HISTORY OF MANCHESTER, HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE PART I ---------------------------------- 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 Hillsborough County, New Hampshire Philadelphia: J.W. Lewis & Co., 1885, 878 pgs. MANCHESTER, N.H. page 40B CHAPTER I Geographical-- Indian Occupancy-- The First Settlements-- Names of Pioneers-- The Fisheries-- Biographical Notices of Early settlers MANCHESTER lies in the eastern part of the county, and is bounded as follows: On the north by Merrimack County, on the east and south by Rockingham Councty, and on the west by Bedford and Goffstown. This territory was originally occupied by the Amoskeag Indians, a tribe subject to the Penacooks, who dwelt around Amoskeag Falls. The Indians, however, did not remain here until the advent of the white settlers. Probably forty years elapsed after the red man left his much-loved fisheries at the falls before the white man became a permanent resident. THE FIRST SETTLEMENT--To John GOffe Jr., Edward Lingfied and Benjamin Kidder is ascribed the honor of having been the first white settlers within the limits of the present town of Manchester. They located in 1722 and erected habitations on Cohas Brook. The excellent fisheries at this point soon attracted the attention of other enterprising pioneers, and not many years elapsed ere the locality witnessed a large (for that early day) influx of settlers, anxious to rear their homes at the "fishing at Ammosceeg." Among these were John McNeil, Archibald Stark, Benjamin Hadley, Benjamin Stevens, Nathaniel Martin, Ephraim Hildreth, Charles Emerson, William Perham, Benjamin Kidder, Benjamin Blodgett, John Ridell, Alexander McMurphy Jr., John Hall, Thomas Hall, Michael McClintock, David Dickey, William Gamble, Robert Anderson, Barber Leslie, William Nutt. Of these early settlers nearly all were active, enterprising men, while some were possessed of marked ability, and subsequently became thoroughly identified with the public enterprises of their day in this seciton of the Merrimack Valley. Many of these early settlers were from Londonderry, and were of Scotch-Irish extraction. JOHN GOFFE was an influential man in the new settlement, and had a son John, who became a distinguished officer in the French and Indian War. BENJAMIN KIDDER doubtless came here about 1722 with his father-in-law JOHN GOFFE, as he was a grantee of Londonderry [NH] in that year. He probably was originally of Billerica [MA]. He entered in the company under the famous Captain Lovewell, in the expedition against Pequauquauke, and while on the march, in the neighborhood of Ossipee Lake, was taken ill. It is probable that he did not long survive the hardships and exposures of this expedition. His son, John Kidder, was named as a legatee in the will of his grandfather, John Goffe, Esq., made in 1748. EDWARD LINGFIELD--Of Edward Lingfield very little is known. He married a daughter of John Goffe, Esq. and settled here about 1722. He was one of the thirty-four men who marched from Ossipee Lake to Pequauquauke, and took part in that famous battle, where he fought with great bravery. He was one of the nine men in that battle "who received no considerable wounds." After his return from that expedition, he recieved an ensigns commission as a reward of his heroic conduct in the battle of Pequauquauke. ARCHIBALD STARK was born in Glasgow, in Scotland, in 1693. Soon after graduating at the university he moved to Londonderry, in the north of Ireland, becoming what was usually denoted a "Scotch-Irishman." There he was married to a poor, but beautiful Scotch girl, by the name of Eleanor Nichols, and emigrated to America. He at first settled in Londonderry [NH] where he remained until some time in 1736, when, having his house burned, he removed to that portion of land upon the Merrimack, then known as Harrytown, upon a lot that had been granted to Samuel Thaxter by the government of Massachusetts, and which was situated upon the hill upon the east bank of the Merrimack, a short distance above the falls of Namaoskeag. Here he resided until his death. An educated man, Stark must have had a strong desire that his children should enjoy the advantages of an education; but in a wilderness surrounded by savages, and upon a soil not the most inviting, the sustenance and protection of his family demanded his attention rather more than their education. His children, however, were instructed at the fireside in the rudiments of an English education, and such principles were instilled into them as, accompanied with energy, courage and decision of character, made them fit actors in the stirring events of the period. His education fitted him rather for the walks of civil life; but yet we find him a volunteer for the protection of the frontier against the ravages of the Indians in 1745; and for the protection of the people in this immediate neighborhood, a fort was built at the outlet of Swager's or Fort Pond, which, out of compliment to Mr. Stark's enterprise in building and garrisoning the same, was called Stark's Fort. Mr. Stark had seven children,--four sons and three daughters. His four sons--William, John, Archibald, and Samuel--were noted soldiers in the Indian and French wars, and the three oldest had distinguished themselves as officers in the notable corps of Rangers prior to their father's death. The second, John, became the famous partisan officer in the Revolution, and as a brigadier won unfading laurels at the battle of Bennington. Mr. Stark died the 25th day of June, 1758, aged sixty-one years. JOHN HALL came to this country probably after 1730. He tarried some time in Londonderry [NH] and then moved upon a lot of land near the west line of Chester, and in that part of the town afterwards set off to form the town of Derryfield. He was an energetic business man, and for a series of years transacted much of the public business of this neighborhood and town. He kept a public-house until his death. The original frame house built by him, but added to according to business and fashion, until little of the original could be recognized, was standing until 1852, when it was destroyed by fire. It had always been kept as a public-house, and generally by some one of the name. Mr. Hall was the agent of the inhabitants for obtaining the charter of Derryfield in 1751, and was the first town clerk under that charter. He was elected to that office fifteen years, and in one and the same year was moderator, first selectman and town clerk. WILLIAM GAMBLE and MICHAEL McCLINTOCK.-- William Gamble came to this country in 1722, aged fourteen years. He and two elder brothers, Archibald and Thomas, and a sister Mary, started together for America, but the elder brothers were pressed into the British service upon the point of sailing, leaving the boy William and his sister to make the voyage alone. William was saved from the press-gang alone by the ready exercise of "woman's wit." The Gambles had started under the protection of Mr. and Mrs. Michael McClintock, who resided in the same neighborhood and were about to emigrate to New England. Upon witnessing the seizure of the elder brothers, Mrs. McClintock called to William Gamble, "Come here, Billy, quickly," and upon Billy approaching her, she continued, "Snuggle down here, Billy," and she hid him under the folds of her capacious dress! There he remained safely until the gang had searched the house for the boy in vain, and retired in high dudgeon at their ill success. Upon coming to this country, the McClintocks came to Londonderry [NH]. They were industrious, thriving people, and Michael and William, his son, built the first bridge across the Cohoes, and also another across the Little Cohoes, on the road from Amoskeag to Derry. These bridges were built in 1738, and were probably near where bridges are now maintained across the same streams on the "old road to Derry." The McClintocks were voted twenty shillings a year for ten years for the use of these bridges. WILLIAM GAMBLE upon his arrival in Boston, went to work on the ferry from Charlestown to Boston. Here he remained two years. During the Indian War of 1745 he joined several "scouts," and upon the commencement of the "Old French War," in 1755, having lost his wife, he enlisted in the regular service, and was in most of the war, being under Wolfe on the "Plains of Abraham." JOHN McNEIL came to Londonderry [NH] with the first emigrants in 1719. The McNeils of Scotland and in the north of Ireland were men of known reputation for bravery, and Daniel mcNeil was one of the Council of the city of Londonderry [Ireland] and has the honor, with twenty-one others of that body, of withstanding the duplicity and treachery of Lundy, the traitorous Governor, and affixing their signatures to a resolution to stand by each other in defense of the city, which resolution, placarded upon the market-house and read at the head of the battalions in the garrison, led to the successful defense of the city. JOHN McNEIL was a lineal descendant of this councilor. Becoming involved in a quarrel with a person of distinction in his neighborhood, who attacked him in the highway, McNeil knocked him from his horse, and left him to be cared for by his retainers. This encounter, though perfectly justifiable on the part of Mr. McNeil, as his antagonist was the attacking party, made his tarry in Ireland unpleasant, if not unsafe, and he emigrated to America and settled in Londonderry [NH]. Here he established a reputation not only as a man of courage but one of great strength, and neither white or red man upon the borders dared to risk a hand-to-hand encounter with him. Measuring six feet and a half in height, with a corresponding frame, and stern, unbending will, he was a fit outpost, as if it were, of civilization, and many are the traditions of his personal encounters during a long and eventful border life. His wife, Christian, was well mated with him, of strong frame and great energy and courage. It is related that upon one occasion a stranger came to the door and inquired for McNeil. Christiana told him that her "gude mon" was not at home. Upon which the stranger expressed much regret. Christiana inquired as to the business upon which he came, and the stranger told her he had heard a great deal of the strength of McNeil and his skill in wrestling, and he had come some considerable distance to throw him. "And troth, mon," said Christiana McNeil, "Johnny is gone, but I'm not the woman to see ye disappointed, an' I think if ye'll try mon, I'll throw ye meself." The stranger, not liking to be thus bantered by a woman, accepted the challenge, and, sure enough, Christian tripped his heels and threw him upon the ground. The stranger, upon getting up, thought he would not wait for "Johnny," but left without deigning to leave his name. THE FISHERIES AT AMOSKEAG--At the time the white settlers located along the Merrimack the fisheries at Amoskeag Falls had become famous through the adjacent country. Here salmon, shad, the alewife and lamprey eel were found in great abundance. In a journal kept by Hon. Matthew Patten, of Bedford, is the following entry: "1759, June 8-9. Fished at Namoskeag Falls and got 120 shad and I gave Robert McMurphy 10 of them, and I got 4 shad and 1 small salmon for my part from the setting-place. Wm. Peters fished for me by the halves." Says Judge Potter, in his "History of Manchester,"-- "The fishing place was of the greatest importance to the people. Tradition has it that the Rev. Mr. McGregore was the first person of the Londonderry settlement to visit the Falls, led thither by curiousity, and prompted by information obtained at Andover as to their grandeur and the abundance of fish to be found near them at certain seasons of the year. From this fact originated the custom of presenting Mr. McGregore and his successors the first fruits of the fishing season. The first fish caught by any man of Londonderry, salmon, shad, alewife or eel, was reserved as a gift to 'the minister.' "As early as 1729 a road was laid out and built from Ninian Cochran's house (in Londonderry) 'then keeping by or near the old path to Amosceeg Falls.' And another road was laid out at the same time intersecting the 'Ammosceeg road,' for the accomodation of other sections of the town. This undertaking of building a road some ten miles miles through the wilderness, in the infancy of that colony, shows of how great importance the 'fishing at Ammosceeg' was considered by the people of Londonderry; and it was natural that they should be strenuous in maintaining their claim to the lands adjacent. Accordingly, we find their claim to the lands and the subject of the fisheries connected with them matters acted upon in their town-meetings at an early date. As early as 1729 people have moved upon these lands probably for the purpose of holding them for Massachusetts, she claiming to a line three miles east of the Merrimack by her charter. This was a serious matter for the people of Londonderry, and in the warrant for a town-meeting bearing date January 8, 1730-31, there was the following article: "11thly: TO see whether they will allow a Lawyer to be consulted about those persons that are settling at Ammosceeg. And at the meeting this article was thus disposed of,-- "11thly: Voted that they are willing to leave the consulting of a lawyer about the settlement that is carried on at Ammosceeg to the selectmen and committee that is appointed for the defence of the propriety.' "It is not known what action was taken by the selectmen and committee upon the matter; but it is to be inferred, as the records are silent upon the subject, that no legal action was taken at that time. The people from Massachusetts continued to occupy the lands in this neighborhood at intervals, and it is probable that some fo them had a continuous occupation from this time under the authority of the government. Under such circumstances it is probable that after 'consulting a lawyer,' the people of Londonderry concluded to take quiet possession of the land and wait the result of the hearing about to be had in England as to the claims of Massachusetts. That the people of Londonderry continued in control of the business here is shown by the records of the following year, where is found the warrant, one article of which reads thus,-- "4thly, TO see whether they will beat the expense of two canoos to be kept at Ammosceeg for the safety of the people at the fishing.' "On the day of the meeting, April 22, 1731, the following action was had on the 4th article: "4thly, That in order to the safety of our town's people at the fishing at Ammosceeg the selectmen is empowered to allow and pay out of the public charge or rates of the town three pounds in Bills of credit to such person or persons as shall be obliged to make two good sufficient canoos, the selectmen obliging the aforesaid undertakers to serve the Inhabitants of the town the whole time fishing before any out town's people, and shall not exceed one shill pr hundred for all the fish that they shall ferry over from the Islands and the owner of the fish and his attendants is to be ferried backwards and forwards at free cost." The whites took fish with spears, scoop-nets and seines, and in large quantities; so that people coming from the surrounding country with their wagons and carts could get them filled sometimes for carting the shad away, to make room for the salmon, and always for a mere trifling price. Immense quantites of shad were taken at one haul or drag of the seine. The "New Hampshire Gazette" of May 23, 1760, has the following item under its editorial head: "One day last week, was drawn by a new at one Draught, Two Thousand Five hundred odd Shad Fish, out of the River Merrimack near Bedford, in this Province. Thought remarkable by some people." ------------------------- EXTRACT from poem by WILLIAM STARK, read at the centennial celebration of Manchester in 1851 "Our fathers treasured the slimy prize; They loved the eel as their very eyes; And of one 'tis said, with a slander rife, For a string of eels he sold his wife! "From the eels they formed their food in chief, And eels were called 'Derryfield beef!' And the marks of eels were so plain to trace, That the children looked like eels in the face; And before they walked, it is well confirmed, That the children never crept, but squirmed. "Such a mighty power did the squirmers wield O'er the goodly men of old Derryfield, It is often said that their only care, And their only wish, and their only prayer, For the present world and the world to come, Was a string of eels and a jug of rum!" ----------------- Among the names given to the various fishing-places were the following: Eel Falls, Fire Mill, Todd Gut, Russ Ray's Hooking-Place, South Gut, Thompson Place, Watching Falls, Little Pulpit, Mudget Place, Slash Hole, Point Rock, Black Rock, Swine's Back, Snapping-Place, Pulpit, Hacket's Stand, Sullivan's Point, Crack in the Rock, Bat Place, Dalton Place, Puppy Trap, Pot Place, Patten Rock, Setting Place, Maple Stump, The Colt, Salmon Rock, Eel Trap, Salmon Gut, Mast Rock. ************** CHAPTER II The French and Indian War-- A Fort Built-- Names of Soldiers from Derryfield-- Captain Goffe and Others-- Derryfield Men at Crown Point; also at Fort William Henry-- War of the Revolution-- First Action of the Town-- Derryfield Men at Lexington-- Names of Revolutionary Soldiers-- Major-General John Stark-- Sketch of his Life-- Burial- Place. DURING the French and Indian War, which began in 1746, the settlers of Amoskeag took an active part and a fort was erected at the outlet of what is now Nutt's Pond. There were soldiers from this town also in the French War in 1755, this locality sending three companies. These were commanded by Captains Goffe and Moor, of Derryfield, and the other by Captain Rogers, of what is now Dunbarton. The roll of Captain Goffe was as follows: John Goffe, captain; Samuel Moor, lieutenant; Nathanial Martain, ensign; Jonathan Corlis, sergeant; Jonas Hastings, sergeant; John Goffe Jr., sergeant; Thomas Merrill, clerk; Samuel Martain, corporal; John Moor, corporal; Joshua Martain, corporal; Benjamin Eastman, corporal; Benjamin Kidder, drummer; Joseph George, John Bedell, Benjamin Hadley, Thomas George, Israel Young, Josiah Rowell, William Kelley, Joseph Merrill, Daniel Corlis, Ebenezer Coston, Daniel martain, Jacob Silliway, Stephen George, David Nutt, Robert Nutt, Obadiah Hawes, David Willson, William Ford, Aaron Quinby, Nathan Howard, Thomas McLaughlin, John Littell, William McDugal, Robert Holmes, John Wortly, Benjamin Vickery, William Barron, Nathaniel Smith, William Walker, David Welch, Caleb Daulton,, James Petters, Aaron Copps, Jacob Jewell, Ebenezer Martain, John Harwood, Amaziah Hildreth, John Kidder, John Rowell and Thomas Wortly. Captain Moor's roll was as follows: John moor, captain; Antony Emary, lieutenant; Alexander Todd, ensign; Matthew Read, sergeant; Thomas Read, sergeant; James Moor, sergeant; William Spear, sergeant; Ezekiel Steel, corporal; Samuel McDuffy, corporal; John Rickey, corporal; John Spear, corporal; Robert Cochran Theophalas Harvey, Barber Lesly, William Campble, James Onail, Robert Tawddle, John McCordy, Thomas Gregg, Joshua Rowlings, Thomas Hutchings, Robert Edwards, Edward Carns, Alexander McClary, Robert Smith, David Vance, Robert Kennade, Robert McKeen, James Bean, John Cunningham, Samuel Boyde, John Crage, James Oughterson, Michael Johnson, John Logan, Robert Morrel, John McNight, John Welch, James Ligget, John Mitchel, David Toword, Esa Stevens, Mark Care (or Kary), Samuel Miller, Edward Bean, William Kenniston, James Baley, Nathaniel McKary. The following mostly from this neighborhood, were at the battle of Lake George, and were subsequently known as the "Rangers." Robert Rogers, captain; Richard Rogers, lieutenant; Noah Johnson, ensign; James Archibald, sergeant; John McCurdy, sergeant; James McNeal, corporal; Nathaniel Johnson, corporal; John Michel, Isaac Colton, James Henry, James Clark, Timothy Hodsdase, John Wadleigh, Stephen Young, Joshua Titwood, James Adison, Jonathan Silaway, John Brown, Elisha Bennett, Rowling Foster, James Grise, James Morgan, James Welch, Matthew Christopher, James Simonds, Charles Dudley, John Kiser, John Hartman, John Frost, James Mars, Samuel Letch, David Nutt, William McKeen, Nathaniel Smith, Philip Wills, William Cunningham, William Aker, John Leiton, William Wheeler, Simon Toby, Benjamin Squanton, Pileh Simpson, Piller Mahanton. A regiment of New Hampshire men were raised for the expedition to Crown Point in 1756, of which John Goffe was major. The company from this locality was as follows: Nathaniel Marton, lieutenant; Thomas Merrel, second lieutenant; John Goffe Jr., ensign; Samuel Martain, sergeant; Joseph Eastman, sergeant; Ebenezer Martain, sergeant; Thomas McLaughlin, sergeant; John Wortly, corporal; John Straw, corporal; Jacob Jewell, corporal; Josiah Canfield, corporal; Benjamin Kidder, drummer; Joseph Ordway, Joseph George, Benjamin Hadly, Thomas George, William Keneston, Ebenezer Coaston, John McClellen, Jonathan Fifield, James Blanchard, Paul Fowler, Plumer Hadley, John FOwler, Peter Moose, Joel Mannuel, George Sheppard, Samuel Sheppard, James McCaughlin, Ebenezer Ordway, Isaac Walker, James Peters, Jacob Sawyer, Daniel Flanders, Daniel Emerson, William Barron, Timothy Barron, Andrew Stone, Caleb Emary, Zebediah Farnum, Luther Morgan, Joseph Pudney, John McLaughlin, John Kedder, Caleb Daulton. The following company of Derryfield men were at the seige of Fort William Henry: Richard Emary, captain; Nathaniel Martain, first lieutenant; Pallata Russell, second lieutenant; John Moore, ensign; Darby Kelley, sergeant; Joseph Pearsons, sergeant; Benjamin Kidder Sr., sergeant; John Little, sergeant; Caleb Emary Sr., corporal; Robert Murdock, corporal; Micajah Wynn, corporal; John Hutchenson, corporal; George Berry, drummer; Josiah Bean, Jonathan Prescutt, Benjamin Roberts, John Moore, Joseph Whicherweed, James Dunlap, Edward Bean, William Batchelder, Edward Critchet, Joseph Hillayerd, Ebenezer Hutchenson, Samuel Hardie, Henry Hutchenson, Joseph Eckerson, Jonathan Melcher, Samuel Ring, Elijah Ring, Hezekiah Swaine, William Towle, Joseph Webster, John Burnes, Jonathan Corlis Jr., Asa Corlis, James Clough, Caleb Daulton, Caleb Emary Jr., Daniel Emerson, John Griffin, John Gorden, Thomas Georg, Thomas Kennady, Robert Kennady, Benjamin Kidder Jr., John Kidder, William McDugall, (for B. Linkfield), John Merrill, James Patterson, Benjamin Pettingal, Ezekiel Stevens, James Titcomb, Leonard Blanchard, Timothy Barron, William Butterfield, James McCalley, Samuel Gibson, Thomas Lancey, Josiah Parker, Simon McQuestin, Peter Bussell, Samuel Chase, John Davis, Benjamin Davis, William Hutchenson, David Parker, Henry Parker, William Sillaway, John Webster (for D. Allen), William Drought, Lazarus Rowe, Daniel Darling, Stephen Gilman, Tristram Quimby, John Sandburne, Gideon Young, Samuel Young, Stephen Webster, Solomon Prescutt, Thomas Parker, Ceasar Nero, John Corlis, David Nutt, Ebenezer Coarston, Moses Chase, John Stell, Jacob Bridgham, Patrick Clark. The first vote of the town in relation to the War of the Revolution was under date of January 2, 1775, when it was voted to call a meeting on the 16th of the same month,-- "2ly. To see if the town will chose a man or men as Deputies to go to Exeter the 25th Day of January Instant, in Behalf of said town in order to meet the Deputies form the Neighboring Towns in said Province." At this meeting it was "Voted on the second article, not to send a man to Exeter, but that the Selectmen send a Letter to said Exeter, and insert in said Letter that the said town will bear their Equal proportion of money that shall here-after arise towards paying the cost of the General Congress, as any other town in the Province." There were thirty four men from Derryfield in the battle of Lexington, and there wre but thirty-six men in the entire town capable of bearing arms. THe names of the soldiers have not been procured, but the subjoined tax-list of Derryfield for 1775 shows that a large majority of the tax-payers were of the volunteers: "Conl. John Goffe 19s 4d John Rand, Esqr. 13s 8d Maj. John Moors 3L 13s 5d 2q Ensin. Samuel Moors 10s 11d 2q James mcNight 9s Capt. Nathaniel Merton 3s 6d William Nutt 9s 9d 2q Timothy Mertion 3s John Griffen 10s 5d 5q John Griffen Junr 3s Benjamin Baker 8s 2q Benjamin Baker Jr. 3s Johanathan Merrell 5s 2q Jesse Baker 3s Joseph Gorge 10s 2d Abrham Merrell 16s 9d 2q Abrham Merrell Junr 6s 2q David Merrell 3s 8d Joseph Griffen 9s Ezekiel Stavens 11s 8d 2q Joseph farmer 3s Isaac farmer 3s Widow Sarah Russ 4s 11d Robert Clark 6s 2d John Reay 4s Conl. John Stark 15s David farmor 3s Levt. Jame McCalley 7s 6d Esin. Samuel Stark 6s 10d Robert McNight 3s David McNight 3s 6d Dainel Blodget, Litchfield 1s Joshua Blodget, Litchfield 4s 4d 2q Capt. William Parham 10s 9d John Parham 10s 3d Ebenezer Coster 5s 6d Charls Eamerson 10s 5 d Charles Eamerson Junr 3s 6d Gorge Eamerson 4s 6d John Harvey 19s 2d 2q William Parham, Junr 10s 3d Micheal McClintock 4s 4d 2q James Pairces 8s 11d Capt. Alexander mcMurphey 12s 4d Moses Crombie 3s 6d Esin. Samuel Boyd 8s 3d 2q Esin. Natheniel Boyd 6d 2d Widow Margaret Boyd 5s 1d 2q John Dickey 8s 2q William Gemble 11s 2d 2q Robert Cuningham 4s 2d David Starret 11s 4d John Hall 7s 3d 2q Daniel Hall 8s 2q Sergt. Ebnezer Stivns 9s 7d 2q Hugh thompson 3s 10d Benjmen Pilsbury 3s 6d thomas Numan 3s 1d Josen Masten Bakerstown 8d James Lagon, Londonderry 4s Alexander Irving 3s 6d Ceaser Griffen 4s [signed by Joseph George, Samuel Stark, Select Men] "Recorded this 24th day of December, 1775 "John Hall, Town Clark" Stark was at work in his saw-mill, at the head of the Amoskeag Falls, when he heard this news, and without a moment's delay he shut down the gate of his mill, repaired to his house, took his gun and ammunition, mounted his horse in his shirt-sleeves, as he came from the mill and rode on to meet the enemy. As he journeyed on he left word for volunteers to meet him at Medford, and without delay made the best of his way to Lexington. On his entire route his force continually increased, so that on the following morning, when he arrived at Lexington, he had at his command a large force of "backwoodsmen." The town Committee of Safety, in 1775, consisted of John Harve, Lieutenant James McCalley, Samuel Boyd, Ensign Samuel Moors and John Hall. COLONY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE, ETC.--COMMITEE OF SAFETY "April 12, 1776 "To the Selectmen of Derryfield: In order to carry the underwritten resolve of the Honorable Continental Congress into execution, you are requested to desire all Males, above twenty-one years of age (lunatics, idiots and negroes excepted) to sign the declaration on this paper, and when so done, to make return thereof, together with the name or names of all who shall refuse to sign the same, to the General assembly or Committee of Safety of this Colony. "M. Weare, Chairman." "In Congress, March 14, 1776 "Resolved, That it be recommended to the several Assemblies, COnventions or Committees of Safety of the United States immediately to cause all persons to be disarmed, within their respective Colonies, who are notoriously disaffected to the cause of America, or who have not associated and refuse to associate to defend by Arms the United Colonies against the hostile attempts of the British Fleets and Armies "Extract from the minutes, "Charles Thompson, Secretary. "In consequence of the above Resolution of the Continental Congress, and to show our determination in joining our American brethren in defending the lives, liberties and properties of the inhabitants of the United Colonies, We, the Subscribers, do hereby solemnly engage and promise that we will, to the utmost of our power, at the risk of our lives and fortunes, with arms, oppose the hostile proceedings of the British Fleets and Armies against the United States Colonies." This was signed by the following persons, and duly returned by the selectmen: "John Hall, Thomas Newman, David Merrill, William McClintock, John GOffe, Robert Cunningham, Samuel Boyd, Michael McClintock, David Starret, John Perham, Benja. Baker, William Perham, Simon Lull, James Peirse, Abraham Merrill, John Ray, Nathaniel Boyd, Robert Clark, Joseph George, James Gorman, John Grifen, Moses Crombey, Joseph Farmer, John Moor, William Perham, Ebenezer Stevens, Daniel Hall, John Dickey, JOhn Rand, Alexr. McMurphy, Charles Emerson, Benjamin Crombie, Ezekiel Stevens, William Nutt, John Harvey, George Greaham, William Gambell, Abraham Merrill, Jonathan Merrill, Moses Merrill, John Russ, Samuel Stark, Jesse Baker, James McNight, Theofflas Grifin, Joseph Grifin, Hugh Thompson. "Colony of New Hampshire, June 1st, day 1776. To the Hon. Mr. Weare, Chearman, this is to certify that we the subscribers has Presented the Within Declaration to the Inhabitants of said Town and they Have alle Signed Said Declaration, which we in our Judgment thought had a right to Sign the Same. "Certified by us, "David Starret, Ezekiel Stevens, John Perham, Selectmen" June 1, 1776, the following persons were in the army from Derryfield: Colonel John Stark, Captain John Moor, Captain James McCalley, Captain Alexander McMurphy, Captain Nathaniel Martin, Benjamin Baker, Nathaniel Baker, Ebenezer Costor, Timothy Dow, Samuel Harvey,--more than one fourth of the inhabitants of the town "fit to Bare arms." In 1777 a bounty of eight dollars was voted to each man who should enlist for a term of three years. The tax-list was as follows: " Michael McClintock 1L 2s 10d Moses Merrill 1L 2s 2d James Peirce 2L 19s 2d Barber Lessly 1L 8d William Parham Junior 2L 14 s John Hervey 4L 9s 1d Charles Emerson 2L 17s 4d Capt. William Parham 2L 18s 6d Levt. John Parham 3L 2d Ebenezer Coster 1L 15s 2d Benjamin Pilsburey 19s 6d Ensin. Samuel Boyd 2L 3s 7d Ensin. Nathaniel Boyd 18s 2d Widow and William Boyd 1L 8s Capt. Alexander McMurphy 3L 9s 7d Benjamin Crombie 2L 2s 3d John Dickey 2L 8s 2d William Gambell 3L 14s 2d Thomas Newman 1L 2s Timothy Dow 15s 8d James Gorman 2L 9s 7d George Graham 18s 2d Ceazer Griffen 1L 11s 1d Alexander Irwing 15s James Lyon of Londonderry 5s 2d William McClintock 3L 5s John Goffe Junior 1L 6s Nathaniel Mertain 18s 2d Moses Crombie 1L 4s 8d Sammuel Morrson 1L 10d William Page of Londonderry 2s 8d David Farmer 18s 2d Hugh Thompson 1L 12s 6d John Hughs 2L 8s 2d Joseph Sanders 1L 3s 4d Nathaniel merrill 15s 8d Daniel Blodget, Litchfield 7s 10d Conl. John Goffe 3L 3s 4d John Rand, Esqr. 1L 6d Maj. John Moore 4L 4s 6d Capt. Samuel Moor 4L 7s 2d James Mcnight 15s 8d William Nutt 2L 13s 4d Joseph Griffen 2L 14s 8d John Griffen 2L 4d Benjamin Baker 2L 17s 2d Joseph George 2L 1s Abraham Merrill 3L 15s 4d Ensin. Abraham Merrill 1L 13s 2d Ezekiel Stavens 3L 12s 2d Widow and John Russ 1L 13s 10d John Ray 9s 2d Conl. John Stark 4L 19s 8d Capt. James Mcalley 1L 15s 2d Ensin. Samuel Stark 2L 9s 4d Jonathan Merrill 1L 7s 4d Jesse Baker 15s 8d Benjamin Baker Junr 18s 2d Nathaniel Baker 15s 8d Theofflas Grifin 18s 2d Levt. Ebenezer Stavens 2L 17s 5d John Griffen Junr 1L 2s 1d Levt. JOhn Hall 3L 17s 8d Daniel Hall 2L 4d David Starret 3L 15s 7d TOTAL: 132L 13s 4d A few months after, the town voted Colonel John Goffe a committee to furnish Robert McNight's family with proper provisions during his absence in the Continental army, or the family of any other soldier who should need assistance. And the people were equally liberal on other occasions when acting individually. Thus, this same year they subscribed most liberally in aid of volunteers, although they had already submitted to a double tax. When the retreat from Ticonderoga was first heard of in this town, Captain Nathaniel martin, Theophilus Griffin, Nathaniel Baker, John Nutt, Enoch Harvey and David Farmer immediately volunteered and marched to Number Four. A contribution was made among the inhabitants for Martin, Griffin and Baker, and L4 10s was raised. Soon after, when it was seen that an encounter with the British was inevitable in that quarter, and Start was in need of troops, another contribution was made "to hold on John Nutt, Enoch Harvey, Theophilus Griffin, and David Farmer," and L44 10s were raised, and they "held on" and participated with their neighbors in the glorious battle of Bennington. The following is a list of those subscribing: The account hereafter Sat Down is money payd by Individual Inhabitants of the Town of Derryfield to the Soldiers Raised at Sundry times for Carrin on this unnateral ware from the first of September, 1776, and upwards is as follows (L/pounds, s., d.) "Ezekiel Stavins paid to Enoch harvey for going to New York - 3 0 0 Capt. Samuel moor & David Starret paid to Nathaniel Baker do - 4 10 0 Levt. John Parham paid to Timothy martin for ditto - 3 0 0 "paid by the Sundrey persons hereafter Named to Nathaniel martain, Theophilus Griffin & Nathaniel Baker as volunteers wen they went to Noumber four about the retreat from Ty are as followeth: (L s d) William Gamble - 0 6 0 Esns. Samuel Boyd - 0 3 0 Samuel morreson - 0 2 0 Ezekiel Stavins 0 3 4 James German 0 2 6 Abraham merrill Junion 0 3 0 Capt. Samuel moore 0 2 0 James mcNight 0 3 6 Levt. John Hall 0 3 6 James Pairce 0 3 0 Abrham Merrill 0 5 0 Jonathan Merrill 0 3 0 Ebenezr Stavens 0 3 0 Joseph Sanders 0 2 0 John Dickey 0 3 0 John Hall Junior 0 2 6 William Nutt 0 3 0 JOhn Hall 0 2 6 Col. JOhn Stark 0 6 0 Capt. William Parham 0 6 0 William McClintock 0 6 0 Col. John Goffe 0 6 0 and John harvey 0 4 8 "Paid by Individuals to hold on John Nutt, Enoch harvey, Theophilus Griffin & avid farmer, wen they went with General Stark to the Battel at Benenton, are as followeth (viz): James McNight 1 4 0 Col. John Goffe 2 8 0 Majr. John Moore 2 2 0 William Nutt 2 4 0 John Griffin 0 12 0 Benjamin Baker 1 10 0 Joseph George 0 18 0 THomas Newman 0 9 0 Abraham Merrell 2 2 0 Joseph Farmer 5 10 0 Ensn. Samuel Stark 0 12 0 Levt. John Hall 1 16 0 William Gamble 1 4 0 John Dickey 0 18 0 Capt. Alexr mcmurphy 1 10 0 Ensn. Samuel Boyd 1 10 0 Michael McClintock 0 12 0 William mcClintock 1 4 0 Capt. Wm. Parham 2 8 0 Charles Emerson 0 18 0 John Hervey 3 0 0 John Hughs 1 10 0 James Parice 0 18 0 David Starret 0 18 0 Zaccheus Richison 0 2 6 Moses Merrill 0 6 0 Capt. Samuel Moor 0 16 0 Ensn. Abrham Merrill 0 12 0 Daniel hall 0 18 0 Levt. John Parham 1 10 0 James Garman 0 12 0 William Parham, Junr 1 4 0 Joseph Sanders 0 12 0 William Parham Junr 1 4 0 Joseph Sanders 0 12 0 Jonathan Merrill 0 12 0 Moses Crombie 0 12 0 Nathaniel Merrill 0 6 0 Levt. Ebenezer Stavins 0 12 0 TOTAL: L44 19s 6d ************************* The following sketches of Revolutionary patriots are taken from Judge Potter's "History of Manchester." MAJOR-GENERAL JOHN STARK was the third son of Archibald Stark, Esq. one of the early settlers of Derryfield. His father was a man of education, and imparted to his children such instruction, and such principles at the fireside as few others upon the frontier were able to confer upon their children. During Stark's boyhood the remnants of the Pennacook Indians were still in the Merrimack Valley, and made Amoskeag their annual rendevous during the fishing season, and, in fact, in the earlier Indian Wars, some of them were employed as soldiers by our government, and were enrolled with other soldiers. In this manner, young Stark, a hunter from position and necessity, became well acquainted with the habits of the Indians. This knowledge gave him a superiority over most of his brother soldiers in the war with the Indians and French that followed. However, this knowledge would have been to no great purpose had it not been united in him with other qualities peculiarly befitting a soldier of those times. He was remarkable for the vigor and activity of the physical man, and hence for his capability in sustaining fatigue. Adding to these, quick perception, indomitable energy and remarkable decision of character, he was the soldier for the times in which he lived, and, in fact, such qualities are the elements of success at any and all times. His success was an officer in the noted Rangers of the Seven Years' War gave him a popularity among the people at large, and the soldiers in particular, that placed him in the front rank as a successful soldier upon the breaking out of the Revolution. It was this popularity among the soldiers that gained his services to the country, for it his appointment or promotion had been left to the politicians of the day, it is doubtful, from the way in which he was treated by them, whether he could have succeeded to any command. Once at the head of a regiment, and in service, the battle-field told the story of his bravery. His brilliant achievements at Bunker Hill, Trenton, Princeton and Bennington are well known. Early in 1778 he repaired to ALbany and assumed the command of the Northern Department, and remained there until ordered to join General Gates at Providence. He passed the winter in New Hampshire, in urging forward recruits and supplies, but in the spring joined General Gates at Providence. In November, by General Washington's orders, he joined him in New Jersey, and after a short time was sent by Washington to New England to make requisition for men and provisions. In 1780 he was with Washington at Morristown and took part in the battle of Springfield. Soon after, he was ordered to New England, collected a body of militia, and marched them to West Point. General Stark was one of the court martial who decided the fate of Major Andre, and reluctantly, though in obdience to his duty, and for his country's advantage, favored the sentence of death upon that brave but unfortunate officer. In 1781 he again took charge of the Northern Department. The country was overrun with robbers and Tories, and he had but a weak and inefficient force, but his strict discipline and stern justice dealt out to spies and Tories soon brought things into better order. The capture of Lord Cornwallis brought the war to a close, but General Stark was ordered to New Hampshire for men and supplies. The most of 1782 he was afflicted with a rheumatic complaint, brought on by long exposure, and was not able to join his command. In 1783, however, he joined Washington, and soon after aided by his counsels in allaying those feelings of disquiet excited by the treacherous Newburg letters among the officers and soldiers of the army. Upon news of peace, Stark bore the happy intelligence to New Hampshire, and forthwith retired to his farm at Derryfield to enjoy that repose he so much needed. But his active mind could not be at rest, and he engaged in all of those plans for the advantage of the town and State which were so necessary to be matured and carried out by clear heads and strong nerves. The unjust claim of the Masonian proprietors to the lands betwixt a straight and a curve line, between the northeast and northwest corner bounds of the Masonian grant was first successfully opposed by him, and to his exertions it was mainly owing that the Legislature took the matter in hand, and established the claim of the State to the lands in question, thus quieting hundreds of small farmers in the possession of their lands, and in the end adding largely to the funds of the State. He was ever found upon the side of his country, and when, in 1786, discontent had ripened into open rebellion, and the Legislature had been surrounded by armed malcontents, the veteran Stark stood ready for the occasion and would have volunteered his services had not the insurrection been repressed by the judicious councils and determined action of the gallant Sullivan, who was at that time, most opportunely, at the head of our State government. He refused all civil office that would take him from his home, but in his native town he was ready to serve his townsmen in any capacity where he could be of advantage, and did not trespass too much upon his valuable time. Thus living not for himself alone, but for his country, the veteran Stark passed into the wane of life, ever taking, as long as life lasted, a lively interest in every incident in our country's history. At length, suffering from the effects of a paralytic shock at the extreme age of ninety-three years, eight months and twenty-two days, the old hero departed this life on wednesday, the 8th day of May, 1822. The Friday following his death his remains were interred, with military honors, in a cemetery he had inclosed upon his own farm, a large concourse of people being in attendance to witness the imposing ceremony, and pay their last respects over the body of the man who had contributed so largely in filling "the measure of his country's glory." The cemetery is situated upon a commanding bluff upon the east bank of the Merrimack, and over his remains his family have placed a plain shaft of granite, indicative alike of his simplicity and hardihood, upon which is inscribed, "Maj.-General Stark." This simply stone points to his ashes alone but his memory is engraven upon the hearts of his countrymen. ******** MAJOR JOHN MOORE--He had been an officer in the preceding French war, in which he had won the reputation of a man of courage and energy. After the conquest of Canada he quietly settled down upon his farm at Cohoes Brook. Upon the news of the battle of Lexington he led his neighbors of Amoskeag to the scene of action, and on the 24th of April was commissioned by the Committee of Safety of Massachusetts as a captain in Stark's regiment. Thomas McLaughlin, of Bedford, was commissioned as lieutenant at the same time. He forthwith enlisted a company of fifty-seven men, mainly of Derryfield, Bedford and Goffstown. His roll was as follows: John Moore, Captain; Thomas McLaughlin, lieutenant; Nathaniel Boyd, sergeant; John O'Neil, sergeant; David Mcquig, sergeant; John Jordan, sergeant; William Patterson, corporal; Abraham Johnson, corporal; Joshua Page, corporal; Samuel Patten, corporal; Harry Glover, drummer; James Butterfield, fifter; John Alld, Edward Bicksbey, Samuel Barron, Benjamin Baker, John Callohan, John Cyphers, Samuel Caldwell, Jonas Cutting, Edmond Davis, Charles Emerson, George Emerson, Luke Egan, John Goffe, John Gregg, Benjamin George, James Gledder, James Gibson, James Hogg, Arthur Hoit, Thomas Huse, Solomon Hutchinson, John Hunter, James Houston, George Hogg, Lemuel Harvey, Calvin Johnson, Samuel Martin, Timothy Martin, David McKnight, James McPherson, John Caldwell McNeil, John Mills, John Matthews, John McPherson, Goffe Moore, Thomas McClary, Samuel Moore, David Moore, John McMurphy, William Newman, James Orr, Archibald Stark, Caleb Stark, John Turner, John Wyer, Hugh Campbell, Alexander Hutchinson, William McGilway, James Moore. Three of the men joined the company at a subsequent date, viz: Samuel Patten, of Bedford, June 17th, James Gibson, probably of Londonderry and John McMurphy of Derryfield, July 16th. Samuel Patten enlisted on the 17th, and, with the fifty-seven others enlisted on the 24th of April, participated in the battle of Bunker Hill. In that battle none did better service than Captain John Moore and his company of Amoskeag, as related elsewhere. On the 18th of June, the day following the battle, Captain Moore was complimented with a major's commission, to take the place in Stark's regiment of Major McClary, who had been killed in the battle of the day preceding. Lieutenant McLaughlin was promoted ot the captaincy thus made vacant, and Sergeant Nathaniel Boyd, of Derryfield, was made lieutenant in his place. Major Moore remained with the army but a few months, with the state of his health obliged him to retire to his farm. He continued, however, his active participation in all matters on foot in the town, county and State, to forward the patriot cause, until his removal from the State in 1778. In that year he moved to Norridgewock, in Maine, where he ever maintained a most respectable position in life. He died in January 1809. ****** MAJOR JOHN GOFFE was a son of the noted Colonel John Goffe of Derryfield. He resided in Bedford, just across the Merrimack from his father. In the Seven Years' War he was a lieutenant in Captain Martin's company, in Goffe's Regiment. At the close of the French war he returned to bedford and resumed his occupation as a farmer and miller. He received a captain's commission from Governor Wentworth in 1764 and 1768 was promoted to a majority. At the commencement of hostilities he volunteered, went to Cambridge, enlisted in Captain Moore's company as a private, and was in the battle of Bunker Hill. In the summer after, he left the army and returned home, his business requiring his presence. Several of his sons served in the War of the Revolution, and two of them lost their lives in that struggle--Stephen being lost at sea, and William killed in an engagement. But in civil life Major Goffe was active in the patriot cause, and was successful in furnishing recruits for the army. When General Stark called for more troops to assist in conquering Burgoyne, Major Goffe at once volunteered his services as a private, and marched to the conflict, thus favoring the great cause by precept, and example. Of a truth, the good that such men do lives after them. He died at Bedford, aged eighty-five years. ******* LIEUTENANT JOHN ORR was of Bedford [NH] where, at the commencement of the Revolution, he was a successful farmer. He volunteered under stark in his expedition to Bennington, and was appointed a lieutenant in Captain McConnell's company, in Colonel Stickney's regiment. This regiment was one of the two that were sent against the Tory breast-work on the right of the enemy's works, south of the Hoosac. Early in the fight Lieutenant Orr was wounded in the knee by a musket-ball. Unable to stand, he lay upon the ground some time before any one came to his assistance. Sergeant Griffin then came to him, and with the assistance of another soldier, carried him to a place of safety, forced to drag him upon his back through a corn and flax-field to shun the sharpshooters of the enemy. From want of skil the fracture was not property reduced; but employing a private surgeon he began to mend, but was unable to be removed until February. On the 4th of that month, he started for home, riding upon a bed in a sleigh, and reached home in ten days, after much suffering. He was unable to step till the October following, with crutches even. In the end he recovered his health, and though ever lame, was able to resume the active duties of life. He was much in public business, and filled the offices of selectman, Representative and Senator in the State Legislature with credit to himself in town and district. Lieutenant Orr died in Bedford in January, 1823, aged sixty-five years. *********** SERGEANT EPHRAIM STEVENS was another true soldier of Derryfield. He never knew fear. Whether driving the Hessian from their quarters, or attacking them without regard to disparity of numbers, as at Trenton, he was the same dauntless man. He was one who "snuffed the battle from afar," and was ready to engage in it. When relating his affair at Trenton, in beating up the quarters of the Hessians, he was wont to say that the bayoneted Hessians, as they lay upon the floor, was the prettiest sight he ever saw. He was of powerful make, and had the reputation of being the "strongest man in the army." In the camp at Valley Forge, when, by the recommendation of the officers, the soldiers engaged in all manner of athletic sports, Sergeant Stevens was wont to "beat the ring" wrestoling and lifting. The trial of strength was in shouldering and carrying of "oak butts;" he could shoulder and carry the biggest "oak but of any man in the army." Such a man was invaluable as a soldier. Want of education prevented his promotion. After the close of the war Sergeant Stevens returned to Derryfield and became a successful farmer. He died in 1845, aged eighty-seven years. ******** SERGEANT THEOPHILUS GRIFFIN--He was another brave soldier of Derryfield. He was with Stark at the battle of Trenton, and was one of the men who assisted Stevens in adventure with the Hessians, before related. The most of the day he went barefooted through the snow, throwing off his worthless shoes soon after commencing the pursuit of the retreating Hessian, and this without a murmur. No man fought better than Theophilus Griffin; but he must have a leader. He could execute, not direct. When the news came of the retreat from Ticonderoga, he was one of the first to volunteer his services to meet the enemy, and was with Stark at Bennington, where, in addition to fighting bravely, he assisted with the greatest hazard in carrying Lieutenant Orr from the field when disabled by a severe wound. After the close of the war, he settled down upon a small farm, but with indifferent success as a farmer. Habits fostered, if not contracted in the service unfitted him for steady employment. He preferred the exciting scenes of the camp to quiet labor, and, used to those, in the time of peace he sought excitement where it could be found, and, as was often the case with other soldiers, passed the last years of his life with little advantage to himself or society. He, however, fought nobly for his country, and his name deserves a place among the patriots of Derryfield. He died at Derryfield at an advanced age. ************ SAMUEL REMICK--He was an apprentice in Bedford [NH] at the time of Burgoyne's approach from the north. He volunteered under Stark and was at the battle of Bennington. He stood by Lieutenant Orr, saw him fall and carried from the field. As he emerged from the corn-field he took a position behind an oak and commenced firing upon the enemy. He fired some eight or ten times, when, as he was loading his gun, an unlucky bullet from the enemy's works brought him to the ground. In this position he loaded and fired several times upon the enemy. At length, giving his gun to a man, the lock of whose gun had been broken by a ball, he dragged himself to a fence near by, where he was taken upon a blanket and carried to the surgeon's quarters, an open field on the banks of the Hoosac. He soon recovered, and lived to a good old age, recieiving the bounties of his country for his sufferings in the cause of liberty. The following were also in the war from this town: Ephraim Stevens, David Merrill, James Thompson, Benjamin George, Isaac George, Ichabod Martin and Robert McNight. *********************************** ChAPTER III CIVIL HISTORY The Charter of Derryfield-- Original Bounds-- The First Town Meeting-- Officers Elected-- Portion of Harrytown Annexed in 1795-- Town Names Manchester in 1810-- List of Selectmen, Moderators and Town Clerks-- The Town-meeting of 1840-- Much Excitement Prevails-- Thirty Constables Chosen to Keep Order-- The Waning Power of the Town-- Strength of the "New Village"-- First Town-Meeting in the "New village"- Town House Erected-- Incorporation of the City-- First City Election-- Officers Chosen-- Organization of the First City Government-- List of Mayors and Clerks from Organization 1o 1885 The town of Manchester, embracing portions of the towns of Londonderry and Chester, and a tract of land lying on the Merrimack River, belonging to the Masonian proprietors, called "Harrytown," was chartered September 3, 1751, under the name of "Derryfield." This name is said to have been derived from the fact that the people of Londonderry had been accustomed to pasture their cattle within its limits. The charter was as follows: "Provine of New Hampshire "[L.S.] George the second by the grace of God, of Great Britain, France and Ireland King, Defender of the Faith, &c., and to all whom these presents shall come. "Greeting: "Whereas, our loyal subjects, inhabitants of a tract of land within our province of New Hampshire aforesaid, lying partly within that part of our province of New Hampshire called Londonderry in part, and in part in Chester, and in part of land not heretofore granted to any town within our province aforesaid, have humbly petitioned and requested to us that they may be erected and incorporated into a township, and infranchised with the same powers and privileges which other towns within our sai dprovince by law have and enjoy; and it appearing to us to be conducive to the general good of our said province, as well as of said inhabitants in particular, by maintaining good order, and encouraging the cultivation of the land, that the same should be done; Know Ye, therefore, that we, of our especial grace, certain knowledge and for the encouragement and promoting the good purposes and ends aforesaid, by and with the advice of our trusty and well-beloved Bennington Wentworth, Esq., our Governor and Commander In Chief, and of our Council of our Province of New Hampshire aforesaid, have erected and ordained, and by these presents, for ourselves and successors, do will and ordain, that the inhabitants of a (the) tract of land aforesaid, shall inhabit and improve thereon hereafter abutted and bounded as follows, viz: Beginning at a pitch pine tree standing upon the town line, between Chester and Londonderry, marked one hundred and thirty four, being the bounds of one of the sixty-acre lots in said Chester, being the South West corner of said lot; thence running south into the township of Londonderry one hundred and sixty rods to a stake and stones; thence running west to Londonderry North and South line; thence running south upon Londonderry line to the Head line of Litchfield to a stake and stones; thence running upon the head line of Litchfield to the Bank of the Merrimack river; thence runing up said river as the river runs eight miles to a stake and stones standing upon the bank of said river; thence running East South East one mile and three quarters, through land not granted to any town, until it comes to Chester line; thence running two miles and a half and fifty- two rods on the same course into the township of Chester, to a stake and stones; thence running south four miles and a half to the bounds first mentioned, all which lands within said bounded which lies within the townships of Londonderry and Chester aforesaid, are not to be liable to pay any taxes or rates, but as they shall be settled, and by these presents are declared and ordained to be a town corporated, and are hereby erected and incorporated into a body politick, and a corporation to have continuance forever by the name of Derryfield, with all the powers, authorities, privileges, immunities and infranchises to them, the said inhabitants and their successors forever, always reserving to us, our heirs and successors, all white pine trees growing and being, or that shall hereafter grow and be on the said tract of land, fit for the use of our Royal Navy, reserving also the power of dividing said town to us, our heirs and successors, when it shall appear necessary and convenient for the benefit of the inhabitants thereof, and as the several towns within our said province of New Hampshire, are by law thereof entitled and authorized to assemble, and by the majority of votes to choose all said officers are mentioned in the said laws. "We do by these presents nominate and appoint John McMurphy to call the first meeting of the inhabitants to be held within the said town at any time within twenty days from the day hereof, giving legal notice of the time, place and design of holding said meeting in said town, after which the annual meeting in said town shall be held for the choice of town officers, and forever on the first Monday in March annually. In testimony whereof we have caused the seal of our said Province to be hereto affixed. "Witness, Benning Wentworth, Esq., our Governor and Commander in Chief of our said Province, the third day of September, in the year of our Lord Christ, one thousand seven hundred and fifty-one, and in the twenty-fifth year of our Reign. "By His Excellency's Command with advice of Council "B. Wentworth. "Theodore Atkinson, Sec'y" Province of New Hampshire "Entered and recorded in the Book of Charter, this third day of September, 1756, paged 79 & 80 "Per Theodore Atkinson, Sec'y" This charter covered about eighteen square miles of the southwest part of Chester, about nine square miles of the northwest part of Londonderry, including The Peak, and the strip of land between Londonderry, Chester and the Merrimack River, called Harrytown, containing about eight square miles. This charter did not embrace the whole of what was known as Harrytown, a nook at the north part, betwixt Chester and Merrimack being left ungranted. This contained about two square miles, was called Harrysborough, and was added to Derryfield in 1792. The act of incorporation empowered John McMurphy to call the first town meeting which was held at the house of John Hall, inn-holder, September 23, 1751, as follows: "Province of New Hampshire "At a meeting of the proprietors, freeholders and inhabitants of Derryfield, assembled at the house of John Hall, in said town. At the first meeting upon Monday, the twenty-third day of September, Anno Dom'o 1751, by his Excellency's direction in the charter for said township, dated September the third, 1751, according to the direction in said charter, by his Excellency's command, 1, the subscriber issued a notification for choice of town officers upon the afforesaid day, and the afforesaid house, and the people being assembled, "Voted, John Goffe, first Selectman William Perham, Ditto Selectman Nathaniel Boyd, Ditto Selectman Daniel McNeil Ditto Selectman Eleiza Wells, Ditto Selectman "3dly, for town clerk, John Hall. "4thly, Commissioners for assessment, to examine the Selectmen's account, William McClintock, William Stark. "5thly, for constable, Robert Anderson "6thly, for tything men, John Harvey, William Elliott "7thly, for surveyors of highways, Abraham Merrill, John Riddle, John Hall. "8thly, for Invoice men, Charles Emerson, Samuel Martin "9thly, for Haywards, Moses Wells, William Gamble "10thly, Deer-keepers, Charles Emerson, William Stark "11thly, for culler of staves, Benjamin Stevens "12thly, for surveyor of boards, planks, joists, and timber, Abraham Merrill "Recorded by me, John Hall, Town Clerk." Thus the town was organized under the charter. The next town-meeting was holden the 16th of November following and mainly for the purpose of raising money to defray the expenses of obtaining the charter. On the 4th of November, the meeting was called by warrant of the Selectmen, the second article which was "2. To rase money to defray the charges that Mr. John Hall has been at in obtaining a corporation for said town and to chuse a committee for examining and allowing his accounts." At the meeting held November 26, 1751, upon the second article of the warrant, it was "Voted, that Mr. John Hall be paid all the money that a committee upon the examination of his accounts shall allow to be his just due for obtaining an incorporation for this town, and the committee's names are as followeth: John Goffe, William McClinto, William Perham." This committee made their report to the selectmen December 21, 1751, as follows: "Derryfield, December ye 21, 1751 "To the selectmen of Derryfeild, Gents, We, the subscribers, being a committee chosen by the town of Derryfield to examine and allow the accounts of Mr. John Hall, that we should find justly due to him for his obtaining a corporation for said town, we have set upon that affair, and upon a critical examination of the accounts of said John we find that he has expended in money and time, at a reasonable, or rather moderate allowance, amounts to the sum of two hundred and fifty-one pounds old tenor, and accordingly we judge it highly reasonable that he should have the sum with all possible expedition. "Certified by us the day and year above. "William McClinto, John Goffe, William Perham, 'Committee Men'" At the same meeting the following votes were passed: "3dly, Voted to Rase 24 pounds old tenor, to be rased to paye fore Priching for this present year. "4thly, voted to Rase 12 pounds old tenor to defray the charges that may arise the present year." As originally incorporated the town was wholly on the east side of the Merrimack. In 1795, by an act of the Legislature, a gore of land was annexed to the north side of the time, being a portion of "Harrytown,(1)" and was intended to be included in the original incorporation. June 13, 1810, the name of the town was changed to manchester, it is said, as a compliment to Hon. Samuel Blodgett, who constructed a canal around Amoskeag Falls and who had often asserted that this place some day would be the Manchester of America." (1) It seems that a portion of this city, next to the Merrimack, consisting of a strip of land three miles in width, extending through its entire length was granted, in 1635, to Ephraim Hildredth, John Shepley and others, by the Province of Massachusetts, that province claiming that their north line extended three miles north and east of the Merrimack. Hildreth and Shepley, for themsleves and other soldiers under Captain William Tyng, petitioned the General Court of Massachusetts province for the grant of a tract of land six miles square lying on both sides of the Merrimack River at Amoskeag Falls. The petition was presented on the ground of services rendered in an expedition against the Indians on show-shoes, in the winter of 1703. This petition was granted and the tract of land included within it was known by the names of Tyngstown. Tyngstown extended from "Suncook or Lovewell's Town" (now Pembroke) to Litchfield, and was bounded on the west by the Merrimack, and on the east by a line parallel to the Merrimack, and on the west by a line parallel to the merrimack, and at the distance of three miles from the same. Thus the town was about twelve miles in length and three miles in length."-- Rev. C. W. Wallace, D.D. SELECTMEN OF DERRYFIELD AND MANCHESTeR 1751, John Goffe, WIlliam Perham, Nathaniel Boyd, Daniel McNiel, Eleazer Wells; 1752, John GOffe, Archibald Stark, Alexander McMurphy; 1753, William Perham, Alexander McMurphy, John Riddell; 1754,William McClintock, Alexander McMurphy, John Hall 1755, Daniel McNiel, Robert Anderson, John Harvey 1756, Daniel McNiel, Robert Anderson, John Harvey 1757, Eleazer Robbins, Robert Anderson, Daniel McNiel 1758, William Perham, William McClintock, Abraham Merrill 1759, William Perham, William McClintock, Abraham Merrill 1760, William McClintock, Hugh Sterling, Abraham Merrill 1761, William Perham, John Hall, Thomas Russ 1762, William Perham, John Stark, John Moors 1763, John Stark, William McClintock, John Moors 1764, William McClintock, John Stark, John Moors 1765, William Perham, William McClintock, Abraham Merrill 1766, Aleander McMurphy, Ebenezer Stevens, John Hall, David McKnight 1767, Eleazer Robbins, Alexander McClintock, Nathaniel Boyd 1768, John Hall, John Goffe, John Harvey 1769, William McClintock, Alexander McMurphy, John Moor 1770, William McClintock, Alexander McMurphy, John Moor 1771, William McClintock, Alexander McMurphy 1772, Alexander McMurphy, John Moor, William McClintock 1773, John Stark, Samuel Boyd, James McCalley 1774, James McCalley, Samuel Boyd, John Perham 1775, John Stark, John Moor, Joseph Goerge 1776, David Starrett, Ezekiel Stevens, John Perhaps 1777, John Goffe, Eenezer Stevens, Benjamin Crombie 1778, John Hall, Benjamin Baker, Samuel Boyd 1779, David Starrett, John Perham, Samuel Moor, Jonathan Russ 1780, JOnathan Russ, John Sheldon, Samuel Moor 1781, John Hall, Smauel Moor, Jonathan Russ 1782, Samuel Moor, Jonathan Russ, Joseph Sanders 1783, Samuel Moor, Joseph Sanders, Jonathan Russ 1784, Joseph Sanders, John Goffe, John Hall 1785, John Goffe Jr., William Perham, Samuel Stark 1786, Joseph Fermor, John Goffe Jr., Isaac Huse 1787, James Thompson, Isaac Huse, John Greene 1788, John Hall, John Webster, John Perham 1789, James Thompson, John Green, John Ray 1790, Isaac Huse, Samuel Moor, JOhn Stark Jr. 1792, Daniel Davis, Samuel Moor, John Stark Jr. 1793, John Goffe, Isaac Huse, John Webster 1794, JOhn Stark Jr., Daniel Davis, Samuel Moor Jr. 1795, Daniel Davis, John STark Jr., Samuel Moor, John Ray, John Perham 1796, Isaac Huse, John Tufts, John Stark Jr. 1797, John Goffe, Samuel Moor Jr., Samuel Blodget 1798, John Goffe, Daniel Davis, John Stark 1799, John Ray, Joseph Moore, Daniel Davis 1800, Samuel Moor Jr., John Ray, Israel Webster 1801, Samuel Moor Jr., John Ray, Israel Webster 1802, Samuel Moore Jr., Israel Webster, John Ray 1803, Samuel Moor Jr., Israel Webster, John Stark (3d) 1804, Samuel Moor Jr., Isaac Huse, John Stark (3d) 1805, Samuel Moor Jr., Edward Ray, Archibald Gamble 1806, Samuel Moor Jr., Edward Ray, Amos Weston 1807, Samuel Moor Jr., Amos Weston, Edward Ray 1808, Samuel Moor Jr., Amos Weston, Samuel Hall 1809, Samuel Moor Jr., Isaac Huse, John Stark 1810, Samuel Moor Jr., Thomas Stickney, Isaac Huse 1811, John Stark Jr., Amos Weston, Israel Webster 1812, Samuel Moor Jr., John Stark Jr., John Dickey 1813, Samuel Moor, Job Rowell, John Dickey 1814, Isaac Huse, Israel Webster, John G. Moor 1815, Isaac Huse, Israel Webster, Ephraim Stevens Jr. 1816, Isaac Huse, John Frye, John Stark (4th) 1817, Isaac Huse, John Stark (4th), John Dickey 1818, Isaac Huse, John Dickey, Nathaniel Moor 1819, Samuel Moor, Ephraim Stevens Jr., John Stark (4th) 1820, Joseph Moor, Ephraim Stevens Jr., Amos Weston Jr. 1821, Amos Weston Jr., Ephraim Stevens Jr., John Proctor 1822, Amos Weston Jr., John Proctor, Nathaniel Moor 1823, Amos Weston Jr., Nathaniel Moor, John Proctor 1824, Amos Weston Jr., Nathaniel Moore, Isaac Huse 1825, Amos Weston Jr., Isaac Huse, Nathaniel Moore 1826, Frederick G. Stark, Israel Merrill, James McQueston 1827, Frederick G. Stark, Amos Weston Jr., Franklin Moor 1828, John Gamble, JOhn Ray, Nathaniel Moore 1829, Frederick G. Stark, Archibald Stark, James McQueston 1830, Amos Weston Jr., John Proctor, Nathaniel Conant 1831, Frederick G. Stark, John Proctor, George Clark 1832, Amos Weston Jr., Frederick G. Stark, George Clark 1833, Amos Weston Jr., John Proctor, James McQueston 1834, James McQueston, Gilbert Greeley, Frederick G. Stark 1835, Frederick G. Stark, Amos Weston Jr., Isaac Huse 1836, Frederick G. Stark, Amos Weston Jr., Gilbert Greeley 1837, Amos Weston Jr., Gilbert Greeley, Joseph M. Rowell 1838, Joseph M. Rowell, Archibald Gamble Jr., Isaac Huse 1840, Amos Weston Jr., J.T.P. Hunt, Hiram Brown 1841, Amos Weston Jr., Isaac C. Flanders, Isaac Huse 1842, Moses Fellows, Andrew Bunton Jr., Abram Brigham 1843, Moses Fellows, Andrew Bunton Jr., David Child 1844, Nathan Parker, Warren L. Lane, George Clark 1845, Nathan Parker, George Clark, Charles Chase 1846, Moses Fellows, Andrew Bunton Jr., Edward McQuesten. **** MODERATORS ***** 1751, John Goffe 1742-54, William Perham 1755-56, John Goffe 1757, Archibald Stark 1758-60, William McClintock 1761, William Perham 1762-63, John Goffe 1764, John Stark 1765, Alexander McMurphy 1766, John Hall 1767, David Starrett 1768, Thomas Russ 1769, William McClintock 1770-73, John Stark 1774, John Goffe 1775, John Stark 1776-1777, John Goffe 1778, John Hall 1779, John Goffe 1780, John Harvey 1781, John Hall 1782, John Little 1783, John Stark 1784, John Hall 1785, John Stark 1786, John Hall 1787, John Little 1788, James Gorman 1789, John Stark 1790, Samuel Moor 1791-92, John Stark 1793, John Webster 1794, John Stark 1795-96, Daniel Davis 1797, John Goffe 1798, Samuel Blodget 1799, Daniel Davis 1800, Samuel P. Kidder 1801, John Stark 1802, Joseph Moor 1803, John Stark 1804, Joseph Moor 1805, Samuel P. Kidder 1806, John Stark 1807-8, David Flint 1809-11, John G. Moor 1812, David Flint 1813, William Hall 1814, John G. Moor 1815-16, John Dwinnells 1817-18, John Stark 1819, Samuel Moor 1820, Nathaniel Moor 1821, John G. Moor 1822, John Stark 1823-25, Nathaniel Moor 1821, John G. Moor 1822, John Stark, 1823-25, Nathaniel Moor 1826, Ephraim Stevens Jr. 1827, John Stark (3d) 1828, Nathaniel Moor 1829, Ephraim Stevens Jr. 1830-32, Frederick G. Stark 1833, Ephraim Stevens Jr. 1834, Gilbert Greeley 1835, Ephraim Stevens Jr. 1836, Gilbert Greeley 1837, Frederick G. Stark 1838, Ephraim Stevens Jr. 1839-40, Charles Stark 1841, James McK. Wilkins 1842-43, Joseph Cochran Jr. 1844, George W. Morrison 1845-46, Herman Foster *** TOWN CLERKS *** 1751-53, John Hall 1754, Alexander McMurphy 1755-56, JohN Goffe 1757-66, John Hall 1767-74, David Starrett 1775, John Hall 1776-79, David Starrett 1779-86, Asael Smith 1787, John Russ 1788, John Hall 1789-93, John Goffe 1794, John Stark Jr. 1795, Isaac Huse 1796, Samuel P. Kidder 1797-98 John Tufts 1799-1810, Samuel Moor Jr. 1811, John Stark Jr. 1812-13, Isaac Huse 1814, Samuel Moor 1815-18 John G. Moor 1819-23, Frederick G. Stark 1824-25, Amos Weston Jr. 1826-28, Franklin Moor 1829-30, Samuel Jackson 1831-33, Amos Weston Jr. 1834-37, John R. Hall 1838-40, Samuel Jackson 1841, Walter French 1842-46, John M. Noyes The town-meetings were held in the town until 1840. The increasing power of the "New Village" was not looked upon with favor by the old inhabitants, who regarded these new-comers are interlopers. Mutual jealousies soon arose, which finally resulted in a stormy town-meeting in March, 1840, which required the selection of thirty constables to keep order before the other town officers were elected. It had become apparent (said Judge Potter, in referring to this meeting) that the inhabitants of the "New Village" would soon outnumber those of the town, if they did not act at that time. The people of the village did not talk or act with much moderation. They openly told their intention of controlling the affairs of the town, and the nominations for town officers by the two parties seem to have been made with this idea, as all the candidates for the important offices in the town lived at the "New Village," or in its immediate vicinity. At the annual meeting the votes of the first day showed conclusively that the people of the "New Village" predominated. Accordingly, when about to adjourn on the evening of that day, a motion was made to adjourn to meet at Washington Hall, on Amherst Street, at ten o'clock A.M. of the next day. This motion at once produced a most stormy discussion. Upon putting the question, the utmost confusion prevailed and a poll of the house was demanded. Finally it was proposed that the two parties to the question should form in lines upon the common, in front of the town-house, and should be counted by the selectmen, thus taking the vote surely and in order. This suggestion met the views of all parties; the question was put by the moderator and a large portion of the voters went out and formed lines as suggested. While most of the voters had thus left the house, some one made a motion to adjourn the meeting to the next day, then to meet at the town-house; the moderator put the vote, it was carried, and the meeting was declared adjourned. When the "outsiders" heard of the vote, they rushed into the house; but to no purpose, the meeting was adjourned, and the moderator would hear no motion. After much confusion the people left the house and went home; but on both sides it was only to rally their forces for the contest the next day. The voters of the "New Village" met the same night in Washington Hall, and laying aside their political preferences, nominated a union ticket for town officers. The next day the parties were at the polls at an early hour, all under much excitement; so much so, that it soon became apparent that they could not proceed with the meeting without an increase of the constabulary force; it was accordingly "Voted to postpone the choice of selectmen until constables be chosen." They then made choice of thirty constables, as follows, viz: James McQuesten, J.L. Bradford, David Young, William P. Farmer, Mace Moulton, Matthew Kennedy, Walter French, John H. Copp, Levi Sargent, Adam Gilmore, Jonathan R. Cochran, Isaac C. Flanders, Adam Gilmore, Jonathan R. Cochran, Isaac C. Flanders, Joseph B. Hall Jr., Alonzo Boyce, Nehemiah Chase, Taylor L. Southwick, Barton Monsey, George W. Tilden, Josiah Stowell, Thomas Gamble, Jonathan C. Furbish, E.W. Harrington, Hiram Brown, Alonzo Smith, Reuben Kimball, John H. Maynard, Henry S. Whitney, Jacob G. Cilley, Joseph M. Rowell, and Ebenezer P. Swain. They then proceeded to elect the Board of Selectmen, and made choice of the gentlemen nominated in the caucus at the "New Village," viz: Amos Weston Jr., Jona. T.P. Hunt, Hiram Brown. After this ballot, the business of the meeting passed off quietly, the village party having things their own way. After choosing the usual officers they raised a committee, consisting of the selectmen, George Clark and James Hall, to purchase a "Pauper Farm," without limitation as to the price, and authorized the selectmen to hire such a sum of money as might be necessary to pay for said farm. THey also constituted the selectmen a committee to take into consideration the subject of a new division of the town into districts for school purposes. The villagers were triumphant; but they seem to have been moderate as victors, as the selectmen called to the very next meeting for the choice of electors at the town-house. It may well be imagined that a people of as strong prejudices as those of Manchester could not look upon these "new-comers" overriding them in a town-meeting with any great degree of complacency, and many stories are told of their remarks during the excitement. One is told of John Stark, Esq., or "Justice Stark," as he was commonly designated. He went into the moderator's desk and addressed the people thus: "Who are ye, that are here to act, and to tread upon us in such a manner? I'll tell ye who you are?-- You're a set of interlopers come here to get a living upon a sand bank, and a d--d poor living you will get, let me tell ye!" "Upon this the "interlopers" made so much disturbance that the "Justice" could not be heard, and he left the desk. The result was decisive. The people of the old part of the town saw at once that their power had departed, and that henceforth Manchester was to be controlled by the people of the "New Village." The first town-meeting in the new village was held in Washington Hall, February 1, 1841, and among other improvements voted was that of building a town-house. This structure was completed during the following summer at an expense of seventeen thousand dollars. The building committee consisted of John D. Kimball, Edward McQuesten and J.T.P. Hunt. THe first meeting in the new house was held March 8, 1842. CITY OF MANCHESTER--SO large had the population of this town become that in the March meeting, in 1846, it was deemed expedient to petition the Legislature for a city charter, and a committee, composed of David Gillis, Samuel D. Bell, Isaac Riddle, William C. Clarke, John A. Burnham, Luther Farley, and Walter French, was chosen to take the matter in change. Accordingly, a petition was at once presented; on June 1, 1846, the city of Manchester was incorporated. At the August election the act was accepted, by a vote of four hundred and eighty-five to one hundred and thirty-four. The first city election occurred August 19, 1846, with four candidates for mayor, viz: Hiram Brown, Whig; William C. Clarke, Democrat; Thomas Brown, Abolition; and William Shepherd. The result was as follows: H. Brown Clarke T. Brown Shepherd Whole No. voter Ward 1 34 65 8 4 111 Ward 2 78 65 21 3 169 Ward 3 85 38 30 15 170 Ward 4 108 26 8 0 143 Ward 5 123 93 28 6 252 Ward 6 95 74 5 10 185 Ward 7 46 81 6 4 137 ------ ------ ------ -------- -------- 569 442 106 42 1179 Necessary to a choice, 586 H. Brown's vote, 569 Majority against Brown: 17 The following officers were chosen at this election: Aldermen--Andrew Bunton Jr., George Porter, William G. Means, David Gillis, Timothy Blaisdell, Edward McQuesten, Moses Fellows Common Countil--John S. Kidder, George W. Eaton, William Boyd, Hervey Tufts, Daniel J. Hoyt, James M. Morrill, Israel Endicott, Joel Russell, George P. Folsom, David Cross, Abram Brigham, William M. Parker, Ebenezer Clark, Asa O. Colby, Nathaniel Herrick, William Potter, J.G. Cilley, F.A. Hussey, Sewell Leavitt, William W. Baker, Rodnia Nutt. School Committee--Archibald Stark, Nathaniel Wheet, Joseph Knowlton, Moses Hill, James McCauley, William W. Brown, Amos Weston Overseers of the Poor--Joseph M. Rowell, B.F. Locke, Francis Reed, Levi Batchelder, Caleb Johnson, Flagg T. Underhill, James Emerson. Assessors--Edward Hall, Ira Ballou, James Wallace, Charles Chase, Lewis Bartlett, Stilman Fellows, James Hall Jr. The second election for mayor was held September 1st. There were four candidates, viz: Hiram Brown, Isaac C. Flanders, Thomas Brown and John S. Wiggin. The results was as follows: (Individual wards shown in original document, not shown here) H. Brown, 602 Flanders, 347 Wiggin, 41 T. Brown, 109 Total # Votes 1154 Hiram Brown had 602 Necessary to a choice, 578 Brown's majority: 24 The city government was organized in the City Hall, September 8, 1846, Moses Fellows, chairman of the retiring Board of Selectmen, presiding. Prayer was offered by Rev. C.W. Wallace, D.D. after which the oath of office was administered to the mayor by Hon. Daniel Clark. After the delivery of the mayor's address the city government was organized as follows: President of the Common Council, William M. Parker; Clerk, David Hill; City Clerk, J.S.T. Cushing; Treasurer, Thomas Hoyt; Marshal, George T. Clark. Hon. Samuel D. Bell was appointed, September 28, 1846, police justice, and Isaac Riddle and Joseph Cochrane Jr., special justices. MAYORS AND CLERKS--the following is a list of the mayors and clerks from the incorporation of the city to 1885. *** MAYORS *** Hiram Brown 1846-47 Jacob F. James, 1848-49 Moses Fellows, 1850-51 Frederick Smyth, 1852-55, 1864 Theodore T. Abbot, 1855-57, 1863 Jacob F. James, 1857 Alonzo Smith, 1858 E.W. Harrington 1859-60 David A. Bunton 1861-62 Darwin J. Daniels 1865 (died August 15, 1865) John Hosely, 1865-66 (elected to fill vacancy) Joseph B. Clark 1867 James A. Weston 1868, 1870-71, 1874-75 Isaac W. Smith 1869 Person B. Cheney 1872 Charles H. Bartlett 1873 (resigned February 18, 1873) John P. Newell 1873 (elected to fill vacancy) Alpheus Gay, 1876 Ira Cross 1877 John L. Kelly, 1878 Horace B. Putnam 1881 George H. Stearns 1884 *** CLERKS *** John S.T. Cushing, 1846-49 Frederick Smyth, 1849-52 George A.French, 1842-56 Joel Taylor 1856-57 Frank H. Lyford 1856-57 Joseph Knowlton 1858-65 Joseph E. Bennett 1865-76 Albert Jackson 1876 John P. Newell 1876 Nathan P. Kidder, 1877 to present time The area of the city was enlarged July 1, 1853, by the annexation of what is now known as Amoskeag, from Goffstown, and Piscataquog, from Bedford. ***************** CHAPTER IV The Press-- Educational-- City Library-- The first newspaper published in Manchester was "Amoskeag Representative," established by John Caldwell, October 18, 1839. Its named was changed to "Manchester Representative," January 22, 1841. The paper was sold, December 7 1842 to Kimball & Currier, and merged with the "Manchester Democrat." The second paper was the "Amoskeag Memorial," begun January 1, 1840 by Joseph C. Emerson. January 6, 1841 its name was changed to "Manchester Memorial." Joseph Kidder became its editor February 17, 1841, at which time he sold to Mr. Emerson the "People's Herald," which he had published at Pembroke for two months previous, having issued four numbers. The "Memorial" then assumed the double title of "Manchester Memorial and People's Herald" and kept it until June 5, 1842, when the latter half was dropped. May 26, 1841, Mr. Emerson associated with himself as publisher O.D. Murray, and in the succeeding January, when Mr. Kidder resigned the editorship, the publishers announced themselves as editors. The establishment was bought, September 2, 1842, by Samuel F. Wetmore and A.A. Wallace, who continued its publishers until August 21, 1844, when Mr. Wallace retired and left the paper in the hands of Mr. Wetmore, the senior partner. Its name was changed, September 6, 1844 to that of "Manchester American." In September 1845, Mr. Wetmore started the "Semi-Weekly American," of which John H. Warland was editor. April 17, 1846, the establishment passed into the hands of James O. Adams, who at once discontinued the semi-weekly issue. He remained the publisher and editor of the "American" until May 1852, when, having another weekly paper upon his hands, he sold the "American" to General Joseph C. Abbott and Edward A. Jenks. A few weeks later they bought the "Saturday Messenger," Henry A. Gage, one of the owners of the latter, being admitted to partnership, and they published the "American and Messenger" under the name of Abbott, Jenks & Co., Mr. Abbott being the editor. A daily had been issued during the campaign of 1848, and again in 1850 during the progress of the Parker murder trial, but the first regular issue of the "Manchester Daily American" occurred September 4, 1854. Charles G. Warren subsequently bought the interest of the two junior partners, and the publication was continued by Abbott & Warren. Both the daily and weekly were sold in 1857 to John H. Goodale, of the "Manchester Democrat," and united with that paper. Upon the appearance of the "Memorial," in January, 1840, John Caldwell, of the "Representative," began the publication of a neutral and literary paper of the size of the new sheet, with the title of the "Manchester Magazine," whose matter was selected from what had once appeared in his own paper. This was continued but three months. July 4, 1840, Joseph C. Emerson, of the "Memorial," began the publication of the "Manchester Workman." The "Star of Bethlehem" was established January 2, 1841, and was continued here about a year and removed to Lowell. The "Literary Souvenir" was a weekly paper which was begun in Lowell, in 1838, by A.B.F. Hildreth, but in its fourth year was removed to Concord, and four months later to this city. Emerson & Murray, of the "Memorial," were its publishers, and S.H. Napoleon Bonaparte Everette was its editor. He was an eccentric man, who styled himself "Rag Emperor," and his name was printed in the paper with that title. The "Iris and Literary Record" was a monthly magazine, which had been published at Hanover by E.A. Allen, but in the summer of 1842 was bought by Emerson & Murray and removed to Manchester. Mr. Everette was the editor of both this and the "Souvenir." These two were united the 1st September and published under the name of the "Iris and Souvenir." Mr. Murray soon after retired, and left Mr. Emerson in sole possession of the business. The latter, in December 1842, began the "Semi-Weekly Advertiser," which was edited by Colonel Isaac Kinsman of Pembroke, and was continued but four or five weeks. In January 1843, Mr. Emerson sold all his newspaper property to Willard N. Haradon, who bought at the same time the interest of the senior partner in the "Manchester Allodium," whose first number was issued January 14, 1843, by James Bursiel and a man of the name of Hamlet, the second number bearing the names of Hamlet & Haradon. The "Allodium" was a neutral and literary paper, ornamented with cheap engravings on wood. This firm continued its publication until April 8, 1843, when E.D. Boylston, now the editor of the "Farmer's Cabinet," at Amherst, purchased it of them, and also bought the "Iris and Souvenir" of Mr. Haradon, continuing both papers under different names and in different fashion. The "Allodium" became the "Manchester Transcript," which was removed, a few months later to Great Falls and there deceased, and instead of "Iris and Souvenir," he established, in August 1845, a religious and temperance journal, under the name of the "New Hampshire Magazine," which was published for a year and was then discontinued. In 1857, J.H. Goodale bought the "Daily American" and "American and Messenger," continued the publication of the former and united the latter with the "Democrat," under the name of the "Democrat and American." Soon afterwards Simeon D. Farnsworth, then a school-teacher of Concord, came to this city and entered into partnership with Goodale, and the firm became Goodale & Farnsworth. In the fall of 1861 the latter bought out his partner, and continued the sole proprietor till April 1863, when having become a paymaster in the army, he leased the daily and weekly to Gage, Moore & Co. (Henry A. Gage, Orren C. Moore, James O. Adams) and the name "Democrat" was dropped from its title. In August 1863, O.C. Moore sold his interest to Sylvester C. Gould. In December 1863, Mr. Farnsworth bought back the lease and sold both papers to John B. Clarke, who united them with the "Mirror." The last issue of the "Daily American" was dated December 26, 1863. The "Gleaner" was issued November 12, 1842, its publisher being William A. Hall and its editor John Caldwell. It was suspended in the latter part of 1845. The "Manchester Palladium," another of Mr. Caldwell's enterprises, was begun May 21, 1846, and continued about six months. The "White Mountain Torrent," was published here a few months in 1843. The "Manchester Operative," was begun Saturday December 30, 1843 by Willard N. Haradon, and discontinued November 16, 1844. The "Independent Democrat" was begun in this city May 1, 1845, by Robert C. Wetmore. It was removed after a few weeks to Concord, and was subsequently united with the "Independent Statesman." July 3, 1845, was issued the first number of the "Manchester Mercantile Advertiser," published by Charles H. Chase. It was suspended after an existence of nearly five months, and then Mr. Chase began the publication of the "Manchester Saturday Messenger," November 29, 1846, with J.E. Davis Jr., and Israel P. Chase as publishers. E.D. Davis took Mr. Chase's place in the firm on the 15th of August of the same year. They continued its publication until March 20, 1847, when they disposed of the establishment to William G. Gilmore and Israel P. Chase. Joseph Kidder, who had been its editor from the start, resigned his charge at the close of the second volume, November 20, 1847. Mr. Chase was thereafter the principal editor until he retired from the paper, June 24, 1848. Subsequently, Henry A. Gage bought Mr. Gilmore's interest, and May 26, 1849, associated with him Francis F. Forsaith, who then became the editor. He withdrew January 25, 1851, and was succeeded by Benjamin F. Wallace, who had been several years the principal of Piscataquog Village Academy. In 1852 it was sold to Abbot, Jenks & Co. (Joseph C. Abbott, Edward A. Jenks and Henry A. Gage) the owners of the "American," and united with that paper. The "New Hampshire Temperance Banner," was established in 1847, and in about three years removed to Concord. The "Old Hero," a short-lived campaign paper, was issued in 1848 from the office of the "Manchester American," in advocacy of the claims of General Zachary Taylor for the Presidency. September 9, 1848, the first number of the "Manchester Telescope," was issued by Haradon & Kiely. After an existence of about two years its name was changed by Mr. Haradon, who had become its sole proprietor February 9, 1849, to that of "Haredon's Weekly Spy." A subsequent change made it the "Manchester Spy," and under this title it was published until the beginning of 1852, when it was sold to the publishers of the "Farmer's Monthly Visitor," and incorporated into that paper. The "Merchants' Own Journal," was begun in November 1848 by Haradon & Storer, and was issued for a short time. About 1849 the late Dr. Thomas R. Crosby, then a practicing physician in Manchester, conceived the idea of publishing an agricultural paper in the city, and at length having associated himself with James O. Adams as publisher, issued the first number of the "Granite Farmer," February 26, 1850. It was a weekly of eight pages, and, according to the announcement on its first page, was "published under the patronage of the New Hampshire State Agricultural Society." At the beginning of the fourth volume, in January 1853, the Rev. A.G. Comings, of Mason, became associate editor, but he removed from the State about March 1853, and the twelfth number was the last which bore his name. The paper was sold, October 5, 1853, to the Hon. Chandler E. Potter, and was united not long afterwards with the "Farmers' Monthly Visitor." The MANCHESTER DAILY MIRROR was started as a morning paper, Monday, October 28, 1850, by Joseph C. Emerson. With the seventh number appeared the name of F. A. Moore, as that of the editor. He was succeeded as editor, December 16, 1850, by Edward N. Fuller. Monday, June 23, 1851, it was changed from a monday to an evening paper. Mr. Emerson began, Saturday February 22, 1851, under the name of the "Dollar Weekly Mirror," a weekly paper, made up from the columns of the daily of which also Mr. Fuller was the editor. In February, 1852, he retired from the editorship, and his place was filled by John B. Clarke. He held the position until September 1st when Mr. Emerson, who had been engaged in the manufacture of fireworks, lost heavily by fire, and became financially embarrassed. He struggled along until October 20th, when he sold at auction the daily and weekly, which were bought by John B. Clarke, who has owned and edited them ever since. He bought, in 1863, of S.D. Farnsworth, the "Daily and Weekly American," in which the "Manchester Democrat" had been swallowed up, and united with the latter with the "Dollar Weekly Mirror," and the former with the "Daily Mirror," which has since been known as the "Daily Mirror and American." In 1863 he bought of Francis B. Eaton the "New Hampshire Journal of Agriculture," which had already absorbed the "Granite Farmer," and the "Farmer's Monthly Visitor," and united it with the weekly, under the name of the "Dollar Weekly Mirror and New Hampshire Journal of Agriculture." July 8, 1865, its name was changed to that of "Mirror and Farmer," and under this it has since been published. COLONEL JOHN B. CLARKE, editor and proprietor of the "Manchester Mirror,"-- Among the business enterprises in which the men of to-day seek fortune and reputation, there is scarcely another which, when firmly established upon a sound basis, sends its roots so deep and wide, and is so certain to endure and prosper, bearing testimony to the ability of its creators, as the family newspaper. Indeed, a daily or weekly paper which has gained by legitimate methods an immense circulation and a profitable advertising patronage is immortal. It may change owners and names, and character even, but it never dies, and if, as is usually the case, it owes its early reputation and success to one man, it not only reflects him while he is associated with it, but pays a constant tribute to his memory after he has passed away. But, while the rewards of eminent success in the newspaper profession are great and substantial, the road to them is one which only the strong, sagacious, and active can travel, and this is especially true when he who strives for them assumes the duties of both publisher and editor. It requires great ability to make a great paper every day, and even greater to sell it extensively and profitably, and to do both is not a possible task for the weak. To do both in an inland city, where the competition of metropolitan journals must be met and discounted, without any of their advantages, requires a man of grip, grit and genius. In 1852 the "Manchester Mirror" was one of the smallest and weakest papers in the country. Its weekly edition had a circulation of about six hundred, that of its daily was less than five hundred, and its advertising receipts were extremely small. Altogether, it was a load which its owner could not carry, and the whole establishment, including the subscription lists, good-will, press, type and material was sold at auction for less than one thousand dollars. In 1885 the "Weekly Mirror and Farmer" has a circulation of more than twenty-three thousand and every subscriber on its books has paid for it in advance. The "Daily Mirror and American" has a correspondingly large and reliable constituency, and neither paper lacks advertising patronage. The office in which they are printed is one of the most extensive and best equipped in the Eastern States out of Boston. In every sense of the word the "Mirror" is successful, strong and solid. The building up of this great and substantial enterprise from so small a beginning has been the work of John B. Clarke, who bought the papers, as stated above, in 1852, has ever since been their owner, manager and controlling spirit, and in spite of sharp rivalry at home and from abroad and the lack of opportunities which such an undertaking must contend with in a small city, has kept the "Mirror," in hard times as in good times, steadily growing, enlarging its scope and influence, and gaining strength with which to make and maintain new advances; and at the same time has made it yield every year a handsome income. Only a man of pluck, push and perserverance, of courage, sagacity and industry, could have done this; and he who has accomplished it need point to no other achievement to establish his title to a place among the strong men of his time. Mr. Clarke is a native of Atkinson, where he was born January 30, 1820. His parents were intelligent and successful farmers, and from them he inherited the robust constitution, the genial disposition, and the capacity for brain-work which have carried him to the head of his profession in New Hampshire. They also furnished him with the small amount of money necessary to give a boy an education in those days, and in due course he graduated with high honors at Dartmouth College, in the class of 1843. Then he became principal of the Meredith Bridge Academy, which position he held for three years, reading law meanwhile in an office near by. In 1848 he was admitted to the Hillsborough County bar, from the office of his brother, at Manchester, the late Hon. William C. Clarke, attorney-general of New Hampshire, and the next year went to California. From 1849 until 1851 he was practicing his profession, roughing it in the mines, and prospecting for a permanent business and location in California, Central America and Mexico. In 1851 he returned to Manchester and established himself as a lawyer, gaining in a few months a practice which gave him a living, but in October of the next year the sale of the "Mirror" afforded an opening more suited to his talents and ambition, and having bought the property, he thenceforth devoted himself to its development. He had no experience, no capital, but he had confidence in himself, energy, good judgement and a willingness to work for the success he was determined to gain. For months and years he was editor, reporter, business manager, accountant and collector. In these capacities he did an amount of work that would have killed an ordinary man, and did it in a way that told; for every month added to the number of his patrons, and slowly but steadily his business increased in volume and his papers in influence. He early made it a rule to condense everything that appeared in the columns of the "Mirror" into the smallest possible space, to make what he printed readable as well as reliable, to make the paper better every year than it was the preceding year, and to furnish the weekly edition at a price which would give it an immense circulation without the help of traveling agents or the credit system; and to this policy he has adhered. Besides this, he spared no expense which he judged would add to the value of his publications, and his judgment has always set the bonds far off on the very verge of extravagance. Whatever machine promised to keep his office abreast of the times, and increase the capacity for good work, he has dared buy. Whatever man he has thought would brighten and strengthen his staff of assistants he has gone for, and, if possible, got, and whatever new departure has seemed to him likely to win new friends for the "Mirror" he has made. In this way he has gone from the bottom of the ladder to the top. From time to time rival sheets have sprung up beside him, but only to maintain an existence for a brief period or to be consolidated with the "Mirror." All the time there has been sharp competition from publishers elsewhere, but this has only stimulated him to make a better paper and push it successfully in fields which they have regarded as their own. In connection with the "Mirror," a great job-printing establishment has grown up, which turns out a large amount of work in all departments, and where the State printing has been done six years. Mr. Clarke has also published several books, including "Sanborn's History of New Hampshire," "Clarke's History of Manchester," "Successful New Hampshire Men," "Manchester Directory" and other works. Within a few years a book-bindery has been added to the establishment. Mr. Clarke still devotes himself closely to his business six hours each day, but limits himself to this period, having been warned by an enforced rest and voyage to Europe, in 1872, to recover from the strain of overwork, that even his magnificent physique could not sustain too great a burden, and he now maintains robust and vigorous health by a systematic and regular mode of life, by long rides of from fifteen to twenty-five miles daily and an annual summer vacation. In making the "Mirror" its owner has made a great deal of money. If he had saved it as some others have done, he would have more today than any other in Manchester who has done business the same length of time on the same capital. But if he has gathered like a man born to be a millionaire, he has scattered like one who would spend a millionaire's fortune. He has been a good liver and a free giver. All his tastes incline him to large expenditures. His home abounds in all the comforts that money will buy. His farm is a place where costly experiments are tried. He is passionately fond of find horses, and his stables are always full of those that are highly bred, fleet and valuable. He loves an intelligent dog and a good gun and is known far and near as an enthusiastic sportsman. He believes in being good to himself and generous to others, values money only for what it will buy, and every day illustrates the fact that it is easier for him to earn ten dollars than to save one by being "close." A business that will enable a man of such tastes and impulses to gratify all his wants and still accumulate a competency for his children is a good one, and that is what the business of the "Mirror" counting-room has done. Nor is this all, nor the most, for the "Mirror" has made the name of John B. Clarke a household word in nearly every school district in Northern New England and in thousands of families in other section. It has given him a great influence in politics, the agriculture and the social life of his time, has made him a power in shaping the policy of this city and State, and one of the forces that have kept the wheels of progress moving in both for more than thirty years. In a word what one man can do for and with a newspaper in New Hampshire, John B. Clarke has done for and with the "Mirror," and what a great newspaper can do for a man, the "Mirror" has done for JOhn B. Clarke. THE MANCHESTER UNION--The first Democratic newspaper in Manchester was the "Amoskeag Representative," started in October, 1839, by JohN Caldwell. A few months later its name was changed to "Manchester Representative." In 1842 the course of the "Representative" on important party issues became so distasteful to a majority of the Democrats in the town that measures were taken to establish a new organ, and in April of that year William H. Kimball and Joseph Kidder started the "Manchester Democrat." A few months later Mr. Kidder sold his interest to George W. Morrison and Moody Currier, Mr. Morrison subsequently disposing of his share to Mr. Currier, who became associate editor with Mr. Kimball. In October 1843, Mr. Currier's interest was purchased by E.B. Davis, and in the spring of 1844 the paper passed by purchase into the hands of Chandler E. Potter, a graduate of Dartmouth, and at that time a practicing attorney. The "Representative" was discontinued soon after the "Democrat" was started, and Mr. Caldwell established the "Gleaner," a scurrilous sheet, the conduct of which involved the proprietor in numberless difficulties and lawsuits, and finally drove him from town. In 1848, Judge Potter, who was a forcible writer and an earnest advocate of Democratic principles, sold the "Democrat" to John H. Goodale, a native of Deering and a graduate of Wesleyan University, at Middletown, Conn. Mr. Goodale conducted the paper in full accord with the principles of the Democratic Party until 1850, when he evinced a decided tendency to espouse the doctrines of the Free-Soil party, then becoming a prominent factor in national politics. At the Democratic State Convention in December 1850, John Atwood, of New Boston who had been a Baptist minister and for several years State treasurer, was nominated as candidate for Governor. In the platform adopted by the convention the question of slavery was not specifically mentioned, but the compromise measures which had just been passed by Congress were fully indorsed. Soon after the convention Mr. Atwood, in answer to a letter addressed to him by John H. White and other Free-Soilers, expressed sentiments similiar to those held by the leaders of the Free-Soil party. This letter was not immediately published, but when its contents became known to some of the Democratic leaders there was great excitement. General Pierce, who believed that Mr. Atwood had written the White letter without due consideration, endeavored to persuade him to retrace his steps, if he could conscientiously do so. Thereupon Mr. Atwood signed a letter in which he substantially revoked the sentiments contained in his letter to White. Upon the publication of this letter the Free-Soilers printed his communication to White, though Atwood declared he never gave his consent to its publication. Naturally, Mr. Atwood soon found himself in a most melancholy predicament through his attempt to please both parties. The Democracy, finding there was no way of escaping from the dilemma in which Atwood had placed them, except by throwing him overboard altogether, immediately called a new convention, repudiated their former candidate and renominated Samuel Dinsmore, who was then serving his second term as Governor. Mr. Goodale, as editor of the "Democrat," had become thoroughly imbued with the Free-Soil principles, and sustained Mr. Atwood in the controversy. In this state of affairs the leaders of the Democratic party in Manchester held a meeting on the 28th of December, 1860, to consider the question of starting a new paper which should correctly reflect the principles of the party. James McK. Wilkins presided and Joseph Kidder was chosen secretary. On motion of William C. Clarke, it was voted that a committee be appointed to establish a paper which should advocate sentiments in harmony with those of the Democratic party, and the following gentlemen were chosen such committee: Richard H. Ayer, Walter French, Mace Moulton, John S. Kidder, Warren L. Lane, William C. Clarke, A.G. Gale, Isaac C. Flanders, Charles Stark, William A. Putney, S.H. Ayer, I.N. Hays, Silas Tenney, G.P. Prescott, Samuel Dame, James McQueston, William Boyd, E.W. Harrington, S.W. Parsons, D.P. Perkins, John L. Fitch, J.D. Emerson, Leonard Lyon, Thomas Rundlett, William B. Johnson, Edward Hall, Lorenzo Dow, S.W. Jones, Charles Rundlett, W.S. Morey, James S. Cheeney, Charles B. Gleason, Sherburne Fogg, Thomas P. Pierce, Isaac Marshall, J.L. Keniston, C.E. Potter, J. McK. Wilkins, Moody Currier, Joseph M. Rowell, Leonard Rundlett, Samuel N. Bell, Robert Ayer, John Stark, Isaac Currier, Franklin Tenney, Nehemiah Chase, A. Hatch, S.P. Greeley, D.F. Straw, Joseph Kidder, J.S. Elliot, R.D. Mooers, Walter P. Fogg, Dustin Marshall, W.W. Baker, A.G. Tucker, John Sargent, S.S. Coffin, A. Kimball. The committee immediately purchased the necessary material and fitted up an office, and January 24, 1851, the first number of "The Union Democrat" was issued. For a few weeks the editorial work was performed by a number of gentlemen who were able and experienced writers; but finally the committee made an engagement with James M. Campbell, by which he was to assume the entire editorial management of the paper, and he entered upon his new duties with great zeal and enthusiasm. In the spring of 1852 it seemed unlikely that any of the very distinguished Democratic statesmen who had been named for the Presidency would receive the nomination at the next national convention of that party. Under these circumstances Mr. Campbell believed it possible to bring about the nomination of General Franklin Pierce. With this view, he wrote a letter in Mr. Pierce's behalf to his friend, General COnway, a leading Democrat at Fredericksburg. The convention met and filed to agree upon a candidate during twenty-five ballots. After the twenty-fifth ballot the Virginia delegation retired for consultation, when Mr. Campbell's letter to Conway was read, and itw was decided that at the next ballot the vote of Virginia should be cast for General Pierce. This was done, and on a subsequent ballot he was nominated. The letter of Mr. Campbell was afterwards published in the "Richmond Enquirer" and in most of the other Democrat papers of the South. In his conduct of the "Union Democrat" through the trying times that followed the election of General Pierce, and continued through his administration and that of Buchanan, Mr. Campbell displayed the highest qualities of statesmanship, maintaining throughout a steadfast allegiance to the constitution. In State and local affairs he pursued a wise and conservative course, building his paper upon a solid foundation. In February, 1856, the office was destroyed by fire, but was immeidately re-established in Union Building, corner Elm and Market Streets. In 1861, Walter Harriman, of Warner, became joint owner with Mr. Campbell and assumed charge of its editorial columns, the name of the paper being changed to the "Manchester Union." Colonel Harriman retained his interest in the paper until January 1863, when he disposed of it to Colonel Thomas P. Pierce, and the old name, "Union Democrat" was restored. The same month Colonel Pierce sold his interest to Charles Lamson, of Nashua. March 1, 1863, the first number of the "Manchester Daily Union," was issued from the office of the "Union Democrat," and in August following, Mr. Lamson sold his interest in both papers to Alpheus A. Hanscom, of Eliot, Me., and the first became Campbell & Hanscom, the latter devoting his time chiefly to the business management of the office, though a frequent contributor to the editorial colums. Early in 1864 the office was removed to Merchant's Exchange. In September 1872, George A. Hanscom, a brother of the junion partner and James L., the second son of Mr. Campbell, were admitted as partners in the business of printing and publishing, the firm still retaining the style of Campbell & Hanscom. Mr. Campbell Sr. retained control of the editorial columns, George A. Hanscom took charge of the local department, and James L. Campbell attended to the mechanical part of the business. In the winter of 1873-74 the firm erected a brick block on Manchester Street, near Elm, twenty feet wide and fifty feet deep, four stories high, with basement, the office occupying the greater part of the block. The first paper printed in the new building bears the date February 9, 1874. Mr. Campbell continued to edit the paper until the fall of 1876, when, finding his health greatly impaired by his long-continued and confining labors, he severed his active connection with the "Union Democrat" and "Daily Union," and went to Flordia, where he purchased a tract of land and engaged in the occupation of orange culture. He was succeeded in the editorial chair by A. A. Hanscom. Mr. Campbell maintained a lively interest in the paper and sent an occasional contribution to its columns from his Southern home. He died quite suddenly at Sorento, Florida, on the last day of April 1883. November 10, 1879 marked a new era in the history of the "Manchester Union." On that date the paper and material passed by purchase into the hands of Stilson Hutchins, of Laconia, John H. Riedell, of Boston, and Joseph C. Moore, of Lake Village. July 27, 1880, a stock company was formed, of which Mr. Moore became president, Mr. Hutchins treasurer, and Mr. Riedell secretary. June 26, 1881 Messrs. Hutchins and Moore purchased Mr. Riedell's interest, and later, on the 5th of December 1882, Mr. Hutchins disposed of his interest in the office to Mr. Moore, since when no further change in proprietorship has been made. From the inception of the enterpise, in July 1880, Mr. Moore was the leading and active spirit in the management of the paper, and his additional interest acquired in December 1882, was a natural and eminently proper sequence. The new proprietors, realizing fully the task to which they had put their hands, brought to it the same enterprise, energy and sagacity that would have been found essential to success in any other business. It was their purpose to publish the best newspaper in the State, and not only that, but one which could compete successfully with the larger metropolitan dailies in the publication of news. And they succeeded. When the paper passed into their hands, November 1879, an evening edition only was issued, and comparatively little attention was paid to the telegraphic news. On the morning of the 20th of November, the first issue of the morning edition appeared. The change from an evening to a morning paper was looked upon with disfavor by many of the strongest supporters of the paper, who could see no possible chance of success in a business rivalry with the Boston dailies. Time, however, vindicated the wisdom of the enterprise. Full telegraphic service was obtained through the National Press Association, the editorial and reportorial force was increased and special arrangements made for early transportation over the lines of railroad to the north, and as a result the circulation of the paper throughout the State increased with phenomenal rapidity. In January 1882, the national telegraphic service was exchanged for that of the Associated Press, with its extended facilities for securing news from all parts of the civilized world. With the increase of circulation naturally came increased advertising patronage. To meet the demand for additional space, the paper was incresaed in size at various times until it had grown from a twenty-four column to a thirty-six column sheet, and even then a double edition on Saturdays has been found necessary to meet the wants of advertisers since November 10, 1883. For nearly twenty years after the establishment of the "Weekly Union," and about seven years after the daily was started, the press- work was done outside of the office. Until 1856, when Patten's building was destroyed by fire, the presses upon which all papers in the city were printed were located in the basement of that building. These presses consisted of two Adams bed and platen presses and a Guernsey press, the latter of a pattern that would scarcely be accepted as a gift by any live establishment to-day. They were destroyed in the conflagration that swept away the offices of "The Union," "The Mirror" and the "American." After the fire, S.C. Merrill, who carried on the coffee and spice business in a building located on Elm Back Street, in the rear of Merchant's Exchange, and had surplus steam power which he wished to utilize, bought and put in operation two Adam's presses, on one of which he printed "The Union" and on the other the "Mirror." The forms of type were taken form "The Union" office, then in Union Building, at the corner of Market and Elm Streets, and carried on a hand-bier to the press-room, a task that was anything but coveted by those upon whom it devolved. Merrill subsequently built a brick block on the corner of Manchester Street and Elm Back Street, to which the press-room was removed. This block, with its contents, was destroyed by the fire of July, 1870, again leaving "The Union" office without press facilities. The press-work of the daily edition was then for a time printed on the press of C.F. Livingston, and the weekly forms were sent to Concord and printed on the "Patriot" press until the proprietors purchased a Cottrell cylinder press and placed it in Merchants' Exchange, to which the office had been removed, obtaining power from the "Mirror" engine in the basement. This press was rated at a speed of fifteen hundred impressions per hour, though it was seldom speeded faster than one thousand or eleven hundred. The Cottrell was moved into the new building erected by the proprietors of "The Union" in 1874, on Manchester street, where it met the requirements of the paper until it passed into the hands of the new proprietors, in 1879, when a Hoe two-cylinder replaced it. Up to this time the old stle presses had proved of ample capacity to print the editions of the daily and weekly. But with the establishment of a morning edition of the daily, and the journalistic enterprise displayed in other directions by the new firm, the circulation of both papers increased so rapidly that before a year had passed, the capacity of the two-cylinder press was severely taxed to meet the demands made upon it. From 1879 to this date the growth in circulation has been steady, far exceeding the most sanguine expectations of the proprietors, until the two-cylinder press, printing four thousand papers per hour, was utterly inadequate. There was no alternative but to again increase the printing capacity, both in size and speed, and it was determined not only to meet present demands, but be prepared for still further increase in circulation. An order was placed in the spring of 1883, with R. Hoe and Co., New York, the greatest press-builders in the world, for a type-revolving, web-perfecting press, capable of printing thirty-two thousand impression in an hour, or sixteen thousand complete papers, printed on both sides. At the same time a new folding-machine was purchased, which cuts pastes and folds the eighty-page editions of the daily and the weekly edition. With this new machinery and an entire outfit of type "The Union" office is as finely equipped as any newspaper office in New England. These improvements, however necessitated more commodious quarters, and in February 1884, a ten-years' lease of the east half of the Opera-House Block on Hanover Street, with privilege of purchase, was obtained. A three-story brick building, thirty-two by thirty-four was built in the rear of the opera-house, in which is lcoated the press-room and composing-rooms, a new engine and boiler being placed in the basement. This building have been erected especially for the purpose to which it has been devoted, is admirably adapted for the different mechanical departments of the paper. The business office and editorial rooms are on the ground-floor of the Opera Block, and taken all in all, it is one of the most complete newspaper establish- ments in New England. The first editor or editorial writer of "The Union" as a morning daily was Henry H. Metcalf, who began his labors with the first number and closed them October 22, 1881. He was followed by B.F. Saurman, who remained till April 22, 1882. On May 4th, of the same year, George F. Parker assumed the position, filling it until December 9th of the same year. The editorial work was provided for from several sources until the first week in January 1882, at which time the arragenment now in force went into operation. Important changes were made. The scope of the editorial work was enlarged, and the labors divided. John T. Hulme and Edward J. Burnham were assigned to duty in this department. On December 22, 1884, Mr. Burnham was transferred to the subscription and collection department, filling also the duties of staff correspondent. The first city editor was Edgar J. Knowlton, woh remained in the position until June 5, 1880, and was succeeded by Herbert F. Eastman. Mr. Eastman fulfilled the duties until January 22, 1881, at which time John T. Hulme came to the position, holding it continuously until he was promoted to his present position. On his promotion, Henry H. Everett came to the duties of his position. Edard J. Knowlton returned to the staff as a local reporter October 20, 1884, and December 29th of the same year succeeded to his old position as city editor. Walter E. West was first telegraph editor of the paper, filling the position until October 6, 1883, when he retired, and was followed by the present occupant of that chair, Willis T. Dodge. John B. Mills and Herbert N. Davison at present comprise the staff of local reporters. John B. Mills was in a similiar capacity in the first two years of the morning paper, but retired and returned in February 1884. True M. Thompson followed him, and was succeeded by George F. Richards. C. Fred. Crosby was also a local reporter for some two years. John H. Reidell attended the State news and several other departments of the paper up to January 6, 1883. On the formation of the new arrangement that went into force at that time, Edward J. Burnham assumed special charge of the State news and agricultural departments, and also took the editorial management of the weekly edition of the paper. On the retirement of Mr. Burnham, Henry H. Everett assumed the duties of the position. John T. Hulme undertook to provide for the "exchange" work, both in the line of general and political miscellany. He also retained the musical and dramatical assignment. Seven gentlemen have sat at the proof-reader's desk in the following order: E.D. Houston, F.L. Rowe, E.J. Burnham, David W. Cobb, Henry H. Everett, W.H.H.H. Snow and Alvin T. Thoits. The last-named gentleman still fills the position. The longest incumbent was E.J. Burnham, who filled the position sixteen months, retiring from it to his present place. April 3, 1883, a special department, "The Vets' Budget," was added to the paper under the charge of Henry H. Everett, who still continues the work. A Grange department was also added in 1884, and came under the direction of E.J. Burnham. "The Fireside" was a feature of "The Union" when the morning daily was started. It was under the special charge of Mrs. L.A. Scott, who continued until December 29, 1884, when Mrs. Etta F. Shepard assumed the conduct of the department. The agricultural department numbers among its special contributors the following gentlemen: James O. Adams, secretary of the State Board of Agriculture; James M. Connor, of Hopkinton; George R. Drake, of Pittsfield; G.A. Simons, of Weare, and others. The session of the State Legislature in 1881 was specially reported for "The Union" by John T. Hulme. In 1883 and 1885 the stame gentleman took charge of the work. Regular staff correspondents of "The Union" are located at Concord, Nashua and Portsmouth. At Concord the duty is performed by True L. Norris, at Nashua by Charles S. Bussell, and at Portsmouth by Samuel W. Emery. A large force of correspondents furnish local news from all the prominent points in the State. The Granges of the State have by vote appointed special correspondents to furnish the news pertaining to that order. Since the inauguration of the morning daily, Dana I. Eastman has taken the press reports and furnished by far more "copy" than any other single individual. The mechanical departments of the paper are in charge of the following gentlemen: Foreman of the composing-room, Frank T. Parsons; day foreman, J. Wilbur Fife; foreman of the press-room, Edward H. Murphy; engineer, James Barry; mailing and delivery clerk, John N. Pearsons. The counting-room is presided over by Howard L. Kelley, who, since 1880, has attended to the manifold duties of the business office. The growth of the "Manchester Union" has been marvelous. In 1851 an unpretentious weekly sheet, started for the purpose of educating people in the principles of true Democracy, a work in which its founder spent the best and most fruitful years of his busy life; struggling against the apathy and indifference of men who had yet to learn the value of a newspaper and to estimate its real worth; slowly thrusting its roots down deeper and deeper into the public mind, and getting a firmer grasp upon the public confidence, from which it drew nourishment, while giving in return the best reults of the facile pens and fertile brains of its editors, until to-day, grown strong and self-reliant, it takes its place among the solid and substantial institutions of the Granite State. "The Union" is an able exponent of the principles of the Democratic party, fearless and outspoken in its views, and takes front rank among the leading dailies of New England. ------------------- JOSEPH CLIFFORD MOORE Hon. Joseph CLifford Moore, editor of the "Manchester Union" and the financial head of the Union Publishing Company, is a thorough representative of that valuable class known as self-made men. He is the second son of Dr. D.F. and Frances S. Moore, and was born in Loudon, N.H., August 22, 1845. His early education was limited to the common schools, and more or less shared with labor. Later in life, having made the best of such advantages, as came within his reach, he pursued with success a course of medical training at New York Medical College. From this training he returned to Lake Village, the business centre of the town of Gilford, which has been his home since he was ten years of age, and entered upon the practice of medicine in partnership with his father, Dr. D.F. Moore. This was in 1866, and from that time up to his joining in the newspaper enterprise at Manchester, in November, 1879, he followed his profession with untiring industry and gratifying success. His practice extended over a wide section, and involved long hours and much arduous travel. During this time he was also active in general business enterprises. Mr. Moore began his journalistic career without the benefit of any special training whatever, but brought to the work a clear, cool head, ripe judgement and honest purpose; but it was early apparent that he possessed that rare quality, "the newspaper faculty." Careful, prudent, cautious and conservative by nature, he applied that faculty with constantly increasing shrewdness and wisdom; so that the enterprise not only developed a remarkably rapid, but a sound and healthy growth. Exercising good business judgement and methods, he successfully maintained the financial standing of the paper, notwith- standing the excessive demands of a rapidly-growing plant. In shaping the tone and conduct of "The Union," he has uniformly aimed to give it a character for independnece, integrity and respectability, advancing it on the true line of progressive modern journalism. He is a ready editorial writer on political and general topics, eschews the ornamental and descriptive, and goes straight at the meat of a matter in a plain and direct style. His methods are convincing as well as terse and vigorous. Mr. Moore has always taken a warm and active interest in politics, not from the selfish motives of the office-seeker, but as an ardent believer in and staunch supporter of a sound, sterling and progressive Democracy. At the State election of 1880 he was elected a member of the State Senate from the Sixth Senatorial District, and filled the seat with credit to himself and his constituency. He introduced and was chiefly instrumental in securing the passage of the measure which created the present State Board of Health. Always under self-command, easy and agreeable in manner, he proved to be valuable in legislative work and was invariably relied upon to release the Senatorial body when sharp conflict of opinion led into a jangle. Since the expiration of this official trust his time has been given exclusively to business matters and the conduct of the "Union." In January 1885 he was unanimously chosen president of the New Hampshire Club, an organization comprising the leading business and professional men of the State, and shortly after accomplished it on a successful excursion South. As president of this body he is broad and liberal, seeking only to develop its interests and extend its influence. Dartmouth College, at the June commencement 1884, conferred upon him the degree of A.M. Mr. Moore retains his residence at Lake Village, with his aged parents. He is married, but has no children. In manner he is easy and agreeable, and is favored with an excellent address and attractive personal presence. In business affairs he is careful and conservative, and at the same time enterprising. Honorable and just in his transactions, he enjoys the confidence and respect of business men. At this writing he is in the full vigor of his powers, with the promise of a useful and successful future before him. --------------------- The "Farmer's Monthly Visitor, which had been published at Concord by Governor Isaac Hill since 1838, was suspended in 1849, but revived in this city in 1852, when Rowell, Prescott & Co. (Joseph M. Rowell, George P. Prescott, Chandler E. Potter) became its proprietors, and Judge Potter its editor. It was published as an octavo of thirty- two pages, and its first number was issued in Manchester, as the first number of its twelfth volume, in January 1852. Judge Potter bought the "Granite Farmer" of Mr. Adams, October 5, 1853, and Dr. Crosby retired from the editorship two weeks later. In 1854 the latter was united with the "Visitor," and published in folio form under the name the "Granite Farmer and Visitor." Judge Potter, having bought out his partners, was then the sole proprietor and editor. About a year later Lewis H. Hildreth, of Westford, Mass., a writer upon agriculture, came to Manchester and entered into negotiations in reference to a paper. As a result, he and James O. Adams each bought a third of the "Farmer and Visitor," Judge Potter retaining a third and Mr. Adams' name appearing as that of the editor. Hildreth, however, remained but a few months, and about April 1857, the paper was sold at auction to John C. Merriam & Co. (Henry C. Adams), and it was issued, July 18, 1857; as a new paper under the name of the "Granite State Farmer." Subsequently Merriam retired, and Henry C. Adams owned it for a while and then sold it to S.A. Hurlburt, who was the sole proprietor and editor--James O. Adams then leaving the editor's chair-- till the latter part of 1849, when Gilmore & Martin (William H. Gilmore, Warren Martin) bought the paper and issued it in folio form as the "New Hampshire Journal of Agriculture." Zephaniah Breed and Moses A. Cartland, both of Weare, became the editors. In 1861 the paper was sold to Francis B. Eaton, who published it until January 1863, when he sold it to John B. Clarke, who united it with the "Dollar Weekly Mirror," of which he was then the owner, under the name of the "Dollar Weekly Mirror and New Hampshire Journal of Agriculture." The "Crusader" was begun in Concord about 1850. In December 1851, it was published simultaneously in Concord and Manchester, and in Feburary 1852, was published altogether in this city. It was not long afterwards moved to Concord, united with the "Phoenix" of that city and afterwards absorbed by the "New Hampshire Gazette" at Portsmouth. In 1853, Benjamin F. Stanton and William B. Burnham issued, for a short time, a small sheet devoted to phonography, called the "Junto Organ." A paper called the "Ladies' Enterprise," was begun January 1, 1854, and published for a time. In 1854 the "Stars and STripes," a 'Know-Nothing' paper, was established, and was removed soon afterwards to Laconia and absorbed into the "Winnepesaukee Gazette." The "New Hampshire Journal of Medicine" was first issued at Concord in August 1850, and was removed to Manchester in July 1856, and continued until December 1859, when it was suspended. The "New Hampshire Journal of Education" was established in January 1857, and soon after removed to Concord. The "Literary Visitor," begun January 1, 1859 by George W. Batchelder and Martin A. Haynes was short-lived. The "True Republican" was started February 4, 1859 by Benjamin F. Stanton. With him were afterwards associated Hector Canfield and Orren C. Moore. The paper was continued about a year under the titles of "True Republican," "City Messenger and Republican" and "Manchester Republican." Moore's "Musical Record," John W. Moore, editor, was begun in January 1857, and published monthly, by John W. Moore & Co., for two years. In January 1869, John W. Moore, Samuel C. Merrill, Charles Clough and Sylvester C. Gould began the publication of the "Manchester Daily News." It was soon discontinued "La Voix du Peuple," was begun in 1869, but was short-lived. The "Labor Journal," was started March 24, 1870, by Daniel S. Holt, and soon after suspended. The "Public Forum," a weekly paper was started September 30, 1871, as a Democratic journal, by George J. Foster & Co., Joshua L. Foster being its editor. It was soon after removed to Dover, its name changed to that of "Foster's Democrat," and is still published there. The "New Hampshire Journal of Music" was begun January 1, 1872, by Imri S. Whitney. John W. Moore was its editor till the close of 1874. Discontinued. The "Saturday Night Dispatch," was begun Saturday, January 24, 1874, by Merritt S. Hunt. James O. Adams was associated with Mr. Hunt as editor and proprietor from September 1, to December 1, 1874. It was subsequently changed to "Manchester Times," and conducted by Henry H. Everett until late in the winter of 1883, when it was discontinued. The "New Hampshire Sunday Globe" was begun February 7, 1875, by Rollins and Kingdon. Discontinued. The "Manchester Weekly Budget," was established June 16, 1883 by William M. Kendall Jr., and David M. Ladd, by whom it is still published. The success of the "Budget" has been phenomenal, the circulation having reaced seven thousand five hundred copies weekly. The size of the paper is twelve pages, seventy-two columns; subscription price, two dollars a year. The circulation of the "Budget" now penetrates nearly every village and school district in the State. The "American Young Folks" was established in 1875 and consolidated with the "Boys and Girls of New Hampshire" in March 1882. Editor, George W. Browne. Issued semi-monthly by the American Young Folks Company. The "Echo des Canadiens" was established July 2, 1880, with Leander Boudreau editor and Charles L. Fitzpatrick and Leandre Boudreau proprietors. Discontinued. "Le Rateau" was established November 5, 1881, P. C. Chatel, editor and proprietor. Discontinued. "Manchester Guardian" was established July 14, 1883. Charles A. O'Connor, editor-in-chief. Discontinued. "The Semi-Weekly Record" was started December 1, 1883. Frank H. Challis, editor and publisher. "A penny newspaper," published on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Discontinued. "Notes and Queries," a magazine containing miscellaneous notes and queries, with answers, for professors and students, teachers and pupils, is published monthly by S.C. & L.M. Gould. Mr. S.C. Gould manifests a deep interest in historical matters, and has a collection of books, pamphlets and magazines relating to Manchester, numbering over sixteen hundred, from 1743-1885. This collection comprises book and pamphlet literature, including some of the leading magazine literature published serially. It contains the published literary efforts of former and present resident, whether native or temporary, and whether published prior to their residence here or subsequent to their departure; also all works relating to or published by the city. The collection also includes more or less of literature relating to Bedford, together with some relating to Londonderry and Derry, of which towns Manchester was formerly a part. The first published pamphlet in reference to Manchester, now known, is the (Rev. Joseph Secombe) "Discourse uttered in part at Ammauskeeg-Falls, in the Fishing Season, 1739; 'Business and Diversion in-offensive to God, and necessary for the comfort and support of human society;'" from the text, "Simon Peter saith unto them, 'I go a fishing.'" This discourse was printed in Boston, in 1743,--one hundred and forty-two years ago,--and only five copies are now known to be extant. The first pamphlets to be imprinted in Manchester, now known, were "An Address delivered at Pembroke, N.H., May 13, 1841," and "A Historical Sketch of Bedford, N.H., a discourse delivered July 4, 1841," both by Rev. Thomas Savage, A.M. and printed at the office of Emerson & Murray, in 1841, octavos of sixteen pages each. The first book now known to have been imprinted in Manchester was "The Life and Adventures of Seth Wyman: Written by Himself," and printed by J.H. Cate, in 1843, a duodecimo of three hundred and ten pages, bound in cloth. This book was suppressed by relatives of the autobiographer, before a hundred copies were sold, and is now a scarce book. ************* EDUCATIONAL - page 62 ************* In 1784 the town voted a liberal expenditure for educational purposes, and in that year also the town was divided into four school districts; but it was not until 1795 that a school-house was erected in "Derryfield." This primitive education institution was built by private subscription and was located upon what was then known as the Falls road, in the read of the present residence of Hon. David Cross. This house was purchased by the town in 1798, and it was also voted that year to erect two additional ones. In 1809 the town was redistricted and a school-house built at the Centre. The school district system, which was originated in 1773, continued until 1868, when the city assumed control of the schools. The first teachers were,--1791, Jonathan Rand; 1792, Edward Blodget, Stephen Potter and Frederick Hastings; 1793, William White and Peter Severens; 1794, John Tufts and Peter Severens; 1795, John M. Laughlin; 1797, 1797 and 1798, Samuel Moor, Jr.; 1799, Samuel Moor Jr. and Mathew Reed. Mr. Rand was the first teacher in town of whom any record can be found. The wages paid were from eight to twelve dollars a month. The highest sum paid per month from 1791 to 1801, as appears from the selectmen's book, was "to Samuel Moor Jr., twelve dollars for keeping school in the lower district one month." The school property now owned by the city is valued at over three hundred thousand dollars, and consists of a High School building, on Beech Street, valued at forty-five thousand dollars, and numerous others. HIGH SCHOOL.--The High School was first kept in the old building now standing on the corner of Lowell and Chestnut Streets. The house was erected in 1841 at a cost of three thousand dollars, and was used for a district school, with David P. Perkins as the first master. Some five or six years later it was changed to a High School, and in 1867 it was moved to its present location, on Beech Street, the new building having been erected to meet the demand for better accommodations for the school. FRANKLIN STREET SCHOOLS--The school formerly called the South Grammar School was originally kept in a chapel on Concord STreet, from which it was moved, in 1847, to the brick building on Park Street, built for its use. Ten years later it was transferred to its present location on the corner of Franklin and Pleasant Streets. This building and lot are valued at eighteen thousand dollars. SPRING STREET SCHOOLS.--A school was begun in 1848 in the brick building on Spring Street, and then called the North Grammar. Moses T. Brown was its first principal. LINCOLN STREET SCHOOLS--Under the name of the East Grammar, a school was begun in 1867, in the new High School house, with two divisions, gathered from the North and South Grammar Schools. In the fall of 1868 another division was added, and in the spring of 1869 it was moved to the old High School building, where a first division was added and a master was appointed. In 1871 a new house was built for its accomodation on the corner of Lincoln and Merrimack streets, worth fifty thousand dollars where it is now located. ASH STREET GRAMMAR SCHOOLS--In 1874 a fine building was erected on the corner of Ash and Bridge Streets to meet the growing demand for school facilities, and a grammar school was established, composed of pupils residing in the northeastern section of the city. The building is a fine specimen of school architecture, and is valued at fifty-eight thousand dollars. MAIN STREET SCHOOLS, WEST MANCHESTER.-- With the annexation of Piscataquog village, in 1853, the grammar school came under the care of the city. It was kept in the Centre building until 1874, when it was removed to its present location, on Main Street. An addition was made to the building in 1882 for the accomodation of the considerable increase in pupils. WEBSTER STREET SCHOOLS, WEST MANCHESTER.--During the year 1882 a handsome school building was erected on Webster Street, between Elm and Chestnut, at a cost of seventeen thousand dollars. It is designed for scholars residing at the north end of the city. Two schools are already located there. There are other schools located on Blodgett, Bridge, Lowell, Manchester, Merrimack and Beech Streets; also on South Main Street and School Street, West Manchester. The largest of these is located at Bakersville. The school building was erected in 1883 at a cost of twelve thousand dollars. Others are: No. 1, Stark District; No. 2, Amoskeag; No. 3, Bakersville; No. 4, Goffe's Falls; No. 5, Harvey District; No. 6, Webster's Mills; No. 7, Hallsville; No. 8, Youngsville; No. 9, Mosquito Pond. CATHOLIC EDUCATIONAL ESTABLISHMENTS--Mount St. Mary's Academy, corner Union and Laurel Streets, is under the control of the Sisters of Mercy. This is a boarding-school for young ladies. It has been in existence for twenty-five years, and has an average attendance of sixty pupils. The course of studies, embracing five years, includes all the branches of a useful and Christian education. Young ladies of all religious denominations are received, and interference with their religious convictions is scrupulously avoided. The present superior is Rev. Mother Frances Leeson. The school for boys in Park Street, taught by twelve Sisters of Mercy; Rev. Thos. Corcoran, principal. Number of scholars, about four hundred. St. Joseph's School for boys, corner of Lowell and Beach streets, taught by six Sisters of Mercy. Number of pupils, two hundred and fifty. St. Josehp's School for girls, corner Lowell and Pine Streets, taught by six Sisters of mercy. Number of pupils, two hundred and fifty. The schools of St. Joseph's parish are under the immediate supervision of the right reverend bishop. St. Agnes' School for girls, corner Union and Spruce Streets, taught by seven Sisters of Mercy. Number of scholars, three hundred. St. Augustine's School for boys and girls, East Spruce Street, taught by Sisters of Jesus and Mary. Number of pupils, five hundred. St. Mary's School for boys and girls, connected with St. Mary's Church, West Manchester. This school has just been erected, and will be under the control of the Sisters of Providence. It will accomodate four hundred pupils. CHARITABLE INSTITUTIONS--St. Patrick's Home and Hospital, Hanover Street, conducted by the Sisters of Mercy. Number of orphans, sixty; patients in hospital, fifteen. St. Patrick's Home for Aged Women, Hanover Street, managed by the Sisters of Mercy. Number of inmates, fifteen. GERMAN SCHOOL--The first German School-house in the State of New Hampshire was dedicated here in 1884. It is located at the corner of Third and Ferry Streets, and is of brick, thirty-two by forty-eight in size, and two stories in height, with a flat roof. Over the main entrance, on Third Street, are two tablets of polished granite, bearing in gilt letters of German text the words, "Deutsch Schule" and the year of erection, "1884." The German School Society, to which this convenient and comfortable little edifice owes its existence, was organized August 22, 1875, mainly through the efforts of members of the Turnverein. THE STATE INDUSTRIAL SCHOOL--The movement which resulted in the establishment of this institution was started in 1855, when the Legislature passed an act authorizing the Governor, and Countil to appoint a board of three commissioners, empowered to buy a tract of land and erect buildings thereon, to provide a "house of reformation for juvenile and female offenders against the laws." The commissioners-- The Hon. Frederick Smyth, of Manchester, the Hon. Matthew Harvey, of Concord, and Hosea Eaton, of New Ipswich--were appointed that year, and selected, as the site for the house proposed, the farm which was once the home of General JOhn Stark, two miles north of the city hall, on the east bank of the Merrimack River, containing about two hundred acres. The price paid was ten thousand dollars, and another piece of ten acres was bought soon after for a thousand dollars more. The building was commenced in the spring of 1856, finished in the autumn of 1857 and furnished in the spring of 1858. Its cost was thirty-four thousand dollars; the total cost of building and land was forty-five thousand dollars. The house was dedicated on the 12th of May, 1858, and occupied at that time, when the first superintendent, Brooks Shattuck, was appointed. He was succeeded, on the 20th of April, 1866 by Isaac H. Jones. Upon his departure Edward Ingham was elected, the 17th of May 1870. The present superintendent, John C. Ray, was appointed on the 2d day of July 1874. The institution is now known as the State Industrial school, and is under the management of a board of seven trustees, by whom the superintendent is chosen, and who are appointed by the Governor and Council. A fire, on the 20th of December 1865, nearly destroyed the building, and the children were temporarily kept in the buildings known as the "Stark house" and "Gamble house," which had stood near by since the early settlement of the town. During their residence in it the "Stark house" was set on fire and consumed. As soon as possible after the fire the old school building was repaired and the inmates returned to it. The institution is in annual receipt of interest from the legacies of James McKeen Wilkins, of Manchester, and Moody Kent, of Pembroke, which amount to eight thousand and three thousand dollars respectively; also the income from Miss Louise Penhallow's bequest of one thousand dollars, to be expended for a library. ***** THE MANCHESTER CITY LIBRARY - page 64 The Manchester City Library was established in September 1854, under the terms of a contract between the Manchester Athenaeum in the city of Manchester, whereby the library of the anthenaeum was transferred to the city, to be the foundation of a free public library. The Manchester Athenaeum was established in February 1844, mainly through the efforts of Hon. Samuel D. Bell, Hon. Daniel Clark, Hon. Herman Foster, Hon. Moody Currier, David Gillit Esq., John A. Burnham Esq., William A. Burke, Esq. and others with the design of founding a library, reading-room and museum. In accordance with the libery policy pursued by the manufacturing corporations towards the public institutions in the city, the Amoskeag Manufacturing Company presented to the Athenaeum the sum of one thousand dollars, and the Stark Mills and the Manchester Print-Works the sum of five hundred dollars each, for the purchase of books for its library. Donations and loans of boks were also made to the library by many of the members of the association, and accessions were made by purchase from time to time from the money derived from membership and the annual tax. For the following ten years the library of the Athenaeum continued to increase in size and value till, in 1854, it numbered nearly three thousand volumes. In 1854, the subject of the establishment of a free public library having been brought to the attention of the City Council by the mayor, Hon. Frederick Smyth, in his inaugural address, a committee was appointed to confer with the managers of the Anthenaeum in relation to the transfer of the library of the Anthenaeum, and a proposition was made by them to transfer gratuitously to the city their library and other property, to form the basis of a public library. This proposition was accepted by the city, and the authority for the purpose having been obtained from the Legislature, the transfer of the library was made to the city in accordance with a contract, dated September 6, 1854, executed by the Athenaeum and the city, and the City Library established on a permanent basis. The contract provides that the city shall annually appropriate and pay to the trustees of the library a sum not less than one thousand dollars, to be expended in the purchase of book and periodicals, and shall, by suitable appropriations, provide for the expense of maintaining the library. The control and management of the affairs of the library is vested in a board of nine trustees, of whom the mayor of the city and president of the Common Council are members ex-officiis. One trustee is elected annually, by joing ballot of the board of trustees and of the aldermen of the city, for the term of seven years. Thus established the library progressed successfully until February 5, 1856, when, by the burning of Patten's Block, in which the library was lcoated, the whole library, with the exception of about six hundred volumes,--the greater part of which were odd volumes,--was destroyed. Immediate measures were taken by the trustees to reorganize the library and replace the books destroyed, and it was reopened to the public July 22, 1856, in rooms obtained in Merchants' Exchange, but subsequently was again located in Patten's Block, when it was rebuilt in 1857. In 1871 the city erected a brick building for the use of the library, upon a lot on Franklin Street, which was given to the city for this purpose by the Amoskeag Manufacturing Company, the cost of which was aobut thirty thousand dollars. In 1881 the increase of the library requiring larger accomodation, an addition was made to the library building, at a cost of nine thousand dollars. The addition nearly doubled the capacity of the library building and provided for the regular increase of the library for many years. At the date of the last report of the trustees, December 31, 1884, there were in the library about twenty-eight thousand volumes, including pamphlets, of which there are about nineteen hundred. Connected with the library is a reading- room, which is supplied with sixty-seven periodicals and newspapers, and the library and reading-room are both open to the public eight hours each day and evening, except Sundays, throughout the year. The late Oliver Dean, who was prominently connected with the manufacturing interests of the city, bequeathed to the library a legacy of five thousand dollars, the income of which is expended by the trustees in the purchase of scientific, mechanical and technical works, and designated as the "Dean Fund Purchase." In 1872 the Hon. Gardner Brewer, of Boston, Mass., presented to the library a collection of six hundred and eighty-three volumes of the Tauchnitz edition, uniformly and handsomely bound, which is known as the "Brewer Donation." In 1876 Hon. Moody Currier presented the library with Bohn's Standard, Classical, Illustrated, Ecclesiastical, Scientific and Antiquarian Libraries, and Harper's Select Family Library. To these he subsequently added a number of valuable works on ecclesiastical history, and a collection of Greek, Latin and foreign authors in the original texts. The number of volumes in this collection now amounts to eleven hundred and forty-seven volumes, which are known as the "Currier Donation." Under the will of Mary E. Elliot, late of this city, the sum of two thousand dollars was bequeathed to the city of Manchester, to be securely invested, and the annual income thereof to be spent in the purchase of medical books and periodicals. This amount became available in the early part of the year 1885, and the income when sufficient will be placed in the class of books indicated, which will be placed in alcoves by themselves and designated as the "Elliot Fund Purchase." A large number of other citizens have also, from time to time, generously aided in the increase and usefulness of the library by donations of valuable books and files of newspapers. The volumes in the library are well selected as to use and value, and the whole collection contains a fair representation of every department of English literature, as well as the sciences and arts. In the selection of books for the increase of the library it has always been the policy of the trustees, while providing a reasonable number of books of a more temporary character as the demand from the patrons of the library for the same seemed to require, to expend by far the larger part of the amount appropriated by the City Council in the purchase of works of permanent value. This course, pursued for so many years, has made the library one of the most valuable in the State. The library is particularly valuable in the number of volumes relating to local history and in its files of newspapers, many of which, if destroyed, could not be replaced. The first Board of Trustees consisted of Samuel D. Bell, Daniel Clark, Ezekiel A. Straw, Samuel N. Bell, William C. Clarke, David Gillis and William P. Newell. In 1862 David Gillis removed from the city and was succeeded by Samuel Webber. Mr. Webber served as trustee until September 1864, when he resigned, he also having removed from the city. The vacancy thus occasioned was filled by the election of Phinehas Adams, who continued in office until 1876, when he was succeeded by Moody Currier. Upon the death of Samuel D. Bell in 1868, Waterman Smith was chosen to fill the unexpired term, and was succeeded in 1873 by Nathan P. Hunt. Upon the death of William C. Clarke in 1872, Isaac W. Smith was elected a member of the board. Samuel N. Bell resigned in September 1879, and Lucian B. Clough was elected to fill the vacancy. Ezekiel A. Straw died in 1882 and was succeeded by Thomas L. Livermore. The present board therefore consists of Daniel Clark, William P. Newell, Nathan P. Hunt, Lucian B. Clough, Thomas L. Livermore, Moody Currier and Isaac W. Smith, and the mayor and president of the common council. The first treasurer of the trustees was Samuel N. Bell, who held the office until he resigned in September 1879, when he was succeeded by Nathan P. Hunt. William C. Clarke was clerk of the board from its organization until his death in April 1872. Isaac W. Smith was chosen to fill the vacancy in January 1873. Mr. Smith served as clerk until January 1876, when he resigned and Nathan P. Hunt was elected in his place. At the organization of the library, Francis B. Eaton was chosen librarian and served in that capacity until September 30, 1863, when he resigned and Marshall P. Hall was elected to succeed him. Mr. Hall served until June 1865, when he also resigned and Benjamin F. Stanton was appointed to fill the position. The latter resigned in April 1866, when Charles H. Marshall was elected. Mr. Marshall held the office until July 1, 1877 when Mrs. Lizzie B. Davis was elected, and resigning July 1, 1878, was succeeded by Mrs. M.J. Buncher, the present incumbent. [Webmaster's note: The current building was constructed through the generosity of the president of Amoskeag Paper Mill, Frank Pierce Carpenter who offered to construct a library building in the memory of his wife Elenora Blood Carpenter (who died in January, 1910). This building, located on Pine Street (between Concord and Amherst Streets), was opened on November 18, 1914.] (end)