Memoir of the Rev. Samuel Hidden

Front matter

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■m mmmnm jimi: • i r r

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Chapter I

Birth — Parentage — Early thirst for knowledge — Bound as an apprentice — Youthful ardor — Leaves his master — Enlists in tiie Army — Returns home — Enlists again — Stillwater — White Plains — Measles — Enlists again — War-song — Enlists as a Privateer, - - 17

Chapter II

Goes to Gilmanton — Teaches school — Rev. Mr. Smith — Visits Dartmouth College — Prepares for College — Religious impressions — Conversion — Humility — Industry — Testimony of President Wheelock — Pecuniary anxiety — Elasticity of mind — Reliance on God —Christian boldness—Donaiions — Graduates - 39

Chapter III

Tamworth — Charter — First Family — Second — White inhabitants — Their hardships — Scarcity of

XII CONTENTS.

bread — Wild animals — Sickness — Enterprise — Interest in Religion — Petition — Participation in the War — Interest in Education 64

Chapter IV

Mr. Hidden returns to Gilmanton — Studies Theology — State of his mind — Doctrine of Free Grace — Extract of Mr. Smith's letter — Licensed — Call — Arrives atTamworth — First Sabbath — Simplicity of the people — Proposals for settlement — Accepts — Greatly beloved 77

CHAPTER V. The day of his ordination — Great Rock — The

Council — Church formed — Controversy Proceed

to the ordination — Extracts from letters — First church meeting — The Sacrament — His marriage — Intercourse with his people — Meeting-house Prayermeeting — Revival 96

Retrospect — His illness — Triumphant death 283 Appendix 326

MEMOIR.

Chapter I

Birth — Parentage — Early thirst for knowledge — Bound as an apprentice — Youthful ardour — Leaves his master — Enlists in the Army — Returns home — Enlists again — Stillwater — TMiite Plains — Measles — Enlists again — War song — Enlists as a Privateer.

Samuel Hidden, the subject of the following sketch, was born at Rowley, Essex County, Massachusetts, on the 22d day of February, 1760.

He was the son of Price and Eunice Hidden, formerly Eunice Hodgskin, whose children were Samuel, the subject of this memoir Mehitable, married to Mr. James Burnham of Manchester, Ms., Eunice, married to Mr*

William Clark, formerly of Beverly, Mass., afterwards removed to Tamworth ; Mrs. Clark is still living in Bangor, Me.; Martha, married to Mr. Joseph Kilborne of Rowley, Ms., William Price, now living in Tamworth, Betsey and Jonathan, who died young, and Ephraim, who lived in Tamworth, and was drowned in Bearcamp river, 1824.

His father was by trade a Combmaker, and in indigent circumstances. His mother was a pious woman and early taught him the Assembly's Catechism and various parts of the Scriptures, the historical portions of which he read, when even a child, with great interest. He early discovered a strong desire for learning and improved every opportunity for acquiring a knowledge of those branches of English education then taught in common schools.

At the age of nine years, he was bound to an Inn keeper, who was also a shoemaker by trade, as an apprentice. He was found very adroit in dealing out liquors and in attending to his master's interest. His master was an austere, avaricious man, and afforded him but few opportunities for mental improvement, and often required of him the labor of a man.

Samuel was of a sanguine temperament and lively imagination. He early laid plans foi- future greatness, and gave intimations to his master that he was not always to be under his control.

The country was new and far-reaching in every direction.. The spirit of enterprise was widely diffused. Adventure was abroad, and he who would, might make ^fortune. Besides, his chivalrous soul was animated with tales of valor. The ocean was infested with pirates and the Indians made depredations upon the frontiers. The marines were victorious and the militia were successful. His mind was ardent, bold. He longed for freedom. The confinement of the shop and bar ill suited his active temperament. He resolved to seek his fortune far

20 MEMOIR Oi*

from the scenes of his childhood, but was prevented by the vigilance of his master and the tender advice of his mother. He felt bound to obey his parents in all things, and a sense of his obligation to them was a strong restraint upon his youthful passions. The controversy between the colonies and England arising, confinement was insufferable. B}^ the old militia law, every male inhabitant, from sixteen years old to sixty, was obliged to be provided with a musket and bayonet, knapsack, cartridge-box, one pound of powder, and twenty bullets and twelve flints. In time of peace, these requisitions were neglected, and the people in general were not completely furnished. Young Hidden entreated his master, at the age of fifteen, to procure him the above mentioned materials for service. Being refused, he determined to procure them for himself and by extra labor obtained means for purchasing them. He immediately showed them to his master, saying, " What

I have earned I can use. This shall make the British dogs howl." That enthusiastic patriotism which elevates the soul above all considerations of interest or danger had now become his ruling passion.

The year 1775, was the commencement of that struggle which resulted in the independence of the Colonies. The country was alive with the bustle of preparation, and in every countenance could be read the expectation of important transactions in which all must participate. Independent companies were formed ; voluntary trainings were frequent ; the old and the young, the rich and the poor devoted their hours of amuse^ ment and of leisure, to exercises calculated to fit them to act a part in the anticipated conflict.

None manifested greater zeal than young Hidden. He had now arrived at the age of sixteen. The whole country was in arms. Charlestown was in ashes and the Battle of Bunker's Hill had been faught ; the north* ern frontier was awake to liberty ; the brave and generous Montgomery had fallen and disasters continued to discourage. But there was no hope of reconciliation. The last humble petition of Congress to the king had been presented ; but their petitions had been slighted ; their remonstrances had produced additional violence and insult ; their supplications had been disregarded ; and they had been spurned, with contempt, from the foot of the throne. ' They had done every thing that could be done, to avert the storm which was coming on. And now an appeal to arms, and to the God of hosts, was all that was left them. They felt that there was a just God, who presides over the destinies of nations, and who would raise up friends to fight their battles for them. That the battle was not to the strong alone ; but to the vigilant, the active, the brave.' Thus circumstanced, the famous Declaration of Independence was unanimously adopted in Congress on the 4th of July, 1776, and welcomed by the people with joy which was displayed by extraordinary public festivals. The watch word from Maine to Georgia, was " Sink or swim, live or die, survive or perish, I give my hand and my heart to this Declaration." Every man was ready to say with the patriotic John Adams, " All that I have, and all that I am, and all that I hope, in this life, I am now ready to stake upon it. It is my living sentiment, and by the blessing of God, it shall be my dying sentiment ; independence now ; and independence forever /"

While such was the feeling in the community generally, no wonder young Hidden burned with patriotic zeal and resolved to glory in the success of his country or die in her defeat. He frankly communicated to his master his resolution to leave him and fight for his bleeding country. " To deal out your liquors while others are dealing out their blood for freedom is ignominious," said he to his master who, at length finding that the spirit of his apprentice was indomitable, unawed by threatenings and unseduced by promises, gave his reluctant consent.

Thus relieved from bondage he returned to his parents and found them in great need of his assistance. On leaving his master he had resolved to enter the army immediately, but finding his parents destitute of the comforts of life, brothers and sisters crying for bread, he changed his plans and hired with a man in his native town for six dollars per month, and expended his wages for corn at one dollar and fifty cents per bushel to support the family. In the winter he labored at shoe-making for the same wages and for the same object.

In May, 1777, at the age of seventeen, he enlisted under Captain Johnson of Andover, Massachusetts, whose father then commanded the regiment. He enlisted in this company of militia to serve two months. They forthwith marched to Bristol, Rhode Island.

disaster had followed the American army and reduced its number. But the brilliant victories gained by Washington, at Trenton and Princeton, raised from the lowest depression, the spirits of the American people, and many rallied around the standard of Washington.

The company in which young Hidden enlisted consisted of volunteers resoh^ed on liberty or death. But as the seat of the war was now removed to the south of Rhode Island, they were not forced into any action with the enemy, and orders were issued to Col. Johnson to march with his regiment to Bennington, Vt. to join that portion of the army under Gen. Stark.

As Mr. Hidden's time of service for which he enlisted had expired he returned to Rowley ; but as inactivity ill suited his nature, within four days of his return, he again enlisted under Captain Benjamin Adams of Rowley, in the same Col. Johnson's regiment, for four months.

The British were now concentratin«: a large force about Lake Cbamplain, and Burgoyne with his army was at Fort Edward which General Schuylor had just evacuated. The American General, before leaving Fort Edward, issued a proclamation calling to his aid the militia of New-England and New- York. Aroused by the danger multitudes obeyed his call. " Vermont poured forth her daring Green Mountain boys ; the other States of New-England their hardy yeomanry, ardent in the cause of freedom ; New- York, her valiant sons indignant at the invasion of her territory, and determined to protect their property from pillage and destruction. These beset the invaders on every side, impeding their passage, cutting off their supplies, and fatiguing them by incessant attacks." Thus circumstanced, Burgoyne dispatched Colonel Baum with five hundred Hessians to seize the stores of provision at Bennington. With this detachment. General Stark with a party of New-Hampshire militia, fought a fierce and sanguinary battle on the 16th of August, most of whom he either killed or took prisoners. The prisoners he immediately sent to Boston, whom Mr. Hidden on his march to Bennington met at Northampton.

This decisive victory diffused confidence and joy. The friends of independence, before depressed by disaster and defeat, were now animated by the prospect, which suddenly burst upon them, of a glorious victory over an arrogant and once dreaded enemy. Again crowds of militia flocked to] the republican camp.

The company in which Mr. Hidden enlisted arrived at Bennington ; thence marched to Manchester, where General Warner took the command of the Brigade. From Manchester they marched to Powlet and joined Gen. St. Clair's division ; thence to Castleton ; thence to Hubbardton ; thence to Mount Independence, which is situated on the strait through which the waters of Lake George and East Bay flow into Lake

Champlain, in the north west part of the town of Orwell, m Rutland County, Vt., and opposite Ticonderoga. A vigorous attack was made upon the fort in which, Mr. Hidden bore his share of toil and suffering. He remained here five days, and then they returned to the head of the Lake by water. They arrived at Stillwater on the 6th of October, where Gen. Gates with Generals Lincoln and Arnold had advanced. Burgoyne on the 17th of September, encamped near the American army. He was daily puting his army into a more hazardous situation ; and it was determined that no exertion be wanting on the part of Americans to complete the ruin of his boasted enterprise.

On the ISth of September, the first battle of Stillwater was fought. Both armies fought with determined resolution. Night put an end to the conflict.

Burgoyne pressed on all sides, resolved on another battle. He made dispositions to commence the action with the right wing of his army, Gen. Gates made a sudden and vigorous attack upon the left. This battle X\^as furious, obstinate, and more bloody than the other. Toward night the British gave way. Darkness put an end to this action. Gen. Gates endeavoring to surround Burgoyne, the latter retreated to the bights of Saratoga pursued by the Americans. The situation of the British troops was now distressing in the extreme, and Burgoyne, by the unanimous advice of his principal ofR-* cers on the 1 7th of October, surrendered his whole army prisoners of war. During one of these battles Adjutant Simpson, father of Judge Simpson of New-Hampton, receiving a bullet near his eye fell into the arms of Mr. Hidden, and by him with the aid of others was carried from the field of battle.

Immediately after the surrender of Burgoyne's army, the regiment in which Mr. Hidden served, with others marched to Albany. They performed a march of forty miles, and forded the Mohawk river, below the falls, in the space of fourteen hours., The design of this rapid movement was to. check the progress of a detachment, commanded by the British General Clintoa ;; who threatened Albany with the same destruction which he had spread in the coiMitry below; but on hearing the fate of Burgoyne, he returned quietly to New- York.

Finding that the enemy had departed Johnson's regiment proceeded to Newburgh, thence to Tarry Town by water, and thence to White Plains where Mr. Hidden was seized with the measles. The season was now inclement and he was thinly clad, and sometimes obliged to sleep on the earth with only a blanket for protection. Thus exposed he narrowly escaped death. Frosm the effects of the measles he never entirely recovered. He lost in some measure the use of his limbs. He received all the attention it was possible to bestow under such circumstances. He had greatly endeared himself to his comrades in arms as well as to his commanders. He was young, but bold. No danger could intimidate. He was fearless in battle and fought for liberty as for life. But when sickness visited him he felt the need of some friendly voice to cheer and some kind hand to assist. A mother's voice would then have sounded like music^ and her presence been like an angel's visit. This was the first time he had longed for " sweet home." The stirring scenes of the camp and battle field had given him no time to think of the past. The present and the future absorbed his mind.

Remaining here a few days, and the time for which he enlisted having expired, he, with most of the company in which he served, returned home the last of November, feeble and suffering with hunger. He remained in Rowley, laboring to support his father's family during the following winter and spring of 1778. Count D'Estinghaving arrived with a French fleet to co-operate with the American army, it was resolved to regain those posts in Rhode Island then occupied by the British. Gen. Sullivan was appointed to conduct the operations, who called upon the militia of New-England, to aid him in the enterprise. His army soon amounted to ten thousand men.

Mr. Hidden could not remain at home while others fought. In July, 1778, he again enlisted in Captain Jonathan Kortus' company in Col. Wade's regiment for four months, and immediately marched to Rhode Island. At Providence, he met the continental troops with Gens. Sullivan, LaFayette. Glover and Green. On the ninth of August, General Sullivan commenced the siege of Newport. But unsupported by the fleet, by an unforseen event, he was obliged to withdraw, after several skirmishes and the loss of some men.

Col. Wade's regiment spent the rest of the four months in East Greenwich and

North Kingston. Mr. Hidden then returned and labored with Mr. William Price of Newburyport, to pay him a debt of his father's amounting to about one hundred dollars. He continued here two years, until 1781.

jDuring this period, notwithstanding the stirring scenes of war, and the necessity of constant toil when at home, he did not neglect mental culture. He had improved every opportunity for acquiring the rudiments of the English language. He usually spent his evenings and sometimes entire nio;hts in die study of the natural sciences and reading history. He gave much attention to vocal and instrumental music. He read with deep interest poetry which so well suited his lively imagination.

In the spring of 1781, he resolved again to enlist in his country's cause. Ships owned and manned by private individuals were commissioned by the States to seize the vessels of the British, and thus annoy their commerce. In one of these vessels he re* 3 solved to ship. The spirit which animated his youthful breast may be best perceived by the perusal of a " War Song/' written by him just before leaving on this expedition, and dedicated to Miss Betsey Price, his cousin, afterwards wife.

A WAR SONG.

Come all ye sons of temptest sted, come hark to war's

alarm ; Leave sports and plays and holidays, and hark away

to arms ; A soldier is a gentleman, his honor is his life, And he that won't stand by his post, will ne'er stand

by his wife.

For love and honor are the same or else so well allied, That neither can exist alone, but flourish side by side; So fare ye well sweet-hearts awhile, ye smiling girls

adieu, And when we have drove those dogs away, we'll kiss

it out with you.

The spring is up, the winter's gone, the fields are

green and gay, And all inviting honor calls, away my boys, away; To shady tents by cooling streams with hearts so firm

and free, We'll toss the cares of life away, in songs of liberty.

No foreign king shall give us laws nor British tyrants

reign, For independence made us free, and independence

we'll maintain ; We'll charge our foes from post to post, attack their

work and lines, Or by some well laid stratagem, we'll make them all

Burgoynes.

And when the wars are over, boys, then down we'll

sit at ease ; We'll plow, we'll sow, we'll reap, we'll mow and live

just as we please, Each hearty lad shall take his lass, all shining like . a

star.

And in her softer arms, forget the dangers of the war.

The rising world shall eing of us a thousand years to

come.

And to their children's children tell the wonders we

have done ; Come honest fellows here's my hand, my heart, my

very soul, With all the songs of liberty, good fortune and the

bowl.

He enlisted to serve on board the ship, Pilgrim, commanded by Captain Robinson, carrying eighteen nine pounders and one hundred and thirty men, commissioned by the State of Massachusetts for eight months. This vessel sailed from Beverly, and in a few days fell in with the British Brig, Alfred^ having sixteen guns and forty -one men, from Liverpool.

The action was commenced on the part of the Americans, and met with great obstinacy on the part of the British. After a struggle of one hour and a half, the British Brig surrendered and was sent into Salem. Mr. Hidden was sent in with the prize, though the Pilgrim continued on the ocean the time for which it was commissioned, and was successful in several encounters. A share of all the prizes he drew according to the regulations of such v^essels.

On the 18th of October, Cornwallis surrendered to Gen. Washington. The joy of the people at this intelligence was unbounded. ^ To the Giver of all good, they united in rendering, with grateful hearts, thanksgiving and praise for the decisive victory which he had enabled them to gain. From the nature and duration of the contest, the affections of many had been so concentrated upon their country, and so intense was their interest in its fate, that the news of this brilhant success produced the most raptur* ous emotion.' Early in the spring of 1782, pacific overtures were rnade to the Ameri^ can government, and both nations desisted from hostile measures.

The prosperity of the country began to i*evive. Industry every where prevailed. The young and the old addressed themselves to the cultivation of the soil, and to gaining a livelihood by other means of industry.

Hitherto Mr. Hidden had labored exclusively for the support of his father's family, and the freedom of his country. He had bared his bosom to the dangers of a sanguinary war the most unnatural in the annals of civilized nations, and prosecuted with a barbarity on the part of the British most re« volting to humanity. But the hardships of war were at an end, peace and contentment pervaded the people.

Chapter II

Goes to Gilmanton — Teaches school — Rev, Mr. Smith — Visits Dartmouth College — Prepares for College — Religious impressions — Conversion — Humility — Industry — Testimony of President JVheelock — Pecuniary anxiety — Elasticity of mind — Reliance on God — Christian boldness — Donations — Graduates,

In 1783, Mr. Hidden went to Gilmanton, New-Hampshire, and labored with Mr. William Price, teaching school for the first time during the winter. Notwithstanding the nature of his employment and the unremitted attention to labor, his inextinguishable thirst for knowledge had led him to qualify himself to teach in all those branches o[ English education then usually taught.

He possessed a vigorous intellect. Without an instructor, and with means the commonest and rudest, he had become a prodigy as a '^ school master. ^^ He greatly signalized himself in this occupation. While teaching day schools he also taught vocal music in which he was without a rival in all that region. He moreover often recited to Rev. Mr. Smith, pastor of the Congregational church in Gilmanton ; often walking five miles for this purpose. He at once won the esteem of his teacher, He soon became acquainted with the families of Hons. Joseph Badger and Thomas Cogswell, also Gen. Joseph Badger, Jr. He taught schools in their sections of the town ; also in their houses and boarded in their families. They deemed him a young man of a high order of intellect and worthy esteem. He was familiar with the history of the country, ready to communicate, pleasing in manners, kind, cheerful, enterprising, and promised to niake a man of eminence. They con* sidered liim a valuable appendage to iheir families, and so completely captivated were tliey as to deem him indispensable to their enjoyment. The social visit was insipid without his conversation to enliven and his voice to cheer. He gave life to every enterprise. Their children were his pupils and companions. They relieved his wants and encouraged him in his employment.

He was unwearied in acts of kindness to his parents, his brothers and sisters. The avails of his industry were cheerfully devoted to their comfort. Self was always forgotten when others needed.

Thus he continued to teach mostly in Gilmanton, sometimes in other towns. In 1785, he was employed to teach at Gilmanton Centre. He resided in the family of Gen. Joseph Badger, Junior, having for his pupil and bed-fellow, William Badger, late Governor of New-Hampshire. When the school-money was expended they obtained private schools. He also continued to teacli with great success vocal music.

During this time, he was induced by Rev. Mr. Smith, to attend Commencement at Dartmouth College. This College commenced its operations in 1770, the first Commencement being held the following year. A deep interest w-as felt in its success throughout the country. President Wheelock, its founder, had wisely conducted its concerns and it was beginning to exert extensive influence in the cause of education and piety. It was natural that any young man of promising talents should be advised to obtain a liberal education, and that many should be disposed to assist such young men as could be spared ; for at this time they were few. As often as Mr. Smith sufjgested this course, Mr. Hidden remarked, there were insuperable obstacles. He felt that he was too far advanced in years and destitute of the requisite means of support. The former objection iMr. Smith could easily remove by referring to himself as having commenced study preparatory for college at an advanced age, and the latter appeared less formidable from the consideration that he had wealthy friends in Gilmanton, who would render aid.

He had often in imagination visited Dartmouth College in the forest and acted a prominent part, but these were only castles in the air that soon vanished. He now embraced an opportunity in company with Mr. Smith, Mr. Eliphalet Wood of Loudon, Mr. William Price and others, to visit this loved retreat and witness the exercises of the Commencement season.

A Commencement at College is admirably adapted to awaken the latent energies of the youthful mind. The sparkling eye, the flush of youth, the countenance radiant with joy, the bosom swelling with bright hopes, the last greetings of classmates, the severing of thousand ties, the tender meltings of heart at leaving their Alma Mater, stir the soul and provoke strong aspirations for a participation in like scenes.

A mind like his must be deeply moved. Naturally fond of learning and of ardent feelings, laudably ambitious, active and ardent, he returned resolved on his subsequent course. He was delighted with what his eye had seen and his ear heard. He soon entered upon the study of the classics with Mr. Smith, continuing in the mean time to teach. He recited once a week regularly. By his kind disposition, familiar manner of communication and acquired knowledge of the common branches of education, acquired by redeeming t^me, he became a highly popular teacher.

In this employment he took great delight. He spared no labor to prove useful to his pupils. Besides the usual instruction he formed a company of militia of young men, whom he taught tactics. Many of these now survive and remember him with the liveliest emotions.

His progress in the study of the classics Was very rapid, and in September of 1787, he entered Dartmouth Colleo-e, a2;ed twenty-seven, having spent less than one year's study in his preparatory course. He left a large circle of warm friends who wished him success and promised to welcome his return. He carried with him his shoe making instruments expecting by them to support himself in College in a great measure. He is related to have expressed the most enthusiastic joy on being presented, just before leaving Gilmanton, with several new knives and awls by Gen. Badger, Junior, which he procured at Portsmouth, and a large quantity of bristles given him by his pupils. It might have been foreseen from Mr. Hidden's earliest displays of character, that he was formed to be an instrument of extensive evil or of eminent good. ' There was a decision — a daring — an untameablcness in the structure of his mind even when a boy, combined with a tone of authority and command, and a talent in the exercise of these quahties, to which the minds of his associates yielded an implicit subjection. Fear of consequences never entered into his view. Opposition, especially if accompanied by any thing like severity or oppression, awakened unrelenting resistance. Yet this bold and untameable spirit was allied to a noble and generous disposition. There was a magnificence in his mind. His mind was too noble, to have recourse to other means or to aim at other ends, than those which he avowed ; and too intrepid not to avow those which he did entertain, so far as might be required or expedient. Notwithstanding this trait of character, he possessed a deep sympathy-^a sympathy which sprung less from that softness and sensibility which are the ornament of the female, than from the generosity of his disposition. He would have all men happy, and it gratified his generous nature to ease the burdens of sufFer- Of his religious impressions we have DOt hitherto spoken. Being early taught the Scriptures of truth and educated according to the customs of the Pilsfrims, he was early the subject of religious impressions. Conscience was often alarmed. Amidst the scenes of the camp and battle field he never forgot the presence of God. He remarked that he always uttered mentally the Lord's prayer as he engaged with the enemy. While at Gilmanton, he was by all considered a strictly moral man, and by many pious, though he made no profession of religion. Such was the state of hi? mind that he always felt it his duty to pray morning and evening in his schools. He habituated himself to secret prayer. He was sometimes deeply affected in view of his lost condition as a sinner. He was like the young man in the gospel nigh to the kingdom of Godj but refused to enter.

When he entered College, as he often remarked, he '• hoped he should become pious." He felt called by a voice within to do good. He resolved eventually to consecrate the powers of his mind to the service of Christ. But so prone is man to defer the work of repentance, he did not become pious until his Sophomore year in College, uniting with the church at Hanover, June i^O, 1790. A revival was then enjoyed in that institution, and he surrendered his heart to Christ and enlisted all the energies of his soul in the cause of his Redeemer.* His