Day Book of Jeremiah Smith Jewett: Volume One January 1, 1854 – December 31, 1869

By Brenda M. Polidoro

Day Book of Jeremiah Smith Jewett
Volume One
January 1, 1854 December 31, 1869

Jeremiah Jewett s impact on NH history and the Lakes Region was unknown until the recent discovery of his numerous, daily, handwritten journals, painstakingly recorded from 1854 unti l 1900.

His life in Warren and Lakeport/Laconia, NH found him wearing
many hats: husband, father, preacher, lawyer, railroad surveyor, merchant,undertaker and gentleman farmer. His vivid descripti ons of his life over 46 years and travels around the country at World Industrial Fairs, Methodist religious gatherings and railway excursions in NH, New England and beyond, are embellished by his emoti onal, notable accounts of the death of Abraham Lincoln, unknown medical diseases of the era, and the tragic loss of a beloved
son at age 19.
Probably no one impacted the towns of Warren, Lakeport (Meredith
Bridge) and Laconia, NH like Rev. Jeremiah S. Jewett . These volumes relate to
his daily experiences in the latt er years of his life.
Brenda M. Polidoro, editor, brings his history of NH to life, in his
own words and style, penned in bound leather. The authenti c transcribed
volumes are a riveti ng account of someti mes tragic and yet hopeful, positi ve
ti mes as seen by one person at the turn of the century.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jul 28, 2011
• ISBN: 9781469117362

Brenda M. Polidoro

Brenda M. Polidoro is a New Hampshire lover of history and has researched the Jewett family’s impact and relevance to NH’s Lakes Region history, including Laconia, Warren and surrounding towns. Her passion has been the transcription of Rev. Jeremiah Smith Jewett’s (1822-1909) numerous daily journal entries totaling some 2600 hand-written pages as well as research regarding his life. She is a member of the board of the Laconia Historical and Museum Society and a proactive volunteer for the LHMS and Gale Memorial Library. By day, Polidoro works in the ophthalmic medical field and was previously involved in the banking industry—a graduate of Williams College School of Banking. She resides in Laconia, New Hampshire with her husband and two children.

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Contents

Acknowledgements

Transcriptionist’s Notes

The History of

Jeremiah Smith Jewett

Lake Village

Jan 1st 1854

February   1854

March   1854

April    1854

May   1854

June   1854

July   1854

August   1854

September   1854

October   1854

November   1854

December   1854

January, 1855

February   1855

March   1855

April   1855

May   1855

June   1855

July   1855

August    1855

September   1855

October   1855

November    1855

December   1855

January, 1856

February   1856

March   1856

April   1856

May   1856

June   1856

July   1856

August   1856

September   1856

October   1856

November   1856

December   1856

January, 1857

February   1857

March   1857

April   1857

May   1857

June   1857

July   1857

August   1857

September    1857

October   1857

November   1857

December   1857

January, 1858

February   1858

March   1858

April   1858

May   1858

June   1858

July   1858

August   1858

September   1858

October   1858

November   1858

December   1858

January, 1859

February   1859

March   1859

April   1859

May   1859

June   1859

July   1859

August   1859

September   1859

October   1859

November    1859

December   1859

January, 1860

February    1860

March   1860

April   1860

May   1860

May   1860

June   1860

July    1860

August   1860

September   1860

October   1860

November   1860

December   1860

January, 1861

February   1861

March    1861

April   1861

May   1861

June   1861

July   1861

August   1861

September   1861

October   1861

November   1861

December   1861

January, 1862

February   1862

March   1862

April   1862

May   1862

June   1862

July    1862

August   1862

September    1862

October    1862

November    1862

December   1862

January, 1863

February   1863

March   1863

April   1863

May   1863

June   1863

July   1863

August   1863

September   1863

October   1863

November   1863

December    1863

January, 1864

February   1864

March   1863

April   1864

May   1864

June   1864

July   1864

August   1864

September   1864

October   1864

November   1864

December   1864

January, 1865

February   1865

March   1865

April   1865

May   1865

June   1865

July   1865

August   1865

September   1865

October   1865

November   1865

December   1865

January, 1866

February   1866

March   1866

April   1866

May   1866

June   1866

July   1866

August   1866

September   1866

October   1866

November   1866

December   1866

January, 1867

February   1867

March   1867

April    1867

May   1867

June   1867

July   1867

August   1867

September   1867

October   1867

November   1867

December   1867

January, 1868

February   1868

March   1868

April   1868

May   1868

June   1868

July   1868

August   1868

September   1868

October   1868

November   1868

December   1868

January, 1869

February   1869

March   1869

April   1869

May   1869

June   1869

July   1869

August   1869

September   1869

October   1869

November   1869

December   1869

Journal/ Book Synopsis-

(Jeremiah Jewett)

Author/Editor Biography

Acknowledgements

I would like to extend my personal gratitude, first and foremost, to Mrs. Mary Orton, who generously and thoughtfully donated publicly the comprehensive collection of Jeremiah S. Jewett’s handwritten, bound journals to the Laconia Historical and Museum Society (LHMS) in Laconia, NH, in 2005. Mrs. Orton was the primary family custodian of these historic journals after the death of her first husband, Stephen Jewett, a descendant of Jeremiah’s. Mrs. Orton still resides in Laconia, with her husband, Russell C. Orton. Mrs. Orton remains a stalwart, hands-on contributor and champion for the publication of these transcripts (and a personal friend to me as well). Thank you, Mary.

A note of appreciation is extended to Mr. Theo Stephen Jewett, Jeremiah’s nephew, who as a noted Laconia historian in his own right (and Jewett family student of history), maintained and preserved this series of journals for posterity. He was the steward of additional historical artifacts related to these days gone by—an era that may have been forgotten, if not for his foresight and careful preservation.

Mr. Lyle Moody of Warren, NH and the Warren Historical Society was my right arm in this endeavor. I extend my sincere appreciation and heartfelt thanks for his unabated assistance in the never-ending research and time he spent over six years—constant interaction and feedback, expeditions around Warren’s graveyards and notable buildings, as well as his travels to Laconia to assist with more historical discoveries of Jeremiah’s impact. Profound thanks Lyle, most of all, for your friendship and fervent dedication toward the effort of re-introducing Jeremiah S. Jewett to the residents of the Warren, NH community in present day—local citizens that may not have known of Jeremiah’s role in Warren, NH’s history, Methodist Circle and Laconia.

Your knowledge of the enormous Merrill/Jewett family genealogy, and their relatives through direct relations and marriages, and local burial sites in Warren, complimented and enhanced our understanding of the interaction and relevant burial sites of his parents/and relations in the Laconia area as well. Your efforts completed the puzzle of a man who significantly impacted two towns - towns separated mostly by railroad tracks of the day, in the late 1800s.

Nelson Kennedy, a church elder with the United Methodist Church in Warren, NH, who by serendipity, fell upon a beautiful, formal unknown portrait of a man in church storage; a portrait of a former minister that we were able to identify as Rev. Jeremiah Smith Jewett. It put a face and voice to the journals that we read and transcribed. A special thank you is also extended to the Methodist church that proudly displays, in their vestry, that same portrait, never again to be hidden in dust and forgotten. Your assistance, (and that of Mr. Lyle Moody’s), in arranging for my formal presentations of Jeremiah’s impact to interested Warren residents at local historical meetings/ dinners, facilitated and enhanced my efforts in exposing Jeremiah to future historians of Warren. Thank you both for your dedication.

I extend my deep appreciation to the Laconia Historical and Museum Society (LHMS), its board of directors, staff and members for their un-relentless efforts and interest in this historical project. The funding of this project and final publication of the volumes were supported by the LHMS. Thank you also to the Gale Memorial, Laconia Public Library director and staff for their unrestricted access to their facilities, and files related to the Jewetts. Warren D. Huse, Laconia’s historian and author of note, was a champion of my efforts as well, often assisting in locating homes and gravesites relevant to Jewett family history.

A special thanks is extended to Ms. Judy Loto of the LHMS who inspired me to volunteer my services to transcribe just a few pages in an unknown journal and pertaining to the descriptive, emotional account of the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. Little did we know that the man who handwrote that paragraph would be Jeremiah S. Jewett.

Judy- your simple volunteer request sent me on a life-changing six-year journey and the eventual introduction to Jeremiah, a man whom I may not have known of, (or sadly anyone else may have not known) for that matter. You planted the seed of interest in this obsession and compulsion to discern more—that resulted in the eventual transcription of over 2,700 handwritten pages of history. Without that request, both Laconia and Warren, NH may not have known of his impact in both communities.

For your unending support and interest, I am greatly in debited to Ms. Jennifer Carroll Plante, Executive Director of the Laconia Historical and Museum Society. Thank you Jenna for all you do to seek out and to preserve history and for all the assistance you provided me during this sometimes exhaustive process. Thanks for the encouragement, facilities to research the unknown and for your patience and financial backing of this important project. Your coordination of the volunteers to assist in editing of the final transcripts shortened the process to completion . . . they helped insure that Jeremiah’s own words (phonetic misspellings of the day) remained true to his original documents and voice. The final publications of these documents are a testimony to your assistance and impact on the LHMS in general.

Finally, I wish to thank my understanding family, my husband, Jack and my children, Stephanie Lynn and John Perri who for over this six-year endeavor of love have willingly endured endless conversations/ passion, discoveries, updates and exciting breakthroughs concerning Jeremiah’s life and his previously unknown significance in this world and New Hampshire. As teenagers now, and youngsters when we started this project, they have an appreciation of the role of history and in particular one man’s impact on a vast, ever changing world. May they always seek out others of note in their own lives, and volunteer where needed. They assisted in many steps of my research and participated in travel adventures, when needed, often finding gravestones and artifacts I might have missed. It has been an amazing journey and I am ecstatic that you were all there with me. It seems like yesterday when we traversed other towns and graveyards seeking Jerry, his own parents, his loving wife and children.

To Jeremiah, my life would not have been the same without you. I have been accused of being in love with you. Perhaps I am in many ways. Considering how you have influenced my life in thoughts, words and deed, I now have a greater respect for those that preceded us in life and history. How many other men and woman in your lifetime had daily journals that told stories no one is aware of today? I wish I had known you personally, but through your notations, sometimes one line and other times, paragraphs, I feel I do know you. We now know what a portion of your life was like and the emotion you felt. We can hear your voice in your words. Now others can hear that voice too. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the opportunity to know you intimately. I honestly feel you handpicked me to undertake this project. I am grateful for the opportunity to expose your contributions and insight one hundred years after your death in 1909.

Brenda M. Polidoro, 2011

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The original leather-bound journals of Jeremiah S. Jewett, as well as additional Jewett family historical artifacts are currently maintained and preserved by the Laconia Historical and Museum Society (LHMS). The offices for the historical society are located at the Gale Memorial Public Library on Main Street in Laconia, New Hampshire, with supplemental archives in a facility on Water Street.

Transcriptionist’s Notes

The following is a transcription of the journal written by Jeremiah Smith Jewett and transcribed for the Laconia Historical & Museum Society, Inc. by Brenda M. Polidoro of Laconia, New Hampshire. In an effort to remain true to the original document, the transcription is presented in its original form—spelling, punctuation and grammar are as they appear in Jeremiah Smith Jewett’s hand written version.

The Majority of this document was maintained by Jeremiah Smith Jewett, however, on occasion entries were made by his wife Harriett (Hetty) M. Farnum Jewett as well as his son Martin Wilbur Jewett. The source of the entries have therefore been identified by using alternating print fonts as follows:

Jeremiah Smith Jewett

Harriett (Hetty) M. Farnum Jewett

Martin Wilbur Jewett

Illegible Words will be included in square brackets [ ] with any known letters included [Illeg . . . . Wo . . . s].

Marginal Notations are identified within the text as follows:

////Marginal Notation/////

The History of

Jeremiah Smith Jewett

Jeremiah Smith Jewett was born in Laconia (Meredith Bridge), New Hampshire on November 25, 1822. He was the son of Smith Jewett and Stratirah Glines Jewett and grandson of Samuel Jewett who marched on Bunker Hill.

Mr. Jewett received his education in the public school system and upon completion entered the work force. He was first employed as an assistant to the surveyor of the Railroad and later secured survey work with the Montreal Railroad and is said to have driven the first stake in the construction of the railroad that started in Concord, New Hampshire. Mr. Jewett followed Railroad Engineering for three years and in 1848 he went to Lakeport to assist with the completion of the Railroad buildings and began work in the Lakeport Railroad shops where he was employed until 1863. He then relocated to Warren, New Hampshire, Hariett Farnum Jewett’s hometown, and purchased an interest in a General Store and followed the Merchantile business until 1888. The General Store housed the Post Office as well as the first Telegraph office in the area. Mr. Jewett later served as Post Master and Assistant Post Master for fifteen years and was a member of the school board for five years. While in Warren, Mr. Jewett continued his association with the Railroad as a consultant, often traveling the area measuring loads of cord wood and taking inventory of Railroad Sleepers (Railroad Ties).

In February 1852 Mr. Jewett was married to Harriet M. Farnum, daughter of Joseph B. and Betsy (Merrill) Farnum of Warren, New Hampshire.

Martin Wilbur Jewett was born to Jeremiah and Harriett in 1855 in Lakeport, New Hampshire. Martin died in December 1873 at the age of 19 while attending Tilton Seminary School, then known as the New Hampshire Conference School. Jeremiah S. Jewett donated property on Island Road in Warren in the memory of his son to the Warren Methodist Church Sabbath School on which to build a playground for the local community. This location was later dedicated as The Martin Jewett Memorial Park.

Jeremiah Smith Jewett maintained an active role in the Warren Methodist Church. He was a member of the church choir and played music for the choir both on the Seraphim and then later on the Organ. He taught Sabbath School and later became the Sabbath School Superintendent and held that position for some thirteen years. Mr. Jewett received Justice of the Peace designation and in 1878 was ordained as a Methodist Minister, preaching in Warren and surrounding towns including Rumney and Wentworth.

In May of 1884 Mr. and Mrs. Jewett adopted Nellie V. Campbell from the Orphan’s Home in Franklin, New Hampshire at the age of 9. Nellie, originally from Unity, New Hampshire was married in 1893 to F. George W. Morse from Cabot, VT. The couple resided with the Jewett’s for a period of time and then rented a tenement in Warren.

Ethel B. Morse was born to Mr. and Mrs. Morse in 1894. A second child Hattie Bell (Susie) Morse was born in 1897 and died at the age of 6 months in 1898. Just a few short months later, Nellie also died. Both Nellie and her six month old daughter are buried in the family plot in Pine Hill Cemetery, Warren, New Hampshire.

Upon her mother’s death in 1898, Ethel B. Morse was to permanently reside with her grandparents, her father returning to his home town of Cabot, Vt.

In 1904 Harriet M. Farnum Jewett died at the age of 73.

In 1905 Mr. Jewett donated the land to the Laconia Hospital Association upon which the Lakes Region General Hospital now sits. He also furnished a room in the Woodsville Hospital and had other financial interests there.

In 1909 Jeremiah Smith Jewett died at the age of 87.

Throughout his life, Mr. Jewett was actively involved in his community. He often watched with sick neighbors and their children, oversaw funeral arrangements for his many friends, assisted the local doctors (including participating in autopsies), dabbled in dentistry and acted as legal counsel, prepared and discharged deeds and held court for local issues.

By maintaining his Day Book, Mr. Jewett provides us with the details of everyday life in the mid 1800’s—and an amazing historical document.

Lake Village

Jan 1st 1854

Jan

1   The commencement of a new year reminds us of the continuance of Heavens blessings unto all the living, and calls for gratitude from the heart of all intelligent beings that now exists, that they are in a land of probation and permitted to enjoy a day and means of grace.

We to whose use this record is dedicated have abundant reason to be greatful, after enjoying each others society for about two years with uninterrupted peace and harmony with each other and the world around; and by strict attention to those rules which govern every well ordered family (taking the golden rule for a guide) we hope to be spared a long time as a source of comfort to each other and a blessing to the world.

Our family at the present time consists of myself & wife having been no larger since our marriage and for most of the time we have been in good health and the same of our friends. Our parents, brothers, and sisters are all living and in good health comparatively.

At the present time, I am at work for the B.C. & M. R.Road Co. in their repair shop having charge of car repairs and receiveing eleven shillings per day. The number of men employed in the repair shops is about twenty.

We live (where we first commenced keeping house) on main street about forty rods south of Lake Hotell on the east side of the street opposite the house of Mr. N.M. Hoit in a house belonging to Hiram Gilman.

I have thus given a few outlines of our present circumstances and our intention is thus to record from time to time a few of the most striking events that come under our observation and matters of interest to us particularly; for our personal use at some future time.

Another year has passed away never to return and we are spared a comfort to each other. If I am a judge I think we have enjoyed ourselves very well since our union and may we continue to regard each other with tender feelings and study to promote our happiness. How truly grateful ought we to feel for the many blessings and comforts that we are daily receiving from the hands of our Heavenly Father, and may we render to Thee the homage of grateful hearts, for all thy goodness, and Thy watchful care over us. What the events of another year will be we know not, but may we prepare ourselves to meet with fortitude all the events of thy providence without a murmer.

3   Singing School this evening. Mr. Jewett attended, Mrs. Bean come in to spend the evening with me, as her husband was not in, she brought the baby, it was awake all the evening and we had quite a frolic. It is ten months old.

Attended the lecture of the Common School Commishioner for the County of Belknap (King S. Hall) The Baptist minister of this village. The lecture was very interesting indeed. After Mr. Hall had finished, an invitation for any gentleman present to make any remarks upon the subject they chose to, several gentleman spoke upon Education and the best methods of teaching common Schools, &c. It was altogether interesting.

6   Intended to visit W.S. Hoit this afternoon and spoke for a horse to go; but when the noon train arrived, it brought word that one of our passenger cars was in Boston with a broken wheel. I took Frank J. Hoit with me and a pair of wheels and tools and got on board the afternoon train and went to Boston arriving there about 7 O’clock.

We went out on the point to the car house of the Boston & Main Rail-road where our car was but did not work any that night for there was no men there to help unload the wheels. We then went back into the city and called on Mrs. Laroy Hackett (Mr. Hoit’s cousin) and stayed a short time, they lived on Lowell St. No. 22; we then called on Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Kimball, cousins to me; who live on Bilrica St. No. 14. We found them well; but their little boy age about 4 years was badly burned a few day before and had not recovered. We then called on D.P. Ladd on Hanover St. No. 22 and stayed a few moments; and then went down on Union St. to Atwoods oister saloon a got a stew.

We then made for the National House on Hay-Market square to get lodgings where we found they were full or our cloth not good enough so we went to the Lowell House on Lowell St. The bed furnished for us was better for summer, than winter, but in was not very cold.

We got up as soon as day light appeared and went to our work, where we got some help to unload our wheels and then we shifted the broken ones for good ones.

Having good luck and by working fast, we finished at nine o’clock.

By this time we thought a little something to eat would not go amiss for breakfast.

We went to Atwood’s saloon and got some roast oisters and then we went into Quincy Market at the upper end and walked down; viewing the contents in the different stalls until we were near the lower end when we were asked if we would not have some hot tea, hot coffee, hot or cold pie, &c, &c.

Our appetites were good about that time and we stoped into the stall and took some seats and a plenty was set before us which was relished well and then we went over to the navy yard in Charlestown. We passed the sentinel on duty at the gate and as we walked along we saw many objects of interest which I will briefly mention.

In the center of the yard is the parks; so called, which are two yards enclosed by a low fence within which are placed in the first that we came to; on stone sills for that porpose; cannons of different dimensions from four to seven or eight feet in lenght several hundreds in number, then as we came to the second park in the first end were balls, stacked suited to the different size guns; perhaps ten cords in bulk, and then anchors of different sizes from four to ten feet in lenght and also two large stacks of balast.

To our right and south of the parks is the dry dock. This is truly a great piece of work being large enough for the largest vessel being built of hammered stone from bottom to top and laid in cement.

Its form is similar to the hull of a vessel so that men can work from keel to top rail as the vessel stands dry in the dock. At the outer end of the dock are two large gates that swing open to admit the vessel and then closed and the water pumped out.

At the head of the dock upon a large post is the Figure Head of the Old Constitution taken from an English vessel that was captured in the revolutionary war of 1776.

A little to the east of this, upon the top and front end of one of the buildings is the figure of Cristopher Columbus carved out of stone. His head has the marks of an iron determination an eye that would pierce through the darkest difficulties and cross the wildest ocean.

There are two buildings near the waters edge of sufficient size to allow the largest size vessel to be enclosed; they are built for the purpose of building vessels in and there is at the present time a large man of war man partly built and intended to be finished as soon as needed. The rope walks are on the north side of the yard, but I did not go into them.

The fort is built out into the water being a thick wall commencing at the shore and running out into that water and then forming an angle of about 120º degrees is built back to the shore and upon this wall are placed twenty four guns of sufficient size to fortify the harbour.

As we came toward the gate on our departure, we came past the soldiers barracks where they drill daily.

We left the yard for the depot to take the cars at M. feeling that we were well paid for our trouble in going into the Navy yard.

We left Boston at M. and arrived home at 5 P.M.

11   Mr & Mrs. William Hoit visited us today bringing Hellen with them. Mr. Jewett was obliged to go to Northfield to do a little work, but returned before tea time. Mr. Hoit spent a part of the afternoon with Mrs. Hoit and I and then he went to the shop and looked around there. Mrs. Hoit (or Adaline as I am in the habit of calling her) and I talked over family affairs, &c. Hellen seemed happy. She is five years old and quite large of her age. They did not return home until 9 o’clock. Mrs. N. Hoit called in the evening to see them.

It is pleasant for friends to meet together, and talk over events that have long since passed.

13   Mr. Jewett & I went over to see Adaline & William, it is returning their visit soon, but as there was an invitation extended to us by Mr. Frank Hoit to go with them he thinking that the more the merrier, so we concluded to go with them.

Mr. Thomas Hoit carried his Sister, Mrs. Sanborn, & Nancy Thing. Mr. Frank Hoit carried his Wife & Mrs. Cate his Sister. We made a room full. We had a pleasant time and a good slay ride. The weather was warm and pleasant. Mrs. Cate rode home with us. It was about half past 10 o’clock when we got home.

15   Sunday—Attended Church at the Baptist house during the day. Mr. Hall preached in the forenoon and in the afternoon a former school mate of Mr. Hall and which ought (in our judement) be the school mate of some body. He probably missed his calling. In the evening attended a lecture at the free Baptist house by Luther Townsand formerly one of the shop boys of the B.C & M. R.R. His subject was the necessity of Sabbath school instruction. It was his first lecture in publick and he done well, very well. He gave the history of Sabbath schools from their beginning.

17   Some fifty or more of the citizens of this village met at the Baptist vestry as per appointment to discus the expediency of adopting the graded school system in this village and unite the two districts in one for that purpose. Esq. Barron was chosen chairman but being unacquainted with such an office, he made a poor chairman. The subject was discussed by several but most of them in the affirmative. The question was not decided and at nine o’clock the meeting adjourned.

18   Harriet & I went to Meredith Bridge to do a little shoping. We called at S.L. Leavitt’s and bought a dress for herself called maroon color lyonees. It snowed fast when we returned.

19   Mr. Ward Cobley of Littleton who has served as breakman on one of the passenger trains of the B.C. & M. R.R. for several months past, died at Littleton of small pox after an illness of four days.

20   A hard snow storm today. The freight train due here at eleven A.M. arrived at four thirty, P.M. The up passenger train being late, the freight did not leave here till 5 P.M. The train was drawn by the Peter Clark, John L. Davis Eng. and the Paugus, E.H. Cummings Engr. The train consisted of seven long cars, next the enjines was one length of the spars (round) laying on two cars and running over the third one and next a car loaded with square timber running over the fifth and the sixth with square timber running back over the fifth and next and last the saloon freight car. Mr. Wm. Douglass was conductor and Mr. Kilburn passenger. Just as the train pitched over the summit of grade in Northfield, the forward end of the spars slipped off the car and struck the ground and the other end comeing in contact with the square timber, shoved it back, striking the body of the saloon car and carried it completely off. The saloon was in the end next the timber in which was the conductor & passenger. The timber came against Mr. Douglass leggs and broke both of them in his boots, one of them both and the other one bone. Mr. Kilburn was scratched bad, but no bones broken. The train passed about half a mile and feeling some jerk on the enjine and looked back and seeing no red light (a signal carried on the rear car by night) they stopped and went back finding the cars minus of spars and the whole top or body of the saloon gone and no man there to be found.

They (the engineers & firemen) hunted over the fragments but found nothing of Douglass of Kilburn, so they followed further back and then heard some one holler which was Mr. Douglass near to where the timber unloaded itself, laying across the track with both leggs broken. Mr. Kilburn had got out of the fragments and gone after help. One of the firemen started for Sandbornton Bridge for Medical aid and then to Lake Village for help to clear the track. The Engineers and other fireman with some others notified by Kilburn, took Mr. Douglass on a plank and carried him about half a mile to the house of John Dinsmoor.

The accident happened about 7.30 and the inteligence reached Lake Village eleven. Most of the shop men were called, an enjine and suitable tools got ready and at 11.30 we started.

When we arrived at the place of disaster, we found the track clear as the section men had been there and only one end of one car was off the track.

We went to Northfield and the down freight enjine went along to Concord and the up train started for Lake Village and arrived about 4 A.M.

21   The people of this village were startled this evening by hearing that Mr. John Gould of this village, who for some length of time was Road Master on the B.C & Montreal Railroad but now conductor of a freight train from Concord to Boston, was hurt so that his life is in great danger. He was supposed to be standing on the top of the cars, when he came in contact with a bridge which gave him such a blow that it broke his skull. Mrs. Gould is informed of the accident, and she feels very bad fearing he will not live.

22   Sabbath Day. We arose earlier than usual and I got breakfast as soon as I could, for Mr. Jewett went with others to get Mr. Douglass home. They made a box to carry him in so that he could go as easy as possible.

I went to church at the usual time, on my way there I stoped into Mr. Stevens and there learned that Mr. Gould is dead, he lived only a few hours after the accident, it occurred in the town of Somerville. Mrs. Gould is almost overcome, with the sad intelligence that her husband is dead. Poor woman how I pity her.

Mr. Gould was much honored and respected by all who knew him, and leaves a large number of friends to sympathize with his family in their great loss.

Mr. G- was calculating to come home Saturday night but instead of that word came that he was hurt, a sad contrast to his poore wife. They were calculating to move to Concord, Monday.

23   About twenty of the young men of this village met this evening and formed themselves into a society called the Lake Village House of Representatives for the purpose of making improvement in publick speaking.

25   Severe cold and the morning freight train was late and sent word to Lake Village to have the train meet him at that place, but not being in accordance with regulations they did not go and therefore all the trains of freight were put back by such word as the other trains could not go until he (John L. Davis, Engr) arrived.

26   F.J. Hoit & I started for Boston on the morning passenger train to put a pair of wheels under passenger car No. 3. The freight train was on the main track in Canterbury and the freight enjine could not draw them alone as there was a new snow on the rail so the passenger enjine with their train helped the freight enjine to back the train to East Concord and there they left the side track full and the rest backed over to the street where we arrived at 1 P.M. instead of 10 A.M. the usual time; we waited in Concord until 3-15 P.M. and then went on to Boston arriving at 7 P.M.

We went into the museum as I had never been there. The building was good, but the plays were not very good; not as good as usual so said those that had been there before.

27   We put up for the night at Quincy House on Brattle Square and took breakfast there and a good house it was to and there went to do our work which we finished about 9 A.M. and then we went over to the enjine house and shops of the Boston & Main Railroad tto see their shops & machinery &c, &c, which appeared that the labourers had good conveniences to do work. I then called on Mrs. Joseph Kimbal (her husband not being in) and found her well and her little boy that was burned, nearly well.

I also found Mrs. Kimbal’s father (uncle David Glines) from Grey corner Me having business in the city and staying with his daughter. He is a twin brother to my mother & always seemed very connected to our family.

30   Today, the thermometer stood from twenty to twentyeight below zero being the coldest day for ten years past.

I went to M. Bridge to buy a stove for Amos Clement of Warren and at 8 o’clock went into Burnham’s hall to see the seven mile mirror representing the country, lakes, & river for two thousand miles beginning on Lake Eri and following the St. Lawrence and Saganaw rivers.

February   1854

1   Mother Jewett came up and spent the day with us. Father could not make it convenient to come. I went into Mr. Hoit’s and invited Mrs. Hoit to come in and spend the afternoon and Mr. Hoit to come in to tea and spend the evening. We had a social visit and the time passed away pleasantly. Mr. Jewett boarded so long in Mr. Hoit’s family that they seem very near to us, and have been friendly with us ever since I have been here, visiting to and from, which makes it pleasant for us.

2   Went to Manchester to get some broken cars broke on the Lawrence road. F.J. Hoit went with me. We lodged in the enjine house that we might be ready in the morning at 3 o’clock to take the freight train.

3   Got up at 2.30 to be ready and at 3 the first Frt started drawn by one machine and ten minutes after the second started with two machines; we got on the enjines of the last train.

The train was very heavy or the machines did not draw well for we had not got more than half a mile before we had to back back to get more headway and the next time when we had got about the same distance, one of the stay bolts of the forward machine broke and she was soon covered with steam as a cloud.

The rear machine backed the train and enjine to the enjine house and left the broken machine and took what cars they could draw alone and left.

Mr. Snow, the master mechanick ordered another enjine to be fired up and go down with us after our car.

We started at 5 A.M., went down about four miles below Manchester, got our car and got back by 7. We then went and got some breakfast and got the tools to the Depot to take 10 O’clock train for Concord and arrived at Martin’s ferry where we had a passenger car with broken wheel and there, we stopped to repair that. At 7 O’Clock P.M. our wheels arrived and by 9 we had them shifted.

We lodged at Mr. _______, Depot Master and took supper and breakfast with Mr. Garland and had good fare.

4   Took the first passenger train and went to Londonderry to get a broken car at that place. Mr. Lyman & Mr. Enock Sandborn from Lake Village were there to unload the car.

We finished our job and when our freight train came along, we hooked on our car and got on ourselves and came to Concord. We took dinner at Mrs. Flanders and at 3-15 we left for home and glad of the chance.

5   Attended Church at Meredith Bridge, The Rev. Mr. Young preached. It was communion day. Mrs. Alvah Glines went with us and was propounded for admission to the Church.

We went over to Father Jewett’s at noon, and found them all well. It snowed fast when we came home.

Mrs. Moses L. Judkins died in this village this morning of Consumption after an illness of several months. She was naturally very healthy, but she took cold and disease fastened upon her and she is gone, the way of all the earth. She leaves a Husband & three Children to mourn their loss but their loss is her eternal gain for she died very happy. A short time before her death, she was in great distress of mind thinking that perhaps she was not prepared to die, but before she died she thought she had the assurance that she should be happy after death. What a consolation for her at the point of death. May we be so unspeakably happy as to have an evidence of our future state is my most earnest wish, so that our closing days may be calm and peaceful, and may we leane on the arm of Jesus for devine support, and live so that we can put our trust in Him who careth for us.

6   Mr. Jewett & Mr. Joseph Thing watched with the corps of Mrs. Judkins. Mr. Jewett thinks she looks very natural.

7   We attended the funeral of Mrs. Judkins at the Baptist House. Rev. Mr. Hall preached, and he spoke well, and in a feeling manner. The Rail Road people attended the funeral as Mr. J- is a rail road man. The singing was good, they chanted a hymn before the services commenced, which was very appropriate.

The corps were carried to Manchester and placed in a tomb until Spring.

Mrs. Isaac Auldrich died this morning of canker. She has left three little children and one only three days old, poore little thing to be left so young without a Mother to care of it as a Mother only can. How prevalent are the instances of mortality. What havoc death doth make among its creatures. May each one ask ourselves are we prepared should we be called to die.

9   Mrs. Auldrich buried today. The walking not very good so I stayed at home and took care of Mrs. Beane’s child and she went. Mr. Hall preached, and she said he spoke well.

10   Mr. Davis singing school closed this evening. Dr. Dany & wife & Mr. Baker all from Holderness were present and sung and several others that sung. The sing was at the Baptist House and it was well filled, and no one could help being pleased with the entertainment, as they all acted their part so admirably, and reflects much credit upon the singers.

Mr. Davis seemed pleased to have his school appear to so good advantage. Mr. Mory played the Piano Forte & Dr. Dany the Violin & Mr. Baker the Bass Viol. Miss Sarah Wilder (a music teacher) and Mr. Mory played a duet at the same time on the Piano Forte which was well executed. After the sing closed, Mr. Davis invited the Rev. Mr. Hall to make some remarks which he did and closed by asking Dr. D- to speak on the subject of music, and he spoke well. Mr. Davis will teach another school here this Winter to continue twelve evenings.

Miss Mary E. Boynton came up from the Bridge to attend the sing and stoped to tea with us.

11   Mr. Jewett invited me to go to Concord with him today. I was pleased to go, we left here in the morning train, arrived at Concord a little past ten o’clock. We were carried first to the American House. I stoped there for Mr. Jewett to do some business. He then asked for a horse and sleigh and we did some shopping and then went up to Uncle Benj Farnum’s to dinner and stoped as long as we could and get back to the Depot to take the cars for home. They were glad to see us but were anxious to have us stop longer. We could not stop a long time so we talked as fast as we could. I enjoyed it well. We saw only two of the children, the others were at School. The weather is cold, but we dressed warm and got along nicely.

12   Mr. Judkins and his three boys attended church today. I overtook them at the cross street, and asked them to sit with me and they did. It is the first time they have been to church since I have been here except Mrs. Judkins funeral.

13   Frank J. Hoit & I went to Boston today to take out broken wheel from under freight car. We arrived at 1 P.M. and it was rainy and rained all the afternoon and it was so cold that it froze as fast as it rained and the streets were glare ice.

We finished our work before dark and then took seats in one of the South Boston omnibuses and went over to South Boston and put up with Asa Weeks (a brother to Mr. Hoit’s wife) where we had tea and breakfast.

Mr. Weeks is one of the teachers in a high school with a sallary of twelve hundred dollars per year. He is also partner with R.M. Evans of Meredith Bridge in a patent moulding machine. He is a native of Sandbornton and so is his wife. She was a Burley before marriage.

14   We took passage to the city this morning in an omnibuss and then called on Laroy Hackett a cousin of Mr. Hoit and he went into the city reading room where all foreign and home news are received and every subscriber has a priviledge at all time of day or evening to visit and read. It is a splendid room.

We next went into the Custom House as some of the officers we were acquainted with. We found Gen Benjamin Tuttle of Meredith who is in office at that place and he showed us the different apartments and told us their occupants also we went out on the top of the building; it is built of granit from ground to top of dome entirely. Something like three hundred men are employed in and about the Custom House payed by Uncle Sam. Here and in like stations is where politicians get the means of support, drawn indirectly from the consumer of the necessaries of life, gathered by duties.

At noon, we took the cars for home and we arrived at 5 P.M.

15   It was storming this morning when I got up and it continued through the day it being snow and rain together and froze as it fell so that the rail was completely covered with ice.

At 1-30 P.M. the morning passenger train arrived here and another enjine attached and they left for Concord.

At 8-30 I was called to go to the shop and on reaching there found that the freight enjine that left Woodville at 4-30 A.M. had run off the track at Wentworth and they wanted assistance. An enjine was got out to go to Concord to inform Mr. Stevens who went down on the train while another enjine was got ready with all neccessary tools to go up to Wentworth. Mr. Brown, the Enjineer that went to Concord when he got a little below Union Bridge was motioned to stop as the morning passenger was stuck and could not go further. He came up and with his assistance the train moved on and at 2 O’clock A.M. the 16th they reached Concord and at 5 they got back to Lake Village where we had waited all night for their return.

////Two years today since we were married and happy years

they have been to without strife or discord////

16   At 6-30 with three enjines and one passenger car we started for Wentworth. We went along tolerable well untill we got up by long pond in New Hampton where we could not go without picking out the rail. We stopped at Foggs road and filled the tenders with wood from a widow woman woodshed and then proceded till within half a mile of the summit when one of the enjines run off the track.

We were detained by running off about an hour when we proceded without much difficulty till near Bridgewater station where we had to stop and pick out the rail after which we went on to Plymouth arriving about 2 P.M.

We went to the Pemigewassett House and got dinner, took wood and water and then left going along well until we nearly to Quincy’s where there was so much snow that we stopped and in backing to get headway, got off the track again but not very bad for by the time the track was shoveled out we got on the iron again and then we went on stopping occasionally to shovel until we reached Wentworth.

The passenger train that left Concord at 10-30 A.M. came up with us about a mile this side Wentworth, but we went on without their assistance. It was 6 O’Clock when we arrived. Here we found the freight enjine and tender off the track and we went to work and by 8-30 had the enjine on the track.

We then we went to the publick house and got supper and on the strength of that put on the tender and set it off on the side track at the Station. We now started for Warren to get wood, water and to turn the enjines and when we arrived it was midnight, while the enjines were being wooded and watered, I went into Father Farnham’s finding them all in bed, but I lit a light and talked with Father & Mother about fifteen minutes finding them well.

17   About 1 O’Clock A.M. we started for Lake Village and arrived about 5, tired and sleepy.

In afternoon, Samuel S. Jewett, wife and Ella & Frank visited us and in evening Samuel B. Jewett, John Dearborn and wife from Northfield and his sister Mrs. Clay, cousins to us, Mr. Dearborn wife and Mrs. Clay have never been here before. We had a first rate visit all of us.

18   Went to Meredith Village to repair car with Ezekiel Gilman.

19   Sunday. The freight train run to Warren and back today and some of the shop men went to Wentworth to get the broken tender. I went on to Warren and took dinner at Father Farnham’s finding the folks all well. The train got to Lake village at 8 O’Clock.

21   F.J. Hoit & I went to Sandbornton Bridge on way freight to put a pair of wheels under freight car and worked until the passenger train came down and then we got on board and went to Concord to put a pair under Baggage car which job we finished and took the afternoon passenger train for Sandbornton to finish our morning job, which was finished before dark.

One of the wheels under the baggage-car of the morning train became loos while running down so that they left it for the freight to draw to Lake Village. They took the car on the rear of their train but when they had got into Northfield the loos wheel had so far worked off that it run off the track and it was impossible to get it on for the wheels were wider than the rails were apart so they left it on the main track about one mile below Northfield Station and came along reaching Sandbornton at 11-30 and Lake Village a little past 12.

I notified Mr. Stevens of the circumstances and he sent the enjine (Thomas Hoit Engr) with me and four shop men back to get the car. We called at Meredith Bridge and got a pair of wheels, went down, shifted them and got home by 6 in the morning.

22   Spent the afternoon at the Miss Stevenses in company with Isabela Jewett, Laura & Ruth Stevens. We had a plesant visit, and the hours passed away rapidly. Sociability and agreeableness seemed the leading characteristic of each one present. Harland Jewett & John Stevens came to tea and stoped a while in the evening. I came home immediately after tea, to take care of my great Jerry and domesticate a little.

23   A severe snow storm commenced this morning and continued through the day. The first down freight train reached East Haverhill when the passenger train overtook and passed them and they came along together till they got down to Warren summit when they got stuck in the snow and they worked back and forward till they got out of wood and water and then the blowed off their enjines disconnected and then left for more comfortable quarters.

The mail train up arrived at 2 O’Clock P.M. and set off for the down train (which was stuck at Warren) and at dark the enjines were put up and the passengers sought lodgings. There was about sixty passengers and about twenty stayed at the public house and the rest at private houses. Mr. Blair and Miss Blaisdell of Campton came home with me took tea, lodgings, breakfast and dinner. They are good company he being the Singing Master at Meredith Bridge.

24   Mr. Blair and Miss Blaisdell left in the first train up leaving here at 2 P.M. with three enjines. At 9 P.M. there had been no train down, but before morning they went through to Woodsville and back.

25   The weather fair and trains run regular again. Frank Osgood Aged 18 and Abby Clark Aged 21 yrs were married this evening. Both of Lake Village.

26   Sunday! It snows this morning so that Harriett stays at home and it continues to snow untill about night when it rains a warm rain.

Frank Osgood and his Bride appeared at church today. It looks a little boyish to marry so young, but some think that at that age they are older than their Parents. Perhaps they are!!

27   Mr. Jewett went to Plymouth this afternoon to help get an enjine on the track. It is uncertain when he will get back.

At the usual time I retired to bed and being very tiared I soon droped to sleep, when I was aroused from my slumber by a noise I did not know what, nor where it proceeded from at first, but it soon occurred to me that it might be a Calthumpian Band ceranading Frank Osgood. I got up and looked out and saw it was, as I could see them standing before Mr. Osgood’s house. I never heard a worse noise, and a great variety of noise. They stoped and plaid half an hour or more, and made all the confusion they could They were loth to go away without Frank making his appearance and offer to treat them, but he did not so they were obliged to go away.

28   The people were supprised this morning to hear that Mrs. Julia Chadwich is dead. The bell pealed its mournful toll announcing her to be twenty four years of age, young and in the prime of life, but she is cut down. Her medical attendants are not decided what caused her death, but think it is possible that she had a shock of palsy. She has not been married a year. Mr. Chadwick appears to feel very bad, and doubtless he does to be left so soon alone, and have her his chosen one taken away and laid in the cold and silent grave. But! It is God that did it, and it becomes him to say the Lord gave and He can take away for we are His creatures and He has a right to do with us as He pleases.

Mrs. Samuel Osgood visited here today. Mr. Osgood is a cousin to Mr. Jewett. They reside at Meredith Bridge.

27   Went to Plymouth to get Josiah Quincy on the track. It run off about a mile from Plymouth Station and stopped directly over a twelve feet span culvert and about the same debth. The cause was ice upon the rail. It was damaged several hundred dollars. When we got to Holderness, we put the snow plow on the Granite State and had the Peter Clark behind. The track had not been shoveled out and when we got some three fourth of a mile from Holderness off went the Granite with the plow their whole length into the ditch. It was about dark and at 9 P.M. we had it on again.

Finding it impossible to run further until the road is picked out, we got two horse teams to carry our tools and went to Plymouth. We reached there at midnight, had supper and went to bed.

28   The weather this morning is fair and after breakfast we went down to begin to get the Quincy on the iron and before sunset we had it up to Plymouth, the track made passable and the passenger train passed.

The mail train down left Plymouth about 5 P.M. and as nothing had been heard from above, we proposed to go through to Woodvill with the plow.

After supper, we went to Holderness to get the plow and when we got back, the train had arrived; so we put up for the night.

March   1854

1   Returned from Plymouth by morning train. The funeral of Mrs. Charles Chadwick (formerly Julia Batcheldor) was attended by a large congregation at the Baptist House. Sermon by King. S. Hall pastor of Baptist Church of which the deceased was a member. Julia was the leading first treble singer and she is very much missed. The services were very affecting.

2   A glee singing school under the instruction of B.B. Davis of Concord commenced tonight. The union glee book used.

3   Another snow storm today and about five inches fell here and about a foot at Plymouth. The snow detained the trains so that the morning passenger train due at 9 A.M. arrived at 11 A.M. without cars, leaving the train at Holderness but took one here.

The mail train arrived about 6 P.M.

4   Fair weather again. Sarah B. Farnham came down from home to make us a visit leaving the family well as usual except Nancy who has a lame shoulder.

In the evening, Sarah, Harriett & Myself went down to Meredith Bridge to do some trading and had a fine sleigh ride.

5   Sunday! We all attended church although the weather is a little squalley. Mr. Elkins & Ezekiel Gilman have gone to Plymouth to get the Josiah Quincy home.

7   Lake Village House of Representatives met tonight at Morgans hall. The special question of the evening was in substance the same as the Nebraska bill present to Congress by Stephen A. Douglas, Senator from Illanois.

The question was discussed by several members it being the second evening that it was before the House and when the yeas & nays were taken, it stood 7 in favor & 19 against.

Several ladies were present and the meeting was interesting. A bill was presented by Mr. Hadwic upon education which will be the special order next evening.

8   Another storm of snow and rain which by the way is not at all uncommon for this winter.

I went to Northfield to repair a car and returned on noon train. Mrs. Laura Cate, Laura Stevens & Issabella Jewett visited here this afternoon and in evening Harland Jewett was here in evening. We had a fine visit.

9   It is raining today and the walking is bad. It stoped before night and we went to Singing School. They sung well. Their glees were very pretty. Sarah enjoyed it well.

10   Mr. Davis the singing master stoped at Mr. Hoit’s and in the afternoon Laura came in and invited us to go in and sit with them a while. Mr. Davis appeared glad to see us and conversed pleasantly.

Went to Boston to repair cars and the weather being rainy we had not a very pleasant job. We (F.J. Hoit & Myself) took dinner at Quincy Market and lodged at Quincy House. In evening we went into the museum which was quite interesting.

11   Rather cold but foggy this morning, we commenced work early so that what time we had after we finished we might look around.

We finished about 10 A.M. and then we went up into Bunker Hill Monument. The ground about the Monument is laid out regular and enclosed by a high iron fence around the bass of the hill upon the summit of which towers aloft the granite spere that marks the spot where our Fore-Fathers fought to gain that liberty, which we this day enjoy.

Samuel Jewett (My Grandfather) was stationed at Cambridge previous to the battle of Bunker hill and had been sick with rheumatism several days, but when the morning of the memorable 17th broke upon the soldiers and the roar of cannon sounded in their ears, Grandfather’s sickness left him and he with other brave men marched to the field of battle.

Samuel Jewett was born in Hollis, Mass, Jan. 1st 1755 and died at Gilford, N.H. Dec 17th 1838. He was a brave soldier and as firm supporter of liberty in its darkest hours as Massachusetts ever raised, and long and dear may his memory be cherished by his decendents.

At Noon we took the cars for Lake Village and arrived at 5 P.M.

12   Sabbath day. Sarah & I attended the Frewill church this forenoon. A clergyman from Maine preached. The singing pretty good.

We all went to the Baptist church in the afternoon. Rev. Mr. Worth from Fishervill preached, he was liked well. Mr. Worth lectured in the evening to young people, the walking bad and we did not attend.

13   Sarah & I spent the afternoon at Mr. Hoits (by invitation) and Mr. Jewett came to tea and spent the evening with us. Issabella & Harland Jewett, Arthur Bubgee, Perlnelia Sawyer & Ann Davis visited with us, we had a pleasant visit. Mr & Mrs. Frank Hoit were present.

The walking is bad, and the men thought we had better not walk home, so we all got on a sled and they substituted men for horses, and they run and kicked up their heels like a lot of little boys