HISTORY OF MEREDITH, BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE ---------------------------------- ---------------------------------- Information located at http://www.nh.searchroots.com On a web site about GENEALOGY AND HISTORY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE and its counties TRANSCRIBED BY JANICE BROWN Please see the web site for my email contact. ---------------------------------- The original source of this information is in the public domain, however use of this text file, other than for personal use, is restricted without written permission from the transcriber (who has edited, compiled and added new copyrighted text to same). ======================================================== SOURCE: History of Merrimack and Belknap Counties, New Hampshire Philadelphia: J.W. Lewis & Co., 1885, 1108 pgs. page 833 The history of Meredith really covers a period of nearly two and a half centuries, for in 1652 a party of hardy adventurers was detailed by Massachusetts to seek the northern source of the Merrimack, and at the ancient Aquedoctan, or Weirs, August 1, 1652, they chiseled the inscription on a rock which bears the name of Endicott, so-called in honor of the Governor of Massachusetts, who gave them their commissions. The foot of Lake Winnipesaukee was a favorite resort for the red man. Large villages stood on each side of the river, and on the Laconia side can yet be seen the site of one of their forts. Eighty years ago their dams filled the river, built for the purpose of taking the shad, which swearmed there in the fall. Here the warlike chief, Wohawa, called a council to inflame the neighboring tribes just previous to the bloody days of 1675, and here the gallant, but ill-fated Lovewell often halted in his raids on the Ossipees. This whole region is rich in legendary lore, and many an interesting story could be related if time and space would permit; but we must turn to more authentic history. Meredith is one of the oldest towns in this part of the State. Her early settlers were men and women of a most sturdy character. They were pioneers of a more than ordinary type, and took an active part in the formation of the Granite State, and stamped their individuality upon its enaactments. This town was incorporated by the Governor and Council December 30, 1768, and was within the boundes of Mason's patent. By an act approved December 30, 1799, Stone Dam and Bear Islands were annexed. A division of the town took place July 14, 1855, the southeasterly portion being incorporated into a town by the name of Laconia. By an act approved July 3, 1873, a portion of Meredith was annexed to Centre Harbor. Meredith is thirty-six miles north of Concord, and is bounded on the north by Centre Harbor and Lake Winnipesaukee; north and northeast by said lake, southeast by Laconia, south by Sanbornton, and west and northwest by New Hampton. Waukawan Lake (formerly Messley Lake), near the village, is connected with Lake Winnipesaukee by a stream affording a large amount of water-power. As a farming town, it is surpassed by but a few in the State. Agriculture is the principal employment of its inhabitants... At Meredith village there is one of the best water privileges in the State, which is controlled by the Meredith Mechanical Association, and there is considerable capital invested in manufactures. The population is about eighteen hundred. There are two post offices--Meredith village and Meredith Centre. The present town officers [1888] are--Selectmen, William S. Smith, J. L. Prescott, O.N. Roberts; Clerk, I.C. Boynton; Treasurer, T.S. Moses; Superintendents, F.L. Mason, John Webster. S.W. Rollins, Esq. Probate Judge of Belknap County is a resident of the town. The oldest physician is George Sanborn, M.D. THe present churches are Congregational, Calvin Baptist and Free-Will Baptist. There is one bank, Meredith Village Savings Bank, with a deposit of voer three hundred and thirty thousand dollars, and over nine hundred and ninety depositers. The manufacturers are Waukawan Hosiery Mills, Samuel Hodgson, proprietor (see biography); J.A. Lang, piano-forte cases; Meredith Shook and Lumber Company; American Twist Drill Company; Wadleigh Plow Company; J.S. Robinson & Co., organs; G.H. Clark & Co., lumber. FIRST SETTLEMENT--EXTRACTS FROM "PROPRIETORS' RECORDS" OF SALEM AND NEW SALEM The first settlement of this territory was commenced in 1748, and the land was surveyed and laid out as the town of Salem, which soon was changed to New Salem, and this name the township bore until the incorporation of Meredith. The business was done and proprietor's meetings held for twenty years principally in Exeter. Extracts from "Proprietors Records," the following being the first record: "NOvember the 3d, 1748, Ensign Jonathan Longfellow and fifty-nine others petition "that they may have a town-ship or a tract of land granted or given to them and to their heirs forever. Gentlemen, whose right it is to grant or give our request, we being the loyal and dutiful subjects of His Majesty, King George the Second, we pray you to grant or give to us a part of land which is to be laid out into townships in our frontiers above." The same persons met November 10, 1748, and organized by voting "Ensin Oliver Smith, moderator, and Jethro Person, treasurer, to keep the money to be raised by the society for carying on the business." "Voted, Ensin Oliver Smith, Joseph Juewt, Joseph Smith and Daniel Clark be a committee to go up and lay out a township." December 19, 1748, "Voted Joseph Rawlins have two pounds three shillings, old tenor, for going to Hampton and Epping for a surveyor." November 14, 1749, "Voted, That there will be a comety to joyn with the comitey of the first town to ron the line at the head of sd Towns betwen the Pound and Pemigewasset river, and to look out a place for a saw-mill and for a Senter Scware." At a meeting of the proprietors, held at the dwelling house of Tilton Lawrence, at Stratham, December 26, 1750, "Voted, Ensin Jonathan Longfellow moderator for sd meeting. Voted, Joseph Juett, Josiah Sanborn and Jonathan Longfellow, or aney two of them, to go down to Portsmouth and order draw the first division of lots." [This first division comprised about what is now contained in the town of Laconia, with a little of the present Meredith on its northern boundary]. November 2, 1752, "A committee was chosen to lay out a second division of lots." [This division included the portion on the west and north of Winnisquam Lake]. Additional portions of land were added. May 3, 1754, the proprietors of Portsmouth increased the grant by calling the north line twelve miles instead of seven, so adding Meredith Neck. PROPRIETORS GRANT "At a meeting of the Proprietors of the lands purchased of John Tufton Mason, Esq., in the Province of New Hampshire, held by adjournment at the dwelling-house of Sarah Prust, widow, in Portsmouth, on Saturday, the thirty-first day of December, Anno Domini 1748, Voted that there be and hereby is granted unto Samuel Plamer, Esqr, Jonathan Shaw, Benja Shaw, Junr, all of Hampton in sd Province; Samuel Goodhew, Junr, John Purmot, John Smith, Benja Jewett, Joseph Rawlings, Elisha Smith, Daniel Clark, Tilton Larrance, Joseph Clarke, Jonathan Sibbley, Richard Scammon, James Scammon, Benja Whicher, William Chase, Moses Chases, Benja Norris, Lazarus Row, Joseph Fifield, Moses Rawlings, John Taylor, Jacob Low, David Rawlings, Chase Robinson, Josiah Goodhue, all of Stratham in said Provinces; Jonathan Longfellow, John Light, Joseph Wadleigh, Jonathan Wadleigh, Daniel Smith, Daniel Gale, Josiah Robinson, Junr., Joseph Robinson, Joseph Perason, Eliphelet Rawlins, Joseph Rawlins, Junr., Nathaniel Barlet, Junr, Ephraim Robinson, Abraham Clark, Joseph Rawlings, Daniel Thurstin, Josiah Sambon, John Morgen, Joseph Goodhew, Oliver Smith, Junr, Jacob Longfellow, John Leavit, Junr., Oliver Smith, Joseph Norris, Samuel Norris, Benja Norris, Samuel Norris, Junr., Josiah Sambon, Robert Cuttler, all of Exeter in said Province (together with twenty other persons hereafter to be named by said Proprietors) in equal shares, excepting as hereafter herein excepted, on the terms, conditions and limitations hereinafter expressed; all that tract of land within the Province of New Hampshire, containing the extent and quantity of six miles square, etc. The conditions of this grant were that there should be one hundred shares, each share to consist of two lots, to be laid out within one year, one share to be for the minister of the gospel to settle on the land, six acres to be left for public purposes--building a meeting- house and school-house, a training field, a burying-place, etc. Each of the owners of the eighty shares not reserved by the proprietors should build a house eighteen feet long and fourteen feet wide, or equal thereto, upon some part of the land, and clear three acres of it fit for tillage or mowing within eight years from that date, and ten years to build a meeting-house. The following are the names of persons drawing lots in New Salem, May 3, 1754, with a number of lot in first division: "1, John Leavitt, Jr.; 2, Samuel Salley & March; 3, Proprietors; 4, Heirs of Jonathan Odiorne, Esqr.; 5, Theo. Atkinson, Esqr; 6, Benja Shaw; 7, Nathel Bartlett, Jun; 8, Joshua Pierce, Esqr; 9, Benja Whitcher; 10, Samuel Norris; 11, Richard Scammon; 12, John Shaw, Junr,; 13, Joseph Fifield; 14, Benja Norris, Stratham; 15, Benja Norris, Exeter; 16, Proprietors; 17, Josiah Sambon, Jun.; 18, Jacob Low; 19, Messrs Tomlinson & Mason; 20, Daniel Gale; 21, Joseph Clark; 22, Richard Wibirn, Esq; 23, Daniel Thurston; 24, Robert Cuttler; 25, Thomas Ford; 26, William Chase; 27, Ephrm Robinson; 28, Joseph Peirson; 29, Joseph Robinson; 30, Elisha Smith; 31, John Smith; 32, Joseph Jewett; 36, Josiah Robinson, Jun.; 37, Jacob Longfellow; 38, Joseph Norris; 39, Thomas Packer, Esq.; 40, John Morgin; 41, Moses Chase; 42, Josiah Goodhue; 43, Daniel Smith; 44, James Gibson; 45, John Moffatt, Esqr.; 46, John Purmont; 47, Daniel Pierce & Mary More; 48; David Rawlings; 49, Joseph Rawlings, North Hampton; 50, Chase Robinson; 51, Samel Palmer, Esq.; 52, James Scammon; 53, Josiah Goodhue; 54, Mark H.K. Wentworth, Esqr.; 55, Jonathan Longfellow; 56, Thos Walingford, Esqr.; 57, John Light; 58, Elipha Rawlings; 59, Tilton Larrance; 60, Oliver Smith; 61, John Rindge; 62, Jonathan Wadligh; 63, Samuel Goodhue, Junr.; 64, Lazarus Row; 65, John Wentworth, Esqr.; 66, Moses Rawlings; 67, Abram Clark; 68, John Taylor; 69, Joseph Rawlings, Jun.; 70, Samuel Norris, Junr.; 71, Jonathan Shaw; 72, Daniel Clark; 73, Benja Jewett; 74, Joseph Wadligh; 75, George Jeffery; 76, Oliver Smith, Junr., 77, Jonathan Sibley; 78, Proprietors; 79, Proprietors; first settled minister, Lott for ministry, School Lott." At a proprietors' meeting, held January 2, 1764, a vote was made for residents of the township to be taxed, and a bridge to be built over the "winnepiseoke River" at the saw-mill grant. THE FIRST SAW MILL was commenced in 1765, on the afore-mentioned grant (which covered the present business portion of Laconia on the Meredith side); but after it was built it was carried away by the freshet of 1779 and it was rebuilt on the Gilmanton side in 1780. On January 6, 1766 it was voted that Mr. Ebenezer Smith & William Mead would have the care and charge of the saw-mill in New Salem for the space of three years, and that they shall saw logs to the halves for any of the Proprietors or settlers in said Township that shall bring logs on the stage of said mill." FIRST IMPROVEMENTS AND RESIDENTS -- September 29 1766 The first birth among the early settlers of New Salem was probably that of Tamar, daughter of Jacob Eaton, March 11, 1767; the second was that of Daniel, son of Ebenezer and Sarah Smith, born July 4, 1767. In 1768 a petition for incorporation was presented to John Wentworth, Governor of New Hampshire, signed by David Lawrence and Ebenezer Smith. On June 16, 1768 New Salem was officially incorporated, under the name of MEREDITH. June 13, 1769 the proprietors now of MEREDITH met at the house of Caleb Johnson, innholder, at Exeter and John Folsom, Jeremy Smith and Captain John Odlin were accepted as second settlers. According to the records, the first proprietors meeting held in Meredith was at the dwelling house of Ebenezer Smith, Esq. on September 17, 1778. At this first town meeting the following officers were voted: Moderator: William Mead; Town Clerk, Ebenezer Smith; Selectmen, Ebenezer Smith, Ruben Marston and Ebenezer Pitman; Constable, Nicholas Carr Folsom; "Servairs" of Highways, Abraham Folsom and Ruben Marston; Tythingmen, Thomas Danford and Ebenezer Pitman; Assesssors, Abraham Folsom and Robert Bryent; Auditors, Abraham Folsom & Robert Bryent; Fence Viewers, Samuel Torrey and Abraham Folsom. [Additional early town documents in the original source, not shown here] AMERICAN REVOLUTION At a special town meeting held May 15, 1775, the following action was taken: "Ebenezer Smith was chosen as Deputy to meet with the Deputies from the other towns in said Province, which convention is proposed to be holden at the town of Exeter, in said Province, the 17th day of this instant, May, at ten o'clock A.M. with full power to adopt and pursue such measures as may be judged most expedient to preserve and restore the Rights of this and the other Colonies, and that he is hereby impowered to act in behalf of himself and his constituants for six months if it should be thought by said convention necessary, and to adjurn as occasion may required. Voted that the Selectmen of said town purchas one barrel of powder of about fifty or sixty wt, and lead or bullets and flints answerable thereto and that they apply for the part of the Province stock of powder belonging to this town and that they also purchase ten good guns at the cost & charge of said town and to be procured as soon as may be. Voted to inlist ten soldiers of this town to hold themselves in readiness to march to the releaf of any of other distresed country breathren, and that they be furnished by the committee of said town at the cost thereof, and that each soldier have two shillings pr day for each day they shall expend." August 29, 1776, "Chose a Committee of safety to consist of five persons. Voted John Folsham, Jonathan Smith, Nathaniel Robinson, William Mead and Lieutenant Joseph Robards be said Committee. An article in the warrant calling a town-meeting on March 31, 1777, at the house of Ebenezer Smith, where the meetings were usually held, was for the town "to assist Captain Joshua Crocket in the raising eight men from the company under his command to serve in the Continental army the term of three years, or during the war with Britain, as they chuse, including those that have already enlisted and passed muster in either of the regiments of Stark, Poor or Scammell...." On March 29, 1777 when the list was issued for all legal voters to assemble, the following names were entered into the town records: John Folsham, Nicholas Carr, Joshua Folsham, Joseph Robards, Samuel Tonery, David Watson, Job Judkins, George Bean, Jonathan Clark, Gordon Lawrence, Nathaniel Doeham, William Mead, John Mead, Isaac Farren, John Dockham, John Sweasey, Jacob Eaton, Benjamin Batchelder, Phillip Connor, Nathaniel HOlland, Robert Bryant, Benjamin Sinclair, Nathaniel Robinson, Gideon Robinson, William Ray, James Merilles, Thomas Sinclear, David Broughton, Eben Pitman, Abram Swain, Joshua Crockett, John Kimball, Thomas Doehma, Jonathan Smith, Peason Smith, Timothy Somes, Jonathan Edgerly, Daniel Morrison, Jonathan Samuel Shepherd, Jonathan Crosby, Elias Swain, Chase Robinson, and Abraham Folsom. Among the Revolutionary soldiers accredited to Meredith, we give these names:-- Nathaniel Holland, John Robinson, Jonathan Crosby, Jonathan Smith, Jr., Moses Senter, Oliver Smith, Thomas Frohock, Aaron Rawlings, Joseph Eaton, James Sinclair, and William Malloon (Jonathan Smith was in Rhode Island service). THE WAR OF 1812--The town does not seem to have taken a very active part in the War of 1812, and but little concerning it is to be found in the records. August 1, 1812, a warrant was issued for a town meeting to see what compensation the town will make to the militia who are attached to the regular service from this town, "by virtue of a Law of the Congress of the United States," in addition to the pay to be allowed by the general government, agreeable to a petition of sundry inhabitants of said town. At the legal emeting following, on September 19th, the vote was passed not to raise any money for that purpose. Theophilus Dockham, a soldier of Meredith, was taken prisoner at General Hull's defeat. CIVIL HISTORY In 1778, Ebenezer Smith was chosen to represent the town in a convention to meet at Concord, June 10th, "for the laying of a plan of government for this State." This year Meredith was represented in the General Court with Sanbornton. The town held its meetings at the houses of the citizens until August 30, 1790, when the place of the holding was changed to the North Church. The date of annual meeting was changed, by an act passed November 5, 1784, to the second Monday in March. March 9, 1795, the town voted Chase Wiggin constable, and that he pay nineteen shillings for that office. [additional town records not listed here]. March 11, 1829, "Voted that the police law of Portsmouth be adopted at Meredith Bridge and three-fourths of a mile from said bridge every way on the Meredith side and no father;" also, "that idle persons be made to work." October 2, 1832, "Voted not to give any liberty to the proprietors of Winnipisogee Steamboat to raise Wares (Weirs) Bridge." In November 1832, however, they amended their vote in this way, "That the proprietors of Winnipisiogee Steamboat, now building, or any of them have the right, so far as this town is Interested, to raise and make such alterations in the Bridge at the Wares, at the outlet of the lake, as will be found Necessciry in order for the safe passafe of the Said Boat over the falls at said outlet at all times." March 12, 1839, "Voted 446 votes out of a total of 467 for a division of Strafford County into three parts." FIRE ENGINE COMPANY - May 11, 1840, "Luke Furnald, Joseph Dodge, David Corliss, Jr., Nathaniel G. Corliss and John BUsiel have given notice that we and our associates have formed ourselves into a company, to be known by the name of the First Fire-Engine Company in Meredith village, agreeably to an act of the Legislature of New Hampshire, passed July 1 1831, A.B. Merrick, clerk." March 11, 1845, "Voted that the selectmen be authorized to invest the sum of $10,000 in the capital stock of the Boston, Concord & Montreal Railroad, providing that the railroad comes through Meredith and stop building the road called the Long routes." August 20, 1849, "Pursuant to an application and request of Stephen Gale, W. Melchor, John T. Coffin, Jeremiah Elkins and sixty-five other citizens of Meredith Bridge, dated July 25, 1849, made to the selectmen of the town, the latter established a village precinct there." March 9, 1852, "Voted by 221 to 125, against amendment of State Constitution abolishing the religious test; by 174 to 165 in favor of the amendment abolishing the property qualification of voters." March 15, 1854, "Voted that the town build a town-house, in conjunction with the citizens of Meredith village, at Meredith village...and that the same be finished in season for the annual meeting to be holden on the second Tuesday of March 1855." THE GREAT CATASTROPHE--The annual town meeting met, pursuant to warning at 9 AM March 18, 1855 in the yet unfinished town hall at Meredith village. Soon after organization, while preparing to take a vote by ballot, the rush of the voters, of whom there were from six to eight hundred present, threw too much weight upon the timbers sustaining the floor. They gave way and about one hundred and fifty were precipitated into the basement. Out of this vast mass of humanity, sixty persons were carried from the ruins seriously injured, "with broken bones, dislocated joints and internal injuries." Four, James W. Durgin, Washington Smith, Benjamin D. Robinson, and Nathaniel Nichols, died in a short time; a number of others were so injured as to cause their death after a longer period, and others were crippled for life. Medical aid was procured from all the adjoining towns and from Concord, and it was long before the community recovered from the terrible effect of the catastrophe. In 1855, among the votes cast for representatives to General Court, Elizabeth Bachelder received three. In July of the same year, by act of the Legislature, the town of Meredith was divided and the town of Laconia organized, and in 1859 a village precinct was laid out and established at Meredith village. In 1871 the financial affairs of the town were found to be in a very unsatisfactory condition, and at a special town-meeting, held May 26th, a committee of investigation, consisting of S.W. Rollins, S.D. Pease and G.G. Hoyt was appointed, and the selectmen were authorized to offer a record of five hundred dollars "for the recovery of the town records and papers which had been lost." The committee had an arduous task which lasted several years, but it saved quite an amount of money for the town. At the same meeting the town voted one thousand dollars to pay "expense of defending the annexation of part of the town to Centre Harbor." January 21, 1873, the town voted to exempt from taxation for a term not exceeding ten years any manufacturing establishment which should be erected or put into operation with a capital of five thousand dollars or upwards. May 23, 1876, "Voted to build a Town-House on the lot of Josiah T. Sturtivent," and appropriated five hundred dollars in addition to what had been raised for the purposed; appointed George H. Clark, John S. Sanborn, Benjamin F. Wiggin a committee to convey the old lot to Mr. Sturtivent... THE CIVIL WAR (1861-65)--Meredith furnished for this war, out of a voting population of but a few over five hundred, one hundred and twenty-two officers and soldiers of her townsmen, and one hundred and five volunteer substitutes--making a total of two hundred and twenty-seven. NAMES OF SOLDIERS IN THE WAR OF THE REBELLION [CIVIL WAR] (Taken from the selectmen's report of the year ending March 1, 1865] Those marked (*) are from other towns, reported with the company. Oscar G. Swansey, private, First NH Regiment, discharged and dead. Sylvester Gordon, private, First NH Regiment Henry Clifton, private, Second NH Regiment George Piper, private, Third NH Regiment Edward E. Lawrence, private, Fourth NH Regiment, served 3 years and discharged Brackett L. Carr, private, Fourth NH Regiment, died from wounds Benjamin Fairfield, private, Fourth NH Regiment, dead. Frank Garland, private, Fourth NH Regiment, dead N.S.F. Leavitt, private, Fourth NH Regiment, re-enlisted Michael Morris, private, Fifth NH Regiment, discharged and dead Benjamin M. Bean, private, Fifth NH Regiment, discharged and dead Benjamin F. Chase, private, Fifth NH Regiment, killed in action John L. Hadley, private, Fifth NH Regiment John R. McCrillis, private, Fifth NH Regiment, re-enlisted and promoted to captain Edward Amidon, private, Fifth NH Regiment M.F. Hutchins, private, Fifth NH Regiment, discharged John Elliot, private, Fifth NH Regiment, discharged Frank B. Jenness, private, Fifth NH Regiment George W. Wiggin, prviate Sixth NH Regiment Horace Sceggel, private, Sixth NH Regiment, discharged James M. Seavy, private, Seventh NH Regiment, re-enlisted and promoted Dr. H.H. Smith, surgeon, Eighth NH Regiment, transferred to Second Louisiana Cavalry, surgeon Philip McCrillis, private, Eighth NH Regiment, discharged Asa D. Peabody, private, Eighth NH Regiment, discharged and dead Reuben Bean, private, Eighth NH Regiment, died in service Lewis Bean, Eighth NH Regiment, died in service Stephen Hawkins, private, Eighth NH Regiment, died in service John P. Moulton, private, Eighth NH Regiment Albert Hodsdon, private, Eighth NH Regiment George C. Meserve, private Eighth NH Regiment Freeman A. Chase, private, Eighth NH Regiment, wounded and discharge Daniel Bennett, private, Eighth NH Regiment, discharged Luther DOckham, private, Eighth NH Regiment, re-enlisted Joseph H. Chase, private Ninth NH Regiment, died Nathaniel Nichols, private, Ninth NH Regiment, died in service Samuel P. Smith, private, Tenth Massachusetts Regiment, served three years and was discharged Simeon P. Smith, private, Tenth Massachusetts Regiment, died from wounds Lyman P. Tilton, private, Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment Charles S. Glidden, private, Thirty-third Massachusetts Regiment George Sturtevant, private, Twenty-third Massachusetts Regiment Edwin A. Leavitt, private, Pennsylvania Cavalry, promoted Richard W. Black Stephen Cornell, captain, United States army Melvin Chase, private, First NH Battery. OFFICERS OF THE TWELFTH NH REGIMENT: Isaiah WInch, regimental quartermaster Daniel S. Bedee, assistant surgeon, discharged E.E. Bedee, sergeant-major, promoted to captain J.H. Prescott, quartermaster-sergeant, promoted to second lieutenant and discharged. [The roster of Company I 12th NH Volunteers from its organization in 1864 is listed but not included in this excerpt] -------------------------------------- [The Ecclesiastical (Church) History in this original source is quite lengthy and is not included here] ------------------------------------- The first representative sent by Meredith to the General Court was elected at a town meeting, duly warned and held at the North Church March 11, 1793, Eighty-four votes were cast for Ebenezer Smith, and one for any other person, to serve one year. [The source goes on to show the represenative to the General Court from Meredith NH from 1793 to 1885, but it is not included here] SOCIETIES in Meredith included: - Chocorua Lodge, F. and A. M. No 83, organized June 12, 1867. [A listing of members is in the original source and not included here] - Belknap Lodge, I.O. of O.F. No. 14 was instituted April 8, 1879.[A listing of charter members and officers are in the original document but not included here] - George S. Cram Post, No 54, G.A.R. was chartered June 26, 1880. [The charter members and officers are in the original document, but not listed here].The post was named in honor of George S. Cram, Twelfth New Hampshire Volunteers, who was killed at the battle of Chancellorsville. -George S. Cram Relief Corps, No. 2 - Auxiliary to the G.A.R. - William S. Leach Camp, No 3, Sons of Veterans - Waukawan Lodge, No 9, I.O.G.T. of Meredith village was organized July 26, 1865 [1888 officers listed but not included here] - White Mountain Lodge, No 73, I.O.G.T. of Meredith Centre was organized March 29, 1883 [officers in the original document not repeated here] - The Blue Ribbon Club, was organized in 1879 - The Meredith Mechanic Association was incorporated in 1859 [incorporators in original document, not included here] ------------------------------- THE MEREDITH VILLAGE SAVINGS BANK was incorporated June 1869 with the following corporators: Joseph W. Lang, Seneca A. Ladd, Joseph Ela, J. W. Lang, Jr., C.S. Prescott, Ebenezer Stevens, N.B. Wadleigh, John W. Beede, Isaiah Winch, George Sanborn, George M. Burleigh, J.S. Neal, J.H. Prescott, C.P. Towle, George G. HOyt, Charles L. Hoyt, J.M. Beede, D.S. Beede, A.E. Leavitt and S.D. Pease. October 4, 1869 the first meeting was held at which time Joseph W. Lang was chosen president; Seneca A. Ladd, Treasurer and secretary; and the same two persons have been elected to the same offices every year since. --------------------- THE MEREDITH WEEKLY NEWS--the first paper published in Meredith since the division of the town was established July 22, 1880 by George F. Sanborn who still controls it [1888]. The name changed to the MEREDITH NEWS. It was published--folio form of thirty-two columns--independent in character and politics. THE MEREDITH PUBLIC LIBRARY AND READING ROOM--adjoins the office of the NEWS and is under the management of George F. Sanborn. The library was established March 1882 by subscription and donation of books from John Smith Jr. of Boston, and others who contributed liberally. An appropriation by the town has given it an addition of many valuable works, making in all about ten thousand volumes. It now has a solid basis, and is well patronized. March 13, 1883 Aaron T. Clough, George G. Hoyt, George F. Sanborn, E.P. Robinson and N.B. Plummer were apopointed trustees. --------------------------- THE FIRST SINGING-SCHOOL in town was taught in 1795 by deacon Josiah Perkins, father of John Perkins of Meredith Village DUDLEY LEAVITT--This noted astronomer, school teacher and almanac- maker was for years an honored character of Meredith. His fame extended to European countries, and it is related that one of the French savans, who visited his plain abode, was much surprised at the simplicity of the surroundings, as he expected to find an imposing mansion instead of a pioneer cabin, and when he learned that the annual revenue of Mr. Leavitt amounted to seventy-five dollars and that "He had all he wanted," he could not understand in the slightest degree such Spartan qualities as he saw exhibited. For many years Dudley Leavitt drew many from long distances to avail themselves of the great advantages of his tuition. His "Farmer's Almanac" occupied, next to the Bible, the honored place in New Hampshire homes. It is doubtful whether any other person has had so much to do with the intellectrual development of Meredith, or so impressed his personality upon its people. To have received instruction from "Master Leavitt" was as satisfactory in educational requirements at that time as a college diploma would be today. EARLY BUSINESS MEN OF MEREDITH VILLAGE--According to the venerable Joseph Ela, the merchants in 1882, when he came her to establish a store for Joseph Smith, which he did near the present residence of J.A. Lang, were J.B. Swasey, whose store was opposite the residence of Colonel Ebenezer Stevens; John Towle, an old merchant, kept in the next block towards the post-office from the present Masonic Hall; Samuel Gilman, who occupied what is now the post-office building; Samuel Bean, located where the meat-market now stands; Captain Badger's tan-yard was where Mr. Hodgson's factory is now; Mr. Moulton was a cloth-dresser and manufacturer, after the primitive manner of that period. The lawyers were Esquire Harper, Jonathan C. Everett and later, Judge Lovell. The principal physician was Dr. John Sanborn, a man of great value... MEREDITH PARADE--Shortly after the close of the War of 1812-15 with Great Britain, the State militia was thoroughly reorganized, and every competent man between the ages of eighteen and forty-five belonged to it. The companies of Meredith, Centre Harbor, New Hampton, and Sanbornton comprised the Twenty-Ninth Regiment, numbering over five hundred men. The law required that they should meet at some place often as once a year for a drill. The place selected for this purpose was known as Meredith Parade. The grounds were used for this purpose until about the year 1840, and became famous throughout the country for its annual gatherings. These musters were looked upon as events of great importance. "Each soldier," as the law read, "was commanded to appear armed and equipped, said equipments to consist of a gun, two flints, a priming wire and brush, a knapsack and twenty-four rounds of cartidges." Soldiers who failed to put in an appearance were charged a heavy fine, unless they could give a reasonable excuse. Two old-time "taverns' and two stores furnished the crowds with rations and the--at the time--indispensible article known as New England rum. Many old Revolutionary veterans, who had participated in the battles from Lexington to Yorktown would be attracted hither. Besides the two taverns and two stores already mentioned, it had one meeting-house, which stood on the Parade-ground, near the line between this town and Laconia. This old church, with its high-backed seats, box-shape pulpit with sounding-board, was moved to Meredith village and remodeled into the Free-Will Baptist Church. The old cemetery still remains, a mournful reminder of the past. The head-stones have nearly all fallen, and are moss-grown and broken; but few are legible. With the advent of the railroad perished the glory of the Parade. The daily stage from Boston to Plymouth was disconued, and at the present time but little is left to distinguish it from any peaceful farming community. The "Neck" and "Bear Island" were another community in themselves. Many recollect the hardy old-time residents of the Neck, although hardly one is left. "Bear Island" owes its name to the fact that bears were very abundant at the time of the first settlement. Robert Bryant settled there duing the Revolution, coming from the Wadleigh place, near the Parade. Soon quite a neighborhood grew up around him. "Aunt Dolly" Nichols was a noted character, who lived alone about midway the length of the island. She made a living by selling cider and rum to the boatmen and fishermen. She bore the reputation of being a wtich, and furnished Scribner a subject for his Dolly Plot in the "Legends of Laconia." --------------------- BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES (excerpts only) GENERAL JOHN WADLEIGH General John Wadleigh, son of Deaborn and Polly (Hayes) Wadleigh. He was born in Meredith, NH June 3, 1806, and died October 25, 1873. General Wadleigh's grandfather, John Wadleigh, was among the pioneers of the town, and he died AUgust 11, 1842, having nearly reached his four-score years and ten. His wife, MOllie, died November 13, 1827, aged seventy years. Dearborn Wadleigh, their son,was born in Epping, N.H. He inherited the homestead farm in Meredith, which place had been his home from childhood, and married Polly Hayes, of Sanbornton. It is said of her, "She was goodness itself." She died November 1, 1864, aged eighty-three. Dearborn Wadleigh was a man much esteemed in the community, and a valued citizen. He was an old-time Whig. He died December 27, 1859, at the age of eighty-two. General Wadleigh remained with his parents on the old homestead until he was of age, participated in the labors of the field, and recieved such education as the district school afforded, supplementing it at the old Gilmanton Academy. He affililated himself with the Democrats and cast his maiden vote for their candidate at election (town-meeting). On his return home from the meeting he was informed that his presense at home was not longer desirable. The following morning, more in sorrow than anger, he left home. He went to Boston, where he established himself as a teacher of penmanship, in which art he excelled. His father reconsidered his hasty decision, and earnestly entreated his son to return to him home; and to this request was added the urgent solicitations of the prominent Democrats, who assured him that they appreciated the value of a man who could so persistnetly stand by his political principles, even though his filial relations were sacrificed. He returned home, and tilled the ancestral acres. He was elected to many offices of the township, being presiding officer (moderator) of the town-meetings for many years. He was nominated for county treasurer of Strafford County in 1840, was endorsed by the voters and held that that office at the time that Belknap county was organized. He also served two years and a half as county treasurer of Belknap county, covering five terms of court. He was continously in office, civil or military, from the age of twenty-one. He was commissioned justice of the peace and quorum throughout the State and held the position for a quarter of a century, being first commissioned by Governor Isaac Hill, January 8, 1838, and receiving the last commission from Governor J.A. Gilmore, October 9, 1863. He was a member of the Constitutional Convention in 1850. He represented Meredith several times in the General Court. In the years 1862 and 1863 he was a State Senator. He was pre-eminently a soldier. He was commissioned in the NH State militia as follows: Ensign by Governor David L. Morrill, April 18, 1827; lieutenant by Governor Benjamin Pierce, April 8, 1830; captain by Acting Governor Joseph M. Harper, April 20, 1831; Adjutant by Governor William Badger, July 1, 1834; brigadier-general by Governor Isaac Hill, September 4, 1837; major-general Second Division by Governor John Page, June 27, 1839. He was honorably discharged, at his own request, June 18, 1851. He was appointed adjutant and inspector-general of the NH militia by Governor Jared W. Williams, December 7, 1847, which office he retained until June 26, 1856. General Wadleigh married, in 1831, Mary Ann Wentworth, daughter of Bradley and Nancy Hannaford, of Meredith. They had four children-- Le Roy B., a resident of Clinton, Ia., a very able and successful businessman; Abbie (Mrs. Dr. G.F. Brickett) died July 31, 1864; John Dearborn, died November 10, 1871, married Annie, wife of Frank P. Leffingwell, an attorney of Chicago, Ill. Mrs. Wadleigh died December 31, 1866, aged sixty-six years, and, like her husband, enjoyed the warmest regards of the community. Mr. Wadleigh was a religious man and was active in the Baptist Church. ----------------------------------- SENECA A. LADD The first person bearing the name Ladd in America, and doubtless the ancestor of all the families bearing the name in New Hampshire, was Daniel Ladd, who sailed from London with his wife, Ann, March 24, 1633, in the ship "Mary and John," and settled at Ipswich, Mass. His name is fifth on the list of sixty-eight who founded the town of Salisbury in 1638. In 1640 with eleven others he removed to Pawtucket, on the Merrimack, and organized the town of Haverhill, where he lived. He was descended from an old Kentish family, who were landed proprietors as early as the fifteenth century. Daniel Ladd, a lineal descendant from the English ancestor, was born August 21, 1742 at Epping, N.H. and became a farmer. He did not remain on the ancestral acres, but dealt largely in new land, residing first in Lee, then in Canterbury, and finally in Loudon, where he was an early and esteemed citizen. He married Judith Lyford, of Raymond, about 1765. They had nine children, of whom the eighth was Gideon. Gideon was a chiase and carriage-builder. He was a man of much brain-power. Sober and sedate in his manners, of stern demeanor, he was a great admirer of the ancient Greeks and Romans, whose history he delighted to read. A life-long resident of Loudon, he died there February 2, 1848. He married Polly Osgood, of Loudon, and had twelve children. Seneca Augustus Ladd, fourth son and sixth child of Gideon and Polly (Osgood) Ladd, was born in Loudon, N.H. April 29, 1819. From a child his methods of thought and execution have been sui generis. He attended the town school, summers, until ten years of age, and winters until he was seventeen, without much progress, as he says: "School books and rules were hard tasks for me, and to obtain knowledge in that way was much like trying to take on fat by eating saw-dust bread." Only one of his teachers comprehended his nature--John L. French, afterwards president of Pittsfield Bank. He allowed the youth to pursue his own methods, originate his own rules, chose his own time and way of study, only directing him in their general course. From him Seneca had the pleasure of receiving the prize offered to the class--a silver piece of Spanish money worth six and a quarter cents. Mr. Ladd still has the coin. When thirteen he went to learn the carriage-maker's trade in Raymond, and gave diligent service for four years, and, with his marked mechanical aptitude, was thoroughly prepared to do the work. He followed his trade in Meredith for two years, and then went to Boston and passed one year in constructing piano-fortes for Timothy Gilbert, in the second manufactory of the kind established in the United States. Returning to Meredith in July 1839, he purchased mills and built a large carriage manufactory and entered into business on quite an extensive scale, at the age of twenty years of age. For eleven years he conducted this business with success. In April 1850 his entire plant was destroyed by fire, and its valuable completed work. Mr. Ladd immediately leased the cotton-factory, then idle, and fitted it up with new machinery adapted to the manufacture of pianos and melodeons. He devoted to this for 18 years in Meredith and Boston. In November, 1869, he and his associates procured a charter from the Legislature and established the Merrimack Village Savings Bank. Mr. Ladd married, first, Susan Tilton of Meredith March 24, 1840. She died August 14, 1850. Their children were Fannie C.A. (Mrs. D.W. Coe) and Charles F.A. (deceased). He married, second, Catherine S., daughter of William Wallace, Esq. of Henniker, June 1, 1852. They have one children, Virginia B. Mr. Ladd was a student of geological and meteorlogical science, an honorary member of the NH Antiquarian Society, resident member of the NH Historical Society, member of the Pilgrim Society of Plymouth, Mass., and life-member of the NH Home and School of Industry. ---------------------- SAMUEL HODGSON Samuel Hodgson was born January 19, 1852 in Halifax, Yorkshire, England. He comes of a family of respectability, his parents, Ellis and Sarah (Lassey) Hodgson, being in comfortable financial circumstances. His school education was acquired before he was fourteen years old at the boarding-school of Mytholmroyd and Farrar's Academy at Halifax. His great-uncle, George Wilcock, manufacturer of cotton yarns and warps, needing a clerk, Sam took his place and rapidly developed a practical knowledge of both manufacturing and financial deparments. He remained there eight years. His father afterward established him in manufacturing for himself, but he was so hampered by conditions, which gave him so little opportunity to carry out his own ideas, that he gave up the concern to his father, and in 1866, crossed the ocean to America. His first employment here was in a dye-house of one of the large corporations. One of his employers, Mr. Appleyard, in a few months went to Lake village to establish a dye-house, and employed Mr. Hodgson's services. A fire destroyed the entire plant. The firm of Appleyard & Hodgson was soon at work in a new building on the same spot. Mr. Appleyard soon formed another business connection at Ashland, and the dye-house was left in Mr. Hodgson's control. He contracted rheumatic fever, but recovered. The mills in Laconia and Lake village, for which they did business, began to add their own dye houses, and in 1870 Mr. Hodgdon began the manufacture of cotton and merino hosiery, but closed that facility after losing much money in that venture. Working with William H. Abel an inventor/mechanic, Mr. Hodgdon began the manufacture of mittens on contract (using a machine for knitting mittens invented by Mr. Abel) with good success. In 1876 he removed to Meredith village, leased the power and mills of the Mechanic's Association, and continued manufacturing mittens until 1877. At that point, Mr. Hodgson began manufacturing stockings with new machines invented by Mr. Able. Mr. Hodgson became a naturalized American. He married Elizabeth A. Dow, of Ashland. ---------------- JOSEPH W LANG Joseph W. Lang was born June 21, 1798 at Portsmouth and is descended from early settlers of Rockingham County. His grandfather, Josiah Lang, born in Greenland, NH had three brothers, one of whom lived in North Hampton, one in Concord, and one in Sanbornton. His parents were Josiah and Sarah (Whidden) Lang. Josiah was a farmer, who moved to Tuftonborough, when lands were cheap, and purchased six hundred acres. Josiah and his wife had three children, Joseph W., Thomas E., and Josiah, who died young. The loss of her youngest son affected Mrs. Lang's sensitive nature and she never fully recovered from the blow. In later life they removed to Meredith, where Mr. Lang died in 1857 aged eighty-three. Mrs. Lang survived him three years dying in 1860 aged eighty-seven. Joseph W. Lang was, from very early years, accustomed to labor, and grew to the age of seventeen amid the healthful country air and pleasant rural life of his father's farm. There was payment of six hundred dollars on the farm, that could never be paid by labor on it, so Joseph left to earn what he could, travelling to Portsmouth NH, where he obtained employement as a peddler. Working eight months the first year, without losing a day or drawing a dollar he returned home with eighty dollars in his pocket. Eleven weeks of the ensuing winter were passed in "Master Leavitt's" school in Meredith, from which he graduated. He peddles three years, cleared the debt from the home farm, and developed business acumen and thrift. Adding one hundred more acres to the home farm, he taught school for three years, both winter and summer terms, and boarded at home. Mr. Lang married, June 20, 1824, Mehitable Clark Young, daughter of Benjamin Young, Esq. In 1826 Mr. Joseph Smith of Dover (an extensive merchant) offered him a salary of two hundred and fifty dollars and the use of a house to work as his clerk. He accepted and was placed in charge of the Wolfeborough store. H remained there about 2-1/2 years, and succeeded Mr. Crosby in charge of the store at Meredith. When Mr. Smith's business failed in 1830, Mr. Lang took the Meredith business as his own, assuming the liabilities which amounted to six thousand dollars. Other enterprises included purchasing a grist-mill and fitting it up as a cotton factory (with Capt. David Smith, Mr. Davenport, Mr. Woodman and Abel Philbrick); being the first agent and one of the incorporators of the Belknap Steamboat Company (which built the first steamboat in the state, the "Belknap"; he was one of the first stockholders of the Belknap, Concord and Meredith Railroad; one of the formers of the Mechanic's Association, one of the incorporators of the Meredith Village Savings Bank, and president from its organization. In February 1863 Mrs. Lang died, and November 8, 1866, Mr. Lang married Mrs. Julia A. Taylor, daughter of Captain John B. and Comfort (Sanborn) Perkins of Sanbornton. Politically he was a Whig and Republican, and in the State Legislature of 1856-57 (representing Meredith). He was a member of the Congregational Church. ----------------------------------- COLONEL EBENEZER STEVENS His great-grandfather, Major Ebenezer Stevens, was one of the early settlers of Kingston NH. A brave man and gallant soldier, and he received his title from services rendered in the French and Indian War. Major Stevens married, December 5, 1710, Elizabeth Colcord and had four sons. He died Nov 1, 1749. The second son of Major Stevens was Colonel Ebenezer, born June 10, 1715; married first, 1736 Mary Colcord; second 1768, Dolly Stevens of Newburyport. His children were Ebenezer Jr. born in 1739, a deacon of the church in Kingston; John, born in 1770; Moses born in 1771; Peter C. born in 1773; Paul born in 1775. A romantic instance of Colonel Ebenezer Stevens' early life is given in our history of "Rockingham and Strafford Counties, N.H." -- "When seven years of age he, with others, was taken captive by the Indians, and carried through Lake Winnipesaukee to Canada. Here he remained for one year, when he was ransomed by his father, paying 100 silver pistareens ($17). It is said they demanded a higher price because he wore a better hat and better clothing than his companions" He received a common-school education and became a farmer and succesful business man, owning much real estate. He was for many years proprietors' clerk and also transacted important busines for the State, and Stevenstown (now Salisbury) was named for him. He died July 19, 1800, when nearly ninety years old. Paul Stevens, the youngest son of Colonel Ebenezer and Dolly Stevens, was born at Kingston in 1775 and received the usual education and did the work of farmer's boy of that day. He learned the shoe-makers trade. His share of his father's property, a farm in New Chester, is where he settled about 1796, with his wife Sally, daughter of Dr. Howe, an eminent surgeon in the American Army of the Reovlution, who was discowned y his family for his rebel affiliations. His father was Lord Viscount Howe, at one time Governor of Barbadoes, and his other Mary Sophia Charlotte, daughter of Baron Kilmansigge, Master of the Horse to George I, when Elector of Hanover, by a daughter of County Platen, of the empire. Lady Howe was afterward created a Countess of Darlington by George I. The worthy couple had four sons-- George A. (killed in the French and Indian War in America), Richard (Lord Admiral of the American Revolution); William (General Sir William Howe, who commanded the British army during the same war) and Surgeon Howe (the father of Mrs. Stevens). The money Dr. Howe recieved for his army services, some three or four thousand dollars, became valueless by the great depreciation of the Continental currency. Paul Stevens and his wife remained in New Chester for a few years, and there four of his children--Dolly, William, Mark and Sarah--were born. Purchasing a better farm, he removed to New Hampton which was the birthplace of his two daughters--Fanny and Nancy. Four or five years passed, and Mrs. Stevens moved to Gilford, near Gilmanton and purchased one hundred and fifty acres of rough, unbroken land, which, after many years of hard, unremitting labor, was transformed into a well-cultivated farm. He passed the remainder of his life in Gilford, dying in August 1846, aged seventy-one years. The rest of his children--Fifield, Peter F., Ebenezer, Moses, John, Paul, James S., and two who died in infancy were born in Gilford. Colonel Ebenezer Stevens, son of Paul and Sally (Howe) Stevens, was born May 9, 1810, and when he was 7 yrs old, was compelled to begin the battle of life. He first went to live with a farmer whose home was back of the Belknap Mountains, in what was called "The Cellar." In a year he changed his abode, but until he was fourteen his occupation was "tilling the soil." He then learned blacksmithing of his brother William, and worked for him for some time. Earning some money, he attended school and boarded with Dr. Crosby and wife. Before he was seventeen, he purchased an old shop in Gilford village, on credit, establishing himself as a blacksmith, and his business thrived. Mr. Stevens married, January 15, 1831, Therina, daughter of John S. and Leah (Prescott) Osgood, and granddaughter of Colonel Prescott of Gilmanton. They had three children--Cyrus A., Celestia A. (married Edward Stowell, resides in North Adams, and has two children), and Ebenezer (who died when four years of age). Mrs. Stevens died January 17, 1845, aged thirty-three years. In 1837 Mr. Stevens removed to Meredith village and carried on blacksmithing until 1845 doing a large business. About 1850 he engaged in merchandising with Joseph W. Lang in partnership for six years. He married April 22, 1846 Cassandra, daughter of John B. and Alice (Ladd) Swasey of Meredith, and had one child--Alice S (married Henry W. Lincoln, of Norton, Mass; they have three children). [Mrs. Swasey is a descendant of two early New Hampshire families of repute, her father being third in descent from Ebenezer Swasey of Exeter, whose son Benjamin, born at Exeter October 16, 1752, married Jane Bond, February 15, 1777, and moved to Meredith, where John B. was born April 3, 1782. He settled in Meredith village, became a prominent business man, having a large mercantile trade; he erected large mills on the water privilege there and served the town as postmaster. He died March 11, 1828. His wife, Alice Ladd was a descendant in the sixth degree from Daniel Ladd (see biograph of Seneca Ladd), the line being Daniel (1), Samuel(2), John (3), Timothy (4), Eliphalet (5) (born February 19, 1775 married Mary Park of Windham May 13, 1778), Alice (6), Mrs. Alice (Ladd) Swasey died February 6, 1875, aged ninety-six years.] From about the age of seventeen Mr. Stevens took an interest in militia matters, and was rapdily promoted through the various grades to that of colonel, and held the offices of brigade and division inspector for many years. In 1845 he was elected selectman and served three years, and conducted several important lawsuits for the town to a succesfull issue. He held the commission of justice of the peace for over forty years. He was a representative in 1854 and 1855. An old Whig, he became an active Republican, and was Presidential elector for Lincoln in 1860. He was selectman of Meredith during the Rebellion. He was connected with the Free-Will Baptist Church since 1840; has been trustee of the New Hampton Seminary. He was one of the incorporators and served as president and treasurer of the Meredith Mechanic Association; one of the incorporators and trustees of the Meredith Village Savings-Bank; one of the directors of the Belknap County Bank, Laconia, and also a trustee of Laconia Savings-Bank. --------------------------- JOSEPH ELA Joseph Ela, son of John Whitcher (Whittier) Ela and his wife, Mehitable Dame, was born in Lee NH July 20, 1797. The Ela family has been, for many years, a reputable one in England. The name of the first AMerican proginator of this line is doubtless Daniel Ela, with whom the town of Haverill, Mass., voted to exchange certain lands on October 19, 1658. From this time the name occurs frequently in Haverhill, Daniel being often elected to offices of trust. He was chosen moderator in 1699 and town attorney in 1700. He was an inn-keeper in 1677 and possessed quite a property for those times. Israel Ela, probably his son, was made freeman of Haverhill in 1677 and his descendants for many years occupied the lands granted to Daniel. He married Abigail Bosworth and died March 29, 1760. He had two sons and three daughters. John Ela, second son of Israel, born in Haverhill June 15, 1683, married Rachel Page, had five children and died in 1742, aged 59. Their oldest child, Jacob, born February 1, 1711-12 was twice married. By his second wife, Mrs. Ednah (Little) Gale, he had eight children, the oldest being John. (His sixth child Lydia, married Daniel Appleton, and numbered among here descendants the celebrated family of that name in New York City.). John Ela was born in Haverhill, Mass, January 6, 1740-41. He was a farmer and noted for his great size--he weighed four hundred pounds. All his children were by his first wife, Ruth Whittier. He died at the age of forty-six. The oldest were twins, Nathaniel W. and John Whittier, born February 5, 1766. Nathaniel became a citizen of Dover, where, for over fifty years, he conducted a most popular hotel and made a large range of acquaintance. He was a very genial person, a hatter by trade, which he carried on for some years. John W. became a farmer in Durham, Lee and Barnstead NH, married Mehitable Dame of Durham, January 7, 1793, and had three children--Ednah, Joseph, John. He died June 15, 1801, when Joseph was but four years old. Receiving the care of a faithful mother until he was nearly fifteen years old, Joseph went to Dover to learn the hatter's trade of his uncle Nathaniel. The confinement proved injurious to the young man, and he had two attacks of fever, in which he nearly lost his life; but he finished his trade, and when of age, in company with another young man, he established himself as a hatter in Norway Plains (Rochester). His health again failing, he changed his business and became a merchant's clerk for two years. On July 2, 1882, he came to Meredith to take charge of the Meredith store of Joseph Smith of Dover, the great merchant of the lake. For four years Mr. Ela worked here. He found he needed to change his business to one giving more exercise in the open air, so for six months he was a teamster. Receiving the appointment of deputy-sheriff in 1828 for the county of Strafford, and shortly after he was deputized to act in Grafton County. For many years he continued in this official capacity in Strafford and Grafton until the organization of Belknap County, then in Belknap, Carroll and Grafton. For twenty years he was the "crier" of the courts of Strafford and Beknap counties. In 1846 Mr. Ela was emloyed by the Lake Company to purchase the right of flowage on Lake Winnipesaukee. In settling with the company, Mr. Ela received several pieces of land along Plymouth Street in Meredith. He built houses upon it and has built and owned 52 different houses in the village. His suggestion in 1858 for the importance of forming a corporation to buy and control water-power led to the organization of the Mechanics Assocation. Mr. Ela was one of the incorporators and first trustees of Meredith Village Savings-Bank. He married in 1832, Sally Miller Moulton, daughter of Jonathan Moulton, a prominent manufacturer of Meredith. She died May 21, 1878 in her 65th year. This couple had five children who attained maturity-- Laura E. (married first, Daniel S. Beede, whose surviving daughter Nelie is now the window of James W. Horne, and second, Alvin Peavey); John W., educated at Cambridge Law School, became a lawyer in Plymouth, went out in the Civil War of 1861 as captain of a company in Fifteenth NH Volunteers, honorable discharged at expiration of term of service, he established himself as a lawyer in Chicago, IL where he now enjoys a fine practice; Charles H., deceased; Ednah, married George E. Gillman, now lives in Detroit and has three children; Lucille C., died aged seventeen years. Mr. Ela is a Democrat of the Jefferson and Jackson school. He was appointed postmaster in 1822 for 3 years. He was selectman six or eight terms, town agent and special agent in a number of cases, represented Meredith in the State Legislature of 1871-72. He was a pensioner of the War of 1812. His sight was destoryed by cataract in 1872. =================================== SIMEON D. PEASE The Pease family was among the early settlers of Meredith. Joseph Pease was born March 10, 1774. He was a Democrat. His brother Simon was a deacon for many years in the Free-Will Baptist Church. They were of a family of eleven children of Benjamin and Anna (Sanborn) Pease, who established their home on Oak Hil among the first settlers. Benjamin was born August 2, 1743 and died February 26, 1802. Joseph married April 11, 1796, Hannah Folsom. They had 10 children. Simeon Pease, son of Josehp and Hannah (Folsom) Pease, was born at Oak Hill, Meredith NH July 7, 1812, and died January 21, 1885. He married Betsey, daughter of Nathaniel and Patience (Page) Batchelder. Their children are (1) Arzelia Jane, married Edwin Cox, express agent in Meredith village; they have one child named Clarence. (2) Laura E. (3) Mary R., married Howard Prescott and lives in Chicago IL (4) Hannah A., married Frank Cummings resides in Holderness; they have one child, Hannah L. (5) Frank B, married Clara Hoyt, and is a member of the mercantile house of Pease & Towle in Meredith village, they have one child, Betsey Bertha (6) Simeon Loring, married Ellen Hanson and is a farmer on the old homestead. This Simeon was a farmer and Democrat of the Jeffersonian school. He served as selectman, and. representative to the General Court. Mrs. Pease who survives her husband is a descendant of Rev. Stephen Batchelder, a prominent minister, who was born in England in 1561, and emigrated to America in 1632, and settled first in Lynn, Mass, and afterwards 1638 removed to Hampton. He returned to England, where he died. Abraham Batchelder was born August 13, 1750 and married Nabby --, who was born 1752 and died July 11, 1802. Their son Nathaniel was born in Northwood NH May 16, 1786 and married Patience Page. Their daughter, Mrs. Pease, inherits many of the strong traits of her ancestors. ============================ JAMES GILMAN The Gilmans came to New Hampshire soon after its first settlement, and in 1679, Hon. John Gilman was one of the councilors named in President Cutt's commission. Captain Nicholas Gilman was an officer of skill in the Indian wars of Queen Anne's reign. Hon. Peter Gilman was the first to bear the title of brigadier-general in New Hamphshire. Colonel Daniel Gilman was a grantee of the town of GIlmanton. The American ancestor of the Meredith branch of the family was Moses, who came from Hingham, England and settled at Exeter. The line to the present generation is Moses (1), James (2), Timothy (3), James (4), David (5), James (6). James Gilman (6) son of David and Sally (Clark) Gilmank, and grandson of James and Deborah (Goodhue) Gilman, was born in Meredith December 31, 1813. His grandfather James (4) was born in New Market NH May 30, 1750 (O.S.). He was a tiller of the soil, and resided in his native town, until he was 45 yrs of age, when with his wife and six children--James, Samuel, Uriab, Deborah, David and Josiah-- he came to Meredith in 1790, when it was comparatively a young town, and settled on the lot where his grandson, James (6) now lives. At the time of the Revolution he served a few months at Portsmouth. He was a Democrat and a hard-working farmer. He died September 12, 1838. His wife of the Goodhue family, was a member of the Baptist Church. She died July 4, 1815. David (5), fourth son of James (4) was born in New Market, May 9, 1785. He married October 22, 1812, Sally, daughter of Moses Clark, of Sanbornton. They had three children--James (6), Martha and David. July 1, 1817, less than five years after his marriage, David Gilman died, and his father, although past the prime of his life, gave a home to his grandchildren and their mother. David Gilman was a Democrat in politics. He with his wife were active members of the Baptist Church. James (6) Gilman was the oldest of the three children. He became a farmer on the old homestead, receiving his education at the common schools of town, and now resides in the same house that his grandfather built in 1790. In 1836 he was surveyor of highways. On February 25, 1836 he married Susan, daughter of William and Eunice (Roberts) Mead, who was born August 20, 1810. [Mrs. Gilman is a descendant of two old and respected families of Meredith. Her granfather William Mead, was one of the first settlers of the town, and was chosen moderator of the first town meeting. He had a large family--seven girls and four boys. His son William married Eunice (born in 1789) daughter of Lieutenant Roberts, who se name often appears on committee. William Mead (2) was a farmer and lived where his grandson, Joseph, now resides on Meredith Neck. He married twice and had 15 children--Eunice, Joseph, William and John, Joshua, Benjamin, Daniel, Polly, Abigail, Susan and her twin Stephen, Smith, Stephen and Sarah]. The children of James (6) and Susan (Mead) Gilman were as follows: (1) Granville B., born April 16, 1837; married Carrie Fletcher, resides in San Francisco, Cal. (2) Martha Jane, born September 16, 1839. (3) James Marshall born June 9, 1842; married Mattie Smith, they reside in California and have six children--Marshall F., Herbert M., Carrie A., James G., Arthur F, and one other. (4) Mary Susan, born December 7, 1843. (5) David Frank, born May 15, 1846. (6) Sarah Frances, born September 6, 1849; died April 13, 1850. (7) Ellen (Lill) born March 29, 1851; married Fred S. Prescott, they have three children--Leo F., Harry S., and Frank G. (8) Fanny M, who died aged two years and nine months. James Gilman is a good conversationalist, and a member of the old Democratic party with ideals of Jefferson and Jackson, and a member of the Baptist church. ------------------------- GEORGE GILMAN FOGG George Gilman Fogg wsa born at Meredith Centre, NH May 26, 1813, and died at Concord NH October 5, 1881. He was the son of David and Hannah Gilman (Vickery) Fogg. His father was a native of Pittsfield, and his mother of Exeter. He was fitted for college at the New Hampton Institution and graduated at Dartmouth College in the class of 1839. He studied law with Judge Lovell, at Meredith, and at the Harvard Law School, and began practice of his profession at Gilmanton Iron-WOrks in 1842. In 1846 he was a member of the House of representatives. Up to this time he was a Democrat, but he became a prominent member of the Free-Soil party. During this session he was elected Secretary of State for one year. During that time he moved to Concord. Mr. Fogg, was founder of the Indepedent Democrat, a newspaper that was started in Manchester May 1, 1845 but moved to Concord. Mr. Fogg did not assume control until February 1846, but he contributed to its columns from the first. In 1856 he made a trip to Kansas as clerk of the Kansas Commission of the United States House of Representatives. He was law reporter of NH from 1855 to 1859. He was a delegate from NH to the convention which nominated Abraham Lincoln in 1860, and secretary of the Republican National Executive Committee in the campaign that followed. He was also for several years, State printer. In 1861 he was appointed by President Lincoln minister for the United States to Switzerland, holding the office until after the assasination of the President in 1865. Upon his return from Europe, he was appointed in 1867, United States Senator by Governor Smyth, to fill the unexpired term of Hon. Daniel Clark, who had been appointed judge of the United States District Court for New Hampshire. He resumed editorial labor in 1867, finally severing his official connection in 1872. From this time to his death he only wrote occasional articles for the press. Mr. Fogg was a member of the NH Historical Society, succeeding Rev. Dr. Bouton as corresponding secretary, trustee of Bates College, Maine, receiving from that institution the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws. He was stricken with paralysis September 11, 1879, from which he only partially recovered, and which finally culminated in his death. Mr. Fogg never married. He left legacies to Dartmouth College, the school at New Hampton, the Unitarian Church in Cords, with which he was connected, the school districts where he was born, and to various charitable institutions in Concord, in addition to legacies to his kindred and friends. He had previously made a liberal gift to Bates College. -------------------------