BIOGRAPHIES OF EARLY RESIDENTS OF CONTOOCOOK & BOSCAWEN, 
MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE
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SOURCE: (Unless otherwise stated) The History of Boscawen and Webster, from 1733 to 1878, 
compiled by Charles Carlton Coffin, Concord, N.H.: Republican Press Assoc. 1878. 


******************
ALDRICH, JOHN
******************
John Aldrich was born in Smithfield, R. I., Jan. 20, 1785.  He married Harriet, daughter
 of Samuel Smith, Jan. 18, 1810, and moved to Mendon, Mass., where he resided till 1830, 
when he made Boscawen his home, purchasing a farm on High street, near Salisbury line.  He
 was a member of the Society of Friends.  Through life, Mr. and Mrs. Aldrich manifested 
the frank, honest, sincere traits of character which are inculated by the Friends. They 
were progressive in their religious views, ernest in their efforts to do good, ever ready
 to help the poor, guided by a simple faith and trust which ever led them to a higher 
spiritual life.  They were industrious and frugal, simple in their tastes, and patterns of
 neatness.  They lived quietly and unostentatiosly, beloved and respected by their friends 
and neighbors.  Mr. Aldrich passed to the better life, March 19, 1865, and Mrs. Aldrich, 
May 13, 1872.  Their children were,--Armenia Smith, born Nov. 1, 1817, married Nathaniel 
White, of Concord, Nov. 1, 1836; John, born Nov. 9, 1825, married Olive French, of 
Pembroke, and who resides in Framington, Mass.

*******************
BEAN, SINKLER
*******************
This settler, the first of the name of all of those of the Merrimack valley, so far as is
 known, came with the first party in 1734. He remained in Contoocook till the settlement 
of Salisbury, when he became a resident of that town, where many of his descendants now 
reside. His name appears frequently upon the records, appointed on committees in positions 
of trust and honor. He was a leading and influential citizen in Salisbury.

*************
BISHOP, JOSIAH
*************
Of the parentage of Josiah Bishop, nothing is known. It is probable that he came from 
Newbury with his family in 1733. He lived at the southerly end of King street. Upon the 
outbreak of hostilities with the Indians in 1746, he was captured while at work in the 
field, and taken into the woods. (See Civil Hist.) He was determined not to go to Canada 
as a prisoner, and resisted the Indians, who buried their tomahawks in his skull, as was 
afterwards ascertained.



****************
BOWEN, JOHN
****************
Diligent research fails to discover whence this settler came. It is probable that he was 
related to Anthony and Henry Bowen, of Penacook, and probably a brother of Peter, who 
killed Sabbatis and Plansawa. He served as a ranger, and had a great antipathy to the 
Indians.

*********************
BOHONNON, ANDREW
*********************
He was a native of Ireland. It is not known what year he emigrated to America. He was 
unmarried in 1734, when he became a settler in Contoocook, marrying Tabitha Flanders, 
daughter of Dea. Jacob Flanders, who was born April 7, 1711. He became an active citizen.
 He was a man of great energy and endurance. In 1755 he enlisted for six months in Col. 
Blachard’s regiment, for an expedition against Crown Point. The regiment had its 
rendevous at South Franklin, on the Webster farm, now the Home for Orphans. Several weeks
 were spent in building boats, in which the regiment was to ascend the Merrimack and 
Baker’s river to Warren, transport the boats to the Connecticut, and from thence ascend
 some branch of that stream which would take them to Lake Champlain!--so little 
understoood was the geography of Vermont at that time. When it was discovered that such a
 route was impossible, the regiment descended the Merrimack to Nashua, and from thence 
marched to Worcester and Albany.

At this date Bohonnon probably resided on land now owned by Mrs. Farnum Coffin, at the 
southerly end of Water street, but soon after removed to Salisbury, settling near the 
south village. He was active in the public affairs of that town. During the Revolution he 
was a devoted patriot, and served as lieutenant in Capt. Ebenezer Webster’s company in 
the battle of Bennington.

He had several sons, who were also active patriots;--Jacob, who was a private in Capt. 
Webster's company; Annaniah, who enlisted for three years in 1780, in Capt. Gray's 
company, Scammel's regiment, Continental troops; Stephen, another son, who was a soldier 
at West Point at the time of Arnold's treason, and was sentinel at Washington's 
head-quarters the night after the discovery. He staated that Washington spent the entire 
night in writing.

Andrew Bohonnon died in Salisbury, at an advanced age. 


********************
BURBANK, CAPT. ABRAHAM
********************

One of the prominent business men of Boscawen was Abraham Burbank, eldest son of
David Burbank, and grandson of Capt. Moses Burbank, one of the early settlers of the
town. He was born November 16, 1781, learned the trade of blacksmith of his father, and
carried on blacksmithing on Little Hill with Jesse Little. He was an adept in making axes,
giving them a shape much liked by the woodchoppers at the beginning of the century, and
of such keen temper that "Abe Burbank's axes" were widely known and had a ready 
sale.  He married Mary Call, and, second, Polly M. Jackman, settled in Bashan on the farm
now owned by his son, Mr. Azro Sheridan Burbank, and engaged in lumbering.
With his son, Friend L. Burbank, he became proprietor of the mills on Blackwater
river; also, a mill on Knights Meadow brook; also, one on Pond brook. At one time,
nearly every mill in Boscawen was employed in sawing his lumber, which was sent down
the Merrimack river to Lowell and Boston.

He was greatly respected by his fellow-citizens, and was repeatedly elected to
represent them in the legislature. He was a cheerful supporter of religions and charitable
organizations, and alive to all interests affecting the pulic welfare.  He died in 1856, 
aged 75--an active, energetic, honored citizen to the last year of his life.
(end)

************
BURBANK, CAPT. MOSES
************
He came from Bradford. The records of the proprietors make no mention of his being elected
 captain over any military organization in Contoocook, and it may be inferred that he 
received the title befor moving into the town. In 1746, at the time of the Indian 
outbreak, the settlers formed themselves into a military band, and Capt. Rollins was 
elected commander; but there is no evidence that he remained in town long. It is known 
that the military organization was kept up during the Indian troubles, and it is possible 
that Capt. Burbank was commander. He resided on Queen street, on what has since been known 
as the "Clark" farm. He married Sarah Emery, probably sister of Edward Emery.  He reared a
 family of six sons and three daughters, and was the progenitor of the Burbank family in 
Boscawen and vicinity. His name frequently appears upon the records as a public officer,
 and as member of committees. The date of his birth is not known, nor his death, but he 
was in the full possession of his mental powers in 1792, when he gave his deposition to 
Col. Henry Gerrish, stating the number of settlers in the town in 1733, and the number of 
proprietors' rights partially improved.

*********************
CALL,  PHILIP
*********************
One of the most active of the first settlers upon the outbreak of Indian hostilities, in 
1744, was Philip Call, who had moved to Contoocook in 1733.  His name appears upon the 
roll of Capt. Jeremiah Clough's company as a scout, from September 26 to December 18 of 
that year, receiving as wages 3 pounds 10s.; for provisions, 3 pounds 3s.  He was out with
 Capt. Clough again in 1746, from July 4 to December 4; and again in 1747, from June 5 to 
November 12.

After the close of hostilities in 1749, he moved up the Merrimack, a little more than a 
mile beyond the line of Contoocook, to the fertile intervale of Bakerstown (South 
Franklin), and began a clearing on the Webster farm.  While living there, in1754, the 
Indians made a descent upon the place, and killed Mrs. Call, as already narrated in the 
journal of events.  It is supposed that Philip Call lived and died in Salisbury, and that 
he was buried in the cemetery in South Franklin: but no stone marks his resting place.  It
 is not unlikely that the Indians were well aquainted with   Philip Call.  He was a good 
Indian fighter, and possibly they took particular pleasure in making a descent upon his 
place.  His son Stephen was one of the first selectmen of Salisbury, upon the organization
 of the town in 1768.  He serves in Capt. Webster's company, Col. Nichol's regiment, in 
the Rhode Island campaign, 1776.  The Call family of Franklin and Hill are descendants of 
Philip. 


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CLOUGH-GERRISH, MARTHA
************************

Martha Clough, daughter of Jeremiah Clough, Esq., of Canterbury, N. H., was born 10 Nov., 
1742. She married Col. Henry Gerrish, of Boscawen, 10 Nov., 1763, and was the worth mother 
of seven sons and four daughters. The united ages of these eleven children amount to over
850 years,--average age exceeding 77.

Her early years were thrilled with the events of Indian wars and block-house life, the
family residing for a time in the fort at Canterbury, of which her father was commander.
Endowed with a vigorous constitution, and inured to the privations and hardships of
frontier life, she was a pattern of industry and frugality, “working willingly with her
hands. Like the model wife described in Prov. 31, she was also skilful and ingenious; and
there is now in the possession of her grand-daughters a skirt of home-made cloth,
embroidered in colors from natural flowers by Martha Clough in 1763. In those days it
often became necessary for women to assist their husbands and brothers on the farm. Said
one of her sons,--"My mother, when twenty years of age, would mow all day in the field,
and keep up with the men.” Another son remembered seeing his father ride on horseback
three miles to church, with his wife sitting on a pillion behind him, each with a child in
arms. On showing her profile (see engraving) to Dea. Thomas Gerrish, her youngest son,
only five weeks before his death, he said,--"That looks like my mother's face;"and then
added, "I remember her riding to meeting on horseback, while I, a boy of fifteen, sat on
behind." Mrs Gerrish died 15 Oct., 1826.

 

************************
COFFIN, CHARLES CARLETON
************************
Charles Carleton Coffin Was born in Boscawen July 26, 1823, son of Thomas and Hannah 
(Kilburn) Coffin.  His  education, beyond the advantages of the district school, was 
obtained at the academy on the Plain, and one term at Blanchard academy, Pembroke.  During 
the winter of 1842, more for pastime than from any plan for the future, he studied land 
surveying and the rudiments of civil engineering.  The time soon came when the slight 
knowledge thus obtained could be turned to account.  He joined the engineer' corps in the 
preliminary surverys of the Northern Railroad in 1845, and was employed upon its 
construction in 1846, also upon the preliminary survey of the Concord & Portsmouth road, 
and later upon the Concord & Claremont.

     He was married Feb. 18, 1846, to Miss Sallie Russell Farmer, daughter of Col. John 
Farmer, and sister of Prof. Moses G. Farmer.  He purchased a farm on Pleasant street, now 
owned by Mr. Tyler Sweatt, but health failing, decided to turn his attentions to other 
pursuits.  The determination was brought about by the favor with which some fugitive 
contributions to the newspapers of the day were received by the public.  His first article
 was published in 1845, in the Congregational Journal, published in Concord.  He 
contributed to the Granite Farmer, printed at Manchester, and to the New Hampshire 
Statesman; was one of the founders of the N. H. State Agricultural Society, and an active 
member.

     In the fall of 1849, Mr. Coffin constructed a telegraph line connecting the 
Astronomical Observatory of Harvard College in Cambridge with the telegraph lines in 
Boston, for the purpose of putting it in connection with other observatories; and in 1851 
had charge of the construction of the telegraphic fire-alarm for the city of Boston, under
 the care of Prof. M. G. Farmer, and gave the first alarm ever given by telegraph, April 
29, 1852.

     While performing these duties he found time to continue his contributions to the 
press.  Some stories entitled "The Old Man's Meditations," contributed to the Boston 
Traveller, may be found in Littel's Living Age, 1852. Some lines,--"Death at 
Sunset,"--contributed to the Knickerbocker, have become one of the selections of lyceum 
readers.  Many of his contributions at this time were to the Boston Museum, a literary 
journal.  He occasionally reported meetings and agriculural fairs for the daily press, and
 was employed as an assisstant editor of the Practical Farmer, an agricultural journal 
conducted by Col. Wm. S. King.

     From 1854 to 1860 Mr. Coffin was employed on several of the newspapers published in
 Boston,--the Journal, Atlas, Traveller, Bee and Transcript,--and during the winter of 
1860-61 was employed as night editor of the Boston Journal.  The Southern states were then
 seceding, the peace congress was in session, and Mr. Coffin, during the long hours of the
 night, had time for reflection upon the events of the hour, ans saw, what all men did not
 see, that a conflict of arms was approaching.  He was then a resident of Malden, and, the morning after the surrender of Fort Sumter, took measures for the calling of a public 
meeting of the citizens of that town to sustain the President, --one of the first of the 
meetings held throughout the country.

     Upon the breaking out of the war, Mr. Coffin became a correspondent of the Journal,
 writing over the signature of "Carleton," was present at the first battle of Bull Run, 
reached Washington during the night, and sent a full account of the action on the 
following morning.

     In the fall he joined the Army of the West, sent an account of the taking of Fort 
Henry, which was republished in the papers of New York, Philadelphia, and Baltimore, 
before any other account was published. Comprehending the craving of the public for 
information, and the importance of having his correspondence appear before any other, he 
took the first train from Cairo, wrote his account in the cars, which when completed was 
placed in the hands of an express messenger, while the writer returned to his post of 
observation.  By adopting this method, the Boston Journal was placed ahead of all its 
contemporaries, and published the account two days before any other paper in the country 
heard from its correspondent.

     Mr. Coffin was at the surrender of Fort Donelson, reported the movements of the Army 
of the West from Pittsburg Landing to Corinth, the operations at Island No. 10, New 
Madrid, Fort Pillow, and the battle of the gunboats at Memphis, viewing it from the deck 
of one of Admiral Davis's vessels.

     Returning to the Army of the Potomac, he witnessed the battles of Antietam and 
Fredricksburg.  Knowing that a powerful fleet of monitors was on its way to attack Fort
 Sumter, he visited the Department of the South, and witnessed the attack and repulse, and
 also the failure at Fort McAllister.

     During twelve days of the Gettysburg campaign, Mr. Coffin rode between 250-300 miles 
in a saddle, more than 900 in the cars, was on the battle-field three days and nights, and
 wrote a full and elaborate account, which was republished in many papers throughout the 
country, and was translated and copied by the press of Berlin and Paris.

     When Gen. Sherman reached the sea-coast Mr. Coffin hastened South, and the 
information that the flag of the Union was once more floating over Sumter was first given 
to the world through the Journal, and was telegraphed over the country before any paper in
 New York had possession of the intelligence.

     In the campaign of 1864, the Journal's correspondent was an eye-witness of every 
engagement from the Wilderness to Petersburg, and of nearly all the battles around 
Petersburg and Richmond, which city he entered upon its occupation by the Union troops.

     The correspondence of  Mr. Coffin was accepted by the public as authentic, and gave
 the Boston Journal a wide circulation.  The edition containing the account of the battle 
of Gettysburg exceeded one hundred and twenty thousand copies, while the daily ciculation 
not unfrequently reached eighty thousand.  His letters were regularly read by more than a 
quarter of a million of people.

     Upon the break out of the war between Austria, on the one side, and Prussia and 
Italy on the other, in 1866, Mr. Coffin, accompanied by Mrs. Coffin, sailed for Europe; 
but Austria, having been crippled by the single battle of Konnigratz, a truce was 
declared.  Mr Coffin remained abroad, however, writing a series of letters on current 
events.  He visited Italy; saw the occupation of Venice by the Italians: reported the 
Paris exhibition of 1866; reported the scenes in the House of Parliament in England on the
 reform bill; was present at the coronation of the emperor of Austria as King of Hungary; 
made the aquaintance of many of the public men of Europe; visited Greece, Turkey, Syria, 
Palestine, and Egypt; embarked at Suez for Bombay; travelled across India, before the 
completion of the railroad; visited Malacca, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Shanghai; sailed up
 the Yang-tse six hundred miles; visited Japan; crossed the Pacific to California; and 
crossed the plains before the completion of the Pacific Railroad,--having been absent two 
years and five months.  His correspondence during these years was widely read.

     Of books, Mr. Coffin has published "My Days and Nights on the Battle-Field," issued 
1863; "Following the Flag." 1865; "Winning the Way," 1865; "Four Years of Fighting," 1866;
 "Our New Way Round the World," 1869; "The Seat of Empire," 1871; "Caleb Krinkle," 1874;
 "The Boys of '76," 1876.  Another volume, "The Story of Liberty, " will be issued in the 
spring of 1878.

     The honorary degree of A. M. was conferred upon him by Amherst college in 1870.  He 
is an active member of the New England Genealogical and Historical Society, and has 
contributed to the library of that institution many valuable manuscripts relating to the 
late Rebellion.  He has been elected a member of the American Geographical Society, 
honorary member of the N. H. Historical Society, and a member of the American Association 
for the Advancement of Science.

     He has made many addresses on public occasions, and given more than five hundred 
lectures before lyceums.  He gave the centennial oration in his native town, July 4, 1876,
 and at the request of his fellow citizens has compiled the history of Boscawen and 
Webster. 


*******************
COOK, THOMAS
*******************

This enterprising settler, soon after moving into town in 1733, instead of remaining at 
the "town" on King street, pushed northwest, and built a cabin near "Mutton" road, leading 
from Corser hill to Salisbury.  It stood near "Little" brook, from which he obtained 
water.  The place is now marked by the stump of a large pine, which was felled a few years
 since by Mr. Luther Titcomb.  

The reason which prompted Mr. Cook to push six miles beyond his fellow-citizens was 
undoubtedly the desire to be conveniently near a locality where he could obtain 
anabundance of fresh meat.  There were patches of meadow around "Couch" pond, and 
onBeaver-dam brook, which were favorite resorts for deer, and by locating in the vicinity
 Mr. Cook would have his provisions at hand.

Upon the breaking out of hostilities in 1746, Mr. Cook deemed it prudent to leave his 
cabin.  He was at work near Clay hill, with others, on the 4th of May,1746, when the 
Indians fired upon the party, killing him and a negro-Caesar, slave to Rev. Mr. Stevens. 
(See Civil History.)  It is stated that Caesar, though wounded, fought with great bravery,
 and was only despatched after a fearful struggle.

By building his cabin so far in advance of his neighbors, Mr. Cook has given a name to the
 eminence north of the place where it stood,--Cook's hill. 



*****************
CORSER, REV. ENOCH
*****************

Rev. Enoch Corser Was born in Boscawen Jan. 2, 1787. He was the son of David Corser, and
great-great-grandson of John, who (as is believed) was born in Scotland in 1678,
emigrated to this country about 1690 [see Gen.].  Possessing an active intellect and a 
natural fondness for study, Enoch Corser early decided to obtain a liberal education. 
After a term of study at Salisbury academy, he completed his preparatory course under the 
tuition of Rev. Samuel Wood, was admitted to Middlebury college, VT., 1807, and graduated 
in 1811.  Upon leaving college he opened a grammar school in Danvers, Mass., following the
occupation two and a half years, when he began the study of theology with Rev. Walter
Harris, D. D., of Dunbarton, and in the following year, 1815, was licensed to preach.
After some months of labor at Middleton, Mass., and Colebrook, N. H., he began 
preaching in Loudon, where he was settled in March, 1817. In the following May he 
married Miss Sally Gerrish, of Boscawen.  He remained in Loudon till 1837, when after 
preaching a short time at Meredith  Village, he accepted a situation with the church at 
Sanbornton Bridge, preaching as "stated supply," teaching also a part of the time in the 
academy till 1843. During the following year he supplied the church at Plymouth, and at 
Lyndon, Vt. In 1845 he began pastoral labor at Epping, where he remained till 1848, when 
he removed to Boscawen, supplying the pulpit at Fisherville and other places.

In 1850, while fulfilling an engagement at Warner, he was prostrated by paralysis, but
from which he recovered, and began preaching again in his old parish in Loudon, where he
remained two years, till prostrated by sickness. He continues to reside in Boscawen till 
his death, Jan. 17, 1868.  He was a man of great intellectual ability, rarely wrote his 
discourses, was earnest, forcible, and at times eloquent in the presentation of truth, an 
excellent pastor, and beloved by those who attended upon his ministrations. 

************
CORSER, JOHN
************

Tradition has it, that this settler came from Scotland to Newbury about 1690, at the age of 14.  It is more probable, however, that he came to Newbury from Boston or vicintiy.  He
 married in Newbury.  The records of Newbury have the following:  
     "John Corser & Tabitha Kenny of Newbury were married March ye 8th 1716/17"

In 1735, he moved to Contoocook with his family of seven children.  His eldest son, 
John, Jr., had settled in Kingston, N.H.  He resided for several years on King street, 
and, with others, erected the first saw-mill.  While tending it he met with an accident 
which deprived him of his sight.  His death is supposed to have occurred in 1776.

His son John came from Kingston to Boscawen about 1764, and settled on Corser hill, 
on the farm now owned by Mr. Tilton.  Other facts concerning the first settler, John, will
 be found in the genealogy of the Corser family.

***********
DAGADON, WILLIAM
***********
He was a settler of 1733, and located his farm between Queen street and Contoocook river, 
west of Fisherville, near Concord line.  His name appears in the proprietors records as 
Dagadon, Digodon, Dagodon, and Dogodan.  The small brook which empties into the Contoocook
 west of Fisherville bears his name.  It is not known that he took any active part in the
 affairs of the town. 

*******************
DANFORTH, WILLIAM
*******************
He was probably a son, possibly grandson, of William, who was born in London in 1653, and 
who came to Newbury about 1667.  He took an active part in all matters pertaining to the 
good of the settlement.  He married _______ Flood, a sister of Richard Flood, one of the 
first settlers.  He aided in the erection of the first saw-mill

*************
DANFORTH, NATHANIEL
*************
Whether he was a brother or cousin to William is not quite clear.  He came to Contoocook 
in 1733.  Probably he was then married.  His daughter Abigail, born Jan. 7, 1735, was the 
first child born in the town, who married Thomass Foss, and resided on Fish street.  
Nathaniel Danforth's son Alkanner served as a soldier during the Revolution.

William and Nathaniel Danforth were men of decision and firmness, characteristics that 
have been transmitted to their descendants. 


*********************
EASMAN/EASTMAN, JOSEPH
*********************
In the proprietors' records, the name now spelled as Eastman was given as EASMAN.  Rev. 
Mr. Price has recorded the name of Joseph Eastman as one of the first settlers.  Later 
inquiries indicate that he did not come as a permanent settler till a year or two later, 
though it is possible that he began his improvements in 1733.

He was grandson of Roger Eastman, the first of the name in America, and who came from
 Wales to Salisbury in 1640.  He was a prominent citizen.  His son Joseph was captain of a
 company of rangers in the French and Indian wars. 


*************
ELLIOT, JOHN Jr.
*************
JOHN ELLIOT (John-1) was born at the Fort at the south end of the "Plain," Boscawen, New 
Hampshire, in 1744. It was during the troublous times of the Indian raids, and his parents 
had fled to the garrison for protection. His early life, after the return from Durham, was
 probably passed at his father�s farm on Water street. In company with his father he 
signed the Declaration of the People against the Boston Port Bill, 1772, and also the 
Articles of Association, June 3, 1776. In the former document the signature is John 
Elliott, as distinguished from his father, who spelled his name with one t; in the latter 
document the signature is John Elliot, jr.

When the Baptist church was formed at Salisbury Center, June 23, 1789, the names of John,
 Nicholas, and Joseph Elliott are found in the list of seventy-six persons who signed the 
covenant. In June, 1821, John Elliott was one of several petitioners to the Grand Lodge of 
Masons of New Hampshire for the formation of a lodge in the town of Salisbury, New 
Hampshire, to be known as Samaritan Lodge, No. 36. On the institution of this lodge in 
May, 1822, he was made Junior Deacon.

John Elliott was twice married, was the father of thirteen children, and died in his 
eighty-fourth year.  Married first, about 1764, Temperance Durrill of Durham, New 
Hampshire. The dates of her birth and death are not recorded. Married second, September 
11, 1781, Mrs. Susannah (Boynton) Welch of Newbury, Massachusetts. They were publicly 
posted August 4, 1781. She was the daughter of Enoch and Rachel (Foster) Boynton of 
Rowley, Massachusetts, and was born April 22, 1753. Her first husband was Charles Welch of 
Newbury, Massachusetts, whom she married October 29, 1776. By her marriage to John Elliott 
she had seven children, all of whom were born in Boscawen. She died in June, 1835, aged 
eighty-two years. John Elliott died February 18, 1827.



*************
ELIOT, OLIVE
*************
Source: "The John Elliott Family of Boscawen, New Hampshire, The Rumford Press, Concord, NH, 1918, p.12-13)

OLIVE ELIOT (John2, John1) was born at Boscawen in 1765. On March 8, 1785, she married 
Major Stephen Bohonon of Salisbury, New Hampshire, grandson of Andrew Bohonon, one of the 
pioneer settlers of Boscawen in 1734. Stephen Bohonon was a first cousin of Daniel 
Webster, being the eldest son of Ensign Andrew Bohonon and Susannah Webster, sister of 
Judge Ebenezer Webster, father of Daniel. Andrew Bohonon was first cousin of Olive Elliot
 as their mothers were sisters. When less than sixteen years of age Stephen Bohonon, at 
the instance of his uncle, Capt. Ebenezer Webster, enlisted in the Revolution, where his 
father was already serving. Father and son fought together at the Battle of Bennington. 
Later Stephen Bohonon served with Capt. Webster at West Point when the treachery of Arnold
 was discovered. Webster had the distinguished honor of being selected to guard 
Washington�s headquarters the night following the discovery. Bohonon walked before the 
tent all night, and said Washington did not once lie down, but was employed in writing 
throughout the night. Major Stephen Bohonon kept the first store at Salisbury South Road 
(the main village). Afterward he lived for several years at Chelsea, Vermont, where he was 
a magistrate, town clerk in 1791 and representative in 1796. The last twenty-two years of 
his life were spent in Salisbury, the village of his birth. The New Hampshire Patriot, in 
a lengthy notice of his death, says: "His funeral was attended by a large concourse of 
citizens, among whom were eight soldiers of the Revolution, each nearly eighty years of 
age."  Olive (Elliot) Bohonon died at Salisbury, New Hampshire, June 10, 1843. Major 
Stephen Bohonon died at Salisbury, January 26, 1831.

****************
EMERY, EDWARD
****************
The ancestor of Edward Emery probably was John Emery, who came from Hants, England, to 
Newbury in 1635.  He died in November, 1683.  He had sons, --John, born in England about 
1629; --a daughter, who was named Ebenezer, Sept. 16, 1648.  The Newbury records have this
 concerning her birth:  "Born Monday morning, two hours before day."  He had a son, 
Jonathan, born May 13, 1652.  John married Mary Webster, of Ipswich, widow of John 
Webster, and reared a large family.

Jonathan married Mary Woodman, and had children, --Mary C., Sept. 25, 1677; Jonathan, Feb.
 2, 1679; David, Sept. 28, 1682; Anthony, Nov. 13, 1684; Stephen, June 13, 1687, died 
1688; Sara, Dec. 18, 1688; Stephen, again, June 24, 1692; Edward, Nav. 10, 1694.

The youngest son removed to Contoocook in 1733.  He was an active, influential citizen, 
and took a prominent part in all affairs of the plantation.

During the peace which followed the first outbreak of hostilities with the Indians, Mr. 
Emery, thinking to obtain his venison near at hand, on the favorite haunts of the deer, 
erected a house on land now owned by Miss Nancy Couch, at the foot of Corser hill.  It 
stood on the south side of the road, near the brook running to Couch pond.  It was, after 
Thomas Cook's cabin, the first house erected in what is now known as Webster.  Mr Emery 
was occupying it at the time of the second Indian outbreak, but moved his family to the 
fort the day before the Indians made their appearance in the vicinity (see Civil History).
  It was rifled by the Indians.  There is no evidence that Mr. Emery ever reoccupied it.

He was one of the most influential citizens, and his name frequently appears in the 
records as one often selected to transact public business.  In 1756 he accompanied Ezekiel
Flanders to Newfound Lake to hunt beaver, where both were killed by Indians. 


*******************
FITGERALD, EDWARD
*******************
One of the most active and influential of the settlers of  '33 was Edward Fitzgerald, who 
was born in Ireland, but who emigrated to America at an early age, and lived in Newbury,
  where he married Mehitable Uran.  He settled on Queen street, where his wife died May 
16, 1808, aged 90.  They had a family of two sons and eight daughters.  The family name 
has undergone many changes, it appearing in the records as Fitz Gerald and Fitz Gerauld. 
About the year 1775 the prefix was dropped, and the name appears as Gerald, Gerould, 
Gerauld, Jareld, Jerald, Jerril, Jeril, and Geruld.

*******************
FLANDERS, JACOB
******************
He was the grandson of Stephen Flanders, the first and only emigrant of that name, who 
came from England to Salisbury, with his wife, Jane, between 1640-1646, and was one of the 
first settlers of that town.  The grandson was born Aug. 5, 1689, in Salisbury, and 
consequently was forty-five years of age when he came from South Hampton to Contoocook, 
with his wife Mercy Clough.  He was one of the first settlers, and it is not strange that
 he was looked up to as a leading spirit.  He was one of the committee to build the first 
meeting-house, and his son Jesse was elected the second deacon of the church.  His son 
Ezekiel was killed by Indians while hunting beaver at Newfound lake, 1756.  His son Philip
 served in several campaigns against the French and Indians, and was killed at crown point
 the same year.  The eldest daughter, Tabitha, married Andrew Bohonnon (see above), and 
lived to an advanced age.

His son, Dea. Jesse and John, enlisted in Capt. Henry Dearborn's company in Arnold's
expedition to Quebec, 1776, and endured all the hardships of that terrible campaign.

Rev. Dr. Bouton, in the History of Concord, alludes to the Flanders family of Boscawen as 
men of great muscular strength and endurance.  The descendant of Jacob Flanders and Mercy Clough may be reckoned by hundreds, if not thousands. 

**************
FOWLER, JOHN
**************
Came from Newbury MA and lived on Queen street.  He probably was married at the time of 
his settlement in Contoocook.  His second wife was Mrs. Anna Bamford, whose maiden name 
was Anna Ellison, whose brother was grandfather of Hon. Benjamin F. Butler, of Lowell.  
His name frequently appears in the records as an active citizen.

*************
GERRISH, STEPHEN
*************
One of the leading men among the first settlers was Stephen Gerrish.  It is probable that 
none of them had a larger estate to begin with than he, for they were beginning life, with
 little more than their own strong hands and resolute wills.  He was born in Newbury, June
 3, O. S. 1712, and was but twenty-two years of age when he came to Contoocook, with his 
ox team and plow,--the first in the town.
  He was a leading spirit, took an active part in all matters pertaining to the welfare of
 the communtiy, and was often appointed on committees by his fellow proprietors.  He 
established the first ferry, was thrifty, and accumulated a large estate.  Rev. Mr. Price
 says of him,--
   "He was particularly prepared to advance the settlement of a new country, being young, 
robust, aquainted with husbandry, enterprising, industrious, economical.  Though his 
education was small and his manners unpolished, yet his strength of mind, his frankness 
and sympathetic feelings, rendered him useful and agreeable.  He well knew the 
discouragements and wants of a new settlement, any to him many resorted for succor.  
Possessing both the means and disposition, he was liberal and hospitable, --a friend and 
father to multitudes.  He died in 1788, having lived to see his children settled and 
prosperous, and useful members of both civil and religious societies."
  Mr. Gerrish resided at the lower end of King street. and for a time, near the close of 
his life, he lived upon one of his farms in Canterbury, on the intervale below "Muchyedo."
     He married, first, Elizabeth Chase, probably of Newbury, who died sometime between 
1734 and 1740, leaving no children.  His second wife was Joanna Hale, of Newbury, to whom
 he was married in 1741, who became the mother of five sons and one daughter,--Henry, 
Samuel, Enoch, Joseph, Stephen, and Jane,--from whom has descended a numerous posterity 
(see genealogy). 
     Although a citizen of sterling worth, and a supporter of civil and religious 
institutions, it appears that he was habitually profane.  One of his descendants, Rev. 
Jacob Little, in a biographical notice of his mother, Mrs. Martha Gerrish Little, while 
quoting the eulogium pronounced by Rev. Mr. Price, says--"The only words of his which have
 come down are a profane oath sworn on a public occasion."
     Aside from this one blemish, Captain Gerrish seems to have been in every other 
respect worthy of honor.  He was residing in Canterbury in 1774, where he made his will, 
which is as follows:
"Canterbury October ye 13th 1774
     "This may certify whom it may concern that I Stephen Gerrish of Canterbury in the 
county of Rockingham and province of New Hampshire, Having the Day of the above Date, 
Settled my Estate by Deeds among my Children & cepting my Stock HOusehold furniture & 
Utentials for Husbandry, of which I hear leave as my Request & Desire and it is my will 
that they be Disposed of in the following manner:
     "first yhat my Beloved wife Joanna have out of my stock one horse saddle and bridle & 
one Cow and five Sheep and also the one half of my household furniture to be her own 
forever.
     "Secondly it is my will that the Remainder of my stock and my utentials for Husbandry 
be equally divided between my two sons Joseph and Stephen.
     "thirdly it is my will that the remaining half of my Household furniture be Equally 
Divided between my five sons, Henry, Samuel, Enoch, Joseph, and Stephen.
   "furthermore it is my will and Desire that my Debts be paid & my Dues Recieved of what 
name or Nature Soever Equally by and amongst my five sons, Henry, Samuel, Enoch, Joseph, 
and Stephen.
Stephen Gerrish
Witnessed by
     George Jackman   Joanna Gerrish
     Jeremiah Clough" 
****************
HALE-GERRISH, MRS. JOANNA

Mrs. Joanna Hale Gerrish, a supposed descendant of Sir Matthew Hale's family, 
granddaughter of Rev. Joseph Hale, of Beverly, and daughter of Samuel and Apphia (Moody) 
Hale, was born in Newbury, June, 1715, and she was married to Captain Stephen Gerrish in 
1741.  She was a woman of strong character, and deeply religious,--in this respect 
differing widely from her husband, who was habitually profane, but who in all other 
respects was a kind and agreeable companion.  Rev. Jacob Little says of her,-
     "She was eminently pious, left the Epicopal and joined the Congregational church to 
find Sprituality, & brought her branch of the Gerrish family within the covenant.  The 
only words of hers which have come down, are an expression which in extreme old age daily
 were uttered in her secret devotion.  They were reported by an old lady who in childhood
 slept with here.  This was the expression, 'Bless my children to the latest generation.' 
 She was instrumental in turning the current in the family, & her children, early pious, 
and her hundreds of descendants have generally embraced religion in youth & united with 
the church of her choice."
     Mrs. Gerrish died in 1792 at the age of 77, beloved and respected by all in the
 community. 

***************
JACKMAN, GEORGE
***************
 He was born in Newbury, 1706-7.  It is doubtful if he became a permanent settler in 1734,
 though it is probable that he began the improvements on his farm at that time.  He 
married Hannah Bishop in 1728, and lived on the premises now owned by Prof. John Jackman.
  Upon the organization of the church he was elected deacon.  He was an intelligent and 
influential citizen, greatly respected.  His son George was first town-clerk and justice 
of the peace (see Biography)


*****************
JACKMAN, RICHARD
******************
He was brother of George, born in Newbury, Oct. 17, 1709.  He married Martha Call, 
daughter of Philip Call, who was a vigilant citizen during the war with the Indians.  Mrs.
 Jackman's mother was killed by the Indians at Sout Franklin (see History).


******************
MANUEL, JOEL
******************
Little is known in regard to this settler.  Diligent search has failed to discover 
anything concerning his nativity.  He came to Contoocook in 1734, and his name appears in 
several places as member of committees.  His son John resided on High street, near the 
residence of Gen. E.G. Wood.  The family is nearly if not quite extinct.


******************
MELOON, NATHANIEL
******************
Patient research has not thrown much light upon the origin of this name, and nothing 
whatever is known of the nativity of this settler.  It is supposed that he was of French 
or Flemish origin.  The name is sometimes written Malon, Maloon, Melloon.  From frequent 
appearance of his name upon the records, it is evident that he was an influential citizen.
  He served as a soldier in scouting parties during the Indian troubles.
     In 1754, he moved to West Salisbury, to avail himself of the extensive meadow lands 
in that vicinity.  His nearest neighbor was Edward Emery, near Couch pond, four to five 
miles distant.  There he was surprised, and with his family captured--all except one 
son--by the Indians (see History--year 1756).
     Upon his return from captivity he reoccupied his premises, and became one of the 
active citizans of Salibury, being frequently elected to town offices; was selectman in 
1791, when he was well advanced in life.  His name is appended to the following paper:
"Vandue.
     "To be set up at public Vandue on Monday the 21 Day of Nov next at three Oclock P.M.
 one Sarah Veza for Boarding, to be struck off to the lowext bider at the house of Stephen 
Webster
     "Nov ye 10, 1791                                                   Nath Meloon
                                             Joel Eastman 
Selectmen of Salisbury" 

***********************
PETERS, WILLIAM
***********************
He was one of the settlers of 1733, but it is not known whence he came.  He was seargent 
in Capr. John Goffe's company in 1748, employed in scouting,--enlisting May 28, discharged 
Oct. 5, his wages being 13 pounds 16s. 5d.  Caleb Emery, Joseph Eastman, and William 
Courser, citizens of Contoocook, were in the same company.

***********************
RIX, NATHANIEL
***********************
He appears to have been a settler in Contoocook, but it is probable that he soon removed 
to Concord, as the name of Nathaniel Rix appears in the records of that town, and does not
 appear in the records of Boscawen.  Nothing is known of him.


*****************
ROLF, DANIEL
*****************

The name is sometimes written Rolfe.  It is probable he was related to the citizen of 
Concord of the same name, and to Benjamin Rolfe, not a first settler; but nothing definite 
is known in regard to him.


******************
STONE, DEACON PETER
*****************
Dea. Peter Stone, son of George and Hannah (Lovering) Stone, was born in Boscawen,
 19 Dec., 1799, and has always resided upon the old homestead.  He married Ruth Call, 
daughter of Silas Call, of Boscawen.  He was an active member and officer of the Christian 
church and society, while that denomination maintained public worship, and when emigration
 and change made it impossible longer to sustain a church of his order, with a catholic 
spirit he became an attendant upon the Congregational church.  He has been an exceedingly 
industrious man, laboring early and late, not compelled by necessity, but doing it as a 
duty and pleasure, carrying into his daily life the scriptural injunction, "Whatsoever thy
 hand findeth to do, do it with thy might."