HISTORY OF NEW BOSTON, HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE ---------------------------------- ---------------------------------- Information located at http://www.nh.searchroots.com On a web site about GENEALOGY AND HISTORY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE and its counties TRANSCRIBED BY JANICE BROWN Please see the web site for my email contact. ---------------------------------- The original source of this information is in the public domain, however use of this text file, other than for personal use, is restricted without written permission from the transcriber (who has edited, compiled and added new copyrighted text to same). ======================================================== SOURCE: History of Hillsborough County, New Hampshire Philadelphia: J.W. Lewis & Co., 1885, 878 pgs. NEW BOSTON, N.H. CHAPTER I p. 585 GRANTEES AND GRANT "In 1735, John Simpson, JohN Carnes, James Halsey, John Tyler, John Steel, Daniel Goffe, Charles Coffin, Ebenezer Bridge, Daniel Pecker, William Lee, Henry Howell, Job Lewis, Thomas Bulfinch, John Indicott, John Erving, James Day, Andrew Lane, Byfield Lyde, John Hills, John Spooner, John Read, Samuel Tyler, JohN Boydell, John Homans, John Williams Jr., Joshua Henshaw Jr., Benjamin Clark, Jacob Hurd, James Townsend, William Salter, Thomas Downs, Zachariah Johonett, Daniel Loring, John Crocker, William Speakman, Thomas Greene, Gilbert Warner, John Larabee, John Green, Rufus Greene, Thomas Foster, John Arbuthnott, James Gould, Joseph Greene, Isaac Walker, Robert Jenkins, Benjamin Bagnald, Richard Checkly, John Mavericke, Joshua Thomas and John Hancock became petitioners to the Great and General Court or Assembly of the Province of the Massachusetts Bay, in New England, for a grant of six miles square for a township." In looking over the records, we do not find any reasons why they should claim this grant; neither have we the petition, but we must go wholly upon supposition. The most probably and reasonable is, that on the coast of Massachusetts it was so thickly settled there must be some opening or avenue for the young men. These grantees were all Bostonians, and men of wealth and title; hence it would not seem that it was for themselves or descendants, but to improve the new lands and encourage settlement. Another author writes that it was to pay descendants of soldiers in the Indian wars; Massachusetts' treasury becoming impoverished by these expeditions, bills of credit depreciated and soon became nearly worthless, and these soldiers laid claim for further remuneration. Hence the grant of New Boston was given. GRANT "At a Great and General Court of Assembly for His Majesty's Province of Massachusetts Bay, in New England, began and held in Boston, upon Wednesday, the 28th of May , 1735, and continued by several adjournments to Wedesday, the 19th of November following. "In the House of Representatives, December 3, 1735, in answer to the petition of John Simpson and others,-- "Voted, that the prayer of the Petition be granted, and that together with such as shall be joined by the Honorable Board, be a Committee at the charge of the Petitioners to lay out a Township of the contents of six miles square, at the place petitioned for, or some other suitable place; and that they return a platt thereof to this Court within twleve months for confirmation, and for the more effectual bringing forward the settlement of the said new Town. "Ordered, That the said Town be laid out into sixty-three equal shares, one of which to be for the first settled minister, one for the ministry and one for the schools, and that on each of the other sixty shares the petitioners do, within three years from the confirmation of the platt, have settled one good family, who shall have a house built on his house-lot of eighteen feet square, and seven feet stud at the lesat, and finished; that each right or grant have six acres of land brought to and ploughed, or brought to English grass and fitted for mowing; that they settle a learned and Orthodox minister, and build and finish a convenient Meeting-House for the publick worship of God. And the said committee are hereby directed to take bond of each settler of forty Pounds for his faithful complying with and performing the conditions of settlement, and in case any of the said settlers fail of performing the aforesaid conditions, then his or their right, share or interest in said Town to revert to and be at the disposition of the Province; and that the said Committee be and hereby are impowered to sue out the Bonds and recover the possession of the forfeited Lotts (if any be) at the expiration of the three years, and to grant them over to other persons that will comply with the conditions within one year near after the said grant; and the Bonds to be made and given to the said Committee and their successors in the said Grant. "Sent up for concurrence "J. Quincy, Chairman. "In Council January 14, 1735. "Read and Concurred." "J. Willard, Secretary." "A True Copy examined by" "Thad. Mason, Dep. Sec'y" On January 16, 1735 the House of Representatives order that Captain William Collings and Mr. Ebenezer Parker form a committee to take a platt of the township. The document was signed by J. Quincy, Speaker. The committee appointed Jeremiah Cummings surveyor to lay out the township, with Zacheus Lovewell and James Cummings for chairmen. He performed the work and submitted his report, accompanied by a rude map of the township, denoting its boundary lines, rivers, and Joe English Hill. [The document describing that report can be found in the original document, but the text is not provided here]. Mr. John Simpson was authorized to call the first meeting, and it was held April 21, 1736, at the house of Mr. Luke Vardy, in Boston. One of the first acts was a vote instructing their Committee, Daniel Pecker, Andrew Lane, John Hill, John Indicott and James Halsey, to build a saw-mill on some convenient stream for the use of the proprietors in said township. In the surveyor's report appears the name of Zacheus Lovewell as one of the chairmen. This Zacheus Lovewell lived in the part of Nashua that was then called Dunstable. He is said to have attained the greatest age of any man that ever lived in New Hampshire. MASONIAN HEIRS AND NEW ADDITION--In 1620 James I., King of England, formed a council composed of titled men and gentlemen to the number of forty. They were known by the name of "The Council, established at Plymouth, in the County of Devon, for the planting, ruling and governing of New England in America." Two of the most prominent members were Captain John Mason and Sir Ferdinando Gorges. The land under their control extended from the fortieth to the forty-eighty degree of north latitude. The proprietors "procured a further grant of all the land from the river Naumkeag (now Salem), round Cape Ann, to the river Merrimack, and up each of these rivers to the farthest head thereof, then to cross from the head of one to the other." The following year another grant was made to Gorges and Mason, jointly, of all the lands between the rivers Merrimack and Sagadehock, extending back to the great lakes and rivers of Canada, which tract was called Laconia. In 1629, Captain Mason procured a new charter for the land "from the middle of Piscataqua River, together with all islands within five leagues of the coast." This land was called New Hampshire, which soon came under the care and government of Massachusetts. After much legal controversy in regard to these claims, it was resisted until John Tufton Mason conveyed, in 1746, his right and title to lands in New Hampshire, for the sum of fifteen hundred pounds currency, to Theodore Atkinson, M.H. Wentworth and thirteen others. When Mason heirs learned that these men were in power, and only with the great difficulty could they resist the claim, they were aroused and great consternation followed. It appears from a resolution, passed by the Masonian proprietors in the year 1751, that the above-named gentlemen were disposed to be reasonable. The proprietors authorized the committee to purchase of JohN Blancard, as agent of the Mason heirs, all right, title and interest in said proprietary. This extension was ever after known as the "New Addition," and continued to be until June 8, 1772, when Francestown was incorporated. "PROVINCE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE "Pursuant to the power and authority granted and vested in me by the proprietors of land purchased of John Tufton Mason, Esq. in the Province of New Hampshire, by their vote, passed at their meeting held at Portsmouth, in said Province, the tenth day of June 1752. "I do, by these presents, on the terms and conditions hereafter expressed, give and grant all the right, title, property and possession of the proprietors aforesaid unto Job Lewis, Henry Howel, John Steel, Thomas Bullfinch, Robert Jenkins, John Spooner, Benjamin Bagnall, Samuel Tyler's heirs, James Townsend's heirs, Isaac Walker, Joseph Wright, Eleazer Boyd, Daniel Pecker, WIlliam Dudley's heirs, Robert Boyes, Thomas Smith, Thomas Cochran, Patrick Douglas, John Homans, James Day, James Caldwell, Gilbert Warner, Richard Checkley's heirs, James Wilson, Jonathan Clark, William Speakman's heirs, Benjamin Clark's heirs, John Erwin, William White, John Hill Esq., John Taylor, John McCallister, Edward Durant's heirs, William Bant, John Maverick, Rufus Green, James Halsey, Daniel Loring's heirs, Joseph Green, James Hunter, Thomas Wilson, of, in and to that tract of land or township called New Boston, in the Province of New Hampshire aforesaid, of the contents of six miles broad and seven miles long, bounded thus: Beginning at a beech-tree the southeast corner, and from thence north by the needle, two degrees westward, six miles, or until it comes unto the northwest corner, formerly made under the Massachusetts grant, for the northeast corner of said tract, and from thence west by the needle two degrees to the southward; and from the first bounds mentioned, the southeast corner aforesaid, west by the needle two degrees southward six miles, or until it meet with Salem-Canada line (so called), and turning and running north by the needle two degrees westward, to miles, or until it come to the most north-easterly corner of Salem-Canada township, as formerly laid out; then turning and running west, as aforesaid, two degrees southerly so far, and extending the north line of the premises likewise westward, until a line parallel with the east line will include the contents of seven miles long and six miles broad, as aforesaid. To have and to hold to them, their heirs and assignes, forever, excepting as aforesaid, on the following terms, conditions and limitations... [the document goes on to state those conditions and limitations, only excerpts of specific interest to follow]... "That one home lot (so called) Viz.: number sixty, be set and relinquished unto John and Jonathan Simpson's assignee, Joseph Wright; always provided, and on this condition only, that he build, clear, inclose and settle a family on said lot... "Signed and sealed, "Joseph Blanchard "In behalf of grantors and grantees." With this deed was a schedule of the lots.....It was surveyed and laid out into fifty-one lots by Matthew Patten, of Bedford, reserving for the grantors four hundred and thirty acres in the northwest corner and four hundred acres in the southwest corner of said grant, and three hundred acres near the centre of said tract, as a present to Colonel Joseph Blanchard, the agent of the grantors, and as surveyed, included the soap stone quarries. INCORPORATION--New Boston was incorporated by the government of New Hampshire, February 18, 1763. The charter was granted by Benning Wentworth, Esq., Governor and commander-in-chief of the province of New Hampshire, and attested by Theodore Atkinson Jr., secretary. By petition of the citizens, John Goffe was directed to call the first town meeting, which meeting was required to be held within twenty days after the date of charter; time and place to be given in the notice. They were instructed by the charter that after the first election "the annual meeting of said town for choice of officers, and the management of its affairs, should be held within said town on the first Monday of March in each year." Colonel Goffe being authorized to call a meeting, immediately proceeded to perform his duties. The objects of the meeting were specified in the call,-- "1st. To choose all their town officers for the year ensuing, as the law directs. 2d. To see what money the town will raise to defray the charges of the town, and pay for preaching for the year ensuing." In accordance with the notice, the first meeting was held March 10, 1763, at the house of Deacon Thomas Cochran. This place is now [1885] owned and occupied by the great-great-grandson of Deacon Thomas Cochran, one of our most respected townsmen, Thomas R. Cochran. Record of the meeting is as follows: "Moderator, Thomas Cochran. Voted, Alexander McCollum Town Clerk. "Voted, There shall be five selectmen: Thomas Cochran, James McFerson, Nathaniel Cochran, John McAllister and John Carson, Selectmen. "Voted, Thomas Wilson, Constable. "Voted, Matthew Caldwell, John Smith, James Wilson, George Cristy, Thomas Brown, Surveyors of Highways. "Voted, Abraham Cochran, Samuel Nickles, Tithingmen. "Voted, William Gray, John Burns, Hog-Reeves. "Voted, John Carson, James Hunter, Deer-Keepers. "Voted, John Cochran, Invoice man or Commissioner of Assessments. "Voted, that a pound shall be built by the corn-mill, and that Deacon Thomas Cochran shall be pound-master. "Voted, Matthew Caldwell, James Wilson, Accountants to examine accounts of Selectmen. "Voted, to raise 100 pounds to defray charges for the present year, and for preaching." ******** EARLY SETTLERS ******** The first settlement was made by THOMAS SMITH, of Chester, in the northeast part of the town, on what is nown known as "The Plain," where he built a cabin, cleared a small piece of land by girdling the trees and burning the ground. One day, after planting, he discovered tracts, evidently made by a moccasined foot, and knowing Indians were still lurking in the vicinity, and were watching an opportunity to either take his scalp or carry him prisoner to Canada, he sauntered back to his cabin without manifesting any alarm, secured his gun and axe, and thinking Indians were in ambush in a direct route, he proceeded in a northerly direction to the north branch of the Piscataquog, thence up said river some distance before he ventured to take an easterly course, eventually reaching home in safety. And the sequel shows he was right in his conjectures in regard to the place where the Indians were secreted, for that night they made prisoner of and carried to Canada a man by the name of Worthley, who had a cabin near what is known as Parker's Station, Goffstown. How soon he returned is not now positively known, but probably in season to harvest his corn, his family coming with him. He cleared a farm and built a frame house, which is now standing [1885], the oldest in town. It appears, in a few years, that he obtained, by purchase or settlement, a large tract of land in the northwest part of the town, near the Great Meadow, now owned [1885] and occupied by George W. Sanders. This land remained in the possession of Smith's descendants until within a few years. The next earliest settlers were THOMAS COCHRAN, THOMAS WILSON, JAMES HUNTER and JAMES CALDWELL in the east part of the town; WILLIAM BLAIR and JOHN BLAIR in the north; JOHN McALLISTER in the south; and GEORGE CRISTY in the west. Between the years 1742 and 1748 the settlers were all emigrants from the Scotch-Irish colonies that first settled in Londonderry, N.H., in the year 1719, excepting JOHN McALLISTER, who came from Scotland. The Scotch-Irish settlers were a new element in the population of New England, differing materially in their customs, manners, and inside life from the English colonists of New Hampshire, but were not to be classed with the Catholic Irish. On the death of Elizabeth, the last of the Tudors, James the Sixth, of Scotland, became King of Great Britain, under the title of James the First. The Catholic population of Ireland rebelled against him, but he effectually crushed them in a short time, and then he proceeded to confiscate the estates of the rebellious chiefs, more particularly those of the O'Donnells and O'Neils in the north of Ireland, granting the lands to his Scotch and English subjects to settle on as crown tenants, at a nominal rent. This stimulated a large emigration from Argyleshire, Scotland, many of whom settled on the river Bon, or became citizens of Londonderry [Ireland]. Without doubt the English would availa themselves of the same privilege, and when they met those having a common interest in the same religion, they would naturally unite and intermarry, and in two or three generations they would form an admixture of the two nationalities, as is evident from the names of the first settlers in Londondery, N.H. In this blending of the Scotch Highlanders with the Saxon and Norman there was no intermingling of the native Catholic Irish blood, for the most bitter hatred existed on the part of the latter toward the former, as intruders who had usurped their rights, and taken possession of the fairest portions of their country, and were heretics in religion; the former, as conquerors looked down on the latter as an inferior race, who, as Catholics, had no rights which they were bound to respect, and both parties in after-years gave vent to their implacable animosity in the conflicts at the siege of Derry and the battle of Boyne. This same enmity continues at the present day between the Orangemen, Protestants, and the native Irish Catholics. Other emigrants followed from Londonderry, as the Clarks, Crombies, McColloms, McCurdys and others, but the settlement appears to have progressed slowly until about the year 1760. A census taken by the proprietors from September 20th to the 24th of the year 1756 reported "twenty-six men, eleven women, nine boys and thirteen girls," making a population of fifty-nine persons in all. The same committee reported "thirty houses, one dam and one saw and grist-mill, four frames and four camps, one house cut down, with one hundred and forty acres of improved land." Previous to this date they suffered all the hardships and privations necessarily attendant upon a new settlement, living in log houses a long distance from neighbors, with no roads except a bridle-path through the forests, guided by marked or spotted trees, with the underbrush cut away, so that a horse might pass in summer, but in winter the usual mode of traveling was on snow-shoes. Tradition says that the snow fell to a greater depth in the dense forest than at the present time. Any utensil, implement or article of household furniture that they could not manufacture had to be brought from the oldest settlements on the coast, and until they cleared and brought a sufficient amount of land to keep sheep and raise flax, every article of clothing--in fact, every article of textile fabric--was carried from one place to the other on the shoulders of the men. Salt, an article indispensable to civilized people, had to be transported from Londonderry, a distance of from twenty to twenty-five miles, in the same way. It is related of an early settlers that he went to one of the older towns to purchase some necessary articles, which made quite a package in weight and bulk, and also a bushel of small grain for seed, either of which would make a load for a man; he started with one, and carried that some two or three miles, and then returned for the other, and in that way managed to convey both to his home. So far as animal food was concerned, it was procured from the forests. The deer remained in limited numbers, and bears were numerous, and as every man owned a gun, they could procure a supply of meat, particularly of the latter, although not as palatable as the deer. Another source from which to vary their diet was fish, with which the streams and ponds abounded to the degree that in the spring, when the suckers left the ponds for the brooks, in the spawning season, they could throw them out with shovels. The clearing of the forest required long and persistent labor. First came the felling or lopping of the trees, as it was termed. Usually one of two methods were adopted,--either to cut down the trees separately and level the branches, or to cut a large number on one side, so that they would fall in the same direction, and as they fell, one would strike another and so on, carrying the whole down. The next step after the leaves were dried was to burn it over, and then came the most laborious part of clearing th eland,--first, the trunks of the trees must be severed, which was down by cutting or burning (the latter was termed niggering them off), then rolling the logs in piles and burning. After the seed was down, it was raked or hoed over to cover it. In some instances, after burning over, they did not want to clear off the wood, so planted corn between the logs. The rearing of domestic animals was attended with considerable trouble and anxiety. To protect them from wolves and bears, every night they were put in a secure pen built of logs, so high that a wolf could not easily get over; but in once instance a wolf had made his way in, and was found and dispatched in the morning. Bears were voracious and troublesome in the spring, and would attack and kill cattle. An early settlers in the northwest part of the town had a cow killed by them. He caused traps to be set near the carcase, one a log, the other a spring-trap, and a bear was caught in each. The depredations of these same animals in the cornfields was a source of great annoyance. But with all their privations, hardships, and self-denials, the settlers had their pastime and amusements, such as wool-breaking, log-rolling and raisings. Socially and pecuniarily they were on an equality, and a friendly feeling pervaded the community. ***** CHURCHES ***** At a meeting of the proprietors, held in Boston [Massachusetts] December 9, 1738, it was voted to settle an orthodox minister, also to build a meeting-house of the following dimensions: thirty feet wide, forty-five long and twenty feet stud. The committee was authorized and empowered to agree with some person or persons to built said house as soon as they could, provided they did not exceed the sum of six hundred pounds; and that they have power to call upon each proprietor to defray expenses as often as they should think proper. This house ws built on what is now [1885] known as "The Plain," nearly south across the highway from the residence of the late Samuel Davis. According to tradition, it was burned; but there are various theories in regard to this cause. One is, that one of the early settlers set it on fire to procure the nails to build a house for himself. It is thought the inside of the house was never finished, and it is not probably that meetings were ever held in it, yet there may have been an occasional preaching service during this period. In 1757 the settlers again expressed a desire for public worship. The proprietors informed them that "preaching could not begin until 1758." It appears by the records that, November 28, 1758, "the proprietors agreed to send a letter by John McAllister to Thomas Cochran to convene the settlers, and agree upon a site for the meeting-house and a suitable location for the public Burying-Place." Lot 79, on the northern slope of the hill, was selected as a desirable spot for the meeting-house. It also authorized said McAllister and said Cochran to sell one hundred acres of land, near Andrew Walker's to defray expenses. August 30, 1759, the proprietors met five of the citizens of New Boston, at Dunstable, and then and there agreed to send the sentiments of the meeting in writing to the committee, and this committee at some future tim warn the people to meet and take decisive action in the matter. It seems there had been several places selected on which to build, none of which were satisfactory to the settlers. The proprietors and resident proprietors met at Steinrod's, in Dunstable, and "Voted to build a meeting-house, near lot eighty-nine, fifty feet long, forty feet wide and twenty feet stud, boarded and clapboarded, and shingles with short shingels." "Voted to sell so much of the undivided land in the 'New Addition' as necessary to defray expenses.'" The Boston proprietors and settlers of New Boston agreed to refer the location to a committee composed of the following-named gentlemen; Matthew Patten, John Chamberlain, Samuel Patten. Below is given a report of the committee,-- "To the Proprietors of New Boston: "GENTLEMEN: "Pursuant to the vote and desire at the meeting held at Dunstable, in the Province of New Hampshire, the 14th of September, 1762, We, the subscribers, have attended the business therein mentioned at said meeting, desiring us to choose a proper place to build a meeting-house in New Boston; we viewed the place or premises, heard the reasonsings of the Proprietors and inhabitants of said town and do report to the said Propriety that Lot 79, in the second division and near the centre of said lot, on the south side of the Piscataquog River, south of a Red Oak tree marked with letter C., near the grave of a child buried there, is the most proper place or spot to build meeting-house on in town, according to our judgement." "Matthew Patten, John Chamberlain, Samuel Patten, "Committee. "Witness our hand, July 24, 1763." At a meeting held in Dunstable, September 28, 1763, it was voted to accept the report of the committee; this same committee were authorized to engage some suitable person to build said house without delay. They were still further instructed to sell any unoccupied lands belonging to the proprietors for building meeting-house. James Halsey, John Hill, Robert Boyes and Thomas Cochran were appointed standing committee of the proprietors. September 30, 1766, John Hill and Robert Jenkins were appointed a committee to make a contract with Mr. Ebenezer Beard for building the church. The proprietors becoming impatient at Mr. Beard's delay in completing his contract, instructed Thomas Cochran and James Caldwell, provided Beard did not finish said house before July, 1767, to employ suitable workmen to finish the house. It seems there was a misunderstanding between Beard and the committee in regard to inside finish; but it was soon settled, as they voted, September 15, 1767, to give Beard one hundred acres of land in the 'New Addition,' since Beard complained that he had a hard bargain. The proprietors relinquished all right in the gallery to the citizens, providing they would assist in finishing said meeting-house. One half-pew on the lower floor was given to each original proprietor. The house was now left to the care of the town. We cannot learn that there was any action taken in regard to the church till the year 1768. It was a large and noble edifice for those days, being fifty feet long and forty feet wide. There were three doors, the front and largest being towards the south. The high pulpit stood on the north side, with its mysterious sounding-board above. There were large square pews around the walls of the house, a broad aisle in the centre with pews on either side. The seats were hung with hinges, and as it was considered very irreverent to sit during prayer, these seats were raised to enable them to stand with greater ease; at the conclusion of prayer the seats were dropped, causing a great disturbance. The singers' seats were located in the gallery opposite the pulpit. There was no way of warming the church, and as the services were very long, the women found it necessary to take what was called a foot-stove. This was a small tin box set in a wooden frame; inside was placed a dish for coals. Not far distant from the church was a building called the session-house, where the deacons held business meetings. The church was not completed till 1786, though it had been occupied for many years. In 1767 the Rev. SOLOMON MOOR began his labors here. He was born in Newtown-Limavady, Ireland, 1736, was a graduate at the University of Glasgow in 1758, and was licensed to preach by the Londonderry Presbytery, Ireland, July 26, 1762, and ordained minister-at-large in 1766. He soon started for America, and arrived at Halifax [Nova Scotia, Canada] October 1766, and preached for the first time for the Rev. Mr. Moorhead of Boston, Mass. The following Sabbath he preached for Rev. Mr. Davidson, in Londonderry, N.H. In those days the churches were so scattered, and many of the early settlers coming from Londonderry, it was but natural that they should turn to their old pastor for advice and assistance in obtaining a minister. Probably through Mr. Davidson's influence, Mr. Moor was induced to visit New Boston and spend a few months with them. Becoming acquainted, they seemed well adapted to each other, and August 25, 1767, the people, with great harmony, gave him a call [the text of that call is included in the orginal source material, but not included here]. That "call document" was signed August the 25th, 1767 by the following New Boston residents: "Subscribed by John Smith, Matthew Caldwell, William Caldwell, Jesse Christy, Thomas Cochran, James Ferson, Alexander McCollom, William Clark, James Cochran, William Gray, Abraham Cochran, James Wilson, James Cristy, Alexander Wilson, James Hunter, Alexander Graham, Samuel McAllister, Thomas McCollom, Ninian Clark, Peter Cochran, Reuben Smith, Hardy Ferson, JohN Blair, John Cochran Jr., Thomas Cochran Jr., Alexander Moor, William McNiel Jr. [sic McNeil], Thomas Quigely [sic Quigly], William Kelsey, John Cochran, William Boyes, Paul Ferson Jr., Thomas Wilson, William Blair, John McAllister, Ananias McAllister, Robert White, John Burns, Robert Livington, Nathaniel Cochran, William Livingston, John Gordon." This call, given by individuals, was adopted and confirmed at a legal meeting held by the town. Mr. Moor did not give a definite answer to this call until July 1, 1768. Tradition has it that Mr. Moor would not consent to settle here until he could gain the consent of a fair lady to share with him the privations and trials incident to a settlement in what was then called in Londonderry, "The Woods." The ministry lots not being near the centre of the town, the town voted to exchange lot No. 61 for lot No. 53, which had been designed for a school lot, this being only about two miles from the meeting-house. The people, feeling anxious that Mr. Moor should remain with them, offered to help clear the land, which was then a wilderness, and assist in the erection of a suitable house. "March 7, 1868 [sic 1768]-- "Voted, Thomas Cochran, James Ferson, Thomas Quigely, Daniel McMillen, William Clark, committee to treat with Rev. Solomon Moor in regard to his settling in New Boston, and in case the said Moor will not stay, to provide preaching some other way the present year." It would seem that there was a doubt in the minds of the people of Mr. Moor's acceptance of the call. He had been with them nearly six months before it was given, and they thought the time had now come for a permanent supply. Mr. Moor was installed September 6, 1768. It is thought Rev. David McGregor preached the installing sermon, and Rev. William Davidson gave the charge to the pastor. It is not certainly known when the church was organized. By some it is thought ot have been the same day of Mr. Moor's installation. There are other reasons to suppose it was formed at a much earlier date. In the proprietor's records we find the names of Deacon Thomas Cochran and Deacon Archibald McMillen previous to Mr. Moor's installation, while there is nothing to show us that they had been deacons in any other church. It would hardly seem reasonable that they, good Christian people, or that their pastors would allow twenty-eight years to pass without an organization. It is said these ministers watched carefully and tenderly over their flock, and there are many instances recorded where they preached for them gratuitously. The early records of the church were imperfectly kept, so that it cannot be positively known when the church was formed, but probably many years previous to Mr. Moor's installation. Mr. Moor commenced his labors in this place, then a wilderness, with a strong desire and purpose for a great ingathering of souls. He was supported and aided in his work by the session, which, in the year 1768, was composed of Mr. Moor, pastor; Thomas Cochran, James Ferson, John Smith, Archibald McMillen, Jesse Cristy and Robert White, deacons. July 16, 1770, Mr. Moor took unto himself a wife, the daughter of Rev. Mr. Davidson. The young couple started immediately for their new home on horseback, accompanied by many of Mr. Moor's friends. On their way they were met by a delegation of their parishioners; enough of the friends were left at home to have all in order when they should arrive. The people were delighted to welcome this youthful bride of only twenty years, and so great was their joy and love for her that she was borne in the arms of these Scotch women from her steed to her chamber, and in like manner to the reception-room, where she was greeted by men and women of all ages, each anxious to pay her homage. Thus commenced the ministry of this great and good man. He was a friend to the poor, spoke words of comfort to the mourning, was charitable towards all; in a few words, he had all the requisites necessary for a true minister of the gospel. He lived among this people thirty-four years, and was loved and respected by all. He died May 28, 1803, aged sixty-seven years. Mrs. Moor lived to the good old age of ninety-six years. The children of Mr. Moor were Mary, Witter D., Frances, Ann, John and Elizabeth. Mary married Samuel Cochran, of Londonderry. Witter died when young. Frances married Captain John Smith, of Goffstown; she died May 7, 1807. Ann died unmarried November 23, 1859, aged eighty-one. John married Mehitable Ray, of Mont Vernon. Elizabeth Cummings was married to James McCurdy, March, 1813, and lived in New Boston until her death. Mr. Moor was succeeded by REV. E.P. BRADFORD, whose pastorate with Mr. Moor's fill a space of eighty years. The children have not followed the example of their fathers, as will be seen. The next to follow Mr. Bradford was REV. E.M. KELLOGG. May 5, 1846, he received a call from the church, which was accepted, and he remained as pastor of this people until April 1852. He is now [1885] living in Manchester, N.H., having retired from his profession many years since on account of failing health. REV. ALANSON RAWSON then supplied the pulpit for about two years, but refused to be installed on the ground of impaired health. REV. E.C. COGSWELL began his labors October 30, 1855. Aside from a faithful and efficient ministry, Mr. Cogswell will be long and gratefully remembered for his labors in compiling and writing the "History of New Boston." He was dismissed November 1, 1865. REV. D.C. FRINK was installed by the Londonderry Presbytery November 25, 1866, and remained pastor of this church until his death, which occurred June 21, 1871. REV. WILLIAM C. BESSOM was the next settled pastor. He was installed by the Londonderry Presbytery in 1872, and was dismissed in 1873. After the dismissal of Mr. Bessom, there was no settled minister until October 16, 1879, when REV. FRANK H. ALLEN was ordained and installed. He closed his labors in April 1882. In 1874, by a donation of two thousand dollars from George W. McCollom, Esq. of New York, a neat and commodious chapel was built for the use of the Presbyterian Society. HISTORY OF THE BAPTIST CHURCH--From records which have been consulted, reaching back about ninety-five years, it appears that the Baptist Church in New Boston took its origin from one previously existing in Amherst, and entirely distinct from the present church in Amherst. The Amherst Church was organized December 6, 1787, and consisted of persons residing in New Boston and in those parts of Amherst which were subsequently formed into Mont Vernon and Milford, few or none residing in what is now called Amherst. In the course, however, of twelve years it had become so diminished in numbers as to afford little hope that the enterpise would be permanently successful. In the mean time several persons in New Boston had made a public profession of religion, and united with the church in Weare. Rev. Mr. Elliott, of Mason, also baptized fourteen persons in the town on the 4th of October, 1799, though at time they united with no church. In view, therefore, of the number of Baptist professors that were resident in New Boston, it was mutually agreed, by members of the church both in Amherst and New Boston, at a meeting holden at John Whipple's in New Boston, November 23, 1799, that the Amherst Church should in future be known by the name of the "First Calvinistic Baptist Church in Amherst and New Boston." Whereupon those persons who had lately been baptized, and those who had joined at Weare, united with this church, whose number was also increased, during the year 1800, by the addition of nineteen others. In the year 1801, REV. JOSIAH STONE commenced his labors with this church, and in this and the three succeeding years, fourteen persons were added to its fellowship. In 1804 the church, by the advice of council, took the name of "The Calvinistic Baptist Church in New Boston." The same year the church agreed upon the erection of a meeting-house, which was completed the following year. This house was located in the westerly part of the town, three miles from the present place of worship. Its dimensions were forty by thirty-two feet, and one story high. During this year the church united with the Warren Association, with which it retained its connection until the formation of the Boston Association, when it fell within the limits of that body. The same year, also, REV. JOSIAH STONE was installed as permanent pastor of the church. From this time to 1816 the number received into the fellowship of the church was twenty. At the expiration of this period a case of discipline arose which resulted in the division of the church into two bodies, the one being retained in the Boston Association, the other uniting with the Salisbury. In June, 1824, Mr. Stone resigned the pastoral care of the church, but remained in the place until his decease, which occurred in 1839. REV. JOHN ATWOOD, then a licentiate, commenced his labors with this people on the first Lord's day in June, 1824. He was ordained the 18th of May, 1825, and closed his pastoral relation the last Sabbath in January, 1836. During his ministry, ninety-nine persons were added to the fellowship of the church. February 23, 1825, the two churches were dissolved by mutual consent, and the members, forty-six in number, reorganized into one body and united with the Salisbury Association. In 1826 a pleasant revival took place, in which thirteen were added to the church. In 1828 the church was dismissed from the Salisbury and united with the Milford Association. A more central location for public worship being very desirable, in 1832 a meeting-house was erected in the Lower village, and was dedicated to the worship of God on the 6th of February, 1833. In 1835 a precious revival of religion was enjoyed, during which fifty-three persons were added to the church. In February, 1836, REV. A.T. FOSS became pastor of the church, which relation he continued to hold during eight years, till January 1844. On the first Sabbath in February, 1845, REV. DAVID GAGE commenced his ministerial labors with this people, and continued with them ten years, during which time sixty-four were added to the church. His pastorate closed in March 1855. November 1, 1855, REV. J.N. CHASE began his permanent labors in the place, was recognized as pastor December 19, 1855, and dismissed May 1, 1859. REV. FRANKLIN MERRIAM succeeded him in the pastorate office in May 1859, and closed his labors with this church October 5, 1862. The pastorate was then filled by REV. THOMAS CLARKSON RUSSELL, who entered upon his labors with this church the first Sabbath in June 1863, closing the same November, 1866. His ministry was a strong one; the church enjoyed a revival and thirty-seven were added by profession. REV. SAMUEL WOODBURY succeeded, his pastorate extending to March 1868. REV. R.G. FARLEY was the next pastor, serving the church from July 1868 to 1870. During his stay, nine were received by baptism. He was followed by REV. J.M. COBURN, who pastoral relations closed in August 1871. In January, 1872, REV. G.W. KINNEY succeeded to the pastorate, and remained with the church until January 1876. DUring his ministry many of the old members were called home, of whom (whose history was closely allied with the church), perhaps, peculiar mention should be made of Rev. John Atwood and Mrs. Hannah Whipple. Additions by baptism, seven. REV. FRANCIS E. CLEARES followed him, his pastorate covering from January 1878, to May 1881. Additions by baptism, four. In October 1881, REV. E.C. WHIITEMORE commenced supplying the church; was ordained as pastor July 1, 1882, laboring as such till November, 1884. It was a marked and successful era in the church's history,--a constant interest and twenty-six added by baptism. A valuable circulating library was procured, and extensive repairs and improvements were made on the church edifice. Mr. Whittmore removed to Auburn, Me [Maine], and at the present writing [1885] the church is without a pastor. Total membership, one hundred and twenty-three, of whom ninety-nine are resident members. ******* GRAVEYARDS ******* The first account of the graveyard is found in the proprietary record, in connection with the building of the meeting-house, and is as follows: "To convene the settlers together and fix on the most proper place, the centre of the town according to the old line, supposed to be about lot 79, to build a meeting-house; also to fix on a suitable place for burying-ground near to said place, as shall be most agreeable to the settlers." The next, we find, is referred to in the report of a committee who were authorized by the proprietors and settlers to select a site on which to build the meeting-house, as follows: "Do report to said Propriety as follows: that lot 79 in the second division was the centre of said lot on the south side of Piscatquog RIver, south of a Red Oak tree marked with the letter C, near the grave of a child buried there, is the most proper place to build a meeting-house." According to tradition, the child referred to was a daughter of Captain George Christie, the first settler in the southwestern part of the town, and this place of interment was selected, in all probability, with the knowledge that it was then or would be inclosed in the yard, and must have been near where the Bradford monument now [1885] stands. History and tradition are silent as to any other interments within the limits of what is known as the old yard, and the supposition is that there were none at that period. The time of laying out and setting apart a tract of land for a graveyard is not now known, as there is no record to be found, but the presumption is that it would be immediately after the location of the meeting-house; for, in accordance with the universal custom of the times, the land for the graveyard would be inclosed in the rear of, or in the immediate vicinity fo the church. The next recorded allusion is to be found in the town records, May 7, 1768, when a vote of the town was taken or a resolution passed to the following effect: that each man work one day on the stone-work in the graveyard. This was nearly six years after the rport of the committee, and the "meeting-house was built and finished outside." Doubtless the wood was cut off at this time and the ground cleared for the yard. The stone-work referred to in the resolution would be digging and removing stone within the inclosure of the premises to make a stone wall. At a town-meeting held February 14, 1777, a resolution was passed requiring each man in town to work one day at the graveyard, with the privilege of expending the labor in the part of the yard where individually interested. A period of nineteen years had now elapsed since the first interment. The first monumental record of burial is that of ALEXANDER McCOLLOM, who died January 6, 1768, age the age of thirty-six years. He came from Londonderry in 1757, and settled on the farm owned by the late George Adams; was chosen town clerk when the town was incorporated, in 1763, and held the office at the time of his death. The following-named are the earliest burials of which there is any monumental record: Thomas Cochran, October 6, 1770; Mrs. Jane McNeil, April 2, 1772; Captain James Cochran, April 21, 1772; Nathaniel Aiken, June 8, 1772; Joseph Waugh, October 13, 1770; two children of John Cochran, May 1775; Maurice Lynch, 1779. In all probability, few were erected in comparison with the whole number that died. There does not appear to have been any addition or improvement made until about 1840, when a small triangular piece of land, lyding between the yard and the highway, was added; but in a few years that was taken up, and it became apparent that the town would be obliged to furnish new ground for interment. The question was discussed at several town-meetings, and the selectmen were instructed to purchase land suitably located for a cemetery; but, in consequency of inability to purchase and difference of opinion in regard to locality, failed to accomplish the object desired. Mr. Elbridge Wason, of the firm of Wason, Peirce & Co., of Boston, a native of the town, very generously offered to give the town land for a new burial-place or an addition to the old. After a consideration of the subject by the citizens, the latter was thought most desirable, and Mr. Wason purchased land on the north and west of the old yard, and conveyed the same to the town by deed, under certain conditions, one of which was that it should be controlled by a board of trustees, to be appointed by grantor, with power to fill vacancies as they might occur. Since that time the trustees have caused the erection of a town-tomb and brought water by acqueduct into the yard, which is discharged by two fountains. Great changes have been made by citizens in improving lots and erected monuments, so that it will compare favorably with cemeteries in neighboring towns. ****** SOIL, FOREST GROWTH and PRODUCTIONS ***** The surface of the town is very much like that of neighboring towns, crossed by hill and vale, although the hills are not so steep and high as Francestown and Lyndeborough. The soil varies. The hill lands are generally an admixture of clay and marl, with the granite formation on the south and east sides; on the north and west the formation is purely of granite, and with less depth of soil and fertility; the valleys partake more of the marl than of the granite. The valley of the south branch of the Piscataquog is alluvial, evidently the result of the glacier period, as the extended morains and cairns along its banks would tend to show, and during the melting of the ice the water must have been from seventy-five to one hundred feet deep where the village now stands, as at that height on the hills on each side the sediment settled in still water. The meadow or bog land is of but small amount, except what is known as the Great Meadow, in the north part of the town, although now comparatively worthless, except for cranberries. It was of great value to the early settlers, having been flowed at some period by the beavers, which would destroy the timbers, and being abandoned by them, their dam went to decay, and after the water dried off, a kind of grass, known as the blue joint, sprang up and grew luxuriantly, affording a supply of hay to keep cattle before there was a sufficient amount of land cleared for that purpose. The forest growth was principally oak and pine, with a mixture of beech, maple and hemlock on the hills; oak, beech and pine grew on low lands. The banks of the Piscataquog, its entire length, a distance of ten miles or more, was lined with pines of a large size and good quantity. Some fifteen or twenty years prior to the Revolution, the British government undertook to procure masts for the royal navy, from Concord and vicinity, by floating them down the Merrimack River to Newburyport; but in going over Amoskeag Falls most of them were broken. The project proved a failure, and was given up. They next turned their attention to the Piscataquog and its branches as a better field of operation, and to give even better facilities for conveyance, built a road from Squog Village (what was then Bedford) to Oil-Mill village, in Ware. The road was known as King's Mast road, and the King's surveyor went through the woods and put the board "R" on all pine-trees suitable for masts for the royal navy. It was a capital crime for a man to cut on his own land any pine-tree twenty inches or more in diameter, and was punishable with a fine and confiscation of the lumber. Tradition says that in 1774, Benjamin Whiting, of Amherst, sheriff of the county, laid an attachment on all logs found at the mills in Goffstown, over twenty inches through, and then went to Oil-Mill, where there was a large number of logs, and did the same. He then went to a hotel to spend the night; after he retired, a band of masked men broke into his room, ordered him to dress, placed him upon his horse, whose tail and mane had been closely shaven, and compelled him to leave the place. Being an obstinate, willful man, and highly exasperated at the treatment he received, he persuaded Colonel Goffe to go with a company of soldiers to execute the King's writ; but his assailants were not to be found. No further effort was made at that time to arrest the offenders. [NOTE: This is not accurate. Several of the "offenders" were taken to court and fined for their participation in this event.. known as the "Pine Tree Riot." -- SEE History of Weare on this web site for more details]. The next year, 1775, was the beginning of the Revolution, and Sheriff Whiting was one of the small number that refused to sign the Test Act; but his townsmen made it so uncomfortable for him that he removed to Nova Scotia, and never returned. Allusion has been made to the size of the trees, many of which, taking the stumps as standard, were from four to five feet in diameter at the root. One was cut down on the farm formerly owned by N.C. Crombie that was six feet in diameter at the stump; another, near John M. Holt's mill, nearly as large, and the story is that a pair of oxen, six feet girth, were turned around on them without stepping off. It is evident they could not be removed full length for masts, and were therefore left to rot. After the Revolutionary period, the business of cutting and drawing the best and straightest trees to the landing at Squog for masts was continued until all suitable for that purpose disappeared. The manufactured lumber prior to the building up of Nashua and Manchester was drawn to the same place and rafted to Newburyport or Boston. At that time the best boards sold at Squog for from five to six dollars per thousand. When the town was laid out it contained as much oak and pine timber as any town six miles square in the State, but it is now nearly all gone. The principal productions, excepting lumber, are now and have been agricultural. Of graints, corn is the leading one, being the standard crop. Wheat, oats and barley are grown to a limited extend on the hill farms. The potato and turnip do not grow as well now as when the land was new. The farmer realized more hay than from any other production. Butter and cheese are made to a limited extend, as many of the largest farmers are selling their milk. The natural scenery of New Boston cannot be surpassed. Among the highest elevations in town are Clark's Cochran's and Bradford Hills. For weeks the traveler might discover some new attraction in these abodes of nature. Nothing can exceed the splendor of a sunrise on these hills in a calm, summer morning. The stillness of the place, the varying positions of objects as the morning mists rise and change and pass away before the sun,--these and other features present to the mind a landscape abounding in that wild beauty which exists where art has not usurped dominion over nature. The eye dwells with delight on the vast country which is spread before it. Far as the eye can reach, it is met by a constant succession of hills and mountains, sometimes swelling gently in the distance and sprinkled with settlements, again breaking into wild peaks; in summer crowned with ledges of granite, and in winter covered with an unbroken mantle of snow, rising like monuments of marble above the surrounding woods. JOE ENGLISH HILL is the highest point of land in town, and is almost perpendicular on the south side, which appears as though it had been broken off by some mighty convulsion of nature; the glacier period may have had something to do about it. The west and east sides are not so steep, and on the north the ascent is very gradual. The name is derived from a friendly Indian, who lived with the English when Tyngsborough, Dunstable, Chelmsford and Dracut were frontier towns. He was a good hunter and warrior, and from the fact of his living with the English the other Indians gave him the name of Joe English. Becoming satisfied that he gave information of their hostile designs to the pale-faces, they determined to take his scalp, and, accordingly, laid in wait for him. Soon after, about twilight, they found Joe hunting near the south branch of the Piscataquog, and made an attack on him, but he managed to escape, and being a good runner, he made for the north side of the hill, knowing that unless he had recourse to strategy, they would capture him. He ran with great speed to the base of the hill, then slackened his speed so that his pursuers had nearly overtaken him; when he came to the brink of the precipice, on the southern side, he leaped down a short distance, and concealed himself behind a projection of the ledge, while his pursuers, having seen their prey, came on with renewed energy to the point where he had disappeared, fell headlong and were dashed on the rocks below. Another account is that in one of his excursions in this vicinity he was pursued by a native Indian warrior. On discovering his enemy he ran for the base of the hill, and after going around several times came up with his pursuer in the rear, and shot him in the back. Joe English, in consequence of his faithfulness to the English, came to his death in the following manner: As he, with some white men, were escorting Lieutenant Butterfield and wife from Dunstable to Chelmsford, July 27, 1706, they fell into an ambuscade of hostile Indians. Butterfield and the other men easily made their escape, as the principal object of the Indians was to capture Joe. He started for the woods, with all the Indians in full pursuit, excepting one, who was left in charge of Mrs. Butterfield. When he found they were gaining upon him, he faced about, took aim, as if about to fire; the Indians, knowing tthat he was a fatal shot, dropped instantly to the ground. Joe then ran for his life, but, seeing his pursuers were gaining ground, repeated the action, which he did several times, until he had nearly reached the covert of the thick wood, when one of the Indians fired. The shot struck his right arm, and his gun fell from his hand; but this impelled him to greater speed, and he had just gained the wood when another shot struck him in the thigh and he fell to the ground. At the same time a yell of triumph expressed the joy of the savages. Coming up, they gave vent to their hatred in no measured terms, as follows: "Now, Joe, we are glad you no tell English we come again." "No," answered Joe; "Captain Butterfield tell that at Pawtucket." "Ugh!" exclaimed the Indians; the thought just striking them that the soldiers at the block-houses at Pawtucket or Dunstable, alarmed by the whites who had escaped, would be upon them in a short time, they did not delay, but burying the tomahawk in the head of Joe English, this faithful friend of the white man died. The services of Joe English were considered so meritorious that a grant was made to his wife and two children by the Legislature of Massachusetts, because, as the words of the grant would have it, "he died in the service of his country." ******** ROADS ******** The first road built in town, according to the proprietary records, was from where the first house was built on the plain to the saw and grist-mill; the next was from Amherst line to John McAllister's house, in the south part of the town; and also one from the plain to the Great Meadow. The first road through the town began on Bedford west line, near Chestnut Hills; thence, in a northwesterly direction, nearly through the centre of the town, crossing the south branch of Piscataquog River about one-half mile below the Lower village, at a place now known [1885] the Ford-way; thence it followed, in nearly the same direction, to the south line of Weare. A large part of it has gone out of use and is fenced up, the land reverting to the abuttors, and is known as the old County road, probably designed as a leading thoroughfare on which the cross-roads fro east and west would terminate. After the incorporation of the town, the records show a large number of transcripts of new highways laid out by the selectmen, in doing which they appear to have had two things in view,--first to so locate the road as to pass each settler's house. No regard being paid to straight lines, the roads were circuitous and often nearly at right angles, being built over the hills, seeming to avoid as much as possible the level and low lands. According to tradition, one of the reasons for so doing is found in the fact that most of the early settlers built on a hill, or on the most elevated portion of their lot or grant, being of the opinion that the soil was better and the location more pleasant; and when they had made considerable advance in clearing of the forest, it gave opportunity to see their neighbors' premises. Another reasons was that it was difficult to build and maintain a road in low and swampy land. There appears to have been two leading ways to the older towns, where they procured such articles of merchandise and luxuries as their means would allow,--one through the north part of the town to Goffstown and Londonderry; the other from the northwest part of the town, over the Clark Hill, to the Lower village; thence to the upper and over Bradford Hill, and, as the road now runs, past the residences of G.A. Wason, David Marden and Robert Kelso, to the Amherst line, and is known as the old Amherst road. It was the route over which the merchandise was transported from Boston and Salem for the stores here and those in the southwest part of Weare. About 1827 an event occurred which changed, to a certain extent, the terminus of many of the old roads and discontinued others; which was the building of a new road from Newport to Amherst, though the town lengthwise, to avoid the steep and long hills over the old turnpike, particularly those of Cork and Mont Vernon. This changed the course of travel from Windsor, Woodstock and Montpelier, Vt., and a large section that centered at Claremont and Newport. But the most visible change effected in the town by the building said highway was the removal of the business centre of the village on the hill to what is now known as the Lower village, which then consisted of three houses, a grist and a clothing-mill. The first new buildings erected after the completion of this road was a store by MICAH LAWRENCE and WATERMAN BURR, and a hotel and store by DR. JOHN WHIPPLE. Although it was of great advantage and benefit to the town and public, the large expense of building caused strong opposition on the part of many of the citizens, two of whom refused to travel over it, but preferred the old circuitous road to reach the village, nearly twice the distance. In the year 1839 a new highway was built from the lower village to Goffstown, to connect with the old Mast road in said town, known as the River road, and is now the leading thoroughfare from the towns west and southwest to the city of Manchester. By this time the town had been at great expense building new roads to accomodate the public. Two had been built from the west line of the town, terminating at the village, one farther south having its terminus on the Amherst road, one in the northeast part to Weare line, and another in the southeast to Bedford line, varying in length from two and one-half to four and one-half miles, beside many shorter pieces made to avoid the hills and straighten old roads, the building and maintenance of which was a heavy burden on the tax-payers. The presumption that New Boston has more miles of road than any other town of the same size in the county or in the State. ***** BRIDGES ***** The first bridge was on the south branch of the Piscataquog, where the old County road crossed, and was built with log abutments; this was effected by placing a log well imbedded on either side of the stream, then others from the bank notched on as headers, and stretchers laid from one abutment to the other until they had attained a suitable height. An incident is related in connection with this bridge which appears almost incredible, although related as a fact well vouched. During a severe freshet the covering of the bridge was carried away, leaving the stringers bare. A resident of Francestown, returning from Londonderry on horseback in the evening, passed over, and as it was unusually dark, concluded to call at the first house and spend the night. The first question on his arrival was,--"How did you cross the river?" His answer was,--"On the bridge," but was assured that that was not possible, as it had been carried away by the water. He refused to credit what his host related, but in the morning went back, and, to his great surprise, saw nothing remaining of the bridge from one abutment to the other, except one stringer, which was sufficient evidence to convince him that his horse had carried him over in safety, with no other surface for foothold than the remaining cross-tie. On the south branch of Piscataquog there are eight wooden truss bridges, varying in length from forty-five to sixty-five feet, and one bridge of iron in the village; on the middle branch, two wooden truss bridges, from forty to fifty feet in length, and six with stretchers laid across, plank covered. ****** MILLS ****** The first mill or mills was built by the proprietors, as has been related; the next by ANDREW WALKER about the year 1751. As appears by the records, the proprietors made an agreement or contract with said Walker, on condition of certain grants of land, to build a saw and grist-mill on the middle branch of the Piscataquog River, where CHARLES TUCKER'S mill now stands [1885], with a right to flow, for the space of seven years, the low land farther up said stream, so as to furnish a supply of water for the dry season, the proprietors to provide the mill-irons. The frequent complaint of the settlers to the proprietors would tend to show that he did not give satisfaction. What the difficulty was does not appear,--whether he refused to saw boards for one-half, according to the custom of the time, and demanded payment in cash, or claimed more than a sixteenth part of the grain for grinding. But it is quite evident it was an infringement on the rights of the settlers, and an abuse of the privileges granted him, or was so considered by the proprietors from the action taken at several of their meetings. At one it was voted to sue Walker and take the mill-irons if he was not more accomodating; at another they authorized and empowered Thomas Cochran and John McAllister to take legal measures with Andrew Walker. At an early period Deacon Thomas Cochran built a corn-mill on a large stream known as the Cochran Brook, and prior to 1770, HUGH GREGG built a saw and grist-mill on the middle branch of the Piscataquog River, where Alvaro Hadley's [1885] now stands. DEACON JESSE CHRISTY built a saw and grist-mill on the spot now owned [1885] by the Paper-Mill Company. Saw-mills were built in different parts of the town to the number of thirty-three, nine of which were located on the south branch of the river, nine on the middle branch, four on the Marden Brook, one on Turkey Brook, near the north end of the Great Meadow, one on brook near Hiram Wilson's, two on Wood's Brook, besides two on the south branch of the Piscataquog, which were connected with grist-mills. ******** MANUFACTURES ******** The first manufactory in town of which there is any record was that of wire, and was carried on by Holmes, Kendall & Crombie in a building near where the paper-mill now stands [1885]. Not proving remunerative, it was given up. Axes and hoes were manufactured there about the same time. A year or two later, MOSES WOOD erected a building near the same place, and began the manufacture of guns and rifles, which he carried on successfully for a long period, until the breech-loader succeeded the old muzzle-loader. Kendall & McLane began the manufacture of doors, sash and blinds in 1845, in a building where John Gregg's shop now stands [in 1885], which was afterwards burned, and were succeeded the next year by N.& R. McLane, who continued the business there until 1852, when they erected a dam and building about one hundred rods northeast of the Lower village, and have continued the manufacture of doors there till the present time [1885]. The same year, NATHAN FARLEY commenced the manufacture of piano-cases, which he has continued successfully. Fuller & Wisewell made looking-glasses and picture-frames in the same building formerly occupied by N.& R. McLane for two or three years. They were succeeded by Mr. Smith, who put in machinery for knit hosiery. After operating a few months, he had the misfortune to have his stock and machinery destroyed by fire. For twenty years or more DAVID N. BUTTERFIELD has manufactured fancy boxes and toy furniture in what was known as the Gage Mill, and has machinery for turning and planing iron. Mr. Brett for three or four years carried on the business of making bobbins. Morgan & Andrews for a time manufactured bedsteads in the west part of the town. The premises are now occupied [1885] by E.D. Morgan as a table-factory. In 1846, GEORGE D. NEVILLE commenced and pursued the making of edge-tools in the shop built by DAVID SMITH. JOHN W. ANDREWS' knob and chair-factory is now [1885] owned and occupied by MR. ALFRED WILDER, who manufactures toy carriages to quite an extent. ABRAM WILSON erected a steam-shop for the making of barrel-heads in 1883, and is still in the business [in 1885]. ******** SOLDIERS OF THE FRENCH AND INDIAN WARS ******** There is no evidence, traditional or historical, that any resident of the town served in these wars from 1755 to 1760. DANIEL KELSO enlisted from Derry in 1758, at the age of sixteen years and served till the close of the war. He afterwards removed to this town. JOHN LIVINGSTON, born in the year 1729, in the parish of Learcastle, County of Argyle, Scotland, had a more varied experience than any other citizen of his day. The year 1756 was, on the whole, more favorable to the French arms in North American than the British, and great efforts were made on the part of the latter to put a sufficient force into the field, so as to successfully content with the former; and to do that is was necessary to raise a large number of men by enlistment to make up the quota of the standing regiments and form new ones, and if the young men would not enlist, they were conscripted. In September of the above-named year, on Livingston's return from the grist-mill, he was met by the recruiting sergeant and a file of soldiers, and was forced to accompany them to the place of rendezvous, leaving the horse and bag of meal in the highway, and at his home a wife and child. He afterwards enlisted and sent his wife the bounty money. The Highland Regiment, of which he was a soldier, landed in Boston in the early parta of the year 1757, and was in the service on the frontier that year and the next, and in 1759 took part in the expedition under General Wolfe to take Quebec. He was in the battle of Abraham's Plains and all the other conflicts in which that division was engaged, in every one of which he performed his duty faithfully. After seven years' service he obtained his discharged, of which the following is a copy. COPY OF JOHN LIVINGSTON'S DISCHARGE "His Majesty's 48th Regiment of foot Whereof Simon Frazer is Col. "These are to Certifie that the Bearer herof John Livingston soldier in Mayor Campbell's Company of the aforesaid Regiment. Born in the parish of Learcastle in the County of Argile, aged thirty-six years and by trade a farmer. "Hath served honestly and Faithfully in the said Regiment for the space of seven years. But by reason that the Regiment is to be reduced is here by discharged, he having first received all just Demands of pay Clothing etc., from his entry into the said Regiment to the Day of this Discharge as appears by his Recept on the Back thereof. "Given under my hand and seal of the Regiment at Quebec in Canada this Tenth day of September 1763." "[signed] James Abercrombie, "Maj. of 48th Regiment" After his discharge, in company with other Highlanders, he came to Montreal, and thence up the Missisqui River to Lake Champlain, along the shore of this lake to the mouth of the Winooski, up the last-named to Montpelier, where there was but one log house. There were but few settlements in Vermont then, except on the Connecticut River and Lake Champlain. He then went from Montpelier to Windsor, and from there to Boston, where he worked in the summer season in a West Indian goods store and a stevedore's gang for the small sum of fifty cents per day, and in the winter came to Bedford (or New Boston) and worked for his board. After three or four years he had saved enough to purchase a lot of land in the northwest part of the town, and clearing it, he built a log house and frame barn, and in 1773 sent for his wife and daughter, whom he had not seen for seventeen years. They arrived in November of the same year. By industry and economy he acquired a large landed estated in this town and Francestown. He was a very successful farmer, raising a large number of horses, cattle and sheep. He died July 16, 1818. *********** SOLDIERS OF THE REVOLUTION *********** ABNER HOGG, son of Robert Hogg, was born in Londonderry in the year 1759. He enlisted in June 1776, under Captain Barnes, of Lyndeborough, and went with him to Ticonderoga, in General Gates' division, and in December returned home. He re-enlited the next spring under Captain Livermore, in Colonel Scammel's regiment, the Third New Hampshire, and was in frequent skirmishes in the vicinity of Ticonderoga. He was in the battle of Stillwater, and, later witnessed Burgoyne's surrender. He then joined Washington's army and was in several conflicts; he came home in May, 1780. During his term of service he was in ten battles, held a sergeant's warrant for two years of the time and drew a sergeant's pay from government from 1831 to the time of his death. JAMES HOGG, an elder brother, was in the battle of Bunker Hill. WILLIAM BEARD was also in this battle [Bunker Hill], and afterwards received an ensign's commission. He was in General Stark's army at the battle of Bennington in 1777. DEACON ARCHIBALD McMILLEN was wounded in the Bunker Hill conflict, but it does not appear that he enlisted for a term of service, for he was elected representative of New Boston and Francestown to the General Court at Exeter in 1777. ROBERT CAMPBELL, JOSIAH WARREN, and JAMES CALDWELL were taken prisoners by the Indians in the vicinity of Ticonderoga, and left there some months. The exchange or liberation occurred on the last Wednesday of May, the day on which the Legislature of Massachusetts met, and they afterwards annually celebrated the event by a festival, called the feast of Purin or deliverance, at which times they met alternately at each other's houses. CALEB HOWE served long enough to draw full pension. About the beginning of the Revolutionary War there was a large addition to the population of the town from Beverly, Windham, Hamilton and other coast towns. They were a people of purely English origin and ancestry, having different manners, customs and usages from the earlier settlers, and a different pronunciation from the broad Scotch. As a body, thrifty, frugal and industrious. As a rule, they came with sufficient means to purchase many improvements over the earlier settlers. This influx continued until about the beginning of the present century, and added materially to the wealth and prosperity of the town. There were families of Dodges, besides the Andrews, Obers, Danes, Morgans, Langdells, Bennetts and Whipples. From the beginning of the second immigration the population increased rapidly, and reached the highest in the second decade of this century, it being about 1700, and since that time there has been a steady decrease. In 1870 it was 1241, in 1880, 1144,--an actual decrease of over 550 in sixty years, due mainly to the same causes that have diminished the wealth, population and production of the farming towns, more particularly those that have no railroad facilities. ****** WAR of 1812 ****** There is not much known of this town in connection with the War of 1812. NATHAN HALL and JONATHAN BROWN are the only ones known to have engaged in it. ****** WAR OF THE REBELLION [CIVIL WAR] [Note: an asterisk (*) indicates that they died in service] ****** Names of VOLUNTEERS FROM NEW BOSTON IN THE WAR OF THE REBELLION --For Three Months-- James B. Whipple, Paul Whipple, Page Fox, Joseph K. Whipple, W.B. Dodge, Alfred Eaton, W.E. Taggart ---For Nine Months-- Perley Dodge*, M. Colburn, Abner Lull*, Jacob Towns, George Andrews*, C.H. Dickey*, H. Peabody*, J. Peabody*, L. Peabody*, J. Langdell, William Kelso*, Page Fox, H. Fairfield, Horace Langdell, Edward Cudworth*, Calvin Andrews, C.H. Murphy, E.P. Dodge, George Marden, Lewis Towns*, Moses Crombie, Benjamin Wilson*, Frederick Lamson*. ---For Three Years Or The War-- Emerson Johonnett, Edward Reynolds*, Samuel Putnam*, William C. Kelso*, Jacob Carson*, W. Cornelius Beard*, Julian Dodge*, S. Dodge Jr., William B. Dodge, Robert Clark, George H. Chandler, Caleb Dodge*, Paul Whipple, Henry Gage*, A. Carson, Everett Ober, JohN Corvan*, George Davis, George How, Edwin Barnard*, Levi W. Sargent, Charles Brooks*, -- Richardson, Frank Warden, John Buxton, Washington Follansbee, Henry Shelby, Addison Meade, Charles E. Daggett*, H. Frank Warren, Elbridge Mansfield, J.H. Johonnett, A.J. Bennett, Austin Morgan*, George Lawrence, John G. Rowell, William Dustan, George E. Cochrane, Daniel Heald, John H. Eaton*, Alfred Eaton, Frank Carson, R. Bartlett, William N. Duncklee, A.P. Brigham, -- Hope, J. Whipple Jr.*, George Moulton, James Leet, Duncan Campbell, Edward Richards, Joseph Richards*, Oscar Richards*, Daniel F. Shedd, James Colburn, John Dickey, William J. Perkins, John H. Boynton, Robert Richards. ******* LAWYERS ******* There existed for a long time a decided aversion to the legal professional among no small part of the community, but that soon disappeared; nevertheless New Boston has never been an inviting field for this profession. Its location is not sufficiently central to attract business from surrounding towns, nor has New Boston raised many of her sons to this calling; but of those she has given, there is no occasion for shame. WILLIAM WILSON became the leader and rose to eminence. He was the son of Alexander Wilson, graduated at Dartmouth College in 1797, settled in Ohio and became judge of the Supreme Court in 1823; he was subsequently elected a member of Congress and died in 1827, aged fifty-five years. JOSIAH FAIRFIELD, the son of John Fairfield, was born in August 1803, fitted for college at Andover, Mass., and graduated from Dartmouth in 1825. In 1827 he went to Hudson, NY and became principal of the academy which position he held five years, studying law in the mean time, and in 1832 began to practice. Mr. Fairfield was always a firm friend of education and an advocate of all righteous reforms. He died in Hudson, NY, respected by all. CLARK B. COCHRANE was born in 1813, and was the son of John Cochrane. He commenced fitting for college at Atkinson Academy in 1832, under John Kelly, Esq., and completed his preparation at Francestown Academy and at Nashua. He entered Union College in 1835, and graduated in 1839, commenced practicing law at Amsterdam, NY and in 1851 removed to Schenectady, thence to Albany in 1855. In 1856 he was elected to represent in the United States Congress the counties of Schenectady, Schoharie, Montgomery and Fulton, and was re-elected in 1858. Mr. Cochrane gained a high position among his competitors by his legal knowledge. He died at Albany [NY]. JAMES CROMBIE was born in 1811, the third son of William Crombie, Esq., removed from New Boston to Ostego, NY when only five years of age. Ill health forbade a college course, but in 1834 he began the study of law, and was admitted to the bar at Albany in October 1837. LORENZO FAIRBANKS is the son of Joel Fairbanks, and was born March 16, 1825. He fitted for college at Black River Academy, Ludlow, Vt., graduated at Dartmouth College in 1852, and immediately commenced the study of law in New York; was admitted to the bar in 1853. He subsequently established himself in business in Philadelphia, but has since removed to Boston [MA] where he now resides. CHRISTOPHER C. LANGDELL is the son of the late John Langdell. He fitted for college at Exeter Academy, graduated at Harvard and afterwards practiced law in New York City. He is now [1885] professor in the Law School at Harvard College. PERLEY DODGE was the youngest son of William Dodge, who settled here in 1787. His ancestors are believed to have come from the north of Wales, and were among the early settlers in Massachusetts Bay. He fitted for college at Pinkerton, Salisbury and Francestown Academies, entered Dartmouth in 1820, subsequently went to Union College, from which he graduated in 1824. In 1828 he was admitted to the bar, practicing first in Francestown, then in New Boston, but afterwards removed to Amherst, where he now lives [1885]. JOHN GOVE, son of Dr. Jonathan Gove, was born in New Boston, February 17, 1771, graduated at Dartmouth College in 1793, commenced the practicing of law in Goffstown in 1797 and removed to Chillicothe, Ohio in 1802. He died the same year, aged thirty-one. CHARLES FREDERICK GOVE was also the son of Dr. Jonathan Gove. He was born May 13, 1793, graduated at Dartmouth College in 1817, read law with J. Forsaith and commenced its practice in Goffstown in 1820, where he remained till 1839, when he removed to Nashville (now Nashua NH) and represented it in the State Legislature in 1830, 1831, 1832, 1833 and 1834. He was president of the State Senate in 1835, was solicitor from 1834 to 1837, Attorney-General from 1837 to 1842, and appointed circuit judge of the Court of Common Pleas in 1842. ROBERT CLARK COCHRAN is the son of the late John D. Cochran. He was born November 4, 1813, and resided in Gallatin, Miss., up to the time of his death. JESSE McCURDY, son of the late James McCurdy, graduated at Dartmouth in the class of 1852. He is now [1885] practicing law in Quitman, Miss. SETH FAIRFIELD is the son of Benjamin Fairfield, Esq., and a graduate of Waterville College, Me. He went into Mississippi to teach school, and is now in practice of the legal profession in that State. NINIAN CLARK BETTON was born in 1788. He studied at Atkinson Academy, entered Dartmouth College and graduated with the reputation of high scholarship. He practiced in Boston up to the time of his death, which occurred November 19, 1856. GEORGE E. COCHRANE, son of Alfred Cochrane, was born March 30, 1845. He studied law with Judge Cross, of Manchester, afterwards settling in Farmington, and from thence he removed to Rochester, where he now resides. CHARLES S. McLANE, the son of Rodney McLane, was born November 1854. He received his education at Mont Vernon, Derry and Tilton schools, studied law with Wadleigh & Wallace, of Milford, and subsequently practiced in Dover, from which place he has now removed to Wichita, Kan [Kansas]. ***** DOCTORS ***** The first doctor in town was Matthew Thornton, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. When he came here and how long he stayed is not known. He afterwards removed to a place in Merrimack [NH] known as Thornton's Ferry, where he died. The next was DR. JONATHAN GOVE, who came here in the year 1770. He was evidently a polished and cultivated man, as well as a skillful physician. He held many town offices, more partcularly that of town clerk, for a long period. After he had passed middle age, he removed to Goffstown and died there. Contemporary with Dr. Gove was DR. HUGH McMILLEN, a self-educated physician and a good practical chemist. By study and experiment he was enabled to compound and prepare medicines that were valuable in diseases of the blood, and it is said he discovered a cure for hydrophobia, if taken in season. The secret he left to his son, Dr. Abraham McMillen, and it died with him. The next in order was Dr. Eastman. He was succeeded by Dr. Lincoln, a man of some enterprise. He built mills on the premises now owned and occupied [1885] by Elbridge C. Colby; but having met with some reverses, he left town, and he, in turn, was succeeded by Dr. Cutter, who remained a short time, and returned to Jaffrey, his former home. Next in order was DR. JOHN WHIPPLE, who began practice in the year 1800. He was a good practitioner and a man of enterprise. Dr. Brown, of Maine, came here in 1813, and stayed four years. Dr. Dalton succeeded him in 1819, and remained till his death. Dr. Dalton was followed by Dr. Perkins. After a few year's practice he abandoned his profession to study for the ministry. Next came Dr. Bradford, who, after some three years, removed to Montague, Mass. His successor was Dr. Fitch, of Greenfield, NH Dr. Danforth, of Weare, followed Dr. Fitch. He retired after a practice of more than twenty years. In the year 1848, DR. MOSES ATWOOD came here from Concord [NH]. He began the practice of medicine in North Lyndeborough in 1827; thence removed to Deering and from Deering to Francestown where he had a very extended practice, probably equal to that of any physician in the county. In 1841 he changed from allopathy to homeopathy, and such was the confidence of his patrons in his skill and judgment that, almost without exception, they continued their patronage. He was the first homeopathic physician in New Hampshire. He died in New Boston, April 28, 1850. About 1858 Dr. N.P. CLARK came here from Andover, NH and was a successful practitioner for more than twenty years. He died in 1881. In 1865, DR. TERHUNE came here from Hackensack, NJ and remained a few years. Dr. Sturtevant was contemporary with Dr. Clark from 1875, and built up quite a lucrative business. He was succeeded by Dr. Myshrall, and he, in turn, by Drs. Gould and Weaver, who are now the resident physicians. The following are the physicians who have gone out from here: Dr. JAMES CROMBIE began practice in Temple NH in 1798. He removed from Temple to Francestown, and from thence to Waterford, Me. Dr. WILLIAM FERSON practiced in Gloucester, Mass., and died there. Dr. ANDREW McCOLLOM practiced in Pittston, Maine, where he died in 1884. Dr. SAMUEL GREGG studied medicine with Dr. Dalton of this town; went first to Medford, Mass; afterwards became homeopathic, and went to Boston, where he died. Dr. JEREMIAH COCHRAN studied with Dr. Dalton; removed to Sandusky, Ohio, where he died after several years' practice. Dr. CHARLES COCHRAN is a practicing physician at Toledo, Ohio. Dr. HORACE WASON began the practice of medicine at Manchester, Mass. and died there. Dr. THOMAS COCHRAN took his degree at Harvard in 1840. He went to New Ipswich the same year, where he remained until 1853, when he went to West Rutland, Vt. In 1862 he received the appointment of assistant surgeon in the United States army. Dr. DANIEL MARDEN studied with Dr. Danforth; began practice at Goshen, NH and went from there to Peru, Vt. Dr. NATHANIEL PEABODY studied at Hanover, and died in New Jersey. Dr. E.G. KELLY studied medicine with Dr. Muzzy, of Hanover, and graduated at Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia PA, and now lives in Newburyport. Dr. J.K. WARREN graduated at the Homeopathic Medical College, New York City; began practice in Palmer, Mass, and is now a physician in Worcester [MA]. Dr. GEORGE ADAMS graduated from the same college, and commenced practice in Webster, where he died young. Dr. ARTHUR TODD graduated at the Homeopathic Medical School, Boston, and is now located in Francestown. Dr. EUGENE WASON graduated at Dartmouth Medical School, and practiced in Londonderry, and from there removed to Nashua [NH]. ******* TRADERS ******* The first store in town was opened by JOHN McLAUGHLIN on the hill south of the Upper village; after he retired there were several traders in the Upper village, viz., -- Dr. Lincoln, Messrs. Whitney, Bixby, McCollom, Warren. In the year 1825 MICAH LAWRENcE and WATERMAN BURR began trade in the Upper village, and continued there until 1828, when they erected a store in what is now the Lower village, and remained in company until 1834, when Mr. Lawrence retired. Mr. Burr continued in business some eighteen years longer. Both were largely identified with the interests of the town,--Mr. Lawrence as auctioneer, selectman, overseer of the poor and two years representative; Mr. Burr as justice of the peace for fifty years and doing a large amoung of writing in drawing wills, deeds, bonds, etc., and as executor and administrator, having settled nearly or quite one hundred estates. About the year 1825, AMOS W. TEWKSBURY succeeded SAMUEL TRULL in the Upper village, where he was in trade till 1830, when he removed to the Lower and built a house and store; here remained twenty years or more, when he sold to JAMES M. GREGG and removed to West Randolph, Vt., engaging in the same business under the firm name of A.W. Tewksbury & Sons, doing an extensive business, said to be the largest retail store in Vermont. During the same period STEPHEN WHIPPLE, DAVID G. FULLER and ALEXANDER DICKEY were in trade a short time each. Mr. Burr was succeeded by J.M. & D.D. Smith. JOSEPH K. WHIPPLE and S.D. ATWOOD commenced trade in the old brick store, and continued some five or six years. Whipple retired and was succeeded by HENRY KELSO. Kelso withdrawing, the business was continued under the name of S.D. Atwood & Co. The Smiths were succeeded by SAMUEL M. WORTHLEY who was in business two years, when his house and store were burned. A short time prior to the destruction of Worthley's buildings, CHARLES AND CLARENCE DODGE opened a store on the premises formerly occupied by A.W. Tewksbury; the senior partner, on retiring, was succeeded by GEORGE WARREN: since his withdrawal, C.H. DODGE has carried on business alone. ***** BIOGRAPHIES ***** REV. JOHN ATWOOD was born in Hudson (then Nottingham West) October 3, 1795, where he united with the Baptist Church at the age of twenty- one. Soon after he began to study, with the ministry in view, under the instruction of Rev. Daniel Merrill. In May 1817, he entered the Literary and Theological Department of Waterville College, in which he remained five years, under the instruction of Rev. Dr. Chaplin. He married, November 28, 1826, Lydia, eldest daughter of Deacon Solomon Dodge. Being dismissed from the church in New Boston as their pastor, after spending a short time in Francestown, he removed to Hillsborough, where he remained seven years. In 1843, Mr. Atwood was elected State treasurer, which office he retained six years, a part of which time he served as chaplain to the State Prison. In 1850, Mr. Atwood returned to New Boston, where he resided until his death, which occurred on April 28, 1873, occuping his time in cultivating his farm, and occasionally supplying churches destitute of pastors, enjoying the confidence and respect of the community, whom he represented in the Legislature five years, viz--1832, 1833, 1834, 1835, 1859. As a preacher, Mr. Atwood was evanglical and instructive, and as a pastor, faithful, affectionate and conciliatory; and his ministry in New Boston served greatly to enlarge and strengthen the church to which he ministered. He always cordially sought to advance the cause of education and to promote every enterprise that promised to benefit the community. And the government and Union found, in their hour of peril, an unwavering friend and supporter, planting no thorns for the pillow of his declining years by neutrality and opposition to a just government. Courteous, hospitable, and generous, he bound to himself all good men, both as a Christian gentleman and an upright citizen. Mr. Atwood's children are Lydia D., Sarah E., John B., Roger W., Ann J., Mary F., Solomon D., and John H. The latter and John B. died in infancy. Sarah E. married John L. Blair, and resides in Alton, IL. Ann J., became the wife of Rev. J.L.A. Fish; she died March 15, 1874 Roger W. married Emily Larcom, of Beverly, Mass and resides in Alton, IL. Solomon D. married Flora A. Dodge of Francestown, and resides in this town. CAPTAIN DANIEL CAMPBELL, son of Thomas and grandson of Robert Campbell, one of the earliest settlers in the east part of the town, now resides [1885] where his grandfather settled in 1763. This is one of the instances where property descends to the third and fourth generation. He has held the office of selectman longer than any other person now living in town, four times representated the town in the State Legislature, has exercised great influence in town affairs and enjoyed the confidence of his townsmen for uprightness and integrity. Now past the eightieth mile-post, he retains his intellectual vigor unimpaired. November 6, 1834, he married Sabrina Moor, daughter of John Moor and granddaughter of Rev. Solomon Moor, who died February 11, 1846, by whom he had five children,-- Clark Campbell, born March 17, 1836, and married Ann Perkins, of Mont Vernon, where they now [1885] reside. Alfred M. Campbell, born May 14, 1838, married Mary Abbie Cochran, of New Boston. John Campbell, born May 1, 1840, died November 17, 1840. John and Sabrina, born February 11, 1846, both of whom are now dead. Mr. Campbell married, for his second wife, December 2, 1847, Matilda Moor, and they have two children,-- Hamilton M. Campbell, born August 29, 1848, married Hattie Andrews, of New Boston; they are now [1885] living in Goffstown. Mary Ann Campbell, born March 27, 1851, married Charles Bales, of Wilton, where they now [1885] reside. HON. ROBERT B. COCHRANE was born in New Boston, October 24, 1794. He was grandson of James of Windham, and great-grandson of John and Jennie (McKeen) Cochrane, of that town. This John was born in Londonderry Ireland, 1704, and settled in Londonderry NH (part now Windham) in 1720. His father, John, when not more than sixteen years old, shared in the defense of Londonderry, Ireland, against the Catholics in 1689. He afterwards married Elizabeth Arwin, who died at the age of forty-six years. The John who settled in this country was known as "Captain John," and was a leading and efficient man in Windham till his death in 1788. The parents of Hon. Robert B. were John Cochrane, of New Boston (who died in Chester, February 10, 1845 aged seventy-five years), and Jemima Davis, who was called "a saintly woman." She died October 7, 1868, aged ninety-four. She was a daughter of Benjamin Davis, a captain in the Revolutionary army. Robert B. had only the scanty privileges of the district school of those days, but fitted himself to begin teaching at the age of sixteen (1810), and taught winters for nearly fifty years, generally two schools each winter; was justice of the peace for about the same length of time. He was a surveyor of land, and no other man in New Boston was so familiar with lots and lines; was representative from New Boston, 1835-36-37; was selectman about a dozen years, most of the time chairman of the board, and was chosen State Senator, 1854 and 1856. For a long series of years he was largely in probate business, was a frequent referee, and wrote an untold number of wills, deeds, contracts and various legal papers; was a Christian man most of his long life, and was for years an officer of the Sabbath-school following its earliest organization in the town; was delegate from new Boston to the Constitutional Convention of 1850; was a self-made man, of clear head and strong natural abilities. He died May 7, 1878. His brothers were Hon. Gerry W. Cochrane and Hon. Clark B. Cochrane, A.M. several terms representative in Congress from the Albany District, New York. Robert B. married Elizabeth, daughter of Captain Robert Warren of New Boston. Of their ten children, four died young. The others were as follows: 1. Prudence Cochrane, born March 10, 1824; a quick scholar and good teacher; has been an invalid since 1847. 2. Annis C.C. Cochrane, born April 16, 1825; married John O. Parker, of Manchester, November, 1848; died March 11, 1854. Her only surviving child, Willard Boyd Parker, was graduated at Dartmouth College, 1875. 3. Sophia P. Cochrane, born February 18, 1830; died April 30, 1851; a remarkably keen and accurate scholar. 4. Rev. Warren R. Cochrane, born August 25, 1835, was graduated at Dartmouth College 1859; tutor in Dartmouth College 1861; pastor of the Presbyterian Church, Antrim NH, nearly eighteen years; married Leila C., daughter of William C. and Harriet (Crombie) Cochran, June 14, 1864. 5. Elizabeth D. Cochrane, born April 28, 1837; married W. W. Story of Antrim, November 6, 1870. 6. Clark B. Cochrane, born February 9, 1843; was graudated at the Albany Law Schoo, 1865; married Mary E. Andrews, of New London, NH ******** CASUALTIES, SUICIDES, ETC. ******** NATHAN MERRILL was found dead in the road. Traditions says that in the early settlement of the town an erratic, visionary sort of man was found dead in so small a pool of water that foul play or suicide was suspected. A jury was called, on which was a broad-spoken son of Erin, who acted as chairman, and when inquired of by the justice for the result of their investigation, replied, "Yer honor, we brought in a verdict of felonious wilful murther! But, jest to soften it down a little, we ca'd it accidental." Tradition says that in the spring of the year, in the early settlement of the town, the body of a man was found near the Great Meadow, in the west part of the town. Who he was or how he came to his death is not affirmed; his body was found near the camp where some cattle had been fed during the winter, which had been driven up from Londonderry, as was the custom for many years. CAPTAIN JOHN McLAUGHLIN, who resided on Bradford's Hill, carrying on an extensive business in tanning, met with some reverses of fortune, and was soon after found drowned in a well in the east corner of his field. The late Luther Richards was on the jury of the inquest, who, in speaking of the result of the investigation, said,-- "As we could not say, as no one saw him, that he came to his death intentionally, we thought it would be most in harmony with the feeling of the community to say accidental, and that was our verdict." The wife of Captain Gray hung herself on the night of the installation of Rev. Solomon Moor, in the house now owned [1885] by John Kidder. Gray had been a sea-captain, and foul play was suspected, as the knot in the rope around her neck was a genuine sailor knot. When asked why he did not cut her down when he first found her, he replied that "he put his hand to her mouth, and her breath was cold, so he knew she was dead." In 1854 a young man sought to win the hand of a young lady, and, being unsuccessful, resolved to take her life, which he effected, and then took his own with the same instrument, expressing a desire before he died to be buried in the same grave with her who had just fallen by his hand. The following inscription on her tombstone not only serves to preserve the historic fact, but to show to what wondrous heights of sublimity the muse will rise when so tragical an event transpires: "Sevilla, daughter of George and Sarah Jones, murdered by Henry N. Sargent, January 13, 1854, aged 17 years and 9 mo. "Thus fell this lovely, blooming daughter By the revengeful hand--a malicious Henry. When on her way to school he met her And with a six self-cocked pistol shot her." Charles Small was murdered September 7, 1840, by one Thomas, of Amherst, near the McCollom tavern, on the road to Amherst. Mr. Benjamin Blaisdell, of Goffstown, came to New Boston, and bought a farm, now owned [1885] by Charles Shedd. His family consisted of his wife, who was Clarissa J. Kimball, of Goffstown, their four children and his mother. In the winter of 1849, Letitia Blaisdell, an adopted daughter of the late father of Mr. Blaisdell, who had been working at Manchester after his removal to New Boston, came to visit in his family. At her own request, the night after her arrival she slept with her adopted mother. The next morning the old lady was taken sick in a strange way, soon became insensible and died the next morning, aged about eighty. After the death of Mr. Blaisdell's mother, Letitia went to Wentworth and spent about four weeks, and returned February 16, 1849. The next day after her return, a son, a child about two years and a half old, was taken sick, and after twelve hours of suffering, died and the physicians affirmed that in some way the child must have been poisoned, yet no suspicions rested on any person. Soon after the burial of the child Mr. Blaisdell and his wife were taken sick while at tea, with every symptom of poison, but by timely aid were relieved. Suspicions now began to rest on Letitia, and she soon confessed her guilt,--that she had administered morphine both to the aged mother and the little child, and the same in the tea which Mr. and Mrs. Blaisdell drank; and that she had provided herself with strychnine if the morphine failed; that she held a forged note against Mr. Blaisdell, and intended to destroy the whole family. This was undertaken from no ill will towards any member of the family, but evidently with the impression that if they were all out of the way she could take possession of the property. To this horrid crime she affirmed she had been impelled by the counsel and assistance of another person. She was arrested, tried and condemned to be hung; but this sentence was commuted to imprisonment for life; yet, in 1861, she was pardoned out by Governor Goodwin, and she subsequently married a man who had served a period in the same prison. Mrs. Hannah Hines, daughter of the late Mr. Rollins was shockingly burned on Saturday evening, December 12, 1863, about nine o'clock, by her clothes taking fire at the open door of her stove. She survived, in great agony, until the next morning, and died about seven o'clock, aged thirty-three. The spotted fever prevailed in New Boston greatly in 1814 and to a limited extent in 1815. ****** SELECTMEN OF NEW BOSTON, NH ****** 1763--Thomas Cochran, Nathaniel Cochran, John Carson, James McFerson, John McAllister 1764--Thomas Cochran, Nathaniel Cochran, John McAllister 1765--James Ferson, James Cochran, Jesse Cristy 1766--William Clark, Jesse Cristy, James Cochran 1767--James Ferson, Alexander McCollom, William Clark 1768--James Ferson, George Cristy, William Clark 1769--Nathaniel Cochran, David Lewis, Allen Moor 1770--William Moor, Thomas Wilson, David Lewis 1771--William Clark, Archibald McMillen, James Cochran 1772, 1773--Jesse Cristy, Archibald McMillen, Thomas Wilson 1774--Ninian Clark, John Cochran Jr., James Caldwell 1775--Ninian Clark, James Wilson, John Cochran Jr. 1776--Ninian Clark, Daniel McAllister, Robert Hogg 1777--James Caldwell, Thomas Wilson, Jacob Hooper 1778--Robert Campbell, Robert Patterson (third), Nehemiah Dodge 1779--James Caldwell, Solomon Dodge, Robert Campbell 1780--James Caldwell, Nehemiah Dodge, Robert Campbell 1781--William Livingston, Daniel dane, Josiah Warren 1782--James Caldwell, James Wilosn, Deacon Jesse Cristy 1783--James Caldwell, Josiah Warren, Deacon Jesse Cristy 1784--John Cochran, Daniel Dane, Noah Dodge 1785--James Wilson Jr., Daniel Dane, Noah Dodge 1786--Josiah Warren, Daniel Dane, Noah Dodge 1787, 1788--Josiah Warren, James Caldwell, Solomon Dodge 1789, 1790--Jonathan Gove, Ninian Clark, Robert Boyd 1791--Jonathan Gove, James Caldwell, Noah Dodge 1792--David Stinson, James Wilson Jr., Robert Clark 1793, 1794,1795--James Wilson, Robert Clark, James Campbell 1796, 1797--Robert Clark, James Wilson Jr., Robert Campbell 1798--Robert Clark, James Wilson Jr., William Crombie 1799--Ephraim Jones, Samuel Gregg, Livermore Langdell 1800, 1801--Robert Clark, William Crombie, Samuel Gregg 1802--Ensign Alexander McCollom, David Wilson, Geary Whiting 1803--Robert Clark, Capt. William Crombie, Lieut. Robert Christie 1804--Geary Whiting, Lieut. Robert Christie, Solomon Dodge 1805--Solomon Dodge, Lieut. John Cochran, Capt. William Crombie 1806--Solomon Dodge, James Wilson Esq., Capt. William Crombie 1807, 1808--Major William Crombie, Capt. John Cochran, James Wilson Esq. 1809--Geary WHiting, Capt. Joseph Andrews, Deacon Joseph Cochran 1810--Deacon Joseph Cochran, Ensign Alexander McCollom, Solomon Dodge 1811--Deacon Robert Clark, Deacon John Cochran, Lieut. Robert Wilson 1812--Dea. Robert Clark, Robert Wason, Alexander McCollom 1813--Capt. Robert Wason, Solomon Dodge, James Ferson Jr. 1814--James Ferson Jr., Benjamin Fairfield, Joseph Cochran Jr. 1815--Joseph Cochran Jr., Benjamin Fairfield, Dea. Joseph Cochran 1816--Robert Wason, Dea. Robert Clark, Solomon Dodge 1817--Solomon Dodge, Capt. Robert Warren, Joseph Cochran, Esq. 1818--Joseph Cochran Esq., Solomon Dodge, Capt. Robert Warren 1819--Solomon Dodge, Jacob Hooper Jr., Colonel Samuel Dane. 1820--Joseph Cochran Jr., Jacob Hooper Jr., Capt. Andrew Beard 1821--Joseph Cochran Jr., Jacob Hooper Jr., Benjamin Fairfield 1822--Dea. Solomon Dodge, Dea. Robert Clark, Benjamin Fairfield 1823--Joseph Cochran Jr., Dea. Solomon Dodge, Jacob Hooper Jr. 1824--Dea. Robert Clark, Dea. Solomon Dodge, Benjamin Fairfield 1825--Joseph Cochran Jr., Dea. Solomon Dodge, Benjamin Fairfield 1826--Joseph Cochran Jr., John Crombie, Benjamin Fairfield 1827--Joseph Cochran Jr., John Crombie, Jonathan Cochran 1828--Solomon Dodge, Benjamin Fairafield, Joseph Gregg 1829--Benjamin Fairfield, Samuel Trull, Robert B. Cochran 1830--Andrew Beard, Issachar Andrews, Robert B. Cochran 1831--Benjamin Fairfield Esq., Jesse Beard, Waterman Burr 1832--Benjamin Fairfield, Waterman Burr, Benjamin S. Woodbury 1833--Samuel Trull, Rodney McCollom, Jacob H. Richards 1834--Rodney McCollom, Benjamin Fairfield, Jacob H. Richards 1835--Jacob H. Richards, James B. Gregg, John Dodge (ed) 1836--Benjamin Fairfield Esq., Solomon Dodge Jr., Daniel Dampbell 1837--Solomon Dodge Jr., Daniel Campbell, Asa McMillen 1838--Asa McMillen, Capt. Horace Philbrick, Capt. John Lamson 1839--Capt. Horace Philbrick, John Lamson, Micah Lawrence 1840, 1841, 1842--Robert B. Cochran, Capt. Willard Dodge, Daniel Campbell 1843--Daniel Campbell, N.C. Crombie, John Whipple 1844--Ninian C. Crombie, Rodney George, Lemuel Marden 1845--Rodney George, Lemuel Marden, John Lamson 1846--Ninian C. Crombie, Benjamin Fairfield, Jacob H. Richards 1847, 1848--Jacob H. Richards, Ira Gage, John B. Warren 1849, 1850--Ninian C. Crombie, Horace Philbrick, William Beard [additional selectmen to the year 1885 included in original document, but not included here] **** TOWN CLERKS **** 1763-67 Alexander McCollom 1768-76 William Clark 1777-85 John Cochran Jr. 1785-92 Jonathan Gove 1793-95 John Cochran, Esq. 1796-98 Robert Clark 1799 John Cochran 1800-01 Robert Clark 1802-4 Geary Whiting 1805-8 Luke Lincoln 1808-11 Geary Whiting 1812-14 Joseph Cochran Jr. 1815 Robert Wason 1816-17 James Ferson Jr. 1819-23 Joseph Cochran Jr. 1815 Robert Wason 1816-17 James Ferson Jr. 1819-23 Joseph Cochran Jr. 1824-29 John Dalton 1830-38 Amos W. Tewksbury 1839-42 Rodney McCollom 1843-45 John D. Cochran 1844-48 James Danforth 1849-51 Waterman Burr 1852-70 George G. Fox 1871-81 Clarence H. Dodge 1882-83 Benjamin Hall 1884-85 E.P. Fox **** REPRESENTATIVES ***** 1763--Jonathan Gove, George Cristy and William Moor were chosen delegates to a County Congress at Amherst, November 8, 1774. 1764-65-66--Jonathan Gove was chosen delegate to Exeter, to choose a delegate to represent this province in a Continental Congress to be held in Philadelphia, May 10, 1775. 1767--Thomas Wilson was chosen a delegate to a congress held at Exeter May 17, 1775 1768-69-70--Benjamin Dodge, chosen representative in the assembly to be held at Exeter, on the third Wednesday of December 1776 1771-72--Archibald McMillen, chosen representative in the General Assembly to be holden at Concord, June 10, 1778 1774-75--Willaim Starrett, of Francestown, representative in the General Assembly at Exeter, third Wednesday of December 1778. 1776-77--Lieut. William Livingston, delegate to the convention at Concord, Sept. 22, 1779 1778-79--James Caldwell, representative in General Assembly holden at Exeter, third Wednesday in December 1780 1780--James Caldwell, representative in the General Assembly at Exeter, 1781 1781-82-83--Benjamin Dodge, Archibald McMillen, William Starrett and James Caldwell represented New Boston and Francestown, being chosen by the citizens of the two towns at a special meeting called for that purpose. 1784-88--Jonathan Gove 1789--Not any 1790-91-92-93--Josiah Warren, delegate to the convention to revise the Constitution of New Hampshire, holden at Concord, first Wednesday of September 1791 1794-95--Ninian Clark 1796-97--not any 1798--Ninian Clark 1799--James Caldwell 1800-2--Ninian Clark, Esq. 1803-13--Captain Ephraim Jones 1814-17--Lieut. William Dodge 1818--Deacon Robert Wason 1819-23--Joseph Cochran Jr. 1824-26--Benjamin Fairfield 1827-28--Samuel Truell 1829-30--Andrew Beard 1831-34--John Atwood 1835-37--Robert Cochran 1839--Benjamin Fletcher 1840-41--Asa McMillen 1842-43--Solomon Dodge Jr. 1844-45--Abner Hogg 1846-47--Daniel Campbell 1848-49--Daniel Gage and Micah Lawrence 1850-51--John Lamson [additional representatives from 1852-1885 included in original document but not listed here] page 605 ********* GRADUATES OF COLLEGES ********* John Gove, Dartmouth College 1793; William Wilson, Dartmouth College 1787; William Ferson, Dartmouth College 1797; Rev. Peter Cochran, Dartmouth College 1798; Nathaniel Peabody, Dartmouth College 1800; Rev. Thomas Cochran, Brown University; Rev. Robert Cochran, Brown University; Rev. Samuel Clark, Dartmouth College 1812; Charles F. Gove Dartmouth College 1817; Josiah Fairfield, Dartmouth College 1825; Clark B. Cochran, Union College 1839; Perley Dodge, Union College 1824; Rev. Hiram Wason, Amherst College 1834; Rev. Royal Parkinson, Dartmouth College 1843; Witter S. McCurdy, Dartmouth College 1845; Jesse McCurdy, Dartmouth College 1852; Amos B. Goodhue, Dartmouth College 1848; Lorenzo Fairbank, Dartmouth College 1852; Rev. Warren R. Cochran, Dartmouth College, 1859; Rev. William R. Adams, Dartmouth College, 1859; William W. Colburn, Dartmouth College 1861; Henry Marden, Dartmouth College 1862. ****** SCHOOLS ****** The facilities of the early settlers for educating their children were very limited until after the incorporation of the town. All the instruction was given by teachers hired by individuals, while those who had the means sent their children to older towns, where public schools existed. In 1767 a small building erected by the town near the meeting-house was occasionally used for schools. Mr. Donovan, an Irishman and a schooll-teacher by profession, taught five months in 1776. Three years previous to this date, in 1773, the town voted to raise twenty-four pounds, and the selectmen were to divide it as they thought proper. It appears that a teacher was employed a few months in different parts of the town. The following year the same amount was raised and an arragement had been entered into by the inhabitants voluntarily dividing the money equally between the five districts. In 1788 the town voted to hire a grammar school-master, with as little expense as possible, the school-master to be examined by the following gentlemen: Rev. Solomon Moor, Dr. Jonathan Gove and William Clark, as regards his qualifications as teacher of the languages and mathematics; and it was voted that this teacher keep an equal time in the five districts. In 1792, Ninian Clark, Matthew Fairfield, Solomon Dodge, James Caldwell and John Cochran were appointed a committee to re-district the town, which they proceeded to do, making eleven districts. After a time other changes took place; new districts were formed until there were eighteen. No further changes were made until 1856, when two districts near the centre of the town, including the two villages, united in building a spacious and substantial house in the Lower village, and adopted the graded system. Since that time other districts have built new houses and, with but few exceptions, none of the old ones remain to disgrace the town. The school system should undergo a radical change. The average number of scholars in each district is five and two-tenths, and at the present rate of decease in the population in a few years some of the outside schools will be devoid of scholars. It is evident that the town, in order to expend the money raised for the support of the schools judiciously and profitably, should either reduce the number of districts one-half or adopt the town system, which would be preferable. ************ BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES ************ ELBRIDGE WASON There is a tradition that years and years ago some old Vikings came from Norway to the north of Scotland, and conquering in battle, gave the name of Wason Field to the place where the battle was fought, which name it retains to this day. Later on, history tells of Wasons among the Scotch Covenanters, driven from their homes into the north of Ireland. The first authentic history of this particular branch is that James Wason, who was born in the parish of Ballymanus, County of Antrim, Ireland, in the year 1711, came to this county with his brother Thomas in 1736, and was married the same year, at Portsmouth NH, to Hannah Caldwell, from the same place. To them were born sons and daughters, grandchildren, and great- grandchildren, till the name was known in many places in New England. In 1781, Robert Wason, grandson of James, was born at Nottingham West (now Hudson) NH, and went in 1803 to live in New Boston, NH (on lot No. 30, near Joe English Hill) with his uncle, Robert Boyd. He was married in 1808, to Nancy Bachelder, of Mont Vernon, and they had a family of nine children. ELBRIDGE WASON was the oldest of them, and faithfully served both as son and elder brother. His advantages of school were about the average of the New England farm-boy, supplemented by a few terms at an academy, and afterwards as a teacher. He came to Boston [MA] March 8, 1832, and entered as a clerk in the employ of Pierce & Goodow, wholesale grocers, 29 South Market Street. September 1, 1837, he entered into business in Boston with Henry Peirce, of Lowell, under the firm name of Wason & Peirce, wholesale grocers; a few years later the firm-name was changed to Wason, Peirce & Co., and has thus remained until the present time, and is one of the oldest firms in the city. The present partners are Elbridge Wason, Henry Peirce and Robert Boyd Wason, a brother of Elbridge. Their success in business has been due to strict integrity and promptness in all business relations. Mr. Wason has been twice married--his first wife, Mary Stickney, daughter of Samuel Stickney of Lyndeborough, NH, and his second wife, Mary Isabella, dau of Hon. Leonard Chase, of Milford, NH. They have two children,--Mary Isabell Wason and Leonard Chase Wason. Their home is in Brookline, Mass., and here they obey the Scripture injunction, "Much given to hospitality." Throughout his busy life, Mr. Wason has ever retained a fondness for his old home among the hills, and very often has he gone there for a change and rest from business. He is always interested in the prosperity of the place. A few years ago he gave to the town of New Boston a lot of land adjoining the cemetery to enlarge the burial-ground, as a memorial to his father and mother. It has since been embellished by art; but nature has done her utmost to render it one of the most beautiful places where "he giveth His beloved sleep." ----------------- REV. EPHRAIM P. BRADFORD Rev. Ephraim P. Bradford, son of Captain John B. Bradford, of Milford, afterwards of Hancock NH was born December 27, 1776. He graduated at Harvard College at the age of twenty-seven; studied theology with the honored and celebrated Dr. Lathrop, of West Springfield, Mass; was licensed to preach at the same place in 1804. At this date the Presbyterian Church of New Boston, NH was without a pastor, its former and only pastor, Rev. Solomon Moor, having died May 28, 1803, at the age of sixty-seven, after a ministry of over thirty-four years. They were seeking for some oen to become their pastor. By some means, which do not now appear, they had heard of Mr. Bradford, and sent for him to come and supply their pulpit as a candidate for settlement. After preaching for them for four or five months, and making a very favorable impressions on the minds of the people, by a vote of the town, he was cordially invited to become their settled pstor, at a salary of four hundred dollars per annum, with an additional sum of four hundred dollars as a "settlement benefit." To become the successor of the venerable and popular Mr. Moor was, in the mind of Mr. Bradford, no small undertaking. But the cordiality and unanimity of the call made such a favorable impression on his mind that, after two or three weeks of earnest and prayerful consideration, he decided to accept. His ordination and installation occurred on February 26, 1806. This was an event which, at that early period, awakened a widespread interest. It was attended with most solemn and imposing ceremonies. Besides the regular council of Presbyterian ministers, it was decided to invite six Congregational clergymen from the adjacent towns to join the Presbytery as council; and the town, by a kind of independent action, and with a pleasing magnanimity, voted to invite ALL the neighboring ministers to be present. The Rev. Jesse Appleton, of Hampton NH, afterwards president of Bowdoin College, was invited to preach the ordination sermon. His text was 1 Cor. i. 20: "Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and the same judgment." The assembly on this occasion was very large; the services were deeply impressive, and worthy of the men and of the event. Nothing was wanting on the part of the town to render the ordination of their chosen pastor profitable and imposing. They planned liberally and executed magnanimously. The 26th of February was cherished by that generation as the most delightful event of their lives. Rev. Mr. Coggswell, the historian of the town, says of Mr. Bradford as follows: "To prepare himself more effectually to labor for the good of his people, he purchased a small farm upon one of the loftiest hills of New Boston, now known as the 'Bradford Hill,' whence he could survey vast regions of the country, and witness such glorious risings and settings of the sun as are seen from but few localities. Here he provided a home, and, on September 1, 1806, was married to Miss Mary Manning, daughter of Deacon Ephraim Barker, of Amherst NH, with whom he lived for nearly forty years, greatly given to hospitality, with a growing family, loving his people and loved by them in return." His ministerial labors were highly appreciated and were profitable to his parishoners. The church from time to time, received large accessions to its membership. In 1815 forty were added, and in 1826 thirty more were received. During 1831 and onward, for three or four years in succession, a very widespread revival interest prevailed, when nearly one hundred were added to the church. It was during Mr. Bradford's efficient ministry, and largely through his zeal and untiring efforts, that, in 1823, the old, inconvenient and dilapidated meeting-house was abandoned, and a new one was erected, which stills stands (1885) as the majestic monument of the skill and liberality of the New Boston people who lived sixty years ago. It was dedicated on Christmas Day, 1823. The congregation filled the house to its utmost capacity, and listened to an appropriate, and talented discourse, delivered by their own pastor, whom the proprietors had selected for the occasion. His text was 2 Chron. vi. 41: "Now therefore arise, O Lord God, into Thy resting-place, Thou and the Ark of Thy strength; let Thy priests, O Lord God, be clothed with Salvation and let THy saints rejoice in goodness." For elegance of style and finish, and for expensiveness, this house was equal to any structure of a similiar kind in the State. It is even to-day, after standing for more than sixty years without essential repairs, one of the grandest and most imposing public buildings of the county. It is a little singular that, after suffering very much from the cold in the old house, they should not have provided for warming this new and beautiful one. Yet the continued to worship, winter after winter, without any fire in the church, except what was brought in the old-style foot-stoves, until 1835, twelve years after the house was dedicated. From this new pulpit Mr. Bradford proclaimed the gospel truth unto the people for almost twenty-two years, making an aggregate ministry in both houses of worship of nearly forty years. During all this period, so uniform and robust was his health that his public services were not interrupted for more than four or five Sabbaths. In the early part of 1845, however, he suffered a severe illness, from which he only partially recovered, when, taking a severe cold, he suddenly died of croup, on December 14, 1845, aged sixty-nine, greatly lamented by old and young throughout the whole town. Rev. Dr. Whitton, in speaking of Mr. Bradford, says, -- "After his settlement in the ministry he rapidly rose into distinction. Few men in the State were equally acceptable in the desk. In the controversy relative to Dartmouth College, from 1815 to 1819, he was one of a committee of three appointed by the Legislature to investigate its condition. A vacancy occuring in the presidency of the college, his was among the names before the public as candidates for the office." In the town history, Mr. Coggswell says of Mr. Bradford,--"He had a commanding person, a rich voice, combined with a high order of intellect and great suavity of manners. He had the faculty of making people feel well and to believe that he highly esteemed them. Every crumb of bread was sweet, wherever among his people it might be eaten, and every home and every locality was pleasant and attractive. Thus he was welcomed at every door by gladdened hearts. Mr. Bradford was a fine classical scholar, and had read much, so that in conversation he was able to draw from rich and abundant stories, which a retentive memory always commanded. His fund of wit and anecdotes, of classical and historical allusions, never seemed exhausted. Able readily to read character and motives, he seemed always prepared for all occasions and to meet all persons, knowing how to order his conversation aright." Rev. Mr. Aiken, late of Park Street Church, Boston, remarks,-- "Mr. Bradford was literally one of nature's noblemen; of princely person, with a sonorous, commanding voice, exceedingly fluent and accurate in speech, modeled somewhat after Johnson's style, so richly gifted in mind and heart that, with little preparation for his Sabbath services, he stood among the first preachers of the State." It is not strange the people of New Boston became proud of their minister, since he gave character to them and distinction to the town. Mr. Bradford was greatly aided in his ministry by his very estimable wife, whose good sense and holy influence never failed in the family circle. She relieved him of all care for the interior of the house and also of much anxiety for that which was without. She manifestly excelled in her calm and dignified deportment, in her patient endurance of hardship, in her carefulness of her household, and of the happiness of her husband and his success as a minister of Christ. With such a helpmeet, Mr. Bradford could not fail to be happy in his home; and it was here, as well as among his people, that he found incentives to piety and consecration to his Master's service. Of Mr. Bradford's children--eight sons and four daughters--all lived to grow up except two,--one son and one daughter. The family now (1885) are all gone down to the grave except three,--a son and daughter residing in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and one daughter, seventy-two years of age, living still in New Boston, the wife of Waterman Burr, Esq., who for many years was a successful and popular merchant of the town. -------------------- LUKE SMITH The perpetuity of American institutions and a republic form of government depend not upon the strength of armies, mighty corporations or the wealth of millionaires, but upon the unpretending individuals who, with steady persistency and industrious labor, have commenced life in humble circumstances, with all the disadvantages of limited education, and by perseverance, economy and long years of toil, both of brain and hands, have conquered all obstacles, and as a reward of their honest exertions, temperate habits and devotion to law and order, have acquired a competency of wealth and an honorable position in the community. Nowhere in America is this class more numerous that in New England, and no people understand better the deep meaning of this couplet: "Honor and shame from no condition rise: Act well your part, there all the honor lies." The farmer on his few sterile acres, the artisan and manufacturer in their work-shops, the great masters of finance and railroad kings, and the legislators in the halls of Congress, all stand on the plane of equality, and the life of one, as well as the other, may point a moral or teach a valuable lesson to coming generations. A little more than sixty years ago, in the spring of 1824, Luke, son of David and Ellen (Giddings) Smith, at that time twenty years old, having been born December 29, 1804, at Acworth, NH, left his father's home, carrying a small bundle containing all his wordly possessions, to go to Boston, there to find employment. His father was a farmer, and Luke's school advantages were limited; but by his many years' work on the farm he had acquired vigor of health, habits of diligence and frugality that were of practi8cal use to him in after-life. He found work at brick-making for the summer, then returned home and was employed in a saw-mill for the winter, receiving eight dollars per month. The next spring he went to Utica, NY, then a small village, for the summer, but again passed his winter in the hard labor of the saw-mill. Returning to Boston, he learned the trade of a nailer, and worked diligently for four years, and with his strictly temperate and frugal habits was enabled to save some money. In June, 1831, Mr. Smith removed to Hillsborough, where his father was at that time residing, purchased a farm, became a resident of Hillsborough, where he lived two years. Here he married, June 16, 1831, Wealthy, daughter of Deacon James and Susan (Senter) Eyres. Mr. Smith interested himself in the affairs of the town, and being strong, vigorous, of fine presence, and military bearing, he was made lieutenant of the militia, which position he resigned when leaving Hillsborough for New Boston. On coming to New Boston, in 1835, he purchased a saw, grist, shingle and clapboard-mill, which he conducted for eighteen years successfully and was one of the prominent manufacturers and business men of the town, besides owning considerable real estate. After so many long years of patient, diligent and efficient labor, he disposed of his mill and farm, and devoted a season to recreation, and traveled through Ohio, Michigan and other Western States, gaining much enjoyment as well as information from his journey. After his return to New Hampshire, on account of his wife's delicate health, in 1854, he purchased the place in Milford where he now resides. Mrs. Smith died July 5, 1859. Their children were Wealthy (died age six years), George L., Mark J. and Charles H.V. Mr. Smith married, January 4, 1860, his second wife, Mrs. Sarah G. Sargent, daughter of Issachar and Mindwell (Sillsby) Mayo, of Lempster. Mr. Smith has been a man of unwearied industry. He was trained to work when a boy, and has never been too proud to work, even during his days of prosperity. THrough many long years he has been a worker, a producer, and not a mere consumer. And he has taught his children to walk in the same steps. He holds the old-school principles, such doctrines as were established and current in the periods of his early manhood, for men rarely change their views after they pass the boundary of middle life. Socially, he is plain and unpretending, a kind husband and father, a good neighbor and a worthy citizen. Politically, Mr. Smith has ever remained true to those old Democratic ideas of Jefferson and Jackson. Religiously, he holds to the Bible and rests his hopes on it. His theological views are best expressed by his life,--in deeds and not words. He has been a member of the Baptist Church at New Boston for many years, having never removed his membership to Milford; but he has given generously to the churches of his chosen faith of both places, especially to the latter, which has received fifteen hundred dollars. ------------------------ HON. GEORGE L. SMITH Hon. George Luke Smith, a worthy son of his estimable parents, Luke and Wealthy (Eyres) Smith, was born in New Boston, NH December 11, 1837. He gave early tokens that he was possessed of an active, keen and inquiring mind. He had a ready and retentive memory, a fondness for books, and, his father's means justifying it, he had the advantage of a liberal education. He was fitted for college at Sanbornton, and entered Union College, NY, then in charge of that veteran teacher, Dr. Eliphalet Nott, and from which he was graduated. At the breaking out of the War of the Rebellion in 1861, he went South, having engaged to furnish forage for the cavalry. George L. Smith was a young man of energetic business characteris- tics, and genial, social disposition, which made him many friends among the officers and other leading men. His venture was a financial success, and when, at the close of the war, having a large amount of supplies on his hands, he opened a store at New Orleans, and largely increased his business associations, he was further prospered, and afterwards had a large commercial establishment at Hot Springs, Ark., where his death occurred July 9, 1884, in the prime of business life and an important political career, in which he had already won high honors. Cool, clear-headed, wide-awake, positive, energetic and straightforward, he was elected to represent his district in the Lower House of Congress in 1875, where he served with marked ability, and was re-elected by a very complimentary vote, but under the programme of the Hayes administration was deprived of his seat. In acknowledgement of his popularity and executive powers, President Hayes appointed him collector of the port at New Orleans. That office under his administration, was conducted on business principles and for the best interests of the country. Faithful in duty, untiring in effort, earnest and loyal in his political convictions and attachments, of a generous, kindly and courteous disposition, he leaves a record of a fine character and of work well cone, and had his life been spared, he would have made a strong impress on his country's history, both in a politicial and financial sphere His body was brought to New Hampshire and lies beside his mother, in the cemetery at Milford. A leading Southwestern journal gave him this notice at the time of his death. "Hon. George L. Smith was at one time prominent in political affairs in Louisiana, being a member of the Legislature in 1868, and afterwards twice elected to congress from that State, and in 1879 was appointed collector of the port of New Orleans. He was also offered a foreign mission by President Hayes. He was a man of wealth and shrewdness, and held in high esteem by those who knew him best." -------------- NINIAN CLARK CROMBIE The subject of this sketch was born in New Boston, NH, January 20, 1801. The family was of Scotch origin, having all the marks of vigor, strength and activity peculiar to that race. This side the water the record is as follows: 1. John Crombie. He came from the Scotch counties in the north of Ireland and settled in Londonderry, NH in 1720. He married Joan Rankin, November 17, 1721, and had a large family. Was one of the few honored with a notice in the "Genealogical Sketches" by the early historian of Londonderry NH 2. James Crombie, son of John and Joan (Rankin) Crosbie. He married Jane, daughter of Robert Clark, of Londonderry, and lived in that town till 1783, when he moved to New Boston and settled on one of the best farms in that town. Was shoemaker, currier, tanner, farmer and mechanic, and was a man of great activity, generous, high-minded and of great wit and cheerfulness and Christian zeal. Died January 7, 1814. 3. John Crombie, son of James and Jane (Clark) Crombie. He was born in Londonderry, July 30, 1770. He married his cousin, Lydia Clark, daughter of Ninian Clark, Esq. of note in the early history of New Boston. John Crombie lived with his father on the homestead, and died there August 4, 1839. Was a master mechanic and builder. He built many of the best churches erected in Southern New Hampshire in his day. His pastor wrote of him as being a man of remarkable common sense, sound judgment and well-stored and discriminating mind; as being anoted referee and peacemaker; generous to the poor and a giver to every good object; and a Christian, straightforward and devoted to the last. Ninian-4 Clark Crosbie, son of John and Lydia (Clark) Crombie, passed his boyhood in New Boston. He had, in addition to the common school, the advantages of studying with an uncle (a clergyman) in Princeton, Mass. a year. He was one of the leading men in New Boston for nearly half a century,--one of those practical and efficient men that so much help and honor our country towns. He held nearly all the town offices from time to time, was guardian of the orphan, counselor of the widow, executor of wills, administrator of estates and frequent referee where sound and impartial judgment was required. He was a man solidly honest, was faithful in every place and every decision was marked by good judgment. He was well informed in public affairs and was a positive character therein; in social life, a genial, witty, and attractive man, and a good neighbor. He was a liberal supporter of the institutions of the gospel and a constant attendant at public worship until prevented by his last sickness. He lived the life of a humble Christian, though, from distrust of his own piety, he had not made a public profession of religion. He bore with great patience the long and distressing illness which closed his life, March 14, 1880. His end was peace,--one of the quiet, faithful lives that will some time be counted great. October 29, 1829, Mr. Crombie married Rebecca Patten, daughter of Captain Samuel Patten, of Derry, NH who still survives,-- a worthy companion and a most excellent and benevolent Christian woman, spending the evening of life amid the love and respect of the whole community. Of the children by this union, only three are living,-- Nannie-5 Moor Crombie, who married Henry L. Hall, of Manchester NH, and has two children--Hattie James and Rebecca Clark. John Clark-5 Crombie, who lives in Elko, Nevada, married Maria E. Lee, of Toronto, Canada, and has one child, Rebecca Patten. Moses Colvard-5 Crombie, married Carrie E. Bell, of Francestown NH and has no children. They live in New Boston. The children who died were Samuel Patten-5 (1st), Mary Eliza-5, Samuel Patten-5 (2d), Hattie Rebecca-5, and James Patten-5. (end)