 
 On detached service to care for the sick. Discharged for disability after nine 
 months. 
 
 Timothy O. Conner. Corporal, Co. H, 9th Reg't. Mustered Aug. 13, 1862. 
 Deserted at Milford, Penn., March 28, 1863. 
 
 Aaron F. Corson. Private, Co. K, 3d Reg't. Mustered Aug. 24, 1861. Pro- 
 moted Corporal. Discharged for disability Nov. 20, 1862. Re-enlisted in Veteran 
 Reserve Corps. Mustered Jan. 4, 1864. 
 
 James F. Corson. Private, Co. G, 3d Reg't. Mustered Aug. 23, 1861. Slightly 
 wounded June 16, 1862. Re-enlisted March 26, 1864. 
 
 John R. Corson. Private, Co. A, 4th Reg't. Mustered Sept. 18, 1861. Pro- 
 moted Corporal. Mustered out Sept. 27, 1864. 
 
 William F. Corson. Private, Co. H, 9th Reg't. Mustered Aug. 13, 1862. De- 
 serted while on furlough. Returned and was transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps. 
 Mustered out July 5, 1865. 
 
 Charles Courtland. Enlisted for three months in 5th Mass. Reg't. Was in 
 first Bull Run battle. Re-enlisted 1st Sergeant, Co. I, 15th Reg't. Mustered Oct. 
 14, 1862. Mustered out Aug. 13, 1863. 
 
 Charles F. Crockett. Substitute for Edwin Wallace. Private, Co. F, 5th 
 Reg't. Mustered Sept. 7, 1864. Captured April 6, 1865. Exchanged and mus- 
 tered out June 9, 1865. 
 
 Ezra P. Cross. Private, Co. D, 2d Reg't. Mustered June 1, 1861. "A first 
 rate soldier." Mustered out June 21, 1864. Ke-enlisted private, Troop L, 1st Cav- 
 alry. Mustered June 27, 1864. Mustered out July 15, 1865. 
 
 George P. Cross. Private, Co. F, 1st Mass. Heavy Artillery. Died Aug. 24, 
 1867, pet. 23 years and 6 mouths. 
 
 James Cross. Was a private in a IMass. Reg't in the early part of the war. 
 Afterwards private in 2d N. H. Reg't. Died June 22, 1865.* 
 
 RoiiERT Crossley. Private, Co. B, 1st Reg't. Mustered May 2, 1861. Mus- 
 tered out Aug. 9, 1861. 
 
 George Curtis. Private, Co. F, 14th Reg't. Substitute for Simon L. Home. 
 Mustered Aug. 3, 1864. 
 
 * This and the preceding lie buried in the old cemetery in Joseph Cross's lot. Richard Cross 
 says they were sons of Joseph and born in Kochester.
 
 ROCHESTER IN TJIE REUELLIuX. 215 
 
 Thomas J. Daily. Substitute. Private, Co. B, oth Reg't. Mustered Sept. 1, 
 1804. Supposed to have deserted en route to Reg't. 
 
 CiiAKLES II. Dame. Private, Co. D, 1st Heavy Artillery. Mustered Sept. 4, 
 1804. Promoted Corporal. Mustered out June 15, 1805. 
 
 CiiAHLi:?; \\'. Damk. Private, in 20th Mass. Reg't. Served two years at New 
 Orleans. Shi]> Island, and vicinity. Afterward in Shenandoah Valley, and then at 
 Savannah. Discharged Sept. 23, 1805. 
 
 James Dame. Private, Co. A, 4th Reg't. Mustered Sept. 14, 1801. De.serted 
 at Manchester Oct. 1801. 
 
 JosEi'H AViNdATE Dame. Son of Daniel and Abigail, was born at Farrnington 
 in 1840. Worked at shoeiuaking with his brother Charles H. in Rochester a year 
 before enlistment. Private, Co. I, 3d Reg't. Mustered Aug. 24, ISOI. Served 
 out his time and re-enlisted in same Co. Jan. 1, 1804. Wounded at Drury's Bluff 
 May 10, 1804, and died in consequence at New Haven, Conn., Aug. 30, 1S04. 
 
 Wii-i.iAM L. Damzen. Substitute for David F. Ham. Private, Co. A, 5th Reg't. 
 Mustered Aug. 12, 1804. Mustered out June 28, 1805. 
 
 James Davis. Private, Veteran Reserve Corps. Mustered Dec. 2'J, 1803. 
 
 John Davis, Substitute for George W. Clark. Private, Co. C, 14th Reg't. 
 Mustered Aug. 14, 1803. Deserted in New York March 17, 1804, 
 
 John H. Davis. Navy. 
 
 Stei'HEN J. Dealand. Troop I, 1st Cavalry. Mustered March 30, 1804. 
 " Played sick, and did no duty." Mustered out July 10, 1805. 
 
 Chaiiles T. Donahue. Substitute. Reg't unknown, three years. 
 
 Patkick Donahue. Substitute for Enos H. Hussey. Private, Co. A, 5th Reg't. 
 Mustered Aug. 15, 1804. Mustered out June 28, 1805. 
 
 Chakles AVesley Doavns. Son of Frederick G. and R. P., was born at South 
 Berwick, Me., Dec. 17, 1842. Came to Rochester to live April 20, 1857. He 
 enlisted in the 1st Reg't for three months. But that Reg't was full and he entered 
 Co. K, 2d Reg't, for three years. Mustered June 8, 1801. Was in the tirst Bull 
 Run battle, marching 17 miles to reach the battlefield. The day was so hot that 
 the tongues of the men protruded from their mouths. Plad his dipper shot from 
 his side. Was in the Peninsular Campaign under McClellan, at the siege of York- 
 town, and followed the retreating enemy to Williamsburg. Here his leg was shot 
 off, and he died from loss of blood, ;May 5, 1802. AVas buried there, Chaplain 
 Henry E. Parker conducting the burial service. His Captain says that he displayed 
 great courage, even after being wounded. AVas highly spoken of by liis fellow 
 soldiers, and much esteemed by all his acquaintance, 
 
 David AA^ Doavns. Enlisted Nov. 1801, and served about three years in Mass- 
 Cavalry, called Butler's Body Guard of mounted riflemen. Promoted First Lieu, 
 tenant. Served afterward under Gen. Banks, at Baton Rouge, Port Hudson, 
 and all through the Red River Expedition. AA^as in fourteen battles. Discharged 
 for disability. Is now a Methodist minister. 
 
 :\IiCHAEL Dkapeau. Private, Co. E. 2d Reg't. ^Mustered Nov. 25, 1803. 
 Wounded at battle of Cold Harbor, June 3, and died June 0, 1804. 
 
 AViLUAM H. Dunham. Private Co. F, 7th Reg't. :MiLstered Dec. 29, 1803. 
 Captured May 12, 1864. Paroled May 15, 1805. Mustered out July 20, 1865. 
 
 Tafili Dupkais. Private, Co. E, 2d Reg't. Mustered Nov. 25, 1803. Mus- 
 tered out Dec. 19, 1865. 
 
 Baitiste Dupkey. Private, Co. F, 2d Reg't. :Mustered Nov. 25, 1803. De- 
 serted Oct. 10, 1804, but was brought back. Mustered out Dec. 19, 1805. 
 
 Charles AV. Edgerly. Captain, Co. H, Oth Reg't. Had sword presented by 
 citizens, and a revolver from Cocheco Fire Engine Company of w'hich he had been 
 foreman for several years. Commissioned Aug. 10, 1802. Resigned Feb. 17, 1803.
 
 216 ROCHESTER. 
 
 Thomas H. Edgerly. Enlisted in Xavy Aug. 29. 1864. Served on ship 
 "Colorado," and was iu both attacks on Fort Fisher, afterwards on the " Wino- 
 na," of which ship he was yeoman. Discharged June, 1865. 
 
 Samuel J. Edavards. Private, Co. M, 1st Heavy Artillery. Mustered Sept. 5, 
 186-t. Mustered out June 9, 1865. 
 
 ArGUST Ehrhork. Private. Co. K, 6th Reg't. Mustered Jan. 5, 1864. De- 
 serted at Annapolis, ^Id., April 24, 1864. 
 
 Walter Ellis. Private. Co. H, 9th Reg't. Mustered Aug. 13, 1862. " A brave 
 soldier." Wounded in the thigh at Fredericksburg and incapacitated nearly a year. 
 Wounded in the leg at Cold Harbor but continued to carry his musket. Had been 
 sick in hospital three months when he came home with his Reg't, very much ema- 
 ciated. Mustered out June 10, 1865. 
 
 Micajah D. Emerson. Private, Co. D, 1st Heavy Artillery. Mustered Sept. 
 4, 1864. Mustered out June 15, 1865. 
 
 Thomas England. 30th Mass. Reg't. 
 
 Charles H. Estes. Private, Co. I, 3d Reg't. Mustered Aug. 24, 1861. Slightly 
 wounded three times. Mustered out Aug. 23, 1864. 
 
 Wn.LL\M F.arley. Private. Co. C, 5th Reg't. Mustered Dec. 28, 1863. 
 Wounded June 3, 1864, Absent, sick, when Reg't was mustered out June 28, 1865. 
 
 James B. Farrington. Served as private in a Wisconsin Reg't 2f^ years. 
 Afterward Assistant Surgeon of 3d U. S. Colored Regiment in Florida about four 
 months, 
 
 Joseph H, Farrington. Private, Co. I, 15th Reg't. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862. 
 Mustered out Aug. 13, 1863. Re-enlisted private, Co. B, 8th Reg't. Mustered 
 March 21. 1865. Mustered out May 6, 1865. Hospital Steward in Kentucky and 
 Tennessee from July, 1865, till March, 1866. 
 
 Edward Flan.agan. Substitute. Reg't unknown. 
 
 Charles W. Folsom. Enlisted in Navy Oct. 6, 1864, and served on ship " San 
 Jacinto." Discharged April, 1865. 
 
 John A. Folsom. Enlisted in Navy in spring of 1861. Served on brig " Bain- 
 oridge." Discharged June, 1862. 
 
 Alonzo H. Foss. Private. Co. I, 15th Reg't. Mustered Oct. 14. 1862. Mus- 
 tered out Aug. 13, 1863. 
 
 Dallas Foss. Private, Co. H, 9th Regt. Mustered Aug. 13, 1862. Discharged 
 for disability Oct. 30, 1863. 
 
 Richard H. Foss. Private, Co. I, 3d Reg't. Mustered Aug. 24, 1861. " A good 
 soldier." Wounded three times. Mustered out Aug. 23, 1864. 
 
 F. FoSLES' FoL'RiN. Substitute for Seth T. Hurd. Reg't unknown. 
 
 Charles H. French. Musician. Co. B, 6th Reg't. Mustered Jan. 5, 1864, 
 Transferred to Co, E July 6, 1864. Mustered out July 17, 1865, 
 
 John Friend, Private, Co. A, 9th Reg't. Mustered June 13, 1864. Wounded 
 July 30, and died in consequence Aug. 19, 1864. 
 
 Albert (tALe. Son of Daniel R. of Dover. Had lived in Rochester about five 
 years. Private, Co. A, 1st Reg't. Mustered April 29, 1861. Mustered out Aug. 
 9, 1861. Enlisted in Regular Army. 18th Reg't Sikes Brigade. Was killed 
 instantly in the seven days" fight near'Fair Oaks. AVas 23 years old. 
 
 Amos Gale. Private, Co. G, 8th Reg't. Mustered Dec. 20, 1861. Mustered 
 out Jan. 18, 1865. 
 
 William Gale. Private, Co. G, 8th Reg't. Mustered Dec. 23, 1861. Mus- 
 tered out Jan. 18, 1865. 
 
 George Washington Garland. Son of James M., was born in Rochester 
 Sept. 22, 1842. He was " a promising young man " who had been clerk in a store
 
 ROCHESTER IN THE REBELLION. 217 
 
 at Gonic for three years. Went lo Lowell, Mass., where he enlisted in Co. 1, 26th 
 Mass. Reg't. After about three weeks' sickness he died at New Orleans, Aug. 1, 
 1863, and was buried there. 
 
 John Eliphalet Gakland. Son of Rice K. and Mary S., was born in Belfa-st, 
 Me , Aug. 30, 1835. Was second hand in card room of Norway Plains Co. four 
 years. Private, Co. I, 15th Reg't. Mustered Oct. 14, 18G2. Diod of typhoid 
 fever at Carrollton, La., April 10, 1863. Buried in Rochester. Left a wife lo 
 whom resolutions of condolence were sent by the Company. 
 
 John F. Oakland. Private, Co. I, 3d Reg't. Mustered Aug. 24, 1801. Mus- 
 tered out Aug. 23, 1804. 
 
 John Wesley Oakland. Son of Lewis and Ilaunah, was born in Rochester 
 Nov. 30, 1838. Was apprentice to a blacksmith at Gonic. Private, Co. II, 'Jth 
 Reg't. Mustered Aug. 13, 1862. Died of disease at Knoxville, Md., Nov. 20, 1802. 
 Buried in National Cemetery, Antietam, grave No. 12, Lot A, Section 12. On the 
 second day of the battle of Antietam, while the Regiment was formed in skirmish 
 line, a cry for help was heard again and again. It was discovered lo come from a 
 boy of the 8th Conn. Reg't, who had been wounded the day before, and had dug a 
 hole in the ground to protect himself from the sharp shooters. Garland volun- 
 teered and went and brought him in his arms while exposed to a continual fire. 
 " An honorable and brave deed." 
 
 John T.Giles. Private, Co. D, 5th Reg't. Mustered Oct. 20, 1861. Discharged 
 for disability May 2, 1863. 
 
 Michael Gilligan. Substitute for John F. Young. Private, Co. K, 5th Reg't. 
 Mustered Sept. 20, 1864. Transferred lo Co. G. Mustered out June 28, 1865, 
 
 Charles W. Oilman. Private, Co. B, 1st Reg't. Mustered May 2, 1861. 
 Mustered out Aug. 9, 1861. Re-enlisted Private, Co. H, 5th Reg't. Mustered 
 Oct. 19, 1801. Deserted Aug. 18, 1802. 
 
 Ed^\tn H. Glidden. 
 
 Enos L. Glidden. Private, Co. D, 1st Heavy Artillery. Mustered Sept, 5, 
 1804. Transferred to Co. B, June 10, 1805. Was in defenses about Washington, 
 D. C, till June, 1805, afterward in Fort Constitution, Portsmouth. Mustered out 
 Sept. 11, 1865. 
 
 John C. Glidden. Musician, Co. K, 9th Reg't. Mustered Jan. 5, 1864. Re- 
 enlisted drummer, Co. B, 6th Reg't. Died of disease at Camp Nelson, Ky., May 
 21, 1864. Buried in National Cemetery there, grave No. 37, section D, 
 
 Aluion N. Goodwin. Private, Co. 0, 8th Reg't. Mustered Dec. 23, 1861. 
 Re-enlisted Jan, 4, 1804. Promoted Corporal Nov. 1, 1804. Wounded twice at 
 Port Hudson. Taken prisoner for several months in Red River Expedition, 
 Transferred to Co, B, Veteran Battalion Jan, 1, 1805, Mustered out Oct, 28, 
 1805. 
 
 James Goodwin. Born in Wells, Me, Resided in Lebanon, Me,, and moved 
 to Rochester a short time before he enlisted, A stone mason by trade. Private, 
 Co. H, 0th Reg't. Mustered Nov, 28, 1801, Killed at Bull Run Aug, 29, 1862, 
 Left a wife and two children who resided in Rochester about two years and then 
 removed to Farmingtou, 
 
 Shekwood W, Goodwin, Corporal, Co, G, 8th Reg't, Mustered Dec. 23, 1861. 
 Fell through railroad bridge in Louisiana and broke three ribs! Discharged for 
 disability March 8, 1863. 
 
 Otis F. Gowen. Wagoner, Co. I, 15th Reg't. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862. Mus- 
 tered out Aug. 13, 1863. 
 
 Daniel Grant, 3'^ Private, Co. A, 4th Reg't. Mustered Sept. 18, 1861. Dis- 
 charged for disability Oct. 2, 1862, 
 
 15
 
 218 ROCHESTER. 
 
 Henry Grant. Private, 1st Light Battery. Transferred to Co. M, 1st Heavy 
 
 Artillery. Mustered Dec. 14, 1863. Mustered out June 9, 1865. Was in British 
 Navy in India during Sepoy rebellion. Resides in Gilsum. 
 
 Moses Fkankux Gray. Son of James and Annie, was born in Farmington in 
 1828. Came to Rochester in 1859 and worked in the factory for about two years, 
 when he married and lived on tne Lewis McDuffee farm. Corporal, Co. H, 9th 
 Reg't. Mustered Aug. 13, 1862. Wounded in the side at Fredericksburg Dec. 13, 
 1862. Died of pneumonia at Annapolis, Md., April 15, 1864. Was buried at 
 Farmington. Left a wife and two children. 
 
 Solomon S. Gray. Private, Veteran Reserve Corps. Mustered Dec. 29, 1863. 
 Discharged for disability Nov. 19, 1864. 
 
 Jerry L. Grey. Private. Co. A, 4th Reg't. Mustered Sept. 18, 1861. Mus- 
 tered out Sept. 27, 1864. 
 
 Abner F. Greexleaf. Private, Co. H, 6th Reg't. Mustered Nov. 28, 1861. 
 Discharged for disability Jan. 15, 1863. Re-enlisted, substitute for S. A. J. Went- 
 worth, private, Co. H, 5th Reg't. Mustered Aug. 14, 1863. Promoted Corporal. 
 Mustered out June 2, 1865. 
 
 George F. Gctppy. Mustered Aug. 14, 1863. Clerk at headquarters in Con- 
 cord till April 21, 1864. Joined 5th Reg't under Col. Hapgood. Clerk in Adj't 
 General's office under Gen. Hincks at Fortress Monroe till Sept. 7, 1864. Pro- 
 moted 1st Lieutenant, Co. F, Oct. 28, 1864. Was acting Adjutant till Jan. 1, 1865, 
 when he took command of his company. Commanded company through the spring 
 campaign. Slightly wounded April 7, and taken prisoner, but returned on Lee's 
 surrender and led his company home to Concord where he found a commission as 
 Captain dated May 15, 1865. Mustered out June 28, 1865. 
 
 Albert Clinton Hall. Son of Joseph D., was born at Dover Feb. 16, 1846, 
 " He was very ambitious, a good scholar, and anxious for a college education." 
 Partly to obtain money for this purpose he enlisted as private Co. G, 8th Reg't. 
 Mustered Dec. 23, 1861. Wounded in shoulder at Port Hudson. Re-enlisted Jan, 
 4, 1864. Started on the Red River Expedition, but was sent back sick and died 
 at New Orleans March 17, 1864. Buried there. 
 
 Ed-win F. Hall. Private, Co. I, 3d Reg't. Mustered Aug. 24, 1861. Re-en- 
 listed Jan. 1, 1864. Promoted Corporal March 26, 1865. Mustered out July 20, 
 1865. 
 
 Joseph Daniel Hall. Son of Daniel and Sarah, was born in Alton. Was a 
 painter and lived about a mile below Rochester village. He enlisted with his son 
 Albert, saying to the author as he bade him good by at the railroad station, " I 
 don't believe in sending off the boys to fight the country's battles while the fathers 
 stay at home, but the fathers ought to go with their boys to set them the example 
 of patriotism and to have a care over them." Private, Co. G, 8th Reg't. Mus- 
 tered Dec. 23, 1861. Died at Carrollton, La., after a long sickness, Nov. 13, 
 1862. Left a wife and two children. 
 
 Charles F. Ham. Private, Co. H, 13th Reg't. jMustered Aug. 19, 1863. 
 Wounded near Petersburg June 15, 1864, and died two days after. 
 
 Charles IIakkison Ham. Son of John and Lydia, born in Barrington Oct. 
 20, 1846. Worked in mills at Rochester. Private, Troop A, 1st N. H, Cavalry. 
 Was sick for a long time at York Hospital, Philadelphia. Came home on a fur- 
 lough and lingered eight weeks when he died March 14, 1865. 
 
 Sylvester Ham. Corporal, Co. H, 9th Reg't. Mustered Aug. 13, 1862. Pro- 
 moted Sergeant. Discharged for disability May 27, 1864. 
 
 Charles E. Hammett. Private, Co. I, 15th Reg't. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862. 
 Mustered out Aug. 13, 1863. 
 
 Charles B. Hanson. Private, Co. A, 4th Reg't. Mustered Sept. 18, 1861. 
 Re-enlisted Feb. 15, 1864. Mustered out Aug. 23, 1865.
 
 ROCHESTER IN THE REBELLION. '219 
 
 William E. IIan.son. Private, .substitute in Slnilloid Guanla. MuHtered 
 May 5, 1864. On garrison duty sixty day.s at I'ortsnioutli. Mustered out July 
 
 28, 18G4. 
 
 Alonzo IIaktI'-oki). Son of Benj. P. and Hetsey P., was born in Conway Feb. 
 1, 1840. Had lived seven or eight years in Rochester. Went to Miusaaohnsetts 
 with others seeking employment at his trade of shoemaking, l)ut not readily find- 
 ing it, enlisted as private in 2Gth ilass. Reg't. Promoted Corporal. Died of small 
 pox on the Rappahannock River, Va., Dec. 26, 186.1. Ruried in National Cemetery 
 at Arlington, Va., No. 66, row 10, section E. 
 
 Fkancis M. IIaktix»ui). Son of John and Hannah, was born at Rarrington in 
 1840. The family moved to Rochester before the war, living on a farm below 
 Gouic. Private, Co. G, 8th Reg't. Mustered Dec. 23. 1861. Died of yellow fever 
 at Camp Parapet, La., Sept. 30, 1862, and was buried there. " He was a steady 
 young man highly respected by the members of his company." 
 
 (iEOKGE E. IlAKTKoin). Brother of Alonzo, was born in Conway Oct. 26, 1837. 
 Worked in the bobbin factory. Private, Co. A, 4th Reg't. Mustered Sept. IH, 
 1861. Died of disease at Hilton Head, S. C, Feb. 2, 1862, and was buried there. 
 Mariied Susan O., daughter of Benj. Clark, who survives him. 
 
 John T. Haktkoud. Shipped in Navy Sept. 15, 1862. 
 
 Alhekt W. IIayks. Raised a company. Commissioned 2d Lieutenant, Co. D, 
 6th Reg't Nov. 22, 1861. Promoted 1st Lieut. Aug. 4, 1862. Promoted Captain 
 Oct. 21', 1862. Wounded at 2d Bull Run Aug. 20, 1862. arm paralyzed from 
 wound. Was at siege of Vicksburg under Grant. Appointed 1st Lieutenant, Vet- 
 eran Reserve Corps Sept. 30, 1863. Promoted Captain Dec. 10, 1863. Was six 
 months at Alexandiia in charge of recruits, on provost duty at Washington, D. C, 
 till Sept. 1864, Provost marshal at Syracuse and Elmira, N. Y. Was ordered to 
 Louisiana Jan. 13, 1866, where he was engaged about six mouths on same duty, 
 when he resigned. 
 
 Augustus Hayes. Private, Co. H, 9th Reg't. Mustered Aug. 2, 1864. Trans- 
 ferred to Co. H, 6th Reg't June 1, 1865. Mustered out July 17, 1865. 
 
 Tkanklin Hayes. Private, Co. A, 4th Reg't. Mustered Sept. 18, 1861. Re- 
 enlisted Jan. 1, 1864. Promoted Sergeant. Mustered out April 23, 1865. 
 
 James E. Hayes. Navy. 
 
 William Haywahd. Private, Co. I, 15th Reg't. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862. 
 Mustered out Aug. 13, 1863. An Englishman, worked at East Rochester. Re- 
 enlisted in 19th Mass. Reg't. Captured with whole brigade on Welden R. R., and 
 was in prison 5)4 months at Belle Isle, Libbey, Andersonville, and Florence. Re- 
 sides at^Pittsfield. 
 
 William W. Heakd. Private, Co. I, 6th Reg't. Mustered Jan. 1, 1864. De- 
 serted at Camp Nelson, Ky., Feb. 3, but brought back Feb. 6, 1864. Was cap- 
 tured and died of disease and starvation at Andersonville Aug. 26, 1864. Buried 
 there. Grave No. 6875. 
 
 William H. Heduicic. Substitute for Dudley W. Hayes. Private Co. E, 14th 
 Reg't. Mustered Aug. 14, 1863. Deserted March 16, 1864. 
 
 Michael Hesteu. Private, Co. II, 9th Reg't. Mustered Aug. 13, 1862. 
 Wounded at Fredericksburg Dec. 13, 1862. Deserted en route for Vicksburg, June 
 6, 1863. 
 
 John W. Hinckley. Substitute for (Jeorge W. Springfield. Private, Co. C, 
 5th Reg't. Mustered Aug. 19, 1864. Killed near Petersburg, March 25, 1865. 
 Buried at City Point, Va. 
 
 Benjamin Hohbs. Son of Josiah H. and Rhoda, was born in Wakefield. 
 Studied medicine in Rochester with Dr. E. C. Dow. Here also he married Harriet 
 M. Chase, and united with the Congregational Church. Was among the first to 
 enlist, and was three months on duty in the Fort at Portsmouth. Was afterwards
 
 220 ROCHESTER. 
 
 Surgeon or Ass't Surgeon in the U. S. army for over two years. While he was 
 Surgeon of the 116th Reg't of U. S. Colored Troops he was sick in Port Hospital, 
 Brazos-Santiago, Tex. Before he had recovered his health the cholera broke out 
 in the Reg't. He determined at once to i-eturn to his post, " although his attend- 
 ing physician and friends urgently warned him against it. Exposing himself day 
 and night, he contracted gastro-enteritis, of which he died at White Ranch, Tex., 
 Aug. 28, 1866." Sympathetic and highly complimentary resolutions were sent to 
 the family by the Reg't. 
 
 Charles A. Hodgdon. Private, Co. H, 9th Reg't. Mustered Aug. 21, 1862. 
 Deserted at Concord the same day. 
 
 John S. Holmes. Private, Co. F, 5th Reg't. Mustered April 20, 1862. 
 Deserted 1862. 
 
 Harlan P. Horxe. Private Co. K, 18th Eeg't. Mustered March 23, 1865. 
 Mustered out May 6, 1865. 
 
 Joseph Davis Horne. First volunteer from Rochester. Son of Lewis F. of 
 Gonic, where he was born March 7, 1841. Enlisted at Lowell in 6th Mass. Reg't. 
 Needham, the first martyr of the rebellion, was shot by his side in Baltimore. Re- 
 enlisted Co. I, 26th Mass. Reg't. Died of disease at New Orleans, Sept. 25, 1863. 
 His Captain says, " He was as brave a fellow as ever lived, always one of my best 
 men." The " Lawrence American " says of him, " Humble in position, honorable 
 in character, and rich in love for his country, he has fallen an early martyr to her 
 noble cause." 
 
 Lewis F. Horne. Private, Co. I, 15th Reg't. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862. Mus- 
 tered out Aug. 13, 1863. Re-enlisted private, Co. C, 18th Reg't. Mustered Sept. 
 14, 1864. Transferred to Co. I, June 10, 1865. Mustered out July 29, 1865. Was 
 cook for officers. 
 
 Albert Horney. Private in Cavalry. Mustered March 30, 1864. Mustered 
 out July 15, 1865, 
 
 Charles G. Horney. Private, Co. I, 15th Reg't. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862. 
 Mustered out Aug. 13, 1863. 
 
 Edward Horney. Private, Co. H, 9th Reg't. Mustered Aug. 13, 1862. Mus- 
 tered out June 10, 1865. 
 
 Henry Horney. Son of Gilbert, was born in Rochester about 1833. Private, 
 Co. H, 6th Reg't. Mustered Nov. 28, 1861. Re-enlisted Jan. 4, 1864. Started 
 for home on a furlough, but was taken sick on the way, and died at Schenectady, 
 N. Y., Jan. 27, 1864. Brought home for burial. Left a wife and one child. 
 
 Albert Howard. Musician, Co. F, 10th Reg't. Mustered Jan. 5, 1864. 
 Transferred to Co. G, 2d Reg't, June 21, 1865. Mustered out Dec. 19, 1865. 
 
 Clarence Howard. Private, Co. H, 9th Reg't. Mustered Aug. 13, 1862. 
 Discharged for disability, Dec. 2, 1862. Re-enlisted private, Veteran Reserve 
 Corps. Mustered Dec. 29, 1863. On guard duty at Boston the following winter, 
 Sept., 1865, was in Invalid Corps at Springfield, Mass. 
 
 David M. Howard. Private, Co, I, 3d Reg't. Mustered Aug. 24, 1861. Pro- 
 moted Corporal May, 1862. Reduced to ranks June, 1862. Mustered out Aug. 
 23, 1864. Re-enlisted Sergeant, Co. H, 18th Reg't. Mustered Jan. 27, 1865. 
 Mustered out July 29, 1865. 
 
 Elbridge W. Howard. Private, Co. I, 3d Reg't. Mustered Aug. 24, 1861. 
 Re-enlisted Feb. 27, 1864. Mustered out July 20, 1865. 
 
 Ephraim Howard. Private, Co. H, 18th Reg't. Mustered Jan. 27, 1865. 
 Mustered out July 29, 1865. 
 
 George N. Howard. Private, Troop C, 1st Cavalry. Mustered March 30, 
 1864. Wounded accidentally in wrist by revolver, June 11, 1864. Mustered out 
 July 15, 1865.
 
 ROCHESTER IN THE REBELLION. 221 
 
 Ira T. Howard. Son of Richard, was born in Rochester about 1824. Pri- 
 vate, Co. H, 9th Reg't. Mustered Aug. 13, 1862. Wounded in right arm and side 
 June 19, 1864. Had not fully recovered when he was engaged in the battle of 
 Peeble's Farm, Sept. 30, 1864, Being in danger of capture, his comrades encour- 
 aged him and helped him all they could to escape, but he was so discouraged that 
 he said he would as lief die, and sank down weary and exhausted, and no more 
 was seen of him. Left a widow and seven children. 
 
 John II. Howard. Private, Co. H, 9th Reg't. Mustered Aug. 13, 1862. 
 Slightly wounded at Fredericksburg, Dec. 13, 1862. Mustered out June 10, 1865. 
 
 Levi Howard. Private, Co. H, 9th Reg't. Mustered Aug. 13, 1862. Cap- 
 tured at South Mountain Sept. 14, 1862, Prisoner 2^ years. Mustered out July 
 18, 1865. 
 
 Martin V. B. Howard. Private, Co. H, 9th Reg't. Mustered Aug. 13, 1862. 
 Wounded at South Mountain Sept. 13, 18G2, Discharged for disability Feb, 26, 
 1863. 
 
 Simon O, Howard. Private, Co. H, 9th Reg't, Mustered Aug. 13, 1862. 
 Promoted Corporal Sept. 1, 1864. Mustered out June 10, 1865. 
 
 William H. Howard. Private, Co. H, 9th Reg't. Mustered Aug. 13, 1862. 
 Wounded at Spottsylvania Court House Mav 12, 1864, Transferred to Veteran 
 Reserve Corps Sept. 28, 1864. Mustered out June 10, 1865. 
 
 RuFUS A. HOYT. Private, Co. I, 15th Reg't. Mustered Oct, 14, 1862. Mus- 
 tered out Aug. 13, 1863. Enlisted in Navy Aug., 1864. Served on "Colorado"; 
 was at F'ort Fisher; afterwards on "Winona", in San tee River expedition. Dis- 
 charged June, 1865. 
 
 Asa p. Hull. Carpenter in Construction Corps about five months. 
 
 H. Hunter. Substitute for E. G. Wallace, Reg't unknown. 
 
 Charles Hurd. Private, Co. A, 14th Reg't. Mustered Sept. 18, 1861. Re- 
 enlisted wagoner in same Co. July 16, 1864. Mustered out Aug. 23, 1865. 
 
 George F. Hurd. Private, Co. D, 1st Heavy Artillery, Mustered Sept, 4, 
 1864, In defenses about Washington till June, 1865, then at Fort Constitution, 
 Portsmouth, Mustered out Sept. 11, 1865, 
 
 George W. Hurd. Private, Co. A, 4th Reg't. Mustered Sept. 18, 1861. 
 Re-enlisted in same Co. Feb. 24, 1864. Mustered out Aug. 23, 1865. 
 
 John Hurd. Private, Co. I, 15th Reg't. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862. Mustered 
 out Aug. 13, 1863. Re-enlisted substitute for David Foss. Private, Co. B, 5th 
 Reg't. Mustered Aug. 14, 1863. All the fingers of his right hand shot off June 
 3, 1864. Discharged for disability Feb. 7, 1865. 
 
 Charles Burney Hussey. Son of Paul, was born in Rochester Nov. 18, 1844. 
 Corporal, Co. H, 9th Reg't. Mustered Aug. 13, 1862. Wounded in the hip at 
 Spottsylvania Court House, and captured May 12, 1864. Died of his wounds a 
 prisoner at Richmond, Va,, May 31, 1864, and was buried in Richmond National 
 Cemetery. 
 
 Daniel Hussey. Corporal, Co. I, 15th Reg't. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862. Pro- 
 moted Sergeant. Color-bearer. Mustered out Aug. 13, 1863. 
 
 Louis McDuffee Hussey. Private, Co. B, 1st Reg't. Mustered May 2, 1861. 
 Mustered out Aug. 9, 1861, Re-enlisted Sergeant, Co, A, 4th Reg't, Mustered 
 Sept, 18, 1861, Re-enlisted Jan, 1, 1864, Promoted 1st Lieutenant Nov, 9, 1864. 
 Promoted Captain Feb, 17, 1865, Was second. Rochester man who enlisted, 
 
 Olfv^er W. Hussey, Private, Co. G, 8th Reg't, Mustered Dec. 23, 1861. 
 Mustered out Jan, 18, 1865. 
 
 Walter S. Hussey. Private, Co. I, 3d Reg't. Mustered Aug. 24, 1861. Pro- 
 moted Corporal June 1, 1862. Discharged for disability March 15, 1863.
 
 222 ROCHESTER. 
 
 John Henry Jackson. Born in Dover Oct. 18.35. Brought up by Cyrus Jen- 
 ness of Rochester. Was a puny boy, but on the farm grew up a strong, hearty 
 man. Private. Co. A, 4th Reg't. INIustered Sept. 18, 18G1. Re-enli.sted Feb. 15, 
 1864. Promoted Corporal. Captured at Deep Run, Va., Aug. 16, 1>^64. Died of 
 cruelty and starvation in prison at Salisbury, N. C, Dec. 18, 1864, and was buried 
 in National Cemetery there. 
 
 Jeremiah Jacobs. Carpenter in Construction Corps about five months. 
 
 Stephen C. Jacobs. Enlisted in Navy Aug. 1864. Served on "Colorado"; 
 was at Fort Fisher ; afterwards on " Winona " ; in Santee River expedition. Dis- 
 charged June, 1865. Died of consumption, 1869. 
 
 Charles Jenness, Jr. Private, Co. I, 15th Reg't. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862. 
 Mustered out Aug. 13. 1863. Re-enlisted private, Co. D, 1st Reg't Heavy Artil- 
 lery, Mustered Sept. 4, 1864. Mustered out June 15, 1865. 
 
 Freeman Jenness. Corporal, Co. I, 3d Reg't. Mustered Aug. 24, 1861. Re- 
 duced to ranks Nov. 22. 1861. Deserted at Morris Island July 19, 1863. After- 
 wards surrendered himself and enlisted in Navy. 
 
 George Jenness. In Farragut's Fleet 2 to 3 years. 
 
 James M. Jenness. Private, Co. H, 9th Reg't. Mustered Aug. 18, 1862. 
 Transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps Aug. 1, 1863. 
 
 John Jenness. Private, Co. F, 5th Reg't. Mustered Oct. 6, 1862. Re-enlisted 
 private, Veteran Reserve Corps. INlustered Dec. 29, 1863. Afterwards in Navy. 
 
 Jonathan Ham Jenness. Son of Charles and Betsey (Ham) Jenness, was 
 born in Rochester Nov. 21, 1842. Was a shoemaker. Private, Co. H, 9th Reg't. 
 Mustered Aug. 13, 1862. Died of measles at Washington, D. C, Feb. 17, 1863. 
 Buried in Rochester. 
 
 Stephen B. Jenness. Substitute for G. F. Falls. Private, Troop I, N. H. 
 Battalion New England Cavalry. Mustered Dec. 17, 1851. Promoted Corporal 
 July 13, 1862. 
 
 Stephen S. Jenness. Was seaman four years before the war, and witnessed 
 the fall of Sumter. In 1862 enlisted in Navy, and served two years. Re-enlisted 
 private, Co. K, 18th Reg't. Mustered iMarch 21, 1865. Mustered out May 6, 1865. 
 
 George Washington Johnson. Son of Samuel and Hannah, was born in 
 Strafford July 22, 1827. Was a shoemaker in Rochester 15 or 20 years. Said to 
 some of his friends he never should forgive himself if he did not enlist. Private, 
 Co. II, 18th Reg't. Mustered Jan. 28, 1865. "A faithful soldier." Was at the 
 capture of Richmond. Died suddenly of disease, at Washington, D. C, May 27, 
 1865. Buried in National Cemetery at Arlington, Va. Funeral services in his 
 memory were held at the Gonic Church. Left a wife and five children. 
 
 Levi B. Johnson. Private, Co. K, 15th Maine Reg't. Served eight months 
 and was discharged May 7, 1863. 
 
 Robert Johnson. Substitute for John B. Dame. Private, Co. F, 14th Reg't. 
 Mustered Aug. 14, 1863. Deserted March 18, 1864. 
 
 William Johnson. Substitute for Nathaniel Cross. In Navy three years. 
 Mustered Sept. 20, 1864. 
 
 Cyrus Woodbury Jones. Substitute. Private, Co. K, 4th Reg't. After- 
 wards in a N. Y. Reg't, also in Navy. 
 
 George W. Jones. Private, Co. D, 5th Reg't. Mustered Oct. 23, 1861. Dis- 
 charged for disability April 15, 1863. 
 
 Samuel Jones. Enlisted in Navy Aug. 29, 1864. Was at Portsmouth on 
 "Vandalia" and "Colorado" till December, then on " Ohio," then on transport 
 '^ Kensington " at Mobile, then on " Portsmouth " at New Orleans. Transferred 
 Feb. 1865 to "Oneida," cruising in Gulf about Galveston. Discharged Aug. 11, 
 1865.
 
 IIOCIIESTER IN THE REBELLION. 223 
 
 Walteu S. Jones. Private, Co. G, 8th Reg't. Mustered Dec, 23. 1861. Re- 
 enlisted Jan. 4, 1864. Transferred to Co. C, Veteran liattalion, Jan. 1, 1805. 
 
 Chkistian Jual. Private, Co. A, 7th Reg't. Mustered IMarch 7, 1805. Mus- 
 tered out July 20, 1805. 
 
 PATiaCK Kay (or Kane). Mustered in Navy Sept. 1, 1804. 
 
 John Kkecjan. Private, Co. II, 14th Reg't. Mustered Aug. 12, 1803. 
 Wounded Sept. 19, 1804. Mustered out June 20, 1865. 
 
 William Kellev. Private, Co. K, 5th Regt. Mustered Dec. 28, 1863. Sup- 
 posed to have deserted en route to Reg't. 
 
 George M. D. Kent. Private, Co. F, 7th Reg't. Mustered Sept. 19, 1864. 
 Mustered out July 20, 1865. 
 
 Alvah M. Kimi-.all. Private, Co. II, 6th Reg't. Mustered Nov. 28, 1861. 
 Served mostly as (Quartermaster. Re-enlisted 1st Lieutenant, Co. I, 15th Reg't. 
 Had sword presented by citizens. Commissioned Nov. 3, 1H62. Appointed Com- 
 missary of Reg't. Resigned Jan. 15, 1863. 
 
 Jehemiah Belknap Kimhall. Son of Nehemiah and Betsey, was born in 
 Milton or Middleton about 1822. AVorked at shoemakingin Rochester for several 
 years. Private, Co. II, 0th Reg'L. JNIustered Nov. 28, 1861. Died of consump- 
 tion at Portsmouth (irove, R. I., Oct. 24, 1802, and was buried there. Left a wife. 
 
 JosiAii B. KiMiiALL. Commissary-Sergeant, 15th Reg't. Appointed Oct. 30, 
 
 1862. Had served as Captain's Clerk before enlisting. Clerk to IJrigade Commis- 
 sary. Discharged for disability INIay 0, 1803. Died Dec. 10, 1805, let. 32. 
 
 Samuel II. Kimball. Private. Veteran Reserve Corps. Mustered Dec. 29, 
 
 1863. Discharged .May 10, 1865. 
 
 Louis King. Private, Co. E, 2d Reg't. Mustered Nov. 25, 1803. Deserted 
 Aug. 18, 1865. 
 
 HosEA B. Knox. Substitute for Edward B.Mills. Private, Co. B, 5th Reg't. 
 Mustered Aug. 14, 1863. 
 
 Marcenia W. Lane. Son of Winthrop, who moved to Rochester after his 
 enlistment. 
 
 Joseph Lague. Private, Co. E, 2d Reg't. Mustered Nov. 25, 1863. Mus- 
 tered out Dec. 19, 1805. 
 
 William J. Lavender. Private, Co. H, 9th Reg't. Mustered Aug. 13, 1802. 
 Wounded in foot at Fredericksburg, May, 1864. Discharged for disabilitv Jan. 12 
 1865. 
 
 ■ OcTAVio Le Blank.. Private, Co. E, 2d Reg't. Mustered Nov. 25, 1863. 
 Wounded June 3, 1804. Died of wounds July 17, 1804. 
 
 Narcisse Leuran. Private, Co. E, 2d Reg't. Mustered Nov. 25, 1803. Mus- 
 tered out Nov. 23, 1865. 
 
 Eliiiu Hayes Legro. Son of David, was born in Rochester, July 21, 1827. 
 Was a Methodist minister stationed at Tamworth, from which place he enlisted. 
 Private, Co. D, 0th Reg't. ]\Iustered Nov. 27, 1801. Died of disease in Washing- 
 ton, I). C, Jan. 1, 180;;. Brought home and buried under Masonic honors. Pro- 
 moted Lieutenant about the time of his death. "A man much esteemed for 
 Christian character." 
 
 EmviN G. Leigiiton. Private, Co. A, 4th Reg't. Mustered Sept. 1861. Dis- 
 charged for disability, Oct. 20, 1863. Died soon after reaching home. 
 
 Naiiala Davis Leighton. Son of Ephraim and Nancy F., was l)orn in New 
 Durham, Nov. 27, 1818. Was a sole-leather cutter in Wallace's factory. Pri- 
 vate, Co. II, 9th Reg't. Mustered Aug. 1;], 1.S02. He was taken sick, l)ut a bru- 
 tal surgeon ordered him on a inarch of 7.0 miles to Washington. He marched 
 31 miles in one day. The next day he was exposed to a rain, which prevented 
 the Reg't from marching. At night the Doctor, at Capt. Edgerly's intercession,
 
 224 ROCHESTER. 
 
 sent Leighton a little shelter tent and a man to watch with him. The watcher 
 deserted his post, and Leighton was found in the morning dead, on the bare 
 ground, Nov. 14, 1862. This was at White Sulphur Springs, Va., where he was 
 buried. 
 
 Michael Leonard. Private, Co. F, 5th Reg't. Mustered Sept. 1, 1864. 
 Mustered out June 28, 1865. 
 
 Sumner Leavis. Private, Co. F, 14th Reg't. Mustered Dec. 28, 1863. Mus- 
 tered out July 8, 1865. 
 
 Arthur Libbey. Private, Co. B, 1st Reg't. Mustered May 2, 1861. Mus- 
 tered out Aug. 9, 1861. 
 
 Robert M. Libbey. Private, Co. B, 1st Reg't. Mustered May 2, 1861. 
 Mustered out Aug. 9, 1861. 
 
 Archibald Little. Private, Co. F, 5th Reg't. Mustered Aug. 30, 1864. 
 Deserted at Petersburg, Va., Oct. 10, 1864. 
 
 William O. Little. Drummer, Co. D, 12th Reg't. INIustered Jan. 1, 1864. 
 Died of disease July 18, 1864, near Petersburg, Va., where he was buried. 
 
 Henry W. Locke. Second Lieutenant, Co. A, 4th Reg't. Commissioned 
 Sept. 20, 1801. Had sword presented by citizens. Promoted Captain June 25, 
 1864. Led his company in the battle of Pocataligo. "Was a tip-top officer — 
 liked by the boys for his kindness." In 1865 was Post CommissaiT^ at Browns- 
 ville, Tex., and had contract for supplying 18,000 men with beef. Resigned 
 Nov. 1865. 
 
 Warren F. Lovejoy. Private, Co. A, 1st Reg't. Mustered April 29, 1861. 
 Mustered out Aug. 9, 1861. Re-enlisted private, Co. D, 5th Reg't. Mustered 
 Aug. 23, 1861. Discharged for disability July 21, 1862. Re-enlisted private. 
 Veteran Reserve Corps. Mustered Dec. 30, 1863. Discharged June 19, 1865. 
 
 Charles Lynch. Private, Co. G, 5th Reg't. Substitute for Charles A. Giles. 
 Mustei-ed Aug. 15, 1864. Deserted near Petersbui-g, Va., Sept, 8, 1864. 
 
 James E. Mack. Private, Co. G, 8th Reg't. Mustered Dec. 23, 1861. De- 
 serted at Manchester, Dec. 25, 1861. 
 
 Thomas Mack. An Irishman, whose real name was McNamara, son of Mi- 
 chael and Bridget, born in Mass. about 1845, a shoemaker, " a very soldierly ap- 
 pearing and brave young man." Private, Co. A, 1st Reg't. Mustered April 29, 
 1861. Re-enlisted Sergeant, Co. A, 4th Reg't. Mustered Sept. 18, 1861. Se- 
 vei'ely wounded in leg by the explosion of a torpedo buried by the enemy. 
 Lived a few days, and the surgeon thought he might possibly have survived, but 
 he stubbornly refused to have his leg amputated. Died at Morris Island, S. C, 
 Sei)t. 16, 1863, and was buried there. 
 
 John jSIahoney. Private, Co. I, 15th Reg't. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862. Badly 
 wounded at Port Hudson, May 27, 1863. JNIustered out Aug. 13, 1863. 
 
 Jacob C. Main. First Lieutenant, Co. G, 8th Reg't. Commissioned Dec. 
 20, 1861. "As good an officer as in the Reg't, in spite of some bad habits." 
 Resigned March 3, 1863. 
 
 Thomas J. Mallard. Private, Co. D, 5th Reg't. Mustered Oct. 23, 1861. 
 Discharged for disability. 
 
 Patrick McCoRxMack. Substitute for M. V. B. Wentworth. Reg't unknown. 
 IMustered Aug. 17, 1864. 
 
 Daniel McCrillis. Private, Co. I, 3d Reg't. Mustered Aug. 24, 1861. Re- 
 enlisted Feb. 12, 1864. Mustered out July 20, 1865. " A good soldier." 
 
 David McCrillis. Private, Co. I, 3d Reg't. Mustered Aug. 24, 1861. Dis- 
 charged for disability Oct. 17, 1861. 
 
 John G. McCrillis. Private, Co. I, 15th Reg't. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862. 
 Mustered out Aug. 13, 1863.
 
 ROCHESTER IN THE REBELLION. 225 
 
 Jadez McDuffrk. Private, Co. D. 5th Reg't. Mustered Oct. 23, 1861. 
 Deserted Dec. 13, 18G2. Returned May 10, 1865. Mustered out May 11, 1865. 
 
 Simon Curtis IMcDuffre. Son of Louis and Lovev, was born in Rochester, 
 May 12, 184-t. Private, Co. H, 9th Reg't. Mustered Aug. 13, 1862. His con- 
 stitution was not fitted for hard service, and the surgeon of the Reg't said he 
 ouglit not to have been accei^ted. lie, Iiowever, pei'formed such service as he 
 was able and Ijore his lot cliecrfully. From April, 1864, was in the Ambulance 
 Corps, and died of disease at Washington, D. C., Aug. 14, 1864. Buried there, 
 but afterwai'ds brought to Rochester. 
 
 Michael McIIugii. Private, Co. A, 4th Reg't. IMustered Sept. 18, 1861. 
 Mustered out Sept. 27, 1864. 
 
 Geokge W. Mellen. Private, Co. D, 5th Reg't. Mustered Oct. 23, 1861. 
 Promoted Sergeant. Wounded June 6, 1864. Mustered out Oct. 29, 1864. 
 
 George H. Meserve. Private, Co. A, 1st Reg't. Mustered April 29, 1861. 
 Mustered out Aug. 9, 1861. Re-enlisted private, Co. A, 4th Reg't. jNIustered 
 Sept. 18, 1861. Re-enlisted Feb. 15, 1864. Taken prisoner at Drury's Bluff, and 
 endured the horrors of Andersonville and Salisbury. Paroled Nov. 1864. Pro- 
 moted Sergeant. Mustered out Aug. 23, 18C5. 
 
 Jacob C. Meserve. Private, Co. A, 1st Reg't. Mustered April 29, 1861. 
 Mustered out Aug. 9, 1861. Re-enlisted private, Co. A, 4th Reg't. IMustered 
 Sept. 18, 1861. Wounded July 30, 1864. Mainly on guard duty, or cook, 
 Brigade headquarters. Mustered out Sept. 27, 1864. 
 
 Walter S. Meserve. Landsman in Navy. Enrolled April 5, 1864. On 
 ship " Vandalia." Discharged for disability June 20, 1864. 
 
 James Morrison. Substitute for Dudley B. Waldron, 1863. 
 
 James W. Morse. Substitute for Jeremiah Randall. Private, Co. F, 14th 
 Reg't. Mustered Aug. 14, 1863. Lost a leg Sept. 19, 1864. Discharged for 
 disability June 9, 1865. 
 
 Hiram P. Murphy. Private, Co. I, 3d Reg't. Mustered Aug. 24, 1861. 
 Re-enlisted Jan. 1, 1864. Promoted Sergeant May 1, 1865. Mustered out July 
 20, 1865. 
 
 John A. Murray. Substitute for Joseph H. McDuffee. Private, Co. D, 8th 
 Reg't. Mustered Aug. 14, 1863. 
 
 James Neeland. Private, Co. H, 6th Reg't. Mustered Nov. 28, 1861. 
 Wounded in right shoulder at Antietam. Transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps, 
 Jan. 15, 1864. Discharged Nov. 28, 1864. 
 
 Solomon Moses Newland. Boi-n in Sehrberg, Bavaria, about 1841. Had 
 been in this country tAvo or three years and worked in Wallace's tannery. Pri- 
 vate, Co. I, 15th Reg't. IMustered Oct. 14, 1862. Wounded in arm and chest at 
 Port Hudson, May 27, 1863. Died of his wounds July 4, 1863, and was buried 
 in the National Cemetery at Baton Rouge, La. 
 
 James T. Nichols. Private, Co. G, 8th Reg't. Mustered Dec. 23, 1861. 
 Transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps, May 1,1864. Slightly wounded below 
 knee while in camp. Mustered out Jan. 8, 1865. 
 
 George H. Nickerson. Private, Co. I, 15th Reg't. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862. 
 Mustered out Aug. 13, 1863. 
 
 John R. Nute. Carpenter in Construction Cor^JS about five months. 
 
 John H. Nutter. Enlisted in Navy Aug. 25, 1861. On receiving ship 
 *' Ohio" one month. On store ship " Brandyvvine," mostly at Fortress Monroe. 
 Witnessed "Monitor" fight. Discharged Aug. 28, 1864. Re-enlisted private, 
 Co. K, 18th Reg't. Mustered March 22, 1865. Mustered out May 6, 1865. 
 
 Frederick A. Orne. Sergeant, Co. I, 15th Reg't. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862. 
 Mustered out Aug. 13, 1863. 
 
 16
 
 226 EOCHESTEK. 
 
 James Bl'uleigh Osgood. Son of James H., was bom in Rochester, 1841. 
 An experienced seaman before the war. Enlisted in Navy at Boston. On receiv- 
 ing ship "Ohio." On the "Hartford," the flag ship of Admiral Farragut. 
 Served nearly three j-ears in many of the most exciting naval battles of the war. 
 "Was first gunner of the forecastle gun. " Showed himself a brave man, — was 
 a favorite with the whole crew." At the storming of the Forts in Mobile Bay he 
 was killed with 12 others by the explosion of a shell, Aug. 5, 18C4. 
 
 Francis L. Otis. Private, Co. I, 3d Reg't. Mustered Aug. 24, 1861. 
 Wounded July, 1863. Promoted Corporal Sept. 17, 1863. Resigned Oct. 15, 
 
 1863. Re-enlisted in same Co. Jan. 1, 1864. Wounded Aug. 17, 1864, Mus- 
 tered out July 20, 1865. 
 
 Frederick Otis. Private, Co. I, 3d Reg't. Mustered Aug. 24, 1861. Dis- 
 charged for disability May 9, 1863. Re-enlisted private, Vetei-an Reserve Corps. 
 Mustered Dec. 22, 1863. 
 
 Orange B. Otis. Sergeant, Co. D, 6th Reg't. Mustered Nov. 27, 1861. 
 Promoted 1st Lieutenant Nov. 4, 1863. Wounded in left leg June 3, 1864. 
 Discharged for disability Nov. 28, 1864. 
 
 Alpiionzo Page. Private, Co. I, 6th Reg't. Mustered Jan. 1, 1864. Dis- 
 charged for disability Jan. .19, 1865. 
 
 James W. Page. Private, Co. H, 9th Reg't. Mustered Aug. 2, 1864. Mus- 
 tered out June 10, 1865. 
 
 Robert M. Palmer. Musician, Co. A, 1st Reg't. Mustered April 29, 1861. 
 Mustered out Aug. 9, 1861. Re-enlisted private. Troop K, 1st Reg't Cavalry. 
 Mustered Oct. 7, 1861. CajJtured at Columbia Furnace, Va., Oct. 9, 1864. Five 
 weeks in Libbey pi'ison, then exchanged. Mustered out Oct. 24, 1864. 
 
 Charles H. Parker. Substitute for William P. Abbott. Private, Co. B, 
 5th Reg't. Mustered Aug. 14, 1863. Promoted Coi^joral. Wounded Jime 3, 
 
 1864. Deserted while on furlough from hospital, Oct. 30, 1864. 
 
 Bradley F. Parsons. Enlisted in Navy Sept. 1861. Served 7 or 8 months 
 on sailing vessel " Onward," visiting Western Islands and the Mediterranean. 
 Re-enlisted Aug. 1864, and served on "Colorado"; Avas at Fort Fisher; after- 
 wards Paymaster's Steward on "Winona"; in Santee River expedition. Dis- 
 charged June, 1865. 
 
 Charles Patterson. Substitute for Charles F. Hayes. Private, Co. C, 6th 
 Reg't. Mustered May 18, 1864. Deserted near Petersburg, Va., Sept. 26, 1864. 
 
 William A. Peabody. Private, Co. F, 35th Mass. Reg't. 
 
 Abram Pearl. Son of Isaac and Rachel, was born in Rochester, 1812. Pri- 
 vate, Co. I, 3d Reg't. Mustered Aug. 24, 1861. Wounded in hip and captured 
 at James Island, S. C, June 16, 1862, while he with John Yelden was trying to 
 remove their fallen Captain from the field. Died of wounds June 20, and was 
 buried in National Cemetery at Charleston, S. C. Left a wife and five children. 
 
 Abram Welch Pearl. Private, Co. H, 9th Reg't. lilustered Aug. 13, 1862. 
 Captured at Spottsylvania Court House, May 12, 1864, and died in Sept. or Oct. 
 following, at Charleston, S. C. 
 
 George O. Pearl. Private, Co. H, 18th Reg't. Mustered Feb. 9, 1865. 
 Mustered out July 29, 1865. 
 
 Charles C. Perkins. Private, Co. D, 2d Reg't. Mustered June 1, 1861. 
 Deserted Aug. 24, 1862. Returned and was mustered out May 9, 1865. 
 
 Duane T. Perkins. Sergeant, Co. H, 6th Reg't. Mustered Nov. 28, 1861. 
 Discharged for disability Nov. 17, 1862. 
 
 James II. Perkins. Private, Co. A, 4th Reg't. IVIustered Sept. 18, 1861. 
 Deserted at Cold Harbor, Va., June 5, 1864. Returned and was mustered out 
 May 9, 1865.
 
 ROCHESTER IN THE REBELLION. 227 
 
 Nathaniel W. Perkins. Substitute for William Toben. Private, Co. B, 1st 
 Reg't. Mustered May 2, 1861. Mustered out Aug. 9, 1861. 
 
 Charles F. Pickering. Private, Troop A, 1st Cavalry. ISIustered May 21, 
 1864. Mustered out July 15, 1865. 
 
 George W. Pickering. Private, Co. D, 5th Reg't. Mustered Oct. 23, 1861. 
 Discharged for disabilit3\ 
 
 Theophilus Pickering. Private, Co. A, 2d Mass. Reg't. 
 
 EiJENEZER H. Pierce. Corporal, Co. A, 4th Reg't. Mustered Sept. 18, 1861. 
 Re-enlisted in same Co. Feb. 15, 1864. Employed as baker. Absent, sick, after 
 May 21, 1865. Mustered out Aug. 23, 1865. 
 
 John C. Pierce. Corporal, Co. D, 5th Reg't. Mustered Oct. 23, 1861. 
 Wounded at Antietam, Sept. 17, 1862. Discharged for disability June 13, 1863. 
 
 Charles E. Pike. Private, Troop A, 1st Cavalry. Mustered March 19, 
 1864. In hospital four months. Mustered out July 15, 1865. 
 
 George E. Pinkiiam. Captain, Co. I, 15th Reg't. Commissioned Nov. 3, 
 1862. Had sword presented by citizens. " A popular otHcer." Mustered out 
 Aug. 13, 1863. 
 
 John INI. Pinkham. Private, Troop E, 1st Cavalry. Mustered April 5, 1865. 
 Never reached his Reg't. Mustered out May 6, 1865. 
 
 Henry Pitchenger. Substitute for William Rand. Private, Co. K, 5th 
 Reg't. Mustered Sept. 17, 1864. Transferred to Co. I. Absent in arrest June 
 28, 1865. 
 
 James F. Place. Private, 4th Mass. Reg't. Editor of "Lawrence Daily 
 Journal." In camp at Wenham, Mass., performed duties of Provost-Marshal. 
 Went to New Orleans under Gen. Banks. On detached service as Clerk under 
 Capt. Swift of Gen. Emery's staff, engaged two months clearing a bayou on 
 Atchafalaya River. Captured at Springfield, four miles below Port Hudson, but 
 re-cajjtured in a few hours. After the taking of Port Hudson, had charge of gov- 
 ernment printing-office there a few Aveeks. Enlisted for nine months, but 
 remained a year, returning home enfeebled by severe disease. 
 
 Leonard F. Place. Sergeant, Co. I, 3d Reg't. Mustered Aug. 24, 1861. 
 Promoted 2d Lieutenant July 4, 1862. Had sword presented by citizens. Pro- 
 moted 1st Lieutenant April 15, 1863. Resigned July 22, 1863. 
 
 John M. Plumer. Private, Co. D, 1st Heavy Artilleiy. Mustered Sept. 4, 
 
 1864. Mustered out June 15, 1865. 
 
 Joseph Hartford Plumer. Son of Ephraim, was born in Rochester, July 
 31, 1841. Was wool-sorter in factory. Private, Co. B, 1st Reg't. Mustered 
 May 2, 1861. Mustered out Aug. 9, 1861. Re-enlisted Corporal, Co. A, 4th 
 Reg't. Mustered Sept. 18, 1861. Discharged for disability Oct. 26, 1863. Died 
 Dec. 6, 1863, twelve days after reaching home. 
 
 Narcisse Praugh. Private, Co. F, 2d Reg't. Mustered Nov. 25, 1863. Dis- 
 charged for disability. 
 
 Sidney PRESfCE. Substitute, 1864, for three years. Reg't unknown. 
 
 George Pkover. Substitute, for three years. Reg't unknown. 
 
 Frank Pugsley. Private, Co. I, 3d Reg't. Mustered Aug. 24, 1861. Nurse 
 in hospital. Discharged for disability Oct. 17, 1861. Re-enlisted private, Co. 
 D, 1st Heavy Artilleiy. Mustered Sept. 4, 1864. Promoted Corporal March 22, 
 
 1865. Mustered out June 23, 1865. 
 
 John Pugsley. Private, Co. D, 1st Heavy Artilleiy. Mustered Sept. 4, 
 1864. Transferred to Co. B, June 10, 1865. Mustered out Sept. 11, 1865. 
 
 James Ramsbottom. Son of John, who came to Rochester about 1840, was 
 born in England about 1826. Was in the U. S. Navy for about 20 years before 
 the war. Went by the name of Charles Melvin. Was on board Admiral Farra-
 
 228 ROCHESTER. 
 
 tnifs riag- ship "ITaitford.'' Was at the capture of New Orleans, and the attack 
 on the Forts in ]\Iobile Bay. The same shell which killed J. B. Osgood (q. v.) 
 so injured him that it was probably the remote cause of his death. After an 
 apparent recovery he re-shipped at Portsmouth, but in about two weeks had a 
 shock of paralysis and was sent home insensible and helpless. He remained la 
 this condition about 14 months, when he died, Jan. 5, 18G7. 
 
 Horace Randall. Private, Co. D, 2d Reg't. Mustered June 1, 1861. Dis- 
 charged for disability Aug. 21, 18G1. Re-enlisted private, Co. H, 9th Reg't. 
 Mustered Aug. 13, 1862. Promoted Sergeant April 1, 1865. Mustered out June 
 10, 1865, 
 
 Charles O. Rankixs. Private, Co. F, 4th Reg't. 
 
 Exos Reavitzek. Born at Bamberg, Germany. Private, Co. I, 3d Reg't. 
 Mustered Aug. 24, 1861. Discharged for disability July 29, 1862. Re-enlisted 
 private, Co. I, 15th Reg't. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862. Promoted Corporal Nov. 1, 
 1862. Wounded in left ankle at Port Hudson and sulfered two amputations. 
 Discharged Aug. 13, 1863. Built a house in Rochester after the war. 
 
 Chakles E. Ricker. Private, Co. A, 4th Reg't. Mustered Sept. 18, 1861. 
 Discharged for disability Sept 20, 1863. 
 
 Isaac E. Ricker. Private, Co. F, 7th Reg't. Mustered Nov. 7, 1861. De- 
 serted at Manchester Dec. 30, 1861. 
 
 Thomas P. Ricker. In Navy. 
 
 William Ricker. Private, Co. D, 5th Reg't. Mustered Oct. 23, 1861. 
 Wounded June 3, 1864. Mustered out Oct. 29, 1864. 
 
 Hakrison Roberts. Caipenter in Construction Corps about five months. 
 
 Joiix Harrison Roberts. Son of John L. and Rebecca, was born in Roch- 
 ester July 30, 1840. Member of Senior Class in Bowdoin College. Said his 
 country needed his services more than he needed an education. Corporal, Co. I, 
 loth Reg't. IMustered Oct. 28, 1862. About the time his term of service ex- 
 pired was taken with diphtheria in Louisiana, but lived to reach Concord, where 
 he died Aug. 13, 1863. " An ambitious, x^atriotic, and eveiy way Avorthy young 
 man." 
 
 John W. Roberts. Corporal, Co. H, 9th Reg't. Mustered Aug. 13, 1862. 
 Wounded May 18, 1864. Mustered out June 10, 1865. 
 
 James Robertson. Substitute, Marine Corps, for four years. Mustered 
 Aug. 23, 1864. 
 
 Nathaniel D. Robinson. Son of David and Martha IL, was born at Roches- 
 ter ]\Iay 9, 1830. Resided in Lawrence, INIass., where he had a family. Private 
 in a Mass. Reg't. Died at home March 29, 1869. 
 
 Samuel Robinson. Brother of preceding, was born Dec. 19, 1840. Private, 
 Co. I, 3d Reg"t. Mustered Aug. 24, 1861. Promoted Corporal IMarch 15, 1862. 
 Promoted Sergeant Oct. 15, 1862. Promoted 1st Sergeant. Re-enlisted in same 
 Co. Feb. 12, 1864. Severely Avoimded in thigh at Drury's Bluff, Va., May 13, 
 
 1864. Promoted 2d Lieutenant May 24, 1864. Died of wounds in Hospital at 
 Hampton, Va., June 2, 1864. He was specially cared for by his Masonic breth- 
 ren, and ills body Avas sent home and buried by them in Rochester. " A very 
 commendable young man, universally esteemed." 
 
 Calvin Rogers. Private, Troop K, 1st Cavalry, aftenvards N. H. Battalion 
 of 1st N. E. Cavalry. IMustered Oct. 7, 1861. Promoted Corporal Oct. 8, 1861. 
 Promoted Sergeant IMarch 1, 1863. Captured at Kelley's Ford March 17, 1863. 
 Prisoner at Belle Isle till exchanged in Fall of 1863. Mustered out Oct. 24, 1864. 
 
 Stephen Henry Rogers. Son of Edmund and Nancy, was born at New 
 Durham, 1843. Private, Co. A, 4th Reg't. Mustered Sept. 18, 1861. Re-enlisted 
 in same Co. Feb. 17, 1864. Died of disease at Point of Rocks, Va., Jan. 13, 
 
 1865. Bux-ied in National Cemetery there, grave No. 134, Section F, Division 1.
 
 ROCHESTER IN THE REBELLION. 229 
 
 James Ross. Private, Co. D, 7th Ke^'t. Substitute for Jolm 1'. Iloyt. .Mus- 
 tered Aug. 14, 18G3. Severely wounded Feb. 20, 1804. Deserted at 'ik-uufoit. 
 S. C, Dec. 1864. 
 
 William Rosiek. Substitute for Jolm W. Tcbl)c(s. Private, Co. F, 14th 
 Reg't. Mustered Aug. 14, 18G3. Deserted at Washingtuii, 1). C, Nov. 30, 1803. 
 
 Samuel C. Rome. Private, Co. II, Cth Reg't. Alustered Nov. 28, 1861. 
 Wounded Sept. 17, 1SG2. IMustered out Nov. 27, 1804. 
 
 James Russell. Substitute for John F. Low. Enlisted Aug. 9, 1864. 
 
 Andrew Sampsox. Brother of the following. On " ^lohican,'" in Navy. 
 
 John Calvin Sampson. Son of Luther and Mary E., was born in Dover, 
 Dec. 1, 1839. Resided in Rochester since 1867. Went to Europe as a sailor 
 twice before he was 17. While at work in the shop the i)aper Ijrought discour- 
 aging news from our army. Removing liis apron, lie turned to his einployer and 
 said, " This must be fought out. Soniel)ody must go to tlie fnjnt. You' have a 
 family to supi)ort and care for, and must remain ; but it is iny duty to go." En- 
 listed in Navy, 1861, and served a year on board V. S. IMan of War '"* Rainljriiba'.'' 
 Re-enlisted Sergeant, Co. H, 9th Rog't. IMustercd Aug. 13, 1S(;2. Promoteit 2d 
 Lieutenant, Co. B. Commissioned April 1, 1863. Promoted 1st Lieutenant, Co. 
 E, Jan. 1, 1864. When at home on a furlough, learning that his Regt was 
 about to go to the front, he hastened back before his time was up. AN'as killed in 
 a charge on the enemy's works at Petersburg, Ya., July 30, 1864. His Ijoily, re- 
 covered under flag of truce, was found within the rebel intrendmients, pierced 
 by two minie balls. He was buried in Rochester with both IMasonic and military 
 honors, the former conducted bj^ Humane Lodge under Franklin McDullee, 
 W. JNL, the latter by Stratford Guards of Dover under Lieut. Vittum. " All 
 who knew him speak in terms of unfeigned praise of his rare personal merits, 
 his excellence of character, his pleasing, modest demeanor, his warm, generous- 
 hearted friendship, his determined i)atriotism and unflinching bravery." 
 
 LuTHEK B. Sampson. Brother of preceding. Sergeant, Co. K, 84th Penn- 
 sylvania Reg't. Mustered Oct. 24, 1861. Promoted 2d Lieutenant June 21, 
 1862. Promoted 1st Lieutenant May 3, 1863. Promoted Captain, Co. F, Sept. 
 3, 1864. Was in 37 battles. His superior oflicers testify that lie was " esteemed 
 and admired for gentlemanly deportment, coolness and bravery on many a hard 
 fought battlefield.'" 
 
 James Sanders. Private, Co. H, 6th Reg't. Mustered Nov. 28, 1801. Re- 
 enlisted Jan. 4, 1864. Promoted Corporal July 1, 1865. ^Mustered out July 17, 
 1865. 
 
 Betton W. Sargent. Appointed, 1862, Surgeon, 30th Missouri Reg't. Was 
 at siege and capture of Vicksburg. Afterwards Surgeon on Staff of Gen. 
 Thomas while organizing colored Regiments in Tennessee. 
 
 Zekadiaii Sargent. Corporal, Co. H, 6th Reg"t. Mustered Nov. 28, 1861. 
 Discharged for disaljility May 16, 1863. 
 
 William N. Sarles. Private, Co. I, 3d Reg't. Mustered Aug. 24. isOl. 
 Slightly wounded June 16, 1862. Re-enlisted Feb. 14, 1804. Slightly wounded 
 May 13, 1864. Promoted Corporal March 22, 1865. Resigned June 1. 1805. 
 Mustered out July 20, 1865. 
 
 Jackson Siiaav. Private, Co. I, 15th Reg't. Mustered Oct. 14. ls02. Mus- 
 tered out Aug. 13, 1803. Re-enlisted private, Co. H, 18th Reg't. Mustered 
 Jan. 28, 1805. Wounded in hand. Mustered out July 29, 1805. 
 
 George Edwin Shorev. Son of Jeremiah and Eliza, was Ijorn in Itochester 
 Oct. 184S. Private, Troop C, 1st Cavalry. ISIustered March 30, \>*iU. Cap- 
 tured June 13, 1864, on account of his horse's failing him. Di^'d of cruelty and 
 starvation amid the horrors of Anderson ville prison, Aug. 12, 1804. Buried thero 
 in grave No. 5405.
 
 230 ROCHESTER. 
 
 XATHA^^EL SnOREY. Private, Co. D, 3cl Regt. Mustered Aug. 23, 1861. 
 Re-enlisted Feb. 19, 1864. Wounded Aug. 16. 186-i. Promoted Corporal Aug. 
 24, 1^64. Promoted Sergeant March 2, 1SG5. ^Mustered out July 20, 1865. 
 
 Walter Shuriian. Substitute for Noah A. Jenness. Marine Corps. Mus- 
 tered Aug. 23, 1864. 
 Howard O. Simon, Private, Co. F., 5th Reg't. Mustered April 20, 1862. 
 
 Harlow Simonds. Substitute for G. H. Tilton. Private, Co. B, 5th Reg't. 
 Mustered Aug. 14, 1863. Died at Brattleboro', Vt., Oct. 18, 1864. 
 
 Samuel S. Simoxds. Substitute for Charles W. Bickford. Private, Co. 0, 
 5th Reg't. Mustered Aug. 14, 1863. Promoted Sergeant. Promoted 2d Lieu- 
 tenant, 36th U. S. Colored Reg't, July, 1864. 
 
 John T. Sinclair. Private, Co. I, 15th Reg't. Mustered Oct. 22, 1862. 
 
 Edwin E. Small. Private, Co. K, 18th Reg't. Mustered April 1, 1865. 
 Mustered out May 6, 1865. 
 
 James Farrlkgton Smith. Son of Charles and Nancy, was born in Roch- 
 ester June 21, 1823. Private, Co. K, 12th Re^"t. Mustered Sept 10, 1862. 
 Ivilled instantly at Gettysburg, July 2, 1863. Left a wife and five children. 
 
 John W. Smith. Enlisted March 30, 1867. Served in Lidian war in Iowa. 
 Discharged April 8, 1870. 
 
 Joseph Smith. Substitute for George E. Nye. Private, Co. C, 5th Reg't. 
 Mustered Aug. 14, 1863. Wounded June 3, 1864. Promoted Corporal Oct. 20, 
 1864. Mustered out June 28, 1865. 
 
 Richard Smith. Son of Timothy. Enlisted as substitute under name of 
 Charles Hoyt, Sept. 1863. Discharged July, 1865. Afterwards served three 
 yeai's in regular army. 
 
 Woodbury Smith. Son of John R. and Lavinia, was born in Rochester 
 Jan. 7, 1845. Enlisted as substitute^for Alanson B. George of Lempster, under 
 name of William Sanborn. Private, Co. K, 5th Reg't. Mustered Oct. 7, 1863. 
 Sevei-ely wounded at Cold Harbor, June 3, 1864. Captured and died in prison at 
 Richmond, Va., June 17, 1864. Buried there in National Cemetery. 
 
 Joseph F. Spinney. Private, Co. E, 17th Illinois Reg"t. Enlisted for three 
 years. May 25, 1861. Re-enlisted private, Co. D, 1st Heavy Artillery. Mustered 
 Sept 4, 1864. Discharged May 16, 1865. 
 
 Henry Stansbury. Substitute for J. W. Ham. In Navy three years. Mus- 
 tered Aug. 22, 1864. 
 
 Edward Stanton. Substitute for Edward C Hurd. Marine Corps four 
 years. Mustered Aug. 16, 1864. 
 
 James B. Stevens. Corporal, Co. I, 15th Reg't. Mustered Oct. 15, 1862. 
 Mustered out Aug. 13, 1863. 
 
 J. D. Stillinkamp. Substitute. Reg't unknown. 
 
 Lyman D. Stone. Substitute for Joseph W. Hurd. Private, Co. F, 5th 
 Reg't. Mustered Aug. 14, 1863. Wounded June 3, ls64. jNIustered out June 
 28, 1865. 
 
 John S. Sullivan. Private, Co. D, 5th Reg't. ^Mustered Oct. 23, 1861. 
 Discharged for disaljility Jan. 28, 1863. Re-enlisted, as substitute for Lafayette 
 Wiggin, in Marine Corps. Mustered Sept. 16, 18G4. 
 
 Augustus Taylor. In Navy, 1864. 
 
 Charles Teague. Private, Co. C, 18th Reg't. Mustered April 6, 1865. 
 Mustered out May 6, 1865. 
 
 Matthew Teague. Private, Co. D, 1st Hea\'y Artillery. Mustered Sept. 4, 
 1864. Mustered out June 15, 1865.
 
 ROCHESTER IN THE REBELLION. 231 
 
 Chakles E. Tebijets. rrivate, Troop A, 1st Cavalry. Musterocl .March 9, 
 ISCA. Clustered out July 15, 1805. 
 
 Jeremiah H. W. Tehuets. Serjeant, Co. I. lotli llcg't. MusteriMl Oct. H, 
 18G2. Promoted Sergeant Major Jan. 18, 1863. Afterwards rciluced to runka. 
 Mustered out Aug. 13, 1803. 
 
 NoAii Tei'.bets. Corporal, Co. I, ].")th Reg't. Mustered Oct. 22, 18G2. Mus- 
 tered out Aug. 13, 1803. Re-enlisted Private, 5tli Reg't. Mustered Im?!). 21, 
 1805. Is member of the U. S. Grant Post, G. A. R., and was one of tlie tiiirteen 
 detailed to guard the body of Gen. Grant and accomi)any it to tlie tomb, and 
 whose portraits appeared in Harper's "Weekly of that date. 
 
 Samuel H. Tebuets. Private, Co. B, 1st Reg't. Mustered May 2, 1861. 
 Mustered out Aug. 9, 1861. 
 
 William Thomas. Substitute for Charles H. Willey. Marine Corps four 
 years. Mustered Aug. 19, 1864. 
 
 John Thompson. Private, Co. II, 9th Reg't. Mustered Aug. 21, 1862. 
 Wounded at Antietam in ri^ht foot, Sept. 17, 1862. Discharged for disability 
 March 17, 1863. Re-enlisted private. Veteran Reserve Corps. Musterecl Dec. 
 29, 1803. 
 
 Andkeav Jackson Thurston. Son of Oliver and Susan, was born in Eaton. 
 Substitute for Augustus J. Rogers. Private, Co. B, 5th Reg't. ^Mustered Aug. 
 14, 1803. Severely wounded at Cold Harbor, June 3, 1804. Hip bone broken. 
 Died of wound at City Point, Va., June 25, 1804. Buried in National Cemetci-y 
 at Arlington, Va. Left a wife, Priseilla, and four children. 
 
 Edavard D. Tilton. Musician, Co. I, 11th Reg't. Mustered Jan. 2, 1864. 
 Transferred to Co. C, 0th Reg't, June 1, 1805. Mustered out July 17, 1805. 
 
 George W. Trickey. Private, Co. K, 2d Reg't. Mustered June s, 1861. 
 Discharged for disability July 15, 1861. Re-enlisted private, 12th Maine Reg't, 
 Oct., 1801. Discharged for disability April, 1802. Re-enlisted Corporal, Co. I, 
 15th Reg't. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862. Wounded at Port Hudson in left arm, June 
 13, 1863. Promoted Sergeant. INIustered out Aug. 13, 1863. Re-enlisted pri- 
 vate, Co. I, Veteran Reserve Corps. Mustered Sept. 14, 1864. Discharged 
 Aug. 22, 1865. 
 
 John P. Trickky. Private, Co. G, 8th Reg't. Mustered Dec. 23, 1861. 
 Pi-omoted Sergeant Dec. 1, 1862. Transferred to Cavalry in Fall of 1863. 
 Re-enlisted Sergeant in same Co. Jan. 4, 1864. Wounded in arm and foot. 
 Discharged Jan. 1, 1865. 
 
 Joseph Trickey. Son of Jacob and IMary, was born in Rochester Aug. 1, 
 1820. Private, Co. D, 5th Reg't. Mustered Oct. 23, 1801. Promoted Corporal. 
 Was in 16 or 17 battles. Wounded at Gettysburg, and bled to deatii on (lie held, 
 July 3, 1863. Buried in grave No. 2513 National Cemetery, Alexandria, Va. 
 Left a wife and one child. 
 
 Alonzo H. Twombly. Private, Co. D, 6th Reg't. Mustered Dec. 31, 1863. 
 Wounded July 8, 1864. Mustered out July 17, 1805. 
 
 Joseph B. Twombly. Sergeant, Co. II, 9th Reg't. Mustered Aug. 1:!, 1802. 
 Slightly wounded at Fredericksl)urg, Dec, 13, 1802. Discharged f.>r disability 
 March 18, 1863. Re-enlisted in Navy Sept. 3, 1804. Discharged July, isii.-j. 
 
 James Franklin Tucker. Private, Co. B, 1st Reg't. Mustere.l May 2, 
 1801. Mustered out Aug. 9, 1801. Re-enlisted Corporal, Co. H, Otli Re^'t. 
 Mustered Nov. 28, 1801. Re-enlisted private, Co. I), Dec. 25, 1803. Wounded 
 near Spottsylvania ]\Iay 18, and died of woumls May 22. 1864, aged al»out 28. 
 Left a wife. 
 
 George W. Varney. In Navy. 
 
 James R. Varney. Private, Co. B, 1st Reg't. Musterwl May 2, 1801. Mus- 
 tered out Auo-. 9, 1861. Re-enlisted Corporal, Co. H, 0th Reg't. Mustered Nov.
 
 232 ROCHESTER. 
 
 28, 18C1. TransfeiTed to Veteran Reserve Corps, Jul}- 1, 18G3. Discharged for 
 disability April 15, 18G4. 
 
 John 15. Yaunet. Private, 1st Light Battery. Transferred to Co. ]\I, 1st 
 Heavy Artillery. Mustered Jan. 4, 186i. Mustered out June 9, 18Go. 
 
 Samuel F. Varxey. 2d Lieutenant, Co. D, 5th Reg''t. Commissioned Aug. 
 12, 1861. Had sword jDresented by citizens. Resigned April 13, 1862. 
 
 Juiix H. Wardwell. Private, Co. I, 15th Reg't. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862. 
 Transferred to Signal Corps, where he seiTed till the Reg't was mustered out, 
 Aug. 13, 1863. After war graduated at Dartmouth College with high rank. 
 
 Charles H. Warrex. Corporal, Co. K, 2d Reg't. Mustered May 21, 1861. 
 Wounded at Williamsburg, May 5, 1862. Discharged Jan. 26, 1863. 
 
 James E. Warrex. Private, Co. B, 7th Reg't. Mustered Nov. 19, 1861. 
 Detailed from company as a carpenter most of the time. Mustei'ed out Dec. 22, 
 1864. 
 
 JOHX S. Warrex. Appointed Ass't Surgeon, 120th U. S. Colored Reg't, 
 Aug. 27, 1864. Post Surgeon at Paducah, Ky., while Gen. Thomas was organiz- 
 ing colored Reg'ts. Post Surgeon at City Point, Ya., for 6 or 8 weeks after 
 Lee's surrender. 
 
 OsMAX B. Warrex. Private, Co. H. 9th Reg't. Mustered Aug. 13, 1862. 
 Promoted 1st Sergeant March 1, 1864. Captured at Spottsylvania, May 12, 1864. 
 Suffered the indescribable horrors of Andersonville. AYas taken to Charleston 
 and afterwards to Florence, where he was exchanged. 
 
 Wilbur F. Warrex. Private, Troop C, 1st Cavalry. Mustered March 30, 
 1864. Promoted Corporal June 1, 1865. Mustered out July 15, 1865. 
 
 John Watsox. In Navy. 
 
 Robert Watsox. Substitute for Hiram S. Osborne. 
 
 Morris Welch. Private, Co. H, 14th Reg't. Substitute for B. L. E. Gowen. 
 Mustered Aug. 14, 1863. Deserted Xov. 3, lsG3. 
 
 Charles F. Wextworth. Private, Troop L, 1st Cavalry. Mustered Dec. 
 27, 1861. :Mustered out Dec. 27, 1864. 
 
 Charles H. Wextworth. Private, Co. H, 9th Reg't. Mustered Aug. 13, 
 1862. Wounded in shoulder at Fredericksburg, Dec. 13, 1862. Pi'omoted Corpo- 
 ral Aug. 1, 18G4. Mustered out June 10, 18G5. 
 
 George S. Wextworth. Enlisted 18G1, private, 5th Reg't U. S. Light Ar- 
 tillery in regular army. AA'ounded in left shoulder at Gettysburg. Discharo-ed 
 Oct., 1.S64. 
 
 LOREX H. G. Wext worth. Enlisted Aug. 5, 1862. Private, 5th X. Y. 
 Heavy Artillery. Taken prisoner when Gen. Miles surrendered at Harper's 
 Feri-y, and paroled on the spot to prevent re-capture. He says of this surrender, 
 " It was the meanest thing I ever saw." Served three years^ 
 
 ROLAXD C. Whicher. Substitute for John M. Avery. Private, Co. B, 5th 
 Reg't. ^Mustered Aug. 15, 1863. Wounded June 3, 1864. Deserted from hos- 
 pital Dec. 4, 1864. Returned and was mustered out May 25, 1865. 
 
 JoHX White. Private, Co. K, 13th Illinois Reg-t. Enlisted April 1, 1861. 
 Re-enlisted in same Reg't. Discharged for disability June 4, 1864. 
 
 Patrick White. Substitute for George W. Wentworth. 
 
 George Whitefield. Substitute for Dyer P. Hall, 1863. 
 
 Nathaniel H. Willard. Private, Co. A, 4th Reg't. Mustered Sept 18, 
 W,l. Deserted while on furlough, July 24, 1864. Returned and mustered out 
 Sept. 18, 1864. 
 
 Charles E. Wilkixsox. Son of William. Private, Co. B, 1st Reo-'t. Mus- 
 tered May 2, 1861. Mustered out Aug. 9, 18G1. Died Jan. 26, 1863, aft. 31.
 
 ROCHESTER IN THE REBELLION. 233 
 
 Wentavoktii Willky. Son of Enoch T. antl Sjinili, was Ijorn in Dovlt. .lutie 
 1, 1837. House carpenter in Kodiuster since is Hi. I'rivatc, Co. 1. 16th l{<-;.j"l. 
 Mustered Oct. 14, l<s02. Died of disease in hospital at Memphis, Tenn., Aug. 
 3, 18G3, and was buried there. 
 
 CiiAKLES II. Williams, rrivate, Co. K, 4th Rcg't. Mustered Sept. 18, 1861. 
 Re-enlisted Feb. 15, 1864. 
 
 John Williams. Private, Co. B, 6th Rcg't. Mustered Dec. 31, 1863. De- 
 serted at Camp Nelson, Ky., Jan. 16, 1864. 
 
 Hakuy Wilson. Private, Troop K, N. II. Battalion 1st New England Cav- 
 alry. Mustered Sept. 6, 1862. 
 
 Henuy Wilson. Private, Co. B, 1st Reg't. Mustered May 2, 1W61. Cap- 
 tured July 4, 1861. Released on i)arole June 3, 1862. Captured again June 16, 
 
 1863. After two months at Belle Isle and Libbey prison was exchanged. 
 John Wilson. Substitute for John F. Twombly. Private, Co. F, 9th Reg't. 
 
 Mustered Aug, 17, 1864. Deserted en rotitc to Reg t, Dec, 1864. 
 
 Joseph Wingate. Private, Co. A, 4th Reg't. Mustered Sept. 18, 18G1. Pro- 
 moted Corporal. Severely wounded at Pocotaligo Bridge, Oct. 22, 1862. Re- 
 enlisted Sergeant in same Co. Fel). 15, ls64. Wounded in right arm at Drurv's 
 Bluff, May 16, 1864. Promoted 1st Lieutenant, Co. K, Feb. 17, 18(!5. Com- 
 manded the Co. at Fort Fisher, also at Raleigh, Aug. 10, 1865. Mustered out 
 Aug. 23, 1865. 
 
 ICHABOD Worcester. Private, Co. F, 5th Reg't. Mustered Aug. 14, 1863. 
 Wounded June 3, 1864. Discharged for disability May 18, 1865. 
 
 PiiiLBRiCK M. Worcester. Private, Troop C, 1st Cavahy. Mustered April 
 12, 1864. Mustered out June 8, 1865. 
 
 John Yelden. Son of James, was born in Barnstead, C. E., about 1837. 
 Had lived in Rochester seven years with his mother, whom he supjjorted. Pri- 
 vate, Co. I, 3d Reg't. Mustered Aug. 24, 1861. Killed at James Ishviid, June 
 16, 1862, while he with Abram Pearl was trying to remove their fallen Captain 
 from the field. 
 
 Charles York. Son of Stephen and Kezia, w\as born in Newlield, Me., 
 Dec, 1843. Had lived in Rochester about two years. Private, Troop B, 1st 
 Cavahy. Mustered March 30, 1864. Captured, and died under the tortures and 
 starvation of Andersonville prison, Sept. 14, 1864. Buried there in grave No. 
 8736. 
 
 George Frank Young. Son of Alfred A. and Abbie E., was born at Great 
 Falls, Feb. 14, 1842. Private, Co. I, 15th Rejj't. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862. Died 
 of disease en route from Port Hudson to Vicksburg, July 29, 1863. Buried ou 
 bank of INIississippi. 
 
 Joseph Young. Private, Co. D, 1st Heavy Artillery. Mustered Sept. 4, 
 
 1864. Mustered out June 15, 1865. 
 
 In due time after the close of the war every town of tliorough 
 loj-alty and genuine patriotism erected a monument of some kind, 
 in honor and commemoration of their fallen heroes. At the annual 
 meeting in March, 1871, this town appointed Franklin MoDuffee, 
 M. H. AYentworth, and Silas Ilussey a committee to investigate and 
 report in reference to plans and the cost of a Soldiers' Monument 
 At an adjourned meeting in August they made an elaborate report 
 which was ordered to be printed and distributed among the voters.
 
 234 ROCHESTER. 
 
 At the next annual meeting §3,000 was appropriated " for enclosing 
 the Common and erecting a Soldiers' Monument according to the 
 plan recommended," and the same committee together with the 
 selectmen were directed to carry out the vote. The completed 
 monument was dedicated Sept. 6, 1872. The oration on the occa- 
 sion was by Gen. Griffin. C. K. Sanborn was President of the 
 day, and made a very appropriate introductory speech. Franklin 
 McDuftee, chairman of the committee, then formally delivered the 
 monument to the town \vith fitting remarks, including the follow- 
 ing statement : — 
 
 " There are inscribed on this monument the names of 54 men — all either natives 
 of this town or residents therein. They did not all count on our quota, but all 
 were in one sense or another the sons of Rochester. These men all died in the 
 service, or were discharged on account of disease or wounds received in the ser- 
 vice, and which resulted in death. This is the rule by which the committee have 
 been governed in determining whose names should be inscribed on the monument. 
 We have not placed on the monument the names of any substitutes or non- 
 residents, but have left spaces on each tablet, so that if it shall appear that names 
 have been omitted accidentally or wrongfully, they can be inscribed at any time 
 with little expense." 
 
 Edwin Wallace responded with a patriotic and appreciative 
 speech, in behalf of the town. 
 
 At the annual town meeting in 1884 it was 
 
 " Voted that the Soldiers' Monument be re-modeled and the statue of a soldier 
 be erected thereon . . . and S3,000 be appropriated for the same. 
 
 " Voted to pay the Freight on four Cannon donated by the Government to 
 Sampson Post G. A. R. to ornament the Soldiers' Monument." 
 
 The following March $500 more was raised to complete the Sol- 
 diers' Monument, which was re-dedicated May 30, 1885, under 
 direction of the G. A. R. The account is condensed from the 
 " Rochester Courier." 
 
 The procession formed an imposing array, with sixty Grand 
 Army boys, Sturtevant Guards, Montolinia and Kennedy Lodges of 
 Odd Fellows, and St. Jean Baptiste Societe, with the American 
 and Murphy Bands. At the common was a throng of people num- 
 bering nearly 5,000. Prayer was offered by Rev. Dr. Bass, followed 
 by singing by the Rochester Choral Union of seventy voices, under 
 direction of Col. Whitehouse. The presiding officer was Ezra 
 Pray, who made the opening address in commemoration of the
 
 ROCHESTER IN THE REBELLION. 235 
 
 dead, after Avhicli the monument was unveiled by A. S. I'arshley. 
 Silas liussey then delivered the monument in brief words to tho 
 town, and John L. Copp replied in an eloquent and patriotic 
 speech. The Grand Army ceremony of dedication was then jter- 
 formed by Department Commander Collis of rortsmouth, Senior 
 Vice-Commander Wyatt of Northfield, and Adjutant George Ilodg- 
 don of Portsmouth. The placing of the emblems of the army and 
 the navy, the musket and anchor, surrounded by a guard of honor, 
 was a beautiful portion of the exercises. The oration by Major 
 George S. Merrill w^as a masterpiece of eloquence. Only a full 
 report could do it justice. The music was excellent, and every- 
 thing was conducted in an appropriate and satisfactory manner. 
 
 As after the Revolution the Order of Cincinnati was established 
 to stimulate and perpetuate patriotism and to relieve the necessities 
 of families of fallen or destitute defenders of liberty, so after the, 
 Eebellion sprang up the Grand Army of the Republic to stimulate 
 and perpetuate loyalty to the National government, and to assist 
 worthy defenders of the Nation's honor or their needy families. 
 
 The ritual of the order w^as written by Col. B. F. Stephenson of 
 Springfield, 111., who had served as Surgeon of the 14th Illinois In- 
 fantry, and enjoys the distinction of having organized the first post 
 April 6, 1866, at Decatur, 111. From this small nucleus developed 
 the now widely extended and magnificent order of the Grand Army 
 of the Republic. 
 
 Sampson Post ISTo. 22 * was instituted in Rochester Feb. 3, 1870, 
 being named from Lieut. John C. Sampson whose war record has 
 already been given. Noah Tebbetts was its first commander. In 
 1874 the interest in the organization had decreased here as else- 
 where, and it was thought best to reorganize. A new charter was 
 obtained Dec. 30, since which time the organization has been kept 
 alive, though at times through the efforts of a very few. There 
 are now 84 members, and a good degree of interest in the order. 
 
 Decoration day has always been observed. For several years in 
 its early history the post was enabled to conduct suitable services 
 by the aid of generous subscriptions obtained mainly through tho 
 
 •The following record of Sampson Post was prepared by T. II. Edgerly.
 
 236 ROCHESTER. 
 
 efforts of Hon. James H. Edgerly who, in common with many- 
 prominent citizens, took much interest in its welfare. Of late years 
 the sum of one hundred dollars has been annually appropriated by 
 the town for this purpose. 
 
 A large amount of money has been expended by this post in aid- 
 ing needy comrades, and its charity has not been confined to its 
 own membership, but other needy comrades or families of those 
 who once wore the blue have been dealt with generously. Indeed 
 the books show that more money has been expended for their aid 
 than for that of members. Funds for this purpose have been ob- 
 tained by means of Fairs and other entertainments, and the citizens 
 of the town have never failed to respond liberally to appeals in its 
 behalf. 
 
 The post has naturally taken much interest in such town affairs 
 as the erection of a Soldiers' Monument. The original monument 
 was dedicated under its auspices Sept. 5, 1872, and largely through 
 efforts of its members the present monument was erected, and dedi- 
 cated May 30, 1885. The cannon near the monument were applied 
 for on suggestion of Cyrus K. Sanborn, Esq., and were given by 
 act of Congress to the Post and by it to the town. 
 
 Sampson Post attended the N'ational Encampment of the G. A. R. 
 at Portland, Me., in 1885, accompanied by the American Band, whose 
 services were paid for by the citizens. The post was also at the 
 Soldiers' Reunion at Manchester, and in 1884 and 1886 at the Re- 
 union at the Wiers. It has also been present on other patriotic and 
 military occasions, notably the dedication of the Soldiers' Monu- 
 ment at Dover. 
 
 The annual Camp Fire of the post is an occasion of great interest 
 not only to its members but to its numerous friends as well. Then, 
 as on other suitable occasions, its members have sought to teach the 
 great lessons of its motto, " Fraternitij, Charity, and Loyalty.'' 
 
 The post has had the following Commanders : — 
 
 Noah Tebbetts, 1870. John F. Billings, 1876, '77, '78. 
 
 Osman B. Warren, 1871, 72. Charles W. Dame, 1881, '82. 
 
 Wilbur F. Warren, 1873. Thomas H. Edgerly, 1883, '84. 
 
 Sherwood W. Goodwin, 1874. Charles E. Pike, 1885. 
 
 Edward L. Kimball, 1875, '79, '80. Ira B. Dennett, 1886, '87. 
 
 The following list includes all who have been members from the 
 beginning.
 
 ROCHESTER IN THE REBELLION. 
 
 237 
 
 The * denotes present members (1887). 
 
 Edward F, Ricker, Corp., 29th Me. 
 
 * Osman B. Warren, 1st Serg't,yth N. IT. 
 
 * Wilbur F. Warreu, Serg't, 1st N. H. 
 
 Cavalry. 
 Noah Tebbetts, 15th N. H. 
 Charles R. Brackett, 4th K H. 
 James McCrellis, 3d N. II. 
 
 * Lewis McD. Hussey, 1st N. H. : Capt., 
 
 4th N. H. 
 James Ilowell. 
 John Beecher. 
 
 * John F. Billings, Serg't, 14th Mass. 
 John Burke, 6th N. H. 
 
 Cyrus Brackett, 18th N. H. 
 *G. E. Butler, 15th Mass. Bat. 
 Owen Carroll, Navy. 
 B. F. -Chesley. 
 H. M Coffin. 
 
 * Charles W. Folsom, Navy. 
 Edward Horney, Mus. 9th N. H. 
 Harland P. Home, 18th N. H. 
 Charles G. Horney, 15th N. H. 
 Albert Horney, 1st N. H. Art. 
 
 * James Nealand, 6th N. H. 
 
 *G. W. Rollins, 1st U. S. Art.; Corp., 
 200th Penn. 
 
 * J. L. Rollins, 19th Mass. 
 Horace Randell, 9th N. H. 
 
 B. W. Sargent. 
 George W. Trickey. 
 Matthew Teague. 
 
 * John P. Trickey, 1st Serg't, 8th N. H. 
 
 * John White. 
 
 Charles E. Hammett, 15th N. H. 
 
 * George W. Hurd, 4th N. H. 
 Luther B. Sampson, Capt., 84th Penn. 
 
 *J. B. Stevens, 15th N. H. 
 
 C. W. Johnson. 
 
 Enos Rewitzer, 3d N. H. ; 15th N. H. 
 Charles Wentworth, Corp., 9th N. H. 
 
 * Sherwood W. Goodwin, 8th N. H. 
 
 E. E. Small, 18th N. H. 
 G. W. Tanner. 
 
 Charles Teague, 18th N. H. 
 W. C. Tufts, 27th Me. 
 Charles Dore, Corp., 2d N. H. 
 William S. Hixon, Navy. 
 
 F. A. Orne, 15th N. II. 
 Stephen Colby. 
 
 * Albion N. Goodwin, 8th N. H. 
 Joseph Spinney, 17th 111. ; 1st N. H. 
 
 Heavy Art. 
 
 * Charles E. Blackmar, Serg't, 9th N. II. 
 F. S. Giles, Corp., 17th U. S. Inf. 
 Fred A. Kimball, 31st Me. 
 
 Charles W. Thonipson. Xavy. 
 Ilirani W. Ellis, 15ih Me. 
 George Blackmar. 3.jtli Ma.s.s. 
 Fernando Gale, 2d Coun. ; 2d 111. Light 
 Battery. 
 
 * J. C. Logan, 2d N. II. 
 
 * W. C. Malletle, 31st Me. 
 Frank Matlies, 7th U. S, Inf. 
 
 * Thomas II. Edgerly, Yeom., Navy. 
 John Collins, Navy. 
 
 •Charles E. Pike, Ist N. H. Cav. 
 
 * William II. Watson, 13lh N. H. 
 
 * Thomas S. Pease, 13th N. II. 
 AVilliam H. Randall, ist N. H. Heavy 
 
 Artillery. 
 Sylvester Ham, Serg't, 9th N. II. 
 ♦Edward L. Kimball, Serg't, Ist N. H. 
 Cavalry. 
 
 * Marion H. Osgood, 14th Me. 
 
 * James Collins. 
 
 John D. Murrey, Surgeon's Steward, 
 Navy. 
 
 * J. L. Davidson, F. C. Fireman, Navy. 
 Justin M. Leavett, 1st Me. Heavy Art. 
 
 *Ira B. Dennett, Corp., 30th Mass. 
 
 * Thomas C. Henham, 5th Mich. Cav. 
 
 * Henry Wilson, Corp., 1st N. II. Cav. 
 Fred Otis, 3d N. H. 
 
 William H. Drew, Drummer, 18th 
 
 N. H. 
 A. J. Harriman, 18th N. H. 
 Joseph Burckstead, 1st N. H. Heavy 
 Artillery. 
 *I. E. Watson, 24th Me. 
 William B. Kennard, Serg't, 16th Me. 
 William Watson, 13th Me. 
 Bart Welch, Serg't, 3d Vt. 
 George F, Hurd, 1st N. H. Heavy Art. 
 Amos Gale, 8th N. H. 
 James McDonald, 51st N. Y. 
 John Fletcher. 2 Ist Me. 
 
 * Kings. Hill, 3 Ist Me. 
 
 * Charles W. Dame, Corp., 26th Mass. 
 *Lewis F. Home, 15lh N. II.; 18th 
 
 N. II. 
 
 * John D. Parshley, Serg't, 13th X. II. 
 James Finnegan, 7th N. H. 
 
 * Jeremiah Hall, Corp., 3d N. II. 
 Patrick O'Gorman, Music, 13th N. J. 
 Frank L. Avery, 1st N.IL; Corp., 5th 
 
 N. H. 
 
 * James F. Mclntire, Ist N. II. Heavy 
 
 Artillery. 
 John F. Thompson, 16th Me. 
 * Walter Meserve, Navy.
 
 238 
 
 ROCHESTER. 
 
 James W. Rollins, 12th N. H. 
 ♦Zebadiah Sargent, 6th X. H. 
 Charles S. Burnham, 8th N. H. 
 Warren S. "Whitehouse, 1st N. H. 
 
 Heavy Art. 
 Joseph M. Cleare, 2d Mass. Cav. 
 Calvin Rogers, Serg"t, 1st N. H. Cav. 
 Nehemiah Colbath, 2d K. H. 
 
 * John \Y. Chesmau, 1st Mass. 
 George B. Jenness, 5th N. H. 
 
 * James F. Marshall, Corp., 12th N.H. 
 
 * Owen Henwood. 10th X. H. 
 ♦Stephen Brock, 15th Mass. Bat. 
 
 * Walter S. Hussey, 3d N. H. 
 
 * Lewis D. Yeaton, 8th Me. 
 George D. Clark, 15th X. H. 
 
 *Enos L. Glidden, 1st N. H. Heavy Art. 
 
 * A. S. Parshley. 
 
 * Frank Sleeper, Corp., 8th N. H. 
 *E. S. Moore, 1st Me. Cav. 
 *Elbridge W. Howard, 3d N". H. 
 
 * John H. Nutter, 1st N. H. Heavy Art. 
 
 * Charles A. Glidden, 11th N. H. 
 
 * Edward F. Goodwin, 2d Mass. Heavy 
 
 Artillery. 
 
 * Sylvester O. Boody, 27th Me. 
 
 * Horace L. Worcester, Navy. 
 
 * Daniel M. Philbrick, 18th iST. H. 
 *N. C. Phillips, Quartermaster, Navy. 
 
 * John Pugsley, 1st N. H. Heavy Art. 
 
 * Oliver Hussey, 8th N. H. 
 
 * George AV. Pickering, 5th N. H. 
 
 * Nicholas Brock, 1st N. H. Heavy Art. 
 
 * George A. Bennett, 50th Mass. 
 
 * Charles C. Rowe, 8th N. H. 
 *A. L. Abbott, 2dN. H. 
 
 * Charles W. Edgerly, Capt., 9th N. H. 
 
 * James T. Nichols, 8th N. H. 
 *S. E. Root, 9th Mich. 
 
 *J. H. Duntley, 5th N. H. 
 George L. Hersom, 2d Lieut.. 5th N. H. 
 
 * Charles F. McKusick, 6th Me. 
 *A. F. Berry, 8th N. H. 
 
 * Lewis A. Chesley, Serg't, 5th N. H. 
 
 * Wesley R. Home, Corp., 5th N. H. 
 
 * George F. Ptichardson, Capt., 8th N. H. 
 
 * Albert F. Seavey, 13th N. H. 
 
 * John A. Dillingham, 27th Me. 
 
 * Charles G. Jenness, Corp., 1st N. H. 
 
 Cavalry. 
 *B. Frank Grover, 4th Mass. Heavy Art. 
 *L. D. Hamlin, 20th Mass. ; 7th Penn. 
 
 * Andrew R. Hayes, 1st R. I. Cav.; Ist 
 
 N. H. Heavy Art. 
 
 * Riley H. Parker, 9th N. H. 
 
 * Charles B. Gafuey, Capt., 13th N. H. 
 
 * Daniel Hussey, 15th N. H. 
 
 * John H. Pingree. 
 
 * Patrick Foy. 
 
 * Mayuard Russell, 1st Mass.
 
 k 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 CHURCH HISTORY SINCE 1819. 
 
 " Over the roofs of the pioneers 
 Gathers the moss of a hundred years ; 
 Ou man and his worlcs has passed the change 
 Which needs must be in a century's range. 
 But fresh and green from the rotting roots 
 Of the primal forest the young growth shoots; 
 From the deatli of the old the new proceeds, 
 And the life of truth from the rot of creeds; 
 On the ladder of God which upward leads 
 The steps of progress are human needs." 
 
 As already noticed, the year 1819 marks the transition from a 
 somewhat compulsory support of religious institutions to a system 
 entirely voluntary. Many Christian people were discouraged and 
 disheartened. They feared not so much for their own particular 
 church, as for the cause of religion itself. They were certainly 
 grieved that other sects were coming in to divide the field, but the 
 best people were far more anxious lest many should drift away 
 entirely from the house and the worship of God. Results have long 
 since demonstrated that though their fears were by no means 
 groundless, yet on the whole the free system secures a higher degree 
 of purity in the church, and consequently more reverence for real 
 religion among the people at large. Notwithstanding the prevalent 
 neglect and the various evils that infest modern society, we have 
 no reason to look back with regret to the days of the fathers. 
 For the best church work, and the highest types of Christian life 
 and character, we have no need to turn lamenting to the past, 
 but rather rejoicing and hopeful to the present and the future. 
 
 The parish accounts had been kept separate from the town 
 accounts since 1791, and the two bodies were legally separated 
 in 1819. But the Congregational Society had no corporate exist- 
 ence till four years later, as shown by the following records. 
 
 " Ap. 4, 1823. At a Meeting of a respectable number of the inhabitants of 
 Rochester assembled at the Meeting House, — Voted to form themselves into a
 
 240 ROCHESTER. 
 
 Society by the name of the first Cougregational Society in the Town of Roch- 
 ester.'' ... A Constitution "offered by Mr. Thomas C. Upham" was adopted 
 and the meeting adjourned to April 9. At the adjourned meeting the society 
 was formed "under the Act of tliis State passed February 8"i 1791; subject 
 only, however, to the limitations in the Act passed July l'^', 1819." 
 
 In May, Tobias Twombly, Wm. Hurd, and Samuel Allen were 
 appointed " to make arrangements for the accommodation of the 
 Singers." This committee built pews in the gallery and sold 
 them at auction agreeable to the following notice. 
 
 " Don't Forget. 
 
 " "Will be sold at Publick Auction on Friday 4* of July Next thirteen new & 
 elegant Pews in the Gallery of the Meeting House. Sale to commence on the 
 premises at 8 O clock forenoon and will be closed with dispatch. As the 
 order for celebrating the day will about this time demand particular attention. 
 Terms liberal and made known at the sale. 
 
 "Eochester June 28, 1823. "Hatevil Knight Auctioneer, 
 
 "By William Hurd." 
 
 These pews sold at prices varying from $7.50 to §22.50 each. 
 The plan preserved in the records is on the opposite page. 
 
 " Aug. 9, 1824, Voted to alter the original Plan of the back privileges in the 
 North East and South West galleries So that there be only Six Pews instead 
 of eight in each gallery," also " to build a line of Free Pews on the back of the 
 Frontt Gallery, and to use the Old Seats in the Galleries in building the line of 
 Free Pews." 
 
 May 3, 1823, it was voted to raise $175 for preaching. The 
 Massachusetts Society for promoting Christian Knowledge had 
 made them a grant of one hundred dollars annually for five years, 
 on condition that they should settle " Thomas C. Upham or some 
 other minister approved by this board." This offer was accepted 
 with thanks " for their generous proposal." In June a call was 
 extended to Mr. Upham to become colleague pastor with Mr. 
 Haven, who " is so worn out with age that he feels no longer 
 able to perform the duties of his station and wishes to have a 
 Colleague in his day to take the duties of a Gospel Minister upon 
 himself" The salary offered was $350 in addition to the §100 
 granted by the Christian Knowledge Society, with four Sabbaths' 
 leave of absence. 
 
 The Ordination took place July 16, 1823. Rev. John Tompson 
 of South Berwick, Ale., was Moderator of the Council, and Eev. 
 Jona. French of iSTorth Hampton, Scribe. The services were as
 
 MODERN CHURCH HISTORY, 
 
 241 
 
 PassnRe. 
 
 ■5 2 
 
 c2 ■ 
 
 " o 
 
 t 
 >'2 
 
 I2 
 
 0, :? 
 
 — - cS 
 
 : „ - o 
 
 £ c -4, 
 
 §^ 
 
 
 e o 
 .z 
 
 
 PLAN OF PEWS IN GALLERY. 
 
 17
 
 242 ROCHESTER. 
 
 follows : — Introductory Prayer, Rev. Josiah Prentice of North- 
 wood; Sermon, Rev. I. W. Putnam of Portsmouth; Consecrating 
 Prayer, Rev. Asa Piper of Wakefield ; Charge, Rev. John Tomp- 
 8on ; Right Hand of Fellowship, Rev. Jona. French ; Concluding 
 Prayer, Rev. Samuel Chandler of Eliot, Me. 
 
 The ministry of Mr. Upham, though short, was of great value 
 to the church. Probahly no man could have been found better 
 adapted for the work needed at that time. His relations to the 
 senior pastor were thoroughly harmonious and cordial, and the 
 discourse he gave at Mr. Haven's funeral showed how well he 
 appreciated the work and character of his father in the ministry. 
 Oct. 23, 1823, the Church met at Mr. Haven's house and adopted 
 a new Covenant and Confession of Faith. The latter was quite 
 elaborate, containing eleven articles. At the same meeting Ensign 
 Nathaniel Hayes was chosen deacon. Perhaps the most important 
 act of the church for half a century was the following : — 
 
 " Voted, that the system of Church fellowship, called the Half-way Covenant, 
 being found to be prejudicial to the interests of religion be discontinued." 
 
 As seen in a preceding chapter, this old usage had divided and 
 almost dissevered the church a generation before. Its root was 
 in the quasi union of Church and State, and when this union was 
 wholly severed, almost no one had any interest in retaining the 
 disastrous custom. So passed away quietly one of the worst evils 
 that ever infested the church. 
 
 The next church record is as follows : — 
 
 " March 23, 1824. Voted also to purchase a silver cup or tankard, as might 
 be thought best for the use of the Table from money left by our deceased 
 brother, Mr. Buzzel, with a suitable inscription on the same." 
 
 " Voted that after purchasing the silver cup . . . the remainder of the hundred 
 dollars left with Mr. Hurd, who should take from the same whatever he might 
 want in order to make out the sum Given by him for the Bell on the Meeting 
 House, agreeably to Mr. Buzzel's Will, and that whatever then remained should 
 be returned to the Church." 
 
 " The Above votes are connected with the fact, which ought to be recorded 
 here in honor of the memory of the deceased, that John B. Buzzel, a member 
 of this Church, who died Jan. 6, 1824, left at his decease an hundred dollars 
 for the use of the Church." 
 
 As far as can be ascertained no one now knows anything of this
 
 MODERN CHURCU HISTORY. 248 
 
 bequest. The January following, Maj. Samuel Allen was chosen 
 deacon. 
 
 Mr. Upham having been appointed to a professorfihip in Bow- 
 doin College was dismissed by a Council Feb. 11, 1825, closing 
 his labors in May. The following record is in a tiiir, clear hand, 
 neither the pastor's nor the clerk's: — 
 
 " Rochester May 29 — 1825, 
 "This day the Rev. Thomas Cogswell Upham closed his labours in the pas- 
 toral office, by delivering a farewell discourse to the people of his charge, he 
 having accepted the Professorship of Metaphysicks and Moral riiilosophy in liow- 
 doin College. During his residence at Rochester, as pastor of the church, which 
 continued 22 months, there were 12 communion seasons, at which 53 persons 
 were admitted to the church, of which one was by letter, and one upon her 
 dying bed. There was but one communion season at which no addition was 
 made to the church. Forty-five baptisms were administered, viz., 12 children 
 and 33 adults; 3 were baptized by Mr. Haven, the rest of the adults and the 
 children by Mr. Upham." 
 
 Thomas Cogswell Upham, son of Hon. N'athaniel and Judith 
 (Cogswell) Upham, was born in Deerfield Jan. 30, 1790, but 
 removed with his parents to Rochester in infancy. He graduated 
 at Dartmouth College in 1818, and at Andover Theological Sem- 
 inary in 1821 ; was Professor of Moral Philosophy and Metaphysics 
 in Bowdoin College from 1824 to 1867; received the degree of 
 D. D. from Wesleyan University in 1843, and LL. D. from Rut- 
 gers College in 1870. In 1867 he removed to Kennebunkport, 
 Me., and died in New York City April 1, 1872. He married 
 Phebe, daughter of N"athaniel Lord of Kennebunlqiort, Me., in 
 May, 1825. He was the author of a large numher of valuable 
 books, the most noted of which are " Elements of Mental Philos- 
 ophy," with an abridgment of the same, a " Treatise on the Will," 
 the "Interior or Hidden Life," and the "Life and Religious 
 Opinions of Madame Guyon." He published also a series of 
 poems entitled " American Cottage Life," and " Letters from 
 Europe, Egypt, and Palestine." He combined in a remarkable 
 degree keenness and depth of thought with simplicity and clear- 
 ness of expression. When he came to Rochester Mr. Haven had 
 become old and somewhat broken with years. Mr. Upham said 
 afterwards "the preaching had so run down that the people did 
 not expect much." It was his custom to spend four days of each 
 week walking and ^^siting from house to house, talking religion 
 wherever he went. In the two remaining days he would hastily
 
 244 ROCHESTER. 
 
 "scratch off" two sermons for the ensuing Sunday. Visiting 
 Rochester in 1868 he said that people had now become trained 
 to expect good sermons and would not tolerate such as he then 
 gave. In his visits he was in the habit of saying to the people 
 that it was only fair, as he had taken so much pains to come 
 and see them, that they should return the compliment by coming 
 to see and hear him the next Sunday. In two or three weeks 
 the house was filled, and, as already noticed, a continuous revival 
 followed. Mr. L'pham was eminent for the fervor and depth of 
 his piety. He made a written consecration of himself " unreserv- 
 edly to his Redeemer" at the age of eighteen. Throughout his 
 life he was in the habit of talking directly of personal religion 
 wherever he went. At the college he kept a list of the students, 
 and called every day upon some of them for the purpose of relig- 
 ious conversation. In his latter days he was frequently meeting 
 persons who had been converted through the influence of his 
 writings. The mystic " quietism " of Madame Guyon fascinated 
 his mind by its agreement with his own deep experience. He 
 died, as he had lived, peaceful, quiet, wholly trusting in his divine 
 Redeemer, " A good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith." 
 He was among the great men of his generation, whose memory 
 will not soon fade away. 
 
 After Mr. Upbam left, the church remained six months without 
 a pastor, and the Society voted that they preferred to hire rather 
 than to settle a minister. But in November the Church extended 
 a call to Isaac Willey, who was then a young man just finishing 
 his theological studies. After several meetings and conferences 
 with Mr. Willey, the Society joined in the call, and voted to pay 
 him $500 per annum. Mr. Willey hesitated, thinking the salary 
 too small. The Society stated that they were sensible the sum 
 was small, but " should it be inadequate, it is not to be doubted 
 that there are many persons who would voluntarily contribute in 
 order to make the salary equal to the exigencies of their minister." 
 In these circumstances Mr. Willey signified his acceptance Dec. 
 25, 1825. David Barker, Jr., James Tebbets, Samuel Page, Na- 
 thaniel Upham, and Tol)ias Twombly were appointed to make 
 arrangements for the Ordination, which occurred Jan. 18, 1826. 
 Rev. Dr. Tyler, President of Dartmouth College, was Moderator
 
 MODERN CHURCH HISTORY. 245 
 
 of the Council, and Rev. Jona. French, tScrihc. The services 
 were as follows: —Introductory Prayer, Rev. Geo. W. Canii)bell 
 of South Berwick, Me.; Sermon, Rev. Bennett Tyler, 1). 1)., of 
 Hanover; Consecrating Prayer, Rev. Jose})h W. Clary of Dover; 
 Charge, Rev. Jona. French of North Hampton; Right Hand of 
 Fellowship, Rev. Jona. L. Hale of Campton ; Address to Church, 
 Rev. Federal Burt of Durham ; Concluding Prayer, Rev. James 
 Walker of Farmington. 
 
 Mr. Willey remained here nearly eleven years, and liis pastorate 
 left a marked practical impress on the church and jteople. It 
 was just the period when the temperance reform began, and he 
 took up the work with enthusiastic determination. He obtained 
 noted lecturers from abroad, and by persistent effort at last aroused 
 the church to take a square stand on the subject. The year 1832 
 was one of special activity. At a church meeting May 4, 
 
 " Two subjects were brought forward by the pastor. One the importance of 
 the church's taking some decided measures in regard to temperance, ihe otlier 
 the importance of taking some measures in regard to the better observance of 
 the Sabbath." 
 
 More particulars will be given in another chapter. About this 
 time there were extensive revivals throughout the country, and 
 Rochester shared in the work. Protracted meetings were held, 
 and the house was crowded. On one Sabbath Mr. Willey asked 
 those who were interested to rise, and more than a hundred re- 
 sponded. There were only nine male members of the church at 
 that time. Two of these, including one of the deacons, had been 
 disciplined for intemperance, and the others were more or less 
 guilty of the same otfence. The church was considerably purified 
 and strengthened by the revival. 
 
 In 1827, under the direction of Mr. Willey, was made the first 
 canvass of the town for the distribution of Bibles. Seventy fam- 
 ilies were found without a Bible, thirteen in one school district. 
 After the distribution it was known that some copies were sold 
 for rum, and one, at least, was burned. 
 
 In the first year of Mr. Willey's pastorate this church united 
 with the Methodists in a Union Sabbath School, probably the 
 first Sabbath School in Rochester. At the end of a year it was 
 decided to hold Sabbath Schools in each church separately. (See 
 Appendix.)
 
 246 ROCHESTER. 
 
 In 1833 a meeting was called " to determine whether the rela- 
 tions of Mr. Willej and this Society shall cease by mutual consent." 
 A week later it is recorded that " arrangements having been made 
 for securing the payment of Rev. Mr. Willey's salary," he was 
 requested to remain. 
 
 The next year, Mr. Willey having been chosen- Secretary of 
 the IS". H. Missionary Society, a Council was called to advise con- 
 cerning his dismission. This Council met Sept. 22 and 23, 1834, 
 but came to no decision, and adjourned one month. Oct. 22, 
 " after much deliberation and prayer " the Council advised his 
 dismission. Thus closed the longest and in many respects the 
 most important pastorate of the modern period of this church 
 history. 
 
 Isaac Willey, son of Darius and Mary (Pulsifer) Willey, was 
 born at Campton Sept. 8, 1793; graduated at Dartmouth College 
 in 1822 ; studied Theology with President Tyler and Prof. Shurt- 
 leff at Hanover, spending the year 1825 as a resident licentiate 
 at Andover, Mass. ; was Secretary of the 'N. H. Missionary Society 
 from 1834 to 1837, and then pastor of the Congregational Church at 
 GofFstown, for fourteen years; was agent of the American Bible 
 Society, and Secretary of the New Hampshire Bible Society from 
 1850 till 1875 ; removed from Goffstown to Pembroke in 1865, 
 where he died Oct. 24, 1883, at the age of ninety years. He 
 was a man of excellent spirit, devoted to the service of Christ, 
 thoroughly in earnest in everj^ good work. His work here in the 
 temperance cause cannot soon be forgotten. He was generally 
 wise and prudent, and was rarely at a loss what to do in an 
 emergency. In one case, however, he was completely foiled. 
 Calling on one of his deacons who was badly given to drink, at 
 the tea table he asked him this question : " Deacon, if you had 
 a dog who had become mad, and had bitten your own and the 
 neighbors' children, would you kill him or keep him?" The 
 deacon perceiving the drift of the question, instantly replied, " I 
 would keep him !" and for once the parson had nothing to say. 
 
 Mr. Willey published a History of the New Hampshire Bible 
 Society, and of the Congregational Churches in Campton and 
 Pembroke. 
 
 Mr. Willey was a true man, kind, helpful, and encouraging to
 
 MODERN CHURCU HISTORY. 247 
 
 the younger brethren in the ministry, binccre, earnest, luithlul iu 
 all his public and private relations. All who knew him regarded 
 him with respect and atfection. Many can still " bear witness to 
 his sound doctrine, his cheerful faith, his gospel gentleness, his 
 tender fidelity, his willingness to spend and be spent in every 
 good work, and his strong practical common sense in the pulpit." 
 
 Nov. 21, 1836, the Church voted to call Edward Cleveland at 
 a salary of $500. He was ordained and installed Jan. 11, 1887. 
 Rev. Jonathan Ward of Barrington was Moderator of the Council, 
 and Rev. Mr. Smith of Great Falls, Scribe. The services were 
 as follows: — Introductory Prayer, Rev. Alvan Tobey of Durham; 
 Sermon, Rev. Mr. Fitz of Ipswich, Mass.; Ordaining Prayer, Rev. 
 Mr. Holt of Portsmouth; Charge, Rev. Jonathan Ward; Right 
 Hand of Fellowship, Rev. Mr. Smith ; Address to People, Rev. 
 David Root of Dover; Concluding Prayer, Rev. Benjamin G. 
 Willey of Milton. 
 
 October 30 of the same year Mr. Cleveland was dismissed at 
 his own request on account of insufficient salary. 
 
 Edward Cleveland, son of Ilosmer and Fluvia (Bissell) Cleve- 
 land, was born in Shipton, C. E., Dec. 9, 1804; graduated at 
 Yale College 1832; received his Theological education at Yale 
 Seminary, and preached a year in Hanover, Conn,, before coming 
 to Rochester. After leaving here he was engaged in teaching for 
 five years ; was six years pastor and teacher in Bath, N. H.; and 
 afterwards spent a long and laborious life in preaching and teaching 
 in Vermont, Canada, and the West. He published a history of 
 his native town, also a poem entitled " The Stream of Time." 
 He died in Burlington, Kan., Sept. 29, 1886. 
 
 In January, 1839, a call was extended to Francis V. Pike offering 
 a salary of ^600, and he was ordained and installed Feb. 20, with 
 the following services: — Invocation and Reading Scriptures, Rev. 
 Alvan Tobey of Durham; Introductory Prayer, Rev. Josejih 
 Loring of Lebanon, Me.; Sermon, Rev. Edwin Holt of Ports- 
 mouth; Ordaining Prayer, Rev. Benjamin G. Willey of Milton; 
 Charge, Rev. Andrew Rankin of South Berwick, Me.; Right 
 Hand of Fellowship, Rev. John R. Adams of Great Falls ; Con- 
 cluding Prayer, Rev. Samuel Nichols of Barrington. 
 
 k
 
 248 ROCHESTER. 
 
 About this time the Piscataqua Association of ministers pre- 
 pared a series of Articles and Confession of Faith which they 
 recommended to the churches for adoption. This church referred 
 the matter to a committee, who reported in favor July 5, 1839. 
 Action was, however, deferred, and they were finally adopted 
 Jan. 8, 1843. 
 
 In 1840, after " a day of fasting and prayer," a protracted meeting 
 was held which resulted in a revival whereby twenty-one were 
 added to the church. 
 
 The relations between Mr. Pike and the church were entirely 
 harmonious, but in September, 1841, he was dismissed at his own 
 request, because they found themselves unable to continue the 
 same rate of salary. 
 
 Francis Vergnies Pike was born at Newburyport, Mass., Jan. 
 2, 1813 ; graduated at Yale College 1831 ; at Andover Seminary 
 1835; and died at N'ewburyport, Sept. 4, 1843. 
 
 At a meeting of the Society July 25, 1842, the following vote 
 was passed : — 
 
 " Whereas the Congregational Meeting House has been long built viz. in 
 1780 & two Towns have since been taken off this Town & what more effects 
 the interest of the Society is that the number of those that attend meeting in 
 said House are greater that live North of said House & it would convene & 
 accommodate the Society better to have the Meeting House removed further 
 north into or near the centre of the Village & nearer the centre of the popu- 
 lation of the Parish — 
 
 " Therefore resolved That this Society deem it necessary for the best interests 
 of the Society to remove their Meeting House from its present situation to 
 some situation nearer the Centre of the Village & that the house be thoroughly 
 repaired and tilted up in modern style. 
 
 '•'■Also resolved and voted that in consideration that James Tibbets, Samuel 
 Stackpole, Benj'' Barker and others associated with them propose to the Society 
 and have nuitually agreed with each other to provide a lot and house for public 
 worship nearer the centre of the village than the house stands and appropriate 
 it to a place of worship for the Society, that in Consideration of these promises 
 the Society does hereby absolutely & wholly so far as the right in said House 
 pertains to them, relinquish and quit-claim said right to said Tebbets and those 
 associated with him, and give them liberty to i-emove said House at their 
 pleasure." 
 
 The parties to whom the meeting-house was thus conveyed 
 divided the expense into shares of $50 each. They were to build 
 and own the house, selling the pews to help pay for it, and if 
 there should be any money over expenses, it was to be divided
 
 MODERN CHURCH HISTORY. 249 
 
 among them in proportion to their several shares. The sul)scription 
 list, dated August, 1841, is as follows: — 
 
 "Ezra Hayes, Jonathan T. Seavey, Widow Sarah McDiiffee, Aaron Flagg, 
 George W. FJagg, Benjamin Hayes, Widow Mcliitahle Young, one half share 
 each; James Tebbitts, Benjamin Barker, diaries Henderson, Jonatlian T. Dodge, 
 John McDuffee, Jr., Lydia INIarch, Stephen M. Mathes, .lohn F. Folsom, Jacob 
 Smart, N. V. Whitehouse, James Y. Hayes, Calvin Hale, Elizabeth Hale, Luther 
 Hale, Alfred Hale, one share each; Samuel Stackpole, John Roberts, Jr., Francis 
 V. Pike, Mrs. E. Hale, two shares each; and J. H. Woodman, three shares." 
 
 Mr. Pike having left was not called on for his suh.scrij)tion, 
 but Prof. T. C. Upham gave one share, making the whole amount 
 $1,425. The sale of pews netted $2,265, just about covering the 
 whole expense. 
 
 In October, 1842, a call w^as extended to Rev. John E. F'arwell 
 of Castine, Me., offering $500 salary. John McDuftee, Jr., Kichard 
 Kimball, and J. H. Woodman were the committee of arrangements. 
 His acceptance was dated July 22, 1843, and he was installed 
 Aug. 16. The council met Aug. 15, the new house was dedicated 
 in the forenoon of the next day, and the installation services were 
 in the afternoon, as follows: — Reading Scriptures, Rev. Joseph 
 Loring of Lebanon, Me.; Introductory Prayer, Rev. E. D. Eldridge 
 of Hampton; Sermon, Rev. J. S. Young of Dover; Installing 
 Prayer, Rev. Benjamin G. Willey of Milton ; Charge, Rev. Charles 
 Walker of Wells, Me.; Right Hand of Fellowship, Rev. Samuel 
 Bean of Great Falls; Address to People, Rev. Isaac Willey of 
 Goftstown; Concluding Prayer, Rev. Samuel Nichols of Barrington. 
 
 Prof. Upham never lost his interest in the home of his child- 
 hood and the church of his early manhood, as the following 
 record plainly attests : — 
 
 " By the persevering assistance of Prof. T. C. Upham the subscription for the 
 parsonage was completed & the conveyance made to the Chh. & parish May 27, 
 1845." 
 
 Though the meeting-house had been moved, repaired, and ded- 
 icated, there was still great need of a room for social meetings. 
 By special effort of the ladies this was secured, as seen by the 
 following record : — 
 
 Feb 26, 1846. " Held our Monthly Chli. meeting for the first time in our 
 vestry which was finished off under the Chh. by the united avails of a Tea- 
 party on the 4"» of July last & a Singing School this winter." A part of the
 
 250 ROCHESTER. 
 
 basement was still used for a store room, as the Society voted in April, 1849, 
 " that fifty cts be required of all persons for the storage of each sleigh under 
 the Meeting House during the Summer & seventy five cts for each Carriage 
 during the Winter." 
 
 At the annual meeting in 1846 the Society found they Avere 
 owing Mr. Farwell over ^460 on his salary, which they paid by 
 borrowing money. This course naturally led to the next year's 
 record of notice to the pastor that they could thenceforth pay no 
 more than $425 with the use of the parsonage. The final result 
 could not have been otherwise than a dismission of Mr. Farwell, 
 which occurred in January, 1852, he having preached here nine 
 years. 
 
 John Edward Farwell was born at Ashby, Mass., Dec. 9, 1809, 
 and graduated at Amherst College 1836, and at Andover Theo- 
 logical Seminary 1839. " He became interested in personal re- 
 ligion " while a student in the Academy at New Ipswich, "and 
 after a period of darkness and doubt, he found the light which 
 shone more and more brightly to the end." He was ordained as 
 an Evangelist at Ashby Oct. 30, 1839, being under appointment 
 as a missionary of the American Board, but his failing health 
 compelled him to relinquish the purpose. He preached for two 
 years at Castine, Me., before his settlement here. After leaving 
 Rochester he was for a time at St. Johnsbury, Vt., where he ac- 
 cepted a call to settle, but by advice of physicians finally gave it 
 up. He became acting pastor at Pelham, where he continued to 
 preach as long as his failiiig strength would allow. The last time 
 he preached was while on a visit at Rochester. " He was then 
 very feeble and it was known he could not recover. He was the 
 personification of patient resignation and devotion to the cause of 
 his Master. He told his doctor that if there was any encourage- 
 ment that by rest and care he might recover, he would cease 
 work, but as he could not get well, he desired to labor to the 
 last." He died at Fitchburg, Mass., Dec. 24, 1858, leaving a widow 
 and two sons. 
 
 After Mr. Farwell left. Rev. George Spaulding was acting pastor 
 for about a year, w^hen he withdrew on account of poor health. 
 
 In January, 1854, Rev. James C. Seagrave accepted a call to 
 the pastorate with a salary of $540 and use of parsonage. A
 
 MODERN CHURCH HISTORY. 251 
 
 provision in tlic cull whereby the connection could be terminated 
 on six months' notice by either party was seriously objected to by 
 the Council "as uncongregational in princii>le and pernicious in 
 practice." Nevertheless they voted to proceed to the installation, 
 but Rev. Asa Mann of Exeter withdrew lest he should seem to 
 sanction the provision. The installation occurred May 25, 1854, 
 with the following services: — Reading Scriptures, Rev. Joseph 
 Loring of Lebanon, Me.; Sermon, Rev. I. P. Cleveland, D. 1)., of 
 Northampton, Mass.; Installing Prayer, Rev. D. D. Tappau of 
 Farmington ; Charge, Rev. B. R. Allen of South Berwick, Me. ; 
 Right Hand of Fellowship, Rev. William D. Hitchcock of Exeter ; 
 Address to People, Rev. Alvan Tobey of Durham; Concluding 
 Prayer, Rev. Isaac C. "White of Newmarket. 
 
 In December, 1855, the church voted "with regret" to accept 
 Mr. Seagrave's resignation " on account of necessity for his wife 
 to remove to a milder climate." 
 
 James Carter Seagrave was born April 14, 1821, at Uxbridge, 
 Mass. ; graduated at Brown University in 1845 ; at Andover The- 
 ological Seminary in 1849 ; and was ordained and installed pastor 
 of the Fifth Congregational Church in Providence, R. I., Dec. 3, 
 1851. Since leaving Rochester he has been acting pastor in 
 various places, and removed to Peru, Mass., in 1884, where he 
 remains acting pastor of the Congregational Church. 
 
 In 1856 the meeting house was struck by lightning and very 
 narrowly escaped entire destruction. The belfry was badly dam- 
 aged, necessitating repairs at a cost of ^160. 
 
 After more than two years of unsuccessful eftbrt to obtain a 
 pastor, the church secured the services of Rev. James M. Palmer. 
 Having officiated as acting pastor for nearly a year, he was in- 
 stalled April 26, 1859. The sermon was by Prof George Shepard, 
 D. D., of Bangor Seminary, and the installing prayer by Rev. Alvan 
 Tobey of Durham. The record of the other parts is missing. 
 
 In the second year of Mr. Palmer's ministry here, an organ 
 was purchased by subscription obtained, as the parish records 
 state, by " the exertions and perseverance of Miss Anna McDuttce.'* 
 About the same time William Tebbetts of Boston presented this 
 church with a clock, which was placed in front of the organ.
 
 252 ROCHESTER. 
 
 Some years later the same gentleman presented also a valuable 
 communion service and table. 
 
 Jan. 28, 1861, the following satisfactory statement was placed 
 on the parish record : — 
 
 " This Society is now nearly free from debt, and in better condition than it 
 has been for the last twenty years, and better than any other Congregational 
 Society in the county." 
 
 During the six years of Mr. Palmer's ministry here, seventy- 
 three persons were added to the church, but there are no church 
 records for the whole period. In war time Mr. Palmer was out- 
 spoken and unwavering in loyalty to the country. He also spent 
 six weeks in the army, in service of the Christian Commission. 
 He was dismissed July 14, 1864, and soon after became pastor of 
 the Second Congregational Church in Biddeford, Me. After a 
 few years he was obliged to give up preaching on account of a 
 throat trouble, and has since been engaged in business in Boston, 
 Mass. 
 
 May 4, 1865, a call was extended to Rev. Prescott Fay of Lan- 
 caster, offering a salary of $1,000 and use of parsonage. He was 
 not installed, but was acting pastor for a little more than two 
 years. The second year §100 was added to his salary. Mr. Fay 
 has since served several other churches, and is at present residing 
 without charge in Cambridge, Mass. 
 
 In September, 1867, A. F. Marsh, then just graduated from 
 Bangor Theological Seminary, accepted a call to the pastorate of 
 this church, on a salary of $850 with use of parsonage. He was 
 ordained Oct. 31, 1867, with the following services: — Invocation 
 and Reading Scriptures, Rev. T. S. Robie of Salmon Falls; Ser- 
 mon, Rev. A. S. Walker of Dover; Ordaining Prayer and Address 
 to People, Rev. Alvan Tobey, D. D., of Durham; Charge, Rev. 
 James Merrill of Andover ; Right Hand of Fellowship, Rev. George 
 H. Pratt of Harvard, Mass.; Concluding Prayer, Rev. Silvanus 
 Hay ward of South Berwick, Me. 
 
 At the coming of Mr. Marsh a new interest was awakened, 
 and the attendance so increased that the enlargement of the house 
 of worship became an immediate necessity. A committee was 
 appointed consisting of Nathaniel T. Kimball, Enoch Whitehouse, 
 and James H. Edgerly. Under their direction the meeting house
 
 MODERN CHURCH HISTORY. 253 
 
 was raised three feet and a more convenient vestry liniKhed oil 
 in the basement. The expense was about ^8000, and ])roiit,'ht tlie 
 parish heavily into debt. Previous to this time this Society luid 
 received from thirty to fifty dollars annually from the town, bein^ 
 their share of the interest of the funds derived from the sale of 
 the original parsonage lands. In 1869 the whole fund was divided 
 among the several religious societies of the town, the (Congrega- 
 tional Society receiving |!l,056.46, which was a[iiilied to reduce 
 the debt on repairs. The remainder of the debt was about ^3.000, 
 which was soon diminished one half by a subscription, ninety-five 
 dollars of which was raised by a ladies' festival. Five jtersons, 
 Benjamin Barker, James Pirie, Charles W. Brown, Caroline H. 
 Turner, and Franklin McDufl:ee, paid the remaining :^l,r)00, receiving 
 therefor the pews belonging to the Society, on conditions that 
 when the rents of these pews should amount to the $1500 with 
 interest and expenses, they should convey them back to the So- 
 ciety. This arrangement continued till the sum was reduced to 
 about $1,100. Three of the five persons had already died, when, 
 in 1880, Franklin McDufl:ee left by will the remainder of the 
 debt as a gift, the pews then reverting to the Society. 
 
 After three years' service Mr. Marsh resigned, and was dismissed 
 Oct. 11, 1870. His pastorate was one of activity and success, a 
 large revival bringing in valuable accessions to the church. Forty- 
 seven were received on confession of faith. Mr. Marsh has since 
 been settled in several places, and after a four year's patorate at 
 Neligh, Neb., settled in Pittsfield, 111., January, 1888. 
 
 In February, 1871, Rev. Harvey M. Stone of Laconia was called^ 
 at a salary of $1,050 and use of parsonage, and was installed the 
 18th of the next May, with the following services: — Invocation 
 and Reading Scriptures, Rev. Ezekiel True, pastor of Free-Will 
 Baptist Church in Rochester; Prayer, Rev. W. S. Kimball of 
 Farmington ; Sermon, Rev. Silvanus Hayward of South Berwick, 
 Me.; Installing Prayer and Charge, Rev. Alvan Tobey, D. D., of 
 Durham ; Right Hand of Fellowship, Rev. Clark Carter of Great 
 Falls; Address to People, Rev. W. S. Kimball of Farmington; 
 Concluding Prayer, Rev. D. J. Smith, pastor of Methodist Church 
 in Rochester. 
 
 The parsonage was repaired at an expense of about $140, and 
 "the ladies provided means to enclose the church with a neat
 
 254 ROCHESTER. 
 
 fence, level the grounds, and put in walks to the entrances, the 
 whole cost of which was $361.05." 
 
 During Mr. Stone's ministry there was an extensive revival in 
 town, and twenty-four were received to this church. In January, 
 1875, Mr. Stone resigned. 
 
 Harvey Merrill Stone, son of Col. John and Betsey (Huntoon) 
 Stone, was born in Cabot, Vt., Sept. 1, 1819; graduated at Bangor 
 Seminary in 1847; was ordained at Bluehill, Me., Nov, 2, 1848; 
 served as pastor in various places for about thirty years; and 
 died at Saundersville, Mass., Oct. 21, 1881. He was a man of 
 pleasant, genial manners, with unusual power of winning the per- 
 sonal regard of many people. Soon after coming here, the busi- 
 ness men of the place presented him a gold watch and chain as 
 a spontaneous token of their esteem. 
 
 In January, 1875, the Society received a legacy of $1000 from 
 Zenas Hayes, which they applied to the reduction of their debts. 
 
 In Jul}^ 1875, Rev. Abram J. Quick of Belle Isle, jST. Y., was 
 invited to become pastor of this church. He began his labors 
 here in October following, but for some reason did not choose to 
 be installed, although the Society renewed the request in 1880. 
 About the time of his coming the parsonage was repaired at an 
 expense of $180. 
 
 In August, 1875, it was voted to omit the afternoon service, 
 which had been kept up from the beginning of the church, save 
 for a few weeks in the summer. 
 
 In 1880 the Society recorded a vote of thanks to some unknown 
 person who had contributed $250 towards the liquidation of the 
 debt. 
 
 About this time the interior of the church w^as repaired by re- 
 plastering, painting, etc., at an expense of about $500, which was 
 raised by the ladies. The work was superintended by T. H. 
 Edgerly and Henry Kimball. 
 
 Centennial Sunday, July 9, 1876, was observed by this church, 
 the pastor giving an historical discourse, which was printed in the 
 " Courier." The text was Psalm 77 : 10. 
 
 During Mr. Quick's ministry a revival occurred, bringing about 
 forty additions to this church. In October, 1881, Mr. Quick re-
 
 MODERN CHURCH HISTORY. 255 
 
 signed. He went from here to the church at Hillshoron£rh Hridge. 
 and is now pastor at South Coventry, Conn. 
 
 In February, 1882, Rev. Henry S. Kimball became acting pastor 
 of this church, and remained about two years. He is now settled 
 over a church in Killingly, Conn. 
 
 January, 1885, a call was extended to Rev. George A. Mills of 
 the Dutch Reformed Church at Bacon Hill, Saratoga Co., N. Y., 
 offering a salary of ^1,000 and use of parsonage. He was installed 
 June 9, 1885, with the following services : — Invocation and 
 Reading Scriptures, Rev. E. C. Bass, D. D., pastor of the Meth- 
 odist Church in Rochester; Sermon, Rev. Isaac P. Langworthy, 
 D. D., of Chelsea, Mass.; Installing Prayer, Rev. C. S. Sherman 
 of Manchester, Conn.; Charge, Rev. J. M. Dutton of Great Falls; 
 Right Hand of Fellowship, Rev. George Hall of Dover; Address 
 to People, Rev. Walter E. Darling of Farmington; Concluding 
 Prayer, Rev. S. H. Barnum of Durham. 
 
 About this time the meeting house was repainted at a cost of 
 nearly $240. 
 
 May 11, 1887, being near the date of the ordination of the first 
 pastor, one hundred and fifty years before, was observed as an 
 anniversary by this church. An historical address was presented 
 by Rev. Silvanus Hay ward of Globe Village, Mass., being mainly 
 a resume of the facts recorded in this history. Remarks were 
 made by Revs. J. M. Palmer, Prescott Fay, A. J. Quick, and 
 others. Announcement was made that $100 had been given for 
 the Sabbath School Library by Orrill H. Hayes of Philadelphia, 
 also that the debt of the Societ}^ had been cancelled. This was 
 accomplished through the persistent efforts and generous aid of 
 "William Tebbetts of Boston in securing the following subscriptions : 
 John McDuftee, $600; William Tebbetts, $450; Edwin Wallace, 
 S250; J. D. Sturtevant, $100; H. M. Plumer, $100; smaller sub- 
 scriptions, $314 ; making in all a little more than $275 above the 
 debt. Mrs. C. K. Sanborn also presented the Society a house lot 
 valued at $250. 
 
 The following Sabbath, Rev. Mr. Mills gave a valuable an.l 
 interesting anniversary discourse from Psalm CL. 
 
 In June, 1887, Mrs. Watson Hayes left the church a legacy 
 of $200, the income of which is to be used toward the minister's 
 salary.
 
 256 ROCHESTER. 
 
 In October, 1887, a Christian Endeavor Society was formed in 
 connection with this church with a membership of thirty-five. In 
 ^N'ovember following, a new furnace was placed in the church 
 edifice. 
 
 At the close of 1887 Mr. Mills resigned, and is now pastor in 
 Newport, Vt. 
 
 The deacons of this church with dates of election have been 
 as follows : — 
 
 Stephen Berry, 1737; Joseph "Walker, 1737; James Knowles, 
 1761; William Chamberlin, 1768; Samuel Chamberlin, 1783; 
 Samuel Plumer, 1783; William Trickey, 1806; JSTathaniel Hayes, 
 1823; Samuel Allen, 1825; Benjamin Barker, 1834; Samuel Stack- 
 pole, 1844; Thomas Brown, 1859; Franklin McDuftee, 1872; 
 Charles W. Brown, 1872; A. J. Whittemore, 1882; Henry M. 
 Plumer, 1882. 
 
 In coming to the close of the history of this church we should 
 guard ourselves against any spirit of self-exaltation in contrasting 
 the present with the days of our fathers. We should rather reflect 
 that it is to their wisdom, to their labors, and to their manage- 
 ment, under God, that we owe all that we have of religious or 
 political freedom. They labored and we have entered into their 
 labors. Much of what we call their ignorance and narrow-mind- 
 edness was necessary then to lay the foundations on which we 
 stand. Had they been no more rigid, no more exclusive, no more 
 severe, in their beliefs and policy of action than their descendants, 
 it is difficult to see how churches and states could have been 
 established. It needed the sturdy conviction that could tolerate 
 no truce with heresy, the iron will that would not yield to even 
 the most plausible demands for an easier type of religion, and the 
 sinewy arm that could strike valiant blows against the devil, to 
 found and protect the infant church in the wilderness. However 
 much we pride ourselves on our broadness and liberality, our 
 \\ider views, and more tolerant spirit, we should always remember 
 that a weaker system or less severe discipline than theirs would 
 have been fatal then. It is only through what some deem their 
 hardness, and narrowness, and intolerance, that we have been 
 able to rise to our present degree of freedom and power.
 
 modekn church history. 257 
 
 Friends or Quakkks. 
 
 A considerable number of Friends settled in Rochester (luito 
 earl}' in its history. In 1751 the Dover Monthly Meeting granted 
 them "the liberty to keep a meeting there on tirst days." Tliis 
 permission was renewed from time to time for more than thirty 
 years. In the 7th month, 1781, they asked advice about building 
 a meeting-house. A committee was appointed who reporttMl at 
 the next monthly meeting, " They think it may be best for them 
 to build a house on the South East corner of Jona. Dame's land 
 on ISTorth side of the road that leads by his house from Cochecho." 
 In the 9th month the desired permission was granted, aiid the 
 house was probably built about that time. It was a two-story 
 house, and some years after was taken down and made into a one- 
 stor}' house at Pine Grove. Still later it was removed to Gonic, 
 where it now stands, and where First day meetings are still 
 held. 
 
 The northwest part of Rochester was first settled by Benjamin 
 Meader, who was soon followed by four brothers. From these 
 families that part of the town was called Meaderborough, a name 
 which appears in the town records as early as 1784. From these 
 brothers '• descended the extensive Quaker family of Meaders, 
 who for many years have been greatly respected for uniform 
 integrity and Christian benevolence." Judith, daughter of Ben- 
 jamin Meader, and wife of David Green, died March 30, 1855, 
 aged 79, and was " remarkable for her charitable qualities and 
 kindness of heart." 
 
 The Friends had a meeting-house on the Meaderborough road 
 near Farmington line, certainly before 1805, as it appears on a map 
 of that date. How early it was built cannot now be ascertained. 
 Here " preparative," and afterwards " monthly meetings," were held. 
 Two " overseers " are mentioned in 1819. In 1835 a new meeting- 
 house was built on the same lot, where a "monthly meeting" 
 still holds its sessions. According to Job Varney, " they held 
 meetings in his father's house for many years, and afterwards till 
 his father's death, in a little building on the other side of the 
 street." 
 
 In 1776 there were twenty-two adult males belonging to the 
 Society of Friends, (p. 62.) In 1823, twenty families were reported 
 
 IS 
 
 I
 
 258 ROCHESTER. 
 
 as belonging to one meeting and fifteen to the other. At the 
 division of the parsonage fund in 1869 the Friends received 
 §173.10. In 1838 they estabhshed a circulating library. They 
 also had a Sabbath School and a Sunday School library. N"ot 
 having a regular ministry, but little can be gleaned of their society 
 history. 
 
 One of their most prominent men was John Header^ who was 
 born in Rochester and resided in Dover for some years, but about 
 1840 removed to Providence, E. I., where he died at the age of 
 60, Jan. 7, 1860. "He was a well-known and highly esteemed 
 minister of the Society of Friends, and traveled extensively in the 
 exercise of his ministry both in this country and in England, 
 Ireland, and some other parts of Europe." The " Providence 
 Journal " says : " His death removes another of the upright 
 Quakers of the olden time, whose firm devotion to the principles 
 of George Fox affords landmarks to determine the position the 
 Society once occupied in contrast with the conforming tendency 
 80 prevalent at the present day." 
 
 Methodist 'Church. 
 
 To understand the history of the rise and growth of Methodism, 
 it is necessary to give some account of the state of society and of 
 churches at that period. It would probably be impossible to write 
 a fully correct statement of these matters without giving some 
 offence to both Methodists and Congregationalists. But a sincere 
 desire of impartiality and justice without flattery is the only true 
 guide in this as in all other history. Let us be willing to 
 know the truth, and while we give ample credit to excellence 
 wherever we find it, let us not fear to look at faults and imper- 
 fections wherever the}' exist. The present generation can hardl}- 
 understand the great excitement created by the advent of Meth- 
 odism. It was not because any new doctrine was promulgated. 
 Religion had existed before. Free agency was not a new and 
 startling idea. It had been taught for centuries. Reformations 
 and revivals were certainly nothing new under the Christian dis- 
 pensation. They had been in the churches from the days of the 
 apostles. It was not therefore these things that led people to 
 declare that the new sect was a fire of shavings which would
 
 MODERN CHURCH HISTORY. 2^^^ 
 
 soon go out, or that led to attempted mobs. It was not tlie 
 fundamental and essential elements of their religion that i»roduce<l 
 the excitement. But they introduced new forms, and these exter- 
 nals raised the ferment. It was because the new sect denounced 
 church steeples as sinful vanities, — because they forbade the 
 wearing of silks, ribbons, and jewelry, and di.scii»lined their mem- 
 bers for curling their hair, — because they professed to have 
 religious dreams and visions, — because of their ecstasies and par- 
 oxysms in worship, their opposition to an educated minintry, and 
 their requirement that members should patronize their own sect 
 in business. These external things, which to-day are scarcely more 
 noticeable among Methodists than among other sects, were wiiat 
 then aroused ridicule and dislike. On the other hand tlie great 
 and abiding excellence of the new church sprang from the same 
 spirit out of which grew these faults, — its entliusias-in. Without 
 enthusiasm, religion sinks to formality. Although noise is not 
 enthusiasm it may bo a sign of its presence. It is not the best 
 wood which crackles most in the fire, yet there is no crackling 
 where there is no fire. It is not the noise of the wlieels that 
 makes the coach move, yet the noise is a sure sign that the coach 
 does move. The condition of the other churches at this time 
 gave Methodism its opportunity. Congregationalism was largely 
 in a state of spiritual deadness. The Methodists charged that 
 there had not been a reformation in town for thirty years. It 
 was too true that there had been no great awakening on religious 
 subjects. There was little or no enthusiasm in their worship. 
 They had fallen into ruts. They had no prayer-meetings or other 
 means which brought home the question of personal religion to 
 the individual members. Congregationalism a hundred years 
 before had been filled with enthusiasm. It was the religion of 
 the Puritans, than which nothing could be more rigidly spiritual. 
 But earnest piety had degenerated to morality and formality, and 
 morality was fast becoming indifi:erence. Spiritual aggressiveness 
 was lost. This gradual subsidence of heat has been the history 
 of all sects. Methodism Avas simply the reaction from this sjiiritual 
 deadness, and like all other reactions it was extreme at the outset. 
 But it has accomplished a noble mission. Aside from the work 
 within its own membership, it gave new life to the old sects with 
 which it came in contact. Its own enthusiasm in some degree
 
 260 ROCHESTER. 
 
 reached others. The special power of the Methodist church was 
 in its class meetings. By them it kept alive the spiritual condi- 
 tion of its members and prepared them to go into the world and 
 make proselytes. Prayer and conference meetings were soon 
 established in other churches. jSTor is it too much to say that so 
 far as human instrumentality is concerned the Congregationalists 
 of to-day owe their prayer-meetings to the influence of the early 
 Methodists. It is noticeable that any new sect will grow 
 strong under opposition, and the very year Mr. Haven attacked 
 Methodism (p. 107) was the year in which it was specially dis- 
 tinguished for growth and prosperity. * 
 
 Methodism was introduced into Xew England in 1790 by Rev. 
 Jesse Lee. At the first session of the Xew England Conference 
 in 1797, " Chesterfield Circuit " in New Hampshire was reported 
 with a membership of sixty-eight, is'ew Hampshire was first made 
 a separate district in 1804. In 1807 this district contained twelve 
 preachers, of whom Hevs. Warren Banister and Ebenezer Blake 
 were appointed to the Tuftouborough circuit, which included 
 Rochester. They traveled the circuit together and preached in 
 Rochester once in four weeks. The only preaching place at first 
 was a schoolhouse on the " Squire Dame lot " on Haven's Hill. 
 Perceiving no fruits of their labors after several months, the young 
 preachers decided that after one more visit the place should be 
 abandoned unless some proofs of their usefulness appeared. At 
 this supposed final visit, a meeting continuing throughout a whole 
 night was held at the house of Paul Place, now the residence of 
 Bidfield Meserve, during which several persons were soundly 
 converted, and at sunrise the next morning the first class was 
 formed with shouts of triumph. The first members were Paul 
 Place, leader ; Lydia Place ; Betsey Place ; Hannah Jackson, after- 
 wards the wife of Rev. Benjamin Burnham ; and Meribah Dame, 
 afterwards the wife of Rev. Harvey Morey. Before the end of the 
 year the first Quarterly Conference was formed at the same house, 
 both preachers being present. As the work increased Caleb 
 Dame at the " Plains " opened his house (still standing at the 
 corner of Market and Union streets) as a preaching place. 
 
 * The following sketch of the Methodist Church in Rochester was substantially prepared by 
 John S. Parsons, Esq., for the History of Methodism in New Hampshire by Rev. George H. 
 Hardy. I am indebted to the kindness and courtesy of these gentlemen for the privilege of 
 using the material here. — [Editor.]
 
 MODERN CHURCH HISTORY. 2»>1 
 
 Meetings were also held at John Hanson's, where the late Charles 
 K. Chase afterwards resided on Elm street. 
 
 Having an appointment to preach in Barrington, Mr. Banister 
 was entertained at the house of a good sister whose conversation 
 was more abundant than profitable, so falling suddenly on his 
 knees, he prayed as follows : — " O Lord, help this sister to jtray more 
 and talk less. Amen." After leaving this circuit he preached many 
 years, his last work being in Xa«hua, where he died in 1884. 
 
 Mr. Blake was born in 1786, and labored many years in Maine, 
 where he died. One who was his colleague for a time, and knew 
 him well, says: — "He stands now, after the lapse of years i)ho- 
 tographed before me, as he i)oured out argument, appeal, invita- 
 tion, and denunciation, his large l)ody swaying under the influence 
 of his impassioned periods. His audiences seemed spell-bound. 
 If the eyes of others were dry, his were not, and mine certainly 
 were all ' teary round the lashes.' " 
 
 In 1808 Hevs. Lewis Bates and Ebenezer F. Newell were appointed 
 to this circuit, and many were the trophies of their toil in this 
 humble field of labor. The first Quarterly Meeting was held this 
 year in Paul Place's house, Elijah Hedding, presiding Ehler. 
 
 Mr. Bates was a descendant of the martyr John Rogers, and 
 was born in Massachusetts, March 20, 1780. After sixty-one 
 years' service in the ministry he died March 10, 1865. He was 
 a man of much cheerfulness of spirit, delighting to sing " Aoic " 
 *' I can read my title clear." Eiding one afternoon on the road 
 from Rochester to Dover he overtook a young man whose 
 heavily loaded team was stuck fast in the mud. Dismounting 
 from his horse he put his shoulder to the wheel, and with one 
 strong pull all together the load moved on to the geat joy of the 
 young teamster, whose heart was completely won by tiiis act of 
 kindness which resulted in his conversion. His name was Thomas 
 Wentworth, and is still remembered by many. 
 
 Mr. I^ewell was born Sept. 1, 1775, and died March 8, 1867, 
 after an earnest and faithful ministry of sixty years. 
 
 In 1809 Revs. Hezekiah Field and Amasa Taylor were on this 
 circuit. Mr. Field devoted most of his time to this section. A 
 second class was formed, and meetings were held at Silas Dame's 
 house on the Ten-rod road. During the next year Rochester was 
 made a separate appointment under the name of "Norway Plains,"
 
 262 ROCHESTER. 
 
 with Mr. Field as preacher in charge. It is uot strange that some 
 opposition was aroused among those unaccustomed to such preach- 
 ing. On one occasion, when Mr. Field had an appointment to 
 preach in the Court House, threats having been made to mob 
 him, a large crowd came together with far from peaceable inten- 
 tions. But the preacher went as usual to his appointment, Thomas 
 Wentworth and David McDaniels standing as a body guard on 
 either side during the service. Since God has said that " one 
 shall chase a thousand," it is no wonder that the enemy remained 
 quiet. 
 
 In 1811 Rev. Leonard Frost became pastor, the membership 
 having increased from four to ninety-one. The next year seven- 
 teen were added under the ministry of JRev. Abiier Clark. 
 
 Rev. Jacob Sanborn, a young man of remarkable ability, was 
 stationed here in 1813. He performed a large amount of work 
 with much profit to the society. After many years of service he 
 died at Concord. 
 
 In 1814 Rev. Harvey 3Iorey was the pastor. He was a man of 
 great physical strengtli and a successful minister. He married 
 Meribah, sister of Caleb Dame, and after some years located in 
 Rochester where he died Oct. 29, 1830. His wife was one of the 
 first who helped to plant Methodism in this town, and her life 
 was that of a consistent Christian. Their bodies rest in the old 
 cemetery on Haven's Hill. 
 
 Rev. Noah Bigeloio, from the JSTew York Conference, was pastor 
 in 1815. As a minister, and presiding Elder, he was abundant 
 in labors. He was born in Conway, Mass., March 4, 1783, and 
 died Aug. 2, 1850. His testimony was, " My only hope is in the 
 atonement, on that I really lean, through that I expect to be 
 saved." 
 
 He was followed in 1816 by Rev. John Lord who commenced 
 his labors under some discouragements, but so overcame difficul- 
 ties that this was regarded the most prosperous year in the history 
 of the society. A great revival occurred in which more than a 
 hundred persons were converted, and sixty added to the member- 
 ship. He was presiding Elder many years in the Maine Con- 
 ference where he died. 
 
 During 1817-18 Rev. Philip Mimger was stationed here. He 
 was a physician as well as a preacher, and is said to have excelled
 
 iMODERN CHURCH HISTORY. 268 
 
 ill both professions. He was born in South Brimfield, Miws., in 
 1780; joined the New England Conference in 1802; and the Maine 
 Conference at its formation in 1824; and died Oct. 10, 1H4(;. He 
 had hdjored forty years in the ministry, and was a studious, gifted, 
 and successful preacher, and a writer of very marked ability. 
 
 Rev. John F. 'Adams was jiastor in lHlO-20. The increasing work 
 on the charge, which then included parts of adjacent towns, caused 
 the appointment of Rev. Samuel Norris as a colleague in 1820, 
 but after six months he was transferred to the Landaff circuit. 
 After a ministry of sixty-nine years, Mr. Adams died in IHSI at 
 the age of 91. 
 
 In 1821-22 Bev. Damon Young was pastor and left the society 
 in a prosperous condition. 
 
 In 1823 Hevs. Jotkam Horton and William McCoy were colleagues, 
 alternating in their pulpit ministrations to the entire satisfaction 
 of the people. While here Mr. Horton organized the M. E, Church 
 at Dover. He was twice Delegate to the General Conference, and 
 in 1842 was one of the iirst to withdraw on account of Slavery. 
 He afterwards returned and was stationed at Dorchester, Mass., 
 where he died in 1853. His last testimony was, " All my hope 
 is in Christ. My sins, my labors, my righteousness, my unright- 
 eousness, I lay at the feet of Christ. I trust only in him." 
 
 In 1824 Rec. Benjamin Jones was pastor. He was a faithful 
 preacher for many years in the Maine Conference, and died in 
 Friendship, Me. From 1810 the meetings had been held in the 
 old Court House. Here were held the old-fashioned tjuarterly 
 meetings which were usually occasions of great power. As in the 
 old meeting-houses of that day, so here in this old court-room no 
 fire was thought of, even in midwinter. But the time had now 
 arrived to arise and build, and measures were taken to secure by 
 subscription the necessary funds. The site of the old Barker 
 tavern which had been recently burned, was purchased as the 
 most desirable location, Charles Dennett, Simon Chase, William 
 Trickey, Daniel Waldron, and James C. Cole were the i)uilding 
 committee. It was agreed that the house should be 42 by oo feet 
 in size, and of "a plain and decent style." The subscribers were 
 to pay in building material, labor, grain, or cash, as they preferred. 
 I Rev. Herschel Foster was appointed pastor in 182.'), and the c-orner- 
 ■ stone of the new church was laid with Masonic ceremonies by
 
 264 ROCHESTER. 
 
 the Grand Lodge of ]^ew Hampshire, on the anniversary of Saint 
 John the Baptist. Hon. James F. Dana was the Grand Master, 
 who commissioned Major Pierce P. Furber to conduct the cere- 
 monies. General Lafayette beincr entertained at a public dinner 
 at Dover, the day before. Major Furber invited him to be present 
 and participate in the exercises. The deputation from Humane 
 Lodge who bore the invitation consisted of Charles Dennett, James 
 Farringtou, and John T. Paine. The answer was received in 
 Rochester on the evening of June 23, and was engraved by E. S. 
 Moulton on a plate of copper in season to be deposited under 
 the corner-stone on the 24th. The following is the answer : — 
 
 " I much regret the impossibility I am under, in consequence of previous and 
 positive engagements, to attend my brethren of the Masonic Humane Lodge of 
 Rochester at the celebration which they contemplate on the 24th. My heart 
 will be with them, and I beg them to accept my fraternal regard and good 
 
 wishes. 
 
 La Fayette." 
 
 Another plate of the same dimensions bearing the following 
 words was also deposited : — 
 
 " Wesleyan Chapel 
 
 Erected by the ]\Iethodist Episcopal Church of Rochester, X. H., which was 
 instituted 1807. This Corner Stone was laid by Humane Lodge, No. 21, in 
 the presence of many Brethren of the mystic tie, and a large assemblage of peo- 
 ple, A. L. 5825. j^jjgg ^ f.^^^^ Secretary:' 
 
 Other articles deposited were names of jpreachers with dates, Dis- 
 cipline of the M. E. Church, Bible, N. H. Register for 1825, Zion's 
 Herald June 15, 1825, Journal of the Grand Lodge of New Samp- 
 shire, By-Laws of Humane Lodge, New Hampshire Republican, 
 printed at Dover, June 21, 1825. (See Appendix, also page 131.) 
 
 The whole cost of the house was $1,923. It was dedicated in 
 October, Rev. Ebenezer F. Xewell of the Maine Conference 
 preaching the sermon. 
 
 In the erection of this house, Simon Chase, Charles Dennett, 
 and James C. Cole assumed all responsibility, and carried the 
 enterprise to a successful completion. These three men are worthy 
 of special notice as principal characters in the history of this 
 society, who have ever commanded admiration and respect. 
 
 Simon Chase was born in Berwick, Me., Sept. 30, 1786. He
 
 MODERN CHURCH IIISTORV. 20n 
 
 first came to Rochester in 180G as clerk for Josepli Ilaiist.n. :.i 
 $72 a year and his board, and remained four years. Joined the 
 church here in 1808. After twelve years in trade at Milton, he 
 returned, went into company with Jonathan Torr for two years, 
 when he bought Torr's house and in 1885 built a brick store, where 
 he continued business till his death Jan. 21, 1878. 
 
 James C. Cole was born in Boston, Mass., in 1701, and came 
 to Rochester at an early age and learned the trade of clock-maker 
 with Edward S. Moulton. He had been baptized when an infant 
 in the Episcopal Church, and joined the church here at the age 
 of eighteen. He began business for himself about 1813, and died 
 Dec. 12, 1867. 
 
 Charles Dennett was pre-eminent among the three, and an 
 extended notice of him will be given in another chapter. 
 
 These three men each acquired wealth, and had the confidence 
 of all, holding many positions of honor and trust. Their places 
 of business were each a brick building of about the same size 
 and style, with old-fashioned gambrel roof, and all situated on 
 the west side of Main street. Their names will not be forgotten. 
 
 In 1826 an act of incorporation was granted to James C. Cole, 
 Charles Dennett, Simon Chase, Ebenezer D. Trickey, and Abner 
 Hodgdon, as Trustees of this society. Rev. Charles Baker was the 
 preacher in charge. Two years after, he went to Maine where he 
 was for many years a popular preacher and presiding Elder. He 
 died a few years since in Somerville, Mass., leaving two sons who 
 are members of the Baltimore Conference. 
 
 Rev. John E. Risley was pastor during the years 1827-28. The 
 former year was not prosperous, being disturbed by the " come- 
 outers " under the lead of the notorious " Abby Folsom," then a 
 member of this church. The latter year, however, was one of 
 great prosperity. More than fifty members were added, and a 
 parsonage was built at a cost of $400. 
 
 In 1829-30 Rev. Samuel Norris was the preacher in charge, and 
 organized the first Sunday School in connection with this society. 
 Prior to this time, however, a Union Sunday School had l»een 
 held in the village school-house. It is to be regretted that the 
 Sunday School records for these and many subsequent years are 
 now lost. (See Appendix.)
 
 266 ROCHESTER. 
 
 Mr. iSTorris was born in Dorchester, N. H.,. March 8, 1801. At 
 the age of seventeen he joined the jSTew England Conference, and 
 was in active service as a minister for twenty-two years. He was 
 ditrnitied, gentlemanly, and fearless, commanding the esteem of 
 friends and the respect of opponents. He was twice Delegate to 
 the General Conference. On account of defective hearing he held 
 a superannuated relation for forty years. His name appears on 
 the general minutes for sixty-two years. He died in South New- 
 market June 23, 1880. 
 
 In 1831-82, Rev. Benjamin C. Eastman, better known as " Father 
 Eastman," was the pastor. He was a man of great energy and 
 devotion. His principal theme was Holiness, and it is believed 
 that he had a greater influence for the spiritual improvement of 
 the people than any preceding pastor. Mr. Eastman was born 
 in Canterbury June 16, 1788. He joined the Xew England Con- 
 ference in 1825. His first wife died in Rochester Oct. 5, 1832, 
 and the following year he married Mary, sister of Rev. James 
 Warren of Rochester. He was thirty-three years in the ministry, 
 and died in triumph July 12, 1858. 
 
 In 1833 Rev. Leonard Bennett was pastor. A religious work of 
 unusual interest was in progress. But the year closed unfavor- 
 ably both to pastor and people. Mr. Bennett was born in Dublin, 
 Ireland, June 16, 1786, landed in America June 16, 1807. In 
 1841 he removed to Illinois, where he died in 1846, having been 
 thirtj'-six years in the ministr}'. 
 
 Rev. James G. Smith was warmly welcomed as his successor, 
 remaining two years. In 1834 is the first mention of raising 
 money for missions. His pastorate was successful. 
 
 In 1836-37 Rev. Silas Green was the pastor. He was a good 
 man, and an earnest and successful worker. Many excellent people 
 were converted through his influence. He was born at Chichester 
 Feb. 10, 1801, was baptized by Rev. Jotham Horton in 1823, 
 spent fortj'-three years in the ministry, and died Nov. 10, 1874. 
 His preaching was emphasized by a holy life. His native modesty 
 and polished manners rendered him agreeable to all classes in 
 society. 
 
 Rev. Amos H. Worthing was pastor for the next two years. 
 Though struggling with poor health he labored faithfully and was 
 highly esteemed by his people. In the financial exhibit for 1839
 
 MODERN CUURCH HISTORY. 267 
 
 we find the preacher's entire salary was ^383. It was evidently 
 with good reason that the Conference that year issued an address 
 to the churches urging them to a more adequate support of the 
 ministers. "What are dollars and cents when thrown in the 
 balance against immortal interests?" 
 
 In 1840-41 Rev. Elijah Mason was pastor. lie was specially 
 active in the cause of Temperance, holding tem})erance meetings 
 in the school-houses. During his tirst year a vestry was huilt at 
 a cost of $400. 
 
 Mr. Mason Avas born in Cavendish, Vt., in 1807, and died March, 
 1863, having been thirty-seven years in the ministry. 
 
 The next two years Rev. William D. Cass was the preacher in 
 • charge. He was a strong man. The Millerite excitement was 
 very intense at this period in Rochester, and but for his fearless 
 efforts the church would have been hopelessly divided. He was 
 born in Bradford, Vt, April 2, 1797, joined the New England 
 Conference in 1827, serving in the ministry forty years, eleven 
 of which he was presiding Elder. He was a delegate to the Gen- 
 eral Conference in 1844, at the time of the secession of the M. E. 
 Church South, where he distinguished himself by his courage and 
 zeal in debate in opposition to slavery. He had remarkable rea- 
 soning powers, and could always speak sensibly and profitably for 
 liberty, temperance, education, or the Christian religion. He died 
 , suddenly while working in the field, May 7, 1867. 
 K In 1844 Rev. Osmon C. Baker was appointed pastor, and did 
 excellent work here. He was afterwards a Theological Professor 
 in the Biblical Institute at Concord, and in 1852 was chosen 
 Bishop. His eminent labors are too well known to need further 
 mention here. 
 
 Much to the disappointment of the people, Mr. Baker was not 
 returned, but after a little time they rallied around the new pastor, 
 Rev. Henry Drew, who remained two years. The latter year the 
 chapel was improved by the removal of the galleries and the 
 addition of four pews with other general repairs at a cost of $700. 
 
 Rev. Samuel S. 31atthews followed in 1847. His work was hin- 
 dered by sickness ending in his death Sept. 6, in the thirty-second 
 year of his age, after having been in the ministry only three 
 years. Just before his death he said to a triend, "If my death 
 can glorify God more than my life. Amen !"
 
 268 ROCHESTER. 
 
 Bev. P. Wallingford of Claremont was acting pastor during the 
 remainder of the year, and was followed in 1848 by Rev. Daniel 
 31. Hogers who also supplied a part of the time at Milton Mills. 
 This di^asion of labor was an embarrassment to the work in both 
 places. Two years later the name of Mr. Eogers disappears from 
 the roll of Conference. 
 
 In 1849 Hev. Silas Green returned and the year was one of pros- 
 perity. 
 
 In 1850-51 Rev. Joseph C. Cromack was appointed pastor. He 
 gave special attention to the finances of the society with gratifying 
 results. Eeligious interests were no less carefully attended to, and 
 many of the present members were then added to the church. 
 He reported after the close of his pastorate, 250 members, and 
 43 probationers. His salary was $450. 
 
 The next two years were notable ones in the history of this 
 church. Rev. Henry H. Hartwell was the pastor. He had week- 
 day appointments at Barrington, Strafford, Farmington, Union, 
 Milton, and East Rochester. At most of these places he preached 
 regularly once in two weeks, holding a class meeting after the 
 preaching, besides preaching and lecturing occasionally in other 
 pjlaces. He preached twice and often three times on the Sabbath, 
 and never had such a thing as a vacation. After twenty years' 
 work in New Hampshire he was transferred to the California 
 Conference on account of a throat trouble which ^^'as the natural 
 result of his unremitting labors. After four years in California 
 and Nevada with no prospect of recovery, he returned to New 
 Hampshire in 1867. His work in Rochester was characteristic of 
 the man. The house of worship was enlarged by the addition of 
 twenty pews. Up to this time the house had been externally very 
 plain and unornamented. An extensive addition was now made 
 to the front, surmounted by a tower, presenting a very attractive 
 appearance. The cost of these improvements was greater than 
 that of the original " Chapel " in 1825. An organ was also pur- 
 chased at a cost of §600. 
 
 In the spring of 1854 the Annual Conference met here for the 
 first time, Bishop Baker presiding. Rev. Sullivan Holman was 
 appointed pastor. This year the benevolent contributions of this 
 church included SlOO for missions, and §1,000 for the Seminary 
 at Tilton. The pastor's salary was $500.
 
 MODERN CHURCH HISTORY. 209 
 
 Mr. Holnian was born in no})kinton, N. II., Juno 13, 1820 ; l»c;;an 
 to preach at the age of twenty-one; joined the Conference in lH4:i; 
 was chapLain of the N. H. Legislature in 1858 ; chaplain of the 
 N. H. State Prison in 1867, '68, '69; was six years nieniher of 
 the Kansas Conference; returning to New IIani[)shire in 1877, 
 Avas again appointed chaplain of the State Prison, which position 
 he held till 1883. He has ably filled many of tlie best appoint- 
 ments in the State. He is a man of much energy and Christian 
 zeal. He served this society faithfully and was highly esteemed 
 by the people. 
 
 In 1855-56 Jiev. Henry Hill was pastor. He was an incessant 
 worker. Much sickness and many deaths greatly increased his 
 labors. His pastorate was highly successful, many being added 
 to the church. Through his efforts S500 was raised which freed 
 the society from debt. 
 
 Mr. Hill was born in Claremont, K H., Feb. 13, 1819. He 
 was forty-five years in the work of the ministry, filling many 
 prominent appointments. He was one of the first to offer liis 
 services to the nation in the late war, was appointed chaplain of 
 the Third N. H. Regiment, and had part in thirty-three battles. 
 In 1869 he went West, and was for three years pastor of Simp- 
 son M. E. Church in Chicago. He was a man of great mental 
 endowments, thorough culture, and rare Christian attainments. 
 He died in Chicago, 111., Sept. 1, 1885. 
 
 The pastorate of Rev. George S. Dearborn, covering the years 
 1857-58, was very successful. He was a strong man of excellent 
 ability, and a strict disciplinarian, correcting some evils which 
 had crept into the society, and left it peaceful and prosperous. 
 He was one of the pioneers of Methodism in Kansas, taking high 
 rank in church matters. 
 
 His successor here was the Rev. William Hewes, who was pastor 
 in 1859-60. He was an able preacher constantly drawing large 
 audiences. He is now residing in Lawrence, Mass. His grand- 
 father, Joseph Hewes of North Carolina, was one of the signers 
 of the Declaration of Independence. 
 
 Rev. John Lewis Ttrfren was pastor in 1861-62. Near the be- 
 ginning of his ministry here, a remarkable revival occurred and 
 many members were added. During his pastorate the old par- 
 sonage was sold and removed to Union street, and a new one 
 
 k
 
 270 ROCHESTER. 
 
 built at a cost of ^3,000. In 1862 Mr. Trefren spent six weeks 
 with the New Hampshire soldiers in Virginia, as a member of the 
 Christian Commission. After the war he went to the California 
 Conference of which he is still a member. 
 
 He was followed by Bev. Calvin liolman in 1863-64. In many 
 respects these were years of hardship and sorrow. Sunday services 
 in memory of the soldier dead were frequent. Tears of anguish 
 testified to the devoted loyalty with which many parents had 
 sacrificed their loved ones on the altar of their country. 
 
 Mr. Holman was brother of Rev. Sullivan Holman already men- 
 tioned, and was born in Hopkinton, N. H., July 7, 1823; joined 
 the Conference in 1846 ; was presiding Elder of the Dover district 
 for four years beginning in 1859. In 1866 he removed to South 
 Carolina and became presiding Elder of the Florida district. In 
 1872 he joined the Kansas Conference which he represented in 
 the General Conference in 1876. He resides in Topeka, Kan. 
 
 In 1865-66 Rev. Elijah Wilkins was pastor. The society at this 
 time began to agitate the question of " rebuilding the house of the 
 Lord." Mr. Wilkins showed much skill in managing the pre- 
 paratory steps, securing from the pew-holders the legal settlement 
 necessary for removing the old " Chapel." He was an excellent 
 pastor, especially sympathizing in sorrow. He is no\v chaplain 
 of the >rew Hampshire State Prison. 
 
 He was followed in 1867 by Rev. Frank K. Straiton, under whose 
 auspices the new house was built, ISTathaniel Burnham and John Hall 
 being joined with the pastor as building committee. In the mean- 
 time the society held its meetings in the Town Hall. The corner- 
 stone of the new edifice was laid Aug. 1, 1867, in the presence 
 of not less than five thousand persons. The religious services 
 were conducted by Rev. James Pike, presiding Elder, according to 
 the ritual of the M. E. Church. Masonic ceremonies were per- 
 formed by the Grand Lodge of Xew Hampshire, M. W. John H. 
 Rowell of Franklin, Grand Master. The box of documents was 
 deposited by John McDufFee, Esq., who was an officer of the 
 Lodge and had assisted in laying the old corner-stone in 1825. 
 An address was given by Governor Harriman, of which no report 
 has been preserved, though it is remembered as in every way 
 admirable. In the evening a grand festival was given by the 
 Methodist Society in the new building of the Messrs. Wallace,
 
 MODERN CHURCH HISTURY, 271 
 
 eight hundred persons being present. The new house was 
 dedicated Marcli 26, 1868. The sermon was l)y Rev. J. M. 
 Chapman. During the evening there was a reunion of fonner 
 pastors and friends. In addition to the other literary exercise.s, 
 the venerable Samuel A^orris who had been pastor here in 1829 
 and 1830, read a versified " Tribute to the Memory of the dej.arted 
 Heroes of Methodism, both Ministers and Laymen in Itochester." 
 (See Appendix.) 
 
 In 1868 Rev. Lewis P. Cushman came and remained three years. 
 In 1869 the parsonage funds of the town were divided to the 
 several parishes, this society receiving $864.29. During this pas- 
 torate the several churches united in a series of revival meetimrs 
 conducted by Henry F. Durant, which resulted in many conver- 
 sions. Mr. Cushman was an able and faithful minister and left 
 the society in harmony and prosperity. He is now laboring among 
 the colored people of the South. 
 
 After an interval of seventeen years the Annual Conference 
 met with this society in April, 1871. Bev. Daniel J. Smith was 
 pastor for the next three 3'ears. His pastorate was a grand suc- 
 cess. During the autumn of 1873, Rev. C. J. Fowler labored 
 with the churches here with excellent results. 
 
 From 1874 to 1876 Rev. Silas G. Kellogg was stationed here. 
 His work was fearlessly and conscientiously performed. His 
 sermons were able and scholarly, drawing large and intelligent 
 audiences. He left as warm friends here as he has outside the 
 heavenly gates. He has been in the ministry tliirty-six years. 
 
 Rev. Moses T. Cilleg, who was pastor in 1877-78, Avas one of 
 the most diligent of men, always at work. He cleared up the 
 last remnant of indebtedness on the meeting-house, some $2,000, 
 and did excellent work for the spiritual welfare of his people. 
 He joined the Conference in 1861. 
 
 Rev. Jesse M. Dwrrell became pastor in 1879 and remained three 
 years. He was very popular. He excelled in Sunday School 
 work, securing great interest, and the largest attendance for many 
 years. His pastorate was eminently successful. 
 
 Rev. William Eakins was appointed in 1882-83. Being a man 
 of broad culture and superior gifts, his labors strengthened and 
 built Lip the church to a remarkable degree. He is now in the 
 ISTewark Conference, New Jersey.
 
 272 ROCHESTER. 
 
 In 1884-85 the church was favored with the ministrj^ of Rev. 
 E. C. Bass, B. J)., whose work was faithfully and lovingly per- 
 formed. His pulpit ministrations were of the very highest order, 
 and much appreciated in the community. At the close of his 
 lahors here, a local paper voluntarily gave the following tribute: 
 "Dr. Bass by his genial Christian deportment, scholarly attain- 
 ments, and ability as a preacher, has commanded the respect of 
 all classes. Should he at any time get tired of the Methodists 
 we know we can say in behalf of the Congregationalists of Roch- 
 ester, that he would find a home and warm welcome should he 
 knock at their doors." 
 
 During this pastorate about $1,600 was expended in repairs on 
 the church edifice, and the necessary funds were raised to purchase 
 a piano for the vestry. But its most striking feature was the 
 unusual mortality among the members of the society. Twenty 
 died whose ages averaged more than 73 3'ears, sixteen averaging 
 above 78, and only four were less than 70. Most of them had 
 been members of the church for more than half a century. 
 Although these two years left the society numerically weaker, yet 
 we trust those who remain are stronger in Christian character 
 because of the faithful ministrations of Dr. Bass. 
 
 In the spring of 1886 Dr. Bass was transferred to Gardiner, 
 Me., and in return the Bev. Charles W. Bradlee came from Augusta, 
 Me., to Rochester. In July following the church organ was 
 removed from the gallery to a level with the pulpit platform 
 which was lowered about one third, and the old pulpit replaced 
 by a neat cherry desk. By the will of Miss Martha Robinson, 
 the society received a valuable bequest which was in part expended 
 in improvements on the church edifice. Mr. Bradlee took great 
 interest in these improvements, and the next year the gallery at 
 the rear of the audience was removed, the angles of the ceiling 
 were arched to improve the acoustic eflect, the walls were refres- 
 coed, and a new carpet provided. Several new pews and nine 
 memorial windows were put in. The names commemorated are : — 
 Dorothy Jenness, James C. Cole, Simon Chase, Albert C. Manson, 
 Charles Dennett, Martha Robinson, Sophronia E. Bradley, 
 Elizabeth Waldron, and Mary Esther Tebbetts. The house was 
 rededicated on Thursday, November 17, 1887. The "Rochester 
 Courier " says : —
 
 MODERN CHURCH HISTORY. 273 
 
 "At 2.30 o'clock a good-sized audience listened to a masterly sermon from 
 Rev. Dr. Richards of Lawrence on the words ' Show us thy glory.' Following 
 the sermon came the ritualistic service of dedication, conducted by Rev. C. if. 
 Dunning, P. E. 
 
 " The visitors and families which entertained them then repaired to the vestry 
 where a bountiful supper was provided, after which there was a most delightful 
 'feast of reason and flow of soul.' Rev. Mr. Durrell presided, and sjteeches were 
 made by Revs. H. Hartwell, M. Howard. J. B. Davis, G. A. Mills, I. Luce, J. 
 Cairns, M. A. Richards, and Mrs. J. M. Durrell. Letters were read from a 
 number of ex-pastors. 
 
 "In the evening at 7.30, to a full house, Rev. J. M. Durrell (a former beloved 
 pastor) preached a scholarly and inspiring sermon from 'The just shall live by 
 faith.' Quite a number of the visiting brethren took part in the .services, and 
 the singing of a large chorus choir led by Mr. Arthur Osgood added much to 
 the interest of the occasion." 
 
 This society has furnished ten ministers to the M. E. Church, 
 as follows : — 
 
 James Warren was born in Lebanon, Me., March 13, 1802. 
 His early life was spent in Rochester, where he was converted 
 and joined the church. His life as a preacher began in the old 
 ISTorthfield circuit, where he was widely known and respected. He 
 was one of the pioneers of the Maine Conference, an earnest co- 
 laborer with the heroes of Methodism in early times. He acquired 
 a wonderful familiarity with the Scriptures and the sacred songs 
 of the "Wesleys, so that his sermons and exhortations had the solid 
 foundation of God's Word, and his songs of triumphant joy were 
 only excelled by those he now sings in heaven. After his active 
 life was over, he returned to Rochester, where he died Feb. 5, 1880. 
 
 Eben D. Trickey, who with his faithful wife was a member of 
 this society, began preaching in 1830, and spent sixteen years in 
 the itinerant work within the bounds of the iJ^ew Hampshire and 
 Providence Conferences. He resided for a time in Brewerton, 
 ]Sr. Y., and afterwards went to California, where he died. 
 
 Elihu H. Legro was licensed as a local preacher in 1853, sujv 
 plying various appointments until November, 1861, when he entered 
 the service of his country in Co. D, Sixth N. H. Kogiment. He 
 died in Washington, D. C, Jan. 1, 1863. 
 
 Ira J. Tebbetts was a native of Dover, but lived in Kochester 
 from early boyhood, and joined the N. H. Conference in 1871. 
 He is a faithful, earnest preacher, and is now stationed at Xorth 
 Salem, N. H. 
 
 19
 
 274 ROCHESTER, 
 
 David "W. Downs received bis license during the pastorate of 
 Rev. G. S. Dearborn in 1858. He served in the Second Massa- 
 chusetts Cavah-y during tbe war, and joined the N. H. Conference 
 in 1869, and is now stationed at !N"ewmarket. 
 
 Edwin S. Chase, youngest son of tbe late William Chase of 
 Rochester, began preaching in Chester, E". H., in 1862, remained 
 several years in Massachusetts, then went to the Southern Cali- 
 fornia Conference, where he has ministered to some of tbe largest 
 churches on the Pacific coast. 
 
 Eben C. Berry licensed in 1869, joined the Conference in 1876. 
 In 1885 he was transferred to the Iowa Conference. 
 
 James Cairns was a native of Scotland, came to America about 
 1865, licensed by Elder Jasper while Rev. D. J. Smith was pastor 
 here, joined the Conference in 1875, and is now stationed at 
 Suncook. 
 
 Henry E. Allen has been in the ministry since 1884, and is 
 stationed at Milton Mills for the third year. 
 
 George S. Wentworth also joined the Conference in 1875. 
 
 Among the local preachers who have lived and died here was 
 Abraham Richards, who was ordained about 1825. 
 
 East Rochester Methodist Church, * 
 
 There were Methodist people residing in East Rochester before 
 the village, mills, shops, or railroad had been built. And it is 
 difficult, if not impossible, to determine when or by whom the 
 first Methodist sermon was preached in this place. Abraham 
 Richards, mentioned above, was an ordained local preacher residing 
 here before 1825. From 1840 to 1855 there were living in Leb- 
 anon and Berwick, Me., and in Rochester, within a few miles of 
 East Rochester, five local preachers, Abraham Richards, Lewis 
 Tibbetts, Charles Tibbetts, Lewis Wentworth, and Thomas Fall. 
 These ministers occasionally preached, held prayer and class 
 meetings in school-houses and private dwellings, and sometimes 
 
 ♦Condensed from a sketch by Rev. J. W. Presby.
 
 MODERN CHURCH HISTORY. 275 
 
 conducted a Sunday School either at the East Rochester or Adams 
 Corner school-house. 
 
 In 1853 Rev. H. H. Ilartwell came occasionally from Rochester 
 Village to hold services at East Rochester. From this time the 
 Methodist pastors at Norway Plains frequently held meetings 
 here. In June, 1854, Rev. Sullivan Ilolman baptized four persons, 
 two of whom are still worthy members of the Free Will Baptist 
 Church. Others were baptized by Mr. Holman and his succes- 
 sors, some of w^hom are now members of the M. E. Church. 
 Having no regular services of their own, the Methodist people 
 residing here were in the habit of attending services at the Free 
 Will Baptist Church, which had been built about 1805. But they 
 could not long remain satisfied without the enjoyment of that 
 peculiar means of grace, which has been so abundantl}'' blessed, 
 the Methodist class-meeting. Accordingly a class was formed in 
 1867, with John Hall for leader. Two years later, A. D. Faunce 
 became leader. About 1870, thinking they could thus accomplish 
 more for the glory of God, the Methodists began to hold Sunday 
 evening meetings by themselves. Through the divine blessing 
 their little company gradually increased until April, 1871, when 
 the services of Joseph Downs, a local preacher living at Pine Hill, 
 Berwick, Me., were secured, and regular preaching and a Sunday 
 School were commenced in Washington Hall. April 8, 1872, Rev. 
 A. A. Cleveland was appointed to East Rochester by Bishop James. 
 The first Quarterly Conference was held June 28, 1872, at the 
 house of A. D. Faunce, Rev. 0. H. Jasper, D. D., being the pre- 
 siding Elder. It was voted to make East Rochester " a separate 
 and distinct station or pastoral charge," and the church was organ- 
 ized with the following members: — John Hall, Mary Hall, Aaron 
 D. Faunce, Emily J. Faunce,. Orin I. Richards, Eliza Richards, 
 James Copeland, Hilda R. Copeland, John W. Dame, Sanniel 
 Driver, Addie M. Cleveland, Eliza Noyes, Lupira M. Eaton, Eliza 
 A. Yarney, Mary Tibbetts, Rachel R. Wakefield. Several more 
 united within a few months. Sidney B. Hayes was elected treas- 
 urer at this conference, and has held the oflice to the present 
 time. 
 
 In November, 1872, special revival services were conducted by 
 the pastor, assisted by Revs. L. P. Cushman of Lawrence, Mass., 
 and Hugh Montgomery of Seabrook. About one hundred were
 
 276 ROCHESTER. 
 
 converted, some of ^vllom are still among the most faithful and 
 efficient members of this church. Others are accomplishing good 
 in other parts of the Lord's vineyard, and one, Eev, F. H. Corson, 
 is a member of the New Hampshire Conference. 
 
 Through the jealous opposition of enemies, the church was forced 
 to abandon their place of worship in Washington Hall, in Feb- 
 ruary, 1873. One week later it was unanimously voted to build 
 a house of worship, and $1,380 was subscribed on the spot. On 
 this occasion, as well as others, Bro. Hall's enthusiasm and lib- 
 erality were an inspiration to others. E. W. Tibbetts, John Hall, 
 and Orin I. Richards were chosen building committee. For over 
 three months the Sunday School was kept together and meetings 
 sustained at private houses. March 5, 1873, a lot of land cen- 
 trally located on Main street, was bought of A. D. Gerrish for 
 $250, and as early as possible in the spring the foundations were 
 laid. The work was pushed vigorously, so that the building was 
 dedicated June 5, 1873. The presiding Elder, Rev. O. H. Jasper, 
 D. D., preached the sermon. In the evening, after a sermon by 
 Rev. L. P. Cushman, the first Quarterly Conference was held in 
 the new house. The total cost, including the laud and the fur- 
 nishing, was $3,543. At the Quarterly Conference in January, 
 1874, it appeared that there was a debt of $1,166.81, of which 
 $346 was provided for by reliable subscriptions, leaving $820.81, 
 of which John Hall ofiered to assume $500, if the church would 
 pay the balance, and within one year the whole was paid. 
 
 In 1883 a subscription was raised for building a parsonage, and 
 J. D. Fogg, S. B. Hayes, and L. D. Smith were appointed building 
 committee. The house was built beside the church, on the same 
 lot, and was completed in July, 1884. The total cost was $960. 
 
 The list of pastors, with dates of appointment, is as follows : — 
 A. A. Cleveland, April, 1872; A. W. Bunker, April, 1874, now in 
 California; ./. Thurston, April, 1876, resides in Dover, on super- 
 annuated list ; A. A. Caswell, April, 1877, died at Chichester June 
 18, 1881; W. C Bartlett, April, 1878, now at Hampton; H. H. 
 French, April, 1881, now at Haverhill, Mass. In 1884 the church 
 was supplied by Prof. Rich of Great Falls, L. L. Eastman of 
 Methuen, Mass., and C. A. Littlejield, now at Cliftondale, Mass. 
 Rev. J. W. Presby came in April, 1885, removed to Kansas in 
 June, 1886, and is now in Connecticut. After Mr. Presby left.
 
 MODERN CUURCII HISTORY. 277 
 
 Bev. W. H. H. McAUiskr of Old Orchard, Mo., and others, suiiplifd 
 till the last of October, when A. L. Chase, a student in the Theo- 
 logical School of Boston University-, took charge, and served as 
 pastor till April, 1887. During his stay the dcl)t on the parsonage 
 was paid, and the spiritual and social condition of the church 
 was much improved. F. I. Wheat, another student from Boston 
 University, took charge in April, 1887, and during the conference 
 year now closing (April 1, 1888), the spiritual and financial 
 condition of the church has been well sustained. There have 
 been full congregations on the Sabbath, the evening jiraycr and 
 class meetings have been well attended and full of interest, and 
 the Sunday School has increased. A new furnace has been placed 
 in the church, and other repairs have been made, and all paid for. 
 
 An important auxiliary to this church is the Ladies' Social Cirrlc, 
 organized Oct. 18, 1882. They have raised about $300, which 
 has been expended on the parsonage and furnishing, and have 
 some 3650 in their treasury, ^500 of which was presented by 
 Frederick H. Rindge of Oloverdale, Cal., the largest stockholder 
 of the Cocheco Woolen Manufacturing Company at East Rochester. 
 It is intended to use this money for remodeling the church at an 
 eai'ly date. 
 
 The membership of this church has been small, and composed 
 mostly of those who earn their living by daily labor. The present 
 membership is sixty-seven, with a Sunday School of one hundred 
 and three. 
 
 This church has earned a reputation for liberality, promptness, 
 and reliability in financial matters which might well be emulated 
 by some of our large and more pretentious churches. "With the 
 exception of one year, there has never been a deficit in the 
 preacher's claim, and several times the pastor has received con- 
 siderable more than his claim. The first year of its existence 
 this church contributed $43 for the missionary cause. 
 
 This church is a child of Providence, and the hand of God has 
 been plainly visible in its history from the first. Under the same 
 guiding hand an unlimited career of usefulness and prosperity 
 seems opening before it.
 
 278 rochester. 
 
 First Free Will Baptist Church. 
 
 One result of an extensive revival of religion in this town was 
 the formation of the First Free Will Baptist Church of Rochester, 
 April 15, 1829, under the leadership of Rev. James J. Wentworth. 
 The following is the covenant with a list of the seventeen original 
 members who adopted it : — 
 
 " We do now declare that we have given ourselves to God ; and do now agree 
 to give ourselves to each other in love and fellowship, and do also agree to take 
 the Scriptures of truth for the rule of our faith and practice, respecting our 
 duty toward God, our neighbors, and ourselves. 
 
 " We do promise to practice all the commands in the New Testament of our 
 Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, to bear each other's burdens and so fulfill the law 
 of love, which is the law of Christ. We do further agree to give liberty for 
 the improvement of the gifts in the church, both male and female, and to keep 
 up the worship of God, and not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together, 
 as the manner of some is. We do likewise further agree not to receive any 
 person into fellowship except they give a satisfactory evidence of a change in 
 life and heart, and promise to submit to the order of the gospel as above. 
 Amen. 
 
 " Jesse Header, John York, John York, Jr., Benj. Page, Jr., Joseph Page, Jasper 
 York, Meshach Robinson, Sarah W. Meader, Hannah D. York, Maria J. York, 
 Kezia Foss, Drusilla Pickering, Matilda Pickering, Rebecca York, Sarah Hodg- 
 don, Kezia Jenness, Sarah Robinson." 
 
 During the year 1829 the membership was nearly doubled, and 
 continued prosperity with frequent additions marked the history 
 of this church for a long period. Regular monthly conferences 
 were held for some years at the house of Mrs. Bickford, one of 
 the members. 
 
 Rev. J. J. Wentworth continued his labors till September, 1832, 
 when Rev. Jesse Meader, one of the original members, was chosen 
 pastor. March 6, 1833, it was voted to hold the conferences half 
 of the time at Bro. John York's, in another part of the town. 
 
 In December, 1838, the brethren and sisters of this faith from 
 different parts of the town, having met to consider the question 
 of organizing a new church, unanimously agreed to join this church, 
 and that it should consist of several branches, each branch having 
 the privilege of holding meetings as they shall think proper, and 
 that they should hold a quarterly union conference at the Court 
 House. 
 
 In 1840 a house of worship was built at Gonic Village, at a 
 cost of about S2,000, and the conference was held there in Jan- 
 uary, 1841. The church was fairly prosperous under Mr. Meader's
 
 MODERN CHURCU HISTORY. 279 
 
 ministry, which closed with the }'ear 1841. In the tbllowiiig sjiring 
 Rev. David Swett became pastor. During his i)astorate of two years 
 a powerful revival extended over nearly the whole town, as a 
 result of which about sixty united with this church. 
 
 In April, 1844, Hev. Aaron Ayer began a successful pastorate 
 of two years. During this time the church took decided action 
 in relation to temperance, in the following votes : — 
 
 " Dec. 5, 1844. Voted not to receive any person as a church member who 
 shall make use of distilled liquors or wiues as a beverage. 
 
 " Also Resolved that it is improper for church members to make use of Cider 
 as a beverage." 
 
 Hev. Stephen Hutchinson became pastor in the spring of 1846. 
 He was an excellent man universally respected, but his feeble 
 health compelled him to resign in the middle of his second year 
 of service. 
 
 Rev. George W. Whitney came in December, 1848, and remained 
 pastor for five years, which was a season of prosperity to the 
 church. Mr. Whitney was an able preacher and was highly ap- 
 preciated by the people. 
 
 The next pastor was Rev. Tobias Foss, who began hi.s labors in 
 the fall of 1853 and remained two years. Mr. Foss was thoroughly 
 faithful and conscientious, but his decided and outspoken anti- 
 slavery views gave ofience to some. His labors on the whole 
 were successful, bringing nearly twenty new members into the 
 church. 
 
 For the next three years the church had no regular pastor, but 
 was supplied by Revs. J. Meader, D. Swett, and others. In 
 1857 the meeting-house was repaired and refitted at an expense 
 of several hundred dollars. 
 
 In 1858 Mr. Harvey Brewer began a two years' service of preach- 
 ing with this church. May 12, 1859, he was ordained with the 
 following services: — Reading Scriptures, and Sermon, Rev. J. M. 
 Durgin r Ordaining Prayer, Rev. E. Place; Charge, Rev. M. A. 
 Quimby ; Right Hand of Fellowship, Rev. S. Cofiin ; Address to 
 People, Rev. C. E. Blake. 
 
 In May, 1861, Rev. J. R. Cook was engaged as pastor of this 
 church, and died in service July 1, 1862. Mr. Cook was an 
 excellent man, successful in his labors, and universally respected.
 
 280 ROCHESTER. 
 
 Ill March, 1863, liev. Wm. T. Smith became pastor and remained 
 three years. During this period occurred a very gracious revival, 
 and fifty-seven were added to the church. 
 
 Bev. George J. Abbot succeeded Mr. Smitli in the spring of 1866. 
 Mr. Abbot was a faithful and judicious laborer, and during his 
 four years of service twenty-three united with the church. In 
 1869 this church received §524.80 from the division of the par- 
 sonage fund. 
 
 Hev. G. W. Wallace was next employed for four months, and 
 Rev. Ezekiel Time for the rest of the year. There was quite a 
 revival in the " Jenness neighborhood,'" and several joined the 
 church. In Februarj', 1871, Mr. True left and established a 
 meeting in Rochester Village, where he remained till his death. 
 
 Ber. G. S. Hill was pastor for the next four years, beginning 
 in the spring of 1871. During these years several were added 
 to the church. In 1872, largely through the efforts of Mr. Hill, 
 the church buildino; was remodeled and enlaro-ed at a cost of about 
 §5,500, leaving the society some $3,000 in debt. 
 
 In the spring of 1875 Bev. A. P. Tracy became pastor and 
 remained till the fall of 1877. He was an able and faithful 
 preacher. Several were added to the church, and largely through 
 his efforts about one half the debt was paid. 
 
 In October, 1877, Bev. A. L. 31orei/ began a pastorate of two 
 years. He was a hard-working, energetic man. A revival occurred 
 through which ten united with the church. 
 
 In the fall of 1879 Mr. W. W. Brown was employed, and in 
 August, 1880, he was ordained by a Council from the New Durham 
 Quarterly Meeting. Mr. Brown continued here till February, 
 1882. 
 
 March, 1882, Bev. W. S. Packard was settled as pastor and 
 remained three years. In 1884 a revival added several to the 
 church. Mr. Packard succeeded in raising a subscription by which 
 the balance of the debt was paid and the church building was 
 painted and frescoed. The society was thus placed in good financial 
 condition, with a neat, pretty church all paid for. 
 
 In March, 1885, the present pastor, Bev. L. Given, began his 
 ministry here. Some additions have been made, and the church 
 enjoys a fair degree of prosperitj'.
 
 MODERN CIIUKCH UISTniiV. 281 
 
 Walnut Grove Free Will liAi'iisr riiiRcii. 
 
 This church grew out of a Sabljiith School which was oriranizcd 
 through the eltbrts of Miss Alsaida Kay in June, 18G1. Levi W. 
 Allen was superintendent; George Tcbhetts, librarian ; and Samuel 
 Meserve and wife, teachers. The school grew and prospered till 
 in January, 1863, they secured the services of Her. Harm/ Brewa- 
 as preacher. During the succeeding fall and winter a revival 
 occurred, and on May 1, 1864, the following persons were bap- 
 tized : — Levi W. Allen, Ellen Bean, Ellen Brewer, Elizabeth (\ 
 Hanson, Frank P. Meserve, Mary C. Mills, Wesley B. Mills, Ilattie 
 Roberts, Amanda Tebbetts, George Tebbetts, Sarah Tebbetts, 
 Charles Thurston, Abbie A. Wingate, and Francis E. Wingate. 
 A committee from the New Durham Quarterly Meeting, consisting 
 of the Revs. Ezekiel True, Enoch Place, and J. H. Brown, organ- 
 ized these fourteen persons into a church June 29, 1864. August 
 6, Elizabeth A. Allen, Sarah A. Allen, Samuel 1{. Hanson, Sarah 
 Locke, Mary Meserve, Samuel Meserve, Benjamin Mills, Sarah 
 Mills, Eliza Roberts, Deborah R. Wcntworth, and Samuel X. 
 Wingate were received by letter. Benjamin Mills and Samuel 
 Meserve were chosen deacons ; Samuel N. Wingate, treasurer, and 
 Samuel R. Hanson, clerk. 
 
 Rev. Harvey Brewer remained pastor till 1865, when he resigned, 
 and Rev. Isaac Pinkham took his place, remaining about a year 
 and a half. In October, 1866, Rev. David B. Cowell became pastor 
 for one year. Up to this period they had used the school-house 
 as a place of worship. In the fall of 1867 a chapel containing 
 eighteen pews was built at a cost of $1,500. This house was 
 dedicated Feb. 27, 1868. Rev. Mr. Snow of East Rochester 
 preached the sermon. Revs. Marsh and Abbot of Rochester, Rev. 
 A. Lovejoy of Great Falls, and Revs. Smith and Pinkham ot 
 South Berwick participated in the services. The next year, 1869, 
 this church received 8101.57 from the division of the parsonage 
 fund. 
 
 For the next four years the church remained without a pastor, 
 being supplied by different ministers. January 1, 1S72, Rev. 
 Plummer Ghesley was chosen pastor and remained for seven years. 
 After Mr. Chesley's resignation the following pastors served about 
 one year each: — i?a\ W. H Ward, Rev. E. P. Moullon, Rev. 
 Ezekiel True, Rev. Harvey Brewer, and Rev. F. H. Peckham.
 
 282 ROCHESTER. 
 
 In April, 1885, Bev. G. N. Musgrove became pastor, and remained 
 till October, 1887. During his ministry a revival interest prevailed, 
 and fifteen were added to the church. In 1885 Amasa Allen was 
 chosen deacon. Some additions have been made in almost every 
 pastorate since the beginning, and the church numbers about fifty 
 at the present time. 
 
 Free "Will Baptist Church of East Rochester. 
 
 In 1864 Rev. Bial Hohhs began preaching in the school-house 
 at East Rochester. The congregation increased till a house of 
 worship became a necessity. In August, 1865, land was bought, 
 and a building was erected during the following year at a cost of 
 about $6,000. A Free Will Baptist Society had been holding 
 meetings for several years in a school-house at Blaisdell's Corner 
 in Lebanon, Me. They now disbanded to unite with those of 
 like faith in East Rochester, and on Nov. 22, 1866, was organized 
 the ^'- East Rochester and Lebanon Free Will Bajjtist Society J^ October 
 1, Rev. Isaac Hyatt was called as pastor and remained one year. 
 In April, 1868, he was followed by Rev. Plummer Chesley, who 
 resigned after a little more than a year. In 1869 this church 
 received $107.01 from the division of the parsonage fund. Rev. 
 A. Lovejoy served as pastor for the next three years. In 1872 
 Rev. Thomas Keniston began a pastorate of some over two years. 
 Rev. George W. Hill was pastor from 1875 till 1878, in which year 
 Rev. Ezekiel True supplied the pulpit. In April, 1879, Rev. W. H. 
 Ward becanle pastor. During his ministry the church building was 
 repaired and a fine-toned bell placed in its tower. The next pastor 
 was Rev. George W. Pierce^ who began in April, 1881, and remained 
 two years. Rev. R. McDoncdd came in the spring of 1883, and 
 after one year was followed by Rev. B. F. Durgin. Rev. G. N. 
 Musgrove was called in the spring of 1885, and remained pastor 
 till August, 1887, since which time there has been no regular 
 pastor. 
 
 One of the founders of this church, and during his life-time its 
 most liberal supporter, was Deacon Stephen Shorey. He was always 
 deeply interested in the welfare of the village and did much to 
 advance its interests and promote its growth. Pie died Sept. 15, 
 1879.
 
 MODERN CUURCII HISTORY. 288 
 
 Deacon Brlant Pcavey, one of the priiicij.al benclactors of this 
 church, lived on the Lebanon side of the river in the settlement 
 known as Peaveyville. He presented an organ to the church and 
 built a parsonage which his widow presented to the society in 
 accordance with his expressed intentions, lie died July 22, lh8»j. 
 
 KocHESTER Village Free Will Baptist Church. * 
 
 The grow^th and prosperity of the Rochester Vilbuje IWi Wdl 
 Baptist Society has been phenomenal. Its founders had neither 
 silver nor gold in abundance, but they had intelligence, integrity, 
 and Christian enterprise. Few in number, they were nevertheless 
 powerful in being united, and in comprehending the duties and 
 responsibilities they owed to the church they were founding for 
 the service of God. There are very few brighter or more prac- 
 tical exhibitions of self-denying devotion to a holy cause than are 
 found in the organization and support of this church. 
 
 The seed of this church was planted in 1870, and watered by 
 the tears and sustained by the prayers of the faithful few, it ger- 
 minated during the winter's frosts and took deep root in the early 
 spring. One winter evening five persons met at a private house 
 and talked and prayed over the project of organizing a society to 
 represent the faith of Randall. The matter was thoroughly dis- 
 cussed at frequent prayer-meetings held with increasing attendance 
 at the house of Rev. George W. Whitney, then eighty years of 
 age. He entered heart and soul into the work, and let no oppor- 
 tunity pass without saying a word for the cause. 
 
 Rev. A. Lovejoy, then of East Rochester, preached two Sundays 
 in the Town Hall, to a handful of believers. This strengthened 
 the little band and encouraged one of the number to write to 
 Rev. Ezekiel True, then pastor at Saco, Me. Mr. True came to 
 Rochester, saw the land that it was a goodly heritage, and returning 
 to Saco resigned his pastorate with \.\ good salary in that city, for 
 the purpose of uniting here with a people who could pay but a 
 meager sum. At the dwelling of Mrs. F. C. Hayes twenty-seven 
 persons met informally to welcome and confer with Mr. True. 
 Twelve of these were eligible to church membership, besides a few 
 who could soon obtain letters from churches elsewhere. Nearly 
 all present signified their wish to become members of the society. 
 
 *The following sketch was substantially prepared by Hon. C. W. FoKom.
 
 284 ROCHESTER. 
 
 April 2, 1871, Mr. True held his first meeting at Wentworth 
 Hall, which had been engaged, but for no specified period. The 
 " Rochester Courier," which had been very friendly to the project 
 from its inception, had the following "local" in its next issue : — 
 
 " The Free Will Baptists held their first meeting on Sunday, and the attend- 
 ance and interest shown -n^as all that could be reasonably expected. The hall 
 was rather more than half full in the forenoon, and in the afternoon was well 
 filled by an attentive audience who listened to the word preached with power. 
 The singing was by the congregation, good old fashioned tunes and hymns being 
 in vogue. In the evening about eighty persons were present, twenty-five at 
 least of whom took part, exhortations and prayers following each other in quick 
 succession. Our friends were very successful in their first Sunday's exercises." 
 
 On the first of May, Ezekiel True, Larkin B. Moulton, Eben 
 S. Dyer, Gershom D. Plumer, Amos Tufts, Lewis A. Chesley, 
 George W. Hurd, and Charles E. Yarney signed articles of agree- 
 ment assuming the corporate name of " The Rochester Village Free 
 Will Baptist Society." Legal notice having been published, the 
 society was thus enabled to transact business as a corporated body. 
 
 Meetings were well attended during the summer, and on Tuesday, 
 Oct. 31, 1871, a church was organized with a membership of 
 sixteen persons. In a few weeks several more were added by 
 baptism and letter. The original members were as follows : — 
 Ezekiel True, George W. Whitney, Sylvia M. True, Angelina H. 
 Whitney, James T. ]S"ichols, Charles E, Varney, Daniel McDuflfee, 
 Lydia S. McDufitee, Ezekiel Ricker, Lorinda Kicker, Eben S. Dyer, 
 Maria E. Dyer, Francis C. Hayes, Mary Johnson, Larkin B. 
 Moulton, Eveline Moulton. Of this number, seven have crossed 
 the valley of death, two have been transferred to another church, 
 and seven still remain members here. 
 
 The society worshiped in Wentworth Hall about a year, and 
 then went to McDufiee Hall for Sunday services, holding their 
 prayer-meetings in Hook-and-Ladder Hall. 
 
 Rev. Ezekiel True retired from the pastorate after three 3'ears' 
 efficient service, and May 1, 1874, Rev. E. C. Cook of Steep Falls, 
 Me., was settled and remained here till April, 1877. 
 
 The church and society had been steadily gaining, and felt 
 deeply the necessity of owning a place of worship for themselves. 
 A committee was appointed to see what could be done. After 
 overcoming man}' obstacles with much labor, they purchased of 
 the Eastern Railroad Company a lot of land on Hanson street for
 
 MODERN CHURCU HISTORY. 285 
 
 ^1,400. On this lot a phiiii white buiUhiig for u vestry was (•(•m- 
 pleted in October following. The entire cost of the Imildini,' and 
 its furnishing was a fraction less than $1,100. It was dedicated 
 on Thursday, Nov. 12, 1874, Rev. E. True preaching the Hormon. 
 The pastor, Rev. E. C. Cook, together with the venerable George 
 W. Whitney, Rev. Mr. Tracy of Gonic, and Kcv. II. M. Stone, 
 pastor of the Congregational Church, also took part in the services. 
 
 Rev. B. A. Sherwood of Richmond, Me,, succeeded Mr. Cook July 
 1, 1877, and continued his pastorate till September, 1878. Mr. 
 Sherwood made great exertions to build a church, and at one 
 time had four thousand dollars pledged for that purpose, but the 
 undertaking proved too large for so small a society. Debts had 
 been gradually increasing till the vestry and lot had to be sold, 
 and the society found itself without property and $200 in debt. 
 
 In October Mr. True again took the helm as pastor, and Chase's 
 Hall was hired as a place of worship. Greater efforts were made 
 and a season of prosperity followed. Mr. True was desirous that 
 a younger man should take up the work, and introduced lier. E. 
 P. Moulton, who began here in October, 1879. Mr. True did not 
 abate his interest, but with the new^ pastor and the church acting 
 in perfect harmony, continued to labor with unselfish devotion, 
 unflinching courage, and untiring energy. During the next four 
 years the old debt was paid, a lot at the corner of Liberty and 
 Charles streets purchased for $1,435, and a very handsome church 
 built at a cost of $7,346.51. It is a matter of wonder that so 
 beautiful and commodious a church could be built for so small a 
 sum. The church debt was less than $1,500. The dedication 
 took place Jan. 23, 1884, Rev. C. A. Bickford of Dover preaching 
 the sermon. Rev. Messrs. Wood, Quimby, Moulton, Eakins, of 
 the Methodist Church, and Kimball of the Congregational Church 
 took part in the services. Rev. E. True, to whose efforts so 
 much was due, had been suddenly called to his heavenly home, 
 Feb. 18, 1883. Very appropriately the front of the building bears 
 the clear cut inscription, " True Memorial Church," thus perpet- 
 uating the memory of him who was faithful even unto death. 
 
 June 1, 1885, Mr. Moulton resigned to take charge of a strug- 
 gling church at Pittsfield. He was at once succeeded by iiVr. 
 J. B. Davis of Meredith, the present pastor. The cliurch mem- 
 bership has been of a steady and sure growth, and now (1887)
 
 286 ROCHESTER. 
 
 numbers one hundred and thirt}'. The Sunday School, which in 
 its beginning consisted of four teacliers and twenty scholars, had, 
 in 18S6, a membership of 264, with an average attendance of 155. 
 It has been steadily increasing since then, and an attendance of 
 over 200 is frequent. The ladies of this church have been efficient 
 and untiring workers in the cause of the Master, and have ren- 
 dered valuable service in upbuilding the church and sustaining 
 its worship. The present condition of the church is prosperous, 
 and the outlook hopeful. 
 
 Universalists. 
 
 It was more than forty years after the introduction of Univers- 
 alism into this country before it gained any considerable foothold 
 in Rochester. The first record is the following notice : — 
 
 " Be it knowu that on the twenty-seventh day of March, 1841, Benj° Hayes, 
 Silas Wentworth, and others, their associates agreed to form themselves into a 
 religious Society to be known by the name of the First Universalist Society of 
 Rochester, and have organized said society as the Statute of the State in the 
 
 ^ ■ William Jackson, Clerk." 
 
 A constitution was adopted and signed by the following per- 
 sons : — Edward Tebbets, Paul Libb}', William Jackson, Silas 
 Wentworth, Jonathan H. Henderson, Jacob J. Garland, James M. 
 Garland, Joel Varney, Lemuel B. Ham. Others whose names 
 are not on the records are known to have taken a very active 
 part in sustaining meetings of this society, among whom were 
 Asa P. Hanson, Charles G. Giles, N. V. Whitehouse, James H. 
 Place, Noah Place, Richard Cross, and Charles W. Edgerly. 
 
 For more than thirty-five years there are recorded only two 
 meetings of this society, and the only business was the choice of 
 officers, William Jackson remaining clerk. There were doubtless 
 informal meetings of which no record was kept, as enough money 
 was raised and expended to secure preaching by the following 
 persons during a part of each year named : — Rev. R. 0. Williams, 
 1841 ; Rev. Eben Francis, 1842 ; Rev. George C. Strickland, 1843 
 and 1845; Rev. Mr. Cilley, 1844; Rev. E. Coffin, 1844; Rev. G. 
 Anderson, 1845; Rev. E. H. Lake, 1847 and 1848; Rev. Thomas 
 J. Greenwood, 1850, 1855, and 1865; Rev. A. A. Miner, 1850;
 
 MODERN CHURCH HISTORY. 2^7 
 
 Rev. Mr. Pettee, 1852; Rev. Mr. Ilicks, iHf)!*; Rev. Mr. Katoti, 
 1862; Rev. Mr. Patterson, 18(32. In 18()ft this society received 
 136.70 as its sliare of the parsonac^e land. 
 
 In the summer of 1877, at a meeting held in the countiiiir-rooin 
 of E. G. and E. Walhice, Charles W. Edrrerly and Alhert T. C'olton 
 were chosen to solicit funds to estahlisli meetings once in two 
 weeks. Many responded, and the tirst [>reacher was Rev. E. L. 
 Conger, followed by Rev. James Gorton of Nashua, Rev. Mr. 
 Ralph of Columbus, Ohio, and Rev, Mr. Powers from Vermont. 
 Sept. 11, 1877, a call was issued signed by Paul Libby, James 
 H. Place, Edward Tebbets, and Silas Wentworth, for a meeting to 
 re-organize the Universalist Society. The meeting was held Sept, 
 22. Charles "W. Edgerly was chosen clerk, and it was " voted to 
 hold meetings every other Sunday for the present, and to hire 
 McDuliee Hall." The society was for a time aided b}- the New 
 Hampshire Convention of Universalist Churches, who sent from 
 time to time the following preachers as supply : — Revs. G. L. 
 Demarest and L. F. McKinney of Manchester; E. M. Grant, W. 
 S. Yail, Benton Smith, George W. Quinby, and Dr. Sawyer of 
 Boston ; Mr. Spalding of Peabody, Mass. ; W. S. Perkins and 
 H. W. Smith of Tufts College; Mr. Eddy, Mr. Bowles, and Mr. 
 Magwire. 
 
 Dec. 8, 1878, the society voted to accept and adopt the consti- 
 tution recommended by the General Convention, and from this 
 time the name of Ira Doe appears as clerk. 
 
 " Dec. 20, 1879, it was voted to hire Rev. W. S. Perkins to supply 
 till June next." 
 
 Sept. 19, 1880, a call was extended to H. W. Smith, then a student 
 : at Tufts College, to settle as pastor, with the ofter of §800 salary. 
 
 This call was accepted and Mr. Smith began his work Oct. 3, 
 
 1880. A Council called for his ordination met in McDutfee Hall. 
 
 The following ministers conducted the services : — Prof. Leonard 
 • of Tufts College; Rev. E. M. Grant of Portsmouth; Rev. Benton 
 
 Smith of South New^market; Rev. G. L. Demarest and Rev. L. F. 
 
 McKinney of Manchester. 
 
 Mr. Smith's pastorate ended July 9, 1882, and the records for 
 
 that date close with these words:— "When we shall have anotlier 
 
 meetino;, time alone wnll tell; the want of unity now existing does 
 
 not seem to warrant one very soon."
 
 288 ROCHESTER. 
 
 In 1882-83 the Unitarian Convention of !New Hampshire repeat- 
 edly sent its emissaries with offers of aid to induce this society to 
 employ one of its preachers. But their offers were rejected "as 
 our parish thought we had been known as Universahsts for over 
 forty years, a time too long to think of now making the change." 
 Aside from these Unitarian meetings for five Sabbaths, there were 
 only three preaching services for two years and a half after Mr. 
 Smith left. These were conducted by Revs. S. H. McCollester of 
 Dover, G. H. Shinn of Plymouth, and H. S. Fiske of ]!^ewmarket. 
 
 3Ir. Shinn supplied the pulpit about four months, beginning Jan. 
 1, 1885, and an unsuccessful effort was made to secure his services 
 as permanent pastor. 
 
 J. *S^. Cutler, then of Tufts College, began to supply in May, 1885, 
 and accepted a call to become pastor. " Having been duly exam- 
 ined by the Council at South JSTewmarket, and being approved 
 by them he was duly installed " Dec. 17, 1885. Sermon by Prof. 
 Leonard of Tufts College, Charge by Dr. Demarest of Manchester, 
 Address to People by Rev. W. S. Vail, and Right Hand of Fel- 
 lowship by Rev. James Eastwood of Kingston. 
 
 In June, 1886, the parish committee were instructed " to investigate 
 the different lots named by persons in the meeting," with the idea 
 of " building a church on the same." Thus far nothing has come 
 of this movement. In the summer of 1887, Mr. Cutler accepted 
 a call to Marblehead, Mass., and the society has since remained 
 without a pastor. 
 
 Second Adventists. 
 
 Ever since the ascent at Bethany there have been those in the 
 churches who have been looking for the speedy return of the 
 Lord.* From time to time in the history of Christianity have 
 arisen those who by their earnest zeal on this topic, and espe- 
 cially by fixing a definite time for the advent, have aroused wide- 
 spread excitements. The first extensive movement of this kind 
 in America was produced by the preaching of "William Miller, 
 who had served as a captain in the war of 1812, but about the 
 year 1833, by a carefully studied and very ingenious and plausible 
 interpretation of Scripture, announced the very day of the Lord's 
 coming in April, 1843. Traveling from place to place his preaching 
 " moved the people mightily." " Farmers, mechanics, teachers,
 
 MODERN CHURCH HISTORY. 289 
 
 and many mini^^tors of various denominations k-t't their liomes 
 and scattered tbrougli the country preaching; this doctrine, and 
 converts were made everywliere.'' Many yet rcnicniber the ^rc-at 
 excitement of those times. The immense comet whicli appearetl 
 in the winter of 1842-43 added to the flames. People deserted 
 their homes, and gave away tlieir property, so that not a few who 
 had been in comfortable circumstances found themselves reduced 
 to actual want, when the set time passed, and the world still went 
 on. Other times were set, but as one day after another failed to 
 bring the promised glory, still a remnant clung to the faith. No 
 longer setting the exact day, they still proclaim the very speedy 
 " coming of the Lord Jesus Christ to raise the dead, to judge the 
 world, to cleanse the earth by fire, to give his saints immortality, 
 to set up his kingdom, and to fill the earth with his glory." 
 
 Rochester, like almost every other town, had its share of those 
 who accepted this doctrine. Meetings were first lield in the school- 
 house at East Rochester. Earnest believers, prominent among 
 whom were the present church elders, John C. Shorey and James 
 Quimby, procured preachers, and after a time " quite a company 
 were drawn together." About 1867 a chapel was built, and reg- 
 ular meetings have been kept up since that time. There is " quite 
 a thrifty church," and a Sabbath School, of which George Mc- 
 Orillis is superintendent. 
 
 Another company of Second Adventists held their meetings for 
 a time in the house of Moody Smith, about three miles below 
 the village. About 1867 a small chapel was built on the back 
 road to Dover, where meetings have been held ever since. Among 
 the prominent members here are J. ^\'. Whipple, Ira Bickford, 
 and Mr. Ramsbottom. Preaching is kept up by Elder Joseph T. 
 Libby, Elder Enoch Morrill, Elder Charles Willand, and other 
 occasional supplies. 
 
 Still another company of Second Advent believers, prominent 
 among whom were J. H. F. Varney and Jonathan Ilorne, both 
 of whom became preachers, held meetings at the house of Wells 
 Pinkham, and afterwards at the school-house on the Ten-rod road. 
 In 1854 Elders James G. Smith, Jonathan Cummings, an<l others 
 held a tent-meeting in that neighborhood, which brought in quite 
 a number of converts. In 1866 "a missionary spirit got into 
 them for labor in Rochester Village," and Elders J. II. F. Varney, 
 
 20
 
 290 EOCHESTER. 
 
 Jonathan Home, and Joseph Pinkham of Dover held a protracted 
 meeting in the Town Hall. Among the converts at this time 
 were Mary Anna Sanborn, a prominent school teacher, and her 
 sister Sarah, both of whom went to Virginia with Mrs. H. L. 
 Hastings to labor as missionaries among the Freedmen. 
 
 From this time the interest was moved from the Ten-rod road 
 to the village, and meetings were held in the Town Hall until 
 the fall of 1868, when Elders Daniel Leavitt of Ashland, Mass., 
 and H. L. Hastings of Boston, with others, held a tent-meeting 
 in the rear of the Mansion House. Among the converts was a 
 Toung infidel by the name of Parsons. While sitting in his room 
 reading a novel, he heard the preaching from the tent, and became 
 a firm believer. Having both education and natural ability he 
 became a successful Advent preacher. After this meetings were 
 held in difterent halls of the village with fair success for a few 
 years, when divisions arose and two meetings were established. 
 Both were soon suspended, though prayer-meetings were still held 
 in private houses. 
 
 In 1875 Elder Yarney invited Elder Enoch Morrill, then of 
 South Deerfield, to hold a protracted meeting with him in the 
 Town Hall. A public discussion followed between Elder Morrill 
 and Rev. Mr. Tebbets concerning conditional immortality and the 
 state of the dead. As a result of these efforts the meetings were 
 revived and continued till a church was organized in 1879. Under 
 the faithful and earnest labors of Elder Yarney, followed by Elder 
 Smith, a fair degree of prosperity was enjoyed. In 1884 Elder 
 Morrill removed to Rochester and devoted a part of his labor to 
 this church. The next year he pitched a large tent near the rail- 
 road station, where historical and prophetic lectures were given 
 by Elder and Mrs. McKinstry. Again in the fall of 1887 Elder 
 Morrill pitched a large tent at Cold S})ring Park, where he with 
 Elders "Warren, Tenney, Stevens, and others held meetings which 
 resulted in strengthening the church, and converting others to the 
 Advent faith. Since then the " Advent Christian Church " has 
 held meetings in Odd Fellows Hall, with regular preaching by 
 Elder A. A. Robinson of Dover, Elder Mark Stevens of Ossipee, 
 Elder Morrill and Elder J, E. Clough of Dover. George T. Dem- 
 ming is superintendent of the Sabbath School, and a fair degree 
 of prosperity is enjoyed. The Second Adventists received §72.57 
 from the division of the parsonage fund in 1869.
 
 modern church history. 291 
 
 Roman Catholic c'iiiik h. 
 Irisli. 
 
 In 1860 there were only eiccht or ten families of Irish Cutholice 
 in Rochester. These were visited occ-iisioii;illy l.y the ]{ev. F'tthcr 
 Luc)j of Great Falls. As their numbers increased the Jin: Father 
 Walsh of Newmarket held services in some hall regularly once a 
 month. He was followed by the liev. Father Dtonam; who acted 
 as curate for the licv. Father Canovan of Great Falls. Then the 
 latter attended the charge himself for a time. After a few years 
 Father Walsh returned with orders to build a church. He suc- 
 ceeded in erecting a wooden building 30 by 50 feet, with a vestry, 
 at a cost of $2,100. This was called St. Mary's Church. Ma^s 
 was first celebrated in it Dec. 25, 1868. Fatlier Canovan was 
 again in charge for a time. There were at this time about four 
 hundred and eighty persons belonging to the parish, including a 
 few Canadian French. The next pastor was the Rec. Father Pugh^ 
 who died here after about a year and a half, and was buried at 
 Dover. After him came the Bev. Father Carnes, who was followed 
 by the Rev. Father Louis Wilele. In the spring of 1884 the Rev. 
 Fedher John T. BlcDonnell took charge, and under his direction 
 the new church was built on Charles street at a cost of $10,000. 
 The corner-stone was laid in August, 1885. This new St. Mary's 
 Church has a seating capacity of four hundred, and is a beautiful 
 edifice, second to none of its size in the State. It contains a tine 
 new pipe organ, and a bell weighing 1,965 pounds, which was 
 consecrated ISTov. 25, 1886. Services were held in the new 
 church for the first time by Bishop Bradley of Manchester, Dec. 
 5, 1886. Two days later Father McDonnell died and was buried 
 here. Jan. 1, 1887, the Rev. Father John I. Bradley took charge 
 of the parish, which now numbers about six hundred. 
 
 Roman Catholic Church. 
 
 FVeneh. 
 
 The French Catholics worshiped with the Irish till the 7^t. 
 Father Urbain Lamp was appointed their pastor, who held liis first 
 service in McDuiFee Hall, March 22, 1883. A subscription was
 
 292 ROCHESTER. 
 
 at once started to build a church, and §4,500 was raised for that 
 purpose during the year. In May a lot was bought for $640, and 
 the foundations were laid in June. The building, 75 by 45 feet, 
 was finished in December. It afl:brds four hundred and fifty sit- 
 tings, and is furnished with an organ, three altars, and the statues 
 of St. Mary, St. Ann, and the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The cost 
 was $8,000, most of which has been already paid. The Eev. Father 
 Lamy celebrated the first Mass in this church on Christmas day, 
 1883. The church is called " Notre Dame du Saint JRosaire," and 
 was dedicated in May, 1886, by the Rt. Rev. Bishop Bradley of 
 Manchester. A fine bell of 1,600 pounds was consecrated by him 
 at the same time. When Father Lamy first came his congrega- 
 tion numbered about two hundred and fifty, but has now increased 
 to six hundred. It is expected that a parochial school will be 
 opened in the summer of 1888. The building, containing four 
 rooms, is located near the church, and will cost about two thou- 
 sand dollars. Both French and English will be taught.
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 LIGHTS AND S II A D W S . 
 
 " The wings of Time are black and white 
 Pied with morning and with night," 
 
 " Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler ; and whosoever erreth thereby 
 is not wise." 
 
 It is proposed in this chapter to treat of intemperance, crime, 
 and reform. From the earl}- days down through the first third 
 of the present century, the drinking habits of the people were 
 deplorable. Every store and tavern sold rum. Not a temperance 
 man, as we understand the term, could be found. The most 
 respectable church members, men who afterwards became conspic- 
 uous for their temperance efforts, would get more than merry, 
 and to be assisted home at night was only a subject of [ilayful 
 banter the next morning, and then forgotten. The minister drank 
 with the rest, and it was a source of deeper mortification to a 
 family to be out of rum when he called, than to be out of meat 
 or flour. It was customary for the deacons and other male mem- 
 bers of the congregation to spend the Sabbath noon at the store, 
 drinking, or sometimes to repair to the spring near the church 
 to mix their grog with the cool water. Rum was always used at 
 funerals, and it was common for the neighbors to get merry and 
 talkative coming back from the grave. A bearer has been known 
 to tumble into the grave from intoxication, and the bottle has 
 been set on the coffin of the dead. Boys drank with their fathers 
 at home, with the minister at the parsonage, with officers on the 
 training field. No frame could be raised without rum. The town 
 accounts show that thirty-four gallons of rum and a barrel t>f cider 
 were bought for the raising of the Congregational Church in 17S0. 
 Even as late as 1825, when the corner-stone of the Methodist 
 Church was laid, punch was made by tubfuls in the stores near 
 by. According to the custom previously mentioned (p. 131), the
 
 294 ROCHESTER. 
 
 frame was christened by an eftusion of doggerel, with an effusion 
 of rum on the ridgepole. No Thanksgiving or Fourth of July 
 could he properly observed without intoxicating drinks, and on 
 no occasion were they more freely used, than at ordinations of 
 ministers, when a large company of people assembled from neigh- 
 borino- towns. School-masters would be drunk at school. One 
 Junkins, who taught at Gonic some sixty to seventy years ago, often 
 got drunk and slept it off sitting in his chair. The boys once 
 tied him into his chair, and hung a dead puppy about his neck. 
 On the farm rum was indispensable. It took a barrel of '•' West 
 India" for some farmers to get through haying. Beginning to 
 use it regularly in the field at hoeing, when haying commenced 
 the hands must have their " bitters " before grinding their scythes 
 in the morning. At ten or eleven o'clock rum was sent to the 
 field, when they would seat themselves in a circle on the grass 
 and drink. The same thing was repeated in the middle of the 
 afternoon. Sometimes the " second corner " was turned, as it was 
 called; that is, the bottle having passed around one way, was 
 turned in its course and passed back the other, the men laugh- 
 ingly clasping as much of the tumbler as they could in their 
 hands so as not to show how deep were their potations. The 
 boys who spread the hay were expected to drink with the men. 
 When the traders came liome from Boston, whither they went 
 twice a year to bu}^ goods, it was an event of great consequence. 
 All over town, weeks before they started, it was known and 
 excited much talk. When they returned, the best judges of 
 liquor went around and tasted the Jamaica and Santa Cruz, and 
 reported who had the best liquors, and to that store the trade 
 was sure to go. 
 
 In 1829 the trouble was taken to ascertain how much liquor 
 was consumed in town yearly. It was found from the statements 
 of the merchants themselves, that about eleven thousand six hundred 
 gallons had been consumed, costing $8,000, being more than five 
 gallons for every man, woman, and child in town. This fact was 
 stated in a Fourth of July address by Mr. Towner, principal of 
 the Academy, and although it excited some comment, its truth- 
 fulness has never been questioned. Nor was Rochester worse in 
 this respect than other towns. Wherever the facts were investi- 
 gated similar results were obtained.
 
 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS. 295 
 
 Many specific accounts might be irivon to illustrate the condi- 
 tion of society. About 1822, there lived in a small house close 
 to the river bank, just above the bridge, a hard drinker, who, 
 while intoxicated one winter night, lay so ex[>osed that his lindig 
 were frozen, and he nearly perisheih The event caused consider- 
 able excitement. People felt that something ought to be done 
 about it; at least that there should bean investigation. Some of 
 the citizens accordingly held a meeting at the Barker tavern, just 
 below where the Methodist Church now stands. We can imagine 
 the meeting, probably the first ever called here to deal with such 
 a subject. It comprised the wisdom and enterprise of the town. 
 There were present business men well known for energy and 
 ability to carry through whatever they undertook. Of course 
 from such a gathering great things might well be expected. It 
 was voted to prosecute all violations of law. A committee was 
 appointed to report at an adjourned meeting the next Saturday 
 night. When Saturday evening came, the chairman of the com- 
 mittee, Squire Upham, arose to excuse himself. He said it was 
 known he was a trader, and of course sold liquor, and it would 
 not look just right for him to be prominent in such a movement. 
 Every member of the committee was a rumseller, and one after 
 another followed his example, asking to be excused. The meeting 
 itself was being held in a rum-selling tavern. It would seem that 
 there must have dawmed on the minds of these men some feeling 
 of inconsistency between the business they were pursuing, and the 
 welfare of the community which they Avere supposed to have at 
 heart. However this may have been, nothing came of the effort. 
 
 Soon after this it was found that the young men of the village 
 were frequenting the house of this same drunkard, whom they 
 would send to the stores for liquor, and spend the night in ca- 
 rousals. The house becoming disreputable in other respects 
 besides rum-drinking, the people resolved to endure it no longer. 
 A private invitation was sent round to many of the princijial 
 citizens to meet at the saw-mill, just below where the ui)per factory 
 now stands. One prominent man tried to avoid any share in the 
 proceedings by going to bed early, Init he was called up and 
 rather reluctantly joined the company. Meeting at the appointed 
 place, they armed themselves with bars and levers, and chose 
 William Hurd as captain. He was an active, public-spirited man,
 
 296 ROCHESTER. 
 
 very liberal and earnest in all things relating to the church of 
 which he was a member. He was a trader, and of course sold 
 rum. His store being near the meeting-house he had the pat- 
 ronage of the church members, especially on Sundays. Nobod}^ 
 seemed to perceive any inconsistency in these things; and Hurd 
 was always ready to be a leader in whatever promised good to 
 the community. The party marched to the house, and Hanscam, 
 the millwright, was appointed spokesman to address the family. 
 Hanscam himself was a hard drinker, but that was thought no 
 disqualification. The family were allowed twenty minutes to get 
 out of the house with their goods, and the men helped them 
 move. Then, as the house was small, they tried to topple it into 
 the river with their levers and bars, but being unsuccessful, they 
 tore ofi" the boards and pried out the braces, till the building was 
 leveled to the ground. The party then dispersed to their homes, 
 unless they went to the nearest store for a drink. The house 
 M'as owned by one Page on the Meaderborough road. Coming 
 to the village the next morning, Page first observed the ruins. He 
 set himself to gather information for the purpose of prosecuting 
 the rioters, but the ejected tenant told him the leading men of 
 the village were there, naming all the principal men, (many of 
 whom were present, and many more absent,) until Page thought 
 it would be a hopeless task to bring such men to punishment, 
 and concluded to quietly bear his loss. 
 
 In 1806 there was living at the lower end of the village a man 
 who, having fitted up the front part of his house as a store, had 
 gradually increased his business till he had one of the largest and 
 best-selected stocks in the village. He became deranged, his dis- 
 ease at first taking the form of religious insanity, accompanied 
 with a great facility of quoting Scripture. It was found necessary 
 to appoint a guardian to manage his property. He left his store, 
 and in 1825 was living in a neat and comfortable house on the 
 point of land where the road divides at the head of Wakefield 
 street. The removal from the old home to the new well illus- 
 trates the peculiarities of the man. As the prophet Ezekiel was 
 a sign to the house of Israel, so he was to be a sign to the people 
 of Rochester. He carried out literally the command to the prophet 
 to " bring forth his stuff in their sight as stuft' for removing ; to 
 go forth at even as they that go into captivity; to dig through
 
 LIGHTS AND SlIAIiOWS. 207 
 
 the wall and cany it out thereby, and carry it out in liu- twili-jht," 
 etc. The family moved in procession at t\vili<rht throu<,di the 
 village. Hardly had they become settled in the Ijouse at the head 
 of Wakefield street before it became notorious not only for liquor 
 selling, which was regarded as no crime in those days, but I'or 
 the grossest immoralities. The liouse also became known for 
 miles around as a receptacle for stolen goods. On the beams of 
 his barn he had built an otfice which he called iiis '' sanrtum 
 sanctorum,'' where the stolen goods were carefully stored. Having 
 been a very methodical man in trade, he carried liis ])U8ine88 
 methods into his new occupation, keeping a journal in which was 
 recorded a minute description of all stolen goods, with dates when 
 received and when sold. It included a record of all visitors, and 
 an exact cash account. One of his children being vo-y sick, Parson 
 Haven visited and prayed with the family. That day in his cash 
 account he made the following entry: — "Parson Haven, Cr, By 
 one long, sanctimonious prayer, 20 cents." 
 
 * The public good required that a stop be put to his i»roceed- 
 ings. The first move was to arrest him for keeping stolen goods. 
 He had received some intimation of what was coming, and had 
 prepared for the attack. Anticipating a long siege he stored a 
 barrel of crackers and half a barrel of brandy in his " sanctum "; 
 neither did he neglect means of defense, but supjilicd himself 
 with guns and ammunition in abundance. On the appointed evening 
 a large party under the lead of Capt. Hurd forced an entrance 
 into the barn, filling the barn floor. From the door of his loft, 
 the old man demanded, "Come ye peaceably, or come ye in war?'' 
 He was assured that they came peaceably. It soon becoming 
 evident that they could capture him only by strategy, Squire Upham 
 advanced and called for a parley. Knowing the old man's hosjii- 
 tality was never at fault, he made bold to ask him for a drink. 
 He at once retired and drew a glass of brandy, but was careful 
 not to expose himself to chance of capture. There was nothing 
 to do but to drink the brandy, and immediately ask for another 
 glass. While this was being drawn, a tall young man named 
 
 * In the original sketch but one \-isit from the citizens is recorded. But iii a note the nu- 
 thor says "It is evident I have got two events mixed. Tliey doiihlless went twice to the 
 house, once to arrest him for stolen goods, and once to tear it down." The story m here 
 remodeled to conform as nearly as possible to the author's marginal notes. — [Editor.]
 
 298 ' ROCHESTER. 
 
 Simon Ross concealed himself, so that when he again stepped out 
 on the beam, he reached up and caught him firmly hy the ankle. 
 AVhen he found himself taken, the old man exclaimed, " Ye have 
 dealt deceitfully with me." An action was brought against him 
 for having stolen goods in his possession. John P. Hale was 
 retained for his counsel and made insanity the ground of defense. 
 His journal was put in evidence, but nothing resulted from the 
 case. 
 
 Capt. William Hurd and Charles Dennett were the selectmen 
 in the village this year. As " Fathers of the Town," they felt 
 responsible for the public morals. The man had returned to his 
 house, which still retained its ill-savored notoriety for corrupt 
 morals. Taking a broad view of their official duties, these select- 
 men felt that the summary destruction of such houses came fairly 
 within the scope of their powers. An evening was agreed upon, 
 and Capt. Hurd, who had led the before-mentioned attacks, now led 
 a large party of young men to complete this work. On arriving 
 they found the house securely fastened, but they at once began 
 its demolition. None of the family showing au}^ disposition to 
 help themselves, they were taken from their bedrooms through 
 the windows at some peril during the destruction of the house, 
 which was soon leveled to the ground. The children were struck 
 off at auction to those families who agreed to bring them up on 
 the best terms, and all found good homes. The owner of the 
 house, who lived in Portsmouth, dared not make any trouble 
 with the rioters. 
 
 After the destruction of the house the old man built himself a 
 cabin, half under ground and covered with earth, back of where 
 the house stood, and surrounded by a growth of birch and pine. 
 Here he lived many years and died at an advanced age. He 
 indulged in writing poetry, especially acrostics, for those who would 
 give him a few cents, and occasionally his rhymes appeared in 
 the papers. He was commonly known as " the hermit," and his 
 cabin as " the hermitage," and it was one of the amusements of 
 the wicked boys of the last generation to toss brickbats down 
 his chimney. 
 
 The following incident illustrates the power of the imagination: 
 Among the Rochester traders of seventy years ago was a waggish 
 young man who delighted in practical jokes. His store was the
 
 LIGHTS AND SIIADuWS. 299 
 
 favorite resort of young iiieu who enjoyed liis stories and liin fun. 
 Every trader then dealt in ardent spirits, and anions; this num's 
 customers was an ohl fellow named Meshach. Seeing liim coming 
 one evening he said to the bystanders, " Xow we'll liave some 
 fun. I'll bet a bottle of wine that I will get Mcshaeli drunk on 
 sweetened water." The bet was at once taken. "• Meshach," said 
 the trader, as he entered, "go to the pump and get a pail of 
 cool water, and I'll give you something to drink." Delighted at 
 the promise Meshach started off, and while he was absent the 
 decanter was filled with water tinged with molasses enough to 
 give it the right color. Old age and unremitted use of Santa 
 Cruz and Jamaica had somewhat deadened the old man's sense 
 of taste, and he drank his glass without discovering the decep- 
 tion. It had an apparent effect on his brain and he soon began 
 to be talkative, as usual. One glass after another was taken, 
 till he became very merry and loquacious, and the company of 
 course equall}" so as they saw the joke proceed. It was acknowl- 
 edged that the young trader had won the bet, for the old man 
 had every appearance of intoxication. 
 
 This Meshach, after taking his drams, would fall asleep and sit 
 snoozing in his chair till time to shut the shop. One evening 
 when the usual time for closing arrived, the trader Avith the help 
 of a companion took chair and sleeper and placed them quietly 
 down on the sidewalk. It was chilly and dark, and the cold soon 
 slightly aroused the sleeper. Now Meshach had a young sprig 
 of a son who had been christened in honor of his sire, but was 
 commonly known as " Mish." As the old man's obfuscated senses 
 gradually returned, while shivering on the sidewalk, he broke 
 forth in a bellowing tone, " Mish ! Mish ! I say, Mish I shut the 
 door, you rascal !" The laughter of the company revealed the 
 joke, and he made his way home somewhat mortified. 
 
 One of the earliest attempts to check intemperance by legisla- 
 tion was a law forbidding the sale of liquor in small quantities, 
 by the pint or half-pint. This law was evaded by many ingenious 
 devices. One trader sold his rum like calico, by the yard. 
 He had a long tube made containing just a pint. Customers 
 understanding the trick called for their liquor by the yard, and 
 the quantity was measured by the yard-slick. The kind of liquor 
 was designated by the name of some kind of cloth. Trousers
 
 300 ROCHESTER. 
 
 cloth was brandy, chintz was Xew England rum, and so on. 
 Many dealers would sell a cracker for five cents and throw in 
 a glass of rum. (See Appendix.) 
 
 These accounts help to show the condition of society at the 
 commencement of the temperance reform, indicating the great 
 obstacles to be overcome, and the severity of the approaching 
 contest. 
 
 In 1792 the state laws punished drunkenness with fines graded 
 according to the degree of the offense, and if the fine was not paid, 
 by setting in the stocks or imprisonment. Although the law 
 continued in force as late as 1815, yet the stocks were probably 
 never used in Rochester, for drunkenness was looked upon with 
 universal indulgence, and public sentiment was hardly up to 
 punishment of even a few shillings' fine. In the same year (1792) 
 a law was passed, requiring taverners and retailers of spirituous 
 liquors to be licensed by the selectmen. In the first year of this 
 law, sixteen licenses were recorded in Rochester; in 1793, six; 
 in 1794, sixteen ; and in 1795, four. 
 
 It was not till the 3'ear 1827 that the agitation of the temper- 
 ance question commenced in earnest. Then men began to think 
 and talk of the evils of intemperance, and public sentiment was 
 gathering strength to demand that the liquor traflic should be 
 restrained, — not prohibited, for this was not thought of for many 
 years. Active efforts were made to discourage intemperance. 
 Lecturers took the field, and the subject soon found its way into 
 the town meetings. Appeals for more stringent laws were made 
 to the Legislature, and, after considerable opposition, a law was 
 passed regulating licensed houses and retailers of spirituous liquors. 
 In Portsmouth it was voted, eight hundred to four, to refund the 
 money paid by those who had bought licenses. In Dover, a town 
 meeting called for the same purpose adjourned without action. 
 
 One section of the new law authorized the selectmen to post, 
 in all places where liquor was sold, the names of drunkards, and 
 it was made unlawful to sell to such persons. LTnder this section 
 the selectmen of Rochester posted, in the nine drinking places of 
 the village, the names of three well-known drunkards. This pro- 
 duced much excitement, as one of the three was a genial, good- 
 natured man of some property. Everybody sympathized with him, 
 as they usually do with genial, wdiole-hearted drunkards, and felt
 
 * LIGHTS AND SHADOWS. ",01 
 
 that the selectmen had been guUty of a i^ivat wroiitr i„ thus 
 pubHcly disgracing him. So mucli was said, that one more weak- 
 kneed than his colleagues, went round and eut his own name 
 out from all the notices. This was prohahly the first attempt to 
 restrain liquor selling in Rochester, hy force of law. 
 
 The "Dover Gazette" of Oct. 21, 1828, contained the following 
 item : — 
 
 " Found Dead, at the door of Susan and Phebc Kiehards, in Roeh- 
 ester, on the morning of the 17th inst., Mr. Joshua Trickey, in a 
 situation that indicates that he must have been dead before he 
 was left there. An inquisition w^as held on the body, and it was 
 ascertained that Trickey bought two quarts of rum as late as 
 half-past nine o'clock the evening before, and went towards the 
 house of the above-named Susan and Phebe, who bought that day 
 one quart, and were the only residents of the house." 
 
 It w^as supposed that Trickey got drunk in the house and died 
 from the effects of the liquor, and that the Richards girls dragged 
 him out and left him at the door. The house, which was situated 
 a little below the village, where the Great Falls road branches 
 from the main road, was afterwards destroyed by the citizens, as 
 had been others of like character. This event occurring so near 
 the beginning of the temperance movement, added not a little to 
 the excitement w^hich already existed. 
 
 Prominent in the good work of that period Avas Rev. Isaac 
 Willey. Young, enthusiastic, radical in his temperance views, he 
 stood for awhile almost alone. He had been settled as pastor of 
 the Congregational Church in January, 1826, and when the tem- 
 perance cause began to engross public attention, he entered into 
 it with all his soul. Mainlj^ through his efforts was formed the 
 first temperance organization in town, called the " Socicti/ for the 
 Sujypression of Intemperance.^' Its constitution is still in existence, 
 in the handwriting of William G. Webster, then a lawyer in this 
 village, wdio entered actively into this and other worthy move- 
 ments. The constitution, which is not dated, provides that meetings 
 should be held once in three months, and the first meeting was 
 to be held on the third Tuesday of January, 1828. Oidy ardent 
 spirits were forbidden, which did not include wine or cider. The 
 members were not to use ardent spirits themselves, allow them 
 to be used in iheir families, offer them to their hired laborers,
 
 302 ROCHESTER. 
 
 nor to their friends, and were to do all tliey could to discontinue 
 the use of them at funerals. Twenty-nine names are affixed. 
 Signatures were not easily obtained. Only one trader appears on 
 the list, and against his name is written the word " expelled." 
 Traders who would have joined the society, and left off the use of 
 liquor themselves, refused to do so because they were forbidden 
 to give it to their customers, it being the uniform practice when 
 a man settled his account to set on the bottle and tumbler for a 
 drink. If this were discontinued, they were afraid their customers 
 would go elsewhere to trade. 
 
 The article forbidding the use of spirits at funerals shows the 
 strong hold of another custom of the day. Charles Dennett, one 
 of the signers, was fond of relating how with much difficulty he 
 persuaded one family to offer coffee instead of liquor to the friends 
 at a funeral, but it was ventured on with much fear and hesita- 
 tion. Among other signers were M. R. Warren, then a teacher 
 of a district school, Samuel i^orris the Methodist minister, Charles 
 W. Woodman, and Thomas Brown. The fourth name on the list 
 is John Parker Hale, written in a school-boy hand, not much like 
 the " frank " of our late illustrious senator. 
 
 This constitution was soon superseded by a similar one changing 
 the name of the society to " The Rochester Temperance Society," 
 auxiliar}^ to the ISTew Hampshire Temperance Society. The num- 
 ber of names is increased. Among the additions are James H. 
 Edgerly, then a student at the Academy, N". V. Whitehouse, 
 Louis McDuffee, Asa Hanson, and his brother Dominicus, who 
 has, until lately, thought he never belonged to a temperance society, 
 and who could even now easily deny the signature, as it bears 
 no resemblance to the bold autograph so familiar to our people. 
 
 Mr. Willey secured the best temperance lecturers in the country, 
 such as Dr. Edwards of Andover, and Mr. Hewitt of Connecticut, 
 who was considered a giant in the work. At these lectures the 
 meeting-house would be crow^led. Rum-sellers and rum-drinkers 
 attended in large numbers, and sometimes interrupted the speakers, 
 but the work advanced. In 1829 the Fourth of July was observed 
 by an address before the society by James Towner, principal of 
 the Academy. The statistics presented b}^ him have already been 
 given. Mr. Willey made a canvass of the town about this time, 
 and stated publicly, that every fifth man in town was a drunkard;
 
 LIGHTS AND SHAlJU\V;<. 803 
 
 not merely a liard drinker, but one who u^ol drunk and " lont lii« 
 feet." Almost, if not quite, tlie oidy man who did not drink 
 was an old man who had l)een intemperate, hut havins; dreamed 
 that the devil had bargained for his soul, beeame friirhteiied, and 
 to cheat the devil of his bargain, left off drink altogether. Mr. 
 Willey's course naturally aroused some opposition, tliough he 
 encountered nothing very serious. One day, as he was returning 
 from Farmington, he was met a little above tlie village by a 
 company of men " well set up." To give the temperance parson 
 some trouble, they joined hands and formed a barricade acnjss 
 the road. lie had a quick little mare and carried a eow-hide 
 wdiip. Touching the pony, he charged through tiie line, giving 
 a sharp cut- to the right and left as he passed, delating this in 
 his old age, Mr. Willey said, "I was a boy then, and prol)ably 
 should not do so now." 
 
 In 1830 Mr. Willey began with still more determination to 
 fight intemperance within the church. "When he came to Koch- 
 ester every male member of his church used intoxicating drinks. 
 True there were only nine or ten male members in all ; but the 
 influence of the church cannot be measured by its numbers, and 
 the pastor urged that since many irreligious persons were leaving 
 the use of ardent spirits, public opinion required of professed 
 Christians the total abandonment of the article. The church were 
 not ready to adopt his view^s. They could not see why they 
 should give up the moderate use because others destroyed them- 
 selves by excessive indulgence. On Nov. 12, 1830, the pastor 
 addressed to one of his deacons a note directed "For the male 
 members of the church." The note reads as follows: — 
 
 " Mr. Willey would wish the male members of his church to understand that 
 the charges preferred against them are: — 1st, That there is reason to believe 
 that they make habitual use of intoxicating drinks. 2d, That there is reason 
 to believe that some of them are using them to their injury. 3d, That they 
 frequently procure such drinks, and use them during the intermission of public 
 worship on the Sabbath. 4th, That there is reason to fear from tliese facts 
 that some of them at least will become intemperate. 5th, Tliat their influence 
 and example go to perpetuate the dreadful evils of intemperance in this place." 
 
 At the next meeting he appealed to them persotially to give 
 their influence in favor of temperance. At a subsequent meeting 
 he stated that in his oi)inion one of the members had come to an 
 untimely end in consequence of the use of liquor. Repeatedly
 
 304 ROCHESTER. 
 
 the subject was brought before them, and articles prepared for 
 their adoption. June 14, 1832, the church voted unanimously to 
 take into prayerful consideration the articles on temperance, sub- 
 mitted by the pastor, and at the next communion season, July 8, 
 these articles were signed by many of the members. In the same 
 year two members, one of them a deacon, were, by unanimous 
 vote, suspended for intemperance. Having afterwards reformed 
 they were both restored. 
 
 In 1830 the first county temperance convention was held at 
 Rochester, and a county society organized, which held its annual 
 meetings here for three years. In 1833 temperance meetings had 
 become common throughout the country. Addresses were deliv- 
 ered in every town of Strafford county, then including Belknap 
 and Carroll. There were over thirty-six thousand members of 
 societies in the State. There were more than two hundred town 
 societies, and it was reported that about three hundred and fifty 
 stores and taverns had abandoned the traffic. School districts had 
 their societies. One of the most flourishing of these in Rochester 
 was at Chestnut Hill, where meetings were held and addresses 
 delivered in Trickey's Hah. 
 
 Thus far by the use of " moral suasion " only the temperance 
 reform had been begun, and had made great progress. No pro- 
 hibitory law, nor legal measures, had been employed to help the 
 cause. It would be interesting to watch the rise and growth of 
 prohibition and prosecution, the twin measures which have since 
 taken so prominent a part in the work. In a county convention 
 as early as 1837, eighteen years before the enactment of a pro- 
 hibitory law, Josiah H. Hobbs urged prohibition. In 1839 the 
 town voted to instruct the selectmen not to license. Years before 
 prohibition, legal measures were first resorted to under the license 
 law, but the law was not very earnestly enforced until the Wash- 
 ingtonians sprang up. Although a cardinal principle of these 
 societies was " moral suasion enforced by deeds of benevolence 
 and kindness," yet many of the members rebelled against such 
 restrictions. At a county convention in Dover, May 31, 1843, the 
 moral resolutions met a warm discussion, and the legal suasionists 
 succeeded in tacking on an addition, declaring the rumseller to be 
 the chief obstacle to reform, and that the laws ought to be put 
 into immediate execution. It was a lion and lamb partnership.
 
 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS. 305 
 
 At another county convention in Dover, Noah Tehheta of Koch- 
 ester was appointed a committee on the expediency of adopting 
 legal measures, while another committee was sent to confer with 
 rumsellers and persuade them to cease their husiness. Both com- 
 mittees recommended the use of the law as a last resort. Judi^'e 
 Tebbets' report, published in the " Enquirer," is a document rarely 
 surpassed, and reliects much credit on Rochester as the productiou 
 of one of her citizens. 
 
 In the same year, Hawkins, one of the reformed "seven hani 
 drinkers of Baltimore," was lecturing in this part of tlie country, and 
 Washingtonian societies were being formed. The first reform wave 
 had been subsiding, but a new enthusiasm was now being kindled. 
 Eeformed men took the platform. Temperance stores and hotels 
 were advertised in every paper. Many churches set apart one 
 Sabbath every month for temperance meetings. Now and then 
 some sudden death or case of violence, brought about by alcohol, 
 would startle the community and send up the excitement to fever 
 pitch. About this time two men, named Page and Hayes, were 
 riding together at night upon the high ground just behind the 
 Sanborn brick-yard. They were both intoxicated, but seeing the 
 village lights, it was proposed to ride over and get another drink. 
 Turning the horse they drove oif the clay bank, falling into the 
 brick-yard below. Page had his neck broken. Hayes, though 
 somewhat injured, was able to find his way to Gonic, where he 
 obtained help. 
 
 In 1842 the elections in most towns of this county turned upon 
 the temperance question, and in nearly ever}' place the reformers 
 prevailed. Rochester elected temperance selectmen, and instructed 
 them not to license. A letter of this year, dated at Rochester, 
 says, " Strong drink is done away with us." 
 
 The records of the " Rochester Village Washingtonian Total Absti- 
 nence Society'' began Jan. 2, 1843, though the organization may 
 have been earlier. The meetings were held publicly once a week, 
 and anybody could become a member by signing the pledge. The 
 exercises consisted of speeches and public discussions, and were 
 shared by the principal citizens of the town. The records also 
 speak of a reading-room. A committee was appointed to consider 
 " what method should be taken to suppress the selling of ardent 
 spirits at the taverns in this village." The plan adopted was to 
 
 21
 
 306 ROCHESTER. 
 
 sent! a committee to persuade the rumsellers to better their ways. 
 The same course was taken on several subsequent occasions. 
 
 In February, 1843, two dealers agreed to quit the business, for 
 which the society passed them a vote of thanks. Their liquors 
 were examined, their value reported, and the plan tried of buying 
 out such as would abandon the traffic. At the town meeting in 
 March following, on motion of Richard Kimball, the selectmen 
 were authorized to purchase the liquors of those who would sell, 
 and to appoint an agent to sell for mechanical and medicinal 
 purposes, who was to keep a public record of all sales. They 
 were also instructed to prosecute all unlicensed retailers. This 
 policy of buying out rumsellers, after having been thoroughly tried, 
 was abandoned. 
 
 In March, 1843, the society adopted a constitution. The pledge 
 forbids " all intoxicating drinks," and not merely " ardent spirits," 
 — a decided step forward. The society endorsed " moral suasion, 
 enforced by deeds of benevolence and kindness," but added, " that 
 nothing in this article shall restrict the right of the societ}-, or 
 any person in their individual capacity, of making use of any 
 other lawful means that the circumstances of the case may require." 
 At times the legal outran the moral means, and the society ap- 
 pointed committees to collect evidence and prosecute offenders. 
 Rochester sent a large delegation to the Dover convention in May, 
 and James Hurd presented a report showing the prosperous con- 
 dition of the Rochester society. July 4th there was an enthusiastic 
 celebration, Salmon Falls and Rochester societies uniting in the 
 exercises, with J. H. Edgerly as marshal, and a band of music 
 to enliven the occasion. The society paid Watson Hayes to furnish 
 cloth for decorations. Another grand celebration occurred in 
 November when the county society met here. Five hundred 
 delegates were present. A juvenile choir from Great Falls and 
 the Columbian band from Dover furnished the music. The stars 
 and stripes floated from the steeple of the Congregational Church, 
 where the meetings were held. The discussions were spicy. A 
 motion to keep out politics, religion, and law, as tending to dis- 
 turb harmony, was voted down. 
 
 All things considered, the year 1843 may be set down as one 
 of the most eventful and exciting in the liistory of the town. 
 Besides the organization of the TVashingtonians, the public celebra-
 
 LIGHTS AND S1IAJ»0\VS. 807 
 
 tions, the enthusiasm now sit its liiirhost pitch, the ai^Mtation of k'pil 
 suasion, followed by one hundred and forty-four indictments in 
 this county, being the first courageous resort to law, there were 
 also other events to render this year nieniorahle. In June a nnm 
 named Pierce fell from the scattbld of his barn while intoxicated, 
 receiving injuries from which he soon after died. In tliis year 
 the jewelry store of James C. Cole was robbed of a large amount 
 of valuables. There Avas an unsuccessful attempt to i)low open 
 the vault door of the Rochester bank, and especially is the year 
 remembered for the murder of Phebe Hanson at Meaderborough. 
 At Great Falls an attempt was made to blow up the house of 
 John B. Wood on account of his temperance activity. Thus while 
 the temperance men were putting forth vigorous etlbrts to subdue 
 rumselling, a carnival of crime seemed to prevail. 
 
 Of the one hundred and forty-four indictments at the January 
 term, 1844, only twelve were tried, and ten convictions secured. 
 The remaining cases were continued. This policy of delay has 
 prevailed ever since in our courts, and has been one of the greatest 
 obstacles to the temperance work; yet the efforts put forth had 
 a wholesome effect. A letter written from Rochester in April 
 following, alludes to the great change which a year had wrought, 
 and adds, "l^o liquor of any kind for drinking can be procured; 
 the apothecary sells only by prescription from a physician." 
 
 Interest in the "Washingtonian society soon subsided, but there 
 was a partial revival in the fall. New officers were chosen, and 
 meetings held more regularly. Another committee was appointed 
 to visit the rumsellers, but they reported no success. The ministers 
 were invited to ffive lectures. In the fall of 1845 then} was another 
 partial revival, which spent itself quickly after voting the " rum- 
 sellers a curse and a nuisance," and that "the sale of liquor ought 
 to be prohibited under a penalty of ten years' imprisonment." This 
 is believed to be the first recorded mention of iwohibition in our 
 town. 
 
 Early in 1846 the interest in the languishing society was sud- 
 denly revived. One bitter cold morning, January 29, the com- 
 munity was startled to learn that the dead body of a man named 
 Henderson had been found lying fiice downwards in the brick- 
 yard near Walker's bridge, only a few feet from the spot where 
 Page broke his neck five years before. Henderson had been
 
 308 ROCHESTER. 
 
 hauling hay to Dodge's Hotel, fi-om his home below Gonic, and 
 on his way back at night, had fallen intoxicated from his sled, 
 crawled into the brick-yard, and there perished. The Washing- 
 tonians appointed a committee, of which Henry Drew, the Meth- 
 odist minister, was chairman, to investigate the circumstances, and 
 the leading men again took hold of the work. Another com- 
 mittee consisting of Louis McDuffee, J. M. Hackett, Charles Den- 
 nett, John McDuftee, and Bidfield Meserve issued a lengthy notice 
 offering rewards for the detection of persons who violated the law, 
 appealing to the citizens, the traveling public, the families of 
 drunkards, and the victims of drink themselves to co-operate with 
 them. Every word indicates the excitement which prevailed. The 
 notice was posted in conspicuous places, and all the newspapers 
 in the State were requested to publish it. For a few weeks a 
 sharp controversy raged in the "Great Falls Transcript" and the 
 " Dover Enquirer " over the question, " Who sold the man his 
 liquor?" Six or eight persons published what they knew about 
 it, but the statements were very contradictory. "Wliatever the 
 truth might be, there was no doubt that his death was caused by 
 rum. Three rumsellers at this time gave bonds to sell no more. 
 Others refused to bind themselves. Before the excitement had 
 subsided, the annual town election came on. This election has 
 been known as " the three days' fight." Twelve ballotings were 
 necessary before the first selectman was chosen, the question being 
 between a board that would license, and one that would not 
 license. The contest was bitter and exciting, but the temperance 
 party at last triumphed. 
 
 The last record of the "Washingtonians is dated Jan. 5, 1847, 
 when Reuben Tilton was president, and Charles G. Horney, sec- 
 retary, the meetings being held in the Methodist vestry. 
 
 In this place it may be proper to refer to other sudden deaths 
 from alcohol, though not belonging to this period. More than 
 sixty years ago a man named Richardson was found dead near 
 the Hall place, back of the Louis McDuffee farm. He had been 
 butchering, and perished on his way home. Not many years later 
 a man named Howard, living above Meaderborough, being intox- 
 icated town meeting day, started to go home, and it is supjDOsed 
 that having taken the wrong road he attempted to cross the river . 
 on the rotten ice, and was drowned. His remains were afterwards
 
 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS. 309 
 
 found by some one out iisliino-. The case of Linvrence Murphy 
 run over by the train on the Great Falls & Conway Kailroad a 
 few years since, and another case on the same road thirty or forty 
 years ago, are fresh in the recollection of many. 
 
 No one can measure by these few cases the havoc of intoxicating 
 drinks. They are only occasional freaks of the fiend. Ilis re<rular 
 work is not less deadly, but only less startling. It is concealed from 
 view, like some terrible diseases which now and then send their 
 marks to the surface. The misery caused by alcohol no history 
 can record. 
 
 About a mile above the village, on the road to Chcstinit Ilill, 
 may be seen the grave of Andrew F. Howard. A rough field- 
 stone without inscription marks the spot. He was not over 
 twentj'-two years of age, and had it not been for conditions which 
 surrounded him from birth, — conditions for which society is not 
 blameless, especially in its toleration of ignorance and rum-shops, — 
 he might have been living to-day, a respectable man. According 
 to the testimony of those who knew him, he could neither read 
 nor write. According to his own confession, although not intox- 
 icated at the time of the deed, 3'et several previous days of hard 
 drinking had thoroughly fitted him for the terrible crime. He 
 was under a spell, as he said. Jacob and Phebe Hanson, brother 
 and sister, lived a short distance beyond the school-house on the 
 Meaderborough road. They were plain, peaceable, industrious 
 members of the Society of Friends. By their habits of industry 
 and economy it was supposed they had laid by a considerable 
 sum of money. How^ard, who knew them well, having worked 
 for them and also for other persons in the neighborhood, had 
 heard this report. He w^as living with his brother on the road 
 to Great Falls, near the bridge over the Salmon Falls Hiver. 
 Discouraged and utterly desperate he had formed a plan to 
 improve his lot by shipping for New Orleans, provided he could 
 get the money to pay his passage. In this state of mind, on the 
 morning of September 19, 1843, taking down his gun he started 
 for Meaderborough, determined to have the money of the Hansons, 
 by whatever means might be necessary. The Hansons had always 
 treated him well, and he bore them no malice; their money woa 
 what he wanted. The distance was some ten miles. Arriving at the 
 house about noon, he learned that Jacol) Hanson had gone to Great
 
 310 ROCHESTER. 
 
 Falls, or he ma}- have known it before starting. At the door he 
 made his demand for money, accompanied by threats. Miss 
 Hanson gave him a small sum sajang it was all she had, but not 
 believing her, Howard took deliberate aim, and, while she 
 stood in the entry with arm uplifted to avert the danger, fired. 
 The charge entered the neck, and she. fell dead on the floor. 
 Finding a trunk he took it a short distance away and broke it 
 open with an ax, obtaining about twenty-nine dollars in money, 
 and a pocket knife, with which he fled. Another trunk said to 
 contain a large sum of money was overlooked. The murder was 
 discovered by James Page, a neighbor who came to the house 
 for some cider. Entering the kitchen, he found three men sitting 
 there with their guns, who said they had been hunting, and came 
 to the house also to get some cider. To his inquiry for Phebe, 
 they replied that she was asleep in the entry. He went and 
 discovered that she was dead. The alarm was given, and the 
 town was thrown into intense excitement. The three hunters 
 were arrested and examined before a justice, but their story 
 appearing truthful, and there being no evidence against them, 
 they were discharged. Suspicion fixed upon Howard, who had 
 been heard to utter threats against the Hansons, and officers were 
 put upon his track. In the meantime Howard had returned and 
 informed his brother of his crime. When the officers appeared 
 they escaped through the cellar door, and fled to the woods. 
 The next morning they were arrested at the station in Dover, 
 just as they were taking the train for Boston. Andrew at once 
 made full confession. The stolen money and knife were found 
 where he said he had hidden them. He was brought to Rochester 
 the same day, examined before Richard Kimball, Esq., and com- 
 mitted to jail to await trial, his brother being also committed to 
 appear as witness. In October following, Howard attempted 
 suicide by hanging himself with his handkerchief, but was cut 
 down barely in season to save his life. The trial commenced in 
 August, 1844, Attorney-General Walker and Solicitor Woodman 
 appearing for the State, and D. M. Christie and John P. Hale for 
 the prisoner. Both Christie and Hale made powerful arguments, 
 Hale directing all his efforts against capital punishment, while 
 Christie endeavored to prove that the crime was only murder in 
 the second degree. The jury were understood to be equally divided.
 
 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS. 811 
 
 six voting to convict of nuirder in the fir.st, and six in the Hccoutl 
 degree. In connection witli this case a very stront? agitation of 
 the question of capital punishment sprang up throughout the 
 State. The entire want of moral training in his youtli, the fact 
 that he was not known ever to have attended school, aroused 
 some degree of sympatliy for the criminal. On the day of the 
 presidential election in November, 1844, the sense of the people 
 of the State was taken upon the question of aholishing capitul 
 punishment. Rochester voted thirty-eight in favor to one hundred 
 and eighty-four against its abolition. The majority in the State 
 against its abolition was nine thousand eight hundred and eighty- 
 one. 
 
 In February, 1845, Howard had a new trial. Two hundred 
 jurors were summoned before a panel could be conqileted. The 
 trial occupied more than a week. Hale and Bell appeared for 
 the prisoner, and attempted to prove an alibi by testimony of 
 relatives. After a brief consultation the jury returned a verdict 
 of murder in the first degree, but motion was made in arrest of 
 judgment, and sentence deferred. At the July term, the motion 
 for a new trial was overruled, and Howard was sentenced to be 
 executed Wednesday, Kovember 12. He received his sentence 
 with apparent indifference. In October petitions were circulated 
 for his reprieve. 
 
 When the 12th of November arrived, the gallows having been 
 erected, and all arrangements for a public execution completed, six 
 or eight thousand persons assembled to witness the final scene. But 
 Governor Steele had come to Dover the day before in ordor to 
 satisfy himself in regard to the propriety of a reprieve. After a 
 private interview with Howard, he decided to reprieve him on 
 the ground that his natural lack of intellect, and the evil intluouces 
 that had surrounded him from infancy, rendered him an improper 
 subject for execution, but that his case should be submitted to 
 the Legislature. During the interview Howard was unmoved as 
 a block, and seemed only anxious to know whether a reprieve 
 would be granted before or after he was placed upon tlie scatlbld. 
 Governor Steele waited till the last moment in order that tlie 
 sentence might have its fullest ef!ect upon the criminal, tlio oidy 
 person in the world, says a Dover paper, whom the elfect was 
 not calculated to benefit. He did not even express thanks for the
 
 S12 ROCHESTER. 
 
 new lease of life. B}- the reprieve the execution was postponed 
 to July 8, 1846, so as to afford ample time for the Legislature to 
 €onsider the matter. At the next term of the superior court the 
 indefatigable counsel for the prisoner had him brought before the 
 court on a writ of habeas corjnis, contending that there was no 
 authority to reprieve a man under sentence, and therefore that 
 the reprieve was either a nullit}', or had the effect of a pardon; 
 if the latter, Howard was entitled to his freedom; if the former, 
 then the day appointed for execution having passed, the sheriff 
 had no further authority to detain him. But the court did not 
 sustain the writ. "When the Legislature met in June, the subject 
 of capital punishment in general, and the case of Howard in par- 
 ticular, engrossed a large share of attention. Both Christie and 
 Hale were members of the House, and Hale was chosen speaker. 
 Christie, from the judiciary committee, reported a bill to abolish 
 capital punishment, which failed to pass. A special committee 
 reported a bill giving power to the governor to commute sentences, 
 but it was indefinitely postponed. Petitions came in for the com- 
 mutation of Howard's sentence to imprisonment, one from Dover 
 being signed by Abraham Folsom and one hundred and ninety-six 
 others. A special bill was introduced authorizing the Governor and 
 Council to commute Howard's sentence, but it was not passed. The 
 8th of July was drawing near, and nothing had been accomplished 
 toward staying the execution. On the Sabbath before, a public 
 meeting was held in the town hall at Dover, and a petition pre- 
 pared asking the Legislature to suspend the sentence. The judi- 
 ciary committee was instructed by the House to report a bill to 
 that effect. They reported the bill July 7, with a recommendation 
 that it should not pass. There was an exciting debate. Hale 
 leaving the speaker's chair to take part, and the bill was rejected. 
 Of the two Rochester representatives, Daniel Lothrop voted in 
 favor, and Richard Kimball against. The last effort had failed, 
 and on the next day Howard paid the penalty of the law. He 
 ■was attended by Dr. Sweetlove and Elder Elias Hutchins. He 
 stated that, had he heeded his mother's advice and shuniied bad 
 companions, he would not have been in such disgrace. His death 
 appeared to be instantaneous. It was designed this time that the 
 execution should be private, but persons on the fences could see 
 over the walls of the jail. To prevent this, canvas had been
 
 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS. HIS 
 
 spread, but so great was the clamor of tlje crowd, witli ihruaUi 
 of demolishing the jail-yard fence, that the oHiccrn removed the 
 canvas, and a part of the spectators were gratified. Of tlie three 
 thousand persons present about one third were women. 
 
 For several years an unremitted Avar against rumsellers was 
 waged, principally by two men, Noah Tebbets and Charlew Den- 
 nett. Tebbets was an excellent lawyer, and afterwards judge of 
 the court of common pleas. Dennett was a de[»uty sheritt' and n 
 fearless officer. Both were thoroughly liostile to rum and wimt- 
 ever corrupted the morals of the community. The annual trainings 
 and musters were occasions of drunkenness and rowdyism, and 
 the great battles with rum were on the muster-tield. Persons 
 came to these musters expecting to see Dennett killed, and once 
 or twice the report of his death was circulated. He always suc- 
 ceeded, however, in driving the rumsellers from the field. Too often 
 they would set up their carts and continue their traffic in the woods 
 at the outskirts of the village, but the stream of drinkers going and 
 coming would soon lead to detection. After the death of Tebbets 
 in 1844, the traffic went on for a time unhindered. The last 
 muster of the old Thirtj'-ninth Regiment in Rochester was in 
 September, 1847, on the field near the factory of E. G. & E. Wal- 
 lace. Drinking, gambling, and fighting fully maintained the bad 
 reputation of an old-fashioned militia muster. Rum was early 
 driven from the field, but found safe refuge in the woods and 
 bushes near by. The artiller}- compan}' was the only one in 
 uniform, and of this only twenty or thirty out of one hundred 
 and fift}^ members paraded. By a premature discharge of the 
 cannon, Thomas Henderson of Farmington had his face mutilated, 
 and a part of his arm blown away. 
 
 About this time the temperance cause began to revive. For a 
 few years many rumsellers in the county were indicted. Divisions 
 of the Sons of Temperance, the earliest secret temperance organ- 
 ization, began to be formed. Gaining rapidly in i»opularity they 
 continued a beneficent work for many years. Pass-words, signs, 
 grips, and secret rites of initiation added a certain charm to their 
 meetings. Cadets of Temperance for boys. Sisters of Cadets for 
 girls, and Daughters of Temperance for women, became nourishing 
 branches of the main order. These societies occupied a room in the 
 old Court House. At the burnino^ of this building in 1850 their
 
 314 ROCHESTER. 
 
 regalia and records were destroyed. The subject of prohibition 
 had been so extensively agitated that in 1848 the question was sub- 
 mitted to the people, " Is it expedient that a law be enacted by 
 the General Court prohibiting the sale of wHnes and other spirit- 
 uous liquors, except for chemical or mechanical purposes?" Roch- 
 ester voted one hundred and fifty yeas, and seventy-four nays. 
 
 In February, 1850, some of the citizens, impatient of the slow • 
 processes of law, undertook more summarily to " stamp out " the 
 liquor traffic. A band of men, led by the deputy sherifi:'. visited 
 an Irish house in what is now Factory Court, seized the liquor 
 and burned it on the brow of Mill Hill. They then visited sev- 
 eral other houses, seizing and destroying the liquor. One man 
 met them at the door with an ax, but was overcome and his 
 liquor captured. As they went from house to house the mob 
 increased to a large number, including spectators, many of whom 
 were among the most respectable people in town. Their presence, 
 however, made them accessory. Solomon M. Hall, whose house 
 on Frog Pond Hill, now "Washington street, had been attacked, 
 took legal steps against the raiders, and at the August term of 
 court thirteen persons were indicted for " riotously, tumultuously, 
 unlawfully, and outrageously attacking and besetting the house " 
 of said Hall at 10 o'clock at night, " injuring property and breaking 
 windows." A long trial followed, the rioters being defended by 
 Daniel M. Christie. The verdict was against them, and they 
 were fined five dollars each, with very heavy costs. They secured, 
 however, an order for a new trial, and in the meantime settled 
 up, some paying as high as $180 each. At the same term of 
 court twenty indictments were found against Hall for selling 
 liquor. At the next annual meeting after the riot, the town 
 appointed L. W. Allen, J. H. Ela, and Louis McDuftee a prose- 
 cuting committee. They checked the sale of liquor for about a 
 year, when the matter was dropped. 
 
 In 1851 the subject of a law similar to the "Maine Law" was 
 much discussed, and a convention was held at Dover to consider 
 the subject. The Legislature submitted to the vote of the people 
 an " act for the suppression of tippling shops and drinking houses." 
 It appears to have been un satisfactory^ to the people, as only about 
 five thousand votes were cast in the State. Rochester indefinitely 
 postponed action. In 1855 there had come a complete political
 
 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS. JJl.') 
 
 revolution in the State. Tlie teniperunce Hontlnient Imd secured a 
 large majority in the Legislature. A prohibitory law was eimctod 
 substantially as it stands on our statute book to-day. The tem- 
 perance people were much elated, and hckl a congratulatory 
 convention at Great Falls. 
 
 So long as the community were united and deterniined in 
 enforcing the law it worked well, but it ceased, at length, to be a 
 new thing. Temperance eflbrts were relaxed, and a h)ng period 
 of free rum followed. 
 
 In the winter of 1864-65 people were stirred to more active 
 efforts, and formed a private association to suppress the sale. 
 Committees were appointed to procure evidence and carry on tiie 
 work of prosecution. Out of these committees the following per- 
 sons were specially active, and accomplished much for tlie tempo- 
 rary suppression of the traffic : — Charles W. Brown, Charles K. 
 Chase, Frank McDuffee, Robert Mcllroy, J. F. Place, and Jona- 
 than Wentworth, In the summer following, a public meeting was 
 held in the Methodist Church, but the names of the committees 
 were kept as secret as possible. The meeting served to keep public 
 sentiment aroused, while the committees carried on the work of 
 prosecution. A liquor dealers' association in Massachusetts under- 
 took to protect its members by transferring actions to the United 
 States courts under provisions of the internal revenue laws. Many 
 hundred cases were thus taken out of the State courts, and the 
 power of the law was thereby crippled. It was said that some of 
 the dealers in Eochester had joined this association, and able Massa- 
 chusetts counsel was employed to defend them. At tlie Fe1)ruary 
 term of 1866 about thirty indictments were obtained by the 
 Rochester committee. Before the grand jury rose, Judge Doe, 
 with the Attorney-General, caused injunctions to he served on the 
 U. S. Marshals, clerks of courts, and lawyers expected to defend 
 the persons indicted, restraining them from any attempt to transfer 
 the cases. The sheriff and his deputies being all assembled, were 
 suddenly dispatched in every direction to serve tliese injunctions. 
 The grand jury rose and reported. Many of the indicted parties 
 finding themselves out-geueraled escaped into Maine. By this 
 means, several of the worst places in Rochester were closed, and 
 some of the proprietors never returned. Over §600 was paid into 
 the county treasury for fines and costs. This committee continued
 
 316 ROCHESTER. 
 
 to work for two years. Public meetings were frequently held in 
 the churches on Sabbath afternoons, the ministers being especially 
 zealous in the cause. Rumsellers were greatly enraged. The 
 principal hotel was fenced up, and refused for a long time to 
 entertain travelers. The store of C. K. Chase, one of the com- 
 mittee, was fired into in the night, causing much damage to his 
 goods. Great efforts were made about this time to secure a law 
 for a State constabulary for the better enforcement of prohibition, 
 but Avithout success. 
 
 The rum party was long able to defeat every attempt to get 
 the authority of the town to sanction the efforts of the committee. 
 At the annual meeting in 1866 the town refused to appoint a 
 prosecuting committee. At a special meeting in June following, 
 articles to prosecute at the town's expense, and to reimburse Mr. 
 Chase for the destruction of his property, and to establish a night 
 watch, were defeated by adjournment. In April, 1867, however, 
 the town instructed the selectmen to appoint a prosecuting com- 
 mittee, and also voted unanimously to instruct the representatives 
 to use their efforts to secure the passage of a constabulary law. 
 
 In 1865 Concordia Lodge of Good Templars was organized, and 
 was very flourishing and useful till it Avas disbanded in May, 
 1869. There were over one hundred and fifty members in its 
 best days. Soon after its discontinuance, Dennett Division of Sons 
 of Temperance was instituted, through the efforts of the celebrated 
 Canadian temperance orator, Edward Carswell. This Division 
 had a very useful career till the surrender of its charter in August, 
 1879. It was composed largely of young people, and combined 
 literary and social entertainments with its efforts to save the young 
 from intemperance. This institution was too much neglected on 
 account of the attention given to other organizations connected 
 with the temperance reform. Dennett Division has, however, 
 been largely instrumental in giving an impetus to all the others. 
 The Temperance League of 1872, with its monthly meetings in 
 McDuffee Hall, and the various clubs and societies which have 
 since taken up the work, mainly owed their existence and success 
 to members of the Division. 
 
 As our population has increased, the " lights and shadows " 
 which variegate our history have multiplied also. It would be 
 difficult to say which generation has the advantage. Though
 
 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS. 817 
 
 drunkenness is not universal und rcsiicctiilile as t'ornn.'rly, still 
 the liquor dealers continue their diaholical tralKc ; still they sow 
 the seeds of violence and crime ; still death suddenly claims the 
 victims which rum has marked for his own. The shadows of the 
 past are already spread upon these pages; those ufart-r the jit-fsciit 
 should not be omitted. 
 
 In the winter of 1870-71 a man and his wife, having hecome 
 drunk on cider, got into a quarrel in which he heat her so that 
 she died. In July, 1871, a man died very suddenly of delmuni 
 tremens. A post mortem examination showed that his stomach 
 was nearly eaten through with liquor. Sept. 9, 1871, a man who 
 was suffering from delirium tremens shot himself and died the 
 next day. Not long after, a shoemaker died of sudden attack of 
 lung fever directly induced by drunkenness. His wife died the 
 day before and they were buried at the same time. All these 
 events occurred within a year, and though this may have been a 
 little unusual, still if the full record of rum's doings were kept, 
 every year would be spotted with its murderous list. We are apt 
 to think of the evils of intemperance only in connection with 
 violence, crime, and the extremes of exposure and poverty, and 
 overlook the more numerous deaths really caused by strong drink, 
 which occur every season, not only among the poverty-stricken 
 and" degraded, but in the highest circles of fashion and culture. 
 
 About 1874 the popular wave introduced Reform Clubs all over 
 the country. May 29, 1875, twenty delegates from Dover held 
 an enthusiastic meeting in the town hall, George Fox Guppy pre- 
 siding. Eighty-eight signed the pledge that evening, a majority 
 of whom had been habitual drinkers. A week later The Rochester 
 Reform Club was permanently organized, with Dr. T. J. Sweatt, 
 president, and Charles C. Wingate, secretary. Weekly or fort- 
 nightly meetings were held for more than a year, with temperance 
 discourses from the village pastors and addresses of laymen from 
 abroad and at home. In the fall of 1875 and subsequent months 
 this Club made special efforts to enforce the law. The town was 
 rife with controversy and excitement. Mr. Lamprey, principal of 
 the High School, was a leader in the movement. His tirm prin- 
 ciple and sturdy bravery fitted him specially for the work, in 
 which he never flinched. His untiring devotion to the cause led 
 to his removal in the spring of 1877, the liquor interest having
 
 318 ROCHESTER. 
 
 gained control of the school board. Frequent prosecutions roused 
 the liquor dealers to deeds of rage and violence. In public meetings 
 there were bitter denunciations of the clergy and the " Courier " 
 for their activity in the cause. I^^ov. 5, 1875, Charles W. Bradley, 
 who had been faithful as a policeman in suppressing the liquor 
 traffic, while quietly passing along the street was struck violently 
 from behind by the keeper of a low grogger}-, causing the blood 
 to flow freely from a gash in his cheek. A crowd of roughs 
 speedily gathered, who had singled out Mr. Bradley for special 
 hatred on account of his activity in the reform movement. But 
 with unswerving pluck Mr. Bradley seized his assailant and had 
 him bound over to appear at the higher court. Three weeks 
 after this, while he was at a temperance meeting, some cowardly 
 miscreant threw several bricks through the plate glass in Mr. 
 Bradley's front door. The excitement of this period extended 
 through the town. Public meetings were held at Gonic. Many 
 signed the pledge, and the rum traffic in that village was 
 *' squelched " for a time. Mention should here be made of 
 Squamanagonic Lodge of Good Templars, which was organized 
 May 24, 1876, and has continued in active existence to the present 
 time, doing a good work for that village. 
 
 In 1879-80 there was considerable activity on the part of tem- 
 perance people. Meetings were frequent, with lectures from Neal 
 Dow and others. The " blue ribbon " movement sent its apostles, 
 Booth and Smith, and many signed the pledge. The " Courier " 
 says Frank McDuffee delivered " a powerful lecture on temper- 
 ance," March 14, 1880. This renewed activity had salutary results 
 in closing saloons and diminishing drunkenness. 
 
 June 12, 1881, The Rochester Total Abstinence Society was organ- 
 ized with about two hundred and fift}^ members, some of whom 
 were reformed men. The president was John B. Kelley, and 
 secretary Charles H. Dore. This society met nearly every week 
 for more than two years, with discussions, lectures, sermons, and 
 addresses from various persons. 
 
 Oct. 18, 1881, a well-known citizen of East Rochester was thrown 
 from a wagon while intoxicated, receiving such injuries that he 
 died after three days of terrible suffering. 
 
 For several years about this time there seems to have been but 
 little activity in the cause of temperance. The ministers continued
 
 \ 
 
 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS. 819 
 
 to prertdi plainly on the sul.ject, aiul ihuru was an omisionul 
 outspoken article in the " Courier." In tlie suinnier of 1885 it 
 was publicly charged that seventy-five rum-holes were in active 
 operation. Some of the temperance organizations still maintained 
 their existence. But it was for tlie most part a time of gt-ncral 
 quiet. 
 
 This quiet was suddenly broken by a fiital drunken aiii;iy, Oct. 
 16, 1885. A party of seven men had come up to "the Plains" 
 from Gonic early in the evening. After a little trading and 
 drinking several times, they started for home. On the way tln-y 
 got into a drunken squabble, in which James McKee 8tai)hed 
 Michael Crannon so that he died in a short time. At the trial 
 it was shown that the parties had been on friendly terms, and 
 McKee had no remembrance of the act. He pleaded guilty of 
 manslaughter in the second degree, and was sentenced to the 
 State Prison for seven years. 
 
 This affair aroused the people to action. Many places were 
 searched for liquor, and several dealers fined or put under bonds. 
 Frequent meetings were held, with stirring addresses from nearly 
 all the prominent citizens, and a great improvement was manifest. 
 John Young, J. P. Swasey, C. H. Ilodgdon, Silas Ilussey, and 
 C. W. Edgerly were appointed to draft a constitution for a Law 
 and Order League, which was presented Nov. 22, 1885, and signed 
 by over one hundred persons. Meetings continued with good 
 work through the winter. In September, 1886, the League waa 
 revived with the special purpose of aiding tlie selectmen to enforce 
 the law. Charles C. Hodgdon was president, and J. J. Abbott 
 secretary. Meetings were continued for about three months. 
 
 A party of four or five men were engaged in a drunken broil 
 May 5, 1887, when Elmer Tebbetts was fatally stabljcd by some 
 unknown person. 
 
 Among the forces at work for the suppression of intcnqtorance 
 the Woman's Christian Temj)erance Union should not be overlooked. 
 This was organized Oct. 11, 1876, with Mrs. A. J. Quick, pres- 
 ident. The next year Mrs. Edwin Wallace became president and 
 held the ofiice over five years. Like the other organizations the 
 Union has had its times of declension and revival. Lecturers 
 have been secured from time to time. By earnest, self-denying 
 efibrts suflicient money was raised to open a reading-room July 5,
 
 320 ROCHESTER. 
 
 1885. This reading-room has since been supported in part by the 
 Union Mission Band, and since 1887 the town has made an annual 
 appropriation of ^100 for that purpose. The Union also established 
 an evening school in 1887 which has been quite successful. 
 
 At the annual meeting in March, 1888, the town adopted the 
 following resolution by a large vote, no one voting against it : — 
 
 " Resolved, that it is the sentiment of the town in this meeting 
 assembled, that the law relating to the sale and keeping for sale 
 intoxicating liquors, and to the keeping, maintenance, and letting 
 of places defined by law as nuisance, shall be rigidly enforced by 
 the selectmen." 
 
 Accordingly notice was served on all known liquor dealers that 
 the selectmen would carry out these instructions after the first 
 day of April. 
 
 Those who have carefully followed the history of the temperance 
 cause cannot fail to note one fact. Amid all the vicissitudes 
 attending the work, the friends of temperance from the beginning 
 of the reform sixty years ago have labored persistently and hero- 
 ically. The ^^'ork has scarcely been remitted during the whole 
 time, and if there have been occasional periods of apparent rest 
 and slackness, the work has been speedily taken up with increased 
 earnestness and determination. When one band of fighters haa 
 become weary or passed away in death, others have quickly 
 sprung to the front, and resumed the battle. And if for the last 
 few years there has seemed to be a lull in the fight, and drunk- 
 enness has seemed to increase, yet even now (1888) there are 
 not wanting those who are ready to deal vigorous blows in behalf 
 of temperance, and tokens of renewed activity are manifest.
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 LEADING MEN SINCE THE KEVOLI TloN. 
 
 "In the race and not the prize 
 Glory's true distinction lies. 
 And the generous and the good, 
 In the crowd or solitude, 
 Stand in modesty alone 
 Still serenely struggling on, 
 Planting peacefully the seeds 
 Of bright hopes and better deeds." 
 
 RICPIARD DAME. 
 
 Richard Dame ^Yas honi at Rochester in 17oG, and dic-d Sept. 
 19, 1828. He was a very prominent man in his day. He repre- 
 sented the town in the Legislature in 1800-01-03 : was a memhor 
 of State Senate from 1807 to 1809; a councilor from 1809 to 
 1811; and justice of the Court of Common Pleas from 1817 till 
 his death. 
 
 Judge Dame was universally esteemed for the purity and intt-g- 
 rity of his character in all the public and private relations of life. 
 He always desired to be a peacemaker. A near neighbor of his 
 was a very irascible, passionate, quarrelsome man. "While work- 
 ing together on the highway he got in a rage and threw some 
 snow upon the Judge. Desiring to live in peace with all men, 
 the Judge thought this afforded a good opportunity for reconciling 
 his unkind neighbor; so he sent him a note stating tliat by 
 throwing the snow he had rendered himself liable to punisliincnt 
 under the law, and informing him that he might take his choice, 
 to be reconciled and live thereafter on peaceable terms witli him, 
 or pay five dollars as a penalty for the assault. The plan, how- 
 ever, failed, as the messenger returned bringing the money. 
 Judge Dame was an exemplary and highly respected member of 
 the Society of Friends. During his last illness he e.xhibited that 
 patient resignation which might have been exjiected from the 
 
 22
 
 322 ROCHESTER. 
 
 uniform tenor of his life, and which happily illustrated his char- 
 acter as a pious and devoted Christian. 
 
 JONAS C. MARCH. 
 
 Clement March, father of Jonas C, was six feet and a half in 
 height, and of very commanding presence. When any disturbance 
 was heard among the inmates of his house, he would say, " Xat, 
 take my cane there." The boy, shouldering the long, mysterious 
 wand and marching through the room, would restore quiet without 
 a word. He was an agreeable, social man, whose company was 
 sought at all merr3'-makings. In 1758 he was constable of the 
 !N"orth Parish in Portsmoutlj, and his duty was to keep the unruly 
 bo3's in and out of church in good order. He had three sons : — 
 John, iSTathaniel, and Jonas C; and four daughters: — Margaret 
 married a Mr. Maloon, Sarah married B. Akerman, Hannah 
 married a Mr. Clark, and Elizabeth married J. Akerman. 
 
 Jonas C. March was born at Portsmouth in 1764, and married 
 Sally, daughter of Judge Aaron Wingate, who was the mother 
 of his eight children, and died at the age of thirty-six. He after- 
 wards married L3'dia, sister of his first wife, who died in this village 
 about 1865. Mr. March removed from Farmington to Rochester 
 in 1803, and commenced trade on the present site of Feineman's 
 clothing store. As a business man he was very methodical, 
 his books being kept with great precision and neatness. His 
 semi-annual visit to Boston to purchase goods was a great event 
 in Rochester. On these occasions he was always accompanied by 
 his firm friend and neighbor tradesman, Joseph Hanson. As great 
 preparation was made for the trip as would now be made for a 
 journe}' to Europe. For a week previous the old horse was 
 allowed an extra quantity of oats, the chaise was inspected and 
 put in thorough order. Two days were occupied in going and 
 the same in returning. 
 
 For the poor, Mr. March had always a kind word and good 
 advice, with not unfreqnently more substantial assistance. He was 
 a good friend to the young and deserving, ever ready, even unso- 
 licited, to assist those who were striving to rise. His benevolent 
 traits of character rendered him universally respected and greatl}' 
 beloved. He was register of deeds for Stratford county from 1803
 
 LEADING MEN SINCE THE REVOLUTION. 828 
 
 to 1811, and state senator Ironi l«ia to 1813. He died ultur a 
 short illness, Aug. 20, 1820, and his funeral was attended Ijy mul- 
 titudes of people from far and near. The names of his ciiildren 
 were Eliza, Hannah, Jonas C, Jr., Caroline, Sarah Ann, Aan»n 
 Wingate, Emily, and John Plumer. 
 
 The last named is a successful merchant in Xew York city. 
 Jonas C, Jr., inherited many traits of his grandfather, heing fond 
 of merry-makings, and abounding in practical jokes. He suc- 
 ceeded his father in the store, and was representative to the 
 Legislature in 1827. After leaving Rochester he was for many 
 ^•ears a salesman in Boston. 
 
 U P H A M . 
 
 BY F. W. UPHAM, LL, D. 
 
 As the story of Greece is that of the states of Greece, so the 
 stor}' of New England is that of her towns; and of few is the 
 story of more curious interest than that of Rochester, New Hamp- 
 shire, and of the village on what of old was known as Norway 
 Plain, from its stately pines, a few relics of whose pride stood, 
 in our youth, like motionless sentinels near the burying ground. 
 De Tocqueville, the traveler who looked with truest philosopliic 
 insiffht into what here is best worth seeing, saw and regretted 
 that our history was fast perishing. Wise and worthy, then, the 
 sentiment that led Franklin McDuffee to save the traditions of 
 his native town! It is well that the work he well began slionld 
 be his lasting monument I 
 
 Of the time of the Revolution, in which our town had its share, 
 my mother told me a family story, so characteristic of the men and 
 women of that heroic age, that, had he known it, Bancroft would 
 gladly have told it in his history. To test the feelings of the 
 country people, not long before the tight at Lexington, the patriots 
 in Boston sent out word that the British troo[is were nuireliing 
 out. Everywhere the minute-men sprang to arms. Her fatlier 
 was not enrolled among them, as he was waiting for his commis- 
 sion, and his wife thought he would not go, for slie was sick, 
 and in the house there lay in its coffin the body of one of the 
 children. He came in; he took down his pistols from over the
 
 324 ROCHESTER. 
 
 mantel-piece. " You are not going ?" she said, and this was the 
 answer, " / would rather die than be a slave." 'No other word passed 
 between them. Their feelings were too much for words, and they 
 understood each other. She was willing he should go, though, 
 too sick to rise from her couch and left with their unhuried dead, 
 she listened to his horse's hoofs while he rode down the little hill 
 where the house stood, as to a knell ! He came back before night, 
 but soon went away again to serve through the seven years of 
 war and to receive the commendation of Washington. He was 
 worthy of the love of my mother, who in her written farewell 
 to her children told them to inscribe on her gravestone that " she 
 was the daughter of Hon. Thomas Cogswell of Gilmauton." 
 
 One fact in the annals of Eochester, in its date, at least, is 
 almost unique. There the union of Church and State long survived; 
 for, born in A. D. 1817, I was baptized by old Parson Haven, 
 after whom the hill that on the south overlooks the village is 
 named. And in town meeting the town voted that for life he 
 should be the town minister. Quakers came and settled in Meader- 
 borough. Baptists in the south of his parish, in force the Meth- 
 odists contested the village, and Parson Haven out-preached his 
 eyesight, his voice, and his congregation, yet the town faithfully 
 paid him his stipend till he died ! 
 
 The town that in town meeting voted for its minister, cared so 
 well for its town school that scholars were there fitted for colleo-e. 
 My memory runs not back so far as to that sternest and best of 
 schoolmasters, Henry Orne, but one of his pupils told me, that 
 when to the common regret he gave up his honorable ofiice — 
 for the schoolmaster then was one of tl^e grandees of the town — 
 he was so worn out, that when a man whom he loved in his 
 boyhood sought him out in his strict seclusion, saying he must 
 see his old friend, this answer came back, " Tell him, what is left 
 of Henry Orne is not worth the seeing!" 
 
 Of his boys he made men, and of them there were some who 
 came to honor. Of one of these I may speak — my oldest brother, 
 Thomas Cogswell Uphani (p. 243). I have traveled far in many 
 lands, but not so far as the bounds of his fame. A Brahmin 
 told a missionary in India that he had read his religious works 
 with more satisfaction than anv others in the En owlish tongue. 
 Going up to the Black Sea, I saw on heights overlooking Con-
 
 LEADING MEN SINCE THE REVOLUTION. 325 
 
 stantinople the lofty towers of Kobcrt College; iiis Philosophy, 
 translated into one of the pnncii>al languages of tin- Uttoiimu 
 Empire, was there tauglit by its founder, CyruK llandin, whose 
 name, clarum et vmerabile, here may well he named, as for a short 
 time he was master of the Academy on Norway I Main. 
 
 Thomas was a grandson of the first minister of the line old 
 town of Deerfield, N. II., and u graduate of Harvard. He was born 
 in that town, in a house that still looks out on Pleasant Pond; 
 but all his childish recollections and life-long love were of and 
 for the hills and streams and the people of Kochester. Giving up 
 much from a sense of duty, Ije became assistant to old Parson 
 Haven, and soon filled the deserted niccting-house. Thence called 
 at the age of twenty-five to Bowdoin, his fame as a discoverer in 
 philosophy and a religious writer became the rich possession ot 
 the college, in whose graveyard, shaded by his native pine, his 
 body now waits for the resurrection. He was so widely known 
 that I give two incidents in his life — one of which were other- 
 wise too trivial. So well-mannered and studious a child was he, 
 that for a long while he, alone, of the pupils of Henry Orne, 
 escaped the flogging administered for cause to every other one. 
 When at last his time came, to the amazement of all the school, 
 of its stern master, too, the gentlest of the village boys so stoutly 
 resisted, that for once Henry Orne gave in, feeling that there 
 must be some mistake, as there proved to be. 
 
 As to himself the Professor was reticent; and till near the end 
 of his days may never have told what is too honorable to him 
 that with me it should perish. In Bowdoin there were professors 
 only, and to each a special field was given; as, to Henry "W. 
 Longfellow that of modern languages, to him, that of mental phi- 
 losophy. What then was known as such, was a chaos. It then 
 bore (as it still bears in some treatises) much the same relation 
 that alchemy bore to chemistry, astrology to astronomy. With iron 
 industry, fourteen hours a day for ten years he labored to bring 
 order into its confusion, and with results so little satisfactory that 
 with a high sense of honor, feeling that he could not nuister the 
 life work given him, he silently made up his mind to resign his 
 professorship. Just then there came into his mind a perception 
 of the truth, that while the spirit there is in man is one spirit, 
 it has three phases of being, — the mind, the heart, and the will,
 
 326 ROCHESTER. 
 
 equal in breadth of manifestation, and each with powers and laws 
 of its own. In the light of this idea, with fresh courage he began 
 to classify all the many facts he had gathered, and " praying all 
 the time," clear through the realms of the intellect and of the 
 passions he carried the science which before had for the most 
 part stopped with imperfect attempts to survey the mind; and 
 thus far he made an accurate map of the soul. Then, on the will, 
 as equal in the breadth and complexity of its manifestations and 
 laws, he wrote a treatise, the first ever written with any such 
 broad purpose in any language under heaven. 
 
 He was a great man, but his father, Hon. ISTathaniel Upham 
 of Rochester, was by nature greater than any of his seven sons. 
 His mother, who was brought up in the house of her aunt, the 
 wife of Col. Timothy Pickering of Salem, was a woman of quick 
 intellect and unpretending piety. The eldest of her two sons * 
 was of great energ}", so controlled by common sense, that he suc- 
 ceeded in whatever he undertook. In my childhood he was so 
 much in "Washington, where for six years he was the representative 
 from the old county of Strafford, that my remembrances of him 
 are few till after a long and severe fever, from which he but par- 
 tially recovered, to die at the age of fifty-five, July 10, 1829. He 
 was a personal friend of two statesmen, very unlike and bitterly 
 hostile, Henry Clay of Kentucky and Andrew Jackson. His pri- 
 vate secretary told me that the old General, in the last years of 
 his life at the Hermitage, often pleased himself with calling over 
 the roll of his friends, and among them always named my father. 
 In the attacks made in Congress upon the military conduct of the 
 General, no doubt my father gave him earnest support, for he 
 ever stood in opposition to the Federalists, who before and in the 
 war of 1812 went, as he thought, to the very verge of treason. 
 Rightly to state the value of his political influence, the story of 
 a strife as severe, as bitter, and as important in its principles as 
 any in our annals, would have to be written; but here it can 
 only be said, that in 1811 he was one of the Council of Governor 
 Langdon, and that when he ran for Congress, this was the sig- 
 nificant heading of the ticket : — " The union of the States." 
 
 ♦Note. — The otlier eon was Col. Timothy Upham of Portsmouth. He was distinguished 
 for bravery and good conduct in the war of 1812. In the sortie from Fort Erie he led the 
 reserve, and in the bloody liattles on the Niagara frontier his regiment from twelve hundred 
 was cut down to three hundred and fifty men.
 
 LEADING MEN SINCE THE REVOLUTION. .{27 
 
 111 person he was tall and commaiulin*^, above tlie avorui^i.- ol 
 men, six feet four inches in height, straight an a dart, and^naid 
 to have been^the finest-looking man in the house. The only 
 portrait of Mr. Uphani now in existence may be seen in the 
 Corcoran Art Gallery, in a picture of the House of Hepreseiiti^ 
 tives in session in the old hall as it was in IHI7. It was painted 
 by Morse, since so famous, then a young artist, and a son of a 
 friend of my father. He is in the front circle, the only one of 
 the members standing, and, consequently, he is the most con- 
 spicuous figure in the picture; but all the figures are so small 
 that no one of the portraits is of much value as a likeness. 
 
 The town that in town meeting chose a minister for life, and that 
 for its school-master selected one who could fit boys for college, 
 and kept him in office till his strength was worn out, provided 
 a town library, and the spirit of the early dwellers on the Xorwaj 
 Plain is proved by those three facts. Very small and very well 
 selected that library was the delight of my boyhood, for there with 
 histories and travels were "Don Quixote," " Gil Bias," " Wavcrlcy," 
 and the "Lay of the Last Minstrel." It was then kept in the law 
 office of Hon. David Barker, a native of the town and one of the 
 boys of Henry Orne, — a successor to my father in Congress, a 
 graduate of Cambridge, a favorite pupil of Dr. Abbot of the Exeter 
 Academy, he was a gentleman of fine nature and fine culture. 
 My oldest sister Mary was his wife. I was up at his house one 
 afternoon, and, as at the usual hour Mr. Barker did not come 
 over to tea, we knew that something unusual had happened. 
 After a long while he came in and told his wife that he had 
 been with a boy who had walked down from Farmington, some 
 eight miles, to consult with him as to what to read and how to 
 improve his mind. Walking such a distance was less common 
 then than now, and a sign of utter poverty. " Why did you not 
 send him back in the wagon?" among other things was asked, 
 and there was a depth of meaning in the answer, " He was not that 
 kind of a hoy!" That boy lived to be Senator, and to die Vice- 
 President of the United States — Henry Wilson — and the book 
 selected for him was Marshall's Life of Washington. 
 
 In that library was "The Monastery," the first (»f Scott's novels 
 read by me, and always for that reason a favorite, as, for the 
 same reason, Paiskin says it is with him. Xow, Scott's glowing
 
 328 ROCHESTER. 
 
 descriptions of scenery in "The Monastery" and in the "Lay of the 
 Last Minstrel '" led me, as a boy, to imagine that his marvelous 
 genius might have been quickened b}' the natural beauty of the 
 valley of the Tweed and the country around Abbotsford; and much 
 surprised, delighted, and perhaps incredulous I should have been, had 
 any one told me the truth, that the natural beauties of the Lowland 
 of Scotland are surpassed by those of the old county of Strafford : 
 that few of their inland prospects equal the far-reaching view 
 from the top of Haven's Hill ; that the Cocheco is ver}- much as 
 the Tweed, and that, at a like distance, the Eiklon Hills are not 
 finer than ISTew Durham Eidge and Blue Job as seen from the 
 Norway Plain. 
 
 Several others of the seven sons of Hon. IS^athaniel L^pham 
 attained considerable distinction. The writer of the above sketch, 
 Francis Willkrm Upham, LL. D., a lawyer of some note, and for- 
 merly partner of Robert Rantoul of Boston, is now Professor of 
 Mental Philosoph}- in Rutgers College. 
 
 Dr. Alfred Upham graduated at Dartmouth ]Medical College in 
 1833, and was for more than fort}' years a successful physician in 
 ]S"ew York City. He died in aSTovember, 1878, and " his funeral 
 brought together a large number of persons of solid worth as well 
 as venerable age." Dr. Iq:)ham was highly esteemed by his many 
 acquaintances, one of whom says that " his house was a fountain 
 of healing, and also of kindness and sympathy to all who knew 
 him." 
 
 Dr. Albert Gallatin Upham studied his profession in Paris, was 
 elected Professor of Pathological Anatomy in the Medical College 
 of Castleton, Vt., and was corresponding member of the National 
 Institute of the United States. He died in Boston in the spring 
 of 1847, of typhus fever contracted in discharge of his professional 
 duties. He was a man of high moral worth and of great promise 
 in his profession. 
 
 Timothy Upham was also a physician. 
 
 Joseph Badger Upham was a merchant. 
 
 Hon. Xatiianiel Gookin Upham was born in Rochester in 1801, 
 and graduated in 1820 from Dartmouth College, from which he 
 received the degree of LL. D. in 1862. He began the practice of 
 law in Bristol but removed to Concord in 1829. He was for 
 twelve years judge of the Superior Court of New Hampshire. In
 
 LEADING iMEN SINCE THE REVOLUTION. 829 
 
 1836 he was appointed l)y Governor Badger to deliver a eulosrv 
 on Latiiyette before the «tate Legislature^ lie was for Bcvernl 
 years president of the Concord Railroad. In 1853 he was appointiMi 
 commissioner to England for the adjustment of claims between 
 Great Britain and the United States, which position he filled with 
 honor to himself and full satisfaction to our government, lie died 
 at Concord in 1869. "Judge Upham was^ a man well known, 
 and of large influence throughout Xew England for many vears. 
 He was a Christian, a scholar, a statesman, a man without 
 reproach." 
 
 MOSES HALE. 
 
 Moses Hale, the second son of Eliplialet and ]{achel Hale, was 
 born in Bradford, Mass., July 23, 1775. He was a direct descend- 
 ant of Thomas and Thomasine Hale, who came from Hertfordshire, 
 England, and settled in Kewbury, Mass., in 1635, afterwards 
 removing to Bradford. 
 
 About the year 1800 Moses went to Durham, and in April, 
 1801, was married to Elisabeth De Merritte of that village, and 
 settled in Rochester, where he continued to reside till his death. 
 Here he established a leather business — tanning and currying — 
 which he carried on with great success for over thirty years, fur- 
 nishing a large part of the leather used in the adjoining towns 
 and counties, and indeed all over the State. He also dealt largely 
 with several Boston houses, carrying the goods ordered in two- 
 horse teams, which occupied a week in making the round trij). 
 In this business he acquired what in those days was considered 
 a fortune, and retired from active life before he was sixty years 
 old. His two sons, Luther and Moses, Jr., continued the ])usi- 
 ness till the death of Luther in 1842. The store on Market street 
 owned by the late Lewis Hanson, with the house in the rear 
 occupied by him, was built by Mr. Hale for leather storage, and 
 used for that purpose till the business was closed. The other 
 buildino^s were taken down or removed, and the tannerv converted 
 into a fruit garden. 
 
 Mr. Hale also carried on farming to quite an extent, owning 
 and working several farms in Rochester. He was a kind, devoted 
 husband, an indulgent father, believing it his first duty to care for
 
 330 ROCHESTER. 
 
 those nearest him. He was always a friend to the needy, and the 
 occasions were not rare when in some snowstorm such as were 
 frequent in those days, he would request " the boys " to harness up, 
 and taking with them food and fuel, would go to some lone widow 
 or spinster, shovel away the snow from her door, and replenish 
 her wasted stores. The widow and orphan found in him a true 
 friend, and a wise adviser. He was an honest man, and much 
 relied on for his sound judgment and his conservative policy. 
 He held offices of trust at home, and represented the town in the 
 State Legislature. He was always interested in the prosperity of 
 the town. When it was proposed to locate a woolen mill in 
 Rochester there was much opposition, but Mr. Hale encouraged 
 it by his word, and leased, at a low rate, land on which to erect 
 some of the buildings. 
 
 Though not a member of any church, he was a religious man, 
 a strict observer of the Sabbath and its institutions, regular in 
 attendance at church, and requiring the same of every member 
 of his household. Bible reading occupied the entire day, and he 
 was never seen with any other book on the Sabbath. He was 
 never heard to criticise the creeds or opinions of others, but 
 accorded to them that which he desired for himself — liberty. 
 
 He contributed generously to the support, not only of his own 
 society, but of each in town. He died in 1839. His wife, Elisa- 
 beth, was the daughter of Israel and Lois De Merritte of Dur- 
 ham, and grand-daughter of Major John De Merritte of Madbury, 
 who rendered valuable service in the taking of Fort William and 
 Mary in 1775. 
 
 They had nine children. Alfred^ Luther, and Moses, Jr., were 
 never married, and lived to the ages of forty-six, thirty-five, and 
 twenty-nine respectively. OmxL died in infancy. Caroline married 
 Louis Turner of Bangor, Me., and upon the death of Mr. Turner, 
 about six years later, she removed to Rochester. She was greatly 
 respected and beloved, a woman of strong, decided convictions, 
 always found on the side of truth and justice, whether popular 
 or unpopular, and never afraid of expressing her convictions to 
 others. At the commencement of the anti-slavery struggle she 
 came out boldly on the side of the oppressed, and was active in 
 forming the first anti-slaverj- society in Rochester, of which she 
 was the first secretary. " Kind, genial, sympathetic, and strong,
 
 LEADING MEN SINCE THE UEVULUTIuN. 331 
 
 all within her circle sought lier counsel, and none were retuBed 
 its benefits. For strength of judgment, liberality of sentiment, 
 broad charity, general knowledge, courageous expression, just 
 discrimination, tact, command, and executive ability she had few 
 equals." She was foremost in all works of benevolence, and 
 greatly appreciated by the church of which she was u niembor. 
 She died in 1873. 
 
 Elisabeth married Richard Kimball in December, 1843. She 
 possessed rare beauty of face and feature, and in character seemed 
 almost faultless. Though never possessing strong health, she was 
 always forgetful of self, and helpful to others. To several lono 
 women she was sole provider, and to her they always looked for 
 food and raiment, which never failed. Her sweetness of temper 
 and disposition, her loving thoughtfulness for the feelings of others, 
 won her friends everywhere. Her life, counting it by years, was 
 short — for she died at the age of twenty-seven — but it was tilled 
 with tender ministry to others. 
 
 Calvin was for a time a clerk in the dry goods store of Jona- 
 than H. Torr of Rochester, and afterwards opened a store at Dover, 
 where he continued business till elected cashier of the Langdon 
 bank, and later of the Dover ]!Srational Bank and treasurer of the 
 Dover Savings Bank. He married Martha Chace of Berwick, 
 Me., and died at Dover, May 16, 1887. 
 
 Harrison remained a farmer at the homestead. He married 
 Abby Wadleigh of Union, and died in 1879. 
 
 Sarah married, in 1850, J. A. J^ewell of Boston, ^hiss., and 
 took up her residence in that city, but latterly has lived in West 
 Newton, Mass. 
 
 WOODMAN. 
 
 Bev. Joseph Woodman, the tirst settlod minister of Sanbornton, 
 was the son of John Woodman of Newbury, ^[ass., and gradu- 
 ated at Nassau Hall in 1766. His wife was the daughter of Kev. 
 Aaron Whittemore of Pembroke. He was a distinguished divine, 
 and a fearless patriot. His name stands at the liead of the list 
 of signers to the test declaration sent out by the committee of 
 safety in 1766. He had a small salary, with the farm set apart 
 for the tirst minister, and it was with difficulty he reared and
 
 332 ROCHESTER. 
 
 educated his family of nine children, sending the oldest son to 
 college. 
 
 Jeremiah Hall Woodmax, the eldest son* of " Parson Wood- 
 man," ^vas born in Sanbornton April 18, 1775. He prepared for 
 college nnder the tuition of his father, and the Eev. Dr. Woods 
 of Boscawen. At the age of fifteen he started for Hanover on 
 horseback, with saddle bags to hold his scanty outfit of books 
 and clothing. Dartmouth College was then literally " vox clamantis 
 in deserto." Mr. Woodman was very studious and graduated in 
 1794, holding the second rank in his class of forty-fi.ve. His 
 democratic principles did not affiliate with the Phi Beta Kappa 
 Society, and he joined a large number of students in raising an 
 opposition to it. He opposed it because of what he thought were 
 its aristocratic tendencies, and not because of its secrecy, for later 
 in life he was one of the founders and the first Master of the 
 Humane Lodge of Masons in Rochester. 
 
 After leaving college, Mr. Woodman taught the Academy at 
 Hallo well, Me., for two years. From there he went to Franklin, 
 then a part of Salisbury, and read law with Hon. Thomas W. 
 Thompson, and afterwards with Judge Jeremiah Smith at Exeter, 
 where he was admitted to the bar. About this time he traveled 
 through Vermont and a part of New York, looking for a desirable 
 location, but concluded to return to Xew Hampshire, and in 1799 
 began practice in Warner. After one year he removed to Mere- 
 dith Bridge, now Laconia, where he soon had a large practice, 
 and was highly esteemed for fidelity, uprightness, and ability. 
 
 In 1806 he came to Rochester, where he was a prominent lawyer 
 for nearl}' fifty years. He had a large circle of warm friends, 
 partitfularly ampng the leading men of the Federal party with 
 whom he associated. Distrusting the policy of Jefferson, he was 
 conspicuous for his ardent and vigorous support of the Federal, 
 and, afterwards, of the Whig party. In middle life he took active 
 part in their conventions, but residing in a strong democratic 
 town, county, and State, he was called to few elective offices. 
 In 1824-25 he was elected representative to the Legislature. In 
 town affixirs, apart from politics, he was much consulted and trusted 
 by the people, and in their meetings was listened to with great 
 respect and confidence. Particularly in everything relating to the 
 schools, he was a directing spirit, and with other sound men of
 
 LEADi:?(J xMEN SINCE THE UEVOLUTImX. 333 
 
 the village, insisted upon procuring ti-ncla-rs win » were tliorouglily 
 educated, and most of whom were college graduates. Tin* good 
 results of this policy are i)lainly seen in the (listinguished men 
 whom Rochester has sent out, numy of whose names appear in 
 the sketches of this chapter. Mr. Woodman wm one of the 
 founders of both Wolfeborough and Rochester academies. He 
 gave much attention to forming, and was one of the originators 
 of the County Agricultural Society, of whicli he was also presicK'iit. 
 
 Mr. Woodman was distinguished for his url)anity and kin<l and 
 familiar intercourse with people of all classes. He was a social 
 man, fond of humor, and exceedingly' hospitable. There are few 
 private houses where so many guests have been entertained, not 
 grudgingly, but with a genial kindness that made them feel at 
 home. 
 
 Soon after settling in Rochester, Mr. Woodman bought the 
 large Mansion House which had been erected by Captain Storer 
 in 1799. This was his life-long residence, and here he died in 
 1854. His widow occupied it till her death in 1806, at the age 
 of eighty-six. It is now a hotel, on the west side of Main street, 
 just north of Liberty street. 
 
 About the time he came to Rochester, Mr. AVoodman nnirried 
 Sarah, daughter of Rev. Stephen Chase of Newcastle. Descended 
 from distinguished ancestry. Col. Joshua Wingate of Hampton, 
 Hon. John Frost of Newcastle, and the elder William Pepperell, 
 she was eminent for her christian character, her genial hospitality, 
 her refined intellect, and her helpful sympathy for the sick and 
 the needy. She instilled into her children a laudable ambition to 
 be useful and honorable in every position in which they might 
 be placed. 
 
 The children of Jeremiah H. and Sarah C. AVoodman, who 
 survived infancy, were the following, all of whom were married 
 and had children : — 
 
 1. 3Iari/ Esther, wife of Judge iNoah Tebbets, born Jan. 12, 
 1808, died Jan. 8, 1879. 
 
 2. Charles William, born in Rochester Dec. 7, 1800, gradu- 
 ated at Dartmouth College in 1829. He read law with his fotljer, 
 Hon. Ichabod Bartlett of Portsmouth, and Hon. Richard Fletcher 
 of Boston, and was admitted to the bar in 1833. After one year's
 
 334 ROCHESTER. 
 
 practice iu Somerswortli he removed to Dover, where his remaining 
 life was spent. He was solicitor for Strafford county from 1839 to 
 1844; judge of probate from 1846 to 1853; judge of the Court of 
 Common Pleas iu 1854, the office being abolished in 1855. In 1861, 
 '62, '78 and '79, he represented Dover in the Legislature, following 
 his first term with service in the army as United States paymaster. 
 For many years he was commissioner of the Circuit Court of 
 the United States. He was alwa3's a prominent citizen, highly 
 respected and honored. He was for a long time law partner with 
 Hon. John P. Hale, and in later years with Arthur G. Whittemore. 
 He was a member of Sawyer Post, G. A. P., and also of Strafford 
 Lodge of F. & A. Masons, and "Wecohamet Lodge of Odd Fellows. 
 Judge Woodman married, first, in 1840, Charlotte, daughter of 
 Stephen Pierce of Portsmouth, and second, in 1866, Frances J., 
 daughter of John J. Loren of Roxbury, Me. He died Jan. 24, 
 1888, leaving a widow and two daughters. 
 
 3. Jeremiah Hall, born Aug. 1, 1811, resides in Ashtabula, Ohio. 
 
 4. Theodore Chase, born in Rochester April 10, 1815, fitted 
 for college at Exeter, and graduated at Dartmouth College in 1835. 
 He read law with Hon. Daniel M. Christie and Hon. Xoah Teb- 
 bets of Dover. He began practice in Haverhill, but removed to 
 Bucksport, Me., in 1839. 
 
 In the earlier part of his professional life Mr. Woodman took 
 an active interest in politics, though he never sought office, ouly 
 serving the public faithfully and honestly when duty seemed to 
 call. He was a member of the Legislature in 1857-58, 1866-67 
 -68, being speaker of the House the last year. From this time 
 he retired definitel}^ from public life, steadfastly refusing every 
 office except that of moderator of town meeting, to which he was 
 elected thirty-four times, and in which he exhibited rare talents 
 and tact. The confidence of his fellow-townsmen shown in the 
 constant reguiarit}- of conferring this office upon him was a special 
 gratification to Mr. Woodman, and he frequently referred to it in 
 his later years as the acme of his political ambition. He was 
 alwaj's regarded a safe counselor in matters of law and business, 
 and a great discourager of litigation. Pre-eminently a peace-maker, 
 he hal)itually urged would-be clients to settle their differences 
 without recourse to law, if possible, consequent!}^ his court prac-
 
 LEADING MEN SINCE THE H EVOLUTION. 385 
 
 tice was never large. His princiiial Itusiness wun ollico I'raclice, 
 and the settlement of estates. His reputation for financial sagacity 
 and faithfulness brought him many trusts, which ho adininistored 
 with that high sense of honor and integrity which characterized 
 the whole course of his life. The widow, the orphan, and the 
 needy found in him a wise adviser, a synijiathizing, generous 
 friend, a courteous gentleman, to whom a selfish motive or an 
 unkindly act seemed impossible. "He left behind him memories 
 of a clear, strong mind, a sparkling social wit, an unselfisli, gen- 
 erous character, an upright, noble life." 
 
 Mr. Woodman married the daughter of I)ea. Henry Darling of 
 Bucksport, Me., whom he left a widow with three daughters and 
 one son, the Rev. Russell Woodman of Albany, X. Y. 
 
 5. Sarah Jane, born Nov. 5, 181G, married Russell Bradford, 
 Esq., whom she survives, and resides at Cambridge, Mass. 
 
 6. Harriette Crosby, born May 31, 1818, married ])r. Jeremiali 
 H. Garland, and resides at Nashua. 
 
 7. Maria Barker, born Dec. 31, 1819, married John \\ Rogers, 
 a merchant residing in Boston, Mass. 
 
 8. Charlotte Cheeoer, born Oct. 10, 1821, married Hnn. Mm-^-s 
 Howe of Haverhill, Mass. 
 
 9. Samuel, born June 27, 1824, in trade at Haverhill, Mabs. 
 
 CHARLES DEXNETT. 
 
 The ancestry of the subject of this sketch is traced back through 
 five generations in this country. In tracing the Dennetts in Eng- 
 land, it is found that they originated in Sussex county. A coat 
 of arms belonging to a soldier of the name is described in Guil- 
 lium's Heraldry, edition of 1638. For those interested in such 
 things an engraving of the coat of arms is here given with the 
 description in its quaint old English spelling. 
 
 Description of the Coat of Arms of the English Dennetts. 
 
 "HE BEARETII SABLE, GUTTE D'EAU, ERMVNE, IILACK ri'O.N WHITK, IIY THE 
 NAME OF DANNET. THE WOKD EAU 18 A FKENCII WOItD, AND SIGNIKYKTH THF. 
 SAME AS AQUA DOTH IN LATIN, WHICH IS AS MUCH AS TO SAY HE llEAKETH 
 DROPS OF water; if HE SHOULD BLAZON IT IN ENGLISH THE PROPER COLOUR 
 THEREOF IS ARGENT.
 
 336 ROCHESTER. 
 
 " THIS HAS BEEN A WORTHY ESCUCHEON FOR A SOULDIER OF THAT CHRISTIAN 
 LEGION CALLED THE FULMINATRIX, AT WHOSE PRAYERS IN A GREAT DROUGHTH, 
 GOD POURED DOWNE RAINE IN THE SIGHT OF THE HEATHEN, AS EUSEBIUS TES- 
 TIFYETH ; AND YET THEY WERE NO FRESH WATER SOULDIERS, BUT WERE AS 
 READY TO HAVE EMBRUED THEIR ESCUCHEONS WITH DROPS OF BLOOD AS TO 
 HAVE THUS SPRINKLED THEM AVITH DROPS OF RAINE." 
 
 An English aiithorit}'- of modern date says, " The family arms of 
 Dennet or Dennett, agreeably to the fashion of the iirne, — le temps 
 Elisabeth, — is — sable, gutte cVeau, a canton Ermine ; crest, boards head, 
 erased proper ; motto, Per Dei Providentiam." 
 
 The name is I^ormandie French, and was originally D'Anet; 
 then Danet, then Dannet, then Dennet, and finally Dennett. 
 
 Two brothers, Alexander and John Dennett, came from England 
 somewhere about 1660, settling in Portsmouth, N. H. Alexander, 
 born about 1635, died in jSTewcastle in 1698. John died May 1, 
 1709, and was buried in Portsmouth. 
 
 Alexander, Jr., born about 1660, died June 7, 1733, at Ports- 
 mouth, leaving seven children ; he married, as second wife, Esther 
 Cross, Dec. 2, 1728. 
 
 His oldest son, Moses, born 1695, married Lydia Fernald of 
 Kittery, Me., Feb. 11, 1723, and died in 1749. A copy of his 
 will, dated 1745, and the inventory of his property after his de- 
 cease, valued in pounds, shillings, and pence, and dated at Ports- 
 mouth, province of l!^ew Hampshire, shows that he left an estate 
 of $26,000. His name is on record as selectman, justice of the 
 jDcace, etc. Five of his nine children died in early childhood. 
 His oldest son, David, born March 15, 1727, was a soldier in the 
 Revolutionary war, and died in hospital at Falmouth, Me., in 
 1778. 
 
 Charles, second son of Moses, born April 21, 1729, married 
 Hannah Nutter of jSTewington, Sept. 13, 1753, and died April 6,
 
 I
 
 •£>i^ ""by .SJI.FMChlii 
 
 /'^-'^^^ 
 
 ^^^^^ 
 
 Aoe^ 75.
 
 LEADINi; MEN SINCE THE REVOLUTION. ?,^7 
 
 17G3, leaving two daughters and a son, J/o.v.y, honi in 17.>'<, in 
 Portsmouth, died in Inirnstead Dec. 2H, 1810. Mo.^rs married, in 
 1781, Betsey, daughter of Samuel Xutter of Portsmouth, where 
 she was born May 3, 1762. She died in Barnstcad, Jan. 19, 1«.')2, 
 nearly ninety years of age. She was a wonum of very wtrong 
 and positive traits of character, many of whicli were inlierited by 
 her son Charles, the subject of this sketch, and the fourth of the 
 eight children of this marriage. 
 
 Charles Dennett, sixth in descent from the first Alexander, 
 was born in Barnstead, Sept. 28, 1788. The younger son, Oliver, 
 remained upon the home farm, which is still in possession of the 
 family. Charles, who had much mechanical ingenuity, was appren- 
 ticed at the age of fourteen to a cabinet-maker in Gihnanton, 
 where he remained through the period of seven years, which was 
 then considered requisite to mastering any trade. An incident 
 which occurred during his apprenticeship foreshadows the future 
 man. He learned to play cards, but finding they were absorbing 
 too much of his time and attention, he decided to give up playing, 
 and never touched cards again. 
 
 When he had completed his time, he was hired by his master 
 at the munificent sum of eight dollars per month, and board, 
 having to take his pay partly in clock-cases, and trust to selling 
 them if he could ! 
 
 In 1812 he came to Rochester, and soon began caljinet-making 
 for himself. It was then considered a difiicult task to veneer 
 with mahogany, but he laid his first veneer successfully witliout 
 ever having seen it done. He was a very nice and tasteful work- 
 man. Many inlaid clock-cases, sideboards, secretaries, bureaus, 
 and tables, with exquisitely carved and twisted legs, still exist to 
 testify to his skill and thorough workmanship, being hand-made 
 by himself and his apprentices. 
 
 His upright habits and steady industry soon won the respect 
 of his townsmen. He had been in Rochester but a brief time 
 when Mr. Upham, one of his neighbors, came and offered him a 
 loan of money; he replied that he "would like it very much, but 
 could give no security." Mr. Upham res^-onded, " So long as I 
 hear you at work every morning at four o'clock I wisli no otlier 
 
 security." 
 
 Nov. 11, 1813, he married Abigail Ham, daughter of Israel 
 
 23
 
 338 KOCHESTER. 
 
 Ham of Rochester Xeck and Mehitable, daughter of Daniel Hayes 
 of Madbury. She was born Jan. 8, 1792. 
 
 Just before his marriage Mr. Dennett erected the dwelling- 
 house on Main street, which was his home for nearly fifty-four 
 years. There nine children were born to him, and there he 
 celebrated his " golden wedding." The Ijrick building, which he 
 used for a shop, was built about two years later than the dwelling- 
 house. 
 
 Their children were as follows: — 1. Israel Ham, born Dec. 5, 
 1814, died Dec. 3, 1817. 2. Eliza, born Sept. 19, 1816, died 
 Aug. 14, 1817. 3. Charles, Jr., born Aug. 4, 1818, died Oct. 19, 
 1829. 4. John Plummer, born Oct. 15, 1820, died Feb. 24, 1836. 
 5. Adaline, born Aug. 19, 1822, now living in Concord, is the 
 wife of G. S, Dennett. Of her three children, Herman W., Ida 
 F., and Lyford P., only one is living, viz., Herman W. Ida 
 F., wife of Dr. H. A. Dalrymple, left three children, one of 
 whom, Albert H., lives in Concord with his grandmother; Alice 
 E. resides in Rochester ; and Bertha has died. 6. Oliver, born 
 March 21, 1825, died April 10, 1843, at Union College, Schenec- 
 tady, N". Y. Entering college at sixteen years of age, he died at 
 eighteen of brain fever. He was an exceptionally fine scholar, 
 unusually modest, retiring, and amiable. His death was a heavy 
 blow to his parents, and they never fully recovered from its efiects. 
 7. George Henry, born May 8, 1827, is a successful merchant in 
 Rockford, Illinois, where he has resided over thirty years. He 
 married Climena M. Kelly in 1853. 8. Ahhie Ham, born Feb. 24, 
 1831, graduated at ISTew Hampshire Conference Seminary in 1851, , 
 taught a year in Manchester High School, and afterwards in a 
 family school in Virginia. She now occupies the homestead on 
 Main street, having adopted Alice Edissa, great-grandchild of 
 Charles Dennett. 9. Harriette Frances, born Nov. 16, 1833, died 
 Nov. 30, 1868. She possessed rare traits of character, but was 
 so retiring that her virtues were fully appreciated only by those 
 who knew her most intimately. 
 
 The above record shows that time brought many sad burdens 
 to the heart of Charles Dennett; but such was the elasticity and 
 natural cheerfulness of his disposition, that be always impressed 
 those with whom he came in contact as being uncommonly happy
 
 LEADING MEN SINCE THE REVOLUTION. 889 
 
 and free from care ; his vivacious iiuinuer, and merry luu^h m ho 
 poured forth a rich fund of anecdotes, ever ma<le him u welcome 
 addition to any circle, whctlier of oUl or youup. His early 
 advantages were limited, hut he was a close ohserver, fond of 
 reading, and keenly interested in all modern diHcovorios. Kveii 
 after his marriage he attended writing-school, and to his latest 
 days his legible penmanship was remarkably fine. 
 
 From his first coming to Rochester he identified himpclf with 
 the moral interests of the town, and was deejily anxious to do 
 all in his power to u[)lift tlie community. lie was greatly inter- 
 ested in the schools, and did much in sustaining the old academy 
 during its existence. 
 
 He became a Methodist soon after coming to Rochester, and 
 was largely instrumental in establishing the church there in its 
 infancy. He, with James C. Cole and Simon Chase, took charge 
 of building the first Methodist Episcopal Church, erected in 1825 
 (p. 263). He always contributed largely, for his means, toward 
 its support. His house was a home for the ministers who traveled 
 horseback " on a circuit," before the church was able to support 
 a settled pastor. Many times did he and his self-sacrificing wife, 
 w^ho emulated his example in devotion to the church, arise from 
 bed near midnight to admit some weary itinerant, and provide 
 for the w^ants of man and beast. Mr. and Mrs. Dennett were 
 literally pioneers in the early days of the Methodist Ej.iscopal 
 Church in Rochester. Just beginning life, with limited means, 
 they denied themselves in manifold ways, and labored hard to aid 
 the church they loved so tenderly. 
 
 As we look back upon the period when Mr. and Mrs. Dennett 
 began life in Rochester, it is astonishing to note the difierence in 
 the whole mode of existence compared with that of the present day. 
 Stoves were wholly unknown. Open fires were used for cooking 
 as well as warmth, the bellows being plied to fan the dying 
 flames. About 1823 Mr. Dennett bought the first cooking-stove 
 ever used in town ; and people came quite a distance to see it, as 
 a curiosity, often declaring they'd " never have such a black, dismal 
 thing in their homes." Candles and whale-oil lamps g:xvc dimly 
 flick'eriug light in public places as well as private houses. The 
 convenience of Lucifer matches was unknown. For some years 
 the tinder-box and flint were in requisition in the home of
 
 340 ROCHESTER. 
 
 which we speak, and must have been a sore trial to the patience 
 in times of haste. When they commenced housekeeping it was 
 customary to keep Hquors in the house to offer guests; ministers, 
 as well as others, being then unenlightened as to the evils of the 
 social glass. In later days, when speaking of the olden times, 
 Mr. and Mrs. Dennett often said they would then have felt as 
 mortified if without some kind of spirits for guests, as in after 
 years if they had had no food to set before them. 
 
 Afterwards Mr. Dennett became widely known as a most zealous 
 temperance advocate, time, strength, and money being freely 
 expended in the cause. Of course railroads and telegraphs did 
 not approach the town for many years after their marriage, the 
 lumbering stage-coach being the only public conveyance. 
 
 Not long before Mr. Dennett's death he was asked if he thought 
 there could be as many wonderful discoveries in the fifty years 
 to come as in the past half century. He was of the opinion that 
 there could not be as many that would be generally useful to all 
 classes, and probably he was correct. Mr. Dennett had quite an 
 amount of inventive talent. In 1822 he constructed a corn-sheller 
 that would shell a bushel of corn in three minutes, separating 
 the corn from the cobs ; but he did not attempt to secure a patent 
 on it. He also made a lock which was used many years upon 
 the vault of the bank in which he was a director, and which 
 repeatedly defied the efl:brts of burglars. 
 
 When about forty-one years old Mr. Dennett gave up cabinet- 
 making, on account of machine work coming in competition with 
 hand-made furniture. He then devoted himself to surveying land, 
 administering upon estates, drawing up wills and other legal 
 documents, giving so much attention to probate business that he 
 became quite an authority in such matters. He had great versa- 
 tility of talent, and generally succeeded in whatever he undertook. 
 He was eminentlj^ a man of action, — not simply of ideas. One 
 who knew him well said " he could do, thoroughly, a greater 
 variety of business than any three average men." 
 
 He filled various offices of trust : as selectman, town clerk, 
 county treasurer, representative to the State Legislature, and was 
 deputy sheriflf for eighteen years. He was on the first board of 
 directors of the Rochester Bank, organized in 1835, and was 
 connected with it during its existence. When the IsTorway Plains
 
 LEADING MEN SINCE THE REVOLUTION. 341 
 
 Savings Bank was incorporated in 1851, he wu,s on the first board 
 of trustees, of whieli ho was president for nniny years. Ilia Htrict 
 conscientiousness was manifostcd i!i all his huHiuesB relations, 
 whether in public or private- life. His integrity and sound ju«lg- 
 ment were so fully recognized that he was otlen chosen as arbi- 
 trator in disputed cases among his townsmen, and he frequently 
 acted as guardian for children. 
 
 He did much good, in a quiet way, by giving advice freely to 
 the many who came to him for counsel; indeed, he was many 
 times miposed upon by persons wisliing to borrow money, winning 
 his ready sympathy by pleas of distress and mislbrtune, and too 
 often his kindness was repaid by the total loss of sums loaned in 
 the hope of helping others in the struggle of life. Thus *' his 
 ver}' failings leaned to virtue's side." JJeing thoroughly honest 
 himself, it was hard for him to 1)elieve in, and guard against, the 
 knavery that would deliberately obtain money with no intention of 
 payment. His, truly, was mens sibi conscia recti. He was a close 
 economist in man}- ways in order to be able to give liberally to 
 every cause that seemed worthy. The modest competence he 
 acquired would have been much larger had it not been for his 
 generosity in business transactions. If a note written at annual 
 interest was paid, he would frequently cast it at 6im})le interest 
 for a large part of the time it had run, or give outright several 
 years' interest. If a mortgage was foreclosed, instead of taking 
 full possession of the property, he would allow the incund)ent to 
 remain, and pay up by degrees on easy terms. As a matter of 
 course, riches do not come by such methods; but he letl the 
 unselfish example of one who constantly strove to benefit others. 
 In these grasping days his course may be worthy of consideration, 
 if not of emulation. 
 
 Mr. Dennett was a prominent Free Mason and Odd Fellow; 
 he joined the Free Masons early in life, and always said he had 
 derived much benefit from the teachings of the order; he was 
 Master of the Lodge fifteen years, treasurer fourteen years, and 
 District Deputy Grand Master four years. He was a i-harter 
 member of Motolinia Lodge, L 0. O. F., and wns pLrmaiR'nt 
 secretary twenty-one years. 
 
 Mr. Dennett was in early life a Democrat, but tLc-ling that in 
 course of time the party had degenerated, and forsakin fb.ir
 
 342 ROCHESTER. 
 
 original principles, he joined the Free Soilers when John P. Hale 
 made his great departure, and was ever after an earnest Republican. 
 
 When the Rebellion broke out and goverment bonds were issued, 
 many feared to invest lest the government should be defeated, 
 and they should suffer loss in consequence. Mr. Dennett, with 
 the spirit of a true patriot, bought the earliest bonds issued, saying 
 if the government went down all would be lost, and no invest- 
 ment would be of any value. He felt it a duty to aid, to the 
 small extent of his means, by purchasing bonds issued to obtain 
 needful funds for prosecuting the war. 
 
 It is difficult to give any adequate idea of the sturdy manliness, 
 the strict sense of justice, the unswerving fidelity to right, the 
 swift indignation at wrong or meanness of any kind, that charac- 
 terized the whole life of Charles Dennett. iSTot that he was that 
 impossible being, a iperfect man ; far from it ; he had the faults 
 incident to a quick, impetuous nature. He was prone to use very 
 strong and outspoken language when roused to ire by anything 
 that outratred his hio-h ideal of rio-ht. 
 
 He seemed utterly destitute of any fear of man. In his zealous 
 efforts for temperance he merely smiled when informed of threats 
 against his life and property, and probably never had a moment 
 of real anxiety in consequence. As sheriff, also, he was often 
 placed in perilous positions without flinching. It is sometimes 
 said of people that " they have no back-bone." The man of whom 
 we write seemed to have been gifted by Dame Nature with a 
 double allowance of that important portion of the human structure. 
 Of course such a man could not fail to have enemies ; yet it is 
 not too much to say that he possessed the respect and confidence 
 of all right-minded people in the community. 
 
 He could boast of no renowned ancestrj^, but he was one of 
 nature's noblemen. His life was not brilliant with great deeds, 
 but he was a just and upright man of the people; the widow and 
 the fatherless found in him a safe guide and counselor. He was 
 loyal to his town, his country, and his God. 
 
 He died March 4, 1867, being seventy-eight years and five 
 months old, and in full possession of all his mental faculties, 
 attending to business until a brief time before his death. His 
 memory is still precious to the few left who knew him. 
 
 His wife survived him over nine years, dying Sept. 24, 1876,
 
 LEADING MEN SINCE THE REVOLUTION. 348 
 
 at the age of eighty-four years and nine months. She waa a 
 sweet, unobtrusive, unselfish woman, faithful in all her dutiea to 
 her fomily, and the church, of which she was an exemplary 
 member for over sixty years. "Their \v>>r]<< do f..l!..\v tli.-m ! " 
 
 REV. ENOCH PJ.ACK. 
 
 Enoch Place, the oldest of ten children of James and Abigail 
 Place, was born in Rochester, July 13, 1786. In early life lie 
 was of feeble constitution, but by laboring upon the farm his* 
 system was strengthened, so that he enjoyed good health through 
 his subsequent life. He had an eager desire for knowledge, but 
 his opportunities were limited. He attended tlie district school 
 every winter and learned what he could, but not a sentence of 
 grammar was taught, and the other common branches were taugiit 
 very imperfectly. His father kept him at work on the farm, 
 intending, however, to give him education sufficient for ordinary 
 business. This did not satisfy his aspirations, and he determined 
 that he would get more education, cost what it might, even if he 
 must wait till he was of age. Dr. Howe (p. 121), understanding the 
 case, oifered to take him into his family, that he migbt attend 
 the village select school. To his great joy his parents consented, 
 and he made good progress. The next term he walked two miles 
 to attend school at Gonic. In this way he qualified hiniself to 
 teach school winters while helping his father on the farm during 
 the summers. 
 
 After several seasons of deep religious conviction, beginning 
 even in childhood, he was converted in March, 1807, while teaching 
 in the upper part of Barrington, now Strafibrd. From thi> time 
 he bore a living testimony for the Saviour, praying in his sciiool, 
 at his boarding-house, and among citizens of the place as he had 
 opportunity. He took some part in every meeting, and resolved 
 to neglect no known duty. In May following he united with the 
 Free Will Baptist Church at Crown Point, and '' went on liis 
 way rejoicing." 
 
 Soon after this he became satisfied that it was his duty to 
 preach the gospel, and made his first attempt in the very neigh- 
 borhood where he was converted, taking Gen. 3 : r> n^^ hi> text.
 
 344 ROCHESTER. 
 
 This was June 3, 1807, from which time he continued for fift}*- 
 seven 3'ears in the work which was his great delight. He was 
 ordained at a Quarterly Meeting at Crown Point, Jan. 22, 1813. 
 He removed to Strafford in 1814, having for many 3'ears the 
 charge of both the second and the third churches there. Here most 
 of his Sabbath labors were performed ; but his missionary labors 
 throuo-h all the neia'hboring towns were almost unremitting durinsc 
 the week days. Jan. 12, 1865, he performed his last public service, 
 preaching at the funeral of an aged widow, from the text " Blessed 
 are the dead who die in the Lord." After a distressing illness 
 he died at Strafford Ridge, March 23, 1865, and was buried at 
 Crown Point. 
 
 He was married Sept. 29, 1808, to Sally, oldest daughter of 
 Capt. Daniel Demeritt of Barrington, and had nine childreu. She 
 died at Strafford Jan. 4, 1880. 
 
 " Father Place '' was a good man. He was kind, courteous, 
 and obliging. His love of social converse was seldom equaled. 
 His piety was warm and earnest, abounding in labors for the 
 conversion of sinners. He took great delight in administering 
 the consolations of religion to wounded hearts everywhere. Many 
 remember him to bless his memory. His gifts and position qual- 
 ified him for eminent usefulness. His services were much sought 
 for at funerals, of Avhich he attended not far from sixteen hundred. 
 He was secretary of the Isew Hampshire Charitable Society ; for 
 many years clerk of the New Hampshire Yearly Meeting; also 
 of the Xew Durham Quarterly Meeting; one of the trustees of 
 the Free Will Baptist printing establishment at Dover ; and mod- 
 erator of the first General Conference at Tunbridge, Vt., in 1827. 
 As a preacher he was warm and earnest. He welcomed Bible 
 truth, and gave it faithful utterance in his sermons. His voice 
 was clear and sonorous, and his presence commanding. He was 
 a man of progress. " Onward " was his motto. He entered into 
 the best element of the spirit of the times. In the dark days of 
 the war, though feeble with age, he was found standing erect for 
 God and his country. 
 
 Prof. T. C. Upham says : — " He was a man of more than 
 ordinary intellect, of great benevolence of heart, and a zealous, 
 self-sacrificing, and devoted follower of Christ. The whole region 
 round about, including Rochester, Barrington, Strafford, Farm-
 
 LEADING MEN SINCE THE REVOLUTION. 845 
 
 ington, Barnstead, and Xew Durliaiu, were mudo wiser, hutter, 
 and happier through his faitlit'ul teachings and Christian henevo- 
 lence. ... I thank God tliat lie Ims lived; I tliank God for all 
 
 the good he has done : T tlmnk Gcd ihjit li.. i. in .ri,,rv. T.-t n- 
 follow on." 
 
 FARRTXn T"\. 
 
 Stephen Farrington, born at Andover, Mass., about 1707, settled 
 as a farmer in Concord, N. H. He married Apphia IJrmlley, 
 whose two brothers were massacred by the Indians on the road 
 from Hopkinton to Concord, Aug. 11, 174«), and bad eight cliil- 
 dren : — Stephen, John, Jeremiah, Samuel, and four daughters, 
 whose names are not known. He died at the residence of his 
 son Samuel at Hopkinton in 1791. 
 
 Jeremiah Farrington, third son of Stephen, in early life removed 
 from Concord to CouAvay, where he settled as a farmer on tlio 
 Saco river. He married Molly Swan and had seven children : — 
 Hannah, Polly, Stephen, Elijah, James, Nancy, and Jeremiah. 
 He was a member of the Congregational Church, and died at 
 about the age of eighty-four. 
 
 James Farrington, the third son of Jeremiah and Molly, was 
 born at Conway Oct. 1, 1791. He was fitted for college at Frye- 
 burg Academy in 1814, and on the following February began the 
 study of medicine under the tuition of Dr. Moses Chandler of 
 Fryeburg, Me. He finished his studies with Dr. Jabez Dow of 
 Dover, and w\as examined in the science of medicine and surgery 
 by Drs. Crosby and Pray, the censors of the New Hampshire 
 Medical Society, July 18, 1818. On the 9th of August following, 
 he began practice in Rochester. He became a mend)er of the 
 New Hampshire Medical Society, in which he held the offices of 
 censor and counselor. He was also president of the Stratibrd 
 District Medical Society. He had many students in medicine, 
 among wdiom were Drs. Joseph H. Smith, and Timothy and Alfred 
 Upham. He was for some years on the examining board at 
 Dartmouth Medical College. In 1845 he was appointed by the 
 Governor one of the trustees of the New Hampshire Asylum for 
 the Insane. His practice was extensive, and lie ranked high as 
 a physician and surgeon of superior skill and judgment, being
 
 346 ROCHESTER. 
 
 often called long distances for consultation. His professional 
 record included many surgical operations regarded at that time 
 as specially difficult. 
 
 Dr. Farrington was a man of great social and political influence, 
 a strong man, and a zealous supporter of the Democratic party. 
 He was representative and afterwards senator in the New Hamp- 
 shire Legislature, and in 1837 was elected to represent his district 
 in the Twenty -iifth Congress of the United States. He joined with 
 his brother-in-law, John McDuflee, in organizing the Rochester 
 Bank, in which he held the oflice of president till his death. He was 
 very methodical in his habits, a marked gentleman, kind-hearted 
 and generous, ready to render assistance whenever needed. 
 
 Dr. Farrington was married March 8, 1827, to Mary D., daughter 
 of Joseph Hanson of Rochester, who died in April, 1853, leaving 
 three sons and one daughter. After a practice of more than fifty 
 years he died in Rochester Oct. 9, 1859. 
 
 Elijah Farrington, second son of Jeremiah, was born at Conway 
 in 1784, and married March 5, 1814, Lois L. Farrington, who 
 was born Dec. 25, 1793. He was an industrious, thrifty farmer, 
 respected by all. He died June 3, 1863. His widow resided with 
 her youngest son in Rochester, where she died May 29, 1888, in 
 the full possession of her faculties, at the age of ninety-four years 
 and five months. She was for over sixty years a worthy member 
 of the Congregational Church, in the welfare of which she always 
 took a deep interest. They had three children: — Albert E., who 
 has resided in Minneapolis, Minn., since 1855; ^lary H., deceased, 
 the wife of Capt. Samuel Hazelton of Conway; and James. 
 
 James Farrington, youngest child of Elijah and Lois L. Far- 
 rington, was born in Conway June 10, 1822. Reared on the 
 farm, he early learned those cardinal principles of success, industry 
 and economy. Attending the common school till the age of 
 sixteen, he fitted for college at Fryeburg Academy. While getting 
 his education he was obliged to teach winters to obtain funds to 
 pursue his studies. He was a good, faithful boy on the farm, a 
 diligent student at school, and a successful teacher. In 1841 he 
 began the study of medicine with Dr. Ira Towle of Fryeburg, 
 Me., and remained with him nearly five years, attending one 
 course of lectures at Dartmouth Medical College in 1844. He 
 graduated from the Medical Department of the University of New
 
 ¥\^^r ^^Clk. 
 
 ^^^-^-^z ^e^ -/" /X,^^* c^J^^^
 
 LEADING MEN SINCE THE REVOLUTION. 347 
 
 York City, and also from J)r. Whittalcer's Medical School, in tlie 
 spring of 1847. In May following he began practice in HoclicHler, 
 being associated with his uncle of the same name. Upon the 
 death of his uncle in 1859, he succeeded to tlie entire practice, 
 which extends into all the adjoining towns. Ilis advice is ot\en 
 sought in consultation. He is a member of the New Hampshire 
 Medical Society, and was for some years in-esident of the Stnif- 
 ford District Medical Society, and has contributed valuidile cH^ayH 
 on subjects of interest to the profession. His influence has always 
 been in favor of the cause of temperance. A Democrat in iiolit' 
 he has held some of the more important town oiiices, and n ; ■• 
 sented the town in the Legislature of 1863. For many years lie 
 has been a director in the First National Bank, and the Norway 
 Plains Savings Bank of Rochester. He was the first High Priest 
 of Temple Chapter of R. A. Masons, holding the office for many 
 years. He is also a member of St. Paul Commandery of K. T. 
 of Dover. 
 
 Dr. Farrington married Feb. 27, 1851, Harriette L., daughter 
 of Simon Chase of Rochester. She died April 7, 1887, leaving 
 two daughters: — Ellen Florence, born Nov. 18, 1854, married 
 Dec. 25, 1879, George, son of John McDuffee; and JostpJdnc Chase, 
 born Sept. 13, 1859, married Dec. 25, 1879, Arthur V. Sanborn, 
 a furniture dealer in Rochester. They have one son, Jame.-^ Far- 
 rington Sanborn, born Sept. 1, 1880. 
 
 JONATHAN PETER GUSHING. 
 
 On the twelfth day of March, 1793, was born in Rochester, 
 Jonathan P. Gushing, the son of Peter and Hannah (Hanson) 
 Gushing. His father owned a saw and grist mill where the mills 
 of the Norway Plains Company now stand. His mother died 
 before he was seven years old, and four years later his father 
 died also, leaving him without friends to support or to ofier kindly 
 encouragement. Plis guardian proved both morally and pecuni- 
 arily unfiiithful. He took Jonathan to New Durham, and made 
 him a mere drudge on the farm and in the mill, without even 
 the ordinary privilege of attending school in winter. AtU^r a year, 
 Jonathan very properly refused to remain, and began to look out 
 for himself. After visiting various mechanical shoi-s to see what
 
 348 ROCHESTER. 
 
 he could do, lie finally decided to come back to Eochester, and 
 at the age of thirteen bound himself as an apprentice to his uncle, 
 Mr. Odiorue, who lived where Dodge's Hotel now stands, and 
 had a saddler's shop close by. His prospects were the same as 
 those of other apprentices, simply to serve out his time till he 
 could go into business for himself; but he had far higher pur- 
 poses in view. The mere drudgery of money-making could not 
 satisfy his aspirations. One da}^ he suddenly rose up from his 
 bench and exclaimed to a companion, " I am determiued to have 
 a college education, if it takes forty years of my life to get it." 
 Boys with such determination are sure sooner or later to attain 
 their purpose. This resolution never forsook him, and he seized 
 every means in his reach to carry it out. Boj's of this generation 
 know little of the difficulties he encountered. He had no friendly 
 assistance, and it was his almost constant meditation how to 
 acconiDlish his design. Apprentices were entitled by law to six 
 months in the public schools. Availing himself faithfully of this 
 privilege, he was stimulated to greater endeavors. Bound by his 
 apprenticeship he took no dishonorable means to get free, but 
 by working extra hours he at length purchased his time. He 
 then went to Phillips Academy at Exeter, where he paid his way 
 by working at his trade out of school hours every day during 
 his course. After a year and a half his health became somewhat 
 impaired, and he returned to Rochester for rest, taking charge of 
 the village school for about eighteen months. With health renewed 
 he went back to Exeter, pursuing his trade and his studies together 
 till he was fitted for college. About this time he was taken sick 
 with symptoms threatening consumption. A course of treatment 
 was prescribed which he was told would relieve him provided the 
 disease was not already seated upon his lungs, but otherwise 
 would hasten his end. He did not hesitate to take it, saying "I 
 am determined to have a liberal education or die in the attempt." 
 He entered the junior class in Dartmouth College and graduated 
 in 1817. After graduation he intended to fit himself for the legal 
 profession, and went South, as the climate was more favorable to 
 his health. While at Richmond, Ya., he learned that a young 
 man from 'Nev: Hampshire was there confined with sickness. He 
 at once sought him out, and they became warm friends. This 
 stranger had been appointed tutor in Hampden Sidney College.
 
 LEADING MEN SINCE THE REVOLUTION. 849 
 
 After much persuasion he prevtiikMl on Mr. Cusliiiig to take Inn 
 place till he should regain his health. Instead of recovering, li.' 
 soon after died, and Mr. Cushing was pernumently eHtal)lishe«l in 
 the institution. This was in the November after hJH grachiution, 
 and two years later he was chosen professor of chemistry and 
 natural philosophy. In 1821, at the age of twenty-sevon, he 
 became president of the college, which office he held for fifteen 
 years. The college had very much run down, with few studenta, 
 and with no graduations for several years. Under bin manage- 
 ment it immediately began to improve, and became one of the 
 leading institutions of the South. President Cushing by bin per- 
 sonal efforts raised $45,000 to establish professorships and purchase 
 needed apparatus, and the number of students increased to one 
 hundred. He became a man of note in the State, and exerted a 
 great influence in behalf of public schools in Virginia, IK- lir>t 
 suggested the formation of the "Historical and riiilosoithieal So- 
 ciety of Virginia," and delivered the first annual address before 
 that body. " He obtained high repute in literature and science." 
 Much space would be required to give a complete record of the 
 benevolent. Christian, and philanthropic enter^jrises in whicli he 
 w^as conspicuous. In 1827 he married Lucy Jane, daughter ot 
 Carter Page of Cumberland County, Virginia. He died at Kaleigh, 
 K C, April 25, 1835, while on his way to the West Indies in 
 hope of recruiting his broken health. His life affords a striking 
 illustration of what can be accomplished by genuine Yankee 
 " pluck " in spite of adverse circumstances. 
 
 BARKER. 
 
 Benjamin and Deborah Barker resided in Stratham, and had 
 five children: — Benjamin, born Aug. 29, 175(3, died Jan. 5, 1780; 
 Debby, born July 5, 1760; Phebe, born July 2, 17«;2, died Oct. 
 15, 1797 ; David, born Feb. 2, 1765 ; William, born Sept.J», 1767. 
 
 The two younger sons settled in Rochester about 179M, and 
 built the " Barker Tavern," which was burned, near wliere the 
 Methodist Church now stands (p. 131). David Barker kept the 
 tavern for many years. He was a prominent man, and was higli 
 sheriff of the county. He married June 30, 17!i.":. Ann Fros
 
 350 ROCHESTER. 
 
 Simpson, who was born March 24, 1771. Their children were 
 the following: — 
 
 1. Louise A. Barker, born Stratham, Aug. 17, 1794; married 
 John Chapman, who was a trader in Rochester, and afterwards 
 in Boston, and had five children: — Maria, Thomas, Henry, "Wil- 
 liam, and Anna, Mrs. Chapman died July 28, 1837. 
 
 2. David Barker, Jr., born Stratham, Jan. 8, 1797. His natural 
 taste for learning was manifest at an early age. After three years' 
 preparation at Exeter, he entered Harvard College at the age of 
 fourteen, where he graduated in 1815 with the high esteem of 
 his instructors and classmates, among whom were John G, Palfrey 
 and Jared Sparks. After leaving college he studied law in the 
 office of the elder John P. Hale, Esq., of Rochester, where he 
 began practice in 1819. 
 
 Mr. Barker was for several years a prominent member of the 
 Legislature of New Hampshire, and in 1827 was elected repre- 
 sentative to Congress. He was extensively acquainted with the 
 science of politics in general, and particularly acquainted with the 
 political history of his own country. He was a politician of inde- 
 pendent principles and enlarged views, a ripe and finished scholar, 
 a sound, correct, and able lawyer. Few men possessed more of 
 the benevolent and amiable virtues. His promptness in all the 
 duties of life, his uncompromising integrity, his unostentatious 
 deportment, and his urbanity of manners won the respect and 
 esteem of all who knew him. He was a Christian man, of deep 
 and thorough conscientiousness. In all the relations of life he was 
 a man his friends could least bear to part with. He was an 
 original member of the New Hampshire Historical Society, and 
 the present sketch is largely taken from a notice in their fourth 
 volume of New Hampshire Collections, written by his pastor, 
 Rev. Isaac Willey. 
 
 Mr. Barker married Oct. 2, 1823, Mary, eldest daughter of Hon. 
 Nathaniel Upham, and died April 1, 1834, leaving two children : — 
 David, who died at the age of thirteen, and Mary. 
 
 3. Benjamin Barker, born Rochester Oct. 16, 1799. He lived 
 for a time at Great Falls in the emploj^ of the manufacturing 
 company, but soon returned to Rochester. In 1838 he went as 
 far West as St. Louis, thinking to find a place to locate, but was 
 disappointed in the country, and was glad to get back. He and
 
 LEADING MEN SINCE THE REVOLUTION. 851 
 
 Lis brother soon after ])egaii the mamifacture of hlaiiketH, hut 
 were not very successful. He then " kq.t fitorc" for some years, 
 and was afterwards in the hnnher husiness with his hn>ther. He 
 owned a sawmill and o-ristniill for many years, and at one time 
 manufactured lasts in the upper part of the niilh In 1834 ho 
 was chosen deacon in the Congre.-cational Cliureh, and few men 
 ever filled that ofhce more worthily; for the most prominent 
 thing in Deacon Barker's life was his religion. lie ww a praying 
 man, constant at the social meetings of the church, and in his 
 closet, or "prayer retreat," still reverently remend^ered hy his 
 surviving daughter. He was also a working man, holding Sunday 
 Schools for years in Milton and other out-districts. The good 
 results of his labor cannot be estimated. A man who met Ijim 
 in Boston said " Mr. Barker, I owe all my success in life to you, 
 — to that Sunday School at Milton." 
 
 Deacon Barker married iirst, Aug. 13, 1827, P]li/,a \V. March, 
 who died Jan. 14, 1836; second, Jan. 14, 1830, Charity Tebbets, 
 who died Sept. 1, 1874. He died Dec. 18, 1873. He had three 
 children: — George TF., Caroline 3T., and Eliza M., oidy the second 
 of whom is now living. 
 
 4. Thomas Simpson Barker, horn Rochester July 24, 1802; went 
 South and died there March 31, 1826. 
 
 5. William Barker, born Rochester Dec. 23, 1804; went Soiiih 
 to settle his brother's estate, and died there Sept. 23, 1827. 
 
 6. George Barker, born Rochester Oct. 19, 1807. He wa.-, in 
 business, as mentioned in previous sketches, with his brother 
 and brother-in-law, in trade and manufacture. He resided seven 
 years in Dover, and later in life removed to South lierwick. 
 Me., where he died Oct. 18, 1880. He married, June 25, 1831, 
 Emily J. March, who died at South Berwick, Me., Aug. 6, 
 1871. She was a lovely Christian woman, and nmch lamented. 
 They had six ehMren :— Charles A., Anmi 6'., residing in South 
 Berwick, Me., George F., residing in Chicago, 111., Jonas M., 
 John M., and JEmilg M., of whom only two survived childhoo<l. 
 
 7. llaria Barker, born Rochester Dec. 14, 1810 : died Oct. 1, 
 1819.
 
 352 ROCHESTER. 
 
 HON. NOAH TEBBETS. 
 
 XoAH Tebbets, the youngest son of James and Mary (Nutter) 
 Tebbets, was born Dec. 26, 1802, at Rochester, where his ancestors 
 had Hved for more than one hundred years. His father, James 
 Tebbets, was a blacksmith, and had his "shop" for many years 
 on Main street where the old " Union Store " building now is, 
 and was a man noted for his industry and integrity. He ched at 
 Rochester in November, 1854, aged eighty-two years. 
 
 Noah Tebbets as a boy was fond of books, quick to learn, and 
 determined to be educated. He was prepared for college at 
 the academies at Wakefield, N. H., and Saco, Me., and entered 
 Dartmouth University, but when the Supreme Court of the United 
 States demolished the University, he, with others, entered Bowdoin 
 College, where he graduated in 1822. In college his scholarship 
 was extensive and thorough. He was the third scholar in his 
 class at graduation. At commencement the salutatory was assigned 
 him, and later a Latin " Master's oration." 
 
 After his graduation Mr. Tebbets studied law in his native 
 village with Jeremiah H. Woodman, Esq., for three years, and in 
 1825 was admitted to the bar of York County, Me., and com- 
 menced practice at North Parsonsfield, Me. In 1827 he moved 
 to " Middle Village," Parsonsfield, Me., and entered into part- 
 nership with the Hon. Rufus Mclntyre, then a member of Con- 
 gress. His practice extended through York Count}^ Me., and 
 " Old Strafford " in New Hampshire. 
 
 June 3, 1828, he married Mary Esther, the eldest daughter of 
 J. H. Woodman, Esq., of Rochester. He remained at Parsons- 
 field seven years, where he was superintending school committee 
 nearly all the time, and by his labors and care brought the schools 
 of Parsonsfield to a very high degree of excellence. 
 
 In 1834 Mr. Tebbets removed to his old home, Rochester, where 
 he continued the practice of his profession until his death. As 
 a lawyer he never favored litigation, nor allowed his clients to 
 become involved in the law, if he could keep them out of it. He 
 believed that his highest duty as a lawyer was to be a peacemaker. 
 As a citizen he was public spirited and constantly striving to 
 advance all social and educational enterprises. He was promi- 
 nently active in re-establishing the social library in this village,
 
 LEADING MEN SINCK THK KEVOLrTIOX. 353 
 
 and was the first librarian nndor tlio lu-w rluirfii- y). |.h;{;, \lt- 
 was ever the friend of progress, and Iteliovcd tliat ant-iout ideiw 
 should give way to a more liberal policy, and did nnuh for the 
 improvement of schoolhouses, teachers, and scholarH. Ho wjw un 
 active temperance man in those early days when it coht Hometliing 
 to denounce the sale of liquors, and by his addresses throughout 
 the State souglit to interest the jicople in the tcmpcmncc cause. 
 His sympathy with his fellownien was unVjoniidcd, and \v;i^ -liouii 
 not alone in words but in action as well. 
 
 In politics Mr. Tebbcts was a ])emoerat a!id reci-ived tin.- lull 
 confidence and support of his party, while he did not hcHitate to 
 oppose the party leaders when their actions seemed to him unwise 
 or unfair. He had no taste for political preferment, and though 
 often urged to be a candidate for oflfice, he refused to leave the 
 quiet and peace of private life. He loved his home and his family, 
 and would not have surrendered them for all the shadows of 
 fame that might flit across his path. In 1842, when tlie laws 
 of the State were to be revised, and a great struggle waa 
 made in the temperance interest, he consented to be a candidate 
 for the Legislature, and was elected by a large majority. In the 
 Legislature he was a member of the judiciary and banking com- 
 mittees. In January, 1843, Mr. Tebbets was appointed by Gov- 
 ernor Hubbard a circuit justice of the Court of Connnon IMeas. 
 He accepted the position with feelings of great distrust of his own 
 ability, but how well he discharged the duties of the otfiee can 
 be told by the following tribute to his memory from his life-long 
 friend, the late Hon. John P. Hale, who, in speaking of Judge 
 Tebbets's appointment and character as a jurist, said: — " Perhaps 
 injustice is done to no one else when it is said that no appoint- 
 ment is recollected to have been made by the E.xecutive of this 
 State, within the memory of the speaker, which was received with 
 more satisfaction by the whole community than wa>< that of Judge 
 Tebbets. His character, disposition, and habits of thought emi- 
 nently qualified him for success in the oflSce to which lie wna 
 promoted. His great integrity, liis even temper, his suavity of 
 manner, his clear perception, his modest distrust of his own j^owers, 
 which induced him to listen patiently and respectfully to the 
 arguments and suggestions of others, and the clearness and dis- 
 tinctness with which he announced the results to which his reflec- 
 
 24
 
 354 ROCHESTER. 
 
 tions had led him, were such estimable and rare qualities for a 
 judge, that his friends and the pu])lic had already formed and 
 were cherishing the most favorable anticipations of his reputation 
 and usefulness in his judicial career. He never sank the gentle- 
 man in the judge, but alwa^'s treated every one who had occasion 
 to transact business with him on the bench, with such urbanity 
 and kindness, that it is believed he never, even by accident, 
 wounded the feelings of the humblest individual who approached 
 him." 
 
 A friend who knew him from childhood says that " the trait of 
 character which most eminently distinguished him was, after all, 
 his integriiy. It seemed impressed on his whole mien, and to be 
 beaming forth in all his actions. Even a stranger when intro- 
 duced into his presence seemed at once to feel the assurance that 
 he was dealing with an honest man, and that no concealment or 
 disguise was necessary." 
 
 While holding a term of court at Gilford, in August, 1844, he 
 was suddenly attacked with typhoid fever, which compelled him 
 to adjourn the court and return home on the 30th of August. 
 He died Sept. 9, 1844, at the age of forty-one years and eight 
 months, and his body lies buried in the " Old Gravej'ard " in 
 Eochester. 
 
 Judge Tebbets had six children, one of whom, 'James, ;died in 
 infancy. 
 
 His eldest son, Theodore Tebbets, was born in Parsonsiield, 
 Me., April 1, 1831. A studious and scholarly boy, he found 
 himself at his father's death mainly dependent upon his own exer- 
 tions to secure an education. He fitted for college at Phillips 
 Academy at Exeter, and graduated at Harvard with high honors, 
 in the class of 1851. He was professor in the classical depart- 
 ment at Phillips Academy one year, and graduated from the 
 Divinity School at Cambridge, Mass., July 17, 1855. On the 19th 
 of September following he was ordained pastor of the First Uni- 
 tarian Society at Lowell, Mass. After preaching two Sundays he 
 Avas prostrated by a severe illness which compelled his resignation. 
 He so far recovered that he was installed pastor of the First Uni- 
 tarian Parish at Medford, Mass., April 15, 1857. He was forced 
 a second time to resign on account of failing health, and died in 
 New York City, Jan. 29, 1863. He married, in 1857, Ellen,
 
 I 
 
 LEADING MEN SINCE TUE REVOLUTION. 856 
 
 daucrhter of John Sever, of Kingston, Miiks., wlioni he left u widow 
 with one son, John K Tcbbets, now rewiding in Kimsiw City, Mo. 
 
 The only daughter of Judge Tel)hctH, Sarah C, iB now living 
 in Rochester. She married lion. (Jeorge C. P.-i.v.-v of St.-dV.,.d. 
 who died in 1876. 
 
 Hall W. Tcbbets, his tliird son, died nt I.ynn., Maf.h., in IhbU, 
 leaving a widow and four children. 
 
 Charles B. Tebbets, the fourth son, is one of tlie wealthiest and 
 most extensive shoe manufacturers in Lynn, Mass. 
 
 The youngest son, Noah Tcbbets, hcam the name of hi^ li,.ii..ivd 
 father, on the day of whose burial he was born. lit- is now a 
 lawyer residing in Brooklyn, K Y. Two of these sons, Hull W, 
 and Noah, were in the Union army in the war of the Hebollion, 
 and ISToah Tebbets was one of the "Guard of Honor" over the 
 remains of the late General U. S. Grant from Mt. McGregor to 
 Riverside Park (p. 231). 
 
 Judge Tebbets's widow died at Rochester aged seventy-one years, 
 beloved and blessed by all who knew her. She was indeed a 
 fitting companion for such a man as Judge Tebbets, and her 
 memory will ever be precious to the many who canu" in coMtact 
 with her. 
 
 In conclusion it can be truthfully said that the tine (juaiities of 
 Judge Tebbets's character were harmonized and crowned by a 
 religious consecration. He reverently attributed all that was good 
 and true in his character, to God working in him to do and to 
 will, while he humbly confessed how far he fell below the stand- 
 ard of Christian manliness presented in the Gospel and life of 
 Jesus. In public and in private, at fitting times, he avowed his 
 dependence on God for all his happiness in this life, and for all 
 his hopes of immortality, and he trusted in the love of our Savior, 
 always seeking to cherish a sense of his accountability to the 
 Giver of every good and perfect gift. 
 
 WHITEHOUSE. 
 
 BY HON. CHARLES S. WHITEHOUSE. 
 
 The village of Gonic (an abbreviation of the Indian name Squnm- 
 anagonick)"is pleasantly situated in the southerly part of Korh- 
 ester, on the banks of the Cocheco river. Si.xty years ago it had
 
 356 ROCHESTER. 
 
 only a dozen or so houses of the old-fashioned New England type 
 and value. It had two small stores, where the farmers of that 
 neighborhood exchanged their limited produce for an equally 
 limited amount of calico, pins, needles, molasses, salt fish, and 
 New England rum. It had no village church, no commodious 
 schoolhouse, no flourishing factory, no neat dwelling-houses. It 
 had a sawmill, which was run in the spring and the fall of the 
 year to get out the small quantity of lumber required by the 
 farmers. It had a gristmill, which was run the year round, " by 
 fits and starts," as the harvest of corn, wheat, and rye required. 
 It had a brickyard where some one, usually the village store- 
 keeper, nearly every summer made a small kiln of seventy-five 
 ' or a hundred thousand bricks, to be peddled out the following 
 fall and winter. Its few inhabitants had but a limited amount of 
 this world's goods, and not very exalted aspirations for the treas- 
 ures of the world to come. The neighboring farmers were fore- 
 handed, well to do, had good farms, were fairly industrious, went 
 to church once in a while, were politically zealous at town meetings, 
 patriotic at fall musters, and generally bibulous and hilarious at 
 both, paid their taxes (with some grumbling), and were sublimely 
 indiflerent to doing things in any way different from the way 
 their fathers did before them. 
 
 In this year of our Lord 1888, Gonic presents a very different 
 appearance from sixty years ago. Its pretty, modern-built church, 
 with an average congregation of nearly two hundred, its Sabbath 
 School of seventy-five or more children, its convenient school- 
 house with ninety to a hundred scholars, its prosperous factory 
 paying over $4,000 monthly for labor to its one hundred and fifty 
 industrious and contented operatives, its seven brickyards making 
 from sixteen to twenty million bricks yearly, and consuming 
 eight to ten thousand cords of wood in burning them, its stores, 
 post-office, and at one time a bank, its public hall, engine company, 
 machine shop, blacksmithy, railroads and depots, neat dwelling- 
 houses, social and moral societies, make it what it is, a pleasant 
 and thriving New England village. And this change, this growth 
 in moral, intellectual, and material prosperity from sixty years 
 ago, is largely if not wholly the result of one man's enterprise 
 and energy, and that man was Nicholas Varney Whitehouse. 
 
 The Whitehouse family is supposed to be of Welsh extraction,
 
 LEADING MEN SINCE THE KEVOH'TION. 857 
 
 and tradition has it that three l)r()thers (tlie coiiirnon \v^vm\ of 
 American ancestry) cnii^riited to this country in its curly scttlo- 
 ment, and made liomes in (htt'erent parts of New Eiighmd, and 
 that from these descended all who hear the nanie of Whitcliousc. 
 This tradition is vague, aa most traditions arc. 
 
 The parents of the subject of this paper were Israel and Olive 
 (Varney) Whitehousc. The father, Israel AVhitchouse, wius born 
 near Gonic in 1778, and died March 1, 1841. lie was brought 
 up a shoemaker and cobbler, in the fall, winter, and spring going 
 from house to house, with his kit of tools rolled uj) in a leather 
 apron, repairing the old and making new boots and shoes for 
 the neighboring families. He was a well-meaning man with but 
 limited education, simple in his habits, somewhat choleric in tem- 
 per, as his sons often found out, contented to drift along in the 
 world if he had enough to eat and drink, and indiftcrcnt in some 
 ways about his family. The mother, Olive (Varney) Whitchouse, 
 was ambitious, and as far as the limited means at her command 
 would permit, strove diligently to better her own and her chil- 
 dren's Avelfare, and it was from her that two of the boys derived 
 many of the qualities which afterwards made them prosperous 
 business men and respected citizens. Their children were three 
 sons, Nicholas, Enoch, and Silas. The youngest {Silas) learned the 
 trade of shoemaker, as did his brothers, and worked at it most of 
 the time in the winter. In the summer he was a bricknjakcr. 
 He w^as a pleasant, amiable man, kind and obliging, but with little 
 force and energy. He was never married, and died of consump- 
 tion April 1, 1854, aged 43 years. Enoch, who was born Sep- 
 tember 1, 1807, left the family roof when sixteen or seventeen 
 years of age, to learn the hatters' trade with his uncle, Isiuic 
 Varney, an honored, influential, and wealthy Quaker of Xorth 
 Berwick, Me. After completing his apprenticeshii>, he worked aa 
 a journeyman in Haverhill, and in Chelmsford, now Lowell, Mjws., 
 for a few years, when his health becoming impaired, he returned 
 to Gonic. He was in company with his l)rothcr Nicholu.'< a few 
 years as a country storekeeper. Afterwards he ha<l a store in 
 Dover, K H., for a short time, and finally moved to l^>chcstcr, 
 where he ever after lived. He was a very industrituis and j.rudent 
 man, keen at a trade, and saving of his gains. The stinted ad- 
 vantages of his boyhood life and early manhood made liim so,
 
 358 ROCHESTER. 
 
 and the prosperity of later life failed to eradicate or modify these 
 qualities. He did not possess the restless enterprise and energy 
 of his elder brother, Nicholas, nor that buoyant, enthusiastic spirit 
 ■which characterized the latter, but his careful business habits, 
 joined with a naturally cautious judgment and frugal tastes, brought 
 him a handsome competence. He married Mary Ann McDuiFee 
 of Rochester, daughter of John McDuffee, in 1837, and died 
 March 8, 1879, aged seventy-two years, leaving a widow, but no 
 children. 
 
 Nicholas^ or as he was generally known by his simple initials, N. V. 
 "Whitehouse, was born in Gonic, Oct. 22, 1802, in a house that stood 
 on the spot now occupied by the dwelling of William H. Felker. 
 His early boyhood was one of deprivation and neglect, with but 
 little effort on the part of his father to give him the benefit that 
 the district school of six weeks in summer, and the same number 
 in winter, might have afforded. It was work, work, from his 
 earliest remembrance. When twelve years old he was put to 
 work, like most boys of poor parents, either helping his father 
 or the neighbors in such work as a bo}" of that age could do. 
 After this time of life the six weeks' summer schooling- was dis- 
 pensed with, and what education he obtained was from the winter 
 term. When fifteen years old he had learned something of the 
 shoemakers' trade and often accompanied his father in his shoe- 
 making trips among the neighboring farmers. When but seven- 
 teen years old he walked to Boston, the journey occupying two 
 days, and found work with one " Master Griggs," in Brookline, 
 Mass, Here he remained two years, working on a farm for $10 
 per month, and his board. At this early age he showed a marked 
 ability for general business matters. This, united with a genial 
 manner and unquestioning honesty, gained the confidence of 
 "Master Griggs" so fully that, in a month or two after hiring 
 with him, he was intrusted with the driving of the market wagon 
 into Boston every other morning and selling the products of the 
 farm. At the end of two years he returned to Gonic. The fol- 
 lowing spring he worked in Salmon Falls, in the wheel pits and 
 foundation trenches of the factory which was being built there 
 that season. He remained at such rough work but a few 
 weeks, as it was gradually breaking down a constitution which, 
 at this period of his life, was rather delicate. Again he returned
 
 i:r////a. 
 
 < r/> r
 
 LEADING MEN SINCE THE REVOLUTION. ^'lO 
 
 to Gonic, and this time hocaine c-k-rk f..r .l<.lm I'luiimic-r. in iiio 
 village store, a cheap wooden buiUling which then stotnl on what 
 is noAv the village square. Here he exhihitod the eame uptitutlo 
 for business, the same energy and cntliusiasm, that t-hnractorized 
 him all through life. When not quite twenty-three years old he 
 built the brick store, still standing, thougli recently greatly im- 
 proved and modernized by his son, stocked it with the goo<l« 
 required at that time in a country store, and hc._r:m fiadin- r.,r 
 himself. 
 
 The following year he fitted up the story over the htore tu^ a 
 dwelling, furnished it in a simple manner, and on tlie Slat day 
 of July, 1825, did what he used to say was " the best day's work 
 of his life," by marrying Susan, the daughter of Stephen and 
 Elisabeth (Chesley) Place. 
 
 For the following three or four years he was busily engaged 
 in trading, when, having trusted out much of his stock and " hard 
 times" coming on, he failed. His creditors took what remained 
 of his stock and, in the language of those dayn, " shut him up." 
 I^othing daunted or discouraged, he began to look about to get 
 started again, and about this time went to New York to try for 
 something, but getting homesick after three weeks' absence from 
 his young wife and family, he returned. His well-known integrity, 
 energ3% and ability soon brought to his assistance friends who 
 helped him start again, and in 1830 he was once more endiarked 
 in trade. In the fall of 1833 he closed up his store in Gonic, 
 moved to Dover, and opened a store on " the Landing," as it was 
 called, in the Sawyer brick block. The surroundings being dis- 
 tasteful to him, or the business not proving all he anticipated, he 
 moved back to Gonic the following spring. 
 
 For the next five or six years he made business lively in the 
 little village. He bought the old sawmill and privilege, enlarged 
 and improved that and the gristmill attached, built an addition 
 for making linseed oil, another addition for making plow handles 
 and plow beams, enlarged the gristmill and improved the pro- 
 cesses for making flour and meal, bought and operated wo<m1 lota, 
 manufactured lumber, and dealt largely in wood with parties in 
 Dover, made bricks, ground plaster, and established wool carding 
 and cloth dressing. This latter business gave him reputation 
 beyond the limits of his native town. The mill was esteemed the
 
 360 ROCHESTER. 
 
 best equipped for those times, doing the best work of any in the 
 county, and brought custom from every town in the county, and 
 many beyond. It was the beginning of what was to be the 
 leading occupation of his life, and the present Gonic Mills. 
 
 About 1838 certain parties by the name of Hibbard and Carr 
 leased the wool-carding rooms, and persuaded him to enlarge 
 them and put in additional machinery for the manufacture of 
 guernsey cloth, and also to become responsible for some of their 
 wool purchases. Things went along smoothly for a while, when 
 one night Hibbard and Carr ran away, leaving him a small lot 
 of stock, supplies, and unfinished goods, some debts, and but a 
 slight knowledge of the details of manufacturing. Not a whit 
 discouraged by the unpromising outlook, he quickly took in the 
 situation of affairs, and soon after associated himself with John 
 Lees and Edmund E. Thompson, two practiced manufacturers, 
 and continued the business for a few years, but soon became 
 embarrassed again. The business was badly managed, a vexatious 
 lawsuit growing out of the loan of the surplus revenue from the 
 town followed, and he was again harassed. His property was 
 attached, and complete failure again stared him in the face. Many 
 of the older citizens of the town can yet recall the intense feeling 
 raised by this quarrel over the " surplus revenue," which was 
 intensified by Mr. Whitehouse's pronounced partisanship as a 
 "Whig. The town meetings, quarrels, lawsuits, discussions, and 
 wrangles were interminable. The town sold his property at auction, 
 his credit was gone, and his honesty and integrity impeached. 
 In spite of all this, good was to come out of it. His energy and 
 activity disarmed his enemies, his patience and fortitude shamed 
 the lukewarm and indifferent, and a small circle of stanch friends 
 stood by him through thick and thin. It showed his townsmen 
 the kind of man they had to deal with, and that however adverse 
 circumstances might combine to prostrate him for the time, he 
 couldn't be kept down. ISTo sooner was the pressure slacked 
 than he was on his feet again. He never lost his pluck and 
 energy. When matters looked the worst, his life-long friend, 
 John McDuffee of Rochester, bought up the whole property, leased 
 it to Mr. Whitehouse, and relieved him from his perplexities and 
 embarrassments. This was about 1843, and for the next five years 
 he had prosperous sailing. He enlarged and improved the mill
 
 LEADING MEN SINCE THE REVOLUTION. 301 
 
 property, changing- much of the old muchin. i y aii.l a<l.inig n.-w, 
 converted the mill into a woolen flannel mill, discarded Home of hJM 
 minor operations, and settled down to lie a flannel manutueturer. 
 Parker, Wilder & Co. of Boston were associated with Mr. Wliitc- 
 house, and the business connection formed then continued for 
 thirty-five years, almost to the time of Mr. Whitchouse's death. 
 This business association with Parker, Wilder & Co. him been of 
 incalculable benefit to the town of Rochester. From it have 
 grown the present extensive establishments at Gonic and Ea«t 
 Rochester, and, consequently, two thriving villages. lint Mr. 
 Whitehouse's success was doomed to a fresh misfortune. It 
 seemed as though the " fickle jade. Fortune," was determined to 
 test his powers of endurance and fortitude, for on the night of 
 the 20th of June, 1848, the whole property was consumed by 
 fire — not a stick left standing, and only a small amount of un- 
 finished goods and stock being saved. This was a severe blow, 
 and for a few days this earnest, intrepid man seemed crushed. 
 But his mental depression was brief. In less than a month he 
 had made a settlement with the insurance companies, cleared 
 away the wreck, and was cheerily pre}»aring plans for rebuilding. 
 The following year (1849) found a new mill built and four sets 
 of machinery in successful operation. He- continued till August, 
 1859, when, with Parker, Wilder &, Co., he organized the present 
 Gonic Manufacturing Company, and became its president, agent, 
 and manager, and continued so until his final retirement from 
 the company in 1877. 
 
 In 1861, on the breaking out of the war of tiie Kebellion, he 
 made extensive improvements about the Gonic privilege, and 
 during the seasons of 1863-64-65, laid the foundations and built 
 the present large four-storied brick mill, connecting it with the 
 mill built in 1849. The close of the war brought about a severe 
 depression in business, and the new mill remained idle for several 
 years. He finally closed out all interest in the corporation to 
 Parker, Wilder & Co. of Boston in 1877, as before stated. 
 
 In 1863, in connection with Mr. John Hall, Mr. Samuel B. 
 Rindge of Boston, and four others, he obtained the charter for 
 the Cocheco Woolen Manufacturing Company at East Rochester, 
 and helped organize that corporation. He was elected its first 
 president and remained such till his death. He took great interest
 
 362 ROCHESTER. 
 
 in the development of that fine property, and always evinced 
 great pride in the thriving village that was growing up, and the 
 signs of material, social, and moral prosperity that had sprung 
 into life from the wise forethought and management of his friends, 
 Hall and Rindge, with himself. To these three men is due very 
 largely the credit of making East Rochester a model New Eng- 
 land village. 
 
 In 1856 the Farmers and Mechanics' Bank was chartered, largely 
 through his efforts, and located in Rochester village. After a few 
 years dissensions arose in the board of directors, and in 1860, he 
 and his friends having purchased a majority of the stock, a new 
 board of officers was elected and the bank removed to Gonic 
 village, he becoming its president and continuing so till his death. 
 His son, E. F. Whitehouse, was made cashier. When the gov- 
 ernment established the national banking system this bank was 
 merged into the Gonic i»[ational Bank, continuing under his 
 management to the day of his death, and shortly after was wound 
 up. The Gonic Five-Cent Savings Bank was established by him. 
 He was one of the original directors in the Kashua & Rochester 
 Railroad, a position he held at the time of his death. 
 
 In early life he took much interest in military affairs, and was 
 made quartermaster sergeant of the 39th Regiment in 1826. In 
 1829 he was commissioned captain and adjutant in the same regi- 
 ment by Gov. Benjamin Pierce, and all through life was an earnest 
 advocate of a citizen soldiery. He was never happier than when 
 attending gatherings where martial music was a feature. It seemed 
 to be the very thing his enthusiastic and energetic spirit craved. 
 
 In politics Mr. Whitehouse exercised a leading influence, not 
 only in his own town, but throughout the county and State. In 
 his early manhood he was an Adams man, as the party was known 
 in New Hampshire at that time, and afterwards a Henry Clay 
 Whig, and always a stanch advocate of the American system of 
 protection to home industries as promulgated by the great Ken- 
 tucky statesman. In 1837 he, with John McDuffee, John Chapman, 
 and a few other leading men of the town, was instrumental in 
 wresting the political control of the town from the Democratic 
 party, who had held it for ten years or more previously, and 
 was elected moderator, and representative to the Legislature, that 
 year and the next. When the Know-Nothing party sprung into
 
 LEADING MEN SINCE Till. Ki;v..i,r I l«i.\. 868 
 
 existence, in 1855, lie, with otlier fur-seeing men, saw the oppor- 
 tunity to wrest the control of the State from the DemoemtK, and, 
 entering heartily into that campaign, was a prominent can(li<hilc 
 before the convention for member of Congress. Ho did not receive 
 that nomination, but was nominated and elected a member of the 
 Governor's Council. The following year he was defeated, but re- 
 elected the next year, serving under Governors lialpli Metealf 
 and William Halle. His keen perceptions of the peculiar situation 
 of political aflairs at this time, united with excellent ju<lgnient of 
 men, made him an important factor in preparing the way for the 
 Republican party, and from this time to the day of his death he 
 was a Republican of the most pronounced ty[»e. In 187G he waa 
 elected a member to revise the constitution of the State, the other 
 members from Rochester being Ebenezer G. Wallace, James H. 
 Edgerly, Franklin McDutiee, and Charles E. Jenkins. On more 
 than one occasion he was favorably talked of for Governor of the 
 State. When the war of the Rebellion broke out he took an 
 active part in everything relating to raising the quota of the town, 
 and in all things pertaining to the comfort and welfare of the 
 soldiers and their families, and gave $100 to the first twenty men 
 who enlisted from Rochester. Though never connected with any 
 church, he was always a liberal friend to all. In early life he 
 was a constant attendant at the Congregational Churcli, but in 
 1840 he was instrumental in building the Free Baptist Churcli in 
 Gonic, and ever after identilicd himself with that society, giving 
 largely to its support, and for remodeling and rebuilding the 
 same at different times. The hospitable doors of his own house 
 were always ajar, and ministers and laymen always found a warm 
 welcome. Many a worthy minister has enjoyed his hospitality, 
 and, departing, been cheered with more substantial assistance. 
 In the family he was generous, self-sacrificing, considerate, and full 
 of the tenderest affection; in society, a genial, bright, and generous 
 spirit. This disposition led him to seek public gatherin.gs, and 
 he was frequently to be seen at fairs, camp-meetings, church 
 festivals, and other social entertainments. He was frequently 
 called to preside at public meetings, and always acquitte.l hunselt 
 with tact and ability. Few men have been born in Rochester 
 who have excelled him in deeds of unostentatious charity, or who 
 have more impressed themselves upon the community in every way
 
 364 ROCHESTER. 
 
 to promote the business interests of the town, or the good of 
 society. Many a young man starting in life has been indebted 
 to him for advice, encouragement, and money, which eventually 
 led them to success as business men ; and more than one young 
 man owes his education to the pecuniary aid he furnished gra- 
 tuitously. The pleasant village of Gonic has been almost wholly 
 built up b}^ the manufacturing business he created and conducted 
 for so many years. Everything that was calculated to promote 
 its prosperity received his enthusiastic support. His energy and 
 courage, his public spirit and generous kindness, are worthy the 
 emulation of every young man. He died Nov. 21, 1878, leaving a 
 widow, who died May, 1888. Their children were as follows : 
 
 1. Elizabeth Ann married Henry W. Locke, of Gonic, and died 
 1S55, leaving a daughter Fanny, wife of George Johnson, of Boston. 
 
 2. * Charles Sidney Whitehouse, writer of the above sketch, 
 was born at Gonic September 3, 1827. Attended the district school 
 until 1840, when he went two terms to the academy at Center Straf- 
 ford. In the summers of 1841 and '42, he was at the academy in 
 Durham, and in the winters attended the academy in Rochester. 
 In 1843 he entered Phillips Exeter Academy, where he remained 
 two years, and then became clerk with E. & W. Andrews, of Dover. 
 In the latter part of 1846 he went to Lowell as clerk for Benjamin 
 T. Hardy. In January, 1848, he entered the mill of his father to 
 learn the business. Being of an active temperament, he took ear- 
 nest hold of all matters connected with the village, and as soon as 
 he was twenty-one years old, engaged in the political affairs of the 
 town and county. In 1854 and '55, he was energetic in the political 
 revolution, which, resulting in the birth of the Republican party, 
 upset the Democratic party in both town and State. When the 
 presidential campaign of 1856 opened at "Wolfeborough, September 
 8, he joined, with his brother Freeman, George and Smith Scates 
 (two young men from Milton, then at work in Rochester), and Wil- 
 liam Beedle, in organizing a Fremont glee club, and sung at that 
 gathering which was presided over by the Hon. John P. Hale. Mr. 
 Hale was so impressed with the power and influence such singing 
 would exert in a political campaign, that he urged them to con- 
 tinue in the work, and from that date till after the election in 
 November, their services were in constant demand at mass-meetings, 
 
 *This sketch prepared by C W. Folsom.
 
 LEADING MEN SINCE THE REVOLUTION. 867 
 
 tainly a very remarkable singer. ' Tlio 1 )yiiig Boy,' m sung by biiu, 
 is one of the best things we ever heard. All seemed to hold their 
 breath in suspense, and every heart swelled with Hilc-nt mid inex- 
 pressible emotion under the sad, plaintive power. To uh it won 
 wonderful." Another says, " The unostentatious gentlenei^ of hiB 
 disposition, the tenderness of his foelingn, his thorough hcncihility 
 to the emotions of the heart, fitted him admiraitly for his work, and 
 as a ballad singer he was without a rival in the land. It wiu* hiH to 
 sway the souls of the throngs who gathered to hear him, us the liurp- 
 strings are swayed to sweetest vibrations by the toucli i»f a ma'trr- 
 hand/' 
 
 His personal qualities also attracted many friends. Tentlcr-lji-arled 
 and generous to the extreme, he was constantly giving away large 
 sums to assist the unfortunate. At the time of the Pemberton Mill 
 disaster, he sang in Salem to a "thousand-dollar house." Tlie next 
 day he went to Lawrence and gave every cent of it to relieve the 
 sufferers. With such rare gifts, such tender sympathies, and nueh 
 open-handed generosity, it is not strange that his sad death went a 
 thrill of sorrow not only throughout Xew England, but to many 
 hearts throughout the land. 
 
 4. Emily J. married Joseph Varney, of Wolfeborough, and \\n> 
 a daughter Lizzie. 
 
 5. Albert died in childhood. 
 
 6. Arthur married Ida, daughter of George Pierce, of Dover, and 
 died leavino; one child. 
 
 'to 
 
 JOHN McDUFFEE. 
 
 BY ALONZO H. QUINT, D. I> . 
 
 To men of their own energetic stock, who, refusing all i-ciitieal 
 preferment, have given comprehensive abilities, sterling integrity, 
 and sagacious industry to the development of business, many New 
 Hampshire towns owe an imperishable debt. John MeDufleo's 
 record is in the prosperity of Rochester. 
 
 The name itself suggests that strong Scotch-Irish blood which 
 endured the siege of Londonderry, in which were Mr. MeDuHees 
 ancestors, John McDufee, and his wife, Martha, honored in tm- 
 dition. John and Martha McDuffee had four sous : - Maii^.fteUt,
 
 368 ROCHESTER. 
 
 Archibald^ John, and Daniel. Mansfield went to London, England; 
 the other three came, with their parents, to America, in the emi- 
 gration which gave ^ew Hampshire the powerful stock of Derry 
 and Londonderry. Jo/m, the father of these sons, settled in Roch- 
 ester in 1729, on land on the east side of the Cocheco river, ad- 
 joining Gonic Lower Falls — the farm of eighty-five acres remaining 
 without hreak in the family, and now owned by the subject of 
 this sketch. The Rochester settler was, as just stated, the father 
 of CapL Daniel McDuffee, and also of Col. John 31cDuffee, a gallant 
 oflicer in the old French and Revolutionary wars, lieutenant-colonel 
 in Colonel Poor's regiment — who, never marrying, adopted his 
 brother Daniel's sou John, and eventuall}- made him his heir. 
 Joh7i McDuf'ee, the colonel's heir, was a farmer in good circum- 
 stances, married Abigail, daughter of Simon and Sarah (Ham) 
 Torr, and was father of John McDuffee, the subject of this sketch, 
 who was born on the farm once the colonel's, about a mile and 
 a half from Rochester village, on the Dover road, Dec. 6, 1803. 
 
 Of course, while working on the farm more or less, he had, 
 for five or more years, the advantage of a good school, kept at 
 the village by " Master " Henry H. Orne (D. C. 1812), of severe 
 discipline and good scholarship, who supplemented the public 
 school with a private one each autumn. Mr. Orne was a very 
 successful teacher, and among the associates of John McDuffee in 
 this school were Thomas C. Upham, j^athaniel G. Upham, John 
 P. Hale, and JSToah Tebbets. In 1818, at the age of fifteen, the 
 boy entered Franklin Academy in Dover, the first day of its 
 existence, Thomas E. Sawyer and Richard Kimball being among 
 his associates, and Rev. Mr. Thayer being its principal. Here he 
 fitted to enter college as sophomore, but returned home, and at 
 the age of eighteen went into the store of his uncle, John Green- 
 field, at Rochester. It was a large country store, where every- 
 thing was sold. After two years' experience, being only twenty 
 years of age, he began the same business for himself on the same 
 square ; was successful, and, after two years, took into partnership 
 his uncle, Jonathan H. Torr. During this period he was com- 
 missioned postmaster of Rochester, being not of age when ap- 
 pointed, and held the oflace until removed on Jackson's accession 
 to the presidency. 
 
 In the spring of 1831 he went to Dover and began the same
 
 WML ;'f 
 
 \L 
 
 %'fi( 
 
 ^^"
 
 LEADING MEN SINCE THE REVOLUTION. 8fl9 
 
 business on a broader scale, first in tlic " IVrkiiiH bli)ck/ i .1, 
 
 the autumn, as the first tenant of the northern store in the now 
 "Watson block," on the Landin^ir, Ira Cliristic heinp \m next 
 
 southern neighbor. This locality, now at an end for such j 
 
 was then the place of business and offices. Steady hui • 
 tinned to reward his energy and industry; ])ut in February, I 
 selling to Andrew Pierce, Jr., he returned to Hodicster to - 
 the large estate of his wife's father, Joseph Hanson, who d\ 
 in December previous had made him executor. Mr. Hanson, 
 whose daughter Joanna (by his marriage witli Cliarity Danic) Mr. 
 McDuftee had married June 21, 1820, was one of the tliree old 
 and wealthy merchants of Rochester, Nathaniel r].liani and .lonna 
 C. March being the other two. The settlement of tliis extended 
 estate and business was completed and tiie accounts settled by 
 Mr. McDuffee's energy in seven months; and it caused his 
 entire abandonment of trade, although he had been eminently 
 successful. 
 
 There was no bank in Rochester. Old traders had some con- 
 nection with tlie Stratford Bank in Dover, and the Rockingham 
 Bank in Portsmouth. They loaned money instead of getting ilis- 
 counts. Mr. Hanson's safe, where he kept all his securities, wa« 
 a small brick building back of his store, with a sheet-iron door 
 fastened by a padlock. He kept some deposits, liowever, in 
 Stralibrd Bank, and was a stockholder in that and in the Rock- 
 ingham Bank. The three principal traders used to go to Boston 
 twice a year on horseback, to buy goods. Mr. McDufiee saw tliat 
 a bank was needed. He prepared tlie plans, secured signatures, 
 obtained a charter from the Legislature in 1834, and the Roch- 
 ester Bank was organized with ninety stockholders and a capital 
 of one hundred thousand dollars, later increased to one liundred 
 and twenty thousand, with one hundred and thirty stockholdcn*. 
 Of the original ninety, only one besides Mr. McDufiee now survives. 
 On the organization he became cashier, his brother-in-law. Dr. 
 James Farrington (p. 345), being president. This bank was the 
 frontier bank, no other existing between Rochester and Canada, 
 and it was the first bank which the counterfeits from Canada 
 naturally but uselessly struck. It was a favorite of the people, 
 and was so managed that its dividends were eiglit or nine per 
 cent. It is well known that the business wa- r.ally U-ft to tlie 
 
 25
 
 370 ROCHESTER. 
 
 probity and skill of its cashier. Cashier for twenty years, on the 
 then renewal of its charter, Mr. McDufFee resigned the cashier- 
 ship in favor of his son Franklin, and became president. The 
 bank did not become a national bank until 1874, and in the six 
 years previous he and his son formed the house of " John 
 McDutfee & Co., private bankers," took up the old bank's busi- 
 ness, and successfully carried it on. In 1874 they merged it in 
 a national bank, the one being president and the other cashier, 
 as before, and the two taldng two fifths of its stock. It is an 
 interesting fact that no bill has ever been issued by either Roch- 
 ester bank without the well-known signature of John McDuffee, 
 either as president or cashier; and he still actively administers 
 the interests of the bank he originated in another form sixty-four 
 years ago. 
 
 In addition to this Rochester interest, Mr. McDutfee was one 
 of the original grantees of the Dover National Bank, and for a 
 short time was a director ; but his interest became more in the 
 Strafford Bank at Dover, of which, under its new charter, he was 
 the second heaviest stockholder, Daniel M. Christie being the first. 
 He became a director in the Straflbrd National Bank in 1870, 
 and still actively holds that position. The stock of this bank has 
 recently sold at one hundred per cent above par. 
 
 The Norway Plains Savings Bank at Rochester was chartered 
 in 1851, and Mr. McDuffee became its treasurer, being succeeded 
 by his son Franklin in 1867, and himself becoming president — 
 an office in which he still remains. It is worth recalling, that, 
 although this bank was ordered in the panic to pay out only 
 five sixths of any deposit, it subsequently petitioned for leave to 
 pay, and did credit to every person affected, the remaining sixth. 
 
 Mr. McDuffee early saw the advantages of manufacturing to a 
 communit}'. By his own means and a liberal allowance of 
 banking facilities he has greatly aided their development, the first 
 such enterprise in Rochester, the Mechanics' Manufacturing Com- 
 pany, being decided to locate there b}^ the new banking facilities. 
 Mr. McDuffee was a director. Its businesss was the manufacture 
 of blankets, and its successor is the Norway Plains Manufacturing 
 Company. The original company Mr. McDuffee carried safel}' 
 through the crisis of 1837. The mill property at Gonic Mr. 
 McDuffee bought in 1845, to lease to N. V. Whitehouse, that
 
 LEADING MEN SINCE THE REVOLUTION. 871 
 
 business might not be givcMi up. lie held tlic- purdium- i.., a...,ut 
 ten years. The effort was successful, ami the proper.y wa« 
 eventually taken l)y a joint stock conipanv. Steplieii Shorey 
 owning some facilities lor manufacturing at Ejwt HochoHtcr, came 
 to Mr. McDuftee to see if the bank would advamv mcauH to l,uild. 
 Mr. McDuffee at once pledged the means, and the millH were built. 
 A stock company afterwards purchased mills and machinery, and 
 the thriving village of East Kochester owes its i.n.Hperity to' Mr. 
 McDuffee's liberal policy. Thus have been develope.l t'he three 
 principal water-powers of Rochester. 
 
 Mr. McDuffee's personal interests in m:imifacturing were also in 
 the Great Falls Manufacturing Company, in whose extensive busi- 
 ness he was a director for four years; capital, one million five 
 hundred thousand dollars. In 1862 he bought large interests in 
 the Cocheco Man uftxctu ring Company at Dover, and since 1874 
 has been a director of that corporation. As such, he advocated 
 the erection of the great mill, now No. 1, and the replacing of 
 all the old buildings by new and magnificent mills, unsurpassed 
 in the United States. The remarkable success of this company 
 certifi.es alike to the sagacious boldness and the considerate policy 
 of its directors. 
 
 The need of railroad facilities at Rochester was early apparent 
 to Mr. McDuftee. In 1846 he entered into two enterprises — the 
 Cocheco road, from Dover to Alton Bay, and the Conway road, 
 from Great Falls to Conway — each of which passed through 
 Rochester. In each road Mr. McDuftee was the largest individual 
 stockholder, and of each was the first treasurer. AVhen the Con- 
 way road reached Rochester, Mr. McDuft'ee resigned its treasurer- 
 ship. The other road, after various difficulties, became the Dover 
 & Winnipesaukee, by the incorporation of the l»ondholders, and 
 Mr. McDuftee continued to be a director. With "Friend" William 
 Hill, he visited Boston more than thirty times to treat for the 
 lease of this road to the Boston & Maiiie. The effort was finally 
 successful, and the road, by itself weak, became a fine piece of 
 property. Rochester was thus doubly accommodated ; but another 
 avenue was needed, and Mr. McDuffee took j)art in the rorlland 
 & Rochester, which secured a route eastward, of which road he 
 was a director; and he invested liberally in the Rochester k 
 Nashua, which opened a line to the West. The result has been
 
 372 ROCHESTER. 
 
 that Rochester is a " billing-point," and its various manufacturing 
 interests have felt its impetus. 
 
 The beauty of McDuffee block, in Rochester, built by him 
 in 1868, exhibits the owner's public spirit. It is an elegant brick 
 building of four stories, containing six stores, twelve offices in the 
 second story, a public hall in the third, and a Masonic hall, one 
 of the finest in the State, in the fourth. In the use of the public 
 hall the liberality of its owner to benevolent objects is well known. 
 
 As a Mason, he joined Humane Lodge on the very day he be- 
 came " of lawful age." Just sixty years later, Dec. 6, 1884, the 
 brethren gave him a commemorative reception in Masonic Hall. 
 Interesting reminiscences, congratulatory addresses, appropriate 
 songs, and a supper occupied the evening. He is the only survivor 
 of the members of the lodge of 1824. 
 
 Of other real estate, besides various pieces in Rochester, includ- 
 ing such as the Gonic farm, Mr. McDufFee owns the x^ew Durham 
 " powder mill " estate of nine hundred acres of land and eleven 
 hundred acres of water; and in Barrington, two hundred acres 
 on Isinglass river, held with a view to future manufacturing 
 needs. 
 
 In religion, Mr. McDuffee was brought up under good old Parson 
 Joseph Haven, and has remained a liberal supporter of the Con- 
 gregational society. In politics, he was an earnest Whig. His first 
 vote was for the electors who chose John Quincy Adams president, 
 and his postmastership was ended by Andrew Jackson. He has 
 always been a decided Republican. 
 
 Mr. McDuffee's great amount of labor has been possible only by 
 the vigorous constitution which he inherited. The boy who, before 
 he left home, " carried the forward swath " in the hayfield, made 
 the man who now accomplishes an amount of work which would 
 surprise many younger men. Monday is always given to the 
 Straflbrd Bank at Dover; Tuesday he presides at the Rochester 
 Bank meeting; Wednesday at the Savings Bank; and no day is 
 idle. , 
 
 Feeling the need of some relaxation from business, in the winter 
 of 1885 he visited the Pacific coast, and spent two months in 
 California. In the autumn of the same year he represented his 
 native town in the Legislature, was chairman of the committee 
 on banks, on whose recommendation many bank laws were enacted
 
 LEADING MEN SINCE THE UEVOLUTION. 378 
 
 for the interest and protection of the savings banks and their 
 
 depositors. 
 
 Judged by the success of his work as the lianker, as dt-vfloping 
 by a liberal and wise help every worthy niannfacturing fntorprisc, 
 and as foremost in the building of the various raihvavs <'i'nt«Ting 
 in Rochester, it is clear that Mr. McDutt'ee nobly coiui'm into the 
 list of those spoken of in our first paragraph, whoso record is in 
 the prosperity of his native town, where abihty, sagacity, integrity, 
 and kindliness have united to make that record, as'w.Il :■. bU 
 own personal success. 
 
 Of Mr. McDuftee's happy domestic relations nothing need ha 
 said. Of his eight children, — naming them in tb.' ..rd.-r ..f tb.-ir 
 birth : — 
 
 1. Josejjh Hanson McDufee, who followed the sea, remained 
 single, and was drowned oft the Isles of Shoals Aug. 2H, 1865, 
 at the age of thirty-five. 
 
 2. Franklin McDuffee * was born at Dover, Aug. 27. 1832. 
 When six months old he removed with his parents to Rochester. 
 He entered Gilmanton Academy at the age of twelve years, and 
 graduated with honor at Dartmouth College in 1853. He read 
 law six months with Hon. Daniel M. Christie of Dover, and in 
 May, 1854, accepted the position of cashier in the Rochester State 
 Bank. In 1857 he went on a foot trip to the White Mountains. 
 Owing to the w^ong directions of a guide, he was lost in tlie 
 forest a night and a day, almost perishing from cold and exluius- 
 tion. The first house reached was that of Dr. Bemis then absent. 
 Acting under strict orders to admit no one, the family utterly 
 refused to furnish him food or shelter, so that he was compelled 
 to go six miles further, to the Notch House, before obtaining relief. 
 This exposure Aveakened his constitution, impaired liis hearing, 
 and was doubtless the remote cause of his death. In 1858 iiis 
 health was greatly improved by a voyage to Europe. He applied 
 for passage home on the ill-fated Austria, which was burned with 
 all her passengers, but failing to secure a satisfactory berth ho 
 escaped. Dec. 4, 1861, he nuirried Miss Mary F. Hayes of Roch- 
 ester. Their children are : 1. John E(lf/ai\ who was for tw(» years 
 a member of the class of 1883 in the Chandler Scientific Depart- 
 
 • This sketch is by the Editor.
 
 374 ROCHESTER. 
 
 ment of Dartmouth College, but was compelled to relinquisli his 
 Btudies on account of poor health. He has since developed a 
 delicate taste and marked ability as a musician, particularly as a 
 pianist. Having taken lessons for several years under the instruc- 
 tion of J. W. Hill of the Xew England Conservatory of Music at 
 Boston, he began regular work as a teacher in 1885. Thorough- 
 ness and exactness characterize his methods of instruction, in 
 which he is meeting increasing and well-deserved success. Pur- 
 suing the study of Harmony under the direction of Stephen A. 
 Emery of Boston, he has already done something as a composer, 
 especially in song music. 2. Willis, a member of the class of 
 '90 in Dartmouth College. 
 
 Franklin McDuffee was appointed treasurer of the l!Torway Plains 
 Savings Bank in 1866. Two years later he joined his father in 
 establishing a private banking institution under the name of John 
 McDuifee & Co., bankers. In 1874 this company merged into 
 the Rochester Xational Bank, of which he became cashier. 
 
 He was initiated in Humane Lodge of Free and Accepted 
 Masons, Dec. 9, 1856. The next year he was chosen secretary, 
 and after filling other offices was Master of the Lodge in 1863-64. 
 In 1866-67 he officiated as District Deputy of the Grand Lodge 
 of New Hampshire. 
 
 He served the town as selectman, and for many years as super- 
 intending school committee. He was a member of the State Leg- 
 islature of 1862, and the Constitutional Convention of 1876. 
 
 He joined the Congregational Church in 1868, and four years 
 after was chosen deacon, which office he held through the rest 
 of his life. After a sickness of a few weeks he died at Rochester 
 Nov. 11, 1880. 
 
 The character of Deacon McDuftee was one of rare excellence, 
 blending many valuable traits. As a lad he was studious, thought- 
 ful, kind, and mature beyond his years. He was well fitted for 
 college at the age of sixteen, but delayed entering till a year later. 
 He was thorough and exact in his studies and ranked high at 
 graduation. One of his instructors writes: "I remember Mr. 
 McDuftee well, as a thoughtful and exemplary student, deserving 
 and receiving the esteem of his instructors and associates. It was 
 always a pleasure to me to see him in the class-room." Another 
 writes, " I recall him as a good scholar, industrious, faithful, and
 
 LEADING MEN SINCE THE RKVOLUTION. '^TS 
 
 honest; but very modest and rotirinj;." Hit,dily crttoeined l.v ull 
 his classmates, he had but few intinuitoH, but those few were dooply 
 attached to him, and the ties then formed wore never broken. 
 He always loved his Alma Mator, and when, uuHOU^'ht by hiniHcIf, 
 his name was prominently mentioned in alunini circlcH lui u can- 
 didate to fill a vacancy in the board of trustees, he remarked to 
 a friend that he should regard such an ai>i»()intment a greater 
 honor than to be Governor of New Ilampsliire. lie t<»()k <leep 
 interest in national affairs and had a dear undiTstanding of polit- 
 ical issues. He was no managing politician, but simply from force 
 of character he was a leader in his [tarty. Men irrespective of 
 party recognized his leadership in affairs of public interest. He did 
 not win men by flattery, nor by neutrality on imi)ortant questions. 
 All knew him for a stanch Republican, an unflinching fnen<l of 
 temperance and good order. He had decision, energy, and sturdy 
 pluck, without malice or bitterness, so that even his opponents 
 respected his conscientious integrity. He was not unfre«juently 
 able to carry a vote against a current already strongly set the 
 other way, simply by his strong, honest, clear way of stating the 
 case. Men always listened when he rose to speak, knowing his 
 words would be sincere and to the point. He never attempted 
 to speak when he had nothing to say. He studied no graces of 
 oratory. He indulged in no flowers of rhetoric. He drove like 
 a rifle-ball straight for the mark, which he never failed to hit 
 Hence he was recognized as one of the best and most entertaining 
 lecturers in Strafford county. He took a deep interest in edu- 
 cation, and was zealous and untiring in eftbrts to elevate the 
 schools of Rochester. To no one more than to him the high 
 school owes its standing and success. 
 
 From his well-known ability and interest in historical re.seareh 
 he was elected a member of the New Hampshire Historical Society. 
 In 1865 he began a series of historical sketches in the " Koch- 
 ester Courier" which were models of simplicity, concisenc'^s, and 
 accuracy. It was his intention to re-write and enlarge these 
 sketches into a complete history of Rochester, but his premature 
 death left the work unfinished. He had, however, collected with 
 great labor much material for this purpose, out of which ban grown 
 this present volume.
 
 376 ROCHESTER. 
 
 Mr. McDufFee's mind was essentiall}" mathematical, with keen 
 powers of analytic thought. Flowers of rhetoric could not cover 
 false logic from his eyes, which detected shams at a glance. His 
 power of methodical analysis was well illustrated in his mountain 
 adventure. When he found that he was lost, he realized not 
 only the danger from unseen precipices, but that the attempt to 
 go on would certainly add to his perplexity. Having no means 
 of kindling a fire, he could ward oif a fatal chill onl}^ by continued 
 exercise. He therefore chose a level spot between two trees and 
 paced back and forth from one tree to the other all night. While 
 thus walking he went over in careful thought the whole day's 
 journey, studying step by step to find his error. In this way he 
 came to a definite conclusion as to just where he had left the 
 true road, and just what course to pursue in the morning. The 
 theory proved true in every particular, and brought him out in 
 safety. This quality of mind turned to mechanics might have 
 made him distinguished as an inventor. In 1876 he invented and 
 patented a valuable " Improvement in Combination and Chro- 
 nometer Locks," which he sold to a lock manufacturing company 
 for $500. This invention secures two principal advantages : First, 
 that an}' accidental stopping of the clock-work will not prevent 
 the opening of the lock. Second, that it can be opened between 
 the hours for which it is set, only by assembling too many persons 
 for a burglar's safety. His methodical mind fitted him especially 
 for business, in which he was a model of diligence, exactness, and 
 integrity. No crookedness or obscurity ever darkened his financial 
 transactions. 
 
 His partial loss of hearing, added to his retiring nature, withdrew 
 him somewhat from social life, and his quiet, unobtrusive ways 
 left others of far less merit to be more widely known than he. 
 But his neighbors and townsmen highly appreciated his sterling 
 worth, and his intimates prized his friendship as of one of the 
 sincerest and most lovable of men. 
 
 He was pre-eminently meek under abuse. When a temporary 
 cloud came upon the Savings Bank, conscious of integrity he Avas 
 calm and quiet under vituperation. He would patiently answer 
 questions and explain afiairs again and again to every interested 
 party, but when, leaving inquiry, any began to rage and revile, he 
 would turn quietly to his books, as if not hearing a word.
 
 LEADlN(i MEN SINCi: TUE REVOLUTION. 877 
 
 Quick in sympathy, he was nohly gcMiurous in every wortliy 
 cause. The poor were anionic liis siiicerest luonriierH. riioHton- 
 tatious in his gifts, many a needy one was ivH<'V.'<l. .,nlv ^ll•.|'.•' tinir 
 whence the favor came. 
 
 His firm and generous character was heautilicd and cn.wuc.l by 
 the graces of a Christian hfe. His rehgiou, like every other part 
 of his character, was genuine. No arteeted hoUnesH, no pioun drivel 
 marred its excellent siniplicity. Shrinking and Hcnsitive, hiH reli- 
 gion avoided all boastful display. It was, nevertheless, ull-pcr- 
 vading, shining in and through his life, leaving a light hehiiui to 
 still guide others to the heavenward patii. He was long diHtruHtful 
 and doubting in regard to his own exj)erience, hut when he once 
 decided to identify himself with the church of Christ it waa a 
 transaction forever. His daily life exemplified the truths lie be- 
 lieved. He was emphatically a pillar in the eiiurch, an active 
 supporter of every good, a model church officer, tiie friend and 
 helper of every pastor. One pastor says: "That noble man of 
 God, Frank McDuftee. He was the prince of deacons. We are 
 all better for having known him." 
 
 His death was a severe loss, not only to family ami c-hureh, but 
 to town and State as well. Few worthier or more valuable men 
 ever claimed the Granite State for their home than Deacon Frank- 
 lin 31cDuJfee. 
 
 " The memory of the just is blessed." 
 
 3. John Randolph McDuffee, born in Rochester Sept 5, 1834, 
 graduated from the Chandler Scientific School at Dartmouth Col- 
 lege in 1857, and opened an office in Rochester as civil engineer. 
 In 1858 he went with his brother Franklin on a voyage to Europe. 
 On his return he immediately fell into a decline, and died May 14, 
 1859. 
 
 4. Anna 31. 3IcDuffee married Frank S. Brown of the firm 
 Brown, Thompson & Co., Hartford, Conn., and has one son and 
 two daughters. 
 
 5. 3Iar}j Abbie 3icDuffec married, first, E. Freeman Whitehouse 
 (p. 366) ; second, Charles K. Chase (see sketch), and survives him 
 with one daughter. 
 
 6. Sarah Frances 3IcDufce died unmarried at the age of tljirty- 
 three. She was of sensible, well-balanced mind, quiet and unob-
 
 378 ROCHESTEK. 
 
 trusive in manner, affectionate and self-sacrificing among her 
 friends, and exceptionally lovely in her whole character. 
 
 7. George McDuJf'ee has been engaged in extensive grain and 
 lumber business in Rochester. He married, first, Lizzie Hanson, 
 who died leaving a son ; second, Nellie, daughter of Dr. James 
 Farrington of Rochester, her father being nephew of Dr. <Tames 
 Farrington, M. C. 
 
 8. Oliver McDuffee died in infancy. 
 
 ADAMS. 
 
 Isaac Adams was born in 1803, at Adams Corner, in a house 
 still standing on the right going towards East Rochester. He was 
 well known as an inventor, and "his peculiarities gained for him 
 an extensive notoriety among strangers as well as those who knew 
 him best." In boyhood he was employed in factory work, but at 
 the age of eighteen went to Sandwich, where he learned the trade 
 of cabinet-making. After a few years he went to Dover, where 
 he worked at his trade till 1824, when he found work in a machine 
 shop in Boston, Mass. In 1827 he invented the famous printing- 
 press bearing his name and which soon came into almost universal 
 use, having even now no superior for fine book-work. When he 
 left Sandwich he said he would not return till he had money 
 enough to buy the whole town, and sure enough, when he retired 
 from business he had from one to two millions. He bought up 
 many farms and planted them to white pines. The stone wall 
 around a part of his grounds in Sandwich " has considerable local 
 fame, being broad enough to drive a horse and buggy on top." 
 He died in Sandwich July 19, 1883, where he was buried, several 
 tons of stone being put upon his grave by his direction. 
 
 Seth Adams, brother of Isaac, was associated with him in the 
 manufacture of printing-presses, and also acquired great wealth. 
 He founded a nervine hospital in Boston, and contributed gener- 
 ously to various charities. He also bequeathed a fund of ten 
 thousand dollars, the interest of which is to be divided among 
 widows and maiden ladies of Rochester. He lies buried in the 
 new cemetery at Rochester, where a beautiful granite monument 
 has been erected bearing his portrait in a finely finished bas-relief.
 
 This book is DUE on the last 
 date stamped below. 
 
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