HISTORY OF HILL, 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 547 CHAPTER I The township of New Chester, as originally granted, embraced a large amount of territory, containing that which is now occupied by Hill, Bristol, Bridgewater, a portion of Wilmot and Danbury. Hill, at this date (1885) contains only a small part of the original grant of New Chester, bearing the original title until January 14, 1837, when, in honor of Governor Isaac Hill, it received its present name. The old Masonion proprietors granted this territory to eighty-seven proprietors September 14, 1753; being mostly men from Chester, the new grant was called New Chester. The original proprietors were not all actual settlers, but many afterwards transferred or sold their claims to actual settlers. As early as 1767 two settlements were made within the present limits of Hill, by Carr Huse, Esq. and Captain Cutting Favour. The former came from Newbury, Mass., and settled on a fine intervale farm in the village, that has been held by the family name to this date (1885). The latter selected a good location on the Pemigewasset River, about two miles north of the village towards Bristol, at the present residence of Frank Foster. At first these men did not spend their winters among the snow-clad hills and frosty valleys of their new homes, surrounded by beasts of the forest and more deadly foes, their copper-colored enemy. In 1770 they made their residence here permanent. During the same year other settlements were made in that part of New Chester which is now embraced in other towns. Certain named must necessarily appear in the history of men who were then residents of these surrounding towns, as petitioners and officers. The town was incorporated November 20, 1778, in answer to a petition from the inhabitants, and named New Chester at their request. A manifest desire existed very early among the inhabitants of this large territory for a division of the town, and petitions were presented to the General COurt for that purpose in 1774, as is shown by the records (i.e. petitions to be incorporated into two towns). Nothing must have come of this, because in 1776 a similiar petition was submitted, which included the following names: Jonathan Crawford, Josiah Heath, Thomas Crawford Jr., John Clark, Cutting Favour, Jonathan Ingalls, Joseph Sanborn, Jacob Wells, Robert Crawford, Nason Case, John Mitchell, Gideon Sleeper, Reuben Wells, John Smith, Nathaniel Sanborn, John Bussell, Benjamin McAllester, Robert Forsith, Benjamin Emery, Carr Huse, David Emerson, John Tolford and Tilton Bennet. This peition too was not granted. Nearly two years later another was submitted, again asking for a division of the township. Signed October 15, 1778, it was signed by: Carr Huse, Cutting Favour, Chase Fuller, Jonathan Crawford, Thomas Lock, Moses Worthen, Gideon Sleeper, John Russell, Jacob Wells, Tilton Bennet, John Emery, Benjamin Emons, Simeon Cross, Samuel Worthen, Abner fellows, Theophilus Sanborn, John Cleveland, Nathaniel Sanborn, Ebenezer Ingalls, Josiah Heath, Jonathan Ingalls, Peter Sleeper, John Kidder. In answer to this petition, the town was incorporated by the Legislature on November 20, 1778. At the time of its incorporation, the shape of the town, as was claimed in the petition, was indeed inconvenient for the transaction of business. Again in 1787 the town requested that it be divided into two separate incorporated places. The signers in that year were Carr Huse, Reuben Wells, John Russell, Nathan Colby, Peter Heath, Jonathan Ingalls Jr., Elias Boardman, Jonathan Ingalls, Nathaniel Sanborn, Ephraim Webster, Cutting Favour, Michael Mosher, Thomas Huse, John Fellows, Jonathan Holt, Josiah Brown, David Emerson, Thomas Rowell, Joseph Johnson, THomas Locke, Samuel Worthen, Benjamin Boardman, John Mitchel, Jacob Fellows, Joseph Marshall, Joseph Emmons, Moses Fellows, Simeon Cross, Daniel Heath, James Heath, Jonathan Heath, David Powell, Alexander Craig, Jonathan Carlton, Ephraim Clark, John Mitchell Jr., Ziba Towsend, Chase Fuller, John Ladd, Samuel Drew, David Craig, Robert Craige, Seth Spencer, Isaac Senter, Jonathan Crawford, Benjamin Emons, William Powell, Josiah Heath, John Heath, James Craige." February 12, 1788, the north part of this town was incorporated into the town of Bridgewater, and Thomas Crawford was authorized to call the first town-meeting. By an act of the Legislature, approved June 24, 1819, that part of the town "which lies northerly of Smith's river, with a part of Bridgewater, was made into a new town (now Bristol). December 21, 1820, the town was enlarged by the annexation of a small portion of Alexandria. By an act of the Legislature, approved December 21, 1832, a small tract of land was taken from New Chester and annexed to Wilmot. On the 26th day of June, 1858 a certain tract of land was taken from Hill and joined to Danbury. The town was in Grafton County until July 1, 1868, at which time it was annexed to Merrimack County. LIST OF RATABLE POLLS, 1775 Carr Huse, Esq., Cutting Favour, David Emerson, Nathaniel Sanborn, Henry Wells, Jacob Wells, Tilton Bennet, Benjamin Straw, Nason Cass, Jeremiah Quimby, Joseph Sanborn, Reuben Wells, John Smith, Nathaniel Bartlet, Robert Forsaith, Joshua Tolford, Esq., Peter Sleeper, Gideon Sleeper, John Kidder, Samuel Worthen, Moses Worthen, Ebenezer Ingalls, Thomas Lock, Eben Fellows, Benjamin Emmons, Chase Fuller, Edmund Eastman, Gerham Fletcher, John Mitchel, Thomas Crawford, Thomas Crawford 2d, Peter Heath, John Clark, Jonathan Ingalls, Josiah Heath, Andrew Craige, Benjamin McCollester, Jonathan Crawford. In 1783 the number of Males from 21 years of age and upwards, paying for themselves within the town of New Chester was 66. EARLY PROPRIETORS--the following is a schedule of the proprietor's names of New Chester [the original document also shows the number of each proprietor's lots as they were drawn]: Matthew Thornton Esq., Archibald Dunlap, John Tolford Esq.,Joseph Clark, Ensign William Tolford, John McMurphy Esq., John Gordon, Robert McMurphy, Ensign Henry Hall, Thomas Shirley, John Tolford Jr., John Durham, Lieut. Robert Fletcher, Hugh Tolford, Ensign John Quinton, Col. Josiah Willard, Stephen Ferrington, Robert Craige, Jeremiah Colburn, James Shirley Jr., Matthew Livermore Esq., Mark H.J. Wentworth, John Mills, Samuel Moores Esq., Timothy Ingals, James White, Capt John Underhill, Capt. Thomas Wells, Joshua Tolford, Nathaniel Ingals, Samuel Searls, Capt. James Shirley, John Kelsay, Jotham O'Diorn Esq., Col Theodore Atkinson, Lieut. Thomas Craige, Col. Joseph Blanchard, Lieut Ebenezer Dearbon, James McFarson, Jeremiah Colburn, Samuel Gault, Samuel Searls, John Man, Peirce & Moore, Robert White, Capt John Moffatt, Jeremiah Colburn, Thomas Wallingford Esq., George Jaffrey Esq, John Aikin, William Parker, Esq., Joshua Peirce, Esq., John Kinge, Jacob Sargent, Col. Meserve & others, James Wadwell, Thomlenson & Mason, Orlando Colby, Henry Herring, Samuel Searls, Col. Josiah Willard, William Graham, Alexander McClure, Solly & March, John Wentworth Esq, Timothy Favour, John Hazeltine, Col Thomas Parker, Archabald Dunlap, Richard Wibird Esq., Col Josiah Willard, Richard Pearl, James Moores, Mark Karr, Samuel Emerson [dated 1806]. BOUNDARY LINES--Considerable difficulty was experienced by the early settlers in fixing the boundary lines of the township, and at several different times committees were appointed by the Legislature to settle the troubles [several of those documents are found in the original document and not included here]. **THE TOWN OF HILL** Hill is bounded north by Danbury, Alexandria and Bristol; east by New Hampton and Sanbornton--Pemigewasset River flowing between; south by Franklin and Andover, and west by Andover, wilmot and Danbury. Area, about fifteen thousand acres. Population, six hundred and sixty-seven. Distance from Concord by rail, twenty-five miles north, reached by a branch of the Northern Railroad running from Franklin to Bristol. Rugged Mountain, situated partly in this town, is justly entitled to its name, as it is one of the most rugged elevations in Central New Hampshire. Many have supposed the town received its name from the very uneven nature of the country, which isnot the case. There are many fine, well cultivated farms in this town upon which have been reared large families of boys and girls, many of whom have gone forth to make their mark in the world. *PROMINENT RESIDENTS* W.W. SARGENT was, during his day, one of the leading men in town, held the office of representative, selectman and town clerk at one time during the years 1807, 1808, 1809, 1810, besides being justice of the peace and on nearly all the committees appointed to advance the interest of the town. He was chairman of the Board of Selectmen for six years and town clerk for many years. CARR HUSE was another man of rare ability who was thought much of by his townsmen, and was continued in places of trust for a long time. He had a family of thirteen children. Among the number of Hill's sons who have ranked high in their sphere may be mentioned GILMAN KIMBALL, son of Ebenezer and Polly Kimball, born December 8, 1804. Mr. Kimball being possessed of ample means, spared no pains in the care and education of his children. Gilman received private instruction and afterward entered Dartmouth College, from which he graduated in 1827. He studied medicine, and to perfect himself in his profession, he traveled extensively, and practiced abroad with some of the most noted physicians and surgeons. He has performed some very wonderful operations in surgery, among which are several successful cases of amputation at the hip-joint, which for centuries had been supposed to be an operation almost impossible to perform and save the life of the patient. At present he resides in Lowell, Mass., and is a shining light in his profession. JOSEPH HUSE, grandson of the original settler, Carr Huse, and son of JOhn and Betsy Huse, born May 9, 1806, is another of Hill's sons of whom the townspeople should be proud. Reared a sturdy farmer, he went forth to battle with the world well prepared to win in that conflict which requires, chiefly, pluck and integrity for its weapons. Amid the vissitudes of a great city--Boston--he has succeeded in building up a business, fortune, and reputation, to which we refer with pride. We are indebted to him for much information in regard to early settlements of New Chester. CHARLES M. WINCHESTER, publishing agent of the Christian Publishing House, Dayton, Ohio, is a man who has risen to eminence, and in his prosperity he is not ashamed to own that he is a "Hill man." GILMAN CURRIER, who left his native place to make a business and home for himself, settled in Haverhill, Mass. and engaged in the shoe business with success; but death claimed him for its victim in 1847, and his business passed into the hands of his brother, Samuel M. Currier, who has succeeded in establishing an enviable reputation by his honest and fair dealing, and at the same time has succeeded in amassing a liberal amount of this world's goods. He is one of those genial, kind-hearted men that it gives us pleasure to meet. This is a peculiar trait of the entire family. These brothers were children of Moses and Nancy Currier. AUGUSTUS B. JOHNSON, son of Samuel and Mary Johnson, is a man of energy and perseverance (inherited from his father) and, by exercising these qualities, has risen to be one of the leading business men of the West (although he does not make his permanent home in the West). He is engaged extensively in stock-raising in the State of Kansas, and is eastern manager of the Johnson Loan and Trust Company, of Arkansas City. W.W. CURRIER, son of Jonathan and Nancy Currier, is a successful business man, engaged in the manufacture of shoe stock, in Haverhill, Mass. There are many others we would be glad to mention if space would allow. We will, however give only a slight sketch of two of the old residents. CARR HUSE was born in Newbury, Mass, in 1740, and moved his family to New Chester in 1770. Previous to this time he would go up to New Chester in the spring, and spend his summers, and return in the fall to his native place. He was the first settler, with one exception, and in his new home experienced many hardships and privations, and his nearest neighbor was two and a half miles, and south, Franklin Lower village, where he was obliged to go to get his grain ground, and this he had to do in winter with a hand-sled and snow-shoes. The nearest meeting-house (and that was made of logs) was twenty-two miles, at Plymouth, where he went on horseback, having only a bridle-road with trees spotted to direct him. He took a deep interest in the prosperity and welfare of the town. He occupied almost ever position in town requiring ability, responsibility and faithfulness in the discharge of his various duties. He was town clerk twenty-three years in succession, one of the selectmen many years, and filled many other offices, and among them, representative to the State Legislature for many years, which met during that time at Portsmouth and Exeter. He held a justice's commission for forty years, and, as there was no lawyer in town, he made a specialty of writing deeds, etc., which the law required. As there was no minister in town he solemnized marriages, and performed not a few, but at a low price compared with the present time. In the organization of the Congregational Church he was the only male member, with one exception, and he was chosen deacon, and remained such for forty years. He had two wives. For the first he married Sarah Wells, in 1761, who was the mother of seven children; and for the other, Joanna Buswell, in 1775, who was the mother of six children. He died in 1833, aged ninety-two years and nine months, having twelve children and forty-four grandchildren. GEORGE W. SUMNER was born at Deering, N.H. February 9, 1792; assisted his father in clearing and cultivating a large farm. At the age of nineteen (the time of his mother's death) he left home, studied grammar and geography six weeks with Rev. E.P. Bradford, served two years' apprenticeship in the clothier business at Weare and Hillsborough, and in March 1816, moved to Hill and built a dam and shop, and commenced carding wool July 6, 1816. He carded eight thousand pounds that season. He continued in the business of carding wool and dressing cloth during the summer months for about forty years. During this time he often taught school winters, and held every important office in and for the town of Hill, and for many years he was a justice of the peace; was an excellent writer of prose and verse, and a member of the Congregational Church. December 9, 1822, he married Hannah Abrams, of Sanbornton, who died August 30, 1847. In September 1848, he married A.S. Pratt; he died July 20, 1876. His children by first wife, were Mary H., Martha, Ellen S., Catharine M., Jane W., George a. and Sarah G. Al but the two last mentioned died before reaching twenty-five years of age. George A. Sumner is still living at Hill; born June 27, 1839; married Angie Montague, of Sprinfield, Mass, April 28, 1868. Their children are Anna G., born April 3, 1869 and George Willis, born January 5, 1875. Sarah G. Sumner, born June 7, 1844; married Edward S. Vail, of Blooming Grove, NY, October 25, 1879. Now living in Detroit, Kan. Their children are Alice M., Raymond S., and Florence H. ****** MANUFACTORIES--The proprietors of New Chester seemed alive to the importance of having grist and saw-mill accomodations. When the township was laid out, two lots were set off to be used "for the encouragement of building Mills." The proprietors also voted mill privileges and appointed men to see that mills were erected. [The text of the Proprietor's meeting for May the 6, 1766, voted Major Emerson, Major Tolford and Captain John Underhill a committee to find someone who would build a saw-mill and grist-mill upon "New Found" River. John Tolford Esq. agreed to build two saw-mills and two grist-mills in New Chester.] This mill was probably built in 1767 as per arrangements. It cannot be said that the town of Hill has ever been noted as a manufacturing town, except its reputation as having the largest establishment for the manufacture of glass-cutters in the world, and a fine latch-needle manufactory. The first manufacturing of importance was that of wool-rolls for spinning, and also cloth dressing, started in July 1816 by George W. Sumner and afterwards occupied the same mill as grist-mill and carriage-shop for several years. About the year 1825 a Mr. Moseley engaged quite extensively in the tannery business near the Sumner mill. Thomas Heath afterwards ran the business until about the year 1855. During this time B.C. Batchelder manufactured carriages in a building on the opposite site of the stream, and his brother, Asahel Batchelder, made axe-handles and spoke-shaves in the Sumner mill. Mr. Batchelder was the first person to make the improved turned handles which have been so popular. James Glines carried on the hatters' business, and John W. Sargent manufactured shoes for several years prior to 1845. Afterwards the shoe business was carried on by John Tucker and Eleaner Everett, until large manufacturers obtained control of the shoe business and made their production on a small scale unprofitable. These establishements were all on a small scale compared with works of the same class in later times. David Shaw, S.H. Long, and ALbert Blake commenced the manufacture of friction matches about the year 1855, and did quite an extensive business for several years. August 23, 1862, M.F. Little purchased the match-factory, stock and tools, and continued the business with good success until the tax on matches made it an undesirable business, when it was abandoned and the mill sold to be used as a saw-mill. In the year 1874, A.A. Williams and F.W. Eaton formed a co-partnership for the manufacture of cabinet organs, and employed several men in the Sumner mill. They made some very fine instruments; but, owing to the sharp competition in the business caused by other large manufactureres making very cheap and some nearly worthless instruments, which they put upon the market at a very low price, this company were unable to sell their instruments at a remunerative price, and after running the business three years, closed it out. We should not do justice to the business of the town if we failed to mention our sturdy blacksmith, Harrison Morrill, who, for more than a quarter of a century, did service at the anvil, and was ever ready, with a smile and good word for all, to do the bidding of his patrons until, from the infirmities of age, he felt compelled to give up the business to younger hands in 1882. In the spring of 1872 several parties interested themselves in the matter of inducing some manufacturers to locate in town. A town-meeting was called, and the town voted to exempt from taxation, for a term of years, any manufacturing business of iron, wood, steel or the fabrics that might be located in town. This action was taken to encourage F.R. Woodward, who was then doing business in Manchester, to move his business, the manufacturing of latch-needles, to Hill, which he did in July of that year, leasing the mill and power on Mill Brook of Mr. George W. Dearborn, for a term of years. Mr. Woodward was at this time experimenting with the idea of making a glass-cutting tool that would combine the qualities of cheapness, simplicity and durability, and having attained quite satisfactory results, the following winter, he disposed of the needle business to a firm consisting of his brother, S. Woodward, G.H. Adams, H. Adams, and P.C. Shaw, and engaged in the manufacture of his improved glass-cutting tools. The business increased so rapidly that in 1876 he erected a shop near the railroad, in the rear of his residence, and put in a steam-engine for power. The shop was destroyed by fire in August, 1879. In six weeks another building was erected and ready to be occupied; this building, with steam for motive power, was used until 1882, when both the building and power were found too small, and Mr. Woodward purchased the farm and water-power of G.A. Sumner, and the water-power owned by Mrs. C.W. Huse, on Mill Brook, and proceeded to erect a dam and buildings. The building near the railroad which was three stories high, was then moved and joined to the one already built, making a find building, sixty-six feet in length, exclusive of the saw-mill and store-house, which are in a separate building. This is the largest manufactory of Rotary Steel Glass-Cutters in the World, employing about thirty operatives. The latch-needle works owned and operated by G.H. Adams & Co. occupies the same building leased by Mr. Woodward for this business, and now owned by the firm. They employ about fifteen operatives, and manufacture a large quantity of latch-needles for knitting- machines, of superior quality, which are sent to all parts of the United States. ******** CHURCHES, MINISTERS, ETC. CHURCHES--From the first settlement of the town there seems to have been a desire, on the part of the settlers and also the proprietors, to establish a place of worship, as we find by the votes taken at different times in regard to hiring a minister and building a house of worship. At a meeting of the proprietors of New Chester, held at the house of Samuel Emerson Esq. in Chester, on Tuesday, on the 2nd day of April 1771, it was,-- "Voted, half a Dollar on each grantee's Right to hire preaching in New Chester the present year. "Voted, John Tolford, Samuel Emerson, Jethro Sanborn Esq. & Capt. John Underhill, and Henry Hall be a Committee to hire such Minister of the Gospel as they shall think Fit to preach to the inhabitants of New Chester, and some of said Committee is to Accompany any such preacher to New Chester without any pay for their Time." [Note: at an 1807 town meeting a tax of twenty cents upon a pole and other estate was voted on for a minister of the Congregational or Presbyterian order." BUILDING THE MEETING HOUSE At a town meeting held on April 1, 1773 it was voted one dollar upon each payable right for the present year to hire reaching in said New Chester, AND Voted that there shall be a Meeting house built in said New Chester Equal to thirty Five feet square, one story high, the present year. At a meeting of the proprietors of New Chester at the house of Samuel Emerson, Esq. on Tuesday, the 27th day of April 1773, it was,-- "Voted, that Carr Huse, Nason Cass, Robert Forsaith, Joshua Talford & Peter Sleeper shall be a COmmittee to Build a meeting-house in New Chester, agreeable to a vote passed at the Last Meeting. "Voted, that those that Labour at Building the aforesaid meeting House in sd New Chester shall have allowed to them two Shillings and sixpence per day for their Labour." At a meeting of the proprietors of New Chester, held at Chester, at the house of Samuel Emerson, Esq. on Wednesday, the 20th day of January 1774.-- "Whereas at their last Meeting their was a Vote passed that there should be two Dollars raised on eacy payable Right to build one Meeting-house in said town, it is now Voted that sd money shall be Equally Divided and applied toward Building two Meeting- Houses, one in the lower part of the town and the other in the upper part of the Town, and Build the same on the parsonage lots. "Voted, John Talford, Esq., Robert Forsith, Carr Huse, Nason Cass, Cutting Favour, those a Committee to see that the aforesaid Ten acres of Land be Cleared upon the aforesaid parsonage lots in the lower parish in New Chester, agreeable to the above votes, & see that it be done as soon as Conveniantly may be; also Voted that the same persons be a Committee to see that the Meeting-House be BUilt in said parishes as soon as Conveniantly may be. "Voted, that John Mitchel, Thomas Crawford Jr., Andrew Craige, Benjamin Emmons & Ebenezar Ingals shall be a Committee to see that the aforesaid Ten acres of Land shall be cleared upon the parsonage Lot in the upper parish in New Chester agreeable to the above vote.... At a town meeting, second Tuesday of March, 1824, it was,-- "Voted, To give the Directors of teh West Meeting-House in said Town one Hundred & fifty dollars to be paid yearly, in case they secure the use of the house to the town for public Meetings of business so long as the continuance of said House." No records can be found by which the exact dates of the building of the first house of worship can be established; but, according to the best authority, it was built or finished in the year 1800 or 1801. A town-meeting for Danbury and New Chester was called at this meeting-house in 1802. It is situated near the centre of the town, is a wooden structure heaviy timbered, painted white, has been kept in good repair by the enterprising citizens at the "Centre," and presents a neat and attractive appearance. There is a Christian Church organizationg here, over which Rev. E.H. Wright has been pastor for several years. This has always been known as the West Meeting-House. Early in the nineteenth century a hall was finished in a barn owned by Major Ebenezer Kimball, at the village, and in this meetings were held summers and winters, without any means of heating, except the stones carried there hot from the fire-place, until the present church was built. The hall was in existence until 1839, when the partitions were taken out by its present owner, David Fowler, and it reverted back to its former use, storage for hay and grain. The church at the village, or the East Meeting-house, was commenced in the year 1819, and finished in January 1822. February 5th of this year, the pews were sold, and soon after the house was dedicated as a Congregational Church. It was owned by individuals, each proprietor owning one or more pews, and entitled to as many votes in the management of its affairs as they owned pews. It has since been remodeled, and at this writing is as fine a house of worship as is often found in a country village. The CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH was organized, February 19, 1815, by the assistance of the Rev. William Rolfe, of Groton. The church consisted of but two members, Carr Huse and Israel Adams. This church was supplied with the public ministration of the gospel, but did not have a settled minister until January 6, 1831, when Rev. Isaac Knight was ordained pastor, and remained such seven years. In the year 1817, two years after its formation this church numbered twenty-seven members, and for nearly half a century was a great power for good in the community. By death and removal the organization became so reduced that it became inoperative and remained so for several years, until the spring of 1884, when it was revived by the assistance of Rev. S.F. Lougee, of New Hampton, who was engaged as pastor. Whole numbers admitted to the church from the time of its organization to 1884, one hundred and sixty-three; number of children baptized, one hundred and thirty-two. In the year 1870, Rev. E.H. Wright, learning from members of the Congregational Church that it was not expected this church would be revived, and desiring a home for the converts who were gathered under his preaching, formed a Christian Church, over which he was the able and acceptable pastor most of the time (except when in Manchester where he went to assist in building up a church) until 1884, when the Congregationalists claimed the right to the church for the purpose of having a minister of that denomination preach, and the right was accorded to them by the committee chosen to provide a preacher. ***** SCHOOLS--The people of the town gave early attention to the establishment of schools, and for this purpose lots were set off to be used "only for school purposes." We copy a vote of the proprietors meeting of May 9, 1775,-- "At a meeting of the Proprietors, held at the house of Jonathan Ingals, on May the ninth, at one o'clock. Voted, that the Timber on the School Lot No. 37, in the third Division, be sold as soon as may be and the money of such sale to be for the Benefit of Schools, and that Robert Forsaith, Cutting Favour, and Peter Sleeper be a committee to sell said Timber, and, till such Sale, see that no waste be made on Said Lots." In 1777, forty dollars was raised to be used for schooling. At the present day this seems a meagre sum, but it must be remembered that the wages of teachers at this time was very small compared with that paid to-day. In 1778 it was voted that Joshua Tolford should have the privilege of plowing the school lot by his giving an obligation not to "Damnify" the same. In 1786 a school-tax of L13 5s 7d 1f and in 1788 a tax of L23 14s 10d were levied, showing that each year brought an increasing interest in the important subject of education. THOMAS HUSE (son of Carr Huse) and JAMES KARR kept school in 1793. Mr. Huse's school was styled a boarding-shcool. The schoolmaster boarded around, and his board was paid by the town at the rate of three shillings per week. In 1800, BETSY SLEEPER received twelve dollars for three months' teaching, and the sum of seven dollars and thirty-four cents was paid for boarding "Said mistress." "MASTER BOWERS" who was quite a noted teacher in those days, received sixteen dollars for teaching two months the same year. In 1802 the school-house in Disctrict No. 1 was either built new, or the old one built over, and sixty-seven cents per day was paid for labor, four dollars per thousands for boards, and one dollar and eighty-three cents per thousand for nails. Among those who have taught in town and since become noted may be mentioned Henry P. Rolfe and the late Anson S. Marshall, of Concord; L.P. Townsend, professor of theology in Boston University; Rev. William Sleeper, of Maine, and many others. Mr. and Mrs. F.E. Adams have taught school and acted as superintending school committee many years, and doubtless have the best qualifications for the latter office of any person in town. Mrs. Adams was the author of the history of schools in this town in the reports of 1876. For many years after the foundation of schools in town the people considered the qualifications for teaching to consist chiefly in the muscle and nerve of the teacher. A person with good common sense and able to read and write fairly, if endowed with courage and strength sufficient to cope with the powers of the "big boys," were considered good teachers; and it was not an uncommon occurrence for boys of sixteen to eighteen years of age to receive severe floggins. With the appointment of superintending school committee, the qualifications of teachers became more exalted, and at this advanced age the rod is seldom resorted to, even in the rural districts, while our village school will compare favorably with some of the academies of our State in proficiency and deportment. ******** CEMETERIES--The cemetery in the village was laid out in 1773, on land cleared by Carr Huse, on his intervale, about forty rods from his house. This comprises about one acre of land, laid out in such manner as to give the most possible room for burial purposes, regardless of the rules that are observed in the plans of modern cemeteries. There is one soldier of the Indian War, Carr Huse, and one of the Revolution, buried there. THE FERRIN CEMETERY, so called, is situated aobut one mile west of the West Meeting-House, was opened to the public in 1845, and is superior, as regards location, to the village ground, as it is on high land, and, if properly cared for, would be a very fine cemetery for the country. It has several very neat monuments. THE BUNKER HILL CEMETERY--which was laid out in 1846, is the last and best of the public cemeteries. It is well laid out, is kept in good condition, is in a good location and has some very fine monuments and tablets erected. These are all public cemeteries. PLEASANT HILL CEMETERY--In the winter of 1884, the writer, seeing the need of a more respectable place at the village for internment of the dead, offered to present to any number of individuals, who would form a cemetery association and guarantee to properly fence and fit up and ever keep so fenced and properly cared for, a tract of land on the hill near his mill, which was considered by all interested to be the best location for a cemetery in town. The offer, however, was not accepted, as the expense of so fitting up would be so great that it was thought sufficient could not be realized from the sale of lots to pay the same. May 20th of this year Mary F., oldest daughter of the writer, died, and he at once had the ground laid out according to a plan which he had previously made, and she was laid away beneath the ground where she had so often walked and gathered wild flowers with her father and sister. This is pronounced by those who have visited it to be the most lovely cemetery, for a new one, they have ever seen. It is laid out with drive-ways between every row of lots lengthwise, and walks between each double lot crosswise; the two main drive-ways are twenty-four feet wide, the others twelve feet, and the walks six feet. The soil is taken from the drive-ways, which are level and well-graded; the lots are nicely graded and sown to grass, and present a very neat and attractive appearance. The writer has fitted up the ground at his own expense, and sells lots to any who are able to buy; those not able to buy are given the right of free burial. A large lot is given in the best locality for the erection of a soldiers' monument and the burial of soldiers, and it is hoped in the near future a monument will be erected to the memory of the brave boys who so valiantly fought in defense of their country's honor. ******** CIVIL HISTORY--New Chester and Danbury were classed for the election of representatives from 1800 to 1806, after which time New Chester was declared entitled to a representative of its own. No record of any town officers can be found previous to 1802. In 1800, New Chester and Danbury elected Edward Blodgett representative for the two towns. No record of any election in 1801 can be obtained 1802--Carr Huse, town clerk; Ebenezer Kimball, Edward Blodgett, William W. Sargent, selectmen; Ebenezer Kimball, representative for New Chester and Danbury. 1803--Carr Huse, town clerk, Jonathan Dickerson, James Karr, John Brown, selectmen; Ebnezer Kimball, representative for New Chester and Danbury 1804--Carr Huse, town clerk; James Karr, John Brown, William W. Sargent, selectmen; Ebenezer Kimball, representative for New Chester and Danbury 1805--Carr Huse, town clerk, John Wadleigh, William Whitter Sargent, Moses Sleeper, selectmen; Ebenezer Kimball, representative for New Chester and Danbury. 1806--Carr Huse, town clerk; James Karr, John Wadleigh, William W. Sargent, selectmen; Major Ebenezer Kimball, representative for New Chester and Danbury. 1807--W.W. Sargent, town clerk; W.W. Sargent, James Karr, Moses Sleeper, selectmen; W.W. Sargent, representative. 1808--W.W. Sargent, town clerk; W.W. Sargent, Moses SLeeper, Captain John Wadleigh, selectmen; W.W. Sargent, representative. 1809--W.W. Sargent, town clerk; W.W. Sargent, John Wadleigh, Jonathan Dickerson, selectmen; W.W. Sargent, representative. [Note, original document continues with positions from 1810 through 1885.] *********** SOLDIERS, ETC.--The people of this town have not been backward whenever danger threatened their country, but have shown their patriotism by contributing its full quota of men. Whenever a call was made, and it became necessary to resort to a draft to obtain men, the town voted liberal sums to pay for substitutes to take the place of her sons. The following petition and votes will show the disposition of the people: "New Chester, June ye 29th, 1776 "To the Honorable Colony Committee: "We the Subscribers, being a Majority of the Select Men and Committee of Safety for the Township of New Chester, being willing to Defend ourselves and fellow-Countrymen to the utmost of our Power, But finding ourselves Destitute, in a Great Measure, of Arms and Ammunition, Humbly beg you would use your Interest to procure about 56 lbs. of Powder and 112 lbs of Lead, and about 150 FLints and Fifteen Guns, which we Bind ourselves to the Honest payment of, as witness our hands." [Signed by: "Abner Fellows, Joshua Tolford, Thomas Crawford, Jonathan Ingalls, Cutting Favour (for Committee [i.e. Committee of Safety] and Ebener [Ebnezer] Ingalls, Benjamin Emons [Emmons], Carr Huse (Select Men for New Chester). "Whereas, We have received a vote of Congreee which hath excused all non-Commissioned officers and Soldiers who served in the Continental Army, and shall enlist there for the year coming, from paying any poll Tax; and an account being exhibited, under oath, by the Select men, of the number of such Soldiers in their Respective Towns, and the amount of their poll Tax to the Colony Treasurer, in obediance thereunto we have Returned their names and the amount of their poll Tax. "Nathaniel Bartlett .......... 2s 4d 3q "John Crawford.................2s 4d 3q "Joseph Davis..................2s 4d 3q __________________________ TOTALS: 7s 2d 1q "[Signed by] Carr Huse, Robert Forsith, Select men for N. Chester." At a legal town-meeting holden at New Chester July 13, 1812, agreeable to notice, it was "Voted, to pay each soldier who shall be called for by law, from this town, as our quota of the one hundred thousand, ten dollars per month, with what the Government pays them. At a legal town-meeting in New Chester, March 14, 1839, it was "Voted, That each soldier shall care of himself." [Note: the original document shows several additional documents of voting from town meetings in relation to the Civil War, that are not included here]. ************* SOLDIERS IN THE WAR OF THE REBELLION (CIVIL WAR)--The following is a list of the volunteer soldiers from the town of Hill in the late Rebellion: FOURTH REGIMENT -George W. Davis, Company H., mustered in Sept. 18, 1861; died of disease at Morris Island, April 6, 1864 -Richard E. Davis, Company H., mustered in Sept. 18, 1861; discharged Oct 18, 1863, for disability. -D.B. Sanborn, Company H., mustered in Sept. 18, 1861; died of disease Sept. 12, 1862, at Fernandina, Fla. -Wayland Ballou, Company H., mustered in Sept. 18, 1861; wounded July 13, 1864; promoted to second lieutenant Sixth United States Colored Troops February 28, 1865. -Moses E. Southworth, Company H., mustered in Sept. 18, 1861; mustered out Sept. 26, 1864. -Weston Ballou, Company H., mustered in Sept 18, 1681; mustered out Sept 26, 1864. -John C. Smith, Company H., mustered in Sept. 18, 1861; promoted to corporal; wounded July 30, 1864; promoted to sergeant March 1, 1865; mustered out Sept. 26, 1865. -Arthur L. Smith, Company H., mustered in Sept 18, 1861; mustered out Sept. 26, 1865 FIFTH REGIMENT -E.B. Cilley, mustered in Oct. 19, 1861; died at Gettysburg July 3d (no year) -Daniel Bartlett, Company E., mustered in Oct. 19, 1861; died at Camp California, near Alexandria VA, January 23, 1862. SEVENTH REGIMENT -Parker Conner, Company E., mustered in November 7, 1861; died of disease at St. Augustine, Fla., December 26, 1862. EIGHTH REGIMENT -Erasmus Clark, Company I., mustered in Dec 20, 1861; died of disease at Camp Parapet, LA, July 6, 1862 -Alvin H. Tyrrel, Company I, mustered in Dec 20, 1861; died of disease at Manchester NH, Jan. 26, 1862. -Twombly (no initial), Company D., mustered in Dec 20, 1861; mustered out Jan 18, 1865. -G.W. Colby, Company D., mustered in Dec 20, 1861; corporal; wounded Apr 8, 1864; died of wounds at New Orleans Apr 30, 1864. -Daniel W. Colby, Company D., mustered in Dec 20, 1861; sergeant; promoted to first sergeant; transferred to Company A, Veteran Batallion, New Hampshire Volunteers, June 1, 1865; promoted to second lieutenant Oct 28, 1865. -Asabel H. Quimby, Company I., mustered in Dec 20 1861; mustered out June 18, 1865. -Benjamin Haselton, Company D, mustered in Dec 20, 1861; died of disease at Baton Rouge LA, March 12, 1863. -G.W. Corliss, Company D., mustered in Dec 20, 1861; died of disease at Boston Harbor, Mass., Feb 20, 1862. TWELFTH REGIMENT -Hiram Brown, Company C., mustered in Sept 5, 1862; promoted ot corporal; captured at Bermund Hundred, VA, Nov 4, 1864; exchanged March 2, 1865; mustered out May 31, 1865. -Luther H Parker, Company D., mustered in Sept 5, 1862; promoted to sergeant (no month) 6, 1863; died of wounds at Gettsyburg PA, July 24, 1863. -Frank Ferren, Company D., mustered in Sept 5, 1862; corporal; promoted to sergeant Sept. 6, 1862; discharged by order at Baltimore MD March 5, 1863. -William H. Straw, Company D., mustered in Sept 5, 1862; corporal; died of disease at Alexandria VA, Feb 5, 1863. -Robert Martin, Company D., mustered in Sept 5, 1862; musician; mustered out June 12 1865 -Orrin G. Colby, Company D., mustered in Sept 5, 1862; promoted to corporal May 1, 1864; wounded June 3, 1864; mustered out June 21, 1865. -Evans J. Davis, Company D., mustered in Sept 5, 1862; discharged by order at Falmouth VA April 15, 1863; died at Regimental Hospital, Falmouth VA, Apr 20, 1863. -F.G. Fowler, COmpany D., mustered in Sept 5, 1862; wounded at Chancellorsville May 3, 1863; died of wounds at David's Island, NY April 4, 1864. -Patrick Hickey, Company D., mustered in Sept 5, 1862; wounded at Chancellorsville May 3, 1863; died at Potomac Creek VA May 30, 1863. -William C. Kelley, Company D., mustered in Sept 5, 1862; promoted to corporal June 1, 1865; mustered out June 21, 1865. -J. Frank Marshall, Company D., mustered in Sept 5, 1862; wounded at Cold Harbor, June 3, 1864; promoted to corporal Nov 1, 1864; mustered out June 21, 1865. -D. Russell Smith, Company D., mustered in Sept 5, 1862; dischraged by order at Falmouth VA Feb 12, 1863. -George W Twombly, Company D., mustered in Sept 5, 1862; wounded at Chancellorsville May 3 1863; transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps Sept 2, 1863; mustered out July 14 1865 -John Twombly, Company D., mustered in Sept 5, 1862; wounded at Chancellorsville May 3, 1863; discharged at Portsmouth Grove, R.I. Oct 26, 1863 for disability -Joseph Young, Company D., mustered in Sept 5, 1862; wounded at Chancellorsville May 3, 1863; discharged on account of wounds at Concord, August 12, 1863 -George M. Sargent, Company D., mustered in Sept 5, 1862; promoted to corporal June 1, 1865; mustered out June 21, 1865. -C.T. Smith, Company D., mustered in Sept 5, 1862; wounded at Chancellorsville May 3, 1863; died of wounds at Potomac Creek VA June 6, 1863. -A.J. Small, Company D., mustered in Sept 5, 1862; wounded at Gettysburg May 14, 1864; mustered out June 21, 1865 FIRST CAVALRY -Benjamin F. Marshall, Troop K., mustered in Feb 25, 1864; mustered out July 15, 1865. -Edward D. Phelps, Troop K., mustered in Oct 24, 1861; promoted to quartermaster-sergeant Oct 28, 1861; discharged for disability Jan 28, 1863. -------------- The following is a list of substitutes and volunteers who were not residents of Hill, but enlisted under Hill's quota. FOURTH REGIMENT -Thomas Down, Company C., mustered in Oct 20, 1863; mustered out Aug 23, 1863. [this last year must be an error] -Frank Wilson, Company D., mustered in Oct 21, 1863; unknown. -John Brown, Company C, mustered in January 25, 1864. FIFTH REGIMENT -Charles Gardner, Company C., mustered in Sept 16, 1864; substitute for George I. Greeley; supposed to have deserted en route to regiment. -William McGregor, Company I, mustered in Sept 21, 1864; substitute for David G. Mowe; absent, sick, since Oct. 6, 1864; no discharge furnished. -James Riley, Company E., mustered in Sept 13, 1864; deserted April 17, 1865. -Henry Snow, Company H., mustered in Sept 9, 1864; substitute for George W. Dearborn; promoted to corporal April 18, 1865; mustered out June 28, 1865. -William Simpson, Company H, mustered in Sept 16, 1864; substitute for Calvin Campbell; died in rebel prison, North Carolina, Feb 6, 1865. -James Simmons, Company B., mustered in Jan 18, 1864; transferred from Second United States Sharpshooters Jan 30, 1865; absent, sick, since March 23, 1864; no discharge furnished. -James Watkins, Company I, mustered in Sept 9, 1864; mustered out June 28, 1865. SIXTH REGIMENT -George Lainey, Company B, mustered in June 9, 1864; not officially accounted for. -Joseph McCroy, Company C, mustered in June 25, 1864; substitute for Timothy Stevens; corporal; transferred from Company C, Eleventh NH Vols, June 1, 1865; mustered out July 17, 1865. -John Raimbart, Company B; mustered in June 8, 1864; substitute for John G. Eastman; deserted near Pegran House VA, Oct. 15, 1865. -Thomas Silver, Company C; mustered in June 11, 1864; wounded Sept 30 1864; promoted to corporal July 1, 1865; mustered out July 17, 1865. -William Taylor, Company E; mustered in March 12, 1864; wounded July 12, 1864; promoted to sergeant July 1, 1865; mustered out July 17, 1865 -James Manley, Company I, mustered in Dec 30, 1863; not officially accounted for. -Joseph Davis, company B., mustered in Dec 30, 1863; not officially accounted for. -Lorenc McDermott, Company A, mustered in Jan 6, 1864; not officially accounted for. -Steven P. Smith, Company C, mustered in Jan 11, 1864; wounded Sept 30, 1864; mustered out July 17, 1865 SEVENTH REGIMENT -Richard Grace, Company G., mustered in Sept 22, 1864; promoted to corporal Feb 8, 1865; mustered out July 30, 1865. NINTH REGIMENT -Calvin Golden, Company D., mustered in July 12, 1862; not officially accounted for. ELEVENTH REGIMENT -M.S. Maxwell, Company C., mustered in June 25, 1864; substitute for Warren Sawyer; supposed to have deserted enroute to regiment. -William Murphy, Company B, mustered in July 2, 1864; mustered out May 25, 1865. -William Patterson, Company B., mustered in July 30, 1864; substitute for Jonathan R. Rowell; supposed to have deserted enroute to regiment FOURTEENTH REGIMENT -James Hall, Company K, mustered in Sept 6, 1864; not officially accounted for -George Hallman, COmpany K, mustered in Sept 20, 1864; not officially accounted for -James Jones, Company D., mustered in Sept 20, 1864; not officially accounted for FIRST REGIMENT OF HEAVY ARTILLERY -David J. Moore, mustered in Sept 14, 1864; transferred from Company H June 10, 1865; mustered out Sept 11, 1865. THE FOLLOWING MEN ARE NOT OFFICIALLY ACCOUNTED FOR: -Charles Raymond, Reuben Shirk, Charles Ames, Hutchinson Allen, Daniel Lowell. ************ BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH ************ **FRANK R. WOODWARD** The first American ancestor of Mr. Woodward, his great-great-grandfather, came to this country from Ireland prior to 1750 and settled in Maine, and was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. He had a son, Stephen, who served his country in the War of 1812. These were brave and patriotic men, proud of the distinction of being descendants of Hannah Dustin, of Indian fame. Stephen had a son, Jesse, who had a son, Daniel S., the father of the subject of this sketch. He married Dorcas, daughter of Enoch Adams and lived in Salisbury NH, and was a stone mason. Frank R. was born in Salisbury February 9, 1845, and when three years of age, his parents moved to Fisherville (now Penacook) where they lived four years and then moved to Franklin NH, where they kept the old "Hotel Boarding House" for several years. The boyhood of Frank R. was passed with his parents, and his early educational advantages were limited to the district school, which he attended winters, and assisted his father in his work in the summer. His mother, a devoted Christian woman, much desired that he should be educated for the ministry, but circumstances directed him otherwise. After a course of study at the old Franklin Academy, he commenced work in the mill, and with his wages assisted in the support of the family. This he continued to do until 1868, when he went to Manchester NH, where he was employed in H. Forsaith's needle-factory. Here he shortly became so efficient, and showed such an aptness to comprehend all the details of the work, that he was appointed superintendent, which position he filled with credit to himself and with profit to his employer. Under his management the business increased steadily, and in 1870 he bought out Mr. Forsaith and moved the enterprise to Hill NH and there did a thriving business. Mr. Woodward, being of an inventive turn of mind, and desiring to develop plans that he had in mind, sold out his needle-works and commenced the manufacture of novelties in hard-ware, notably a rotary steel glass-cutter, which he had brought to perfection. In this branch of manufacture Mr. Woodward has been very successful, and the business in it has so increased that his works are the largest in the world, and there is not a civilized nation on the globe where his name is not familiar among the hardware trade and his goods are taken as the standard of excellence. From small beginnings this business has grown as a tribute to the peculiar skill and sagacity of its originator and proprietor. In religion Mr. Woodward is a Free Baptist. he takes a lively interest in educational matters, and, while disinclined to hold office, has served on the Board of Education of his town as superintending school committee, and is active and earnest in the support of measures intended to benefit the young. In politics Mr. Woodward is a Democrat, although prior to 1884 he was, in some respects, independent, voting for men and measures that he thought most worthy of support. That he has the confidence of his fellow-townsmen of different political views from his own is attested by the fact that he is the present representative of the town of Hill, NH, in the General Court, although the town, on political matters, is Republican by a decided majority. Mr. Woodward has been once married, and his children are Edwin Chase, born February 11, 1867, died in infancy; May F., born February 17, 1871, died May 20, 1884; Flora A., born June 5, 1874; Lillia Gordon, born November 5, 1875, died in infancy; Eugene S., born Sept. 20, 1878, died in infancy. May F., who died at the age of thirteen, was a beautiful child, and greatly beloved by all who knew her. She was laid to rest in Pleasant Hill Cemetery, which was laid out by her father as a public cemetery after her death, and is dedicated to her memory. The other children, who were buried in the cemetery at Franklin, have been removed, and rest beside her in this lovely spot. Mr. Woodward is a member of the Masonic fraternity, also an Odd-Fellow, Knight of Pythias, Knight of Honor and a Good Templar. He is also postmaster at Hill, having been appointed in August 1885. Mr. Woodward is an enterprising citizen, a leader in town and village improvements, has the most beautiful residence in his town, and is respected and esteemed by all with whom he is in any way associated as a liberal citizen, a true friend. (end)