Records of the

EPSOM TEMPERANCE SOCIETY (1835-1860)

Epsom

April the 2nd 1835 The Congregational and Baptist Societies met at the Baptist meeting house in Epsom for the purpose of forming a Temperance Society for the Town after hearing an address delivered by the Rev. B.S. Manson the Baptist preacher in Town, adopted the following~
Constitution
Preamble - The undersigned full convinced that the prevalent use of ardent spirits as a drink has long been and still is one of the most prolific sources of vice and misery among men and that any real or supposed advantages from its use are altogether outweighed by the manifold injuries it produces in Society, do for the suppression of this evil and the full security of themselves their families and friends and the Community generally form themselves into an association and do hereby adopt the following Constitution

Article 1st This society shall be known and Called by the name of Epsom Temperance Society

Article 2d This Society shall hold its annual meetings on the annual Fast at one o'clock P.M. at which time the Officers of the Society Shall be Chosen for each succeeding year to hold their offices until others are chosen in their places.

Art 3rd The officers of this society shall be a President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and board of directors Consisting of five members in addition to the President and Vice President who shall be ex officio members of Said board

Art 4th The President on application of any three members or in his absence the Vice President on such application may call a meeting of the Society at any time giving suitable notice thereof,

Art 5 It shall be the duty of the board of Directors to report at the annual meeting of the society the progress of temperance to procure Subscribers to the Constitution of the society, and generally to promote by all proper means the interests and objects of the society to appoint the exercises to be had before the society at its various meetings and the persons to perform the same and the times of such meetings in case the same shall not be otherwise provided by the Society

6th The members of this society agree to abstain entirely from the use of ardent spirits as a drink except in the case of actual sickness they conscientiously use it as a medicine and that they will not traffick in it or Provide it for their friends or acquaintances except in cases of sickness as aforesaid and that they will endeavor to discourage its use as an article of drink both by precept and example on all proper occasions and that they will abstain from the immoderate use of wine or any fermented or intoxicating drink whatever and for Faithful observance of this article according to its fail meaning and interests they severally pledge their characters as honorable & honest men.

7th The board of directors may on hearing and proof of a breach of the sixth or preceding article of this constitution by any of its members, strike his name from the Constitution Subject however to an appeal to the society at its next annual meeting ---

8th This Constitution may be altered at any annual meeting in any of its articles except the sixth by a major vote, to alter said sixth article an unanimous vote of all the members present shall be required, which shall not be less than two thirds of all the members of the Society.

We then proceeded to organize by choosing Rev. B.S. Manson President, Rev. F.P. Smith Vice President, for secretary Nathan Bickford, for treasurer Frederick Sanborn, for directors Ephraim Locke, Thomas Bickford, Thomas Tripp, Joseph J Moses, Job Sanders, then raised a comt of five to guard the society and see that its members continue infidelity, John Griffin Jr., James Sanborn, Saml Green, Wm Wallace, Saml Cate were this comt.
Then raised a committee to adopt resolutions for this society, James Hersey, Frederick Sanborn, John Griffin Jr., were this comt. Closed by Singing and a benediction by Rev. Silas Green.
Nathan Bickford, Sec.

At a meeting of the officers of the Epsom Temperance Society held at Dr. Proctors May 25th 1835 -
1st voted that Francis P Smith be clerk pro tem
2nd voted to have a Temperance address on the 4th of July next at 3 o'clock P.M.
3rd voted that the address be given at the old meeting house
4th voted Francis P Smith procure an orator to deliver the address
5th voted to procure a Book for keeping the records
6th voted that the President Copy or procure to be copied so many of the Constitutions of this Society that each officer of the Society have one
7th voted to dissolve this meeting and closed with prayer from the President,
Francis P Smith Sec. Pro tem

November 2nd Epsom Temperance Society meet at the Baptist M. House at 2 o'clock P.M. and after hearing a very able address delivered by the Rev. John Burton, we attended to the following business.
1st voted that Rev. F.P. Smith attend the thanks of this Society to Mr. Burton for his able and very ingenious address delivered before this Society today
2nd Raised a comt of three to meet with our Secretary and assist him in filling a blank sent to this Society giving a fair Statement of the State of temperance in this town
3rd appointed John Griffin Jr., Frederick Sanborn & James Hersey esq. this committee
4th dissolved the meeting
Nathan Bickford}Sec

Febr 23rd, 1836 The Epsom Temperance Society meet at the Baptist M. House at one o'clock P.M. and listened to a very able and ingenious address from Dr. W. Fifield from Pittsfield after which there were eleven persons that Subscribed our Temperance articles.
Business 1st voted that a comt be revised to make proper distribution of the eighth annual report of the American Temperance Society among the families in Town having about 100 of them and ascertaining that we have about 196 families in Town, it was reported that one report be read by two families, the report was received and distribution accordingly made
2 the thanks of this Society was given to Doct. Wm Fifield by Frederick Sanborn
3rd A meeting of the board of directors was there appointed to be holden at Eld. Mansons on March the 28, 1836
4th Dissolved the meeting
Nathan Bickford} Sec.

March the 31 1836 The Temperance Society met at the Baptist Meeting House at one o'clock P.M. and attended to the following business ~
1st Chose Frederick Sanborn, President, Nathan Bickford Vice President
2nd Chose John Griffin Jr., Sec. & Samuel Cate Treasurer
3rd Chose Thomas Bickford, Job Sanders, Joseph J Moses, Thomas Tripp & Amos Prescott directors
4th Chose George Proctor, Wm Wallace, Dearborn Moses, Lemuel B Towle, E. Locke Jr., B.M. Heath, John Burnham to guard the Society and see that its members Continue in fidelity
5th Chose Hanover Dickey Jr., Saml M Green, Joseph S Dolbeer, Wm Tarlton, John S Cate to draft Resolutions for Said Society
6th Adopted the following Resolutions
1st Whereas The Combined efforts of all good and virtuous persons throughout the civilized world are using their humble endeavors to advance the Temperance cause
Resolved that we deem it expedient that each member of this association should take a deep and lively interest to advance the cause of Temperance, we regard the use of ardent spirits one of the greatest evils of our land as tending to produce all manners of wickedness to occasion discordant and irritable passions to familiarize the mind of scenes of sin and crime. The only principle therefore is that of total abstinence except for medical purposes and we will exert our influence by precept and example and by united efforts to persuade our friends and neighbors against this prolific Source or misery and to cultivate to the interest of our ability the virtue of genuine temperance.
2nd Resolved That we feel it our duty as members of a Temperate Society not to slacken our efforts in the work of reform but to carry forward its blessing with that zeal and enterprise that it may invite to the attention of its enemies to consider more candidly the subject & thereby to secure their influence in its favor.
3rd Resolved That we deem the influence of females salutary upon the minds & actions of men, we therefore earnestly solicit that they should not feel themselves exempt but that they would use their utmost endeavors to advance this glorious cause
4th Resolved That the advancement of Temperance depend greatly upon the vigilance and decisions with which the officers of Temperate associations perform their duties but more upon the fidelity of the members keeping their pledge inviolable.
5th Resolved That our board of directors shall constitute a comt to call on all who retail ardent spirits in this Town and affectionately invite them to abandon its trafick and give their influence on the side of Temperance.
7th voted to dissolve this meeting of business And then listened to a very able and ingenious address delivered by Eldr Enoch Place from Strafford after which five came forward & Signed the Temperance articles.
8th voted that Nathan Bickford attend the thanks of this Society to Eld E Place for his able and ingenious address before this Society this day
9th Closed by Singing & benediction by Eld E Place
John Griffin Jr}Secretary

March the 30, 1837 The Temperance Society met at the Vestry at one o'clock P.M. and attended to the following business
1 voted that the same Officers continue the present year
2nd voted that hereafter our annual meeting of business be on the first Monday in September at one o'clock P.M.
And then listened to a very ingenious address delivered by the Rev. Jonathan Curtis from Pittsfield, after which the Comt to draft resolutions respectfully submitted the following preamble and resolves.
Whereas the evils of intemperance have extended their influence far and wide over the face of the civilized world, and whereas that love of country inherent in the bosom of all real patriots and philanthropists prompts every one use his utmost endeavors for the suppression of any great intentional evil, believing that "union is strength" and that voluntary associations have already done much to impede the progress of this enemy to health and social happiness,
Resolved that we look upon the enterprising and well directed efforts of Temperance combinations, ____,the most auspicious circumstances in the recent and present history of our country, calculated to cheer the hearts of all good men, and with them the greater diligence and perseverance in this branch of reform.
Resolved, That we consider the habitual use of alcohol one of the greatest services to which the human family have voluntarily submitted themselves,
Resolved, That as disciples of the cause of Temperance, we will teach by precept and example the principles we have espoused, for we believe that no theories or pretensions can ever supercede a practical illustration of our faith,
Resolved That as members of this society we desire it our duty not to remit our diligence but to consider that our liberties in this cause remain to us only on the condition of "eternal vigilance."
Resolved That we will use all honorable means to direct the attention of all who do not agree with us in theory or practice to a candid consideration of this subject believing their influence will thereby be secured on the right side of the question.
Resolved That in our opinion the advancement of consistent abstinence depends much on the prudence of the officers and other members of societies for the suppression of Intemperance teaching by examples what professions alone can never permanently impress,
Resolved That our board of directors constitute a committee to call upon all in this Town who deal familiarly with the evil spirit, and kindly and affectionably with them utterly to abandon this detestable traffick, uniting their labors with ours for the more extensive diffusion of Temperance.
Resolved, That we deem it highly important that Children be thoroughly instructed in the due time in of temperance in all things.
Resolved, That the influence of the ladies always so powerful in advancing every good cause, should not be wanting in this: the active co-operation of those who are members of this society is therefore most cordially and respectfully solicited.
The above being most cordially reserved and excepted, were adopted by a unanimous vote, the meeting was then dissolved.
John Griffin} Sectry

At a meeting of the friends of Temp in Epsom, Feb 1839, it was thought proper to choose a Committee to inquire what are the means necessary to be adopted to promote the Temp reformation in this place. At this time Jonathan Steele, H. Dickey jr., and John Griffin were chosen this committee with instructions to report at the then coming annual Fast Meeting adjourned to that day.
Epsom Apl 4, 1839

Met according to adjournment. An address on the subject of Temp was expected, but Mr. Wallace, who was expected, did not attend.
After some remarks by the Rev. Winthrop Fifield, the Society attended to the report of their committee.
Your committee were appointed to inquire what means are necessary to be adopted to promote the progress of the Temp reformation in this place.
Such being the task you had imposed on them, it appeared necessary, to them in the firs place to inquire what had heretofore been done for that purpose; and in the second place to inquire if the means heretofore adopted here been effectual; and if not, to what their failure was to be attributed.
In the prosecution of these inquiries they have found that on the second day of April A.D. 1835. a Society was formed called "The Epsom Temperance Society," that it was composed of the members of the two organized religious societies in this place, the Congregationalists and the Baptists, but it is presumed that it was not intended to exclude others from membership. This Society adopted a constitution, elected officers, and was into operation at that time. No other temperance Society has ever been formed in this place within the knowledge of your committee. Nor have they been able to learn that any means have been used to promote the cause of temperance distinct from the proceedings of said society. And your committee are constrained to say that from some cause this Society had hitherto been inefficient, and they have endeavored with come care to discover the cause of its failure. They have examined its Constitution for the purpose of ascertaining if its inefficiency resulted from any acquired defect in the Society, or from causes wholly extraneous.
The only peculiar failure in the society is its pledge, which is a total abstinence from the use of Ardent spirit and from all traffick in the dame. This pledge is the fundamental principle of the Society and cannot be changed except by a unanimous vote of the society at an annual meeting consisting of at least two thirds of the existing members.
It is well known that most of the temperance Societies when first organized adopted a similar pledge. And it is equally well known that more recently many societies have been constituted on different principles that they have adopted as a pledge a total abstinence from all intoxicating liquors. It was therefore mentioned for your committee to inquire if the inefficiency of the society had resulted from the nature of the pledge; and whither an adoption of the more rigid and comprehensive pledge would in all probability have been attended with better results.
It is well known that there has been and still is a great diversity of opinions on this subject among the public at large; and from an inquiry instituted by some of the Committee it was ascertained that there was a difference of opinion among the members of this society; and it is evident that without great unanimity of opinion of opinions and feeling on this subject, a society would be perfectly useless. Although your committee are unanimously of the opinion that the pledge of the existing society is not the best, yet they think it inexpedient at this time to recommend a change.
Were they now forming a new society, they would certainly recommend a different one - for they are totally unable to discourse in principle any distinction between the use of ardent spirits and these intoxicating liquors - but it is also clear that the pledge cannot be changed without a dissolution of the society. The consequence would be an abandonment of all that has been done and commencing causes. The present society consists of many members, and probably not a moiety of them could be induced to unite upon a new and untried system - But while your committee forbear to recommend the adoption of a more comprehensive pledge, they would say to those who are the advocates of a total abstinence from all intoxicating liquors, recede not from their ground. As yours is not the best pledge for a society, it is surely the most safe in practice - still persevere in inculating upon all around you your system, and the time is not probably very distant, when it will universally prevail. But much may be done by zeal and austerity ender the old platform. Before you declare war against the modes of intemperance you have much in procuring such publications as will in their opinion be promotive of the object of the society.
Signed,
Jonathan Steele
John Griffin
Hanover Dickey Jr.

Hanover Dickey Jr.
Secretary
This meeting adjourned to the next annual fast.
H. Dickey Jr., Secretary

At a meeting of the friends of temp in Epsom April 9, 1840 and after hearing an address from Porter S Burbank, Proceeded to the choice of officers and chose Hanover Dickey Jr. President and John Griffin Vice President and Jona Steele Secretary who is to act as Treasurer. Chose Capt. Thomas Tripp, William Tarlton Jr., Nathan Bickford, James Hersey Esq and Joseph J Moses Executive committee.
Voted that the President procure a suitable person to deliver an address a the next annual meeting of the society.
Voted that this meeting be adjourned to the next annual Fast.
Jona Steele, Secretary

April 15, 1841, Fast day
Agreeably to the foregoing Adjournment the Epsom Temperance Society assembled at the Vestry and listened to an able and interesting address from Rev. John Le Bosquet, of Nottingham. On motion it was voted that this Society be disbanded, then voted to choose a Committee of three to draft a Constitution to be presented at a subsequent meeting, with reference to the formation of a new Temperance Society on the principle of Total abstinence from all intoxicating liquors as a drink.
Chose Gorham P. Ramsey, Winthrop Fifield and Jonathan Steele that Committee.

June 9, 1841
Agreeably to previous notice, the friends of Temperance in the Town of Epsom met at the Free Will Baptist Meeting House, at which time and place the above named Committee reported the following preamble and Constitution which was adopted.

Preamble
Whereas the use of intoxicating liquors as a drink has been found by experience to be the source of increased evil, both as to the temporal and eternal interests of man; and whereas the prevalence of this vice has a fatal tendency to hinder the means of grace, to destroy all that is desirable and lovely, and to introduce all that is hurtful and debasing; and whereas the various measures heretofore adopted have been found insufficient to give a permanent check to this desolating evil; and whereas some more vigorous means are evidently required - some course of action which will make a lasting impression on the present and coming generations and ultimately effect a change of public sentiment as to this use of all Alcoholic drinks, and put an end to that wide-spreading intemperance which threatens to subvert the best interests, and to blight the fairest hopes of the community; - therefore the friends of domestic and social happiness in this town, wishing to do all in their power to promote the welfare of their fellow men, resolve to form a Society for this object, to be governed by the following
Constitution
Art. 1. This Society shall be called the Epsom Total Abstinence Society.
Art. 2. The members of this Society severally pledge themselves to abstain entirely from the use of all intoxicating liquors as a drink. They also agree not hereafter to make or in any way to procure any such liquors to be used as a drink by others: provided however that this clause shall not be so construed as to implicate Members of this Society who have come under previous obligations for the maintenance of parents or others who may choose to use the same. They further agree not hereafter to trade with any person who shall keep for such or actually sell to any of the inhabitants of this Town any of the said liquors as aforesaid. The use of Wine at the Communion, and Alcohol in Medicine and the Arts they deem not incompatible with the first clause of this article.
Art. 3. Any person who assents to the principles of the foregoing article may become a member of this Society by signing its Constitution.
Art. 4. This Society shall meet alternately at the Free Will Baptist and Congregational places of worship on each Annual Fast, at which time they shall choose a President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer. These Officers together with three others to be chosen at the same time shall constitute a Board of Managers, whose duty it shall be to look after delinquent members, to obtain signatures to the Constitution, to watch over the general interests of the Society, and to report their doings at each annual meeting.
Art. 5. It shall be the duty of the President, or in his absence of the Vice President, or, in the absence of both, of the President pro tempore, to preside at all meetings of the Society, and also to provide for an address to be delivered before the Society at its annual meetings.
Art.6. It shall be the duty of the Secretary to keep a record of all the doings of the Society, and also to call official meetings at the request of a majority of the Board of Managers.
Art. 7. A collection shall be taken at each annual meeting, and it shall be the duty of the Treasurer to take charge of such money and pay it out as the Board of Managers shall direct.
Art. 8. On violating the pledge in the second article any member of this Society shall be expelled by the vote of a majority of the members present at any regular meeting.
Art. 9. Any member of this Society may at any time cease to be a member by giving notice to the Secretary that he wishes to withdraw upon the same; and it shall be the duty of the Secretary to expunge such persons name from the Constitution.
Art. 10. All meetings of this society shall be opened and closed by prayer.
Art. 11. This Constitution may be altered or amended in any of its articles by vote of two thirds of the members present at any Annual Meeting, provided however, no alteration be made in the tenth article, nor any in the second affecting the pledge of total abstinence from all intoxicating liquors as a drink.

After an interesting, animated and lengthy discussion of Temperance principles and policy, in which Messrs. Fifield, Ramsey, Steele, Hersey, Dickey & others participated, the following names were subscribed to the foregoing Constitution, Viz:

At a meeting of the friends of Temperance at the Baptist Meeting House in Epsom, they were addressed in a highly interesting, and as we hope and trust, in a useful manner, by Wm. Butters Esquire, Agent of the Boston, Washington, Total Abstinence Society. This meeting was in December eighteen hundred forty one.
On the first day of January A.D. 1842 at the Baptist Meeting House, and on the second day of January 1842 at the Vestry, both meetings in the eve, the same Mr. Butters addressed again the friends of Temperance, at which time signers were obtained to the following pledge: viz.
Washington Total Abstinence Society
Pledge
The Members of this Society agree, that they will never again drink any intoxicating liquors, except for Medicinal purposes, or in case if Wine at communion; and that they will not provide them for their friends or for persons in their employ, and that they will in all suitable ways discountenance the use of them in the community; and, above all, that they will use their utmost endeavors to reclaim and restore to temperance those who are unfortunately addicted to drunkenness.

Emeline F. Sherburne
Charlotte Bickford
Elizabeth Sanborn
Susan Goss
James McMurphy
Polly Bartlett
Harriet Brown
Susan Fowler
Sally Fowler
Mary G. Critchett
Elvira A. Critchett
Emily J.G. Knox
Samuel E. Hall

Number of persons added - 26
Adjourned to meet at the Centre School House in Epsom on Monday eve Ap. 11 A.D. 1842
H. Dickey jr., Secretary

Epsom Apr. 11, A.D. 1842
Met agreeably to adjournment and listened to an instructive and interesting address from Mr. James McMurphy at the Centre School House.
Several Messrs addressed the meeting.
An invitation being given, the following persons caused their names to be added to the Society viz.

On motion the thanks of the Society were tendered to Mr. James McMurphy for his address.
Adjourned to meet at the New Rye School House on Tuesday Apr. 19th inst at 7 o'clock in the eve
Hanover Dickey jr., Secretary
Ap. 11, 1842

Epsom Ap. 19, 1842
The day being rainy there was no address and adjourned to meet at the same place Tues. eve at 7 o'clock April 26, 1842
Hanover Dickey jr., Secretary

Met agreeably to adjournment, an address was delivered by H. Dickey, followed by some remarks by Rev. Winthrop Fifield and others. On motion of James Hersey Esqr., seconded by Newell H. Haynes, voted that the thanks of this Society be presented &c.
The pledge being passed, the names of Betsy Towle & Ruth C. Seavey were added.
Voted that Mr. Henry F. Sanborn be invited to deliver an address before the Society at its next meeting.
Adjourned to meet at the Short Falls School House, Tues eve at 7 o'clock, May 3, 1842.
April 26, 1842
Hanover Dickey jr., Secretary

Met agreeably to adjournment at the Short Falls School House, Esq. Hersey was not able to be present, & the audience listened to short addresses from Rev. Winthrop Fifield, Rev. Goram P. Ramsey, Mr. Richard Tripp who spoke much to the point in favor of temp from long experience, & others.
Adjournment to meet at the Mountain School House, Wed. eve at 7 o'clock, May 11th.
H. Dickey jr. , Secretary

Epsom, May 3, 1842
Names that have been added & that are put on previously to the foregoing meeting.
Polly D.C. Knox
Lucinsa M. Dickey
David Dickey violated many times
Hamilton L. Moulton

Met agreeably to adjournment, and listened to an address from James Hersey Esquire & others.
Voted that the thanks of this Society be presented to Esquire Hersey for his interesting and ______ remarks, mind especially for those that relate to the duties and obligations of preferred Christians.
On motion voted that this meeting as a Society be dissolved, and that there be a Temp meeting at the Western District No. 2 School House, at 5 o'clock in the afternoon, on Sunday the 22nd inst.
Epsom. May 11, 1842, H. Dickey jr., Secretary.
Names.

Agreeably to previous notice the friends of Temp met at the School House, district No. 2 Epsom, at 5 o'clock in the P.M. Sunday May 22. Addresses were delivered by H. Dickey jr., Rev. Goram P. Ramsey & Rev. Winthrop Fifield. The pledge was passed and the following names were added, viz.

8
Hanover Dickey jr., Secretary
Epsom May 23, 1842

Agreeably to previous notices, the friends of Temperance assembled at the Baptist Meeting House, and listened to an address, peculiar to the man himself, from John Hawkins. After the address the following names were added to the pledge. Viz.

6 in addition
Whole No. 20/26 at this meeting
Epsom June 24, 1842
H. Dickey jr., Secretary

Names haunted by Rev. G.P. Ramsey

Whole No. 11
H. Dickey jr., Secretary
Epsom Aug. 15, 1842

At a meeting of the inhabitants of Epsom, at the Baptist Meeting House, on Monday the 20th of February A.D. 1843, an address was delivered by Mr. Fitsgibbon, of a highly interesting character. A collection was taken to sustain the lecturer. The pledge was circulated, and the following names were added, viz.

Epsom, Feb. 22, 1843
H. Dickey jr., Secretary

Epsom Apr 6, 1843 Annual Fast
The annual meeting of the Epsom Temp was holden at the Vestry - called to order by the President, Rev. G.P. Ramsey.
Prayer by Rev. W. Fifield
Chose Nathan Bickford, James Hersey & Frederic Sanborn a committee to nominate officers.
Elected Rev. W. Fifield President, Rev. G.P. Ramsey vice President, H. Dickey jr., Secretary, John Griffin Treasurer.
Nathan Bickford, Samuel Cate & Samuel M. Green Board of Managers, and James Hersey Secretary pro temp.
Voted that when this meeting adjourn it stand adjourned to some time and place designated by the Board of Mangers.
Address by Rev. Wm H. Hayward
Remarks by Rev. B. Van Dame
Concluding prayer by Rev. G. P. Ramsey
Adjourned as above directed.
The Pledge being circulated the following names were added, viz.

Epsom Ap. 6, 1843
H. Dickey jr., Secretary

Epsom, Sunday P.M. May 21/43
Epsom Total Abstinence Society met at the New Orchard School House. Address by Rev. G.P. Ramsey, after which the following names were added, viz:

Epsom Total Abstinence Society met at Centre School House. Address by Rev. Rufus A. Putnam of Chichester on influence of example, after which the following names were added viz:

4
Epsom, May 28th, 1843
H. Dickey Jr.
Secretary

Epsom Total Abstinence Society met at the North Road School House Sunday, June 4, 1843 at 5 o'clock P.M.
Address by H. Dickey jr., when the following names were added to the pledge viz:

Epsom Total Abstinence Society met at the School House District No. 2 and were addressed by Rev. Winthrop Fifield, followed by Rev. Goram P. Ramsey, after which the following names were added to the pledge viz:

Epsom June 18, 1843
H. Dickey Jr.
Secretary

Oct. 20, 1843 The Epsom Total Abstinence Society met at the Fowler School House & listened to an address of much interest by Rev. Winthrop Fifield on the Benefits of Total Abstinence Temperance.
Hanover Dickey Jr., Secretary

John H.F. Philbrick withdrawn (added later, different pen)
Greenleaf Allen

The Epsom Temperance Society held its annual meeting and having been called to order by the Pres. Winthrop Fifield, presented to the choice of officers.
Elected. Hanover Dickey jr. Pres.
John Griffin, Vice Pres.
Henry S. Sanborn, Secretary
Samuel M. Green, Treasurer
Frederic Sanborn, Thomas Tripp, Jeremiah Marden, Board of Managers
An address was then delivered by Hanover Dickey jr after which the following resolutions were offered, discussed and adopted.
Resolved, That those who aid or abet the traffic of alcohol as a common drink are guilty of encouraging all the evils connected with the use of it and that they must share with the seller the condemnation of a just and holy God.
Resolved, That the too free use of an alcoholic liquor as a medicine is a great hindrance to the progress of temperance.
Resolved, That the procuring of intoxicating liquors for medical purposes at those places where it is cold indiscriminately tends greatly to perpetuate intemperance.
Resloved, That as the cause of temperance is the cause of God and as its permanent success depends upon the Spirit of God; its friends should ever feel their dependence, and never attempt the reformation of these unfortunate and suffering fellow men in their own strength.
After which the pledge was passed and the following names were annexed thereto viz.
Names

The meeting was then closed by singing and prayer.
Henry F. Sanborn, Secretary

August 31st 1844
Temperance meeting in School House District No 2
Address by Rev. _________ Davis
Mary M. Burnham & Roxanna Ames signed the Pledge
H.F. Sanborn, Sec.

Epsom, Ap. 17, 1845 Annual Fast
The Total Abstinence Society, after prayer by Rev. W. Fifield, proceeded to the choice of Officers and elected:
Maj. John Griffin, President
Deacon Frederic Sanborn, V. President
H. Dickey Jr, Secretary
Capt. Thomas Tripp, Treasurer
Samuel Green, J.G. Marden (?), Dea Samuel Cate, Board of Managers as Ex. Com. With the officers.
Meeting closed by prayer by Dea. Samuel Cate.
H. Dickey Jr., Secretary
Signed the pledge, Mrs. Lucy Osgood, Hannah Grant, Sarah Ann Towle
H. Dickey Jr., Secretary

Epsom, April 2, 1846 Annual Meeting of Epsom Total Abstinence Society holden at the F. Baptist Meeting House, prayer by Rev. W. Fifield after which proceeded to the choice of Officers and elected:
Dea. Frederic Sanborn President
Samuel M. Green V. President
Thomas Tripp, Secretary
Samuel Cate, Treasurer
John Griffin, Wm. Tarlton Jr., James Hersey, Ex. Com. With the officers
Voted to amend the Constitution so as to authorize the board of Managers to strike from the list the names of those who violate their Pledge and cannot be redeemed.
Voted That it be the duty of the Secretary to furnish each Officer of the Society a list of all the names of such as belong to this society.
Meeting of business, closed by Prayer by Eld T. Foss, after which heard an address from Eld. Tobias Foss. The pledge was then read and received to it the following names:

Meeting closed by a Benediction
Thomas Tripp, Secretary

Epsom April 15th 1847 Annual Meeting of the Total Abstinence Society, holden at the Congregational M. House, after Prayer proceeded to the choice of Officers & elected
Samuel M. Green, President
Samuel Weeks V. President
Thomas Tripp, Secretary
Nathan Bickford, Treasurer
Frederick Sanborn, Samuel Cate, George W. Grant, Directors
Names received to the pledge were Rufus A. Putnam, Frances H. Putnam
An Address was delivered by Mr. Wilkins of Pembroke.

Epsom April 13th 1848
Annual Fast
The Epsom Temperance Society held its annual Meeting at the F. Baptist Church. Was called to order by the Pres. Opened by Prayer by Rev. Mr. Putnam. Then proceeded to the choice of the following Officers viz.
Elected for Pres. Rev. R.A. Putnam
Vice Pres Rev. Mr. Ramsey
Secretary Simon A. H. Weeks
Treasurer Nathan Bickford
Directors Jonathan A. Knowles, Henry F. Sanborn, Arthur C. Locke
Then listened to an interesting address delivered by Rev. E. Scott, after which the Pledge was read and circulated and the following names annexed to it.
Names

After Prayer & Singing the Meeting closed with a Benediction
S.A.H. Weeks, Sec.

Epsom, May 29th 1848
The Board of Managers met at the residence of R. Mr. Ramsey.
The meeting was opened with prayer by the President of the Society.
After due deliberation & discussion the following votes were passed - viz -
1st voted That for the present (during the Summer season until the evenings be sufficiently long for hold Meetings during the week) there be meetings held for the purpose of promoting the cause of temperance every first Sabbath in each Month at 5 o'clock P.M.
2nd That these meetings be commenced the next Sabbath at the Congregational Meeting House.
3rd That the President (Rev. R.A. Putnam) deliver an address on the subject of temperance.
4th Voted That the next meeting (first Sabbath in July) be held in the School House in Short Falls District.
5th That the Rev. Mr. Ramsey deliver an address on temperance at the said meeting.
6th That the future meetings be announced from time to time as the place shall be agreed upon and individuals be invited to give addresses, also the said meetings to be open to the free discussion of the subject of temperance by all who may feel disposed to take a part.
After which the Board adjourned.
S.A.H. Weeks, Sec.

Epsom June 4th 1848
According to appointment a temperance meeting was held at the Congregational meeting house. A very good attendance, the meeting was opened with singing by the Choir & Prayer by Eld. Ramsey. An address was given by Rev. R.A. Putnam, followed with remarks by Eld. Ramsey, after which the meeting closed with Prayer & the Benediction.
S.A.H. Weeks, Secretary

Epsom July 9th 1848
According to previous notice a temperance meeting was held in the School House at the Short Falls district, a very full attendance. Prayer was offered by Rev. R.A. Putnam. An address given by Eld. Ramsey, Remarks by R.A. Putnam & Mr. Tripp, Bro. Nathan Bickford & Bro Cotterell. Meeting closed with Prayer and the Benediction.
S.A.H. Weeks, Sec.

Epsom Aug. 6th 1848
A Meeting was held according to appointment at the New Rye School House. Very full & interesting, an address by Rev. R.A. Putnam, remarks by Eld. Ramsey. The Pledge was presented & the following names obtained to it.

Epsom Sept 3rd 1848
A Temperance Meeting held according to appointment in the Mountain District at the School House, opened with Prayer by Eld Ramsey, the subject of Temperance was discussed by Rev. R.A. Putnam & Eld Ramsey. Meeting full & interesting.
The Pledge of the Society was circulated & the following names obtained to it, Viz.

18
S.A.H. Weeks, Sec.

Epsom Oct. 1 A.D. 1848
Meeting was held according to appointment at the Centre School House. Opened with Prayer by Rev. Mr. Kimball, a temperance hymn was sun, after which listened to an interesting address by Joseph W. Tarlton founded upon the Bible explaining passages which speak of Wine & Strong Drink and drawing inferences from them which was Highly entertaining. After the address, a Widow Lane of Piermont made a zealous & earnest appeal for the suppression of Intemperance. The Pledge of the Society was then read & circulated to which the following names were annexed - Viz -

The meeting adjourned to meet at the School House in New Orchard District the first Sabbath in Nov.
Simon A. H. Weeks, Sec.

The meeting in Nov. was adjourned in consequence of Stormy Weather

Epsom Dec. 3, 1848
Meeting was held according to appointment in the School House in New Orchard Dis. Opened with singing & Prayer by Eld. G. P. Ramsey, address by Rev. R.A. Putnam followed by remarks by Eld G. P. Ramsey & David Locke Jr. The Pledge of the Society was read & the following names annexed to it Viz.

Singing then closed with Prayer by David Locke Jr.
S.A.H. Weeks, Sec.

Epsom Jan 7th 1849
The Epsom Temperance Society met according to appointment at the School House in the Cilley District so called. Addresses by Rev. R.A. Putnam & Eld G.P. Ramsey. The pledge was read & circulated, the following Names annexed to it.

Meeting closed with Prayer.
S.A.H. Weeks, Sec.

Epsom Jan. 11th 1849
The Directors of the Society met at the House of Rev. R.A. Putnam. Meeting opened with Prayer by the Pres.. Voted to have a rally temperance meeting at the Cong. M. House with Speakers from abroad on the last Day of Feb/49.
The above was not complied with, no speakers were sent for.
Rev. J.W. Tarlton gave some lectures on the subject of temperance during the Winter & Sprint.
Simon A.H. Weeks, Secretary

Annual Fast
Epsom April 5th A.D. 1849
The Epsom Total Abstinence Society held its Annual Meeting in the long Meeting House, was called to order by the Pres.. Prayer by Elder G.P. Ramsey, then proceeded to choice of the following Officers to preside the ensuing year, viz.
Eld G.P. Ramsey President
Rev. R.A. Putnam Vice President
S.A.H. Weeks Secretary
Dea. Frederick Sanborn Treasurer
Nathan Bickford, John Griffin Jr., J.G. Marden, Directors
Address by Rev. R.A. Putnam on the subject of temperance followed with remarks by Eld Ramsey & J.W. Tarlton.
S.A.H. Weeks, Sec.

Epsom April 3rd 1851
Annual Fast
The Epsom Total Abstinence Society held its annual meeting at the Freewill Baptist Meeting House and elected the following Officers, Vis.
Rev. Rufus A. Putnam President
Eld. Moses A. Quimby Vice President
Arthur C. Locke Secretary
Simon A. H. Weeks Treasurer
Thomas Tripp, David Locke Jr., Leonard W. Peabody, Directors
Address deliverd by E.d Mos. A. Quimby
Read and circulated the Pledge and procured the following names.

A true record A.C. Locke, sec.

1st Sabbath June
Met at New Rye School-house. Address by Eld M.A. Quimby. Procured the following to the Pledge, Viz. Samuel S. Cass & Levi Haynes
A.C. Locke, Sec.

July 6th 1851
Met at Short falls School-house.
Address by Rev. Rufus A. Putnam & remarks by Eld Quimby, and the following names were added to Pledge, Viz.

24
Arthur C. Locke, Sec.

Epsom Oct 5th 1851
Met at the Center Schoolhouse.
Lecture by Eld Moses A. Quimby and remarks by Thomas L. Steele B.A.
The Pledge being circulated the following Names were added viz.

Epsom Apr. 10, 1852
The Board of Managers met at A.C. Locke's
Voted to hold meeting in the several School Dis. For the purpose of discussions upon the Maine Law and to procure Petitioners.
Stickney Robinson being absent and about leaving town for the year, appointed Nathan Bickford to act as Director in his stead.
Arthur C. Locke, Sec.

Epsom April 7th 1853
Annual Fast
The Epsom Total Abstinence Society held its annual meeting at the Congregational Meetinghouse and elected the following Officers Viz.
Rev. Rufus A. Putnam Pres
Eld Moses A. Quimby Vice Pres
A.C. Locke Sec
Simon A. H. Weeks Treas
Dea. F. Sanborn, Albion Locke, J.A. Knowles, Directors
The following Resolution was introduced, discussed and unanimously adopted, Viz.
Resolved: That the cause of temperance requires the Selectmen of this town to license one or more suitable person to sell spirituous Liquors for medical, mechanical & chemical purposes:
Voted that the Sec. Present the Selectmen with a copy of said Resolution with Dr. L.W. Peabody's name suggested as a suitable person.
Adj.
A.C. Locke, Sec.

Epsom Apl. 13, 1854
Annual Fast
The Epsom Total Abstinence Society held its annual Meeting at the F. Baptist Meeting House and elected the following persons for Officers for the ensuing year.
Eld Moses A. Quimby Pres
Rev. Rufus A. Putnam V. Pres
A.C. Locke Secretary
S.A.H. Weeks Treasurer
Jeremiah Marden, Nathan Bickford, Samuel M. Green, Directors
Circulated Pledge and procured the following names.

Address by M.A. Quimby
Arthur C. Locke, Secretary

Annual Fast Epsom April 1855
The Epsom Temperance Society held its annual meeting at the Free Baptist Meeting House and elected the following Officers, Viz.
Mr. Jeremiah G. Marden Pres
Rev. Moses A. Quimby Vice Pres
Mr. Benjamin Towle Sec
Mr. S.A.H. Weeks Treasurer
Mr. Samuel M. Greene, Mr. Albion Locke, Mr. Daniel C. Bickford, Directors
Circulated the Pledge and procured the following names

10
Address by Rev. Mr. Blanchard
Adjourned
Benjamin Towle, Sec.

Annual fast Apr. 10th 1856
The Epsom Temperance Society Held its annual meeting at the Free Baptist Meeting House and Elected the following officers for the ensuing year.
Pres Eld M.A. Quimby
Vic David Locke
Sec Benjamin Towle
Treas S.A.H. Weeks
Directors Frederick Sanborn, Nathan Bickford, John Griffin Jr.
Remarks were made by Eld William Swain, Lowell Eastman Esq. & M.A. Quimby
Adjourned
Benjamin Towle, Sec

Annual Fast April 7th 1859
The Epsom Temperance Society held their annual meeting at the Congregational meeting house and elected the following for the ensuing year
Pres Rev. Horace Webber
Vice Pres Charles Willey
Sec Benjamin Towle
Treas S.A.H. Weeks
John Griffin Jr., David Locke, Samuel M. Green, Directors
Remarks were made by Rev. Horace Webber, Rev. Charles Willey and Frederick Sanborn.
The following names were procured to the pledge

Adjourned
Benjamin Towle, Sec.

Annual Fast April 1860
The Epsom Temperance Society held it annual meeting at the Free Will Baptist house and the following Officers were chosen
Pres Rev. M.A. Quimby
VP Dea Frederick Sanborn
Sec Benj Towle
Treas Dr. L.W. Peabody
Ex com, Lowell Eastman, William A. Sanders, Samuel M. Green
Voted to refer Lowell Eastman's plan to the consideration of Ex com
The following persons signed the Pledge

(The rest of the records consist of 4 pages of strictly names, 3 columns each)

Wm Tarlton jr
Nicholas Dolbeer
Benja Bickford
John Yeaton
Mary Harvey
John C Burnham
Jer Burnham Jr
Jere G Marden
David Knowles
Alice C Goss
Love Locke
Martha Sanborn
Ann Sanborn
MaryB Carpenter
Hannah McCrillis
Hannah Towle
Rachel Dolbeer
John Mc Steele
Sally Yeaton 2nd

Saml L Lear
Ephraim Locke
Edwart T Sanders
Bickford Lang
Abigail Lang
Drusilla Sanborn
Hannah Sanborn
Jere Gordon
Sophronie Haynes
Abigail L Lang
Francis S Knowles
Benja S Manson
Francis _ Smith
Eliza Manson 2nd
John C Manson
Susan G Goss
Silas Green