HISTORY OF BENNINGTON, HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE
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SOURCE: History of Hillsborough County, New Hampshire 
Philadelphia: J.W. Lewis & Co., 1885, 878 pgs.
 
p. 284
BENNINGTON
This town was incorporated December, 1842. The committee was John 
Dodge, John W. Flagg and John H. Fleming. Before 1800 there was quite a
population on this soil. It was known as Hancock Factory village and
Society Land. You may trace the west line of the latter, beginning at
the south and then north, including the present Carkin place and that
of John D. Butler, crossing the steps of the meeting house north to
N. Whitney's and from that to the Baldwin Bridge, then east, taking
in the houses on the road to Francestown.  Besides, when this town was
formed it took from Deering some ten houses; also a strip of territory
was taken from Greenfield and some change made on the Francestown line.
  Society Land, as if it were a town, kept records,--first date 1782,
and are full and well kept.
  The following quotation (1797) may aid the curious inquirer.  Three
school districts were made by Benjamin Killam, Gideon Dodge, and Isaac
Tenney, selectmen.
  "North--Robert Dismore, Nathaniel Farrington, Joseph Hardy, True
Webster, Isaac Tenny, Silas Tenny, Matthias Puffer.
  "Middle--Joseph Huntington, John Colby, Andrew Taylor, John Puffer,
Gideon Dodge, Nathan Cram, Benjamin Killam
  "South--John Felch, Hugh Bell, Matthias Gibson, Zacheus Dustin,
Daniel Dane, Moses Favor, Thomas Wilson."
  The purports twenty-one heads of families and, at the time living in
Society Land.  Some of these farms are identified, and three are still
in the family name.  One informs the writer that her father was
accustomed to go to market six times a winter; would load up, go three
and a half miles, leave his load, return home and rest the first night;
start early the next morning; and be absent near a week to Beverly,
Salem or Boston. This was common seventy or eighty years ago.  Some
time since the estimate of cultivated land in this town was three
thousand two hundred and ninety-nine acres, and when the country was
new no doubt the crops were good.  There are at present some excellent
farms and well cultivated, whereas the many neglected ones should
receive more labor and more fertilizers, and so benefit the owners.
Within a few years past some of the buildings have been repaired and
painted--an example that others might follow.  The best cultivation of
the soil helps the community.
  The facilities from water-power is another item. The advantages are
many; five dams cross the river, the upper for the powder-mill, now 
owned by the Paper-Mill Company, to retain water for a time of need.
  The Goodell Company have the second dam and the large shop attached.
From this a telephone connects the one at Antrim, two miles distant.
In this one the famous hammock-chairs are made. In many ways
Bennington and South Antrim are inseparable,--each quite dependent on
the other.
  The third dam is for grist-mill, saw-mill, shingle-mill etc. The
Hancock history will give early and late facts. First, Joseph Putnam,
then Dustan's & Burtt's (fathers and sons), JohN Carkin, George W. 
Burns, Jonathan E. King, and now John L. King. All the time business
enough to cause the industrious to prosper.
  The fourth dam was for the cotton-factory. This work was commenced
about 1810 by Benjamin Whittemore and his brother, the father of Amos;
and soon, on the death of the second mentioned, Amos and his brother,
George Alfred Whittemore, carried on the factory business for a few
years.  Rather the beginning of it was spinning cotton-yarn, much of
it was first woven by the women in the old way.
  The fifth dam is at W.T. Barker & Co's paper-mill where they have
made every essential improvement,--laying new foundations, putting in
steam-power for work continually, that no time be lost.  The owner is
prompt and thorough in his business, and seeks help that are willing to
be gaithful. Edward Finley, the leader in the mill, is a Scotchman,
trained to this from a boy. In the two years past the solid advancement
has been marked.

TOWN HALL AND SCHOOL-ROOMS--For many years there have been two school
districts in the village, and, after much discussion, it was decided
to unite in one district, and have a graded school, primary and 
grammar. The town needed a hall for meetings and business. The
committee to build the two were Hon. Amos Whittemore, William Eaton,
C.J. Kimball, George P. Griswold.  The whole was finished 1871, at a
cost for the former $2456.27 and for the latter $3800. It was said to
be done in a workmanlike manner. It has been thoroughly repainted, and
the past summer the roof has been slated; cost $313.87.  The idea has
been to secure the best teachers and the best schools.  Much has been
done for the youth in the town, and in this the lovers of good order
should persevere.

CHURCHES

BAPTIST CHURCH
On December 17, 1805, a Baptist Church was organized and recognized by
a council, at the house of Joseph Eaton, of Greenfield, by the name of
the Peterborough and Society Land Baptist Church. The constiutent
members were John Colby, Joseph Eaton, Benjamin Nichols, Isaac Tenney,
Jonas Dodge, Elizabeth Eaton, Mary Dean, Sally Eaton, Mary Darrah,
Elder Farrier, Mary B. Haggitt, Mary Hall, Charity Dodge. November 27,
1807, GIdeon Dodge united.
  August 19, 1824, it was voted to call it Society Land Baptist Church.
When Bennington was incorporated in 1842, the name was changed to
Bennington Baptist Church, and August 29, 1857 it was voted to call it
Antrim Baptist Church.
  Very little is known of the early pastors of the church. As far as
can be ascertained, they were Elders Elliott, Westcott, Farrar, 
Goodnow, McGregor and Joseph Davis and Revs. J.A. Boswell, F. Page,
John Woodbury, Zebulon Jones, Amzi Jones, J.M. CHick, S.L. Elliott.
  Rev. W.W. Lovejoy was pastor from 1850 to 1855. On January 2, 1852,
it was voted to hire Woodbury's Hall, at Antrim, and February 6, 1852,
it was voted to hold meetings all the time at South Antrim.  The 
pastors since then have been Rev. W. Kimball, 1856-62; Rev. L.C.
Stevens 1863-65; Rev. W. Hurlin 1866-73, seven years being the longest
pastorate in the history of the church; Rev. E.M. Shaw 1873-79;
Rev. W.H. Fish, being stated supply from Aug 1877 to Apr 1878 during
Mr. Shaw's absence on account of sickness; Rev. H.F. Brown 187-84.

CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
  The 6th of July 1839, a council was called and formed a 
Congregational Church. At this period the friends of the cause decided
to build the meeting-house. A committee chosen,--John Dodge, Samuel
Baldwin and Benjamin Whittemore.
  Amos Whittemore took the contact to build, and for this he employed
the most skillful workers. When funished it was dedicated with 
rejoicing.
  Rev. Ebenezer Colman supplied ten years. November 1841, Mr. Albert
Mason was called and ordained as pastor, and continued nine years. He
still lives in Quasequeton, Iowa.  June 1850 Rev. N.C. Ransom came and
supplied three years. Rev. J.M. Whiton, D.D> having resigned in Antrim,
removed here and preached until his last sickness and death, September
27, 1856.  June 1857, Rev. Daniel McClenning began a supply of near 
two years. Then Rev. William Claggett was here two years.  August 1861,
Rev. Enoch H. Caswell supplied, who was removed by death, Nov 11, 1863.
After a few months, Rev. Ira Morey came up from the oppressions of the
South and deeply interested the people, though his health was frail,
and he died November 27, 1864.  December 1865, Rev. Caleb Tracy
began to labor and closed January 3, 1868. There are many months when
there was only occasional preaching.  November 6, 1869, Rev. James
Holmes first preached, and continued till February 1883.  The church
then sought a pastor, and, after the usual trial, chose Mr. Josiah H.
Heald, a student at Andover Seminary, who was ordained as pastor
September 10, 1884.  The occasion was one of deep interest to the
town, for the people rejoiced.
  By the liberal subscriptions of the citizens and from large gifts of
friends in other places, the society has secured a personage which
is another ground of rejoicing--"Credit to whom it is due."
  George Alfred Whittemore $200; John D. Butler $200; Samuel Baldwin
$100; Nathan Whitney $100; George Andrew Whittemore $50; Caleb Jewett
Kimball $50; D.H. Goodell $25; A.M. Woodbury $25; Willard S. Carkin
$25; other men in town: $20, $10, $5 or less sums; over thirty ladies
in this place, $10, $5 or less sums; W.T. Barker & Co $50; B.F.
Whittemore, Boston $25; Geo. E. Payson, Dodge, Chicago $50; Hon W.B.
Dinsmore, New York, $250.  In this we see the people had a mind to
"give."
  The following have been deacons of the church: Frederick A. Mitchell,
May 1840; Isaac Baldwin May 1840; Francis Burnham Sept 1845; John J.
Whittemore, September 1845; Charles H. Coggin, November 1875;
Charles H. Kimball, November 1875.


  The same year the meeting-house was erected the hotel was built by
ARNOLD BURTT; the house on that site was removed to where Abraham
Burtt lives. The people rejoiced in having so large a public-house.
That same season the new road to Francestown was made, which was a
help to farmers and travelers.  Before this time, Mr. Burtt had built
the residence that Geo. And Whittemore owns, and not long after he
erected the large farm-house shed and barn where his widow has since
lived with her daughter and family, and the mother, the oldest person
in town, born April 19, 1798.  

JOHN AND BETSEY S. CARKIN came to this town in 1823. He built the first 
gun powder-mill in this section of  the country and continued the 
manufacture for over fifty years.   He died in 1883, aged ninety-one 
years. His wife died in 1866, aged seventy years.  They had five 
children,--Willard Smith, George Anson, Harriet Augusta, Clintina 
Marion, Edward Jones,--now all dead but Willard, who still has his home 
in Bennington, but is extensively engaged in the chain of Western Lakes 
as a contractor in the dredging business.  Also has coal-mines in West 
Virginia.  COnsequently remains at home very little, as his business 
has been entirely at the West for the last twenty years.  John Carkin 
was a man well proportioned, six feet in height, two hundred pounds in 
weight. He was known in all this region and far away, as his teams 
carried the powder to market. His  son Willard, when twelve years old, 
would drive one team and his father another.  The son, in many ways, 
like the father. The residence of Mr. Carkin is pleasant, farm well 
cultivated, occupied by Mrs. Carkin and daughter, now in her teens. 
The history of this town has been made brighter by the benevolence of 
this man, as well by the influence of his father and mother.

JOHN W. FLAGG came when a young man, had learned the trade of paper-
making, then worked by hand-power. Esq. Flagg was one of the committee
when the town was incorporated, and chosen the town clerk for a long
series of years. He was naturally an efficient man, his penmanship
superior, a great reader, fine memory; now a well-preserved man, yet
eighty-two last October. When in middle life he was in the excessive
use of tobacco, but becoming convinced of its injury, he reformed, and
has since given his influence for the right, saying much to persuade
youth to abstain, and is reaping the good fruit of his resolution.
He stands in wide contrast with those steeped and infected with the
poison, and, of course, he is a true temperance man.

SAMUEL BALDWIN, in 1826, came from Antrim, set up the business of
blacksmith, and soon built the brick house he has occupied ever since,
except from 1832, when he was at North Branch some four years. Could
the facts in his life he gathered and weighted how much ground for
thanks to God, the Giver of all mercy.  He is a strong man in body and
mind. He has taken good care of himself, had a system in his labor,
in his rest, has accomplished much and still ives in a green old age--
eighty-two last June but seems younger by ten years. He was one of the
committee to build the church. He was a teacher in his youth of
day-schools and in the Sabbath-school down to the present time. He
was trusted with much business and represented the town. Here it may be
well to make mention of his son, Samuel Dexter, who in early life
carried out goods; though frail in health, was energetic and successful
in business.

GEORGE W. BURNS, whose home is at Milford, has spent much time in this
town; for over twenty years has owned and operated the powder-mill;
also the grist-mill and saw-mill. has dealt very largely in wood and
lumber. Lately has erected many dwellings here and in Antrim. As the
railway was building, Mr. Burns was concerned in various ways. He has
furnished employment to many men and teams, and is still operating.
He sold the saw and grist-mill to Jonathan E. King, and at this
writing John L. King has the whole care of the business. There is
enough to give prosperity.

CALEB JEWETT KIMBALL, son of Isaac and Lucinda (Tenney) Kimball, was
born at Mason village (now Greenville) May 7, 1817; married Ruth
Burge Felt, daughter of David and Susan Pollard Felt, of Temple,
November 11, 1841. Located at Milford and resided there until 1849,
when they removed to Wilton, where they remained until Sept 18, 1851,
when they removed to this town. Mr. Kimball's business was that of a
blacksmith and tool-maker. In 1880 he commenced the manufacture of
hoes and continued for a term of years. In 1873 his son, George E.,
became equal partner in the manufacture of edge-tools and cutlery,
employing some ten men.  Mr. Kimball was superitendent of the
Congregational Sabbath-school fourteen consecutive years 1860 to 1874.
A consistent member of the church and society, very judicious in his
counsel. The writer is pleased to testify that Mr. Kimball and his
three sons have nothing to do with strong drink and tobacco.

FREDERICK H. KIMBALL has secured the most desirable and sightly 
location in the village, and erected a home of good taste and value.
His carpenter, Albert Goodwin, of New Boston, has earned in this place
a high character in his trade.

JOSIE CALDWELL has built a neat and convenient home for herslef and
daughter, now six years old, and will not need to move from house to
house. She adds one new residence to the town.

In the records of Society Land we learn that the DODGE farm was
taken up in 1783. GIDEON DODGE, son of James Dodge, of New Boston,
married Charity Cole, of Beverly, Mass. March 10, 1785, and moved
to the house he had built.
  Of the four sons, JOHN DODGE was the one who stayed at home, and
he was a leader in the Society Land and Bennington till his death, at
the age of seventy-two.  This was September 23, 1865.  A few years
since, the family built a large addition to the house, and the place
is called "Bennington Heights."  The best barn and shed in the town;
the former, one hundred feet long, is slated.  Near by stands the
venerable elm of one hundred years' growth.

The ANDREW TAYLOR farm is now owned by Eugene Holt.  The brick house
was built by Mr. Taylor about 1800. The present owner has built the
ell and fitted the whole for boarders.

May 15, 1797 is the family record of MOSES AND SUSANNA FAVOR. The
sixth child's name was EMERSON FAVOR, born July 26, 1800.
  James E. Favor, his son, owns the homestead.  Three years since, the
house was burned; the barn was saved.  He soon, with courage, erected
a fine boarding-house, neat and commodious, the roof slated. The site
is high. The scenery is delightful and is quite attractive to summer
boarders. It is three miles from the railroad station. The proprietors
of all these houses have teams to carry their patrons and friends,
and so make their stay pleasant and healthful.

JOHN F. DODGE, son of Solomon and Susan Felch Dodge, born Nov 30, 1833,
has been these many years a noted, stirring man in town, a ready
writer and correspondent for newspapers.

W.D. WOODS and family are all natural singers, possessing much taste
and skill in the church at funerals and in all social entertainments.
Mr. Woods has often composed hymns and tunes to be used in special
cases, which are a comfort to his friends.
  He and his brother, Eben F. were for a time associated together in
tool manufacture, and invented improvements, taking patents that are
used by the Goodell Cutlery Company.  Mrs. E.F. Woods has for a long 
time assorted the articles made, and is quick to see any defect. Now
it takes even ladies of taste and skill to do that part.  Mr. and Mrs.
E.F. Woods ride two miles morning and evening to fill their mission.

HUGH BELL, son of Abigail Kitterage Bell, born in Andover, Mass,
February 11, 1771, married Nancy, daughter of Captain David and Sarah
C. Wilson, of Deering. Eight children. Now, November 11, 1884, four
are living.  Twenty-one grandchildren and thirty-two great-grand
children.  Mr. Bell's daughter Betsey became the wife of Samuel 
Baldwin. Nancy, another daughter is Mrs. Jameson, of Antrim, who has
suffered so much about her sight.

WESLEY WILSON, born March 25, 1810 has lived in the town from 
childhood. A carpenter by trade, and does well in many others, as 
mason, painter, paper-hanger, pattern-maker. He thinks, is well-
informed, has done much in all town business, represented the town and
is one to be trusted. He it was who finished the inside of the
meeting-house.
  He built the house which Esquire Flagg has just moved.  Also the one
this way from Mr. Carkins'. Besides, he has fitted up many other
houses.  Buying the Deacon Burnham residence, has refitted the house,
shed, barn, and yard-fence in the best tsyle. He married Rebecca
Caldwell, September 18, 1834; she died September 25, 1884, they having
lived together over fifty years. Their children are Orville, born June
15, 1838; Orline A. born December 23, 1840

HON. AMOS WHITTEMORE was long a prominent actor in the history of
Bennington; born March 3, 1802; married Ruth Bullard, December 6, 1825.
Before this he commenced business in the village.
  The cotton-factory was built, and this youth when about eighteen
bought the machinery for it.  The material came to use; the large and
small things were planned. A boarding-house was required, and the
large brick house was erected. Some time fater it was made two
tenements, as it is now.  It required means, skill and energy. He 
built the brick store, then his own house, besides many others. He
was kind to help others, often became surety and sometimes to his own
hurt. He was a benefactor to the town; gave land where he wished a
vestry might be erected. The citizens do hold his name in high 
esteem. In early years he represented the town and later was State
Senator.
  GEORGE ALFRED WHITTEMORE, his brother, was born October 12, 1807.
These two were workers together in many ways for the good of the
community. This brother, as you have already read, headed the
subscription for the parsonage and annually helps to support the
minister and make up the charitable contributions.  He was the first
postmaster and continued some thirty years, and representative to
Concord.
  Another brother, JOHN J. WHITTEMORE, born March 6, 1810, married
Sarah Bullard, December 5, 1834. She was born February 20, 1809. This
man was most valuable in every place he filled. He was chosen deacon,
and felt diffident about accepting the office; yet he did accept, and
the few years he lived proved that he did right. Was much trusted and
represented the town at Concord.
  These parents had two sons and one daughter, all trained to industry.
How great the change when, by a short sickness, the husband and father
was called to his reward, December 9, 1859! God's promises have been
fulfilled by her who so deeply mourned.
  The oldest son by this deacon, John, was many years ago chosen
deacon, and just at this writing re-chosen that he may fill the place
of his father.
  GEORGE ANDREW WHITTEMORE, born April 21, 1837. He fills a most vital
place in town; he had the confidence of all classes. Has often been
urged to accept of office, but is slow to accept; yet years since
so unanimous was the vote for him as town treasurer, that he accpeted,
and has been a number of years re-elected. He was chosen treasurer of
the Congregational Society after the death of his Uncle Amos, who had
filled the office some forty years. He was first on the committee to
secure the parsonage. Has been postmaster since 1862.

ROBERT DINSMORE, born in Windham, November 14, 1751, married Sarah
Dickey, settled in Society Land, where from 1781 and after, he was
often in town office. They had eleven children. John (born March 23,
1781 remained at home, married Betsey Talbot of Francestorn, and died
November 1843. Horace Fuller, a son, born February 25, 1814, resides in
Francestown. Betsey, daughter of the above Robert, born March 1796,
married John Dodge, who has six children, three sons and three
grandchildren living. This John C. Dodge has had all kinds of town
office--representative 1868 and 1869.

SAMUEL ABBOTT came from Andover, Mass 1801; married Mrs. Ann Wallace.
They had three children. One of these still lives in Amherst--
Mrs. Sarah Dodge, a widow, eighty years of age, a lady of much
energy and benevolence.  Mr. Abbott was very prominent in town-
meetings; died March 29, 1833.

Samuel Abbott, the oldest man now living in tow, was born in
Hillsborough Oct 18, 1800. He is living with a daughter, Mrs. Wilkins.
In the house are four generations at present time.

WILLIAM GILLIS, born January 30, 1803, married Dorcas Pettee, and
have lived where they now do more than fifty years.

CHARLES GRAY, born in Hancock, December 19, 1800; married first, Edna
Wilson 1820; seven children; married second Olive Stiles; child,
Augustus W. born May 28, 1843, who married January 25, 1866, E. Abbie
Wilkins.  Two sons--George A. and Charles H., now living, youth of
high promise.  The father was three years in the war to crush the
Rebellion. He is popular; a moderator of town meetings.

SAMUEL WHITNEY, son of Smyrna and Ruth (Whitney) WHitney of 
Westminster, Mass, born March 7, 1821, bought the paper-mill of G.P.
Hall 1865.  Mill burned February 20, 1867, and rebuilt by him the
same year.  He died in Fitchburg March 31, 1868.

NATHAN WHITNEY, brother of Samuel, born in Westminster July 20, 1828.
Came to Bennington September 1866; took an interest in the paper-mill
with his brother Samuel, which continued until the mill was sold to
settle the estate of Samuel Whitney.He then continued to run the
paper-mill in company with Lyman Patch, of Fitchburg Mass, until
December 1, 1871.  In 1876 he hired the mill built by Taylor D. Lakin,
and put in wood-pulp machinery and run it three years.
  Nathan Whitney married, first, Mary S. Tolman, November 27, 1850;
second, Charlotte M. Belcher, November 30, 1864. Their children are
Frank E., born June 9, 1853; Caroline L., born December 25, 1856;
WIlliam B. born June 10, 1866; Samuel E. born October 12, 1867.
  Frank E. is a graduate of Darmouth 1878, settled as physician,
Rochester NH; Carrie married Dr. Hadley, resides at Block Island;
William B. in Amherst College; Samuel E. ready to enter this coming
summer.

B.F. GEORGE owns the place of his ancestors. He has lived in Nashua,
is a civil engineer, was employed in building the railroad to Keene
last November. He was chosen to represent the town March 1885.

CURRENT INFO:
Town Clerk, William H. Darrah; Treasurer, George Andrew Whittemore;
Selectmen, Wesley Wilson, B. F. George, E.J. Dodge; Superintendent,
Rev. J.H. Heald. Population, seven hundred and ninety-three.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES

SAMUEL BALDWIN
Samuel, son of Isaac and Bethia (Poole) Baldwin, grandson of Colonel
Nahum and Martha (Low) Baldwin, of Amherst, was born in Antrim,
June 15, 1802.  In early manhood he established himself at Bennington
(then Hanock Factory Village) as blacksmith, building, before marriage,
his shop and house, where he lived fifty-four years. He married,
September 30, 1830, Betsey G. Bell, daughter of Hugh and Nancy (Wilson)
Bell of Francestown, who died August 5, 1862.  A family of seven
children were born to them, two sons and five daughters (three of the
latter of whom survive their father).
  Improving to the utmost his limited advantages for education, very
fond of reading, and a close observor, he was well informed on all
subjects of general interest; earnest, liberal, public-spirited, he was
thoroughly identified with all the interests of the town, serving as
representative in 1857 and 1858, and on committee in various public
enterprises; was the first manufacturer of cutlery in town; retired
from a successful career in 1870, devoting his last years to farming,
which he much enjoyed.  He married, second, Mrs. Martha (Gregg) Lear,
of Manchester January 18, 1871, who died February 24, 1880; third,
Mrs. Margaret (Temple) Peaslee, of Nashua, May 2, 1882 who survives
him.
  Mr. Baldwin died February 18, 1885 after a long life of unwearied
industry, fidelity to duty and spotless integrity--a loving father, a
faithful friend and a humble Christian.

(end)