HISTORY OF HOLDERNESS, 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 391+ HISTORY OF HOLDERNESS NH HOLDERNESS lies in the southeastern part of the county, in lat 43 degrees, 45' and long. 71 degrees 35', bounded north by Campton, south by the county line, southwest by Ashland, and west by Plymouth. The original charter of the town, under the name of Holderness, was granted to John Shepard and others, November 10 1751, but was forfeited by them through not complying with its conditions. The land remained ungranted then until October 24, 1761, when a charter was issued to Major John Wentworth and others, some of whom were grantees under the first charter, and six of whom bore the name of Shepard, and seven the name of Cox. In this grant the town was named 'New Holderness," in honor of Robert, Earl of Holderness, and retained the name until June 12, 1816, when the word 'New' was elided by vote of the town. Originally the township formed a part of Strafford county, and contained an area of 24,921 acres; but by an act passed September 14, 1782, it was annexed to Grafton county, and by an act approved July 1, 1868, the southwestern part of the town was set off and incorporated into a separate township, by the name of Ashland. Few townships in this vicinity has Dame Nature so kindly favored in the matter of physical beauty, as she has Holderness. Its surface is charmingly diversified by mountain peak, hill and valley, lake, pond and verdant meadow. It has within its limits a large portion of Asquam Lake, or Squam Lake, as it is incorrectly called. This sheet is about six miles long, and three miles across at its broadest part. Just to the west of it is Little Asquam lake, about two miles long and a half mile wide, while to the south is White Oak pond, a smaller body of water. These placid and lovely meres, the first dotter over with a number of islands, appear like mirrors set out in a frame-work of rugged and verdant mountains. Asquam lake has its outlet through Little Asquam lake and Asquam river, into the Pemigewasset river. The most notable feature in the landscape is Prospect mountain, in the northern part of the town. Just east of this rises the long, narrow, separated ridge known as Asquam hills. Between these elevations lies the valley of Owl brook, which stream flows south, through Ashland, into Asquam river. On the west the town is bordered by the Pemigewasset, towards which, from the base of Prospect mountain, the slope of the country is gradual, and but little broken. Thousands of tourists visit the town each season, and more money is brought into the township by them than is realized from the farms, though there are many fine specimens of the latter. Indeed, this could not be otherwise, where then grand 'tout ensemble' is a scene of hill and vale, and ripling waters, that delights the eye at every turn, it could not fail to draw to its inspection the admirers of Nature's handiwork in its most beautiful and attractive form. DESCRIPTION OF HOLDERNESS AND ITS VILLAGE In 1880 Holderness had a population of 703 souls. In 1885 the town had ten school districts, and ten common schools. Its ten school-houses were valued, including furniture, etc. at $5,050.00. There were 134 children attending school, four of whom were pursuing the higher grades, taught during the year by twelve female teachers, at an average monthly salary of $18.50. The entire amount raised for school purposes during the year was $873.14, while the expenditures were $736.25, with F.W. Wallace, superintendent. HOLDERNESS (p.o.) is a hamlet located on the narrow neck of land between Squam and Little Squam lakes. THE HOLDERNESS SCHOOL FOR BOYS is a popular boarding school, located in the extreme western part of he town, near the Plymouth line. It was established in 1877, and incorporated by an act of the legislature in 1878. THe building in which the school was organized, once the well-known homestead of Chief Justice Samuel Livermore, was burned in the spring of 1882. This was replaced during the following summer, by two substantial buildings having much superior accomodations and carefully planned to promote the health and comfort of the pupils. THe main building is of brick, with slate and metal roofs, built with hollow walls, and the greater part of the floors and other inside finishing of hard woods. This building has accomodations for seventy pupils, the rector and his family, the masters, and all other persons composing the school household. The school-house, in which study and recitations are conducted, is a one-story framed building, with ceilings fourteen and sixteen feet high, well lighted, and fitted with thoroughly efficient appliances for ventilation. All these buildings are heated throughout with direct draught wood furnaces, and lighted with gas. Water is brought in wooden pipes from a mountain spring. Bath-rooms are provided, with hot and cold water. Especial care has been taken to secure proper ventilation of the dormitories, and safety in the matter of drainage. The instructors are Rev. Frederick M. Gray, A.M., rector; and Joseph A. DeBoer, A.B., Edward S. Drown, A.B., James C. FLanders, A.B., and Herman L. Luther, A.M., masters. BUSINESS AND MANUFACTURES SMELLIE & MCKEEN'S SAW-MILL, in the southwestern part of the town, was built by him in 1884. It is operated by steam power. ENOCH COSIN'S SAW AND SHINGLE-MILL, on road 24, was built by him in 1856. It is operated by water-power and is supplied with cider-making and threshing machinery. W.H. BERRY'S SAW-MILL, in the eastern part of the town, was built by Dan Hawkins. It is operated by water-power. ORIGINAL SETTLEMENT OF THE TOWN The first settlement in the original town was made by William Piper, in 1763, who came from Durham, or its vicinity. His settlement was made, however, in that portion of the town since set off to form the town of Ashland. The next to follow him was charles Cox, who located within the limits of the present town, on road 1, upon the farm now occupied by Willis H. Calley. Emigration was slow, however, for between that time and 1774, only seven other settlements were made, viz: By John Shepard, Bryant Sweeney, Samuel Eaton, Joseph Sinclair, Andrew Smith, John Herron and Samuel Livermore. Among those who came soon after 1774 may be mentioned John Porter, who became the first settled lawyer of Plymouth, Joseph Shepard, Jacob Shepard, Jacob Ellison, John Cox and Isaac Stanton. DESCRIPTION OF THE TOWN In 1775 the town had a population of 172 souls, and in 1786 the population had increased to 267 souls. FIRSTS The first child born in the town was Nathaniel Piper, upon what is now known as the Drake place, on road 19. The second birth was that of Caleb Smythe, at the same place. The first town clerk was Samuel Shepard, who held the office forty-one years. The first lawyer was Joseph Burrows, and the first hotel was kept by Noah Cate. Robert Fowle was the first minister settled over the Episcopal Church. THE TOWN DURING THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION That the town did not escape the anxieties common to all the early settlements during the Revolution, is attested by the following copy of a petition sent to the general court for ammunition, etc. in 1776:-- "We the Subscribers Inhabitants of the Town of New Holderness, having gain'd Intelligence, that a considerable Part of our Army in Canada have lately been forc'd by our unnatural Enemies (the British Troops in s'd Canada) to retreat, and relinquish their Ground; and apprehending ourselves in the greatest Danger from the s'd Troops, and scouting Parties of Indians that may be sent down to annoy and destroy us; and being in no Capacity for Defence do in Behalf of the s'd Town pray your Honours to send us by the Bearer hereof Mr. Samuel Curry the necessary Powder, Musquet-Balls and Flints for thirty-three able and effective men (belonging to the s'd Town) who are ready with their Lives and Fortunes to assert and maintain the american Cause; and we your humble Petitioners as soon as may be will pay to your Honours, or the Committee of Safety for the Time being, an Equivalent for the same; and as in Duty Bound will ever pray &c [Signed by]"William Cox, Samuel Curry, Select Men "Sam'l Sheperd, And'w Smyth, Nath'll Thompson, Committee." BIOGRAPHIES AND GENEALOGIES OF EARLY SETTLERS AND PROMINENT CITIZENS JOHN COX and his brother JAMES came to Holderness at an early day, and settled upon the place where Charles F. Cox now resides, on what is known as Cox hill, on road 30. George L., one of his four children, married Paulina Moore, of Ellsworth, and located in Amherst, Maine, where he lived until his death in 1862, aged fifty-five years. He has born to him five children, four of whom are living. His son Charles F. married Ella L., daughter of James W. and Louisa Boynton, has one child and resides on the homestead. WILLIAM COX a native of Holderness, married Fanny Batey, and settled upon the farm where G.F. Cummings now resides on road 29. William Jr., one of his nine children, married Elizabeth, daughter of Benjamin and Agnes Folsom and reared six children, four of whom are now living. His son Moses M. married Louisa Cummings, and has two children, Willie H. and Nathan B. The latter married Fanny C., daughter of Simeon and Ann (Banks) Batchelder and resides on the home farm with his father, on road 29. CHARLES COX, with his wife and five children, came from Londonderry about the year 1770 and settled on road 17. He died in 1804, in his one hundredth year. His son, Robert, was born in 1771 and married Hannah Stanton, of Preston CT, daughter of Isaac W. Stanton, and seven children were born to them, only two of whom are living, Capt. Russell Cox and Mrs. Louisa Calley, wife of N.S. Calley, both residents of this town. He died August 6, 1822. Robert Cox and Hannah Stanton were married by Rev. Robert Fowle, first pastor of this town. Mrs. Cox lived to the remarkable age of 105 years, two months and four days. Several pairs of stockings are still in the possession of her son which were knit by her at the age of 102 years. CHARLES COX came here when quite young, from Londonderry NH, married Mary Elliot, and was the first settler on a farm on road 30. Thomas H., one of his eight children, married Miriam, daughter of Samuel and Abigail (Ward) Dearborn, of Plymouth, and reared seven children, three of whom are living. He moved to a farm on road 29, where he remained until his death, March 3, 1830. His oldest son, Daniel H., married Charlotte, daughter of David and Mary (Haines) SMith, of North Hampton NH, has had born to him six children, and until his death recently, resided on road 29. His youngest daughter, Laura married Henry S. Batchelder, has three children and resides at the home of her father. JOHN SHEPARD was a captain in the British army, before the Revolutionary war, and at that time resigned his commission. He was taken prisoner by the American army, appealed to General Washington and was released. He married Susanna Smith of Nottingham NH, and reared seven children. His son, JOhn, was born in 1767 settled on the farm now owned by Daniel S Hawkins on Shepard Hill. He died in 1851. His son George W. resides in this town. JACOB SHEPARD, son of John, was a native of Canterbury, Mass, came to Holderness when twenty-five years of age,, and married Jane Blair, of Londonderry NH. William B., one of his ten children, married Lucy, daughter of John and Abigail (Slade) Beck, and settled on what is called Hick's hill. Five of his nine children are now living. George L., his second son, married Nancy, daughter of John M. and Lydia Shepard, and resides on road 26-1/2. Three of his six children are living viz: Hastings M., Emeline O. Taylor of New York City, and Edna Wrow also of New York City. ARCHILES INNES married Betsy Cotton of Gilmanton NH and located in this town on road 31. He reared a family of eight children and died March 6, 1830 aged sixty-three years. Asa F., his oldest son, married Sally, daughter of David and Sally STevens, of Grafton, had born to him four daughters, and was a life-long resident on the home farm. His wife died April 17, 1866 aged forty-nine years, and his death occurred in 1879, aged seventy-four years. His daughter Nancy S. married R. Bruce Piper, who served in the late war, in Co. A., Sixth NH Vols. THey reside on the home farm. THOMAS EASTMAN, a native of Hopkinton NH, came here at an earliy day, and was the first permanent settler on a farm on road 30. He married Lydia Holmes, and reared six children. One son, Thomas Jr., married Sarah, daughter of Ebenezer Howe, and reared ten children, five of whom are living. His second son, Benjamin H. married Julia A., daughter of David and Sarah (Lee) Merrill, has three sons and lives on the farm which was first settled by David Merrill on road 29. His son, David W., married Emma P., daughter of Benjamin F. and Ann L. Ray, of Nantucket, Mass. Mr. Ray was a sea captain and a soldier in the late war, where he died. Daniel W. now resides in Boston, Mass. Charles W., son of Benjamin H. now resides in Boston, and John Q.A. is at home with his father. JONATHAN BROWN was a resident of Meredith NH, was twice married, and reared nine children. He died in that town aged ninety-two years. His son, DAVID BROWN married Margaret S., daughter of William and Nancy Plaisted, of Center Harbor, NH. His son Albert A. married Elizabeth C., daughter of Asa F. and Sally (Stephens) Innis, and has one daughter, Mrs. Drucilla M. Perkins. He resides in this town with his mother, on the home farm on road 28. EBENEZER BOYNTON, son of David, was a resident of Meredith NH and marry Sally Davis. His son David married Mary C. (Cox) Sawyer, and reared four children. His youngest son, Frank N., married Emma S. Shaw, has two children, and resides in this town, on road 7. Miss Clementine A. BOynton lives on the home farm with her mother. ZEBULON SINCLAIR, a native of Meredith NH, married Mary Seavey, and located in this town on road 27. Two of his five children are now living. His son John T. married Mary, daughter of Christopher and Martha E. Hilliard, and has one daughter, Jennie M., who lives with her father on the home farm. JONATHAN SCRUTON, son of Thomas and Molly (Hutchins) Scruton, married Sarah Otis, and reared eleven children. His fourth son, David, married Lydia C. Reed of Farmington, has had born to him six children, four of whom are now living, and has resided in this town for forty years. He is now eighty-nine years of age, served in the war of 1812, and draws a pension. His oldest daughter, Lydia N., married True Garland of Pittsfield NH, and has one son, Monroe T., who resides in Boston. Edward S., son of David, married Emma E., daughter of Josiah C. and Arnor (Hull) Tate, of Tuftonboro, NH., has two children, Lydia A. and Joseph O. and resides on road 28. DEACON CHRISTOPHER SMITH, son of Benjamin, was a resident of North Hampton NH, married Mary Page, and reared nine children. His second son, John, served in the Revolutionary war, married Martha, daughter of Abram and Martha Drake, and resided in North Hampton NH. He died while on a visit to Holderness in 1842, aged eighty-two years. Hannah P., the only one of his nine children now living, married William E., son of David and Sarah (Lee) Merrill. Mr. Merrill died in 1883, aged seventy-four years. His widow, Mrs. Hannah P. Merrill, resides on road 30. RUFUS H. EASTMAN, son of Benjamin H. was born in this town in 1831. In 1855 he married Martha H. Belcher, of Stoneham, MA. Mr. Eastman died in 1879. His two children survive him, one residing in Campton and one in Beverly MA. JOHN JEWELL was born in Sandwich NH in 1813 and moved to this town in 1838. He married Lydia L. Currier of Sandwich, who bore him eight children, six of whom are living. JACOB MERRILL, was born in Plymouth NH in 1790. He married Nancy Deaborn of Rumney NH in 1814, and became the father of nine children, three of whom are living in this town. He died in 1869. For over sixty years he followed the occupation of jeweler in Plymouth. DANIEL WORTHEN, born in Amesbury, Mass, came to this town in 1787 and settled upon the place now occupied by his son Daniel C. He married Harriet Shepard, daughter of Jacob Shepard, one of the early settlers of this town. He was the father of three children, two of whom are living. (end)