USA > New Hampshire > Merrimack County > Henniker > History of the town of Henniker, Merrimack County, New Hampshire, from the date of the Canada grant by the province of Massachusetts, in 1735, to 1880 with a genealogical register of the families of Henniker > Part 1
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org.
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57
Library of
TY OF NEW
1866
18
HA
KLIENCI
NOUSTE
PSHIRE
HI . 1923
.
TATE
اللصيـ
NEW
01716
Agriculture,
MiTechnology
Liberal Arts
The University New Hampshire
9
July your 2 11 Cogs well,
HISTORY
OF THE
TOWN OF HENNIKER,
MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE,
FROM THE DATE OF THE CANADA GRANT BY THE PROVINCE OF MASSACHUSETTS, IN
1735, TO 1880;
WITH A
GENEALOGICAL REGISTER
OF THE FAMILIES OF HENNIKER.
BY LEANDER W. COGSWELL.
111
CONCORD : PRINTED BY THE REPUBLICAN PRESS ASSOCIATION. 1880.
44 · HS 56
HSI
gen.
1
PREFACE.
The author claims for this work no literary merit. It is a plain, unvarnished record of our ancestors and their deeds, together with those of their descendants to and including this generation.
This has been no easy task,-obstacles almost innumera- ble having been in my way. The records of the town fur- nish but little, save dates and outlines of action by the town, upon matters of public interest. But few papers of value have been found preserved by the descendants of the early settlers, about whom we have a desire to know all that is possible. The material has been collected at much expense of time, travel, and money. Wherever any records have been heard of that would give me any information, they have been thoroughly examined.
I am indebted to a few individuals for much valuable in- formation. From the older people of the town, many of whom have passed away since this work was begun, I have received much of importance. To Rev. Jacob Scales, lately deceased; to Miss Rebecca Ramsdell, whose wonderful memory was of great help; to the librarian of the New Eng- land Historic-Genealogical Society of Boston, for the free use of its library ; to the gentlemanly secretary of state of Massachusetts, for his courtesy and kindness ; to Robert C. Mack, Esq., of Londonderry, to Rev. Silas Ketchum, of Poquonnoc, Ct., to Mrs. Mary Culver, of Vassar, Michigan, and others,-I am especially indebted ; and to them, and to all who have in any manner assisted me, I am exceed- ingly grateful.
I am able to present a few engravings of the sons and daughters of the town, and wish that more had been con- tributed, thus improving the opportunity of transmitting
JimZ9:338
4
PREFACE.
themselves to future generations. This work has been alike open to all.
Particular attention is called to the Revolutionary record of the town, which was obtained only by weeks of most per- sistent labor upon the state records of the Revolution, now on file in the adjutant-general's office. The subsequent calls upon the patriotism of the town were most promptly obeyed, through the inspiration and example of the soldiers of the Revolution.
I am greatly indebted to Joseph B. Sawyer, Esq., of Man- chester, and his brother, Rev. Henry E. Sawyer, for many years residents of this town, for the plan of the survey of the township into ranges and lots, furnished at their ex- pense, copied from the original plan found among the papers of Hon. Matthew Patten, of Bedford, under whose direction the survey was made, in memory of their father, "who was a resident of Henniker from 1830 to 1843, and who was to the end of his life a kind parent, and an honest, God-fearing man."
Towns mentioned in this work without the name of a state following, will be considered as belonging to New Hampshire. Towns outside the state are accompanied with the names of the states to which they belong.
In spite of all efforts to the contrary, errors and omissions will probably be found ; but it will not be because the best has not been done, with the means at my command, to have it otherwise. To make this work accurate and reliable, has been my constant aim.
That these pages may prove of interest to the reader, and that the Genealogical Register may be of much benefit to all concerned, is the wish of him who has labored so patiently and perseveringly for so many years in their compilation.
I take great pride in presenting this book, printed upon paper manufactured in Henniker by the Contoocook Valley Paper Company.
LEANDER W. COGSWELL.
HENNIKER, N. H., June 17, 1880.
CONTENTS.
INTRODUCTION. PAGES.
Location-Area-Hills-River-Ponds and Brooks-Arboreal Productions-Scenery. 9-17
CHAPTER I. CANADA GRANT, 1735.
First Grant of the Township by the Province of Massachusetts -John Whitman-First Settlers-Settlement of Boundary Dispute. . 17-26
CHAPTER II.
Grant to the Descendants of the First Grantees of this Town- ship. 26-31
CHAPTER III. THE MASONIAN GRANT, 1748-1761.
Action of Proprietors-Diary of Matthew Patten-Name given to the Town 31-53
CHAPTER IV. SETTLEMENT OF THE TOWNSHIP, 1761-1768.
First Settlers before the Incorporation, Nov. 10, 1768; First Saw-mill-First Log Cabin-First Framed House-Names of Settlers-First Child Born-First Potash-First Roads Laid Out. 53-68
CHAPTER V. AFTER INCORPORATION, 1768-1772.
First Town Meeting after Incorporation-First Annual Meet- ing-First Saw-mill in Operation-First Meeting-House- First Meeting in it-Burning of the Meeting-House-Pound -Calling Town Meetings . 68-77
6
HISTORY OF HENNIKER.
PAGES.
CHAPTER VI.
FURTHER ACTION OF THE SETTLERS, 1772-1786. Some Votes during the Revolution-First Bridge across the River-Building a new Meeting-House 77-90
CHAPTER VII.
MORE VOTES OF THE TOWN, 1786-1840. Shakers-Court-House-First Election for President-Vote upon Amendments-First Inventory Recorded-Map of the Town-Pounds-Post Guides-Fire at Portsmouth-Thiev- ing-Sale of Land for Taxes-New County-Education of Thomas Brown, Deaf Mute-Town Poor-Intoxicating Li- quors.
90-104
CHAPTER VIII. ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY, 1766-1801.
Early Efforts for Preaching-Rev. Jacob Rice-His Settlement -Salary Established-Church Embodied-Illness of Mr. Rice-Mr. Rice's Proposition-Mr. Rice Dismissed-Other Ministers Employed-Efforts to Settle Rev. Moses Sawyer. . 104-119
CHAPTER IX.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY, CONTINUED, 1801-1879. Separation of Church and State-Settlement of Mr. Sawyer- Name of the New Society-Building of the First Congrega- tional Meeting-House-New Society Incorporated-Dismis- sal of Mr. Sawyer-Settlement of Mr. Scales-Burning of the Meeting-House-Erection of a New One-Presentation of Communion Service-Mr. Scales Dismissed-Other Min- isters Employed-Statistics-Methodists-Statistics-Bap- tists-Statistics-Quakers-Universalists-Free Will Bap- tists. 119-140
CHAPTER X. EARLY SETTLERS.
Homes-Fires-Wells-Food-Clothing-Religion-Sickness and Death-Serving Liquors at Funerals-Endurance of Men and Women-Wrestling-Matches-Spinning-Bees- Believers in Signs and Warnings-Anecdote-Friendship for Each Other-Anecdote-Additions to the Population- Contrast. 140-148
CHAPTER XI.
EDUCATION.
Schools-School-Houses-Votes in 1800-Academy-Other Schools-Teachers 148-166
7
CONTENTS.
PAGES.
CHAPTER XII.
MILITARY HISTORY OF THE TOWN. Opening of the Revolution-Patriotism of the People-Militia Act-First Census-Trial of Joseph Kimball-County Con- gress-Association Test-Revolutionary Soldiers-Bravery of the Men-Joseph Patterson wounded-Settlement of Sol- diers' Account-Recapitulation. 166-195
CHAPTER XIII.
MILITARY HISTORY, CONTINUED.
War of 1812-Mexican War-French and Indian War Settlers -Militia of the Town-First Rifle Company in the Town- Musters. 165-213
CHAPTER XIV. WAR OF THE REBELLION.
Action of the Town-Names of Soldiers-Number of Men- -
Expenses of the Town-Roll of Honor 213-24I
CHAPTER XV. MILLS, BRIDGES, ETC.
Mills and Mill Owners-Bridges and Bridge-Builders-Post- Offices and Post-Riders-Rates of Labor and Prices of Liv- ing-Surplus Revenue-Railroads-Common-Accidents- Casualties-Fires 241-274
CHAPTER XVI.
MORTUARY RECORD, ETC.
Population of the Town-Mortuary Record-Census Taken by Mr. Scales-Burial-Yards-New Cemetery-Agricultural In- dustries of the Town. 274-295
CHAPTER XVII.
Physicians-Lawyers-Representatives-Town Officers-Me- chanics-Votes -Graduates-Physicians-Clergymen-Me- chanics-Pound-Keepers-Merchants-Sextons-Stage Dri- vers-Hotel-Keepers-Lawyers-Clergymen and Missiona- ries-Justices of the Peace-Representatives-Town Clerks -Moderators-Collectors-Selectmen-Votes for President -Votes for Governor 295-319
CHAPTER XVIII. MISCELLANEOUS.
Music -Temperance - Sunday-Schools-Brass Bands-Deaf Mutes-Masons-Grangers -- Odd Fellows-Warning out of Town-Raising Town-House-First Baptism-Roads Laid Out-First Blacksmith Shop-Colored People. .
319-352
8
HISTORY OF HENNIKER.
PAGES.
CHAPTER XIX.
CELEBRATIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS.
Celebration, July 4, 1811-Peace, 1815-July 4, 1816-Fore- father's Day, 1820-January 8, 1829-July 4, 1840-Liberty Pole-July 4, 1820-Premiums-Relics-Great Fire, 1829- Reward-Profane Swearing-Town Standard Weights and Measures - Some Bills Paid-Potatoes-Potash- Bridge- Builders-Deaf and Dumb Exhibition-Estrays-Poverty Year, 1816-Grasshopper Year-First Wagon-First Chaise -Great Exhibition-Season of 1820-Receipts-First Stage -Great Teams-Anecdotes-Cold Friday, 1810-Fearless Horseback Riding. 352-383
CHAPTER XX. MISCELLANEOUS.
Anecdotes-Serenading-Daniel B. Alley-Bear Stories- Husking-Bees-Log-Rollings-Training of "Troopers "- Spinning-Bees-First Check-List-Manufacture of Wooden Ware-Puppet-Show-First Elephant-Shooting Stars- Annas Campbell's Will - Marriage Announcement-Poultry -Anti-Slavery-Tithing-men-Ammi Brook
383-405
CHAPTER XXI.
MISCELLANEOUS.
Fall of a Minister-Rope-walk-Indians-Reading and Sewing Circle-First Stove in a Meeting-House-Chair Factory- Anecdotes-Hatters' Shops-Earthquakes-Great Frost- Great Snow-storm-Second Horse in Town-Highway War- rant-Funeral-Runaway Boy-Miscellaneous-Union Turn- pike-Coroner's Jury-Willow Tree-Elm Tree-Library .. 405-421
CHAPTER XXII. CONCLUSION. Industries of the Town-Statistics-Villages-Contoocook · 421-437
River-Poem
INTRODUCTION.
LOCATION-AREA-HILLS-RIVER-PONDS AND BROOKS- ARBOREAL PRODUCTIONS-SCENERY.
ENNIKER is the most south-westerly town of Merri- mack county, and is, in form, nearly a square. It is, in extent, on its east line, adjoining Hopkinton, 2, 152 rods, the variation of lots being south eighteen degrees east. Its west line, adjoining Hillsborough, is 2,152 rods in extent, the variation of the lots being the same as upon its east line. Its north line is, in extent, 1,613 rods adjoining War- ner and 400 rods adjoining Bradford, the variation of lots being north eighty-two degrees east. The south line is 1,227 rods adjoining Weare, and 786 rods adjoining Deer- ing, the variation of lots being the same as upon the north line. The township is therefore seven sixteenths of a mile longer upon its east and west lines than upon its north and south.
The township contains about 27,000 acres, over one fifth of which is covered with water. The town is situated in latitude 43° 10' north, and in longitude 5° 10' east from Washington, and lies fifteen miles west from Concord, twenty-seven north from Amherst, thirty-four east from Keene, and twenty-five north-westerly from Manchester.
The Contoocook river enters the town at its south-west- ern side, passing easterly through its centre, and leaving the town upon its eastern side. The course of the river is very circuitous, and presents, in many places, scenery of peculiar interest and beauty. Few places in the state have
2
IO
HISTORY OF HENNIKER.
better water-power than is afforded by this river within this township. The vicinity of the falls, in the south-westerly part of the town, presents as favorable a power as can well be found in any other town. The stream rises rapidly in the spring of the year and during heavy storms, but as soon subsides when the cause is removed, and an even supply of water, the entire season, goes rippling and singing on its way to the ocean.
The surface of the town is broken, and in some parts hilly. The highest hill is Craney hill, which tradition says was so called for a family by that name who at one time resided upon its south side, and near the Weare line. Its elevation is 1,420 feet above the sea. Upon the southerly side of this hill are to be found some of the best farms of the town. A chain of hills extends from this hill westerly to the river, beyond which are some of our most hilly but best cultivated farms. A chain of hills extends along the western line of the town, affording most excellent pastur- age, and, in some places, excellent farms. Slight elevations only exist in the northern and eastern part of the town.
The land lying in the valley of the river was not con- sidered fit for settlement until long years after the town began to be peopled, the larger part of the inhabitants settling upon the hills. In this valley are situated the two villages, one mile apart, and many excellent farms. A large number of the early settlers commenced living in the town, in its south-east part, in consequence of there being at that time quite a tract of low land, upon which grew a coarse grass, which assisted in sustaining the little stock that was kept until land could be cleared. This natural meadow, now quite large, has furnished an immense amount of hay during the century and more that it has been mown.
Few minerals have ever been found in the town, Craney hill furnishing a little black lead. Besides the river, the town is well watered, quite a number of small streams rising in different parts of the town, and others still coming into
II
PONDS AND BROOKS.
town, and nearly all emptying into the river. Most of these brooks furnish water during the entire season, affording good fishing-ground for trout and other fish.
Quite a number of ponds are to be found in different parts of the town, the largest of which is
Long pond, situated one mile and a half north of the main village. This pond was known for over half a century as "Farnham's pond," it having been named for Baracas Farnham, the first settler near it. This pond is about one mile in length from east to west, and from sixty to eighty rods in width from north to south. Connecting with Long pond is
Middle pond, a little pond lying easterly from Long pond, being about eight rods across it, and nearly circular in form. Connected with this pond, and lying easterly, is
Upper pond, about eighty rods across it, and some half a mile in width. This pond was formerly known as "North Outlet pond."
These ponds furnish a large amount of fishing-grounds, which are generally much sought after during the proper times of fishing.
Whitaker's pond is situated in the easterly part of the town, and near Hopkinton line. This is a small pond, and was named for Isaac Whitaker, the first settler near its shore.
Gove's pond is situated in the easterly part of the town, near Ridge hill, and north-easterly from Whitaker's pond. It is nearly circular in form, and is quite large. It derived its name from Abram and Ebenezer Gove, brothers, who settled upon its northern shore early in the present century. This pond was a famous resort for the Indians for fishing. Whitaker's pond was also a part of their fishing-ground.
Pleasant pond is situated in the south part of the town, near James Brown's. This is so called from the appear- ance of the pond, before the timber was largely cut away from its shores. It was then embowered, as it were, with
I2
HISTORY OF HENNIKER.
large forests of pine, having a beautiful appearance. A small stream running from this pond has for a large number of years furnished the power to operate Mr. Brown's grist and shingle mill.
Buxton's pond is a small pond lying north-westerly from the present residence of Nathan P. Buxton, and contains some four or five acres of surface. The water in this pond is nowhere over three feet in depth. Several winters since, the water froze to such a depth as to kill the fish. Others were placed in the pond the next season, and the pond has become good fishing-ground again.
Morrill's pond, or Mud pond, is situated south-easterly from the residence of Harrison Morrill, and is quite small in size. This pond is so called in consequence of the deep mud which is known to exist over the surface, under the water. In many places no bottom can be reached. It is very good fishing-ground.
Craney Hill pond is situated on the southern slope of the hill, and is quite large in extent. A large number of eels and horn-pouts are taken from this pond. A very pretty drive extends around the southerly and easterly sides of the pond. This pond was a very common resort for bears, in the early settlement of the town.
Clough's pond is situated in the north-west part of the town, near the residence of Levi B. Davis, and is not very large in extent. This pond was named for Dea. David Clough, who moved from Federal hill to the present resi- dence of Mr. Davis, and was a prominent man in town for a good many years. This pond is fair fishing-ground.
Mud pond No. 2. This pond is situated in the southerly part of the town, is nearly circular in form, and furnishes fair fishing-ground. The mud around this pond, as well as under its water, extends to a great depth. It is subject to annual overflows, so level is the land adjacent to its shores.
All these ponds abound with the fish common to New Hampshire, and in some of them they are taken in great
I3
ARBOREAL PRODUCTIONS.
abundance. The most abundant of these fish are the pick- erel, the perch, the chub, the catfish or horned-pout, and the common eel.
These fish are more or less caught from the river, also. The lovers of fish and fishing are anticipating much pleas- ure from fishing in the Contoocook, when it shall have in its waters the salmon, the fish commissioner for the state for 1875, Oliver H. Noyes, Esq., having placed in its head waters, during that year, 25,000 spawn of California salm- on.
Around these ponds and upon the banks of the Contoo- cook, there were formerly forests of immense growth, which were the haunts of many kinds of wild animals.
The bear, moose, deer, wolf, and wild-cat were at one time quite numerous, but have disappeared as civilization advanced. Few persons are now living who have seen them within the borders of the town.
Beavers were at one time quite numerous. Traces of them are yet to be seen in different parts of the town. Por- tions of their dams, in an excellent state of preservation, have recently been exhumed in the north end of the mead- ows, and near the little mound lying southerly from the present residence of Josiah W. Emery.
Otters were quite abundant at one time, but are now nearly or quite extinct. Mink and muskrat are still much hunted, and more or less are trapped every season. Foxes are yet quite plenty, and the hunting of them affords much amusement to several sportsmen during the fall and winter. The rabbit, coon, and woodchuck are quite plenty, and their mischievous doings are everywhere to be seen. Squirrels, -grey, red, and the chipmunk,-are very numerous in dif- ferent parts of the town. The birds common to the town are such as are found throughout New England.
The prevailing woods of the township are white pine, a very little hard pine, hemlock, spruce, beech, birch, and ma- ple,-rock, white, and red. The swamps abound with the red
I4
HISTORY OF HENNIKER.
maple, while from the rock or sweet maple quite a large amount of sugar and syrup is manufactured yearly.
The larger, heavier pines and hemlocks have been mostly cut for timber, and, in fact, nearly the whole of the arboreal products of the town are of the second or third growth. It has been a serious question with some whether the forests will supply a sufficient quantity of wood for home consump- tion. The desire to lay waste the large wood-lots has in a measure abated, and so rapid is the growth of these woods that there need be no fear of a short supply in the years to come.
Chestnut was at one time quite abundant, but the great demand for that species of lumber has caused many of our best forests to disappear. Some valuable ones are left, and others, younger, are growing rapidly to fill the places of those destroyed.
Red and white oak are still to be found in some parts of the town, though the larger part of these woods, of suitable size, have been sent to market, to be placed in ships or used for piling. Birches of all kinds, though small, are quite plenty. White poplar is found to quite an extent in the northerly part of the town. Elms are quite frequently seen, as well as bass-wood and lever-wood. Fir balsams are to be found in some places. The banks of the Contoocook are in many places adorned with the rhododendron or river laurel, with its magnificent clusters of blossoms. A very few walnut-trees are found in the north-east part of the town. Black alders are seen upon the roadsides, and tag- alders line the shores of the ponds, the brooks, and the river, and are found in all low lands. On the plain lands are found little clumps of witch and nut hazel.
The fruits incident to our climate are raised here in large quantities. The apple, the pear, and all small fruits flourish finely, and peaches to some extent. Grapes grow quite ex- tensively, and the vine is seen overhanging many a rock.
A description of the town would be far from complete
15
SCENERY.
without a reference to the beauty of its scenery. From our hills are some fine views to be taken in. From the summit of Craney hill a magnificent view is to be had. Several vil- lages and innumerable farm-houses dot the landscape as far as the eye can reach. In a clear day, the snowy peak of Mt. Washington is to be seen. From the northernmost step of Federal hill the eye takes in one of the finest pano- ramas of nature that exist in this vicinity. The valley can be seen for miles, through which can be traced the Contoo- cook in its various windings, the intervales and the plains, in the summer, clothed with most luxuriant green ; while close under the feet, as it were, stands the main village of the town, with its snowy white buildings embowered behind the beautiful maples which adorn the streets. A little to the left can be seen the pretty little village of West Henni- ker, buried, seemingly, in shade. We append the following, from the pen of the late N. P. Rogers, as he saw the town, in October, 1843, who came into town upon the south side of the river, and wended his way upon Federal hill :
"We left the river road on the margin of the Contoocook, and wound our way among the hills, to the hills to the south- ward of the beautiful village of Henniker. It brought us at length into a valley behind the high ridge that overlooks the village. We ascended to the summit, where stand the com- fortable and pleasant dwellings of our true friends, George and Daniel Cogswell. I could hardly imagine to myself a more desirable location. A glorious prospect stretched around them. Off to the south, beyond the deep and nar- row valley, rose high wooded hills, their heavy hard wood growth touched gorgeously with the frost pencil of October. North, the village, shining at their feet with its painted dwellings and green fields, a wide upland country swelling beyond it, rising in the distance, and terminating with old Kearsarge, with its bare head among the drifting clouds."
This place he called the " Henniker highlands." He passed out of the town in the south-western part, where
16
HISTORY OF HENNIKER.
he says, "I found some of the boldest inhabited scenery I have ever seen in New Hampshire."
We append the following from the same pen, written from the same standpoint, in the February preceding :
" I sit down, storm blockaded and snowdrift bound, on the Henniker ridge. It is, by the way, a sublime scene that's going on out-doors. There is a winter storm on the hills. A deep February New Hampshire snow has fell, and a White Mountain north-wester been let loose among it, and played fantastic tricks 'in high heaven' as well as 'be- fore' it, for we are in the neighborhood of the clouds. There is not a human pathway in sight. The stone walls that bound the brave farmers, and border the daring high roads now buried from view, are overtopped, and hidden in the deep snow. The storm whistles, and drives the light snow-drift athwart the polar fields and from the bare fore- heads of the hills, that shine in the transient sun-gleam like a glacier. The wind has swept them bare to the old crust. It is a picture of New Hampshire's winter, and a formid- able one to any but the hardy energy that inhabits here, and has conquered this region into glorious homes. And no homes like them to the spirits that have the fortune to be born and bred amongst them. How discontented and heart- sick on the lifeless prairie the ill-starred emigrant, who, in an evil hour, quits these uplands for the valleys of the West, where the homesick eye vainly roams around the horizon for a single solacing hill."
The town has become a popular resort for summer tour- ists, on account of its pleasant location and its varied land- scape scenery. None better are to be found anywhere. The sons and the daughters who have gone out from these hills and these valleys, and have made themselves homes in dif- ferent parts of the world, ever revert with pleasure to the good old town which gave them birth, and love it yet as the dearest spot on earth.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.