GENEALOGY OF LYMAN, 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: Gazeteer of Grafton County NH, 1709-1886, compiled and published by Hamilton Child; Syracuse NY, The Syracuse Journal Company, Printers and Binders, June 1886 page 512 LYMAN lies in the northwestern part of the county, in lat. 44 degrees 15' and long. 17 degrees 55' bounded north by Littleton, east by Lisbon, south by Bath and west by Monroe. It was granted to Daniel Lyman and sixty-three others, November 10, 1761, its name being derived from the fact that eleven of the grantees bore the name of Lyman. The grantees failed to comply with the requirements of their charter, and thus forteited their grant, but an extension of time was granted them July 20, 1769, in answer to a petition from Abraham Thompson, of Connecticut, agent of the original grantees. As origially grnated the town was much larger than it now is, but extending north and south through its center was the high elevation known as Gardner's mountain. This rendered travel from either the eastern or western parts to the opposite side of the town exceedingly difficult and troublesome, and thus inconvenient for all to attend town meetings, etc. For this reason, by an act of the legislature approved July 13, 1854, all that portion of the town lying west of Gardner's mountain was incorporated into a separate township by the name of Monroe. The surface of the town, though uneven and large diversified by hill, mountain and valley, is still not so rough but there is a large amount of fine arable land left. The soil is generally good, producing fair crops of grains and grasses. Mill Branch, a stream flowing into the Ammonoosc, water, with its tributaries, the northern part of the town, while in the southern part the same may be said of Smith brook, a similiar stream. Gold, copper and lead have been found in the town, and mined to some extent. DESCRIPTION OF LYMAN NH in 1885 In 1880 Lyman had a population of 665 souls. In 1885 the town had seven school districts and seven common schools. Its seven school-houses were valued, including furniture, etc. at $2, 480.00. There were 141 children attending school, four of whom were pursuing the higher grades, taught during the year by two male and nine female teachers, at an average monthly salary of $25 for males and $18.19 for females. The entire amount raised for school purposes during the year was $926.39, while the expenditures were $1,079.16, with Rev. A. Twitchell, superintendent. VILLAGES OF LYMAN NH Lyman is a small post village located in the central part of the town. It has one church (Union). BUSINESSES AND MANFACTURES The MINER BUTTER TUB FACTORY, on road 19, was built in 1884, and turns out about 10,000 butter tubs per year. J. & H. E. SMITH'S GRIST AND SAW-MILL, on road 12, was built by Julius Smith, as a grist-mill, about 1849, upon the site of a mill built by his father, PARLEY SMITH, some years previous, and which was destroyed by fire. In 1882 the present firm added a saw and shingle-mill. The grist-mill is devoted to custom work, and the saw-mill turns out about 150,000 feet of lumber and 130,000 shingles per annum. SETTLEMENT OF THE TOWN OF LYMAN NH But few settlements were made in the town previous to the Revolution, there being but ten ratable polls here in 1777. The following copy of a petition sent to the legislature by the inhabitants in 1779, however, will give a fair idea of the growth of the settlement up to that time, the said petition being for an abatement of taxes:-- "Petitioners being Inhabitants of said Town--In the Year 1776 we were only Eight in Number and Taxed 12s 5d In the Year 1777 being the like Number and Taxed L60 15s 10d, also the like Number in the Year 1778 and taxed L121 11s 8d--In those Years were were not a sufficient Number to Incorporate or call Town Meetings so we could not possibly have Constable Collectors &c but at this present Time are Eighteen in Number and Taxed L379, 10s 0d for the Payment of which all our Live and Trading Stock will not be sufficient to satisfy the same We own we have been delinquent in the Payment of the above Taxes not from any Disrespect to the State but from the Poverty which those few Inhabitants endured at that Time we are and will be always willing to Assist the States in everything, great Part of Us having been in the Service, Ten out of the Eighteen for these Three Years past have paid Taxes for their Poll for which they can produce Certificates from other Towns and States, The Consequence will be the Poor People of this Town must of Course fall a Sacrifice with every thing they Possess and be brought to Entire Ruin if they are Obliged to Answer the above Demand Therefore we Your Honours Petitioners hopes you will take the same into your Wise and Serious Consideration and grant such Relief in the above Request as in your Wisdom may seem most meet And your Petitions as in Duty Bound shall Every Pray &c." [no petitioners names are included in the original document unfortunately] In 1786 the population had increased to 116 souls and in 1791 to 202. GENEALOGY AND BIOGRAPHY OF EARLY AND PROMINENT CITIZENS OF LYMAN NH NOAH MOULTON came to Lyman from Rye, NH, served in the Revolutionary war, where he died. He had born to him seven sons, all of whom settled in the southwestern part of this town, on what is called Moulton hill. His son William Moulton removed to New York and never returned. Noah Jr. reared a family of fourteen children, all of whom lived to be over forty years of age. Job Moulton, son of Noah Sr. reared a family of eleven children, none now living, and was one of the selectmen of the town. Jonathan Moulton, son of Noah, reared a family of twelve children, four now living, and was the first clerk of the town. Another son, Daniel Moulton, died in town, but left no children. David Moulton, son of Noah, reared a large family of children, four of whom are now living. John Moulton, son of Noah, had born to him thirteen children, five now living. Of these, Guy C. Moulton is in his ninety-second year, being the oldest man in town, and John is in his eighty-ninth year. THOMAS MINER came to Lyman from Connecticut, some time previous to the Revolution, and settled in the central part of the town, on what is known as Parker Hill. About the same time William Miner also came here, locating on Parker hill, and reared a large family of children. One son, Solomon Miner, was born here in 1786, and resided here until his death in 1869, aged eighty-three years. He had born to him eight children, five of whom are living. Of these, Annie lives in Illinois, Ephraim in Lisbon, and Alden M., John P. and William W. reside in town. ----- PARKER came here at an early day, was one of the first settlers, locating upon what is known as Parker Hill. He had born to him seven sons, namely, Solomon, Samuel, Asa, Lemuel, Isaac, Levi and David. They all settled in town. Solomon, Aasa and Samuel served in the Revolution, two of them drawing a pension. One sister, Hepsey, became the wife of William Miner, one of the early settlers of the town. NATHANIEL PARTRIDGE came to Lyman from Goffstown NH at an early day, and cleared the farm now owned by William B. Partridge, on road 4. The wolves were so numerous there at the time that one evening while on his way from Littleton he was treed by them, and was obliged to remain in the tree all night. He died in Littleton [NH]. He reared a family of five children. Of these, Mrs. Caroline Pike resides in Manchester NH, Ira G. occupied the homestead where he died in 1843, and Eliza G. marrried William B. Hurd, who purchased the homestead, where his son now resides. ABIAL KNAPP came to Lyman from Norton, Mass., in 1781, and was the first settler upon the farm now owned by Thomas Richards. This farm was given by one of the proprietors on the condition that he would settle thereon, and has always since been the family's possession. His brother Jonathan Knapp came on a few years later and died over one hundred years of age. Abial also had two daughters, Betsey and Mehitable, each of whom attained a great age. The latter was mother of Abial Smith. Abial's son Elijah, who was twelve years of age when he came here with his father, married Sally Elliott and reared seven sons and five daughters. Abial died May 25, 1832, in the hundredth year of his age. WILLIAM CLOUGH, who served in the Revolutionary war, came to Lyman from Salem NH, soon after the war, and located on what was called Clough Hill. He had born to him six sons, namely, Zacheus, Enoch, Bailey, Cyrus, Abner and Jeremiah. Abner moved to Bath [NH] where he died. His son Uzziel now resides in Landaff [NH] aged seventy-seven years. He realted that when his father was a boy he was often sent to keep the bears out of the wheat. BENJAMIN SHERMAN, one of the early settlers of Lyman, resided in the south-eastern part of the town, and was a farmer and blacksmith. His son Smith Sherman was born in Lyman in 1805, and lived here until 1858 when he moved to Lisbon [NH] where he died in 1867. One of his sons, J.F. Sherman, resides in this town on road 16. He has been selectman for the past seven years, and represented the town in 1881. ABRAM HALL came to Lyman from Lunenburg VT, at an early day, and resided here until his death. One of his sons, Abram Hall, who also resided here for a time, but removed to Lisbon [NH], where he kept a hotel. He died in that town. One daughter, Lydia, became the wife of Reuben Smith, a son of one of the early settlers, and resided here in town. Abram H. Hall, son of Reuben, resides here on road 30. JOSHUA THORNTON came to this town, from Plymouth NH about 1800, locating upon the place where D.C. Parker now lives, on road 21. He was a farmer, took an active part in town affairs, was justice of the peace many years was selectman, and also represented the town in the legislature. He died here about 1842. His son Achia Thornton was born in Plymouth [NH], and was fourteen years of age when he came to this town with his father. He was a farmer, married Betsey, daughter of Jonathan Moulton, an early settler of this town, and had born to him six children, three sons and three daughters. Of these, only two are living, Mrs. Hannah Stevens, of Lisbon [NH] and Sidney Thornton, who lives in this town. Achia died here in 1842. His widow, who is in her ninetieth year, resides here with her son, Sidney Thornton. EZRA FOSTER, a Revolutionary soldier, settled in Littleton [NH] soon after the war, locating near Lyman. He was past ninety years of age when his death occurred. He reared a large family of children, only three of whom are living, namely, Henry of Dresden NH, Mrs. Nancy Parker of Littleton [NH], and George Foster, of this town. The latter was born in 1806 and has lived in town all his life. One son, John L. Foster is a lawyer in Lisbon [NH] and another, Charles C. Foster, resides in this town. SAMUEL TITUS moved to Bath [NH] from Rhode Island, about 1765 and about 1782 moved to Landaff [NH] where he held many offices of trust. He came to Lyman in 1805. He reared a family of eight children, and died in 1818, in the eighty-fifth year of his age. His son, Calvin Titus, was born May 22, 1777 and died January 15, 1819. He had born to him six sons and two daughters, four of whom are living. Of these, Mrs. Lucy Moulton and Calvin Titus are in this town, Mrs. Betsey B. Young lives in Landaff [NH] and Moses Titus resides in Littleton, Mass. Calvin Titus Jr. was born here in 1802, has always resided here, and is now in his eighty-fifth year. He has taken an active part in town affairs, has been selectman, constable and collector of taxes. There of his sons also reside here. DAVID LOCKE came here from Rye NH, about 1812 and located upon the farm where Lyman M. Locke now lives. He was a farmer, reared a family of eleven children, seven of whom are living, and died here in 1863. His son, Simon Locke spent most of his life in town, and died here in 1879. Two of his sons, Lyman M. Locke and Silas M. Locke, reside here, and one, S. Gary Locke, in Littleton [NH]. ELKANAH HOSKINS moved to Littleton [NH] from Taunton, Mass, about 1796. At that time, Littleton is said to have been composed of one log house and a saw-mill. He served in the French and Indian war, in the Revolution, and also took part in Shay's Rebellion. His son, Luther Hoskins was sixteen years of age when he moved there with his father. He came to this town about 1813, and located upon the place where his son Luther B. Hoskins now lives, on road 21. He was a farmer, reared five children, four of whom are living. He died in 1880, in his ninety-eighty year. His son Luther B. Hoskins, who resides on the homestead, has been town clerk six years, has been selectman, is justice of the peace, town treasurer, and represented the town in the legislature two years. PERLEY SMITH came to Lyman, from Chesterfield NH in 1822, locating near where his son Julius Smith now lives. He was a gunsmith and blacksmith by trade, and was also engaged in farming. He built a factory for the manufacature of bits and augurs, and also a grist-mill. The latter was burned in 1854. Mr. Smith died in October 1884, in his eighty-ninth year. Two of his sons, Amos and Julius Smith, reside in town. ELIPHALET MASON moved to Bath [NH] from Greenland NH about 1822, and in 1826 came to Lyman, locating in the northern part of the town. He was a farmer, and died here in 1855. Three of his sons, Joshua, Shubael S. and John, located here, and were for a time engaged in the lumber business, owning a mill in the northern part of the town. Joshua died in 1873. Shubael S. and John still reside here. The latter has served the town in various offices, has been selectman, town clerk, overseer of the poor, &c. TIMOTHY B. HURD, son of Jacob, who came from England, was born in Bath [NH] in 1797, and came to Lyman about 1827. He was a cloth-dresser by trade, and located on the farm now owned by William B. Hurd, on road 4. He died in 1884 in his eighty-seventh year. DAVID ASH came to Lisbon [NH] from England, at an early day, and is thought to be one of the first settlers of that town. His son Reuben Ash was born in Lisbon in 1807, and moved to Sutton VT in 1849, where he was killed by the fall of a tree in 1850. He had born to him seven children. Two of the three now living reside in Sutton VT, and David, who was a soldier in the late war [Civil War] lives in Lyman on road 9. PLINY BARTLETT was born in Richmond NH in 1800, and when quite young moved with his parents to Littleton [NH], but afterwards came to Lyman. In 1842 he built the house on road 25 where he lived until his death in 1883, and where his widow still lives. He took an active interest in town affairs, was town representative, &c. SAMUEL SPAULDING was born in New Marlboro July 30, 1763, a son of an industrious farmer. This vocation he followed also for several years, but subsequently went to Stockbridge, Conn., and engaged in the tailoring business. At the breaking out of the Revolutionary war, he entered its ranks as a prviate, where he remained until its close. Later, he and his wife and four children moved to St. Johnsbury VT, and there engaged in farming. A few years previous to his death he removed to Charleston VT, to live with his daughter, Mrs. Susannah Harvey, where he died May 13, 1854, aged ninety years. Mr. Spaulding was the father of six children, only one of whom survives him, Carlton Spaulding, who was born in Waterford VT in 1805, and has spent the greater part of his life in that town, but for the past nine years has lived with his daughter, Mrs. Benjamin N. Bedell, in the eastern part of this town. AMOS BEDELL was born July 12, 1774 in Bath NH. He learned the trade of a shoemaker, and March 12, 1818 married Mrs. Nancy Smith, who bore him three children, two of whom are living, viz: Martha, widow of Abraham Little, and B.N. Bedell, born February 13, 1824. He married Sarah A. Spaulding, April 13, 1854, from which union seven children have been born. CHURCHES The LYMAN UNION CHURCH located at Lyman village, was built in 1862. It is now occupied by the Methodist society, which was organized May 13, 1862. The society now has about thirty-six members with Rev. Albert Twitchell, pastor. The church building will seat 250 persons and is valued at $3,000.00. It has a bell which was donated in 1883 by Mrs. Abbie Butler, of Windsor, a daughter of David Locke, of this town. (end)