Frederick Bessell

Batavia (Jakarta) on the island of Java Indonesia was the headquarters of the Dutch East India Company and was founded in 1619. It featured magnificent homes of wealthy Dutch merchants.

PART 3: FRANZ BESSELL IN SUMATRA AND HIS ARRIVAL WITH HIS SON IN AMERICA

Frederick Bessel, the astronomer.

Franz Bessell was born in Minden, Westphalia in Germany. His father was a civil servant and his family was very large. His brother was Frederick Bessel, the  famous astronomer and mathematician who was the first person to determine reliable values for the distance from the sun to another star by the method of paralix. A special type of mathematical functions were named Bessel functions after his death.

Franz Bessell’s obituary from the diary of William Bentley, D.D. the pastor of the East Church in Salem Massachusetts reads as follows: “Last night died in Beverly, F.L.A. Bessell Esq. aged 55. He had lived 22 years upon the western coast of Sumatra and chiefly at Padang and had formed a friendship with Captain Joseph White of this town and by him was persuaded to come to America. He has been several years a resident of Salem and for the first part of the time in my neighborhood. He had every honor his situation in Sumatra allowed and passed with us as the Governor. He has lately purchased a farm at Londonderry and another very lately in Upper Beverly three miles from Salem at which he died. He has visited different parts of our Country. He has been noticed for his hospitality but nothing has been done since his arrival in America to bring him out of his first circle of acquaintance and while all were willing to give him the common tokens of respect, few speak of him as known to them.”

“Weltevreden” country house built by governor general Jacob Mossel in Batavia (Jakarta) about 1761.

In an entry in Reverend Bentley’s diary, at the death of one of Besssell’s sons we read “his father ‘was a native of Germany, and for the course of Twenty-two years was a resident of Padang, and other places on the Western Coast of Sumatra, in which time he held many posts of the greatest rank and responsibility in those colonies. He died at his country seat in Beverly, Mass., 21^st Aug., 1810, 55 years, and was buried in Salem.’

Entrance to the Padang River.

So the life story related by Reverend Bentley is one of a very wealthy man who kept to himself. One interesting item in this entry is the fact that he owned a farm in Londonderry, NH., which gives a clue as to why his son might have been drawn to Windham, for the site of his “camp.” I have seen the deeds for the Londonderry property where he purchased the farm of Robert Archibald, December 9, 1809 for Two Hundred Dollars. Through another deed we learn that the Londonderry property was sold after his death. In the deed of February 24, 1814, signed by his executor, Joseph White Jr., the farm was sold back to Robert Archibald for six hundred dollars. We also learn on this deed that Mr. Bessell’s full name was Francis Lewis Alexander Bessell, Esq.

Much of the following information about Franz Bessell comes from the book, Death of an Empire. The first mention of Bessell is the following: In Calcutta, Joseph White Jr. had negotiated for a fortune in cotton textiles, and then, after dropping down to Batavia to acquire first-quality sugar, he had met Franz Bessell, the Prussia-born agent of the Dutch East India Company for both Java and Sumatra. Bessell, a man who had been out in the islands too long, had recognized in White the very fellow to whom he might entrust his most prized possessions. No super cargo of Salem had ever brought home boys from his travels, but Joseph White Jr. stepped onto White’s wharf holding the hands of little Charles and Mathias Bessell, who came complete with large trust funds. Joseph’s adoptive parents helped the young bachelor in his new role as father, but they themselves had not finished with their own family.” This was in 1805.

In 1806, Stephen White was employed as a super cargo on the Mary & Eliza, which was owned by his adoptive father. His older brother John White was the Captain. After trading in India, he began his homeward trip, but not before stopping in Batavia, to pick up two additional passengers, “Franz Bessell, fifty-two, and his third son Frederick, looking forward to a reunion with his two Salem brothers.”

“In 1811, on adjoining lots, overlooking the town Common, Stephen and Joseph Jr. put up splendid three-story brick mansions…” and it was here that the Bessell boys were raised. In May of 1813, Joseph White Jr. one of the richest men in Salem, died suddenly and “his passing was treated as a public calamity.”

So why do I suppose that Franz Bessel had gone native and taken up with a Sumatran woman with whom he had three sons? First, the description of him as having “been out in the islands too long.” Second, the fact that Morrison describes “Bissell” as being a “Sumatran or Malay.” While this could indicate that the children were full blooded natives adopted by Bessell, this is contradicted by the fact that everywhere they are described as Francis Bessell’s sons. Also, it is noted in several places how “Americanized and civilized” the boys had become. While we only have Morrison’s solid description of F.L. Bissell as being Sumatran, (or half Sumatran,) every indication is that they were Francis Bessell’s sons from a relationship with a native woman on Sumatra. After all, he was in Java and Sumatra for over 22 years and it would only have been natural that he would have taken up with a woman there. Next week, the Bessell brothers in America.

Frederick Bessell

PART I: MORRISON’S ACCOUNT OF F.L. BISSELL IN WINDHAM

Louis Maurer (German-born American artist, 1832-1932) published by N. Currier,  Camping Out Some of the Right Sort. 1852. Bessell’s Camp in Windham was founded thirty years earlier.

I have always been intrigued by the account of  Bissell’s Camp which was located in Windham. It was described as weird and a little wild, and out of place in Windham’s history. I never really could understand how F.L. Bissell ended up in Windham and where he went to after he left. Actually, Frederick Bessell’s story is quite fascinating and is tied to the incredible wealth created by the maritime trade of Salem, Massachusetts, in the early 19th century.  Salem was America’s richest city at the time and the city’s merchant fleets had made many families there as rich as the Buffets or Gates of our time. While I have tracked down more information about Frederick Bessell, we will probably never know what induced him and Major Dudley to set up camp in the woods of Windham. So let’s begin with the retelling of Morrison’s description of Bissell’s Camp.

“At the age of eighteen or nineteen, F.L. Bissell came to Windham, in the month of May, 1823. He was a Malay or East Indian, a native of the isle of Sumatra, and came to this country in early life. He had a good English education, and was heir to a large estate, which was in the hands of a trustee or guardian, whose name was White of Salem, Mass. When he came to Windham he was accompanied by a man by the name of Major Dudley, a teacher of military tactics. They selected a spot and built a camp of pine boughs, with a stone fireplace. This camp was founded on a rock, which was but a little higher than the ground around it. It was soon supplied with all kinds of the best liquors, and with such food as was suitable for camp life.

“The next movement was the purchase of guns, pistols, swords, dirks, etc., also fishing gear and several dogs, all of which were of the most costly kind. Thus equipped, he with his friends, Major Dudley, and two or three others, were ready for fishing at Mitchell’s Pond, and for hunting wild game through the woods on each side of the brook that runs easterly from Mitchell’s Pond. They went into it with a keen relish, and from that time forward the yelping of hounds and the crack of the gun made music for the whole neighborhood. The novelty of the place and the odor of rum induced a great many people to visit Bissell’s camp.”

“Bissell evidently did not intend stopping long when he went there, but the attractions of the place drew so much company that he though it best to stay, and change in some measure what appeared to be a savage course of life, and take steps toward civilization. Therefore, the brush camp was torn down, and a log house built in its place. The house contained two rooms and a hall across the west end of the building; the inside of the house was finished in the most elaborate manner, the walls frescoed with pictures of East-Indian scenes, but the outside left in the worst condition possible. A stable was next built, then horses and carriages were bought, quite a number of each; in fact, he used money as though it were not worth having. In proof of this an incident will be related. He with another took a ride through the adjoining town of Salem; passing a farm-house, he saw a flock of geese, and having his shot-gun with him, he raised it and fired into their midst; killing and wounding several. He then ordered his driver to stop, and having found the owner of the geese, stated to him, what he had done, and asked what he must pay for the shot. The sum, (Not a small one,) was quickly named, and quickly paid by the sportsman, who then went on his way rejoicing.”

“Bissell was very fortunate in locating his camp, for the woodland which extended westward from his camp, on both sides of the brook to Mitchell’s Pond, was formerly the greatest place for game that could be found. It was the home to owls, hawks, crows, and pigeons, also of foxes, raccoons, woodchucks, mink and squirrels.”

Thus passed the first year of his camp life. He afterwards made additions to his house and stables, erected a large summer house, prepared an artificial pond, and stocked it with gold and silver fish. And so he went on for three or four years, till the money that he thought was lying back for his benefit was exhausted, or withheld from his use by his guardian or trustee. In the mean time he had contracted many debts, and his creditors were not slow in attaching his goods when the proper time came. They by due process of law took possession of all his personal estate. His financial embarrassment was the cause of his immediate departure from the place. He left these parts, and his subsequent history is unknown to the writer.”

“F.L. Bissell was a good penmen, and he embellished his writing very much by using (apparently) gold-dust instead of black sand, as a blotting material.”

“After Bissell’s departure, the premises was used, several years, as a kind of hotel, which was principally patronized by the thousands that were attracted by it romantic situation, and who were generally too thirsty to go away without seeing the inside of one particular room, where intoxicants were dealt out.”

“The first keeper of this hotel was a man by the name of Robinson, the next was Daniel Hunt, and the third was one Ferguson, neither of whom remained more than two or three years.

All the glory and attractions of ‘Bissell’s Camp’ passed rapidly away, after the hasty retreat of its founder. The buildings passed into the hands of one who was a manufacture of choice lace, which was then a remunerative business…The factory was torn down; the log camp was demolished about 1865. The lattice-made well-house still exists; the artificial pond is still there; and there are other ruinous evidences to remind the visitor of the places where buildings stood. But ‘the pomp and circumstances’ of its early state are gone forever.”

“Having closed the account of our common schools, mention will be made of a military school which but few of the present residents of Windham ever heard of. Among the companions of that wild, strange, eccentric man, F.L. Bissell, founder of ‘Bissell’s Camp,’ was Major Dudley, reported to have been an officer in the 1812-15 war. He came to town in May 1823, and was here several years. He was well versed in military tactics. He established a military school for the soldiers of the town, which was well patronized by those that loved the military profession.”

Next week: The connection between Salem Massachusetts and Sumatra.

BIRDSEYE VIEW OF WINDHAM DEPOT

This nice view of Windham Depot shows the crossing gates and crossing guard’s shack. The large brick chimney in the background is part of Seavey’s Mill where massive amounts of apple cider was churned out every year. It was also a large lumber mill.

100 YEARS AGO IN WINDHAM

FAIRVIEW TABLET UNVEILED, LABOR DAY 1916

WINDHAM. AUGUST 23.—On the afternoon of Labor Day there will be unveiled with public exercises at Fairview on Cobbett’s North Shore, a tablet commemorating the fact that the pond took its name from Rev. Thomas Cobbet, of Ipswich, Mass., who in 1662 received a grant of 500 acres on its shores. A historical sketch will be read, dealing with Mr. Cobbet, his grant, and other matters of history.

WINDHAM, SEPTEMBER 6.—On the afternoon of Labor Daya company of 80 or more gathered at Fairview on Cobbett’s North Shore for the exercises connected with the unveiling of a memorial tablet. There was singing, in which Raymond Kay, of New York, and L. Willard Park, of Boston, assisted, prayer by Rev. A.L. Dunton, remarks by L.W. Smith, representing the Haverhill, Mass. Historical Society, and a lengthy historical address by William S. Harris, dealing with Rev. Thomas Cobbet, his grant of land, names of the pond, and other matters of local history. Kendall Parker Abbott, the five year old son of the Fairview household, performed the act of unveiling the tablet, and Miss Eleanor K. Abbott read the inscription thereon, which is as follows:

COBBETT’S POND So called, but with various spellings, Since 1723. Named for Rev. Thomas Cobbet, Puritan minister of Lynn and Ipswich, Mass., Who received from the General Court of Mass., A grant of 500 acres on its north shore in 1662. “There Windham Range, in flowery vest, Was seen in robes of green, While Cobbet’s Pond, from east to west, Spread her bright waves between. ROBERT DINSMOOR. 1811.”

Brookside Farm

The front porch was a favorite gathering spot at Brookside Farm

Brookside Farm

Circa. 1904-1946

     A very nice couple stopped by to see me, in order to ask about a farm in Windham that their family once owned. They allowed me to make copies of their photographs so I could try to determine the location of the farm.  The “Brookside” sign over the door and noted on a photograph solved the mystery. This is a beautiful photograph of what people now know as the “Fellows” house, which once stood at the corner of North Lowell Road and Route 111, and was torn down a few years ago. Sadly, I misplaced the notes I took about the photographs. I am not sure whether the people in the photographs are Lang Family or the Knowlton Family. Walter and Carolyn Lang bought the property from George Seavey in 1904 for 3,200 dollars. The property was left to their heirs, Walter W. Lang , Elmer Lang and George Lang of Boston, John Lang of Saugus and Harold Lang of Pittsburg, PA. Perley G. and H. Elizabeth Knowlton purchased the property from them  in 1936, subsequently selling to the Fellows in 1946. One of the photographs in the group is a cyanotype (blue) and all the Cyanotype photographs in Windham that I’ve seen were taken about 1910. So my best guess is that the folks in the photographs are the Langs.  What is certain is that these people really enjoyed that porch, overlooking their rolling fields and Collins Brook.

Cemetery on the Plain – 1910

This is an interesting view of the Cemetery on the Plain taken about 1910. It took me a minute to place it. The photograph was taken from Lowell Road, near where Wayne Holm lives today. What is so amazing is the lack of trees. Collins Brook marsh is in the foreground and Garaphelia Park is to the right in front of the stone wall. It’s an interesting site for a cemetery but was most probably chosen because the sandy soil allowed for easy digging of the graves.

Letter From Windham, New Hampshire to Bellevue, Kentucky

Jerimiah Morrison was born in Windham NH on April 20, 1795. According to L.A. Morrison, “He succeeded his father on the homestead, where he always lived. He was a person of good judgement….He was among the earliest to espouse the anti-slavery cause, and at a time when it was not popular.”  He died of heart disease, in Windham, on November 24, 1862.

Silas Dinsmoor fitted for college at Williams Academy, in Windham and went on to graduate from Dartmouth College, in the class of 1787. He was appointed by President George Washington to be the U.S. agent to the Cherokee Indians in 1795. After serving in various capacities for the federal government, he moved to Bellevue, Kentucky, near Cincinnati, to where this letter is addressed. He died and is buried on the “Dinsmore Homestead,” which was owned by his nephew James.

Above: The James Dinsmore Homestead, in Kentucky, where Silas Dinsmoor is buried. It is a museum today.

Silas Dinsmoor

Bellevue, Boone County Kentucky

Windham, January 15th 1842

Dear Sir,

It becomes my painful duty to communicate to you the sad intelligence of the death of your Cousin John Dinsmoor. You have been apprised of the death of his wife. Since which he has boarded in a respectable family in the neighborhood; his health continued pretty good until September last. Since which time, he’s declined. About a week before his death, he was seized with influenza attended with lung fever which terminated his earthly existence on Tuesday the 11th January, at three o’clock P.M. His suffering had been very severe for several days but was very much relieved the last three days he lived and hopes were… by his physician and friends up to the moment of his death that his health might be partially restored and he enjoy comfortable health for some time. Providence saw best that it should be otherwise. He died suddenly without any apparent alteration to the very moment of his death and without a moan or struggle. Thus our friends pass away one after another. This aged uncle is the last member of that ancient family in this place excepting Mary park who still survives and is not enjoying good health— I have written this at a request of his, signified to me, before his decease.  And I have written with more freedom and greater pleasure from my personal knowledge of you as a friend of my parents. Although you may have forgotten me and most of your younger friends in this place, yet be assured that you are still held in respectful remembrance by many here. And although we may not hope to see you here again yet we would be very glad to receive a letter from you once in a while. We would be gratified to here from brother John’s family those of them in your region. James & Silas I believe are in your neighborhood— I will now introduce myself as a son of Samuel Morrison and Margaret Dinsmoor and say that I would be very much gratified to receive a letter from you. Direct to your obedient servant Jeremiah Morrison.

John Dinsmoor’s house in Windham is still standing on Range Road

The John Dinsmoor in the letter, was born in Windham in 1761. He married Isabella Hemphill in 1791.  He settled on the north part of his father’s farm where he was a blacksmith. Morrison says, “He was industrious and built himself a good house and barn, as well as blacksmith’s shop. But his farm was poor; and whether the shop took up so much of his time as to spoil his farming, or the latter occupation so engaged him as to ruin his business as a smith, or whether the intrinsic poverty of soil is enough to account for the fact that, it is certain that he failed at both occupations and about 1827, was obliged to sell his place. He then moved to the farm of Isaac Thom in Windham Range; this place is now (1882) occupied and owned by his grandson, Joseph W. Dinsmoor. Having profited from past experience, or owing to more productive soil, although he had passed the prime of life, he was successful at his new work, and soon became the owner of the farm. He was a man of decided convictions and unyielding opinions. Late in life, when perhaps his disposition had somewhat soured by his reverses of fortune, he was inclined to be morose and to look on the dark side of the picture. His wife was happily of the opposite turn of mind. Always genial and companionable, making the best of everything, by pleasantly agreeing with her husband in his sharp and often very just criticisms of men and things, he owed it to her that the thought was but momentary, which with opposition would have become chronic…His son John, their only child in the State, resided near him, and was drowned in Cobbett’s Pond in November of 1834. Thus they were left childless, as it were, in their old age. In January 1840, his wife, with whom he had lived in most endearing companionship died of paralysis. She had retired to rest at night, in her usual good health, but in the night her husband awoke and found she had lost the power of speech. And it never returned. Her death was a great shock to him, and broke up his home. He passed the remainder of his days in the family of his neighbor, Ebenezer T. Abbott, one of a family whose name is a synonym for humanities that cheer and relieve distress.” His other two sons, Nathaniel and William had removed to New York. Silas Dinsmoor died, July 17, 1847.