HISTORY OF LANDAFF, 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 396+ HISTORY OF LANDAFF NH LANDAFF, an irregularly outlined township, lies just west of the northern-central part of the county, in lat. 44 degrees 9' and long. 71 degrees 51', bounded north by Lisbon, east by Easton, south by Benton and west by Bath. The township was originally granted to James Avery and others, January 31, 1764; but they, it was adjudged by the governor and council, forfeited their grant by failure to comply with the requirements of the charter, and the territory was re-granted to Dartmouth college, with the usual conditions and reservations, January 19, 1770. Settlements were made under this latter grant to some extent, roads opened, and a mill built at the expense of the college, and on the 11th of November, 1774, the town was incorporated by the governor and council. After the Revolution, the first grantees claimed that their alleged forfeiture was illegal, and maintained their claim; the college had to abandon its title and lose what is had expended in making the settlements. A compensation was made to the college, however, by the grant, February 5, 1789, of a tract of land containing 40,960 acres of Connecticut river. Landaff, orginally a large town, has been changed by legislative enactment and shorn off a large portion of her territory, as follows: By an act passed July 2, 1845, it gained a small tract, which was severed from Lincoln and annexed to its territory; but June 23, 1859, an act was passed by which all that part of Landaff lying northwest of Ammonoosuc river was annexed to Lisbon. This did not materially change the area, however; but on July 20, 1876, the town was divided, its eastern half being erected into a separate township, by the name of Easton. The surface of the town is rough and uneven, though it has a large amount of territory with a fine arable soil and many highly cultivated farms, while the scenery it presents is romantic and charming. The principal elevations are Green mountain, Moody ledge, and Pond, Cole and Cobble hills. The principal stream in the northern part of the town is Mill brook, which flows across the town from east to west, emptying into the Ammonoosuc, which forms the boundary of the town for a short distance in the northwestern part. Mink brook also flows across the northern part of the town, emptying into the Ammonoosuc. The wild Ammonoosuc flows from east to west across the southern part of the town. DESCRIPTION OF THE TOWN AND VILLAGES In 1880 Landaff had a population of 506 souls. In 1885 the town had seven school districts and seven common schools. Its seven school-houses were valued, including furnitures, etc. at $4,535.00. There were 123 children attending school, twenty of whom were pursuing the higher grades, taught during the year by one male and eight female teachers at an average monthly salary of $28.00 for the former and $16.66 for the latter. The entire amount raised for school purposes during the year was $574.72, while the expenditures were $555.00, with Hiram Clark, superintendent. LANDAFF is a small post village located in the central part of the town. WHITCHERVILLE (p.o.) is a hamlet located in the southern part of the town. BUSINESS AND MANUFACTURES FRED P. NOYES'S SAW-MILL AND BOBBIN FACTORY, on road 15, was re-built by him in 1878. He manufactures about 400,000 feet of lumber, 150,000 shingles, three car-loads of lath and the same amount of bobbins per annum. CHARLES L. KING'S SAW-MILL, on road 14, was built by him in 1884. He manufactures about 100,000 feet of coarse lumber and 100,000 shingles per year. COGGSWELL BROS.' CHAIR-STOCK AND BOBBIN FACTORY, on road 14, was built by William Cummings in 1872, and came into the possession of the present firm in 1878. They formerly did a large business, but are not running the factory at present. JOHN C. ATWOOD'S SAW-MILL on road 8, was built by him in 1865. He cuts about 100,000 feet of lumber and 100,000 shingles per annum. EDSON E. MERRILL'S SPRUCE OIL DISTILLERY, on road 9, was built by him in 1884. He manufactures about 600 pounds of oil per year. G. & J. CHANDLER'S SAW-MILL, on road 19, corner 2, was built by them in 1853. They manufacture coarse lumber and shingles. H.D. BURBANK'S BOBBIN FACTORY, on road 20, was built by them in 1883. They manufactaure about 200,000 bobbins per year. CHESTER CHANDLER'S BOBBIN FACTORY on road 23, was built by him in 1885. SETTLEMENT OF THE TOWN. The settlement of the town was begun under the auspices of Dartmouth college, as previously stated. EARLY SETTLERS AND PROMINENT CITIZENS OF THE TOWN PHINEAS GORDON, son of Jonathan, an early settler, came to Landaff from Bath at an early day, located in the southern part, and afterwards removed from town. Savory Gordon came to this town at an early day, located in the southern part, and about 1836, removed to the central party, where he died in 1881. Two of his children now reside in town, Mrs. John E. Hall, and Savory Gordon the present collector of the taxes of the town. SAMUEL EATON came to Landaff from Atkinson NH about 1784, and settled in the northern part of the town, where he cleared a farm. He married Susanna Noyes, and reared a familiy of twelve children, five of whom lived to maturity, namely, Timothy, Ebenezer, Phebe, Lydia and Samuel. Timothy was born in this town in 1790, and Ebenezer was born here in 1792. The former married Martha Northy, of Lisbon, and reared six children, four of whom lived to maturity, viz: John, Betsey, James and Samuel A. The latter is the present town clerk and treasurer of the town. Timothy died in 1877 and Ebenezer died in 1856. Ebenezer Eaton, a brother of Samuel, came to this town about 1785 or 1788, took an active part in town affairs, was selectman, etc. DANIEL NOYES came to Landaff from Boxford, Mass., some time after the Revolutionary War. His son Benjamin was born in Landaff, cleared the farm where his grandson Simon C. now lives, and reared a family of six children, only one of whom, Patience, who lives in Colebrook NH, is living. His son Sabin was born in Landaff in 1813, resided most of his life in town, and died in 1884. His only son, Simon C., lives on the homestead, and his daughter, Mrs. E.W. Kay, lives in Lisbon. JONATHAN NOYES came to Landaff from Plaistow, about 1780 or 1785, and was a farmer, and settled in the northwestern part of the town. He was deputy sheriff for a number of years, was collector of taxes, etc., and also captain of cavalry. He reared a family of seven children, two of whom are living, namely, David W., who resides in Ann Arbor, Michigan, eighty-three years of age, and Moor R., of this town. The latter was born November 3, 1798, and has lived in town nearly all his life. He has been engaged in farming and in lumbering. Two of his sons reside in town, one, Fred P., is engaged in the manufacture of lumber, and John B., the present first selectman of the town, has been selectman for the past six years. Jacob, son of Jonathan, held the various offices of the town for about twenty years, always lived here, and died in 1856. SAMUEL NOYES, brother of Jonathan, resided in this town, on the farm where Samuel Noyes now resides. His son Amos was also a resident of this town, and died here in 1880. Michael J., son of Amos was born in town, and resided here until his death in 1884. He held various town offices and was selectman at the time of his death. SAMUEL NOYES came to Landaff from Massachusetts, at an early day, and located on the farm where K.W. Noyes now lives. His son Benjamin was born here in 1797, was a farmer and always resided in town. He married Olive Tewksbury of Bath, and reared six children, four of whom are living, namely, Kimball W., Mrs. Emily Noyes, Ellen, and Mrs. Sarah Durgin. Benjamin K. died in 1883, and his widow died in 1884, they having lived together four over fifty years. SAMUEL NOYES came to Landaff, from the southern part of the state, and located on the farm now owned by Noyes and Bronson. He died here about 1850. His son Samuel was born in Landaff, and resided here until his death. Only two of his children are now living: Mrs. Darius George of Libson, and Samuel, who resides on the home farm. HON. AMOS C. NOYES, eldest child of Rufus and Hannah (Clark) Noyes, was born in Landaff NH, September 17, 1818. The names NOYES is of Welsh origin, but the ancestors of this branch of the family emigrated to this country, probably from the north of Ireland, and prior to the Revolution settled in Rockingham County, NH. Nathaniel Noyes, who married Mary Harriman, was a native of that county, but moved to Landaff shortly after the war, and was a farmer. He had a family of six sons and two daughters, all of whom attained maturity. RUfus, the seventh child, was born in Landaff, married Hannah Clarke, and, like his father, "tilled the soil." Their six children were Amos C., James C., Hannah M., Rufus H., Charles R. and Jane C. (Mrs. W.B. Blandin). Amos acquired a useful and practical education, and when sixteen years old commenced teaching school, and for several years was engaged in teaching in the winter, and in farm-work the remainder of the time. In 1844 he formed a co-partnership with Samuel Webster, of Barnstead, and Samuel P. Peavey of Landaff, merchants and manufacturers of potato starch, and was connected with them until the spring of 1847, when he disposed of his interest to his partners, and went to Shippen, Pennsylvania, and was associated with Gen. D.K. Jackman, of Bath, and Frederick Crocker in the lumber business until the fall of 1849, when, lumbering being depressed, he went to Westport, on the west branch of the Susquehanna. Here he started a small store of general merchandise. To successfully deal with men and keep their "custom" and good-will requires not only a high degree of business ability, but honesty of purpose and integrity, and also a facility in reading character, combined with a practical common sense, that would insure success in a different sphere of activity, and when we say that the business soon grew to be the largest in that section, we must credit Col. Noyes with all these qualities. A year after his location at Westport, he became interested in the production of "square timber," in which he continued during his life, and for many years he was its most extensive producer in that great lumbering district. He became the head of the firm of Noyes, Bridgens & Co., which bought and sold hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of square timber. From this fact and his established character for honorable dealing, Col. Noyes was known along the Susquehanna at first, and afterwards over the whole State of Pennsylvania, as "Square Timber Noyes." He was interested to quite an extent in contracts on the Philadelphia & Erie R.R. and the Low Grade division of the Alleghany R.R. In 1854 Col. Noyes married Rebecca J. Stewart of Hill Hall, Pennsylvania. While a resident of New Hampshire, he became lieutenant-colonel of the old 32d Regt. N.H. militia, and in Pennsylvania was commissioned colonel in the "State Guards." In politics Col. Noyes was Democratic, of that honest and stable Jacksonian type which holds the object of the nation to be the paramount good of the people, and, although he had no political aspirations, he was often brought forward and placed in positions of trust by his personal and political friends. In 1862 he was placed in nomination for the House of Representatives in the legislative distrcit, comprising Clinton and Lycoming counties. Hon. James Chatham, Republican, had been elected the previous year by four hundred majority. Col. Noyes was elected by twelve hundred majority, making a change of sixteen hundred votes. In 1863 he was against nominated and elected by a large majority. In 1868 he was a presidential elector; in 1870, by a new apportionment, his legislative district embraced the counties of Clinton, Cameron and McKean, and his party again nominated him for the legislature; he was triumphantly elected, running far ahead of his party strength in his personal popularity; in 1871 his district was changed and now comprised Clinton, Lycoming and Sullivan counties, and entitled to two members, and he was again chosen and re-elected in 1872. While in the legislature, Col. Noyes was a working member; serving on the most important committees. Although devoted to the interests of his party, and an energetic and influential leader, he never advocated any measures which he did not consider was for the good of the people. In 1875 he was one of the most prominent candidates for governor in the Democratic State convention, but, after a warm contest between his friends and those of the opposing candidate, a compromise candidate was selected. In 1877 Col. Noyes was nominated by the Democrats for State treasurer, and elected to that office by the largest vote on the ticket. This position he filled for two years with credit to himself and his constituents and with profit to the State. He was a man of the people, plain, unassuming, unostentaious. Ever true to his conviction of duty he was a true man and valued citizen, who faithfully discharged all obligations of business and official trust. Partaking in a large degree of that charity which is a corner-stone of the Masonic order, to which he belonged, he was foremost to aid the suffering and friendless, and was most zelous in the work of the State Board of Public Charities, of which he was a valuable member for years, being tireless in his efforts to make that organization a prompt and effective agent. As a speaker on the platform or in debate Col. Noyes was curt and logical, his plain common sense and unpretending manners carried conviction to his hearers. His sterling worth and character won for him the esteem and friendship of all. His death occured at Westport, PA, September 3, 1880. The hardy lumbermen of the West Branch valley came by thousands to his funeral to do honor to their friend, and, many of the leading men of the State were in attendance. It was the largest funeral ever held in Northwestern Pennsylvania, and attested the love and respect felt for him by all classes. JONATHAN POOR came to Landaff from Atkinson NH about 1795, and located upon the farm where his son John now resides. He was a farmer, held the position of town clerk, was selectman, and held various other town offices. Two of his four children are living, namely, Mrs. Betsey Simonds of Bath, and John Poor of this town. The latter was born in 1801, and has always resided here. In his younger days he was a school teacher, and taught school for thirty seasons. He has been twon clerk, served as selectman nearly twenty years, and represented the town at four sessions. He resides on the home farm. JONATHAN BRONSON came to Landaff from Southington CT about 1782. He started from there the 17th of June, with two yoke of cattle, arrived at Bath the 4th of July where he remained a year, and then removed to Landaff, locating near the farm where Stephen Bronson now lives, on road 7. He died about 1820. His son David was nine years of age when he came to Landaff with his father. He lived here until his death in 1859. His children were as follows: Mrs. Huldah Noyes and Stephen Bronson, who lived in Landaff; Isaac, a resident of Lisbon; and David, who resides in Canada. Miss Susan Bronson, who came here with Jonathan, lived to the great age of 103 years, being born in 1699, and died in 1802, thus living in three centuries. BENJAMIN CLARK was born in this town in 1791. He married Polly THornton of Lyman. In his early manhood he took an active and efficient interest in the literary, civil and moral enterprises of the day, was ever upright in his dealings, and was repeatedly elected to offices of trust by his townsmen. He died February 26, 1858, leaving a family of eleven children. COLONEL MOSES WEBSTER, was born in Haverhill, Mass. October 1780, and removed to Landaff with his parents in 1797, where he resided until his death. He was distinguished in early life for his correct moral habits, and for his zeal in performing filial duties. He was married at the age of twenty-two to Sarah Kimball, and reared a family of ten children. He died March 26, 1858, leaving six children, two of whom are living in Haverhill NH. JOHN COGSWELL came to Landaff from Atkinson, Mass. about 1784, and located on the farm which Joseph Rich now lives, on road 7. His son Nathaniel was nine years of age when he came here with his father, and lived in town until his death in 1866. Three of his nine children are living, one in Landaff, and two, George W. and John, in Easton. DAVID ATWOOD came to Landaff from Atkinson NH about 1784, and located on the farm now owend by J.C. Atwood. He was a brass founder by trade. His son Joseph was three years of age when he came here, and lived here until his death, which occurred about 1864. He was a farmer, served the town as selectman, and was town representative in 1823-24. He reared a family of five children, three of whom are living: David in Lisbon, and Benjamin and John C. in this town. WILLIAM KELSEA came to Landaff from Center Harbor, about 1800, and located on the farm now owned by THomas Ruggles, on road 2. He was a farmer, and also made spinning-wheels. Five of his ten children are living. One son, John H., resides in this town on road 2, corner 15. DAVID YOUNG, a native of New Salem NH, came here from Manchester soon after 1800, and located in the southwestern part of the town. About 1816, he moved to the place where I. and O.E. Young now live, on road 20. He reared a family of thirteen children, only three of whom are living. Of these, Mrs. Eliza Betton lives in Danville NH, and Mrs. Betsey Hall and Israel Young live in this town. David YOung died in 1865, in his ninety-third year. BENJAMIN GALE, born November 25, 1771, came to Landaff, from Kingston NH in 1800, and located on a portion of the farm now owned by his son, John F. He served three years in the war of 1812. He was a farmer and a school-teahcer, married Sally Noyes, and reared a family of five children, only one of whom, John F., is living. He died in 1844. JOHN MERRILL settled in Bath about 1780, locating in the southeastern part of the town. He afterwards removed to Lisbon, and then came to Landaff, where he died. His son, Ebenezer, also moved to Lisbon, and died in Landaff. Two of his sons, Edson E. and Nathaniel M., live in town. JOTHAM SHERMAN, one of the early settlers of Lisbon, resided in the southwestern part of the town, near the village. He was a farmer and died in 1840. His son Peter was born in Lisborn, where he resided most of his life, and died in 1867. Two of his children are living, namely, Mrs. J.B. Noyes and John B. Sherman. One son, Moses, died in Landaff in 1880, aged forty-five years. ***** CHURCHES ****** THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, located at Landaff, was organized in 1800 by Rev. John Broadhead, with twelve members. Rev. Elijah R. Sabin was the first pastor. A church building was erected in 1802, which did service until the present house was erected in 1841, which will comfortably accomodate 300 persons and is valued at $2,000.00 The society now has ninety-five members, with Rev. Ira B. Tibbetts, pastor. (end)