286
��THE GRANITE MONTHLY.
��him the evening before, at his house in that part of the ancient town of Gil- manton which is now known as Bel- mont. The cavalcade — there were no troops in the escort — met the governor- elect, we think, at East Concord. He was a man of commanding presence, fair complexion, above six feet in height, and, seated upon a horse, rid- ing alone, could not be mistaken, as is so often the case when the multitude gaze upon such spectacles — a chief marshal or other official personage often being the central figure in the procession. The cavalcade, coming in around the Walker barn, made an excel- lent appearance.
This narrative brings matters to so recent a period that further details seem unnecessary. In addition to the escort of governors into town after the manner spoken of above, there was an imposing spectacle, on Thursday of election week, which was continued each year up to 183 1. This consisted of religious services in what was long known as the Old North Church [now represented by the Walker School build- ing] , in which great numbers assembled. A procession, including a military escort, the legislature, the clergy, and others, was formed, and proceeded up Main
��street to the place assigned, in great pomp — each side of the street being deeply lined with spectators. Reaching the old tabernacle, religious services took place in "solemn form," to adopt a Ma- sonic phrase, chief of which was the election sermon. The practice -of in- augurating the civil year with religious observances commenced in 1784, and was continued until 1831. In that year the legislature — 107 to 81 — voted to dispense with the election sermon, and consequently with the chief attraction of election — the military, the music and the procession. The sermon of 1831, the last, was preached by Rev. Nathan Lord, d. D., ll. d., President of Dart- mouth College.*
The most costly and imposing in- auguration spectacle ever witnessed was the escort of Gov. Gilmore through the chief streets of the city to the state house. But that and all kindred demonstrations become indis- tinct as time passes on, and to revive them by writing it is necessary to search the records. Sic transit.
- This usage was attempted to be revived, in
1861, the session after the commencement of the civil war. The legislature voted to have an " election sermon," which was preached by Henry Elijah Parker, now Professor in Dartmouth Col-
��lege, in the South Congregational Church, usage was not re-established.
��The
��GOVERNMENT OF NEW HAMPSHIRE— 1883-188 5.
��EXECUTIVE.
Governor Samuel W. Hale, born April 2, 18-23. in Fitchburg.Mass. ; settled in Dublin in 1845 ; moved to Keene in 1859 and embarked in the manufacture of chairs. He is now interested in ex- tensive manufacturing, railroad and min- ing industries; is a large landed propri- etor, and a bank director, a member of the Congregational church, a Mason, married, and a Republican. In I860 and 1867 he was a member of the legislature ; in 18G9 and 1870 a member of the govern- or's council; in 1880 a delegate to the National Republican Convention at Chi- cago, and was inaugurated as governor June 7, 1883. [See Vol.VI, No. 1. Granite Monthly.]
��COUNCILLORS.
1. Hon. Amos C. Chase, born March 10, 1833. in Kingston, was educated in his native town; learned the painter's trade and embarked in the manufacture of carriages at an early age, finishing, on an average, three hundred a year since 18G8. In his business Mr. Chase has shown great financial ability, and lias achieved marked success. In 1S77 he was a member of the legislature; in 1881 state senator; in 1883 a councillor. He is married, a Mason, and a Congre- gationalist. [See History of Rocking- ham County, page 381, 382.]
2. Hon. Grovenor A. Curtice, born March 31. 1842, in Lempster; settled in
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