An 1872 Manchester NH South Grammar School Autograph Book

This leather-bound autograph book covers several years, from 1870-1874. The ink is quickly fading with age–the beautiful cursive script was written one hundred and forty-six (146) years ago.

Each pen stroke is deliberate, created when the inkwell and quill, not the modern pen, was still in use. The Spencerian style of penmanship was the standard then (not the more modern  Palmer method that many Manchester students were learning in later years).Most of the students who inscribed their names in this autograph book were living in  Manchester, New Hampshire.  A few students list their home as Andover, and one is from New London, NH. The owner of the book was Etta A. Canis. Not only is her signature the first in the book, but later on the signature,”Your brother, Geo. F. Canis,” offered final proof of ownership.

Etta was born in 1860 and so was 10 years old at the first signing, and around 14 when the last of her “school mates” added their notes. After many hours of research, I discovered a newspaper article about the graduation of the South Grammar School, later known as the Franklin Street School. This building sat at the corner of Franklin and Pleasant Streets, in what is now downtown Manchester NH. The list of grammar school graduates in that 1873 news story contained many of the names in this autograph book.

In case you are interested what a grammar school graduation here was like back in the 1870’s the local newspaper provided a wonderful description. Saturday, July 8, 1871; Mirror and Farmer (Manchester NH) p. 5: Exhibition at the South Grammar School. — Yesterday (Friday) afternoon, the annual graduation exercises occurred at this school. They commenced at a little past two and lasted over two hours, and were extremely interesting throughout.  The rooms of the first and second divisions were reserved for the friends of the school and were crowded to their utmost capacity, many being deprived of the pleasure of witnessing the exercises from want of room.  Among those present were many past members and graduates, for whom such an occasion seems as a kind of annual reunion. The rooms were decorated with rare taste and beauty. Festoons of evergreen were suspended from the arches and the slides, while baskets of beautiful flowers hung in every available place, the whole presenting a most beautiful appearance. The pupils had assembled in the rooms below, and to the music of the piano marched up stairs, passing through into the two rear rooms where they took their positions, the young gentlemen occupying one, and the young ladies the other. The former appeared in white shirts and dark pantaloons, with black leather belts around the waist. The latter were dressed in white, and nearly all wore their hair in loose flowing tresses or natural curls.  Altogether they presented a fine appearance, and made a favorable impression upon all present. [Saturday, July 8, 1871; Mirror and Farmer (Manchester NH) p. 5]

I am not inclined, or motivated, to track everyone who left their mark, though I have transcribed the entire autograph book. I now share the research I did perform about a few of the youthful signers, and on the book’s owner, Etta Canis, and her family. If you discover a personal connection to any name you see, I hope you will leave a comment.

I was particularly drawn to a pen sketch of an angel with the inscription: “ In memorie’s wreath of friendship | Please drop one pearl for me. | L. Etta Moulton | Manchester, N.H.|  Jan. 10th, 1873.  She seemed so talented for someone so young.  And indeed, in 1880 she was living at 394 Beech Street with her mother Sarah and step-father William Carr. (Lucy Etta was the daughter of Joseph Neal Moulton & Sarah Jane True).  At that time her occupation is listed as “landscape artist.”  Later on in that same year Lucy Etta Moulton married George Bailey McLane, a confectioner and successful dry goods merchant and salesman.  They moved to Manhattan, New York where they both died, only returning home to be buried in Valley Cemetery.

Alice Heap wrote a sentimental bit of prose: To Etta | May your path be strewn | with flowers and yours | ways be ways of peace | is the wish of your friend | Alice Heap | Manchester, N.H. | October 8, 1872.  Alice was only 11 years old when she penned these words to her friend Etta.  At the top of the same page, written in different ink and handwriting is:  “Died Jan 15, 1874.”   I searched and found a death record for ‘Allice Heap’ on that date, showing she was the daughter of William Heap and Mary Heap, aged 13.   The only other mention that I can find of this young girl is in the Mirror and Farmer newspaper (Manchester NH) Saturday, January 24, 1874. “DIED–In this city…Jan. 15th, of gastric fever, Alice, daughter of William and Mary Heap, aged 13 years, 10 days.” Alice was survived by siblings: Annie, Henry, Mary E., Elisabeth and Emma J.

Another student, Addie Evans, added a bit of leafy creativity to her simple offering: [leaves] | Addie Evans | Manchester, N.H. | Sept. 19th 1873.   She died only three years later, a victim of heart disease, her death certificate stated.  She was the daughter of William T. & Adeline (Clough) Evans, the records showing she died 20 April 1875 at Manchester, N.H., aged 16 years, 7 months and 27 days.  She is buried in the family plot in Valley Cemetery.

Abbie F. Gay stressed one theme:  “Dare to do right.” | “Dare to do right.”  She added her personal information: New London, N.H. | Jan 9, 1874.  I am not sure how the autograph book owner knew Abbie, but I doubt she was a student, and was instead either a teacher, or perhaps a family friend.  The history of New London, NH shows Abby F. Gay, daughter of Asa & Susan (Morrill) Gay, born 13 December 1845; m. 15 July 1875 Varnum H. Flagg. They resided at Littleton MA, and had children [FLAGG]: Charles V., Louisa E., Edith M., Wallace L.

The boys in school seemed more reticent, many just tersely writing their name, location and date.  George W. Pushee was one of these: George W. Pushee | Manchester, N.H. | Sep 23, 1873.  I was hoping when I began to research George that he would have gone on to lead a spectacular life, but he didn’t.  Instead he died just a year later, and was buried in Valley Cemetery.  An old newspaper article solved the mystery for me of why.   From The Mirror and Farmer (Manchester NH) page 7; DEATH OF A GRAMMAR SCHOOL PUPIL. “George W. Pushee, a son of Mr. Silenus Pushee, died at his father’s residence, No. 874 Elm Street, this morning about six o’clock of cerebro-spinal meningitis having been ill a little over a week and a half, and in a dangerous condition since Sunday. He was a pupil in the master’s room in the first class at the South Grammar School, and was beloved by his schoolmates and others on account of his pleasant manner and obliging disposition.”

Nathan P. Batchelder was definitely the handwriting minimalist of the book. He wrote his name and place, nothing more:  Nathan P. Batchelder | Manchester, N.H.  He didn’t seem to like to cross his T’s. I wonder he carried this style into his work in the United States Army.  He married twice–once to a local girl in his grammar school class, Addie F. Stevens, and secondly to Sara/Sadie —. He became a Captain in the United States Army, and for many years was Quartermaster in San Francisco, California, for the transport, Sherman, and for the army transport dock.  When he resigned that position in 1902, it was accepted by President Theodore Roosevelt.  After military retirement,  he was a rancher, and superintendent of oil wells and a fuel oil company.  He did not have any children and he is  buried in Cypress Lawn Cemetery, San Mateo California.  Capt. Nathan Prescott Batchelder was the son of Nathan Gilman & Martha (Prescott) Batchelder, born 29 Jun3 1855 in NH and d. 8 May 1941 in Santa Cruz, California.  He had no children.  His siblings, Mattie and Mary Batchelder, also signed the autograph book.

As for the fate of Etta Canis and her brother, look to the end of this story, beyond the listing of autographs.  I hope you enjoy this trip through an 1873 girl’s ink memory lane.

[ A U T O G R A P H S ]

Etta A. Canis
Manchester, N.H.

Dearest friend the time has come
When I must say goodbye.
Think very often, of the one
Who’ll love you, yes foreye
Truly your friend,
Ada C. Bailey
[bottom] Manchester, October 7, 1872

[Sketch of bird, To Etta March 28, Hope]
Clifford D. Hawkins
Manchester, N.H.

Edwin H. Carpenter
Manchester, N.H.

Ella Neal
Manchester, N.H.
Jan. 6th 1873
Your friend and schoolmate
Hannah F. Williams
Manchester, N.H.
[right lower corner] S.G.S

May Ella Hodge
May 21, 1873

Mamie O. Tewksbury
Manchester, N.H.
Jan 17th 1873.

Forget Me Not.
Allie Fracker
Manchester, N.H.
Oct 10th 1873

Etta
When I am far far far away
And you no mour I’ll see
Remember that it was Filora
Who wrote these lines for thee.
Filora Gale [Flora Gale]
Manchester, N.H.

In memory’s casket served,
O please to find one gem for me.
J.E.N.
Manchester, N.H.

Yours truly
A.E. Martyn
Manchester, N.H.
March 26th 1874

Etta
Remember me when o’er me roll
Pokes dark and sullen stream
Remember me who all alone
Thou thinkest of days of me
Your friend
Emma Smille
Jan. 31st 1873

Etta,
Bright be the sun, as it beams on your way,
And soft be the zephyrs around thee that play,
Sweet be the odors that thou dost inhale,
And smooth be thy pathway through life’s lonely vale.

May the blessings of Heaven unnumbered be thine,
And the gifts of the Graces around thee entwine,
May the pure of the earth claim these as their friend.
And the servile of the Highest thy pathway attend.
Ella Austin
Jan 14th 1873

May you always be happy.
A. Walter Harris
Manchester, N.H.

To Etta
When your school day hours
Have passed away the happiest
To you given when you have
Passed through the school of earth
May you graduate in heaven
Annie Speed
Manchester, N.H. October 8, 1872

Remember me when far far away
Remember me when you kneel to pray
Remember me when I am dust
Remember me. Oh then you must.
Lizzie Moore
Manchester, N.H. October 8, 1872
[corners] Remember, the moonlight, walks, in 1873

Your friend and schoolmate
Josie R. Plumer
Manchester, N.H.
May 21, 1872

Mrs. Hall
Manchester, Stept. 20, 1872

Abbie C. James
Manchester, N.H.
Feb 24, 1873

Smile, little Maiden, on thy life,
Sorrow will linger, by and by.
The sweet light dancing swift and bright,
Will fade from out thy laughing eyes.
The reddest roses will grow pale,
The violets lose their tender blue.
And all the World, and all the World,
Be touched with grief’s sad hue.
Watch on, little Maiden Oh! Watch on,
Pray softly on thy bended knees.
Summer is dying, Spring time dead,
And autumn sighs among the trees.
Yet shines a brighter day than this,
When song and sunshine melt in one.
And all the world, And all the world,
Is But a life begun!
[left side] To Etta from Jennie Johnston, Jan. 9th 1873

Fred H. Martin
Manchester, N.H.
March 26th 1874

F.L. Heath
September 24th 1872 Manchester

When this you see
Remember me your
Loving and true friend
Mary Sargent
October 10th Manchester, N.H.

David F. Conner
Manchester, N.H.
Jan. 19th 1874

Mary F. Dana
Manchester, N.H.
Oct. 8, 1872

Willie D. Fussell
Manchester, N.H.

When rocks and hills divide us
And I no more you’ll see
Remember it was Mattie
Who wrote these lines to thee.
October 9th, 1872
Mattie Batchelder
[bottom] To Etta

William B. Putnam
Manchester, N.H.
October 1873

When rocks and hill divide us
And I no more you’ll see
I shall ever remember Ella
Who was so dear to me
Anna F. Fairbanks
Manchester, N.H.
Oct 8th 1872

[bird – HOPE]
Willie H. Sullivan
Manchester, N.H.

Lucretia E. Manahan
Manchester, N.H.
Sept 23, 1872

Remember your friend and schoolmate
Lizzie Fradd Manchester
June 3rd 1873

“Remember your friend and school mate”
Hattie A. Plummer
Manchester, N.H.
January 13th, 1873

Mr. Alexander Harrison
Manchester, N.H.
October 8th, 1872

William H. Annan
Manchester, N.H.
October 8, 1873
[corners] When this you spy, Remember I, Good night! Call again do.

C. Augusta Abbott
Manchester, N.H.

Walter M. Dean
Manchester, N.H.
Oct. 14, 1873

W.F. Morrissey
Manchester, N.H.
October

Yours truly
Chas F. Passett
Manchester, N.H.
March 26th 1874

Upward and Onward
Jennie M. Crawford
Manchester, N.H.
May 21st 1873

“Remember thy Creator in the
days of thy youth”
Forgetmenot
Mary E. Willey
Jan. 26th 1874
[top] Frienship
[corners & bottom] Love, Charity

[angel pic]
In memorie’s wreath of friendship
Please drop one pearl for me.
L. Etta Moulton
Manchester, N.H.
Jan. 10th, 1873

“Catch the sunshine
and never mind the showers.”
Fannie D. Moulton
Jan 10th, 1873

Etta
Always remember And never forget
One who has loved you
And loves you yet
Etta Patten
October 9, 1872

Eddie Akeroyd
Manchester, N.H.
Sept. 25, 1873

Your Schoolmate
Ida S. Plummer
Manchester, N.H.
Jan. 13, 1873

Abbie M. Leavitt
Manchester, N.H.
Jan. 18, 1874

Clara S. Burleigh
Manchester, N.H.
Jan. 10th 1874

[leaves]
Addie Evans
Manchester, N.H.
Sept. 19th 1873

Etta
Ever remember hyour friend
Emma Randall
Manchester, N.H.
Jan. 18th, 1873

Remember this when this you see
The one that always thinks of three
Maggie Martin
Ever your friend
Dec 17th, 1873
[around six sided]
School days | Rattan with the ribbon | Remember School days | friendship | Be your giving away | Miss Dana ought to have prose

Will you think of your friend when
She is away when the wild winds whistle
and the soft zephyrs play and cast one
deep thought in remembrance of me love
True I cherish
for three
Emma Dodge
Oct 9th 1872
[left corner bottom] To Ella

Remember your friend
Georgie A. Willson
Manchester, N.H.
April 29th 1873

I’ve looked these pages o’er and o’er
To see what others wrote before,
And here I find a vacant spot,
To plant a sweet for get me not.
Your friend and school mate
Dellie M. Hoyt
Manchester, N.H.
October 25, 1873

[sketch of blank business cards]
Lilla Powers
Manchester, N.H.
Jan. 10th

There is a rose without a thorn,
May it my friend thy brow adorn.
Religion is that thornless rose,
And in eternity it blows
Sarah F. Durgan
East Andover, N.H.
Jan. 13th 1874

Friendship
To Etta
Ever remember your friend
Eda A. Hackettt
Manchester, N.H.
May 18th 1873
[corners] Faith Hope E.A.H. E.–

Wishing you luck
and much prosperity
O’er the changing sea of life
Fred W. McAlister
Manchester, N.H.
Oct. 1870

George E. Danforth
Manchester, N.H.
Oct. 8, 1872

Chas F. Kent
Manchester, New Hamp.
March, 26, 1874

Yours
Daniel A. Clifford
Manchester, N.H.
Jan. 16, 1873

Hattie G. Flanders
Manchester, N.H.

Etta,
Never forget your friend,
Grace L. Hazen
Manchester, N.H.
Oct. 22, 1873

Your friend and schoolmate
Sarah H. Lawrence
Manchester, N.H.
Sept. 28, 1873

To Etta
May your path be strewn
with flowers and yours
ways be ways of peace
is the wish of your friend
Alice Heap
Manchester, N.h.
October 8, 1872
[written at top] Died Jan 15, 1874

“Forget me not”
Mary E. Batchelder
Manchester, N.H.
Sept. 25, 1873

To Etta
When I am gone far far away
Oh! think of me at break of day,
When evening shade appear
Then shed for me one silent tear
Your friend and school mate
Hattie L. Andrews

“Dare to do right.”
“Dare to do right.”
Abbie C. Gray
New London, N.H.
Jan 9, 1874

Carrie E. Reed
Manchester, N.H.
Sept. 26, 1872

“Keep thine yeart with all diligence.”
J.W. Emery
East Andover, New Hamp.
Janm 9, 1874

Josie A. Bosher
Manchester, N.H.
Feb 13, 1873

“Life is a jest and all things show it
I thought once, but now I know it.”
Nora M. Braley
Manchester, N.H.
October 10, 1872

“Forget Me Not”
Jennie Carper [or Casper]
Manchester, N.H.
October 9, 1873

[at top] Friendship
Up! up! my friends, and quit your books!
Or surely you’ll grow double,
Up! up! my friend and clear your looks,
Why all this toil and trouble?
Emma P. Torson
Manchester, N.H.

Georgianna Farrington
Manchester, N.H.

Lottie A. Adams
Manchester, N.H.
Jan. 22, 1873

Martha W. Hubbard
Manchester, N.H.
Sept. 30th 1873

When the fallen leaf is sear,
And withers sadly from the tree,
And o’er the wins of the year
Cold autumn weeps, remember me.”
Addie T. Ames
Manchester, N.H.
Jan 12, 1863

Remember your friend A.M.H.
[corners] Pickle and molasses candy | Written examination | forget me not
did you go last night | How is W – S. | When are you going? | Fun at Mier Dana’s school.

Diving and finding no pearls in the sea
Blame not the ocean, the fault is in thee.
Etta Bartlett
Manchester, N.H.
Sept 22, 1873

Etta
“To the faithful, reward is certain.”
Claire Ella Fairbank
Manchester, N.H.
Oct 13, 1873

Walter S. Heath
Manchester, N.H.
Oct 10th

Bert T. Wadleigh
East Andover, N.H.
Dec 28th 1873

George W. Pushee
Manchester, N.H.
Sep 23, 1873

[X shape] Twine with flowers | May thy cross ever be
M.N. Shepherd
Manchester, N.H.

Nathan P. Batchelder
Manchester, N.H.

Your Brother
Geo. F. Canis
Manchester N.H.
May 17, ’73

Allie C. Huntington
Manchester N.H.
May 20th 1873
Friends

[on same page as above]
Mamie Savage
Manchester N.H.
May 20, 1873

Chose a good name rather than riches
Frank E. Durgan
East Andover, N.H.
Jan. 14, 1874

please don’t write here
Elver [?]

Friendship
To Etta
In this fair book, this Album’s page
Sweet thoughts, like wine, get ripe with age.
And so, though my verse is poor
By age it will improve, I’m sure,
Excuse it now, and some years hence
Let memory read without offence.
Your friend and school mate
Hattie S. Stearn
Manchester
May 20th 1873
Addie B. Randall
Manchester, N.H.
Sept. 27th 73
[written to fill the entire page] Boys go to the other side | Out in the entry | I said that. | Take your place in the front seat. | See — look. | I don’t believe she got it, do you? | I wish you had been there. | Who went home with you? | Pickles and molasses candy | Come up here. | What are you writing? | Call for me this noon. | I forget the 15th of December. | Ask your mother for fifteen cents. | I wonder who backed it. | more

xxxxx

Your album is a garden spot
Where all your friends may sow
Where thorns and thistles flourish not
But flowers alone may grow
I will sow within this little spot
The fragment flower forget me not
Anna B. Cate

Forget me not
When you are sitting all alone
Reflecting on the past
Remember that you had a friend
A friend that long will last
Violet W. Reid
Manchester, N.H.
Jan. 24th, 1874

May thy whole life be as happy
As the day of they childhood.
Your friend and school mate.
Mary E. Heath
Manchester, N.H.
May 21st ’73

===PARTIAL GENEALOGY OF ETTA CANIS of Manchester NH===

Augustus Canis, son of Johann & Johanna (Friedel) Canis, b 20 August 1827 Octsnitz, Saxony, Germany, d. 4 Sep 1900 Manchester NH, aged 73; m. 15 Feb 1855 to Frances Maria Durgin, daughter of Nathan G. & Matilda B. (Rollins) Durgin. She b. 15 June 1836 Andover NH, d 7 January 1890. He is buried in Valley Cemetery, Manchester NH with his wife Frances. He immigrated in 1849 originally living in Lawrence MA and was naturalized in Salem MA Court of Common Pleas for March Term 1859. By 1870 he was living in Manchester NH. He was a weaver, inventor and manufacturer.
—————————-
1855 US Census > MA > Essex Co. > Lawrence
Augustus Canis M 27 Germany Teamster
Frances Canmis F 19 NH
Jane M. Mitchell F 18 Maine
—————————-
1870 US Census > NH > Hillsborough > Manchester
Augustus Canis 33
Frances M Canis 24
George F. Canis 4
—————————-
1880 US Census > NH > Hillsborough > Manchester
Augustis Canis 53
Francis Canis 44
George Canis 24
Etta A. Canis 20
—————————-
1900 US Census > NH > Hillsborough > Manchester > 24 Market Street
Augustus Canis Head M 72 Germany Ger Ger widowed August 1828 immigrated 1849 naturalized Weaver
Etta A. Canis Daughter F 40 New Hampshire Germany NH Single Home Work
—————————-
1900 US Census > NH > Hillsborough > Manchester >
Augustus Canis Head M 72 Germany
Etta A Canis daughter F 40 NH
—————————-
1901 Manchester City Directory
Canis, Augustus, died Sept 4, 1900
Canis, Etta A. housekeeper, 24 Market
—————————
Genealogical and Family History of the State of NH Volume 1, page 132
Wallace Ballard Clement, son of Nathan B. and Augusta (Dana) Clement was born in Manchester, January 24, 1866. He received his earlier education from private tutors in Manchester, Bedford and Mont Vernon. He later attended the Franklin Street School in Manchester, and the McCollom Institute in Mont Vernon ,and went from the last named school to Harvard and to Yale Universities. He began the study of law in the office of the late James F. Briggs, where he read one year, and subsequently pursued the study one year in the office of United States Senator Henry Burnham. In 1888 he was admitted to the bar and opened an office in Manchester, where he has since been engaged in the general practice of law. Mr. Clement has a suave manner and a kindly disposition that makes friends for him wherever he goes. He married in Manchester, Etta Augusta Canis, who was born in Manchester, September 3, 1860, daughter of Augustus & Frances (Durgin) Canis, and great-grand-daughter of — Canis, who was a soldier with Napoleon in the famous Russian campaign. Two children have been born of this union: George A. Canis and Mamie E.
—————————
Childen of Augustus & Francis M. (Durgin) Canis:
1. George F. Canis/Canes, b 1 Feb 1856 Lawrence MA, died 1 Nov 1923 in Manhattan NY. In 1910 he was living in Duluth MN a bill poster, his own business. In 1920 living in Manhattan NY (128 Manhattan Avenue, a sister “Editon” living with him, both editors at that time, this probably is his sister ETTA. He is buried at Fresh Pond Crematory and Columbarius in Queens NY. During his lifetime he owned several newspaper, in 1872 issued the Amoskeag Journal, and also owned the Saratoga (Wyoming) Sun. He was also  connected with the Boston Daily Globe as editorial staff before 1881; and editor of New Mexico Press and News.

2. Etta A. Canis [this autograph book belonged to her], b. 10 Sep 1860 in Manchester NH.  She m. 7 Sep 1905 in Manchester NH (as his 2nd wife) to Wallace Ballard Clement, son of Nathan B. & Augusta (Dana) Ballard. He was b. 24 Jan 1866 in Manchester NH, d. 3 Feb 1913 in Manchester NH.  He was a lawyer, and at the time of his 2nd marriage to Etta, listed he previously divorced. He m1st) 2 April 1893 in Manchester NH to Ada R. Frost, dau of Thomas P & Hannah Frost (they divorced). Etta and Wallace no doubt divorced, as e m3rd 14 Jan 1911 in Manchester NH to Anna A. Nuss, dau of Frank A. & Matilda Nuss. In 1914 his 3rd wife, a widow was living in Arlington MA. The “History of the Woman’s Club Movement in America, by Jane C. Croly,” on p. 820 states that “The Pilgrims, of Manchester, organized as a club January 25, 1896. The first board of Officers was as follows: Miss Etta A. Canis, President….the object is mutual improvement in art, literature and the vital interests of the day.” She was in 1882 treasurer of the United Order of Pilgrim Fathers, Webster Colony, No 26 of Manchester [her father Augustus Canis was Ex-Governor].  The last I know of Etta A. Canis is in 1920 when she is living in Manhattan NY with her brother George.
3. Nellis Canis
4. daughter Canis who d. 1867

***ADDITIONAL READING***

Verses Gleaned from 19th Century Autograph Books

Cranberry Morning: Vintage Autograph Book

My Sister’s Cottage: Vintage Autograph Books