Chesterfield New Hampshire Historical Society
Affectionate Parents
A Letter Home
Historical Societies never know what will be found in the mailbox. In mid-January, CHS received a mystery envelope sent by an anonymous donor. Inside was an old yellowing letter written by Luther Richardson, a student at the Chesterfield Academy. His letter was dated September 11, 1825 and was to his parents in Royalston, MA.
Established in 1790, Chesterfield Academy had an excellent reputation and was ranked second only to Phillips Academy. With no public secondary education available, those wishing to further their studies had to attend private schools. Chesterfield Academy was the first in the region and attracted 70 – 100 students who came from the local area, VT, and MA. Included in CHS archives, is the 1825 class Catalogue (roster). Listed among the 92 of Luther's fellow classmates are E.P. Pierce, Jr and his sister Theresa Jane Pierce, the children of E.P. Pierce, builder of the Stone House Tavern.
Luther Richardson was 17 when he arrived at the Academy, “faint from heat and almost suffocated with dust.” His letter reveals some insights into student life. These included “declaiming” (an oral presentation) followed up by an “Exhibition” (students performed their oratories for the public). Luther refers to a surveying class where by using trigonometry he measured the height of the Liberty Pole and the Meetinghouse steeple. (The building was later destroyed by arson in 1851). New Paragraph
The Academy required students to attend for at least six weeks. Tuition was $1.50 with a fine of 25 cents for each day’s unexcused absences. Aware of the cost, Luther wrote that he hoped to complete his “Arithmetic and other studies within two weeks”, thus completing a six week term. He added he only missed a half-day. He inquired as to his parents’ health and requested a prompt reply as to “whether you want me to stay more than six weeks, as it is indifferent to me.” However, he did note he was not homesick even though he wished to see the family.
Luther came from a prominent Royalston family. Both his grandfather and father were selectmen. His father, Stephen Richardson (right) also served on the school committee. In the letter, Luther mentions visiting his Uncle Jacob, an academy graduate, who possibly lived in Hinsdale. As suspected, he found him “unfit for work” despite catching 84 pigeons in a day. Luther boarded with the Town Clerk, Abraham Wood, who lived on Winchester Road, about half a mile southeast of the Center Village. He was so pleased with the accommodations that he "would not change it for any place in town, everything is in order, we live well enough for a king”.
At 27, Luther married Abigail F. Hazeltine in Winchendon, MA on February 15, 1835. They had a son, Stephen Mayo Richardson who died in 1837 never having reached his first birthday. Unfortunately, Luther only lived to be 34, dying of apoplexy (possibly a stroke), but he left an impact on those who knew him. According to the History of Winchendon, MA. “Deacon Luther Richardson died instantly in John Poor’s mill yard. He was a very useful man in the church, in the schools, and in the community.” He is buried in the Old Centre Burial Ground in Winchendon. His tombstone is inscribed:
Dea. Luther Richardson died Mar. 24, 1842, in his 34 year. Thou blest is our friend now buried of all that could burden his mind. How easy his soul that has left this wearisome body behind.
