History of the Town of Hampton, NH - Chapters 26-28



CHAPTER XXVI. THE INDEPENDENT CHURCHES

THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH IN RECENT YEARS

The town ministry having now been abolished and a disposition of the
ecclesiastical property effected, as related in the last chapter, the
further history of the old church should retire to a subordinate place in
these pages, along with that of the other churches which have arisen; for
the affairs of the town, as such, are henceforth purely secular.

After Mr. Webster's death, in March 1837, the church remained without a
pastor for nearly a year. In February following, the church and society,
with great unanimity, invited MR. ERASMUS D. ELDREDGE to become their
pastor. The invitation was accepted, and Mr. Eldredge was ordained April
4, 1838. The sermon was preached by Rev. Luther F. Dimmick, of
Newburyport; and the other principal parts in the service were: ordaining
prayer by Rev. Samuel W. Clark, of Greenland; charge by Rev. Jonathan
French, of North Hampton; and right hand of fellowship by Rev. Sereno T.
Abbott, of Seabrook and Hampton Falls.

The old meeting-house, which was then and still continues to be owned by
the town, was now somewhat out of repair; and in February, 1843, after
long agitation of the subject, the society decided to build a new one,
which should be their property, subject to their own control. Samuel D.
Taylor, Obed S. Hobbs, David Knowles, Thomas Ward and Josiah Dow were
chosen a building committee. A site had already been purchased, nearly
opposite the old house, and as soon as practicable after spring opened,
the work was begun.

At the annual meeting of the society that year, Joseph Dow, Thomas Ward
and James Perkins, Jr. were chosen a committee, to prepare a code of by-
laws, which was adopted. The name, selectmen, for the executive board of
the society, had been changed to wardens, the previous year. According to
the new code, the time of the annual meeting was fixed for the fourth
Monday in March, the date which has ever since prevailed.

On Thursday, January 4, 1844, the new church was dedicated; and the same
day, the pews were sold by auction. The next year a part of the basement
was finished for a vestry. In 1846 Daniel Hobbs was appointed "to have
charge of the musical instrument belong to the society . . . . the double
bass-viol, recently bought by subscription." In 1849, somebody, evidently,
objected to insurance, for we find this curious record:

"Voted, to insure the meeting-house.
Voted, that we trust the safe-keeping of this house to the kind Providence
of God."

Severe illness in 1847, compelled Mr. Eldredge to suspend his labors for
six months. In two years more, it had become evident that his weakened
lungs could no longer bear exposure to the sea air. Reluctantly he asked a
dismission; reluctantly it was granted -- and the happy connection of
eleven years was severed by a council, convened on the 7th of May, 1849.
During his pastorate, several revival seasons were enjoyed and there were
a considerable number of additions to the church.

Rev. Erasmus Darwin Eldredge was a son of Dr. Micah and Mrs. Sally
(Buttrick) Eldredge, of Dunstable, Mass., where he was born March 10,
1804. He was graduated from Amherst College in 1829, and studied theology
at Andover, with the class of 1833. He married Isabella Tappan Hill,
daughter of Dea. John Burley Hill, of Portsmouth, where she was born
August 20, 1812. Their infant son, John B. H., died the day of Mr.
Eldredge's ordination, keen sorrow and disappointment thus mingling with,
and for a time overpowering the joy of establishing the first home and
entering the first pastorate. A daughter and a son were born in Hampton,
and another son, the only survivor of the family, after they went away.

Soon after leaving Hampton, Mr. Eldredge was settled at Salisbury in this
state, where he remained till 1854. Subsequently, he had charge of a
female seminary in Monticello, Ga. He taught also in Milledgeville and
preached in Perry, in that state. In 1861 he returned to New Hampshire and
preached for a year in Alton; but removed to Kensington in 1864, bought a
farm, and was pastor there eleven years, as long as he was able to preach.
There Mrs. Eldredge died, May 1, 1873, loved, honored and sincerely
mourned.

Soon after her death, Mr. Eldredge removed to his daughter's home in
Georgia, and died at Athens, in that state, April 18, 1876. His remains
were brought to Hampton for interment, where they rest beside those of his
wife and his first born. On his gravestone is this just tribute to his
worth. He "labored as a faithful, beloved and successful minister of the
Gospel for 38 years." [See Genealogies -- Eldredge.]

Four months after the dismission of Mr. Eldredge, namely, on the 6th of
September, 1849, his successor in the pastoral office, REV. SOLOMON P.
FAY, was ordained, Rev. John M. Steele, of Winchester, Mass., preaching
the sermon.

Within the next three years, fourteen acres of the parsonage land were
sold. In 1851 the barn was burned, and the house narrowly escaped.

During this prosperous ministry of five years, thirty-four members were
admitted to the church. August 29, 1854, Mr. Fay was dismissed, to accept
a call to Dayton, O. He still occasionally visits the scene of his first
pastorate, where he is ever a welcome guest. [See Genealogies -- Fay.]

The church was then without a pastor for a year; but on the 31st of
October, 1855, REV. JOHN COLBY, then recently graduated, was ordained,
Rev. Dr. Cleveland, of Lowell, Mass., preaching the sermon. The same year,
the meeting-house was frescoed, at a cost of two hundred fifty dollars. In
the great revival that overspread the country in the winter of 1857-8, all
of the churches participated.

Mr. Colby brought grief to the people, in the autumn of 1863, by asking a
dismission, in order that he might accept an invitation to enter the army
as a chaplain. A people loyal to the government could not say nay, and Mr.
Colby was dismissed by council, November 18th. It so happened, however,
that the regiment he expected to join was not mustered, and other duties
awaited him. [See Genealogies -- Colby.]

After a temporary supply, of one year, by REV. JAMES B. THORNTON, a pastor
was again found in REV. JOHN WEBSTER DODGE, who had been settled for a
time in Gardiner, Me., where he was ordained December 6, 1860. Professor
Smyth, of Andover Theological Seminary, preached at his installation in
Hampton, October 19, 1865. In 1867 a new pipe organ was procured at an
expense of eleven hundred dollars, and the church was recarpeted. After a
successful pastorate, during which twenty-five persons united with the
church. Mr. Dodge was dismissed, Nov. 18, 1868, to accept a call to the
pastorate of the Congregational church in Yarmouth, Mass., where he was
installed December 30, 1868, and where he remained till the autumn of
1861, when on account of impaired health, he retired, and removed to
Newburyport.

Rev. John W. Dodge, son of Moses and Susan (Webster) Dodge, of
Newburyport, was born in that city, October 16, 1836; was graduated at
Amherst College, 1857; Andover Theological Seminary, 1860; married,
November 7, 1860, Mary Harris Toy, of Simsbury, Conn. They have children:
1, Mary Webster, baptized in Hampton, August, 1866; 2, George Toy; 3,
Susan Webster.

REV. JAMES McLEAN, from Menasha, Wis., was the next pastor. He came in the
autumn of 1869, and, having preached as stated supply for a year, was
installed, December 15, 1870. In the spring of 1871, the estate dedicated
to the use of the ministry since the settlement of the town was forsaken
and sold, and a new parsonage bought, nearer the church; but this being
found unsuitable was in turn sold after a few months, and a vacant lot
purchased, with a view to building. Mr. McLean was dismissed January 30,
1872.

From this time, there was no installed pastor for twelve years. REV. F. D.
CHANDLER was employed nearly two years; REV. JOHN S. BATCHELDER [see
Genealogies -- Batchelder (38)], three years; REV. WILLIAM H. CUTLER, four
and a half years; and transient preachers filled up the interval.
Meanwhile, the Congregational society, instead of building a parsonage,
bought Deacon Willcutt's homestead, adjoining their vacant lot, in 1878,
and this house they have since remodeled. The same year the Sabbath
afternoon church service was omitted during the summer months, which was
but a prelude to omitting it altogether. The old box stoves which had long
done service in heating the church, were exchanged for a furnace, in 1881,
and the next year the church was repaired and frescoed.

REV. WALCOTT FAY, the next pastor, son of Rev. Barnabas Maynard and Mrs.
Louis Mills Fay, was born in Flint, Mich.; studied at Williams and Oberlin
Colleges, but did not complete the course, on account of illness; pursued
theology at Yale and Bangor, graduating from the latter in 1883. He came
to Hampton from Oxford, Me., where he had been preaching for a few months,
and was ordained pastor of this church, February 20, 1884, Rev. S. P. Fay,
of Dorchester, Mass., former pastor, preaching the sermon. The day had
been dark and lowering; but during the ordination service the sun burst
forth and shone full on the young pastor's head -- bright omen of
prosperous days to come. On the 31st of August following, in presence of
an audience, crowded to the aisles, Mr. Fay preached the last sermon
before his summer vacation; and, at the close, was married to Mrs. Sallie
(Rawson) Cox, of Arlington, Mass., Rev. S. P. Fay, by special license,
performing the ceremony.

In October of that year, Joseph Dow resigned the office of clerk of the
church, to which he was elected in October, 1863, and John Willcutt was
chosen in his stead. Afterward, the pastor became clerk.

Mr. Fay's pastorate was a harmonious one, but it was short. He was
dismissed, at his own request, November 16, 1886; and, a month later, was
installed pastor of the Central Square Congregational church, in
Bridgewater, Mass. Another remove was effected, in October, 1888, to his
present pastorate, in Westborough, Mass. His son, Dexter Rawson, was born
in Bridgewater.

After Mr. Fay's removal, no effort was made to formally install a
successor in Hampton, till the present year, 1892, when REV. JOHN A. ROSS,
the acting pastor, who began his ministrations in July, 1887, was
cordially invited to settle. The installation took 0place on the 14th of
June; Rev. Cyrus Richardson, D. D. of Nashua, preaching the sermon. The
affairs of church and society move prosperously on.

Mr. Ross was born in Lunenburg, N. S.; graduated from the Free Church
College, now merged in Dalhousie College, Halifax, N. S., in 1851; from
the Free Church Divinity Hall, Halifax, in 1854; and was a resident at
Andover Theological Seminary, in 1859. He married Louisa Todd, of St.
Stephen, N. B.; practised law for a short time, in Boston; was acting
pastor at New Gloucester, Me., from 1860 to 1864; supplied the church in
Marion, Ia., 1864 to 1866, and was its pastor, 1866 to 1873; was pastor of
the North Church, Belfast, Me., 1873 to 1886; and came to Hampton after a
short residence in Boston. Mr. and Mrs. Ross have a son, William T., civil
engineer, in Brewster, N.Y.; a daughter, Ellen A., married in Hampton,
September 3, 1889, to Eugene S. Campbell, telegraph operator here, now of
Wilmington, Mass.; and a younger son, John A., who lives with his parents.

David S. Brown, for twenty years clerk of the Congregational society,
retired from office in March, 1887, and John F. Marston was chosen clerk.

A notable event within the present pastorate, was the two hundred fiftieth
anniversary of the Congregational church in this town, celebrated August
19, 1888, the Sabbath following the town celebration. [Chap.XXXIII.] All
the Hampton churches, together with the Congregational churches within the
ancient limits of the town, were invited, and the house was filled to its
utmost capacity. Rev. Mr. Ross preached an historical sermon, and the ex-
pastors, Rev. Messrs. Fay, Colby, Dodge and Fay, the only survivors who
have ever been installed here by a council, made short addresses.

[Note. The senior deacon, Joseph Dow, elected February 26, 1857, died on
the 16th of December, 1889. Josiah J. Dearborn is his successor in office;
and Jeremiah Locke has been chosen to relieve the present senior deacon,
James Perkins, from active duty, when he shall so desire. --ED.]

The Woman's Missionary Society, connected at first directly, and now
through the New Hampshire Branch, with the Woman's Board of Missions, was
organized in 1871; and has, with its mission circles of young people,
contributed an aggregate of about thirteen hundred thirty dollars, for
foreign missionary work. A home missionary department was added in 1890.

A young People's Society of Christian Endeavor has been an active element
in the church since 1888.


THE FREE BAPTIST CHURCH

In Chapters XV and XXV have been sketched some of the events connected
with the rise and gradual expanding of a new religious element in the old
church of Hampton, and their outcome in the formation of the Baptist
church. Let us briefly review:

In the spring of 1808, a union of the Presbyterian and Congregational
churches was effected, which restored the latter to its former position as
the church of Hampton, the town holding the property and exercising
control. In June, of the same year, Rev. Josiah Webster was installed
pastor. There were, however, a few citizens, who, either from jealousy,
prejudice or principle, declined to be a party to this reunion. They had
become interested, more or less, in the doctrines of Elder Elias Smith,
who had been holding religious meetings in Portsmouth and elsewhere. Some
of his teachings not harmonizing with the belief and doctrines of the home
church, brotherly love was dis-continued; the seed of ill-feeling was
sown; strife and bickering were the outgrowth; and the riot of September
followed.

After the heat of passion had subsided, wiser counsels prevailed on both
sides, -- the old church recognizing the right of freedom of conscience,
and the adherents of the new denomination, called Christian, entering a
sphere of usefulness as a distinct sect.

It was not until 1814, however, that they became strong enough to
colonize. Mr. Simon Garland, of North Hampton, gave a building, which they
fitted up for a meeting-house where it stood, at the corner of his
pasture, on Lobbs' Hole road; and in July, of that year, they held their
first meeting there, Elders Jabez True and Henry Pottle conducting the
services. From this time they continued to worship in their own house,
some of the Little River people uniting with them till a church was built
in that village; when this house was moved on to the Portsmouth road,
opposite Giles' swamp. It was the same house that long afterwards was
occupied by the Methodists, and later, by the Adventists. It has since
been placed on a lot near the present Methodist church, and converted into
a comfortable dwelling-house.

In 1817 the Legislature of New Hampshire passed an act, "To incorporate
John Dearborn (and twelve others) into a religious society, to be known by
the name of THE FIRST BAPTIST SOCIETY IN HAMPTON." At a legal meeting of
the society, July 21, Joshua Lane was chosen Clerk, "to act as such until
there be another chosen."

The records of the society are meager during its early years. Transient
preachers were employed till, in 1819, ELDER JOHN HARRIMAN became the
pastor, who remained a little more than three years, and about 1822
removed to Plaistow and afterwards to Canterbury. [See Genealogies --
Harriman.]

From this time the society held their meetings with or without a preacher,
as occasion permitted, until 1834, when an enterprise was undertaken which
greatly advanced their interests.

In the beginning of that year, a new building site, the one still
occupied, was purchased by a committee, consisting of Samuel Drake, Samuel
Dearborn, David Towle, Jr., and Samuel Garland, and the society proceeded
at once to erect a house of worship, forty by forty-eight feet -- which
was completed by October. On the 10th of that month, the old house seems
to have been used for the last time, and the meeting adjourned to the
16th, to the house of Joshua Lane, where a church of twenty-four members
was organized. The Constitution adopted at this time begins thus:
"Believing that the cause of God requires the establishment of better
order than has been usual with the people called Baptists, in Hampton,and
that the time has now arrived in which we should set in order those things
that are wanting among us: we therefore, whose names are hereunto annexed,
agree to form ourselves into a church, to be called the church OF CHRIST
WITHIN THE FIRST BAPTIST SOCIETY IN HAMPTON." Then follow the articles of
agreement. The same year, REV. TIMOTHY COLE became pastor, and continued
in office till 1838. It was during his pastorate (in 1837), that the use
of the old meeting house was given to the Methodists, who repaired and
rededicated it, as related in the history of that church.

In 1838 REV. ELIAS HUTCHINS was called to the pastorate. The next year the
division of the ecclesiastical property among the religious societies of
the town was agreed upon, as related in Chapter XXV. A section and tower
were added to the church edifice.

Elder Hutchins was born in New Portland, Me., June 5, 1801. He began to
preach before he was eighteen years old, when he entered upon an itinerant
ministry, which he followed for nearly fourteen years. He was ordained as
an evangelist, at Wilton, February 1, 1824; spent several years in
missionary work in Ohio and Indiana; labored also in North Carolina, where
"many of the slaves flocked to hear him preach." In 1832 he married Lucy
Ambrose of Sandwich, and soon after, became pastor of a church in North
Providence, R. I., resigning in 1838. After the Hampton pastorate, he was
settled five years in Newmarket, where his wife died, leaving an infant
daughter. In 1845 he accepted a call to the Washington street church,
Dover; and the next year married the widow of the Rev. David Marks. In
1858 ill health, from which he never recovered, compelled him to resign
his pastorate. He died in Dover, September 11, 1859.

Elder Hutchins was for many years officially connected with the various
missionary and educational societies of his denomination.

REV. PORTER S. BURBANK was the next pastor of the Free Baptist church. He
came in 1840, and remained five years, when he was succeeded by REV.
WILLIAM D. JOHNSON for a time; but Elder Burbank returned in 1846, to
another pastorate of two years.

In 1840 occurred another important epoch, when the church joined the
Rockingham Quarterly Meeting -- that is, changed from Christian to
Freewill Baptist, now called Free Baptist. Four years later the
Constitution was revised, and the present church covenant adopted, the
pastor, together with David Garland, Amos Towle, Samuel Drake and Daniel
Moulton being the committee on revision. The church had then recently
received an accession of twenty-five members, as the fruits of a revival
the preceding year.

Rev. Porter S. Burbank was licensed to preach by the Waterville Quarterly
Meeting, at Industry, Me., in 1836. He was principal of Strafford Academy,
N.H., three years, and taught elsewhere, in various high schools and
seminaries; was president of the Education Society eleven years, and
corresponding editor of the Morning Star from 1833 to 1866. He was
ordained, June 13, 1840; and besides his Hampton pastorate, held others,
in Deerfield, New Hampton and Danville, and in West Buxton and Limerick,
Me. He spent the last ten years of his life in South Parsonsfield, Me.
[See Genealogies -- Burbank.]

REV. WILLIAM P. MERRILL became pastor in 1848. The next year the meeting-
house received a new coat of paint. Soon after the painting, lightning
struck the tower -- not, however, doing very serious damage. The pastor,
referring to the event on the next Sabbath, remarked: "The Lord didn't
show much respect for the new paint."

REV. R. ASHLEY became pastor in 1850, REV. FREDERIC MOULTON, in '51 and
REV. WILLIAM ROGERS, in '53. Thus far, the pastors had lived in hired
houses, wherever they could be obtained most conveniently; but in 1854 the
society built the parsonage which has ever since been the home of its
pastors, Elder Rogers and his family being the first to occupy it. After a
three years' pastorate, he was succeeded by REV. WILLIAM H. WALDRON, one
year, and REV. WILLIAM C. CLARK, one year. During the latter pastorate
occurred the great revival of the winter of 1857-8, following which twenty-
four converts were baptized by Elder Clark and received as members of the
church.

[image caption: REV. DE WITT C. DURGIN, D.D. Portrait contributed by
former parishioners, pupils and fellow-citizens of Hampton, in token of
their regard.]

On the 8th of September, 1858, REV. DE WITT C. DURGIN was ordained and
became pastor of the church -- which pastorate was held twelve years,
being the longest in the history of the church.

Mr. Durgin was born in Thornton, N.H., March 29, 1830, being a son of
Captain Francis and Maria (Eager) Durgin. He entered Waterville College,
Me., in 1852, and was graduated from Union College, N.Y., in 1856. For the
next two years, he was principal of Lackawanna Institute, Pa. He married
Caroline A. Chapman, of North Parsonsfield, Me., in 1857, and the next
year, came to Hampton, where his ministry was characterized by a cordial
fraternity with pastors and people of other denominations, and the whole
period was one of good will among the churches.

Mr. Durgin was principal of Hampton Academy for a time. He represented the
town in the General Court in 1869 and 1870. During his pastorate, he
received twenty-one new members to the church.

After leaving Hampton he preached one year for the Hampton Falls and
Seabrook society, at the church known as the "Line church," thence removed
to Newmarket, where he was pastor for three years. From the latter place,
he was, in 1874, called to the presidency of Hillsdale College, Mich., --
an office for which he was eminently fitted and which he filled
successfully for ten years. The degree of Doctor of Divinity was conferred
by Bates College, in 1875.

In 1881 he went to England, as a delegate to the General Baptist
Association; and the same year visited Iceland, where he was made a member
of the Icelandic Antiquarian Society. His lectures on Iceland are an
outcome of his explorations there.

Dr. Durgin now preaches in Newmarket, where he and his wife reside. Of
their two children, born in Hampton, Clinton C. is a lawyer in Grand
Rapids, Mich. and Carolyne G. is professor of Greek in Pike Seminary, N.Y.

REV. FRANCIS H. LYFORD was called to the pastoral office in Hampton, in
1870; succeeded by REV. GEORGE J. ABBOTT, in 1873. At the annual town
meeting in 1874, Mr. Abbott was elected superintendent of the public
schools, and held the office one year. He continued pastor till 1877. He
died in Oakland, Me., November 3, 1883.

The next pastor, REV. LOT L. HARMON, was born in Madison, N. H., in 1826;
entered Bangor Theological Seminary in 1860, having already been a
preacher several years; and after graduating, continued pastoral and
Sunday-school work in Maine till June, 1876, when he settled in Portsmouth
for a year. He married Mary J. Butler, and in August, 1877, came to
Hampton, where he was an acceptable and successful pastor nearly four
years. They now live in Pomona, Fla. Their son, George B., was born in
Hampton, October 24, 1879.

In the spring of 1878, the church was moved back on the lot, giving better
frontage, and raised about ten feet, and a convenient and attractive
vestry added as a basement.

REV. F. P. WORMWOOD became pastor of the church in 1881, and REV. ARTHUR
L. MOREY, the next year.

The venerable Daniel Moulton, who was elected clerk of the church December
6, 1851, resigned the office in the spring of 1883, when the church gave
him a vote of thanks "for faithful and long-continued service."

Mr. Morey was born in Moira, N. Y., January 11, 1847. He served three
years in the war, from the age of fourteen. After this, he obtained an
education, graduating from Bates College in 1876. July 3, of the same
year, he married Hattie W. Patterson, of Lewiston, Me., and on the 25th of
October following, was ordained at Lancaster, N. H. After preaching for
awhile, he entered Bates Theological School, graduating in 1882. He then
came to Hampton, and remained three years. He died in West Derby, Vt., May
12, 1887. His wife and one child survive him.

The next pastor, REV. JOHN B. MERRILL, son of Ralph D. and Judith
(Coggswell) Merrill, of Atkinson, was born May 4, 1846; attended Atkinson
Academy, and studied under a private tutor from Harvard College one year.
He married Sarah A. Merrill, June 11, 1869, and has two daughters.

His parents were Congregationalists, and he began to preach in that
denomination; but joined the Free Baptists in 1867, and held several
pastorates in Maine and New Hampshire. He came to Hampton in 1885. Soon
after, the question of remodelling the church began to be agitated -- a
measure which was carried out the next year, at a cost of about $3,100,
and a large amount of free labor. The pastor himself was indefatigable,
his hammer resounding with the rest; his skilful hand wielding the brush
in decorative painting.

The preceding winter a marked revival had been enjoyed, which resulted in
the addition of twenty-one members to the church.

At a church meeting, March 14, 1886, the following resolution was adopted:

"Whereas, the duty of the church to care for its members severally is
unquestioned, and the covenant meeting is a great help to those who
attend,

Therefore, resolved: That we recommend that the church of this Quarterly
Meeting establish one of their covenant meetings as an annual covenant
meeting, at which every member be previously invited to report, by
personal presence or by letter, or verbal report of some member, and that
resident members that do not report for one year be visited by a
committee."

February 4, 1887. "Voted that the annual covenant meeting of this church
be held on the Friday evening preceding the first Sabbath in May."

April 29, 1887. The record of the annual covenant meeting shows that there
were then eighty-two members of the church.

Early in 1888 Mr. Merrill resigned the pastorate, and soon after removed
to Epsom. In the autumn of the same year, the church voted to request the
Quarterly Meeting at Candia, to send a council of ministers to ordain REV.
WILLIS A. TUCKER as pastor. Accordingly, the ordination service was held
on the evening of October 29, 1888, and was as follows: sermon by Rev. D.
W. C. Durgin, D.D., (former pastor), from Hebrews XIII: 17; ordaining
prayer by Rev. J. C. Osgood; charge to the church, Rev. F. K. Chase;
charge to the pastor, Rev. J. S. Harrington; right hand of fellowship,
Rev. C. C. Foster; address of welcome to christian work in Hampton, Rev.
J. A. Ross, pastor of the Congregational church; benediction by the
pastor.

Rev. Willis A. Tucker, son of Francis A. and Lydia M. (Edes) Tucker, was
born at Guilford, Me., educated in the academies of Monson and Foxcroft,
and graduated from Cobb Divinity school in 1888. In 1879 he married Martha
S. Hammond, and has two children living. His connection with the Hampton
church terminated in April, 1892, when he immediately entered upon a new
pastorate at South Windham,Me., and the Free Baptist church in Hampton is
now to seek another pastor.

Deacons, from the beginning to the present time: Amos Towle, Jr., Joshua
Lane, Alvin Emery, David Garland, Jr., Charles M. Perkins, William L.
Blake, John A. Towle, David J. Garland.

Clerks of the church: Joshua Lane, Samuel Garland, Samuel Drake, Daniel
Moulton, John M.Akerman, Frank B. Brown.

A Ladies' Missionary Society, with well-sustained interest, is connected
with the church.


THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH

When Methodism was introduced into Hampton, a Congregation and a Christian
society had occupied the ground for many years. Rev. James M. Fuller
preached the first Methodist sermon, in the North school-house, on
Saturday evening, sometime in the month of December, 1835. The Sabbath
following, he preached to a small congregation in an old meeting-house, at
that time unoccupied. He was stationed that year at Lamprey River,
Newmarket. After two weeks Rev. James H. Patterson, stationed at
Newfields, now South Newmarket, preached in the same place. From this time
there was no more preaching by Methodists till sometime in July, 1836,
when Mr. Fuller came again. From July until November, there was preaching
regularly, once in two weeks, by local preachers; the congregation
gradually increased, and two or three were converted.

Sometime in the month of November, the friends of Methodism held their
first "protracted meeting," at which about twenty were hopefully converted
to God, who were immediately united together in a class. The society
worshipped in the small house before mentioned, formerly occupied by the
Christian society. In the following spring the house was given to the
Methodists, for their special benefit, as long as they should occupy it as
a place of worship. After being repaired and fitted up for the purpose, it
was rededicated to the worship of God, on the 22nd of May, 1837. The
sermon on the occasion was preached by Rev. J. M. Fuller, from Psalm
93:5 -- "Holiness becometh thine house, O Lord, forever." The same month
the Sunday school was organized, with Jonathan Towle for superintendent.

At the Conference at Great Falls, July 4, 1837, REV. JOHN BRODHEAD was
appointed to preach in Hampton. He labored faithfully and with some
success until the following spring, when he was called to his reward,
deeply lamented by the church of his choice. He died in peace, at his
residence in South Newmarket, on the seventh of April, 1838, leaving
behind him many witnesses that his "labor was not in vain in the Lord."

Rev. John Brodhead was born October 5, 1770, in Lower Smithfield, Pa. In
1794 he entered the travelling connection, and the two following years was
stationed in New Jersey and Maryland. In 1796 he came to New England where
he was among the pioneers, forming new societies in various places in each
of the New England states and Lower Canada. He filled many important
offices in the church, and, especially in the early part of his ministry,
his labors were exceedingly arduous and eminently successful.

His constitution becoming impaired, in 1811 he was stationed at what is
now South Newmarket, where, after this period he usually resided. During
his life, he was several times elected to the New Hampshire senate and
council; and was four years a representative in Congress.

Father Brodhead was a good man, deeply pious, ardently and sincerely
devoted to the interests of the church and mankind. From the time of his
death until the next Conference, the little society in Hampton was
supplied with preaching by brethren whose sympathies and labors were
enlisted in their behalf.

At the Conference held at Danville, Vt., July 5, 1838, REV. WILLLIAM
PADMAN was stationed in Hampton. His labors, by the Divine blessing, were
rendered successful in the awakening and conversion of some score of
souls, but few of whom, however, were gathered into the Methodist church.

The next year REV. SAMUEL A. CUSHING preached a part of the year in
Hampton, and REV. ABRAHAM M. OSGOOD, the remainder. In 1840, Mr. Osgood
was returned and labored successfully with the struggling society the
second year.

At the Conference held at Dover, June 23, 1841, REV. ABRAHAM FOLSOM was
appointed to Hampton. He was careful to look after the financial interests
of the church. Through his influence, the legal society was formed known
as "The First Methodist Episcopal Society of Hampton." It was organized
April 8, 1842. This society received two thousand dollars of the
ecclesiastical fund of the town, in its distribution among the churches.
Rev. Abraham Folsom died in 1872, and his wife, four years later. Both
were brought to Hampton, and interred in Mr. Sewell W. Dow's lot in the
cemetery.

At the Conference held at Newbury, Vt., June 22, 1842, REV. HORATIO N.
TAPLIN was stationed in Hampton. He preached with good success for two
years. In this, as well as every other station, he was greatly beloved,
being a man of an excellent spirit. He baptized fourteen persons, some of
whom are among the present active members.

Rev. Horatio N. Taplin was born at East Corinth, Vt., August 7, 1817. He
was converted in the eighteenth year of his age, and joined the Church
Street Methodist society, Boston. There he remained two years, when he
became convinced that God called him to preach the gospel, and returned to
Corinth, to make preparation therefor. Soon afterward, he entered the
Newbury Seminary, where he remained two years, and received a local
preacher's license. In May, 1841, he married Susan Ketchem, of Barre, Vt.,
and in June following, joined the New Hampshire Conference. He
subsequently labored as follows: At South Newmarket, two years; Hampton,
two years; Epping, two years; Manchester Center, one year; Landaff, two
years; Enfield, one year; Sandwich, two years. In October, 1854, he was
prostrated by typhoid fever, which destroyed his physical energies, and
induced quick consumption. He rose on the morning of January 19, 1855,
complained of faintness, and immediately expired, leaving a widow and
three children. Brother Taplin was an acceptable preacher and a faithful
pastor. In promoting the interests of Sabbath-schools and in gaining the
affection of the young he excelled.

In 1844 REV. JOHN F. ADAMS supplied at Hampton; the following year REV.
JAMES M. YOUNG. In 1856 REV. CHARLES H. CHASE was appointed here; and
through his efforts, the parsonage was procured, at an expense of about
six hundred dollars. The next preacher was REV. HENRY NUTTER, who remained
two years. He was the first to occupy the parsonage, and before he left, a
new church was built, at a cost of fifteen hundred dollars. It was
dedicated by Rev. Benjamin R. Hoyt, in November, 1848. A good revival was
enjoyed, and thirteen were baptized by the pastor. The next year, Rev. A.
M. Osgood was reappointed here; followed by REV. IRA A SWEATLAND, in 1850,
and REV. MATTHEW NEWHALL, in 1851.

In 1852 Rev. Abel Heath was appointed here by the Conference held at
Nashua; but he was there taken with typhoid fever, and in a few days died.
Mr. Newhall remained therefore, the second year, and labored faithfully
and with good success. He was followed by REV. JAMES M. HARTWELL, one
year. REV. JOHN ENGLISH came in 1854, and remained two years. He also
enjoyed a good revival. Being an earnest and faithful man, he will be
remembered with gratitude by many true friends in Hampton.

REV. JOHN W. JOHNSON, stationed here in 1856, preached with great
acceptance for two years, and his labors were not in vain in the Lord.
About twenty-two were baptized as the fruits of the revival.

The history of the church, to this point, was furnished by REV. NATHANIEL
N. CHASE, who followed Mr. Johnson in the pastorate, and himself labored
faithfully the next two years. Subsequently, he was stationed here one
year more. Mr. Chase has since died, after a long and useful career as
pastor of churches, and agent of the New Hampshire Bible Society.
Succeeding pastors of the Hampton church have been:

Rev. Joseph Hayes 1860
Rev. F. K. Stratton 1861-2
Rev. S. F. Whidden 1863
Rev. E. Lewis 1864
Rev. N. L. Chase 1865
Rev. A. C. Coult 1866
Rev. A. A. Cleaveland 1867-8
Rev. G. W. Ruland 1869-70
Rev. S. J. Robinson 1871
Rev. Elihu Scott 1872-3-4
Rev. J. H. Knott 1875-6
Rev. J. P. Frye 1877-8
Rev. A. B. Carter 1879-80
Rev. J. F. Spalding 1881-2-3
Rev. H. B. Copp 1884-5-6
Rev. W. C. Bartlett 1887-8-9
Rev. C. M. Howard 1890
Rev. Noble Fisk 1891-2

REV. ELIHU SCOTT, the first pastor for a term of three consecutive years,
after he became superannuated, removed permanently to Hampton, where he
spent the last years of his life, revered by the entire community. Here
his wife died, in 1884; and after four more years, he, too, was gathered
to his fathers, in a good old age; having been a faithful preacher of the
Word, and long a trusted officer of the Conference. Both were laid to rest
in the Hampton cemetery.

In September, 1881, the church building was removed to its present site,
nearer the centre of the town; and, largely through the untiring zeal of
Mr. Spalding, the pastor, it was thoroughly and tastefully remodelled and
furnished with a bell, at a cost of thirty-one hundred dollars and much
gratuitous labor. The work was pushed vigorously, and the church
rededicated, January 5, 1882, Rev. Dr. B. K. Pierce preaching the sermon.

Connected with this church is a sewing society, which has been carried on
uninterruptedly for many years; the Ladies' Missionary Society is of more
recent date; and an Epworth League was organized in the latter part of
Rev. Mr. Bartlett's pastorate.


THE SECOND ADVENT CHURCH

When William Miller proclaimed through the country the second coming of
Christ, in 1843, a few individuals in Hampton embraced his doctrines. When
a few years later, the Methodists built their new meeting-house, the
Adventists, or "Come-Outers," as they were oftener called, stayed behind,
and continued for some time to worship in the old house, that had already
been the church home of two denominations. They were too few, however,
long to maintain a service of their own, but they never gave up their
faith.

About the year 1870, the doctrines of the Second Advent church began to
gain new adherents in Hampton. Tent meetings were held, and efforts made
to promulgate that faith. A revival followed, which resulted in the
gathering of a congregation, the leasing of a plot of land for a term of
years, and the erection of a chapel, completed in November, 1871.

Meetings were held with considerable regularity and interest for several
years; and on the 18th of January, 1877, a church was organized, which has
ever since held on its way, and been a means of good in the town. The
present membership is about thirty. A committee of correspondence furnish
the preachers, fortnightly, but the house is opened for a prayer-meeting
every alternate Sabbath morning. The Wednesday evening neighborhood prayer-
meetings have been sustained without a break for several years. The
compactness of the parish renders this comparatively easy, nearly all
being resident in the east part of the town, where five or six dwellings
in regular rotation are opened for the evening meetings.

In 1890 money was raised to buy the land on which the chapel stands, and
the finances of the little church are in a prosperous condition, its
members taking the lead of all the churches, in the generosity with which,
according to their strength and means, they contribute for its support.

The Advent church in Hampton can hardly be termed an offshoot from either
of the older churches; for while it has drawn to itself some members
formerly connected with other denominations, it is in a considerable
degree composed of people not before belonging to any church, who, having
been first attracted by revival preachers and an ardent manner of worship,
have next been led to embrace the doctrines taught; so that really a new
element of christian activity came into the town when the Advent church
came, and a new congregation arose, without materially weakening the other
churches.


GENERAL OUTLOOK

It is sometimes said that religious observances have deteriorated in these
latter days. "In 'the good old times,'" people cry, "everybody went to
church all day. Now look!" and they point out house after house up and
down this street and that, from which not a single church-goer issues on
Sunday morning. "As to an afternoon service," they say, "nobody thinks of
going; it is too hot in summer and too cold in winter, and too wearisome
all the year round. Ministers used to preach two sermons, each a solid
hour long, every Sunday; and absentees were admonished, disciplined,
fined: now, a single half-hour sermon is quite enough, both for preacher
and people. Thanksgiving and Fast days were religiously observed once; but
now the latter is a mere holiday and the union service of all the churches
at Thanksgiving is more thinly attended than the service of the one church
was, in 'the good old times.'"

Very true, the ancient austerity has passed away, and a more cheerful, but
we think not less earnest religion has taken its place. The church no
longer dictates, nor is the pastor regarded as a higher order of being,
little less than divine. Forms and methods have changed, both in worship
and in work; and though it must be confessed, there is too much laxity in
Sabbath observance, too much neglect of public worship, perhaps too little
aggressive christian work done, yet it is certain, the demands of the
times are more nearly met by present methods than they would be by a
return to the old order of things, if that were possible.



CHAPTER XXVII. THE COMMON SCHOOLS.

SOME EARLY TEACHERS

By the provisions of th school law of 1647, [Chap. II.] Hampton,
containing more than fifty householders, was required to maintain a free
school.

To find a competent teacher and to provide means for his support could not
have been an easy matter; for only ten years before, nearly the whole
territory was an unbroken wilderness, with no roads, no cleared lands, no
inhabitants but Indians, no dwellings but wigwams. To construct needful
roads, to clear and cultivate portions of land, to build houses, however
rude in construction, and to provide the means of subsistence, must have
taxed all the energies of the people, demanding of them untiring industry,
hard labor and the most rigid economy.

More than a year passed away before the law was carried into effect. An
earlier compliance was probably impracticable, either from want of means
for paying a teacher, or a difficulty in finding a suitable one. The man t
length employed was JOHN LEGAT, with whom some of th people appear to have
had a previous acquaintance; for on the 30th of October, 1640, the town
had voted to receive him as an inhabitant, and on the 23d of March
following, at his request, had granted "the lot that Eldred was to have
had, in the Wigwam Row, unto the said Jo[hn] Legat, he coming and dwelling
upon it." If he came to Hampton at that time, it is evident he did not
long remain, for in 1643 he was living in Exeter.

The fact and the terms of his engagement as a teacher in Hampton appear
from the records: "On the 2 of the 2mo: 1649: The selectmen of this Towne
of Hampton have agreed with John Legat for this present yeare insueing --
To teach and instruct all the children of or belonging to our Towne, both
mayle and femaile (wch are capiable of learning) to write and read and
cast accountes, (if it be desired), as dilegently and as carefully as he
is able to teach and instruct them; And so dilegently to follow the said
imploymentt att all such time and times this yeare insueing, as the wether
shall be fitting for the youth to com together to one place to be
instructed; And allso to teach and instruct them once in a week, or more,
in some Arthodox chatechise provided for them by their parents or
master. -- And in consideration hereof we have agreed to pay, or cause to
be payd unto the said John Legat, the som of Twenty pounds, in corne and
cattle and butter att price currant, as payments are made of such goods in
this Towne, and this to be payd by us quarterly, paying £5 every quarter
of the yeare after he has begun to keep school."

This is the contract. The date of commencing the school appears from the
records: "John Legat entered upon schooling the 21 day of the 3 month,
1649."

From another source we learn that this teacher was not promptly paid for
his services, for at the October term of the county court holden at
Hampton the next year, John Legat sued Anthony Stanian and Robert Tuck,
two of the selectmen, in behalf of the town, in an action "of debt for
scooleing & other writings done for ye Towne." The plaintiff withdrew his
action, and the case was probably settled by the parties.

The foregoing agreement, in connection with the memorandum of the time of
beginning school, is interesting and important, as showing,

1. The exact date of the opening of the first public school in the town:
"The 21 day of the 3 month 1649," O.S., or May 31, 1649, as we now reckon
time.

2. For whom the school was intended: For "all the children of or belonging
to our town, both male and female (which are capable of learning)" -- no
restriction as to age or attainments of the children, or the social
condition of the families to which they belonged. Girls as well as boys
were to have the benefit of the schools. This proves the fallacy of the
statement, so far as relates to Hampton,"that for more than one hundred
fifty years, girls were excluded from the privileges of the schools in New
England."

There are on record numerous votes passed by the town, relating to schools
and the hiring of teachers during the next hundred fifty years; but only a
few teachers are mentioned by name, -- not more than three or four. From
other sources,s the names of several have been learned, and some facts in
regard to them.

SETH FLETCHER was here as a teacher in 1654. The date of his taking charge
of the school, or the length of time he taught, has not been ascertained.
Indeed, the only evidence of his having been the teacher is a receipt
given by him, October 19, 1654, to one of the tax-payers, for his school-
rate "for the whole year." Mr. Fletcher appears to have been a man of some
importance. He was sometimes employed as a surveyor, -- in one case, at
least, to make a survey and plan to be used in settling a controversy
about certain town lines. [Chap. VII.] He was afterward the first minister
of Saco, Me., being employed in 1666, for one year, and afterwards from
year to year, probably till 1675, when the town came near being destroyed
by the Indians.

The next teacher to be mentioned is JOHN BARSHAM, a graduate of Harvard
College in 1658. He was here as teacher two years or more, beginning
sometime in 1660. At a town-meeting held May 16, 1661, a vote was passed,
recorded as follows: "Itt is Agreed yt Thomas Marston & William Moulton
shall Joyne with John Sanborn to Hire the prsent schoolemaster for another
yeere prvyded they shall nott exced the som of twenty-six pound for his
yeeres wages nor be more difficult in his pay than the last yeere." This
teacher's name is not mentioned in the record, but from another source we
learn that Mr. Barsham was here in 1661, and the next year.Evidently,
money was hard to raise, for his wages, as well as Legat's, remained
partly unpaid for a considerable time; and he brought a suit against
William Fifield, in an action of debt for £26 "due by bill in
consideration of keeping schoole in Hampton in 61 and 62 & for due
damages. The Jury found for the plaintiff £29 damage & costs of court."
November 18, 1670, the town voted "thatt the Schoolemaster Rate for this
year shall bee Raised by Estates of the Inhabitants as other Towne Rates
are."

In 1671 the school was taught by JOHN STEPHENS, of whom but very little is
known. Judging, however, from the correct language, tasteful arrangement
and neat penmanship of several specimens of his writing extant, he must
have been a man of considerable mental cultivation and refinement. The
salary paid this teacher is not shown by the records,s but whatever it may
have been, it was according to the vote of the town just mentioned, to be
raised "as other town rates are." But February 10, 1673, this regulation
was so modified that only £10 of the teacher's wages could be paid out of
the money raised by taxation in the usual way, and the rest was to be
assessed on the children attending the school. Under this arrangement, the
school was not strictly a free school.

The usual way of employing a teacher was for the town to authorize and
direct the selectmen, or a special committee chosen for the purpose, to
attend to the business, leaving them to act in general, according to their
own judgment, but sometimes giving particular instructions. In some cases
the town determined by a direct vote whether a particular person should be
employed. An instance of this kind occurred, probably, when Mr. Stephens
closed the term of his engagement. At a town-meeting 19:9mo (November):
1674, a vote was taken on the question, whether the town would receive a
certain man of Andover, as schoolmaster, and it was decided in the
negative.

The next person known to have been employed as teacher of the school was
THOMAS CROSBY, probably a son of Dr. Anthony Crosby, of Rowley, Mass.,
whose widow, in 1673, married Rev. Seaborn Cotton, pastor of the church in
this town. Her son may have come from Rowley with her and settled here, as
in the town records are given, between the years 1687 and 1703, the firths
of his children, eight in number. In 1701 the town having laid out a large
tract of land, voted that "Thos. Crosby, the present schoolmaster," should
have two half shares in this land -- about eighty acres. [p. 156.] How
long he was in charge of the school does not appear. If, however, he had
been employed only a few months, it is hardly probable that such a grant
would have been made to him as a schoolmaster.

After Mr. Crosby left the school, it was probably placed under the care of
DANIEL RINDGE, A.M., son of Daniel Rindge, of Ipswich, Mass., a graduate
of Harvard College in 1709, who died here, July 3, 1713, in the 22d year
of his age. On the 11th of April, 1713, he had been sent for to the
council-board, to confer with their governor and council and the minister
of the town of Portsmouth about his becoming master of the school in that
town, in which Latin as well as English was to be taught; [p.154.] to
which situation he was then appointed for the term of four years. [Prov.
Pap. II:651] It is believed in Hampton that he was here at that time,
engaged in teaching, and before the term of his engagement expired, was
stricken down with disease which resulted in his death.

September 28, 1714, the town chose a committee of three to hire a
schoolmaster for the whole town. The records do not show who was hired;
but during some portion of the next four years, one HUMPHREY SULLIVAN was
the teacher. This appears from the record of a vote taken at a meeting of
the "old parish," September 17, 1718, warned "to consider about hiring a
schoolmaster." At this meeting, "ye late schoolmaster, Humphrey Sullevan
was put to vote and not accepted of." We known nothing more of this man.

In the spring of 1718 Hampton Falls was made a parish -- virtually a town.
Any statements about our schools of a later date relate only to the "town
side," or the territory north of Taylor's river.

SOLOMON PAGE, a native of Hampton, was graduated at Harvard College in
1729, and afterward engaged in teaching and in preaching. He was a
resident here for several years after his graduation, was the
schoolmaster, and was employed for some months to preach during the
illness of the pastor, Rev. Mr. Gookin. [p. 384]

Another teacher was THOMAS BARNARD, a graduate of Harvard in 1732. In
October, 1735, he was admitted to the church, being then the "schoolmaster
of the town," as the record shows. He retained his church membership till
January 21, 1739, when he was dismissed to one of the churches in Newbury,
Mass., of which he was soon after ordained pastor. Mr. Barnard was a man
of considerable ability and of good repute, as a minister. How he ranked
as a teacher is not now known.

JACOB BAILEY, a graduate of Harvard in 1755, came to Hampton soon
afterward as a teacher. He united with the church in March, 1758, being
then "schoolmaster of the town." He remained here for a considerable time,
and married Sally, daughter of Dr. John Weeks. He became afterwards an
Episcopal clergyman and labored several years as a frontier missionary in
Pownalborough, now Dresden, Maine. In the stormy period of the American
Revolution he was a loyalist, and in 1779 became a refugee.

"In the summer of 1779 he went to Halifax, N.S. I give an account of his
appearance when he landed in that city, in nearly his own words. His feet
were adorned with shoes which sustained the marks of rebellion and
independence. His legs were covered with a thick pair of blue woollen
stockings, which had been so often mended and darned by the fingers of
frugality, that scarce an atom of the original remained. His breeches had
been formerly black, but the color being worn out by age, nothing remained
but a rusty gray, bespattered with lint and bedaubed with pitch. Over a
corse tow and linen shirt, manufactured in the looms of sedition, he wore
a coat and waistcoat of the same dandy gray russet; and, to secrete from
public inspection the innumerable rents, holes and deformities, which time
and misfortunes had wrought in these ragged and weather-beaten garments,
he was furnished with a blue surtout, fritted at the elbows, worn at the
button-holes, and stained with a variety of tints. To complete the whole,
a jaundice colored wig, devoid of curls, was shaded with the remnants of a
rusty beaver; its monstrous brim, replete with notches and furrows and
grown limpsy by the alternate inflictions of storm and sunshine, lopped
over his shoulders, and obscured a face meagre with famine and wrinkled
with solicitude. His wife's dress was no better. She was arrayed in a
ragged baize night-gown, tied around the middle with a woollen string; her
petticoats were jagged at the bottom, were ragged above, and drabbled in
mud. He became Rector of St. Luke's church, Annapolis, Nova Scotia, and
died in that relation in 1808, at the age of sixty-seven. . . . . Mrs.s
Bailey died at Annapolis in 1818, at the age of seventy." [Sabine's
Loyalists of the Am. Revo. I: 201.]

Next in order as schoolmaster, was SAMUEL COTTON, A.B., who was graduated
at Harvard College in 1759. He was received to the Hampton church in
March, 1761 -- "The schoolmaster," according to the record -- and retained
his connection till December, 1764, when he was dismissed to the church in
Litchfield, of which he had been chosen pastor, where he was soon after
ordained.

But one more schoolmaster of "ye olden time" need be mentioned. This was
OLIVER WELLINGTON LANE, a graduate of Harvard College in 1772. He came to
Hampton soon after his graduation, and was teacher during a part or the
whole of the war of the Revolution. He was successful in his calling. His
pupils were very strongly attached to him. Some of them, late in life,
used to speak of him with a great deal of interest.

It has sometimes been stated that all the teachers of the town school in
Hampton, previous to the Revolution, were college graduates. While this
statement is not wholly correct, it appears from instances here cited,
that large part of them were liberally educated. In a petition to the
governor and council in July, 1714, it is represented that the selectmen
had hired a schoolmaster for the town, to teach both Latin and English.
Who this teacher was is unknown, but from the date it is evident that it
could not have been any of those her enumerated.


LOCATION OF SCHOOLS

The town school was located in the vicinity of the meeting house, until
the spring of 1713, though in some instances it was removed to the Falls
side for a few months; for example, in 1673 the school was to be kept in
the town nine months, and at the Falls side, three months.

November 17, 1699, it was voted "That if ffalls side, so called, in
Hampton, doe provide and pay a schoolmaster for the teaching of their
children; They shall be exempted ffrom paying to the schoollmaster at the
town side so called." Similar votes were passed at other times.

At a town-meeting, March 11, 1735, it was voted "that the northerly part
of the town (now North Hampton) shall have some part of the schooling the
ensuing year."

It was voted, March 23, 1756, "That the selectmen shall have the liberty
of hireing a common Reading and writing master, and in case a Grammar
school is needed, the selectmen shall provide one in the Town, provided
that both schools shall cost the Town no more than one constant Grammar
school."

March 15, 1757, it was voted "to allow some money to support the schools
at Bride hill and Drake side" (the western part of the town).

March 20, 1759, it was voted "to have a school for reading and writing for
six months, besides the standing school, to be removed so as shall best
accommodate the people."

March 18, 1766, "Voted, that the school shall be removed to such parts of
the town as shall be equally beneficial to the whole town -- to be
determined by the selectmen."

April 7, 1772, a town-meeting was called by request, "to see if the town
would remove the school into four different parts of the town, and allow
each part of the town part of the money raised for the school yearly." "It
was agreed to." Then follow in the record several votes, defining the
extent and limits of each of three of these parts, -- the rest of the town
(nearly the same as afterwards districts Nos. 1 and 2, -- about one-half
of there town), to constitute the other part. Each of these parts was to
have all the school money raised within its own limits by taxation.

The next year it was voted "to remove the Grammar school to Bride-hill --
if the people in that part of the town see good to accept it -- so much of
the time as will amount to their proportion of money raised for the school
the ensuing year."

At a town-meeting held March 18, 1800, it was voted "to leave it to the
discretion of the selectmen to appoint schools as they think best for the
general good of the inhabitants of the town the year ensuing."

A full century and a half had now passed away since the opening of the
first school in the town; and through all these years, schools had been
maintained; but thus far, no person or persons appear to have been
appointed to supervise them.

At an adjournment of the first annual meeting in the present century, held
March 26, 1801, the town voted "That the Rev. Jesse Appleton, the Rev.
William Pidgin, Dr. Ebenezer Lawrence, Dr. Jona. French, Oliver Whipple,
Esq., be a committee to examine our schools the year ensuing."

The selectmen were directed to raise what money the law required for the
support of schools, and to take advice of the school committee how the
money might be laid out to the best advantage.

In a few instances during the last ninety years, the town has failed to
have a school committee; but generally a committee has been chosen at the
annual town-meeting, or appointed by the selectmen, according to law. A
few years the committee has consisted of five persons, more frequently of
three, and generally, during the last quarter of a century, of only one,
till districts were abolished by law of the state, and old time committees
were no more.

Fifty years ago the school committee relied more upon certificates of
literary attainments and good moral character produced by the applicant,
than upon a personal examination, in deciding whether a certificate of
approbation should be given. This course was not safe; for sometimes
candidates poorly qualified for teaching were more amply furnished with
recommendations than others abundantly qualified. Later, the course was
different. Candidates, whose qualifications were not well knowns to the
committee, were carefully examined, the giving or withholding of
certificates depending on the result.


SCHOOL DISTRICTS

The town, as has been shown by votes passed at different times, made
changes in the location of the school for some portion of the year, or
provided that more than one school should be kept at the same time, in
order that the privileges of the inhabitants in the different parts of the
town might be equalized as far as practicable. But these were only
temporary arrangements, liable to be changed from year to year. For this
reason, perhaps, it was not judged prudent to expend much money in
building school-houses. Hence, probably, we may account for the passing of
the following vote, November 30, 1801: "That the North District shall have
Jonathan Sanborn's Barn for a Schoolhouse."

Indeed, there was no law authorizing the division of towns into school
districts till 1805. Nearly two years after the passage of this law, at
the annual meeting in 1807, a committee of nine was chosen to district the
town, according to law. The committee made four districts, and pointed out
the extent of each on the different roads,s thus indicating the district
to which each house belonged. This division remained without material
alterations till 1845, when Robert Smith, Aaron Coffin, John D. Neal, Obed
S. Hobbs and William Brown were chosen a committee, to consider how to
redistrict the town.

A minority report was adopted, where by five districts were established by
metes and bounds. One of them was subsequently divided, making six
districts,numbered from one to six, and designated by their respective
numbers; and this arrangement continued till school districts were
abolished by law, in 1885.


SCHOOL-HOUSES

No information can be gleaned from the town records, about the first
school-house, or any other, built during the first half-century of its
history. It is, however, safe to presume that at first the school was kept
in a house built of logs.

The first mention of a school-house is an entry made in 1692, during King
William's war. The people, liable to be attacked at any moment, had built
a fortification around the meeting-house, and at a town-meeting held on
the 17th of May, 1692, voted to extend the line of this fortification so
as to enclose more space; and liberty was given to build houses in it
according to the custom in other forts. It was also voted to build within
the fort, at the town's expense, a house fourteen by sixteen feet, for the
use of the minister, and when not occupied by him, to be used as a school-
house."

At a town-meeting holden September 14, 1696, it was ordered that such
materials of the old parsonage-house, about to be taken down, as would not
be needed in finishing a new house, should "be improved by the selectmen
for the building of a school-house."

On July 14, 1693, the town made two grants of land, one of an acre and a
half at the Falls side, and the other of one acre at the town side, to be
appropriated for school-house lots forever. The one at the town was to be
laid out "on the easterly side of the fort near Philemon Dalton's, sos as
might be least prejudicial."

The town voted, September 22, 1712, that a school-house twenty-four feet
long and twenty feet wide should be built on the lot granted for that
purpose near Deacon Dalton's house, and be finished by the last day of
April following. It was also voted that the selectmen for the time being
should have full power to build the house, and to raise a tax on the
inhabitants of the town to pay for it. The lot on which this house was
built is the one on which the Center school-house stands; it has been used
as a school-house lot (some changes having been made in its form and
size), about one hundred eighty years.

The school-house built in 1712-13 was destroyed by fire bout twenty-four
years afterward, and on March 8, 1737, the town voted that it should be
replaced by another of the same dimensions, for the building of which, the
town would pay £25. If it be asked why a larger house was not needed to
accommodate the school in 1737, than in 1712, as during a quarter of a
century the population must have increased, let it be remembered that more
than half the territory of Hampton had been taken to form the parish (or
town) of Hampton Falls, which included Kensington and part of Seabrook.

Nothing definite is known in relation to other school-houses built before
the year 1800. Those used in the early part of the present century were
small, inconvenient and uncomfortable. About the year 1825, new school-
houses were built in three of the districts. These were all of brick, and
were far better adapted to the purposes for which they were designed than
the former ones had been. One of these -- that in Bride Hill district, --
is still standing, the only brick building in town.

In 1855 a new school-house was built in district No. 3, sufficiently
large, well proportioned, well finished and attractive in appearance. The
internal arrangement is creditable, and the house has been kept in good
repair.

In 1873 the brick buildings in districts No. 1 and No. 2, that had been
occupied by the schools about fifty years, and the wooden building in No.
1, that had been used by the primary school about half as long, were
removed, to give place in each district to a better school-house, meeting
the wants of a graded school. The buildings are of wood, and were finished
in season for the winter schools. They are nearly equal in size, but
differ in plan and style of finishing. They are two stories in height,
each containing a large, well-furnished school-room on each floor, with
ante-rooms and other conveniences. The house at the "east end" is forty-
six by thirty-two feet, the lower story, twelve feet high, and the upper,
ten feet. The whole cost, as shown by the bills, $5,358.70. The house at
the center is forty-seven by thirty-two feet, each story, eleven feet in
height; the whole cost, as reported by the building committee, $4,485.


SUMMARY

School buildings and furniture were provided at the expense of the town,
before it was divided into districts; after that time by the districts
severally, till districts were abolished in 1885, when the town again
assumed the expense.

The means for the support of schools have been raised principally by
taxation. Money received through the state treasury from the Literary
Fund, and a portion of that from railroads has been added to the sum
raised by taxation, and the whole applied to the support of the schools.

In district No. 1, two grades -- grammar and primary, -- were sustained
for forty years or more. In district No. 2, a like grading was begun in
1874.

In early times men only (as far as any records show) were employed as
teachers. It is quite possible, however, that women sometimes taught the
schools supported in addition to what the law required. Since 1800, women
have been employed more or less, and recently, they have formed a large
percentage of our teachers.

In 1873 the town appointed a committee of two from each school district,
to devise a more equitable apportionment of the school money. They
reported a method, which was adopted, namely: to divide among districts 1,
2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, in the proportion respectively of 29, 26, 12, 10, 12 and
11 per cent of all the money appropriated from year to year for the
support of schools.


RECENT HISTORY

The common schools of Hampton have, in late years, been fairly successful,
as country schools rank, nothing specially worthy of note having occurred
till the union of Academy and high-school, having a specified course of
study, in 1885. Then, a new incentive to exertion arose, quickened through
the energy and enthusiasm of Dr. William T. Merrill, who had already been
a year in office as superintendent of schools, and who, as a trustee of
the Academy, had in this second effort for union (a first having failed),
been the moving spirit in the whole enterprise. The promotion of those
best qualified, to the high-school, and, for the rest, the hope of future
promotion, at once carried the schools into a new era.

A still higher benefit resulted from the enactment of a state law, the
same year, abolishing school districts. One grammar school was then
established for the town, with such primary schools as were deemed
necessary. To quote from the annual report of the Board of Education in
the spring of 1887, after the new system had been in operation a year and
a half: "By the abolition of the district system, we have been able to
give better tuition at less expense per capita, and the same opportunities
of learning to all the children of the town, giving a graded system with a
prescribed course of study, and promotions with reference to an
established rule."



CHAPTER XXVIII. HAMPTON ACADEMY AND HIGH SCHOOL.

THE PROPRIETARY SCHOOL

After Rev. Mr. Webster had been in the ministry, in Hampton, long enough
to become considerably acquainted with a large portion of the people, he
was convinced of the importance of a higher standard of education in the
schools. The town was raising, for their support, all the money required
by law, and something more. The school children learned to read and spell,
write and cipher; and many of them made a laudable improvement of the
privileges furnished. Beyond the branches enumerated, but little
instruction was ordinarily given by the teachers. They did, however,
endeavor to instil into the minds of the children the importance of good
manners, and the duty of showing due respect to the aged and to their
superiors generally.

While the pastor appreciated the efforts of the teachers in these
directions, he thought it incumbent on himself to induce parents to favor
the introduction of other branches of study into the common schools, and
to foster in the young people a thirst for higher attainments. He was
impressed with the belief that, by the opening of a school of a higher
order, a new interest would be excited, and a new impulse given to the
cause of education.

A considerable number of the parents here and in neighboring towns became
interested in the project of establishing such a school. When this point
was reached, definite measures to that end began to be taken; and, in
answer to a petition to the General Court, the following act of
incorporation was granted:

"In the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and ten.

An Act to incorporate certain persons, by the name of the Proprietary
School in Hampton.

Section 1st -- Be it enacted by the Senate and house of Representatives
and General Court convened, that Edmund Toppan, Joseph Towle junior, John
Fogg, Thomas Ward, Ebenezer Lawrence, Samuel F. Leavitt and Richard
Greenleaf, and their associates and successors be, and they hereby are
incorporated, and made a body corporate and politic forever, under the
name of the Proprietary School in Hampton, and by that name may sue and
prosecute, and be sued and prosecuted to final judgment and execution, and
shall have and enjoy all the powers and privileges which by law are
incident to similar corporations.

Section 2nd -- And be it further enacted, that the said corporation may
establish a School in Hampton, for the instruction and education of youth,
and erect and maintain suitable buildings therefor, and may purchase and
receive by donation, and hold real and personal estate of any kind, not
exceeding Twenty thousand Dollars in value, provided that nothing in this
act shall be construed to exempt more than ten thousand Dollars from
taxation.

Section 3d -- And be it further enacted, that the said corporation, at any
meeting duly holden, may make rules,s regulations and by-laws, for the
management of the interests and concerns of the said institution, and
appoint such and so many officers as they shall think proper, and
prescribe their powers and duties.

Section 4th -- And be it further enacted, that the said Edmund Toppan and
Joseph Towle junior, or either of them, shall notify the first meeting of
said Corporation to be holden at any suitable time and place in said
Hampton, by posting up a notification at the meeting-house in said
Hampton, three Sundays successively, at which meeting the manner of
holding future meetings may be regulated, and any business relating to
said corporation, transacted."

Money being now needed for the furtherance of the enterprise, it was
decided to raise the sum of one thousand dollars, in shares of twenty-five
dollars each. The subscription list, dated November 26, 1810, is as
follows:

Thomas Ward 4 shares
James Leavitt 2 shares
Richard Greenleaf 2 shares
Ebenezer Lawrence 1 share
John Fogg (Northampton) 1 share
Samuel F. Leavitt (Northampton) 2 shares
Joseph Towle, Jr. 1 share
Jonathan Marston 1 share
Willard Emery 1 share
Edmund Toppan 4 shares
Jonathan Marston, Jr. 1 share
Jabez M. Davison 1 share
David Nudd 2 shares
Edmund James 1 share
Simeon Shaw 1 share
Isaac Marston 1 share
Samuel James 1 share
Abihal Marston (Northampton) 1 share
Theophilus Sanborn (Hampton Falls) 1 share
Aaron Merrill (Hampton Falls) 1 share
Dudley Dodge (Hampton Falls) 1 share
Jeremiah Hobbs 1 share
John Brown 1 share
Daniel Towle 1 share
Thomas Leavitt (Hampton Falls) 1 share
John Perkins 1 share
Dudley Lamprey 1 share
Josiah Webster 1 share
Thomas Ward 1 share
David Garland 1 share

Having proceeded thus far, nothing more was done, till February 5, 1811,
when the first meeting of the subscribers was held, at the house of James
Leavitt, Esq., to choose a committee of three, to solicit further
subscriptions. Theophilus Sanborn, of Hampton Falls, Edmund Toppan, of
Hampton, and Samuel F. Leavitt, of North Hampton, were chosen.

At an adjourned meeting a week later, it was voted, "To accept of the
gift, of the town of Hampton, of the Green, where the meeting-house
formerly stood," and to erect upon it a suitable school building, on a
plan drawn by a committee chosen for the purpose, before the act of
incorporation. Thomas Ward, Samuel F. Leavitt and Samuel James were chosen
a committee, to receive proposals for building, and to report at an
adjourned meeting February 22; but no proposals having been handed in, the
work was at a later adjournment put up at auction; the result of which
was, that Richard Greenleaf took the contract to do the whole, excepting
the rock work, for seven hundred thirty-eight dollars.

At the meeting on the 22nd February, five trustees were chosen: Rev.
Jonathan French of North Hampton, a zealous patron through a long life,
Rev. Asa Parker of Portsmouth, James Leavitt and Edmund Toppan, Esquires,
of Hampton, and John Fogg, Esquire, a physician, of North Hampton. The
latter was chosen president of the corporation, and Thomas Ward,
treasurer; and it was further voted, that such of the trustees as were
proprietors should have the charge of the building, and make all necessary
writings with the contractor.

Shortly afterward, Rev. Josiah Webster, of Hampton, and Richard Pike, of
Newburyport were added to the board of trustees: while Rev. Jacob Abbott,
of Hampton Falls, was substituted for Rev. Asa Parker; and in the autumn
of the same year, Edmund Toppan, Esq., having resigned, Thomas Ward was
elected in his place.

For carrying on the work of building, it was voted that nine dollars be
paid on each share on or before April 1st; nine dollars, on or before July
1st; and seven dollars, when the building should be completed, which must
be on or before September 1st.

There is nothing on record to show that the house was not completed by the
time specified; but we find that five years later, a committee chosen to
take into consideration the account of the contractor reported: "That
Richard Greenleaf stop his suit against the Corporation and make such
repairs on the house as Mr. Jeremiah Hobbs and Samuel Brown jr., may find
necessary, in consequence of any defect in the building of said house --
and that his account ought to be paid by the Corporation." As there is not
further record on the subject, it is probable that the difficulty was then
satisfactorily settled.

The school-house was at first a one-story building; but in December, 1820,
a proposition was made by Rockingham Lodge, No. 34, of Free Masons, that
they build on another story for their own use, on such terms as might be
agreed upon by a committee from the Lodge and a committee from the
corportion. The record of this proposition is the first, in which the new
school is called an Academy. No satisfactory agreement could be made; and
the next spring the corporation decided to put on another story and
otherwise to enlarge the building to meet the increasing demands of the
school. Capt. Simon Towle took the contract, for four hundred fifty-five
dollars; to pay which, and for other expenses, thirty-five additional
shares, at twenty dollars, were issued. The work was done in the summer of
1821, the school, meanwhile, being kept at the house of James Leavitt,
Esq.


TRANSFERRED TO A BOARD OF TRUSTEES

At a meeting of the corportion, in May, a communication was received from
the trustees, expressing sentiments of cordiality toward the Hampton
Proprietary School, and proposing the appointment by the proprietors, of a
permanent board of trustees, authorized, in a manner similar to the usages
of other literary institutions, to solicit and receive in trust donations
to aid in establishing and perpetuating an Academy in this town.

The proprietors, pleased with the suggestion of the trustees, requested
Rev. Jonathan French to nominate a number of persons, in his opinion
suitable for a permanent board; and, at a subsequent meeting, voted that a
new choice of trustees be organized as a permanent board, "with power to
fill their own vacancies, and so perpetuate their own body."

Having elected a board of thirteen trustees, [See list at close of this
chapter.] the proprietors immediately set about transferring to them all
the "rights, interests, privileges and immunities" of the corporation, to
be held by them in trust, for the use and benefit of the institution, "and
for the promotion of education therein;" the transfer to take effect, when
it should receive the signatures of the owners of seven-eighths of all the
shares in the corporation; which signatures were at once affixed, and the
transfer concluded.

The same day, August 8, 1821, the new board adopted a constitution,
previously drawn up by Rev. Messrs. Webster and French, and Timothy
Farrar, Esq., of which the following is an abstract: [See next section.]


CONSTITUTION, OR FUNDAMENTAL RULES FOR THE HAMPTON PROPRIETARY
SCHOOL CORPORATION

Article 1st. This Corporation shall hereafter consist of not less than
nine nor more than thirteen members, each of whom shall be entitled to one
vote and no more on all questions that come before the corporation. All
vacancies, as they occur, shall be filled by the remaining members, by
election at a legal meeting, and not otherwise. [All property to be held
by the members jointly in trust for the institution, as specified in the
deed of transfer.]

Article 2nd. [Regulates the time for the annual meeting, which was twice
afterwards altered, and at last fixed for the day of the close of the fall
term; and also declares "a major part of the members" to constitute a
quorum.]

Article 3rd. There shall be chosen annually a President, Secretary,
Treasurer and Executive Committee; [but the preceptor shall not be chosen
President, nor shall any member hold the offices of Secretary and
Treasurer at the same time.]

Articles 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th. [Define the duties of the officers; which are
substantially in accordance with general usage.]

Articles 8th, 10th. [Relate to the appointment and dismissal of
instructors.]

Article 9th. No person shall be chosen a principal instructor, unless he
sustain a christian character, and be a man of exemplary manners, of good
mental abilities and literary acquirements, and of good acquaintance with
human nature, of a natural aptitude for instruction and government; and in
the appointment of any instructor, regard shall be had to qualifications
only, without preference of kindred or friend, place of birth, education
or residence.

Articles 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th. [Show the mutual relations of
corporation, teachers and pupils.]

Article 15th. There shall be taught in this Seminary the English, Latin
and Greek Languages, Writing, Arithmetic, Music and Arts of Speaking; also
practical Geometry, Logic, Geography, and any of the liberal Arts and
Sciences or Languages, as opportunity and ability may hereafter admit, and
as the corporation shall direct. But it is to be ever considered by the
corporation and all connected with this Seminary, that these branches of
learning are to be prosecuted as subservient to the promotion of true
piety and virtue.

It is therefore expected, that the assiduous attention of the preceptor
will be paid to the disposition of the mind and morals of the youth under
his charge; and that he will consider it his duty, as the ages and
capacities of the scholars will admit, not only to instruct and establish
them in the truth of Christianity, but also, early and diligently to
inculcate upon them the great and important Scripture doctrines of the
existence of one true God, the Father, Son and Holy Ghost; of the fall of
man, the depravity of human nature, the necessity of an atonement, and of
our being renewed in the spirit of our minds; the doctrines of repentance
towards God and of faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ; of sanctification
by the Holy Spirit, and of justification by the grace of God through the
redemption that is in Jesus Christ; together with the other important
doctrines and duties of our Holy Christian Religion.

The last article is given in full, to show the spirit which actuated the
founders of the Academy. The Puritan principles of the first settlers had
not died out. Accordingly, religious instruction was actually given in the
school for many years, and revivals were not infrequent. Even now,s the
requirements above-named remain a part of the constitution, though, in
practice, they have long been a dead letter.

The Academy corporation being now secured against extinction, a permanent
fund also seemed a necessity. Accordingly, "An address to the Public,"
signed by the trustees was sent out, setting forth the advantages, and
urging the needs of the institution, more especially for "improvement. . .
. .in the system of female education," that having been uppermost in Mr.
Webster's thought at the outset. Mr. Webster was appointed agent of the
board, to receive donations. Two years afterward Rev. Ephraim Abbott, of
Greenland, was chosen an additional agent, for the same purpose; and at
the same meeting Mr. Webster reported the gift of three hundred acres of
land in the town of Peeling (afterwards sold, and the proceeds invested),
and about eight hundred dollars in cash and notes. The next year Mr.
Abbott reported gifts amounting to a little more than two hundred dollars.
And thus, little by little, the fund grew.

Mr. George Brackett, of Greenland, made a considerable donation, with the
condition, that his grandchildren, four or five in number were to receive
tuition and board, free of charge. Subsequently, Mr. Brackett determined
to give to the Academy, through Mr. Abbott, its agent, a sum so large as
to place it on an independent foundation; but Mr. Abbott had conflicting
interests at heart, even with the establishment of a similar institution
in Greenland; and to his persuasions Mr. Brackett yielded. The money was
therefore diverted into the new channel. The trustees of Hampton Academy,
believing that undue influence was brought to bear upon the testator, worn
as he was with age and feebleness, commenced a suit for recovery in 1826,
and expensive and fruitless litigation followed.

Meanwhile, the other agent, Mr. Webster, was winning the gratitude of his
colleagues, by his zeal and success in obtaining funds, the aggregate of
which, though never large, was sufficient to pay necessary expenses.

From the beginning, the Hampton institution took a good standing among
schools. Phillips Exeter Academy, for boys, and Atkinson Academy, preceded
it in time of incorporation, but did not interfere with its prosperity.
The first preceptor, Mr. Andrew Mack, in a letter, dated Gilmanton, August
30, 1872, when he was eight-six years old, wrote the story of the
commencement of operations, in these words:

"In the month of September, 1811, I set out from Londonderry, designing to
go to Newburyport, to find a situation to teach. I was led by that Unseen
Hand which shapes the history of our lives, to Hampton. On the evening of
the day of my arrival there, the trustees had a meeting. Their Academy
building was just completed, and the trustees were in a divided condition
and jealous of each other. There had been previous meetings and nothing
done. The board consisted of eight members, four being Orthodox, and four,
Unitarians.

I had taught two years at Gilmanton Academy and one year at Dartmouth
College. The trustees agreed to lay aside their prejudices, and commence
operations in the Academy. I made my contract with them, for three terms.
At this distant day, I can pronounce the whole a success. Upon leaving,
the trustees gave me a handsome testimonial.

I hereby send you the names of the students, while I was principal of the
Academy.

Polly Batchelder
John Blake
Abigail Brown
David Brown
Moses Brown
Nathan Brown
Simon Brown
Thomas Brown
Arlond Carroll
Mary Carroll
Sally Carroll
Stephen Chase
Oliver Cilley
Edwin A. Clark
Aaron Coffin
Moses Coffin
Hannah Cram
Betsey Dearborn
Jonathan Dearborn
Joseph R. Dearborn
Mary Dodge
Richard Dodge
Sally Dodge
Eben T. Drake
Samuel Drake
Sarah Emery
Abigail Fifield
John Fogg
Jonathan Garland
Henry George
Harriet Goodhue
Sally Goodhue
Abigail Green
Stephen Harberger
Obed S. Hobbs
Eben James
Hannah James
Ira James
John Johnson
Oliver Lamprey
Eben Lane
Reuben Lane
Clarissa Leavitt
Lydia Leavitt
Mary Leavitt
Nancy Leavitt
Shubael Leavitt
Susan Leavitt
Clarissa Marston
David Marston
Fanny Marston
Jonathan Marston
Jonathan Marston 2d
Josiah Marston
Moses L. Marston
Sabrina Marston
Samuel Marston
Jacob Moulton
Nathan Moulton
Abigail Page
Josiah Page
Hannah Perkins
John Perkins
John Perkins
Jonathan Philbrick
Sewall Pik
Sewall Pike
Simon Roby
Sally Sanborn
Thayer S. Sanborn
Eben Shillaber
Martha Thayer
Mary Ann Thayer
Hill Tibbetts
Christopher S. Toppan
Elizabeth Toppan
Mary C. Toppan
Eben S. Towle
John Towle
Jonathan Towle
Nancy Towle
Philip Towle
Sally Towle
Sally B. Towle
Abigail Ward
Deborah Ward
Joseph Ward
Nancy Ward
Sally Ward
Eliphalet K. Webster
Josiah Webster
Susan Webster"

As the years went by, many young men, afterwards of high reputation in
professional and political life, fitted for college here: -- three of Mr.
Webster's sons, [See Genealogies -- Webster (6); (9) to (11).] Amos
Morrill, Judge of the U. S. District Court in Texas; Daniel Clark, who
held a like office in New Hampshire twenty-five years, was a founder of
the Republican party and U. S. senator; Moses Norris, member of Congress,
as representative and senator; James F. Joy, widely known as a railroad
king; James W. Grimes, for three years governor of Iowa, and afterwards,
U. S. senator; Amos Tuck, lawyer and representative to Congress; and many
more. The renowned Rufus Choate completed his preparatory course here in
1815.

The early preceptors were, for the most part, men eminently qualified for
their profession -- men of learning and culture and piety, commanding the
respect and obedience, and often the warm affection of their pupils.
Equally fortunate was the young ladies' department, established after the
enlargement of the building in 1821; and which, except at devotions, at
the opening and close of each day, was entirely distinct, under the charge
of a preceptress.

Of all the teachers, Mr. Paine W. Chase was the only one who died in
office; and his death was singularly sudden. He had taught, as usual, on
Saturday forenoon, and had, with Miss Vose, the preceptress, spent the
evening at Mr. Webster's. On returning to his boarding-place, he conducted
family worship and retired to his room, apparently in health; but a sound
of falling, a few minutes later, caused the landlady to hasten to his
room, where he was expiring. He died deeply lamented by trustees, patrons,
pupils and the entire community. [See Genealogies -- Chase (10).]

Among the names of preceptors, that of Roswell Harris, A.M., stand out
prominently. He taught with great acceptance for about five years; and
when he left for Brattleboro, Vt., the trustees passed a vote of
appreciation and thanks. Not long after, efforts were made to induce him
to return, but without avail. Mr. Harris married his preceptress, >Miss
Matilda Leavitt.

In 1837 Mr. Amos Tuck, then principal, and also a trustee of the Academy,
proposed the purchase of a philosophical and chemical apparatus,
generously offering to relinquish all claim upon the income of the funds,
and depend on tuition alone for his salary, "until said funds shall have
accumulated sufficiently to pay all existing debts, and the amount of the
debt that shall have been incurred, for purchase of said apparatus." The
trustees agreed to this proposal, and purchased apparatus, at a cost of
three hundred dollars, the next spring. But now, Mr. Tuck, who had been
reading law for some time, had the opportunity of completing his studies,
preparatory to being admitted to the bar, with James Bell, Esq., an
eminent lawyer, of Exeter. He therefore gave up the school, and Joseph
Dow, then teaching in Gardiner, Me., was invited to take it in charge. He
accepted the position and entered at once upon its duties; but the
arrangement made with Mr. Tuck, for relinquishing salary, being
necessarily binding upon his successor, since a new debt had been incurred
by the late purchase, Mr. Dow found the support inadequate, and felt
compelled therefore to resign, at the end of one year.

The longest preceptorate was that of Timothy O. Norris, A.M., who had
charge of the school for twelve years; [See Genealogies -- Norris (2).]
and whose zeal and efficiency in a most trying ordeal, deserve particular
mention.

On the 29th of August, 1851, between the hours of one and two, ins the
morning, the Academy building was burned to the ground, from some unknown
cause, but probably incendiary.

A proposition was made by the town, to repair and fit up the old
Congregational meeting-house, for a town-house and Academy; and the
trustees appointed a committee of three of their number, "to receive what
proposition the town of Hampton, through their committees, may choose to
make;" but no satisfactory arrangement could be made, and the trustees
decided to build anew. They "chose T. O. Norris, Rev. S. P. Fay, Josiah
Dow, S. B. Shaw and T. Ward a building committee, with power to cause to
be constructed a new Academy building, on such a plan as they may agree
upon."

Mr. Norris was indefatigable in his exertions, soliciting funds, laboring
with his own hands and enlisting his friends, in the work. Mr. Thomas Ward
was no less zealous; and after the new building was completed, and the
school again in operation, the trustees passed a resolution, "that their
names deserve to be held in grateful remembrance, by all the friends of
Hampton Academy."

The new Academy was built with one large school-room, and small recitation
rooms opening from it; and the old system of two distinct departments was
abolished; the upper story being designed for a hall, but never furnished
for school use. In 1866 it was rented, for a few months, to a Division of
the Sons of Temperance.


THE TOPPAN AND LEAVITT BEQUESTS

After the completion of the new Academy, the fund of the institution was
reduced to one thousand forty-five dollars. Ten years later, a legacy of
two thousand dollars was received from the estate of Christopher S.
Toppan, deceased, of Portsmouth; the income to be applied to the tuition
of three boys and three girls, to be appointed by the selectmen from among
the families of the town; these six pupils to continue as beneficiaries
for three years, and then other six chosen, and so on in perpetuity.
Should any vacancies occur at any time, they were to be filled by the
principal in charge.

Miss Abigail Leavitt, of Hampton, died in 1891, leaving by will, after
various bequests, the residue of her property to the Academy and high-
school, as a permanent fund, the interest of which shall be used for
educational purposes. The bequest will amount to eight thousand dollars or
more. [See Genealogies -- Leavitt (23).]


LITERARY SOCIETIES

In 1827 the Academy began to sustain two literary societies. No records of
either can now be found, records and library having been burned in the old
building. The nature and aims of the later and better remembered, the
OLIVE BRANCH SOCIETY, are set forth in the Act of Incorporation, a few
years later, copied into the town records, and in substance as follows:
"Whereas, there has for four or five years past existed at Hampton
Academy, an association of several individuals, students of said Academy,
for the purpose of promoting their mutual improvement in writing and
extemporaneous speaking; and whereas, said association has collected a
Library of several hundred volumes of valuable books, to which additions
are frequently make:" to secure the general objects of the association,
and more particularly to facilitate the management of the library, Daniel
F. Merrill, Samuel Burnham, Thomas M. Smith and associates, have formed
themselves into a body corporate, to be known as the "Olive Branch G. C.
L. of Hampton Academy," taking the privileges and duties of a corporate
body, agreeing to submit to the regulations of the society; and have
recorded their agreement in the books of the society and on the town
records, and posted them in two public places.

(Signed) C. S. Magoun, Rec. Sec'y.
Hampton Academy,
June 13, 1832.

Mrs. Elijah Plumb, a theological student, boarding with Mr. Webster, and
employed as Mr. Harris' assistant for some time, and still remembered as a
good man and teacher, delivered an address before the Olive Branch
Society, which was published, copies of which are yet preserved.

The CICERONIAN SOCIETY is to-day only known perhaps, through the diary of
one of its members, [The author of this work. -- Ed.] which shows it to
have been a debating society, holding weekly meetings, and having to some
extent, the same membership with the Olive Branch, flourishing at the same
time; which, however, it preceded in organization, by three years.


PROPOSED CHANGES

Several propositions have been made, at different times, for the removal
of the Academy to a more central location, and its conversion into a high-
school. In the spring of 1871 overtures were made by the town to this end,
to which the trustees responded favorably. At a special town meeting, June
1, 1872, it was voted to establish a high-school; and a committee,
consisting of Randolph A. DeLancey, Joseph Dow, F. H. Lyford, David S.
Brown and Charles M. Lamprey was chosen, to confer with the trustees of
the Academy, in regard to the removal and use of the Academy building, for
high-school purposes. On the 14th of June, the trustees held a meeting,
and passed the following votes:

"That the executive committee of the board be authorized to cooperate with
the town committee in removing the Academy building, purchasing a lot,
fitting up, etc., without expense to the trustees:

That the town committee shall make selection of teachers, in the
confirmation of whom, the trustees shall have a negative:

That the town committee shall decide the qualifications of pupils entering
the school, and shall have a joint interest in prescribing a course of
study, and in the general management of the school."

An enabling act was immediately procured from the Legislature, approved
July 3, 1872, by the provisions of which, the town was authorized to
contract with the trustees, on such terms as might be agreed upon, for
uniting a town high-school with the Academy. A school-house lot was
purchased, and preparations were hastened for moving the building, when
the whole plan was frustrated, through the opposition of certain
individuals of influence; and the operations of the school settled back
upon the old basis, the land being conveyed again to the former owner.

Still, the question of removal was agitated from time to time, and at last
was decided by the application of the Rockingham Lodge of Odd Fellows, for
the permanent use of the hall, for which they were willing to pay sixty
dollars per annum, provided the building were suitably located.

On the 1st of March, 1881, Dr. William T. Merrill, George W. Lane and
Christopher G. Toppan were chosen by the trustees a committee to buy land,
move the house and fit it up. Mr. Toppan donated an acre of land centrally
situated, in a large field between the two main roads to the beach; and on
the 22nd of January, 1883, all preparations have been completed, the
building was moved by eighty yoke of oxen and several pairs of horses,
attached in four strings to heavy cables, obtained from the Portsmouth
navy yard. The first start moved the building a few feet only. In
seventeen minutes from the second start, it stood proudly on the new site,
nearly half a mile distant, amid the ringing of bells and the vociferous
cheers of the populace.

During the spring and summer, extensive repairs were made, and a road was
laid out through the Toppan field. The Odd Fellows' hall was duly
furnished, dedicated and occupied; and the school went into operation in
September, 1883, after having been closed for more than three years.


HAMPTON ACADEMY AND HIGH SCHOOL

The enabling act of 1872 was never repealed, though, as we have seen, the
plan of union was frustrated for the time. The subject, however, did not
pass wholly from the minds of its advocates, and after the removal of the
Academy building, it began to be agitated anew. Opposition to the union
had now died out, and September 14, 1885 became a memorable date in the
recent history of education in the town, for the opening of HAMPTON
ACADEMY AND HIGH SCHOOL, under the care of Mr. Jack Sanborn, of Hampton
Falls, as principal. A year later Miss Maria Perkins, of this town, was
secured as assistant. With these experienced and successful teachers at
the head, and the pervasive and persuasive spirit of "the Doctor"
everywhere present, prosperity was assured. The first class was graduated
in June, 1887.

In 1889 a department of vocal culture was added to the curriculum of the
school, to the manifest benefit of the students. The first teacher, Miss
Morlena M. Dearborn, of Boston, resigned at the end of one year, to accept
a position in the New Hampshire Conference Seminary and Female College, at
Tilton; and in 1891, she received the appointment of teacher of Elocution,
in the New England Conservatory of Music, Boston. The Hampton school, thus
losing one good teacher, was fortunate in immediately securing another, in
Mrs. Sarah Neal Harris, now resident here, but till recently, of Concord,
who still continues at the head of this department.

[image caption: First Graduating Class of Hampton Academy and High School
Class of 1887. Class of 1887 -- After Five Years.
1. George Ervin Garland
2. Annie Elizabeth (Lamprey) Garland
3. Howard Garland Lane
4. Sarah Maria Hobbs
5. Frank Elmer Leavitt
6. Ida Pearl Williams
7. Caroline Belle Nudd
8. Grace Reed Williams
9. Ernest Gowell Cole
10. Alice Sarah Weare
11. Amos Towle Leavitt
12. Eugene Frank Nudd
13. Percy Downing Godfrey
14. William Eastman Philbrick]

[Numbers run left to right in top row, right to left in second row, left
to right in third row, etc.]

Five years have now passed over the heads of the first graduates, all of
whom will own that the intellectual and moral discipline of the high-
school course has largely moulded their lives.

Immediately on graduating, A. T. Leavitt and Philbrick entered mercantile
houses in which they still remain. Mr. Leavitt is to-day a salesman with
Silas Peirce and Co, wholesale grocers, of Boston, having his home in
Wollaston Heights and making a steady advance in his chosen business. Mr.
Philbrick went to Lawrence, Mass., and entered the employ of the Beach
Soap Company. He now has an interest in the business, does much of the
buying, takes a general oversight of the books and personal charge of the
correspondence of the firm.

Godfrey went to Minnesota soon after graduating. He studied law at the
University of Minnesota, was graduated in due course, took his
examinations for the bar and waited for his twenty-first birthday to be
formally admitted. Shortly after, he formed a partnership with Hon. Arthur
G. Otis, a prominent lawyer of St. Paul. Mr. Godfrey's marriage and
wedding trip home to Hampton followed closely upon his admission to the
bar.

Four of the class, Cole, Garland, Lane and F. E. Leavitt, entered the New
Hampshire State College of Agriculture and the Mechanic Arts, in the
autumn of 1887. After one year in college at Hanover and one in the
pursuit of mercantile studies in the Commercial College at New Hampton,
where he graduated, Lane spent a few months in his father's store at home,
and then went to Thompson, Minn., into the employ of a patent brick
manufacturing company, of which Mr. Eugene L. Emery was the head. After
Mr.a Emery's death, that business passed into other hands. Mr. Lane is now
secretary and treasurer of the St. Louis River Brown-Stone Co., a large
quarrying company, whose office is in Duluth, where he has his home. Mr.
Garland remained in college till near the close of the second year, and
afterward learned the carriage-maker's trade in Amesbury, Mass. He then
studied three months in the Technical School for Carriage-Builders'
National Association, in New York city; returned to Amesbury for awhile,
to perfect himself in practice; married his classmate, Miss Lamprey, who
had remained in the sweet ministries of home since graduating; and is now
established in business in his native town. Mr. F. E. Leavitt spent two
years in college, then went into a store in Boston, and in 1891 took a
business trip to California. In April of the present year, he married Miss
Gillelan, of the class of '90 (Academy and high-school), and returned to
California, settling as a retail grocer, in Moreno, San Bernardino county.
The other college student, Mr. Cole, went through the four years' course,
graduating in 1891. Shortly after, he entered into partnership with Mr. J.
A. Lane, whose clerk he had been during several summer vacations. [Chap.
XXXII, Lane's store.]

Misses Hobbs, Weare and Grace R. Williams became teachers -- the last of
whom has taught three years since graduating and given much time to vocal
music; while her sister, Miss Ida P. Williams is devoted to the piano,
over the keys of which her fingers have learned to sweep with skillful and
loving touch. After teaching one term, Miss Weare returned to household
duties, finding time also to study the French language, under a private
teacher. Miss Hobbs has taught four years out of the five -- one term in
Kingston and the rest in Hampton, where she is still engaged.

Mr. Nudd continued to study under the high-school instructors for a time,
then took a year's course in Comer's Commercial College, Boston and
returned to his home at Boar's Head, in which he is now settled
permanently, having married this present summer. [See Genealogies -- Nudd
(18).] Miss Nudd also, as the only daughter of her father's house, has
remained at home, helping in the management of the Eagle House at Boar's
Head.

Of other relations in life of the class of 1887, we may say briefly, not
one has disappointed the hopes of the faculty and friends of the school. A
majority are enrolled as church members; all have entered upon citizenship
with untarnished names and fair prospects.


TRUSTEES OF HAMPTON ACADEMY

The following lists of trustees and teachers of the school have been
carefully compiled from such meager data as could be obtained, no register
having been kept; and in some cases, only approximate correctness is
claimed.

TRUSTEES OF HAMPTON ACADEMY
[* The first permanent board]

NAME                           RESIDENCE      TIME OF OFFICE
*Rev. Jonathan French, D.D.    North Hampton    1811-1856
 Rev. Jacob Abbott             Hampton Falls    1811-1820
*James Leavitt, Esq.           Hampton          1811-1813, 1820-1837
 Edmund Toppan, Esq.           Hampton          1811
 Dr. John Fogg                 North Hampton    1811-1812
*Rev. Josiah Webster           Hampton          1811-1819, 1821-1837
 Richard Pike                  Newburyport      1811-1812
 Capt. Thomas Ward             Hampton          1811-1812
 Hon. Christopher Toppan       Hampton          1812-1819
 Capt. Samuel James            Hampton          1812-1819
*Capt. Edmund James            Hampton          1813-1834
 David Garland                 Hampton          1813-1819
 Dea. John Weeks               Greenland        1820
*Maj. John Lovering            Hampton          1820-1836
*Dr. Ebenezer Lawrence         Hampton          1820-1852
*Josiah Page                   Hampton          1821-1831
*Moody Stockman                Hampton          1821-1829
*Rev. Ephraim Abbott           Greenland        1821-1826
*Col. George Weeks             Greenland        1821-1827
*Rev. Luther F. Dimmick, D.D.  Newburyport      1821-1860
*Judge Timothy Farrar          Portsmouth       1821-1822, 1833-1851
*Francis Vose, ex officio      Hampton          1821-1822
 Rev. Charles Burroughs, D.D.  Portsmouth       1824-1868
 Rev. Jacob Cummings      Hampton and Stratham  1825-1836
 Nathan Crosby, Esq.           Amesbury         1828-1839
 Dea. John Wingate             Stratham         1826; died before 1833
 Dr. Archelaus F. Putnam       Portsmouth       1832-1837
 Rev. Bezaleel Smith           Rye              1836-1840
 Hon. Amos Tuck            Hampton and Exeter   1836-1870
 Thomas Ward                   Hampton          1836-1861
 Rev. Sereno T. Abbott         Hampton Falls    1837-1855
 Simeon B. Shaw                Hampton          1837-1871
 Rev. Erasmus D. Eldridge      Hampton          1838-1851
 Col. Josiah Dow               Hampton          1838-1882
 Matthew Merriam, Esq. Seabrook and Newburyport 1842-1865
 Rev. Solomon P. Fay           Hampton          1849-1854
 Timothy O. Norris, A.M.       Hampton          1851-1854
 John F. French                North Hampton    1851-1860
 Rev. John Colby               Hampton          1855-1868
 Rev. Samuel J. Spalding, D.D. Newburyport      1855-1892
 John Dearborn                 Hampton          1860-1881
 Hon. Christopher S. Toppan    Portsmouth       1860-1862
 Joseph Johnson                Hampton          1861
 Dr. William T. Merrill        Hampton          1861
 Dr. Charles H. Sanborn        Hampton Falls    1861-1882
 Rev. John O. Barrows          North Hampton    1864-1868
 Rev. John W. Dodge            Hampton          1865-1869
 George W. Lane                Hampton          1870-1891
 Rev. James McLean             Hampton          1870-1873
 Rev. Thomas V. Haines         North Hampton    1873
 Christopher G. Toppan         Hampton          1879
 John H. Fogg                  Hampton          1881
 John W. F. Hobbs              North Hampton    1887
 Rev. Walcott Fay              Hampton
                       (now of Westboro, Mass.) 1886
 Joseph O.Hobbs                North Hampton    1887
 Jacob T. Brown                Hampton          1891
 Horace M. Lane                Hampton          1891
 Jack Sanborn                  Hampton Falls    1891

Rev. Samuel J. Spalding, D.D., was elected president of the board of
trustees, March 25, 1868, succeeding Rev. Dr. Burroughs in that office and
holding the position till his death, April 10, 1892. No member of the
board has taken greater interest in the academy than hs Dr. Spalding -- on
no one have the others leaned more heavily. Since the death of Mr. Tuck,
long the judicious treasurer, Dr. Spalding has looked well to the
financial interests of the institution. In attendance on the board
meetings and school examinations, he has been constant, never omitting to
send a letter of regret if necessarily absent. Failing health induced him
to resign in 1891. Instead of accepting his resignation, the board voted
him president for life.

At the same time when Dr. Spalding became president, Dr. Willliam T.
Merrill was elected secretary, in place of Rev. John W. Dodge, who left
Hampton that year for another pastorate. At the annual meeting of the
trustees sin 1892, Dr. Merrill, who still continued secretary, was chosen
president, and the principal, Mr. Jack Sanborn, secretary of the board.

[image caption: William T. Merrill, M.D. Portrait contributed, as a
testimonial of respect, by the Schools and the Knights of Temperance.]

PRINCIPALS, ASSOCIATED PRINCIPALS AND PRECEPTRESSES
NAME  TERM OF OFFICE
Andrew Mack 1811-12, 3 terms
William Cogswell 1812-14
James Adams 1814-17
Austin Pike 1817
Joshua Coffin

{Francis Vosey
{Elizabeth Page 1821-2

{Jacob Cummings
{Harriet Tewksbury 1822-

{Paine W. Chase
{Jacob Cummings 1825-6
{Ann Foster Vose 1826-7

{Thomas Tenney
{Sarah Tenney 1827-8

{Roswell Harris
{Matilda Leavitt 1828-33

{Benjamin F. Shepard
{Matilda Leavitt 1833-4

{Newton E. Marble
{Mary Adams 1834-5

{Amos Tuck
{Priscilla Titcomb 1835-8

{Joseph Dow
{Sarah A. Whitmore 1838-9

{Horace Hall
{----- ----- 1839-40

{John B. L. Soule
{----- ----- 1840-42

{Timothy O. Norris
{Leonora F. Chamberlain 1842-54
{Sarah F. Gordon(*)

{Timothy O. Norris
{Morris Lamprey 1854, 1 term

Morris Lamprey 1854-5
Thomas Leavitt 1885, 1 term
John W. Allard 1855-8
Joseph C. Barrett 1858-64
Bartlett H. Weston 1864-5
Edward C. Miles 1865-6, 1 term
Stephen W. Harmon 1866-7
Bartlett H. Weston 1867-8
{Bartlett H. Weston
De Witt C. Durgin 1869-70
{De Witt C. Durgin 1868-9, 1 term
Edwin De Merritt 1870-2
Lucy E. Dow 1872, 1 term
Oliver A. Hutchinson 1872-3, 1 term
Tobias D. Foss 1873, 1 term
J. W. Cheney 1874-6
H. M. Hill 1876-7
G. H. Ricker 1877-9
M. B. Manley 1879, 2 terms
Walter H. Russell 1883-4, 2 terms
Elwood S. Gerard 1884, 1 term
Lendo G. Smith 1884-5

ACADEMY AND HIGH SCHOOL
Principal - Jack Sanborn 1885
Assistant - Maria Perkins 1886
Vocal Culture -
Morlena M. Dearborn 1889-90
Sarah Neal Harris 1890

(* Miss Gordon was the last preceptress, all the pupils being gathered
into one department ever after the fire of 1851. Many assistants were
afterward employed from time to time but their names have not been
preserved.}