New England Magazine - March 1900 - Page 99
New Ipswich Historical Society
Recap of Page 98
… and cheerfully borne by them. Indeed, this respect is instinctive, for there is always some village antiquarian in our colonial towns who is eager to show the oldest house, the oldest tombstone, or the oldest inhabitant of his birthplace, and to rehearse old legends. In New Ipswich there is a very marked interest in this line of research, fostered, perhaps, by the fact that such a number of men of much more than local repute have gone forth into the world beyond the New Hampshire hills from the quiet little town.
Just in the rear of the present bank building the visitor is shown the site of Foster's log cabin, in which Ebenezer was born, and from which both Abijah and Ebenezer went forth to join the ranks that fought in the old French war. It is a matter of some pride to the villagers that Ebenezer, the first citizen by birth, died in the service at Crown Point in 1759.
Benjamin Hoar and Moses Tucker followed Foster; and it was Moses Tucker who in after years remained alone and unaided in the village when the rest of the inhabitants fled before a threatened attack from the Indians. In spite of his neighbors' entreaties, and finally their disgust and ridicule, the valiant Moses fortified himself in his cabin and stayed at home. For some reason the Indians changed their plan of action; and Captain Tucker, as he was called, had the laugh on his side when his neighbors came back.
The picturesque beauty of the quaint little town, with the hills for a background, and the Souhegan River running like a silver ribbon through the valley, is very grateful to the senses of the city visitor who chances to seek rest and refreshment in this old colonial town, teeming with memories of "good men just and true."
The puritanic influence was strong here a half century ago; and in 1843 there was a split in the church, caused by a disagreement among the clergy and elders as to the use of fermented wine in the communion. Looking back, it seems strange that a congregation of rational men and women should have lost their heads over such a non-essential point; yet it is significant of the almost morbid conscientiousness of that period, and stands…
(continued tomorrow)
On this day - January 10, 1898
William Jurian Kaula diary
10 JAN 1898
Paris is still somewhat stirred up over the Dreyfus Affair. When Dreyfus was found guilty a few months ago the government concluded that it was settled. Trouble has been brewing for sometime and many prominent men are in the field to attempt to prove Dreyfus innocent. Most of the trouble arises from the fact and discontent because Dreyfus was tried in secret. Lola the author is one of the most prominent men who are supporting Dreyfus. Dreyfus was found guilty of selling military secrets to the Germans. He was a captain in the army and by the time he was suspected he had sold the plans of the national defense and the mobilization of the army - plans that have been the result of many years of labor and since the Franco-Prussian War. Naturally the people are agitated because it has weakened their confidence in the Army. The army was supposed to have reached a high state of perfection and efficiency since the re-organization. Corruption is suspected on all sides as a host of men have been accused on both sides.
On this day - January 10, 1909
James Roger diary entry
10th (Sunday)
Mild day, slight flurry of snow in early morning. Mr. Peacock preached on the report of the Spies from the land of Canaan. S.S. after few present. C.E. topic “Life for Time or Eternity” I led, 12 present Wrote to Alice and Hamish.
Interesting history. It seems that I've roamed the same ground that early New Ipswich settlors did. I now have my cabin cruiser (newer one) at Crown Point NY where Ebenezer fought and died. A few miles to the east of me in Hoosick NY General Stark fought what is mistakenly called the Battle of Bennington,, possibly because Stark thought he was in Bennington.