HISTORY OF BOSCAWEN, MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE ---------------------------------- Information located at http://www.nh.searchroots.com On a web site about GENEALOGY AND HISTORY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE and its counties TRANSCRIBED BY JANICE BROWN Please see the web site for my email contact. ---------------------------------- The original source of this information is in the public domain, however use of this text file, other than for personal use, is restricted without written permission from the transcriber (who has edited, compiled and added new copyrighted text to same). ======================================================== SOURCE: History of Merrimack and Belknap Counties, New Hampshire Philadelphia: J.W. Lewis & Co., 1885. Page 169 The town of Boscawen is located near the centre of the county, and is bounded as follows: North by Salisbury; East by Northfield and Canterbury; South by COncord and West by Webster. The original grant of this town was made to John Coffin and eighty others by the government of Massachusetts Bay, June 6, 1733. It was named Contoocook, and bore that name until it was incorporated as a town, April 22, 1760, for a term of two years, by the government of New Hampshire, and given its present name in honor of Admiral Edward Boscawen, of the British navy. This charter was continued for an indefinite term, by the same authority, October 7, 1763. The first proprietor's meeting was held in Newbury, Mass, in 1733, and thirty-three of the proprietors commenced settlement in the town the following spring. Mr. Richard Hazen, an experienced surveyor, who had been employed by the proprietors of Penacook to survey that plantation, was engaged to make the first survey of Contoocook. The original plot, as laid by him, is on file in the archives of the Secretary of State, Boston. During the year 1734 thirty-three settlers came to Contocook [sic] to begin, as it were, life anew in the wilderness. Rev. Mr. Price has handed down the names of twenty-seven only; but from a deposition made by Moses Burbank in 1792 the number is tated as being thirty-three as follows: David Barker, Sinkler Bean, John Bowen, Josiah Bishop, Andrew Bohonnon, Moses Burbank, Philip Call, Thomas Cook, John Corser, William Dagodon, William Danforth, Nathaniel Danforth, Joseph Eastman, Edward Emery, Edward Fitzgerald, Jacob Flanders, Richard Flood, John Fowler, Stephen Gerrish, Ambrose Gould, Richard Jackman, George Jackman, Joel Manuel, Nathaniel Meloon, William Peters, Nathaniel Rix, Daniel Rolfe. It is not probable that many of the settlers' families came in the spring, but most, if not all, were there before the close of the year. November 8, 1734, a meeting of the proprietors was held at the house of Archelaus Adams, in Newbury. It was voted that a saw-mill should be built at the charge of the proprietors, and Daniel hale, Joseph Gerrish and Thomas Thoria were chosen a committee to attend to the matter. The same committee was empowered to rectify a mistake made in the laying out of lots, and John Brown, the surveyor, was engaged to go to Contoocook to show the proprietors the locations of the lots. Five of the proprietors--Joseph Lunt, John Coffin, Thomas Thorla, Benjamin Lunt, Benjamin Coker, and Edward Emery--entered their dissent in regard to the power of the committee. December 18th another meeting was held. It was voted that the intervale should be fenced by the 15th of May the following year, at the expense of the owners of the lots, and any proprietor neglecting to build his proportion should make satisfaction. It was also voted that Joseph Tappan should obtain a grindstone for the common use of the proprietors. At this meeting further action was taken towards building a sawmill. [The document of that decision in original document, not included here]. The year opened auspiciously to the settlers, for, on January 7th, a daughter was born to Nathaniel Danforth, the first birth in the plantation. The infant was named Abigail, grew to womanhood and married Thomas Foss, whose name frequently appears in the records of the town. From the action taken in regard to the discharge of the bond given by the fifteen who obligated themselves to build the saw-mill, the evidence is conclusive that the mill had been created. "Voted that the bonds of the men, which have built the saw mill will be delivered & to lay out the bonds for building said mill according to vote as by record." It was a pioneer mill of this section of the Merrimack Valley. The saw-mills of that period were such as any carpenter might construct. This mill had no "nigger" wheel to move the "carriage" back after the saw had passed through the log; that labor was done by a man treading upon the cogs of the "ratchet-wheel,"--labor exceedingly fatiguing. For many years it was the only saw-mill in the town, and several of the houses now standing on King Street are covered with boards which were sawn in this first mill. ***** THE FIRST FORT--It was voted that a fort should be erected at the expense of the proprietors, the inclosure to be one hundred feet square, built of hewn logs, seven feet high and eight inches thick when hewn, "to be built three feet above the logs with such stuff as shall be agreed upon by the committee." From this record it may be inferred that there was an upper work,--a chevaux-de-frise of pointed, projecting timbers, designed to prevent the enemy from climbing over the wooden walls, which undoubtedly were loop-holed for the use of musketry. It was voted to locate the fortification on the "school lot." The probabilities are that it was erected a few feet south of that lot, near the spot upon which the first framed house was subsequently erected by Rev. Robie Morrill. It being found that the inclosure was not large enough to accomodate the entire community, another fortification was erected during the winter. No record has been preserved in regard to the dimension of the garrison, but it probably was somewhat smaller, and designed as a retreat for the settlers on Queen Street in case of sudden surprise. Through the years of trouble with the Indians, these garrisons served to protect the resolute men, who, during the most exciting times, when other frontier settlements were abandoned, never thought of yielding the ground to the foe. The first attack of the Indians upon Contoocook was made about 1744, though the exact date is unknown. Josiah Bishop, who was at work in his field at the lower end of King Street, was surprised by a party of Indians. They took him into the woods, probably up the rocky hill west of the lower end of King Street. He made an outcry, and quite likely preferred death to captivity. As was subsequently learned form the Indians, he resisted bravely, and they dispatched him with their tomahawks. The capture naturally threw the settlement into commotion; but the citizens having located their homes, determined to defend them. The summer was one of great anxiety. The families took refuge in the garrisons, while sentinels were ever on the watch while the citizens were at work. The chief item of interest in the call for the annual meeting of the proprietors in 1752 was the erection of a second fort. The meeting was held May 20th, and the following vote passed: "Voted to raise L200 old tenor to be laid out in building a garrison or fort & to be built forthwith and to be set on Samuel Gerrish's lot which was originally laid out unto Richard Greenough, said fort to be one hundred & ten feet Square or otherwise as the committee shall Judge, allowing said building to cover the land." This second fort was erected on the hill. Messrs. Stephen Gerrish, Jacob Flanders, and Richard Jackman were placed in charge of the work. It is probable that this fortification stood on the site of the smaller fort, erected during the previous troubles. FRENCH & INDIAN WAR We have not been able (says Mr. Coffin) to ascertain what citizens of Contoocook enlisted in the war against the French and Indians. It is not likely that their names would be found on the proprietors' records. It is known that Philip Flanders was killed at Crown Point. He was a ranger in Major Rogers' company. He was the son of Jacob Flanders, one of the first settlers, and lived at the south end of Water Street. He was brother of Deacon Jesse Flanders, who was in one or more of the campaigns against the French and Indians. Andrew Bohonon, one of the first settlers of Contoocook, also served in one or more campaigns. He was brother-in-law of Philip and Jesse Flanders, having married their sister Tabitha. ********** THE FIRST TOWN MEETING--the first town-meeting was called by the proprietors' clerk, Joseph Coffin. "This may inform the Free holders & other inhabitants of the plantation, formerly caleld Contoocook, Is now by his excellency Benning Wentworth, Esq., Governor &c., In & over His Majesty's Province of New Hampshire made and Incorporated and Invested with Town privileges and the nominees thereof is by His Excellency's People called Boscawen, the said Freeholders and Inhabitants are hereby notified to meet at the Meeting-House in said Town on the third Wednesday In June at Nine of the clock, before noon, to choose a town clerk, assessors and all other Town officers for the year ensuing as the Law Directs. By order of His Excellency. "April 30, 1760 "Joseph Coffin" June 18th, at the meeting thus called, Joseph Coffin was chosen moderator, George Jackman Jr., town clerk; John Webster, Engisn John Fowler and Captain Joseph Eastman, selectmen and assessors; Benjamin Eastman, constable; Andrew Bohonon, surveyor of highways, and Deacon George Jackman and Moses Burbank, fence-viewers. It was voted that the selectmen furnish a town pound. ******* THE FIRST SCHOOL--At the first annual meeting after the organization of the town an appropriation of thirty-pounds was made for a school, to be kept two months. The teacher employed was Mr. Varney, who had preached for a short time after the death of Rev. Mr. Stevens. He was the first teacher employed in the town. If a school was taught prior to this date, it was a private affair. Probably none was taught, and the instruction received by the children was given by their parents. The hardships had been too great, and the country much too disturbed by the frequent Indian alarms and the marchings to and from Ticonderoga and Crown Point, to admit of any organized effort in educational matters. It is gratifying to know that almost the first appropriation of the town was for public instruction. It was a significant indication of its future prosperity. The first action in law, in which the town was a party, occurred in 1765. At the regular town-meeting, which was held on this day, besides choosing officers, a committee was appointed--George Jackman Jr. and Thomas Carter--"to answer to the action commenced by Major Samuel Gerrish against said proprietors, also for any other suits that may be brought." What the question in dispute may have been does not appear. In Rev. Mr. Price's history it is stated that George Jackman Jr. was appointed justice of the peace in 1760, by His Majesty's authority, George II. We have not been able to verify the statement. George III was now on the throne, and from the petition given below, it would seem that George Jackman received his appointment under George III, in 1766: "To His Excellency, Benning Wentworth, &c: "Whereas the Town of Boscawen, in said Province, has, ever since its first settlement, been destitute of a commissioned Justice of the peace, such an office being often needed (more especially since our Late favorable Incorporation by your excellency), we the subscribers and Inhabitans of said town pray your excellency to commisionate Mr. George Jackman, junior, of said Town, to be justice of the Peace, he being deserved well for several years Last past in the acceptable discharge of public Trust to him committed and your petitioners will ever pray for the granting of their prayer. "Boscawen, January 20, 1766 "Ezra Carter, Thomas Corser, John Fowler, Ephraim Woodbury, Thomas Carter, Jesse Flanders, John Webster, Stephen Call, John Flanders, William Emery, John Corser. Moses Foster petitions, tho not an Inhabitant of Boscawen. ITEMS FROM THE SELECTMEN's ACCOUNT -- 1766 [amounts shown in the original document, not included here] "Paid to the selectmen for perambulating the line between Boscawen and Almsbury [Warner]. "paid Nathan Corser for wolf's head. "Paid Capt. Eastman for entertainment ofr the council at Mr. Morrill's Dismission. "Paid Mr. Thomas Foss the Sum of Saving shilling for his Service toward Laying out highways & perambulating between Boscawen & hopkinton "Paid mr. William Jerome for preaching two Days "Paid Capt fowler to expense of town in the house (Mr. Fowler's) at another time paid him for two bowls of punch at another bowl of punch for the Justice "Paid Capt fowler for entertaining Revd Mr. Ware after preaching "Paid him for keeping mr. morrill's horse some time "also paid Capt Fowler for entertaining Som of the Committee that ware chosen to appoint a place for a meeting-house "Remaining on his Book not settled Savrill [person's Rates who call themselves churchmen, the whole of the money being..." ITEMS FROM CONSTABLE THOMAS CARTER'S ACCOUNT. "Credit to warning moses Danford's wife out of Town & returning ye warrant." ******** POPULATION Population in 1767--A census of the province was taken during the year,--the first, so far as it known. The popluation of Boscawen is thus given: Unmarried men between sixteen and sixty .... 17 Married men................................. 45 Boys under sixteen.......................... 77 Men sixty and above......................... 8 Females unmarried........................... 83 Females married............................. 52 Widows ..................................... 3 Male slaves ................................ 0 Female slaves............................... 0 ---- TOTAL 285 Other towns in the vicinity--populations: Concord.............. 752 Salisbury............ 210 Canterbury........... 503 Dunbarton............ 271 New Boston........... 296 Hillsborough......... 64 Canaan............... 19 Plymouth............. 227 Newport.............. 29 Haverhill............ 172 ********************* THE FIRST PHYSICIAN--During the year Dr. Daniel Peterson took up his residence in Boscawen--the first resident physician in the town. He built the house now standing-- the first building north of the academy, on the Plain. AGITATION OVER THE CAPITAL The growth of the State and the development of the northern section indicated that sooner or later the capital would be moved from Exeter to some more central locality. The matter was strongly agitated during the year 1802-3. Pembroke, Concord, Boscawen, and quite likely other towns, took measures toward securing it. The citizens of Boscawen took hold of the subject zealously, as the following document shows: "We, the subscribers, promise to pay the sums set against our names for the purpose of erecting a house for the Legislature of New Hampshire, to be placed on Boscawen plain, in the Senter, as near as the ground will admit of, between Col. Joseph Gerrish and Mr. Somersby Pearson, by a committee that shall hereafter be appointed to compleat the said house, provided the general Court of New Hampshire shall engage to hold their sessions in said Boscawen in seven or ten years, as witness our hand. "December the 26th, 1803." "Joseph Gerish, $100 / Isaack Chandler $75 / Caleb Putney $200 / Dennison Bowers $100 / Nathl Green $100 / Nathan Carter $150 / SOmersby Pearson $100 / Thomas Gilmore $50 / Joseph H. Morrill $30 / Jeremiah Morrill / $20 / John Gill $25 / Jona Hutchinson $25 / Simeon Danforth $5 / Wm. G. Emerson $10 / Enoch Gerrish Jr. $10 / Joshua Morse $10 / Joshua Carlton $10 / Timothy Dix $50 / Saml Peterson $5 / James Uran $10 / John S. Abbott $20 / William Gill $50 / Benj Hills $20 / Saml. Garven $50 / Joel French $50 / Winthrop Carter $25 / Humphrey Webster $25 / Thos Carter $10 / George Perkins $10 / Charles Eastman $10 / Joseph Atkinson $15 / Enoch Danford $10 / Henry Gerrish $50 / Silas Rolfe $10 / Benj. Rolfe Jr. $20 / Moses Manuel $5 / Samuel Burbank $10 / Samuel Uran $3 / Josiah Burbank $3 / John Flanders Jr. $4 David Burbank $2 "We, a part of the above Subscribers, do hereby engage to pay the above sums annexed to our names in case the Genl Court should adjourn to this place for one session only. [Signed] "Henry Gerrish, Benj. Rolfe Jr., Caleb Putney, John Gill, Joseph H. Morrill, Nathan Carter, Jeremiah Morrill, Joshua Carter, Benj. Hills. PUBLIC WHIPPING The public whipping-post stood near Gilmore's tavern. The only instance of a public whipping of an offender occurred in 1809. ************ CHAPTER II -- MILITARY HISTORY FRENCH & INDIAN WAR In 1744, at the outbreak of the French War, RICHARD FLOOD served the provincial government in some capacity in the expedition to Canada. it is not known that he went as a soldier. The only record of his service is a notice of his petition for aid from the government, in the records of the provincial committee, for service rendered in the expedition to Canada. The same year, PHILIP CALL served as a scout in Captain Jeremiah Clough's company, from January 21st to March 18th, receiving two pounds ten shillings. Captain Clough lived in Canterbury, and was a leading citizen of that town. Captain John Clough commanded a company in Penacook at the same time. of which NATHANIEL RIX was a soldier. In 1746, Captain John Goffe of Bedford commanded a company of scouts, in which JOSEPH EASTMAN JR., Deacon JESSE FLANDERS, his brother JOHN FLANDERS JR., and WILLIAM CORSER served as privates thirty-seven days, having been called out by the attacks of the Indians on Penacook and Contoocook, killing THOMAS COOK, and capturing CAESAR, Rev. Mr. Stevens' negro. Later in the season Captain Ladd arrived with a company, in which PHILIP FLANDERS, JOSEPH EASTMAN and JACOB FLANDERS enlisted. In this company was Robert Rogers, afterwards the celebrated ranger. At the same time PHILIP CALL was doing duty in Captain Clough's company, being out one hundred and fifty-four days, receiving L8 13s 3d. In 1747, Captain Clough, of Canterbury, was out from the 5th of January to the 12th of November. PHILIP CALL AND JOHN MANUEL served under him, receiving L16 10s 10d besides provisions and ammunition. Upon the return of this company, Captain EBENEZER EASTMAN, of Concord, began a winter campaign, being out with his company from November 14, 1747 to May 19, 1748. REV. PHINEAS STEVENS served as a private. In all probability he preached on Sunday to the soldiers in camp. In 1748, Captain Goffe was scouting the frontier with a company in which WILLIAM CORSER served as a private. At the same time Captain Moses Foster, of Suncook, was ranging the frontier with a company of which REV. Mr. WHITTEMORE, minister of Pembroke, was lieutenant. EZEKIEL FLANDERS, killed in 1756 at Newfound Lake, by the Indians, served in this company one month, from June 6th to July 7th. Peace having been made between England and France, there was no further need of military service until 1754, when the Indians again began their depredations, killing WILLIAM STINSON, and taking JOHN STARK and EASTMAN prisoners on Baker's River, capturing the MELOON family of Salisbury, and killing Mrs. Philip Call and Timothy Cook in Stevenstown. Military service was no longer confined to the Merrimack Valley--the theatre of war was transferred to the Upper Hudson and the lakes. Colonel Blanchard commanded a regiment, in which BENJAMIN EASTMAN, of Boscawen, enlisted under Captain John Goffe, serving from April 24th to October 23d. One company was commanded by Captain Thomas Tash, of Durham, in which JOHN CORSER enlisted. Captain JOSEPH EASTMAN commanded another company, in which WINTHROP CARTER, MOSES MANUEL, SAMUEL MANUEL, JOSEPH EASTMAN, ANDREW BOHONNON, WILLIAM JACKMAN and JOHN FOWLER served. Another regiment was commanded by Colonel Nathaniel Folsom. Under the muster-roll is the name of NATHANIEL MELOON, son of the first settler of that name in Contoocook. In the Crown Point expedition, JOHN FOWLER, JOEL MANUEL and JOSEPH EASTMAN served, under Captain John Goffe. In 1758, DANIEL SHEPHERD and PHILIP FLANDERS served in Captain Ladd's company, Colonel Hart's regiment, sent to Crown Point. NATHANIEL MELOON served in Captain Todd's company. In Rev. Mr. Price's history, it is stated that PHILIP FLANDERS was killed at Crown Point in 1756, which is manifestly an error, his name appearing on the muster-roll from April 24th to November 1, 1758, on which day he probably was killed. There is no record to show the military organization in the town from the close of the French War, in 1760, to the beginning of the Revolution, in 1775. The law required all able-bodied men, between sixteen and sixty, to be enrolled in the train-bands. A town containing thirty-two men liable to do military duty could have a military organization of its own. There being more than that number of soldiers in the town, it had a "train-band." ********** WAR OF THE REVOLUTION--The news of the attack of the British at Lexington reached Boscawen on the 20th, and on the 21st sixteen men were on the march under CAPTAIN HENRY GERRISH. They were,--HENRY GERRISH, captain; SILAS CALL, lieutenant; WINTHROP CARTER, sergeant; SAMUEL FOWLER, Esq., EDMUND CHADWICK, JOHN FLANDERS, JOHN STEPHENS, NATHANIEL BURBANK, SAMUEL JACKMAN, DAVID FLANDERS, CHARLES GREENFIELD, PETER ROSWELL STEVENS, ISRAEL SHEPARD, ISAAC DAVIS, EDWARD GERALD, NATHANIEL ATKINSON. We may think of them as assembling at Fowler's tavern, at the lower end of King Street, with their guns and powder-horns, and possibly, here and there, a citizen carried a knapsack. They fill their canteens with rum at Mr. Fowler's bar, and take a parting drink with their neighbors. We see them crossing "Town-house Brook," and hear the tramp of their marching as they pass over Contoocook bridge. The news must have reached town on the morning of the 20th. Captain Peter Coffin saddled his horse and started for Exeter where we find him on the 21st, in consultation with sixty-eight other delegates--"to consult what measures shall be brought most expedient to take in this alarming crisis." At a meeting of the town the following votes were passed: "Voted to buy one barrel of Gunpowder, one hundred weight of lead and one hundred flints. "Voted that Capt. Stephen Gerrish buy the stores at as reasonable a price as may be, for the use of the town. "Voted, to adhere strictly to advice of the Continental Congress." A committee was appointed "to see if the aforesaid laws of Congress be obeyed." This Committee of Safety consisted of BENJAMIN JACKMAN, JOSEPH ATKINSON, EBENEZER HIDDEN, JOHN ELLIOT, CAPTAIN HENRY GERRISH, LIEUT. MOSES CALL, GEORGE JACKMAN, and ENSIGN PETER KIMBALL. March 14th a committee was appointed to procure a preacher and was instructed to apply to Mr. Levi Frisby. Twenty-five pounds was voted for school purposes, and it was also voted to employ Mr Morrill (Mr. Robie Morrill) as teacher. Twenty pounds was voted for preaching. *** THE ASSOCIATION TEST--Every citizen of Boscawen, with one exception, signed what was known as the Association Test. From this document, we have the name of every male adult in town in the spring of 1776, not including those who were doing military service,-- "Joseph Hoyt, Moses Call, Moses Morse, Jesse Flanders, Moses Burbank, John Flanders, Daniel Noyes, Daniel Clark, Benjamin Day, Nathan Corser, Joseph Atkinson, Robie Morrill, Moses Burbank Jr., Thomas Gardner, Samuel Atkinson, Jeremiah Hidden, Caleb Merrill, Daniel Peterson, Benjamin Couch, Jacob Flanders, John Knowlton, Eben Hidden, Henry Gerrish, Daniel Shepard, Isaac Pearson, Winthrop Carter, Samuel Davis, Benjamin Rolfe, Ezekiel Flanders, John Elliot Jr., Thomas Elliot, John Muzay [Muzzey], John Jackman, James Garies [?Gerald], Enos Flanders, Jedediah Danford, Jesse Flanders Jr., William Danford Jr., Samuel Corser, Stephen Gerrish, Samuel Burbank, Moses Jackman, Enoch Gerrish, John Morrill, Silas Call, Joseph Gerrish, Michl [?Michael] Sargent, Thomas Bedel, Simeon Jackman, William Welch, Moses Call, David Burbank, Simeon Atkinson, Timothy Eastman, Joseph Pearson, Joseph Flanders, Friend Little, John Corser, Edmund Chadwick, Moses Morse Jr., Moses Manuel, Samuel Jackman, Daniel Richards, David Corser, Asa Corser, John Corser, Edward Garies [?Gerald], John Manuel, Bitfield Plumer, David Carter, Nathaniel Gookin, John Stevens, Samuel Ames, Thomas Corser, Jonathan Atkinson, Samuel Clifford, Peter Kimball, John Hale, Robert Elliot, James French, Saml [Samuel] Danforth, Benjamin Jackman, Joseph Muzzy, Samuel Muzzy, Isaac Noyes, Peter Roswell Stevens, William Danford, Nicholas Elliot, Captain Stephen Gerrish, Nathaniel Atkinson, Enoch Little, Nathan Davis, Joseph Bean, John Fowler, John Isley, Peter Coffin, Oliver Fowler, John Bowley, John Bowley Jr., John Corser Jr., George Jackman, Samuel Agaton, John Uran, George Jackman Jr., Cutting Noyes, John Elliot, Joseph Eastman,--total, one hundred and eight." "To the honorable Council and House of Representatives for the Colony of New Hampshire, or Committee of Safety. This may certify that within Declaration have Been offered to the Inhabitants of Boscawen and unanimously signed, excepting one (viz,-- Aaron Flanders Refused to sign the same. [Signed] "George Jackman, Cutting Noyes, John Elliot, Selectmen." "June 3, 1776." It is probable that Mr. Flanders' refusal to sign was not from any hostility to the cause of liberty, nor from fear of consequences, but from his temperament as an individual. He was a person who found pleasure in being on the side opposite the majority, no matter what question. It is not known that his fellow-citizens abated their confidence in his loyalty from his refusal to sign this declaration of independence. March 29th the citizens deliberated on the state of the country, and passed the following patriotic votes: "That Capt. Stephen Gerrish, Capt. Peter Kimball, Samuel Fowler, Esq., Lieut. Benj. Jackman, Mr. John Flanders, & George Jackman Esq. be a committee to propose a plan to lay before the Town for procuring the men to go into the service of the United States of America agreeable to Order of Court. "Voted, That the war for time past & for future be maintained by a tax on the Inhabitants in the same manner as the Law directs for Province Tax, allowing a man no more for four months service on his credit in the Southern army than for three months in the Northern army and so in proportion." "Voted, to give fifty dollars as a bounty or hire from this Town to each man who shall engage to go into the service of this Town for three years." "Voted, That the selectmen provide the money to pay the men who shall enlist." April 25th the citizens again assembled to take measures to push on the war,-- "Voted, to carry on the war by a tax in equal proportion, on the inhabitants, according to interest in the same manner as for their town tax." A committee was appointed, consisting of George Jackman, Captain Peter Kimball, John Elliot, Lieut. Enoch Gerrish, Mr. John Flanders, Samuel Muzzy, Captain Samuel Atkinson and Isaac Pearson, "to enquire into the state of service already done in the war, and make a just and equitable estimate of each Term that has been done and make report." ******** DIARY OF CAPT HENRY GERRISH "Fryday 21 April, 1775" "Set out for Cambridge with Lieut. Call, Sargent Carter, Esq. Fowler, Edmund Chadwick, John Flanders, John Stevens, Nathaniel Burbank, Samuel Jackman, David Flanders, Charles Greenfield, Peter Roswell Stevens, Israel Shepard, Isaac Davis, Edward Gerald, & arrived at Cambridge on Sunday & all tarried till Tuesday & then Esq. Fowler set out for home; on Wednesday Lieut Call, Winthrop Carter & Nathaniel Atkinson set out for home [Nathaniel Atkinson and probably other soldiers had joined the company between Friday and Wednesday] & there joined out company on Wednesday morning William Forrest, Timothy Foss, Jeremiah Gibson, Aaron Sargent, John Been [Bean], John Rains, Abraham Fyfield, Joseph Loverin, Moses Welsh." These last were probably citizens of Salisbury. Some of the Boscawen soldiers, in common with those of other towns, soon returned home, while others hastened to Cambridge to fill their places. Those from Boscawen enlisted in Captain Joshua Abbott's company, Colonel Stark's regiment. Captain Abbott was a citizen of Concord, well-known to the Boscawen men. He had served in the French War, and was a brave and gallant officer. Samuel Atkinson was elected lieutenant, and Samuel Corser and Nathan Davis corporals. They had all confidence in their colonel, John Stark, who had seen hard service in the last war against the French and Indians. ******** ROLL OF HONOR AT BUNKER HILL--Those engaged in the battle of Bunker Hill from Boscawen were,-- Officers.--Lieut. Samuel Atkinson, Lieut. Moses Call, Corp. Samuel Corser, Corp. Nathan Davis. Privates.--David Burbank, Nathaniel Burbank, Moses Burbank Jr., John Bowley, Edmund Chadwick, William Corser, Asa Corser, Isaac Davis, Joshua Danforth, John Eliot, John Flanders, David Flanders, Deacon Jesse Flanders. In Capt. Aaron Kinsman's company, JOHN MANUEL, who was killed; in Captain --'s company, JOSEPH CROUCH, who was wounded on the retreat by a spent cannon-ball. The following receipt is in possession of Luke Corser Esq.: "Recieved of David Corser of Boscawen a Gun marked on the Britch W.C.B. which Gun I have Received for the use of the soliers Now in the County Sarvice who went from Boscawen under the command of Capt. Abbott in order to Defend the country against the Troops under General Gage Now at Boston. Received by me, Samuel Atkinson." [W.C.B. undoubtedly means William Corser, Boscawen. He was an uncle of David Corser, who gave him one hundred acres of land on Pleasant Street, for the gun.] In September, volunteers were called for to join Arnold's expedition to Quebec up the Kennebec River--an expedition attended by terrible hardships, resulting in failture, the capture of nearly all of Arnold's command and the death of General Montgomery. Deacon Jesse Flanders, John Flanders Jr. and Nicholas Davis enlisted in Captain Henry Dearborn's command, and were captured in the attack upon Quebec. They were kept in irons a short time, liberated on parole in August 1776, and reached New York by sea September 25th. In December, 1775, additional soldiers were called for, and Nicholas Elliot, Moses Burbank, Benjamin Webster and David Carter served during the winter in the siege of Boston. During the year 1776 soldiers were called for, for the defense of Ticonderoga from the threatened attack of Sir Guy Carleton, and twenty-three men enlisted,-- Lieutenant Enoch Gerrish, Thomas Carter, David Carter, John Jackman, James Gerald (died), Joseph Pearson, John Muzzy, John Flanders, Friend Little, Thomas Beadle, Joseph Atkinson, Nathaniel Atkinson, Joshua Danford, Isaac Davis, Lieut. Samuel Fowler, Deacon Joseph Hoit, Col. Henry Gerrish, Charles Greenfield, John Hale, Samuel Jackman, Phineas Stevens (died), Nathaniel Burbank, Joseph Crouch. Upon the evacuation of Long Island by General Washingtin, the militia were called out in the eastern colonies. Boscawen sent eight soldiers--Capt. Peter Kimball, Lieut. Benjamin Jackman, Ensign Samuel Ames, Bitfield Plummer, Moses Morrill, Daniel Richards, Samuel Jackman, Cutting Noyes. Boscawen furnished three soldiers for the winter campaign on the Hudson--Lieutenant Winthrop Carter, John Uran and Samuel Burbank. Colonel Henry Gerrish was in the service of the State obtaining supplies. "Boscawen Feb 1, 1776 "Received of Henry Gerrish one Hundred & sixty six BLankets, Fifty seven tin Kittles & one Barrel of spirits which I promise to Deliver Majr Cavis of Rumney for Colonel Israel Morey. "Elisha Bean [additional similiar documents found in original not copied here] The selectmen addressed a letter to the Committee of Safety,-- "Boscawen May 17, 1777 "Gentlemen:-- "In consequence of Express orders, the Town of Boscawen is this Day assembled & called on by the Capt of said town that each man be immediately a Quipt according to law and as there is found wanting a Number of Fire Arms Ammunition &c we have Imployed Capt. Samuel Atkinson and Mr. Joseph Gerrish to procure the same. We Desire your favor if there be any guns in store to be purchased that you would give Capt. Atkinson your advice & assistance & also a quantity of lead. Mr. Atkinson will be able to inform you of the Number of arms & Quantity of lead wanted to a Quip said Town & your Favor herein will Greatly oblige your Humble Sarvents, "George Jackman, Cutting Noyes, Selectmen "To the Committee of Safety at Exeter. Orders from Colonel Thomas Stickney, who lived in Concord, reached Captain Kimball July 1st, to be ready with his company to march at a minute's warning to oppose General Burgoyne, who was advancing from Canada to Lake Champlain. Captain Kimballs' company marched July 4th. CAPTAIN KIMBALL'S DIARY July 1st 1777, order came from Col. Stickney to me, to muster and Equip one Quarter part of the Company to mark at a minits warning, and in consequence of the same, we met to git the men. July 4, orders came to march 13 men Immediately to tie [Ticonderoga] saterday we marcht to perrytown [Sutton] and Loged thare Sunday 6, we marcht to Unity and Loged thare. Monday 7, we marcht to No. 4 and Loged thare and drawd 4 Day allowance. tuesday 8, we marcht to Cavendysh and Loged thare. Wendesy 9, we marcht to No. 4 again. thursday 10th, we marcht to Unit and Loged. fryday 11, we marcht home." The men engaged in this service were,--Colonel Henry Gerrish, Captain Peter Kimball, Captain Peter Coffin, Lieut. Enoch Gerrish, Lieut. Moses Call, Nathan Corser, Samuel Clifford, Deacon Jesse Flanders, Enos Flanders, Nathaniel Atkinson, Simeon Atkinson, George Jackman Jr., John Morrill, Deacon Isaac Pearson, Daniel Clark, Daniel Shepherd, John Manuel, Michael Sargent, James French, Benjamin Sweatt, Moses Jackmen. Men were called for to go to Coos and six men sent as the town's quota,--Captain Samuel Atkinson, Jeremiah Hidden, Moses Morse, William Danforth, Jedidiah Danforth, George Jackman. A full company consisted of sixty men. Captain Kimball marched from Boscawen with twenty-two, but four others joined him, making twenty-six from Boscawen. The Concord soldiers, under Lieutenant Richard Hebert, joined him on the march. The company was thus organized,-- Captain Peter Kimball, Boscawen; Lieut Richard Hebert, Concord; Ensign Andrew Pettengill, Salisbury; Sergeant Jesse Abbot and Sergeant Abner Flanders, Concord; Sergeant William Danforth and Sergeant Nathan Davis, Boscawen; Corporal Richard Flood, Concord; Corporal Richard Burbank, Boscawen; Corporal John Abbot, Corporal Theodore Farnum and Fifer Elias Abbot, Concord; Drummer Asa Corser, Boscawen. PRIVATES:--Stephen Abbot, EZRA ABBOT, Benjamin Ambrose, Jonathan Ambrose and Peter Blanchard, Concord; Wells Burbank and Thomas Beedle, Boscawen; Philbrick Bradley, Concord; Jonathan Corser, David Corser, Daniel Carter, Nathan Carter and Abner Chase, Boscawen; Simeon Danforth, Concord; Elknah Danforth and Timothy Danforth, Boscawen; Reuben Diamond and Benjamin Elliot, Concord; James French and Jesse Flanders, Boscawen; Ephraim Fisk Jr., Israel Glines, Solomon Gage and David George, Concord; Charles Greenfield and John Hutchins, Boscawen; Samuel Hickson and Abial Hall, Concord; Jedidiah Hoit, Timothy Jackman, William Jackman and John Jackman, Boscawen; Timothy Johnson, Concord; Benjamin Little, Friend Little, Samuel Morse, and Isaac Pearson, Boscawen; John Peters, Anthony Potter, Phineas Stevens, William Symonds and Simon Trumbull, Concord; Daniel Uran, Boscawen; Gilman West, COncord,--fifty-seven. ********* CONTINENTAL SOLDIERS--Three regiments were raised by the State at the beginning of the war for the Continental service. The muster-rolls of Stark--the first--give the names of six citizens of Boscawen, with the date of enlistment and discharge,-- "Batchelder, William. Enlisted 10 Jan 1777, Dis. 1 Jan 1780 "Bishop, Enos, Enlisted 1 Jan 1777, died 8 Aug 1778. He was captured by the Indians 15 Aug 1754, & Taken to Canada. [??? the 1754 date found in original document] "Evans, Edward, Enlisted 7 Feb 1777 Discharged 1 Dec 1781 "Flanders, Philip, Enlisted 1 Jan 1777. Discharged 1 Jan 1782 "Halcomb, Matthew, enlisted 1 Jan 1777. Deserted 9 July 1777. "Stevens, Peter Roswell, enlisted 1 Jan 1777. Discharged 1781." These, with the exception of Halcomb, took part in the battle of Stillwater, Sept. 19th and of Saratoga, Oct. 7th. In the first battle three New Hampshire regiments and Dearborn's batallion of two hundred and fifty New Hampshire troops were attached to Morgan's riflemen, and with them did all the fighting from one o'clock till nearly fourin the afternoon, sustaining the brunt of the battle. The Sixty-second British Regiment of six hundred men was nearly annihilated by their withering fire. The call for troops during the year was for the defense of Rhode Island. Below are the name of the soldiers who served in that campaign: FROM THE SELECTMEN'S BOOKS. "The men Hereafter Named have Received the Savrill sums set against each of thare Names in Consequence of thare going to Rhode Island at the request of the Committee of Safety,-- [they were given 10 pounds each] Enoch Gerrish, Joseph Gerrish, Daniel Shepard, Joseph Flanders, Moses Burbank, Thomas Gordon, Nathan Davis, John Flanders, Isaac Pearson, Wells Burbank, Humphrey Jackman, Samuel Morrill, Jedidiah Hoit. "To the Treasurer of the State of New Hampshire: "Sir, please to alow Winthrop Carter, Constable for Boscawen, the above sum of one hundred & thirty pounds out of the State Tax for Boscawen, assessed to order of the committee of safety. [Signed] "George Jackman, Cutting Noyes, Selectmen for Boscawen "Boscawen, Sept. 3, 1778." The war having been transferred to the Southern States, there was no further call for the militia. Several citizens enlisted in the Continental service, but their names are not known, except those serving in the First Regiment. ************* 1798 WAR AVERTED In 1798, in consequence of the interference of French war-ships with American merchantmen, serious trouble was apprehended between the United States and France. Congress established a provisional army of eighty thousand men, and appointed Washington lieutenant-general. Nathaniel Green Esq. was commissioned a captain, with Moses Sweat, of Concord, first lieutenant, and Israel W. Kelley, of Concord, second lieutenant. Eight citizens of Boscawen enlisted,-- Sergeant Joseph Falnders, Moses Jackman, Daniel Colby, Benjamin Fisk, Moses Corser, Nathan Danforth, Bernard Young, Joshua Sawyer. The company assembled at COncord, having their quarters for a few days at Osgood's tavern, and from thence marched to Oxford, Mass, the rendezvous for the New England troops. Negotiations were entered into and a war averted, and the soldiers discharged. ************ WAR OF 1812--Colonel Timothy Dix commanded a United States regiment on the frontier, and died in the service. Several British ships of war made their appearance on the coast, and it was supposed that Portsmouth would be attacked. The militia was called out to defend it. There were two drafts,--one for three and the second for two months. Those serving under the first draft were,-- Ensign Richard Little, John Stone, Moses Call, Enoch Burbank, Samuel Burbank, Moses Cross, Stephen Danforth, John Eastman, Jacob Flanders, Josiah Gale, Nicholas Gookin, Simeon Jackman, Joseph Moses, Daniel Shepard,--fourteen. Under the second draft for two months,--Captain Silas Call (who died in service), Eleazer Burbank, Jesse Sweat, Benjamin Severance, Amos Rolf, William Haines, Guy C. Flanders, Abe Eastman, Samuel Watson, Ephraim Noyes, James Noyes, Theodore George, Ebenezer Moody, Amos Sawyer, Samuel Jackman,--fifteen. Of those enlisting in the regular service, the names of a few only are known,-- Benjamin Jackman, Moses Jackman, Edmund Day (killed); Benjamin Fisk (died); -- Fisk (died); Chellis Eastman (died); George Littlefield (died); Eliphalet Burpee (died). ***************** MILITARY RECORD 1861-65--The following is a list of the soldiers from Boscawen who served in the War of the Rebellion: Fisher AMES, enlisted in Company E., 7th Regiment Henry H. AYER, enlisted in Co. B, 3rd Regiment Daniel C. ABBOT, enlisted in Co E, 7th Regiment Edmund W. ATKINSON, enlisted Co E, 16th Regiment James W. BENT, enlisted Co F, Sharpshooters William H. BARNNAN enlisted Co H, 4th Regiment Jonas T. BOYNTON, enlisted in Sharpshooters John H. BROWN, enlisted Co F, 9th Regiment Cyrus B. BIDWELL, enlisted Co E, 7th Regiment George F. BIDWELL, enl Co E, 7th Regiment Lieut. Henry W. BAKER, enl Co E, 7th Regiment Lieut. William W. BALLARD, enlisted Co. B, 2nd Regiment Thomas BRANNEN, enlisted in the navy Samuel CHANDLER, enlisted Co E, 7th Regiment John CLANCY, enlisted Co E, 7th Regiment Patrick CLANCY, enlisted Co K, 9th Regiment Alonzo CHASE, enlisted Co I, 4th Regiment Edwin H. CHADWICK, enlisted Sharpshooters George COFFIN, enlisted Co E, 16th Regiment George CALL, enlisted in Co H, 14th Regiment Hale CHADWICK, enlisted in Co C, 17th Regiment Albert J. CRANE, enlisted in 22nd Massachusetts Regiment John F. COLBY enlisted in cavalry Nicholas DUFFY, enlisted in Co G, 2nd Regiment Nathan C. DANFORTH, enlisted Co A, 5th Regiment William DUCKWORTH, enlisted in Co E., 7th Regiment Horace H. DANFORTH, enlisted in cavalry Sylvanus E. DANFORTH, enlisted Co A, 5th Regiment George DAMON enlisted Co B, 2nd Regiment George DAY enlisted in 2nd Heavy Artillery Wilson DAY enlisted in 2nd Heavy Artillery Isaac C. EVANS enlisted Co E, 7th Regiment Curtis FLANDERS enlisted Co I, 10th Regiment David A. FLANDERS enlisted Co E, 10th Regiment Frederick H. FAVOR, enlisted in 3rd Regiment Josiah H. FLANDERS enlisted in cavalry David J. FLANDERS enlisted in navy Hiram GAGE enlisted in Co B, 3rd Regiment John MAYHER enlisted Co C, 7th Regiment John MITCHELL enlisted 3rd Regiment John MUZZEY enlisted Co E, 2nd Regiment Charles MORSE Hiram J. MORRILL enlisted in Heavy Artillery Charles MOULTON enlisted navy Daniel MORSE enlisted in Sharpshooters Herbert McEVELY enlisted Co H, 10th Regiment Benjamin MORRISON enlisted Sharpshooters Alonzo PAIGE enlisted Co D, 11th Regiment Henry PEARSON enlisted in the Sharpshooters William M. PIERCE enlisted Co K, 9th Regiment William H. PERRY enlisted 8th Regiment Dexter PRITCHARD enlisted Co E, 7th Regiment John PIERCE enlisted Co E, 7th Regiment John H. PETTENGILL enlisted Heavy Artillery Charles RILEY enlisted Co A, 5th Regiment Liberty G. RAYMOND enlisted Co E., 7th Regiment Michael REARDON enlisted Co G, 4th Regiment Martin REYNOLDS enlisted in navy Walter S. RALEY enlisted Co E., 3rd Regiment Jeremiah SHEEHAN enlisted Co C., 3rd Regiment Charles P. SHEPARD enlisted Sharpshooters Peter R. SHEPARD enlisted Co E, 16th Regiment Horace SMART, enlisted Co E, 16th Regiment ALexander S. STEVENS enclisted Co E., 7th Regiment WIlliam H STORY enlisted Co E., 2nd Regiment Joseph S. SWEATT, enlisted Co E, 2nd Regiment Calvin W. Simonds enlisted SHarpshooters Curtis SMITH enlisted 7th Regiment William SEWELL, enlisted navy Franklin SPEARMAN, enlisted navy John SPELLMAN enlisted navy Nathaniel THURSTON, enlisted in Sharpshooters James S. TYLER, enlisted Sharpshooters Barnard Thornton, enlisted Co A, 5th Regiment Sumner P. TEWKSBURY enlisted Co K, 3rd Regiment Samuel F. TEWKSBURY enlisted Co G, 8th Regiment John C. THORNTON, enlisted Co G, 8th Regiment John P. THURSTON, enlisted Co F., 4th Regiment Matthew WOOLEY enlisted in Co E, 7th Regiment Samuel WOOLEY enlisted in Co A., 5th Regiment Albert B. WOODWARD enlisted in Co K, 4th Regiment Charles S. WHITNEY enlisted in navy Citizens liable to do military duty April 30, 1865 ..........140 Total quota under all calls---------------------------------- 71 Soldiers in service, volunteers and substitutes.............. 83 Surplus...................................................... 14 ********************* CHAPTER III ********************* ************* BIOGRAPHICAL ************** CHARLES CARLETON COFFIN--Among the emigrants from England to the western world in the great Puritan exodus was Joanna Thember Coffin, widow and her son, Tristram and her two daughters, Mary and Eunice. Their home was in Brixton, two miles from Plymouth in Devonshire. Tristram was entering manhood's prime--thirty-three years of age. He had a family of five children. Quite likely the political troubles between the King and Parliament, the rising war-cloud, was the impelling motive that induced the familiy to leave country, home, friends and all dear old things, and become emigrants to the New World. Quite likely Tristram, when a youth, in 1620, may have seen the "Mayflower" spread her white sails to the breeze and fade away in the western horizon, for the departure of that company of pilgrims must have been the theme of conversation in and around Plymouth. Without doubt it set the young man to thinking of the unexplored continent beyond the stormy Atlantic. In 1632 his neighbors and friends began to leave, and in 1642 he, too, bade farewell to dear old England, to become a citizen of Massachusetts Bay. He landed at Newbury, settled first in Salisbury and ferried people across the Merrimack between Salisbury and Newbury. His wife, Dionis, brewed beer for thirsty travelers. The sheriff had her up before the courts for charing more per mug than the price fixed by law, but she went scot free on proving that she put in an extra amount of malt. We may think of the grave and reverend justices ordering the beer into court and settling the question by personal examination of the foaming mugs--smakcing their lips satisfactorily, quite like testing it a second time. Tristram Coffin became a citizen of Newbury and built a house, which is still standing. In 1660 he removed with a portion of his family to Nantucket, dying there in 1681, leaving two sons, from whom, have descended all the Coffins of the country--a numerous and widespread family. One of Tristram's descendants, Peter, moved from Newbury to Boscawen NH in 1766, building a large two-storied house. He became a prominent citizen of the town, a captain of the militia company, was quick and prompt in all his actions. The news of the affair at Lexington and Concord April 19, 1775, reached Boscawen on the afternoon of the next day. On the 21st, Peter Coffin was in Exeter answering the roll-call in the Provincial Assembly, to take measures for the public safety. Charles Carleton Coffin was born on the old homestead in Boscawen, July 26, 1823, the youngest of nine children, three of whom died in infancy. The boyhood of the future journalist, correspondent, and author was one of toil rather than recreation. The maxims of Benjamin Franklin in regard to idleness, thrift and prosperity were household words. Aside from the district school, he attended Boscawen Academy a few terms. The teaching could not be called first-class instruction. The instructors were students just out of college, who taught for the stipend received rather than with any high ideal of teaching as a profession. A term at Pembroke Academy in 1843 completed his acquisition of knowledge so far as obtained in the schools. The future journalist was an omnivorous reader. Everything was fish that came to the drag-net of this New Hampshire boy--from "Sinbad" to "Milton's Paradise Lost," which was read before he was eleven years old. The household to which he belonged had ever a good supply of weekly papers,--the New Hampshire Statesman, the Herald of Freedom, the New Hampshire Observer, all published at Concord. Without doubt, the love for historical literature was quickened by the kind patronage of John Farmer, the genial historian, who was visitor at the Boscawen farm-house, and who had delightful stories to tell of the exploits of Robert Rogers and John Stark during the French and Indian Wars. In 1845, Mr. Coffin accepted a position in the engineering corps of the Northern Railroad, and was subsequently employed on the Concord and Portsmouth and Concord and Claremont Railroad. In 1846 he was married to Sallie R. Farmer, of Boscawen. Not wishing to make civil engineering a profession for life, he purchased a farm in his native town; but health gave way and he was forced to seek other pursuits. He early began to write articles for the Concord newspapers, and some of his fugitive political contriutions were republished in Littell's Living Age. Mr. Coffin's studies in engineering led him towards scientific culture. In 1849 he constructed the telegraph line between Harvard Observatory and Boston, by which uniform time was given to the railroads leaving from Boston. He had charge of the construction of the telegraphic fire alarm in Boston, under the direction of Professor Moses G. Farmer, his brother-in-law, and gave the first alarm ever given by that system, April 29, 1852. Mr. Coffin's tastes led him toward journalism. From 1850 to 1854 he was a constant contributor to the press, sending articles to the Transcript, the Boston Journal, Congregationalist, and New York Tribune. He was also a contributor to the Student and Schoolmate, a small magazine then conducted by Mr. Adams (Oliver Optic). It is impossible in this brief article to sketch in detail the career of Mr. Coffin from that time to the present. During the Rebellion he was the war correspondent of the Boston Journal, and in 1866 visited Europe as the correspondent of the same paper. After spending a year and a half in Europe, Mr. COffin visited Greece, Turkey, Syria, Palestine, Egypt, sailing thence down the Red Sea to Bombay; traveled across India to the valley of the Ganges, before the completion of the railroad, visiting Allahabad, Benares, Calcutta, sailing thence to Singapore, Hong Kong, Canton, Shanghai. Ascending the Yang-tse six hundred miles, to Wuchang, the GOvernor of the province invited him to dinner. From Shanghai he sailed to Japan, experiencing a fearful typhoon upon the passage. Civil war in Japan prevented his traveling in that country, and he sailed for San Francisco, visiting points of interest in California, and in November made his way across the country seven hundred miles--riding five consecutive days and nights between the terminus of the Central Pacific road, at Wadsworth, and Salt lake, arriving in Boston, January 1869, after an absence of two and a half years. During that period the Boston Journal contained every week a letter from his pen. In the lecture field, and for several years, he was one of the popular lecturers before lyceums. In 1869 he published "Our New Way Round the World," followed by the "Seat of Empire," "Caleb Crinke" (a story), "Boys of '76," "Story of Liberty," "Old Times in the Colonies," "Building of the Nation," "Life of Garfield," besides a history of his native town. His volumes have been received with marked favor. No less than fifty copies of the "Boys of '76" are in the Boston Public Library and all in constant use. The degree of A.M. was conferred upon him by Dartmouth College in 1870. He is a resident of Boston and was a member of the Legislature in 1884. ********** HON. DANIEL WEBSTER ********** America's greatest statesman, prepared for college and began his public life in Boscawen. He was a citizen of the town for about three years, identified himself with its interests, voted at town-meeting, paid taxes, enrolled himself as a member of the religious society and took part in the district school meetings. It was ever a pleasure to him to return to the place, not alone to visit his brother Ezekiel, but to renew his acquaintance with the people. ********* GOVERNOR JOHN ADAMS DIX ********* Governor John Adams Dix was born in Boscawen NH on the 24th day of July A.D. 1798. His father, Colonel Timothy Dix, Jr. was one of the most enterprising citizens of the town. His grandfather, Timothy Dix, was an upright and intelligent man, and was postmaster for many years. His great-grandfather, Jonathan Dix, died in the village at the age of ninety-four. ************ CAPTAIN PETER KIMBALL ************ Captain Peter Kimball moved from Bradford, Mass about 1765 and settled on Queen Street. He was a man of strong character. Rev. Mr. Price says of him: "Possessing great self-command, a sound judgement and unwavering integrity, he soon came into public notice, and was elected selectman in 1768, in which office he served nine years. In our Revolutionary struggle he manifested a truly patriotic spirit, readily accepted those appointments with others which involved the dearest interests of individuals and of the public. He contributed to the security of our independence, not merely by his assiduous services at home, but endured the privations of four campaigns in defense of his country. In one of them he volunteered as a private soldier; but in the other three he bore a captain's commission and at Bennington received a wound at the head of his company--a precious memento of that signal battle. Captain Kimball was a valuable citizen, a much-esteemed neighbor and consistent man." The diary kept by Captain Kimball in the campaign of 1776 and at Bennington, is given in the body of this volume, in connection with the events of the Revolution, from which it will be seen that he was a prompt, efficient and brave soldier. He barely mentions that he was wounded in the battle of Bennington,--leaving it to others to speak of his bravery. He moved from Queen to Water Street after the Revolution, and continued until his death, at the age of seventy-two, a useful and honored citizen. It may be said that Captain Peter Kimball and Colonel Henry Gerrish were leading spirits in the town during the Revolutionary period. Both were military officers; and the promptness with which they ordered out their commands, when called upon, attests their efficiency. ************ BENJAMIN THURSTON KIMBALL ************ Benjamin Thurston Kimball, the youngest son of Captain Peter Kimball, was born in Boscawen, May 4, 1784. He had no opportunity for education except the meagre instruction of the district school. He resided on the homestead where he was born, and built the house now occupied by Mr. Wade. He was an influential citizen, and a member of the Congregational Church and society. He was an early advocate of anti-slavery, and cast his influence and his vote in its behalf. He longed for the day when the slave would be a freeman,--a consummation he was not permitted to see. He died July 9, 1852. He was hospitable, kind to the poor and chartiable to those who differed from him in opinion. ********* THE BOSCAWEN ACADEMY ********* The Boscawen Academy was organized in 1827, went into operation in April 1828, with Miss Sarah Crocker preceptress. Joseph Chadwick gave the land upon which the building was erected, conveying it to the following-named gentlemen: Rev. Samuel Wood, Rev. Ebenezer Price, John Greenough, Henry Gerrish, Isaac Gerrish, Thomas Coffin, Hezekiah Fellows, Simeon B. Little, John Farmer. Academy building was erected in 1827. Rev. Dr. Wood, besides making a generous donation, gave the shingles covering it,--shaved by his own hands. The bell was the gift of Daniel Webster. Ezekiel Webster gave liberally to aid in the construction of the building, which was erected by Captain William Abbot. February 11, 1829, the trustees voted that the committee proffer an instructor one hundred and fifty dollars and the tuition of the male department. January 19, 1829, the trustees voted unanimously, "that the thanks of the Board be presented to the Hon. Daniel Wester fo rhis very generous donation of a suitable bell for our academy, and that the President communicate the same in the manner he shall deem the most respectful." The trustees in 1856 voted to loan the building to Mr. Jonathan Tenney for a term of twenty years, the lessee having the right ot make such alterations in the building as he might deem necessary. Extensive alterations were made, and the school became widely known as the Elmwood Institute. In 1868 the lease was canceled by mutual agreement. In 1872, "Voted to sell the building and grounds for $2000, with the condition that the bell shall not be disposed of, but kept in the building as at present." ********** CHURCHES ********** CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH--The Congregational Church in this town was organized October 8, 1740. One of the conditions of the grant to the proprietors of Contoocook was that one eighty-fourth part of the land should be set aside as a parsonage, and one additional eighty-fourth for the minister, and that a "learned and Orthodox minister" should be settled within the space of four years. At their March meeting, 1737, the proprietors voted that Joseph Gerrish, Henry Rolfe, and Joseph Stickney be a committee "to treat with some suitable man & a Christian learned to preach at Contoocook the cumming summer, and in order to settle the aforesaid Gentleman, if he can be rationally agreed with, to serve us in the ministry." Two hundred pounds were raised for preaching, and the assessors were directed to make the town-house convenient for the use of the minister and people on the Sabbath. The committee secured the services of Rev. Phineas Stevens, who remained pastor fifteen years, and had taken an active part in all of the affairs of the "Plantation." [an account of his expenses for 1740 are shown in the original document, but not here] Rev. Joseph Gerrish died 19 January 1755 [the original document has an inventory of his estate.] Mr. Stevens was succeeded by Rev. Robie Merrill, who was ordained December 29, 1761. He was dismissed December 9, 1766. Rev. Nathaniel Merrill was ordained pastor Oct. 19, 1768, and resigned April 1, 1774. Rev. Samuel Wood, of honored memory, was ordained pastor of this church October 17, 1781, and for more than half a century his life was identified with the history of the church and town. Dr. Wood's civil contract with the town was dissolved May 7, 1802, though his pastoral relation with the church still continued. In 1804 the Second Church was organized in the western section of the town, and Rev. Ebenezer Price settled as its pastor. Rev. Mr. Wood, during these years, prepared a number of young men for college. Among them was Daniel Webster. From 1809 he was actively engaged in promoting the cause of education, and acted as visiting committee for twenty years. As early as the year 1797 he endeavored to secure the establishment of an academy, but, failing in that, was the means of starting a library. Thirty years later the project of an academy was revived, and through the energy and liberality of Hon. Ezekiel Webster, and the hearty co-operation of the citizens, Dr. Wood had the gratification of seeing the realization of his early plans. He contributed liberally to establish the institution,--giving the shingles, which he had shaved with his own hands. The Boscawen Church, nominally, was Presbyterian until 1828, when Dr. John Rogers was appointed to see what its relations were to the Presbytery. He could find no such organization, and the church passed a vote readopting the Congregational polity. On October 17, 1831, Dr. Wood completed a half-century of ministerial labor, and noticed the event with appropriate services. He stated that he had recieved into the church, by profession, four hundred and eighty, of whom one hundred had severed their relation, one hundred and nineteen had died, thirty had been excommunicated, leaving a church at that time of two hundred and thirty-eight members. He remained pastor until his death, 1836. In December 1832, Rev. Salmon Bennett was installed as junior pastor. By the terms of settlement, Mr. Bennett was to have a salary of three hundred dollars and one-fourth part of the time for service elsewhere, which, proving inadequate for his support, resulted in his dismissal, October 25, 1836. The death of Rev. Dr. Wood occuring soon after, the church extended a call to Rev. Caleb B. Tracy. He was installed September 12, 1837. Large additions were made to the church in 1842-43. The organization of the church in Fisherville resulted, however, in the transfer, about this time, of thirteen members to that body. Mr. Tracy remained pastor until 1851, when he was dismissed by mutual consent. During the year 1852 the church was under the charge of Rev. Mr. Slocum. On June 15, 1853, Rev. Ambrose Smith was installed pastor, remaining until his death. Rev. Milton L. Severance was installed February 16, 1864, dismissed Dec. 22, 1868. Rev. Joseph A. Freeman installed June 30, 1875, dismissed, July 3, 1877. Rev. Frank Haley installed Oct. 11, 1882, dismissed June 11, 1885 The first meeting-house was made of logs, forty feet long and as wide as Rumford (Concord) meeting-house, only two feet higher. This was occupied until 1767, when it was therefore voted that a new meeting-house should be erected, and a committee was appointed to select a site. It was voted that, pending the erection of the meeting-house, the meetings should be held half the time at the house of Jesse Flanders. On Sept 8, 1767 a committee composed of Ezekiel Morrill, Sinkler Bean and Archelaus Moore, indicated that "it should be erected on that sapling land about ten or twelve rods form the road toward Jesse Flanders, from that knowl above Ephraim Woodbury's, which was the last voted place, and that this meeting-house be placed for those only that live on the Easterly side of Battle street, so called, and that those who live on the Westerly side of said street be exempted from any cost in building said house." The site finally selected for the new meeting-house was near the northwest corner of the cemetery, west of Woodbury's Plain. [Additional reference to the original documents, found in the original are not included here, except for excerpts]. There is no writing that sets forth the dimensions of this first framed meeting-house. It was nearly square and had a gallery, which was not finished until several years later... There was a pile of boards in one corner of the gallery, behind which the boys used to secrete themselves, generally to the annoyance of the tithing-man. The present town-house in Webster was modeled after this house. There was a porch at each end, and a front-door. It was built after the prevailing style of the time,--a box-like edifice. The meeting house was subsequently burned, and the next house was erected on King Street. ******** POPULATION ******** The first census of the town was that of 1767--285 inhabitants. In 1783, when the first census after the Revolution was taken, the number was 756. The first census of the federal government was in 1790. The returns are as follows: 1767, 285; 1783, 756; 1790, 1108; 1800, 1414; 1810, 1829; 1820, 2116; 1830, 2093; 1840, 1965; 1850, 2063; 1860, 1458 (the town divided this year); 1870, 1637; 1880, 1380. ************** CIVIL HISTORY ************** The men who have been selected to represent the town have been citizens of high character. Colonel Henry Gerrish, George Jackman, Captain Joseph Gerrish, Major Enoch Gerrish and Captain Benjamin Little were the representatives of the last century. These five men represented the town from 1760 to 1801. During the first quarter of the present century such men as Timothy Dix, Caleb Knight, Ezekiel Webster, Joseph Little, Jeremiah Gerrish, Major Enoch Gerrish, and Colonel Isaac Chandler acted as legislators. Their successors in the next quarter were such men as Hezekiah Fellows, Colonel JohN Farmer, Captain Joseph Ames, John Greenough, Moses Fellows, Thomas Coffin, William H. Gage, Benjamin Kimball, Nathan Plummer, Abraham Burbank, Richard Gage, Simeon B. Little, Joseph Morrill, Rev. Ebenezer Price, Elbridge F. Greenough, Abiel R. Chandler, Nathan Pearson Jr., Thomas Gerrish, Luke Corser, Caleb Smith, and Calvin Gage. ********** TOWN OFFICERS *********** 1760--Joseph Coffin, moderator; George Jackman, clerk [from 1760-1796 he was re-elected clerk]; John Fowler, John Webster, Joseph Eastman, selectmen. 1761--John Webster, moderator; John Webster, Enos Bishop, George Jackman, selectmen. 1762--Joseph Eastman, moderator; George Jackman, John Flanders, Joseph Hoit, selectmen. 1763--JohN Fowler, moderator; Joseph Hoit, Ephraim Plummer, Thomas Foss, selectmen. 1764--John Fowler, moderator; George Jackman, Jesse Flanders, Oliver Fowler, selectmen. 1765--John Fowler, moderator; George Jackman, John Fowler, Jesse Flanders, selectmen. 1766--Joseph Eastman, moderator; Moses Burbank, Moses Call, Henry Gerrish, selectmen. 1767--Jesse Flanders, moderator; Henry Gerrish, George Jackman, Jesse Flanders, selectmen. 1768--John Fowler, moderator; Henry Gerrish, Peter Kimball, Oliver Fowler, selectmen. 1769--Moses Morse, moderator; Capt. Henry Gerrish, Moses Morse, George Jackman, selectmen. 1770--Rev. Robie Morrill, moderator; Moses Morse, Henry Gerrish, Peter Kimball, selectmen. 1771--Moses Morse, moderator; Winthrop Carter, Moses Call, Moses Morse, selectmen. 1772--Capt. Henry Gerrish, moderator; George Jackman, Dea. Jesse Flanders, Samuel Muzzy, selectmen. 1773--Henry Gerrish, moderator; Ebenezer Hidden, Samuel Gerrish, George Jackman, selectmen. 1774--Peter Coffin, moderator; Samuel Muzzy, Peter Kimball, Jesse Flanders, selectmen; Henry Gerish, delegate to State Convention. 1775--Stephen Webster, moderator; Moses Call, Enoch Gerrish, George Jackman, selectmen; Henry Gerrish, delegate to State Convention. 1776--Robie Morrill, moderator; George Jackman, Cutting Noyes, John Eliot, selectmen. 1777--Henry Gerrish, moderator; George Jackman, John Eliot, Cutting Noyes, selectmen. 1778--Henry Gerrish, moderator; George Jackman, Lieut. Enoch Gerrish, Cutting Noyes, selectmen; George Jackman, delegate. 1779--Henry Gerrish, moderator; George Jackman, Enoch Gerrish, Samuel Muzzy, selectmen; George Jackman, Henry Gerrish, delegates. 1780--Peter Kimball, moderator; George Jackman, Stephen Webster, cutting Noyes, selectmen; Henry Gerrish, representative. 1781--Henry Gerrish, moderator; George Jackman, Cutting Noyes, Captain Peter Kimball, selectmen. 1782--Peter Coffin, moderator; George Jackman, Joseph Jackman, David Corser, selectmen. 1783--Ebenezer Hidden, moderator; George Jackman, Isaac Pearson, David Corser, selectmen. 1784--Peter Kimball, moderator; Enoch Gerrish, Peter Kimball, George Jackman, selectmen. 1785--Ebenezer Hidden, moderator; Lieut. Enoch Gerrish, Benjamin Sweatt, George Jackman, selectmen; George Jackman, representative. 1786--Samuel Fowler, moderator; George Jackman, Benjamin Sweatt, Lieut. Benjamin Jackman, selectmen. George Jackman, representative. 1787--Henry Gerrish, moderator; Joseph Gerrish, Peter Kimball, Benjamin Little, selectmen. 1788--Henry Gerrish, moderator; Joseph Gerrish, Cutting Noyes, Peter Kimball, selectmen. George Jackman, representative; Henry Gerrish, delegate to the Convention. 1789--Peter Coffin, moderator; Joseph Gerrish, Peter Kimball, Benjamin Little, selectmen. 1790--Joseph Gerrish, moderator; Joseph Gerrish, Peter Kimball, Benjamin Little, selectmen; Henry Gerrish, representative. [The original document continues from 1791 to 1885] 1885--John C. Pearson, moderator; Charles E. Chadwick, clerk; John C. Pearson, Samuel B. Chadwick, William P. Abbott, selectmen. ****************** BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH ****************** EPHRAIM PLUMMER--The ancestors of Ephraim Plummer came from England in 1663 and settled in Newbury, Mass. His grandfather, Bitfield Plummer, was one of the early settlers of Boscawen; married Priscilla Richardson, of Chester NH, October 1769. He was a signer of the People's Declaration of Independence before that of the Continental Congress was issued and upon the evacuation of Long Island by General Washington responded to the call for additional troops and served for a time in the Continental army. His son Ephraim was born 1771; married Rachel Choate Cogswell, May 1792; lived on the homestead and died May 1793, three months before the birth of his son Ephraim, the subject of this present sketch. The mother of Ephraim was a native of Essex, Mass., relative of Rufus Choate,--a woman of rare qualities of character, of discriminating mind and marked executive ability. To the future of her only child she bent all her energies. With the heritage of toil, the son had the benefits of a better education than sometimes falls to the lot of boys in his condition. The years of his childhood were uneventful. So, too, the earlier years of manhood; only as the external influences and processes of thought, developed the man of a logical turn of mind, a sincere respected of law, loyal to his convictions, of undoubted integrity. He was a person of quick sensibilities, frank and hospitable. Unassuming, he never desired place, nor influence in public affairs. His time was devoted to the cultivation of the farm. He married Lucy Gerrish, of Boscawen, who was the efficient counterpart to whatever of success that came to him. His death occurred on the 20th of July 1872. (end)