HISTORY OF ENFIELD, 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 243+ HISTORY OF ENFIELD NH ENFIELD, one of the southern frontier towns of the county, lies in lat. 43 degrees, 36' and long. 72 degrees, 7', bounded north by Canaan, east by Grafton, south by the county line, and west by Lebanon. As the causes which led to the granting of this and several townships in the vicinity on the 4th of July, 1761, are reviewed in connection with the sketch of LEBANON, we will simply recaptiulate here that after the destruction of Louisburg, in 1758, WILLIAM DANA and three companions, Connecticut soldiers, came across Maine to the Connecticut river, designing to follow it down to their homes. In passing through the region in the vicinity of Lebanon they found so much to admire and covet that Mr. Dana determined to secure a home here. Accordingly, on his return home, he became instrumental in having a number of persons in the town of Norwich, Lebanon and Mansfield, Conn., associate themselves together to procure a charter of townships in the new territory of the Connecticut valley. They formed two companies, though composed mainly of the same persons. One sought a charter of a town to be called Lebanon, and others proposed to call their town Enfield. The proper steps were taken, and on the 4th of July 1761, the charter of Enfield was issued to the following proprietors:-- Jedediah Dana, Nathaniel Turner, Elisha Clark, Tephaniah Nichols, Uriah Hanks, William Henpets, Joshua Handee, Samuel Foster, Ebenezer Lathrop Jr., Samuel Murdock Jr., Philip Turner Jr., Jabez Baldwin Jr., John Birchard, James Lathrop, John Gilbert, John Saltere, Rufus Baldwin Jr., Huckins Storrs, Lemuel Barrows, Constant Southworth, Benjamin Hank, Jonathan Strickland, Andrew Campbell, John Lopell, Jonathan Dana, Jabez Barrows Jr., Silas Waterman, Elias Birchard, Skiff Freeman, Rev. Richard Saltere, Andrew Able, Joseph Turner Jr., Judah Moore, Samuel Butters, James Hall, Oliver Clark, Isaac Dana, Asa Leffingwell, Daniel Allen, James Dana, Silas Hide, Ebenezer Baldwin, Andrew Storrs, Jedediah Dana Jr., John Tracy, Nathan Dennison, Samuel Esterbrooks, Joseph Esterbrooks, Jeremiah Leffingwell, and Uriah Rogers. Aside from these there were ten others, favorites of Governor Wentworth, living in Portsmouth and vicinity. In the charter deed the name is spelled "Endfield," though it was undoubtedly named after Enfield, Conn. As we have intimated, these proprietors were well-to-do inhabitants of Eastern Connecticut, most of them of Windham County; but only three of them became actual settlers of the town. The Governor in this, as probably in his other charters, secured to himself the lion's share-- a select 500 acres, under penalty of forfeiture, that the proprietors should "plant and cultivate" about 2,000 acres in the first five years, a condition that, interested as many of them were in the settlement of other new townships, they found themselves unable to perform. In 1766, a few months before the five years expired, they dispatched John Salter, from Connecticut, to Portsmouth, to apply "to the Governor and Council of New Hampshire for a continuation of their charter, and also for an addition to said township," and renewed their exertions to settle the township. But it seems both their mission and their efforts substantially failed; for two years afterwards, August 8, 1768, the Governor and Council, treating the Enfield charter as forfeited, re-granted "all that tract or parcel of land, known by the name of Enfield, to be known by the name of Relhan," to an entirely new set of ninety proprietors, most of whom resided in and around Portsmouth. And now began the "war of the charters." The validity of each charter being stoutly asserted on the one side, and denied on the other, the consequence was that titles under either were rendered uncertain and insecure, and feuds and collisions occurred between the claimants under the one, and those under the other, in attempting to reduce to possession, and occupy the same land. The Relhan faction succeeded in securing an act of incorporation for the town under that name, passed August 18, 1778. This state of things was finally put an end to, however, mainly through the efforts of Jesse Jonson, Esq., who in 1779, in connection with other owners under the Enfield charter, by equivalents, purchase and compromises, succeeded in extinguishing the entire claims under the Relham charter, thus leaving the Enfield charter undisputed and ending the "war of the charters," which had disquieted the town during eleven years, and retarded its settlement. By an act passed March 28, 1781, Jeremiah Page, Henry Gerrish and William Chamberlain were authorized to "run out and settle the lines of the township of Enfield, alias Relhan." On July 9th, or the same year, the committee send in the following report:-- "WHEREAS, By an act of the General Assembly of the State of New Hampshire, passed on the 28th day of March, last, Jeremiah Page, Esq. was appointed with us, the subscribers, a committee to settle the lines and boundaries of the township of Enfield, alias Relhan, and those lines and boundaries of the townships of Canaan and Grafton, which are, or may be, contiguous thereto, or dependant thereupon--pursuant to said appointment the subscribers have attended said business, and by and with the consent of all the parties, have performed said service in the following manner, viz. Beginning at the southerly corner bound on the township of Lebanon, which is the south-westerly corner of the township of Enfield, alias Relhan, commonly called sumner's bounds, and running south fifty-eight degrees east six miles and three-fourths of a mile, to a hemlock tree marked H.G.W.C.& C.; thence running north forty degrees and forty-five minutes east about five miles and a half, to a spruce tree marked as aforesaid, which is the dividing line between Enfield and Grafton, and is the northeasterly corner of Enfield, alias Elhan, and the southeasterly corner of Canaan; thence running north fifty-eight degrees west seven iles and sixty rods, to a birch stump, which is also the north-easterly corner of Lebanon, and to the southwesterly corner of Canaan; thence by the township of Lebanon to the bounds first mentioned. "Boscawen, July 9th, 1781. "Henry Gerrish, William Chamberlain, Committee" This report was not officialy adopted by the legislature, however, until June 18, 1802, nearly a quarter of a century after the committee was appointed. On January 3, 1774, the act incorporating the town by the name of Relhan was repealed. Little change has been made in the town's boundaries as established by the committee of 1781, except that by an act passed January 13, 1837, a tract of land from Grantham, on the south, was annexed to Enfield. The town thus has an area of 24,060 cres, about 2,500 of which is covered by water. The surface of Enfield is rather rough and broken, though not so much so as that of some of its neighboring towns; neither is this roughness of contour sufficiently pronounced to seriously retard cultivation of the soil, as most of the hills are cultivated to their summits. But the town is noted for its diversified and beautiful scenery-- its rivulets, lakelets, valleys and hills blended in a picture of beauty rarely excelled in its character. The northwestern and southwestern sections of the township are broken into quite abrupt hills, while diagonally through the center, between these broken sections, lies the broad valley embosoming Mascoma lake. High up on the highlands of the southern part of the town lie three small lakelets, and just south of Mascoma a fourth. In the southeastern part lies George pond, connected with Mascoma Lake by Knox river. Crystal Lake, about two miles in length, lies in the eastern part, between Choate Hill and East Hill, and at its outlet is the village of East Enfield. In the extreme northwestern part of the town, partly in Grafton, is Spectacle pond. Nearly all of the streams flow a north-westerly course, their waters finding their way ultimately into Mascoma river, which receives the waters, remarkable to state, of no less than twenty-five lakes and ponds. Mascoma Lake and the unrivaled water-power to which it serves the purpose of a reservoir, is fully described in connection with the sketch of Lebanon. From marks of a former shore running around it, and logs found a dozen feet below the surface of the plain, extending about a mile south, this beautiful lake would seem to have been anciently considerably longer, and some thirty feet higher than it now is, at high water mark, and its fall is supposed to have been caused by a disruption and lowering of its outlet in Lebanon. At its head it receives, as we have said, a brook running from George pond through the Center village, on which stream are mills and factories. The other principal brooks are Bicknell's, flowing into, and Johnson's, flowing out of Crystal Lake, on both of which are saw-mills. Mt. Calm, in the southern part of the town, is the highest elevation, while the others of note are East Choate's, Jones, Shaker, Goodhue and George hills. The Northern railroad crosses the northwestern section of the town, with a station at Enfield village. DESCRIPTION OF ENFIELD NH in 1885 In 1880 Enfield had a population of 1,680 souls. In 1885 the town had fifteen school districts, sixteen common schools, and one graded school. Its fifteen school-houses were valued, including furniture, etc. at $5,5530.00. There were 260 children attending school-- twenty six of whom were pursuing the higher grades--taught during the year by five male and seventeen female teachers, at an average monthly salary of $29.20 for males, and $23.10 for females. The entire amount raised for school purposes during the year was $2,192.31, while the expenditures were $2,277.00, with George F. Pettingill, superintendent. VILLAGES ENFIELD is a handsome post village located on Mascoma Lake and the Northern railroad,in the northern part of the town. It has a good water-power, furnished by the inlet to the lake. The principal manufactories are the grain mills of the Wyman Pattee, the tannery of Leviston Bros., and Huse & Berry's furniture shop. The village contains three churches (Congregational, Universalist and Methodist), a public library, about a half dozen stores of various kinds, the usual complement of shops, one hotel, a summer boarding house (Day Dawn House), and about two hundred dwelling houses. Its pleasant and picturesque surrounding hill and lake scenery makes it a pleasant summer resort. The trim and tidy little steamer, "Nina," during the season makes daily trips from the village to the Lake View House, situated in a shady grove on the bank of Lake Mascoma, a mile or two away. The lake and streams in the vicinity afford good fishing. The hills in the vicinity afford grand views, and the well-made road pleasant drives. ENFIELD CENTER, a small post village on Knox river, near the outlet of George Pond, has one church (Union), one hotel, two general stores, a saw-mill, grist-mill, the Shaker sock and woolen factory, a carriage and paint shop, marble shop, broom factory, and about 200 inhabitants. EAST ENFIELD is a hamlet nestled at the foot of Crystal Lake. At this point there are fine mill-priveges--one of the finest water-powers in the county. The village was long known as Jonson's Mills, and was once the center of business of this and adjoining towns. Here were erected the first grist-mill and the first store in the town; here resided Judge Jesse Jonson, and his old mansion, erected in 1803, is yet standing. Here, also resided two other of the town's early and worthy citizens--George Conant, justice of the peace, the town's first clothier, and Capt. Richard Currier, whose residence, erected in 1800, is also standing. The village now has only half a dozen dwellings and one church, used occasionally by all denominations. MONTCALM (p.o.) is a hamlet in a little valley among the hills in the western part of the town. It contains a blacksmith shop and six or eight dwellings. SHAKER VILLAGE is located on the western shore of Mascoma Lake. This village is divided into what is termed three families, viz.: North, Center or Church, and South families. The village is located about midway between the two extremes of the lake, and they own all the land on the lake for nearly two miles. The plain where the village is situated is very narrow between the lake and the hill (which rises quite abrubtly), but the soil is very rich and productive. Their real estate in lands embrances some 2,500 acres, and their fields and gardens give evidence of blessings, arising from their industry and care. The fraternity are agriculturists and mechanics. Aside from the common productions of New England farms for the comforts of the people, their products are garden seeds, medicinal roots and vegetables for the market, and from their work-shops thousands of brooms, pails, tubs, sap-buckets, hose and under garments are manufactured for sale, with a choice article in butter from their dairy, and from their medical department for sanitary purposes, several very useful medicines which have the sanction of the medical fraternity. Their buildings are modestly neat and built more for convenience and durability than beauty, although some of them have an extensive appearance, which is the fact. In 1837, the Middle family built a large stone building, four stories high, one hundred feet long and fifty-six feet wide. It is surmounted by a cupola, in which is a bell weighing 800 pounds. Every stone in the building is cemented and further fastened together with iron trunnels. The whole expense of the building was $35,000.00 and at the time of its erection it was considered the most expensive building in the state, except the State House. It is devoted to family use. There are some other very good buildings, among which is a large barn, one of the most convenient in the State. As to the origin of this society in Enfield, tradition has it that one Williams* a convert to this modified Quakerism, then living in Grafton, the town adjoining Enfield on the east, went to Lebanon, NY, and introduced two of the preachers of the Shaker society there, named Cooley and Chuancy, to return with him. We have the fact from a record made at the time, that on the 6th of September, 1782, these two men came to Joseph Flint's Canaan, South road, and there preached; but gaining no adherents in that town, they went into the adjoining one, Enfield, and there succeeded in making converts of some of the staid and respectable farmers and mechanics and their families--among whom were James Jewett, Ezekiel Stevens, Asa Pattee, Benjamin Merrill and Zadock Wright, living on Jones hill, and the hill afterwards called after them, Shaker Hill, on the northerly side of Mascoma lake. They remained on these hills, gaining some new believers, about ten years, till about 1792, when, effecting an exchange of land, they removed to the more fertile spot they have ever since occupied, with large additions on the southerly side of the same lake. For the first ten years they were not by their garb distinguished from the "world's people," as they termed outsiders. Six years after their advent, they are called in the town records of 1788, "Shaking Quakers," and the selectmen are instructed to petition the legislature, stating, "their conduct," and the situation of the town, and asking for a remedy. At the start, like other new sects, the Shakers were exceedingly wild, enthusiastic and extravagant in their beliefs and religious exercises. But after a time they gradually settled down into the sober, temperate and rational people they now are and long have been. They have always been remarkable for honesty and industry. Like the same sect elsewhere they hold their property in common, take on themselves vows of perpetual chastity, rejecting even the institution of marriage, and making dancing a part of their religious exercises. William Williams is said to be the person who introduced the two preachers. He was an honest, but eccentric man, who, after living many years in the society, left it, and continued to reside near it with his son William, a man of wit and worth, a deputy sheriff, land surveyor and town clerk. The old gentleman died at an advanced age, many years ago. [*The leading men of the Shakers at Enfield at the present time claim that this version, in every particular, is not correct. They claim that Ebenezer Cooley and Israel Chauncy voluntarily, without invitation from Williams, came to Hartland, Vt., and from thence, with one Zadock Wright, journeyed to Enfield, and called upon James Jewett, a resident of what is now called Sugar Hill, arriving September 1, 1782, and the first Shaker meeting ever held in New Hampshire was at the house of Asa Pattee, near Mr. Jewett's house. In 1793 the frame of a church was raised, on the west shore of Mascoma lake, which house now stands, and is occupied as a place for their public worship.] It is only for convenience and for better subserving, according to their ideas, the purposes of life, that they are divided into families, there being at the present time numbered in the society about one hundred and fifty souls. Their form of government is patriarchal; there being one common and acknowledged head and center of authority, vested in their officers, males and females, both sexes having equal voice and equal rights as councelors, teachers and directors in all pertaining to things spiritual and things temporal, whose duty consists in dealing kindly, impartially and parentally with all the members, who have equal claims and equal rights with those in places of care. BUSINESSES AND MANUFACTURES HUSE & BERRY, MANUFACTURERS OF BEDSTEAdS, have their mills and shops on the Mascoma River, just above the lake of the same name, in the village of Enfield. This industry gives employment to about twenty men, and turns out from $3,000 to $4,000 worth of manufactured goods per month. The business was established by Cambridge & Folsom, in a small way, about 100 rods above the present commodious buildings, about 1850. In 1852 the firm of Cambridge & Huse was formed, and continued about twenty years, when Mr. Berry purchsaed the interest of Mr. Cambridge, and the present firm of Huse & Berry was formed. The Shakers erected the buildings now occupied by the firm, about thirty years ago, and rented them to Cambridge & Huse, and next to Huse & Berry, until 1869, when the firm purchased the property. THE SHAKER MILLS are located in the village of Enfield on the Mascoma river. In 1841 the buildings were constructed by the Church family of Shakers, for the purpose of manufacturing flannels, and the machinery was placed in the buildings by a company who contracted with the Shaker family to make their flannels. These goods were taken to the Shaker village and made up into underware and sold in New York, the first in market of the famous Shaker flannels. This trade was continued until about 1855, when the discontinued making up their goods, and sold the flannels in whole pieces. About this time, also, they commenced the manufacture of the equally famous Shaker hosiery, and D.L. Davis, one of the present proprietors of these mills, sold the first case of socks of this kind to C.F. Hovey, of Boston, during that season. The manufacturing of the Shaker goods by the Shakers, under contracts, continued until 1855, when the buildings were rented by other parties up to this date. The present firm, engaged in manufacturing the same grade of flannels and selling to the same jobbers, consists of J.W. Dodge, David L. Davis, and Henry C. Whipple, under the firm name of Dodge, Davis & Co. The manufactory gives employment to thirty-five operatives, and turns out about $85,000 worth of goods annually. These mills have been run, with stops for repairs or other purposes, not to exceed two months, since 1841. The firm of Dodge, Davis & Co., are also operating mills on the same grade of goods in Bristol, in conjunction with these at Enfield. THE SHAKER STOCKING-YARN AND SOCK MANUFACTORY, on George pond brook, or Knox river, was built by a man by the name of Clough, thirty or forty years ago. It was purchased by a Mr. Sulloway, who sold to Herbert Bailey, and he to Millen & Gordon, the present firm, in 1878. They manufacture about fifty dozen pairs of Shaker socks per day. They also make stocking-yarn and do custom carding, doing a business of $24,000 a year, and giving employment to from twelve to fifteen hands in the mill, besides having a great amount of finishing done outside. THE ENFIELD TANNERIES, located at the village of Enfield, were built by Alpheus Richardson, in the autumn of 1859. The first set of buildings were burned before they were quite finished, June 13, 1850, but were immediately rebuilt by Mr. Richardson, and the business was continued by him until his death, when his heirs sold to the Church family of Shakers, January 18, 1853. They, in turn, on the 21st of the same month, sold to Godfrey & Conant, who rented the property to other parties, who used it for tanning and wool-pulling. On September 8, 1856, Kennedy & McConnell bought the property. McConnell deeded his interest to Kennedy November 4, 1863, and Kennedy deeded to Marden & Johnson November 6, 1863, who deeded to H.W. French, September 4, 1866. On February 19, 1869, the property was deeded by French to William and Robert Leviston and Jabez T. Young. On June 20, 1872, J.T. Young deeded his interest to the Leviston Bros., the present owners and operators, who have also purchased from S.R. Stocker the premises adjoining, formerly used as woolen mills, and known as the Stocker property, one of which buildings is now used as a machine shop, and the other as a store-house, in connection with the tannery. They manufacture upper-leather, the capacity being 1,000 sides per week, with a full corps of men. JOHN F. SPAULDING'S PROVENDER-MILL was built by John C. Clough, about 1864. He sold to Smith Marston, and Marston sold to George J. Jonson, who sold to John F. Spaulding, in March 1884. The mill has two runs of stones for grinding feed and meal. Mr. Spaulding also manufactures brooms and brushes. THE SHAKER FLOUR AND GRIST MILLS, located at Enfield, Wyman Pattee, proprietor, were built by the Church family of Shakers in 1860. They have five runs of stones, with the capacity for grinding 800 bushels of grain per day, and give employment to five men. FRANK B. MORSE'S SAW AND SHINGLE-MILL, AND LATH, AND BROOM-HANDLE MANUFACTORY, at Enfield Center, were established by Smith Marston, i 1874, and purchased by Mr. Morse February 17, 1884. They have a circular-saw, cut 500,000 feet of lumber and 200,000 to 300,000 shingles per year, while the slabs are manufactured into broom-handles and lath, giving employment to six men. EDWIN F. FOSTER'S SAW-MILL, on Stony brook, road 39, was rebuilt in 1868. It has a circular-saw, and cuts from 125,000 to 200,000 feet of lumber per year. WELLS AND FLANDER'S SAW AND CIDER-MILL, on Mascoma river, road 5, cuts 1,000,000 feet of lumber, and makes from 500 to 600 barrels of cider per year, employing about seven to eight men. GEORGE F.ANDREW'S MARBLE-SHOP, on road 33, was established by him April 1, 1861, where he does all kinds of marble work. JOHN G. FLANDERS established the business of broom-making at Enfield Center in 1862. He manufactures about 1,200 dozen brooms per year. EARLY PROPRIETORS MEETINGS The first proprietor's meeting, under the original charter, was held at the house of Amariah Storrs, "inn holder," at Mansfield, Conn., September 5, 1761, when Jedediah Dana was chosen moderator. The meeting was adjourned to September 9, when Andrew Storrs was chosen proprietors' clerk, Judah Moor, collector, and Constant Southworth, treasurer. At this meeting also, Jedediah Dana, Ebenezer Baldwin, Rev. Richard Saltere, James Hall, Judah Moore, Moses Hibbert and Nathan Denison were appointed a committee to make the first division of lots, and Ebenezer Lathrop was appointed surveyor. The meetings of the proprietors was held here for the first twelve years, or until December 1773, after which they took place in Enfield or vicinity. The book containing their proceedings from December 1773 to April 1781 has been lost. SETTLEMENT OF THE TOWN OF ENFIELD NH The settlement of the town was begun by Jonathan Paddleford, Nathaniel Bicknell and Elias Bingham; and Elias, son of the latter, was the first male child born in town. The settlement progressed but slowly, however, for in 1775, fourteen years after the charter was granted, the population was only fifty, and probably there were not over ten male heads of famlies. In the following year only thirteen male adults signed the Declaration of Loyalty, none refusing. In 1790, eleven years after the close of the charter difficulties, the population had increased to 750, or about 100 families. Most of the early settlers came from Connecticut, Haverhill and Chibano, a point near Salem, Mass., and Hampstead, Plaistow and South Hampton NH. ***** BIOGRAPHIES OF EARLY SETTLERS ***** JONATHAN PADDLEFORD was, if not the first, among the very first settlers. He came to Enfield with an adult family of sons and daughter, from Ashford, Windham County, Conn., where, as early as 1765, he had purchased several pieces of land from the original proprietors under the Enfield charter, and removed to Enfield between that year and 1772. He erected the second grist-mill in the town, afterwards known as Follansbee's mills, on Mascoma river, near where the Shaker mills now stand. He died July 13, 1783. ELISHA BINGHAM was born in Windham county, Conn., and settled in Enfield about 1772. Though illiterate, he seems to have been a man of good capacity, his name often occuring as a town officer. He had a large family. His son, Elias, born August 29, 1772, as we have stated, was the first male child born in the town, and his daughter, Phebe, born January 7, 1778, was probably the first female child. In 1787 Mr. Binham removed, with his entire family, to Jay, Essex County, NY. CAPT. NATHAN BICKNEL came to the town, with his wife and six children, in the spring of 1777, from Ashford, Conn., and settled east of Crystal Lake, where his son Isaac afterwards lived. Bicknell's brook was named after him. He died in Enfield. JESSE JONSON was from Hampstead. He made his first purchase in Enfield in 1778, and in the next six years became the owner of nearly a quarter of the township under its two charters. He passed much of his time in Enfield, superintending the clearing of his land and erecting mills, from 1778 to March 1787, when he removed his family here and resided here until his death, March 11, 1800, in his sixty-eigth year. In Enfield he was made a magistrate and representative, and discharged the principal town offices. Hon. Jesse Jonson, oldest son of Jesse by his first marriage, was born in Hampstead in 1762. In 1779, in his seventeenth year, he walked to Enfield, through the wilderness, to aid in clearing his father's lands. The year after he became of age he was appointed a justice of the peace, an office he held thirty-two years, till his death; was proprietors' clerk thirty years, one of the town's earlier land surveyors, its first magistrate and representative, a delegate to the convention that in 1792 formed the present state constitution, judge of probate, judge of the court of common pleas, and, in 1812, nominee of his party for Congress. He died September 23, 1816, in his fifty-fourth year. His son, George W., early removed to the vicinity of Buffalo, NY where he acquired wealth and eminence in the legal profession. He used to occupy the "white house," the old homestead, as a summer resort, and here, in 1869, he secured the organization of the Enfield Historical Society. The object of this society, of which he was the first president, is to preserve the facts of Enfield's history and to eventually place them in print. Mr. Jonson left at his death, about 1800, a legacy to the society to aid in this enterprise, which has been augmented by membership fees. He also left a legacy of $500 to the town to be used in aid of deserving poor who are not town charges. THOMAS KIDDER came to the town, from Alstead, in 1786, with his wife and children, who were all of the Shaker Church. He was the father of Jason, born in 1781, long a principal man among the Shakers, and a gentleman of refined manners, good talents, and sterling worth. JOSEPH MERRILL came to the town about 1795, from South Hampton, was a justice of the peace, deputy sheriff, representative, etc. He was a man of enterprise and much influence. JOHNSON GILE came to Enfield, with his wife and two children, in 1779, and settled upon the farm where his great-grandson, L. Hazen Gile, now lives. He was the father of six children--four sons and two daughters. His sons, Thomas, Daniel, Samuel and Ebenezer, all settled near him. JOSHUA STEVENS came to Enfield from Hamstead [sic Hampstead] in 1780, and settled upon the farm where his grandson, David M. Stevens, now resides, on road 15. He married three times, first, Hannah Harriman, who bore him twelve children, and died in 1802; second, Sarah Marshall of Hamstead, who died in 1821; and third, Sarah French. Eleven of his chidlren lived to old age, viz: Ruth, Jeremiah, Hannah, Mehetable, Susannah, Jotham, Samuel, Sarah, Mary, Judah and Joshua. Mr. Stevens died in 1827, aged seventy-seven years. His widow survived him until 1844. Samuel, son of Joshua Sr., succeded his father on the homestead, where he lived a bachelor until he was seventy-five years old, after which he married twice. He died on the homestead, aged ninety-three years. David M., son of Joseph Jr. came to live with his uncle Samuel, when seventeen years of age, and was bequeathed the homestead, where he now resides. THEOPHILUS CLOUGH was among the early settlers, locating here over a century ago, upon a place adjoining and south of the South family of Shakers. His farm of about 500 acres was wilderness. He cleared this, and, at his death, it was divided between his two sons, Theophilus Jr. and Henry. He was also the father of several daughters. The sons continued on the homestead during their lives. Theophilus Jr. had three sons and seven daughters. The sons were Theophilus, Wingate and John. The third Theophilus now resides on the homestead, aged eighty-four years, and is umarried. Wingate was a manufacturer and died in Saxonville, Mass., about twenty years ago. He was the father of three sons and two daughters, one of whom, Bartlett W., resides in this town, on road 8. The others who survive reside in Massachusetts, John, son of Theophilus Jr. settled upon a place adjoining the homestead. He was the father of one daughter, Emeline Clough, who now resides with her mother on the homestead. Abigail C., daughter of Theophilus 3d, born in 1816, married J.G. Perley, who died soon after, when she with her infant son, Joseph F., returned to the old home to live. Joseph F. is now an energetic business man, the general agent of a large manufacturing company. ROWELL COLBY, one of the pioneer settlers, came to Enfield, from Salisbury NH in 1779, and settled upon George Hill, where his grandson, Lewis T. Colby, now lives. He came to the town in March, with a pair of cattle and a sled, camping one night in the woods, where he was entertained with a free concert by a pack of wolves. The roads were indicated by marked trees. He frequently made journeys back to Salisbury, and, on one occasion, he borught sixty young apple trees on his back, which he planted and lived to eat the fruit they produced. One of these trees is still living, and measures nine feet in circumference. He served in the Revolutionary war, and was at the battle of Bennington. He was the father of eleven children, viz: Alstead Brownell, James Edwards, Mrs. Nancy Flanders, William B. Cochran, Wyman P. Colby, Lydia J. Colby, Lewis T. Colby, and Mrs. Mary C. French. He lived on the place where he first settled until his death, aged seventy-three years. He held several of the offices of the town. He commenced with very small means, but added to his possessions until he owned over 1,000 acres of land. JOSEPH COGSWELL came to Enfield from Ipswich, Mass., with his wife and two children, and settled in the eastern part of the town about 1790. He built a log house in the woods, where he lived until about 1801, when he built a more commodious dwelling. He married Hannah Burnham and was the father of seven children. His five daughters moved to Moria, NY. His two sons, Joseph and James, remained on the homestead. Joseph died in 1866, leaving two daughters and a son. His widow still survives him. James died in 1878, aged seventy-eight years, and left three children, namely, John R. of Marshall, IA., Emily A. (Mrs. Eben R. Dustin) who resides on the Smith homestead, and Frank S. who lives in Concord NH. The widow of James Cogswell is living, and resides with her daughter, Mrs. Dustin. JOSEPH JOHNSON, an early settler of Enfield, located in the western part of the town and owned the farm there, built the fine house where Mr. Miner Purmont now lives. Late in his life he lived in Enfield Center, and finally died at the residence of his son, David F. Johnson. The place is now the home of his grandson, Hon. J.W. Johnson, proprietor of the Quincy House, Boston. At the age of fifteen, Mr. Johnson enlisted into the army, and was a soldier during the Revolutionary war, and aftewards a pensioner. He died November 7, 1848, aged eighty-eight years. His wife, Polly, died June 5 1849, aged eighty-one years. Their children were Sally, Moses, John, Mary, Betsey, Martha C., Jesse, James R., and David F. None are now living. Sally married Oliver Hardy of Bradford VT; Mary married Johnson Hardy, of Lebanon; Betsey married Ziba Hamilton of Lebanon; Martha C. married Mr. Brock of Newbury VT; John was a tanner and for many years engaged in tanning at East Enfield village; Jesse died while quite young; James B. was a merchant and carried on business in Springfield and Enfield up to the time of his death; and David F. was engaged in building for several years, and at the commencement of the building up of "Center Village," in Enfield, he engaged in the manufacture and sale of furniture and sleighs, and also began the sale of general merchandise, which he continued until 1857, when he removed to Tilton NH, where he was station and express agent for several years. Afterwards he engaged in the insurance business, which he continued until his death. The grandchildren of Joseph and Polly Johnson, now living, are Harriet, daughter of Sally, who resides in Hopkinton NH; James W. and Mrs. S.M. French, children of Moses; Calista, daughter of John and wife of T.H. Fifield, resides in Valparaiso, Ind.; the children of David F., viz: Lovin E., wife of J.F. Bryant, a merchant of Enfield Center; Mary I., wife of Rev. R.W. Humphries, resides in Philadelphia, PA; and Paul B., who resides in Massachusetts; and the children of Betsey, George, Horace and Charles Hamilton, all residing in Massachusetts. Moses, oldest son of Joseph and Polly Johnson, was born in Enfield, January 18, 1789. He commenced life as a laborer, without any means. In 1812 he married Lovinia Hardy, of Lebanon, and commenced business with his brother John, in a tannery at the little hamlet of East Enfield, where he remained a few years, and then removed to a farm, the estate of Esq. Fogg, which estate he settled during the ensuing two years, when he finally settled on a farm in Enfield Center, where he continued the remainder of his life. His extensive farm of over 200 acres was nearly all wood-land, which he immediately commenced to improve, giving employment to many of his neighbors in his operations of clearing and lumbering. When he first settled on this place he had only two neighbors in what soon became a thrifty village; but to induce others o join him to build up the place, he liberally gve to any one who had the energy and enterprise to undertake it, several weeks' board, and both he and his most amiable wife always welcomed travelers to their home. In addition to his farming business, which became large in a few years, be came one of foremost dealers in live-stock, cattle and sheep, being his leading trade. These were purchased of the farmers by traveling over large portions of New Hampshire and Vermont and collecting several hundred into an immense herd or "drove," which were driven on foot to Brighton market, Boston, employing about half a dozen drivers and requiring several days to complete the journey, always herding the cattle one night en-route in his pastures and providing food and lodging for the drivers at his house. He always accompanied his herds on horseback. This business he continued until the exposure of the road undermined his hardy constitution, and he was, much against his will, obliged to give it up. In these journeys on horseback, with saddlebags and spurs, armed with a heavy black whip and a pair of pistols, which he considered a necessary safeguard, especially in passing through the "five mile woods" of Boscawen Plain, when returning to him home from market, as these "woods" were infested by robbers. On one occasion when he was carrying a large amount of money, by fortunately overhearing the bandit just in time, he put spurs to his horse and escaped. In all his dealings with his fellowman, Mr. Johnson was called "the honest man," and at all times, in all places, under all circumstances, his motto which he successfully inculcated and instilled into the hearts of his children, was the trite one, "Honesty is the best policy." He gained a fair fortune, but by reverses it was all swept away. He died at the homestead,--"the little red house on the hill"--June 9, 1857. His wife, who was most truly his help-meet, survived him until July 25, 1879, living to the great age of ninety-one years and six months. She was a very remarkable woman of her day, possession great strength of mind, tempered with gentle and tender solicitude and warm affection for her family and friends, which extended in good works to the sick and afflicted. Those suffering found her first at their bedside. Suffice it to say, "her husband praised he, and her children rise up and call her blessed." Their surviving children are Susan Matilda and Hon. James Willis Johnson. Susan Matilda Johnson, born at East Enfield, September 20, 1816, married Amos French, of Lebanon, August 9, 1837, who was then a farmer. Later they removed to Enfield Center, where Mr. French engaged in mercantile pursuits the next two years, held the office of justice of the peace and selectman, was a prominent Republican, an uncompromising anti-slavery man, and a radical advocate of temperance. After leaving his store, he again engaged in farming the next fifteen years, at the Currier Stand, and finally, removed to a farm in Hartford, VT, where he died November 5, 1871, aged fifty-eight years. Mrs. French then returned to the "red house on the hill," where she kindly took upon herself the dutiful care of her worthy and aged mother, which she faithfully and gladly performed until her mother's decease. Mr. and Mrs. French had born to them four sons, viz: John J., who at the age of fifteen entered the book-store of his uncle, James French, of Boston, went into mercantile business with others in Galesburgh, IL and for fourteen years was station agent on the Suncook railroad, at Pittsfield, NH which position he recently resigned on account of ill health. William W., at the age of twenty years, enlisted in the Union army, served about fifteen months, when he was wounded, in the battle of Fredericksburg. He has since been a great sufferer by blood poison from a bullet which he carried imbedded in his thigh more than seven years. He now receives a pension for entire disability. He resides at Enfield Center. George B. French, who at about twenty-three years of age engaged as a baggage-master at the depot at Concord NH, for six years, and has been messenger of the United States Express Company the last nine years, resides in Concord. Charles F. French was employed by L. Pease & Co., hardware dealers in Hartford VT, two years, then was the proprietor of a hotel in Lebanon two years, where he died March 31, 1881, aged nearly twenty-seven years. Hon. James Willis Johnson, the only son of Moses and Lavinia (Hardy) Johnson, was born in Enfield, February 24, 1826. He received a limited education, and his occupation until the year 1851, when he was twenty-six years of age, was that of clerk in a country store. He early evinced a decided inclination for trade, and in 1852 commenced buying potatoes and produce for the Boston market, a car-load of "long-red" potatoes being his first venture. He soon increased his business by buying cattle in Canada and northern New York, which he took in droves to New Hampshire and sold to the farmers. He was also an extensive dealer in wool, which business he increased from year to year. At the commencement of the civil war, Mr. Johnson, with comprehensive sagacity, foresaw that our great armies must be clothed as well as fed, and that wool would be in demand. Consequently, he boldly entered the trade on a large scale, extending his field of operations over New Hampshire, Vermont and Canada. From that time, 1861 or 1862, up to 1876, he was one of the largest, boldest and most successful dealers in wool and produce in the New England States. In one day his neighbor, James F. Bryant, disbursed in currency for him between $60,000 and $70,000 for wool received. Early in his transactions in barley, of which he became one of the largest shippers from northern New York and Canada, he called on a noted and wealthy brewer of Boston, Mr. Souther, and exhibited a sample which he carried in a small bag and solicited a trade, giving his price. Mr. Souther quietly said, "Yes, I want your barley, and will take 10,000 bushels." Mr. Johnson concluded the contract and left at once to make the necessary purchase to fill it, but was astonished at the magnitude of the trade, and the great amount which he would realize, it being more than he ever expected to be worth. In this trade he was successful, and has had great success in all his business undertakings. Mr. Johnson was not born rich, and the following incident, which is indelibly stamped on his memory, will give some idea of the straitened circumstances he underwent in his boyhood. At the age of seven or eight years, he went to the store, a distance of a mile and a quarter barefooted through snow an inch deep, and purchased, with a little money his mother earned by weaving for a neighbor, one point of molasses, three cents worth of tea, and what flour he could buy for a quarter of a dollar. Contrast this with the following incidents, showing something of the magnitude of his transactions in his manhood. In the presence of his neighbor, Wyman Pattee, in five minutes time he made five thousand dollars in the sale of 50,000 bushels of barley. On another occasion a man from a neighboring town went into the bank at Lebanon and informed James H. Kendrick, the cashier, that Mr. Johnson was about to fail. Mr. Kendrick, with characteristic loyalty to Mr. Johnson, and entire confidence in his ability, asked him if Mr. Johnson owed him anything. To this, he replied "No." "Do you know of anyone he does owe?" he next asked, and again "No." "Well, if he fails," Mr. Kendrick replied, "you certainly will be no loser." This obligation to the bank of $45,000 was promptly paid as soon as due. He purchased and took possession of the Quincy House, of Boston, in 1874, and has been since then its proprietor. His ambition from the first has been to make it one of the best in the city, and to that end he has re-built it from the foundation, occupying all the space of the old Quincy, the cite of the Central Hotel, and several stores, so that now the Quincy House has grown from three stories to seven stories in height. It is now a palatial structure, substantially built of fine granite, and the largest hotel in New England. Mr. Johnson has invested in this purchase and the attending improvements a round million dollars. Mr. Johnson is a sturdy and pronounced Republican, and notwithstanding his great business affairs, takes great interest in the welfare of his native town, of which he continues to be a citizen, and has the confidence of his townsmen. He was elected to the popular branch of the legislature in 1860, re-elected in 1865 and 1866, and again in 1875. Was railroad commissioner in 1878 and 1879, and State senator in 1876 and 1877, and was Greenback candidate for Congress in the third district, in 1878. Mr. Johnson loves and cherishes his native village, and the old home where he was born. The little "red house on the hill," which he still owns intact as it was in his boyhood, allowing nothing to be changed in appearance, and when re-painted the same red hue is reproduced. His modern, convenient, and more pretentious residence stands near by. Mr. Johnson owes his great success in life to no fortunate aid or accidental and favorable circumstances. He started poor, and all he has he has earned. What he is, he has made himself. Possessed of a strong and comprehensive mind and much physical power, he stops for no discouraging impediments. His indomitable persistence and energy will not allow him to repose in ease. He will choose to wear out rather than rust in idleness. What he attempts he expects to accomplish. On December 20, 1846, Mr. Johnson married Susan Smith, daughter of Rev. Uriah Smith, of Barnard VT. Their children are Ella H., who married William W. Hill, a hotel-keeper and now resides in Concord; Carrie E., whose husband is Dr. Otis Marrion, a successful practicing physician, resides in Allston, Mass.; Belle F., whose husband, Otis Fellows, is a grain merchant of Boston; and Miss Helen S. Johnson, who resides with her parents. SAMUEL JACKMAN came to this town, from Massachusetts, with his wife, at a very early day, and settled upon George Hill, where his grandson, James G. Jackman now resides. He married Ruth Woodrage, and had born to him three children. He built a log cabin, in which he lived several years. In clearing his land, like many others of his time, he burned the timber and saved the ashes, from which he made potash to pay the taxes and buy provisions. He finally built a more commodious dwelling, which is now well preserved, and known as Elm cottage, and is opened every season for summer boarders, by James G. Jackman. Samuel Jr., married and settled in Enfield and was the father of three sons, only one of whom is living. Samuel Jr. finally removed to Claremont, where he died, aged seventy years. William, second son of Samuel Sr., married and settled on the homestead. His four children are as follows: William C., who resides in Iowa, and has three children; James G., who resides on the hometead, married Lorietta A. Child, of Pomfret VT, and has five children, they being the fourth generation who have lived on the homestead; Lucy A. (Mrs. Fifield) resides in Andover NH; and Samuel H., a graduate of Dartmouth college, is a teacher in California. PHINEAS GAGE, a native of Massachusetts, came to Enfield about 1796, and settled in the eastern part of the town, where John Dresser now lives. He was the father of twelve children, three of whom are living, but not in this town. His son Calvin located as a farmer on the old place, but finally removed to a farm about a mile and a half from the homestead. He died here June 17, 1876. He had born to him three children, Hiram, Lucy (Mrs. John H. Morse) and Julius, two of whom are living. They are Hiram, who resides on road 10, and Lucy (Mrs. Morse) who resides at Enfield Center. TIMOTHY DAY was born at Cape Ann, Mass., about 1760, came to Enfield about 1790, and married Judith Webster of Chester NH. He served in the Revolutionary war, and died here aged eighty-seven years. Mrs. Day, widow of John, and daughter-in-law of Timothy, at the age of ninety-four years, lives with her son Lorenzo. THe latter was captain of Company F., 125th C.T. entering the service August 28, 1862, and was mustered out in December 1867. His commission was received from General Thomas. Mr. Day is proprietor of the Day Dawn House, for summer boarders, from whence, on High street, the view of lake and mountain scenery is very fine. DAVID DAY, son of Timothy, was a native of this town, and reared a family of six children, three sons and three daughters. NATHANIEL PURMORT located in this town at a very early day and reared a family of five children. His son Hiram was a native of this town, and had born to him two sons, Nathaniel and Minor T. The former died March 20, 1864. Minor T. married Hannah C., daughter of David Day, and resides on road 36. RICHARD CURRIER came from Southampton, Mass, to Enfield and settled on Shaker hill. He lived here until a few years before his death, when he removed to Manchester, where he died at the age of sixty-seven years. James, son of Richard, was a farmer and a native of this town. He was a pilot on the Connecticut river for twenty years [his wife's name was Maria]. He died here in March 1873. L.W., [Lewis W.] son of James, is a native of this town, and has held the office of supervisor two years, and presented the town from 1883 to 1885. [He married Lydia --, and in 1870 had a daughter, Nellie R. DANIEL HEATH, of English descent, was one of the first settlers on George hill. He located in the wilderness, in a log cabin, where he remained untl 1804, when he built a frame dwelling, and lived here until his death. He was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, where he served seven years. He married Sarah March, of Newburyport, NH, and had born to him nine children, as follows: Jonathan, who has amassed a large fortune, and resides in Boston; Daniel and Eben who went to New York, where they died; David, Holland and Ichabod settled in Enfield as farmers; Lydia and Sarah married farmers and settled in Vermont; and Dorset, the youngest son, who succeeded his father on the homestead, was born in 1800 and died in 1872. Mr. Heath's second wife bore him two daughters, who died young. He also survived his third wife, and died in 1827, aged seventy-two years. The homestead farm, after being in the possession of the family for three generations, has passed into other hands. WYMAN PATTEE, son of James, grandson of Daniel, and great-grandson of Capt. Asa Pattee, the pioneer of Canaan, was born in Canaan in August 1826. Reared on the farm of his father, and early disciplined to hard, physical toil, he developed the brain, muscle and blood-power to work the brain machine which gives the country-bred boy a decided advantage, ordinarily, over the city-bred rivals. And to-day, by dint of perserverance, industry, and well conceived and comprehensive plans successfully executied, this farmer's son ranks among the successful businessmen of Grafton county. Mr. Pattee received his education in the common schools of his district, and in Canaan Union Academy. In 1848 he went into trade and the lumber business, in his native town, where he continued until 1859. In 1855 and 1856 he represented Canaan in the legislature, being the colleague of Hon. Jonathan Kittridge, and the youngest member of the house. In 1859 he removed to Enfield, where he now resides. He is now and has been for the past twenty-two years an extensive manufacturer and dealer and shipper of grain, flour and feed. In his adopted town he is not without honors. In 1860 he was appointed by the Governor and Counsel to the office of sheriff of Grafton County, which position he resigned about four years after. In 1875 and 1876, by the suffrages of his appreciating townsmen, he was sent to represent them in the legislature; was treasurer thirteen consecutive years, and has presided as moderator at the town meetings a long series of years. On account of his business experience and ability, his aid has been sought by several corporations, and he is serving as an auditor of the Northern railroad, which important position he has held the last fifteen years; is a director of the Peterboro & Hillsboro railroad, a director of the Mascoma Fire Insurance company, and at the organization of the National Bank of White River Junction, February 6, 1886, was elected a director thereof. His business transactions have given him an exclusive circle of acquaintances. In his town his influence is great, and his liberality is equal to his financial abilities. In politics, he is a Republican; in religion, decidedly liberal, a regular attendant of the Universalist Church, and a liberal supporter of all its financial affairs. In 1857 he married Mary Jane Burley, and their children are James W. Pattee, who is now preparing for college at Goddard Seminary, in Barre, VT. DAVID L. DAVIS, son of David L. and Anna (Smith) Davis, was born in Hanover, May 3, 1822, and raised on his father's farm in his native town. He came to Enfield in 1847, and was clerk for A.& G.W. Conant for the next three years, in the general merchandise business. He then formed a partnership with A. Conant, in the manufacture of Shaker flannels and cassimeres, under the firm name of Shaker Mills Co. About 1854 they added to their business the manufacture of the celebrated Shaker socks, the first made in the country. This continued until 1860, when Mr. Davis retired from the firm, and during the ensuing five years he was in the lumber trade, and dealt in wool. In 1865 he entered the present firm of Dodge, Davis & Co., and re-entered the Shaker mills. In December 1884, they removed their manufactory to Bristol, and are still manufacturing Shaker flannels, with five sets of machinery. Mr. Davis represented the town in the legislature in 1881 and 1882, and was chairman of the board of selectmen in 1875. He declined re-election. In 1857 he married Miss Lizzie R. Peabody, of Lebanon. Aside from his manufacturing, he has been engaged in farming and fattening cattle since 1875, and by judicious management and the use of a silo (the first built in his town) he produces from twenty-three acres, all the food for fifty head of cattle, and in addition, raises and sells to the Shakers, medicinal roots to the value of from $200 to $300 annually. His grandfather, Bazaliel Davis, and maternal grandfather, John Smith, were both donors to Dartmouth College at its organization. JOHN W. DODGE was born in Hanover, September 4, 1815, and was the youngest of the family of ten children of Daniel and Sally (Wright) Dodge. Mrs. Dodge was a daughter of Deacon John Wright, a pioneer, who emigrated from Lebanon, Conn., and came to Hanover to assist in the location of Dartmouth College. Mr. Dodge was raised on his father's farm, and at the age of seventeen, assumed its management on account of his father's ill health, and finally became its operator, continuing a tiller of its soil until he was thirty-two years of age. When about thirty-five years of age, associated with others, he opened a country store, which was continued until about 1865, and after about two years' service with Mr. Alpheus Conant, manufacturer of Shaker flannels, at Enfield, he became one of the firm of Dodge, Davis & Williams, successors of Mr. Conant. In 1873 Mr. Williams retired from the firm, and the present firm of Dodge, Davis & Co. was formed. This firm consists of Mr. Dodge, David L. Davis, and Henry C. Whipple, son of Mrs. Dodge by her former husband, David C. Whipple. In 1883 this firm bought the Holden ills, in Bristol, containing two sets of woolen machinery. Mr. Dodge gave to this enterprise his personal attention, and from May 1883 up to November 1884 he put extensive repairs in the Holden mills, built an entire new mill seventy-two feet long, fifty-two feet wide, and three stories high, a store-house, dye-house and picker-house. In March 1885, they removed their machinery from Enfield to these mills, where all of their manufacturing business is done. Mr. Dodge is a Democrat, and was elected to the legislature in 1878, and returned again in 1879 and 1880. In social and religious views. Mr. Dodge is among the most liberal, an attendant of the Universalist church, and a liberal contributor for its support. July 1, 1855, Mr. Dodge married Mrs. Clemantine Whipple, daughter of Henry H. Chandler, of Hanover, who was then mother of two children, Henry C. WHipple, before mentioned, and Margaret P., wife of A.R. Brewer, of New York. Mr. and Mrs. Dodge had born to them, April 30, 1859, a daughter, Fannie L. who was recently married. REV. URIAH SMITH entered the ministry of the Baptist church, and preached in the churches of Woodstock, Barnard, and other places. In 1836 he removed to Enfield, where he made a permanent home. Being very generous in his views, he concluded that the doctrine of everlasting punishment was untenable, and finally believed and preached the final restoration of the whole human family. He continued in the ministry over forty years, and gave his voice and influence to all the reforms of his day, and labored to place his people on a higher plane, in morals, religion, and general intelligence. In 1839 he gave the first temperance address, and organized the first temperance society, in Enfield. The friends of temperance celebrated its anniversary, August 9th, for many years. He lived to the advanced age of eighty-six years, honored and beloved by a large circle of acquaintances. His children now living are Mrs. Catharine Cox of Barnard VT; Elias Smith, and Miss Melinda Smith, members of the society of Shakers; Mrs. Amanda Snow of Mound City, Minn; and Susan A. (Mrs. J.W. Johnson) of the Quincy House, Boston, Mass. NATHANIEL HOWE, born in Hopkinton NH, married Elizabeth Fitz, of South Hampton NH in 1800, and immediately moved to Enfield and located upon the place where his son Nathaniel now resides. His farm consisted of only forty acres and was but partially cleared. He however added to it from time to time. He was the father of six children, three now living, only one of whom, Nathaniel, resides in this town. The latter settled on the homestead which now contains 165 acres. He married twice, first, Mary Jane Choate, who bore him two children, Eliza J. and Sarah P., and died August 1850; and second, in September 1851, Susan E. Sargent, who was the mother of one child, who died in infancy. Eliza J. (Mrs. David Noyes) resides on the homestead, and Sarah B. (Mrs. B.C. Leach) lives in this town. MATTHEW BRYANT was born here about 1800, was a farmer, and lived in the northeastern part of the town until 1855, when he removed to Enfield Center. He had born to him five children, viz: George H., James F., Betsey H., Amos M. and Matthew Jr., all living except Betsey H. and Matthew Jr. Mr. Bryant was selectman several years, and also held the office of county commissioner for several years. He died in 1866, aged sixty-six years. His son, James F., is postmaster, and general merchant, represented the town in 1856-57, held the office of town clerk twenty years, and is a justice of the peace for the State, which office he has held twenty-nine years. GIDEON MORSE moved to Canaan from Haverhill, Mass about 1795, and in 1803, to Enfield. He married Hannah Johnson, and had born to him two sons and two daughters. One son, Edward, died at the age of twenty-one years. Henry, son of Gideon, was born in Canaan and came to Enfield with his parents in 1803. He married Eleanor Doton, of Canaan, and had born to him six children, two of whom, John H. and Frank B., are living, both residing in this town. He died September 9, 1884, aged eighty-five years. He was an excellent penman as the town records of Canaan show. His son, John H. is proprietor of Mont Calm House, and Frank B. is a farmer and a lumber manufacturer and dealer. JOHN SMITH JR. was born in Ipswich, Mass. in 1771, and remained there until he was thirty-four years of age. He followed a seafaring life, engaging in the cod fisheries up to that time. In 1805 he removed with his father, mother, wife and three children, to Enfield, and settled upon the farm where his grandson, Eben R. Dustin, now lives. His father, John Smith Sr., died in 1818, aged eighty-six years, and his mother died in 1828, aged eighty-seven years. John Smith Jr. married Betsy Burnham, and had born to him eight children, namely, Betsey Ann, Lucy, Daniel L., Ziba H., John B., George W., Lucy W., and Joslina P. Betsey Ann, born in 1799, married Nehemiah Dustin, and was the mother of four children. Three sons are living and reside in this town, viz: David G., a farmer, lives in the western part of the town; Ziba H., is a painter at Enfield Center, and Eben R., a farmer, resides on the homestead. Mrs. Dustin died August 8, 1884, aged eighty-five years. Lucy, daughter of John Smith Jr died aged twelve years. Daniel L. Smith settled in the western part of Enfield, and died in April 1881. Ziba H. Smith died in 1828, aged twenty-one years. John B. died in 1854, aged forty-five years. George W. a farmer resides in Plainfield NH. Lucy W., unmarried, resides at Enfield Center. Joshua P. a retired farmer, resides in Warren NH. John Smith Jr., remained on the farm where he settled when he first came to town, until his death in 1854, aged eighty-three years. Mrs. Smith died in 1844, aged sixty-eight years. MATTHEW PETTINGILL, of Salisbury NH, purchased a tract of 400 acres of the original proprietors, where his son Jonathan C. settled about 1809. Matthew Jr. and Zacheus came some years previous and nearly all of their land has passed out of the family. A portion of that occupied by Jonathan C. is now owned by his grandson, Ephraim H. Pettingill. LEONARD WOODBURY, of Croydon NH, moved to Lebanon many years ago, and died at Bradford. His son, David, born in Lebanon, lived there until twelve years of age, when he went to Piermont, where he lived twenty-five years. From here he moved to Orford, where he remained two years, and then came to this town, where he now resides. AARON NICHOLS was born in Enfield and died in the town of Canaan. His son, Benjamin T. a native of this town, lived here until twenty-one years of age, when he moved to Canaan, where he resided about twenty years. He then returned to Enfield, where he died in May 1874, aged fifty-eight years. He had born to him four children, namely, Henry A., Helen A., Mandana, and Elvin A., all living but Mandana. R.W. CURRIER, a native of Enfield, built and kept the Grafton House, which stood opposite the present Mont Calm House. He married Lucina W. Willis, of East Lebanon, and had born to him three children, namely, David W., who died in infancy, Mary L. and Kate W. Mr. Currier died in 1858, aged thirty-six years, and his widow died in 1866, aged forty-two years. Mary L. married Albert J. Merrill, a clothier in Boston, Mass., and Kate M. married John H. Hayes, who is in the dry goods business also in Boston. Both families have summer residences in this town. Mrs. Merrill and Mrs. Hayes are granddaughters of the late James Willis, of East Lebanon, who was known as an enterprising man. He was a merchant, a manufacturer and a hotel-keeper, and at the time the Northern railroad was built, took 100 shares at $100 each. THOMAS MERRILL, a native of Enfield, was a merchant of this town, and held most of the town offices. He was selectman, represented the town several times, was State Senator, and a member of the Governor's council. He died in 1863 or 1864. [His wife's name was Mary]. DANIEL M. CUMMINGS was born in Cornish NH May 16, 1810. His father, Warren Cummings, was a farmer, and Daniel M. remained with him until he attained his majority. He then commenced business as a millwright. He married Emily M. Hamilton, of Sharon VT, and removed to Woodstock VT when twenty-two years of age. He remained there, engaged at his trade, until 1841, when he located a short time at East Lebanon. He came to Enfield in 1842, where he continued his millwright work up to the time of his death, which occurred recently. In 1856 he purchased a machine-shop, and added the business of machinist to his former occupation. In 1882 he invented and patented a valuable fodder-cutter, adapted especially to cutting and reducing corn-stalks and sugar-cane. He has had ten children seven of whom are now living. DUring the Rebellion all his sons, four in number, were at the same time soldiers in the Union army. [Daughters included Emma, Mary Ann and Delia]. JACOB LOVEJOY, moved to Hebron, from Hollis NH, and remained there until his death, which occurred at the age of ninety-six years. Isaac, son of Jacob, was born in Hebron, where he lived until 1820, when he moved to Hanover, and remained until he came to Enfield about 1873, to live with his son, A.C. He died here in 1877, aged eighty-eight years. Augustus C., son of Isaac, was born in Hebron, February 7, 1810, lived there until the age of ten years, when he moved with his parents to Hanover, where he remained until 1838. He then moved to Canaan, and in 1859, came to Enfield and located on Shaker hill. In April 1880, he removed to the place, where, until his death, he resided, on road 5. He held the office of selectman six years. SAMUEL WILLIAMS was born in Canaan and lived there until thirty-five years of age. He married Ursula Day, of Enfield, and had born to him five children, viz: Jennie, Lewis M., Mirriam Elizabeth, Susan Augusta and Frank B. Lewis M. lives in Kansas, and Jennie married Rev. Francis Parker, and resides in Craftsbury VT. The others live in this town. Mr. Williams died here February 4, 1878, aged fifty-eight years. EBEN CLOUGH was born in Grantham NH, where he lived until about fifty years of age. He was a wool-carder and cloth-dresser, carried on a saw and grist-mill, and was a land surveyor. He moved to Sutton VT where he remained eleven years, and came here in 1871. He has held the office of justice of the peace more than forty years, and was notary public in Vermont ten years. JOHN CARLTON was a life-long resident of Canaan. His son Henry, a native of Canaan, lived there until sixteen years of age, when he moved to Maine, where he lived thirty-seven years. He came to Enfield in 1880, and is a quarryman and farmer. CAPT. CONVERSE G. MORGAN, born in Canaan, married Helen A. Bridgman, of Hanover. He enlisted as a captain in 1861, and was discharged for disability about April 1862. April 1, 1863, he was appointed to a clerkship in the paymaster-general's office, at Washington D.C., where he remained until the autumn of 1867. He died here November 1, 1880, in his fifty-second year. DR. F.C. MANCHESTER, the only child of Dr. C.W. Manchester, of Lebanon, studied medicine with his father, and at Dartmouth medical college, where he graduated in 1884, and located at Enfield January 1, 1885. ALFRED A. COX located in Enfield in 1860, coming from Northwood NH. He erected the building where the postoffice now is, in which he established the manufacture of boots and shoes, employing about twenty hands in the shop, and putting out work in the surrounding towns, employing about fifty more. He continued this until 1864, when he engaged in the lumber business, and, with A.H. Hayes, of Enfield, and W.A. Batchelder, of Lynn, Mass., in the manufacture of flannel in the Mascoma mill. He is now a partner in the firm of Parker, Cox & Co., employing 100 hands in the manufacture of shoes, at Laconia NH. He has represented Enfield in the legislature of 1865-66, was senator from 1881 to 1883, sheriff of the county, and has served on the governor's staff. CHURCHES of ENFIELD NH THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF ENFIELD--It is stated in the New Hampshire Gazetteers, that Rev. Edward Evans was the first minister of the Congregational church in Enfield. This is not correct. Mr. Evans was the first settled minister in Enfield, being settled in December 1799, by a small council of Congregational ministers (Rev. M. Burroughs, of Hanover and Mr. Page, of Hebron) and obtained the land in the town appropriated to the benefit of the first settled minister. Mr. Evans was dismissed in 1805, but continued to preach in the town a number of years longer. He was quite popular, and collected a church of not far from one hundred members. But Mr. Evans was not an Orthodox Congregationalist, nor was his church an Orthodox church of that order. Aged people who knew him well have said that in sentiment he was always a Methodist, and no one of the church ever united with the Congregational church, subsequently organized in Enfield--and so far as is known with any other Congregational church. After a while Mr. Evans discontinued the duties of the clerical office, directed his attention more to civil and political affairs; was appointed judge of probate, which office he filled for several years, but eventually left the town. His church became extinct. The only real Congregational Church in the town of Enfield was organized May 30, 1826, consisting of fourteen members, all of whom, or nearly all, belonged to the family of Col. Benjamin Choate, or were connected with that family by marriage. Of this church located at Enfield Center, Nathan Choate and George W. Fifield were appointed the first deacons, June 27, 1826. From 1827 to 1838 twenty-one were added to the church, and Rev. S. Arnold, Amos Foster, Hobart Langley and John Clark, supplied them part of the time. In 1836 the church purchased one-half of the new meeting-house erected near the center of the town. The society is at present without a pastor. SHAKERS--The founding of this sect in Enfield has already been detailed. In a religious point of view the Shakers claim that their church is organized and established after the pattern of the first Christian church at Jerusalem, founded by the apostles. Hence, in their possessions they hold all things in common, distributing to the necessities of the members as they stand in need. Or, to quote from a letter of Elder Perkins to us on the subject: "The faith and doctrines of the Shakers were promulgated in Enfield, September 1782, when many individuals embracaed their religious views, and until the year 1793 lived in and looked after the interests of their own private families. They then brought together their several personal interests and established one common fund, dedicating it unto the Lord for charitable and religious purposes, and for nearly one hundred years have maintained peacefully and successfully communistic relations, having in their church no rich or poor, possessing all things and yet possessing nothing, no one claiming or saying 'that aught of the things which he possesed was his own; but they had all things in common.' -- Acts iv. 32." THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, located in the northeastern part of the town, was organized in 1837. Their church building was erected in 1858, a wooden structure capable of seating 350 persons and valued, including grounds at $3,000.00. The society now has eighty-three members, with Rev. E.F.P. Dearborn, pastor. THE FIRST UNIVERSALIST CHURCH OF ENFIELD, located at Enfield village, was organized by S.C. Hayford, January 25, 1856, with twenty-six members. Rev. F.S. Bliss, being the first pastor. On NOvember 7, 1874, the church was reorganized, Rev. Eli Garfield being the first pastor. The church building, erected 1852, will seat 200 persons, and is valued at $1,500.00. The society has twenty members, with Rev. Walter Dole, pastor. (end)