HISTORY OF ALSTEAD, CHESHIRE 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). ======================================================== Gazetteer of Cheshire County, N.H., 1736-1885 by Hamilton Child; Syracuse, N.Y.: H. Child, 1885, 882 pgs. AND History of Cheshire and Sullivan Counties, N.H., edited by D. Hamilton Hurd, Philadelphia, J.W. Lewis & Co; 1886 72 HISTORY OF ALSTEAD (Excerpts only) ALSTEAD, with an area of 24,756 acres, lies in the extreme north part of the county, in 43 degrees 6' of north latitude, and longitude 4 degrees 48' east from Washington, bounded north by Sullivan County, east by Marlow, south by Gilsum and Surry, and west by Walpole and part of Sullivan County. The territory now lying within its limits was originally granted by Gov. Benning Wentworth, probably in 1761. [One source says it was granted December 28 1752 as Newton]. (Note: prior to this in September of 1750 a request had been made to settle in this area, but it is believed nothing came of it). The Governor at that time granted charters for seventy-eight townships, lying on both sides of the Connecticut [River] principally for the purpose of establishing a claim to the territory in the then unsettled certainty of the colony's western boundary line, and among them, was, undoubtedly, this township. The new town was given a name evolved from its own infantile state, namly, "New Town." These words, however, from first being wedded by a hyphen, in the course of time, with clipped edges, coalesced into plain, "Newton." But, neither as "New Town," "New-ton" or "Newton," did the infant exist long... On the 6th of August, 1763, Governor Wentworth issued a charter, grant the present Alstead to Samuel Chase and seventy associates.. It was signed by Timothy Delano, Proprietor's clerk. In 1771 there were 25 or more families in town. On December 14, 1778, Prudence Baxter (wife of Simon Baxter of Alstead) wrote a letter petitioning the Counsel and assembly of the State of NH for "mercy might be extended to Simon Baxter." Apparently in July 1777 he and his son, Benjamin, "went over" to the British. During his time in British service, he repented, and showed kindness to prisoners of war including Capt. Lemuel Holms of Surry, and Captain Jason Wait of Alstead. Simon Baxter was held in a prisoner ship off the coast of Boston. His property was declared confiscated to the state. At some point Baxter left the flagship, and he and Benjamin were taken from Alstead to Exeter about January 21, 1779 and delivered to the Committee of Safety by Absalom Kingsbury, and there confined in jail for some time. [his confession in the original document not included here]. The surface of the town is irregular and broken, though no mountains are found within the limits. Prentice hill, located near the center, is said to be the higest point. Warren brook and Cold river are the principal streams, though there are a number of minor importance, among them several branches of the Ashuelot, which have their sources here. There are also a number of natural ponds, Warren and Caldwell being the largest, the former lying in the eastern and the latter in the souther part. Warren pond, the largest in the town, is very irregular in outline, covering an area of about 500 acres. It is well supplied with the common species of fish, is quite free from obstructions and affords fine boating facilities. It is well supplied with pleasure crafts, including a steam yacht [1885]. Warren brook, the outlet of the pond, flows in a northwesterly course, through a deep and narrow vallye, until it unites with Cold River, which flows in a southwesterly course, through a similiar valley, two are noted for the great quantities of white pond lilies they afford. The valuable MICA mine of S.A. Mitchel, on road 47, was opened by Joseph Bowers, of Acworth, about 1834, and afterward was carried on by his son, Joseph S., until 1876, when Mr. Mitchel became a partner, and since 1879 has been sole owner. He employes five men [1885]. A valuable MICA mine in the southeastern part of the town was opened in August 1884 by James Davis. The mica in both mines is said to be of superior quality. Four hands are engaged by Mr. Davis in mining the article. In 1880 ALstead had a population of 1,037 souls, and in 1884 it had thirteen school districts and fourteen public schools, two of which were graded. There were 218 pupils attending public school, taught by two male and seventeen female teachers, the former receiving an average monthly salary of $31.00, and the latter $20.44. The fourteen school-houses, including furniture, etc. were valued at $5,000... ALSTEAD is a handsome post village located in the northwestern part of the town on Cold River. It has two churches (Congregational and Universality) [1885], six or seven stores, everal shops or mills of various kinds, and about 100 dwellings. Formerly there was a large amount of paper manufactured here, and from this circumstance the place was called PAPER MILL VILlAGE, a name which clung to it until about 20 years ago [from 1885] when the postoffice received the name of ALSTEAD. A point of interest in the vicinity worth of mention is the "Cocked Hat," a name given an eminence just east of the village from its singular resemblance to that species of chapeau [hat]. Here Cold River and Warren Brook unite, at the northern base of the hill. An old bed of one or both of these streams is plainly discernable, however, upon the east and passing around the south and west sides, thirty feet above the present level of streams. In this dry channel are found numerous large specimens of pot-holes, worn centuries ago, in the solid rock by the old current. ALSTEAD CENTER (p.o.) a hamlet located upon a hill about a half a mile east of the geographical center of the town, was formerly the business center of the town, and about 1802, the prospective site of the county court-house. It long since lost its prestige, however, and now along its single street, a school house, a Congregational house of worship, and perhaps a dozen dwellings remain. EAST ALSTEAD (p.o.) is a hamlet located about a mile from the east line of town, near Warren pond, and consists of one street running north and south, bordered by a Congregational church, one store, and about a dozen dwellings. Just west of this, however, upon the outlet of the pond, is a hamlet containing three mills, a grocery and ten or twelve dwellings, where quite an extensive lumber business is carried on. MESSER BROS.' TURNING AND PLANING MILL located at East Alstead, was built for a grist and carding-mill about 100 years ago. About 1862 it came into the possession of William H. Messer, and of the present owners in 1881. They employ six hands in the manufacture of baby-carriage spokes, sap-spouts, pails, knife handles, etc. E.P. KIDDER'S SAW MILL AND RAKE FACTORY, located at East Alstead, was originally built for a starch factory, by a Mr. Kidder about fifty years ago, and came into the present proprietor's hands in 1858. He employs six men and manufactures about 100,000 feet of lumber, 5,000 rakes and 1,600 spokes per annum. JOHN D. HOLME'S GRIST MILL, operated by F.W. Nourse, is located at Alstead village. It was built by Cragin & Morrison, about 1840, and was purchased by Mr. Holmes in 1867. It has three runs of stones and grinds about 20,000 bushels of custom grain and about 20,000 bushels of western corn per year. Mr. Holmes has a saw-mill which cuts 500,000 feet of lumber and 500,000 shingles per year. C.S. ANGIER'S CARRIAGE SHOP, located at Alstead, was purchased by him of S.K. Elwell, in 1867, and about 1879 he added the undertaking business. He makes a specialty of team wagons and sleds, making about twenty each season. He also does a jobbing business and sawing and planing. S.O. BALL's CARRIAGE SHOP, located at Alstead, was purchased by him of L.D. Edwards in 1864. He builds carriages and sleighs and does a general repair business. C.E. COOK's FOUNDRY at Alstead, was built by A.R. Emerson about 1863, and was purchased by Mr. Cook in 1869. He manufactures plows, harrows, cultivators, etc., making about $1,000.00 worth of farm implements, and doing $1,500.00 worth of job work per annum. J.H. FORRESTALL'S SAW-MILL AND CHAIR-STOCK FACTORY, located on road 5, was built by him in 1876, upon the site of a mill he erected in 1858. He employes four men and manufactures 300,000 feet of course lumber and from $3,000.000 to $5,000.00 worth of chair-stock per annum. GARDNER G. BANK'S SAW MILL--on road 14, built by him about thirty years ago, manufactures coarse lumber and shingles, turning out about 5,000 feet of the former, and 6,000 to 8,000 of the latter per day. GEORGE A. BROOKS'S EDGE TOOL FACTORY at Alstead, was built by Hamlet L. Rice in 1842, who then commenced here the manufacture of axes, and carpenter's tools. In 1864 he sold to George A. Brooks, who has since conducted the business. He manufactures axes, spoke-shaves, chisels, razors, and all kinds of carpenter's tools. ST. PAUL'S LODGE, No. 30 F&AM--Alstead has an old and interesting free mason's lodge, dating back to the year 1818. On the 11th of June of that year, the above lodge was chartered to James Chandler, Eber Carpenter, Samuel Egerton, John Chandler, Josiah Crosby and William Marvin. These people were constituted into a lodge on the 16th, when James Chandler was made worshipful master. Among the oldest members of the lodge was "Uncle" Allen Slade, who was taken into membership July 1, 1819 and remained in the lodge until his death, February 12, 1884. He was born May 26, 1796, and was made a mason in Faithful Lodge, No. 12, at Charlestown, soon after arriving at a lawful age. The oldest member now living [1885] is Daniel mack, whose membership dates from August 17, 1826. The lodge was first gathered at what is now Alstead Center. About 1850 it was removed to Paper Mill Village, where meetings were held in the attic of Ball's building. Finding that room small and inconvenient, the lodge built a hall, as the third story on the ell of the old paper mill, there being in the lower stories a machine and wood-work shop. In September 1868, the whole building was destroyed by fire, the lodge losing their hall, and all their furniture, jewels, records, and even their charter... A few generous masons contributed liberally, and Social Friends Lodge, No. 42 of Keene, with the true charity of masonry, contributed their set of solid silver jewels and a large part of their funiture to their truly destitute sister lodge. They returned for a time to their old attic hall, or until C.K. Vilas and A.R. Emerson built a block on the burnt district,, when the lodge leased a hall of Mr. Emerson for ten years. Nov 28 1880, however, the last paper-mill and the elegant new block were devoured by flames. Again was the lodge without a hall, though nearly all its furniture and jewels were saved. For a third time an altar was erected in the attic. Vilas and Emerson again rebuilt, and in the second story of Mr. Emerson's block the lodge has erected for itself a commodious hall, and is now prospering, though laboring under debt. The present [1885] officers are as follows: F. Bragg, W.M.; W. Master, John F. Dickey; Jackson Marvin, S.W.; Frank W. Nourse, J.W.; Edward A. Turner, Treas; George P. Dickey, Secy'; Elbridge Phelps, S.D., and Frank W. Nourse, J.D. The settlement of the town was commenced about the time the charter was granted. Messrs. Simon Baker, Isaac Cady, and William Druse being the first to spend a winter in town. Among the early settlers were the family names of Burroughs, Clark, Warner, Stephens, Chandler, Beckwith, Waldo and Shepard. In 1767 the population had increased to 130 souls. In 1771 there were twenty- five families and ten single men in the town, besides nine others who partially resided here. The first proprietor's meeting was held at the house of Timothy Dilano, June 4, 1766 when Samuel Chase was chosen moderator and Timothy Dilano, clerk. The first town meeting was held March 11, 1766, when Timothy Dilano was chosen moderator, and Jason Wait, clerk. The town was first represented in Provincial congress in 1755 by Nathaniel S. Prentice. The first born in the town was Jacob Cady, and the first birth was that of a child of Simon Baker. The wife of Isaac Cady, who afterwards married a Mr. Clisber, was the first woman who came "into the town." The first baptism was administered by Rev. Thomas Fessenden, of Walpole, at the house of Capt. Dilano, in September 1768. The first grist-mill was built by Capt. Timothy Dilano on the outlet of Warren Pond, about 1769 About this time also was built the first saw mill, by Gen. Jonathan Chase, a few rods west of the site of the first meeting-house. The first fulling-mill was built by Simon Abells and Daniel Williams, on a small stream which crosses the road leading from the middle of the town to Alstead village, not far from the head of the falls southwest of what, built in 1812, was long known as "Kittridge's stone factory." The first cider-mill was built by Capt. Oliver Shepard. An oil-mill was built by Maj. E. and Lieut. E. Kingsbury, in 1792, near the site of the first fulling-mill; was afterwards removed to Cold River, and was subsequently swept away by a freshet. A cotton factory was established on the outlet of Warren Pond in 1817, by Abel Hills, which continued in operation only a few years. A woolen factory, a little below the cotton factory, was built by Ezra Kidder in 1824. Capt. Levi Warren, from whom Warren pond derived its name, was given a water-privilege on the outlet, providing he would erect a mill and put in a carding machine, which he did in 1805. The first paper-mill was built by Maj. Elisha Kingsbury in 1793. This was destroyed by fire in the spring of 1806, and rebuilt that summer. This in turn was burned September 4, 1868, being at that time the property of Prentiss, Bemis & Co. THey rebuilt in 1869, and the property was again destroyed November 28, 1880, together with the stores of H.A. Lovell, T. Tufts, C.K. Vilas, and A.R. Emerson, and also a dwelling. A fire at this village in January 1839, destroyed the saw and grist-mill of Hallett & Morrison. A fire at Alstead Center June 11, 1882, destroyed a church building and the dwellings of John Hopkins and Mrs. Amos Shepard. Among the accidental or tragic deaths that have visited the town, we have gleaned accounts of the following: Charles Wheeler was killed by the premature discharge of a cannon, while participating in a sham battle in 1828, near the old paper-mill. Harriet, daughter of Capt. Amos Kidder, was burned with her father's dwelling November 18, 1832. Simon Shepard, in his old age, acquired a mania for seeking minerals, and while searching for them in the bottom of a brook, fell and was drowned, at the age of eighty-one years. Caroline Dinsmore was killed by a fall from a wagon, March 13, 1842. Joseph Porter also fell from a wagon, breaking his neck. Caroline Murphy, while on her way to a dancing party, January 8, 1841, was drowned in a freshet in Warren brook, about three-quarters of a mile above the bridge at Alstead village. Near this spot, also, Mrs. Edward Blake was killed, in September 1842, by her horse becoming frightened and backing off the bridge. Three children of Emerson Wallace--Pownal W., Caroline E. and Maria A.,--were burned with the dwelling of their parents, Nov. 17, 1845, during the absence of their mother, who was making a call on a neighbor. Henry Porter, son of Darius Porter, aged twelve years, was drowned while bathing, July 23, 1853. Ingalls J. Wood was killed by being thrown from a wagon-load of apples, October 13, 1879 ROSINA DELIGHT RICHARDSON, Barnum's famous "fat girl" was born in the northeastern part of Alstead, in April 1833, weighing five pounds. She reached her greatest weight, 515 pounds, when nineteen years of age. She married a Mr. Wood and died in Florida, May 2, 1878. Allen Slade reached the greatest age of any person who ever lived in town, dying at the age of something over 100 years. THE FIRST COMPANY OF MILITIA was formed here in 1773, of which Timothy Dilano was chosen captain, Samuel Chandler, lieutenant, and Jason Wait, ensign. According to a historical sermon delivered by Rev. Seth N. Arnold, that only one man in town adhered to the cause of Great Britian, and a committee appointed by the town deprived him of fire-arms and confined him to his farm. In April 1781 the town transacted business under the State of Vermont, but returned to the authority of New Hampshire in January 1782. During the War of the Rebellion [Civil War], Alstead furnished 135 men including 85 citizen volunteers, 2 drafted men, and 47 alien volunteers and substitutes and 1 re-enlisted man. BRIEF BIOGRAPHIES OF EARLY SETTLERS... ISAAC CADY, came from Pomfet, CT to Alstead about 1763-64, settling with his wife upon a farm at East Alstead, she being the first white woman to locate in town. Mr. Cady became a Revolutionary soldier... His son Joseph spent his life here as a farmer and reared a family of six, only two of whom, William and James B., residing on road 39 are living [in 1885]. The latter resided with his son, F.O., who served the town as selectman in 1883. SAMUEL CHANDLER, from Enfield, MA, came to this town with his two brothers, Joel and Zebulon in 1767. Samuel located in the southwestern part of the town, was one of the first selectmen, and died in 1784. His son, James, born here in 1771, died in 1857. James bore an active part in the town affairs, holding the office of selectman, justice of the peace, etc. His son Lyman now resides here [1885], an ex-town clerk. Nathan, son of Joel, married Esther Marvin and reared three children, Samuel, Polly, and John M. He died in 1824. His widow became the wife of Alexander Murphy. Samuel has been engaged in the shoe trade at Alstead and other places about forty years. He married Mary L. Kilburn in 1841, and has four children, Austin N., Herbert E., Emma E., and Charles S. DEACON NOAH VILAS, the only child of Peter VILAS the immigrant and the progenitor of the entire VILAS family in AMerica, came to Alstead in 1779, from Grafton, MA. He had a family of six sons and two daughters. The first son, Joseph, and one daughter died in infancy. Wm. F. Vilas, Postmaster General in President Cleveland's cabinet is a descendant of Dea. Noah Vilas. Lieut. Nathaniel VILAS from Grafton, MA, fourth son of Dea. Noah, came to Alstead in 1778, locating the southwestern part of the town. Here he carried on a farm and engaged in the manufacture of boots and shoes, employing in the latter occupation twelve hands. He built the first water works into Boston, bringing the water in logs from Roxbury, Vt. He was twice married, first to Mary Chandler, and second to Lavina Crosby, both of whom bore him twenty children. He was a lieutenant of militia, held several of the town offices and died in 1853. His son, Cyrus K., was born here in 1815, and for the past twenty-five years has been engaged in the drug business. He represented the town in the legislatures of 1845-46, and 1876-77, was a delegate to the Constitutional Convention of 1876, and held the office of town treasurer for two or three terms, and has been moderator for about 18 years. Mr. Vila's only son is a physician, practicing in New York City; one of his daughters Mrs. A.A. Packard, resides in Springfield, MA, and the other, Fannie M., is attending school in the same city. THOMAS DINSMORE came to ALstead at an early day and settled near the village, upon the farm now owned by J.G. Turner. He carried on blacksmithing and farming, reared a large family and died about 1842. His son, Calvin, born on the old homestead, died here in 1868. He was also a blacksmith and a farmer. Of his large family of twelve children, eight attained a mature age, and five of the six surviving ones reside in the town. John G. is president of the Connecticut River National bank of Charlestown; Edward resides on Pleasant street, and Thomas resides on road 23. The latter went to Boston, when a young man, and was there engaged in the produce business for 32 years. Since 1874, however, he has resided in his native town. He has taken an active part in public affairs, and in 1882 was elected to the state senate. Another son, Lemuel W., resides in the village. JOSEPH WATTS, was born here and resided in the town until his death in 1816. He resided just north of the village, where he reared four children, none of whom are living. An adopted son, George U. R., is now a resident of the town. John, Isaac and Jesse, brothers of Joseph, also spent their lives here. None of their descendants now reside here. JOHN SLADE, of Irish descent, came from Enfield, Conn, to this town in the autumn of 1773. He married widow Leason of Enfield, Conn by whom he had 5 sons and two daughters. His sons were John, William, Thomas, Daniel and Samuel. John Jr. moved to Brookfield Vt. Lieut William Slade married Anna Root, of Windsor, Conn., by whom he had 5 sons and 3 daughters. Samuel married Hannah Thompson, by whom he had 3 sons and 5 daughters. ASA, REUBEN, and JUDE HATCH, brothers, all of whom had served in the Revolution, came to Alstead, from Tolland, Conn. at an early day. AZEL, son of Reuben, was 7 yrs of age when his parents came here, and subsequently located on road 25, upon the farm now [1885] occupied by his grandson, also named Azel. He held a captain's commission during the war of 1812. His wife, Rhoda Williams, bore him 12 children, ten of whom attained a mature age, and six of whom are now living. He bore an active part in town affairs, was selectman 27 years, representative 5 years, a justice of the peace, etc. He died at the age of 92 years. Azel Jr born on the old homestead in 1817, has been superintendent of school committee, justice of the peace, moderator 40 years, clerk of the Congregational society twenty years, secretary of the Sabbath school 42 years and superintendent of the same 27 years. When Reuben came here from Tolland, he brought a colony of bees, descendants of which are still on the farm in possession of Azel Jr. NATHANIEL D. MESSER was an early settlers of the town, and resided here until his death, having raised a large family. One son, William H., died here in 1881. He was engaged in the manufacture of wooden-ware, rakes, etc. where his son, Frank D. now carries on the business. GILES MARVIN, one of the early settlers, located in the eastern part of the town, where he engaged in farming and worked at his trade as a carpenter and joiner. His son William, born here in 1779, died in 1867. Five of his eleven children are living, three in Alstead. Jackson resides on High street, and Fred J. is a prosperous merchant, located on Main Street JAMES KIDDER settled in Alstead at an early day. His son Ezra carried on a cloth manufactory for a time, and was also engaged in the manufacture of starch. James Jr. reared a family of 7 children, three of whom are now living. One of them, James A., resides on road 47. AMOS KIDDER, son of Samuel, who came from Massachusetts at an early day and located upon the farm now occupied by Samuel M., died here in 1873, at the age of 94 years and 7 months. Three of his six children are living, viz., Amos, in Newport; Mrs. John McNeil, in Westminster, Vt; and Samuel M., on the homestead farm. The latter, the youngest son of Capt. Amos, was born in Dalton, N.H. Dec. 17 1811. He has lived in Alstead since 2 years of age, and has been identified with the Methodist Church over 50 years. He has served his full share in the public affairs of the town, being 6 years a selectman and postmaster for a longer term. He married Harriet N. Atwood of Acworth, May 14, 1839, and has 3 daughters, Mrs. Austin E. Smith, Mrs. M.J. Kidder of Alstead, and Susan E. (Mrs. Charles H. Washburn) of Marlow. SYLVESTER PATRIDGE came to Alstead from Londonderry, Mass, in 1783, locating in the northern part of the town. He was then about 21 years of age, and soon after married, though his wife lived but a short time. He then married Mrs. Rachel Fay, who bore him 3 children. By his third wife he had four children. Only one son, by his second wife, Capt. Theron, was the father of Alfred W. and James S. Partridge who now reside here. Two other grandsons of Sylvester, Alva W. and Edward M. Smith, also reside here, and also a granddaughter, Mrs. Melissa Joslin. Alva W. occupies the old homestead. Edward M. is an attorney, located at Alstead village. During the spotted fever epidemic 1812-14, four of Sylvester's children died and were buried on the same day. Theron Partridge died February 6, 1858, aged sixty-nine years. EMERSON SMITH came to Alstead NH from Hollis NH about 1800, being formerly a resident of Maine, and a carpenter by trade. His son, Ralph E. was born at Hollis in 1791. He learned the clothier's trade and carried on the business here for a number of years. He married Bia HALE, daughter of Esq. Moses Hale, reared eight children, and died in 1854, aged 63 years. Of his three sons, two are living, Moses H. in Nebraska, and George H in Harrisonville, both of whom served in the late war [Civil War]. Two daughters of Ralph E. are living, Maria L. Woodward in Petersham MA, and Mary U. (Mrs. John Kingsbury) in Surry. Esq. Hale, mentioned above was a land surveyor and spent a large portion of his life surveying lands in Cheshire and Sullivan counties. He was a justice of the peace many years, town representative, state senator, member of the governor's council, and served as a captain in the Revolutionary war. He was a native of Haverhill, Mass, born December 8, 1754 and died January 16, 1827. He married Abigail, daughter of Richard Page, September 8, 1778, who bore him five children. SAMUEL THURSTON came to ALstead from Marlboro NH about 1800, locating near where his grandson, Lorenzo G. now resides. He was a schoolteacher and farmer, and died December 23, 1873, aged 98 years, four months and 8 days. Three of his 5 children are now living, Franklin R., in Concord; Joseph in Keene; and Alden S. in this town. The latter has taught school 55 terms and has held the office of selectman, justice of the peace, superintendent of school committee, etc. THOMAS R. PRENTISS was born in Langdon NH in 1803 and came to Alstead about 1834. He followed mercantile pursuits about 10 years, and subsquently engaged in the manufacture of paper. In company with his son, Frederick L., he built a paper-mill upon the site of the one destroyed by fire in 1868, and which was in turn destroyed in 1881. He died September 27, 1879. Two of his eight children are living, viz: Lewis M. in Chicago, and Frederick L. in this town. The latter served as a drummer during the late war [Civil War] and is the present town clerk. OBADIAH BLAKE, a native of Massachusetts, was an early settler in Keene [NH]. George, son of Royal and grandson of Obadiah, died in Wisconsin, and his son, George W. now resides in Alstead, on road 46. JOHN TURNER, from Mansfield, located in Walpole at an early day, and died in this town in 1860. His son John G., born in Walpole in 1810, came to Alstead in 1844, and for about 10 years drove a stage between Charlestown and Marlow. Since 1847 he has been actively engaged in farming. His son E.A. is the present chairman of the board of selectmen and has served the town as representative. TIMOTHY TUFTS was born in Charlestown May 29, 1824. He obtained a common school and academic education and followed teaching successfully for several years, or until 1844, when he embarked in mercantile pursuits, as a clerk in Alstead village. In 1848 he formed a co-partnership with Oliver B. Campbell, and from 1851 has conducted the business alone, doing a very successful trade, and has also a fine farm on road 28. He is a member of the Congregational church and has been town treasurer more than 10 years. He married H. Sophia P, daughter of Joseph Kingsbury, and has one son, James A. The latter is now a professor in Phillips Exeter Academy, where he fitted for college, graduating from Harvard in 1878. He married, the same year, Effie Locke, of Arlington, Mass, and has one son and 1 daughter. The late Hon. James Tufts, of Nebraska, was his brother, and a former resident of this town. He was born in Charlestown in 1829, and graduated at Middlebury College in 1855. He held the office of judge of probate in Nebraska, was speaker of the first legislature of Idaho, acting governor of Montana, wrote the laws of Dakota, and held other positions of trust and responsibility. JOSIAH COOKE, from Coventry, CT, came to Alstead in 1774. He married Huldah Bassett for his first wife, Lucy Desmond for his second, and reared one son and two daughters. The son, Capt. Josiah, married Sarah Emerson who bore him 3 sons and 2 daughters--John, Arva, Beniah, Polly, and Sarah. John married Eunice Parker, rearing one son and one daughter, the latter of whom, Philetta, resides in town. Arva married Rhoda Willard, who bore him 5 children, 3 of whom are living. He was a farmer, served the town as selectman, and died in 1844, aged 49 years. His eldest son, Josiah W., resides in Chesterfield. Charles E. has always resided in town, spent his early life on the Cooke homestead, owned and operated a saw and grist-mill (with Wilson D. Holt) eleven years, and in 1869 bought the foundry business of Robb & Kidder, which he still continues. He represented the town in 1863-64, has been selectman six years, and has also served as town treasurer. He married for his first wife, Luthera Holt, and for his second Maria H., widow of Nelson E. Beckwith, and has three children--Charles H., Oliver A. and Hattie A. (Mrs. S.S. Wilder). Beniah, the youngest son of Capt Josiah, pursued a collegiate course at Schenectady NY, became a teacher in Fitchburg, Mass, edited a newspaper there a short time, then came to Keene and bought the "Cheshire Republican," continuing it until his death. He also started two other papers in Keene, and was postmaster there. He married Rebecca Harrington, who bore him 5 children, and died in 1884, surviving her husband a number of years. Henry, the youngest son of Arva, went to Boston when 17 years of age, entered a store, a business of importing millinery goods, as errand boy, became a partner in 1860, and sole owner in 1872. He accumulated a large property and died in 1880, leaving no issue. Harriet A. married S.G. Anderson and died in 1865. Rhoda E. married James Estabrooks and resides in Newton, Mass, six of her family of seven children living. Fred A came to Alstead and is now a farmer near the Center. ISAAC FISHER, from Framingham, Mass., located as a farmer in Stoddard. He married twice, raising three sons and three daughters by his first wife and one son, Benjamin H. by his second. The latter has been a resident of this town for the past forty-nine years. He learned the cabinet-maker's trade in Keene, and, after working here one year for Stephen Kittredge, began business for himself. He married Mahala B. Edson in 1837, and six of a family of eight children are now living, all of whom except the youngest, Flora E. who resides with her parents, have married, and left town. RUSSELL TINKER, born Lempster NH, in June 1818, located in Marlow when eighteen years of age, where he remained until 1866, then purchased his present farm in this town on road 14. He has held the office of selectman three years and has also served as supervisor. He marrried Mary, daughter of Jonathan Jefts, of Stoddard, November 16, 1841, and has two sons who reside in Alstead. ABRAHAM BROWNE, with his sons, ABRAHAM JR., NATHANIEL and OLIVER, came here from Grafton, Mass, and located just northeast of Warren Pond, about 1775. Oliver, with his father, located where Alonzo M. Fogg how lives; Nathaniel where James A. Browne now resides; and Abraham Jr. upon the hill to the north. Abraham Sr died in 1808. Abraham Jr married Lucy Golding, of Grafton, Mass., by whom he reared ten children; was a respected citizen, and died at the age of eighty-two years. Dea. Nathaniel Browne married Molly Gee, of Marlow, had four sons and two daughters, represented the town and filled various town offices. Oliver removed to Surry. Abijah, son of Abraham Jr., married Sarah, daughter of Simeon Shephard, and reared several children, of whom James A., the youngest is the only one now living [1885]. He has been a justice of the peace about ten years, and a selectman three years. He married Martha A. Raney, March 10, 1846 and has no children. Gardner Shepard Browne, son of Abijah, born Sept. 12, 1810, graduated at Dartmouth in 1834, and was for many years a COngregational clergyman, was also a teacher, and for the last 25 years of his life practiced medicine in Hartford, Conn. He died in Chicago, December 29, 1876. The other two children of Abijah, Lucy B and Nancy G., married and resided outside the county. THOMAS WOOD, of English descent, came from Brookfield, Mass., to Alstead in 1780. He married Molly Taylor, of Hopkinton, Mass., by whom he had seven sons and three daughters. He took an active part in the Revolution and was at the battles of Bunker Hill and White Plains. His sons were Thomas, Samuel, John, Benjamin, Joseph, William and James. Edwin, son of Benjamin Jr was born while his parents were in Orange, Grafton Co., but was brought to Alstead in childhood and has since resided here, being now, at the age of 72 years, the only male descendant of Thomas Wood residing in the town. ABSALOM KINGSBURY, from Coventry, Conn, came to Alstead in 1771, and moved his father thither the following year. His first wife, Rebecca Rust, bore him eight sons and two daughters, the sons being as follows: Asa, Ebenezer, Ephraim, Obadiah, James, Elisha, Joshua and Amariah. His second wife was a widow Wilson. Asa studied medicine with Dr. Frink of Keene, entered the Revolutionary service, and died at New York in August 1776, aged twenty-four years. Lieut. Ephraim who continued on his father's farm, married for his first wife, Kezia Richardson of Wrentham, Mass., and for his second, Hannah Leonard, of Carver, Mass., by whom he had six daughters. Elisha K. married Phebe Beckwith, who bore him six sons and two daughters. Absalom served the town as justice of the peace, treasurer, and representative, and was instrumental in organizing the first church. COL. CYRUS KINGSBURY from Worcester, Mass., came to Alstead in 1785. He married, first Annas S. Taynter, and second, Philete Partridge, rearing five sons and one daughter. He held a military commission for a considerable time, served as a deacon of the Baptist church, and represented the town a number of years, and finally, in 1814, removed to Bloomfield, NY where he soon after died. His family returned to Alstead. Cyrus Jr. the only child of the Colonel's first wife, though a cripple from his birth and ever afflicted with ill health, graduated at Brown University, R.I. and subsequently at Andover Theological Seminary, and in 1816 went as missionary among the Western Indians, where he spent the remainder of his life. He established a flourishing station among the Cherokees, called Brainard, and two among the Choctaw,s called respectively Elliot and Mayhew. Joseph, a half-brother of Cyrus Jr, spent his life in Alstead. Originally a Whig in politics, he became a Republican on the organization of that party, represented the town in the legislature, and held various local offices. He died in 1865, aged 76 years. He married Keziah, daughter of Lieut. Ephraim Kingsbury, who bore him one son and five daughters. Two of the daughters, Clarissa (Mrs. William Howard) and H. Sophia P. (Mrs. T. Tufts) reside in town, and Harriet M. (Glickmyer) in Brooklyn NY and Annas S. in Concord NH. DEACON JEREMIAH HOWARD, from Ipswich, Mass, came to Langdon, with his wife and three children in 1783 or '84. He took up wild land, built a log house, and reared a family of four sons and five daughters. Stephen, his first born in Langdon, spent his life on the old farm, reared seven children and died in 1873, aged 87 years. When Stephen came of age, his father bought the land where Alstead village now is, and built a saw and grist-mill where the Holmes mill is now, though a mill had previously been built there, by Mr. Towne. In 1828 Mr. Howard's mills were destroyed by a freshet, but were rebuilt after a few years. He died in 1837, aged 81 years. He served in the Revolution and was pensioned in his old age. William Howard, his grandson, aged 74 years, has resided at Alstead since 1836. He married Clarissa Kingsbury, February 28, 1836, and has reared two sons and a daughter. His eldest son, Edward B., is at the head of the pork-packing and provision firm of E.B. Howard & Co. of New York. Frank O., the youngest, is a hardware clerk in Indianapolis, Ind. The daughter, Ellen S., is Mrs. W.D. Holt, of this town. JONATHAN SHEPARD, of English descent, came from Coventry, Conn, in 1768, and a few years later moved his family here. For his first wife he married Love Palmer, of Stonington, Conn, who bore him seven sons and three daughters, all of whom, except the oldest daughter, lived in this town. By his second wife, Polly Underwood, he had one daughter. Jonathan's sons were Jonathan, Oliver, Nathaniel, Amos, Simeon, Joshua, and Roswell, all of whom came to to the town about the same time with their father, and some of them became the most wealthy and influential persons in the town. Jonathan, a shoemaker, married Hannah Benjamin of Hartford, CT and had born to him six sons and a daughter. Capt. Oliver married Zerviah Hatch who bore him two sons and two daughters. He represented the town in the colonial congress and state legislature nine years. Nathaniel married Lois Marvin. Gen. Amos married Thankful Caldwell of Hartford CT and was the first merchant in the town, served as major-general of the militia, represented the town in the legislature many years, was councilor and state senator, and president of the senate seven years. [Amos died January 1, 1812] He died in 1812, leaving a large property. Simeon married Rachel Brooks, who bore him four sons and four daughters. Joshua married Lucy Farnsworth and reared two sons and four daughters. Roswell died in youth. William, the eldest son of Capt. Oliver, born here March 7, 1778, married Sally Fisher, reared five children--Amos, Cyrus, Maria, Willard and Oliver, and died June 6, 1841. Oliver Jr. born March 18, 1818 was chairman of the board of selectmen ten consecutive years, including the war period, when he was town agent for procuring recruits, represented the town in the legislature two terms, was a justice of the peace many years, settled many estates, and died February 29, 1876. He married William's cousin, Susan, daughter of Gardner and Sarah (Merrifield) Shepard, who survives him. Their children are Ella N. (Mrs. L.F. Wood) of Keene, Herman O., a clerk in Worcester, Mass, and Albert C., who resides with his mother in Alstead. Gardner shepard married twice, reared twelve children and died January 16, 1861. Charles, one of his younger children, a clairvoyant physician, practiced in Alstead until 1881, when he went south to South Deerfield, Mass. Phila P. (Mrs. J.V. Greene) resides in Alstead. Sumner G. resides in South Newfane, Vt. Amos, eldest son of William married Abigail Fletcher, of Lempster NH, in 1831, and had children as follows: Cyrus, Sarah S., Harvey E., Norman A., and William C., only the latter of whom is living. He spent about twenty-five years in the grocery business at Fitchburg and Springfield, Mass., returning to his native town in 1878. Amos Shepard died Dec 25, 1873. Cyrus died in 1861 and Henry E died a prisoner of war, in Libby prison. HENRY A. LOVELL, son of Aldis Lovell, was born in Drewsville NH February 12, 1837. At the age of seventeen he began his life as a clerk, and at the age of 24 years began business for himself where he is now located. In 1868 his store was burned, but was immediately rebuilt, and for four years he operated a branch store at East Alstead. He married Georgina B. Fellows of Hopkinton NH in 1866, and has two sons and a daughter. GEORGE W. KILBURN came to Alstead when a young man, married Lovina Marvin December 31, 1820, and died Nov 29, 1880, surviving his wife from November 18, 1878. Of their six children, Alfred, Mary L., Maria, Frank, Cyrus and Josephine, two are living. WHITNEY BREED, son of Nathaniel and Nancy (Whitney) Breed, and great-grandson of Dr. Nathaniel Breed, the first settlers in Nelson, was born in Nelson in 1810 and came to Alstead in 1832. He married Persis Hatch, October 26, 1837 who bore him two sons and four daughters. Mr. Breed has been a justice of the peace forty years and a deacon of the Congregational church at Alstead Center 35 years. JOHN BANKS, progenitor of the Banks family in Alstead, was in the employ of Nathaniel S. Prentiss, and came with him from Grafton, Mass in 1774. He married Susan Prentiss and reared a large family of children, one of whom was the father of Gen. N.P. Banks of Waltham, Mass. Two sons of John--Andrew and Jabez M., spent their lives in Alstead. Andrew married Fannie Livermore, resided on a farm on road 36, reared eight children, and died in 1876, aged 83 years. His son, Gardner G., has been engaged in the manufacture of lumber at the outlet of Warren Pond over 30 years. He married Ella, daughter of Jonas S. Partridge and has no children. AZEL R. EMERSON, son of HAZEN, and grandson of RICHARD< who came to Alstead from Haverhill, Mass in 1786, was born December 29, 1822. He lived with his father upon the farm until twenty-one years of age, taught school two terms, and in 1847 started, with O.F. Beckwith, the first iron foundry and plow manufactory in Alstead. In 1849 he purchased Mr. Beckwith's interest, and in 1853 sold out the business. In 1854 he was elected a selectman of the town, and later on removed to Hinsdale, NH where he engaged in the foundry, machine and agricultural implement business, remaining until 1860, when he sold out, and in 1861, and for some years after 1862, was engaged here in the same business. He held the office of town clerk from 1866 to 1871, was selectman in 1868, 1870, 1871, 1873 and 1876 and has held most of the town offices at various times. In 1873 he was appointed postmaster, which position he now holds. LEVI TOWNSEND came to Alstead from Massachusetts about 1800, and located in the southern part of the town. He was a farmer, married Mehitable Chandler, and had born to him four children, all boys. Charles, the only son now living, was born June 6, 1808, and, when young, went to Lowell MA and became overseer in a cotton factory. He married for his first wife, Eliza A. Parker of Lowell, moved to Alstead, and engaged in farming. His first wife bore him six children. He married for his second wife, Lucinda Messer of Marlow, who bore him two children, and died July 14, 1871. Mr. Townsend resides in Keene with his daughter Eliza (Mrs. H.H. Beckwith). ELIJAH TOWNE came to Alstead, after having previously lived in Weathersfield, Vt., Windsor Vt., and also in Munson, Mass. He married Miriam Lane, and had born to him ten children, five of whom are living. Of these, Samaria married Dean Towne and lives in Worcester, Mass. Miriam married Richard Blodgett and lives in Claremont NH. Marcia married William Ellis and also lives in Claremont. Elisha lives in Keene and Salem in Walpole. Mr. Towsend (??) died here at the age of 84 years. BENJAMIN PROCTOR came to ALstead from Ispwich, Mass, and settled in the southwestern part of town, on lands owned by H.G. Barnes, of Walpole. He lived upon this place for many years, and then moved upon the farm now owned by Ezra Webster, where he died, March 23, 1854, aged 86 years. He married Susannah Lowe, who died April 5, 1858, aged 85 years. Only two of his ten children are living-- Ebenezer and Louisa. The latter married Philip Wheeler. Ebenezer was born November 17, 1805 and married ANna K., dau of Daniel BIRD. She was b. in Watertown, Mass in 1811. Of their six children, four are living. Of these, Mary F. married Merrrill White and lives in Keene. Hattie A married John Wood and lives in Athol, Mass. John E. lives in Walpole, and Frank H. in Athol, Mass. Ebenezer Proctor represented this town in 1849-50 and was selectman. He moved to Walpole in 1869, where he now resides. JAMES SPENCER was born in Springfield, Vt., in May 1819. He learned the blacksmith trade there, married Susan M. McCrae, and reared two children, J.H. and Susan A. The former is a blacksmith in Keene, and the latter is the wife of H.P. Ware and resides in Alstead. James came to Alstead about 1846 and was engaged in the blacksmith business here. He was a celebrated clarionet player and died February 18, 1883. His widow resides in Keene, aged sixty-three years. LAUSON ROBERTSON, son of ALEXANDER, was born in the town of Chesterfield, NH April 23, 1811, in the western part of the town. When a young man he worked in a store for Oscar Coolege, in his native town. October 13, 1835, he married Edith, daughter of John Harris, of Chesterfield, and came to the town of Alstead and located at the Center, where he kept a store. He remained there for five years when he sold out and removed to what was known as Paper Mill Village, now Alstead, and purchased the hotel and brick store opposite. Here he carried on both enterprises about nine years, when he gave up the hotel. He then built the house where his widow, now Mrs. Kimball, resides, and continued in the store for some years longer, and then sold out. He carried on a large business, was called upon to settle estates and act as guardian, and was sought often in counsel by his townsmen. He was county commissioner in 1858-61, and was also selectman. He died October 31, 1863. His family consisted of four children: Herman L., born Oct 19, 1838, died December 30, 1868; Stella E., born Sept 18 1841, died July 16 1843; Edward H. born June 19, 1844, died February 12, 1849; Frank H. born June 18, 1853, and now is residing in Boston, Mass. Mr. Robertson was just and upright and much respected, and in his death the town lost an active business man and good citizen. THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF ALSTEAD--The first baptism in town was administered in September 1768, by Rev. Thomas Fessenden, of Walpole. In 1770 the town "chose nine men to conduct religious worship," one of the number being appointed to procure a minister. In 1773 a committee was chosen to select a site for building a house of worship, and the same year Rev. James Treadway was employed to supply the town with preaching... [more information included in original document, not shown here]...The church building, a neat wood structure capable of seating 200 persons, built in 1882-83... THE SECOND CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH--In 1788 a number of the members of the first church became dissatisfied with their pastor, or pastors,, withdrew from the society, and with others, organized the Second Congregational Church, at East Alstead, with 18 members, over whom Rev. Levi Lankton, of Southington, Conn. was installed September 2, 1789. He remained with the society about a third of a century... THE THIRD CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH--On the 3d of August 1842, this church was organized, located at Alstead village. It grew out of the inconvenience ungergone by people in this vicinity in reaching the other churches... Their first minister was Rev. Darwin Adams... [more not included here] METHODIST CHURCH--A Methodist church was in existence in East Alstead previous to 1820. A house of worship was built in 1839, and a church constituted, which at one time had fifty members. The organization continued until about 1865, when, the membership having become so greatly decreased, preaching was discontinued and the membership transferred to Marlow church. Their church building, a brick structure, was sold and remodeled into a store. Mr. Samuel M. Kidder was connected with this society longer than any other person now living. BAPTIST CHURCH--In December 1790, a Calvinist Baptist church was organized at the Center, which became quite large and was for many years very prosperous. At length, in connection with the Universalist society, formed in May 1820, they erected a church building at Alstead village, and finally became extinct. (end)