Chapter 19 - Brentwood from History of Rockingham County, NH Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by MLM, Volunteer 0000130. For the current email address, please go to http://www.rootsweb.com/~archreg/vols/00001.html#0000130 Copyright. All rights reserved. ************************************************************************ Full copyright notice - http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm USGenWeb Archives - http://www.usgwarchives.net ************************************************************************ Source: History of Rockingham County, New Hampshire and Representative Citizens by Charles A. Hazlett, Richmond-Arnold Publishing Co., Chicago, Ill., 1915 Page 224 CHAPTER XIX BRENTWOOD Geographical- Topographical-Early Inhabitants-Documentary History- Meeting-House-Ecclesiastical History-Congregational Church-Baptist Church- Military History-Public Library. The town of Brentwood lies near the center of the county, and is bounded as follows: On the north by Epping, on the east by Exeter, on the south by Kingston, and on the west by Fremont; The population in 1910 was 759: The surface of the town is broken, and the soil is fertile and well adapted to the raising of grass and grain. It is watered by Exeter, Little, and Deer Rivers. There are desposits of iron ore in this town. Early Inhabitants.-The following is a list of early inhabitants, as shown by a document among the State records under date July 11, 1743. It relates to the formation of the parish, and is as follows : "BRENTWOOD, JULY 11, 1743. "We the Subscribers Do hereby signifie that we Realy Expected and also Desired to stand by the Act of the General Court in making of us a Parish But yet we perceive that the honble Corte have bin Enformed by Sundry Parsons that the major Part of the Parish are Dissatisfy'd in what is done in that afair this is to Shew it is not so. "John Roberds, Joseph Leivett, Thomas Gorden, John Marsh, Rebord Young, Edward Stevens, Daniel Giles, Israel Smith, John Been, Nicholas Gorden, John Folsham, Ithial Smith, Moses Fifield, David Bean, Samuel Roberds, Samuel Jones, Charles Young, Benja Vesey, Jeremiah Bean, Biley Harvey, John Giles, Benja Roberds, John Roberds, David Smith, Jonathan Smith, John Smith, Josiah Moody, Zackiriah Jude, Jeremiah Row, Jedediah Prescott, James Robenson, Daniel Tilton, John James, Nathel Folsham, James Dudley jun, Joseph Gose, Benja Scribner, Ebenezer Hutchinson, Elisha Sanborn, James Young, Benja Fifield, Bridget Smith, Thomas Scritchet, Abraham Smith, Gorg Roberds, James Dudley, Joel Judkins, Roberd Brown, Joseph Atkinson, Jacob Smith, Jabez Clough; James Gloyd, Nicholas Doliof, Alexander Roberds, William Granby, Daniel Sanborn, Jona Roberson, William Smith, Jona Tailer, Nathl Prescott, Jona Cram, Joseph Giles, Henery Marsh, Job Kenistone, John Mudgit." Page 225 "Petition of a number of the Inhabitants of Brintitlood, praying to be set off as a parish. "To his Excellency Benning Wentworth Esqr Governor & Commander in chief in and over his Majestys Province of New Hampshire the honorable his Majesty's Council & House of Representatives in General Assembly conven'd 12th day of June 1764. "The Petition of us the Subscribers humbly sheweth that whereas we who are of the Parish of Brintwood in said Province are exposed by being at a great distance from Meeting for the public worship of God Therefore pray your Honers to take our Case into your wise Consideration and set us off as a Parish with all Parish privileges one half of the aforesaid Parish of Brintwood for quantity on the westerly end, Beginning at the northwesterly Corner of said Parish running easterly on Epping Line so far as tO contain one half of the length of said Line. Then beginning at the South westerly Corner of said Parish running Easterly on Kingston Line one half of the Length of the said South Line then to run a Straight Line across said Parish of Brintwood so as to contain full one half of the Land of said Brintwood agreeable to a Vote of said Parish reference hereto being had may make fully appear. And your Petitioners in duty bound Shall ever pray "John Taylor, Joshua Kimball, Benjn Kimball, Jonathan Brown, Joseph Hoyt, Jonathan Ring, James Tucker, Daniel Brown, John Hoyt, Abel Morrill, John French, John Glidden, Israel Smith, Robert Glidden, Ephraim Brown, Benjamin Cram, Abraham Sanbom, Elias Swain, Jonathan Hoyt, Benjamin Hoyt, Reuben Hoyt, John Prescott Lovren, Zacheus Clough, John Kimball, Nathan Kimball, James Merrill, James Merrill Jun, John Kenison, Nathan Brown, Enoch Brown, John Hoyt Jun, Samuel Hoyt, Joseph Taylor, Daniel Kimball, Samuel Clough, John Clough, David Kimball, Richard Clough, David Hoyt, Samuel Moody, Clement Moody, Nathaniel Whittier, Nathaniel Whittier Jun, Benjamin Clough. "Province of New Hamps. In the House of Representatives June 14th 1764. This petition being read "Voted That the prayer thereof be Granted & that the petitioners have leave to bring In a Bill accordingly. "A. CLARKSON Clerk "In Council June 15th 1764 Read and Concurred. T. ATKINSON Sec "At a Parish Meeting held at the meeting house in Brintwood the fifteenth Day of May 1764 "Voted Deacon Jeremiah Bean moderator of said meeting at the same meeting it was Put to Vote to see if the Parish would maintain Two ministers in said Parish & it Past in the Negative "Voted the Inhabitants of the Westerly End of the Parish be set off to be a Parish by themselves that is to come one half the way Down on Epping Line & Run such a Point a cross to Kingston Line as to contain one half ye Land in Sd Parish "ELISHA SANBORN Clerk "A copy Examd." Page 226 Congregational Church.-Brentwood was originallya part of Exeter, and was incorporated June 26, 1742. Previous to this a meeting house had been erected in what is now the easterly part of Brentwood. The first pastor of the Congregational Church in Brentwood was Rev. Nathaniel Trask, from Lexington, Mass. He came to Brentwood in 1747. A church was organized in 1748, and Mr. Trask was ordained December 12, 1748. There was a meeting house built near the center of the town in 1750, where the present Congregational meeting house now stands. A church was organized at the Centre July 12th, O. S., or July 23, N. S., 1751. These two churches united in one, and Rev. Mr. Trask was installed pastor of this united church and minister of the town, January 7, O. S., or January 18, N. S., 1756. Mr. Trask was dismissed from his pastoral charge July 30, 1787, on account of inability to preach, arising from a disorder in his head. Rev. Ebenezer Flint, from Methuen, Mass., was the second pastor of this church, ordained May 27, 1801. On the 21st of July, 1813, Rev. Chester Colton, from Hartford, Conn., commenced his labors here, and was ordained pastor of this church January 25, 1815. The meeting house, which was built in 1750, was taken down and a new one built on the same spot in 1815. The Congregational parsonage house was also built in 1815. The Sabbath school was organized in the spring of 1817, and Thomas S. Robinson was the first superintendent. Mr. Colton secured to himself the warmest attachment of his people, and his labors were greatly blessed. He was dismissed at his own request, on account of inflammation of the eyes, March 16, 1825. The fourth pastor of this church was Rev. Luke A. Spofford, from Gilmanton, N. H., installed February 22, 1826. Mr. Spofford asked and received a dismissal, April 1, 1829. After the dismissal of Mr. Spofford this people enjoyed the labors of Rev. Jonathan Ward, from Plymouth, N. H., as acting pastor, until the autumn of 1833. The fifth pastor of this church was Rev. Francis Welch, from Hampstead, N. H. He was ordained December 4, 1833. He was dismissed October 4, 1837. The sixth pastor of this church was Rev. John Gunnison, from New Market, N. H., who began to preach here in October, 1837, and was installed June 12, 1837. He was dismissed June 8, 1841. The seventh pastor of this church was Rev. James Boutwell, from Lyndeborough, N. H. Mr. Boutwell commenced his labors here July 11, 1841, and was ordained November 4, 1841. In 1847 the interior of the meeting house that was built in 1815 was remodeled. When this meeting house was first built the audience room was two stories high; the gallery Was high three ways round the room; the pulpit was so exceedingly high as to tire the necks and eyes of those who sat nearest the pulpit to look at the minister; the pews were square; the seats that kind that had hinges, and of course must be turned up when the congregation rose for prayers. The pews in the audience room are long, the pulpit low, the gallery small, exclusively for the choir. November 11, 1847, this meeting house was rededicated to the worship of God, and Rev. Mr. Boutwell preached the dedicatory sermon from Exod. xx. 24. Mr. Boutwell sustained the pastoral office among this people for more than ten years. Rev. Josiah M. Steams, from New Ipswich, N. H., supplied the pulpit as acting pastor from [Pages 227 and 228 contained photos of Town Hall, Candia, N. H., Congregation Church, Candia, N. H., and M. E. Church, East Candia, N. H.] Page 229 September 26, 1852, to June 12, 1853, when his useful life terminated in death, aged thirty-four years. The eighth pastor of this church was Rev. Charles Dame, from South Berwick, Me., installed May 17, 1754. Through the efforts of Mr. Dame, a bell was purchased and put in the belfry of the meeting house, April 18, 1855, and also a chandelier, which was put in the meeting house June 27, 1855. Rev. Mr. Dame was dismissed November 12, 1856. The ninth pastor of this church was Rev. Hugh McLeod, a native of Nova Scotia, came from Springfield, Ohio, to Brentwood, and commenced his labors here December 13, 1857, and was installed February 17, 1859. His labors were greatly blessed. The reason he gave for asking a dismission was that he had a call from the Christian Commission to go and labor in the United States service. He was dismissed October 16, 1865. Rev Nathaniel Lassell, from Amesbury, Mass., was the acting pastor from July 29, 1866, to August 29, 1869. Rev. William C. Jackson, a native of Madison, N. H., commenced his labors here July 10, 1870, and he was succeeded after serving twelve years by Rev. E. B. Pike, 1882-1886; Herbert G. Mauk, 1886-1888; Benjamin A. Dean, 1888-1893; Ferdinand I. Ward, 1893-1894; Henry H. Colbum, 1894-1901; Amasa C. Fay, 1901-1906; Ernest L. Rand, 1906-1907; Finis E. Delzell, 1907-. Baptist Church.-A meeting house had been erected in the northwest part of the town previous to 1768. May 2, 1771, a church was organized of thirteen members as follows: William Eastman, Stephen Sleeper, Levi Morrill, Edward Smith, Stephen Butler, Alerdo Carter, John Folsom, Jeremiah Ward, Ellis Towle, Martha Marston, Molly Morrill, Abigail French, and Elizabeth Sleeper. Levi Morrill was chosen clerk, and Stephen Sleeper deacon. Dr. Samuel Shepard was called May 23d to take charge of this church and its branches at Stratham and Nottingham, and he was ordained at Stratham the last Wednesday of September of that year. Dr. Shepard's pastorate extended over a period of forty-four years, when he died November 4, 1815, aged seventy-six years, four months, and thirteen days, and was buried only a short distance from the place where he had preached so long. After Dr. Shepard's death the pulpit was supplied by Rev. Jonathan Thyng, Benjamin Pottle, Henry Veasey, Reuben Bell and Elder Cheny. Rev. Samuel Cook commenced his labors in Brentwood June 3, 1827. In 1828 the old wooden meeting house was taken down and a new brick one erected, but not exactly on the same spot, the new one being on the north side of the road directly opposite from the old site. The new brick church was dedicated November 4, 1828. The first anniversary of the Portsmouth Baptist Association was held at the new Baptist meeting house in Brentwood, October 7 and 8, 1829. The parsonage house was built in 1832. Mr. Cook was dismissed May 1, 1835. Rev. James W. Poland was publicly recognized as pastor of this church May 11, 1836. Mr. Poland was dismissed in October, 1838, on account of ill health. In April, 1839, Rev. John Holbrook was obtained as his successor. Bro. Horace Eaton, a recent graduate of New Hampton Institution, supplied the desk a while in 1841. Page 230 In April, 1842, Rev. Abel Philbrick became pastor, and the next year the Portsmouth Baptist Association held its fifteenth anniversary with this church. In October, 1844, Rev. A. M. Swain was the pastor, remaining until 1849. He was succeeded by Rev. J. H. Learned. Much to the regret of his people, Bro. Learned was obliged, on account of ill health, to close his labors with this church in the spring of 1854. In 1855, Rev. A. M. Swain was again called to minister to this people. He preached his farewell sermon October 24, 1858. In the spring of 1859, Rev. William H. Jones was settled here as the pastor of this church. He closed his labors in February, 1861. June 27, 1861, Leonard B. Hatch was installed pastor, and labored there very acceptably for two years,when he resigned, preaching here for the last time May 31, 1863. Jesse M. Coburn was the next pastor, coming here some time in 1863, remaining until July 1, 1866. Rev. H. G. Hubbard was his successor; was here for two years, and preached his farewell sermon November 8, 1868. During the next year somewhat extensive repairs were made on the inside of the church building, and on their completion, in August, 1869, the Rev. Charles D. Swett received and accepted a call to become pastor of this church. He remained here four years. During his ministry the church celebrated their centennial, he preaching a sermon on the occasion. He delivered this sermon October 19, 1871, the church being 100 years old February 2d previous. In October, 1873, Rev. J. H. Learned received and accepted a call to become pastor again for the second time, which position he held for three years, and resigned again in the fall of 1876 on account of ill health. December 10, 1876, E. L. Scott accepted a call to this church, and was ordained here March 6, 1877, and closed his labors October 14, 1877. Rev. C. H. Newhall succeeded him, and was pastor for three years, when he resigned. October 31, 1880, Rev. George Ober was given a very unanimous call to become pastor of this old church and accepted; he began his labors February 6, 1881, and remained until 1884. He was succeeded by Rev. Geo. A. Glinesbill, 1890; Rev. Geo. W. Ellison, one year; Rev. J. W. Higgins, 1891-99; Rev. Bernard Christopher, 1899-1901; Rev. J. A. Bailey, 1902-1904; Rev. Geo. W. Nickerson, 1905-07; Rev. J. D. Matthews, 1907-12; Rev. C. W. Sables, 1912-14. Military Record.-The following is a list of those who enlisted from this town during the late rebellion: Joseph Geebo, Co. C, 5th Regiment; enlisted August 23, 1864; discharged June 28, 1865. Thomas Morrison,-, 11th Regiment; enlisted December 23, 1863. Allen Turkey, Co. H, 5th Regiment; enlisted September 7, 1864; discharged June 28, 1865. Reuben C. Gaines, -, 11th Regiment; enlisted December 19, 1863. William M. Loecke, Co. C, 6th Regiment; enlisted November 27, 1861; re-enlisted December 27, 1863, and credited to town of Chester. James W. McIntire, Co. C, 6th Regiment; enlisted November 27, 1861; discharged March 4, 1862. Page 231 William H. Hook, Co. A, 9th Regiment; enlisted August 28, 1862; discharged April 27, 1863. Daniel Riley, Co. C, 6th Regiment; enlisted November 27, 1861; killed August 29, 1862. Charles A. Glidden, Co. A, 11th Regiment; enlisted August 28, 1862; discharged June 4, 1865. Freeman Stockman, Co. C, 6th Regiment; enlisted November 27, 1861; discharged May 18, 1863. Nathaniel B. Collins, 1st Sergeant Co. A, 11th Regiment; enlisted August 28, 1862; discharged June 4, 1865. John S. Rowell, Sergeant Co. C, 6th Regiment; enlisted November 27, 1861; re-enlisted and promoted 1st Lieutenant December 24, 1863; promoted Captain January 7, 1865 ; discharged July 17, 1865. Isaac N. Morse, Corporal Co. C, 6th Regiment; enlisted November 27, 1861; discharged March 4, 1862. John W. Clarke, Co. H, 7th Regiment; enlisted April 13, 1864; absent, sick, July 20, 1865; no discharge furnished. James W. Marshall, Co. B. 7th Regiment; enlisted November 18, 1861; re-enlisted and promoted to Sergeant February 27, 1864; discharged July 28, 1864. Bernard McElroy, Co. A, 7th Regiment; enlisted October 29, 1861; reenlisted February 29, 1864; discharged July 20, 1865. John Cadigan, Co. D, 8th Regiment; enlisted August 17, 1864; not officially accounted for. Frank Howard, Co. C,9th Regiment; enlisted August 24, 1864. Benjamin F. LaBue, Corporal Co. A. 11th Regiment; enlisted August 28, 1862; discharged June 4, 1865 Elbridge C. Brackett, Co. A, 11th Regiment; enlisted August 28, 1862; promoted to Corporal; discharged June 4, 1865. George W. Brackett, Co. A, 11th Regiment; enlisted August 28, 1862; discharged June 4, 1865. John L. Gilman, Co. A, 11th Regiment; enlisted August 28, 1862: discharged for disability December 13, 1862. Joshua W. Lane, Co. A, 11th Regiment; enlisted August 28, 1862; discharged June 4, 1865. Edward Nickett, Co. A, 11th Regiment; enlisted August 28, 1862; promoted to Corporal; transferred to Inv. Corps September 1, 1863. Dudley H. Robinson, Co. A, 11th Regiment; enlisted August 28, 1862; died January 9, 1863. Jonathan W. Robertson, Co. A, 11th Regiment; enlisted August 28, 1862; promoted to Sergeant; discharged June 4, 1865. George O. Sanborn, Co. A, 11th Regiment; enlisted August 28, 1862; promoted to Sergeant; discharged June 4, 1865. Charles G. Thing, Co. A, 11th Regiment; enlisted August 28, 1862; died January 31, 1863. Herman W. Veazey, Co. A, 11th Regiment; enlisted August 28, 1862; transferred to Vet. Res. Corps; discharged June 28, 1865. Page 232 George A. Miles, Co. A, 11th Regiment; enlisted August 28, 1862; transferred to Vet. Res. Corps; discharged August 28, 1865. John F. Worthen, Co. A, 11th Regiment; enlisted August 28, 1862; transferred to Battalion E, 1st U. S. A., October 14, 1862. Charles Davis, Co. A, 11th Regiment; enlisted August 28, 1862; transferred to Vet. Res. Corps, September 30, 1863. John P. Bean, Co. C, 11th Regiment; enlisted August 28, 1862; discharged June 4, 1865. John N. Kimball, Co. I, 11th Regiment; enlisted September 2, 1862; discharged March 27, 1863. Marcena W. Lane, Co. I, 11th Regiment; enlisted September 2, 1862; discharged June 4, 1865. John Campbell, Co. A, 11th Regiment; enlisted July 29. 1864; transferred to 6th N. H. Volunteers June 1, 1865. George Sawyer, Co. G, 11th Regiment; enlisted December 19, 1863; transferred to 6th N. H. Volunteers June 1, 1865; discharged July 17, 1865. Oliver Thomas, 14th Regiment; enlisted August 5, 1864; not officially accounted for. James H. Robinson, Corporal, Co. E, 15th Regiment; enlisted October 9, 1862; discharged August 13, 1863. George R. Russell, Sergeant, Co; E, 15th Regiment; enlisted October 9, 1862; discharged August 13, 1863. Josiah Morris, Sergeant, Co. E. 15th Regiment; enlisted October 9, 1862; discharged August 13, 1863. Lorenzo D. Cate, Co. E, 15th Regiment; enlisted October 9, 1862; discharged August 13, 1863. Frank A. Colby, Co. E, 15th Regiment; enlisted October 9, 1862; died, date unknown. Frank W. Gould. Co. E, 15th Regiment; enlisted October 9, 1862; discharged August 13, 1863. James F. Hazeltine, Co. E, 15th Regiment; enlisted October 9, 1862; discharged August 13, 1863. Edward Hemmel, Co. E, 15th Regiment; enlisted October 9, 1862; discharged August 13, 1863. George B. Lane, Co. E, 15th Regiment; enlisted October 17, 1862; discharged August 13, 1863. Lewis W. Sinclair, Co. E, 15th Regiment; enlisted October 9, 1862; died July 25, 1863. Marcus M. Tuttle, Co. E, 15th Regiment; enlisted October 15, 1862; deserted, date unknown. Mark Carr, Co. A, 1st Cavalry; enlisted April 14, 1864; promoted to Sergeant; discharged March 20, 1865, on account of wounds. Joseph W. Chase, Co. B, 1st Cavalry; enlisted March 24, 1864; captain June 29, 1864; no discharge given. George Young, Co. B, 1st Cavalry; enlisted April 14, 1864; deserted April 17, 1864. David E. Brown, Co. C, 1st Cavalry; enlisted Aprtl 5, 1864; discharged July 15, 1865. Page 233 Horace S. Flanders, 1st Co. H. Artillery ; enlisted July 22, 1863; discharged September 11, 1865. John H. Carr, 1st U. S. S. S., Co. E, Corporal; enlisted September 9, 1861; promoted to Sergeant January 29, 1863; September 20, 1863. Charles O. Copp, Co. C, 11th Regiment; enlisted August 21, 1862; promoted to Corporal May 1, 1865; discharged June 4, 1865. Andrew Jackson, -, U. S. C. T.; enlisted August 24, 1864; no record here of him. William Burrows, enlisted August 23, 1864; company and regiment unknown. John J. Stallard, enlisted August 23, 1864; company and regiment unknown. John E. Dunbar, enlisted August 10, 1864; company and regiment unknown. James Miller, enlisted August 11, 1864; company and regiment unknown. Simon Brown, enlisted August 13, 1864; company and regiment unknown. Thomas Morrison, enlisted September 1, 1863; company and regiment unknown. James Tracey, enlisted January 4, 1865; company and regiment unknown. William Desell, Co. A, 5th Regiment; enlisted August 26, 1864; discharged June 28, 1865. William Barrows, Co. H, 5th Regiment; enlisted August 23, 1864; deserted, gained from desertion; discharged June 14, 1863. E. B. W. Stevens, Co. I, 5th Regiment; enlisted September 18, 1862; killed July 2, 1863. Jonathan S. Rowe, Co. I, 5th Regiment; enlisted September 18, 1862; missing December 13, 1862. James Maloney, Co. F, 2d Regiment; enlisted October 5, 1864; deserted February 4, 1865. William Fisher, Co. I, 2d Regiment; enlisted December 2, 1863; deserted February 3, 1864. Ambrose E. Rowell, Co. B, 3d Regiment; enlisted February 22, 1864; promoted to Sergeant; discharged July 20, 1865. George W. Bean, Co. B, 7th Regiment; enlisted December 17, 1861; promoted to Corporal June 12, 1862; Sergeant Dtcember 22, 1864; discharged July 20, 1865. George A. Robinson, Co. B, 7th Regiment; enlisted September 17, 1862; discharged June 28, 1865. Charles Hall, Co. B, 11th Regiment; enlisted December 18, 1863. Nat Wolf, Co. H, 11th Regiment; enlisted December 18, 1863. James McKee, 11th Regiment; enlisted December 19, 1863. Andrew P. White, 11th Regiment; enlisted December 19, 1863. Henry Harkins, 11th Regiment; enlisted August 19, 1864. John F. Brown, Co. I, 11th Regiment; enlisted February 14, 1865; transferred to 6th N. H. Volunteers; discharged July 17, 1865. Louis Douche, Co. K, 1st Cavalry; enlisted March 8, 1865; discharged July 15, 1865. Page 234 John F. Dudley, Co. E, 2d Regiment; enlisted June 3, 1861; promoted to Sergeant August 1, 1862; discharged June 21, 1864. Freeman Stockman, Co. C, 6th Regiment; enlisted November 27, 1861; discharged May 18, 1863. John W. Clark, Co. H, 7th Regiment; enlisted April 13, 1864; absent sick July 20, 1865; no discharge furnished. Josiah Norris, Sergeant, Co. E, 15th Regiment; enlisted October 9, 1862; discharged August 13, 1863. E. B. Pike is the physician. The Grange is the Keeneboro. The first suggestion for a public library was made in a Grange meeting early in 1893. A private association library decided to disband and present their books to the town and this was done on May 1, 1893. In 1902 the ladies of Brentwood held a fair and presented the town with nearly a hundred volumes. Mrs. Mabel G. Snyder is librarian. There are over 1,500 volumes in the library.