Page:The Granite Monthly Volume 6.djvu/85

 BENJAMIN LEAR. THE HERMIT OF SAGAMORE.

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��he can stand almost any thing." Mr. Moses promptly went to the house, saving distance by crossing on the ice. the bend in the creek, and found Mr. Lear alone* and in bed, alive and sensible, but he died soon after Mr. Moses entered the dwelling. The eve- ning previous he had appeared to his neighbors, who visited him, quite com- fortable, and talked freely, planning work for the ensuing spring. Though eccentric, he was industrious, possessed a good disposition and kindly nature, but preferred solitude and loneliness.

Although with ample means at his command, he voluntarily denied him- self many of the comforts, as well as the luxuries of life. He died Friday morning, Dec. 17, 1802, and was in- terred the following day on his own in- heritance, in the valley, south from Bull Rock, by the side of his sister.

According to the " Provincial Rec- ords," he signed the Association Test of 1776, ordered by the General Con- tinental Congress and by the Commit- tee of Safety of the Colony of New Hampshire, — an obligation to oppose the hostile proceedings of the British fleets and armies.

The place of his abode was visited, during his life time, by many persons, through motives of curiosity. The Portsmouth Oracle, of Dec. 25. 1802, noticed Mr. Lear's demise, and de- scribed his home as situated by the waters of Sagamore, or Witch creek, as the stream was often called. It was diversified by irregular hills and val- leys, a decent orchard, an interval for tillage, towering pines and craggy rocks, which, appearing in various di- rections from the ancient lowly cot that formed the hermitage, exhibited a scene truly romantic. Many have vis- ited the spot since his decease, and have admired it " as beautiful for situ- ation."

An enjoyable ramble was in the vi- cinity of Sagamore creek, either boat- ing on its waters, or perambulating its shores, watching the deepening shad-

��ows of the grand old trees mirrored in the moving tide ; or, penetrating its forest retreats and shady glens, listen- ing to the music of the pines, and in- haling their fragrant and healthful ex- halations. Writing this in the Federal City, in the heat of summer, may give intensity to our description of Saga- more ; for we vividly imagine, while not realizing, the invigorating tendences of its bracing air, attractive scenery and health-giving aroma.

The Sagamore was a favorite resort. It had its charms, traditions, and his- toric associations. Changes have oc- curred, but we trust its banks will not be further denuded of majestic trees, or its picturesqueness marred by need- less innovations.

The entire locality is of great inter- est, and should remain, so far as possi- ble, undisturbed. Its natural attrac- tions induced the early settlers on our shores to select it for their habitation.

In its immediate vicinity is Odiorne's Point, where the first colony landed, and built the Manor House, or Mason's Hall, as sometimes called, and occu- pied and improved the contiguous territory. Here they established per- manent homes ; and' their ancestral acres have continued in a marked de- gree, for many generations, down to a period within our own memory, in pos- session of their descendants.

The Governor Wentworth mansion, with its council chamber and other colonial attractions, is also near by. Sagamore Creek and its surroundings constitute a region of great historic interest, which must always attract at- tention.

We have blended in the foregoing sketch all the incidents, recorded, or otherwise, which have come to our knowledge, concerning Benjamin Lear, the Hermit of Sagamore. It has been submitted to Alfred Davis Moses, of Portsmouth, who is well informed in all that relates to Sagamore. He cor- roborates the narration, and can not furnish any additional items.

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