Coos County
NHGenWeb
By Chables E. Lowe.
RANDOLPH was granted to John Durand, and others from London, under the name of "Durand," August 20, 1772, and incorporated as Randolph, June 16, 1824. It is situated at the northern base of the White Mountains; is bounded on the north by Berlin, east by Gorham, south by the White Mountains, and west by Kilkenny. The surface is uneven and broken with hills, and, of its area of over 36,000 acres, only a small number are under improvement. Farming, lumbering, and keeping summer boarders are the principal employments of the people. The lumber business is an important branch of resource. Tributaries of Moose and Israel's rivers are the principal streams and afford some water-power. In 1820 the population was seventy-three, in 1886, 360.
The scenery is lovely and there are many attractions. The mountains are lined with ravines, cascades, and beautiful primeval forests; the streams of clear sparkling water are inhabited by speckled-trout; pleasant walks to Ripple falls, and along Lowe's paths to the cascades on Israel's river; mountain climbing to Mt. Adams,* and other peaks of the Presidential range; the King's Ravine, the grandest the mountains afford; Cold Brook falls, a favorite spot. The Ravine House is three-fourths of a mile from the latter falls, and from it many points of interest can be easily reached. The Mount Crescent House possesses attractive features for tourists, and the best place for a drive is along Randolph hill.
*It has been a custom of visitors to Mt. Washington by the way of Mt. Adams to leave a record of their journey "bottled up" for the benefit of the tourists of the next year. The ascent of Mt. Adams had never been made in mid-winter until February 17, 1887, when Charles Lowe, of Randolph, accomplished this perilous feat, dug up the bottle, and on his return forwarded its contents to Boston. His mode of climbing was by the aid of a strong staff with a pick, which he could stab into the ice and in this way step by step he made progress slowly but surely and finally gained the top of the ice-covered mountain. — Editor.
Improvements and Settlers. — Lot 17, range 2. Commenced by Benjamin Ockington, and a saw-mill built in 1827 by him was owned by Joseph Holmes. Augustus Stephens built a clapboard mill near the sawmill in 1835. Anson Stillings bought the property and sold to Robert Blair, who sold to the Canton Steam Mill Company. This mill was burned in 1884, and rebuilt by Libbey Brothers, the present owners, in 1885. Joseph L. Kelsey owns a part, and M. V. B. Watson a piece of the same lot.
Lot 18, range 2. Commenced by Jesse Bumpus, and a log house and barn built on it. It was occupied by Samuel Rogers a few years, deserted, and went to the owners of lot 17, range 2.
Lot 16, range 2. Commenced by Silas Bumpus about 1800, and bought by Levi Lowe in 1818. He died there, and his son Justus took it, and lived on the homestead fifty years. At his death, Perly, his son, became owner, and is now the occupant. On this lot there is a large beaver-meadow, and the remains of the old dam can now be plainly seen.
Lot 15, range 2. Occupied by James Hill early in 1800,
but it was sold and added to the Bowman place, and remained in that tract until
1859, when it was sold to Ezekiel Sheldon of Rhode Island. He sold to A. J. and
Pembrook Watson, who disposed of it to M. V. B. Watson. Thomas Suiter bought and
sold to Richard Hadley, the present owner of the west half, Gilman C. Bradbury
owning the east half. There is a nice schoolhouse and grounds on this lot.
Lot 14, range 2. Opened up and cleared by John Bowman. He was one of the
earliest settlers, and came before 1800, built a log tavern and barn. He, with
his son Hiram, kept a tavern on the place for a number of years. Hiram died
about 1827. John Bowman figured in town affairs considerably in its early
growth. At the time of the Willey slide there was a slide came down Israel's
river, covering the Bowman place with trees, rocks and dirt. It completely
surrounded the house, but Bowman and his wife slept through it all, and knew
nothing of it until the next morning. The large wood-covered mountain at the
foot of Mt. Jefferson was named for Mr. Bowman. Since 1845 the place has been
occupied by a number, but not permanently. Residents since Bowman have been John
Kimball, Frank Morrison, Frank Wilson, Henry Wallace, Frank Hayes, C. S. Lowe,
Charles E. Lowe, E. A. Crawford. Lowe, Evans & Andrews are the present owners.
Lot 13, range 2. Commenced by a man named Higgins; no one knew from whence he came nor whither he went. The next occupant was Hubbard Hunt, the present owner and resident.
Lot 12, range 2. Robert Ingalls, of Shelburne, cleared fifteen acres about 1828. In 1856 Charles and Clovis Lowe bought it, and also lot 12, range 3. There are three families on these lots: Mrs. Clovis Lowe, and her grandson Charles E. Hunt, Charles E. Lowe, and F. F. Reed. Clovis Lowe had a nice set of buildings destroyed by fire here, and, although he was nearly eighty years of age, he rebuilt them, determined to die in a home of his own, which he did in 1882, two years later.
Lot 11, range 3. Partially cleared by Caleb Wilson, of Lancaster, and occupied by his son-in-law until Obediah Mann bought it about 1830.
Lot 10, range 3. Commenced by Stephen Gilson prior to 1800. Obediah Mann, Sr., bought of Gilson. Mann was an old Revolutionist, and brought considerable property here. He died, and was buried beside a stone wall in the field, and no stone marks his resting-place. He was once the glory of his country, but is now nearly forgotten. Obediah, Jr., occupied the place until about 1858. It then became the property of A. G. Messenger. A few years later the buildings were burned; since then there have been several owners; the present ones are William Watson and T. S. Lowe. A new house has been put up on the place.
Lot 9, range 3. Clearing was commenced here by a Mr. Noble. A number of old cellars mark the spots where other settlers lived who are now unknown. About 1850 J. W. Watson built a block house, and lived in it nearly twenty years, and then sold to Henry Rich, his son-in-law. who sold to William Smith, the present owner.
Lots 8, ranges 3 and 4. Improvements were begun here by Gilson. He built the first mill in Durand. It was built on Cold brook just below the falls, and went out with the first freshet. He erected a second mill, for making lumber and grinding grain, about 1800. John Morse bought out Gilson and kept the mill in operation for a number of years. There were three dwellings on those lots at one time, all occupied by the Morse families. The traces of the old mills are all gone, not as much as the end of a dam remaining. New buildings were erected on the lots but are unoccupied.
Lots 7, ranges 3 and 4. A man by the name of Stuart began improving here about 1810. Elaska Jackson built a log house there in 1816. His wife was insane; and she was kept in a "cage" in the house for a number of years. Stephen P. Watson bought of Jackson. He was drowned crossing the stream near the house. Abel N. Watson, his son, took the place, reared a large family, and occupies it with his son, Laban M. They built the first house for summer visitors in town. This accommodates about forty guests who are well entertained.
Lot 6, rouge 4, known as the Eliot place, was cleared before 1800 by Eliot. William Watson built a house and lived there a few years. Jerome Leavitt purchased the place, and built the first circular saw-mill in Randolph here in 1856. The mill was owned by several parties, and finally came into A. G. Messenger's possession, who put in the first engine ever used here. He partly sold to J. G. Lary, of Gilead, Me. The mill was burned and never rebuilt. A few rods from the house, there is one of the best, if not the best, springs that can be found in the state. Mr. Messenger at his own expense has put a granite watering-trough, for the accommodation of the public, by the roadside, where man and beast can refresh themselves.
Lot 5, range 4. About 1795 a Mr. Wilcox put up a log house and cleared some of the land. The brook that runs through this place was named for him. The next occupant was Anthony Vincent, who took possession in 1826, and built the frame house now on the place. He sold to Alfred Carlton, who occupied it until 1860, since which time a starch-factory has been built on the brook. It is now used for threshing grain and sawing wood, and is owned by L. M. Watson. Fred Messenger lives in the old house and owns the part of the lot east of the brook.
Lot 4, range 4. Clearing was commenced on this lot about 1794 or '95 by Joseph Wilder. He erected a two-story gable-roof frame house, a novelty in those days. Misfortune overtook him. He signed bonds for his brother, could not pay, was sent to jail, and, being too proud to take the "debtor's oath," he remained there a number of years. He had the "liberty of the yard," or a circuit of a mile to roam in. James Gray bought the property, and sold half to Asa Stephens, who disposed of his share to Pool. The east half was first occupied by a man by the name of Lisher, then by John Bowman for several years. James Douty also lived there; his son was the first person buried in the new graveyard.
Lot 3, ranged. Douty rolled up a log hut on this lot, and commenced clearing, but soon left. James Gray was the next owner; he built the house now standing on the lot, but it has been remodelled, and former owners would not recognize it. Samuel Evans bought of Gray, and Robert Wood, who came here about 1852, was the next in possession; the property has been in the Wood family since. George Wood, the present proprietor, has the largest stock and dairy farm in town.
Lot 3, range 3. Silas Bumpus cut the first tree on this lot. He sold to Clark Fellows. Bumpus brook runs through this lot.
Lot 2. range 3, was improved first in 1830, by Jonas Green, of Shelburne. He cleared the land for a pasture, and built a small frame house and barn. Stephen Gray was the next occupant, hiring it of Green. John Parker was the next owner and sold to William Hawker. He built large and convenient buildings; and is now, with his stepson, the owner and occupant.
Lot 2, range 4. Here work was commenced by Titus O. Brown, for his son, Titus O.,
about 1795. He made "salts" here at one time. Brown went away and Asa Stetson moved
on the place. Brown built a block house which stood till about 1860. Elizur Evans
bought of Brown, and Timothy Hodgdon of him, and he let William Boswell have it.
Robert B. Hodgdon was the next owner. He kept the postoffice a number of years,
and a hotel about thirty years. George R. Hodgdon built the house now on the
place. It is owned and occupied by Hodgdon's brother-in-law, Ithiel Scates.
Lot 1, range 5. Henry Goodenough built a log house and begun a clearing
about 1800. Abraham Wilson was the next occupant, living in this log house. The
next occupant was Jonathan Goodin, who married Henry Goodenough's daughter. She
had a law-suit with Obediah Mann and lost the place. Timothy Hodgdon bought it
of Mann, and built a frame house, living in it a short time. Hodgdon sold to
John B. Kelsey, who remodelled the house, built a barn, and for a number of
years kept summer boarders. He was burned out and went to Massachusetts. The
first church elected in town is on this lot. A man named Alnaud Wallace built a
log house here in which he died.
Lot 2, range 5. John Wilson cleared land and put up a log house and framed barn as early as 1803. The barn was never fully boarded, and the bears used to crawl in and catch his sheep. After Wilson's occupancy the lot became a part of the Brown property. John Wilson's son, Samuel, also built a log house here in which he lived for a number of years.
Lot 1, range 6, was cleared by a man named Wheeler about 1793. The next occupant was Deacon Evans Wilson. Robert Ingalls bought it for a pasture, afterwards selling to John Parker, who sold to Henry Evans, and he to J. R. Hitchcock.
Lot 2, range 6. Here Amos Peabody had built a log house and barn before 1800 on the east half of the lot. The barn was never fully boarded and it soon blew down. Nat Ordway moved to this lot about 1826, and built a log house and hovel. James Gordon married one of his daughters. and resided here until about 1850, when Benjamin Kelsey became the owner, rebuilt the buildings and is now the occupant.
Lot 3, range 5. Settled by Cornelius Bass. He built a log house and a hovel, and lived here until he committed suicide in 1820. He was buried on the place near his cabin. Caleb Cushman later built a log house where the old orchard is now, and occupied it fifteen years. Since then it has been pasture land.
Lot 4, range 5. Elizur Evans commenced improvements on this lot by building a log house and frame barn. Before him some squatter had put up a log house, but probably was a brief inhabitant. Robert Leighton built a block house and frame barn here sometime in the "thirties."
Lot 5, range 5. Settled by Garmands, or the clearing was begun by him. Joshua Holmes took possession about 1820, erected a frame house and barn, and lived there about twenty-five years. Abel Jackson bought it, built a frame house, and sold out to C. C. Leighton; he to R. I. Leighton, and he to L. M. Watson.
Lot 3, range 6. Settled by Robert Leighton in 1806. He put up a log house, and cleared the land. John Wilson bought the east half, and built a log house and barn there. He also built the frame house now on it. He exchanged places with Ithiel Scates, since which time this has been in the possession of the Scates family and is now occupied by Frank Scates. John C. Leighton built a frame house and barn, on the west half about 1841, which he and his son Joel now occupy.
Lot 4, range 6. Settled by Samuel Emery about 1800. He put up a log house and barn. Isaac Carter bought his claim, and became the next occupant. Robert Leighton was the next owner and resided here a short time. He let his son Robert have the east half of the lot, and he built a house and barn on it. Here he made his home for life, raising his family here, and in course of time built new buildings. He left it at his death to his son Robert I., who built the house and barn now standing. Jesse Bumpus raised a log house on the west half of this lot, and lived there from eight to ten years, then sold to Jacob Morse, who added a log barn to the buildings, and brought up a large family on the place. Stephen Wren has lately purchased this place and built a fine house.
Lot 5, range 6. Settled by Mark Pitman, who built a log house about 1800. The next occupant was Elaska Jackson, whose house was burned. Silas Bumpus then purchased the lot and sold it to Spofford Stevens, he to Thomas Boothman. He and his sons built fine buildings, but time, that levels all things, has levelled them or nearly done so. The east half is owned and occupied by Robert I. Leighton, and a pleasant and commodious mountain-house under his management, here opens its doors each summer for guests.
Lot 6, range 6. Settled by William Felker in 1826. He built a frame house, lived in it a few years, and committed suicide by hanging. Darius Green then moved thither, remained a short time, and sold to Jacob Stevens, who in turn sold to James and William Warburton, who made an addition to the house, and built a new barn. They sold to William Frank. His stay was short. The buildings have gone to decay, and the land is open common.
Lot 7, range 6. Settled by Jacob Morse about 1826. He built a log house and barn, lived there fifteen or twenty years in true pioneer manner. The bears used to trouble him, and he often sat up nights and pounded on logs to scare them away.
Act of Incorporation. — ''Section 1st. Be it enacted by the Senate and house
of representatives in General Court convened, that the tract of land Granted and
known by the name of Dorand, situate in the county of Coos, shall hereafter be
called and known by the name of Randolph, and shall be a Town by that name.
"Section 2d. And be it further enacted that the inhabitants of said Township
be and they hereby are made a body corporate and politic with all and the same
rights powers privileges immunities and liabilities of similar corporations in
this state, and that said Town of Randolph shall remain classed as at the
present time electing a Representative until otherwise ordered by the
Legislature.
"Section 3d. And be it further enacted that for the purpose
of duly organizing said Town a meeting of the Inhabitants thereof legally
qualified to vote in Town affairs shall be holden in said Town on the first
Tuesday of September next, at which meeting selectmen and other necessary
officers may be elected to continue in office until others are chosen agreeably
to the standing laws of the state and that Joseph Morse, Levi Lowe and Titus O.
Brown, jr., or any two of them, be authorized to call the first meeting of said
inhabitants by giving such notice as is required for annual Town meetings.
"In the House of Representatives Jan. 12th, 1824, the foregoing bill having
had three several readings passed to be enacted sent up for concurrence.
"Andrew Pierce, Speaker.
"In Senate June 15th 1824 the foregoing bill was
read a third time and passed to be enacted.
"Joseph Bartlett, President.
"Approved June 16th 1824.
"Daniel Lawrence Morrill.
"Secretary's office,
Concord, June 16th 1824.
"A true copy of the original on file in this
office.
"S. A. Kimball, Dept. Secretary.
"A true copy of record.
"Silas Bumpus, Town Clerk."
Call for first Town Meeting. —
[L. S.]
State of New Hampshire, Coos S. S.
"Greeting: Agreable to an act to incorporate this place recently called Durand to a Town by the name of Randolph, and whereas Joseph Morse, Levi Lowe and Titus O. Brown, Jr., or any two of them being authorized to call the first meeting of said inhabitants by giving such notice as is required for annual town meetings, we, the undersigned, in compliance with the above requirement, do, therefore, in the name of the State of New Hampshire, notify and warn all the inhabitants of the Town of Randolph duly qualified to vote in Town meetings to appear at the house of Mr. Joseph Morse in said Town of Randolph on the first Tuesday of September next at ten o'clock in the forenoon, to act on the following articles, viz. first, to choose a moderator to govern said meeting. Second, to choose a town clerk. Third, to choose selectmen and other necessary officers for said town.
"Given under our hands and seal at Randolph this 13th day of August in the year
of our Lord one
thousand eight hundred and twenty-four.
"Committee: Joseph
Morse, Levi Lowe, Titus O. Brown, jr.
"A true copy of Record. Silas Bumpus,
Town Clerk."
Town Officers. — 1824. Levi Lowe, clerk; Clovis Lowe, John Morse, Joseph Morse, selectmen.
1825. Silas Bumpus, clerk: Hiram Bowman, Caleb Cushman, John Bowman, selectmen.
1826. Obediah Mann, clerk; John Morse, Titus O. Brown, Obediah Mann, selectmen; .John Bowman, treasurer; also voted John Bowman, Caleb Cushman and Silas Bumpus a committee to find a place to inter the dead, and the place now occupied is the place they chose.
1827. Justus Lowe, clerk; Titus O. Brown, Jr., Hiram Bowman, Silas Bumpus, selectmen; John Bowman, treasurer. The first record of a postoffice was this year, and Hiram Bowman was postmaster. He died in September, and Justus Lowe was chosen selectman September 24, 1827, to fill the vacancy.
1828. Justus Lowe, clerk; John Morse, Anthony Vincent, Obediah Mann, selectmen; John Bowman, treasurer. There were at this time twenty-seven voters in the town.
1829. Justus Lowe, clerk; Anthony Vincent, John Morse, Justus Lowe, selectmen; no treasurer.
1830. Justus Lowe, clerk; Anthony Vincent, John Morse, James Gray, selectmen; Justus Lowe, treasurer.
1831. Justus Lowe, clerk;
John Morse, James Gray, Evans Wilson, selectmen; Justus Lowe, treasurer. March
9, 1831, Clovis Lowe was chosen to represent this district, consisting of
Randolph, Jefferson, Kilkenny, Bretton Woods, Nash and Sawyer's Location.
1832. Anthony Vincent, clerk; Joseph Holmes, John C. Holmes, John Kimball,
selectmen; no treasurer. Thursday, December 13, 1832, a meeting was called to
fill the vacancy caused by the removal from the town of John C. Holmes and John
Kimball. Anthony Vincent and Obediah Mann were chosen.
1833. Anthony Vincent, clerk; Anthony Vincent, Joshua Holmes, Silas Bumpus, selectmen; John Morse, treasurer; Clovis Lowe, representative for the towns of Randolph, Jefferson, Kilkenny, Nash and Sawyer's Location.
1834. Anthony Vincent, clerk; Anthony Vincent, John Bowman, John C. Leighton, selectmen; no treasurer.
1835. John C. Holmes, clerk; Justus Lowe, John C. Holmes, James Gray, selectmen; John Morse, treasurer.
1836. John C. Holmes, clerk; John C. Holmes, John C. Leighton, Caleb Cushman, selectmen; no treasurer.
1837. John C. Holmes, clerk; John C. Leighton, Justus Lowe, John C. Holmes, selectmen; Jacob Stephens, treasurer.
1838. John C. Leighton, clerk; Justus Lowe, Daniel D. Mann, John W. Watson, selectmen; Jacob Stephens, treasurer.
1839. John C. Leighton, clerk; Justus Lowe, John C. Leighton, John W. Watson, selectmen; no treasurer.
1840. John C. Leighton, clerk; Justus Lowe, William Boswell, Joseph Holmes, selectmen; no treasurer.
1841. J. C. Leighton, clerk; Justus Lowe, William Boswell, Jacob Stephens, selectmen; no treasurer.
1842. John C. Leighton, clerk; John C. Leighton, Daniel D.
Mann, James C. Scates, selectmen; no treasurer; Justus Lowe, representative.
1843. John C. Leighton, clerk; Justus Lowe, James C. Scates, R. P. Hodgdon,
selectmen; no treasurer.
1844. John C. Leighton, clerk; Justus Lowe, James C. Scates, James Gordon, selectmen; no treasurer.
1845. John C. Leighton, clerk; John C. Leighton, Robert B. Hodgdon, Daniel D. Mann, selectmen.
1846. J. C. Leighton, clerk; J. C. Leighton, Daniel D. Mann, Calvin P. Stevens, selectmen; no treasurer.
1847. John C. Leighton, clerk; Calvin P. Stevens, William Gray, Alfred Carlton, selectmen; no treasurer.
1848. John C. Leighton, clerk; Justus Lowe, John C. Leighton, Alfred Carlton, selectmen.
1849. Rufus Hodgdon, clerk; Justus Lowe, William Gray, James C. Scates, selectmen; Robert P. Hodgdon, representative.
1850. John C.
Leighton, clerk; Justus Lowe, James C. Scates, A. F. Hodgdon, selectmen.
1851. John C. Leighton, clerk; Justus Lowe, James C. Scates, G. R. Hodgdon,
selectmen.
1852. G. R. Hodgdon, clerk; G. R. Hodgdon, Ithiel Scates, John W. Watson, selectmen; James C. Scates, representative.
1853. G. R.
Hodgdon, clerk; Justus Lowe, John C. Leighton, Alfred Carlton, selectmen.
1854. G. R. Hodgdon, clerk; J. C. Leighton, Justus Lowe, Alfred Carlton,
selectmen.
1855. G. R. Hodgdon, clerk; J. C. Leighton, Alfred Carlton, Justus Lowe, selectmen.
1856. G. R. Hodgdon, clerk; Justus Lowe, John C. Leighton, John W. Watson, selectmen.
1857. G. R. Hodgdon, clerk; John C. Leighton, George Wood, Joseph S. Scates, selectmen.
1858. George Wood, clerk; George Wood, Joseph S. Scates, G. R. Hodgdon, selectmen; G. R. Hodgdon, representative.
1859. George Wood, clerk; George Wood, Joseph S. Scates, Justus Lowe, selectmen.
1860. George Wood, clerk; John C. Leighton, G. R. Hodgdon, Anson Stillings, selectmen.
1861. Joel E. Leighton, clerk; John C. Leighton, Justus Lowe, G. R. Hodgdon, selectmen.
1862. Joel E. Leighton, clerk; Justus Lowe. George Wood, James C. Scates, Jr., selectmen; John C. Leighton, representative.
1863. George Wood, clerk; George R. Hodgdon, Joel E. Leighton, George Wood, selectmen.
1864. A. G. Messenger, clerk; G. R. Hodgdon, Joel E. Leighton, Justus Lowe, selectmen. June 4, 1864,. John D. Carlton was chosen first selectmen to fill vacancy caused by G. R. Hodgdon moving away.
1865. A. G. Messenger, clerk; John D. Carlton, Joel E. Leighton, Joseph S. Scates, selectmen.
1866. Joel E. Leighton, clerk; George Wood, Ithiel Scates, Justus Lowe, selectmen; Robert I. Leighton, representative.
1867. Joel E. Leighton, clerk; George Wood, Ithiel Scates, Justus Lowe, selectmen.
1868. George Wood, clerk; George Wood. Joel E. Leighton, Ithiel Scates, selectmen.
1869. Joel E. Leighton, clerk; Joel E. Leighton, Henry Rich, Hubbard Hunt, selectmen.
1870. George Wood, clerk; Joel E. Leighton, Robert I. Leighton, Emery M. Watson, selectmen; Joel E. Leighton, representative.
1871. George Wood, clerk; George Wood, Hubbard Hunt, Ithiel Scates, selectmen.
1872. George Wood, clerk; John C. Leighton, Ithiel Scates, Hubbard Hunt, selectmen.
1873.
George Wood, clerk; George Wood, Ithiel Scates, L. M. Watson, selectmen.
1874. George Wood, clerk; George Wood, Laban M. Watson, Hubbard Hunt,
selectmen; no treasurer; George Wood, representative.
1875. George Wood, clerk; George Wood. Laban M. Watson, John M. Kelsey, selectmen; no treasurer; George Wood, representative. October 12, 1875, a meeting was called to elect a selectman in place of John M. Kelsey, and Henry H. Rich was chosen.
1876. Ithiel Scates, clerk; Joel E. Leighton, Laban M. Watson, Charles E. Lowe, selectmen: no treasurer; Ithiel Scates, representative.
1877. Ithiel Scates. clerk; Joel E. Leighton, Laban M. Watson. Charles E. Lowe, selectmen; no treasurer; Ithiel Scates, representative.
1878. Ithiel Scates, clerk; Joel E. Leighton, Charles E. Lowe, Henry H. Rich, selectmen; no treasurer; Laban M. Watson, representative
1879. Ithiel Scates, clerk; George Wood, Henry H. Rich, Perly N. Watson, selectmen; no treasurer.
1880. Ithiel Scates, clerk; Perly N. Watson, A. G. Messenger, John W. Buzzell, selectmen; Ithiel Scates, treasurer. A vote was taken March 9, 1880, to re-bury the scattering dead in the burial-ground, which was partially performed. Some are yet lying in different parts of the town.
1881. Ithiel Scates, clerk; A. G. Messenger, Perly N. Watson, Orange S. Phelps, selectmen; Ithiel Scates, treasurer. May 3, 1881, a meeting was called and Hubbard Hunt was chosen first and Frank F. Reed second selectmen in place of Messenger and Watson resigned.
1882. Ithiel Scates, clerk; George Wood, Hubbard Hunt, Charles E. Allen, selectmen; Ithiel Scates, treasurer.
1883. Ithiel Scates, clerk; George
Wood, Hubbard Hunt, Charles E. Allen, selectmen; Ithiel Scates, treasurer.
1884. Ithiel Scates, clerk; George Wood, Hubbard Hunt, Charles E. Allen,
selectmen; Ithiel Scates, treasurer.
1885. Ithiel Scates, clerk; A. G. Messenger, John Buzzell, T. S. Lowe, selectmen; Ithiel Scates, treasurer; Charles E. Lowe, representative for 1885 and 1886.
1886. Ithiel Scates, clerk; George Wood, Gilman C. Bradbury, John W. Buzzell, selectmen; Ithiel Scates, treasurer.
Schools. — The inhabitants of Randolph always took a great interest in schools, as the town records show. The first school-house was a log one, built before the incorporation of the town, directly in front of where George Wood now lives. Since that time there have been three districts created, and a number of school-houses gone to decay, and others built. It has always been said that no resident ever grew up here that could not read or write.
Ministers. — The first ordained minister was John Morse. He
labored here a great many years. In 1887 he was the oldest man living that was
here when the town was Durand. He lived at Jefferson Mills some years, where he
died in 1887, over ninety years of age. Ebenezer Evans, a Baptist minister,
married and died here. James C. Scates, Sr., had charge of the Sunday-schools,
and faithfully performed his trust year after year for more than thirty years
until his death, eight or ten years ago, since which time there has been a
church built. Sabbath-school services and meetings are now held each week.
History of Church. (by Abner Davis) — I am indebted to Elder John Morse for
many of the following facts. Elder Morse had a clear intellect and good health,
even after attaining more than ninety years. March 18, 1816, he moved from
Otisfield, Me., to Randolph, N. H. Among the inhabitants of Randolph at that
time were John Wilson, Robert Leighton, Cornelius Bass, Edward Wells, Elaska
Jackson, Amos Peabody, John Bowman, and John Clemens. Obediah Mann, Caleb
Cushman, James Gray, Almon Wallace and others came soon after. Samuel
Hutchinson, a regular Free-Will Baptist ordained minister, was pastor of the
"Durand church" which belonged to the Lisbon Quarterly Meeting. This church was
organized some years before 1816. Samuel Wheeler, who moved from Randolph Hill
to Shelburne, took an active part in church matters. In 1816-17-18 a good
religious interest was manifest. John Morse, Eunice Morse, Robert Leighton, and
Cyrenia Bass were baptized January 1, 1820, by Elder Zachariah Jordan, from
Raymond, Me. Among the members of the church were John Wilson, Cornelius Burse
and Amos Peabody.
Soon after Mrs. Evans Wilson, Obediah Mann and wife, James Gray and wife, and Eveline Gray became members. Among the members also were Nat Evans, Joseph H. Vincent, Joseph Holmes, Almira Wilson and Salvi Wilson, but we have not the date of their admission. The deacon's name was Worthing and he lived in Kilkenny. Samuel Wheeler's son, Austin Wheeler became a noted minister and received a fair education. Father Morse says "Austin was the subject of many prayers, was prayed for at home, prayed for while away from home, and prayed for on his return." In 1823 Samuel Wheeler and John Morse were delegates from the church in Randolph to the Lisbon Quarterly Meeting. Mr. Morse held meetings in Randolph and adjoining towns. In 1824 a Free Baptist church was organized in East Jefferson, and practically placed in his care. It consisted of a dozen or more members, and was in active operation while Elder Morse lived in Randolph. In 1833 he was ordained to the christian ministry. The meeting was at the house of James Gray in Randolph, now owned by George Wood, Esq. There were present Elders David Cowing from Lisbon, John Davis from Bethlehem, and Gordon and Smith from Meredith.
Soon after a branch of the church was formed at Gorham; and from 1837 to 1846 Elder Morse was its pastor. Among the members were Esther Rowell, Lucinda Davis, Margaret Davis, Nancy Wilson, Anna Ordway, John Ordway, Jr., John Ordway, Sarah Ann Ordway, William Rowell and wife, and Deacon Evans Wilson.
In those days the people were poor, and the work of the minister was a labor of love. Religious meetings were held in school-houses and private dwellings. Ministers received little pay in money for services. On one occasion Father Morse walked twenty miles to attend a funeral, and then walked home again. He received a present of a pair of "feetings." He would get up early Sunday morning, walk to East Jefferson, hold three meetings, and then in the evening walk back to Randolph so as to be ready for his work Monday morning. For miles the road lay through the wild, unbroken forest. One bright moon-lit night a wolf trotted out into the road before him and sat down. The old man said he "was a little startled at first, but he grasped his stick more firmly and walked on. The wolf eyed him a moment and then trotted off." The old elder said "the exercise was good for him," and, said the man of ninety years as he straightened up, "I am better for it now." In 1837 Elder Morse moved from Randolph, and probably there has been no regular minister settled there since.
Some time after, a Sabbath-school was organized, of which James Scates, Sr., was a faithful superintendent for more than twenty years. It had no creed except the New Testament, and the Holy Bible was the book used. Sometimes a minister came along and gave them a sermon. Among the active workers were the families of James Gray, Asa Stevens, James Scates, Obediah Mann, Evans Wilson, Frederick Hodgdon, Samuel Heath, Robert Hodgdon, John D. Burbank, Thomas Boothman, Wood, Leighton, Kelsey, and others.
For many years, each quiet Sabbath morning saw old men and matrons, young men and maidens, and children, too, wending their way to the Sabbath-school in the old school-house. In the summer they would gather round the door, and, after shaking hands and having a little friendly talk, they would enter, seat themselves on the hard benches, and with bowed heads reverently listen while "Uncle" Scates or "Father" Stevens would offer a fervent prayer. Then came the reading of the lesson; "The story of Ruth," "The home in Bethany," "The raising of Lazarus," or, "The Crucifixion." Questions were asked and answered. The children repeated their Bible verses; then the congregation, led by Samuel Heath with his "tuning fork," would sing "Coronation," and "Come, Holy Spirit, Heavenly Dove."
So the years passed on. A few families, Scotch and English, came, bringing money and good common sense. Their sons and daughters married, and helped celebrate the "Fourth of July." They took part in the lyceums, spelling-schools, and social gatherings. Sturdy sons and comely daughters came, as, one by one, the older ones passed on, and Randolph was a town of peaceful, happy homes.
A few years ago a beautiful ''Union chapel " was built, paid for, and dedicated. The fathers had finished their work. The hands of the mothers were folded in peace. The old "tuning-fork " was rusty and still; but the sunlight streaming in through those beautiful stained windows kissed the cheeks of their grandchildren, whose songs of praise, with the notes of the organ and the music of the birds, rang out in gladness and joy.
Union Congregational Society. — "Be it known, that on the 14th day of January, 1883, there was organized at Randolph, in the County of Coos, and State of New Hampshire, by written articles signed by each member, a religious society, by and under the name of 'Union Congregational Society of Gorham Hill and Randolph,' agreeably to the provisions of Chapter 163 of the General Laws of New Hampshire, for the purpose of becoming a body politic and corporate and of possessing all the powers incident to corporations of similar character.
"The said society, on organization, made choice of Geo. A. Hodgdon, Clerk; Ithial Scates, Treasurer; Trustees, Geo. Wood, A. C. Harriman, J. W. Buzzell, Sylvester Wilson, Geo. A. Hodgdon. Said Clerk was duly sworn, and has duly recorded the proceedings, name, and intentions of said society.
"Geo. A. Hodgdon,
Clerk of said Society.
"Randolph, N. H., Jan. 15th, 1883."
War Record. — Randolph furnished its full quota of soldiers or substitutes. There were four men went from this town as soldiers for the town. N. F. Lowe enlisted in 1861, and served three years and eight months. He was promoted from a private to first lieutenant. Charles E. Lowe, Ezekiel Sheldon, and James Hawker enlisted in the First Heavy Artillery. Fred Lowe enlisted in the Twelfth Maine. Pembrook Watson in a Massachusetts regiment. Alden Stillings in the navy. Clovis Lowe was in the Balloon Corps on the James river, and with the Army of the Potomac. His son T. S. C. Lowe had charge of all the balloons in the army. Obediah Mann, Sr., one of the old settlers, was a Revolutionary soldier. He lies in an unmarked grave near a stone wall, on what is still known as the Mann place. Ebenezer Evans, Clovis Lowe and Justus Lowe were soldiers in the War of 1812 and '13. Evans lost an arm by a cannon shot. The widows of all three still reside here.
Pond of Safety. — James Rider, Benjamin Hicks and Lazarus Holmes were soldiers who enlisted in the Continental army for a certain number of years or "during the war"; when the number of years named in the enlistment had expired, they claimed that their term of enlistment had terminated, and the government claimed that it had not, and they deserted the service, fled to the wilderness, and made their camp at the pond in the easterly part of Randolph, and remained there until they were out of danger from arrest for desertion. And, they gave the name to the pond, "Pond of Safety." In 1826, and years following that date, they were all Revolutionary pensioners.
Prominent Citizens. — John C. Leighton is the oldest inhabitant. A man of good education and great memory. He is about eighty years old and has always lived here.
The Lowes have taken an active part in public matters. Clovis Lowe was the first selectman chosen, and the first representative sent from this town. Lowe and Burbank's Grant was named from him and Barker Burbank, of Shelburne. Levi Lowe, his father, was the first clerk. Justus Lowe was in office about forty years, and the list (1886) closes with the name of Lowe for the representative.
Esquire Hodgdon, "Uncle Robert," was a noted man in town affairs, kept a public house, and was postmaster many years. Ithiel Scates, the present town clerk, married his youngest daughter and resides on the old homestead. [The family of Clovis Lowe deserves honorable mention for the zeal manifested by its members in defence of the country during the great civil war. The father, Clovis Lowe, served eighteen months, with his son, Prof. T. S. C. Lowe, the well known aeronaut, who held the grade of colonel; another son occupied the same rank in the Q. M. department of the western armies; another rose to a lieutenancy from the "Fighting Fifth"; and the other three sons were in service. The entire family, father and six sons, were engaged at the same time in the same cause. Clovis Lowe was for a while a resident of Jefferson Mills, where he engaged in trade; he also spent some years in Maine, his native state, but returned to Randolph in 1855, bought land, and died April 17, 1882, aged eighty- two years. — Editor.]
Contributed 2024 Jun 23 by Norma Hass, extracted from History of Coos County, New Hampshire by Georgia D. Merrill, published in 1888, pages 935-948.
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