HISTORY OF TROY, CHESHIRE COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE ---------------------------------- ---------------------------------- Information located at http://www.nh.searchroots.com On a web site about GENEALOGY AND HISTORY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE and its counties TRANSCRIBED BY JANICE BROWN Please see the web site for my email contact. ---------------------------------- The original source of this information is in the public domain, however use of this text file, other than for personal use, is restricted without written permission from the transcriber (who has edited, compiled and added new copyrighted text to same). ======================================================== 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. pages 346 & 472 HISTORY OF TROY NH [EXCERPTS ONLY] TROY, a small, irregularly outlined township, lies in the central part of the county in lat. 42 degrees 50' and long. 4 degrees 51', bounded north by Marlboro, east by Jaffrey, south by Fitzwilliam, and west by Swanzey, and Richmond. It was formed in June 1815, by taking parts of Marlboro, Fitzwilliam, Swanzey and Richmond, making up an area of 8,165 acres and thirty-five rods. The causes which united to bring about this effect were mainly as follows: In the first place, the surface of the territory being very irregular, with its hills disposed in such a manner as to prevent convenient accession of the inhabitants to the center of their respective towns, to transact public business or for other purposes, was the principal cause. At this time, also, what is now Troy village had attained considerable size, and became a place of extensive business, so that it commanded the most of the trade within a circle of a radius of two or three miles. And the people, having become accustomed to do much of their private business here, very naturally concluded that it would be for their convenience to transact their public business here also. Then, again, the village, having been built upon the border of two towns, was under a divided jurisdiction, and so long as this was the case the inhabitants must feel that their interests to a certain extent were divided, a condition of things neither pleasant nor condusive to the prosperity of the place. The subject of division was actively canvassed as early as 1794, when as a preliminary step likely to tend toward the desired result, it was decided to build a meeting-house. This project, however, failed, to be revived again in 1800; but even then no considerable progress was made. In the summer of 1812 the subject again came up, and led to a controversy in Fitzwilliam which was settled only when that town consented to the erection of the new township in 1815. Marlboro then acceded to the demand, followed by the others, and the matter was placed before the legislature, which resulted in the passage of the act, incorporating the above mentioned area into the new township of Troy. [The entire text of the act is included in the original document, but not repeated here]. This act was passed by the house [NH] June 17, 1815, by the senate June 19, and was approved by the governor on the 23d of June 1815. In this act, Joshua Harrington, Esq. and Daniel W. Farrar were empowered to call a meeting of the inhabitants of the town to select town officers. Troy comprises an area of twelve square miles, four hundred and eighty-five acres and thirty-five rods, and had a population in 1880 of seven hundred and ninety-five. The surface of Troy is very uneven and hilly, the highest point being the summit of Gap mountain, situated in the easterly part, and separated from Monadnock by a deep ravine. Almost every variety of soil is afforded, though the best is found in the easterly section, where are some well cultivated and productive farms. There are some extensive meadows, both in the easterly and westerly parts, while in the central are some excellent intervale lands. The south branch of the Ashuelot [river] passes through the center of the town. It rises from Rockwood pond, in Fitzwilliam, flows north, and in its course through Troy receives several tributaries, the first being Keith brook, near the south line of the town; the second, Jackson brook, flows east, and discharges its waters into the pond. Ward brook, in the easterly part, drains the westerly slopes of the Monadnock and Gap mountains, and in its course toward the west, received Bowker brook, and turning north enters the Branch. Brandy brook-- so named from the color of its waters--rises in the southeastern part of Marlboro, and flowing southwest enters the Branch in this town. Marlboro brook, formed by two branches, one from Stone pond and the other from Meeting-house pond, in Marlboro, flows south and also enters the Branch in this town. On these streams are many excellent mill privileges. The greatest natural curiousity is probably the falls on Ward brook, located about half a mile from the village. Within the space of a few rods the water descends about two hundred feet, so that in time of high water, a truly sublime spectacle is presented. Find grades of granite are found in different localities, especially in the vicinity of the falls just mentioned. The eastern part of the town was originally covered with a heavy growth of maple, hemlock and beech, while the intervales in the central part were covered with a heavy growth of elm, yellow and white pine, hemlock and birch. The highlands in the western part were covered with maple, red oak, and beech, while the swamps and low grounds were covered with alders, spruce, hemlock and brown ash. TOWN IN 1880 In 1880 Troy had a population of 796 souls. In 1884 the town had four school-districts, five common schools, and one graded school Its six school-houses were valued, including furniture etc at $2,500. There were 138 pupils studying the common or primary branches, and 48 pursuing the higher branches, giving employment to one male teacher at an average monthly salary of $50 and five female teachers at an average monthly salary of $25.86 each. The entire revenue of the town for school purposes during the year was $1,207.43 while the entire expenditure was $1,108.07, with Dr. M.T. Stone, superintendent. **VILLAGES** TROY, a bright, business-like post village located in the central part of the town, on the Cheshire railroad and on the Branch, is the only village in the township. It has, aside from its hundred or more residences, two churches (Baptist and Congregational), two hotels, two stores, two primary and one grammar school, town-hall, masonic-hall, a blanket factory, pail and tub factory, box factory, fire-lighter manufactory, one shoe shop, wagon shop, tannery, a meat market, fire company, brick yard, and the Monadnock trout ponds. THE TROY GRAMMAR ScHOOL--About 1861 Mr. E.P. Kimball established a private school here for teaching the higher branches, though for some reason he did not meet with financial success. After about a year, however, Barrett Ripley took an interest in the enterprise, and it was continued along until 1876, when it was changed into a town grammar school. The town was re-districted at this time, and all pupils allowed admission to the grammar school upon passing a stipulated examination. TROY BLANKET MILLS--These mills located on Mill Street, at Troy village, were established by Thomas Goodall, in 1856, and were bought by the present company in 1865, which is composed of the following gentlemen: Henry Elliott, Royal H. Porter and Barrett Ripley, of Keene. The present firm originally did their manufacturing in the wooden building now occupied by O. C. Whitcomb as a box factory. In 1869-70 they erected their present brick factory building 40x100 feet. In 1877 they added a French roof, and in 1880 an additional forty feet so that the building now is 40x140 feet, three stories in height, while they have also their offices, machines shops, pickers, sewing-room and store houses in detached buildings. Their machinery consists of ten sets of cards with other appliances to correspond, operated by both steam and water-power. They are protected against fire by a steam fire pump, a Humphrey rotary pump and automatic sprinklers. The firm employs 120 hands, and manufactures 500 square and shaped horse blankets per day. They also own a fine water-privilege in the northern part of the town, where most of their "picking" is done. E. BUTTRICK & CO's PAIL AND TUB FAcTORY located south of the river at Troy village, was established by Mr. Buttrick and O. Hawkins in 1844, admitting Solomon Goddard as partner. Mr. Hawkins subsequently withdraw and Mr. Goddard remained until his death. In January 1866, Mr. Buttrick admitted into partnership his son-in-law, Asa C. Dort. They manufacture from 600 to 800 pails and 125 tubs per day, employing twenty-five men. Their works were destroyed by fire June 29, 1877, and were immediately rebuilt, so that manufacturing was begun again in the following August. RIPLEY'S SHODDY MILL, located in the northern part of the town, on the Branch, was built in 1880, while he has another mill built here about twenty years ago, both of which manufacture shoddy for the Troy Blanket Company. C.D. FARRAR'S TUB AND PAIL FACTORY, on road 7, was built by Amos Sibley for a peg factory, and was purchased by David W. Farrar in 1860, who converted it into a tub factory, and conducted the business several years. He died October 9, 1882. His son, C.D. Farrar engaged in the business in March 1873. He manufactures 75,000 pails and from 50,000 to 75,000 buckets per year, employing eighteen hands. He is also a wholesale dealer in all kinds of wooden-ware. W.Y. & R. M. SILSBY'S TANNERY, located at Troy village, was built by Col. Lyman Wright about 1820. In the spring of 1869 it came into the possession of the present firm, who remodeled the establishment, added a steam heating apparatus, and an office, so that they now have facilities for tanning 300 hides per week, and finishing them for "upper" leather. They employ eighteen hands, and use from 700 to 800 cords of bark per year. WINTHROP KNIGHT'S GRIST-MILL AND WHEELWRIGHT SHOP on road 6 was originally built by him in 1839, for a sash and blind factory. In 1867 he put in the grist-mill and does wheelwright and machinist work. O.C. WHITCOMB'S BOX FACTORY, at Troy village was established in 1882, the building formerly having been used as a woolen-mill by Thomas Goodall. Mr. Whitcomb manufactures all kinds of lock corner packing boxes, turning out about $500 worth per week, and also does custsom sawing, employing twenty-five hands, with W.J. Boyden, foreman. WEBSTER COREY'S SHINGLE AND CIDER-MILL AND PAIL-HANDLE SHOP located on road 2, was built by him in 1872. He has facilities for 5,000 shingles and 10,000 pail-handles per day, and manufactures 160 barrels of cider per season. CHARLES A. FARRAR'S FIRE-LIGHTER AND RED STAR CLEANING POWDER WORKS are located at Troy village. The building he occupies was built by Harvey Blanding in 1844. EZEKIEL HASKELL'S SAW-MILL on West hill stream, was built by D.M. Farrar about 1863, and was taken by Mr. Haskell in 1882. He does custom sawing and manufactures shingles. JOSEPH PIPPIN'S CARRIAGE SHOP at Troy Village, was established by him in 1884. He manufactures carriages, wagons and sleighs, and does a general repair business. THE MONADNOCK TROUT PONDS, owned by George A. Starkey, were established by him about twelve years ago. The hatching is done in a building 20x36 feet, while his twenty-six feeting vats are located in a building 20x180 feet. He hatches about 1,000,000 trout per year. ***HOTELS & STORES*** Troy has two hotels--The Monadnock, C.W. Abbott prorpietor, and the Kimball House, Charles Haskell, proprietor. The two stores are kept by E.P. Kimball & Son, and C.W. Whitney and H.C. Newton deals in Yankee notions. *NEWSPAPER/MAGAZINE* in 1872 Mr. Newton commenced the publication of the "Home Companion," which was issued quarterly until 1876, monthly until July 1885, and since, semi-monthly. [A list of representatives to the state legislature is included in the original document, but not repeated here.] As Troy was for so many years a part of what are now its neighboring towns, to the history of these towns must be look for sketches relative to its history. For this reason our remarks on this point are brief, referring the reader to the sketches in the other towns, viz: Marlboro, Fitzwilliam, Swanzey and Richmond. The first settlers to locate upon the territory now included within the limits of TROY, however, was WILLIAM BAKER, from Westborough, Mass., who came here in 1861, locating in a part of what was then Monadnock No. 5 or Marlboro, now the northwestern part of Troy. [This is supposed to be the spot later known as the Joel Holt place, on West Hill] He remained only a short time this time, however, simply long enough to select a location for his future home. The following year he returned with provisions enough to last him a limited time, and commenced a clearing; but neither in this nor in the following year did he make any considerable progress. In 1764 he again returned and spent several weeks during which time he enlarged his clearing, erected a log house and made the necessary arrangements for moving his family thither. Early in the autumn, having returned to Westborough, he made his final preparations for removing to his new home, and with his wife and five children set out on his journey with an ox team, arriving after much toil and many slight accidents, at the end of their journey on the 17th day of September 1764, the first family to settle in Monadnock No. 5. In 1770, after a road had been built by his residence, he opened a public house, which he kept some eight or ten years, the first in the town. Here, on April 2, 1776, a daughter was born--the first child born in the town. In 1767 a large number of individuals came to Marlboro and Fitzwilliam, purchased land and made preparations for taking up their abode here. The following year no less than eleven individuals and some of them with their families, settled on land now included within the limits of Troy, among whom may be mentioned the following: Thomas Talman, Phineas Farrar, Richard Roberts, James Brewer, John Farrar, Caleb Winch, Jonathan Shaw, Josiah Harrington, David Wheeler, Joseph Tiffany and Ezekiel Mixer. From this time down to 1780, a period of twelve years, emigration was slow, owing, no doubt to the war. But during this time the following named began settlements: Benjamin Talman, Jacob Newell, Moses Kenney, Henry Morse, Daniel Lawrence, Daniel Cutting, Joseph Cutting, Reuben Ward, Ichobod Shaw, Peter Starkey, Jonathan Lawrence, Joshua Harrington, Duncan Cameron, John Bruce, THomas Clark, Agabus Bishop, Abner Haskell, Joseph Forristall, John Godding, Alexander Parkman, Joseph Nurse, and Daniel Farrer. "FIRSTS" in TROY NH The first grist-mill was built by Thomas Talman, in 1769, where O.C. Whitcomb's box factory now stands, and near it he also built a saw-mill, a few years later. After he had gotten his saw-mill into operation, and had time to prepare lumber, he built a frame dwelling, which he opened as a tavern, and which is still standing, the oldest house in the town, though it has been moved from its original site and been subjected to extensive repairs. The first tannery was built by Jason Winch, about 1782 or 1783. The first physician was Dr. Justus Perry, of Marlboro, who came here in 1796. Luther Chapman, who came here from Fitzwilliam in 1836, was the first lawyer in town. The first death was probably that of a child of Jonathan Shaw in 1772, who was buried on a swell of land near Mr. Shaw's dwelling, the first interment the first burial-ground. *** CHURCHES *** The first meeting-house was built about 1815, and stood on what is now the North Park. The next year, the proprietors, in consideration of the sum of twenty dollars, relinguished to the town all their interest in same, excepting the pews which had been sold to individuals. Some years later this building was moved to its present location, and fitted up for a town hall. THE TROY BAPTIST CHURCH, located on North Main street, was organized in 1789, with twenty-five members, two of whom were Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Clark, their first pastor being Rev. Rufus Freeman. Their church building, erected in 1849, will seat 250 persons and is valued at $3,000. The society now has seventy-eight members, with Rev. William F. Grant, pastor. The society has also an interesting Sabbath-school, with ninety scholars, Carlos M. Barnard, superintendent. THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF TROY was organized with twenty members, September 14, 1815, Rev. Ezekiel Rich being the first pastor. The wood structure built during that year was replaced by the present brick church in 1835. It will seat 320 persons, cost $3,000 and is valued, including grounds at $5,000. The society now has eighty-seven members, with Rev. Josiah Miller, pastor. The society has also a Sabbath-school with an average attendance of sixty. *** SCHOOLS *** In 1777 the town (Fitzwilliam) was divided into four equal squadrons for school; redistricted in 1788, and, having become more thickly settled, again re-districted in 1794. Up to this time there had been no school-nouses, the schools having been kept in private rooms. The first school-house on land now in Troy was built by Fitzwilliam in 1790, and stood on the east side of the road near the present residence of Willard White. At the first meeting after the incorporation of the town, a committee was chosen to regulate the school-districts, and they reported six. In 1878 the selectman and superintended school committee were instructed by the town to again reorganize the districts, which they did by making four districts of the six, constituting a Village District and three out-districts. *** MILITARY HISTORY *** WAR OF THE REVOLUTION -- The following are the names of those from this town known to have enlisted in the American army during the war of the Revolution [although at the time they enlisted, the town of "Troy" did not exist, except as parts of other towns]-- Benjamin Tolman, Jacob Newell Jr., Ezekiel Mixer, Pearson Newell, James Brewer, Caleb Winch, John Farrar Jr., Peter Starkey. Benjamin Tolman, Ezekiel Mixer, Pearson Newell and John Farrar Jr. took part in the battle of Bunker Hill. At the battle of Bennington, August 16, 1777, when the troops under General Stark made that ever memorable charge which crowned the American army with victory, Mixer was shot in the body, and carried from the field to a rude shelter, lingering in great agony until morning, when he expired. Pearson Newell sustained the loss of his gun, powder-horn and cartridge box, for which he was afterwards allowed by the State two pounds, fourteen shillings. In Monadnock No 5, the Committee of Safety requested all inhabitants of age to sign the ARticles of Association. Those refusing to sign were: William Barker, Jonathan Shaw, Icabard Shaw, and Daniel Lawrence. Among those who entered the Revolutionary army from this town were the following: Benjamin Tolman, Jacob Newell Jr., Ezekiel Mixer, Pearson Newell, James Brewer, Caleb Winch, John Farrar Jr., and Peter Starkey. CIVIL WAR--WAR OF THE REBELLION During the late war [CIVIL WAR] the town furnished eighty-two men, of whom the following enlisted between April 1, 1861 and October 1862: Joseph F. Capron, Oren S. Adams, Robert Wheeler, Samuel M. Thompson, Silas S. Stickney, Charles H. Streeter, John Amidon, Nelson Haskell, Ezekiel Haskell, Houghton Lawrence, Center H. Lawrence, Frederick Cutler, Patrick McCaffrey, Edward Harvey, George Derby, Robert Cosgrove, Frank Pierce, Henry Amidon, James Amidon, Lemuel H. Brown, Albert G. Roby, James Kavanaugh, Lorenzo B. Tolman, William H. Tenney, Frederick Long, Henry T. Smith, Frederick Lawrence, and Davis Fisk; In 1863, for three years, Jesse Hiscock, Lyman Spooner, John Mahoney, Peter Moore, John Johnson, John Douglass, Charles Anderson, John Collins, John Daniels, Evan Crook, George W. Clark. David L. Barnard, Charles Long, William Barnes, Charles H. Bassett, Sidney E. Tolman, Edward F. Fuller, Simeon Merrifield Jr., Frank Shattuck, Frank Burns, Frank Laraby, Daniel Harris and Curtis A. Whittmore; for nine months, Lorenzo Dexter, John Long, Patrick Shahan, Joseph H. Hill, and Francis S. Piper; in 1864 for one yar, Nelson E. Haskell, Robert M. Silsby, Albert Cobb, George W. Tupper, George H. Kinsman, Jonas R. Foster, George J. RIpley, Joel Holt 2d, John H. Burrill, Orin S. Adams (re-enlisted), Danvers C. Fassett and Frank E. Amidon; in 1865, for one year, Samuel M. Thompson (re-enlisted), Sidney B. Brown, Lucius H. Clement, Ezekiel Haskell (re-enlisted), and Frank Pierce (re-enlisted). The substitutes were as follows:-- Thomas Bruce, for Nathan Carter; George Wallace for Alvah S. Clark; Daniel Smith for H.W. Farrar; Ernest Beard, for Thomas Goodall; Allen McLeod for F.B. Forristall; Francis Page for William G. Silsby; George Harris for Leonard Wright; John Eisentrant for Daniel P. Thompson. The town furnished, in bounties, $15,613 and in aid to soldier's families $3,797.37 making a total of $19,310.37. *** PHYSICIANS *** The first physician to settle here was DR. JUSTICE PERRY, who came in 1796 and practiced one year. He was a man of intemperate habits, and after he decided to locate here, he was persuaded to sign a temperance pledge, probably the first ever signed in town. By this he obligated himself to abstain from the use of all intoxicating drinks for one year, in consideration of which the citizens bound themselves to furnish him with a horse, and all his medicines free of charge during the year. These conditions were faithfully fulfilled by both parties, but at the end of the year the doctor relapsed into his former habits, losing the confidence of the people, and in the following year he moved to Marlborough, where he died in 18799. He was succeeded by DR. EBNEZER WRIGHT, who came from Fitzwilliam in 1811, at the request of a few individuals of the village. He was here during the excitement attending the efforts to obtain the charter of Troy, and took an active part in those measures which resulted in the organization of the new town. He resided here until 1814, when he went back to Fitzwilliam, where he died in 1829. DR. CHARLES W. WHITNEY, the third physician, was born in Rindge, November 15, 1791, the son of Dr. Isaiah Whitney. In 1811 he commenced the study of medicine under the tutelage of his father. In 1813 he spent six months in study and practice at Boston, and in December of the same year commenced practice in Marlborough, Mass. Left Marlborough in the spring of 1815, and, in October, started for Vermont to look up a place among the Green Mountains; but not liking the appearance of the land or the people, he retraced his steps, homeward; on arriving at the hotel here, he was invited by the proprietor to locate, which he decided to do after a few days' consideration. He boarded three years at Colonel D.W. Farrar's; built his house in 1818; married Mary, daughter of Samuel Griffin, of Fitzwilliam, and continued in active practice until feeble health and advanced years compelled him to relinquish it. DR. LUKE MILLER succeeded Dr. Whitney, locating here in 1847, and practiced about si xyears. After leaving Troy he practiced in Winchendon and Fitzwilliam, and afterwards moved West, where he died some few years since. DR. A.M. CAVERLY was the fifth physician. Born in London, November 28, 1817; graduated at Philadelphia College of Medicine 1845. Located here in 1853 and practiced until 1863, when he moved to Pittsford, Vt. where he died a few years ago. While here he compiled and published a history of Troy, up to 1855. DR. DANIEL FARRAR, the sixth physician was born in Troy, May 29, 1836. He commenced practice in his native town some time in 1863. Not being physicially strong, he could not endure the rides over the hilly country and gave up the practice some time in 1865. He afterwards practiced in Leominster, Mass, where he resided until his death. He was succeeded by DR. DANIEL B. WOODWARD, who practiced until about 1868, when he removed to Ellenburg, N.Y. where he now resides. The eighth physician was DR. BENJAMIN H. HARTWELL. Born in Acton, Mass, February 27, 1845, graduated at Jefferson Medical College, PHiladelphia, March 1868. Commenced practice in Troy the May following and remained until March 1869. He removed to Ayer, Mass, where he has since resided, a highly-respected and successful physician. DR. JOHN DODGE came next from Springfield Vt, but remained only a few months. DR. CARL METCALF was the tenth physician. Born in East Unity NH, April 21, 1846, studied medicine with Dr. Butler of Lempster, and Swett of Newport, graduating at Albany Medical College in December 1869. Commenced practice in Troy in February 1870, remaining until April 1872, when he removed to Middleton, Mass, where he was located three years. Failing health required a year's rest, and in 1876 he located in Marlborough, Mass, where he resided until his death, November 1, 1884. He married, in August 1872, Abbie A., daughter of Rev. Levi Brigham. The next physician to settle here was Dr. M.S. FERGUSON, but he remained but a short time. The twelfth physician was DR. BENJAMIN E. HARRIMAN, son of ex-Governor Walter Harriman. Born in Concord October 20, 1854. He studied medicine with Dr. A.H. Crosby of Concord; attended lectures at the University of Vermont and Bellevue Hospital College, New York, and graduated at Dartmouth Medical College in November 1877. He opened an office in Manchester, in the December following. Broke down in health in June, 1878, and passed the winter in Flordia. He located in Troy in October 1879, and once more attempted to practice, but the labors of a country practice so wore upon him that he again succumbed and returned home the last of the following February, and passed peacefully away May 23, 1880. In April 1879, he married Jessie B., daughter of Isaac W. Farmer, of Manchester. Dr. M.T. STONE was born in West Boscawen, NH July 28, 1854; studied medicine with Dr. F.A. Stillings of Concord, and graduated at Dartmouth Medical College in November 1879. Located in Troy in February 1880; married January 26, 1882, Cora M., daughter of Charles W. Whitney. *** BIOGRAPHIES & GENEALOGIES OF EARLY SETTLERS AND PROMINENT CITIZENS *** ELIJAH BEMIS, a native of this town, died here in 1852, aged forty-nine years. His son, EDMUND BEMIS, also born here has been a selectman twenty years, was town representative in 1865-66 and has held the office of justice of the peace since 1866. LEMUEL BROWN, a native of Sudbury, came to this town in 1823, locating upon what was then known as the Daniel Cutting farm. He was accompanied by his father, ABEL BROWN, and a younger brother, GEORGE W. BROWN. His children were as follows: Almira, born October 6, 1818, married Lyman Spooner March 27, 1841; Emily, born April 3, 1820, married Gregory Lawrence, June 15, 1843; Harriet, born January 9, 1831, married Warren McClenathon, November 5, 1850, died November 19, 1854; Caroline, born October 4, 1832, died October 24, 1839; Lemuel Warren, born October 1835; and Charles W. born January 30, 1839. DANIEL BUTTERICK Jr. was born in Concord, Mass, January 23, 1783, moved to Winchendon, Mass with his father, where he remained a few years, and came to Troy in 1831. He married Mary, daughter of William Knight, of Fitzwilliam, December 23, 1810, and had born to him seven children. He died here in 1860, aged seventy-seven years. His father, Daniel Butterick Sr., died here at the age of one hundred years and four days. EDWIN BUTTERICK, son of Daniel Jr. was born June 18, 1813 and married Lucy Wetherbee of Swanzey, March 31, 1835. He has been selectman four years, town representative in 1859-1860, and was again elected to the office in 1885. He has been justice of the peace since 1860, and deacon of the Congregational church for fifteen years. His son-in-law, Asa C. Dort, who is associated with him in business, is a native of Marlboro and the son of Eli Dort, who now resides in Keene. He has been town treasurer since 1874, town clerk in 1867-68 and represented the town in 1881-82. JAMES CAPRON, born in Winchester NH in 1808, went to Keene when eighteen years of age, where he remained twelve years. He came to Troy in 1845, was a shoemaker fifty-six years, and occupied the shop where his son, Joseph F. Capron now is thirty-six years. He died here January 7, 1882, aged seventy-four years, eight months and twenty-four days. JOSEPH F. CAPRON, born in Keene, June 9, 1837 came to Troy February 8, 1845, and is also a shoemaker. THOMAS CLARK, a soldier of the Revolution, came to Troy from Attleboro, Mass more than a hundred years ago, was one of the first settlers, and died here at the age of sixty-seven years. His son, THOMAS CLARK was born in town, where he died in October 1856, aged seventy-seven years. DEA. ALVA S. CLARK,, son of Thomas Jr. was born in Troy in 1824, has been a farmer, and married Sarepta Brooks of Framingham, Mass in 1850. He reared a family of twelve children, only one of whom, Sarah E., is now living. He has been a firm supporter and a deacon of the Baptist church about twenty-five years. He has been selectman three years and tax collector six years. Another brother, Fuller Clark, resides in Marlboro, being over eighty years of age, and Luke C. CLark, another brother lives in Troy. HEZEKIAH and ABRAHAM COOLIDGE, brothers, came from Sherburne, Mass, and settled in the eastern part of the present town in 1787. Abraham kept a hotel from 1818 to 1824, and was a drover, taking cattle to Brighton market. He was the first constable and collector of the town of Troy. He reared a family of seven children, of whom Charles COolidge, the youngest, born in 1804, married Sarah Carpenter, and spent his life in this town. Charles Coolidge was selectman several years and was engaged in the tub and pail business. His widow and son Charles R. still reside in town. ELIAS D. ELLIOT was born in Mason NH where he lived until twenty- three year sof age, when he bought a farm in Stoddard. He has since lived there and in Marlow. His son Walter, a native of Stoddard, went to Massachusetts at the age of sixteen, from there to Alstead NH, and in 1870 came to this town, where he still resides, a farmer on road 4. THOMAS GOODALL, a native of Dewsbury, Yorkshire county, England, was born September 1, 1823, and located in Troy in 1851. He served an apprenticeship in a large manufacaturing establishment in his native town eleven years, came to New England in 1846, married Ruth, daughter of Jeremiah Waterhouse, April 29, 1849, and resided in South Hadley, Mass. Upon taking up his residence in Troy he engaged in the manufacture of woolen cloth, and after a few years, seeing a good opportunity for the enlargement of his business, he added the manufacture of horse blankets, making the first of these articles ever produced in Troy. In 1865 he sold out his business here and revisited England. After his return to America, he locted in Sanford, Maine in 1866, where he now is, having done a large business, but retired in favor of his sons, in 1878. STEPHEN HARRIS, born in Richmond in 1791, married Patty, daughter of Daniel Ball in March 1816. In 1819 he moved to Troy and remained one year, when he moved to Swanzey, residing there until 1838. He then returned to Troy and bought the farm now owned by Reuben Gibson. His wife died in 1852 and he married, for his second wife, Sally Whitcomb. His death occurred about 1860, aged seventy years. His son William Harris, a native of Swanzey, came here with his parents in 1838, and married Sarah E. Fife of Troy. ABNER HASKELL, a native of Harvard, Mass, came to this town in 1778, married a Miss Ward, and reared a family of two sons and two daughters. His son, William Haskell, married Sarah White, October 20, 1818 and located on the homestead. Though he subsequently lived in Rindge one or two years, he returned to this town in 1833, where he died January 26, 1841. His children were as follows: Ezekiel, born February 6, 1820, married Mirintha Demary of Rindge; Joseph, born October 28, 1822, became a Baptist clergyman and married Anna Cleaves; Alonzo, born February 16, 1824, married Betsey Marshall of Jaffrey; Albert, born March 10, 1826, died August 6, 1846; Sarah Ann, born February 26, 1830, married Horace Knapp of Boston; Lydia, born March 6, 1832, married Addison Marshall of Jaffrey; Mary, born June 29, 1834, married Augustus Adams of Cavendish Vt.; and Charles, born May 14, 1840. HEZEKIAH HODGKINS, a native of New Ipswich and a soldier of the Revolution, came to this town and bought the farm now owned by Edmund Bemis, in 1803. Previous to this, in 1788 he lived in Marlboro a few years, near the middle of the town. He was a cabinet maker and built his house, also a saw and grist-mill, near where Edward Bemis now lives. He married Lydia Cummings and reared a family of eleven children, of whom PELATIAH HODGKINS was born in Troy, June 29, 1820, has always been a farmer, and married Hannah J. Rosebrook, January 7, 1857, who died January 7, 1882. He married for his second wife, Mrs. Elvira E. (Gline) Leavitt. He has been a member of the board of selectmen for ten years, including the active period of the civil war. He was town representative in 1869-70 served as town clerk three years, and held other offices. JONATHAN H. HOLT came here from Holden, Mass, when but two years of age. He was selectman several years, town representative 1852-53, and died here July 2, 1881, aged seventy-six years and four months. He married Miriam Bartlett, of Berlin, Mass, who bore him six children as follows: Jotham N. Holt of New York City, Levi B. Holt of California, Joel Holt of Kansas, Edwin F. Holt of California, Ellen Holt wife of Charles Lewis of Kansas, and Sarah D. Holt who lives at home with her mother. EDWARD P. KIMBALL, a son of Colonel Retyre Kimball, was born at Hillsboro NH, February 23, 1819. He married Mary A., daughter of Cyrus Fairbanks, July 9, 1844, having settled in Troy in 1836, and engaged in hat making with Benjamin T. Grosvenor. In 1848 he bought of David W. Farrar the store built a few years previous by S.G. Whitney, and continued business as a merchant, having commenced in 1842. He was postmaster under the administration of Presidents Pierce and Buchanan, was high sheriff of Cheshire county in 1874-75, and has been deputy sheriff since 1842, and justice of the peace for many years. He kept a livery stable forty years, served six years apprenticeship to Grosvenor at the munificient salary of thirty dollars per year, has been engaged in mercantile business since 1842, and in 1874 two of his sons, Charles E. Kimball and George F. Kimball, who had been in business with him, went to Sanford, Maine, and opened a store. George F. died April 26, 1881, and Charles E. still continues the business there. The youngest son, Warren W. Kimball, is engaged in the store at Troy. Mr. Kimball has done much to build up Troy, both in the erection of dwellings and in aiding the various industries which have been located here. WINTHROP KNIGHT, the youngest of fourteen children, was born in Sudbury, Mass, September 9, 1816. His father, Joel Knight died when he was but four months old. His mother moved to Dublin about 1824, where she married Rev. Elijah Willard. Winthrop came to Troy in 1834, learned the sash, blind and door business of Lemuel Brown, and in 1839, built his present shop of road 6, beginning business for himself. He married for his first wife, Lydia Fuller in 1843, who bore him three children, one of whom, Arthur P. Knight is a wheelwright in Marlow. Winthrop Knight's first wife died in 1866. He married for his second wife, Betsey (Clark) Starkey, July 21, 1867. he has been engaged in the wheelwright, machinist and grist-mill business for over forty years, and has been a member of the Baptist church since 1842. DAVID LAWReNcE, a native of Weston, Mass, came to Monadnock No. 5 in 1773, bought a lot of land and built a log house. He then returned to Massachusetts, entered the army, assisting the fortification of Bunker Hill, and fought in the battle which followed. After eight months service he received an honorable discharge and returned to Weston. In 1776, with his wife Elizabeth (Graves) and one child, he came and took possession of his log house. He reared a family of five children. His brother, Jonathan Lawrence, who married a Miss Moore, of Sudbury, came here in 1777, Jonathan Lawrence Jr., one of his ten children married Dorothy Cutting, who bore him seven children, of whom Sophronia Lawrence, the third child, and Gregory Lawrence, the youngest, are now living in Troy. The latter married Emily, daughter of Capt. Lemuel Brown, in 1843, and has two children, Alfred G. and Harriet R. The former was born in 1849, and is now a member of the board of selectmen. Harriet R. Lawrence married C.M. Barnard. Joseph E. Lawrence, son of William, has been a farmer most of his life, and resides in the northwestern corner of Troy. He married Harriet E., daughter of Isaac Fuller, and has one child, Eva H. REV. EZEKIEL RICH, the first pastor of the Troy Congregational Church, graduated at Brown University in 1808, and Andover Theological Seminary; was installed December 20, 1815 and remained pastor until July 18, 1818. He continued to reside in Troy until 1845. He died some years after at Deep River, Conn. MARTIN ROCKWOOD was either born in Fitzwilliam or came there with his parents when a child, as his father was one of the first settlers. He died December 19, 1819. Mary M. Rockwood, daughter of Martin, and a native of Fitzwilliam, married Levi Whittemore Jr., who was a stonecutter and a farmer. He died here in February 1864, at the age of forty-eight years. Martin Rockwood was a woolen manufacturer, doing the work by hand, and carried his cloth to Boston markets. His father, Samuel Rockwood, was a native of Maine, and came to Fitzwilliam from Hollis, Mass. PETER STARKEY came here from Massachusetts, about a hundred years ago, and, owning most of the land where the village is now located, he first settled thereon. On account of frost, however, he moved to the West Hill. His son, LUNA STARKEY was born here, where he lived until his death in 1850, aged fifty-two. Of his family of eight sons and two daughters, IRA G. STARKEY resides on road 11, and ALANSON STARKEY on Main Street. CALVIN STARKEY, son of Peter, was sheriff several years. MELVIN T. STONE was born in Webster, formerly Boscawen NH, July 28, 1854. He studied at the New Hampton Institute, graduated from Dartmouth medical college in 1879, and spent several months in a hospital in England. He came to Troy in 1880, practicing his profession, and married Cora M., daughter of Charles W. Whitney, January 26, 1882. He has been superintendent of schools since 1882. LEVI STREETER settled in the village of Troy. He was a carpenter by trade, lived and died in town. He had a family of eight children, all of whom are living, but only three in this country. Elizabeth married Rufus Grout, and lives in Fitzwilliam; Caroline married Henry Goodspeed, and lives in Winchendon, Mass; Daniel lives in Fitzwilliam; Charles H. lives in Keene; Sophia married George Davis, and lives in West Townsend, Mass; Mary I married Frank Whitcomb, and lives in Nebraska; Elvira married Albert P. Ames, and lives in Groton, Mass; and Abbie M. married Albert Daisey and lives in Boston. THOMAS TOLMAN came from Attleboro, Mass about 1767, and settled where Warren Brown now resides. He built the Monadnock Hotel, which was first made of logs, and though since built over, some of the original timber remains. His brother came soon after and settled where Frank Lovering lives, near Marlboro Depot. He afterwards bought 500 acres of land on the north side of the Ashuelot river, in Marlboro, at one dollar per acre. He was succeeded by his son DANIEL TOLMAN and the place was owned by the family more than one hundred years. Thomas, son of Thomas and grandson of Joseph, was born near Marlboro Depot and went to Boston in 1830. He there engaged in mercantile pursuits until 1867, when he had a stroke of paralysis and was obliged to quit the business. He came to Troy in 1872, and bought the farm now owned by Thomas Mitchell, which he occupied about ten years. He then went to Fitchburg, Mass, and is in the commission business, general agent for Davis, Bennett & Jones, of that place. GEORGE P. WARd, a native of Ashburnham, Mass, enlisted in Co. F, 14th NH Vols, August 7, 1862, was detailed for duty in the regimental band, and was with them until 1864. He was then detailed as private orderly on Gen. C. Grover's staff, where he remained until July 1865. He was wounded five times at the battle of Winchester in 1864. He is a reporter for several newspapers. PRESTON WHEELER, a native of Westmoreland, married Sarah Page of Litchfield NH, who lived to the advanced age of ninety-one years. JOHN WHEELER, son of Preston, AND THE ADOPTED SON OF LUKE HARRIS of TROY, was born in Westmoreland NH. He married twice, first Roxana Clark, of Clarendon Vt., and second, Sarah L. Goddard, of Worcester, Mass, the latter in 1841. He had worked in Buttrick & Dort's pail manufactory, and near there since the age of thirteen. He is now in his seventy-first year. DR. CHARLES W. WHITNEY, born in Rindge, November 15, 1791, located here in 1815. He married Mary, daughter of Dea. Samuel Griffin, of Fitzwilliam, in November 1818. He served as postmaster of Troy over twenty years. He was engaged in mercantile pursuits for twenty-five years, and served about nine months as clerk in the commissary department in the civil war. He was town representative in 1871-72. His children were as follows: Samuel G., born September 20, 1819, married Abigail Whittemore; Charles, born July 27, 1824, died January 10, 1827; Henry N., born October 8, 1825, died February 17, 1827; Charles W., born November 26, 1827, married Frances Taylor; Mary Jane, born August 13, 1830, married S. Richardson, M.D. of Marlboro; and Sarah Ann, born August 1, died August 7, 1838. THOMAS WRIGHT married Sally Coane, a native of Truro, Mass, and located in Jaffrey in 1824. In 1827 he came to Troy, remaining one year, and after living in various parts of the county, returned here about 1830, where he died in May 1876, in his eightieth year. His widow still resides in town. His daughter Mary Wright, a native of this town, married Alanson Starkey. (end)