Rumney

Rumney lies in the central part of the county, in lat. 43 degrees, 49' and long. 71 degrees, 50', bounded by Ellsworth, east by Campton and Plymouth, south by Groton and Plymouth, and west by Wentworth. The township was originally granted to Samuel Olmstead and others, October 4, 1761. But these grantees, it seems, failed to comply with the terms of the charter, so the territory was re-granted to Daniel Brainard and others, March 18, 1767, with the same boundaries as the first grant. A controversy subsequently arose, however, relative to the boundary lines of several of the townships in this vicinity, which was settled by a committee appointed by the General court for the purpose, in 1780. In their report the official bounds of Rumney were fixed as follows: --

"Beginning at a beech tree, the northeast bound of Dorchester, thence north 45 degrees east six miles to a bass tree; thence south 59 degrees east five miles and three quarters of a mile to a spruce tree; thence south 28 degrees west five miles and a half a mile to a hemlock tree, the northeast corner bound of Cockermouth [Groton]; and thence by said Cockermouth north 61 degrees west seven miles and fifty-one rods, to the bounds began at."

The surface of the town is in many parts very rough and mountainous though there is much fine arable land, while the soil is generally fertile. Stinson and Weber mountains lie in the eastern part of the town. The former is the principal elevation, and its summit, at an elevation of 2,707 feet, affords a fine view of the surrounding country. Carr mountain extends over the western part of the town, taking here the name of Rattlesnake mountain. Baker's river flows an easterly course through the southern part of the territory, affording some good mill-sites and draining a charming valley. From the north, through the center of the town, flows Stinson brook, falling into Baker's river near Rumney village. In the norther part lies Stinson pond, about 400 rods long and 280 wide. Loon pond, a small body of water, lies in the eastern portion, partly in Campton. The rock formation is principally gray sandrock, mica, schist and slate. Several fine beds of clay are found, from one of which Mr. C.C. Smart manufactures large quantities of excellent brick. One of the natural curiosities of the township is a cave in a deep gorge on the southern side of Rattlesnake mountain. It is called, "The Devil's Den," receiving its name, it is said, from the fact that some of the early settlers who were more avaricious than religious, made it a hiding place to avoid the collector of the "minister's tax." Taken all in all, Rumney is a beautifully diversified, picturesque township, has a healthful climate and attracts hundreds of summer residents each season. The White mountain branch of the Boston & Lowell railroad passes through the southern part of the town, following the course of Baker's river.

In 1880 Rumney had a population of 1,050 souls. In 1885 the town had nine school districts, ten common schools, and one graded school. Its ten school-houses were valued, including furniture, etc. at $5,050.00. There were 230 children attending school, thirty-seven of whom were pursuing the higher grades, taught during the year by seven male and fourteen female teachers, at an average monthly salary of $28.00 for males and $20.00 for females. The entire amount raised for school purposes during the year was $1,041.96 while the expenditures were $1,102.25, with Mary E. Baker, superintendent.

RUMNEY is a beautifully located post village in the southern part of the town, on the north bank of Baker's river near the mouth of Stinson brook. It has three churches (two Baptist and one Methodist), a large hotel, a skating-rink, two stores, a grist-mill, saw-mill, three blacksmith shops, two granite works, harness shop, extensive ladder manufactory, crutch and truss factory, etc., and about seventy-five dwellings. The streets are beautifully shaded, and near the center of the village is a handsome park decorated by a fine fountain.

RUMNEY DEPOT (p.o.) just south of Rumney village, is a station on the B. & L.R.R. It has a general store, box factory, factory for refining camphor, and about twenty-five dwellings.

WEST RUMNEY, a post village and railroad station, located in the south- western part of the town, has one church (Universalist), a general store, and about twenty dwellings.

QUINCY is a small post village and railroad station in the southeastern part of the town, bearing the name of the late eminent jurist and criminal lawyer, Josiah Quincy, whose widow still occupies the Quincy homestead at this place.

B.P. HARDY'S MILL, on Clark brook, was built by him in 1865, where he manufactures ice-hook and hoe handles, framing pins, etc., turning out about 1,000 dozens per year.

E.H. ELLIOT'S SAW MILL, on Stinson brook, just north of the village, was built by E.H. & J.B. Elliott, in 1873. In 1883 the present proprietor became sole owner and began the manufacture of ladders on an extensive scale, making about 100,000 feet per annum.

CHARLES SPAULDING built a saw-mill on Hall's brook in 1866, which was burned and rebuilt in 1867, and again in 1868. It is a steam mill and turns out about 700,000 feet of lumber per year, while he has another mill on Clark's brook in Groton, which turns out 1,000,000 feet of lumber per year.

GARDNER AVERY'S SAW and PLANING-MILL, on Stinson brook, manufactures about 100,000 feet of lumber annually.

WILLIAM W. FALES'S SAW AND SHINGLE-MILL, on the outlet of Stinson pond, manufactures large quantities of hard and soft wood lumber and building timber.

MILTON HOLDEN & SON'S CAMPHOR REFINERY, about half a mile west of Rumney Depot, was established in 1881. The firm turns out about 700 pounds of refined goods per day.

THE WHITE MOUNTAIN BOX AND TRAY WORKS, located at Rumney Depot, was established in 1876. It is operated by steam-power, gives employement to twenty hands and turns out about 5,000,000 pieces of manufactured goods per annum.

J.W. PEPPARD'S LADDER MANUFACTORY, on Stinson brook, at Rumney village, was established in 1854. It is operated by both steam and water-power, and turns out about 2,000,000 feet of ladders per year.

CHARLES H. ELLIOT'S SAW, SHINGLE, and PLANING-MILL, on Stinson brook at Rumney village, was built by him in 1871. He manufactures all kinds of builder's timber and hard and soft wood lumber turning out 1,000,000 feet per year. He also manufactures shingles.

The first visit of whites to the territory now bearing the name of Rumney was made on the 28th of April, 1752, when General Stark, in company with his brother William, Amos Eastman of Concord, and David Stinson of Londonderry, came here on a hunting excursion; or at least while on a hunting excursion they were attacked here by a party of ten Indians, under the celebrated chief Francis Titigaw. The General and Eastman were taken prisoners, Stinson was killed and scalped, and William Stark made his escape. Thus early was the pleasant territory which now forms the township visited by a sanguinary event, and the name of him who was the unhappy victim on this occasion was perpetuated in Stinson brook, pond and mountain, each of which we have already described. The settlement of the town was begun in 1765, by Captain Jotham Cummings, Moses Smart, Daniel Brainard, James Heath and Alexander Craig. That the settlement increased quite rapidly, and that Daniel Brainard, Esq., had made himself owner of most of the land in the township is proven by the following statement of grievances addressed to the Assembly in 1770:--

"The humble petition of us the subscribers being proprietors & inhabitants of the town of Rumney in said province most humbly sheweth that Daniel Brainard of Rumney aforesaid Esq. claims & votes upon the major part of said Township in all proprietary meetings and as the law of this province allows every person to vote accordingly to the quantity of his interest the said Brainard makes use of his power to oppress & injure your Petitioners in the following instances, viz't

"First they cannot obtain a Committee to examine what money has been raised by said propriety & how the same hath been collected & how expended; and the petitioners suggest that a huge ballance is in the hands of said Brainard.

"Secondly. The province road is neglected to be sufficiently repaired altho sufficient money has been voted for that purpose & your petitioners have paid their part in labour.

"Thirdly. No Settlement is made with the Rev'd Mr. Niles the minister of said town for four years past.

"Fourthly. The intervale is not equally divided. "Fifthly. The public rights are not laid out.

"Sixthy. The said Brainard hath not build the mills according to his agreem't altho he hath received your petitioners mony for that purpose & no Committee can be obtained to Call him to an account.

"Seventhly. The said Brainard against the will of your Petitioners hath voted away two whole shares of land in said town to his friends.

"Wherefore your Petitioners pray the advisement of your Excellency & Honours on the premises & that they may be relieved as shall seem meet:

"And your petitioners as in Duty bound shall pray &ca—

"Rumney, May 4, 1770

"Thomas Niles, Caleb Kimball, Barnabas Niles, Pelatiah Watson, Isaiah Batchelder, Isaac Clifford Jr., Richard Smart, Hugh Ramsey, Elihu Johnson, Charles Clark, Isaac Clifford, Matt Ramsey, John Clifford, Jonathan hall, William Webber, William Presson, Thomas Ramsey, Nathaniel Hall."

Three years later, in 1773, the selectmen's returns show the population to have increased to 192 souls, while the first general census, taken in 1790, gives the town a population of 411 souls.

The first proprietor's meeting held in the township met at the house of Daniel Brainard, June 1, 1767, when that gentleman was chosen moderator and clerk, and also to serve, with Pelatia Watson and Alexander Craig as assessor. The first grist-mill was built by Daniel Craig on Stinson brook, near where W.H. Keniston's mill is now located. The first saw-mill, located on the outlet of the pond near the present site of William Fales's mill, was built by Gideon Blake. The first justice of the peace was Alexander Craig.

That the little township took an early and decided stand for liberty in the great struggle for independence is attested by the following vote, passed at a meeting held on June 20, 1776, viz: "Whereas, we are alarmed by the news that the enemy is likely to make incursions on our frontiers, be it voted that Maj. Alexander Craig and Michael Dwyer be appointed to procure arms and ammunition, in order to be in readiness to defend our lives, liberty and property." During the late civil war the town furnished seventy men, ten of whom were killed in action or died from the effects of wounds or disease contracted while in the service.

Nathaniel ABBOTT came to Rumney about 1765, and had born to him two sons and four daughters. His son Joseph married Affie, daughter of Daniel Brainard, and reared two sons and three daughters. Moses, son of Joseph, was born October 19, 1805, and married Sarah Bliss. His children were as follows: Caroline S. (Mrs. Ira Avery) of this town; Harriet, who died young; Joseph, born in 1831, now a merchant in Rumney; Daniel, born in 1834; Sylvester D., born in 1838; Thomas, who died in infancy. Daniel married Caroline M. Phillips in 1859, and has had born to him two sons and two daughters, viz: Charles W., born in 1860; George B., in 1863; Caroline E., a school teacher, in 1868; and Elizabeth, in 1874. Mr. Abbott manufactures truss-pads, making about 20,000 annually, and in 1881 began, with his sons, the manufacture of crutches, making yearly about 100 dozen pairs. Mr. Abbott resides in the village, on Mill street.

Jonathan HALL, of Chester NH, married Desire Butterfield, who was then seventeen years of age, in 1877, and started for Rumney in 1878. They had two horses. Mr. Hall, with some necessary housekeeping articles, rode one horse, and Mrs. Hall and her ten-months old baby rode the other. They were several days on this journey, following the banks of the Merrimac, Pemigewasset and Baker's rivers, and located about a mile north of Rumney Depot, on the place now owned by Henry Noyes. The little baby, Sarah, who they brought with them, became the wife of Ebenezer Bradley, and died at Haverhill a few years since, aged ninety-four years. Jonathan Hall reared five sons and seven daughters, all of whom grew to maturity. Mrs. Hall died August 3, 1829, leaving eleven children, seventy-two grandchildren and fifty great-grandchildren. She had kept house on the same farm about sixty-one years, and her death was the first which had occurred on the place. Her granddaughter, Phebe Josephine Hall, wife of Abiel M. Buzzell, is now residing on a part of the homestead. Jacob G., son of Jonathan, was born on the place where he now lives, in 1797, married Hannah Randlett in 1818, and has had born to him two sons and one daughter, viz: Dr. A.C. of this town, Ruth A. who died at the age of eighteen years, and O.S. Mr. Hall is the oldest native resident of this town.

Henry HALL came to this town, from Chichester, with his family in 1773, located on the place just west of the depot, and died here in 1829. He reared three sons and two daughters, one of whom, John, was born in 1763, married twice, first Ruth Prescott, who bore him six sons and three daughters, and second, Ruth Fletcher, in 1818, and had born to him three sons. D. Fletcher, son of John, was born February 21, 1820, and married Betsey, daughter of Jefferson Doe, in 1842. Of his children, Charles D. was born in 1843 and gave his life for his country in front of Petersburg, July 2, 1864. Chester W. was born in 1844 and lives at Boston; Mary G. was born in 1846 and died in 1850; Betsey J. married F.W. Fellows and resides in town; George J. lives in town, and Fayette A. lives at Manchester. In 1866 Mr. Hall bought the N. Shaw farm, on road 12.

Henry HALL, of Andover, came to Rumney about 1798, and located on the place where his grandson, Burgess A. Hall now lives. He had born to him two sons and one daughter. His son Joshua H. was born in 1792, came to Rumney with his father and married Mary, daughter of David and Betsey Mills, in 1822. Of his two sons and three daughters, David was born in 1823; Sarah died young; Hannah became Mrs. William C. Morse; Caroline M. married B.W. Clough; and Burgess A. was born August 2, 1838. The last mentioned married Annette M., daughter of David and Sarah Hardy, in 1867, and has had born to him one son and three daughters, viz: Lurlyn H. who died young; Gertrude E., born in 1870; Marinette, born December 25, 1872; and Alice E. born May 12, 1879. Mr. Hall has been selectman five years, and resides on the homestead, on road 25.

Oliver SPAULDING, son of Lieut. Joseph Spaulding, a Revolutionary soldier who was killed at the battle of Bunker Hill, came to Rumney, about 1787, married Sarah Greenough in 1793, and had born to him two sons and three daughters. His son OLIVER SPAULDING, was born in town in 1816, on the place where Alpheus Reed now lives, married Sarah Ann, daughter of Amasa and Sarah (Merrill) Hawkins in 1840, and reared two sons and one daughter -- Edgar O., Phebe A., and Charles A. Mr. Spaulding died August 10, 1877. His widow, with her son Charles and one daughter, reside on road 11. Mrs. Spaulding has in her possession a sword once carried by her late husband's grandfather, Lieut. Joseph Spaulding, at the time of his death at Bunker Hill. This sword was once owned by Major Rogers, a British officer in the old French war. Major Rogers accidentally dropped it into a lake, but it was afterwards recovered by Lieut. Spaulding, who used it as the battle of Bunker Hill. It is related that he voluntarily took a position of danger in place of Colonel Prescott, and was killed, his last words being "Fight on, brave boys, they fall like pigeons." This sword was taken from his dead body. It is a slender and dagger-pointed, of English make, and is treasured by the family as the "Sword of Bunker Hill."

Abraham BURNHAM was born in New Ipswich, Mass. and married Susan Perkins. Of this family, Jonathan, born at Hampton Falls, came to Rumney about 1790, and married Susan, daughter of Jonathan Hall. His children were as follows: Charlotte, Lucy, Mary, Betsey, Nancy, Jabez W., Susan P., Jonathan P., Lydia and Sarah H. Jonathan P. was born in 1808 and at the age of ten years went to live with his grandfather, Jonathan Hall. He married Hortense Burnham in 1834, and has had born to him three sons -- Joseph W., Samuel P. and Willie J. -- and two daughters who died young. He held all the offices in the New Hampshire militia from lieutenant to brigadier-general, being appointed to the latter office June 30, 1849. His wife died in 1881. General Burnham lives at West Rumney.

James HEBERT came to Rumney with his family at an early day, locating at what is now Rumney Depot. Samuel, son of John and grandson of James, married Maria L., daughter of Benjamin Darling in 1831, who bore him seven children, viz: Ellen M., Charles W., Caroline, Henry, H.W., Mary and John. Samuel studied law with Josiah Quincy and is now in practice here.

Daniel SMART, of Canterbury, came here with his brother MOSES SMART, in 1795, and located on the place where Charles C. Smart now lives. He reared two sons and three daughters, one of whom, Richard, was born in town October 14, 1795, and married Asenath Clark, in 1818. Of his children, Harriet N. was born in 1819, became Mrs. Francis Cushman, and died in 1884; Daniel R. was born in 1821, and died in 1844; Mary E. was born in 1826, became Mrs. Jeremiah Chapman, and died August 18, 1856; Caroline A. was born in 1828, and married Jonathan Greenough of Canterbury, N.H.; Sarah died at the age of twelve years; Lydia M. was born in 1832, and died in 1849; Charles C. was born October 17, 1834; Mark C. was born in 1836; and William H. was born in 1840. Charles C. married Jennie M., daughter of Jeremiah and Mary Ann (George) Merrill in 1860, and became the father of three daughters, viz: Achsah, who was born in 1861, married Ira M. Abbott; Mary A., is a school-teacher; and Hattie B. was born in 1865. Mr. Smart is a farmer, is also engaged in the manufacture of brick, and resides on the homestead where he was born. This place has never been owned out of the family.

Josiah FRENCH and his wife, Judith Marston, settled in Rumney on the place where John French now lives, about 1800. His children were as follows: Betsey, who married Daniel Hardy; Amos; Clinton; Pamelia who married Israel Hardy and died in 1874; Samuel born in 1813; Emeline, who married George Merrill and died in 1879; John born in 1820; and Charles N. born in 1829. Clinton, born in 1809, married Mary Ann Wilbur in 1835, and has had born to him one son and two daughters, namely, Lorenzo H., Nancy G. and Hattie A. He is a farmer and resides on road 22. Samuel married Hannah P., daughter of William L. Stevens in 1848, and has had born to him three sons and three daughters, viz: Orlando B., Ella M., Martha who died at the age of ten years, William L., Charles F., and Anna who died in infancy. He is a stone-cutter by trade, and worked at that business many years. His wife died April 15, 1884. He resides on what was formerly the Judge Webber homestead, on road 18. Orlando B. was born in town in 1850, married Eva L. Wyatt in 1879, and is now a dealer in stoves an tinware at Bristol. John, son of Josiah, married Lucy Ann, daughter of Seth Glover in 1845, and engaged in the lumber business at Groton, for about thirty years. He returned to this town in 1875, locating on the homestead, on road 21. Charles N., son of Josiah, married Hannah M., daughter of William B. and Louisa (Dickinson) Ellis, of Thetford, VT in 1857, and had three sons, viz: John C. born in 1860, resides at home; Henry E., born in 1865 is a clerk; and Walter, born in 1879. Mr. French is a farmer and resides on part of the homestead. George P., son of Amos and Abiah (Wells) French was born here in 1840, taught school eight terms, and is a teacher of vocal music. He learned glove-making, and is engaged in that business. He married Ellen W., daughter of George W. Fletcher, March 10, 1841, and has two children, Alice E., born in 1878, and Joseph Garfield, born in 1881. Mr. French's cottage is a popular place for summer boarders.

George SIMPSON came to Rumney with his family about 1801. His youngest son, Daniel L., born in 1807, graduated from Dartmouth College in 1827, became a physician and began practice in Rumney in 1838. He married Angeline L., daughter of Edward and Charity B. Kneeland, February 5, 1829, and reared five sons and eight daughters, viz: Henry C., a lieutenant who died in the late war; Edward A., who lost a leg in the Rebellion; Minverva J. who became Mrs. J.M. Douglass and resided west; Helen M., who became Mrs. A.G. Hobbs; Charles D. of Nashua NH; Mary S. who became Mrs. J.R. Fessenden of Massachusetts; Evelyn L. who married Henry Clark; Oliver E., postmaster; Alice O. who married A.M. Hamblet; Lizzie (Mrs. W.F. Flynn) who lives in Boston, and Frank E., who also resides in Boston. Mr. Simpson died July 16, 1879.

Samuel SIMPSON and his wife Sarah came to Rumney from Greenland, about 1812, and located on the place where Blaisdel Merrill now lives. He reared six sons, Hugh B., Benjamin, Samuel, David, James M. and Albert. Samuel lives in Rumney and Benjamin lives in Groton. Samuel's daughter married A. Downing, and their daughter Nettie became the wife of Orlando Stevens. Mr. and Mrs. Stevens also have a daughter, Nora May, whom the aged great-great-grandmother held in her arms, thus living to see her grand- daughter become a grandmother, and dying in February 1880, aged ninety-nine years. Hugh B. came to Rumney in 1809, married Sarah A. Edmonds in 1836, and reared two sons and one daughter, as follows: Clinton B., born July 10, 1840, Charles E. born in 1845, and Marcy C. born in 1849, died in 1872. Clinton B. married twice, first Elvira, daughter of Timothy P. Smith in 1862, who bore him three sons and one daughter, namely Edward H., Charles A., Carrie M. and Arthur E. His first wife died in June 1880, aged thirty-nine years, and he married for his second wife, Augusta L. Valentine, in 1882, who has borne him one daughter, Edith Mabel. Mr. Simpson has been selectman five years, country treasurer two years, and is now a merchant at West Rumney. His father, Hugh B., was also a merchant, and died in 1879.

Daniel DARLING, M.D., son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Leavitt) Darling, was born in Plymouth NH, December 31, 1816. His mother was a relative of Dudley Leavitt, the famous school-teacher, mathematician and almanac maker. His grand-father, Daniel Darling, was a farmer and resided in Sanbornton. The Darling family was among the first settlers of Sanbornton, and prominent in church and town affairs. Daniel 2d, was born in that town, a few years prior to the Revolutionary war. He was an agriculturalist and settled first in New Hampton, then in Plymouth on the Lower Interval, on the site now (1886) occupied by Manson Brown. He died May 29, 1841, in Rumney. He was a pioneer of Universalism in this section. Straightforward and honest in his dealings with all, his life was a reflex of "the faith of love to God and man." Dr. Darling was the youngest child of the family, and his parents' circumstances enabled him to have the advantages of an academic education. At the age of sixteen he entered Norwich (Vt) university, and afterwards passed two years at Hopkinton academy. Having made his choice of medicine as a profession, he commenced his studies with Dr. Woodbury, in Rumney, and continued them with Dr. Alonzo A. Whipple, in Wentworth, for two years. He attended medical lectures at Bowdoin college, where he was graduated from the medical department in 1839. His frist field of labor was at Concord, VT, where he reameind two years and a half; he next located at Wells River VT, and in 1850 came to Rumney, where he has since been engaged in the constant practice of his profession. He married, August 2, 1839, Sarah C., daughter of Tristram and Sally (Buck) Pillsbury. Mrs. Darling is an estimable lady, a congenial companion, and has been a fitting helpmeet. Their children were Elizabeth, who married Elisha A. Webster, and resides in Plymouth; Lydia married David B. Mears, and lives in Lowell; Susan married Henry W. Hebert, of Rumney; Sarah, who makes her home with her father, and Daniel. Daniel, their own son, was born at Wells River Vt. He was of an active temperament and powerful physique, and excelled in athletic sports. He received a good practical education at the common schools, learned the trade of a carpenter, and followed their avocation in Manchester. He was a social and genial companion, and enjoyed the friendship and esteem of a large circle. His death occurred at Rumney, April 16, 1879. He married Cynthia Southworth, of Hill, and their son, Daniel is the only representative of the family to bear the name in coming time, and is the fifth Daniel Darling in direct descent. Dr. Darling for nearly fifty years has been a medical man. He has never been ambitious to extend his practice, and his professional labors have been confined mostly to a radius of about twenty miles, but his reputation for good judgment and skill has extended much father, and caused him often to be called in consultation at a great distance. He is one of the old-fashioned school of physicians, but, broad and liberal in his views, he does not conform to the exclusive and iron-clad rules of Medical societies, which do not allow their members to consult with any but regular practitioners. He believes that the advantages and superiorities of his system of practice can nowhere be better demonstrated than in direct comparison with other methods at the bedside of the sick, consequently he is ready to give his counsel and assistance whenever called into consultation. He was in his early life a member of the Moose Hillock Medical Association. During the Rebellion, by request of the surgeon-general, he passed a few months in Washington as contract physician for the United States government. Inheriting the democratic principles of his forefathers, his political affiliations have been to "secure the greatest good to the greatest number," and while, during the war, he, as a war Democrat, supported Republican nominees. Since the Rebellion he has again identified himself with the Democrats. Dr. Darling possesses a large, generous and sympathetic nature, and his tenderness of feeling has led him to avoid capital operations in surgery. He is never rash or inconsiderate in his practice, and is especially noted for his power in diagnosis. He is positive and firm in his judgment, and is not readily swayed by those holding different opinions. Through his long and arduous career of service in his noble and humane profession it is not too much to say that, by untiring devotion to medical duty, by the constant care, patience, fidelity and skill in the daily exercise of a pursuit so important to humanity, he illustrates the best qualities of a physician, and has won the respect and gratitude of the community; while in the sphere of social and neighborhood relations, none are held in higher esteem.

Daniel ELLIOTT, born in 1806, came to this town in 1822. He engaged in the lumber business, built two saw-mills in 1840, and floated large quantities of logs to market. He married twice, first, Dorcas Baker in 1828, and became the father of nine sons and nine daughters. One daughter, Selectie (widow Pease), married Dr. A. Stephen Russell, in 1885. Mr. Elliott's first wife died in 1853, and he married for his second wife Sarah Buzzell. His son Edmund H. married Ellen, daughter of Ezekiel and Orissa (Blanchard) Cheever, of Massachusetts in 1860, and has had born to him four sons and one daughter, viz: Willie H., born in 1861; Lizzie D. born in 1863, died in 1873; Henry A., born in 1867; Freddie, born in 1876; and one son who died in infancy. Mr. Elliott is extensively engaged in the manufacture of ladders and is located on road 12.

Joseph C. KEYES, son of Lewis and Henrietta (Ramsey) Keyes, was born in Rumney in 1826, and learned the carpenter's trade. He married twice, first, Sarah H. George, who bore him two sons and one daughter, viz: Frank born in 1852, lives in Boston; Fred C. born in 1854, lives at home; and Ellen M., who died in 1873, aged fifteen years. His first wife died in 1863, and he married for his second wife Almira E., daughter of S.K. and Dorothy Willoughby in 1865, who has borne him one daughter, Grace, born in 1872. Mr. Keyes resides on road 9.

Unite K. HUTCHINS, son of Benjamin C. and Philena (Heith) Hutchins, was born at Bradford VT in 1820, and came to Rumney in 1839, locating in the northern part of the town. He married Emeline, daughter of Gideon and Johannah (Saborn) Blake. Of his five sons and one daughter, Benjamin F., Joseph and United S. live in town, Charles R. was born in 1854, Pascal died at the age of sevel years, and Flora M. married Joseph O. Sanborn and lives in town. Charles R. married Miss P.M. Brown, and has one son, Lesta C., born in 1881. Mr. Hutchins has a pleasant farm, located on the west side of Stinson pond.

Joseph O. SANBORN, son of Samuel and Caroline Sanborn, was born at Ellsworth in 1863, married Flora, daughter of Unite K. and Emeline (Blake) Hutchinson [sic should be HUTCHINS not Hutchinson] in 1884, and owns a farm west of Stinson pond, on road 6.

George W. ROGERS, son of Dr. John Rogers who was lineal descendant in the ninth generation from John Rogers the martyr, was born in Plymouth in 1796, married Sarah, daughter of John Allen, of Salem NH, in 1833, and located in Rumney in 1844. Of his two sons and one daughter, George S. was born in 1835 and died in 1881; Hamilton K. was born February 28, 1837; and Annie L. was born March 27, 1844. The latter married Henry Noyes, December 31, 1871, and has one son, Allen R., born April 9, 1875. Mr. Noyes owns and occupies a part of the Jonathan Hall homestead, on road 23. Hamilton K. married Addie E. Fales in 1876, and has had born to him two sons, Willie H., born in 1877, and Walter M. born in 1879. He owns the Captain Greenough place, on road 11.

John L. DEARBORN, son of John and Abigail (Nelson) Dearborn, was born in Sandwich in 1804, married Huldah Avery of Franklin in 1833. He engaged in mercantile business in Groton in 1841, where he continued four years, and then came to Rumney, where he continued the business until 1877. He served as town representative in 1877-78. His daughter Ellen B. died at the age of nine years. His other daughter, Abigail N., married Lyman Merrill in 1856, and has had one daughter, Nellie, who was born in 1863 and died in 1884. Mr. Merrill became engaged in the mercantile business in 1856, and continues the same on Main Street.

Milton HOLDEN, son of David and Bridget (Atwell) Holden, was born in Groton in 1804, and in 1823 went to Boston, where he worked at camphor refining for many years. He came to Rumney and established refining works here in 1851. He still carries on the business in company with his son Charles A. and George C. Spaulding, refining 700 pounds of camphor daily. Mr. Holden married Jane Walker in 1828. His daughter Annette became Mrs. George C. Spaulding. His son Charles A. married Lucy A., daughter of William and Mehitable (Hills) Greenough in 1864, and has had born to him one son and three daughters, as follows: Georgiana, Sarah A., Carrie who died in infancy, and William M. who died at the age of three years. Charles A. is one of the firm of Milton Holden & Sons.

James R. SWAIN, son of William, was born in 1826, and became station agent at West Rumney in 1851. He married Ruth W., daughter of Joshua and Ruth (White) Morse in 1851, and had born to him one son and two daughters, as follows: Hattie N. (Mrs. Eugene G. Doe), Ellen M., and Charles H. who died young. Mr. Swain died January 14, 1885.

Charles SPAULDING, son of Daniel, was born February 10, 1827, went to Texas in 1851, to California in 1852 and 1853, and came to Rumney in 1854. He engaged in the lumber and coal business, and built a saw-mill. He married Eliza S. Hall, widow of W.J. Greenough in 1862, and has had born to him five sons and two daughters, viz:, Charles D., born in 1863; Edward P., born in 1870, died in infancy; James C., born in 1872; Warren A., born in 1873, died in 1878; and Sarah E., born in 1880. Mr. Spaulding served as town representative in 1866-67, is a farmer and is extensively engaged in the manufacture of brick and lumber. He has about 1,000 acres of land, and resides on road 23.

George D. SPAULDING, so of Benjamin D., was born in 1858, married twice, first, Sarah M. Pillsbury, April 25, 1880, who bore him one daughter, Lilian S., and died March 17, 1881. He married for his second wife, Florence E., daughter of Lawrence and Imogene Field, in 1882. Mr. Spaulding owns and occupies a farm of 150 acres, formerly the William Webber place, located on road 23.

Charles S. BUNKER, born in Barnstable in 1811, learned the granite cutter's trade, and moved to Groton Hollow about 1850, where he lived three years. He resided in Plymouth two years and came to Rumney soon after. He married Sarah P., daughter of William and Harriet (Morris) Conover in 1833, and reared four sons and three daughters, viz: Charles E., George H., Henriette F., Harriet E., Sarah M. (Mrs. Henry ALexander) of Portland, Albert C. who died in 1883, and Lewis F. Mr. Bunker died in 1860. His widow resides in the village. Charles E. was married in 1866 and has had born to him six sons. Mr. Bunker came to this town when sixteen years of age, is engaged in farming, is town clerk, and resides in the village.

Blaisdel H. MERRILL, son of Seth and Elmira (Maynard) Merrill, was born in Concord NH, and came to Rumney in 1835 with his father. He married Sarah, daughter of James and Lucy Woodman in 1858, and has had born to him five daughters, as follows: Georgiana, Lucy who died in infancy, Carrie, Lucia M. and Agnes K. Mr. Merrill is a farmer and resides on road 25. ROBERT B. MERRILL, son of Seth and Elmira (Maynard) Merrill, was born in 1835, married Eliza A., daughter of David and Phebe (Rowan) Merrill in 1858. He served five years in the late war in Co. E., 3d Mich. Cav., and was at the battle of Corinth. He located in Rumney in 1866. He has been engaged in railroad bridge building, and resides at West Rumney.

Frederick P. GLOVER, son of Robert, was born in 1832, learned the machinist trade, and located in Rumney, on Clark's brook in 1860. He married Lucy A. Fifield, and has had born to him two sons and one daughter, viz: Nellie F. (Mrs. W.E. Walker), Everett F. and Charles E. Everett F. married Laura Hutchins in 1877, and has one son, Louie R., born in 1878. F.P. Glover is a wheelwright and machinist, and resides on road 22.

Richard B. CLARK, son of Rev. John Clark, was born at Groton in 1830, married Sarah S., daughter of William Gault, in 1855, and became the father of three sons and one daughter, as follows: Charles F. born in 1856, Jennie H., Willie R. born in 1863, and Georgie P.M., born in 1872. He owns what was formerly the town farm, consisting of 150 acres, and is proprietor of Daisy Cottage, a summer boarding-house, located on road 18, near Quincy station.

Frederick McINTOSH, born at Boston Highlands in 1840, learned the clock-making trade and became an electrician. He married Mary J., daughter of Hamilton and Mary (Shute) Barrett, of Plymouth, in 1872, and had born to him two daughters, Martha Grace, born in 1873, and Florence Maria, born in 1878. Mr. McIntosh came to Rumney in 1873, and bought the William Chase farm of 100 acres, at West Plymouth. He died in Boston, April 28, 1880, killed by the fall from an elevator. His widow keeps a boarding-house at Bijou Cottage, at West Plymouth.

Reuben ROBIE, son of Richard, was born at Corinth in 1833, and married Eveline B. Church, of Vermont, in 1854. His son, George W. is baggage-master on the Boston & Lowell railroad, and Reuben W. is salesman in Joseph Abbott's store at Rumney. Mr. Robie resides at Rumney village.

William W. FALES Jr. was born in 1853, married Anna N., daughter of Joseph Sherburne, January 21, 1871, and has four daughters, namely Alice Belle, Cora May, Eva Delle and Daisy Maude. Mr. Fales is a farmer, and is extensively engaged in the manufacture of lumber. His mill and residence is located near the outlet of Stinson pond.

Alonzo AVERY, son of Joseph and Johanna (Hill) Avery, was born in Ellsworth in 1851, married Ella J., daughter of William W. Sr. and Mary A. (Guild) Fales, March 25, 1875, and has three children. Mr. Avery owns a farm of 150 acres, and resides near Stinson pond, on road 3.

Gardner AVERY, son of Daniel, was born in 1848, married Laura J., daughter of William W. Fales Sr. in 1873, and has one daughter, Mary Ella, born in 1874. Mr. Avery is engaged in the manufacture of lumber, and his mill and residence are located on Stinson brook, on road 6.

Hiram M. FARNSWORTH, born at Haverhill in 1822, married Mira J., daughter of Mason Phelps, in 1845, moved to Wentworth, where he engaged in farming, and came to Rumney in 1867. His children were as follows: Belle C., Clarence A. who died in infancy, Emma L. (Mrs. Velorus Thurston) of Indiana, Eva M. (Mrs. Freeman Collins), and Clarence L. Mrs. Farnsworth owns the Addison Kelley farm, on road 24.

Oliver DOE, son of Jacob and Sarah (Jones) Doe, was born in 1821, married Lovina P. Colton in 1846, and has reared two sons and two daughters, namely, Warren W. of Florida, Eugene G., Ellen M. and Belle M. Eugene G., born in 1849, married Hattie M. Swain in 1876. Of his children, Harry E. died October 7, 1877, Frank J. was born in 1879, and Harold O. died in 1883. Oliver Doe is a farmer and lives in the village. Eugene is also a farmer and resides in the eastern part of the village.

Clinton F. PRESTON, son of Joseph and Betsey (Burnham) Preston was born in 1826, and marrried Rachel, daughter of Hazen Abbott, in 1867. He served three years in the late war, enlisting in Co. A., 12th NH Vols and was wounded at Chancellorsville. He owns and occupies the S. Lucas farm of eighty acres on road 23.

Israel HARDY, son of David, was born at Groton in 1809, and married Pamelia, daughter of Josiah French in 1835. Of his children, Baxter P. was born in 1841 and Harriet was born in 1849 and died in 1870. He former married Mattie L., daughter of Thomas and Sarah (Clark) Wyatt, and has two children--Hattie May, born in 1873, and Ernest B. born in 1876. Mr. Hardy built a mill on Clark's brook, manufactures ice-hook handles, and other wood work, and owns and operates the Capt. Jonathan Clark place, of 100 acres, on road 21.

Jeremiah David COLBURN, son of Uriah, was born at Wentworth in 1833, and at the age of twenty-two years he engaged in the woolen and grist-mills, which occupation he followed about fourteen years. He married Adaline Downing, and has had born to him two sons and two daughters, viz: Nettie A., who married Frank P. White of Woodsville; Fred A., who was born in 1858 and works on the farm with his father; David A., born in 1863; and Linda J. born in 1869. Mr. Colburn came to Rumney in 1881, and owns the Moses Kelly farm of 250 acres, located in West Rumney on road 24.

David Dustan KENISTON, son of William and Sarah (Morrison) Keniston, was born at Sanbornton in 1801, married twice, first, Sarah, daughter of Jonathan Cone of Thornton, who bore him three sons and six daughters, as follows: Marinda (Mrs. William Currier) of Concord, Sarah (Mrs. Chase Leavitt) of Plymouth, David who died in infancy, Mary (Mrs. Dexter Merrill), Hannah (Mrs. Dorthey) of Manchester, Maloma (Mrs. Addison) of Concord, John who died at the age of seven years, Ellen who married Marcus M. Emerson of this town, and George D. who resides here. His first wife died in 1852 and he married his second wife in 1853, who bore him children as follows: Edward, Hattie, Julia, Carrie, Susie, Elvia and Charles S. The last mentioned was born in 1856, married Elvira Williamson in 1879 and has one son and one daughter, David and Edna Blanche. George D. born in 1831, married Carrie Melligan in 1875, has two sons, George E. and Earl V., and is a granite cutter at the village. Mr. Keniston resides on his farm, on road 17. [Transcriber's note: the 1860 US Census of Thornton, Grafton Co NH shows David D. Keniston, age 58, Susan S. Keniston 33 [wife], Melvina J. Keniston 16, Ellen Keniston 11, George D. Keniston 8, Charley D. Keniston 4, Edward B.D. Keniston 1; the 1880 census of Rumney, Grafton Co NH shows: David D. Keniston, age 79; wife Susan S. age 55; Charle S. son 24, Elvira R., age 20--*daughter in law** b. Canada]

REV. K. S. HALL, D.D. [excerpts only], of Lake Village, NH. He was born in Groton NH, October 22, 1819, the offspring of Josiah and Sarah White Hall. His ancestors were New England pioneers. Richard Hall settled in Bradford, Mass in 1673 and was made freeman in 1676. He was deacon of the churhc in that town from 1682 until his death, March 9, 1730. John-2 born March 21, 1673 married December 24, 1706, Mary Kimball of Bradford, Mass. He was also deacon. His son, Henry-3, born November 23, 1712, married Joanna Sargent in 1734, and resided in "Hall's Village," Chester NH. Henry-4 born Mary 30, 1740 married Betsey Bradley of Haverhill, Mass. He was among the first settlers of Rumney, where he died at the advanced age of more than ninety years. He was a lieutenant in the Revolution. John-5 was born in Cheswter NH, May 15, 1762. He removed to Rumney in 1773, with his father, who settled on the farm now (1886) owned and occupied by Hon. J.W. Peppard. On reaching manhood he came into possession of the farm, living in a log cabin until 1800, when he built the two story frame house in which he resided until his death in 1850. He married June 5 1783, Ruth, daughter of Jedediah Prescott of Deerfield NH, a lineal descendant of James Prescott, one of the pioneers of Hampton NH, and in 1694, one of the grantees of the town of Kingston. Josiah, oldest son of John and Ruth (Prescott) Hall, was born in Rumney, November 28, 1784. He died January 1823, leaving a family of six children in circumstances of indigence, mainly dependent for support on their widowed mother. In the early spring of 1827, King S., the youngest of five sons, went to reside in a farmer's family of his native town, where he remained about seven years. The facilities afforded him in childhood for acquiring an education were extremely limited. From the age of six to fourteen he attended the district school about six weeks each year in winter, none being held in summer. These were kept in private houses, no school-house having been built until after he left the district. The seats and desks were of the rudest pattern, the form being made of slabs, with legs fitted into the oval sides. In very cold weather it was necessary for comfort to draw the seats around the open fire. The childhood of Mr. Hall was overcast with many shadows. While kindly cared for, as the world goes, his sources of pleasure were meagre; no mother's companionship cheered him in his daily tasks, and his father's voice was silent in the grave. The elasticities of youth were checked, and left a deep impression on his future character. The stern battle of life was begun. At the age of fifteen he found employment in a factory in Lowell, where he remained about four years. In the spring of 1839 he attended a select school, taught by Miss Mary A. Spaulding, at Rumney, where at the age of nineteen, he commenced the study of English grammar... In the autumn of the same year he entered from the theological department of the same school in 1845....He taught school during the winters, together with evening schools in singing, writing and geography, and during the latter part of his connection with the institution, besides occasionally preaching elsewhere, he regularly supplied, for several terms, the pulpit of the Baptist church in Danbury, frequently walking fifteen miles to reach an appointment... In the first term of his academic course he had become deeply interested in a religious life, and in November 1839, he was baptised and received into the Baptist Church in Rumney and by the same licensed to preach in September 1840... He graduated with credit to himself... He was ordained as pastor of the baptist church in Hopkinton NH April 22, 1846, having supplied them regularly from the September previous. On the 30th of July 1847 at Warner NH he married Ann Elizabeth, daughter of Dr. Caleb and Eliza Follansbee Buswell. He was dismissed September 30, 1851; settled with the church at Lake Village, October 1, 1851; dismissed February 1859; with the Merrimack street church, Manchester, March 30, 1859, dismissed October 1, 1862; with the church at Methuen, Mass, October 1, 1862, dismissed April 30, 1867; with the church at Lake Village May 1, 1867, dismissed August 1, 1880; with the church at Rumney April 17, 1881, having supplied its pulpit during the previous six months, dismissed October 1, 1883. It is safe to say that, during his long period of thirty-seven years of active pastoral work, the ministry of Mr. Hall was remarkably successful... Among his published works are some twenty or more reports as school committee of various dates for the towns of Hopkinton, Meredith and Laconia NH, and Methuen Mass; reports as school commissioner for Belknap county in 1854, 1855, 1858 and 1859; report of the New Hampshire board of education to the legislature 1855; seventh and eighth annual reports of the board of trustees of the New Hampshire State Normal school; seventeen reports as secretary of the New Hampshire Baptist Convention; discourse delivered at the funeral of mrs. Martha R. Herrick, wife of Rev. J.S. Herrick, Rumney NH; the first half century of the First Baptist church in Methuen, Mass, 1865. The honorary degree of A.M. was conferred on him by Dartmouth college in 1860, that of D.D. by Central university, Iowa 1882. Mr. Hall was a member of the New Hampshire board of education for Belknap county for four years; secretary of the board in 1855, and chairman in 1858. He was for several years a trustee of New Hampton Academical and Theological Institution, previous to its removal to Vermont; and for twenty years held the same position in regard to the New London Literary and Scientific Institution (now Colby academy). He was also a trustee of the New Hampshire State Normal School for seven years, from 1872, and for two years secretary of the board. He was secretary and treasurer of the New Hampshire Pastoral Association from 1851 to 1861 inclusive. He was a trustee of the new Hampshire Baptist Convention from 1849 to 1862, and from 1867 to 1878, and secretary of the same form 1856 to 1862 and from 1867 to 1878--in all seventeen years.... Since his return to Lake Village, Mr. Hall has found recreation and pleasure in fruit culture, particularly that of grapes and pears, of which he has had on his grounds fifty varieties of each. Premiums for the best show of these fruits have been repeatedly awarded him by the Grafton and Belknap counties agricultural fairs....

Charles C. CRAIG, son of Amos H., was born in Campton in 1849, and in early life came to Rumney and learned the blacksmith's trade. He married Mary A., daughter of Reuben and Mary (Blood) Merrill, and has five children-- Charles J., Harry N., Hattie F. (Mrs. R.R. Swett of Plymouth), Alice M. and Louise A. Mr. Craig is now proprietor of a store, station agent and postmaster at Quincy.

DR. Ai S. RUSSELL, son of Stephen and Eunice C. (Hanson) Russell, was born in Lincoln NH in 1857. He graduated at the Eclectic Medical college at Lewiston Me., with the class of '83, and the following year began practice here. He married Clestia A. Elliott, widow of Joseph Pease, May 26, 1884.

Charles L. DAVIS, son of Benjamin and E.S. (Noys) Davis, was born in Westbrook, Me., in 1837. At the age of twelve years he went to Charlestown, Mass, to work in a glass fitting and steam engine works, where he was employed many years. In April 1861, he enlisted in Co. C, 5th Mass Vols. After the war he returned to Charlestown, and in 1873 came to Rumney. He married Etta G., daughter of G.W. Paine of Cabot VT in 1870.

John W. PEPPARD was born in Londonderry, Nova Scotia in 1827. About 1853 he came to Rumney and has been in the manufacturing business here since. He married Mary G. Merrill in 1854, who bore him two sons, John E. and William, the former of whom died in 1881. Mrs. Peppard died in 1862, and he married Nancy H., daughter of David and Lucy Hutchins. Mr. Peppard represented the town in the legislature of 1872-73.

Charles A. CHASE, son of Samuel R. Chase, was born in Campton in 1857. He graduated from the State Normal school in 1873, and in 1881 began mercantile business with H.W. Hebert, at Rumney Depot, becoming sole proprietor in 1884. He was a member of the legislature in 1885-86, and has been town clerk four years. He married Ida M. Abbott in 1881, and has one son, Charles J.

RUMNEY BAPTIST CHURCH--Rev. Thomas Niles, Congregationalist, was settled by the proprietors as the first minister of the town, October 21, 1767. How long he continued his labors is uncertain. A year or two previous to 1780, the proprietors paid him five hundred pounds for preaching and damages, and in 1789 they settled with the administrator of his estate. His ministry probably closed some time in the previous year. The society was never large or flourishing and had but one settled minister.

Among the early residents were found people of the Baptist faith, the first one in town being Dea Sanborn, from Deerfield. The ordinance of baptism was first administered to six candidates in 1777, by Rev. Hesekiah Smith, of Haverhill, Mass. In 1780 a church was formed and Cotton Haines ordained as its first pastor in August of the same year. Mr. Haines was from Deerfield, and had been in town about two years at the time of his ordination. In these early days, there existed in Rumney, as elsewhere, a strong prejudice against Baptist principles and opposition to their promulgation, but by long and persevering struggles, attended with the divine blessing, these prejudices were at length overcome. Where the ordination services were performed, whether on the sand or on a rock, as was the case with Rev. Nicholas Folsom of Meredith, or in some spacious barn, we are not informed--all the tradition that has come down to the present time is that Dr. Samuel Shepard, of Brentwood, took a prominent part in the exercises.

The constituent membership of the church cannot be given, as it has been found impracticable to procure the first volume of records. The earliest names obtainable are those of delegates to the Meredith Baptist Association in 1790-91-1803, viz: Thomas Lucas, William Webber, John Hall, Thomas Hodge, Elijah Bean, Samuel Clifford, Jonathan Blodgett, Edmund Webber.

A few meager statistics have been gathered from various sources concerning the first pastorate. Among those who have aided in this work is Mr. John C. Folsom of Laconia, who has kindly granted the use of valuable papers, of early date, belonging to his great-grandfather, Rev. Nicholas Folsom, the first Baptist minister of Meredith. In 1789, the churches in Sandwich, Holderness, Meredith and Rumney united in forming the Meredith association, having respectively as pastors, Revs. Jacob Jewell, Jeremiah Ward, Nicholas Folsom and Cotton Haines. Rumney church had previously belonged to the Woodstock association, its reported membership at this time was eighty-seven. The following year a very extensive revival was enjoyed by which fifty were added, making a total of one hundred and thirty- five as reported. In the minutes of the New Hampshire association, held at Gilmanton, June 9, and 10, 1790, is this record: "Received and read a letter from the Meredith association, by the hands of Elder Nicholas Folsom and Elder Cotton Haines." The original letter, in the hand-writing of Mr. Folsom, is at hand giving an account of the "glorious work" in Rumney.

According to appointment the association met at Rumney in September 1790, at which time two churches were added to their number. On this occasion the meetings were held in the barn of Mr. John Hall, a short distance west of where the depot now (1886) stands, that being the most convenient place that could be procured. The church continued for a time to prosper under the labors of Mr. Haines, but after a series of years greatly declined, until in 1795 it numbered by seventy-eight. About this time, from all that can be learned, his ministry closed under a dark cloud, the precise date, at this writing is not known. In 1799 he was disfellowshipped by the association.

For nearly thirty years after its settlement there was no meeting-house in town, but private houses and barns were made to serve as places of public worship. A meeting house was erected probably in 1795, on the lot now enclosed as a common. The town paid $1,200.00 towards the cost of construction, and the balance was paid by individuals, without regard to denominational preferences. The town was to have no ownership or voice in its management only for town business. It was built in the prevailing style of the period, and continued its use for holding religious and town meeting for about half a century, when it was sold, removed, and converted into a tannery.

Early in 1799, a general religious interest was awakened under the preaching of Rev. Ezra Wilmarth, from Cheshire, Mass. September 18th following, he was publicly installed as minister of the church and congregation, in accordance with the invitation of the Baptists and Congregationalists. Rev. Samuel Currier, of Wentworth, offered the introductory prayer; Rev. Walter Powers, of Gilmanton, preached the sermon; Rev. Nicholas Folsom, of Meredith, gave the charge, and Rev. Walter Powers gave the hand of fellowship, and offered the closing prayer. "The town voted to pay Mr. Wilmarth a salary of ninety pounds per annum for the first three years, and sixty pounds per annum after that time; two-thirds of which was to be paid in grain, the other third in money" His labors were crowned with success in the ingathering of large numbers into the visible fold; but with these accessions came peculiar trials. His mode of settlement, arranged by the join action of the church committee, and a committee of the town, savored somewhat of a union of church and state, was not according to the general practice of the denomination, nor was it calculated to develop peace and harmony. As a natural result, irregularities crept into the church, to the grief of some of the members; but in November 1805, a vote was passed, which restored harmony by a return to Baptist usage. The returns to the associaton in 1803, give an addition of twenty-eight, and a total of one hundred and four. Among those baptised by Mr. Wilmarth in 1806, was Rev. Peletiah Chapin, pastor of the Congregational church at Campton, who was afterward ordained in Rumney, as an evangelist, Rev. John Crockett, of Sanbornton, preaching the sermon. The second volume of records begins in 1808, and gives one hundred and thirty-seven names on the roll, in regular standing. In the autumn of 1810, commenced the "great reformation," and from September 2, of that year, until November 3, of the following, there were added one hundred and seventy one, most of them by baptism, raising the membership to over three hundred. Rev. Mr. Wilmarth was dismissed at his own request, January 2, 1813.

Ten years later a committee was appointed to invite him to resume the pastorate; but the invitation was not accepted, and for thirteen years after his leaving, the church was without a pastor, depending on supplies for its pulpit ministrations. Among these were Revs. Stephen Pillsbury, Oliver Barron, Pelatiah Chapin, Shubael Tripp and Caleb Clark... Caleb Clark was ordained as an evanglist, January 25, 1826, Revs. William Taylor, Stephen Pillsbury, Pelatiah Chapin and Shubael Tripp officiating. He labored with the church until April 23, 1827.

July 1, 1829, Noah Nichols was ordained as pastor...the ministry of Rev. Mr. Nichols was the beginning of a prosperous era in the history of the church... A temperance society was formed… and also a Sabbath-school and missionary societies. A parsonage was built near the close of the last century, with thirty acres of land, was purchased at a cost of $500. This has been occupied by the several pastors to the present time. The land has been diminished by repeated sales, to provide means for altering and repairing the parsonage, until but two acres remain. A building, previously occupied as a store, was first used as a vestry in the autumn of 1832; two years later it was purchased and repaired, a gallery being built across the end, at a cost of over $200.

Mr. Nichols closed his labors March 12, 1837, and was succeeded May 14, by Rev. Henry Tonkin. The following year the present meeting-house was erected on land donated by Josiah Quincy, Esq., at a cost of about $3,000.00. It has a seating capacity of three hundred and thirty-six. Mr. Tonkin remained until the close of 1840.

January 25, 1841, Gilbert Robbins, then a student at the New Hampton Theological Institution commenced to supply. He was ordained as pastor October 14 of the same year.... he continued his ministry until July 19, 1846.

Rev. Phineas Bond was pastor from September 4, 1847, to January 5, 1851; Rev. Jonathan S. Herrick from May 3, 1851 to March 1856, and Rev. George B. Bills from April 1, 1856, to April 1, 1858.

Rev. John K. Chase was settled in May 1858. The following summer the vestry now in use was built at an expense of $400. Additions were made to the church. Mr. Chase closed his service January 7, 1866.

Rev. George W. Bixby settled May 5, 1866. Two years subsequently extensive repairs and alterations were made on the meeting-house and parsonage at a cost of nearly $2,000; about one-half of which was defrayed by the late Hon. Josiah Quincy. Mr. Bixby left September 1, 1870.

Rev. Joseph B. Breed was pastor from January 1, 1871 to December 15, 1877; Rev. Irving W. Combs from June 1, 1878 to October 3, 1880. Rev. King S. Hall commenced as supply October 24, 1880, was settled as pastor April 17, 1881, closed his labors October 1, 1883 (due to ill health) .... The pulpit was supplied nearly every Sabbath, during the indisposition of the pastor [Hall] mainly by Rev. George W. Kinney of Pittsfield, in all about five months. Rev. George T. Raymond of Lebanon commenced to preach the first Sabbath in October, and continued as stated until June 21, 1884, when the church, numbering one hundred and twenty-nine, disbanded. The following have been licensed to preach by the church: Mihill Jewett, February 3, 1827; Hiram D. Hodge, November 2, 1833; King S. Hall, September 8, 1840; Amos Webster, September 27, 1840; Dudley C. Bixby, January 31, 1869. The deacons of the church have been Junia Ingraham, Daniel Smart, John Hazeltine, Mark H. Chapman Joseph Spaulding, Ebnezer Blodgett, George M. Stevens, David S. Buck, Moses C. Abbott, John W. Chase, Byron M. Craig. The clerks have been Asa Fuller, Mark H. Chapman, Noah Nichols, Benjamin H. Bradley, Joseph L. Spaulding, John L. Emerton, John L. Davis, Joseph W. Pease, Byron m. Craig. In 1864 an unhappy division arose in the church, as the result of which a new church consisting of forty-nine members, mostly from that body, was formed, February 23, 1866. This organization, known as the Baker's River Baptist church, was publicly recognized by a council, July 17 of that year, with the following order of exercises: Reading of the Scriptures by Rev. Samuel T. Frost; introductory prayer, Rev. Amasa Brown; sermon, Rev. Lucien Hayden, D.D.; reading of church covenant and prayer of recognition, Rev. Franklin Daman; hand of fellowship, Rev. Jeremiah D. Tilon; address to the church, Rev. Valentine E. Bunker; concluding prayer, Rev. Timothy B. Eastman. The unoccupied Universalist meeting house was at first hired for the use of the congregation, but was purchased in 1868, at a cost of about $2,000.00. Rev. Samuel T. Frost was pastor of the church from May 3, 1866 to May 5, 1867; Rev. George A. Glines from November 2, 1867 to June 1 1873; Rev. Jeremiah D. Tilton from August 18, 1873 to May 1, 1882; Rev. George W. Clough from November 12, 1882 until the church disbanded, June 21, 1884, at which time it numbered eighty-three members. George M. Stevens, George W. Fletcher and Baxter P. Hardy served this church as deacons. Abiel M. Buzzell was clerk during its entire existence. Repeated efforts were made, through a series of years, to united these dissevered bands, but all attempts proved futile until June 21, 1884 when both churches met in their respective places of worship, as by previous agreement, and each voted to disband in order ot form a new organization. Immediately after disbanding they met in the meeting-house of the first church and subscribed their names to the articles of faith and covenant, by which they formed themselves into a new body to be known as the Rumney Baptist church. The constituent membership was one hundred and fifty; present number one hundred and fifty seven. Rev. Horace F. Brown, the present pastor commenced his labors December 7, 1884. The deacons are John W. Chase, George M. Stevens, Byron M. Craig, Solomon A. Smith. William J. Spaulding was chosen clerk, but after a short term of service resigned, and Baxter P. Hardy now fills that office. The first Sabbath-school was formed in 1626, consisting of four branches, having four superintendents, twenty teachers, one hundred and twenty-five scholars and an interesting library. This institution has been maintained vigorously and successfully until the present time, in the first, the Baker's River and the new organization..... Number of teachers as by last report, thirteen; scholars, one hundred and fifty two; average attendance one hundred and eleven.

THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, at Rumney village, was organized by Rev. Mr. Hatch, in 1856, Rev. Truman Carter being the first pastor. During that year a church building was erected, in union with the Universalists, which did service until 1861, when it was suspended by the present structure, a wood building capable of seating 250 persons and valued at $1,800.00 The society has ninety-three members, with Rev. James Crowley, pastor.

THE WEST RUMNEY UNIVERSALIST CHURCH was organized by Rev. John G. Adams in 1835. Their church building cost originally only $1,500.00 but in 1884 it was repaired extensively and re-dedicated, and is now valued at $3,000.00. It will comfortably accommodate 250 persons. The present pastor is Rev. J.M. Usher. The society has also a flourishing Sabbath-school, with Burgess Hall, superintendent.

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Source: Gazetteer of Grafton County, by Hamilton Child, published in 1886, pages 601-625.

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