HISTORY OF ORFORD, 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 558+ HISTORY OF ORFORD NH ORFORD lies in the western part of the county, in lat. 43 degrees, 53' and long. 72 degrees 5', bounded north by Piermont, east by Wentworth, south by Lyme, and west by the west bank of the Connecticut river. It was originally granted September 25, 1761, to Jonathan Moulton Jr., and others. But the conditions of the grant not being fulfilled, the proprietors made application to the governor for an extension of the time, which was granted February 8, 1772, giving them a further time of three years. By an act approved June 28, 1837, the farm of John Dana Jr., was severed from Orford and annexed to Wentworth. Other than this, no change has been made in the original boundaries of the town, so that it now has an area of 27,000 acres, 16,315 acres of which is improved land. There are but few if any farming towns on the Connecticut equal Orford in its fine scenery and mountain, hill, vale and river views. As you stand on many of the farm hills which are cultivated to their summits, you have a view of the hills and beautiful valleys around you dotted with fine farm-houses and well filled barns, and a little father you have an indistinct view of the villages nestling beneath the shade of the stately elm, while the church-spire, peering through their tops, and the ring of the village school-bell, all denote that religion, education and liberal principles harmoniously dwell within; while still a little farther flows the winding Connecticut, clothed on either side with broad intervals now burdened with the rewards of the husbandman's toil, and still beyond all this are the green, cultivated hills of Vermont, while at their base can be seen, the puffing locomotive, and the luxurious cars freighted with previous lives, as they glide through the vale. While the Connecticut river forms the western border of the town, Orford Mill river passes nearly through the center and furnishes some good water-power. There are four or five ponds of considerable size. Baker's Upper pond lies within three or four miles of the Connecticut, and discharges its waters into another pond, lying partly in Wentworth, and the waters of both flow into Baker's river. Indian pond lies about one miles west from Baker's Upper pond. There are two considerable elevations called Mount Cuba and Mount Sunday, lying near the center of the town, Mount Cuba extending east into Wentworth. Orford is also one of the seven best farming towns in the state, in respect of value of agricultural productions, and ranks as the third town in the county. It being, as we have said, situated on the Connecticut, which here furnishes broad intervals, it has well-tilled farms producing excellent crops of corn, oats and hay. The uplands and hills afford fine pasturing and tillage lands. But one other town in the state produces as many bushels of wheat. On the west side of Cuba mountain there are several beds of limestone, which is granular, but does not crumble in burning. Specimens of quartz containing acicular crystals of oxide of titanium are also found here. Near Sunday mountain is a bed of talcose slate which answers well for soapstone. There are many other mineral crystals found in various sections of the town. DESCRIPTION OF THE TOWN 1880-1884 In 1880 Orford had a population of 1,050 souls. In 1885 the town had twelve school districts and thirteen common schools. Its fourteen school- houses were valued, including furniture, etc. at $1,450.00 There were 240 children attending school, fifty-two of whom were pursuing the higher grades, taught during the year by four male and twenty-two female teachers, at an average monthly salary of $31.25 for males, and $22.25 for females. The entire amount raised for school purposes, during the year was $2,128.47, while the expenditures were $2,383.65, with Miss M.J. Cushman, superintendent. VILLAGES ORFORD is a post village located in the western part of the town, on Connecticut river. Osgood's White mountain guide says: "Orford is ranked among the mountain villages on account of its vicinity to Mt. Cube and several other bold summits. It is one of the most beautiful hamlets in New Hampshire, and is just across the Connecticut river from Fairlee and Orford station, on the Connecticut and Passumpsic railroad. It is built along a straight and level street, one mile in length, the 'Mall' of which is bordered for a considerable distance by a double line of fine old maple and elm trees, with promenades between; thirty rods east of this pleasant avenue is the terrace of an old river bank, upon which is Orford academy and its boarding house, with a line of fine old mansions. The churches are on the common in the upper part of the village. A beautiful view of the Connecticut Valley is open from the 'seven pines,' on the hill east of and ten minutes' walk from the 'Mall.' Washington Irving said of Orford during his visit here: "In all my travels in this county and Europe, I have seen no village more beautiful than this. It is a charming place. Nature has done her utmost here.' Abbott wrote considerable portions of his historical works here. Christine Nilsson, Elihu Burritt, W.R. Alger, and James T. Field were among those who loved to come to Orford. Just across the river is what is known as Yosemite cliff, 200 to 300 feet high; its summit is easily reached, and commands a charming view of the river, for thirty five miles, and includes villages and the environing mountains. From Mount Cube the view includes nearly all of the Franconia and Pemigewasset mountains which mask the White mountains; Moosilauke is conspicuous under the thin and lofty crests of Lafayette, and on the other hand Mount Wachuset is seen in Massachusetts, and the mountains of Maine and the long line of Green mountains of Vermont, and the still farther mountains of New York." VILLAGES ORFORDVILLE, located just southwest of the central part of the town, has one church (Congregational), a general store, furniture store, blacksmith shop, school-house, town hall and about seventy-five inhabitants. ORFORD ACADEMY, located at Orford Village, is an educational institution upon which the people of Orford look with pride. The Orford Academy Assocation was incorporated in 1850, with Abitha G. Britton, President; Joseph W. Patterson, vice-president; Samuel M. Willcox, secretary, and Steadman Willard, treasurer. During the following year, 1851-1852, by the beneficence of many public spirited citizens, the present academy building was built by this association, costing $6,000.00 It is a three-story brick structure, containing a large assembly hall, recitation rooms, laboratory, library and dormitories. The third story, called Patterson Hall, contains large high-posted dormitories for young men. The boarding-house, situated within the academy grounds, is used as a residence for the principal's family and associate teachers, and for the accomodation of lady pupils. The present officers of the association are Hartwell C. Cushman, president; Horace H. COnant, vice-president, and Isaac Willard, secretary and treasurer. B. M. Weld, A.M. is principal of the academy. BUSINESS AND MANUFACTURE TILLOTSON & CARR'S SAW MILL, on road 18, was built about 1850. They employ six men and manufacture about 500,000 feet of lumber per year. D.F. TILLISTON'S CHEESE FACTORY, on road 23 corner 21, built in 1865, manufactures about thirty tons of cheese per year. FRANK C. BRADFORD'S BROOM FACTORY, on road 2, established in 1885, turns out about 500 dozen brooms per year. MATTHEW F. WYMAN'S GRIST-MILL, on road 18, built by James Daton, in 1821, and purchased by Mr. Wyman in 1878, has three runs of stones and grinds about 36,000 bushels of grain per year. HENRY DAYTON'S SHINGLE AND CIDER-MILL, on road 18, operated by his son, Edward J., was built by James Dayton, for a woolen-mill, in 1829, and was converted into its present use, in 1863. Mr. Dayton manufactures about 100,000 shingles and 500 barrels of cider per year. B.F. TRUSSELL'S SAW-MILL, on road 29 was built in 1866. He manufactures about 1,000,000 feet of lumber and 100,000 shingles and does planing and matching. JOHN H. LADD'S GRIST and SHINGLE-MILL, on road 12, was built by him in 1833. He does custom grinding and manufactures about 200,000 shingles per year. EDWIN BUGBEE'S SAW-MILL, on road 29, was built by him in 1870. He manufactures about 400,000 feet of coarse lumber per year. R. BEAL & SONS'S BOBBIN FACTORY, on road 26, built in 1884, upon the site of their chair factory which was destroyed by fire, turn out about 500,000 bobbins per year. GEORGE O. WEST'S SAW-MILL AND CIDER MILL, located on road 3, cuts out about 7,000 feet of lumber per day. The mill was formerly owned by E.E. Grimes, a merchant at Piermont. The cider mill is of small capacity. The PAVILION STOCK FARM, owned by S.S. Houghton of Boston, Mass., is worthy of special notice. The farm, consisting of 750 acres of land, is devoted to the raising of blooded trotting horses, and has had expended upon it to put it in its present fine condition over $100,000.00. It has a barn and stables built in 1877, in the construction of which 1,200,000 feet of lumber was used, and which will comfortably accomodate several hundred horses and colts. It has a frontage of 240 feet and the distance from top of tower to the ground is 168 feet. ***** SETTLEMENT OF THE TOWN, EARLY SETTLERS & PROMINENT CITIZENS (BIOGRAPHY) ***** The settlement of the town was begun by Daniel Cross and his wife, who came on from Lebanon, Conn., arriving in June 1765. The first permanent settlers, however, were John Mann and his wife, from Hebron, Conn., who arrived here on the 24th of the following October. According to an address delivered by his son, Rev. Joel Mann, at the centennial celebration of Orford, in 1865, the history of the migration is mainly as follows:-- [NATHANIEL MANN] In the history of Hanover, Plymouth county, Mass., there is an extended genealogy of the Mann family, a planter, came in the "May Flower' with the Pilgrims, a young man in the family of Elder Brewster. The posterity of Richard spread in Plymouth and Norfolk counties, and many of their descendants are now resident there. One of Richard's descendants was the Rev. Samuel Mann, the first minister of Wrentham, Mass., and John Mann was his great-grandson. Nathaniel, son of Rev. Samuel Mann, came to what is now Mansfield, Conn., when it was a wilderness, being the first settler there in 1720, and the town was called after his name. Having in after time purchased a farm in Hebron, Conn., he removed there for life, and there both John and his future wife, Lydia Porter, were brought up. They were married in Hebron, in the Episcopal church, by the Rev. Samuel Peters, D.D., on the Sabbath day, February 17, 1765. The elder John Mann, finding that the original proprietors of Orford were offering these distant, uninhabited lands for sale, selected and purchased one lot of fifty acres, at the lower end of the present village, for which he paid one dollar an acre; and this he gave to his son as his patrimony. For this Eldorado he started on October 16, 1765, his wife on horseback, where the road was such that it was practical to ride, with a wardrobe by no means ample for a bride. Mr. Mann rode with her a part of the way, carrying a knapsack, some tools for coopering, and an axe, which in such hands wrought wonderous changes. The Rev. Grant Powers, in his "Historical Sketches of Coos County," says that "at Charlestown, N.H., Mr. Mann purchased a bushel of oats for his horse, and some bread and cheese for himself and wife, and set forward--Mann on foot; wife, oats, breed and cheese, and some clothing, on horseback." From Charlestown to Orford, a distance of sixty miles, there was no road, only a foot-path with marked trees, instead of guide-boards. The path was frequently hedged across with fallen trees; and when they came to such an obstruction which could not be passed around, the young bridge was dismounted, the articles of lading taken off, and the horse made to leap the windfall. This was many time repeated. In one instance the impatient animal did yout wait to be unladen, and leaped the trunk of a large tree, throwing the fair rider and all the luggage in a promiscuous heap upon the ground. Through a kind providence no limbs were broken and no joints dislocated. All things being re-adjusted, the journey was soon resumed. In Claremont two young men had made some clearing. In Cornish there was but one family, that of Moses Chase. In Plainfield, there was one family, Francis Smith. In Lebanon there were three families, Charles Hill, son and son-in-law, Mr. Pinnick. In Hanover there was one family, Col. Edmund Freeman, and several young men making settlements. In Lyme there were three families, all by the name of Sloan. These afforded stopping places for rest and refreshment at night. The new-comers in the solitary wilderness were kindly welcomed and treated hospitably to the scanty fare. When they came to a stream that was too deep for wading, it was necessary to go up till a place was found for safe crossing, and this, with steep banks and tangled underbrush, must have been attended with much peril. The whole of this fatiguing and hazardous journey of about one hundred miles, was performed in eight days, averaging twenty-five miles in a day. They arrived here October 24, 1765, Mr. Mann being then twenty-one years of age, and his wife sixteen. "When our parents arrived in Orford," said the eldest of the pioneer's sons, Major Mann, "There were Mr. Daniel Cross and his wife, who had come in June precedin gand some time afterward removed. They were living in a small hut, covered with barks of trees, a floor of split logs, hewed a little, near the bank of the river, having no chimney or hearth. Mr. Cross admitted the new comers into his cabin, agreeing to be equal in cutting wood, and keeping a fire in the middle of which would accomodate both. For a partition between them, blankets were hung up, so that now they were comfortable situated. When an auger was needed to make a bedstead, it was only to step nine miles through the woods to a Mr. JohN Chamberlain's in Thetford, and borrow of him, who was the only person then living in that town. When the bedsteads and two or three chair frames were put together, it was only to step through the nine-mile woods to return the augur. This labor and fatigue was considered as nothing." Jonathan and Israel Sawyer, Gen. Israel Morey and a Mr. Caswell came into the town the same autumn. From this time the settlement must have increased quite rapidly, for in 1767 the town had seventy-five inhabitants, which number had increased to 228 in 1773. Among the early settlers were the following: Timothy Sargent, Rev. Samuel Todd, Capt. Jonathan Derby, Clement Emery, Dr. Eli Carpenter, Asa Tyler, Capt. Ebenezer Baldwin, Constant Bliss (Killed by Indians at Greensboro VT), Capt. John Clark, Simeon Derby, Francis Follett, James Moulton, Elnathan Palmer, Samuel Thing, Dea. Michael Taintor, Joseph E. Ware, Richard Haselton, John Hale, Samuel Phelps, Jesse Poor, Jonathan Storey, Alex. Storey, Hardy Ropes, A.G. Britton and John. B. Wheeler. JOHN MANN JR., born May 21, 1766, was the first white child claiming nativity in Orford. The first recorded act respecting public schools was passed October 8, 1770 when it was resolved "to hire a schoolmaster for six months." From this good beginning the education of the young has been cherished as work of prime importance. The school-house was also used for public worship. John Mann Jr. was the first, and for many years, the only merchant here. He was also the first postmaster and held that office for a long period. Rogers and Doubleday were the next to establish a store. After them came John B. Wheeler and his brother Daniel, who prosecuted a large and successful business, and did much for the prosperity of the place. The first lawyer was Abither G. Britton, who was at one time a member of the state legislature, and later, Jeduthan Wilcox, once a representative in Congress. In the war of the Revolution the inhabitants of Orford displayed commendable patriotic zeal. In the late great war [Civil War] the town furnished 113 men, thirty of whom lost their lives in the service. DEA. JOHN NILES came to Orford, from Portsmouth, some time previous to the Revolution, and located on the farm now owned by his grandson, B.F. Niles. He died March 18, 1840, aged seventy-six years. Capt. Nathaniel Niles, one of his eleven children, served as a captain in the war of 1812. Benjamin H., son of John, was born in Orford in 1800, resided in town with the exception of two years in Newbury VT, and died here October 6, 1875. He married Martha Savage, and reared nine children, four of whom are living and reside in town. They are B.F., E.H., Mrs. Martha J. Stone, and Mrs. M. Gardner. THOMAS SAVAGE came to Orford, from Deerfield, Mass., about the beginning of the Revolutionary war, and settled in the eastern part of the town. He had born to him, eight children, all of whom grew to maturity. He kept a hotel for a number of years, was engaged in farming, and also built a grist-mill which he carried on for a year, when it was destroyed by a freshet. GEORGE AND THOMAS SAVAGE came to Orford, from Deerfield, Mass. at an early day, were farmers, and settled in the eastern part of the town. George died in 1876, aged ninety-three years., and Thomas died about 1864. Two sons of George, Charles T. and John A., reside in town, one son, George F. lives in New York city, and one, Thomas W., lives in Athol. EPHRAIM PHELPS came to Orford, from Hebron, Ct., about 1785, and settled near the place where Royal W. Simmons now lives, on road 7. He cleared a farm, reared ten children, and died about 1816. His son, Elihu, was born in town and resided here until his death. His son John H. now resides on road 2. WILLIAM BROWN came to Orford, from England, and located on road 14, where he cleared a farm. Previous to this he enlisted as a privateersman, under Capt. Samuel Tucker, for which service he drew a pension. He reared a family of six children, and died in December 1845. His son Samuel Brown was born in Orford, reared eight children, four of whom are living, two, William and Mrs. Sabrina Lovejoy, live in this town, and Cyrus and Irene live in Wisconsin. Samuel, who lived on the farm where William Brown now lives, died May 25, 1835, aged thirty-nine years. JAMES PEBBLES came to this town from Salem, Mass., about 1796 or 1797, and settled in the northern part of the town. He was a blacksmith by trade and also engaged in farming. He married Martha Haskell, and reared a family of eleven children, one of whom, Seth, lives in Lunenburg VT. His son John was an infant when he came here with his father, and always resided here. He married Delia H. Weed, reared nine children, and died in 1877, aged eighty years. James Pebbles died in 1860, at the great age of one hundred and five years. John H., son of John, died in the army, and the remainder are living. Of these, Mrs. Lucretia H. Harris, Mrs. Delia H. BLodgett, Mrs. Louisa J. Porter, William F. and Hazen, live in this town, George S. in Iowa, Riley in Natick, and James T. in Framingham, Mass. WILLIAM GRIMES moved to Littleton NH from Lexington Mass, about the time of the Revolution. His son Nathan was born in Lexington, came to Orford NH from Littleton NH, about 1798, was a cooper by trade, and was also engaged in farming. He died about 1875. Two of his seven children are living, Nathan and Harriet. The latter lives in Springfield. Edward E., son of Nathan, is engaged in mercantile business in Piermont. JAMES DAYTON, born in Glastonbury CT, in 1769, served as an apprentice at the clock manufacturing business, in Hartford CT, and came to Orford in 1791 or 1792. He was a leader in the public assemblies, and was often called upon to preside at town meetings. He located on road 18, where he owned a large farm, built a carding and cloth-dressing mill, and also a saw and grist-mill. He died in 1854. He had born to him nine children, four of whom are living, Daniel, residing in South Bend Ia, and three, Capt. Henry, Mrs. Maria Hodge and Miss Eliza Dayton, of this town. SAMUEL TILLOTSEN came to Orford NH from Hebron, CT, about a hundred years ago, was a farmer and reared a large family of children, five of whom settled in this town. Obadiah and Daniel Jr. both reared families and died in town. Daniel was born in 1775 and lived here until his death in 1859. His son Daniel F. was born here in 1815, on the same farm occupied by his father and grandfather, has been engaged in mercantile business for thirty years, and is now a dealer in produce, lumber, etc. His only son, Daniel, was born in 1850, and is engaged in lumbering and farming. CAPT. ALEXANDER STONY, a sea captain, came to Orford from Salem, Mass., at an early day, and settled upon the farm now owned by S.S. Houghton, on road 19. He owned, in that vicinity, 250 acres of land, and also, for a time, a grist-mill. His daughter Sally married George Riley, who came here, from Weathersfield CT, clerked for a time, and then removed to Danville, VT. He afterwards moved to Boston, where he kept the No. Nine Elm Street Hotel. He died in New York in 1832. His son Charles H. was born in Boston in 1823 and came to Orford about 1832. He represented the town in 1884, was selectman in 1861, 1862 and 1864, and also in 1879, 1880. WILLIAM HOWARD, son of William and Martha Howard, was born in New London CT May 20, 1775, learned the hatter's trade in Norwich CT, and came to Orford in 1799. He carried on the manufacture of hats here for many years. He served the town as selectman and postmaster for thirty years. He married twice, first Betsey Pierce, who was born in Chester July 5, 1775, and died September 20, 1819, and had born to him seven children, namely, William, Henry, Elizabeth, Mary P. James P., John and Nancy. He married for his second wife, Abigail Stratton of Fairlee VT, June 30, 1820, and had born to him five children, Louisa, Thomas, Sarah, George and Jane. Mr. Howard died October 20, 1848, aged seventy-four years. His son William, born in Orford, in 1803, went to Sharon VT in 1819, where he clerked for a time in the store of Wheeler & May. In 1823 he entered into partnership with Mr. May, continued in this business until 1835, when he returned to Orford, and has since been engaged in the mercantile business. He has been town treasurer, represented the town in 1849-50. He married Sarah E. Page, of Sharon VT, and has three daughters, namely, Mrs. Elizabeth M. Avery of Boston and Mrs. Martha A. Pierce and Kate, both of whom reside with their father. JOHN HALL moved to Groton NH from Hollis NH, at an early day, and afterward came to Orford, settling near the Connecticut river. He died in the northeastern part of the town about 1842. BETHUEL CROSS, a native of Wentworth, came to Orford, from that town, as one of the first settlers, cleared a farm, and located near the COnnecticut river, on road 19. He reared seven children, and died about 1854. His daughter Hannah married Jonathan Clark, son of Benjamin, who came to Orford from Boscawen NH in 1816. Mr. Clark was a farmer and also engaged in the pottery business. He reared three children, two of whom are living. He was deacon of the Congregational Church many years, and was superintendent of the Sabbath-school. He died in 1877, in his eightieth year. His son Bethuel is a merchant in Boston [MA] and Daniel C. resides on the homestead. ELIHU CORLISS came to Orford about 1791, and cleared a farm. He reared a large family of children, and died about 1844. His oldest son, Alexander, was seven years of age when he came here with his father. They came on horseback, bringing their household effects with them. Elihu Corliss served in the revolutionary war, and was at the Battle of Bunker Hill, and drew a pension. Alexander Corliss reared a family of five children, two of whom are living. His daughter, Mrs. Abigail B. Bowles, lives in Burlington VT, and his son John S. lives on road 18. NATHANIEL MARSH, one of the first settlers of Orford, died in 1791. He left three children, two sons moved to New York, and the daughter married Alexander Corliss. ROYAL MORRIS, one of the early settlers of Orford, was a hatter by trade and worked for a time at Orford Street. He afterward moved to Schenectady, NY. His son George R. Morris resides in town. JOSEPH PRATT, a native of Salem, came here with his father, married Lydia, daughter of John Mann, one of the first settlers of this town, and reared six children. Of these, two are living, Joseph Pratt, who lives in Worcester, Mass., and John Pratt who lives in Orford. The latter was born in 1806, was engaged in the mercantile business at Posts Mills, VT, about thirty-eight years, at Vershire for four years, then returned to Orford in 1871, and lives on a portion of the farm where his grandfather first settled. He married twice, first Sabra Tory, who bore him two children, one of whom is living, Alma, of North Thetford. He married for his second wife, Mrs. Myra R. Bufton, of Topsham. JOHN HALE came to this town from Hollis NH at an early day, settled in the southeastern part of the town, and was a farmer and drover. His son Aaron was born in Hollis, moved here with his parents when a child, and resided in town until his death, December 5, 1869. He married Mary Kent, and had born to him eight chidlren, six of whom are living. They are John Hale of Cleveland Ohio, Aaron, Thomas and Edwin of Cambridgeport Mass, Mrs. Sarah Hanks of Cambridge Mass, and Daniel T. of Orford. SAMUEL LOVEJOY was born in Rindge NH in 1773, married Nancy Clark of Framingham Mass in 1798, and came to Orford about 1800, locating on the farm now occupied by Albert G. Lovejoy, on road 3. He reared a family of ten children, and died December 13, 1858, his wife having died in 1844. His son Clark Lovejoy was born in Orford, September 6, 1807, and occupied the homestead. He married twice, first Sally Chandler of Piermont, and had born to him one child, Mrs. William Chandler of Claremont NH. He married for his seonc wife, Sabrina Brown, and had born to him two children, S. Josiah and Albert G., both of whom are living on the home farm. Mr. Lovejoy died March 25, 1883. His widow still survives him. ENOS LOVEJOY was born in Orford in 1806, married Mary S. Hale and brought up five sons and a daughter. He died in 1880, aged seventy-four years. Samuel W. Lovejoy, his eldest son, graduated from Dartmouth College, was principal of Orford academy some years, studied law at Albany, and practiced at Cohoes NY. John H. Lovejoy removed to Nebraska. Frank J. Lovejoy served and died in the civil war. Lewis P. Lovejoy is a lumber manufacturer in Lyme. Nancy C. Lovejoy married Alonzo Stark, who was killed in the civil war, and she with her mother reside in Orford. Nelson H. Lovejoy died at the age of sixteen. JOHN BICKFORD moved to Piermont from Northwood NH about 1800, and cleared a farm near the center of the town. He died in Orford in 1836. His son Isaac Bickford was born in Northwood, moved to Piermont with his father and settled in Orford in 1833, on the place where his son John now lives. He had born to him eight children, six of whom are living. He died in 1864 or 1865, aged eighty-one years. His children are Levi C. of Piermont, Mrs. Charles Tolman, one in Iowa, one in Lancaster NH and one in Concord NH. NATHANIEL HASELTON came to Orford from Westmoreland NH about 1810, and settled on road 19. He died on road 2. His son, Colonel John Haselton was born in Westmoreland March 29, 1805, and was about five years of age when he came to this town. He married Mercy D. Phelps and reared a family of nine children, eight of whom are living. He cleared the farm and built the house where Benjamin Franklin now lives, on road 6, where he lived many years. He died December 20, 1876. He was a colonel in the state militia, took a great interest in agriculture and was chairman of the executive committee of the Grafton County Agricultural Society. He, in company with D.F. Tillotson, had the contract for building a portion of the Passumpsic railroad. STEDMAN WILLARD was born at Saxton's River VT, in 1798, and came to Orford in 1813. He was engaged in the mercantile business for over fifty years, represented the town in the legislature, and held nearly all of the town offices. He was one of the foremost in the organization and building of the Orford academy, and was the first treasurer of the institution. He was also a prominent member of the Congregational church, and was for many years a deacon. He married Meriel, daughter of John Brooks Wheeler, the first merchant of Orford, and reared seven children, viz: David E. of Concord, Isaac, Hannah (Mrs. John W. Sanborn) both of this town, John of New York City, William A. of Passaic, New Jersey, Meriel (Mrs. T.D. Rowell) of Zumbrota, Miss., and Sarah S., the wife of the Rev. T.F.W. Clary, of Milton, Mass. He died March 18, 1877. David E. was born in Orford in 1829, was educated at the Kimball Union Academy, and has been engaged in the mercantile business. He has been justice of the peace since 1872, was railroad commissioner from 1878 to 1881, and was elected to the state senate in 1883. Isaac, son of Stedman, was born in Orford in 1832, was educated in the Thetford VT academy, was engaged in mercantile pursuits in New York City for six years, resided in Iowa five years and returned to Orford in 1864. He has since then been a resident of this town, is a merchant, has been postmaster ten years, town treasurer four years, and has been deacon of the Congregational church since 1877. NATHANIEL RUSSELL was born in Pelham NH in 1811, came to Orford when five years of age, and has since resided here. He was been engaged in farming and lumbering, and has one son and two daughters, namely, Mrs. B.F. Trussell, Mrs. Franklin Eaton of Wentworth, and George N., who resides with his father on road 24. STEPHEN CUSHMAN came to Orford from Landaff about 1812 or 1814, and located at Orfordville, where he built a carding and cloth-dressing mill, which business he carried on for many years. He died February 12, 1869. Of his nine children, five of them are living, viz: John J., Hartwell C., Mrs. Rebecca Blood, all three of this town, Ephraim of Providence RI, and Asa of Taunton Mass. Hartwell C. Cushman was engaged in the mercantile business here, in company with D.F. Tillotson and his brother John J., from 1842 to 1873. He has four children, namely, Peleg E., and William A. of this town, Henry I., who is pastor of the First Universalist society of Providence RI, and Mrs. Pleasantine Wilson of Winchester, Mass. JOHN R. PIERCE came to Orford, from Fairlee VT, about sixty years ago. He was a shoemaker and died in Vershire VT. His son John R. resides in Orfordville, where he carries on the blacksmith business. BENJAMIN TRUSSELL came from Boscawen NH about 1800, and located in the eastern part of the town. He was a farmer and a millwright. he married twice, first Sophia Derby about 1820, who bore him three children, and second, Aseneth French, and had born to him four children. He died in 1882. Of his four children now living, Benjamin F. Trussell who resides here, has been town clerk twenty-one years, represented the town in 1878-79, and is now on the second term as selectman. He has held all the various offices of the town, and was at one time town representative, first selectman and town clerk. JAMES H. LEARNED was born in Weatherfield VT in March 1809, and, after living in Haverhill and Bath NH, in which latter place he was captain of the militia, came to Orford in March 1839. He bought 300 acres of land, and in 1847, bought the Williamstown springs, run them a year and then returned to Orford. He has been engaged in farming and lumbering, and has been an auctioneer over forty-eight years. He has been justice of the peace forty years, selectman five years, collector of taxes seven years, overseer of the poor &c. He has reared seven children, four of whom are living. Four of his sons served in the late war, one of whom died there. HORACE H. CONANT was born in Craftsbury VT in 1810, came to Orford in 1845, and engaged in the harness-making business, which he carries on at the present time. He has held the office of justice of the peace since 1869, served as deputy sheriff six years, and is now notary public. Of his three children, one is a teacher in Sante Fe, New Mexico, one is in a broker's office in New York City, and one is the general secretary of the Young Men's Christian Association of Providence RI. BENJAMIN MORRILL was born in Danville VT in 1811, came to Orford in 1869. He engaged in the manufacture of starch at Orfordville, which business he carried on until 1881. He is now engaged in the mercantile business. DANIEL P. WHEELER was born in Fairlee VT, September 2, 1810, and has resided in Orford most of his life. He has been engaged in the mercantile business, but is now a farmer. He has held many town offices, represented the town in 1848, 1857, 1858, 1861 and 1862, bank commissioner in 1859, 1860 and 1861 and collector of internal revenue of the third New Hampshire district, from 1863 to 1867. He married Mary Ann Wheeler, and has two children, Daniel, born in 1836, and Charles, born in 1839. CAPTAIN CHANDLER moved to Piermont, it is thought from Connecticut, some time previous to the Revolution, in which war he served as captain. His son Seth Chandler was born in Piermont, and lived there until his death in 1818. Two of his eight children are living, Theron, who resides in Chicago, and Stevens, of this town. The latter was born in Piermont in 1802, moved to Lebanon NH when a young man, where he learned the tanner and currier trade. He then returned to Piermont where he established a tannery, which business he carried on for seventeen years, when he sold out and moved to Orford, purchasing the farm where he now resides. He has one son and two daughters. His son, Worthen D. Chandler, is a flour dealer in Chicago, IL. ALEXANDER HODGE came to Landaff NH, from Scotland, at an early day, and was one of the early settlers of that town. His son, John Hodge, was born in Landaff and lived there and in Lebanon NH nearly all his life. He died in Barnet, VT. Four of his seven children are living. Of these, West B. lives in Landaff NH, Damon F. in Northumberland NH, John P. in Minneapolis Minn (MN), and Ida A. resides in this town on road 18. SAMUEL L. BLAIR, born in Londonderry NH, moved to Holderness NH at an early day. His won Walter Blair was born in Holderness, but afterwards moved to Plymouth NH where he died. Arthur W. Blair, son of Walter, was born in Plymouth NH in 1848, graduated at Dartmouth College in 1872, and entered the medical department of the University of Vermont in 1879, graduating from there in 1881. He located in Orford in September 1881. Three brothers, EZEKIEL, FRANCIS and STEVEN DAVIS, came to Wentworth NH from Merrimac(k) county, at an early day. Stephen was a farmer, and had born to him four children, two of whom are living. Of these, Mrs. Irene Lewis lives in Walpole, Mass, and John T. lives in Orfordville on road 30. DAVID WHITMAN moved to Lyme NH from Bridgewater Mass soon after the Revolution. He served in that war, entering the service when sixteen years of age and died in Orford. Seven of his eight children lived to be over seventy years of age, but only one is now living, Mrs. Rhoda Morey, of Orford. His son David was born in Lyme NH, and lived in that town and in Orford most of his life, but died in Newbury VT in August 1874. His son Caleb F. lives in town. Two sons, Shepherd B. and Monroe D. served in the late war. STEPHEN HOWLAND, son of George, who was an early settler of Lisbon NH, reared eleven children, eight of whom are living and died in Landaff NH about 1852. Of his children, one son, Samuel Howland, lives in this town, on road 3, Mrs. Nathan Grimes lives in town, Isaac and Jeremiah reside in Franconia NH, one son is in California, and one son is in Gorham NH. ASAHEL BLODGETT, originally from Plymouth NH, where the family were early settlers, came to this town in 1850, and located in the eastern part. He died in 1874, aged seventy-four years. Five of his six children are living, namely, Webster P. and Mrs. Mary I. Hickok of Wentworth, Mrs. Martha A. Simpson, Mrs. Hattie E. Sherburne and Mrs. Nellie M. Pebbles, of Orford. DANIEL COBURN came to Orford NH from Connecticut, as one of the first settlers, and located near the India pond. HAZEN CARR came to Orford, from Enfield NH, about 1839, and located on the farm now owned by the heirs of Hazen E. Carr on road 19. He was a millwright by trade, and died in 1884. His son, Hazen E. was one of the prominent men of the town, and died in 1884. Peter Carr, father of Hazen, came here with his son Jesse, from Plainfield NH, the year following, and resided here until his death. Jesse located on the farm now owned by Jesse K. Carr, on road 19. Parker, another brother of Hazen, came to Orford in 1869, locating on the farm where he now resides with his son, J.O. Carr. One daughter, Mrs. F.C. Bradford, also resides in town, and one, Mrs. J.M. Fitts lives in Dorchester. (end)