USA > New Hampshire > Merrimack County > Andover > A topographical and historical sketch of the town of Andover: in the county of Hillsborough, and state of New Hampshire > Part 1
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Gc 974.202 An23m 1770128
M. L.
REYNOLDS HISTORICAL GENEALOGY COLLECTION
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ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 01095 8749
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TOPOGRAPHICAL AND HISTORICAL
SKETCH
OF THE
1
IN THE
COUNTY OF HILLSBOROUGH,
AND
State of New Hampshire.
BY JACOB B. MOORE
CONCORD :
PRINTED BY HILL AND MOORE.
................. ........ ..... 1822
1.70128
ADVERTISEMENT.
THE reader cannot expect to find, in the history of so recent a settlement as that of Andover, much to interest his fancy or im- prove his mind. It is to the earlier efforts of our pilgrim fathers, that we must look for examples of heroic piety and perseverance, amid the dangers which surrounded them, both of famine and sav- age war. There is still an inducement to collect the facts in the early history of even the younger towns, from the reflection that so much has been lost in the history of the older. Timely exer- tions only can preserve for the use of posterity, those particulars concerning events of the present day, which we are all so aRx- ious to know respecting " times of old." With this view, the writer of the following pages has endeavored to bring into a small compass, every material fact relating to his native town; and whether they be valuable or not, his satisfaction rests in having rescued from forgetfulness circumstances, which, if not interesting at the present day, may become so to those who shall hereafter oc- cupy the lands lately cultivated by our fathers.
February, 1322.
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F 84203 .6
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Moore, Jacob Bailey, 1797-1853.
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A topographical and historical sketch of the town of Andover. in the county of Hillsborough. and state of New Hampshire. By Jacob B. Moore. Concord (N. HI., Printed by Hill and Moore, 1822. 24 p. 23gem.
1. Andover, N. II .- Deser. 2. Andover, N. II .-- IIIst.
Library of Congress
F44.AGMIS 1-7970
86468 :
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ADVERTISEMENT.
THE reader cannot expect to find, in the history of so recent a settlement as that of Andover, much to interest his fancy or im- prove his mind. It is to the earlier efforts of our pilgrim fathers, that we must look for examples of heroic piety and perseverance, amid the dangers which surrounded them, both of famine and say- age war. There is still an inducement to collect the facts in the early history of even the younger towns, from the reflection that so much has been lost in the history of the older. Timely exer- tions only can preserve for the use of posterity, those particulars concerning events of the present day, which we are all so anx- ious to know respecting "times of old." With this view, the writer of the following pages has endeavored to bring into a small compass, every material fact relating to his native town; and whether they be valuable or not, his satisfaction rests in having rescued from forgetfulness circumstances, which, if not interesting at the present day, may become so to those who shall hereafter oc- cupy the lands lately cultivated by our fathers.
February, 1322.
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line, and form the Blackwater, so called from its dark appearance, which passes rapidly through the southwesterly part of the town into Salisbury. This stream affords numerous fish, and many fine mill-seats.
There are five ponds in Andover, the largest of which is called Chance pond, situated in the easterly part of the town, the outlet of which passes through Salisbury-Village into the Pemige- wasset, a little below Webster's falls. This pond is about two miles in length, differing from one-half to three-fourths of a mile in width. Loon pond lies near the centre of the town, and is about one mile in length and three-fourths of a mile in width. There is an island situated in the easterly part of Loon pond, which has long been the resort of summer pleasure parties, affording a beautiful shade and several kinds of wild fruits: this island contains three or four acres. The other ponds are called Elbow, Adder and Nether. All of them afford many fish, and in some of the con- necting streams are found salmon trout.
Andover abounds with hills and dales, being in some places rocky and barren. On the north is a range of mountains, which divides the town from New-Chester. It commences near the Pemige- wasset river, and extends westwardly about ten miles to the intersection of the Grafton and fourth N. H. turnpikes. These mountains are called Ragged, from their appearance, being in all parts broken, and in many places bleak and precipitous. About two-thirds of the southern side are clear- ed, and afford good pasture lands. In some parts, settlements have been made, and snug farms form- ed come way up their sides. These rural im- provements, with the rocky barrier behind, pre- sent from other eminences a picturesque appear- ance. A little west of the centre of the range,
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there penetrates a stream of water from New- Chester, on which are situated several mills. In its passage through a chasm in the mountain, the water tumbles over a ledge of rocks nearly two hundred feet in the distance of a hundred rods. When the stream is raised by heavy rains or melt- ing snows, the prospect is very interesting and grand. From the foot of these falls the ascent is not difficult on either side the whole distance up. The highest summit, which is a little west of the rivulet, by a late calculation,* is found to be 1700 feet above the level of the pond, a little south of its base. There are several caverns in this range of mountains, some of which have been explored to a considerable distance, but contain much rub- bish, decayed leaves, limbs of trees, vegetable mould, bones of animals, &c. The dividing line between Andover and New-Chester passes over the summit of the Ragged Mountains.
The soil of this town is in many parts very good, producing excellent wheat, rye and corn, and is in general good for orcharding, and for other fruits common in this part of the country. Experiments have frequently been made with trees more com- mon in a southern latitude, but none have been brought to maturity, by reason of the severity of the winters. The highlands, though hard of cultivation, are exceedingly fertile, and some of the best farms are situated on the hills in the wes- terly part of the town, and on the southerly side of the Ragged Mountains. There is some rich intervale land stretching along the Blackwater river; and on the southern and south-western bor- ders of Loon and Chance ponds, are some valuable timber lands, the natural growth being principally hard pine and spruce-much of which has been conveyed in rafts down the river to Boscawen and
* By Mr. Benjamin M. Tyler, of Andover.
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Concord .* The growth of wood, in the other parts of the town, is principally oak, beech and sugar-maple. Seventy years ago, the whole town was a forest, inhabited only by wild beasts. From its first settlement until within a few years, the in- habitants have annually supplied themselves with sugar from their own farms; but the trees now be- ginning to decay, and little pains being taken in their preservation, this branch of domestic econo- my is almost wholly neglected.
In some parts of the town, near the Ragged Mountains, are found masses of excellent granite, which has as yet been made but little use of. There is also every indication of iron ore in the southerly part of the range. In passing over the ledges, it has invariably been found that the nee- dle was more or less attracted. Considerable quantities of iron ore have been taken from the southern borders of Loon pond. Black lead of superior quality has also been frequently found at the foot of the mountains. These circumstances certainly indicate the existence of some valuable minerals in this mountainous range, and should in- vite the attention of those versed in mineralogical science.
The woods of Andover, when the proprietors of the tract first entered upon their lands, were plentifully stocked with game. Moose, deer, bears, wild cats, &c. were every day to be seen, and the settlers were obliged to guard their flocks from their midnight incursions. Deer were very numerous, and so late as 1783, the town voted a premium of five dollars for every deer killed by the inhabitants. Beavers, otters, and other quad- runede, were also common, and were for a few years a source of profit to the inhabitants.
* The timbers for the Concord Bridge, when it was first built, were procured near Chance rond.
The fourth New-Hampshire Turnpike passes through the north-western part of Andover and intersects with the Grafton turnpike rear the western line. In ,763, there was but one path cut through the town near the centre, winding round the pond, and leading back to the Pemige- wasset. The lines between Salisbury* and An- dover were perambulated and marked this year by the selectmen of both towns; and soon after the boundaries between Andover and New-Ches- ter were established in like manner. The roads through this town are now good, and the inhabit- ants are constantly improving them.
Travellers passing over the stage road through Andover, have but an imperfect view of its soil. They can indeed see little but the bleak and con- fused pile of the Ragged Mountains on the north, and the darkly wooded sides of the Kearsarge on the west. There are several convenient dwel- lings, and good farms situated on the turnpike; al- so three public houses and the post office. And a meeting-house is soon to be erected in that part of the town. But the principal settlements, and the oldest and best cultivated tarms are situated in the centre of the town. The first meeting-house, built in conformity with the conditions of the grant, was torn down in 1795-and the present one erected on the 3d of May, 1796, and dedica- ted to the service and honor of the Christian re- ligion Jan. 5th, 1797. This house is a spacious and well finished building, but is now decaying, having never been painted. Its cost was about $2200. There are now in the town of Andover about 245 dwelling houses ; 4 stores ; 4 taverns ; 5 saw-mills; 3 geier mills, with double runs of stones in each ; 2 carding machines; 2' clothing
* Originally called Stevens-Town, from the name of one of the grantees.
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mills ; 2 bark mills, and 2 tanneries. The first saw-mill was built in 1767, the proprietors grant- ing 40l. to the person who built it, together with the water privilege and site, " on condition that he should saw all the logs which the proprietors should haul to the mill, at the halves for ten years." The number of inhabitants was in 1775, 179; in 1790, 645; in 1890, 1133; in 1810, 1259; and in 1820, 1642-giving for this latter year an average of about seven persons for each family. The body of inhabitants are industrious farmers, raising ordinarily a surplus with which to furnish their families the " little necessaries," which com- mon custom or inclination invites them to procure.
Andover was granted by the proprietors* of lands purchased of John Tufton Mason in 1746, to the following persons, viz:
Edmund Brown, William Swain, Archelaus Lakeman, John Hoyt, John Brown, Daniel Cram, Nathan Row, Amos Dwinell, Daniel Sanborn, John Sanborn, Joseph Gove, Benjamin Leavitt, Nathan Longfellow, David Norton, Walter Wil- liams, Benjamin Swett, jun. Benjamin Shaw, Ben- jamin Tilton, Joseph Prescott, Thomas Sillia,t Israel Blake, John Ellis, Daniel Weare, Nathan- iel Healey, Benjamin Sanborn, Robert Miller and Tobias Lakeman, of Hampton. Falls.
Edward Brown and Jonathan Beck, of Salis- bury, Mass.
Samuel Bathrick, of Portsmouth.
Ezekiel Worthen, Joseph Weare, Samuel Blake, jun. John Chapman, Samuel Blake, Nathan Dow, Samuel French, William Brown Clough,
* The names of the original proprietors or grantors of Andover. Word, Theodor Ation, Mais il. Wentworth, Richard Wibird, John Wentworth, George Jaffrey, Samuel Moore, Nathaniel Mes- serve, Thomas Packer. Thomas Wallingford, Jotham Odiorne, Josh- ua Pierce and John Moffat.
¿ So spelt in the original grant.
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Jesse Prescutt, and Ebenezer Loverin, of Ken- sington.
Anthony Emery, John Marston, Simon Marston, Joshua Towle, Daniel Marston, John Leavitt, Jon- athan Leavitt and Nathaniel Bachelder, of Hampton.
Samuel French, Richard Smith, Benjamin Ea- ton, Joseph French, Hezekiah Carr and Benjamin French, of South-Hampton and Hampton-Falls.
David Page, David Lowel, Naason Cass and Jo- seph Rawlins, of Exeter.
Jonathan Sanborn, of Kingston ; and Robert Calfe, of Chester.
The boundaries of the grant were thus descri- bed-" Beginning at a great rock on the westerly side of Pemigewasset river, which rock is the north-easterly bound of a tract of land granted to Ebenezer Stevens, Jedidiah Philbrick and oth. ers, by said proprietors; then running W. 17º S. 10 miles ; then beginning again at said rock, run- ning up said river so far as to contain four miles upon a strait line; thence W. 17º S. 10 miles ; thence on a strait line to the end of the first ten mile line."
The conditions imposed upon the grantees were as follow :- " That fifteen families be settled upon said tract of land, each having a house of sixteen feet square at least, or equal thereto, and four acres of land cleared and fitted for tillage or mowing upon their respective shares, within four years next after the granting hereof; and fifteen families more, so settled, within six years from the granting hereof; and thirty families more within ten years from the granting hereof. That within eight years from the graming hereof a muching- house be built for the worship of God, and fitted for that purpose for the use of the inhabitants there; and that they maintain and support the
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constant preaching of the gospel there after the expiration of ten years from the granting hereof. That all white-pine trees, fit for masting the royal navy, be and hereby are reserved and granted to his Majesty, his heirs ant successors forever for that purpose. Provided always, that in case of an In- dian war within any of the terms of years above limited for the doing any of the said matters and things aforesaid, by the said owners to be done, the same number of years as such war shall last shall be allowed after that impediment shall be removed."
The town was divided into eighty-one. rights, eighteen of which were reserved by the grantors, one for the first ordained minister, one for the parsonage, and one for the support of schools. The remaining sixty rights, consisting each of two lots of 100 acres and one of 80 acres, belonged to the sixty grantees.
Andover was originally called New Breton, in honor of those brave men who achieved the cap- ture of Cape Breton in 1745 .* Of the forces which were engaged in this enterprize, New- Hampshire furnished about five hundred men, chiefly in one regiment of eight companies under the command of Col. Samuel Moore. Most of
* The island of Cape-Breton is situated between latitude 45° and 47º N. about 15 leagues distant from Capr-Rav, the S. W. extremi- ty of Newfoundland -- being separated from the in un land of Nova- Scotia by a narrow strait of six leagues in length. This island bad been deemed of little importance by the English and French, who had successively held possession of it. until the beginning of the last century, when the latter became aware of its importance, from its central situation and the convenience of its ports. They ac- cordingly built a fortified town on the S. E side of the island, two miles and a quarter in circumference, to which they gave the name of Louisbourgh. It was fortified in every accessible part with a rampart of stone trom 30 to 36 feet in height, and a ditch 80 feet wide. It was so strong as to be styled " the Dunkirk of America." For the particulars relating to the capture of Cape-Breton, the reader is referred to Belknap's Hist. N. H. vol. ii. and Mass. Hist: Coll. vol. i. of the first series.
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the grantees of Andover were out in this expedi- tion, the result of which, says Dr. Belknap, " fil- led America with joy, and Europe with astonish- ment." Walter Williams commanded a company in the regiment of Col. Moore, and Anthony Enic- ry was the regimental surgeon. Capt. Williams was a brave commander, and among the most re- spectable inhabitants of Hampton-Falls. Dr. Em- ery was a gentleman of liberal education, and grad- uated at Harvard College in 1736. Some of his descendants now live in Andover. This town re- tained the name of New Breton until June 25, 1779, when it was incorporated by the name it now bears.
The first inhabitant of Andover was Joseph Fellows, who moved into town from Boscawen in 1761. His daughter Peggy, (now Mrs. Woodbu- ry, of Corinth, Vt.) was the first child born in town, and she is now 58 years of age. Mr. Fel- lows died March 14, 1811, aged 84. Elias Raino was the next settler, and William Morey the third : both came into town soon after Mr. Fel- lows. Mr. Kaino died Sept. 20, 3787; Mr. Mo- rey in 1814. Edward Ladd, another of the first settlers, moved in soon after Mr. Morey. His grandfather, Nathaniel Ladd, emigrated from Scotland in the latter part of the seventeenth century, and his father settled in Exeter, where he was born. He was a soldier in the "old French war," as it is called, which commenced in 1741-was an industrious man, and acquired a good estate. He died July 22, 1818, aged 62. His son, John, was the first male child born in Andover.
The mist settlement of the town progressed very slowly, the inhabitants being subjected to many and great privations. They were unable to procure bread-stuff without travelling ten or
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fifteen miles, and were then obliged to convey it home on their backs. The woods supplied them with animal food, which they took in abundance with their guns and traps. There were no inhab. itants north from whom they could receive assist- ance, and the difficulties of a communication with those situated below them, rendered their situa- tion less pleasing. The men of those days, how- ever, partaking of the spirit commou to New- Englanders, overcame all difficulties by persever- ance, and secured to their families a quiet and peaceful possession-making the wilderness re- sound with human activity, and planting gardens amid the shaggy and barren mountains.
It may be said with justice of the early set- tlers of this country, that the spread of the gos- pel and the establishment of churches were their principal objects. We accordingly find these ob- jects distinctly provided for in almost all the orig- inal grants of our towns. One of the conditions required of the grantees of Andover was, that a meeting house should be built within eight years after the grant, and the preaching of the gospel constantly maintained. The proprietors erected a convenient house, and preaching was occasional- ly had; but no minister was formally settled until 1782. In the early part of this year a church was gathered; and on the 30th of October, the Rev. JOSIAH BADCOCK was ordained to its pastoral charge. He was a native of Milton, Mass .; re- ceived his education at Harvard College, and graduated in 1772. He is a good scholar, a chari- table and industrious man. The church remained united under his ministry for more than fifteen years, when many vi the numbers embraced dif- ferent opinions, or became otherwise alienated; and the society grew so small, that in 1809, he proposed resigning his charge. His farewell ser-
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mon to the people, on dissolving his connexion with them, was on affectionate appeal to their un- derstandings on the evils of divisions and strife in religious communities, and an earnest exhorta- tion to them not to forsake the assembling of themselves together for the public worship of God, even though his exertions had failed to increase their spiritual blessings. No other congregat onal minister was ever settled in town, and there are now comparatively few of that denomination of christians, The people are at present somewhat divided in religious sentiment. The most numer- ous class are undoubtedly those called Union Bap- tists .* There are some calvinistic baptists, and some congregationalists ; also a society of univer- salists, incorporated in 1818.
In the year 1801, there was a revival of reli- gion among the Freewill Baptists; and in 1803, Elder Elijah Watson, who now resides in Sutton, was ordained. He remained in this place how- ever but a few years. In 1810, a great number were added to the connexion, and Elder Ebene- zer Chase was ordained, who, with short inter. ruptions, has preached to the society until very lately. In 1819 and 1820, a great reformation oc- curred, under the ministration of those calling themselves CHRIST-fans, without any party name ; and the first church, under that appellation, was gathered here in Sept. 1819, and now consists of 107 members. It is in connexion with the " New- Hampshire Christian Conference," and is now un- der the pastoral care of Elders Young and Slee-
* The name of Union Baptists has been recently assumed, for union with the Freewill Baptists disliked the name; and we believe the term Union comprehends several classes who differ on minor and unimportant points.
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per.4 The second church, of the same denomin. ation, was gathered in May, 1820, and contains 15 members, under the care of Elder Young. Both these churches form " the First Union Bap- tist Society of Audover," which is much the lar- gest religious society in town.
In Judy, 1819, Elder Ebenezer Chase commen- ced the publication of a periodical paper, called the " Religious Informer," issued once a month. At that time his subscription list amounted to 110; since which it has increased to nearly 800. Mr. Chase is both editor and printer, having for some time used a press of his own contrivance, and learnt to work at his new employment entire- Ir without assistance. His paper is devoted to the dissemination of the principles of the denomina- tion to which he belongs, and is as well executed as some of the country prints where we may sup- poso the publishers have been regularly educated in the art.
All sects have a right to assemble at the meet- ing house, and at seasons of public worship it is generally occupied by one or the other. It is be- licved that in few places has greater harmony prevailed among the different denominations, than in Andover ; and it is to be hoped this christian liberality, so creditable to the people, will always characterize them.
There are in Andover fourteen school districts, in twelve of which are well-finished school- houses. A public school has for several years been kept near the centre of the town; and Mr.
* Elder Peter Young was ordained in York, Me. Sept. 9, 1308- commenced preaching in Deerfield, N. H. in 1812, where he con- tinned untri 1919. when he ram need to
Ils andthe of Andover, and was ordained with Elder Wil- ham True, June 17, 1817. Eller T. died on the 11th Oct 1818- he wasa young man of unblemished moral character, and much respected. Elder Jesse Thompson was also ordained to the work of an evangelist June 7, 1821.
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JOSEPH NOYES, who died Dec. 23d, 1818, left funds in the hands of his Executor to the amount of ten thousand dollars, beside some real estate, for the establishment and support of an academy. It is much to be regretted, however, that the bene- fits likely to result from this munificent bequest, are restricted by the unfavorable situation located for the academy .* Had the donor seen fit to have selected a more convenient and central spot, far greater present, if not permanent, advantages must have been derived. It is not, however, be- coming to complain of the manner of bestowing a gift, if the gift be valuable ; and the inhabitants of Andover will long remember with delight their most distinguished benefactor.
Mr. Noyes was a native of Hampstead in this state. He commenced business carly in life in Haverhill-thence removed to Salisbury, where he continued till within a few years of his death, when he moved into Andover. He was from his youth a very industrious man, and by his own hands accumulated the estate which he left, amounting to about $17,000. He was always punctual to fulfil every engagement -- and was strictly upright in his dealings. He died at the age of 54-lea- ving the remainder of his property in the hands of his Executor, Robert Barber, Esq. of Andover, for the education and support of his three chil- dren. .
Doct. SILAS BARNARD was the first physician who settled in town, and was a man of respecta-
* Extract from Mr. Noyes' Will.
" Item 4th. I do hereby direct my Executor to take ten thousand dollars out of my personal property and bank stock, and appropri- ate it for the support of a public school -- said school to be under the direction of sin Him 1 Must be appointed by my fax- ecutor, and after that they shall fill their own vacancies. The house for said school to be built on the farm on which I now live- which farm I also give and bequeath for the support of said school. Said school to be denominated NuYES' SCHOOL."
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