ductor and Albert A. Morrison have been members of the choir
rising thirty-five years. Others of the "veteran corps" have
served from fifteen to thirty-three years.
Several kinds of musical instruments have been in use, but the
most prominent and longest continued have been the inelodeon,
double-bass viol, and organ. The melodeon was played by Evarts
Cutler, son of a former pastor; the double-bass by Benjamin F.
Wilson ; and the melodeon and organ have been played by the
present organist, Edwin O. Dinsmoov, for more than twenty-eight
years. He has been a member of the choir for thirty yt-ars, and
his period of service as organist dates from October, 1854.
An organ was purchased about 1855. Edwin O. Dinsmoor and
Samuel Campbell Avere chosen a committee and purchased the
present organ in 1872, at an expense of $415. Another for the
use of the Sabbath school was obtained in 1880.
During these many years the choir has been greatly devoted to
its work, and its members are entitled to much credit for their
faithfulness. The choir contains the following persons, 1882: —
Sopranos. — Elleu Cochrau, Mrs. Eva M. Robiusou, Mary E. Park,
Lottie E. Harris, Nettie F. Milucr, Mary Ella Harris, Nellie R. Cochran,
Emma M. Cochran, and Carrie B. Dinsmoor.
Altos. — Lottie A. Reynolds, Katie A. Dinsmoor.
Tenors. — B. E. Blanchard, Albert A. Morrison, William 1). Cochran,
James Cochran, and John W. M. Worledge.
Basses. — Horace Anderson, II. S. Reynolds, J. V. Crowell, and A. F.
Campbell.
Organist. — Edwin O. Dinsmoor.
After the death of Rev. Charles Packard, the parish candidated
till Oct. 3, 1881, when the church and society gave a call to Ri'v.
Joseph Smith Cogswell, of West Auburn, Me., at a yearly salary
of 1700 and the parsonage. He accepted the call Oct. 13, 1881,
and was installed Dec, 21, 1881.
The Presbytery of Boston held a meeting in the forenoon, pre-
sided over by Rev. Ira C. Tyson, of Londonderry, who o]iened
the meeting by prayer. Rev. Messrs. Augustus Berry, of Pelliam,
and George A. Perkins, of Salem, Congregational ministers, being
present, were invited to sit with the Presbytery as correspt>nding
members. The attendance in the afternoon was quite large. An
anthem by the choir was finely rendered, followed by the invoca-
tion by Rev. Augustus Hager, pastor of the German Presbyterian
Church in Lawrence, Mass., and by reading of the Scriptures by
Rev. Silas M. Blancliard, of TFudson, a native of this town; the
introductory jjrayctr by Rev. Mr. Jierry. An excellent sermon was
delivered by Rev. Charles E. Harrinf;ton, pastor of the South
Congregational Church in Concord. After the sermon another
KA.MK.S OK MF,Ml?F.i:.S (>K THK Cliriiril. ISf)
antluMii was suiitj^, .iinl the jircscribed questions were asked to the
pa.stor elect and the church by Rev. Mr. Tyson. Rev. G. A.
Perkins offered the installing j)rayer, the charge to the j)astor was
given by Rev. Robert Court, of Lowell, Mass., and the charge to
the peo{»le by Rev. Mr. Tyson. Tlie exercises closed with the
Do.vology, and benediction by the pastor.
Since the organization of the church there have been nine pas-
tors. It is bt'lieved that the first six of our ministers have each
owned a small farm, and used the income of it besides his salary.
Five of the eight di«d in town, and four of them are buried with
us. Tlie parent church in Derry has, in accordance with what it
considers the progressive spirit of the age, adopted the Congre-
gationalist form of church government. The church in Windham
still retains the Pnsbyterian form, ado))ted by its founders.
Rev. Loren Thayer said, in an article several years before his
death, "The religious character of this people has generally rep-
resented the plain, honest, rough, and uncompromising spirit of
John Knox, the reformer of their countrymen. Tliey are highly
conservative, and experience but little, injury from the presence
or influence of fanaticism."
NAMES OF MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH.
The following is a list of the members of the Presbyterian
Church of Windliam who were living in 1851, with the names of
those who have since united with the church, as taken from the
church records. When a ])i'rson is known to be deceased, a * will
be ]»laced against tlie name; when dismissed to another church,
dis. with the name of town when known will indicate the fact.
The present location of some whose names are here is unknown.
For fuller information of any one, consult the history of the
person's family. A name marked with a f indicates that the
person is not now a resident member of the church.
♦Jesse Anderson. *Mrs. Rebecca Park.
♦Saniiiel Anderson. *Mrs. James Noj'es.
♦Joseph ( 'Ij'de, d. 1853. ♦Mrs. Isaac Cochran.
♦Haruet Hui^hes, d. 1858. ♦Miss Mariiaret Montiromorv.
♦Mrs. Jesse Anderson, d. 1859. ♦Mrs. David Webster, d. 18.U.
♦John Carr. Mrs. David Karj^ent, dis. Derry.
♦Mrs. Sallv Gre^'«;, d. 1854. ♦Jacob E. Evans, d. 1857.
♦Mrs. Margaret Hills, d. 1854. ♦Mrs. Marv I^ewis.
♦John Ilcuiphill, d. 1848. ♦David A. 'Davidson.
Sarahlirciii;, dis. Bellows Falls, Vt. ♦Mrs. Mary Cottle, d. 1858.
♦Mrs. Barnet Iluiilies, d. ls5!». Macob Harris, d. 18G0.
Miss S. Harris, dis. Auburn, N. II. ♦Mrs. Sophia Harris.
♦Mrs. John Simpson, d. 1854. ♦Mrs. R. L. Cutler, d. Aug. 15, 1852.
♦Mrs. Mary Wilson, d. 1855. ♦Stephen Fessenden.
♦Mrs. John Cochran. ♦Mrs. Caroline Fes.senden.
♦Mrs. William Dinsnioor. ♦Mrs. Anna I). Hills, d. 1853.
♦Mrs. Cottle. ♦Mrs. Alexander Anderson, d. 1853.
♦Mrs. James Anderson. *Mrs. Phobe Clyde, d. 1855.
♦James Anderson. *Silas Moore, dis. 1854, Chester.
136
HISTORY OF WINDHAM IN NEW HAMrSIHRE.
♦James Armstrona', d. Dec. 3, 1S51.
Mohii Iluiihes, d. March 13, 1851.
♦Joseph Annst rong.
Jacob B. Barker."
*Jacol) M. Nesmith, d. 1803.
♦John Hills.
*Jolm (^arr, d. 1800.
Macol) Harris, 2d, d. 1801.
♦James Tark, d. 1882.
♦Ira Dinsmoor.
♦Beiij aniin Blaiichard.
♦Theodore Dinsmoor.
♦Samuel Armstroui^.
♦David Armstrouy.
fBenjamin F. Wilsou.
♦Kobert P. Dinsmoor, d. 1801.
♦Solomon Harden, d. Oct. 21, 18r)2.
Rei Hills, dis. Pelham.
♦Kobert Morrison, d. 1800.
♦John Nesnnth, dis. Dover.
♦Mrs. Daniel Davidson, d. 1881.
Mrs. Silas Moore, dis. Chicajio, 111.
♦Mrs. Joseph Armstrong.
Mrs. Jacob B. Barker.
♦Mrs. Jacob M. Nesmith, d. 1858.
♦Mrs. Isaac Cochran.
♦Mrs. John Armstrong, d. 1859.
♦Mrs. Robert P. Dinsmoor, d. 1877.
♦Mrs. William Dinsmoor.
Mrs. Theodore Dinsmoor.
♦Mrs. Joseph Smith, d. 1800.
♦Mrs. David AlexancU'r.
♦Mrs. Daniel W. Clyde.
♦Miss Margaret Clark.
Mrs. Hannah Simpson.
♦Daniel W. Clyde.
John Armstrong, excl. 1854.
James D. Hills, dis. Ilollis.
♦Miss B. Clyde, dis. Chester, d. '82.
♦Giles Merrill.
♦Mrs. (iiles Merrill.
♦Mrs. James Park, d. 1857.
♦Ro])ert Bartley.
♦Miss Eunice Harris.
Silas M. Blaiichard, dis.
Miss Naomi Morrison.
♦Miss Louisa Anderson.
♦Jeremiali Morrison, d. .Nov. 24, '02.
♦Mrs. K. H. Morrison, d. Aug. 5, '00.
♦Joseph Park, d. 1S75.
♦John Hardy.
♦Mrs. John Hardy.
♦Mrs. Samuel Harris, d. Sept. 5, '48.
♦Cliristo|)iier Morrison, d. Jan. 17, '50.
♦John Kellev.
tDaniel Keliey.
♦Mrs. Marv Keliey, d. 1801.
♦Mrs. Susan Parker, d. 1857.
Mrs. C. Scully, dis. Londonderry.
Jolin Campbell.
Samuel Campbell.
tSilas Anderson.
♦James Anderson, 2d, d. 1855.
♦Silas M. Cochran, dis. Baltimore,
Md., 1857.
♦Mrs. Annis Craig, d. 1850, aged 87.
♦Mrs. liUciuda Evans, d. 1882.
Mrs. Eli/a T. Armstrong, excl. '54.
tMrs. Eliza Pillsbury.
♦Mrs. Solomon Marden.
♦William Gregg, dis. Londonderry.
♦Aaron I'. Hughes, dis. Nashua.
♦Mrs. ]»obert Morrison.
♦Mrs. Benjamin Blaiichard.
♦Robt. B. Jackson, dis. Reading, Ms.
♦Mrs. Robert M. Campbell, d. 1854.
♦Mrs. James Hills, d. 1855, aged 80.
♦Mrs. Robt. Bartley, d. 1802, aged 46.
♦Mrs. Jason Packard, d. 1859.
♦Mrs. E. R. Kimball, d. 1802, aged 89.
J. L. Hardy, dis. Waltham, Ms., '51.
Mrs. Samuel Campbell.
Miss Harriet Dinsmoor.
♦Mrs. R. Hills, d. June 10,'54, aged 32.
Miss (^harlotte L. Kimball, dis. En-
field, Conn., 1852.
♦Mrs. Margaret Marshall.
Silas Milton Moore, dis. Chester.
Mrs. Isaac P. Cochran.
♦Ira Weston, d. Oct. 12, '03, aged 67.
♦Mrs. Ira AVeston, d. 1855, aged 61.
James P. Hughes.
Mrs. James P. Hughes.
Chas. Cutler, dis. Franccstown, '58.
fMrs. Jane Kimball.
♦Mrs. James Towns.
Benjamin E. Blanchard.
Orreu E. Moore, dis. Cliester.
♦Miss S. A. Cochran, d. July, 1854.
♦John Calvin Hills, d. 1803.
Mrs. Mehital)le (roodwin, dis.
♦Mrs. Loren Thayer, d. Julv 19,
1852, aged 27.
Enoch Johnson, dis. Manchester.
♦Mrs. Jeremiah Hills.
♦Mrs. Benjamin F. Wilson.
♦Mrs. Joseph Park, d. IW2.
Mrs. Sarali .\rmstrong.
Mrs. B. 11. Hughes.
♦Mrs. Samuel .\iidersou.
Mrs. Isabel Campbell, dis. Pelli;im.
♦Jeremiali Hills, d. 1860.
♦Mrs. Simon P. Lane, d. 1859.
Miss Sally Anderson, dis. Salem.
♦Mrs. Jolm Cochran.
George Marshall, dis. Boston.
Miss Mary Noyes, dis. Meredith.
♦Miss Liicinda Blanchard.
Mrs. IVrsis H. Cauii)bell.
Miss (Jaroliue E. Fessendcn, dis.
NAMES OF TIIK MEMBERS OF THF. ('Hrurn.
137
Miss Martha Hills.
Miss Hftsov J. Annstronsi.
♦Miss Miiry'K. ( 'MiiiplK'H, d. 18r.4.
Miss S;ii;ili A. Aniistroiii;.
Miss Zoo A. Hills.
♦Mrs. lU'iijaiiiiu F. Scntcr, d. IM.">7.
♦Miss S()i)Iiia F. Sontor, d. IS")!!.
Mrs. Hartley Johnson, dis. Auburn.
Horace Auilerson.
♦Miss Jane Ileiiiphill.
Miss Aelisah Ileinpliill.
Mrs. S. II. Monlouirli, dis. Nashua.
Mrs. C. L. Hills, dis. relham.
♦Mrs. E. S. Hills.
Miss Louisa Hills.
Mrs. R. M. Harris.
Mrs. r. H. Harris.
Mrs. A. P. Smith.
♦Mrs. R. Weston, dis. Newhuryport.
♦John Farley.
♦Mrs. John Farle}\
♦Mrs. E. C. Thayer.
♦C. M. Morrison, d. Dec. 22, 1857.
fRufus A. Morrison.
♦Miss Marijaret L. Cochran.
♦Mrs. Louisa Jackson.
Nath'l W. Titus, dis. No. Salem.
Mrs. Ann Titus, dis. No. Salem.
Isaac I'. Cochran.
tSilas H. Wilson.
tl.,ewis Ripley.
J. L. Hardy, dis. Storm Lake, la.
♦James C. Evans.
♦Edw. P. Morrison, d. Aug. 5, 1858.
♦James Burnham.
fMilon Anderson.
Mrs. Nancy B. Simpson.
fMrs. Mary Campbell.
♦Mrs. Abby Palmer.
Mrs. Mary Parker, dis. Nashua.
fMrs. Allura W. Evans.
Mrs. Lucy Burnham.
tMiss Eliza F. Park.
Miss M. Elizabeth Morrison, dis.
Belfast, Me.
fMiss Maria Bartley.
â– fMrs. Lucy M. Anderson.
JMrs. Maiy Weston.
Mrs. Jane C. Campbell.
fMiss Mary Crovrell.
♦Miss Augeline Crowell.
fMrs. Eveline M. Bartley.
Mrs. Joanna B. Clark.
Miss Hannah E. Dinsmoor.
Mrs. Rebecca K. Hardy, dis.- Storm
Lake, la.
♦Miss M. E. Noyes, d. 1861, aged 22.
Miss Elizabeth A. Seuter.
♦James Noyes.
fThomas Leach.
10
Sarah S. Noyes.
AuLTUsta Peabody, dis.
Miss Susan A. Campbell, dis. Haver-
hill, Mass.
Miss A. Hills, dis. Enlield, Conn.
♦Miss Jane Sanborn.
fMiss Enuna J. Blanchard.
Janies Emerson.
Nancv S. Emerson.
AVilliiim C. Harris.
fMicajiUi B. Kimball.
fCiles S. Merrill.
David A. Campbell, dis.
Miss Elizabeth C. Jackson, dis.
♦Miss Isadore Burnham.
♦Miss Elizabeth O. Campbell.
fMrs. Giles S. Merrill.
fG. Edward Anderson.
♦Mrs. Sarah A. Anderson.
Miss Cornelia J. Burnham.
♦Miss Emily Burnham.
Joseph C. Armstronij-.
Cassius S. Campbell, dis.
Alphonso F. Campbell.
Albert W. Campbell,
f John S. Brown.
fCharles Bartley.
Joseph P. Crowell.
f Albro A. Osgood.
Mrs. Susan Crowell.
fMiss Luciuda J. Noyes.
♦Miss Louisa A. Dinsmoor, d. Nov.
23, 1876.
♦Miss C. Dinsmoor, d. Aug. 13, 1878.
Miss Mary E. Park.
♦Miss Laura A. F. Marden.
Miss Emily Marden, dis. Nashua.
fMrs. Ellen Hildreth.
Miss Mary E. Crowell.
fMiss Ella F. Hughes.
fCathei'ine E. Hughes.
♦Oliver A. Holmes.
Mrs. William Campbell.
Mrs. Oliver A. Holmes.
Miss Amelia J. Kelley.
♦Miss Martha A. Dinsmoor.
Miss Aurelia J. Dinsmoor.
Miss Clarissa Hills.
R. P. Morrison, dis. Lawrence, Ms.
John E. Tenney, dis. Antrim.
Miss E. A. Kelley,dis. Lawrence, Ms.
Mrs. R. P. Morrison, dis. do.
Mrs. M. J. Locke, dis. do.
Miss Ellen Cochran.
Miss Sarah F. Emerson.
fMiss Caroline Bartley.
fMrs. Mary J. Bartley.
f Caroline E. Tobey.
Althea R. Wilbur, dis.
Miss C. Bartley, dis. Salem, N. H.
138
HISTORY OF WINDHAM IN NEW HAMPSHIRE.
♦Charlotte M. Barker.
tWilliam P. Hills.
Miss E. BartU\v, (lis. Brocktou, Ms.
Miss Josephine Bartloy, cUs.
*Daua Richardson.
Mrs. Margaret J. Smith.
Warren Q. Kelley, (lis. Lynn, Mass.
*Calvin Clark.
*D. Salmoml, dis. Ballardvale, Mass.
Mrs. U. Salniond, dis. do.
tJohu Martin.
Mrs. Mary J. Reynolds.
Miss Mary Eva Reynolds.
tMrs. William P. Hills.
tMiss Ellen L. Hills.
J. Herbert Barker.
United with church May 7, 1870 :
Miss Louise Park.
Miss Lorana O. Armstrong.
Miss Mary E. Armstrong'.
Miss Emma J. Armstrong.
*Mrs. Cordelia B. Dinsmoor.
Miss Clara B. Dinsmoor.
Miss Katie A. Dinsmoor.
fMrs. Mary C. Varnum.
Miss Charlotte E. Harris.
fMiss Mary E. Thayer.
Mrs. Sarah A. Cochran.
Miss Emma M. Cochran.
Miss Ellen R. Cochran.
Miss Marietta Clark.
*Miss Lydia A. Noyes.
Mrs. Clara E. Noyes.
William D. Cochran.
George F. Armstrong.
William P. Simpson.
fFrederick A. Varnum.
Benjamin Harvey Hughes.
James Cochran.
Harlan E. Campbell.
Note. — Since 1851, when this record commences, what clianges have
taken place! A generation lias passed away, and against almost every
name of that early date the star (*) is atlixed. To many minds the read-
ing of these names will awaken a train of long-buried memories, — of liim
who ministered in holy things from the sacred desk; of tiie aged deacons,
with stooping forms and silvered hair; of tlie heads of families, who with
their many meml)ers occupied the familiar pew Sabl)alh after Sabl)atii,
till the sanctuary l>ecame so associated with tlieir presence, tlial it seemed
unreal and strange when they were no longer tliere. Some voices, now
hushed, of surpassing sweetness, we again hear, some faces of radiant
beauty we see once more; and the singers silting ))ack of the round pillars
in the high gallery we behold as in the years long gone. The words Miat,
were spoken b}^ him who ministered, the venerable forms of the aged, the
faces of rare loveliness and beauty, and the singers, all linger in memory !
The songs tiiat were sung " sliall yet ])e sung in the sweet reunion of song
that shall take place by and by, in a iiall whose columns are beams of
morning light, wliose ceiling is ])earl, wliose doors are gold, and where
liearts never grow old."
William S. Harris.
John F. Thayer.
John E. Cochran.
John A. Pai'k.
Sept. 1, 187(5 :
Mrs. Margaret M. P. Dinsmoor.
Mrs. Marilla R. Fitield.
Miss Stella F. Hardy, dis. Storm
Lake, la.
Mrs. Elizabeth (^all.
Pierce S. ('all.
May 4, 1877 :
Miss Sarah R. Burnliam.
Jan. 6, 1878 :
Mrs. L. P. Davidson.
May 5, 1878 :
Mrs. Nancy R. Clark.
Miss Lueva S. Emerson.
Miss Nettie F. Milner.
Miss Charlotte A. Reynolds.
Miss C. F. Howard, dis. E. Bos-
ton, Mass.
Caleb B. Clark.
Sept. 22, 1878 :
Mrs. H. F. Packard, dis. Farm-
ington, Me.
Miss A. C. Packard, dis. Farm-
ington. Me.
*Rev. Chas. Packard, d. Feb.20,'81.
Jan. 4, 1880 :
Mrs. Sarah M. Richardson.
Miss Ella A. Barker.
Miss Annie J. Blanchard.
Feb. 29, 1880 :
*Miss Hannah E. Wilson.
May 7, 1882:
Rev. Joseph S. Cogswell.
Mrs. Ellen V. Cogswell.
Miss Sarah E. Bray.
Miss Mary H. Cogswell.
Miss Mary E. Harris.
FIRST SCHOOLS IN NEW ENGLAND. 139
CHAPTER XII.
Schools and Education. — First Schools in New England. — School
Law of 17S9. — Schools in Windham. — Early Schools and Early
School-teachp:r.s. — Family Schools and Early Teacuers. — The
Lamented Teacher, Margaret Hamilton. — District No. 3. —
District No. 4. — District No. 5. — District No. G. — District No.
7. — School-books in Early Days. — Williams's Academy, 1768
till 17t»0. — Formation and History of School Districts to 1882.
— First School-houses. — District No. 1. — District No. 2. — Dis-
trict No. 3. — District No. 4. — District No. 5. — District No.
fi. — District No. 7. — School Funds. — High Schools. — School
Taxes. — Management of Schools. — Committee for Inspecting
the Schools from 1809 to 1828. — Superintending School Com-
mittees. — Money Expended for Public Schools from 1828 to
1882. — Superintending School Committee, from 1828 to 1882. —
The State Literary School Fund. — Military School.
"In aucient times the principle of education was recognized by fi-ee
or democratic states. Sparta based her safety and prosperity upon the
proper education of eveiy child in the community, and Atliens had public
schools for all classes of her citizens. It was, however, reserved for
modem times, and for the Free States of the American Union, to cany
out this principle to its fullest extent, — providing gratuitous education
of every grade for all classes, where the pooB and rich might meet together
in common and share alike in the blessings and advantages of education."
— Kiddle & Schem's Cyclopedia of Education, ji. 715.
FIRST SCHOOLS IN NEW ENGLAND.
In 1635, Boston, Mass., made provision for education, and
requested " Brother Philemon Purmont " to be school-master.
This was perhaps the earliest provision for a public school in New
England. The first legislative enactment of Massachusetts on
the subject was in 1642. First school established by public vote
in New England is claimed to be at Newport, R. I., in 1640.
Schools existed in New Haven, Conn., in 1639; in Vermont,
before 1763.
New Hampshire being united with Massachusetts in 1641,
became subject to the Massachusetts enactment of 1642; and
when it became again a separate Province, cojded in the main
some of the Massachusetts laws. The first law of New Hamp-
shire, after it became a separate Province in 1671, in regard to
schools, was in 1693, and it copied substantially many of the Mas-
sachusetts laws. By this law the selectmen of a town were obliged
140 HISTORY OF WINDHAM IN NEW HAMPSHIRE.
to levy a tax upon the inhabitants and "-build school-houses, min-
isters' houses, and meeting-houses." They were also obliged " to
provide a school-master." And again, —
By a Colonial laAv of this State, passed in 1719, and Avhich con-
tinued in force with only slight modifications till 1789, it was
enacted that each town in the Province " of fifty householders
shall be constantly provided of a school-master to teach children
to read and write." When a town had one hundred families,
there should be a " Grammar School set up and kept." In tlie
latter, the " tongues " or dead languages were to be taught. These
schools were sustained by an annual tax voted at the yearly March
meeting, and were under the sole charge of the selectmen. A town
was liable to a fine of £20 for disregarding the law. This law
remained in force without material change till 1789.
Judge Samuel T. Worcester, in writing of this law, says: "It
was wholly silent as to school-houses, school districts, and school
committees. It contem])]ated the employment of male teachers
only, ' school-masters^ It required, in its terms, both the school
for teaching reading and writing, and also that for teaching the
' tongues,' to be kept ' constantly.'' "
SCHOOL LAW OF 1789.
Again he says: "An act of the General Court, passed in 1789,
for the maintaining and regulating the New Hampshire i)ublic
schools, repealed the school laws till that time in force, and made
it the duty of the selectmen yearly to assess u]>on the inhabitants
of each town £45 upon each twenty shillings of the town's pro-
portion of the ])ublic taxes for teaching the children and youth of
the town ' reading, writing, and arithmetic.'' It may be seen that
by the law of 1789 that ' arithmetic ' was re(iuired to be taught in the
public schools in addition to 'reading and writing.' Shire towns
and half-shire towns by the same law were re(iuired to maintain a
grammar school for teaching ' Latin and Greek.' This Act of
1789 is su]»posed to have continued in force till 1805. ... I
find no statute school law in New Ham])shire ]»assed |)revious to
1805 requiring or seeming in its terms to contem])late tlie division
of towns for school ])urposes into school districts."
That year a law was passed giving towns authority to organize
school districts. This act was amended a few years later, making
it obligatory upon towns so to do.
SCHOOLS IN WINDHAM.
The Scotch people were a thinking peojile, lovers of intelli-
gence, and promoters of education. They had received a good
rudimentary education before coming to America. No sooner
had they planted themselves here and erected their log houses
than schools were establishecl, and fostered with jealous care.
But the first settlers were poor, and the struggle was long and
KAKI.V SCnuOl.S AND KAIM.V SCllOOl.-TKACIIKUS. 141
hart I hetore tlu'y made " tlu' wilderness to blossom as the rose."
So there could not liave been that attention given to education
which has been in later generations. They did what tliey could;
and yet the early history of the town is so obscure, it is difficult
to find the hcijinning of some of those institutions which have blest
this town the most. That most of the early settlers had educa-
tion enough for the duties of life is evident from the records left;
that their chililren also received a respectal)le education is equally
evident.
In IT'JT, when AVindham w^as but a parish and a part of Lon-
donderry, and eight years after the first settlement, James McKeen,
representative from Londonderry, a movement was made in regard
to the schools of the town. An order was passed Dec. 23, 1727,
releasing the town for one year from the ol)ligation to supj)ort a
grammar school, provided they would support two schools for
writing and reading. Such was the early provision in the mother
town, that at that ixvnQ four common schools were then kept.*
Having shown the laws of the Colony and State in regard to
schools, I will introduce facts and information from other sources.
On the records of Windham I can find no mention of schools or
taxes for their support till 1790, two years before the adoption of
the State constitution. In 1770 there is mention of one "John
Smith, school-master."
EARLY- SCHOOLS AND EARLY SCHOOL-TEACHERS.
It may be well for us, in these days of free schools and enlarged
privileges, "where whoso' wisely walls" may have his mind stored
with knowledge, and laden with the ripened sheaves of past ages,
to look back to the facilities for education possessed by the fathers,
that by contrast we may appreciate the distinguished advantages
of the present, and the rare opportunities we possess. Also, that
as we have more benefit, Ave may be wiser and better than they,
lest the distant wisdom of a far-off day shall reproach us for not
stamping upon the institutions of to-day the wisdom and strength
which like a beacon-light shall illumine the darkness of the dis-
tant but advancing years.
How our early settlers received their education and found
means to educate their children, is a subject full of interest. Yet
with all our investigation, only a partial history can be given, and
the rest must be deduced from inference. From the evidence intro-
duced in the first part of this chapter, it is certain that towns
were obliged by the Colonial law of 1719 to have schools. From
the action of the House of Representatives, Dec. 27, 1727, Lon-
donderry was exempted- from keeping a " grammar school " for
two years, " to commence from their annual meeting in March
* rroviucial Papers, voL iv, p. 473.
142 HISTORY OF WINDHAM IX Ni:\V HAMPSHIRE.
next," 17'28.* Evidence has been cited that in 1~'1~ four common
schools existed and were sup})orted in Londonderry. Settlements
had at that time commenced in Windham. But these settlers, scat-
tered though they were, would not long suffer their children to
be deprived of their chances for education as a portion of the
inhabitants of the old township, meagre though they were; and
though no written record of these schools exist, though the
receding years have borne away all specific knowledge of them,
yet from the fragmentary traditions which have come down to us,
by the knowledge which the early settlers possessed, as shown in
their writings and in the character of the settlers themselves, we
knoio that such schools existed, and were patronized and prized by