HISTORY OF BEDFORD, HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE ---------------------------------- Information located at http://www.nh.searchroots.com On a web site about GENEALOGY AND HISTORY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE and its counties TRANSCRIBED BY JANICE BROWN Please see the web site for my email contact. ---------------------------------- The original source of this information is in the public domain, however use of this text file, other than for personal use, is restricted without written permission from the transcriber (who has edited, compiled and added new copyrighted text to same). ======================================================== SOURCE: History of Hillsborough County, New Hampshire Philadelphia: J.W. Lewis & Co., 1885, 878 pgs. p. 265 HISTORY OF BEDFORD CHAPTER I. Geographical--Original Grant--Souhegan East--Petition for Incorporation--Charter of the Town--The First Settlements--Names of Pioneers--The French War--Colonel John Goffe--War of the Revolution-- Names of Soldiers--Votes of the Town--Association Test The town of BEDFORD lies in the eastern part of the county, and is bounded as follows: North by Goffstown, East by Manchester and Litchfield, South by Merrimack and West by Amherst and New Boston. This town was one of the Massachusetts grants of 1733, made to the surviving soldiers of the King Philip's War, included deceased soldier's heirs, and was called Narraganset No. 5, also Souhegan East, and was under the government of that province under the settlement of the line of 1741. It was incorporated by the government of New Hampshire May 19, 1750, and named in honor of the Duke of Bedford, who was at that time Secretary of State in the government of George the Second, and for many years Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland. The first settlement of the township was made in 1737. As early as the winter of 1735 a man by the name of Sebbins came from Braintree, Mass., and spent the winter in what was then Souhegan East. He occupied himself in making shingle, and the spot he selected for his purpose was south of the old graveyard, between that and Sebbins' Pond, on the north line of a piece of land that was owned by the late Isaac Atwood. In the spring of the year he drew his shingles to the Merrimack River, about a mile and a half, on a hand-sled, and rafted them to Pawtucket Falls (now Lowell). The pond already noticed, and a large trace of land around the same, still goes by his name. In the fall of 1737 the first permanent settlement was made by Robert and James Walker, brothers; and in the following spring, by Matthew and Samuel Patten, brothers, and sons of John Patten; and soon after by many others. The Pattens lived in the same hut with the Walkers until they built one of their own, near where Joseph Patten used to live. They commenced their first labors near the bank of the Merrimack, on a piece of ground known as Patten's field, about forty rods north of Josiah Walker's barn. The Walkers were immediately from Londonderry, N.H. The Pattens never lived in Londonderry, though they belonged to the company; they were immediately from Dunstable. The father, John Patten, with his two sons, Matthew and Samuel, landed at Boston, stopping there but a short time; thence they came to Chelmsford, and thence to Dunstable, where he stayed till he came to Bedford. The second piece of land cleared was on the Joseph Patten place, the first south of the first pound, where the noted old high and flat granite stone now stands. With few exceptions, the early inhabitants of the town were from the north of Ireland, or from the then infant settlemnt of Londonderry, NH to which they had recently emigrated from Ireland. Their ancestors were of Scotch origin. About the middle of the seventeen century they went in considerable numbers from Argyleshire, in the west of Scotland, to the counties of Londonderry and Antrim, in the north of Ireland, from which, in 1718, a great emigration took place to this country. Some arrived at Boston, and some at Casco Bay near Portland, which last were the settlers of Londonderry. Many towns in this vicinity were settled from this colony. Windham, Chester, Litchfield, Manchester, Bedford, Goffstown, New Boston, Antrim, Peterborough, and Acworth derived from Londonderry a considerable proportion of their first inhabitants. "Many of their descendants," says Rev. Dr. Whiton, in his history of the State, "have risen to high respectability; among whom are numbered four Governors of New Hampshire; one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence; several distinguished officers in the Revolutionary War and in the last war with Great Britain, including Stark, Reid, Miller and McNeil; a president of Bowdoin College, some members of Congress, and several distinguished ministers of the gospel." President Everett, in his "Life of General Stark," thus notices the colony-- "The emigrants were descended from the Scotch Presbyterians, who, in the reign of James, were established in Ireland, but who, professing with national tenacity a religious belief neither in accordance with the popular faith of Ireland nor with that of its English masters, and disliking the institutions of tithe and rent, determined to seek a settlement in America. The first party came in 1718, and led the way in a settlement on Merrimack River. THey were shortly succeeded by a large number of their countrymen, who brought with them the art of wearing linen, and first introduced the culture of the potato into this part of America, and furnished from their families a large number of the pioneers of civilization in New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine; and some of the useful and distinguished citizens of all these states." [page 266] The quotations will not, it is hoped, be thought superfluous, when it is considered how large a proportion of the early inhabitants of the town were of Scottish origin. They were, as they are justly represented in the address of Colonel Barnes, a well-principled, frugal, hardy and industrious people, who brought with them a sound attachment to religious institutions. "And it is interesting to note the simliarity between the pilgrims of Plymouth and the emigrants from the north of Ireland, as respects the motives which led them to emigrate. It was no worldly ambition, it was no unhallowed thirst of gain, that in either case appears to have led these hardy men to leave the comforts and endearments of their native land and come to this western wilderness. It was, we may believe, in both cases, for the enjoyment of the rights of conscience and religious privileges that they came across the Atlantic, and settled down in these forest." --Historical Sketch of Bedofrd, by Rev. Thomas Savage 1840. A few years after the first settlement the inhabitants petitioned to be incorporated, and in 1750 the town, which had been called Souhegan East, or Naragansett No. 5, was incorporated under its present name and within its present limits, its territory orginally extending south to Souhegan River. April 11, 1748. Governor Wentworth informed the Council of "the situation of a number of persons inhabiting a place called Souhegan East, within this province, that were withou a township or district, and had not the privilege of a town in choosing officers for regulating their affairs, such as raising money for the ministry," etc. "Upon which, his Excellency, with the advice of the Council, was pleased to order that the above-mentioned persons, living at s'd place, be and hereby are empowered to call meetings of the s'd inhabitants, at which meeting they may, by virtue thereof, transact such matters and things as are usually done at town or Parish-meetings within this Province, such as choosing officers, raising money for paying such charles of the s'd inhabitants, as shall be voted by a majority present at any such meeting. Provided, nevertheless, that nothing herein contained shall be construed, deemed or taken as a grant of the land, or Quieting any possession. Adnd that this order may be rendered beneficial to the said inhabitants, tis further ordered that Capt. John Goffe, Jun'r, call the first meeting by a written notification, posted up at a public place among the inhabitants, fifteen days before the time of s'd meeting, in which notification the matters to be transacted are to be mentioned; and after that the Selectmen may call meetings, and are to follow the rules in so doing that are prescribed by law, for Town and Parish-meetings. This Vote to continue and be in force till some further order thereon, and no longer." CHARTER GRANTED TO SOUHEGAN EAST in 1750 "At a Council holden at Portsmouth according to his Excellency's Summons, on Fryday, May the 18th, 1750: Present--Ellis Huske, Theodore Atkinson, Richard Wibird, Samuel Smith, John Downing, Samuel Solley and Sampson Sheaffe, Esquires--a petition signed Samuel Miller, William Moore, and others, presented by John Goffe, Esq., and Mr. Samuel Patten, praying for the charter of Incorporation of the inhabitants of a place called Souhegan East, in this Province, being read, and Joseph Blanchard, Esq. in behalf of the town of Merrimack, also at the same time appearing, and the parties being heard on the said Petition, and agreeing where the line should run, in case his Excellency with the advice of the Council, should think proper to grant the petitioners a Charter of Incorporation. Mr. Goffe and Patten, upon being asked, declared that the sole and proposed by the petitioners was to be incorporated with privileges as other towns, by law, have in this Province. "Upon which the Council did unanimously advise that his Excellency grant a Charter of Incorporation, as usual in such cases." The following is a copy of the petition for incorporation: PETITION FOR INCORPORATION "To his Excellency, Benning Wentworth, Esq., Governor and COmmander-in- Chief of his Majesty's Province of New Hampshire, and to the Honorable, his Majesty's Council, assembled at Portsmouth, May 10, 1750. "The humble Petition of the subscribers, inhabitants of Souhegan East, so-called, Sheweth, That your Petitioners are major part of said Souhegan; that your petitioners, as to our particular persuasion in Christianity, are generally of the Presbyterian denomination; that your petitioners, through a variety of causes, having been long destitute of the gospel, are now desirious of taking the proper steps in order to have it settled among us in that way of discipline which we judge to tend most to our edification; that your petitioners, not being incorporated by civil authority, are in no capacity to raise those sums of money which may be needful in order to our proceeding in the above important affair. May it therefore please your Excellency, and Honors, to take the case of your petitioners under consideration, and to incorporate us into a town or district, or in case any part of our inhabitants should be taken off by any neighboring district, to grant that those of our persuasion who are desirous of adhering to us may be excused from supporting any other parish charge than where they conscientiously adhere, we desiring the same liberty to those within our bounds, if any there be, and your petitioners shall ever pray, &c. This was signed by "Samuel Miller, William Moor, John Riddell, Thomas Vickere, Matthew Little, James Moor, John Tom, James Kennedy, Robert Gilmoor, Richard McAllister, James Walker, John Bell, John McLaughlin Senior, Thomas Chandler, John McDugle, Samuel Patten, Alexander Walker, Gan Riddell, Benjamin Smith, John McLaughlin, William Kennedy, Fergus Kennedy, John Burns, Gerard Rowen, John McQuige, Patrick Taggart, John Goffe, John Orr, John Moorehead, James Little, Robert Gilmoor Senior, David Thompson, James McKnight, Hugh Riddell, David Moor, John Clark, Robert Walker, and Matthew Patten. "These are to certify that we, the above subscribers, do commission John Goffe, Esq., and Mr. Samuel Patten to present this petition, in order to obtain incorporation for us, according to the instructions from us, the subscribers. [signed by James Little, Clerk, dated May 10, 1750]. The petition was granted and the following is a copy of the charter: "Province of New Hampshire... "George the Second, by the Grace of God, of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, &C. To all to whom these Presents shall Come, Greeting: "Whereas, Our Loyal Subjicks, Inhabitants of a Tract of Land, within our Province of New Hampshire, aforesaid, Lying At or near A Place called Sow-Hegon, on the West side of the Merrimack, Have Humbly Petitioned and Request to Us, That they may be Encted and Incorporated Into A Township, and Infranchized with the same Powers and Privileges which other Towns, within Our sd Province, by Law Have and Enjoy, and it appearing to Us to be Conducive to the General good of Our Said Province, as well as of the Inhabitants in Particular, By maintaining good Order, and Encouraging the Culture of the land, that the same should be done, Know Ye, Therefore, That We, of our Especial Grace, certain Knowledge, and for the Encouragement and Promoting the good Purposes and Ends afresaid, By and with the Advice of Our Trusty and well beloved Benning Wentworth, Esq., Our GOvernour and Commander In Chief, And of Our Council for sd Province of New Hampshire, Have Enacted and Ordained, And by these Presents, for Us, Our Heirs and Successors, Do will and Ordain that The [p 267] Inhabitants of a Tract of Land, aforesaid, Or that shall Inhabit and Improve thereon hereafter, Butted and Bounded as follows (Viz.): Beginning at a place three Miles North from the Bridge over Sow-Hegon River, at John Chamberlain's House, and thence to Run East, by the Needle to Merrimack River, to a Stake and Stones, and to extend that Line West until it Intersect a Line Known by the name of the West Line of Sow-Hegon East, and fron thence to Run North, Two Degrees West, about three Miles and a half to a Beach Tree, marked, called Sow-Hegon West, North East corner; thence South, Eighty Eight degrees West, by an old Line marked Trees to a Chestnut Tree, marked; from thence North, Two Degrees West, Two miles to a Hemlock Treet, marked, called the North West Corner of Said Sow-Hegon East; thence East, by the Needle to Merrimack River, to a Stake and Stones; first mentioned. And by these Presents, are Declared and ordained to be a Town Corporate, and are hereby Enacted and Incorporated into a Body Politick and a Corporation, to have Continuance forever, by the Name of Bedford, with all the Powers and Authorities, Priviledges, Immunities and Infranchizes, to them, the said Inhabitants, and their Successors for Ever. Always reserving to us, Our Heirs and Successors, All White Pine Trees growing and being, Or that shall hereafter Grow and be, on the sd Tract of Land, fit fo rthe Use of Our Royal Navy, reserving also the power Of dividing the sd Town, to Us, Our Heirs and Successors, when it shall appear Necessary and Convenient for the Benefit of the Inhabitants thereof. It is to be understood, and is accordinly Hereby Declared, that the private Property of the Soil is in no manner of way to be affected by this Charter. And as the several Towns within Our said Province of New Hampshire are, by the Laws thereof, Enabled and Authorized to Assemble, and by the Majority of Votes to Choose all such Officers as are mentioned In the said Lawes, We do by these Presents, Nominate and Appoint John Goffe, Esq. to Call the first Meeting of the said Inhabitants, to be held within the sd Town, at any time within thirty days from the Date hereof, Giving Legal Notice of the Time, Place and design of Holding such Meeting; After which, the Annual Meeting in sd Town shall be held for the Choice of Town Officers, &c., for ever, on the last Wednesday in March, annually. In Testimony, Whereof, We have caused the Sea of our sd Province to be hereunto affixed. Witness, Benning Wentworth, Esq., Our Governour and Commander In Chief of Our sd Province, the nineteenth Day of May, In the Year of Our Lord Christ, One thousand seven hundred and fifty. [B. Wentworth] By his Excellency's COmmand, with Advice of Council [Theodore Atkinson, Secretary] THE FRENCH WAR--Colonel John Goffe was in the French War of 1756, and was in command of our forces at one period. The following were also in the war from this town: William McDougal, George Orr, Robert Holmes, Thomas McLaughlin, Samuel Patterson, James Pattersonk, Nathaniel Patterson, John Orr and John Moor, the last of whom was taken prisoner at Fort William Henry and carried to France, from thence to England, whence he returned home. In 1760 a regiment consisting of eight hundred men was raised by the province of New Hampshire, to join the expedition under General Amherst against Canada. This regiment was under the command of Colonel JohN Goffe, of Bedford, and, in fact, was made up, in a great measure of men from the neighboring towns in Hillsborough and Rockingham Counties. Colonel Goffe had his rendezvous at Lytchfield, then the important town of Hillsborough County. Captain James Walker was engaged in the war, from 1760 to 1763, as a sutler under Colonel John Goffe, his father-in-law. In 1764 he was appointed captain of a troop of horse by Governor Wentworth; the commission dated March 4, 1764 and signed by Theodore Atkinson, Jr. secretary, and B. Wentworth, Governor, is in town in a good state of preservation. REVOLUTIONARY WAR--The first reference on the town records of the War of the Revolution is under the date of January 16, 1775,-- "Voted, to adopt the measures of the Continental Congress. "Voted, --Captain Samuel Patten, Capt. David Moor and Lieut Samuel Vose to be a Committee to carry said measures into execution. "Voted,--Mr. James Martin, be appointed Deputy, in behalf of the town, to attend the Provincial Congress, to be held at Exeter, on Wednesday, 25th inst. for the choice of a Delegate to represent their province at the Continental Congress, proposed to be held at Philadelphia, Tuesday, 10th of May next. "Voted,--That we will bear our proportion, with the other towns in the Province, for sending Delegates to Philadelphia, 10th of May next, if our grievances are not removed before that time. "Voted,--That James Martin have one dollar per day, for his time and expenses, while he is our Deputy at Exeter, on the present occasion." Dated April 20, 1775 "To the Selectmen of Bedford. "Gentlemen,--This moment the melancholy intelligence has been received of hostilities being commenced between the tropps, under Gen. Gage, and our brethren of Massachusetts Bay. The importance of exerting ourselves at this critical moment has caused the Provincial Committee to meet at Exeter, and you are requested, instantly, to choose and hasten forward, there, a Delegate or Delegates, to join in the Committee and aid them in consulting measures for our safety. "In great haste, and by the order of the Committee, "Your Hunble Servant, "J. Wentworth." "April 25, 1775. Voted,--Our Selectmen, inspect the families of our men that are gone to the army, and if they find any in want, to provide what is necessary for them, at the town cost. "November 12, 1776. Voted,--That the town pay ten dollars to each man that went to Ticonderoga, on the town's account, in July last, and seven dollars for a drum. "Voted,--TO dismiss the soldiers that went out of this town that served in the Continental army in the year 1775, of their poll tax. "Voted,--Wiseman Clagget, Esq. of Litchfield, to represent the towns of Bedford and merrimack, in General Assembly, now sitting at Exeter, for the year 1777, agreeable to a precept to us directed. "March 26, 1777. Voted,--Thomas Boies, James Vose, John Martin, Lieut. John Orr and John Aiken be a Committee of Safety. "April 10, 1777. Voted,--To raise eighty dollars, to give as a bounty to each soldier that shall enlist in this town for the Continental army. "May 19, 1777. Voted,--That those men that went on behalf of the town, from Winter-Hill to New York, and thence to Canada, and thence back to Ticonderoga, be free from their poll-rate for 1777. "June 15, 1778. Voted,--The Selectmen of Bedford shall supply the soldiers' wives with the necessities of life, at the rated prices, and that the town pay the overplus. "February 19, 1779. Voted, The Selectmen of this town stand ready to supply Mr. Robert Merrill's wife with the necessities of life, at the stated prices, if she come to this town, during her stay in the same, and his stay in the Continental army, for the town of Bedford, unless the Continental Congress make provision in such case." The following votes show the depreciation of paper money at that time: "September 17, 1779. Voted--To riase three hundred pounds lawful moneyt to purchase grain for Levi Whitman's wife. "September 9, 1780. Raised teh thousand seven hundred pounds, lawful money to purchase beef for the army. "November 15, 1780. Voted--to allow Fifty dollars per bushel for Indian corn. "May 25, 1781. Voted--to raise thirteen thousand five hundred pounds, L.M. in Continental bills, to purchase beef for the support of the army the present year. "May 3, 1783 Voted,--The Constable be directed to receive one Spanish Dollar in lieu of one hundred and sixty dollars in Continental bills." [page 268] We only add the following to the votes relating to this interesting period.. "July 10, 1783. Voted,--We will not proceed to business, by reason of it being a day of rejoicing on account of the peace." The following are extracts from the journal of hon. Matthew Patten: "April 20, 1775. I received the melancholy news, in the morning, that Gen. Gage's troops had fired on our countrymen at Concord, and had killed a large number of men. Our town was notified last night. We generally met at the meeting-house, about 9 o'clock, and twenty of our men went directly off for our army, from the meeting, to assist them. And our son John came home from Pawtucket, and intending to set off for our army to-morrow morning, and our girls set up all night baking bread and fixing things for him and John Dobbin. "21. Our John and John Dobbin, and my brother Samuel's two oldest sons, set off and joined Derryfield men, and about six from Goffstown, and two or three more from this town, under the command of Capt. John Moor, of Derryfield. They amounted in number to 45 in all. Suncook men and two or three others that joined them marched on in about an hour after; they amounted to 35. There were nin emen went along after, belonging to Pennkook or thereabouts. "22. I was awaked in the morning by Mr. Chanderl's man, with a letter from the Committee of the Provincial Congress, for calling another Congress of the Province immediately. And I went with it as fast as I could to John Bell's but he had gone to the army, and both the other Selectmen. "24. I went and notified on the River Row, to meet at the meeting- house, on our public distress. And I went to Col. JOhn Goffe, to ask his advice, and we met toward evening, and acted upon what we thought necessary. "25. I went at the service of the town, to Col. Goffe, and Merril, at McGregor's and cautioned them to take special care of strangers, and persons suspected of being tories, crossing the river by ferries; to examine and search, if they judged needful. And I got nine flints from Mr. McGregor, for which I paid him 11s, 8d, old tenor. "July 23, 1777. The evacuation of Ticonderoga. I paid advanced wages. And this day I went to New Boston, to Capt. McGaw''s and mustered 52 men for Col. Moor. They were from Lyndeborough, New Boston, Francestown, Deering and Antrim. My expenses were 1s 6d. at McGaw's. I went to Hugh Gregg's and lodged all night." The following is a list of Revolutionary soldiers who went from this town: Colonel David Moor, Major John Goffe, Captain James Aiken, Captain Thos. McLaughlin, Lieutenant John Patten, John Patten Jr., Sam'l Patten, Jas. [James] Patten, Robert Patten, Hugh Campbell, John Gault, Isaac Riddle, David Riddle, John Riddle, Amos Martin, James Martin, Geo. [George] Gault, Stephen GOffe (lost at sea), Hugh Thornton (died in service), Primas Chandler (taken at the Cedars and never after heard of), Samuel Barr, John Callahan (killed), James Moor, Robert Cornewell, John Caldwell, James Grear, Jonas Cutting, William Parker, John Kellen, John McAllister, Barnet McCain, John Griffin, Luke Eagan, Solomon Kemp (killed), John O'Neill, Jonathan Dorr (killed), George Hogg, John Gardner, Emigrant Chubuck, Samuel Fugard, William Newman, Thomas McClary, Nathaniel Spofford, Robert Dewrumple (killed), Patrick Larkin, William Houston, Hugh Jameson, Whitfield Gilmon, John Bell, James Houston, Valentine Sullivan (taken in the retreat from Canada; died a prisoner), William Kerr Jr., David Gregore, George Orr, John Ross, James Steel, Stephen Mack, Robert Morrill, Josiah Turrill, Patrick O'Murphy, Patrick O'Fling, Calvin Johnson (died in service), Hugh Dobbin, John Boles (taken prisoner and carried to Limerick, Ireland, thence to Mill Prison, England), Josiah Gordon, Phineas Aiken, John Manahan, Thomas Lancy, William Goffe (killed), William Barnet (died in service), David C. Houston, John Burns, William Burns (wounded), James Smith, John Russell, Samuel Turrell, Levi Whitman. The following soldiers were with Lieutenant John Orr at the battle of Bennington, under General John Stark. John Barnett, Samuel Reinox (wounded by a musket ball through each hip), Samuel Houston, Robert Burns, James Walker, William McLaughlin, William Moor, Adam Smith, John Wallace, Jacob McQuade, James McAffee (died), Robert Matthews, Isaac Houston, Hugh Riddle, James Wallace, John Aiken, John Bell, John Morrison. A very few towns, probably furnished a higher quota of men for the Revolutionary army. The following connected with the Revolution is a curiousity and shows that in those days constituents felt at libery to instruct their Representatives. "Bedford, May 31, 1783. To Lieut. John Orr, Representative at the Generla Court of the State of New Hampshire:-- "Sir:--Although we have full confidence in your fidelity and public virtue, and conceive that you would at all times pursue such measures only as to tend to the public good, yet, upon the particular occasion of our instructing you, we conceive that it will be an advantage to have your sentiments fortified by those of your consituents. "The occasion of this; the return of those persons to this country who are known in Great Britain by the name of loyalist, but in America by those of conspirators, absentees and tories: "We agree that you use your influence that these persons do not receive the least encouragement to return to dwell among us, they not deserving favor, as they left us in the righteous cause we were engaged in, fighting for our undoubted rights and liberties, and as many of them acted the part of the most inveterate enemies. "And further,--that they do not receive any favor of any kind, as we esteem them as persons not deserving it, but the contrary. "You are further directed to use your influence, that those who are already returned be treted according to their deserts. [signed Sam. Patten, John Rand, John Goffe, John Bell, George Orr, A committee chosen May 28th, by the TOwn of Bedford, to give instructions to their Representative." The following interesting item in Revolutionary history is from the "American Archives," compiled by Peter Force, Esq., and printed at the expense of government, by order of Congress. It is a circular addressed to the selectmen of each town in the colony of New Hampshire, with the signatures from each town, to a declaration of attachment to the American cause. As the document is of considerable value, we subjoin it, so far as it related to Bedford,-- "Coloney of N. Hampshire, &c--Committee of Safety. "April 12, 1776. "To the Selectmen of Bedford:--In order to carry the underwritten resolve of the Honorable Continental Congress into execution you are requested to desire all Males, above twenty-one years of age (lunatics, idiots and negroes excepted), to sign the Declaration on this paper, and when so done, to make return thereof, together with the name or names of all who shall refuse to sign the same, to the General Assembly, or Committee of Safety of this Colony. "M. Weare, Chairman." "In Congress, March 14, 1776. "Resolved,--That it be recommended to the several Assemblies, Conventions and Councils, or Committees of Safety, of the United Colonies, immediately to cause all persons to be disarmed, within their respective Colonies, who are notoriously disaffected to the cause of America, or who have not associated, and refuse to associate, to defend by Arms, the United Colonies against the hostile attempts of the British Fleets and Armies." "Extract from the Minutes," "Charles Thomson, Secretary. "In consequence of the above Resolution of the Continental Congress, and to show our determination in joining our American Brethren, in defending the lives, liberties and properties of the inhabitants of the United Colonies, We, the Subscribers, do hereby solemnly engaged and promise, that we will, to the utmost of our power, at the risk of our lives and fortunes, with arms, oppose the hostile proceedings of the British Fleets and Armies against the United States Colonies." [p 269] Signers in Bedford. John Wallace Jr., James Caldwell, William Caldwell, James Matthews, John Harrison, John Aiken, Adam Dickey, Matthew Patten, John Goffe, Daniel Moor, John Moor Jr., Thomas Matthews, Robert Griffin, John Burns, Robert Burns, William Burns, John Brien, William Moor, James Houston, John McKinney, Asa Barnes, Samuel Terrill Jr., William Kennedy, Robert Morrel, Andrew Walker, Nathaniel Patterson, Robert Matthews, James Vose, George Comeray, Hugh Campbell, James McAllister, John McLaughlin, John Gardner, Amaziah Pollard, James Steel, James Aiken, Whitfield Gilmore, James Smith, John Orr, Barnabas Cain, John Moor, James Wallace, James Mardin, John Goffe Jr., John Riddle, Samuel Patten, Hugh Orr, John McIntosh, Jacob McQuaid, James Wesley, John Little, Thomas Gault, Thomas Boies, Samuel Vose, William White, Joseph Wallace, Lieutenant John Moor, Joseph Houston, Daniel Moor, James Gillman, William Moor, David McClary, James Patterson, Matthew McDuffie, Thomas McLaughlin, Benjamin Smith, Zechariah Chandler, Richard McAllister, John Smith, James Little, Stephen French. CHAPTER II By Rev. Ira C. Tyson To gather up the records of the past and present, and faithfully transmit them to the future, is a duty which one generation owes to another. Especially is this true with reference ot the history of God's people, whose experiences of faith afford an illustration of Divine grace and mercy. The early struggles of the church of Christ in the New World, its growth and development admits all the adversities through which it passed, its aspect as a moral and spiritual power in the land during this centennial year, with the grand future which seems to open up before it, are points of an ever-increasing interest as the lapse of time brings us nearer to the glorious consummation. A general interest attaches to the history of New England churches. In all the great cities of the West, and in every village and hamlet, are to be found the representatives of these old New England towns. To them, as well as to ourselves, the history of the church in which their early lot was cast, and within those walls there cluster so many precious memories, must ever be a matter of absorbing interest. To gather up these recollections of the past as connected with the Presbyterian Church in Bedford is the object we have at present especially in view. This task is the more pleasing from the fact that in all its history this church has sustained an honorable record. Its early strugggles, the blessings of Divine grace which have been visited upon it along with the general character of its ministry, afford us material for the most pleasant retrospect, and give us facts to make up a history which no church need wish to forget. The Presbyterian Church in Bedford claims a common origin with those who planted the venerable church in Londondery, N.H. Although the date of its organization is a few years later, yet the most of the original settlers came direct from Londonderry to Bedford. In the original memorial to Governor Shute, of Massachusetts, dated 1718, where in the memorialists, "Inhabitants of ye north of Ireland," requested encouragement to come to this country and settle, we find many names of those who were closely identified with the early history of this town. They trace their origin, therefore, back to Scotland, and to Scottish Presbyterianism. Their ancestors were the men who came from Argyleshire, in 1612, to the counties of Ulster, Antrim, and Londonderry, in the north of Ireland, by which the Papal restoration in ENgland, under James ii, was successfully resisted; and who, having thus fought for their liberties, especially for the liberty to worship God, refused conformity to the Church Establishment, and chose rather to suffer the privations of a life in the wilderness than yield to the dictation of a persecuting hierarchy. While the most of the early settlers of Bedford were thus of Scottish extraction, because of their temporary residence in the north of Ireland, there was, also, a Puritanical element in the early settlement of the town. The government of Massachusetts, claiming jurisdiction over the province of New Hampshire, gave to the soldiers who fought in the Indian War of 1675, commonly known as the Narragansett War, grants of lands in various places in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. These grants of land were numbered from one to seven. No. 5 comprehended all the territory of the present town of Bedford, with that portion of the town of Merrimack lying north of the Souhegan River and west of the Merrimack, with so much of Manchester as is embraced within the present limits of Piscataquog. These lines were altered at a more recent date. The tract of land thus assigned to the Narragansett soldiers received the name of Souhegan East. A few of the original proprietors only became actual settlers, the others for the most part setting out their rights to those who were willing to enter and occupy the land. Those who came were mostly from town in the vicinity of Boston, and were probably of Puritanic extraction. But the Scotch-Irish element, in a short time, largely predominated. The Scotch-Irish and Puritans, however they may have differed in national characteristics, made common cause in religious principle. The same religious persecution which drove the Puritans from England forced the Presyberians of the North of Ireland to seek for freedom and independence in these western wilds. They were alike men of deep religious convictions, and made the service of God the principal business of life. It was because of these deep convictions that they were willing to give up the comforts [p 270] and luxuries of civilized society, and endure the privations that are incident to the settlement of a new country. They very first duty to which they turned their attention was the building of a meeting-house and the settlement of an ordained ministry. To secure these privileges at the earliest opportunity, lands were set off in the original grant for the first minister who should settle among them, and other lands for the use of the ministry afterwards. At that early day the idea of the church and state existing independently of each other, however it may have existed in the minds of some, had not been practically carried out ot any extent. We find, therefore, that the business of the church, as well as that of the town, was all done in town-meeting. The town voted to build meeting-houses, to support the gospel, to call ministers, to apply for their dismission and everything else pertaining to the cause of religion. This may account for the fact that we have no sessional records of this church prior to the year 1804, or any other church record except those which are found in regular reports of the town. The meeting of Narragansett grantess, at which they divided themselves into seven distinct societies, and assigned Southegan East to No. 6, was held in Boston Common, June 6, 1733. The proprietors of No. 5 took immeidately measures to have their land divided up into lots for occupancy, and voted that each alternate lot should be marked for a settler. The land was then an unbroken wilderness; nor does it appear that there were any actual settlers in the town until the fall of 1737. The proprietors, however, continued to hold meetings in Boston, and in the winter of 1737-38, a number of settlers having taken up lands in the town, the question of building a meeting-house began to be discussed. At a proprietor's meeting in Feburary 1738, a committee was chosen to fix upon the cost and dimensions of a meeting-house and report. They even went so far at this meeting as to locate the proposed meeting-house "on a knoll of common land about twenty five rods eastward of the Eleventh Range." Subsequently, the southern part of Souhegan East was set off to Merrimack, which necessitated the location of the meeting-house in another place. But the "knoll" referred to took the name of "Meeting-House Hill," and is so called to this day. For the convenience of non-settlers, the meetings of the proprietors continued to be held in Boston, at the house of Luke Verdy, inn-holder, and also at the house of Peletiah Grover, sign of the "Three Horse-Shoes." At these meetings the question of building a meeting- house continued to be earnestly discussed. Several times it was put to vote whether they should proceed to build, but each time negatived. The settlers were as yet few in number, their means limited, and the way did not appear to be open to begin the building of a meeting-house. Money, however, was raised for the purpose and placed in the hands of a building committee. The names of this committee were Edward White, John Goffe, and Moses Barron. The settlers, however, were not altogether destitute of religious privileges. At several of the proprietor's meetings, held from 1738 to 1748, they voted money to pay for preaching, appointed committees to secure the same and named the places where preaching services should be held. The sums thus raised provided for only a part of the time; the rest of the year they were accustomed to go to Londonderry, a distance of twelve miles, crossing the Merrimack River at Goffe's Falls, and performing the journey, many of them on foot. The first Presbytery in New England was organized at Londonderry April 16, 1745. It was called the Presbytery of Boston. It was composed of Rev. John Moorhead, of the Federal Street Presbyeterian Church, Boston; Rev. Robert Abercrombie, of Pelham, NH, and Rev. David McGregore of Londonderry, with the congregations under their charge. The elders who met with them were James McKean, ALexander Conkey and James Heughs. They voted "To act so far as their present circumstances would permit them, according to the word of God and constitution of the Presbyterian Church of Scotland, agreeing with that perfect Rule." At a meeting held in Boston, 1746, this Presbytery licensed its first candidate to preach the gospel. His name was Daniel Mitchell, a native of the north of Ireland and a graduate of the University of Edinburgh. At a meeting of the Prebytery of Boston, held in Boston, November 11, 1747, we find the first reference to Souhegan East. The following is the minute upon the records of Presbytery: "Upon application made by Andrew Cochran, in ye name of the Inhabitants of SOuheggen and Litchfield, for Mr. Mitchell to supply them for a time, the Presbytery appointed him to supply them until the second Sabbath of March next." At a meeting held in Pelham, June 14, 1748, Mr. Mitchell reported "that hey ahd obeyed the appointment of Presbytery and their committee." There were, doubtless, other men who supplied them before this; but Mr. Mitchell's name is the first which appears in any of the records; certainly the first sent them by the Presbytery. In their application we observe their attachment to Presbyterian order and their desire to secure the institutions of religion among them. Mr. Mitchell was afterward settled over the Presbyterian Church at Pembroke, NH and died December 16, 1776. At the same meeting of Presbytery at which Mr. Mitchell reported, Pelham June 14, 1748, another petition for supply was made from "Swaheggen." At the same meeting Rev. David MCGregore presented the name of Mr. Alexander Boyd, a young man of liberal education. He produced a certificate of his attending the study of divinity at the University of Glasgow, and having submitted to a thorough examination [page 271] and subscribed to the Confession of Faith, he was licensed to preach the gospel. At the next meeting of Presbytery, Londonderry, Octobewr 4, 1748, "Presbytery thought proper that Mr. Boyd should supply Kingstown the next three Sabbaths and then immediately after four Sabbaths to Litchfield and "Swaheggen." It would appear from a subsequent minute that Mr. Boyd, having received a call to Kingstown, did not fulfil his other appointements. The date of the ecclesiastical organization of the church in Bedford has long been a matter of doubt. It is not given in any of the town records, nor does it appear in our published town history, except the general statement (p. 140) that it was organized by the Boston Presbytery. The recent discovery of portion of the old records of this Presbytery enables us to fix the exact date of organization, and I here insert the minute in full, as a most important fact for future preservation. The Presbytery of Boston met in Boston, August 15, 1749. The members present were Rev. John Moorhead, Boston; Rev. Jonathan Parsons, Newbury; Rev. David McGregore, Londonderry; Rev. Robert Abercrombie, Pelham. Elders, Richard MacCLeur, Ralph Cross, John Craig. Mr. Abercrombie presided as moderator. In the proceedings of this meeting appears the following minute: "Mr. Patten appeared as COmmissioner from Souheggan, presenting a memorial, wherein that people acknowledge their subjection to the Presbytery, and petition for supplys." Thus we learn that nine months before the incorporation of the town, and while the settlers were yet destitute ofa place of worship, they made application and were received under the case of Presbytery, and became a regular Presbyterian Church. Their meetings for worship were held in different parts of the town and in private hoses. The Mr. Patten referred to was probably Samuel patten, as he, with Moses Barren and Thomas Vicary, were appointed a committee at the proprietor's meeting to provide preaching that year. The Presbytery held another meeting at Londonderry in October of the same year. Souhegan again petitioned for supplies, and "Mr. Boyd was appointed to supply Litchfield two Sabbaths, Souhegan two and Suncook one." The settlers, being desirious of securing more effecitve measures for supporting the gospel, and for the better government as a people, now petitioned the Governor of the province, Benning Wentworth, Esq. for an act of incorporation, giving as a particular reason for the petition, that "Having been long destitute of the gospel, we are now desirous of taking the proper steps in order to have it settled among us." They also stated that 'your petitioners, as to our particular presuasion in Christianity, are generally of the Presbyterian denomination," and they wished the gospel settled among them "in that way of discpline which they judged to tend most to their edification." Governor Wentworth laid the petition before the Council, and on the 19th of May 1750, the act of incorporation was passed, the district vested with town privileges and the place named Bedford. Mr. Boyd, having fulfilled his appointment of the preceding October, Presbyter again appointed him, on the 5th of june 1750, in accordance with petitions offered for supplies, "to preach ten Sabbaths at Souhegan, Suncook and Litchfield." In the mean time the inhabitants of the town of Bedford, acting in the spirit and intent of their petition for incorporation, at once called a legal meeting and took measures to secure a settled ministr. The first meeting after incorporation assembled, June 6, 1750 in Matthew Patten's house, and thence adjourned to his barn. Here it was voted that the minister be entertained at Samuel Patten's, at the charge of the town. On July 3d they voted one hundred and fifty pounds, old tenor, if he would accept. Captain John Goffe, Deacon John Orr and Mr. Hugh Riddle were appointed a committee to prosecute the call to the Presbytery. It is doubtful whether this call was ever formally presented to Mr. Boyd. It find no record of it in the proceedings of Presbytery, and an article in the town warrants, called for January 21st of the following year was, "To inquire what is the reason why the comittee for providing preaching to the town are so negligent in that business." It is probable these brethren had good reason for their "neglect," as Mr. Boyd had been "sharply rebuked" by his Presbytery for effecting a clandestine marriage before leaving Glasgow, and passing himself in this country for an unmarried man. The Presbytery, however, continued his appointments, on his making a full acknowledgement, expressing his sorrow and promising to adhere to her as his wife. This acknowledgement was unsatisfactory, and Mr. Boyd was afterward summoned before a committee of Presbytery to account for his conduct. It is not to be wondered at, therefore, that negotiations for his settlement in Bedford were at once terminated. The question of building a meeting-house now began to be agitated anew, and, at a town-meeting, January 24, 1750, a committee was chosen for the purpose. Considerable difficulty arose as to the location of the meeting-house, the choice lying between the east or west end of what was known as the Bell Hill, immediately south of what is now the centre of the town. Not being able to agree, they summoned three friends from Londonerry, to decide the question for them. This committee chose the east of the hill, but their decision was equally unsatisfactory. [page 272] The building committee proceeded to prepare the timber for the meeting-house, and, finally, having abandoned both ends of Bell Hill, at a town-meeting held September 26, 1755, it was voted unanimously to locate the meeting-house on land bought for the purpose, being part of No. 13 and 14 in the Tenth range. Here the meeting-house was afterwards built. In the mean time the people continued their efforts to secure a settled ministry. At a meeting of Presbytery, in Boston, 1751, application was received from "Bedford alias Souhegan," for a supply at discretion. At another meeting, in Boston, April 13, 1751, "Recieved a supplication from Bedford, pleading for a supply." At a meeting of Presbytery, at Londonderry, October 29, 1752, supplications were received from Palmer District, Canterbury, Colrain, North Rutland, Litchfield, Derryfield, Bedford and Suncook. At this meeting, Mr. Alexander MacDowell, a licentiate of Presbytery, was appointed to supply a part of the time at "Bedford, Litchfield, Derryfield and Suncook." Mr. MacDowell fulfilled his appointments with reference to Derryfield and Bedford, both places giving him a call, the people of Derryfield proposing to unite with Bedford in having him settled over the two places. An article was put in the town warrant to see if they would united with Derryfield in this call. On the 28th of March 1753, the town voted not to join with Derryfield, and at the same meeting, voted a unanimous call to Mr. MacDowell, with one hundred pounds, old tenor, if he would accept, and a committee appointed to prosecute the call for Mr. MacDowell to the "Rev'd Presbytery, and to procure preaching till the next annual meeting." Mr. MacDowell, however, did not accept the call. Mr. Samuel MacClintock was licensed to preach the gospel by the Presbytery of Boston, October 29, 1752. On the 14th of August, 1753, Mr. MacClintock was directed by the Presbytery to supply half the time at Bedford, the other half at Litchfield, Derryfield and Suncook, till the next meeting. This appointment was renewed on the following November, and his labors in Bedford gave evident satisfaction. At a town meeting, October 1, 1754, it was voted, unanimously, "to give Mr. Samuel MacClintock a call to the work of the ministry in the town of Bedford." In the following January Presbytery renewed its appointment of Mr. MacClintock to supply Bedford, in connection with Windham, Litchfield, Derryfield and Suncook. The people seem to have been very anxious to secure the services to Mr. MacClintock. THey voted him L107 10s., new tenor, for his yearly stipend, took measures to lay a tax upon the unimproved land in the town to built him a house, and agreed to cut twenty cords of wood annually for five years, and draw it to his house, if he would accept. They also appointed Samuel patten a commissioner to prosecute the call to the Presbytery. At a meeting of Presbytery, August 22, 1754 held at Newbury appears this minute,-- "The people of Bedford having sent a Petition to ye 'Presbytery requesting them to send one or more of their member some eonvenient time between this and next meeting to moderate in a call to Mr. Samuel McClintock, the Presbytery thereupon appointed Mr. MacGregore to perform that piece of service." At the same meeting they voted that "Bedford shall have their proportion of time wholly in Mr. MacClintock." The following November this appointment was renewed. Mr. MacClintock did not accept this call, but negotiations with him continued. At a town-meeting May 6, 1756, it was voted to renew the call made to him previously, at the same annual stipend, with this additional inducement, that he should have nine Sabbaths to his own use during each year, till the town should feel able to pay him for all or a part of those nine Sabbaths, for which they would allow him ten pounds, old tenor, per Sabbath. The people of Bedford were not mistaken as to the character of the man whom they thus desired to settle over them. Mr. MacClintock afterwards became one of the honored members of the new Hampshire ministry. He was graduated at Princeton 1751, settled at Greenland, NH 1756, served as chaplain in the army during the Revolutionary war, admitted to an ad eundum Master's degree at Harvard 1761, received the title of D.D. at Yale 1791, and after a ministry of forty-eight years at Greenland, died there in 1804. During the time of these unsuccessful efforts to secure a settled ministry the work on the meeting-house continued slowly. The carpenters who did the work complained that they were losing money on it, and the town voted them thirty pounds, old tenor, additional. At length the work had so far progressed that the meeting-house, which had been previously held in barns, was called to assemble "at the meeting-house frame," April 21, 1756 The accomodations, however, seem to have been unsatifactory, as they continued to assemble in barns for some time afterward. Rev. John Houston, the first settled pastor of the Presbyterian Church in Bedford, was born in Londonderry NH in --, 1723. The family belonged to the Scotch-Irish stock, the name of Robert Houston appearing in the memorial addressed to Governor Shute in 1718. Mr. Houston was educated in the College of New Jersey, which was then located at Newark [the college was removed to Princeton in 1756], and graduated in 1753. Rev. Aaron Burr (father of the Vice President of the United States) was then president of the college, and gave to Mr Houston, on his leaving college, the following letter, which is still extant, and written in a clear, bold hand: "This may certify all concerned, that Mr. John Houston, has for some time been a member of New Jersey College, and sound in communication with ye church of Christ in this place, and behaved himself according to the Rules of the Gospel. A. Burr, Ps'd, September 28, 1753." On his return to Londonderry, Mr. Houston studied divinity under Rev. David MCGregore; and having placed himself under the care of the Presbytery, parts of trial were assigned to him, with a view to licensure. The subject of his Latin exegesis was "An Dei Beneplacitum sit solum electionis fundamen," -- a homily on 1 John iv 18. After having been examined in systematic and experimental divinity, and branches of human literature, and subscribed to the formula, he was, May 14, 1754, licensed to preach the gospel, being then about thirty-one years of age. The examination was creditable to Mr. Houston, his classical and theological learning being above average. Presbytery was made aminute of the fact that he had received the honors of the college at Newark. Mr. Houston was immediately appointed to supply one Sabbath each at Windham, Bedford, Suncooks and Nottingham, and afterwards two days at a time at Windham and Bedford. The negotiations with Mr. MacClintock having failed, the people now turned their attention to Mr. Houston, and at a town-meeting, August 5, 1756, it was "voted unanimously to give Mr. John Houston a call to the work of the ministry of the town." A committee was appointment to treat with him. At an adjourned meeting August 7th it was voted to give him "six hundred pounds, old tenor, or new tenor equal thereto;" but this vote was, on the 30th of the month, reconsidered, and it was finally agreed to give him "equal to forty pounds sterling in old tenor, as the law shall fix the rate of dollars or sterling money, and that what number of Sabbath-days they should think themselves unable to pay he should have, to his own use, deducated out of the aforesaid sum." It was also ordered that the committee should agree with Mr. McGregore to moderate in a call, should Mr. Houston accept it. The work on the meeting-house still went on slowly. Special committees were appointment, one to "shingle and board it," another to procure sashes and put them in, another to underpin and another still to lay the doors and make the doors and window-frames. There was no contract-work; all had to be done by committee, and sometimes, the committees refusing to serve, others had to be appointed, which caused much delay, and must have been vexatious. But, however slow the progress, they paid as they went, and thus avoided the burden of a debt. The winter of 1756 wore along, and it was still uncertain whether Mr. Houston would accept his call; the town appointed other committees to procure preaching. At length, however, Mr. Houston signified his acceptance of the call, and in July of 1757 "forty pounds," were voted to defray the charges of the ordination. Mr. Houston was ordained as pastor of the church of Bedford on the 28th of September 1757. The ordination sermon was preached by Rev. Jonathan Parsons, of Newbury, from 1 Timothy, i.2. Rev. David McGregore gave the charge, and other ministers took part in the services. From Matthew Patten's journal we learn that the text of Mr. Houston's first sermon after his ordination was "Fear not, little flock; it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." "Very appropriate," sas Mr. Savage, "as it must have been a small church in the midst of the wilderness." On his settlement, Mr. Houston, as first pastor, according to the provision of the original proprietors, came into possession of certain lands in the town. The people of Merrimack having then no settled ministry, and being, many of them, of the Presbyterian persuasion, attended worship in Bedford. This was somewhat inconvenient, and in 1758 the town voted to allow the people of Merrimack who paid rates to support the gospel in Bedford, "so many Sabbath-days of our Rev'd Pastor's time for public worship, to be held at John Burns', as they pay in proportion with us toward his annual salary for the present year, if our Rev'd pastor be willing." The details of Mr. Houston's ministry are such as were common to the New England ministry of that time. There were many hardships, incident to the building up of a church in a new country, but he addressed himself to the work with zeal and energy, and during his pastorate the church gradually increased in strength and influence. He gave especial attention to catechetical instruction, and was much interested in the young people of his charge. He was conscientious and earnest in his piety, devoted to the cause of his Master, and labored earnestly for the spiritual welfare of the people under his charge. During the earlier years of his ministry he seems to have enjoyed the respect and confidence of the people, and was happy in his relations with them. But at the beginning of the Revolutionary War general dissatisfaction arose against him, because of his adherence to the cause of the mother country. In taking this position, Mr. Houston was undoubtedly conscientious, and acted in accordance with what he believed to be the will of God in the matter. Time has sufficiently demonstrated that he erred in judgement. But we who are removed from those scenes of intense excitement can afford to impute to him only such motives as were dictated by what he understood as his duty in the matter. In giving a faithful record of the facts as they occurred, it is due to the memory of one who, in all other respects, bore an irreproachable character, to regard this great mistake of his life as resulting from an error of the head and not of the heart. The first intimation we have of a feeling of disaffection of the people of Bedford against their pastor appears in a call for a town-meeting, dated May 2, 1775. It was immediately after the news of the battle of Lexington, and the excitement of the people throughout New England was at the highest pitch. The article in the warrant was "To see what method the town will take relating to Rev. John Houston in these troublesome times, as we apprehend his praying and preaching to be calcuated to intimdate the minds of his hearers and to weaken their hands in defense of their just rights and liberties, as there seems a plan to be laid by Parliament to destroy both." The meeting, which was called for the 16th of May, voted ot shut the doors of the church against the pastor, and to stop the payment of his salary till he should come to a sense of his duty. Mr. Houston made a statement of his position to the town, but it was declared to be unsatisfactory. On the 15th of June, 1775, the town voted his dismission, and adopted a strong resolution condemning his course. As Presbyterians, however, they recognized the fact that he was still pastor of the church. It has been the practice in former years to vote him a certain number of Sabbaths to himself, raning from four to ten. At the meeting of March 27, 1776, they voted him the whole year to his own use. In the mean time, they requested him to join with them in their application to Presbytery for a dissolution of the pastoral relation, and a committee was appointed for that purpose. At the formation of the Synod of New England, at Seabrook NH May 31, 1775, three Presbyteries were constituted out of the old Boston Presbytery namely: the Eastern, or Presbytery of Salem; the Middle, or Presbytery of Londonderry; and Western, or Presbytery of Palmer, and he was directed by Synod to convene the new Presbytery and moderate the first meeting. The position he had taken on the state of the country, however, had rendered him unpopular with his ministerial brethren, and the unfriendliness resulting therefrom led him to omit the duty assigned him by the Synod. Thereupon the Synod directed the Rev. Moses Baldwin, of Kingston, to act in his stead, and Mr. Houston having promised that he would satisfy both the civil authority and the Synod for the course he had taken, was recommended to bring the evidence of such satisfaction to his Presbytery, and through them to the Synod. This action was taken in September 1776, more than a year after his dismission by the act of the town, and while he was as yet ecclesiastically, although not practically, pastor of the church. The Synod met at Londondery, September 3, 1777. At this meeting a committee from Bedford appeared and asked the advice of Snynod respecting their troubles with their pastor, Mr. Houston, being present, was interrogated as to his promise to give satisfaction to Synod respecting his conduct. It appearing that he had not done so, he was deemed guilty of a breach of promise and contempt of Synod, and deprived of his seat in the body under he should give satisfaction to the Synod for his conduct, either directly or through his Presbytery. The committee from Bedford was also directed to bring the matter of their grievances before their Presbytery in the regular way. The following year, September 3, 1778, at Londonderry, the Synod reaffirmed its action respect Mr. Houston, declaring his contempt of Synod to be highly blamable, but promised to recommend him to the churches as a member in good standing on his compliance with their requisition. At this meeting of Synod, Bedford congregation and Mr. Houston were annexed to the Presbytery of Londonderry, and that Presbytery was directed to take cognizance of their affairs. Before the adjournment of the meeting, however, the troubles in Bedford again came up for discussion, and, both parties agreeing, the Synod passed the following resolution: "Whereas, There appears to be a dissatisfaction among the people of Bedford, relative to the Rev. Mr. Houston, whereby he is not likely to be useful among them in the ministry, by consent of both parties, this Synod do dissolve his pastoral relations to said congregation." Mr. Houston is described as having been of a stern and inflexible disposition, but the progress of the war, coupled with the almost universal condemnation of his countrymen, led him, subsequently to modify his position. He had stood out in defense of his views to the point of surrending his pastoral charge and losing his standing in the SYnod. But now, being left free to act according to his own will, he appeared before the authorities of the State and took the oath of allegiance, of which the following is a copy: "State of New Hampshire, In Committee of Safety, October 28, 1778. This may certify all persons that the Rev. John Houston has taken the oath of allegiance and fidelity to this, and the United States of America. Attest: M. Weare Chairman" At the meeting of Synod, at Windham, the following year, September 15, 1779, Mr. Houston's name appears on the roll of Synod, and also the following minute in the record of its proceedings: "A report being given by Mr. Stickland and Mr. Williams that the Rev. Mr. Houston brought from the State of New Hampshire a testimonial satisfactory to this Synod, do now restore him to full standing with this body." Mr. Houston's name appeared on the roll of Synod up to the time of its dissolution, 1782. He remained in connection with the Presbytery of Salem, which succeeded the Synod, until 1785, when, in June of that year, at a meeting in Sylvester, the Presbytery gave him the following letter of dismission and recommendation: "Voted, unanimously, that the Rev. John Houston (agreeable to his petition to us) be dismissed from this body and recommended to the churches wherever God in his Providence may call him." He afterwards united with the Associate Presbytery. Mr. Houston continued his residence in Bedford, preaching as he had opportunity, and making, occasionally, what might be called missionary tours into Northern New Hampshire and Vermont. He died February 3, 1798, aged seventy-five years. From the time of Mr. Houston's dismission, 1778, until 1804, a period of twenty-six years, the church was without a stated pastor. How is survived this long periods without the stated preaching of the gospel is difficult now to understand. The whole period is almost a total blank with respect to any matters of historical interest. The names of Benjamin Smith and James Little (elders) occasionally appear on the rolls of Presbytery and Synod as delegates from Bedford. In the records of the town we find that a certain sum of money was voted annually to provide preaching. Rev. William Pickles, a native of Wales, and a man of considerable pulpit power, supplied them statedly about two years from 1787 to 1789, but aside from this there was no regular preaching in the town. During this long period of destitution the church members became much scattered, and there was almost no spirituality in the church. No revivals of religion are recorded, and it would seem that there had as yet been no general religious interest in the church from the beginning of its history, although there were, undoubtedly, some conversations under the ministry of Mr. Houston. Towards the close of the century there were decided indications of a desire to secure again a settled ministry. In was voted in town-meeting that the money appropriated for preaching should be used only for those who would come as candidates, and the committees appointed to secure the same were desired to apply to Presbytery for supplies in a regular way. Early in the beginning of the century six new elders were appointed to serve with those already in office, and Rev. Mr. Morrison, of Londondery, was invited to ordain them and administer the Lord's Supper. March 6, 1804, the town called a vote to the Rev. David McGregore, of Londonderry, and in May of the following year Mr. McGregore accepted the same. On the 5th of September 1804, Rev. David McGregore was ordained and installed pastor of the church in Bedford by the Presbytery of Londonderry, Rev. Dr. Morrison, of Londonderry, preaching the sermon. Mr. McGregore completed his collegiate course at Dartmouth College in 1799, and studied for the ministry under Dr. Morrison. Upon his settlement in Bedford the affairs of the church assumed altogether a more favorable aspect. Meetings of session were recorded and delegates regularly chosen to attend meetings of Presbytery. In 1806 a regular system of ministerial visitation was inaugurated, in which the elders alternately accompanied the minister. Numbers were added to the church from time to time, and church discipline was more strictly observed. The year 1818 was marked by a state of general religious interest, and during the year twenty-two persons were received into communion with the church. Mr. McGregore was a man of superior social qualities, and commanded the respect off his congregation, as well as of his brethren in the ministry. Many of those who united with the church under his preaching became eminent for usefulness, remaining firm in their attachment to the cause of the Master to the end of life. A few of them survive to the present day, and still bear witness to the earnest gospel preaching and ministerial fidelity of the pastory through whom they were converted to Christ. During the earlier part of his ministry Mr. McGregore labored as a missionary in connection with the New Hampshire Domestic Missionary Society, extending his tours into the northern sections of the State. His labors were blest in the awakening of considerable religious interest in the places where he preached. [one paragraph omitted] In April 1825, Mr. McGregore apprised his church of his desire for a dissolution of the pastoral relation, and requested them to united with him in application to Presbytery for the same. Accordingly, the Londonderry Presbytery, at its meeting at Nottingham West (now Hudson), on the last Wednesday in April 1826, dissolved the pastoral relation between Mr. McGregore and the church in Bedford. Mr. McGregore removed to Falmouth, in Maine, in 1831, and died there October 18, 1845, aged seventy-four. He was the nephew of Rev. David McGregore, and great-grandson of Rev. James McGregore, the first minister of Londonderry. His pastorate continued twenty-one years, as did that of Mr. Houston. About the time of Mr. McGregore's dismissal, a Presbyterian Society was formed in the town, in accordance with the laws of the State, and to it the general affairs of the church were committed. While, therefore, the town negotiated with Mr. McGregore on the terms of his dismissal, nothing appears in the records with regard to the call of his successor. On the 5th of July 1826, Rev. Thomas Savage was installed pastor of the Presbyterian Church in Bedford by the Presbytery of Londonderry, being its third settled minister. The sermon on the occasion was preached by the Rev. Dr. Whiton, of Antrim, NH. Mr. Savage was born in Boston, September 2, 1793. He prepared for college at Phillips Academy, Andover, and gradated at Harvard in 1813, the eleventh of his family who had graduated at that institution. Having pursued the study of theology for three years at Cambridge, he accepted an invitation to become a private tutor in Louisiana. About this time he experienced a change of views with respect to the system of theology he had adopted, and finished his preparation under the care of the Mississipi Presbytery. By that body he was ordined to the work of the ministry in 1822, and preached two years at Baton Rouge. Returning North in 1824, he supplied the pulpit of Dr. Colman, of Dorchester, for one year, during his absence, and immediately after received his first invitation to preach in town. Mr. Savage entered upon his life-work here under very encouraging circumstances. He was young, vigorous, finely educated and fully imbued with the spirit and energy needed for his work... He was.. an eloquent preacher..... Politeness--genuine Christian politeness--was, in fact, his distinguishing charactertistic....Mr. Savage devoted himself to the work of the ministry, and the results of his labors were soon apparent. He immediately brought to the attention of the Session the duty of systematic visitation, and a plan was adopted that had for its object, "a revival of religion," by bringing the question personally to the attention of all. The town was divided up into districts, and committees of visitation appointed to go form house to house, pledging themselves "unitedly to engage in the work, immeidately to go about it, and not to grow cold or weary in it." The Sabbath-school, which had been previously held in school-houses, without much interest, was not transferred to the church and held during intervals of Divine service, with happy effects. On the 11th of October, 1827, a Thursday afternoon, prayer-meeting was commenced, which has continued without interruption until the present day, now almost fifty years. In 1829 a temperance reform began and a temperance society was formed, through the joint influence of Mr. Savage and a temperance discourge delivered by Dr. Justin Edwards. The result of this movement was, that whereas sevel places were licensed in the town during 1829, by the selectmen, for the sale of ardent spirits, only two were licensed the following year. These Christian efforts were ordered, in the Providence of God, as preliminary to the wonderful work of grace which swept over the country in 1831. [one paragraph from original omitted here]. It was during this revival year that the question of building a new meeting-house first took definite shap. The old building had stood and served its purpose for a period of seventy-five years, and was now too small and inconvenient to meet the wants of the growing congregation. During the year 1831 subscriptions were started and an association formed for building a meeting-house. The building was finished during the following year, and on Christmas Day, December 25, 1832, the house was solemnly dedicated to the worship of Almighty God. In 1841, it was noted that two hundered and seventy two were added to the church since the settlement of Mr. Savage. On the 19th of May 1850 the town celebrated the centennial anniversary of its incorporation. It was a great day for Bedford. Many distinguished visitors, former residents of the town, and others, were present. It was estimated that about two thousand persons participated in the festivities. The Hon. Isaac O. Barnes, of Boston, a native of Bedford, delivered the centennial address. A history of the town-- the joint work of Rev. Mr. Savaage, Dr. P.P. Woodbury and Mr. William Patten--was published, embracing most of the facts of interest connected with the town history up to that date. It was the result of great labor and is an unusually interesting book of its kind. Once more, near the close of his ministry, Mr. Savage witnessed a revival of religion. In 1864 a revival began in Manchester, in connection with the preaching of the evangelist, Rev. A.B. Earle. The work extended to Bedford. Special meetings were held, and a deep and general interest prevailed. As a result, seventy-two persons united with the church during the year on profession of faith. On the 3d of January, 1866, the pastoral relation between the Rev. Thomas Savage and the church in Bedford was dissolved by the Presbytery of Londonderry. The pastorate of Mr. Savage extended over a period of nearly forty years, and embranced the most important period of the church's history. He had succeeded in binding the church together in harmonious action in all Christian work, and bringing it forward to rank with the strong churches in the State. His pastorate, on the whole, was eminently successful, and the influence of his labors will long be felt upon the cause of religion in this community. Mr. Savage did not long survive the termination of his pastorate. He died in the 8th of May 1866, aged seventy-two years. Rev. Anton Little was installed pastor January 3, 1866; Rev. Ira C. Tyson, May 9, 1869; and Rev. D. Herbert Colcord, the present pastor, September 8, 1881. [page 277] CHAPTER III Centennial Celebration--Civil History--Town Clerks from 1750 to 1885-- Representatives from 1762 to 1885--Physicians--Lawyers--Population-- Extracts from Matthew Patten's Journal--The Old Militia--Military Record 1861-65--List of Soldiers--Bounties and Expenses CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION--One of the most interesting events in the history of Bedford was the celebration of the centennial of the town, May 19, 1850. Peter P. Woodbury was president of the dya, with the following vice-presidents: Thomas Chandler, Moody M. Stevens, Samuel Chandler, John French, John McAllister, Theodore Goffe, John Patten. The committee of arrangements consisted of the following: Leonard C. French, Willard Parker, Daniel Moore, Isaac Darrah, John Patten, John Adams, Adam Chandler, Andrew Dow, G.W. Riddle, Joseph H. Stevens, John Barr, L.C. French (2d), Thos. Holbrook, Charles F. Shepard, John Goffe, Elijah C. Stevens, Gardner Nevins, Rodney McLaughlin, James Walker, Simon Jenness. The address on the occasion was delivered by Hon. Isaac O. Barnes. Remarks were also made by Horace Greeley, Rev. Mr. Adams, Rev. Mr. Clark, John Atwood, Mr. Savage, Rev. C.W. Wallace, Rev. J.T. Woodbury, Dr. Leonard French, Hon. C.E. Potter, James O. Adams and others. [The toasts made during this occasion are found in the original document but not repeated here] [page 278] CIVIL HISTORY--The following is the list of town clerks from 1750 to 1885.... John McLaughlin, 1750, 1751 Matthew Patten, 1752-1773 inclusive John Bell, 1773-1777 inclusive William White, 1777-1781 inclusive Thomas McLaughlin 1782 John Rand 1783, 1784 Josiah Gillis, 1785-1787 inclusive William Moor, 1788-1790 inclusive William McAffee, 1791, 1799, 1800 David Patten, 1792-1796 inclusive, 1807-1810 inclusive Phineas Aiken, 1797, 1798, 1801, 1802, 1803, 1804 Samuel Chandler 1805, 1806 Moody M. Stevens, 1811-1815 inclusive William Moor, 1816, 1817 Alfred Foster, 1818-1826 inclusive Samuel Chandler 1827-1828 inclusive Leonard Walker, 1829, 1830, 1833, 1834 Isaac Riddle 1831, 1832 Daniel Moor Jr. 1835 Frederick Wallace 1836, 1837 Daniel Gordon, 1838, 1839, 1840, 1841, 1843 John Parker 1842 Andrew J. Dow, 1844, 1845, 1846, 1847, 1851 Benjamin F. Wallace, 1848, 1849 Daniel K. Mack 1842 1853 Chandler Spofford 1854, 1855, 1856, 1857 Benjamin Hall, 1858, 1859, 1860, 1861, 1862, 1863, 1864 William W. Wilkins 1865, 1866, 1867, 1868 John Hodgman, 1869, 1870, 1871 Theodore A. Goffe, 1872 Silas A. Riddle 1873, 1874, 1876, 1877, 1878, 1879, 1880, 1881, 1882, 1883 1884, 1885 George W. Flint, 1875 REPRESENTATIVES--The following is a list of representatives from 1762 to 1885 John Goffe, 1762-1775 inclusive Paul Dudley, 1775-1778 inclusive John Orr, 1779, 1782, 1795-1797 inclusive, 1811-1812 inclusive Samuel Patten 1781 Matthew Thornton 1783 James Martin 1784, 1785, 1791 Stephen Dole, 1786, 1788, 1789, 1790, 1792, 1793, 1794 Isaac Riddle, 1798, 1799, 1813 David Patten 1800-1802 inclusive Phineas Aiken, 1803, 1804, 1814 William Riddle, 1805, 1806, 1807 Samuel Chandler, 1808-1810 inclusive, 1815-1818 inclusive Josiah Gordon 1819, 1820 Thomas Chandler 1821, 1822 William Moor 1823, 1824, 1832, 1833 William Riddle 1825, 1826, 1830, 1831 Ebenezer French 1827 Joseph Colley, 1828, 1829, 1835 James McK. Wilkins 1834, 1836, 1837 J.B. Bowman 1838, 1839 John French 1840 Thomas Chandler 1841, 1842 William Patten 1843 L.C. French 1844, 1845, 1846 William P. Riddle 1847, 1848 Garner Nevins 1847, 1848 A.N. Patten 1849 Chander Spafford 1849 L.C. French (2de) 1850 A.J. Dow 1850 1851. Benjamin F. Wallace and Moody M. Stevens 1852. James Morrison and Thomas W. Moore 1853. Noyes Poor 1854, 1855 James French 1856, 1857, Russell Moore 1858, 1859 Thomas G. Holbrook 1860, 1861 Henry Hale 1862, 1863 William R. French 1864, 1865 George W. Riddle 1866 1867 Silas Holbrook 1868 Samuel Patten 1869 Charles H. Moore 1870 John Hodgman 1871 George W. Goffe 1872 Thomas G. Worthley 1873 1874 voted not to send 1875 Paul T. Campbell 1876 George W. Goffe 1877, 1879 voted not to send 1878 WIlliam McAllaster 1880 Charles B. Beal 1882 John A. Riddle 1884 Freeman R. French PHYSICIANS--Dr. Nathan Cutler came to Bedford from Dunstable, Mass in 1777 and moved back in 1782. Dr. John Quin came to Bedford in 1782, from Halifax Vt. He was a relation of Dr. Cutler and had a family. After staying a year or two he removed to Massachusetts. Dr. Nathan Cutler, son of the former, came to Bedford in 1789; he married Elizabeth Swett, and died May 1809. Dr. William Wallace came to Bedford in 1805; his native place was Milford NH. He died in 1821. His widow, sister of Rev. E.L. Parker, of Londonderry, survived him many years. Dr. Baird came to Bedford in 1811; left in 1813, and went to Nelson; he resided, while in town, with Thomas Wallace. Dr. Page came in 1810, and resided in Bedford, but a few months. Dr. Frederick A. Mitchell came in 1813; he was born in Peterborough. He married Lucy, daughter of Deacon Phineas Aiken. He left the practice in 1815, but lived in town until 1835. Dr. P.P. Woodbury came to Bedford in 1815; he was born in Francestown NH. Dr. Silas Walker came to Bedford in 1827; born in Goffstown, died in 1843. Dr. Houston came to Bedford in 1824; resided at Piscataquog; stayed one year, and then went to Western New York. Dr. Levi B. Johnson came to Bedford in 1825; stayed two years; he boarded at the village. Dr. Robert Riddle, son of Hugh Riddle, began to practice at Hooksett; came back to his father's in 1825; practiced medicine till his death, which occurred in 1828. Dr. Henry Clinton Parker, son of James Parker, Esq. studied medicine in Philadelphia; began to practice at the village in 1838. Dr. Leonard French, son of Leonard C. French, studied medicine with Dr. Crosby; began to practice in 1845; stayed on eyear in town, and removed to Ashby. Dr. John D. Walker, son of Dr. Silas Walker, studied medicine with his father, and began to practice in 1840 or 1851. Dr. John Harvill came to Bedford in 1849; began to practice at the village, and after one year went to California. The present physician is Frank D. Rowe. The history of Bedford makes also makes mention of the following lawyers who reside in town: James Underwood, James Parker, Isaac McGaw, J.B. Bowman, James McWilkins, John Porter. POPULATION 1767 Unmarried men from 16 to 60 years ........ 30 Married men from 16 to 60..................43 Boys from 16 and under.....................93 Men 60 and above...........................13 Females unmarried.........................117 Females married............................51 Slaves (male 6; female 3).................. 9 ------ TOTAL.............................. 362 For 1775 we have the following return, dated "Bedford, October 27, 1775." Males under 16................................109 Males from 16 to 50 not in army............... 93 Males above 50................................ 28 Persons gone to war........................... 14 Females in all................................241 Negroes and slaves for life................... 10 ============ TOTAL................................495 "Hillsborough, SS Oct 27, 1775, Then personally appeared John Bell, and made solemn oath to his fidelity and impartiality in numbering the souls in Bedford, and making a return of the several ages and sexes, as in the columns above thereof, Sworn before Matt. Patten, J.P. "There are 37 guns lacking to equip the inhabitants of Bedford. There are 11-3/4 lbs powder in Bedford, according to information, and no town stock of ammunition.. John Bell" The population in 1783 was 762 (framed houses, 93); 1800, 1182; 1810, 1296; 1820, 1375; 1830, 1554; 1840, 1543; 1850, population 1913: dwelling houses 312, families 344, farmers 267, laborers 161, shoemakers 10, blacksmiths 5, brickmakers 33, machinists 10, carpenters 8, physicians 2, clergyman 1, lawyer 1, teacher 1, scholars attending school this year 589, valued of real estate owned $594,600. EXTRACTS FROM HON. MATTHEW PATTEN'S JOURNAL "March 29, 1755, Was chosen town-clerk. Voted to give me six pounds, old tenor, for what I should record for the town this year, and they were to find me paper to write the minutes of the town on. "October 29, 1755. Snow fell, ankle deep." "July 18, 1756. John Smith, of New Boston, informed me that a bear had bit my heifer (that he had in keeping) so she could not live. I got Mr. McNeil, of New Boston, to butcher her for me. "September 13, & 14, 1756. A great frost, so as to kill all the corn leaves. "November 27, 1756. Went to Londonderry, to know when the Gen. Court set; found it to be next Tuesday. On the 30th set out for Portsmouth; went as far as Mr. Murphy's in Londonderry, and received an account that the Gen. Court had adjourned until Tuesday, 14th December, next. "September 4, 1757. Mr. Houston lectured in the forenoon on the 1st chapter of John, and preached in the afternoon, it being the first sermon ever preached in our meeting-house. 11th, Mr. Houston lectured in the forenoon on the 12th, 13th, and 14th, v. of the first chapter of John, and preached in the afternoon, from Amos, fourth chapter and 12th verse. "January 22, 1758. Mr. Houston lectured on part of the 3d chapter of John's gospel. There were but 15 persons at meeting, by reason of the snow, which was deep, and poor paths. "June 8 & 9, 1759. Fished at Manaskeag Falls and got 120 shad, and I gave Robert McMurphy 10 of them; and I got 4 shad and a small salmon, for my part, from the setting-place. Wm. Peters fished for me by the halves. "July 15, 1760. I joined with Sam'l Patterson to fish for salmon, and catched 2; one weighed 12-1/2 lbs, and the other 18 lbs. The small one I had, and the large one he had. 16th, We raised the bridge over Piscataquog river, and set our net that night, and by morning we had a 9 and a 6 pound salmon; the large one I had and the small one Patterson had. "March 12, 1761. This morning about 2 o'clock a considerable smart shock of an earthquake, which wakened me out of sleep. "March 4, 1762 I attended a meeting of the town of Amherst and and Bedford, at Bedford meeting-house, to choose a representative; I was chosen moderator by a unanimous choice, and Col. Goffe was chosen representative by 46 voted and Capt. Barron had 13. "April 1, 1764. Snow fell near 3 inches deep. "June 7, 1771. Attended the funeral of Capt. Barron, and was one of the under bearers. "July 3, 1771. I went to Derryfield meeting-house and heard Mr. Ward of Plymouth, preach. "November 27, 1779. I have 2 bushes of corn a day for writing. "May 19, 1780. Was a thunder-shower in the morning, and was followed by an uncommon darkness, such as is not remembered. It was so dark that one could not know a man but at a small distance, and were obliged to keep a light in the chimney to see to go about, and the night was so extraordinary dark until 1 o'clock that a person could not see his hand when held up, nor even a white sheet of paper. Day and night cloudy. Causes unknown. The works of the Lord are great and marvellous, and past finding out until He graciously pleases to reveal them." THE OLD MILITIA--Persons who held commissions in the militia in the town of Bedford: Stephen Dole, colonel; James Aiken, captain; Phineas Aiken, lieuten- ant; James Gilmore, ensign; William Dole, captain, Nathan Barnes, Captain; Andrew Wiken, captain of cavalry; James Moor, lieutenant; -- Dunlap, major; -- Bois, captain; William Moor, captain; James McLaughlin, ensign; John McAllister, captain; Thomas Chandler, captain; Joseph Colley, captain; Thomas Barr, captain of artillery; 1815 to 1817. William Moore, appointed captain August 8, 1812; promoted adjutant July 4, 1816; promoted colonel June 20, 1818; resigned March 9, 1820 Moody M. Stevens, appointed lieutenant June 20, 1814; resigned July 26, 1816. Leonard French appointed ensign June 20, 1814; promoted Captain July 26, 1816; resigned June 23, 1818. Enoch Dole, appointed lieutenant July 26, 1816; promoted captain July 23, 1818; resigned February 10, 1819. Jesse Parker, appointed ensign July 26, 1816; promoted lieutenant June 23, 1818; promoted captain February 10, 1819; resigned April 9, 1821. William Chandler, appointed ensign June 23, 1818; promoted lieutenant February 10, 1819; promoted captain April 9, 1824; resigned January 31, 1825 Robert Moor, appointed ensign February 10, 1819; promoted lieutenant April 9, 1821; promoted captain April 9, 1824; resigned January 31, 1825 David Stevens appointed ensign August 27, 1821; promoted lieutenant April 9, 1824; resigned January 31, 1825. Samuel Campbell appointed ensign April 9, 1824; promoted captain February 2, 1825; resigned March 25, 1828 Benjamin Nichols, appointed lieutenant February 2, 1825; promoted captain March 1, 1828; discharged April 17, 1830 Joseph C. Moor, appointed ensign February 2, 1825; promoted lieutenant March 1, 1828; promoted captain April 17, 1830; resigned February 8, 1832. Samuel G. Colley, appointed ensign September 5, 1829; promoted lieutenant April 17, 1830; promoted captain February 20, 1832; resigned April 8, 1834. David Sprague, appointed ensign April 17, 1830; promoted lieutenant February 20, 1832; resigned April 8, 1834. William Goff, appointed captain April 9, 1834; resigned Aug 28, 1834. [Other names on this list, dates found in the original document, but only names shown here] Rufus Merrill, Nathaniel Moore, William A. Rundlett, William R. French, Frederick Hodgman, William McAllister, Benjamin Hall, Charles A. Moore, Philip C. Flanders, F.F. French, Thomas G. Worthley, Joseph H. Flint, James H. Moore, Robert C. Moore, William Moore (2d), William P. Gage, Rufus K. Darrah, George W. Goffe. During the war of 1812 there were more than two hundred men armed and equipped in the town of Bedford, who held themselves in readiness to march in defense of their country. At the time the British invaded Portsmouth, the company of exempts under Captain Isaac Riddle, the infantry under Capt William Moore, and the Grenadiers, under Captain William P. Riddle, met at the centre of town, and drilled every day for two weeks, expecting hourly to have orders to march to meet the enemy at Portsmouth. In the year 1815 the infantry company, embodying in its limits, all of the town of Bedford, was composted of about one hundred and fifty men. The field officers of the Ninth Regiment, deeming it too large for the purpose for which it was intended, created a volunteer company by the name of the Bedford Grenadiers, numbering forty-eight rank and file. For military tactics and strict discipline it stood the highest in the Ninth Regiment, and was considered one of the first companies of the state. It was organized before the close of the War of 1812. The uniforms were of American manufacture. Coats were made of homespun cloth, colored blue, trimmed with yellow silk braid and bright buttons. Pants were made of white cotton jean or drilling, manufactured from No. 16 cotton yard, and wove by the Misses Patten of this town. Vests of the same. Gaiters made from black velvet. Black wool hats, furnished with a brass frontpiece, impressed with the American eagle. The plumers were of white with a red top, mdae from geese feathers by Mrs. Theodore Goffe, of this town. In the year 1821 the company procured a new uniform, similiar in style to the first one, but of a richer material, substituting English manufacture for American. The company continues to hold its rank as one of the best companies of the State, until it was disbanded, in the year 1834. Its officers were [the original document included dates of appoint ment, but only names are used here]: William P. Riddle, captain, major, lieut-colonel, colonel and brigadier general; Isaac McGaw, lieutenant; William Patten, ensign, lieutenant, captain; Alfred Foster, ensign, lieutenant, captain, major; John Patten, ensign, lieutenant, captain; Daniel Gordon, ensign, lieutenant, captain; Rufus Merrill ensign, lieutenant, captain; John P. Houston, ensign, lieutenant, and captain; James French, ensign; Samuel Patten, lieutenant and captain; Samuel Morrison, lieutenant; and R. McLaughlin, ensign. In the year 1842 a volunteer company was formed, under the style of the Bedford Highlanders. Their uniforms consisted of coats made from green and Highland plaid, with a plaid scarf; pants of white, trimmed with black velvet; hats of black velvet with black plumes. Its first officers were the following (names only): Charles F. Shepard, Joshua Vose Jr., Timothy F. Moore, Alfred McAffee, William Moore 2d, William McDole Ferson. Field and Staff Officers: Silas Walker, Robert Riddle, H.C. Parker, Isaac Riddle, Lewis F. Harris, A.J. Dow, Leonard Rundlett, L.B. Bowman and George W. Riddle. page 281 MILITARY RECORD 1861-61 Compiled and arranged by George W. Riddle, is the record of Bedford during the War of the Rebellion [Civil War] FIRST REGIMENT (three months), mustered in May 1, 1861 Lyford Hunt, Company C. SECOND REGIMENT (three years) Mustered in June 1, 1861 W. Gage Kendall, Company C., died at Camp Beauford, MD, Nov 15, 1861 THIRD REGIMENT (Three Years) - Mustered in August 23,, 1861 Eli E. Bowman, Company A William H. Plumer, Company A., discharged for disability John Locklin, Company H William A. Butterfield, Company H; discharged for disability Thomas Adams, Company H, served three years George W. Adams, Company H; killed at Pinckney Island SC Aug 21, 1862 Samuel Adams, Company H; discharged for disability Aug 2, 1862 John N. Campbell, Company H; wounded severely June 16, 1862; discharged for disability March 20, 1863 W.H.H. Nichols, Company H; wounded August 1, 1862; discharged for disability October 30, 1862 Andrew J. Campbell, Company H; died of disease September 8, 1862 Charles J. Andrews, Company K Corporal John A. Armstrong, Company K; killed in action at Drury's Bluff, VA May 13, 1864 Sergeant George Way, Company K; wounded August 16, 1864 FOURTH REGIMENT (Three Years) Mustered in September 18, 1861 Captain Edwin Whitford, Company E; promoted to captain May 10, 1865 George H. Blood, Company E Sergeant John P. Hodgman, Company K. Corporal Samuel B. Mace, Company K. George W. Mace, Company K. Corporal Samuel McDoel, Company K. Lieutenant John Fullerton, Company K; promoted to first lieutenant August 1865 Sergeant James McConihe, company K SEVENTH REGIMENT (Three Years) Mustered in November 1, 1861 Sergeant Charles C. McPhreson, Company I; supposed killed at Fort Wagner July 18, 1863 Henry Oliver, Company I; died of disease September 15, 1862 Onslow F. McPherson, Company I John R. Young, Company I Edward Tatro, Company G, died of disease March 22, 1862 EIGHTH REGIMENT (Three Years) Mustered in December 20, 1861 Joseph F. Cady, died in service James W. Harriman, Company F; discharged for disability march 3, 1864 NINTH REGIMENT (Three Years) Mustered in July 12, 1862 George Hodgman Jr., Company B; died of disease, Falmouth VA Nov. 3, 1863, Town Bounty $50. TENTH REGIMENT (Three Years) Mustered in August 20, 1862 Corporal Alfred Quaid, Company A; captured at Fair Oaks, Oct 27, 1864; died at Andersonville prison Albert N. Jenness, Company A; served three years William F. Conner, Company A; wounded severely Sep 29, 1864 Walter D. Campbell, Company A; wounded severely June 3, 1864 Charles Seavey, Company A; wounded severely July 1864, also September 29, 1864 Jackson Butterfield, Company A; served three years Horace Townsend, Company A; wounded severely June 5, 1864 Samuel Seavey, Company A; served three years Charles N. Parkhurst, Company A; died Fredericksburg Dec 17, 1862 Page Campbell, Company D; died of wounds received March 11, 1864 George C. Campbell, Company D, served three years Silas Campbell, Company D. wounded at Fredericksburg Dec 1862 Isaac Campbell, Company D, captured at Fair Oaks, Va October 27, 1864; died at Andersonville prison Daniel S. Campbell, Company D; discharged for disability October 14, 1864 John H. Campbell, COmpany D; served three years Andrew S. Campbell, Company D; deserted at Falmouth Jan 22, 1863 Charles S. Campbell, Company D; discharged for disability May 17, 1864 William Philbrick, Company D, served three years George A. Blook, Company D; died at Portsmouth VA, Nov 10, 1863 Wiliam Adams, Company D; died of disease at Falmouth Jan 12, 1863 Albert P. Kelley, Company F; discharged at Fair Oaks Oct 27, 1864 Sergeant George C. McPherson, Company H; captured at Fair Oaks VA, Oct 27, 1864; died in Andersonville Prison, GA John Roby, Company H; served three years Lysander Gardner, Company H; discharged for disability Apr 1, 1863 Charles N. Towsend, Company H; transferred to V.R. Corps Aug 13, 1863 H.H. Walker, Company H; served three years Edmund Kendall, Company H; transferred to Signal Corps May 23, 1864 John G. McLaughlin; Company H; taken prisoner; served three years ELEVENTH REGIMENT (three Years) Mustered in August 28, 1862 Charles A. Riddle, Company C; transferred to V.R. Corps Apr 15, 1864 James A. Riddle, Company C; wounded severely Dec 13, 1862; discharged for disability Joseph O. Smith, Company E; captured June 22, 1863; died in Anderson- ville prison FOURTEENTH REGIMENT (Three Years) Mustered in Sep 22, 1862 T.J. Wiggin, Company D; transferred to Signal Corps Apr 28, 1863 FIFTEENTH REGIMENT (three Years) Mustered in October 9, 1862 John Hodgman, Company E; wounded severely Andrew C. Giles, Company E; wounded severely William H. Hodgman, Company E; died of disease at Carrolton VA Jan 22, 1863 James S. Lord, Company E J.L. Whittemore, Company E; wounded slightly SIXTEENTH REGIMENT (Nine Months) Mustered in October 16, 1862 Robert H. French, Company G; died in service George W. Boynton, Company G, died in service August 13, 1863 WIlliam P. Mudge, COmpany G., served nine months NEW HAMPSHIRE CAVALRY REGIMENT Mustered in March 1864 Charles J. Parker, served three months. [from report of the town] L.R. Lougee, unaccounted for George B. Moore, Company K Daniel Way, Company K; severely wounded June 13, 1864; died at Fort Warren Samuel A. Stark, enlisted March 16, 1865, for one year. FIRST NEW HAMPSHIRE BATTERY Mustered in Sep 26, 1861 Silas Holbrook, wounded severely Dec 1863; discharged for disability December 14, 1864 Albert R. Holbrook, killed at Petersburg VA July 1864 John Lord, wounded; transferred to V.R. Corps John A. Patten, enlisted March 21, 1865 for one year Edward H. Patten, enlisted March 21, 1865 for one year DRAFTED MEN WHO FURNISHED SUBSITUTES: Gilman H. Moore, Walter I. Bachelder, Roger H. Vose, Freeman R. French, Leonard J. Brown, Charles H. Kendall, Levi J. Woodbury, George Whitford, Farnham Jenkins, David R. Barnard, Clinton French, Horace S. Campbell, George B. Shattuck, John G. Vose, Walter Gage, Joseph G. Holbrook. Charles H. Sargent, John H. Lord, in person. VOLUNTEERS FURNISHED BY TOWN OF BEDFORD Upon the call of Oct 17, 1863 William Jones; Edwin Burns (deserted Jan 13, 1864), Charles Prescott, Charles Jager, George E. Yates, George S. Allen, John Neilson, Charles Peterson, Samuel Collard (veteran), Peter Dailey (died of wounds June 19, 1864), James Cuedy, W.P. Mudge, VRC, George W. Cutler, and Larkin Sargent. RE-ENLiSTED VETERANS--THIRD REGIMENT Mustered in February 1864 Corporal John A. Armstrong, Company K; re-enlisted Feb 12, 1864; killed at Drury's Bluff, May 13, 1864 Sergent George Way, Company K; re-enlisted February 12, 1864; wounded August 16, 1864 Corwin J. Parker, re-enlisted February 25, 1864 FOURTH REGIMENT Lieutenant John Fullerton, Company K; re-enlisted Feb 15, 1864 Sergeant John P. Hodgman, Company K; re-enlisted Feb 15, 1864 SEVENTEENTH REGIMENT John R. Young, Company I; re-enlisted Feb 27, 1864 Onslow F. McPherson, Company I; re-enlisted Feb 27, 1864; deserted May 24, 1864 SHARPSHOOTERS Mustered in March 1864 George Blood, Company G Warren T. Hackett, Company G; died of wounds June 12, 1864 HEAVY ARTILLERY REGIMENT (One Year) Mustered in Sep 2, 1864 Corporal Herbert R. Fulton, 3d Company Charles M. Bowman, 3rd Company William Smith 3rd Company Walter M. Smith 3rd Company Ferdinaner Reuiter, 3rd Company Charles O. Towsend, Third Company; died of disease at Fort Williams, Nov 21, 1864 Eben Foss, Third Company, non-resident Mustered in Sep 17, 1864 Sergeant Austin C. French, Tenth Company Wiggin T. Abbott, Tenth Company Gilman T. Moore, Tenth Regiment SUBSITUTES FURNISHED BY ENROLLED MEN Horace Holbrook, one for 3 years Enoch F. Gage, one for three years. EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT Mustered in March 1864 Herman Schnider, one year. UNITED STATES NAVY (Not credited on enrollment) Josiah G. Woodbury, A.A. paymaster, U.S. Navy, killed on board monitor "Catskill" August 19, 1864 by a shot from Fort Wagner, while bombarding Charleston S.C.; his remains were brought to Bedford and interred with masonic honors. Hugh R. Barnard, clerk, monitor "Catskill" Silas A. Riddle, clerk. U.S. steamers "Calhoun" and "Carrabossett" Captain T.J. Rollins, acting master steamer "Saco" MEDICAL DEPARTMENT W.W. Wilkins, assistant surgeon, Tenth NH Regiment George E. Woodbury, assistant surgeon, First D.C. Volunteers NUMBER OF SOLDIERS FURNiSHeD FROM BEDFORD 40 men in First, second, third, fourth, seventh and eighth regiments, navy and medical departments, received no town bounty 42 men in Ninth, Tenth, eleventh, fourteenth, fifteenth and sixteenth and cavalry regiments, received town bounty [of $3150] -- 82 men volunteered prior to Sep 1, 1863 60 men furnished under calls of President since Sep 1, 1863, who have received from the town of Bedford, and from principals who have furnished twenty subsitutes [$21,694] TOTAL: 142 men Expenses of enlisted paid from town treasury: $25, 061.63 BOUNTIES AND EXPENSES PAID BY ADJOINING TOWNS TOWN No of men Bounties Expenses Avg cost Avg bounty Amherst 153 $20,500 $371.22 $2.42 $135 Merrimack 132 35,145 1339.00 13.39 266 Goffstown 157 36,759 492.00 3.13 234 Weare 186 66,895 1295.00 6.96 359 Bedford 142 19,486 217.00 1.53 137 (end)