HISTORY OF RICHMOND, CHESHIRE COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE
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TAKEN FROM TWO SOURCES:
1. History of Cheshire and Sullivan Counties, New Hampshire 
Philadelphia: J.W. Lewis & Co., 1886, 1073 pgs.
2. Gazetteer of Cheshire County, N.H., 1736-1885 by Hamilton Child,
Syracuse, N.Y.: H. Child, 1885, 882 pgs.

page 322 & 352
HISTORY OF RICHMOND NH
[EXCERPTS ONLY]

RICHMOND lies in the southern part of the county, in lat. 42 degrees
51' and long. 4 degrees 47', bounded north by Swanzey and Troy, east by
Troy and Fitwilliam, south by Warwick and Royalston, Mass., and west
by Winchester.  The town was originally granted to Benning Wentworth,
governor of the province, under George II, to Joseph Blanchard and
fifty-nine associates, February 28, 1752 [original boundary line
information in original document, not repeated here].

The conditions of the charter were not complied with by the grantees,
so a renewal of the grant was made by Governor Wentworth on June 11,
1760. By this renewal, the proprietors and the grantees under them were
made secure in their titles, as by allowing them one year for
performing and fulfilling the conditions, and a renewal of the term,
annually, until his "Majesty's Plenary Instructions" should be received
in relation to the matter, was equivalent to a final confirmation of
the grant.  Two years later, December 11, 1762, a portion of the new
township was annexed to Swanzey [the severed portion describe in the
original document, but not included here]. This left the township an
area of 23,725 acres, bounded according to an 1805 survey [survey
in original document, not included here]. In June 1815, however, this
area was again reduced, a portion being taken to form, with portions
of Swanzey and Fitzwilliam, the township of Troy.  This line, being
made very irregular by reason of running around the farm of Oliver
Perry, who stoutly refused to have his property included in the new
township, was established by act of legislation [survey in original
document, not included here].  No change was made in the boundary 
limits of the town from this time until 1850, when by an act
approved July 2d, a part of Richmond's territory was set off to
Winchester [boundary survey in original document not included here].
This was the last amputation the good township has been called upon to
undergo.

The surface of the land is broken and uneven, though none of the
elevations can properly be desginated as mountains, though some attain
an elevation of perhaps, 2,000 feet.  Charles T. Jackson, in his
report of a survey of the state made in 1844, speaks of the
territory as follows:--
  "The land in this town is hilly, but none of the elevations are
   of sufficient height to receive the appelation of mountains.
   The rocks are granite, mica, slate, hornblende rock, and talcose
   rock or soapstone.  The soapstone bed is two miles S.W. from S.
   from Richmond meeting-house, on the south side of Roaring brook
   and one mile from the Massachusetts line, and an elevated land
   [upon the farm recently owned by Lorenzo Harris].  It has a
   north and south course, and dips W. 45 degrees.  The bed is
   forty-two feet wide, and has been traced for the distance of a
   mile on the hills to the southward, or to the state line. The
   talcose rock or soapstone, is not stratified, but crystalline,
   being made up of interlaced crystals and laminae of talc,
   with occasional fibers of hornblende.  In opening the quarry,
   the following accompanying minerals were thrown out, and were
   derived from the wall rock of the bed, viz.: quartz, feldspar,
   phosphate of lime, pinite, rutile, iron pyrites, garnets,
   calcareous spar, and hornblende crystals.  Anthrophyllite and
   iolite of great beauty are found.  Iolite is a rare mineral; 
   and no other locality in this country furnishes so finely
   colored specimens as this spot."
The land is generally rocky, though many fine arable farms lie in the
valley and upon the hill slopes.  The drainage is good and no 
extensive swamps abound, the largest being that south of Cass Pond.
Branches of the Ashuelot and Miller rivers are the principal streams
in the town.  Tully brook drains the eastern part. It rises near the
Little Monadnock, flows south, and finally, after uniting with the
west branch of the same, empties into Miller's river, in Athol.
Nearly all the western part is drained by the brook at first called
Norwood's from Erastus Norwood, an early settlers, afterwards known
as Great brook, and now called Roaring brook.  A tributary to this is
the Tilsey, so-called from James Tilson, who settled near its
confluence with Norwood's brook.  Of the three ponds, Cass, Sandy
and Grassy, the first mentioned is the largest.  It lies in the
southern-central part of the town.  It derives its name from the
first settlers on its western shore, Daniel Cass, and retains all its
primitive wildness of surroundings, being still inclosed by an
evergreen forest.  It is nearly a mile in length, about half that
distance in width, and in form something like the letter S.  Its one
outlet, Fall brook, drops into the Tully.  The name this brook bears
is exceptionally appropriate, from its lovely sylvan fall, just over
the line in Royalston.  Royal cascade it was named by Prof. Hitchcock,
who, in describing it, says "the stream is not more than ten feet
wide at the spot, but descends forty-five feet at a single leap into
a large basin, which from its top has been evacated by the erosion
of the water.  The sides, to the height of fifty or sixty feet, are
formed of solid rock, now retreating and now projecting, crowned at
the summit with trees.  Many of these lean over the gulf, or have
fallen across it, so that upon the whole, the scene is one of great
wildness and interest."  It is a great resort for pic-nic parties.

The whole township is beautifully diversified, in a scenic point of
view, and presents many elevations commanding an equisite prospect.
Among these, Crooker hill, in the central part, ranks first.  Although
it is not so high as some other points, it affords a clear and
unobstructed view in all directions.  To the north the view is
unusually fine, where the eye may rnage along the valley of the south
branch of the Ashuelot, through Swanzey, then up the valley of the
Ashuelot proper to Keene, and thence beyond to the Surry hills. The
little "City of the Plains" is made still more diminuitive by a twelve
mile perspective, but the broad plain upon which it stands, wrapped in
the amphitheatre formed by the contiguous hills and mountains, makes
a beautiful picture, which is only heightened in effect by the
enchantment which distance ever lends to the view.

POPULATION / DESCRIPTION 1880-1884
In 1880 Richmond had a population of 669 souls.  In 1884 it had eleven
school districts, eleven common schools and twelve school buildings,
the latter being valued, including sites, furniture, etc. at
$2,550.00 There were 145 pupils, twenty-nine of whom were pursuing
the higher branches, taught by one male and thirteen female teachers,
the former at an average month salary of $40.00 and the latter at
$19.54. The entire amount of revenue for school purposes was $1,108.54
while the entire expenditure was $1,150.54 with Moses Cass,
superintendent.

DESCRIPTION OF VILLAGES
RICHMOND, locally known as the Four Corners, a post village located
about a mile south of the center of the town, has one church
(Baptist), an hotel [sic], a general store, and about 100 inhabitants.

NORTH RICHMOND (p.o.) is a hamlet located in the northern part of the
town, and is locally known as "Guina." It has two mills and a few
scattered dwellings.

THE CENTER is a hamlet at the center of the town, just north of
Richmond village.  It has one church (Universalist), town-hall and
about fiftey inhabitants.

MANUFACTURES & BUSINESSES

THE RICHMOND LUMBER CO., whose mills are located on road 28, is
composed of J.B. Abbott, of Keene, and Leason Martin and O.J. Nutting
of this town.  The firm employs from ten to twenty men, and 
manufactures 300,000 feet of lumber and stock for 80,000 pails per
annum.

NATHANIEL NARAMORE's STAVE-MILL AND CHAIR-STOCK FAcTORY, on road 20,
was built by Nathan G. Wardworth, about 1840, and came into the
present proprietor's possession in 1882. He employs four men and
manufactures stock for about 100,000 pails, 2,000,000 chair-stretchers,
and about 70,000 shingles per annum.

LEASON MARTIN'S SAW MILL AND BUCKET FACTORY, located on road 11, has
been used by four generations of the Martin family.  The present
proprietor gives employment to from twelve to twenty men, and
manufactures about 300,000 feet of lumber and 100,000 buckets per
annum.

F.L. PARKHURST'S PAIL-HANDLE FACTORY at North Richmond, came into
his possession in 1883. It is operated by both steam and water-power,
gives employment to four men and turns out 200,000 pail-handles per
month.

O.B. HOWE'S SAW-MILL AND PAIL STOCK FACTORY, on road 42, was built by
Dennis Harkness about 1856, and was purchased by Mr. Howe in 1879.
The mill is operated by both steam and water-power, gives employment
to about ten men and saws and uses in its various manufactures about
300,000 feet of lumber year.

AMOS LAWRENCE'S SAW-MILL, on road 18, was purchased by him in 1874.
He manufactaures coarse lumber and chair-stock.

WILLIAM C. PUTNEY'S SAW MILL AND PAIL-STOCK FACTORY, located on road
18, came into his possession in 1878. He manufactures lumber and
pail-stock. 

FRANK AMIDON'S SAW-MILL, on road 37, was built by him in 1883. He
manufactaures about 300,000 feet of coarse lumber per annum.

ANDREW AMIDON'S SAW-MILL, on road 31, was built by him in 1883.
He manufactures about 150,000 feet of lumber and stock for
25,000 pails per annum.

D.W. WILLIAMS'S SAW-MILL, on road 7 was built by  him in 1871. He
manufactures about 75,000 feet of lumber and stock for 15,000 pails
per annum.

F.O. BOWEN'S SAW-MILL, on road 43, was built by Jacob Whitcomb,
about 1848, and was purchased by Mr. Bowen in 1857. He manufactures
coarse lumber, 100,000 bucket hoops, and stock for 20,000 pails per
year.

GEORGE H. TAYLOR'S SAW-MILL AND PAIL-STOCK FACTORY, on road 4, was
built by George Taylor, about 1859, and came into the present
proprietor's hands in 1869. He cuts from 50,000 to 120,000 feet of
lumber and stock for 40,000 to 50,000 pails per annum.

TOWN HISTORY
The exact date of the first settlement and by whom made cannot be
accurately stated.  There is a tradition that one SYLVESTER ROGERS
or ROCHERSON, from Rhode Island, in 1750, made a clearing of about
an acre, on which he erected a strongly built log-house, for the
double purpose of a shelter and a defense against Indians; that he
abandoned the premises after a few months and returned to Rhode
Island, on account of fear of the Indians.  The site of this house 
and clearing is supposed to be on the farm afterwards settled by
JONATHAN GASKILL and now owned by Jesse Balles.  This story may be
substantially true, except that the settlement must have been made,
if at all, about four or five years later.  In all probability,
however, the settlement of the town was begun in 1762, and the first
settlements were made in the southern and western part of the town,
by John and Daniel Cass, Azariah Cumstock [Comstock], John Dandley,
Francis Norwood, Jacob Bump, Silas Gaskill, Thomas Josslyn,
John Martin, John Scott, Constant and David Barney, Thomas Wooley,
Reuben Parker, Oliver Capron, Edward Ainsworth, Jonathan Gaskill,
Jonathan Sweet, Jonathan Thurber, Ephraim Hix [Hicks], Henry Ingalls,
Stephen Kempton, Jedediah and Jonathan Buffum, and many others, who
were here previous to 1765.  These came mostly from Smithfield and
Cumberland, R.I., and from Rehoboth and Attleboro, Mass.  The town
settled rapidly, however, for in 1767 it had 338 inhabitants, and in
1773 the population had increased to 745.

The first town meeting was held at the inn of JOHN CASS, March 26, 1765
with that gentleman acting as moderator.  The following choice of
town officers was made: Daniel Cass, town clerk; John Cass, Daniel Cass
and John Martin, selectmen and assessors; Timothy Thompson, constable;
John Cass, treasurer; John Dandley, tithingman; and Jonathan Gaskill,
Joseph Cass, surveyors of highways.  The voters at this meeting were
as follows: John Atherton, Solomon Atherton, Moses Allen, Ezra Allen,
Edward Ainsworth, Abraham Barrus, Jacob Bump, Constant Barney,
David Barney, Joseph Barney, Jedediah Buffum, Jonathan Buffum, 
Daniel Cass, Dea. John Cass, Joseph Cass, Thomas Crane, Azariah 
Cumstock [Comstock], Azariah Cumstock Jr., Moses Cumstock, 
Aaron COMSTOCK, Abner COMSTOCK [note: spellings of Cumstock, Comstock
as shown in document], John Dandley, Jonathan Gaskill, Silas Gaskill,
Sylvanus Harris, Uriah Harris, Anthony Harris, Ephraim Hix, 
Peter Holbrook, Henry Ingalls, Edmund Ingalls, William Josslyn,
Thomas Josslyn, James Kingsley, Stephen Kempton, John Martin,
Gideon Man, Oliver Mason, Elijah Meader, Reuben Parker, 
Israel Phillips, David Russell, Abraham Randall, Joseph Bazee, 
John Robinson, Timothy Robinson, Daniel Read, David Read, John Scott,
Jonathan Sweet, John Sprague, Timothy Thompson, Jeremiah Thayer,
Alles Thayer, Nehemiah Thayer, Nathaniel Taft, Silas Taft,
Jonathan Thurber, Thomas Wooley, and John Wooley.

SCHOOLS
The first recorded mention made of schools or school buildings occurs
in 1771, when the town raised money for same, and voted to hold
schools in six different places.  In 1784 the town was divided into
school districts, which division was revised in 1789, and made into
twenty districts. 

POSTOFFICE / POSTMASTER
The first postoffice was established in 1812, with JOB BISBEE,
postmaster, at which time Jonathan Pierce, of Royalston, began
carrying mail from Worcester to Keene.  The office was kept in the
corner store now kept by Mr. Norwood, then owned by Job Bisbee & Co.
The postoffice at North Richmond was established September 15, 1853
with Harvey Martin, postmaster.  

The following is the list of postmasters of Richmond NH:
Job Bisbee..........July 4, 1812
Ono. T. Cass........July 24, 1829
Stephen Wheeler.....Aprl. 24, 1832
John Parkhurst......Sept. 6, 1837
Danford Tyler.......Nov 10, 1840
Jarvis Weeks........July 8, 1845
Amos G. Bennett.....May 6, 1858
Daniel R. Spaulding.July 16, 1861
L. W. Wright........Dec 19, 1870
Charles H. Lyon.....May 10, 1871
Amos Martin.........March 7, 1873
Andrew Dodge........July 12, 1875
Warren Kenop........Aprl. 6, 1877 
John E. Norwood.....Dec. 18, 1877
Charles Norwood.....May 7, 1883

The North Richmond office was established September 15, 1853. The
postmasters have been,--
Harvey Martin.......Sep 15, 1853
Edson Starkey.......June 16 1856
Harvey Martin.......Oct 30, 1856
Discontinued........June 17, 1879
Re-established......July 3, 1879
Orlow E. Parsons....July 3, 1879
Orlan H. Martin.....Apr 13, 1880

CIVIL HISTORY --The following is a list of representatives from
1776 to 1885:
Oliver Capron, 1776 and 1783
Daniel Reed, 1777
David Barney, 1778
Noah Curtis, 1779 and 1782
Jonathan Gaskill, 1787, 1789 and 1790
Nathaniel Aldrich, 1810
Jonathan Atherton 1814 to 1817 and 1819
Benjamin Newell, 1817, 1818 and 1820
Joseph Newell, 1824 and 1825
Jonathan Rawson, 1827 to 1830
Russell Whipple, 1831
Nahum Aldrich, 1837 to 1840
Jarvis Weeks, 1840 and 1841
Nicholas Cook, 1842, 1845 and 1846
Kendall Fisher, 1843 and 1844
Stephen Randall, 1847 and 1848
William Wright, 1849 and 1850
Moses Tyler, 1793, 1796 to 1802
Rufus Whipple, 1794 and 1795
James Cook, 1802 to 1807
Joseph Weeks, 1807 to 1810, 1811 to 1814, and 1821 to 1824, 1826,
1830, 1832 to 1835.
[other individuals after 1850 in original document not included here]

THE FOLLOWING iS A LIST OF TOWN CLERKS FROM 1765 to 1885 [town clerks
after 1850 in original document, not included here]
Daniel Cass, 1765
Henry Ingalls, 1766 to 1792
Samuel Gaskill, 1792 to 1798, 1799 to 1802
David Ballou 1798
Joseph Weeks 1802 to 1822, 1823 and 1827
Jonathan Rawson 1824 to 1827 and 1831
Benjamin Newell 1828 and 1829
Ono. T. Cass 1830
Jarvis Weeks, 1832 to 1836, 1837 to 1844, 1845, 1853, 1854, 1856 and
1857
Stephen Wheeler Jr. 1836
Amos W. Newell, 1844, 1846, 1847 and 1855
Henry B. Swan 1848 and 1849
William Bassett, 1850 to 1853

EARLY PHYSICIANS
Dr. Aaron Aldrich was the first physician, though he remained but a
short time.  Dr. Ebenezer Swan came here about 1776, and continued in
practice until his death in 1820. He was followed by B. Harkness,
Amos Howe, Martin Brittan, John Parkhurst, George W. Hammond,
Franklin Wallace, Lewis Ware, J.P. Willis, C.C. Wheaton, Alvin Ballou,
L. Smith, S.P. French, C.J. Town, E.J. Dunnell, John Heard,
J.R. Hardy, Geo. F. Shore.

OTHER FIRSTS
The first hotel was kept by JOHN CASS, in what is now a portion of the 
house last occupied by Jeremiah Amidon, on the old John Cass farm, 
owned by Perley Amadon. Here the first town meeting was held in 1765.  
The first store was kept by DANIEL CASS SR.  JAZANIAH BARRETT was his 
successor in 1793, who, in 1803, sold out to PEREGRINE WHEELER.  The 
old house was demolished about 1828, to give place to the house now 
occupied by Jonas Wheeler.  The first saw and grist-mill was built by 
David Cass about 1765. From a second source: credited to the 
inscriptions on grave-stones, Lemuel Scott and Philadelphia Kempton 
(dauther of Stephen Kempton) were born in 1763, and these are reputed 
to be the first male and female children, of white parents, born in the 
town.

EARLY DEEDS
Some deeds of the first settlers were recorded in the Cheshire records,
and among these the deed of Col. Josiah Willard to Thomas Wooley,
who is supposed to be one of the very first in town, bears the date
of 1763, and the conveyance included the land on which he built his
house; but oral tradition says he was living on his place in 1758. He
may have been the first permanet settler.  Henry Ingalls bought in
1763.

THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION
The first recorded act of the toward towards sustaining the
Revolutionary cause, was on April 6, 1775, when it was voted "to raise
3 pounds, 8 shillings, which the congress has sent for to this town."
This was thirteen days before the battle of Lexington, and the meeting
was held at the house of Dea. John Cass.  As a final result of this
meeting, nearly the whole company of volunteers was raised, and,
under the command of Capt. Oliver Capron, joined Col. Ephraim
Doolittle's regiment, which was commissioned at Cambridge on the
12th day of June 1775.  This fragment of a company consisted of
twenty-five men.  In August, 1776, a company largely recruits in
Winchester, was in the service of protecting our northern frontier,
in which were seventeen Richmond men.  In Capt. Davis Howlett's
company of Col. Ashley's regiment which marched from Keene,
May 4, 1777 was ten more of Richmond's men.  In June 1777, nearly a
whole company was enlisted in Richmond for the purpose of assisting
Ticonderoga. Soon after their return quite a number of this
company enlisted for service at Bennington and Stillwater. 
  The first company from this town was under the command of Capt.
Oliver Capron, June 12, 1775 as follows: Capt. Oliver Capron,
Lieut. David Barney, Sergt. Henry Ingalls, Sergt. Rufus Whipple,
Sergt. David Russell, Corp. H. Thurber, and Corp. Jas Westcoat.
Privates: Solomon Aldrich, William Aldrich, Nathan Barrus, Jeremiah
Barrus, William Barney, Samuel Carpenter, Azariah Cumstock, John
Ellis, John Garnsey, Abiel Knap, Eleazer Martin, Eli Page, Daniel
Peters, Israel Peter, Timothy Robinson, David Sherman, Jeremiah Thayer,
and John Wooley.
  The following were in a Winchester company in 1776: I. Whipple,
2d Lieut, Daniel Whipple Corp., B. Ellis, Sergt., J. Wooley, Drummer;
Privates: Zebulon Streeter, Henry Ellis, Amos Hicks, Asa Hicks,
Azariah Cumstock, Jr., Simpson Hammond, Ebenezer Peters, James Tilson,
John Garnsey Jr., Moses Cumstock, Oliver Garnsey, Amos Garnsey,
and Daniel Freeman.
  The following were in a Swanzey company, viz: Daniel Sherman,
Allis Thayer, James Cook, David Barney, Jonathan Kingsley, Abiel Knap,
Barnard Hicks, James Westcoat and Caleb Ellis.
  Timothy Martin, Jesse Martin, Joseph Allen and Benj. Starkey were
in the service. 
  In Capt. Davis Howlett's company, of Colonel Ashley's regiment,
which marched from Keene May 4, 1777, to reinforce the Continental
army at Fort Ticonderoga, were Lieutenant Edmund Ingalls,
Timothy Robinson, Ebenezer Barrus, Sylvanus Cook, John Ellis,
Jonathan Kingsley, Israel Peters, Peletiah Razey, John Wooley and
Joanthan Westcoat. These were probably all from Richmond.
  The following company was enlisted in June, 1777, for the northern
frontier [Capt. Oliver Capron's company, in Col. Samuel Ashley's
regiment of militia] Capt. Oliver Capron, Lieut. Henry Ingalls,
Ens. Rufus Whipple, Sergt. Sol. Atherton, Sergt. Michael Barrus,
Corporal John Ellis, Drummer J. Woolley; Privates: David Barney,
David Hix, Samuel Hix, Simeon Hix, Seth Ballou, Reuben Parker,
Eliphalet Hix, Jeremiah Bullock, Stephen Kempton, Benjamin Ingalls,
Jeffrey A. Barney, David Russell, Benjamin Thrasher, Jonathan Bosworth,
Philip Aldrich, Peter Holbrook, Asel Harris, Abnder Aldrich,
Samuel Carpenter, James Cook, Constant Barney, Oliver Barrus, Eli Page,
Daniel Thurber, John Barrus, Othniel Day, William Goddard, 
James Shafter, Hezekiah Thurber, Samuel Hunting and Israel Whipple.
  The following were in a company in the battles of Bennington and
Stillwater: Lieut. Henry Ingalls, Sergeant John Ellis, Corp.
Samuel Hicks; Privates: Benjamin Ingalls, Eli Page, Eliphalet Hicks,
James Shafter, Jeremiah Bosworth, James Cook, Jonathan Kingsley,
Jeffrey Barney, Jeremiah Barrus, Joseph Ingalls, James Westcoat,
John Wooley, Nathan Bullock, Peletiah Razey, Peter Starkey,
Simeon Hicks, and Reuben Parker.
  January 14, 1778 it was "Voted to raise men for the COntinental
Service for the duration of this present war with Great Britain,
or three years." "Chose Rufus Whipple, Edmond Ingalls and Mr.
Nicholas Cook a committee to hire said men."  At the annual meeting
it was "Voted That the Committee of Safety stand another year, or
until another is chosen."  June 15th it was voted "Not to increase the
bounty put on the State," "Voted to raise three men to serve until 
the first of January next, unless soon discharged.  Chose John
Barrus, Daniel Read, and James Westcoat a committee to hire the men,
and pay the sum or sums the committee shall give for said men."
  On Feb 13, 1778 in Walpole a petition was signed to "sartifie"
the town of Richmond that Rufus Whipple hath got mustered Thirteen
men for the town of Richmond to Serve two years in the Colonial
'sarvis" .. Peleg Williams, Lieut; Jona. Willard, Esq., Samuel Royes,
Asa Crasson, Henry Carter, Joseph Powers, Nathaniel Powers, 
Abner Powers, John Symonds, Noah Porter, John Withy, Lewis Clisco,
John Smith, Jeams Wier, Thomas Hunt, Jeams Marrel, and William
Taggart.

As it appears on the rolls at Concord, Richmond was represented in
the Continental army as follows:--
1777, Continental men, 15, paid ..................465 pounds
1778, Continental men, 12, paid ..................555 p 12s
1779, Continental men, 5, paid....................162 p 10s
1781, Frontier's men, 15, paid....................162 p 10s

WAR OF 1812
In the war of 1812, Richmond again came to the front with a generous
contribution of sturdy men.  The only one of these now living is
DAN BUFFUM.  The town was represented in the War of 1812 by the
following:  Dan C. Bryant, Lieut; Carlton Bryant, Chauncey Bryant,
Samuel Bryant, William Buffum, Stephen Buffum, Jededith Buffum (3d),
Jared Ballou, Richard Boorn, Thomas Bryant, John Cass Jr.,
Moses Garnsey, Amos Howe, Cromwell Kelton, Townsend Parker,
Daniel Thornton, Lewis Whipple, Henry Whipple, James Whipple.
  In other companies were: Noah Bisbee Jr. Esq., Seth Bisbee,
Daniel Man, Stephen Man, Chandler Man, Arnold Man, Mordica Cass,
Laban Cass, Jesse Bishop, Townsend Parker, Nathan Cass, Aaron
Martin, Daniel Buffum, Olney Ballou, Benoni Ballou, Samuel Barrus,
Moses Tyler, Joseph Jessop, and Nathan Perry (died).
  The following were drafted: Jacob Whitcomb, Chandler Man,
Thomas Goddard, Salmon Martin, Samuel Barrus, Martin Cass, Nahum Perry,
Lewis Aldrich, William Barrus, Ellis Thayer, Ellis Thayer (2d), 
Eli Page (2d), Jeremiah Bolles, Millens Barrus, Paul Jilson Jr.
and Benjamin Newell.
  Noah Bisbee Jr. and Lewis Whipple were killed, and Seth Bisbee was
wounded at the battle of Lundy's Lane, July 24, 1814

CIVIL WAR
During the late war the town furnished sixty-six men. The following is
a list of the soldiers from the town:

-Arlon S. Atherton, second lieutenant, Company I., Third Regiment.
-Andrew S. Arnold, Company I, Sixteenth Regiment
-Moses Allen, Company F., 14th Regt, killed Sept 19, 1864
-Frederick R. Bowen, Company A., 2d Regt
-Edwin N. Bowen, first lieut., Company I, 3rd Regt
-Henry R. Bowen, Company I, 16th Regt
-Alfred R. Bowen, Company A, 2d Regiment
-William Brown [no company or info listed in original document]
-Charles Ball, Company F., 14th Regt
-Abner S. Barden, Company F, 14th Regt
- Otis A. Barrus, Company F., 14th Regt., killed at WInchester VA,
September 16, 1864.
-Alden F. Ballou, Company I, 16th Regt
-E. Napoleon Buffum, Co I, 6th Regt, died of disease in Maryland,
October 8, 1862
-James H. Buffum, Co H, 1st Regt
-Albert Bolles, 2nd NH Cavalry
-George A. Barrus, Co B, 18th Regt; died June 16, 1863
-Henry E. Ballou, Co B., 27th Regt, Massachusetts
-Benjamin F. Barrus, Co I, 3rd Regt, died of wounds July 15, 1862
-Henry R. Bolles, Co I, 3rd Regt, accidentally shot April 23, 1862
-Albert E. Barrus, Co G, 18th Regt
-Ira Marshall Barrus, Co I, 2d Regt, Massachusetts
-John W. Barrus, Co I, 2nd Regt, Massachusetts
-John Bolles, Massachusetts Regiment; died in Libby Prison
-Artemas B. Colburn, Co F., 14th Regt, died Sept 19, 1864
-Roland M. Combs, Co C., 14th Regt
-Reuben H. Combs, Co C., 14th Regt
-Jarvis Cass, Co I, 16th Regt, died at New Orleans June 20, 1863
-Anson L. Cass, Co F, 5th Regt.
-Henry O. Curtis, Co H, 1st Regt; heavy artillery
-Harvey G. Cheney, Co D., 2nd Regt, Massachusetts
-John Dingman, Co I, 16th Regt
-Rufus Freeman, Co I, 16th Regt
-John H. Hitchcock, Second lieutenant, Co I, 3rd Regt
-Lorenzo Harris Jr., Co F, 14th Regt
-Caleb Harris, Co H, 36th Regt, Massachusetts, died October 1864
-Almon L. Jillson, Co G, 14th Regt, died at battle of Laurel Hill VA
-Anson R. Jillson, Co A, 2d Regt, Massachusetts, died at battle of
Laurel Hill, VA
-Silas F. Jillson, Co A, 25th Regt, Massachusetts, died.
-Nathan M. Jillson, Co B, 27th Regt., Massachusetts
-Herman L. Lincoln, Co F, 6th Regt
-Stephen W. Martin, Co I, 25th Regt, Massachusetts, died
-George Martin, Co F, 16th Regt
-Ansel Macomber, Co F, 6th Regt
-John E. Norwood, Co F., 14th Regt
-Benjamin Newell Jr., Co F, 14th Regt, died Oct 14, 1864
-Daniel H. Pelkey, Company I, 3d Regiment
-Dexter Palmer, Co I, 16th Regt; died at Concord NH August 1863
-Nahum Putney, Co I, 16th Regt; died at Algiers, LA June 12, 1863
-John A. Paine, Co I, 16th Regt, mustered out Oct 23, 1862; mustered
out AUgust 20, 1863
-Warren Pickering, Co A., 18th Regt
-Volney Piper, sergeant-major, Co E, 4th Regt
-Denzil Rice, sergeant, Co E, 3rd Regt
-Amasa W. Perry, 11th NH Infantry
-John Starkey Jr., first sergeant, Co F, 6th Regt, died Aug 29, 1862
-Walter A. Scott, Co F., 14th Regt; killed at Winchester VA 
Sep 29, 1864
-Henry E. Tolman, Co I, 16th Regt
-Jonas I. Thompson, corporal, Co C, 4th Regt
-Samuel Thompson, second lieutenant, Co F, 6th Regt
-L. Warren Wright, adjutant, 14th Regt
-Stephen W. Williams, Co I, 16th Regt
-William Whipple, Company I, 16th Regt
-Vibbert Whipple, Company A, 2d Regiment
-Alfred P. Whipple, Company F, 2d Regiment, Massachusetts
-Julius M. Whipple, Company A, 2d Regt
-S. Wright Wood, Company E, 6th Regt
  

CHURCHES
THE BAPTIST CHURCH OF RICHMOND--In 1768 there was a Baptist church
organized here, which was among the first established in New
Hampshire. Elder Maturin Ballou, who moved to the town during that
year was installed as its first pastor, September 27, 1770. Their
first church building was erected in 1780. The society, however, early
met with trials and dissentions, and from 1791 gradually diminished
until it became practically extinct.  The present society was
organized March 24, 1835, Elder Edward Hale being installed as its
first pastor.  The church building, a substantial brick structure,
was erected in 1836-37 and is now valued at $2,000.  The present
pastor of the society is Rev. E.P. Merrifield.

THE UNIVERSALIST SOCIETY was formed in April 1837.  The church
building located in the middle of the town, was built soon after
at a cost of $2,485.36. At the dedication of their first house of
worship, Nov 22, 1837, the sermon was preached by Rev. Hosea Ballou.

THE METHODIST CHURCH was organized in 1840, and Rev. Alexander H.
Fullerton was the first pastor, installed in 1842.  In June 1870,
a second church was formed, which held meetings regularly up to
1877.  Rev. G.F. Shove is the present pastor. [A second source states
that the second organization was effected in June 1871].

THE SOCIETY OF FRIENDS also held meetings in this town.

******
BIOGRAPHIES OF EARLY SETTLERS AND PROMINENT CITIZENS
******

NATHAN ALDRICH came here about 1765 from Smithfield, R.I., cleared a
farm in the northeastern part of the town and reared a large family
of children, one of whom, Nathan Jr., is said to have been the
strongest man in town.  He died in 1832, at the age of eighty-two
years.  His son, Levin was born in 177, had ten children, was a 
farmer, and died in 1856.  All of his children lived to maturity,
and six are now living, of whom Daniel B. resides in town on
road 22, and Hosea B. resides in Jaffrey.

HOSEA BALLOU
The celebrate Hosea Ballou was born in this town April 30, 1771
and here was born also this town also Elizabeth Ballou, mother of
the lamented President Garfield. "The site of the birthplace of
Hosea Ballou is now a most attractive place in a valley scooped out
from the rough hills and mountains of the Granite State, and known
as Ballou's Dale, surrounded by the most romantic scenery, the
beauties of which he used to dwell upon in after-years, and to
sing their praise in verse.  The neighboring country is of a bold
and rugged character, and is to this day thinly settled." [Note,
another source indicates that Hosea Ballou's parents immigrated to
Richmond from Rhode Island, see links on the web site under the town
of Richmond to learn more about him].

UBERTO BOWEN [? BROWN], son of James, was born in Richmond in 1813, and
carried on the mercantile business here for over twenty years. He was
also engaged in the manufacture of pails and is now occupied in
farming.

JAMES BROWN came to this town, from Rhode Island, about 1765,
and settled upon the farm owned by Preston L. Freeman. His
daughter Hannah married Rufus Keton, of Warwick, Mass, who came to
live on the same place, and their daughter married Lewis Freeman,
who became the owner of the old homestead, by buying out the interest
of the other heirs, and located there in 1836. It is now owned by
his son, Preston L.

JEDEDIAH BUFFUM came here at a very early day, and died here in
1784. His son Robert was born in the town, and Daniel, son of
RObert, a pensioner of the war of 1812, is now the oldest resident.

JACOB BUMP came to town when there were but five families in town,
and he came after the birth of his eldest son, Stephen, who was born
January 30, 1761. This is the statement of Mr. Nathan Bowen, a
grandson of Mr. Bump. This would seem to fix the time of Mr. Bump's
advent in 1761 or 1762, as his second son, Asa, was born in Richmond
January 29, 1763.

JEREMIAH BULLOCK came from ROyalston, Mass. at an early day, settled in
the southern part of the town, and died in Winchester. His son,
Cass Bullock, also resided in town, and in the same locality. He had
three children, one of whom, Asa, always lived here, and died here in
1874.  Asa H., and Henry, sons of Asa, now reside in town. Nathan,
son of Jeremiah, was born in town, married Sarah, daughter of Paul
Jillson, and located in the western part of the town. He reared a
family of eleven children, three sons and eight daughters, all of 
whom grew to maturity, and six are now living.

DANIEL CASS, one of the early settlers of Richmond, located upon a
farm on road 29, which his son Jonathan afterwards occupied.
Jonathan Jr. who died in 1878, resided upon the same place, which is
now occupied by the widow.

LEWIS FREEMAN, born May 8, 1798, married Nancy, daughter of Rufus
Kelton, July 4, 1825, and removed in 1836 from Sharon, Mass to the
farm first occupied by John Dandley.  He died June 23, 1878. He had
born to him eight children, namely, N. Augusta, Preston L., Rufus,
James B., Ellen, Thomas, Francis W., and Loren A.  PRESTON L. FREEMAN
born March 28, 1828 married Lucy J. Wright, June 29, 1867, and lives
on the home farm. RUFUS FREEMAN, born July 6, 1832, married Melissa,
daughter of Jonas Twitchell, lives in Keene, and is in the employ of
the Cheshire railroad company.

DR. SAMUEL P. FRENCH, born in Gilmanton, NH, March 17, 1818, graduated
at Dartmouth College in 1841. He studied medicine with Dr. Nahum
Wright, of Gilmanton, commenced practice at Merrimac [sic Merrimack NH]
in 1845, and in Richmond in 1846.  He removed to Winchester in 1864,
then to Warwick in 1868, and from thence to Richmond in 1881. He
married Nancy H.M., daughter of Abner Barden, and had born to him
three children, viz.: Helen M., born June 26, 1851; Arthur P., born
March 5, 1854, and Caroline J., born July 19, 1859.  Dr. French died
February 7, 1882, while on a visit to one of his patients.

AMOS GARNSEY, a native of Rehoboth, Mass., came to Richmond about
1762, and settled in the western part of the town. He reared a family
of five children, as follows: Cyril, Amos, Lucy, Moses and Cyrus.
CYRIL GARNSEY was born in Richmond, April 30, 1764, married Saloma
Garfield, an aunt of the late President Garfield, December 24, 1784,
who bore him twelve children, as follows: John, 1st, born December 11,
1786, left home at an early day and moved to Canada, where he died.
Merriam, born May 2, 1788, married Solomon Gage, and moved to the
state of New York.  John 2d, was born July 28, 1790.  Aaron was born
October 11, 1793.  Dr. Darius, born August 28, 1795, married Abigail,
daughter of Lemuel Scott, and moved to Whitefield NH where he
practiced medicine. Of his three children, Norris G. 1st was born
August 7, 1818 and died in 1825; Sanford, born June 23, 1820, lives
at Chesterfield Factory; and Norris G. 2d born March 18, 1826, lives
in Keene NH.  Dr. Darius Garnsey, died February 12, 1831. His wife
died April 22, 1877 at Chesterfield Factory, where she was residing
with her son Sanford.  Mary, daughter of Cyril, was born
November 7, 1797, married John Scott and lived in Richmond until her
death.  Amos, son of Cyril, was born February 3, 1802.  Naoma was
born April 3, 1804 and married Thomas Eastman of Whitefield.  Phebe
was born February 9, 1808.  Aaron 2d, was born September 14, 1812,
and Ruth was born January 23, 1815.  Cyril Garnsey moved to Whitefield
NH in 1824, and died, March 24, 1840.  His wife Saloma died May 13,
1852.

PAUL G. GILLSON came to this town from Rhode Island, at an early day
and was engaged in manufacturing linen-wheels.  He reared a family of
seven children, none now living.  There are none of the family in
town at the present day, but many are scattered over different parts
of the country.

NATHAN HARKNESS came to Richmond, from Rhode Island, about 1746, [?]
and located near the farm now owned by Dennis Harkness, on road 45.
He was twice married, and reared a family of eleven children, none
now living. His son ELIJAH HARKNESS, born here in 1777, was a school
teacher in early life, married Martha Bassett, and died in 1835.
Only three of his ten children are now living, Mrs. Malahath Ballou,
who lives in Philadelphia; Mrs. Lucy Payne of Worcester, Mass; and
Dennis, who occupies the farm on road 45.  ELIJAH was a cousin of
the mother of James A. Garfield, and she was born on the old
Harkness place.  In company with her son, two years before he was
elected to the presidency, she paid a visit to the old homestead.
Silas Ballou, the poet, is buried on this farm.

JOHN MARTIN, of Smithfield, R.I., settled here at an early day, and
his son, WIKCHMESS MARTIN, was either the first or second child born
in the town. The latter resided most of his life on the farm now
owned by his son Danvers.  He reared a family of twelve children,
only two of whom are now living, Stephen Martin in Pennsylvania, and
Danvers Martin upon the old farm, on road 44.

REUBEN PARKER came to Richmond from Massachusetts, in 1758, and in
1765 locted on road 38, upon which has since been called Parker Hill.

LEMUEL SCOTT, the second male child born in Richmond, was born
February 24, 1763, and married Abigail Cook, who was born
May 10, 1766. He reared a family of six children, as follows:
Rachel, Lurana, Lemuel Jr., John, Abigail and Alvin.

OBADIAH SPRAGUE came here from Rhode Island, at an early day, and
located on road 31. He was a farmer and also run a saw and grist-mill.
He was twice married, and reared a family of seven children, none of
whom are living. His son, ENOCH SPRAGUE was born here, and reared a
family of six children, four of whom are now living.  Another son,
SAMUEL SPRAGUE, was born here in 1797, and lived in town until 1861,
when he moved to Winchester, where he died in September 1882. He
reared a family of five children, all but one of whom, Henry S.,
who died in the army, are living.  Of the other children, Leander
lives in Fitchburg, Mass, Mrs. D.S. Swan in Winchester, Mrs. Julia
Whipple in Keene, and Obadiah, the well-known manager of the Stratton
Mills (now West Swanzey Manufacturing Co.) resides in Swanzey.

JEREMIAH THAYER came to this town, from Massachusetts, in 1762, and
settled in the northwestern part of the town, on road 14. He had three
children, none now living.  His son ELLIS THAYER was born here in
1788, and resided here until his death in 1870, at the age of
nearly eighty-two years.  He was twice married, and has seven children,
four of whom are now living.  His son NELSON THAYER, who is a resident
of the town, began, in 1848, the manufacture of edge tools, which he
carried on until 1880, and, in connection with this, he carried on
the business of carding wool, for about twenty years. He was obliged
to discontinue business, however, on account of ill health, being
confined to his home by rheumatism.

PEREGRINE WHEELER, of Berlin, Mass, came here about 1800 and located
upon the farm now owned by his grandson, JONAS R. WHEELER.  He was a
farmer and had only one son, LEVI WHEELER, born in 1802, who lived
to maturity. LEVI had a family of eight children, who lived to
maturity, and he resided here until his death in 1858.  One son,
JONAS R. WHEELER resides on the old homestead, and his children are
the fourth generation who have lived upon the same farm.

WILLIAM WRIGHT, an early settlers of Swanzey, was killed by the fall
of a great beam in a barn in 1810. His son, LUTHER WRIGHT was born
here and moved to Middlebury, Vt. where he lived for a time, but
afterwards returned to Swanzey and died in Winchester in 1838. He
married Rhoda, sister of the Hon. ELijah Belding, and reared a family
of twelve children, two of whom are now living. One son, William,
resides on road 17, in this town, is one of the selectmen, and has
held the office of justice of the peace since 1850. He was town
representative in 1849 and 1850, and has been largely engaged in
settling estates, &c.

(end)