HISTORY OF BRIDGEWATER, GRAFTON COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE ---------------------------------- Information located at http://www.nh.searchroots.com On a web site about GENEALOGY AND HISTORY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE and its counties TRANSCRIBED BY JANICE BROWN Please see the web site for my email contact. ---------------------------------- The original source of this information is in the public domain, however use of this text file, other than for personal use, is restricted without written permission from the transcriber (who has edited, compiled and added new copyrighted text to same). ======================================================== SOURCE: Gazetteer of Grafton County, N.H., 1709-1886 by Hamilton Child, Syracuse, N.Y.: H. Child, June 1886 page 170+ HISTORY OF BRIDGEWATER NH Bridgewater, a small irregularly outlined township, lies in the southeastern part of the county, in lat. 43 degrees, 38' and long. 71 degrees 45', bounded northwest by Hebron and Plymouth, east by Ashland, and a part of the county line, and south by Bristol. It originally formed a part of the township of Hill, then called New Chester, from which it was severed by an act of the legislature passed February 12, 1788, and incorporated into a separate town, with the following bounds:-- "Beginning at the mouth of Newfound rive,r so called, thence running by the southerly bank of said river to Newfound pond; thence by the easterly shore of said pond to Plymouth line; thence by said line to the Pemigewasset river, and thence down said river to the bounds first mentioned, including all the islands in said river lying against said tract." These bounds were changed, however, by an act of the legislature passed June 24, 1819, which set off the southern part of the town to form, with the northerly part of New Chester, the present township of Bristol. The surface of the town, rough and uneven, presents some very picturesque scenery. North and south through its center there extends a ridge of highlands known as Bridgwater Hills, whose slope terminates on the east in the valley of the Pemigewasset, and on the west in the shores of Newfound lake. The Pemigewasset, which forms the eastern boundary of the town, is the only stream of importance, though there are numerous minor ones and many springs. About a quarter of Newfound lake lies within the limits of the town. From these highlands many magnificent points of view are afforded. Far to the northward rise the peaks of the Franconia mountains, the vision to the eastward being met by the beautifulS Squam lakes, nestled among the woodlands, and to the southward hills peep over hills in an endless chain which melts into the distant horizon, while a not unimportant feature in the grand whole is the sparkling waters of Newfound lake. The geological formation of the territory is mostly hard wood, with large quantities of maple, which afford ample facilities for sugar-making, which the inhabitants find a profitable industry. The soil of the township is generally good, though better adapted to grazing than grain-raising purposes. The B.C. & M.R.R. passes through the northern part of the town, where it has a station. DESCRIPTION OF BRIDGEWATER NH in 1885 In 1880 Bridgewater had a population of 384 souls. In 1885 the town had eight school districts, and nine common schools. Its eight school-houses were valued, including furniture, etc., at $1,530.00. There were eighty-nine children attending school, twenty of whom were pursuing the higher grades, taught during the year by two male and nine female teachers, at an average monthly salary of $18.00 for males, and $16.30 for females. The entire amount raised for school purposes during the year was $562.17, while the expenditures were $368.75, with John L. Morrison, superintendent. VILLAGE: Bridgewater (p.o.) is a hamlet located in the southern part of the town. **** BUSINESS & MANUFACTURES **** FLORENCE V. MITCHELL'S SAW AND CIDER-MILL, in the northeastern part of the town, on Mill brook, has the capacity for manufacturing 4,000 feet of lumber per day and 300 barrels of cider per year. **** EARLY HISTORY OF BRIDGEWATER NH and EARLY SETTLERS **** Tradition has it that the first visit of civilized men to Bridgewater was previous to the French war, as follows: During the time that Massachusetts was laying claim to the Province of New Hampshire, a Captain Baker was sent out with a party of men from old New Bury [Newbury] to ferrit out the Indians, who had a camp somewhere on the Pemigewasset. He surprised them on the north bank of Baker's river, so named in his honor, in Plymouth, where they were driven off with loss. The Indians rallied, however, and overtook Baker on a poplar plain in the eastern part of this town, where a sharp skimish [sic skirmish] ensued, though the whites were again victorious. Samuel Dearborn, an early settler in this vicinity, found a number of skulls on the plain, which were supposed to have belonged to those who were then slain. Though the little party made all possible haste in their retreat, the Indians again overtook them in what is now the township of Hill, where they were eluded by a neat stratagem, suggested by a friendly Indian, who had acted as a guide to the party all through the expedition. The party pretended to go into camp, built a large number of fires, and placed numerous pieces of meat to roast before them, then hid in the bushes. The foe's scouts came on, counted the fires and pieces of meat, and supposing that each piece of meat represented a soldier, beat a hasty retreat, and were not heard from further. The first settlement was made by Thomas Crawford, who came on in 1766, and located upon the farm now occupied by George F. Fletcher, on road 17. He it was, tradition has it, who gave the name of Bridgewater to the locality. Mr. Crawford was soon after joined by his brother, Jonathan, and several other families from the southern part of the State, and from Reading, Mass., came in, so that the wilderness soon began to take on the appearance of civilization, and in 1790 the town had a population of 281 souls. **** FIRST TOWN MEETING OF BRIDGEWATER NH **** The first town meeting was held at the house of Samuel Drew, March 11, 1788, when Daniel Heath was chosen moderator; Thomas Crawford, clerk; Daniel Heath, constable; Thomas Crawford, Simeon Cross and Michael Mosier, selectmen; Thomas Locke, Chase Fuller, Samuel Drew, Jonathan Carleton, Jonathan Ingalls Jr., and Joseph Farrell, highway surveyors; and Jonathan Ingalls and Josiah Heath, hog-reeves. **** FIRSTS IN BRIDGEWATER NH **** The first marriage recorded was that of Nathaniel Cummings and Mary Crawford. One of the first schools taught in town was kept in a barn on the place where R.P. Mitchell now resides, by Captain Caleb Pillsbury. ****** BRIEF BIOGRAPHIES AND GENEALOGIES OF EARLY OR PROMINENT FAMILIES ****** DANIEL MITCHEL, son of Abel and Susan (Glover) Mitchel, was born here in 1848, married Florence V., daughter of John and Susanna (Mitchel) Nutting, in 1877, and has three daughters, namely, Nora Blanche, Ethel S. and Edith Florence. Mr. Mitchel occupies the Robert Mitchel place, in the northeastern part of the town, on road 5. CAPT. CALEB PILLSBURY came to Bridgewater at an early day, located on the place where Rivers Mitchel now lives, and reared three sons and ten daughters. Caleb, the seventh child, was born in this town, in 1786, married Nancy Nelson, July 4, 1808, and reared six sons and six daughters. Randall J., the seventh son of Caleb Jr., was born here in 1830, learned the carpenter's and builder's trade, worked in Manchester twelve years, and in California several years. He married Emeline L., daughter of S.G. and Dorothy S. (Prescott) Fletcher in 1856, and has four sons and one daughter, viz: Geo. I and Henry F., who reside in Manchester, and Ida G., S.G. and Fred R., who live at home. Mr. Pillsbury is selectman, and resides on road 4. THOMAS EASTMAN came to this town from Hopkinton in 1804, and located on the place where his granddaughter, Mrs. J.A. West now lives. He reared five sons and one daughter, namely, Aquilla, John, Thomas, Stephen, Benjamin and Hannah. The last mentioned became Mrs. Jonathan Fellows. Stephen, born in 1784, took the homestead, married twice, first Sally Emmons, and reared five sons and one daughter. His first wife died in 1825, and he married for his second wife, Sally, widow of Reuben Piper in 1834, and had born to him one daughter, Harriet A. Mr. Eastman died in 1873, and his widow, aged eighty-five years, resides with her son-in-law, J.A. West. The latter was born at Boscowan [sic Boscawen] in 1827, came to Bridgewater in 1848, married Harriet A. Eastman in 1851, and has had one son, who died in infancy. Mr. West occupies the Eastman homestead, on road 3. ABEL FLETCHER came to Bridgewater, from Massachusetts, with his wife (Betsey Gillman) about 1806, and located in the northeastern part of the town, on the place where his granddaughter, Mrs. Randall J. Pillsbury, now lives. He reared two sons and six daughters, as follows: Samuel G., born in 1804; Rhoda (Mrs. Samuel Mead) who died in 1884; Jane H. (Mrs. Samuel Currier); Betsey (Mrs. William Wheeler); Mary (Mrs. Moses Farnham) who died in Rumney; Franklin, who died young; Eliza Ann (Mrs. J. Lyford); and Sarah (Mrs. Asaph Dearborn) of Plymouth, now deceased. Samuel G. married four times, first, Lydia Prescott, who bore him one son, S.G., and second, Dorothy S. Prescott, who bore him two sons and two daughters, viz: Emeline L. (Mrs. Randall J. Pillsbury); Ruth a. who died at the age of fifteen years; George F., of Bridgewater; and Henry G., who died at the age of twenty-three years. Mr. Fletcher married for his third wife, Mary L. Sleeper, widow of Cyrus Sleeper, who died in 1878, and he married for his fourth wife, Sally, widow of Noble Prime, of Manchester. Mr. Fletcher has been a prosperous farmer, and an extensive cattle dealer. He moved to Plymouth NH in 1883, where he now resides. JOSHUA FLETCHER came from Westford, Mass., and located on the place where Manson S. Brown now lives. He married Sarah Brown, and reared eight sons and one daughter. His son Nathan married Nancy Pillsbury of Bridgewater, and had born to him three sons and two daughters, viz: Cyrus born in 1810, died in 1852; Arthur F., born where he now resides in 1811; Samuel W., now of Ashland; Julia Ann, born in 1816, died in 1842; and Arvilla, who married Charles Barnard. Cyrus married Mary L., daughter of Moses W. Sleeper, and had born to him one son, Arthur F. The latter was born in 1836, married twice, first Betsey Jane Wheeler, in 1859, who bore him one son, Cyrus W., of Fitchburg, Mass., born in 1860. This first wife died in 1863, and he married for his second wife, Ellen S., daughter of Edmund and Sarah (Hogsdon) Brown, in 1864, and has had born to him two daughters, Blanch Jane and Mary Ellen. A part of Arthur F. Fletcher's house is said to be a portion of the first frame house ever built in Bridgewater. MOSES FIFIELD came to Bridgewater from Brentwood in 1814. Samuel, one of his family of three sons and six daughters, was born in 1806, and married Elmira, daughter of Daniel and Betsey (Cass) Martin, in 1826. Of his three sons, Daniel M. was born in 1828, Edwin A. died young, and John E.S. was born March 21, 1842. The latter married Eliza E., daughter of David and Sarah (Abbott) Fifield, of West Concord, in 1866, and has had born to him four daughters and one son, viz: Rose Elmira, Addie Grace, Sarah Abbott, Edith May, and Elwin Augustus. Mr. Fifield has been town clerk seven years, and occupies a part of his grandfather's homestead on road 15. DAVID B. CLEMENT, son of Simeon, was born in Thornton NH in 1812, and when seventeen years of age came to Bridgewater. He married Mary, daughter of Joshua and Lydia Rollins, in 1837, and has had born to him one son and two daughters, as follows: Lydia R., David B. Jr., and Mary S.R. (Mrs Joseph A. Bartlett). Mr. clement is a prosperous farmer and resides on road 6. His son, David B. Jr. born in 1842, married Ellen M., daughter of Joseph and Almira (Prescott) Hickins in 1871, and has children as follows: Willie D., Josie H., Harry B., Myra, Ellen, Rose, Jane and Mary. Mr. D.B. Clement Jr. is first selectman, and resides on a part of his father's farm, on road 6. JOHN BROWN, born in Andover, NH, May 7, 1804, came to Bridgewater in 1839. He married twice, first, Eliza Noyes of Springfield in 1835, who bore him two sons and one daughter, viz: Elizabeth M. (Mrs. J. George Morrison) born in 1841, died in 1878; John S., born in 1844; and Jonathan I., born in 1848. His first wife died in 1854, and he married for his second wife, Dorothy A. Spiller, in 1855, and had born to him two sons and one daughter, as follows: Flora Annette, who married Sumner G. Prescott, and died in 1879; Walter Sherman, born in January 1864; and Clarence E., born in 1869. Mr. Brown resided in the eastern part of the town, was justice of the peace many years, and died in 1874. Walter S. married Sarah, daughter of Charles L. and Marilla (Houghton) Hoyt, March 9, 1885. THOMAS HAMMOND, son of Thomas and Hannah (Burnham) Hammond, was born at Dunbarton in 1814, and came to Bridgewater in 1840. He worked for Nathan Hammond five years, and worked on a farm in Hebron eight years. He bought the Nathan Hammond farm in 1853. He married twice, first, Esther D. Hammond, December 1, 1839, who bore him one son and one daughter, Melissa W. who died in 1865 aged twenty-eight years. His first wife died March 26, 1844, and he married for his second wife, Sarah N., daughter of Nathan and Mary L. (Noyes) Hammond, in 1845. Mr. Nathan Hammond married twice, first, Isabel Smith, who bore him two sons and two daughters, and second, Mary L. Noyes, and had born to him four sons and five daughters. He built the house where Mr. Thomas Hammond now lives, on road 14, and where the present Mrs. Thomas Hammond was born. RODNEY HAMMOND, son of Nathan, was born in 1810. Of his children, Ann A. married David S. Batchelder; Esther D. married Henry W. Tilton; and Mary N. married D.S. Johnson in 1861. The latter has two sons, Ora P. and Herman F. D.S. Johnson died in 1875, and the widow remarried Rev. Thomas Wyatt, in 1876. They live on the D.S. Johnson homestead on road 21. JOHN W. GOSS, son of Daniel and Mahala (Weeks) Goss, was born at Gilmanton in 1831, and married Olive A., widow of Charles Henderson, in 1852. He enlisted in Co. K, 14th NH Vols, in 1862, and served three years. He afterwards went to Sandwich, where he was engaged in the grist and shingle-mills for several years. He came to Bridgewater in 1884, and occupied the Boardman place, on road 16. He has one son, John H., who was born in 1862, and works on the farm with his father. ALONZO F. WHEELER, son of William O. and Betsey (Fletcher) Wheeler, was born in Plymouth, in 1835, and learned the blacksmith trade, and worked with his father. He married Lucia N., daughter of Samuel Worthen, in 1857, and has had born to him two sons and one daughter, viz: Nellie F., born in 1859, died in 1879; Roscoe F., born in 1865; and George H., born in 1873. Mr. Wheeler resided for a time in North Groton, came to Bridgewater in 1864, and bought the J.T. Morrill farm. He resides off road 16. ORRIN L. DOLLOFF, son of Levi and Roxia (Locke) Dolloff, was born July 26, 1833, and married Clarinda, daughter of Daniel and Dorcas (Baker) Elliot, May 26, 1859. His children are Albo O., who married Nellie, daughter of John and Emily (Haywood) Vose of Alexandria; Mrs. Frank H. Elliot, of Concord, and Mabel M. and Maud M., twins, born November 1, 1868. Mr. Dolloff owns a farm of seventy-five acres, and is proprietor of a summer boarding-house, formerly the old Hoyt stand, on road 11. ALBA H. CARPENTER, son of Horace H. and Elizabeth Carpenter, was born in Coos County in 1854, learned the carpenter trade and also the blacksmith trade. He married Isabel, daughter of Luther Barrett, and the widow of Elisha B. Ferrin, in 1880, and has one daughter, Ethel May, born April 2, 1883. Mr. Carpenter occupies the Luther Barrett homestead, a farm of 120 acres, on road 19. CHARLES WOODMAN, son of Isaac and Mary E. (Locke) Woodman, was born in Woodstock March 25, 1822, taught school several winters, and married Jemima, daughter of Jacob and Jemima (Cook) Avery, in 1848. He lived on his father's farm two years, and has been engaged in the mercantile business sixteen years. He came to Bridgewater in 1865, and located on the James Brown farm. He has had born to him five sons and two daughters, viz: Jacob A., living in this town; Lyman B., who is a soliciting agent and resides at home; Charles S., who resides in Ashland; Addie C., who is a teacher and a crayon artist, and resides at home; Corydon E., who lives in Boston; Cora M., who died in infancy, and Austin W., who is a guide and landscape painter. Mr. Woodman has been justice of the peace about thirty years. ****** CHURCHES in BRIDGEWATER NH ****** CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH--As early as 1790 a Congregational church was organized here by Rev. Mr. Page, of Hebron, as a branch of the Hebron church, services being held in Dea. Boardman's barn. In 1802 a church building was commenced, which was completed in 1806, a large, two-story, antique-looking affair. In 1798 or about that time, Dea. Joshua Fletcher, from Plymouth, moved into town, locating near where the church was built, and preached to the congregation until 1822. In 1825 Rev. Charles Bowles was ordained and engaged for five years, though he only preached three and a half years, when he was dismissed by a council. At that time the society had thirty-eight members. From the time Mr. Bowles left, up to 1850, the society continued to hire preaching most of the time, though gradually declining in strength and numbers. The church building was remodeled and is now used as a town hall. At Bridgewater, in the southern part of the town, however, a neat chapel has been erected, which is used in union by all denominations for religious purposes. (end)