USA > New Hampshire > Grafton County > Warren > History of the town of Warren, N.H., from its early settlement to the year 1854: including a sketch of the Pomigewasset Indians > Part 1
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HISTORY
WARREN
Ge 974.202 W25%
Gc 974.202 W25L 1138975
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 01115 3704
M. L
GENEALOGY COLLECTION
-
HISTORY
OF THE
TOWN OF WARREN, N. H.
FROM ITS EARLY SETTLEMENT TO THE YEAR
1854:
INCLUDING A
SKETCH OF THE PEMIGEWASSET INDIANS.
BY WILLIAM LITTLE.
-
CONCORD, N. H. : STEAM PRINTING WORKS OF MCFARLAND & JENKS, REAR OF LOW'S BLOCK, MAIN STREET. 1854.
CONTENTS.
-
PAGE. Sketch of the Indians, ..... 9
Exploration of the country,25
Townships laid out,
27
Charter, ..
28
Names of Grantees,
33
First Meeting of Proprie-
tors,.
34
Early Settlers,
38
Saw-Mill,:
.42
New Charter
.43
Grist-Mill,
48
Revolutionary War,
48
Incorporation, ..
52
First Representative, ..
56
School-House, ..
.65
Settling of the lines by the
Legislature,.
67
Methodists, .
77
Free Will Baptists,
85
Spotted Fever,
88
House of Worship,
91
PAGE.
Copper Mine,.
98
Surplus Revenue,
103
Universalists, ...
104
B., C. & M. Railroad,.
106
Description of Scenery,
.. 116
Town Officers, &c., .:
139
Census,
143
Taxes,
143
Name and situation of the
Town,
144
Memory of First Settlers,. 145
Graveyards,
153
Animals, &c.,
156
Productions,.
158
Postmasters,
162
Casualties,
163
Traders,
165
Physicians,
166
College Graduates,
168
Schools,.
169
Circulating Library,.
.170
PREFACE.
1138975
EVER interesting must be the history of our country. There is a charm resting upon the deeds of those hardy sons who first subdued the forest ; and their adventures, which involved such fearful daring and enduring fortitude amid every hardship, should be remembered. The red man, also, who here had his hunting grounds, where now are beauti- ful fields and pastures, and who built his wigwam by the side of every stream and pond which contained the speckled trout and golden salmon, should not be forgotten.
That hardy generation of white men, who first settled this section of New-Hampshire, has passed away. Their children are fast following ; and to prevent the forgetfulness into which their deeds are rapidly pass- ing, and to give a plain and correct account of the prominent events which have occurred in the history of Warren, is the object of this work. Of course, we have not related all the incidents that have tran- spired, for many of them are irrecoverably lost; but in procuring the many facts no pains has been spared, and circumstances relative to the Indians and first settlers, which at first it was considered impossible to obtain, have by diligent search and comparing notes been brought to light.
The writer is deeply indebted to many persons for books and infor- mation, among whom stand conspicuous James Clement, Samuel Mer- rill, Nathaniel Merrill, 2d, Russell K. Clement, Dr. Jesse Little, Joseph Clement, David Smith, Joseph Bixby, A. W. Eastman, James Dow, Jonathan M. Eaton, Thomas Pillsbury, Amos F. Clough, Col. Isaac Merrill, Mrs. Betsy Patch, Mrs. Tamar Clement, Mrs. Eliza Pillsbury,
viii
PREFACE.
Mrs. Susan C. Little, Mrs. Samuel Knight, Miss Hannah B. Knight, and many others. To all his most sincere thanks are paid.
The following authorities have aided materially, and he has taken much from many of them : Belknap's History of New-Hampshire, Whiton's History of New-Hampshire, Power's History of Coos, Jack- son's Reports, Town Records, Proprietors' Records, authentic Tradi- tion, &c.
In writing this History, the writer lays claim to no literary merit, but was influenced to commence the work to preserve to future generations that which bid fair to become buried in oblivion; and he is sure that events, however common-place they may seem, will possess a certain degree of interest to all, and especially to every native-born citizen of Warren.
In writing a work of this character, there will be data which will as- sist the future labors of the writer of the State or National History- for no National History can be correct without the History of the seve- ral States, and no State History accurate without a knowledge of the Historics of the many towns of which it is composed.
It is believed that the work, as far as it is possible in a first edition, is correct, and it is hoped that individuals will continue to collect incidents in relation to the first settlers, and other useful information, and at some future day a second edition be published.
HISTORY OF WARREN.
CHAPTER I.
A SKETCH OF THE PEMIGEWASSETS.
HAD an individual, previous to 1760, stood upon that ridge of land upon one side of which flows that wild and rapid stream known as Baker river, and upon the other the more sluggish wa- ters of Black brook, all around him, from moun- tain to mountain, from hill to hill, across that whole valley, would have been one unbroken forest, in which roamed free the stately moose and nimble deer, and was heard the cry of the gaunt wolf-the sullen growl of the bear-the low and heavy sound of the partridge, drum- ing, or the whirr of its heavy flight, as it flew to some distant tree-top, scared by the cunning fox, and the squirrel chattering in the branches over- head, as it stored away nuts for winter. The bea- vers dammed the running stream, and in their ponds were reflected the huge pines, towering maples, and wide spread elms; while in the shade with the owners swam undistubed the duck on
2
10
HISTORY OF WARREN.
those lone, silent waters. The bald peaks of Moose- hillock mountain looked down upon the hills and valleys around, and saw only one vast solitude, for centuries unbroken save by the stately tread of the Indian, as he moved about his encampment. Yes, here in these solitary wilds "lived and lov- ed another race of beings." Here, in these val- leys and upon these hills, were the hunting grounds of a once powerful tribe. Here they dwelt, and the uncultivated red man stood forth the lord of inanimate and irrational life. In the brooks and ponds they caught the speckled trout, and in our own river captured the golden salmon. Upon its shores the moose, the deer, the partridge, the rabbit were hunted; and the bear, the wolf, the fox, the martin, the beaver, and the wild loupcerviere, with the rest were captured. The smoke of the fires by the wigwams curled up in beautiful wreaths among the foliage of the trees. The graceful wave of the rich growing maize, in their wild and uncleared fields, lent beauty to solitude. The wild, joyous feast, with its songs of festivity and mirth-the low, beau- tiful Indian songs of sorrow and affection, breathed in sweet unison with the voices of nature, the wild war-whoop-all these were here; all that was sacred; all that was dear; all that the un- sophisticated Indian loved was here scattered in rich profusion. But they are gone-they have
11
DIFFERENT INDIAN TRIBES.
faded, like the mist of a sunlight morning, and now scarcely a vestige is to be found.
" Alas for them-their day is o'er, Their fires are out from hill and shore ; No more for them the wild deer bounds, The plow is on their hunting grounds ; The pale man's ax rings through the woods-
The pale man's sail skims o'er their floods.
* *
*
Cold with the beast he slew he sleeps ; O'er him no filial spirit weeps ;
No crowds throng round, no anthem notes ascend, To bless his coming and embalm his end ; Even that he lived is for his conqueror's tongue, By foes alone his death-song must be sung."*
When the Europeans landed upon the shores of America, they found the country filled with numerous tribes of Indians. These roamed free, the lords of the soil which they owned in com- mon, and enjoyed their many pastimes, disturbed only by the few feuds that rose between them. Their wars were short and sanguine, and when one party was conquered, they were governed by the will of the conquerors.
The Indians who inhabited New-Hampshire consisted principally of the Squamscot, Newich- anock, Penacook, Ossipee, Pequawket, Pemige- wasset, Coos, and several other tribes on the Connecticut river.
The Squamscots and Newichanocks dwelt on the river Pascataqua and its tributaries; the
* Charles Sprague.
12
HISTORY OF WARREN.
Penacooks on the Merrimack, having their head quarters at Amoskeag and Concord ; the Ossipees, around Ossipee pond; the Pequawkets, on the Saco river; the Pemigewassets, on the Pemige- wasset river, and around Winnipisseogee and , Squam lakes; the Coos, on the Connecticut and its tributaries, in the north part of the State .--- These Indians did not differ in language, man- ners, or government, from many of the other Indians of the United States. They occupied no particular spot for a residence any great length of time, removing often to different portions of their hunting grounds, as the game became thin- ned around them. Their wigwams were made by planting a strong pole in the ground, and also many others in a circle around it. These were bent to the centre pole, fastened, and then covered with bark and mats, so as to render them dry and comfortable. Their beds were skins of animals and mats made of reeds. In appearance they were tall, strait, powerfully made, capable of enduring much fatigue and privation. They had black eyes, coarse black hair, high cheek bones, and teeth whiter than ivory. In dress there was but little difference between them. In summer they wore a short frock about their waist, and in winter enveloped themselves in the skins of beasts. Their moccasins were made of deer skins, and in winter they wore snow shoes,
13
MANNERS AND CUSTOMS.
and with them could overtake the swiftest ani- mals. They were exceedingly fond of ornaments, and the sachems, on days of show and festivity, wore mantles of deer skins, embroidered with white beads or copper. For a sign of royalty the skin of a wild cat or a chain of fish bones was worn. The men at times were indolent, and their principal employments were hunting, fish- ing, fashioning their rude implements, building their canoes, and war. The women dressed the food, took charge of the domestic concerns, tilled the wild fields, and performed almost all the drudgery connected with their household affairs.
In the use of the bow they manifested great skill, and even their children, for whom they had a great fondness, were adepts in the arts. Their respect for the aged was also great. In fighting they divided themselves into small parties of four or five, and by attacking all quarters at once rendered themselves very formidable, by creating universal alarm.
For utensils, they had hatchets of stone, a few shells and sharp stones, which they used for knives ; stone mortars and basins, made of free stone. Their food was of the coarsest and sim- plest kind; feasting at times when they had plenty, and fasting when provision was scarce. Flesh and fish they roasted on a stick, or broiled on the fire. In some instances they boiled their
14
HISTORY OF WARREN.
corn and meat by putting hot stones into water. Corn they parched, especially in the winter, and upon this they lived in the absence of other food.
They were a religious people, and believed in the existence of two Gods; the one good, who · was the superior, and whom they styled the Great Spirit, and the other the evil. Both these they worshipped, and besides them many other deities, such as fire, water, thunder,-anything which they conceived superior to themselves, and capable of doing them injury. Of the creation and deluge they had distinct traditions. The In- dians of New-Hampshire ascribed the summits of high mountains to be the residence of the Great Spirit, and consequently never ascended to the tops, thinking he would be angry, although they roved with impunity over their sides.
At the time of the first discovery of New- Hampshire these several tribes, although governed each of them by a distinct sachem, yet they all owned subjection to a sovereign prince called Bashaba, whose residence was at Penobscot, Me. But shortly afterwards it was found that the Tar- ateens, who lived farther eastward, had invaded his country, surprised and slain him, and all his people in his neighborhood, and carried off his women, leaving no traces of his authority. Upon which the subordinate sachems, having no head to unite them, and each one striving for pre-
15
PASSACONAWAY.
eminence, made war among themselves, by which means many of their people and much of their provision were destroyed.
In this struggle the Squamscots, Newichsan- ocks, and Pemigewassets, were conquered by the Penacooks, and acknowledged subjection to Pas- saconaway, their chief. He excelled the other sachems in sagacity, duplicity and moderation, but his principal qualification was his skill in some of the operations of nature, which gave him the reputation of a sorcerer, and extended his name and influence among all the neighbor- ing tribes. They believed that it was in his power to make water burn, trees dance, and metamorphose himself into a flame ; that in win- ter he could raise a green leaf from the ashes of a dry one, and a living serpent from the skin of one that was dead.
This sachem lived till the year 1760. Before his death, on one of the great festivals of the tribe, he in his farewell address told them to take heed how they quarreled with their English neighbors, for they might do them some damage, yet it would prove the means of their own de- struction. He told them that he had been a bit- ter enemy to the English, and by his acts of sorcery had tried his utmost to hinder their set- tlement and increase, but could by no means succeed. This caution, perhaps often repeated,
.
16
HISTORY OF WARREN.
had such an effect that in the breaking out of the war, fifteen years after, Wonolanset, his son and successor, withdrew himself and his people into some remote place, that he might not be drawn into the quarrel.
After the death of Passaconaway, the Pemige- wassets, whose sachem was Pehaungun, ceased to acknowledge subjection to the Penacooks ; and, having increased much in numbers, were now quite a powerful tribe. Their principal resi- dence was at the confluence of the Pemigewasset and Baker rivers, but different families of the tribe were scattered throughout their hunting grounds. For about fifty years they flourished, and were at peace with the English and neigh- boring Indians. At the expiration of this time, or in the year 1703, Queen Anne's war broke out, when they joined with the other tribes in the contest. This war was continued till 1712, and during the time the frontier of Maine, New- Hampshire and Massachusetts, was continually assailed by parties of Indians that came from all the tribes in these States, and the Arosagunta- cook* tribe, in Canada. Two years after the commencement of the war the Penacooks, Newich- sanocks, Squamscots, with several small tribes upon the coast of Maine, having lost a number of their warriors in their many skirmishes with
* Commonly called the St. Francis tribe.
.
17
QUEEN ANNE'S WAR.
the English, were persuaded by the Governor of Canada to unite with the Arosaguntacooks. By this policy they became more firmly allied to the interests of the French, and were themselves better enabled to carry on the war.
The Pemigewassets were now the frontier In- dians in New-Hampshire, and entered with much more spirit into the contest. One of the causes of their greater zeal was that they had seen their neighbors dispossessed of their hunting grounds, and they feared that some day they should share the same fate; and so, while Massa- chusetts and New-Hampshire were fighting with the eastern Indians, they continually hovered like a dark cloud with their small parties upon the almost defenceless frontiers, and by their bold depredations kept the inhabitants in an almost continual state of alarm. So greatly were the settlers annoyed that they raised a large com- pany and marched up the Merrimack to attack them. The fourth day from home, they discov- ered an Indian settlement a short distance from the river ; and after carefully reconoitering, and finding that the number of the Indians was less than their own, they advanced to the attack. The Indians did not discover the English until they were close upon them, when they were ac- cidently observed by a young warrior, who cried out, "Owanux, Owanux, Englishmen ! English- 2 *
·
18
HISTORY OF WARREN.
men !” This frightened the other Indians, who, rising up quickly, the English fired upon them and killed eight on the spot. The others imme- diately fled; and the company, with considerable booty and the scalps of the Indians, returned home without the loss of a man.
But the Pemigewassets immediately retaliated for this loss, and killed several persons at Dover and Kingston, besides taking a number of pris- oners, who were carried to Canada and sold to the French. Shortly after this a treaty was con- cluded between the French and English, and these border wars, which had been principally excited by the French, ceased.
In 1722, New-Hampshire and Massachusetts became involved in a war with the eastern In- dians, and the Pemigewassets, contrary to their wishes, by some means were obliged to take a part. Shortly after its commencement two hundred and fifty men were sent to the shores of lake Winnipiseogee, to build a fort and cut out a road from that place to Dover; but the expense so far exceeded the benefit which could be expected from a fort at such a distance in the wilderness, the design was laid aside, and the old method of defence by scouts and garrisons was adopted.
Two years afterwards, the Pemigewassets, commanded by Walternumus, their sachem, with
19
BAKER'S FIGHT.
the eastern and the Arosaguntacook Indians, who had kept up the war, made descents upon Dover, Durham, Kingston and Chester, and killed and captured a large number of settlers. In the fall of the year, Capt. John Lovewell, of Barnstable, with a company of thirty men, penetrated the country north of Lake Winnipissiogee. They discovered an Indian wigwam, in which was a man and boy. They killed and scalped the man, and brought the boy alive to Boston, where they received the reward promised by law, and a handsome gratuity besides.
By this success his company was augmented to seventy. They marched again, and visiting the place where they had killed the Indian found the body as they had left it two months before. From this place they pursued an easterly course, and before returning home surprised and killed a party of ten Indians, who had encamped be- side a small frozen pond in the town of Wake- field. The ensuing season the Indians renewed the war with vigor, and the frontier settlers be- gan to act on the aggressive as well as defensive. Capt. Lovewell marched into the country of the Pequawkets, and with them fought one of the most fierce battles ever recorded in the annals of Indian warfare.
Massachusetts also equipped a company of men. under the command of Capt. BAKER, of
20
HISTORY OF WARREN.
Northampton, Mass., to march against the Pemi- gewassets. He left that place with thirty-four men, and proceeded up the Connecticut river as far as Haverhill, N. H. Here he crossed the height of land that divides the Connecticut from the waters of Baker river, and followed down this latter stream to its confluence with the Pe- migewasset. At this place he for the first time discovered traces of Indians, and sent forth scouts to reconnoitre. These cautiously advanc- ed to the river side, and opposite saw the pleas- ant village of the Pemigewassets. The wigwams were grouped in circles, and near by was grow- ing finely the fresh young Indian corn. The leaves of the trees, which were just beautifully expanding, gave out a pleasant fragrance on the air. The squaws were attending to their house- hold duties, while the children were sporting gleefully along the bank of the river. A greater portion of the warriors had gone out in pursuit of game, and those who were there little dreamed that the pale face was near, to hurl the leaden missile on its deadly errand. The scouts gazed upon this scene for a few moments, and then re- turned and reported their discovery.
Baker, after a short consultation, now moved forward with his men with all possible circum- spection. No sound, not even the breaking of a twig or the crack of a gun-lock, warned the
21
BAKER'S FIGHT.
Pemigewassets of their impending fate. He chose his position, and at a given signal the com- pany opened a tremendous fire upon the Indians, which carried destruction through their camp, and was as sudden to them as a clap of thunder. Some shouted that the English were upon them, and that dreaded name echoed from mouth to mouth, filling all with dismay. Many of the children of the forest bit the dust in death, but those who survived ran to call in their hunters.
Baker and his men immediately crossed the river in pursuit, but all who were able had gone. He fired their wigwams, and as the flames stream- ed upward, and the smoke rolled aloft on the air, a shout from the Indians echoed from hill to hill, and reverberated down that valley, informing Capt. Baker that the Indian warriors were col- lecting to give him battle.
While the wigwams were being fired, part of the company were searching about for booty. They found a rich store of furs, deposited in holes dug in the bank, in the manner bank swal- lows dig to make their nests. Having obtained these, Capt. Baker ordered a retreat, knowing that the Indians would soon return, and he feared in too great numbers to be resisted by his single company. As they moved swiftly down the river, the sound of the wild war-whoop greeted their ears, which served to accellerate their speed.
22
HISTORY OF WARREN.
Often it was repeated, and each time grew nearer. When they had reached a poplar plain, in what is now the town of Bridgewater, a shrill, mad- dened yell, and a volley of musketry in their rear, told Baker that the Indians were upon him, and he must immediately prepare for action. This they did by retreating to a more dense wood. The Indians, commanded by Walternumus, im- mediately pursued, and swarming on all sides poured vollies of musketry into the woods which concealed their enemies. On the other hand, the little party, concealing themselves behind rocks and trees, plied their muskets with heroic valor and much effect. Balls rattled in showers around, scattering twigs and branches of the trees in every direction. While the battle was going on, Walternumus accidently encountered Capt. Baker. They saw each other at the same time, and fired almost simultaneously. The ball of the sachem grazed the eyebrow of Baker, while his ball passed through the Indian's breast, who, uttering a loud whoop, leaped high in air and fell a corpse.
The Indians now, having lost their commander and a considerable number of men, retreated. Capt. Baker immediately collected his men and again ordered a retreat, for he believed that the Indians, though repulsed, would soon rally to the attack, and their numbers constantly swell by
23
BAKER'S FIGHT.
those who would join them. On he went, allow- ing his men no refreshment after the battle. For many miles they travelled without food, until hunger oppressing them they declared that they might as well die by the red man's bullets, as by famine. Capt. Baker, now finding it use- less to try to proceed farther, acquiesced for them to stop and satisfy their craving appetites. While building their fires to cook their food, a friendly Indian, who had acted as guide, proposed a stratagem by which the Indians would be de- ceived when they came up, in regard to their numbers. He told them each to build as many fires as they possibly could in a given time, and in roasting their meat to use several forks about the same piece; then, after they were done, to leave an equal number around each fire. This they did, and after enjoying their hasty meal, again moved swiftly on.
The Indian warriors, coming up shortly after, found the fires still burning; they counted the number of forks, and being alarmed at the sup- posed number of the English, they whooped a retreat, and Baker and his men were no more annoyed by them on their return. On the re- treat of the Indians, they visited their battle field and gazed with sorrow on the once proud forms of their brothers. After burying them, they wended their way to their once to them
24
HISTORY OF WARREN.
beautiful village. The survivors through fear had not collected, and, as the warriors approach- ed, their hearts were filled with emotions far dif- ferent from those which but a few hours before possessed them. All was ruin-
" No wigwam smoke is curling there, The very earth is scorched and bare ; And they pause and listen to catch a sound, Of breathing life, but there comes not one, Save the fox's bark and the rabbit's bound, And here and there on the black'ning ground, White bones are glistening in the sun."
Here, too, the last sad offices were performed to departed nature. When done, they erected a few temporary wigwams, and gradually the fugitives who fled from the village when attacked, were collected. A few days later, the remainder of the tribe joined them, and after a long coun- cil it was decided to unite with the Arosagunta- cooks, as many other eastern tribes were doing. It was hard to leave their pleasant hunting grounds, but stern necessity compelled them, and in a few days those dear and sacred places were solitary and deserted. A few of the tribe re- mained about the shores and islands of Lake Winnipissiogee, and there dwelt a passive people until the settling of the towns around it. Thus the country which was once possessed by a brave people, became a solitude, and for many years after was seldom visited, except by a few white
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