HISTORY OF STRATFORD, COOS COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE
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History of Coös County, New Hampshire by George Drew Merrill; Syracuse 
N.Y.: W.A. Fergusson & Co., 1888, 1888, 1018 pgs.
page 744

STRATFORD
---
In the extreme western part of Massachusetts, in Berkshire county,
at the foot of Saddle mountain, rises the Housatonic river.  The
Indian name, "Potatuck," signifies "the river with many falls."
This river runs nearly south to Dover and New Milford, Conn., then
turning sharply to the southeast, flows to the sound through Litchfield
and Fairfield counties.  In nearly the central part of Connecticut,
measuring north and south, and about twenty miles east of the
Housatonic, rises the Naugatuck, a smaller river, which makes its way
to the sound in almost a southern course.  Midway between these rivers
and about thirty miles from the sound, is situated the township of
Woodbury, while on the shore of the sound, at the confluence of these
streams, is the ancient territory called "Old Stratford."  From these
townships in the "land of steady habits" came the first inhabitants
of what is now Stratford, N.H.

This town was first incorporated as WOODBURY, and at least forty of
the sixty-three proprietors were residents of Woodbury, Conn; while
of the seventy-two proprietors of the later town of Stratford,
thirty-two at least were residents of "Old Stratford."  "Old Stratford"
was settled in 1639 by a company formed by Rev. Adam Blakeman,
at Wethersfield, and was the seventh planation in the Connecticut
colony within the limits of the present state.  In a fence-list,
published as early as 1651, the names of Wells, Judson, Curtis and
Beardsley appear; beyond question they were the progenitors of the
settlers of those names in Stratford.

WOODBURY was chartered June 30, 1762 by Gov. Benning Wentworth. It
contained 23,040 acres, allowance of 1,040 acres being made for
highways and unimprovable lands.  It was bounded thus:--
"Beginning at a Tree, marked, standing on the Easterly side of
COnnecticut river at a place called the Upper Coos, and at the
North-westerly corner Bound of Stonington, thence Running up
North-easterly as the said river trends, till the contents of Six
Miles upon a straight line be accomplished, thence carrying that
breadth of six miles back south-easterly so far as that a Parallel
line with the Straight Line aforesaid will make the contents of
Six miles square.
 NAME OF GRANTEES--Those marked W are from Woodbury, Conn.  
John Prindle, Israel Beardsley, Matt Mallett, Joseph Trowbridge, w,
Benjamin Bunnell, Sam Brownson, w, Ebenezer Strong, w, Ebenezer Doun,
w, Ebenezer Hinman, w, William Rowland, w., Ebenezer Brownson, w,
Sam Wheeler, Gideon Johnson, w, Isaac Stiles Jr., w, Gideon Porter,
w., Gideon Hinman, w., Abijah Tambling, w, Thaddeus Curtis, 
John Johnson, w, Justice Doyle, Elijah Hinman, w, Agur Tomlinson,
Amos Hickok, w, Francis Hinman, w, Daniel Smith, w, Aaron Doun, w,
Jacob Glaser, w, Gideon Tuttle, w., John Garritt, w, Ichabod Tuttle,
w, David Johnson, w, Jacob Meek, w, Huthuit Tuttle, w, Gideon Bristol,
w, Seth Curtis, Peter Nichols, Timothy Osborn, w, Moses Johnson, w,
Hezekiah Porter, w, Eldad King, w, John Skeel, w, Bushnel Benedict,
w, David Munn, w, Eleazer Knowles, w, Stephen Brownson, w,
Abijah Hinman, w, Caleb Baldwin, Esq., Caleb Baldwin, 2d, 
Arthur Wooster, John Leavenworth, w, John Peck, Ant. Cole, w,
Asa Johnson, w, Israel Curtis, w, Sam. Jenner Jr., Justice Hickok,
Eli Demming, Ezra Demming, Samuel Averill, Lt. Joseph Wright,
Capt. Jonathan Carlton, Hon. Joseph Newmarch, James Newton, Esq.
William Temple.

None of these became identified with the settlement of Stratford.
The Elijah Hinman who came to Stratford was probably not the
innkeeper at old Woodbury who was a grantee of the new town.  We
cannot determine whether Ebenezer Strong, the Johnsons, Curtisses,
the Baldwins, and Nicholses were related to those who became
settlers here, but it is probable that they were.

The Woodbury charter was renewed; and, as early as 1772, settlements,
or rather "pitches" had been established, and people had come here.
We extract from the "Proprietors' Records" their action in reference
to the difficulty concerning the boundaries caused by the
"shoving-up" of Lancaster (see History of Lancaster for full account
and particulars) and also concerning the chartering of Stratford.
The first meeting of the proprietors of Woodbury was called by
Samuel Averill at the house of Elijah Hinman in Woodbury, Conn.,
August 11, 1762.  At the second meeting, "Gideon Tuttle, John
Garrett, and Eleazer Knowles were chosen as a committee to view and
survey the township of Woodbury lately granted in the Province of
New Hampshire, and to lay out said town, if they shall think it best
for the interest of the proprietors, and to bring back a true account
of the soil and situation of the land, and deliver it to the
proprietors' clerk by the first Monday of December next ensuing..."

No record of their report, nor of any other meeting can be found until
1773.  Nothing permanent towards setttling the new town had been
done.  Visits of prospecting were made, some "pitches" established,
and confusion had arisen about the south boundary; Northumberland,
claiming over one mile of the present territory of Stratford, and
up the river above the present homestead of Guy Burnside. These
difficulties and contentions led to the re-chartering of the
territory embracing Woodbury as Stratford.  Forty-two more transfers
of land in the new settlement are found in the records of the
Connecticut Woodbury; so, much has been done in allotting, if no
real improvement had been made.  No less than twenty-three of these
deeds are given by Samuel Averill, while quite a number of transfers
to him are recorded.  He operated largely in Woodbury lands as early
as 1767, twenty deeds from him being dated in that year.  One of
these is to Gov. John Wentworth, another to John Wendell, Esq., of
Portsmouth.  Many were given to residents of Stratford, Conn., and
this probably accounts for the change of the name to Stratford.

Records Transfers prior to 1772--Beach Tomlinson, of Stratford Conn.,
to Thomas Blodgett as a settlers; Hezekiah Burritt of same place to
Isaac Johnson as a settler; Agur Tomlinson of the same place to
Arehippus Blodgett, as a settler; Joseph Moss to Joseph Barlow;
Joshua Lamkin to Oliver Lamkin; Judson Burton to Timothy DeForest
as a settler; Asa Johnson of Woodbury, Conn., to Joseph Holbrook;
Thomas Olcott to Stephen Curtis (father of James, Aaron and William
Curtis) all of Stratford; Ebenezer Doun, of Woodbury, Conn., to
Elijah Hinman, consideration, two pounds; Samuel Wheeler to
ELijah Hinman, consideration five pounds; Samuel Averill to 
Jabez Baldwin.  Samuel Averill deeds to Isaiah Brown, father of
James Brown in 1767.

This establishes the fact that several had become settlers, in
anticipation if not yet in reality, before the issuing of the charter
of Stratford, and were residents here later.  Timothy DeForest, who
had conveyed a lot by Judson Burton, "as a settler," abandoned the
field, and did not perform the duty which was the consideration, 
and the sum of $10 in lawful money was paid to Mr. Burton by the
proprietors to make him whole.  The earliest deed preserved is dated
in 1763.  It is from Hezekiah Porter to Samuel Averill, showing that
the latter had commenced his purchases immediately after the
obtaining of the charter.

1773. The next meeting of which we have record was held March 31, 1773,
at Stratford, Conn....this was the last meeting of the proprietors
IN CONNECTICUT, the next being held at Portsmouth [NH] and  made
legal by request and warning, being dated at Woodbury NH April 21,
1773 and signed by Samuel Penhallow, J.P.  Notices of the meeting
were published in the New Hampshire Gazette.  At this meeting,
"Agur Tomlinson, John Wendell and Joseph Holbrook, or any two of them
were appointed a committee to defend all suits brought for trespass
on land claimed in Woodbury as belonged to Northumberland at the
expense of the proprietors."

Woodbury continued from June 30, 1762, until its charter was given
up May 26, 1773.  Few of the people of the county today are aware
of the existence of such a township.

Chapter LXXXVIII
The township of STRATFORD, containing seventy-one shares and
48,603 acres of land, more than double the size of Woodbury,
was chartered May 26, 1773 by John Wentworth [the boundaries shown
in the original document are not included here].

Grantees of Stratford with Number of Lot alloted by Survey of
1788--Perry Averill, 58; Capt. Moses Averill, 63; Samuel Averill, 53;
Samuel Averill Jr., 59; Heth Baldwin, 47; Jabez Baldwin, 18;
William Barker, 64; Joseph Barlow, 20; Joseph Bass, 16; Samuel Beard,
26; Capt. Isaiah Brown, 13; Samuel Beers, 7; Nathan Booth, 27;
George Boyd, Esq., 37; Nehemiah Curtis, 23; Samuel Curtis, 44;
Stephen Curtis, 10; Stephen Curtis Jr., 68; George Crague, 36;
Daniel Fowle, Esq., 51; William Gardiner, --; Richard Hart, 52;
Aaron Hinman, 15; Capt. Benjamin Hinman, 28; Elijah Hinman, 14;
Freeman Hinman, 21; John Holbrook Jr., 39; Joseph Holbrook, 17;
Joseph Holbrook Jr., 50; William Samuel Johnson, 43; Abner Judson,
8; Capt. Agur Judson, 5; Agur Judson Jr., 6; Capt. Daniel Judson, 22;
Daniel Judson Jr., 9; David Judson, 42; Stiles Judson, 32;
Judah Kellogg, 61; William King, 48; George Lewis, 54; Capt. Moses
Little, 56; George Marshall Jr., 66; Renold Marvin, Esq., 34;
Elisha Mills, --; David Munn, 19; Morgan Noble, 2; Benj. Parker, 49;
Joseph Seward, --; Jacob Sheafe Jr., 12; Stephen Sherman, 45;
Samuel Sherman, 36; Agur Tomlinson, 4; Beach Tomlinson, 30;
Hezekiah Tomlinson, 24; Capt. Joseph Tomlinson, 62; Stephen Tomlinson,
35; William Agur Tomlinson, 35; William Tomlinson, 9; Thomas Tousey,
55; Moses Welkston, 33; Joseph Wells, 31; Nathan Wells, 60;
John Wendell, Esq., 67; Joshua Wentworth, --; Col. Josiah Willard, 11;
Rev. Ezeriah Wetmore, 29; Arthur Wooster, 46; Ebenezer Wooster, 65;
Joseph Wooster 2d, 41; Thomas Wooster Jr, 57; Thomas Wooster 3d, 40.

Thirty of these were residents of "Old Stratford," and only five were
grantees of Woodbury, viz: Agur Tomlinson, Elijah Hinman, David Munn,
Arthur Wooster, and Samuel Averill.  The Baldwins were from Newtown;
William Barker from Norwich; the Hinmans and Holbrooks from Southbury;
David Munn from Woodbury; Morgan Noble from New Milford; Ebenezer and
Thomas Wooster Jr from Derby.  Jabez Baldwin, his son Heth, Joseph
Barlow, Elijah Hinman, Joseph and John Holbrook, were the only
grantees who became settlers of the new township. Capt. Isaiah Brown
sent his son James, and Isaac Johnson was perhaps son of William S.
Johnson.  James, Aaron, and William Curtis were sons of Stephen Curtis,
the grantee.

FIRST SETTLERS--At a proprietor's meeting held in December, 1772 it
was voted," TO pay those persons who did ye last summer proceeds to
settle and improve, and shall for the future so continue their
settlements, and improvements, viz: Joshua Lamkin, Archippus Blodgett,
James Brown, James Curtis, Isaac Johnson, Timothy DeForest, Benajah
Blackman, and John Smith, be paid, and do receive the sum of Three
Pounds lawful money each, for some reward for their extraordinary
trouble and expense in proceeding to settle and make improvements
the said last summer."

FIRST WOMAN SETTLERS--June 1, 1773, it was voted "that the sum of
Ten Dollars be paid by the Proprietors to Mrs. Barlow, wife of Joseph
Barlow, on account for the reason only that she hath proceeded with
her husband and family of children to Coos, our Township of
Stratford, and is the first woman that hath settled upon said 
Township."

CONTEST OF SKILL--Tradition states that Isaac Johnson and Archippus
Blodgett felled the first trees; each selecting a tree and trying to
cut his tree down first.  Mr. Johnson succeeded in getting his cut
before Mr. Blodgett and thus won the victory.  The grandson of this
Isaac Johnson, also named Isaac, now living in town, says that his
grandfather first "pitched" in Northumberland; so this contest may
have occurred there.

June 21, 1773 the proprietors voted to add James Curtis to the
committee for clearing roads.

Of these first settlers, all excepting two did good service in the
development of the town, and have descendants, doing credit to their
daring ancestors, resident here to-day.  Mr. DeForest is said in the
records "to have deserted the cause," and Blackman is heard of no
more [Benajah Blackman was a soldier from Colebrook in Capt. Young's
company in the Revolution].  
JOSEPH BARLOW had several children,
Abner, Nathan and Ephraim, and two daughters, one of whom, Sarah,
married JAMES CURTIS, one of the first party of settlers; Eunice,
another daughter, married JOSIAH BLODGETT.  Both have numerous
descendants.  
ISAAC JOHNSON came here several times, but did not 
bring his family to their new home until after the Revolution.

JOSHUA LAMKIN had four sons and four daughters, perhaps more.
His daughter Hannah married JAMES BROWN; another, Tryphena, married
HEZEKIAH FULLER; another, Polly, married ELIJAH BLODGETT.  Mr. Lamkin
lived on the Guy Burnside place, and when his daughter Betsey died
(the first death among the settlers) she was buried near her house
on the same lot. Joshua Lamkin lived to an old age.  While at his
son's residence in Brunswick, Vt., at the time of a freshet, he
rose in the night, went out the door, fell into the water and
was drowned.

ARCHIPPUS BLODGETT had a large family. He filled many important
offices.

JAMES CURTIS was much in public life, discharging all conferred
trusts with conceded ability.  JAMES BROWN was another strong man;
appointed to call the first town meeting, a military officer, and
commissary of the Stratford fort during the Revolution, he was always
prominent in town.  ISAAC JOHNSON was a useful and able citizen, 
and a leader in religious movements.

STRATFORD extends along the Connecticut river for a distance of ten
miles.  The interval varies from eighty rods to one mile in depth;
and is very fertile, producing fine crops of corn, oats, hay, etc.
The soil on the uplands is rocky, and more suitable for pasturage
than tillage.  The valley of the Connecticut is narrower here than
in most places, the hills crowded more closely to the stream, and
consequently making the location one of strategic importance in the
Indian warfare of the early days.  It is quite picturesque in its
scenery, and from the southeastern part of the town rise two
peculiar mountains, conical in shape, which attract attention a
long way off in coming from the south, being distinctly seen at
Dalton, thirty miles away.  They are called "Stratford or Percy
peaks."  The town is watered by the Connecticut river on its
western boundary; Nash's stream, which, running through the
southeastern part, empties into the Ammonoosuc, and Bog brook, a small
tributary of the Connecticut, in the western part.  It is a pleasant
town today with its productive valley farms and pleasant homes;
its railroads and its business interests conducted by enterprising and
energetic men; bit it was far different 115 years ago when the little
band of pioneers came from their homes and all the comforts and
luxuries of civilzation to encounter hardships of which their
descendants have but the faintest conception.

THE FIRST SETTLEMENTS were made on the meadows.  A few log houses,
the perfection of simplicity, were soon constructed, and the nucleus
for a town was established.  For some reason the settlers afterward
preferred the high lands along the river.  Joshua Lamkin settled on
Guy Burnside's meadow; next to him, Archippus Blodgett; then James,
Aaron, and William Curtis, Capt. John Holbrook and James Brown.
So the first permanent settlement in town located on the ground from
Guy Burnside's home to that of W.R. Brown.  The first road was
constructed along the meadow, but followed the settlement to the
high land.  One hundred and thirty miles from the seaboard, with only
a few settlements scattered along the greater part of the way, 
their salt, their iron, and other necessary articles of merchandise
must be brought upon the back of men and horses. For quiet a length
of time the nearest grist-mill was at Haverhill, sixty-five miles off.

PITCHES ALLOTTED--In December 1773, the proprietors appointed three
disinterested men as a committee to decide who, by doing their duty
as settlers, were entitled to their pitches.  They report the
following as legally made:--
  "Capt. Agur Judson, No. 5; William Thompson, No. 3; Capt. Samuel
  Beers, No. 1; Ezeriah Wetmore, No. 29; Capt. Agur Tomlinson, No. 4;
  David Judson, No 7; Capt. Agur Judson, No. 8; Agur Judson Jr., No.
  42; Ebenezer Wooster, No. 17; James Curtis, No. 9; Stephen Curtis,
  No. 10; Joseph Welkston, No. 31; Arthur Wooster and Jabish Baldwin,
   Nos. 18-47-48-49; Thomas Wooster, No. 6; Thomas and Joseph Wooster
  2d, Nos. 40 and 41; Joseph Holbrook, No. 12; Isaiah Brown, No. 13;
  Samuel Curtis, No. 11; Samuel Munn, No. 19; Sam. William Johnson,
  Esq., No. 43; Capt. David Judson, Nos. 22-25; Judson Burton, No. 30;
  Elijah Hinman, Nos. 14-15; Hezekiah Tomlinson, No. 24; Stiles Judson,
  No. 24.

EXTRACT OF PROPRIETORS RECORDS
From various town documents it is learned..
March 15, 1775 voted to any proprietor or person who would build
a saw and grist-mill within two years to grant him Bog Brook and
100 acres of land. (A mill was not built until 1776 by Ebenezer Perry
of Derby).

TOWN PLOT- May 14, 1776 voted that "James Brown, James Curtis,
John Holbrook, Joseph Barlow, Abel Hull, Josiah Walker, Archippus
Blodgett, be a committee to survey and lay out a Town Plot upon the
hill called "Meeting-House Hill, in proper and convenient lots to
each Proprietor, with necessary highways, reserving a convenient and
spacious parade not less than six acres in extent."  This work was
done and a report made November 20, 1780 by Archippus Blodgett and
James Curtis for the committee.

June 17, 1788--It was voted that "David Judson (by his settlers),
Joshua Lamkin, Archippus Blodgett, John Smith, James Brown and
James Curtis, were the first, which, with their families, made
settlement in this town and have continued, shall have the
privilege of pitching the first five lots in the Second Division,
and that Jabez Baldwin and Eunice Holbrook be permitted to make
the next two pitches."

November 19, 1792 it was voted to provide by tax for looking out,
clearing, and bridging a road through Stratford from the main road
to Percy.  Joshua Lamkin, selectman, J. Brown, town clerk.  In 1794,
Benjamin Strong petitioned the General Court that Governor's Island,
so-called, "containing about forty acres, in the Connecticut river,
and a little north of the Mineral Bow, may be annexed to Stratford,
and granted to him and his heirs."

THE REVOLUTION--Only seven families remained here during the
Revolutionary war.  This settlement was the farthest outpost or
"picket" of the country in the Connecticut valley.  All families left
the upper valley, leaving the frontier exposed to all the fierce
attacks of the cruel, crafty Indians, whose chief trail to the lower
settlements came down the Nulhegan River to Stratford, joining there
the trail of the upper Connecticut, and passed down through the town
before it deflected in different ways, up the Ammonoosuc, and down
the Connecticut.  And they did not escape.  Six of the men were
enlisted soldiers in the Revolution, viz: Elijah Hinman, 
Josiah Blodgett, Thomas Blodgett, David and Richard Holbrook, and
William Curtis.  Elias and David Chamberlin, and David Rich, of
Stratford, were also private soldiers in Capt. Ebenezer Green's
company of Col. Bedel's regiment in 1776.  Nathan Caswell, also
of Stratford, was in Capt. Samuel Young's company in the same
regiment.  James Lucas is credited to Stratford on the same roll.
Isaac Stevens, of Stratford, has this history in the original muster
roll of the same regiments, which we have had the privilege of
examining through the courtesy of Col Hazen Bedel:--
"1775. Served from June 23 to Dec. 31--6 mos. 9 days in Capt. and
Col. Bedel's Rangers--1775, Dec. 31 to last of May, 1776, 5 months
in Capt. Charles Nelson's Co. in first place, and afterwards in
Capt. D. Wilkin's Company of Col. Bedel's Reg't.  1778, from
Dec. 15, 1777 to last March 1778--one month or more as Corporal in
Capt. Sam'l Young's Co., Col. Bedel's Regiment."

Aside from these, who probably had not made any permanent establish-
ment in town, we know of no others.  Every resident of the settlement
was, however, in active service and constantly on duty.  A fort was
constructed, Capt. John Holbrook commanding the forces, and a system 
of signals arranged whereby Guildhall and Northumberland settlers
could be warned and called to assist in repelling attack, or in
conducting the women and children to less exposed positions.  James
Brown was commisary for the troops, and it is told that one day when
a detachment of soldiers came for food with empty haversacks, Mrs.
Brown was puzzled what to give them.  But her woman's wit was equal
to the emergency.  Swinging the four-pail kettle onto the crane, she
soon had an ample supply of "hasty-pudding."  This sufficed for
supper, and the next morning, by daylight, Mr. Brown was collecting
cattle for beef.  His live stock was called upon, however, until it
had disappeared; as one of his children expressed it, "at the close
of the war my father did not have as much as a live hen."

Among the papers of Elisha Baldwin in possession of his daughter,
Mrs. R.R. Thompson are the following documents which we copy from
the originals:--

State of New Hampshire
Stratford, July 1775
An account of Joseph Lamkin, Services don and Damagage sustained by
living in Stratford frontteer Town through the whole of the Unhappy
war with Great Bredon
[payment was made for] To moving my family by orders of Gen. Bailey
with expense of moving my famely to Haverhill and supporting them,
To loss of time three months, Damage that I suffered by moving and
expense moving back [a total of 38 pounds] signed by Archippus
Blodgett and James Curtis Selectmen.

[Similiar statements by James Curtis, Nathan Barlow, Thomas Blodget
and others, in original document, not included here]

FIRST SETTLERS, IMPROVEMENTS AND STOCK--From an inventory taken
April 28, 1777 by Archippus Blodgett, James Brown and John Holbrook,
[names only] Archippus Blodgett, John Holbrook, James Brown, 
James Curtis, John Smith, Joshua Lamkin, Joseph Barlow.

In January 21 1780 the following petitioned the state for a guard,
i.e. James Brown, Archippus Blogget, John Smith, Joshua Lamkin,
Joseph Barlow, John Gamsby, Nathan Barlow, David Hix.

In 1786 the General Court was petitioned to allow for a FERRY
[Burnside's Ferry] to be granted to Thomas Burnside. It was signed
by Jo's Peverly, Jer'h Eames, James Brown and Joshua Lamkin.

In 1791 a petition to the NH General Court, for a new county
Stratford Nov 21, 1791 signed by John Gamsby, Joseph Holbrook Jr.,
W'm Curtiss, Nathan Barlow, Elijah Blodgett, Jabez Baldwin,
David Holdbrook, Thomas Lamkin, James Brown, Elijah Hinman, James
Curtiss, Howard Blodggett, Andrew Strong, John Smith, Ezra Lamkin,
Hezekiah Fuller, George Gamsby, Joseph Barlow, Henry Bloggett,
Benj'a Strong, Heth Baldwin, Joshua Lamkin, ELisha Webster,
Stephen Curtis, John Gamsby Jr., Aran Curtiss, Charles Strong,
Ephraim Barlow, Josiah Blogget, Isaac Johnson, Richard Holdbrook,
Abnor Barlow.

page 759
The long war ended, and the labors of peace resumed activity.  Now
came a period of development and growth.  Up to this time there was
no road to Haverhill as we call roads today.  An eight foot road
with "corduroy" or "causeys" along the miry and swampy places,
afforded an opportunity to carry grain to the mill from Dalton
town (fifty miles it was then called) but the way above was even
worse.  A small stock of goods, with West India and New England rum,
was on sale in Lancaster, and for years that was the nearest
trading point.  The currency of the pioneer was the skins of the wild
beasts he shot, the various kinds of peltry, or the "black salts" made
from the ashes of the trees they felled. "Many a horse's back and
sides have been made sore while conveying these 'salts' in bags across
its back to market."  The population numbered forty-one in
September 1775; in 1790, 146; in 1800, 281; in 1810, 339; in 1830, 335;
in 1880, 1016.

EARLY OFFICERS--There were selectmen, and other officers, incident to
a town, chosen long before the incorporation of the town.  The records
are scanty, and the names can be ascertained only from documents
to which their names were officially attached.  Archippus Blodgett
and James Curtis were selectmen in 1775, Isaac Johnson and James Brown
in 1774.

FIRST MARRIAGE--The first marriage in town was that of James Brown
and Hannah Lamkin, which was solemnized in 1775 by Seth Wales,
justice of the peace.  This worthy pair had nine children, whose
births are duly recorded, their oldest child, Anne, being born
March 17, 1776.

THE TOWN OF STRATFORD was incorporated November 16, 1779.  By an act
approved June 21, 1832, the territory embraced in ranges, 17, 18, 19,
and 20, in the southeast part of the town, was set off, and
annexed to Percy.  The town is bounded north by Columbia, east by
Odell, south by Stark and Northumberland, and west by Vermont.
In 1823 there was one meeting-house, five school districts with five
school-houses, and two taverns.

The first town meeting was called on April 5, 1780 by James Brown to be
held in the dwelling house of Mr. James Curtis (to be held
Tuesday, 11th day of April 1780). At this first meeting, James Brown
was moderator. James Curtis was voted Town clerk.  Archippus
Blogget, John Holbrook and James Brown voted Selectmen.  James CUrtis
selected constable.

1781. Town meeting held at home of James Brown.  Joseph Barlow was
chosen moderator; James Brown, town clerk; Archippus Blogget, Joshua
Lamkin and Joseph Barlow, selectmen; John Holbrook, constable;
John Smith and Archippus Blogget, surveyors of highway.

1782. Annual meeting held at James Curtis's.  John Smith was chosen
moderator; James Brown, town clerk; John Holbrook, Joseph Barlow,
James Curtis selectmen; Elijah Blogget, constable.

1783. Met at James Curtis's and elected Joseph Barlow, moderator;
James Brown, town clerk; Joseph Barlow, Joshua Lamkin and John Holbrook
selectmen; Gideon Smith, constable; Joshua Lamkin, grand juror; James
Curtis surveyor of roads.  Thirteen polls were retruend this year.

[town officers from 1784-1786 in original document not included here]


A 1778 survey report notes many of the localities of the town are mentioned 
by the same names they bear today.   Mineral Bow, Bog Brook, Great and 
Little Nash streams, Gamsby's mill-pond, Judson's mill, Jonathan pond, 
etc. "Wait's" was frequently mentioned and was headquarters, probably, 
for the surveying party...

The town records from 1785 to 1800 are not preserved, but the
selectmen of 1799 were Joseph Holbrook, William Johnson and
David Holbrook.

1805. A petition to Nathan Barlow, J.P. to call a town meeting signed
by new settlers including Benjamin Strong, Agur Platt, Charles
Strong, David M. Holbrook, Jonah Graves, Richard Holbrook, James
Curtis, James Brown, Joseph Barlow, David Holbrook, Abner Barlow,
Ephraim Mahurin.  Peletiah Nichols and Isaac Stevens licensed as
taverners. ...

1811 and 1812. Ezra Barnes licensed as a taverner

WAR OF 1812--Stratford gave of her sons in this war as freely as in
Revolutionary times.  Among those going as soldiers were Luther Fuller;
his sons Samuel and Calvin; Jerry, son of Hezekiah Fuller; William,
son of Isaac Merriam; and Haines French and his three sons.  Samuel
Fuller died of measles; Calvin Fuller, of "spotted fever;"
Jerry Fuller had his head taken off by a cannon ball; William Merriam
was killed at the battle of Chippewa; Haines French died at Plattsburg;
and his son Homer was killed in battle.  Probably no town in the state
lost so large a percentage of the soldiers sent in this war as did
Stratford.

GREAT cIVIL WAR--[brief excerpts only] The selectmen report to the 
adjutant-general in 1866 seven installments of soldiers. 1st, 28 men,
 no bounty; 2d,22 men with $100 each as bounty; 3d, seven men with 
$300 bounty to each; 4th, Twelve men with $200 bounty; 5th, seven 
men with $300 bounty; 6th, 14 men with bounties; 7th, Eight men with bounties.
TOTAL: Ninety-eight men. 


STRATFORD HOLLOW--In the early history of the town and until the
railroad days this was the business center.  The lumber-mills give
some business to the railroad and some enterprises flourish in the
little village.  Fred N. Day is station agent, and a stirring
business man in various directions.
   Fred L. Kenney has a bobbin-factory, a rotary saw-mill and a 
clapboard machine, employing eighteen men, with the capacity of
15,000 of lumber per day.  These are run by steam and water-power.
   L.B. Blodgett, the worthy postmaster of "stratford Hollow" postoffice,
deals in dry-goods, groceries, etc., and belongs to one of the oldest
families in town.
    Noah Waters has been in trade for many years. He is also a general
merchant, and of any old family.

   Library Hall (two stories high, 65x36 feet) was erected in 1885.
It furnishes a well-appointed place for meetings, entertainments,
and the like.  A subscription library is connected; Helen M. French,
librarian.
  Brookside Cottage is a neat little country inn.  Johnson & Merriam,
proprietors.  It has a grocery store connected with it.
  Coos Lodge, I.O. G.T. was organizaed October 20, 1882, with 33
members.  It now has forty-four members.

ECCLESIASTICAL--In 1780 the village plat was under consideration, and
was located on "Meeting-House Hill."  In 1800, in a call for a special
town meeting, one article was "to see if the town will vote to build
a meeting house, and appoint a committee for to pitch upon a spot."
The early settlers have left no evidence of their religious preferences
except in a few instances.  James Brown was the son of a 
Congregational deacon, and brought religious book in his saddle-bags.
His house became the home of the pioneer preachers, and the place
where religious services were held.  Jabez Baldwin and his family
according to tradition, has been reared in the Church of England.
The wife of Isaac Johnson was Phoebe Grant, whose father was a 
Congregational clergyman.  Record evidence concerning any religious
obligation cannot be obtained until at least fifty years of
settlement had passed.

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH--The was the pioneer in religious movements.
James Brown, alluded to above, not only welcomed the itinerants, who
travelled the rough ways on horseback, to the hospitality of his
home, but became a member of this church, and a strong tower of
the faith.  The "quarterly meetings" brought the people sometimes
thirty or forty miles, and were marked periods of social intercourse
and religious manifestations... A Methodist Society was formed in the
first of this century.  The first church was erected about 1808 on
"Meeting-House Hill" on the road that led from Bog brook mills to
Stratford Hollow.  It was never finished; the seats were formed by
placing sections of logs on the floor and laying rough boards across
them.  It was raised quite a distance from the ground, and furnished
a refuge from the heat of the sun for the sheep which ranged at will
through the unfenced wilds. Their noise often interfered with the
services...The house was evidently not well taken care of; the door
was left open and the sheep found entrance.  The location was not a
central one,.  A new town-house 36 feet square was erected about
1820 on the river road, about midway between North Stratford and
Stratford Hollow.  The trustees in 1829 were Antipas Marshall,
Benjamin Brown, Elisha Johnson, Joshua Marshall and Rufus Lamkin.
Rev. Antipas Marshall was the first preacher of whom we learn
anything.  He was born in Ipswich, Mass about 1754, and came to
Northumberland as a settler in 1796.  He was a local preacher, deacon,
and elder; preached for many years, and attended many funerals....
He lived to be eighty-four and was active to the last.
  Rev. Benjamin Brown, a travelling Methodist preacher, a native of
Wellfleet, Mass, who in early life had been a sailor, and has risen
to the command of a merchantman in foreign countries, settled in
Brunswick, Vt., where he purchased the Cargill farms and mill.
Here he lived until 1854, preaching very frequently in the neighboring
towns.  Elders Branch, Sabin, Plumley, Alden, Latham, Putnam and
Cowing were also here.
  List of members in 1843--Class No. 1, J.W. Johnson, leader; Mary
Johnson, Elisha Johnson, Lydia Johnson, Marcus D. Johnson, Maria
Johnson, Jonathan Rolfe, Lydia Rolfe, Victory Gamsby, Elmira Gamsby,
Joshua Marshall, Betsey Marshall, George Kimball, Polly Kimball,
Alfred Martin, Cynthia Martin, Sarah Stephen, Emeline Gamsby, Sarah J.
Johnson, Polly Gamsby, Susanna Day, Lucinda Baldwin, Mary Gamsby,
Priscilla Johnson, Mary A. Johnson, Emily J. Johnson, Abino Kimball,
Susan Schoff, Mary Ross, Susan Gamsby, Nathaniel Baker, John 
McCollister, Edward V. Kimball, Bernice Kimball, Ann Curtis,
Delpha A. Gamsby, Betsey A. Mahurin, Lucretia A. Johnson.
[more about this church not included here]

[CIVIL LIST, CLerks, Selectmen, Treasurers, Representatives]
between 1800-1887]
Found in original document, not included here]

NORTH STRATFORD--Very little had been done in improvement or
business in this now lively and important business center prior
to the advent of the Atlantic & St. Lawrence (now Grand Trunk)
Railroad, in 1852.  The "Baldwin Brothers" had built mills in
Bloomfield, Vt. on the Nulhegan river where now stand those of the
"Nulhegan Lumber Co."  These gave employment to numerous persons,
and caused various business enterprises to be established.  The
"Baldwin Bridge Co." incorporated in July 1850, composed of E.A.
William L. and J.M. Baldwin, afforded means of ready communication
between vermont and New Hampshire, by constructing the bridge 
across the river which was opened for travel June 1852.  The
railroad was the direct cause of growth of the village.  It was
the nearest shipping point of the upper Connecticut valley, and
soon became a great center of trade.  Hotel accomodations were
demanded; livery teams were called for; freighting to the towns
above assumed large proportions; starch came in great quantities
from the numerous factories up north, and buildings were constructed
with great rapidity to meet the demand.
  Col. Hazen Bedel, of Colebrook, in company with Alba Holmes in 1852,
put up the first store, known now as the Marshall building, and put
in a stock of goods.  This they conducted as "Bedel & Holmes," until
1862, when they relinquished trade.  E.H. Folsom and Melvin Marshall
formed a partnership as general merchants as "Folsom & Marshall"
in 1864 and occupied the building.  Two years later Mr. Folsom
retired, and, after some time, Mr. Marshall admitted E.B. Merriam
as a partner, the firm becoming Marshall & Merriam.  This house was
succeeded three years later by M. Marshall & Co., Mr. Merriam
retiring.  The new firm was in trade some years.  In 1882 carpenter
Brothers (who established the first drug and jewelry store at this
point in 1887 in the Barrett building south of the railroad) moved to
the Marshall store.  They sold their goods to J.C. Hutchins in 1886.
Mr. Hutchins added a furniture department and is now in trade as a
pharmacist, jeweler, and dealer in stationery, wall paper, and
furniture.  Clark P. True built the store now occupied by
Danforth, Pattee & Clark in 1852, and in the fall of that year
opened the first stock of goods for sale in the place.  In 1853
William R. and Joseph H. Danforth became his partners under the name
of True, Danforth & Co.  Mr. True, in connection with A.C. Denison,
of Norway, Me., the Danforths and the Gilkeys, was largely engaged
in supplying contractors on the Atlantic & St. Lawrence R.R., and,
as the railroad was completed, established stores at South Paris and
Bethel, Me., and Gorham, Northumberland Falls, and North Stratford,
which was the last of the chain and closed Mr. True's merchandising
there.  In two years the firm became W.R. & F.A. Danforth, the latter
selling in one year to J.H. Danforth.  W.R. & J.H. Danforth did 
business until 1871, when J.H. Danforth became the owner, and 
conducted trade alone until 1881.  He then formed the firm of
Danforth & Pattee by taking J.C. Pattee as a partner.  The same year
W.R. Danforth took the place of his brother in the firm.  In 1884
Pattee & Clark succeeded to the business, Charles E. Clark recieving
an interest.  This house is the largest mercantile establishment
of this section, and carries a diversified stock of merchandise and
clothing, and does an annual business of $40,000 or $45,000.
There was a small building put up early on the site of the store of
E.B. Merriam & Co., and some small trading adventures were here
conducted.  It was burned about 1863.  E.H. Folsom put up the
present building shortly after, and used it as a wholesale flour and
feed store for some years.  It was then purchased by J.H. Danforth,
who leased it to William L. Baldwin and Carlton Fuller.  They, as
Baldwin & Fuller, carried on merchandising for some years.  Mr.
Danforth then sold the store to the Holyoke Lumber CO., which traded
there for one year, when, in 1872, George R. Eaton bought their
stock.  He, after ten years of successful trade, admitted
E.B. Merriam as a partner in 1882, the firm title becoming E.B.
Merriam & Co.  This house is now in trade, doing an annual business
of from $35,000 to $40,000.
  JAMES OGLE came here in 1868 as a blacksmith, and located near the
bridge on the south side of the railroad.  In 1884, forming a
partnership with C.W. Clough, they built a large two-story building
on the same site, which they fitted up with a steam-engine and the
necessary machinery for a well-equipped wagon, carriage, and
blacksmith shop.  This furnishes employment to from four to six men.
  JAMES TWOHEY put up Twohey's building (30x60, three stories and a
basement) in 1884.  The upper story is a hall for society meetings,
the second is a skating-rink, and the first was occupied by a
clothing store by Jacobs & Kugleman in 1885.  Levi Jacobs is now the
proprietor.  Mr. Kugleman established another clothing store in 1887
near the bridge.
  CLARK STEVENS and W.H. LOVEJOY keep meat-markets; H.B. Hinman
deals in groceries.  There are also millinery stores, harness-shops,
a bowling-alley, a billard-saloon, and other minor establishments.
  J.H. DANFORTH began the manufacture of last blocks shortly after
the close of the great civil war.  This has been carried on ever since.
Danforth, Pattee, & Clark making about 100,000 during the winter of
1886-87.
  The ATLANTIC & ST. LAWRENcE R.R. was, shortly after its arrival at
North Stratford, leased to the Grand Trunk railway, which now
conducts it.  The business done at this station has increased 
rapidly.  The first year there were 500 passengers purchasing tickets,
and about $9,000 of freights.  In 1886 there were 8,721 passengers,
the freight amounted to $81, 267.35 and the earnings of the road at
this point $9,460.... James Towhey, the present courteous and 
efficient agent, has been stationed here since 1871.  The first
station agent was a quaint old sea-captain from Yarmouth, Me., 
Captain Porter.  He remained but a few months.  L.W. Alger succeeded
him for three years.  Since then have been here Charles D. Waterhouse,
Thomas Waterhouse, Hiram Berry, Henry Adams, James Twohey.
  "North Stratford' postoffice was established in 1850 with a
tri-weekly mail; William L. Baldwin, postmaster.  It was kept at the
store of Mr. Baldwin on the Elisha Baldwin homestead.  In 1853 Alba
Holmes was made postmaster and moved the office to the store of
Bedel & Holmes.  It remained there until 1861, the name during this
time changed to "Coos."  Joseph H. Danforth was appointed postmaster
in July 1861, and held the office for twenty-four years.  He removed
it to its present location, where it has since remained.  John C.
Pattee hass been postmaster since 1885....
  HINMAN'S ISLAND, in the Connecticut was the first unsurveyed land
in that stream, all below being surveyed.  It was purchased by
Harvey Hinman in April 1854, of J.S. Lyman for $30, and consisted of
about six acres, covered with a fine growth of butternut trees.
No natural growth of this wood was ever found above this island,
most of such trees being from slilps from the island.  Only about
three acres more remain.
  BAPTIST CHURCH-- [excerpts] The few adherents of this faith in
Stratford were mostly located in the north of the town, and were
not sufficient numbers to form a church until 1843, when they deemded
the proper time for organizations had come, and June 27, 1843, a 
society was formed with thirteen members, viz: Elisha Baldwin,
Huldah Baldwin, E.A. Baldwin, Jedediah M. Baldwin, Ann Thomas,
Lucretia Beach, Samuel Thomas, William L. Baldwin, Edmund Baldwin,
Mary R. BLake, J.M. Forbes, Phoebe Forbes, Sarah Marshall.  There is
now a membership of thirty-three.
  It was not until 1854 that any movement was made for a church
edifice.  This was done by the Baldwin Brothers, and a church was
erected in 1855-56, they bearing the principal part of the expense.
The building committee was E.A., William L. and Elisha Baldwin.
The house cost $3,500 and was a well-arranged and artistic structure,
with a vestry, and a kitchen in the basement (The vestry was used
as a school-room for some years). In March 1868, it was destroyed
by fire.  The present church was built in 1868 and 1869.  The pastor,
Rev. Abram Bedell, was untiring in his efforts to replace the
burned church, and his labors were successful.  The building committee
was composed of three leading business men--J.H. Danforth, E.A.
Baldwin and E.B. Merriam.  Under their skillful management, the
church was completed at a cost of only $3,000.  It was dedicated in
1870.  In 1872 it was furnished with a bell weighing 450 pounds.
This became broken, and another was bought in 1875.  A parsonage was
built in 1882.  The church seats 200, has a fine auditorium, and
possesses excellent acoustic proportion. 
[Pastors, Deacons and Sunday school found in original document not included here].

In 1857 a Catholic Church was erected.

EDUCATION--Prior to 1884 only a common district school furnished 
instruction.  The vestry of the church was used for some years as a
school room.  In 1884 the beautiful two-story school-house now
occupied was erected at a cost of $3,000, two of the three rooms
seated to accomodate 108 pupils, and the school properly graded and
supplied with apparatus.  The average attendance is eighty.  Miss Mary
A. Danforth is principal; Miss Mary A. Parker, Assistant.  The board
of education is Guy W. Johnson, John C. Pattee, Charles D. Platt.

HOTELS--The first place opened for travellers was a shanty built about
1851, on land leased of William Fuller, b one Gaskell.  It stoo on the
ground now occupied by the Hinman House.  Gaskell with various
partners conducted it some months, and was succeeded by W.H. Crawford
and Harvey Hinman who purchased the property in September 1853.
The main building of the Hinman House was put up about the same time.
Crawford would not sell to Mr. Hinman, and C.P. True purchased his
interest, August 1, 1854, and deeded it to Mr. Hinman the same day.
During the few weeks it was afterward occupied by Crawford, it is
said he did considerable damage to the property.  When Mr. Hinman
took possession he repaired and refitted it, and opened it the same
season as the Hinman House.  From that time it has been kept as a
hotel by Mr. Hinman and his son, H.B. Hinman, who leased the property
in 1869 and became its proprietor in 1874.  For some years it was the
chief hotel of the place; the small number of rooms, however, were not
equal to the requirements of travel and the Willard House took that
place.  No more enjoyable meal can be obtained, however, than here,
and the moderate charges cause much patronage.
  In 1852 the dwelling now occupied by Mrs. Elmina Gamsby was built
by Clark P. True and opened as a tavern by Andrew Fitts.  In a short
time the place was purchased by Mrs. Gamsby, who kept travellers
until other accomodations were provided.
  The Willard House was opened by Jerry Willard in November 1858.
He kept it until the next May, when E.F. Bailey took it and conducted
it for two and half years.  Mr. WIllard then was its landlord until
1865, when he sold it to Jennison & Crane, who carried it on until
1868, when Mr. Willard again became proprietor for one year.  He
closed his connection with the house by selling it to C.S. Bailey
and E.H. Folsom.  Mr. Folsom soon bought out Mr. Bailey and remained
seven years.  He sold to Rowan & Gould.  C.E. Moses purchased Rowan's
interest February 18, 1879, and Gould's interest December 5, 1879,
and ran it until November 19, 1883, when George Hilliard leased the
hotel.  Mr. Moses bought Mr. Hilliard's lease January 7, 1856, and
closed and repaired the house, which he re-opened March 27, 1886,
with J.W. Tibbetts as partner, to whom he leased one-half interest 
for three years.  Mr. Tibbetts sold his lease to W.H. Bishop,
December 22, 1886.  This house has rooms for fifty guests, and has a
large public hall connected.  Under the management of Mr. Moses this
hotel possesses attractions for the traveller and has a fine
patronage.  The table is one of the best in Northern New Hampshire;
the rooms are kept scrupulously neat, and the whole service of the
house is excellent.
  The PERcy HOUSE was built about 1869 by V.R. Davis, who carried
it on for some years.  Sine he left it the house has been open part
of the time, with various proprietors.  Those who were the longest
here were Mr. Smith from 1879 to 1882, and J.W. Tibbetts fro 1883 to
1886.
  H.B. HINMAN began the livery business in 1869 with one horse.
He purchased the livery attached to the Willard House in 1886 and
employs from 30 to 30 horses.

KNIGHTS OF HONOR-COOS LODGE, No. 2,533 was organized August 26, 1881
with 22 members [names not included here].

Good TEMPLARS--Victory Lodge No 70 was instituted February 15, 1853
with 34 members [names in original not included here].

G.A.R. -- R.R. Thompson Post No. 77 was formed April 16, 1884
[officers and some member in original document not included here] [Note: Robert Richardson Thompson born in Rumford, Me., December 17,
1822, was a descendant of John Thompson, an early emigrant of the
Plymouth Colony.  Robert was a graduate of Bowdoin college, and a
civil engineer of marked ability.  He enlisted in the Thirteenth
NH (Co. H) in August 1862, as a private.  He was in all the battles
in which his regiment was engaged until August 1863, and received a
second lieutenant's commission July 1863.  May 16, 1864 he was wounded
at Fort Darling, and July 15 he was commissioned first lieutenant of
Co. D., and was acting adjutant of the regiment.  He was instantly
killed at the battle of Chapin's Bluff, September 29, 1864, falling
almost at the moment of victory, as he was about entering the fort
with his company.  He was a brave soldier and a true man in every 
relation of life.]

KNIGHTS OF LABOR--T.V. Powderly Lodge, No. 8,161 was organized
July 10, 1886 with 57 members.  The number is now about 350. Place
of meeting, Twohey's hall.

GRANITE STATE STOCK-FARM--In 1884 Dr. D.O. Rowell purchased the
farm of 350 acres, known as the "Nathan Baldwin" farm, of which
97 acres are rich interval land, and is developing a fine stockfarm.
He makes a specialty of standard-bred horses and Jersey and Polled-
Angus cattle, and now has thirty-one horses, and twenty-five
thorough-bred cattle, about two-thirds of which are Jerseys.  He is
paying most attention to horses and has a fine stud; at the head is
"Pilotone," No. 4,204, two years old.  Another fine animal is
"King Arthur," by "Constellation," half-brother of the noted
"Glenharm," five yards old, with a record of 2:23-3/4.

MILLS--The Turner's Falls Lumber Company purchased, in 1887, the mill
of Ezra F. Merrill, on Bog brook, in the east part of the town.
This mill has been conducted by Mr. Merrill for forty years.
It is now run by steam, and consists of a rotary saw-mill, shingle,
and clapboard machines, with a capacity of manufacturing 25,000
feet a day.
  David Stone, on the same stream a short distance below, has a
rotary saw and shingle, clapboard, and lath machines, run by
water-power.
  Frank N. Piper manufactures flour and meal.

PHYSICIANS--Dr. Cyrus C. Carpenter, so well-known and esteemed for
long years as the trusted family physician of a large circle,
was son of Dr. Cyrus Carpenter, and born at Whiting, Vt., May 29,
1819.  After his medical studies at Castleton and New York, he passed
some years in the west, and was then in practice in Vermont until
1851, when he came to Stratford.  From this time he was active in
practice until his death, November 13, 1886.
  Dr. Moses Whitcomb, homeopathist, located here in 1861, and is now
in practice.  C.E. Thompson, M.D., a graduate of Burlington (vt.)
Medical college, came in 1880.  He died in 1887.  H.W. Blanchard,
M.D. son of David Blanchard of Pittsburg, a graduate of Burlington
Medical college, began practice in 1886.  Of pleasing address,
winning manners, high moral principles, and devoted to his profession,
he gave promise of much usefulness, but died suddenly in December 1887.

LAWYERS--Joseph W. Merriam, son of David and Joanna (Smith) Merriman,
born in Stratford, June 14, 1828, studied law with Burns & Fletcher,
and was admitted to the bar in Lancaster in 1854.  He was of literary
tastes; became first assistant editor of the Coos Democrat, and
afterwards was connected with, and did able work for, the New Hampshire
Patriot, Boston Post, and Memphis (Tenn) Avalanche.  The civil war
drove him north, and after practicing law in Grinnell, Iowa, a short
time, he established himself in Chicago, ILL where he has built up a
large and lucrative business.
  Charles D. Johnson, son of Marcus D. and Maria (Marshall) Johnson,
was born in Stratford, June 13, 1835.  He studied law with Gov.
Williams, and was admitted to the bar in November 1858.  He at once
commenced practice in North Stratford, but soon died (See Press of
Coos county in General History)
  Moses Holbrook, son of Oren Holbrook, born in Stratford,
November 17, 1844, studied law with Hon. B.F. Whidden, and at the
University of Michigan.  He was admitted to practice in
Massachusetts, and is now in practice in Boston.

BRIEF PERSONAL SKETCHES
CAPTAIN EPHRAIM MAHURIN was born in Westmoreland, March 1, 1780. He
married Rebecca Bundy, of Walpole, and came to stratford in 1801.
He was a man of much more than ordinary abilities, and superior in
education to most of his associates, entering Middlebury college before
he was seventeen.  Of strong frame, tiresless energy, and dauntless
nature... he early taught school; he was U.S. customs officers on the
frontier during the War of 1812...he was captain of a company of
regular soldiers enlisted from Grafton and Coos counties to serve on
the border; he was sent repeatedly to the legislature, serving his 
last term in 1825; he was sheriff from 1825 to 1830, and deputy sheriff
for 25 years; he did much in surveying.. and was employed in 1836 by
the BOundary Commission to make explorations and surveys along the
borderin Indian Stream Territory; he was one of the party that
rescued Blanchard from the "king's-men"; in company with Samuel White
when he was for a time in trade in Lancaster; educated as a lawyer, he
did much legal business, and in the last years was noted for his skill
in drafting documents, particularly conveyances; he was road
commissioner in 1850-51; he was a member of the first Masonic lodge
formed in Coos county.  He died in Stratford, March 4, 1859,
aged seventy-nine years and three days.
 
JOSHUA MARSHALL, came with his father Antipas, from Gloucester, Mass.,
in 1796, when sixteen.  He married BETSEY, dau of Eliphalet and
Tirzah (French) DAY, and settled in Stratford.  He was chosen town
clerk in 1814, and for years thereafter was in public office; he
represented this district numerous terms in the legislature; was a
justice of the Court of Common Pleas from 1833 to 1850; was for
over a half century a consistent and prominent member of the Methodist
church, holding the office of steward for twenty years.  "Judge"
Marshall as he was universally called, died Mary 14, 1861.

NAHUM DANIELS DAY weas born in Northumberland February 24, 1807,
and was early in life a teacher; afterwards he became a merchant
at Stratford Hollow in company with Mark Webb; later still he was a
farmer. He was prominent in public affairs and office.  He filled
many town offices wisely; he was a member of the legislature; 
succeeded Joshua Marshall in 1850 as justice of Court of Common Pleas,
and held this position until 1855; from 1861 to 1863 he was county
treasurer...He was quite well educated...He died Aug 15, 1872.

MARCUS D. JOHNSON, "the old surveyor" ... has been an active and
useful citizen, a member of the Methodist church.  An authority on
lines and angles. 

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES

THE BALDWIN FAIMLY
The Baldwin family for nearly a century has been connected with the
improvement and progress of Stratford in its civil, business and
ecclesiastical interests, and deserves especial mention in its
history.  They were among the early settlers, people of education
and culture, and of Episcopalian faith.  JABEZ BALDWIN, born
April 8, 1733, married Judith Brace in August 1770; and March 13, 1788
they, with their children, Nathan, John, Lucinda, Lucia and Marcia,
left their home in Newtown, Conn., and emigrated to the wilderness
town of Stratford.  Mr. Baldwin located, January 1790, upon the place
known as the Baldwin farm (still in the possession of his descendants)
where he had erected a framed house with lumber brought up the river
from Guildhall, Vt.  This was the first framed house in the section.
Mr. Baldwin was one of the grantees of Stratford, and, before coming,
selected from the plan of the town the lot now forming the interval
of the Grante State Stock Farm; but, on arriving here, his number
called for the lot below, yet eventually this lot came into the
possession of his children.  He was a man of wealth in Connecticut,
but the greater part of his property was lost during the Revolution.
In the spirit of true manhood he left his old home to create a new
one in the "woods" and his family bravely bore the deprivations and
hardships of this life in the new settlement.  September 19, 1788,
Elisha was born, and Charlotte (Mrs. Enos Alger) October 8, 1792.
Several years passed, and although they missed the luxuries of the
old home, yet they were contented.  In 1803 Mr. Baldwin went to
Connecticut to attend some unsettled business.  During his absence
his family was attacked by small-pox, and when he reached Lancaster
he received a message from his wife to remain there,
but he came home, took the disease and died.
  Upon his eldest son, NATHAN, devolved the care of the large
family.  He possessed great intellectual ability, became prominent
in town affiars, and was several times elected to the legislature.
He was appointed judge of the Court of Sessions in 1821.  He married,
first, Kate Schoff; second Susan Bundy.  His last years were passed
in Ohio, where he died in 1867.

ELISHA BALDWIN, born in Stratford September 19, 1788, became a farmer
on the old homestead; received his education at home under a private
teacher, and at schools of that early period; was a Federalist in
politics, and filled the several duties to which he was called with
fidelity and was prominent in the organization of the Baptist church.
He married Huldah, daughter of Edmund and Huldah (Lathrop) Alger,
of West Bridgewater, Mass. [See biography of L.W. Alger,
Stewartstown].  Their children were Elisha Alger, born December 30,
1818; William Lothrop; John Brace, born Nov. 12, 1822; Edmund Willis,
born March 24, 1825; Jedediah Miller, born March 9, 1827; Lucinda
Annette (Mrs. Jabez B. Alger) born Nov. 14, 1829; and Lucia Annette
(Mrs. Robert R. Thompson) born February 27, 1833.  Mrs. Hulah (Alger)
Baldwin would have been a prominent woman in any place and at any
time.  Coming in early girlhood from Massachusetts she took an
active interest in education, the means of obtaining which were alas
extremely slender in the forest wilderness where he lot was cast.
Of great and courageous heart, indomitable energy and executive
ability, she mastered more than the rudiments of a good English
education, and her letters were models of penmanship and correct
spelling.  She had a wonderful skill in nursing; never forgot a
"prescription" for any disease, and in mature life was the
"beloved physician" of a wide extent o the country.  Her family was
well brought up.  She instilled her habits of neatness, force, and
system thoroughly into their natures, and did a noble woman's work
nobly through a long course of years.  Her charity was more than
charity.  She was the "Lady Bountifull" of the community...

WILLIAM LATHROP BALDWIN, was born on the Baldwin homestead in
Stratford, May 18, 1820.  He obtained a good education at the local
schools and Lancaster academy.  While a youth he had quite a taste
for agriculture, was acitve as a farmer, and developed great
capacity as a judge of cattle; but his health was impaired by
overwork before he was twenty-one, and he was forced to changed his
avocation.  He followed teaching successfully for several years in
this state, Rhode Island, and Quebec.  He also taught vocal music.
About 1848 he returned to Stratford, and, in connection with his
brother, Elisha A. (a natural and trained mechanic) he engaged in
building mills.  This was a great undertaking, as it was previous to
the advent of the railroad, and the machinery had to be hauled from
Portland.  They put up a small saw and grist-mill on Mill brook,
added a turning lathe, shingle and clapboard machines, and manufactured
machinery.  This was the first mill of modern make in this section,
and a great number of the mills erected for a long time in Upper Coos
were built by E.A. Baldwin.
  In 1849 the Baldwin Brothers erected a mill on the Vermont side of
the COnnecticut, at the mouth of the Nulhegan river (This mill was
burned Feburary 20, 1885, and the site is now occupied by the
immense mills of Nulhegan Lumber Company).  William L. Baldwin
changed his residence to Bloomfield, and made that town his home
for fourteen years.  The first lumber sawn was rafter in May , 1851,
and was the first sent to Massachusetts through the canal at
Fifteen-mile falls, and, also the first lumber rafter for
transportation down the Upper Connecticut.  Employement was given to
numerous people, and the flourishing village of North Stratford
formed from an old blackberry jungle.  Under a charter granted
July 1850, the Baldwin Bridge Company erected the toll-bridge across
the Connecticut, which was opened for travel in June 1852.  Thus in
many and highly important ways Mr. Baldwin was identified with the
development and business interests in Stratford, and one of its most
valued component parts.  His business occupied him closely, yet he
served as justice in Bloomfield; and, always a strong Republican,
was the first postmaster of the "North Stratford" postofice.
From 1865 his business life was in Stratford, and comprised lumbering,
merchandising, and farming, until his sudden death December 27, 1878.
Mr. Baldwin was give feet, eight inches in height, remarkably erect.
His disposition was sanguine, and he was generous to a fault.
During the hard times, when to run his mill was a loss, he carried
it on for two years in order to give his workmen employment, 
sacrificing his own interests to promote that of others....He was one
of the thirteen original memers of the Baptist church in Stratford..
  Mr. Baldwin married February 8, 1850, Maria Jane, daughter of John**
and Sarah (Towne) Holmes, a native of Colebrook.  She was born
December 17, 1822.  She is a ldy of strong individuality and great
executive ability.  Her energy and capability were powerful factors
in the household, and to her husband she was an efficient helpmeet,
a wise counsellor, and intelligent companion.  Their children were
Edmund William; John Holmes; Mary Annette; Mira Agnes (these daughters
died in infancy, January 1862 of Diptheria--John H. in September of the
same year); Isabelle Sarah, who early showed remarkable facility for
any pursuit and had a wonderful memory.  She spent only one year at
the Ursuline academy in Quebec, and received first prizes with young
lady graduates in English literature, poetry and composition; she could
also speak French with ease.  "Her personal appearance was beautiful,
and in disposition she was angelic."  She died July 1881, aged 15;
Janie maria, the youngest, equally gifted intellctually, possessed
a taste and eye for all that was beautiful, she died June 1884, aged
16.  Edmund William resides with his mother in Stratford.  He married
Flora Madison, and has two children--Bertie Edith and Janie Holmes.

[**The Holmes family were early settlers of Colebrook, coming from
Hanover in 1815.  John Holmes was a native of Woodstock, Conn., his
wife of Orford, Mass.  Their family of twelve children attained
maturity; some of them were distinguished by the intellectual traits
that have made the descendants of the name from Woodstock famous.
The eldest son, John Holmes Jr., studied at Dartmouth college and
completed his studies at Montreal, Canada, where he was closely
identified with educational matters.  In 1836 he was commissioned
by the Provincial government to inquire into the system of Normal
schools in Europe, and returned in 1837 with professors, apparatus, 
etc. for the schools which were then opened in Montreal and other
parts of Canada.  He was renowned as a religious orator; was the
author of several books, one of which, a manual of modern geography,
has reached its sixth edition.  Susan Towne Holmes, the seventh
child, called in religion Mother St. Croix, has ranked high as a
teacher, writer of histories and school-books.  She is at present
(1887) at the age of seventy, assistant superior of the Ursuline
Convent at Quebec.


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