HISTORY OF DALTON, COOS 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. ****DO NOT LINK DIRECTLY TO THIS TEXT FILE, INSTEAD LINK TO THE FOLLOWING URL***: http://www.nh.searchroots.com/coos.html#Dalton ---------------------------------- 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). ======================================================== History of Coös County, New Hampshire by George Drew Merrill; Syracuse N.Y.: W.A. Fergusson & Co., 1888, 1018 pgs. p. 506 Dalton was formed in this manner. Moses Little & Co., who had purchased most of the rights in Chiswick (granted November 17, 1764), discovered that a large tract of unclaimed land lay adjoining on the north. This was the 10,000 acres vacated by Lancaster when it changed its boundaries. These gentlemen, by the aid of Col. John Hurd, of Haverhill, who was influential with Gov. Wentworth, secured a charter, January 18, 1770, for Apthorp, which covered the greater part of Chiswick and the 10,000 of unclaimed land on each side of John's river. The Apthorp proprietors soon quit-claimed the 10,000 acre tract to Col. Hurd for a nominal sum. He sold this to Dalton & Tracy, who purchased 6,000 more acres from the Littles, and November 4, 1784, these 16,000 acres were incorporated as the town of Dalton; the remaining part of Apthorp being made the town of Littleton on the same day. (The lower line of Lancaster originally ran near the old Cushman tavern, and its southeast corner was near Round pond in Whitefield). TRISTRAM DALTON, born in Newburyport, Mass., June 1738, graduated at Harvard college when but seventeen, and became a lawyer. He was speaker of the House of Representatives of Massachusetts, a member of the state Senate, and a senator in the first United States Congress after the adoption of the Federal constitution. After a long life of wealth and luxury, he was reduced to poverty by a villainous partner in Washington, and returned to Newburyport, where his last years were spent as a surveyor of the ports of Boston and Charlestown. He died in 1817. He was a most loveable character, an earnest Christian, and a gentleman of the purest type. He lived in habits of intimacy and friendship with the first four presidents of the United States and was honored by their confidence and sympathy. The first settlers were Moses Blake and Walter Bloss; Coffin Moore was the third settler. In 1773 the whole township, comprising what is now Littleton and Dalton, contained but fourteen inhabitants. [Petition for a division of Apthorp including in original document, but not included here]. This document was signed by Tristram Dalton and Nat Tracy. On September 23, 1791, Moses Blake of Dalton petitioned the Grafton County NH General Court to open and keep a public Ferry, and was granted same on the 27th day of April 1792. On October 4, 1792, Walter Bloss of 'Dolton' petitioned the General Court to grant a tax to repair local roads. "Inhabitants of Upper Coos" in this document include: Daniel Spaulding, Elisha Wilder, Joseph Wilder, Jonas Baker, Walter Philbrook, Asaph Darby, Fortunatus Eager, Asahel Biglow, Abr'm Gile, Jeremiah Stickney, Nathan Lovewell, Elisha Gustin, Joseph Brackett, Jonas Wilder, John Wilder, David Page, Joshua Lamkin, Abijah Darby, John Rosbrook Ju'r, Jonathan Cram, Benjamin Orr, John Holmes, Isaac Mann, Robert --, Edw'd Spaulding, Will'm Johnson, Emmens Stockwell, Will'm Moore, Isaac Darby, Benj'a Twombly, John Rosbrook, Jer'h Eames, Titus O Brown, Charles Rosbrook, Silvanus Cheesman, David Stockwell, Zadock Samson, Moses Page, and Dennis Stanley." **FIRST SETTLERS** MOSES BLAKE, the first settler of Dalton, was born in Milton, Mass., about the year 1744. He married Lucy Goodrich, of Lunenburg, Mass., and after the birth of two daughters, Sally and Lucy, he removed to New Hampshire about 1782. Moses Blake became acquainted with Dalton and Tracy, who felt much interested in having roads and bridges built for the accomodation of people that were disposed to visit this new country to make themselves homes. An offer was made by them to give two 160-acre lots to anyone who would cut away the trees and bushes on the most direct route between Haverhill and Lancaster, a distance then supposed to be about fifty miles, and make a road passable for a one-horse wagon with two persons. This offer was accepted by Moses Blake, and in due time the work was done, and two lots of his choice were accordingly given to him. They were the two lots nearest the mouth of John's river. He at first built a log house on the upper lot half a mile above the mouth of John's river, where the ferry is now kept, colonized only by wild animals. Blake's family consisted of himself, wife, and two small children. Here they lived, for some time, the only inhabitants of the town. Probably not more than two or three years later, Walter Bloss came and settled just above the Sumner House. He lived on this place many years and raised up a family, and, in course of time, built quite a respectable sized two-story framed house on the east side of the road, a short distance above the "Sumner house." This house stood for many years after the property passed out of the Bloss family. Ever since my recollection it was used for a kind of tenement house for the town's people who had no other homes, and for new-comers to stop in until they could secure permanent homes. I can remember many families who occupied it, among them were Peter Fuller, Thomas Fuller, the father of Sheppard Knights, Willard Harding, Jehial H. Dodge, Edmund Holmes, Lewis Messure, Francis Messure, Robert Crandall, Asahel Wallace, Ahira Wight, John Somers, Jesse Underwood, -- Drake, Daniel Banfield, -- Rolfe. It also was used many years for a school-house. The first school that I ever attended was kept in it. Oliver P. Brooks was a teacher. The Blake and Bloss families were the sole inhabitants of Dalton for quite a number of years. It was here that Blake's three younger children were born, viz., Bathsheba, Ruth and Dalton. Lucy married Jared Barker. They lived on the O.M. Brook's place on the hill, afterwards on the farm where John Tenney lived for many years. Barker sold each of these after a short residence and bought a lot on the south side of John's river nearly opposite Scotts. He sold again, and moved a little further up the hill near Alvin Brooks. He sold this place and moved to Moriah, N.Y., about 1834. Sally married John Blakeslee, who settled on a farm on the hill adjoining the Barker Tenney farm, where he lived until his death. His first wife, Sally, died about 1813 or 1814. He afterwards married her sister, Bathsheba: with her he lived until she died about 1840. He lived to a good old age on the place he first took up in Dalton, and has many descendants. His son John is living on the old farm. Ruth, the youngest of the three daughters, married William Ewen Jr., son of William Ewens, who emigrated from England, came to Dalton, and took a farm in the northwest corner of the town lying on the Connecticut river, where he lived until his death. His son that married Ruth Blake, William Jr., occupied the place for many years, but finally sold to a Mr. White. Mr. Ewen then moved to his hill lot (the Hutchinson lot) where he died a few years since. His surviving children are all inhabitants of Dalton. Daniel Ewen lived on and owned the old place where his father and mother died, and where he died October 12, 1887. Dalton Blake was the youngest child and the only son of Moses Blake. He was born in Dalton about 1792 or 1793. The honor of being the first male child born in Dalton must be awarded to Aaron Bloss, who for a long time lived in Lunenburg, Vt., The first female born in Dalton was Celia Bloss. She died young, and was buried in the field thirty or forty rods east of the old Bloss house. Moses Blake, after some time living in his log house, built a one- story frame house of considerable size for the purpose of entertainment, and for a long time it was known as Blake's tavern. This was the house in which my father, Dalton Blake, was born, and it was the same in which I was born on the 2d of December 1811, and also of my own children, Deborah L. Blake, February 9, 1849. There were families of three generations born in that house. In early days, while Moses Blake was living, this used to be a very noted place. Moses Blake used to attend to his ferry in connection with his tavern. This ferry has always kept in operation, excepting thirteen years while the Sumner Company had a bridge. My father relinquished his privilege in this charter to the Sumner Company for the paltry sum of $45 in order to have a bridge. The bridge was built, and stood about thirteen years, and was carried off by the ice and logs in the spring of the year. Moses Blake died March 18, 1818, and was laid in the burying-yard a short distance above the mouth of John's river. His wife survived him thirteen years, or until June 8, 1831. Dalton Blake continued on the old place, came in possession of the northern lot of the two that this father formerly owned, and continued to live on it until his family of ten children had either died or grown to man and womanhood. He then sold his farm to Daniel Ewen. Dalton Blake and his wife, after some years, moved to Peterborough [NH] where they died. Five of their ten children now survive: Nahum, Paschal, Mrs. Julia A. Cook, Mrs. Deborah W. Hunt, Mrs. Mary J. White. FIRST TOWN MEETINGS Dalton called its first town meeting, and met July 26, 1808 "at the dwelling house of Joshua Whitney, innholder" for the purpose of organizing the town, and chose Joel Crandal, moderator; Agrippa Warren, town clerk; Agrippa Warren, John Blaksley, and Paul Cushman, selectmen. Agrippa Warren appears to have died soon after, as August 29, 1808, Joel Crandal acts as town clerk and Amos Kidder was chosen selectman in place of Agrippa Warren. The number of votes cast at the August meeting was thirty. LANDS AND LIVESTODCK 1809 In 1809 the live stock owned was thirty-four horses and colts, fourteen yokes of oxen, sixty-nine cows over four years old, and forty-three steers and heifers under four years of age. The only inventory of "arable land" in the first tax list (issues this year) was one acre of land in the possession of Moses Blake. Others listed in this tax list include Paul Cushman, William Wallace, Joshua Whitney, John Blakslee, William Cram, John Cram, Robert Cram, Richard Taylor, William Ewen Jr., Amos Kidder, Joel Crandall, Ashur Evans, Abraham Frisbee, Jared Barker, Roswell Evans, Levi Osgood, Isaac Osgood, Moses Buck, Nathaniel Brown, Thomas Fisher, Jonathan Fisher, Samuel Atherton, and David Hall. These persons were the most wealthy of the early settlers.Abraham Frisbee took the collectorship of the town for $4.98 for the year. At the annual town meeting, Levi Osgood, Moses Blake, John Blakslee, Thomas Fisher, and Nathaniel Brown were elected surveyors of highways; Jacob Barrows Sr. and Eber Miller as Tithingmen; Capt. Paul Cushman and Moses Blake, fence viewers; Edward Whipple, sealer of weights and measures; Roswell Evans, hog reeve; Amos Kidder, John Blakeslee, and Thomas Fisher, school committee. [more on this meeting and also on the first three school districts in original document, but not included here.] NAMES mentioned in some of the town meeting records of DALTON NH 1809. John Blakeslee, Amos Kidder, Jacob Barrows, Edward Reid 1810. Joshua Whitney, Moses Blake 1811. Joel Crandall, Moses Blake, Paul Cushman, Joshua Whitney, Levi Osgood, John Blakeslee, Edward Reid, William Ewen Jr., Ezra Cushman. Non-residents who are heirs of John Innis Clarke and John B. Murry, Esq are listed as Atkins Hutcherson, Nathaniel Brown Sr., Daniel Barnes,k Hubert Glidden, Phineas Olds, Jeremiah Turner, Mariette Mathews and Abel Moore. 1812. Abel Moore 1813. Dalton Blake, (Capt.) Paul Cushman, John Blakeslee. 1816. Paul Cushman, Nathaniel Hurlbutt, Roswell Evans, Dalton Blake, William Ewen Jr. 1819. Paul Cushman, Levi Osgood, Nathaniel Hurlbutt, Nathan Wilder, Roswell Evans, Samuel Atherton, William Ewen Jr., John Blakeslee, Dalton Blake, Jacob Barrows, Abel Moore. 1821. Oliver P. Brooks 1822. John Blakeslee 1823. Oliver P. Brooks, John Tenney, George Carleton, James B. Sumner, John C. Fletcher, Thomas Davis, Joel Crandall, Dalton Blake, William Ewan. 1826. Paul Cushman, Oliver P. Brooks 1827. John Blakslee, John Tenney, Hiram Moore 1829. Asa Taylor, B. Brooks Jr 1830. O.P. Brooks 1834. James B. Sumner 1837. Jas. B. Sumner, Benjamin Brooks Jr., Benjamin Fay 1838. Jas. B. Sumner, Amos Parker, Benjamin Brooks Jr., O.P. Brooks, John Young, B. Fay, John Bond, Samuel Atherton, Moses Buck, John Blakslee, Chester Hurlbutt, Oliver Ewenn, Dexter Newton, J.B. Sumner, Asa Taylor, John Tenney, E. Crane 1839. William B. Crane 1842. William Ewen [more information included in original document, not included here]. ***EARLY BIRTHS*** The first birth in Dalton was Bathsheba, daughter of Moses and Lucy Blake, born March 16, 1785. Ruth, daughter of Moses and Lucy Blake was born February 15, 1787. It is stated in the "Gazeteer of New Hampshire" 1821, and by others since, that the first white male child born in Dalton was Dalton, son of Moses and Lucy Blake, who on this account was granted 100 acres of land. His birth occurred March 21, 1789 [Nahum Blake denies this, and says the first male child was Aaron Bloss]. Abigail, daughter of Joshua and Esther Whitney was born July 15, 1788. John Whitney, son of the same parents was born September 12, 1792. Joshua Whitney Jr., son of Joshua and Electa Whitney was born November 11, 1795. Obadiah, son of the same, was born April 6, 1799. George Whitney, son of the same, was born February 13 1800. Sally, daughter of the same, born March 30, 1803. Nahum, son of Joel and Hannah Crandal, was born April 25, 1801. Eliza, daughter of Joel and Susanna Crandal was born March 30, 1808. Robert B., son of the same, July 4, 1809. Hannah Bailey, daughter of Amos and Hannah Kidder, was born October 14, 1803. Adeline, daughter of Amos and Susanna Kidder was born November 2, 1806. Amos Kidder Jr. was born October 15, 1808. Robert and Polly Crane's daughter Juliana, was born November 8, 1804. Maryan, daughter of the same parents was born August 4, 1806. Edward L., their son was born November 1, 1808. Robert Crane Jr. was born July 29, 1810. Calvin, son of Tristram and Polly Cheney was born December 23, 1806. Clarissa, their daughter, was born April 4, 1809. Curtis, another son, was born July 14, 1811. Nahum, son of Dalton and Deborah Blake, was born December 2, 1811. Sarah, daughter of the above was born July 2 1813. Moses, son of William and Rhoda Crane, was born March 2, 1803. Patty, their daughter was born August 2, 1805. Otis, son of William and Rhoda Crane, born April 17, 1807. Viana, daughter of the above, born November 12, 1801. Lydia, daughter of same, born May 6, 1804. Ona Crain, son of Nahum and Lydia, born November 26, 1806. Willard H. born August 6, 1808. Mary Ann, daughter of William Ewen Jr. and Ruth his wife, was born December 11, 1808. Edward Ewen, son of the same was born March 8, 1810. Abigail, daughter of Edwards and Milly Whipple, born May 11, 1802. Matthew W., their son, born October 23, 1803. Benjamin, son of Edwards and Milly Whipple, December 11, 1804. Louisa, daughter of the same May 26, 1806, and Mary, August 2, 1808. Louis, son of Louis and Polly Buck, was born December 25, 1807. Mary Ann, their daughter was born September 4, 1809. Lyman F., son of Jonathan and Rebecca Fisher, was born March 29, 1808. Christopher was born September 1809. Aaron, son of Thomas and Eunice Fisher was born October 18, 1806. Olivet, daughter born December 25, 1807. Nathaniel Atherton, son of Samuel was born May 9, 1809 EARLY MARRIAGES --From town records: "This may certify that Mr. Justis Stephen and Miss Lydia Barrows both of Dalton were this day joined in marriage by me Tristram Cheney-- Justis of Piece, Dalton, Nov. 22, 1810." "This may Certify that John Blakslee and Bathsheba Blake, was solemnized in marriage by me this seventh day of April, A.D. 1814 in the Town of Dalton County & State aforesaid. 'Jonas Baker Justice of Peace.'" **EARLY RESIDENTS**--We copy from the town records the list of taxable inhabitants for the year 1809, preserving the original spelling-- "Samuel Atherton, Moses Blake, John Blakslee, Jacob Barrows, Nathaniel Brown, Jared Barker, Urial Barrows, Paul Cushman, Joel Crandal, William Crain, John Crain, Robert Crain, Trustrim Cheny, John Crandal, Michael Coner, Moses Buck, William Ewan Seign., Wlliam Ewen Jr., Asher Evens, Abraham Frisbee, Peter Fuller, Thomas Fisher, Jonathan Fisher, Roswell Evans, Solomon McGun, David Hall, Amos Kidder, Benjamin Kent, Eber Miller, Isaac Osgood, Levi Osgood, Joel Sartwell, Austine Skinner, John Snow Seignor, John Snow Jr., Joseph Streetor, edward Reid, Joshua Whitney, Edwards Whipple, William Wallace, Henry Philbrook, Richard Tailor, Spaarvel Tailor, Justus Stevens, William Loud." **EAR-MARKS** The scarcity of cleared pasture land or woodland under fence made it necessary for the early settlers to have some means of identifying their sheep which ran at large. This was done by ear-marks recorded in the town clerks' office. July 15, 1809, Robert Crain records his earmark... February 17, 1810 Joshua Whitney's ear- mark is recorded... March 13, 1810 Joseph Streeter's earmark is recorded... March 12, 1811, Moses Blake's earmark is recorded; In 1811 Amos Kidder records his.... In 1813 Benjamin Kent records his... in 1815 Nathaniel Hurlbutt records his; in 1827 Chester Hurtlbutt records his.. [details of these ear-marks are in the original document but not included here.] **EARLY MERCHANTS** Oliver P. Brooks was probably the first trader. He was inventoried in 1819 three hundred dollars on his stock in trade. James B. Sumner & Co. (Asa Taylor) were in trade in 1823 with a large stock of goods for the time, and were inventoried $1,500 stock in trade. Benjamin Fay was inventoried in 1833 at $500 stock in trade. The same year Moses Blakslee had $1,400 stock in trade. Linus Blakslee was in trade in 1840; Moses Blakslee & Co in 1841 with $1,200 in stock. DALTON in 1821--Adino N. Brackett writes thus in 1821. The description of the town applies to-day as well as then: "Dalton is a post-town situated on the bank of the Connecticut river directly below Lancaster, by which it is bounded on the northeast in part, and part by Whitefield, southerly by Bethlehem, southwesterly by Littleton, and north and northwesterly by the Connecticut river. The 'fifteen-mile falls' commence in Dalton, and roar and tumble along the northwest border, not of Dalton only, but of Littleton and Lyman. Besides the Connecticut, this town is watered by John's river. Its course is nearly northwest, and from its source in Pond-i-cherry pond, it runs through Whitefield and Dalton, and falls into the Connecticut sixty rods above the head of the fifteen-mile falls. The western and southern part of Dalton is high, hilly land, covered with a thick growth of maple, birch, beech, ash, some hemlock, and spruce. Along the banks of John's river the majestic white pine abounds. [A remark may here be made which applies to the whole country east of Bath and west of the White Mountains, that the pitch pine is not to be found, as it has long since been cut into lumber]. The soil is deep on the high lands, and well adapted to grazing; some if it, particularly the pine land is sandy, and of easy cultivation after the pine roots are destroyed. Dalton is divided into two school districts, in both of which there are convenient and well-finished school-houses. They have also two saw and grist-mills in town, and a fulling-mill. One of the saw and grist-mills stands on the Connecticut river near the head of the falls. A pond at the southeast corner of Dalton, and the only one in town, bears the name of Blake's pond. Moses Blake was a famous hunter, and the moose, which in the early days frequented this pond in the summer, often fell by his accurate shots. He often related this anecdote: He and Capt. afterward Brigadier-General BUcknam, of Lancaster, on a small bet fired at a mark on one of their hunting excursions. Bucknam fired first and made an excellent shot, cutting near the center of a mark not bigger than a dollar at the distance of twenty rods. Blake fired, and on going to the tree no mark of his ball could be seen. On this, Bucknam exulted excessively. 'Cut out your ball,' says Blake, 'and you'll find mine o' top of't.' The operation being done, the feat turned out as Blake had predicted. Both were men of truth, and I have heard the feat verified by both." **EARLY INN-KEEPERS**--Among the first tavern keepers after Blake was Edward Reid, licensed November 12, 1808 "to keep a tavern and Execute the duties of a tavern-keeper within the Town of Dalton one year from and fater this date," and "to sell spiritous liquors of all kinds," according to an act for the regulation of licensed houses. Joshua Whitney was also an inn-holder the same year, and the town meetings were often held at his house. Capt. Paul Cushman kept a house for the entertainment of travellers in 1810. In 1819 and 1820 Capt. Benjamin Brooks was licensed and permitted to keep a tavern, and to sell and dispose of spiritous liquors according to law, he being a person of sober life and conversation suitably qualified for a tavern-keeper. In 1841 the "Brooks Inn" had passed into non-resident ownership. In 1845 Willard G. Cushman is licensed as a taverner. *ROADS* The road from the mouth of John's river to Whitefield was not laid out until January 6, 1816, when it was located by the selectmen in pursuance of a petition signed by Robert Hare, Edward Reid, Joel Crandal and Jacob Barrows. In 1832 James B. Sumner erected a bridge across the Connecticut river on nearly the same spot where the railroad bridge now crosses the river. Not until 1836 does the inventory of the town mention any carriages for taxation; when James B. Sumner and Benjamin Fay are owners each of two carriages; Aaron Fisk of one "Jig"' O.P. Brooks, Benjamin Brooks, W.G. Cushman of one chaise each. Nahum Blake says the only mills in town at his earliest recollection were cushman's saw and grist-mill, and Nathan Wilder's fulling-mill a little below Cushman's. An old saw and grist-mill was standing at the head of Fiften-mile falls. The dam had been carried away. This was built by Hare and Murray. The Sumner Co., repaired these mills, built a stone dam, which caused back water and occasioned much litigation, and these mills were destroyed and a new saw-mill put up which was in operation in 1859 (This mill was burned and never rebuilt). Joel Fay had a saw-mill on the Wallace brook, afterwards owned by Lorenzo Fisher. Two saw-mills were on John's river near Whitefield, one erected by a Rev. Mr. Chase, the other probably by a Mr. Brown. A saw mill was built on Sabbattis brook by one Richardson, which was afterwards owned by Jonathan Scott. ***RESIDENT'S NAMES in 1849*** Atherton: Samuel, William, Jonathan Aldrich: Elisha Bacon: Henry Baker: Elijah Ballou: Aaron Baly: James Bede: William, David Beede: William Blake: Dalton, Paschat Blakslee: John, John Jr., Linus Bolls: Obed, Arnold, Lewis, James Bond: John, Lucius, Julius Brewster: Benjamin Brock: James Brooks: Benjamin, Oliver P., Oliver M., Alvin Brown: John, George Brownson: Jonathan Jr. Buck: Moses Bunnel: Horatio N. Burnham: -- Buswell: Francis Carpenter: G.W. Carson: Marvin Carter: Jeremiah M., John Clark: George P. Cram: John Crane: ono, Wm. B., Nahum, Ebenezer Crouch: John Colby: Asa, Moses Cushman: Paul, Elisha, Willard G., Horace Dean: Wm. P. Dodge: Elijah Dunsmore: Fred W., Charles Edmands: Aaron, Charles W. Elliot: Warren, Foster Ewen: William, Wm Jr., Oliver D., Edward, Daniel, James H., Moses H. Farr: Lorenzo, Alba, Norman Fay: Benjamin Fisher: Lorenzo D. Fisk: Charles Fuller: Thomas Gaskell: Samuel Griswuld: Elam Gordon: Charles C. George: William Harriman: Moses, Moses Jr., Ira C., William Holmes: Edmund How: Eben, Michael Howland: Washington W. Hunter: John Hurlbutt: Chester, Samuel, Edmund, Joseph Jr., Chester J. Johnson: Arasmus Ladd: Hiram, Hanibal E. Lang: Andrew Leighton: Liberty Lewis: Civilian Locke: Elbridge G. Loud: Benjamin Lowd: George Montgomery: John C. Moore: John C., John Miller: Roswell, Willard Newton: Dexter Noble: Alanson Parker: Amos, Reuben J., Isaac, Thomas, Charles Perkins: Jubesh L. Phillips: Nathan Quimby: Joshua, Obed, Ira Rix: Hale Jr., Hale, Jona C., Moses H. Rounsvell: Elle Jr., Joseph, Holmes Ruggles: Samuel Russell: Oliver Sartwell: Roswell Savage: Roswell, Sylvester Scott: Nathaniel P., Jonathan Smith: Thomas Somers: John, Edwin B. Steavens: Jeremiah M. Straw: Willis Sumner: Alex W. Taylor: Asa, Robert, Amos Tenney: John Titus: Asher Underwood: Jesse Walker: Caleb Wallace: Asahel, George Weare: Daniel C. White: Nelson Wilder: Nathan, Nathan II Woodward: Isiah A. Wormwood: John Whitney: Charles Wilson: William Young: Samuel ***MINES** Several attempts have been made to mine the copper which is found in several parts of the town. On the hill above Scott's still are the buildings covering a shaft which was sunk seventy or eighty feet dep but a few years ago. Nothing remunerative has followed the labor, and probably neither the copper, gold, silver or lead that may exist in the hills will ever ben one-tenth as profitable as the growth of the proeductive farms. Some of the best farms in the country are to be found on Dalton hills. It would be impossible to name all in a work of this character, but we should not fail to mention Lucius Bond, who has not only a fine farm, but has been for long years one of the leading, solid men of this section; the Aldrich Brothers who are developing a farm that would be a credit to any town in the state; Preston J. Ruggles, the veteran hop-raiser who shows the skill of the true farmer. The Blakslee farm is also an old and noted one in a picturesque location. N.P. Scott with his productive farm at the railroad station bearing his name, must not be forgotten. **WAR OF THE REBELLION** - Civil War. The original document mentions the spending of money and setting up of committees for this effort, however since no individuals who enlisted or were drafted from the town are included, it is not included here. ***MURDER*** In March 1877, J.G. Kimball murdered his wife, for which crime he was sentenced to thirty years imprisonment at hard labor in the State's prison. **PHYSICIANS** The following sons of Dalton became physicians: Dr. N.H. Scott, Dr. James B. Sumner Jr., Dr. Edward Farr, Dr. William Gordon (dec.), Dr. Harry Hildreth. **BRIEF PERSONAL SKETCHES** --JOHN BLAKESLEE SR.-- came to Dalton from North Haven, Conn., in 1797, and deeded in 1801 the farm where his son John Blakeslee now lives, and resided there ever after -- sixty-four years. This is truly a pleasant place and a sightly. Mr. Blakeslee married, first, Sally Blake, second Bathsehba Blake. Both were daughters of Moses Blake, the pioneer. Mr. Blakslee died in 1872, in his ninety-fifth year. The present owner, John Blakeslee Jr. is now in his seventy-fifth year, the oldest male resident born in Dalton. --JOHN TENNEY-- came from Alstead N.H. in March 1820, with his wife Sophia, and two daughters. He settled on the next farm to Mr. Blakslee (now a beautiful and productive place, and owned by the Aldrich brothers,) and died there aged seventy-six. His daughter, Lucy Ann, married John Blakeslee Jr. His son, Asa W. Tenney, is a leading lawyer of New York city, has been United States attorney, and is a prominent Republic politician and speaker. --WILLIAM WALLACE-- was an early settler, coming to Dalton in 1798, and rolled up his log-cabin on what was afterward known as the "Old Wallace Place." His two sons were Ira and Asahel, who were residents or Dalton until their death. They were useful, industrious men. Ira married Keziah Southwick, a native of Massachusetts. Mr. Wallace was a Christian, and an earnest worker in the church. His wife was a thoroughly good woman and a practical housewife. She died in 1875. Of their children only one is now in Dalton--Deacon George Wallace. He lives on the farm where his parents commenced their married life; he inherits the sterling virtues of his sturdy ancestors, and is much esteemed by his townsmen. --JOHN CRANE-- came to Dalton from Richmond in 1798, and was a school teacher for many years. Nahum Crane built a saw-mill on the Valley brook, and later a wood-working shop. William Crane came in 1800 and was a cooper. Ebenezer Crane was an early settler, coming to Dalton in 1818. He resided here nearly fifty years, dying in 1867. He cleared land, laid foundations for houses, barns, bridges, and was an energetic worker. He owned and carried on three farms for years. He married, January 19, 1822, Rebecca G. Russel, of Dublin, N.H. who survives him, and with her daughter, Miss M.E. Crane, resides on the "Crane farm." --REV. SAMUEL HUDSON PARTRIDGE-- born in Dalton, was a faithful minister of the gospel. He labored in New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine and the Provinces. He died in Greenfield May 1884, aged fifty-six years. --ANDREW LANG-- a native of Barnet, Vt., came to Dalton in 1836. His wife was Eliza Scott, of Richmond. They have been residents here now for over half a century, and celebrated his golden wedding in 1885. He is now the station agent, is active for his years, and has been a valuable citizen. His son, J.M. Lang, has been quite prominent in town affairs, has held numerous official positions, and has been country treasurer. His daughter, Mrs. M.E. Britton, resides in town. --JONATHAN SCOTT-- a native of Richmond, came here in 1835. His wife was daughter of Rev. Nathaniel Bowles. His only son, Nathaniel married Margaret Harriman and resides on the old homestead at Scott's station. He is an enterprising farmer and a survival of the quaint honest Yankee of a generation ago. He has a son, who is a physician. --JACOB BARROWS-- came in 1806 from Hanover, it is said, and built a pottery quite early. This was located near where Bert A. Taylor's store and the church now stand. He cleared up a farm, drew a pension for services in the Revolution, but had not the faculty of acquiring worldly weath. In the better riches of religious faith and enjoyment he was opulent, and his was one of the earliest houses opened for religious exercises in the town. In later life he moved to Vermont. Urial Barrows, son of Jacob, came with his father, and was an energetic clearer of land for many years--an untiring worker. --JONATHAN FISHER-- probably a native of Alstead or Unity, came in 1800, and purchased a lot on which some clearing had been done, and developed a fine farm. It is said that he brought to bearing the first orchard in a large area. Thomas, a son of Jonathan, was here in 1809. He was a stone-cutter, and combined his trade with developing his farm (a part of his father's). Jonathan Jr., occupied another part of this farm after his father's death. In 1821 ALVIN & ASA TAYLOR, DAVID SUMNER, JAMES B. SUMNER and three others purchased all the then unsold land from Messrs. Clark, Hare, Murray & Co., and James B. Sumner and Asa Taylor became residents and exerted for years a powerful influence upon the town. Mr. Sumner engaged extensively in lumbering, purchased large tracts of pine and spruce land, did business on a grand scale, built mills, stores, the large Sumner House, a summer hotel, a toll-bridge across the Connecticut on the location of the present railroad bridge, controlled largely the policy and politics of the town, and, when he died, his estate was found to be hopelessly insolvent, and many were seriously injured financially by their connection with him. The high taxes paid in Dalton are a constant reminder of his sway, and a legacy of his financial policy. The first Sumner House was burned, and soon rebuilt more expensively, and is now rapidly going to decay, only inhabited by strolling impeunious people who take temporary lodgment there. He, at one time, constructed a small steamer to run to Lancaster on the Connecticut which only made one trip. --LORENZO FARR-- was a resident of Dalton from his youth, lived for the most of the time on the farm where he died November 25, 1884. He was a highly esteemed and much respected citizen, and held many offices within the gift of his townsmen. --THE BROOKS FAMILY-- was a prominent and useful one in town for many years. CAPT. BENJAMIN BROOKS and his son Benjamin were often in official positions. THey were inn-keepers, proprietors of stage routes, and Benjamin Brooks Jr. served many years consecutively as town clerk, treasurer, grand and petit juror, etc. etc. Oliver P. Brooks also held numerous positions of honor and trust, which were faithfully discharged. He was a candidate for state senator in 1832. --HORAcE cUSHMAN-- son of Parker Cushman who was born in Charlestown, N.H. January 3, 1773, and died at North Littleton, in 1873, aged 100 years and five months, was born in 1802, spent his early life in Littleton. He married first, Abigail Oakes; second, Phebe Williams. He resided a few years in the south part of Lancaster near "Scotts." Nearly fifty years ago he removed to Dalton and settled upon what was their home until his death in 1886. Mr. Cushman was a good citizen, a man of mark, extensively known and respected. Of his children were Edward F., Eliza A. (Mrs. Brooks), matron of the Home of the Young WOmen's Christian Association, Boston Mass.; Charles M. (deceased); Mary M., wife of James D. Harriman, M.D. of Hudson, Mass.; and Cornelius J., of Dalton. --JOHN LADD-- first selectman of Unity, N.H. was father of Hiram Ladd, who was born in Unity, August 19, 1800, and married Aurelia Palmer, of Castleton, Vt., (born February 1, 1804). February 1, 1827, and in the summer they moved to Dalton, where Mr. Ladd built the house near the Whitefield depot, occupied now by Thomas Ruggles. The whole region between the house and the mountain was a wildnerness. Mr. Ladd had a farm of 300 acres and also engaged in merchandising. After a few years he exchanged his place for one covering the site where the decaying "Sumner Mansion" now stands. His children were Hannibal E., William S., Mary, Lucy, and Kate G. Mrs. Ladd was a very domestic woman, always at home, and a hard worker, spinning and weaving the cloth for her whole family's winter outfit; yet she found time for reading all that came in her way, kept ahead of her children in astronomy, geology, natural philosophy and chemistry, and was a most agreeable and intelligent conversationalist. She died in 1858. Mrs. Ladd's mother was a Bowling, of Scotch descent, a woman of extended information in history and literature. Her brother, Dr. Palmer, a celebrated chemist, was the founder of Castleton (vt.) Medical college. Mr. Ladd was a Methodist in religious belief, Democrat in politics; served as justice of the peace and selectman in Dalton, was social, a good neighbor and stood high in the esteem of the people for his good strong judgement. He died in 1871. His three daughters all take a prominent position in society. Mary (Mrs. George N. Abbott, of Newbury, Vt.) is a lady of culture, artistic tastes, and a ready writers. Lucy (Mrs. George W. Stratton) has the advantages of many years' residence in Europe, where she is now. Her husband, an importer of musical instruments, went to Europe in 1871 in the interest of his business, and she accompanies him, visiting America but once since. She has had exceptional opportunities, and possesses the ability to profit by them. She has written the librettos for several operettas. "Laila," "Genevieve," and "The Fairy Grotto" have been published and are well known. While in London she did some missionary work among the London poor--not without success. She is an easy, fluent writer. Kate (Mrs. William Barry Smith, of Erie, Pa.) is one of the most active missionary women, and is corresponding secretary for forty churches. Hannibal E., is an extensive farmer, resides near Erie, Pa. William S. is a lawyer [See Bench and Bar]. --BERT A. TAYLOR-- the present member of the legislature, is one of Coos county's live men. He is a merchant, and for so young a man (forty-five years) has been much in town office, as school superintendent, clerk, treasurer, postmaster, selectman, representative, and member of Constitutional convention of 1876. He has filled each position with wise judgement and creditably. ***ECCLESIASTICAL - Church Organization*** The Congregational Church was first officially considered on April 25, 1816 (according to a document). On April 27, 1816 some inhabitants met at the dwelling house of Capt. Benjamin Brooks, for further action as to the organization. They invited Rev. Samuel Goddard, of Concord Vt to meet with them. Some of the interested citizens included Abel Moore, Benjamin Brooks, Oliver P. Brooks, John Putnma, Polly Brooks, Anna Moore, Mercy Wilder, Lydia Brooks and Vina Moore. On Sabbath, April 28, 1816 the above named candidates for church membership met, and the Rev. Samuel Goodard conducted devotional services. Soon after Dalton Blake and his wife, Deborah Blake were added along with Lucy B., widow of Moses Blake, and Daniel Clark. (in Feb of 1818). In May 1820 more were added: Joel Fay, Betsey Fay, Maria Moore and Louisa Moore. In July 1821 were received Rhoda Crane, Persis Brooks, Rachel Crandal and Mary Wallace. In March 1822 Willard Harding, Polly Harding, and Joel Crandel; in April 1824, Mary D. Brooks, Philemon Ruggles and Eliza Ruggles. On May 19, 1829, Mary Fay, Lewis Partridge and Eliza Fay. In 1830, Sophia Tenney. The First Congregational church and society was legally organized June 25, 1828. This group met in March 1830 at the inn of Benjamin Brooks, in Dalton, and voted to erect a meeting house. This meeting house was constructed, and was occupied, in an unfinished state for several years, with benches early serving as pews. At the end of 1840 the following names were added as members: Joanna Fay, Hannah Brooks, Thaddeus Metcalf, Almira Metcalf, Abigail C. Blake, Ruth Holmes, Betsey Partridge, Nathan Wilder, Lydia Wilder, Mary P. Brooks, Thomas Dean, Lucy Dean, Ezra Livermore, Betsey Livermore, John Tenney, George Loud, John Brown, Abigail Blake, L. Pamelia Brooks, Harriet Newell Brooks, Lucy G. Barker, Louisa Barker, Emily Tenney, Lucy Ann Tenney, Mary A. Hutchinson, Almira Banfield, Esther S. Sumner, Edmund Holmes, Louisa F. Rix, Emily Metcalf, and Thaddeus Metcalf. [more information in original document not included here] Joel Crandell, as is supposed, was the first deacon, but the date of his election is not known. In 1825 he left the church and joined the Methodists. Joel Fay is supposed to have succeeded Deacon Crandell, the date of the election not known. He was dismissed and went to Peterboro in 1848. [more info not included here] Ministers: 1816. Church formed by Rev. Mr. Goddard; 1817. Rev. Drury Fairbank of Littleton supplied occasionally from 1821-1829; 1830. Rev. Luke A. Spofford of Lancaster supplied one fourth of the time at Dalton, two years and through his efforts and influence the building of a meeting house commenced; 1833-35. Rev. William Hutchinson preached here during where time there was a revival and a goodly number united with the church. WHile here, in Sept 1835, his beloved wife, Mary A. Hutchinson died, aged 33 years; 1836-1837. Rev. Edward Buckston preached several months; 1838. Rev. Horace Wood came in the fall and preached several Sabbaths. 1839. Mr. Wood was installed pastor of this Church by an Ecclesiastical Council. [more information in original document not included here]. **MEETING HOUSE**-- The church has a comfortable place of worship. It is the same that was begun in 1830, the only meeting-house ever built in town, but which has from time to time undergone radical changes and improvements. At first, and for nearly fifty years, it was without vestibule, belfy or steeple. Originally all the pews faced the doors, the pulpit was between the doors, and very high, and the orchestra very spacious, extending entirely across the rear of the house. But during Mr. Blake's ministry [Rev. Charles E. Blake] probably in 1854, the pulpit was lowered to a more suitable position, and a sort of altar built about and in front of it; the orchestra so changed as to extend only to the aisles, or as far as the length of the body pews, and new pews took the place before occupied by the extremes of the orchestra. The house in the estimation of many was greatly improved, and thus it remained for more than twenty years, till in 1875, during Mr. A.E. Hall's ministry, another change was made; all the pews were taken up and turned so as to face the orchestra at the rear of the house, and a new pulpit set in front of the orchestra. But with a defective chimney and leaky stove-pipes, the house rapidly grew old, and further improvements were evidently much needed. Through continued and strenuous effort on the part of Rev. Mr. Stone during the year 1879, an addition of 12x26 feet was made to the front of the house for a vestibule, belfry and steeple. This gave space for a beautiful orchestra between the doors, and a new pulpit and pulpit platform took the place of the old orchestra. These changes gave room for a half dozen new pews. So, with a better arrangement of stove-pipes, new carpets throughout, newly-papered walls, and new arras upon all the pews, new windows, new belfry, steeple, and weather vane, the house presented a very comely appearance without and within. [more information in original document not included here]. Parsonage--Though the present parsonage is not the first, it is decidedly the best and most convenient home for a minister this church and society ever owned. It was secured by a movement of the Ladies' Social Circle in 1872... **METHODISM**--Extracts from Abel Steven's "Memorials of the Early Progress of Methodism in the Eastern States:"-- "Methodism was early introduced into Dalton from Lunenburg. The first Methodist in Dalton was Jacob Barrows. He became an exhorter and held meetings in his house. A class was formed soon after he came. In 1803 Elijah Willard, from Lunenburg, preached in Dalton. E. Wells, a local preacher, visited it about the same time. The next year Joel Winch preached at Mr. Nichols's in the lower part of Dalton, and at Mr. Barrows's. Not far from the same time, Mr. Buffington, a local preacher from Lunenburg, also preached here. The first regular Methodist preaching was about 1805, when Susanna Braden married a Crandall and moved into town. Her father, an old Irish Methodist, soon came, and died in 1812-13. Rev. Joseph Lull preached his funeral sermon, and he was regretted as one of the lay-founders of Methodism in Vermont. The first quarterly meeting was held at the Brooks tavern. Solomon Langdon was the circuit preacher... 'Lunenburg Circuit' including both sides of the Connecticut valley from Lunenburg to the 'Boundary Line," was formed about 1815." There was once a Methodist church in Dalton, but the date of its organization is not known. We learn that as early as 1825 Deacon Crandall left the Congregational church and joined the Methodists. For some time the Methodist church was in membership about equal to the Congregational church. THey never had a meeting-house, and did not long sustain (regularly) public worship; at length it became very feeble, and about the years 1875 and 1876, some who had been its members, and others who were connected with Methodist families, united with the Congregational church, and the Methodist church is regarded as extinct... ***CIVIL LIST*** (Representatives, Selectmen, Town Clerks) 1808. Amos Kidder served after the death of Agrippa Warren, John Blakslee, Paul Cushman, selectmen; Agrippa Warren, Joel Crandal, clerks. 1809. Moses Blake, Nathaniel Brown, Joel Crandal, selectmen; Joel Crandal, clerk; Capt. Lot Woodbury, representative. 1810. Edward Reid, John Blakslee, Amos Kidder, selectmen; Joel Crandal, clerk; Edward Reid, treasurer. 1811. Amos Kidder, Levi Osgood, Jared Barker, selectmen; Amos Kidder, clerk and treasurer. 1812. Amos Kidder, Joel Crandal, John Blakslee, selectmen; Amos Kidder, clerk and treasurer. 1813. Amos Kidder, John Blakslee, Nathan Wilder, selectmen; Aaron Edmands, clerk; Edward Reid, treasurer. 1814. Joel Crandal, Paul Cushman, Dalton Blake, selectmen; Edward Reid, clerk and treasurer. 1815. Paul Cushman, Benjamin Brooks, Aaron Edmands, selectmen; Benjamin Brooks, clerk, Aaron Edmands, treasurer. 1816. Aaron Edmands, William Ewen Jr., Oliver P. Brooks, selectmen; Aaron Edmands, clerk; Benjamin Brooks treasurer; Paul Cushman, representative. 1817. Aaron Edmands, Joel Crandal, Paul Cushman, selectmen; Aaron Edmands, clerk; Benjamin Brooks, treasurer. 1818. Aaron Edmands, Joel Crandal, Ebenezer Rix, selectmen; Aaron Edmans, clerk; Benjamin Brooks, treasurer. 1819. Aaron Edmands, Ebenezer Rix, Abel Moore, selectmen; Elisha Cashman, clerk; Capt. Benjamin Brooks, treasurer; Paul Cushman, representative. 1820. Ebenezer Rix, Joel Crandal, Abel Moore, selectmen; Elisha Cashman, clerk, Capt. Benjamin Brooks, treasurer. 1821. Ebenezer Rix, John Blakslee, Joel Crandal, selectmen; Elisha Cashman, clerk, Capt. Benjamin Brooks, treasurer. 1822. Ebenezer Rix, John Blakslee, Joel Crandal, selectmen; Benjamin Brooks Jr., clerk; Capt. Benjamin Brooks treasurer; Ebenezer Rix representative. 1823. Ebenezer Rix, Aaron Edmands, Abel Moore, selectmen; Benj. Brooks Jr. clerk, Capt. Benjamin Brooks, treasurer. 1824. Joel Crandal, Ebenezer Rix, Oliver P. Brooks, selectmen; Benj. Brooks Jr., clerk; Capt. Benjamin Brooks, treasurer. 1825. Ebenezer Rix, Abel Moore, Aaron Demands, selectmen; Benj. Brooks Jr., clerk and treasurer; Ebenezer Rix, representative. 1826. Joel Crandal, Oliver P. Brooks, Aaron Ballon, selectmen; Benj. Brooks Jr. clerk and treasurer. [more info, years 1827-1887 in original documents, not included here]. (end) page 527