USA > New Hampshire > Merrimack County > Boscawen > A chronological register of Boscawen, in the county of Merrimack, and state of New-Hampshire, from the first settlement of the town to 1820. In three parts: descriptive, historical & miscellaneous > Part 3
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' See N. H. Hist. Collections for June, 1823. -
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HISTORY OF BOSCAWEN.
Nov. 17th. ' The annual business of the pro- prietors was attended to at this meeting held at Contoocook. Raised 250/. old tenor, for the min- istry and other expenses ; and appointed Joseph Gerrish, Esq. Agent to apply to the General Court for power to collect taxes ; and voted that the expense of the present meeting be paid by the whole proprietors, amounting to 40s. old tenor -nearly $1 50 ; clearly evincing the intention of the proprietors, that their whole expense should be equally borne.
Nov. 29, 1748. There was a meeting at Con- toocook for the choice of officers, and for the as- sessment of 50s. upon each proprietor for incident- al charges.
SECTION S.
1749. It is not unusual in the settlement of new countries for new sources of fear to be open- ed, and for real difficulties to arise, where none had been contemplated. There was about this time much excitement occasioned by the heir of Mason in his claim upon a very extensive territory in New-Hampshire. The proprietors of Contoo- cook had heard of this claim, and for which they supposed such arrangements were made, that from it no evils need be apprehended ; yet now they had reason to fear that the course pursued would deeply affect their interest. Though their Plant- ation had been granted them by Massachusetts, they found it lying within the limits of an ante- rior claim in full force.
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HISTORY OF BOSCAWEN.
To satisfy those who may inquire respecting this claim it may be observed that the grant made to Mason by the Crown of England was that por- tion of New-Hampshire contained in the follow- ing description : Beginning at the sea, and run- ning on the westwardly line of the State 60 miles, and also beginning at the sea and running on the eastwardly line 60 miles, and thence running across the Province from point to point, would give the complement of the grant, allowing for the curve upon the sea-shore ; which, as contend- ed for by succeeding proprietors, required a curve line in the interior, greatly enlarging the claim above a straight line. The heir of Mason was in- duced to give the refusal of his claim to the gov- ernment of the Province, for the reasonable con- sideration of 1000/. New-England currency ; but the business was delayed on the part of the gov- ernment, so that before they were ready to con- clude the contract, and thus hold out a lure to all those disposed to possess themselves of the unim- proved lands, he sold the whole of his claim, in fifteen shares, to twelve persons, for fifteen hun- dred pounds, current money, Jan. 30, 1746 .- (Belknap's Account.)
The persons to whom this transfer of the Roy- al Grant was made, were termed Lords Propri- etors. They, anticipating that popular displeasure, which would recoil on them for possessing them- selves of the power of disposing of all the lands within the limits of their purchase, on their own terms, endeavoured to sooth the public excite- ment, by generously and prudently quit-claiming a number of the towns already granted and set-
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HISTORY OF BOSCAWEN.
tled. But other settlements and grants made by Massachusetts westwardly of Merrimack river, and all the non-resident lands, were held subject to their exactions.
This state of things induced the proprie- tors of Contoocook, Feb. 1, 1749, to appoint a committee composed of Capt. Moses Gerrish, Joseph Coffin, Capt. Joseph Gerrish, and John Brown, who was afterwards added, to treat with the Lords Proprietors, and if possible to come to some agreement with them respecting their plan- tation, favorable to the settlement. There was nothing immediately done except some encourage- ment given. The business thus remained in sus- pense, for about four years, (1753) when the . Lords Proprietors were disposed, very honourably, to lodge in the Register's Office a quit-claim deed, to the proprietors of several townships on the west- wardly side of Merrimack river, granted by Mas- sachusetts, which secured to the proprietors of Contoocook the title sought, without any further expense. The before-mentioned committee were also authorized to petition the Government of the Province to incorporate their plantation into a town ; the petition was presented, but not grant- ed.
About this time peace was established with the northern tribes of Indians, but it afforded very little restraint upon their depredating spirit.
May 25. The proprietors having elected the cus- tomary officers, on passing the vote to raise 2507. old tenor,for the support of the ministry, Mr. Sam- uel Fowler entered his dissent against the vote.
Some damage had accrued to the proprietors in consequence of unseasonably turning cattle upon
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HISTORY OF BOSCAWEN.
the intervals, therefore a committee of seven were appointed to close and open said intervals at proper times.
A tax of 40/. old tenor was assessed upon those proprietors living on the plantation, in addition to what they paid in equality with other proprie- tors and inhabitants.
Nov. 30. Meeting at Newbury ; chose a large committee to adjust the outstanding debts of the proprietors ; to make a particular settlement with Rev. Mr. Stevens, and see how much is his due. as a fulfilment of the terms of his settlement, and report at the next meeting.
May 24, 1750. Met at Contoocook, and hav- ing attended to the annual business, heard the re- port of proprietors' committee on their account with Rev. Mr. Stevens, viz. "That by reason of the depreciation of the bills of credit, in which Mr. S.'s salary had been paid during his continu- ance with them, he had a just claim on them for an indemnity : accordingly they voted to make him the honorable remuneration of 300 !. N. H. old tenor." In doing this the proprietors mani- fested their regard for justice, and expressed the feelings of a people, faithful to their pastor, whom they respected and loved for his work's sake. But to this procedure Mr. Samuel Fowler entered his solemn protest in writing, which was duly recorded by the clerk. Mr. F. was induced to do this, not from personal dislike to the minister, nor to embarrass the proceedings of the proprie- tors, but for conscience's sake. He was of the denomination of Friends ; and while he uniform- ly professed a readiness to use his utmost ability
6
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HISTORY OF BOSCAWEN.
for the advancement of the settlement, and punc- tually to pay his proportion of all other taxes, he could not with a clear conscience help support the public worship of God in this way. For this year the proprietors abated his tax to the ministry, and though taxed as usual for the five following years, yet each tax was remitted, and it does not appear from record that he ever paid any thing for the support of the ministry afterward.
Nov. 6. Again the proprietors applied to the General Court for corporate powers, but did not succeed.
SECTION 9.
May 22, 1751. The proprietors met and chose their annual officers ; ordered a way to be open- ed to the upper interval ; directed such a tax to be levied as would meet their engagement to Mr. Stevens ; also for highways and to pay collectors. And as some proprietors had done but little toward advancing the settlement, 10s. old tenor was or- dered to be assessed upon the right of every such proprietor.
May 20, 1752. In addition to the annual bu- siness, the proprietors at this meeting voted to raise 2001. old tenor, to build a second fort imme- diately, 110 feet square ; the same to be erected on Samuel Gerrish's lot, and Jacob Flanders, Richard Jackman and Stephen Gerrish were em- powered to execute the order. Likewise to raise 1001. to fortify Rev. Mr. Stevens' house by the same committee.
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HISTORY OF BOSCAWEN.
The call for this defence was the returning hos- tility of the Indians of the St. Francis tribe, call- ed the Arosaguntacook tribe.
Preparations were making, under the direction of the government of the province, for settling Haverhill and Newbury, in Coos. This tribe, jealous of an encroachment upon their hunting ground, remonstrated, and threatened a retaliation. The business, for the present was intermitted, yet the Indians scoured the woods, and spread them- selves among the settlers. Two of them, named Sabatis and Plausawa spent some time at Can- terbury, and were considered very friendly ; but suddenly disappeared, and carried with them two negro men belonging to Messrs. Miles & Lindsey. One of these negroes effected his escape, the oth- er was carried to Crown Point, and sold to a French officer. Belknap has noticed the event. Others about this time were taken captive in oth- er places ; among whom was John Stark, then hunting near Baker's River, afterwards distin- guished in the revolution.
May 30, 1753. The bills of credit of the N. H. old tenor were so depreciated that it was found difficult to fulfil contracts equitably ; hence the proprietors raised for incidental charges, sl. (lawful) they say equal to 60l. old tenor ; $26,67, instead of $45,10, the original value : and order- ed the assessors to make good their contract with Rev. Mr. Stevens.
All fears excited by Mason's Claim, as it re- spects Contoocook, were put to rest ; though in respect of other parts of the province there was not a final adjustment till after the Revolutionary war.
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HISTORY OF BOSCAWEN.
It is well remembered by several, that in June Sabatis and Plausawa, the Indians, who the preceding year carried away the two negroes from Canterbury were killed near Indian-bridge, so called. in Contoocook,* by Bowen and Morril. This was done in a time of peace, and therefore the perpetrators were apprehended and imprison- ed at Portsmouth, but the night before the day set for their trial, the prison was forced and they li- berated. Some attempt was made to bring the rioters to justice, as well as to restore the prison- ers, but to no avail ; and finally the whole result- ed in the public mind as deeds of merit.
May 19, 1754. Proprietors met at Contoo- cook ; made choice of annual officers, and agreed to secure to Rev. Mr. Stevens ££175, equal to sil- ver at the rate of 29s. per ounce, the original con- tract. Six men attended this meeting, from Newbury, and were compensated for their attend- ance, by £12 old tenor each.
The £300 formerly raised for building a second fort, &c. not having been applied, and from the apparent disposition of the enemy not being need- ed, was ordered to be equally divided among the proprietors. But notwithstanding this year was marked by the very interesting and alarming cir- cumstances of the captivity of Mr. Meloon's fam- ily, and the murder of Mrs. Call, &c., to be no- ticed in the Narratives of Captivities.
* Belknap from misinformation says " killed in Canterbury."
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HISTORY OF BOSCAWEN.
SECTION 10.
1755. At the commencement of this year the Church and people of Contoocook, as well as all the proprietors experienced a very interesting and solemn providence in the sudden death of their reverend and beloved Pastor, Mr. Stevens, who died Jan. 19, 1755, in the 16th year of his minis- try.
We have not the means of ascertaining partic- ularly the success of his labors for want of church records ; but that he was very dear to the people of his charge, and his services satisfactory, are evi- denced by their united attachment to his interest amid the trying scenes and sufferings, to which both he and they were called. And perhaps it were not necessary, if it were possible, for the proprietary to give stronger proof of their confi- dence, affectionate regard, and of their estimation of his worth, than was done by their uniform inten- tion to do him justice ; to procure his safety, and to administer to his comfort.
The army under the command of Gen. Brad- dock was defeated by the French and Indians at Fort du Quesne, on the Ohio, in the month of Ju- ly. The General and a number of his brave men were killed ; and the retreat of the residue was conducted by Col. George Washington.
Feb. 11. A new agency was appointed to the General Court for incorporate powers ; for this there was a special call, as their taxes and the dif- ficulty of collecting them increased.
-
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HISTORY OF BOSCAWIN.
June 12. At this meeting, beside choosing of- ficers, several committees were appointed ; one to settle with the administratrix of the Rev. Mr. S.'s estate ; another to provide a preacher for the sea- son, and Mr. Varney was employed ; a 3d, to take care of the parsonage lands ; and a 4th, to procure 20 lbs. of powder, and lead and flints sufficient for the necessary use and protection of the settlers. Raised ££400 for current expenses, and 90€ 17s. old tenor, to meet the expense of Rev. Mr. S.'s funeral.
Feb. 19, 1756. Mr. Varney was employed to preach the ensuing season.
June 1, 1756. The proprietors met at Contoo- cook, and it seems from the record that this was the last meeting of the proprietors before the plant- ation was incorporated into a town.
The most of the business of the proprietors at their meetings particularly related to the settlers, and not to their own department ; and as the set- tlers had so much increased in numbers, the pro- prietors felt it to be very desirable to be relieved from any further concern in the government of the inhabitants. They had frequently and im- portunately applied to the General Court for the grant of incorporate powers to the plantation, but without avail. Loth to wave a subject so pressing, they once more appointed an agency, composed of Joseph Coffin, John Moody, and Capt. Stephen Gerrish, to set forth to the Court the urgency of their request, that they might leave the inhabit- ants of their plantation in a capacity to enjoy and improve town privileges, and to bring their own business to a speedy conclusion. It was their last
y
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HISTORY OF BOSCAWEN.
appeal, and they were successful in it, though the act of incorporation did not pass till nearly three years afterward.
The proprietors of Contoocook having steadily pursued ,the object of their association, wisely cal- culating and ably executing their plans ;- and uniformly showing their intentions to provide for the spiritual as well as temporal interest of those for whom they acted. They closed their present meeting by an order on their treasurer for 10l. old tenor, to be paid to each of six gentlemen from Newbury for their attendance.
NOTE. The remaining part of the proceedings of the propri- etors will be noted in the Register of the town of Boscawen, as occasion may offer.
The following sections exhibit the Chronological History of the town of Biscawen from the time of its incorporation in the year 1760, to the year 1820.
SECTION 11.
1760. While the proprietors' petition for in- corporating their plantation was before the govern- ment of the Province of N. H., the reduction and demolition of Louisbourg, so important to New- England, took place. This event gave great cele- brity to the character of Admiral Boscawen and Gen. Amherst, and furnished the name Boscawen to the plantation, grateful to the feelings of those
4S
HISTORY OF BOSCAWEN.
whose past experience of sufferings, and cruelty were so closely associated with the Indian name, Contoocook.
The first act of incorporation, for reasons to us unknown, extended only to the term of two years from April 22, 1760 ; and is here transcribed :
PROVINCE OF NEW-HAMPSHIRE.
George the Second, by the grace of God, of Great Britain, France and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, &c.
To all to whom these presents shall come, GREETING.
Whereas our loyal subjects, inhabitants of a tract of land within our Province of New-Hampshire, known by the name of Contoo- cook, have humbly petitioned and requested that they may be erected and incorporated into a township, and enfranchised with the powers and privileges which other towns within our said Province by law have and enjoy ; and it appearing to us to be conducive to the general good of our said province, as well as to the said inhabitants in particular, by maintaining order and en- couraging the culture of lands, that the same should be done.
Know ye, therefore, that of our special Grace's certain knowl- edge, and for the encouraging the good order and purposes afore- said, by and with the advice of our trusty and well beloved Benning Wentworth, Esq., our Movernor and commander in chief, and of our council for said Province of New-Hampshire, have erected, and ordained, and by these presents, for us, our heirs and succes- sors, do will and ordain that the inhabitants of the tract of land aforesaid, or that shall inhabit, or improve thereon, the same being limited and bounded as follows: Beginning at the south- erly side of Contoocook river's mouth, where the same falls into Merrimack river, running thence on a course west, seventeen degrees south, seven miles and one hundred rods, measured from a forked white pine near the mouth of Contoocook river, to a pitch pine and heap of stones ;- and from said pitch pine and heap of stones running north seventeen degrees west seven miles to a forked beech marked ; and thence on a course east seven- teen degrees north to Merrimack river to a heap of stones ; thence by the river as the same runs to the mouth of Contoo- cook river again where it began : Shall have, and by these pres- ents are declared, ordained to be a town corporate, and are hereby erected and incorporated into a body politic and corpo- rate, to have a continuance two years only by the name of Bos- cawen, with all the powers, authorities, privileges, immunities
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HISTORY OF BOSCAWEN.
and franchises which any other town in said Province by law holds andenjoys ; always reserving to us, our heirs, and successors, all white pine trees that are, or shall be found growing, and being on said land fit for the use of our Royal Navy, reserving to us, our heirs and successors the power and right of dividing said town when it shall appear necessary and convenient, for the benefit of the in- habitants thereof ;- Provided nevertheless, and it is hereby de- clared, that this our Charter and Grant is not intended, nor shall in any manner be construed to extend to or effect the private property of the soil within the limits aforesaid ; and as the sev- eral towns within our said Province of New-Hampshire are by the laws thereof enabled and authorized to assemble, and by a majority of voters present to choose all such officers and trans- act such affairs as by the said laws are declared.
We do by these presents nominate and appoint Col. Joseph Coffin, Esq. to call the first meeting of said inhabitants, to be held within the said town at any time within sixty days from the date hereof, by giving legal notice of the time and design of holding such meeting ;- after which the annual meeting of said town for the choice of such officers, and management of the af- fairs aforesaid shall be held within the same on the first Tuesday of March annually.
In testimony whereof, we have caused the seal of our said Province to be hereunto affixed. Witness, Benning Wentworth, Esq. our Governor and commander in chief of our said Prov- ince of New-Hampshire, this twenty-second day of April, in the thirty-third year of our reign, and in the year of our Lord Christ one thousand seven hundred and sixty.
BENNING WENTWORTH.
By His Excellency's command, with advice of council,
THEODORE ATKINSON, Secretary.
PROVINCE OF NEW-HAMPSHIRE, Sept. 23, 1760, Recorded in the Book of Charters, page 221.
THEODORE ATKINSON, Secretary.
On Wednesday, June 18, 1760, conformably to the order contained in the foregoing act of incor- poration, to Col. Joseph Coffin directed, the first meeting of the freeholders and other inhabitants of the town of Boscawen was convoked at the meeting-house in said town. Col. Coffin was
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HISTORY OF BOSCAWEN.
chosen Moderator, and George Jackman, jun. Clerk for the year, who was re-chosen for the fol- lowing thirty-five years successively .*
The town being thus organized, provision was made for erecting a town pound.
July 10. Being destitute of a settled minister. the town raised &1200 old tenor ;- £800 upon the proprietors' rights, and &400 upon the polls and estate of the inhabitants, for preaching and other expenses of the year. Also appointed a committee to provide a preacher, and Mr. Robie Morrill was employed. The pulpit had been sup- plied the two preceding seasons by Mr. Stephen Scales. The town found it necessary to call in the arrearages of the income of the parsonage and school lands.
George Jackman, jun. was appointed the first justice of the peace in the town of Boscawen, by his Majesty's authority, King George II.
This was a year of great plenty, but was fol- lowed by two years of great drought and scarcity.
SECTION 12.
March 3, 1761. The inhabitants of the town were desirous of re-settling the gospel ministry among them. The duty of selecting the minis-
* Lest the Register of the town proceedings, and important events should be interrupted and obscured by naming the officers chosen at the annual meetings-such as moderator, Town Clerk. Selectmen, Representatives, &c .- they are here omitted, and ars to be found in a compact List in the 3d Part.
HISTORY OF BOSCAWEN.
ter now devolved on them, though they felt inad- equate to his support without assistance from the proprietary. At their annual meeting, therefore, Capt. Stephen Gerrish, and Dea. George Jackman were chosen a committee to employ a preacher with a view to his settlement ; and Mr. Robie Morrill, who for some time had preached to good acceptance, was employed on probation.
The town made provision for the support of a school two months the present year.
Sept. 9. A meeting of the proprietors was called by Ezra Carter, Esq. one of his Majesty's justices of the peace, and attended in Boscawen ; not having had a formal meeting for nearly four years, as ap- pears from the silence of their records. Capt. Ste- phen Gerrish was chosen Moderator-Deacon George Jackman, proprietors' Clerk-to succeed Col. Joseph Coffin, who had served the proprietors in that office with great ability, punctuality and faithfulness for more than 28 years. Other offi- cers were chosen, and a committee composed of John Flanders, Moses Call and Richard Flood to call future meetings of the proprietors on applica- tion of one sixteenth part of the whole proprietary. Said meetings to be publicly notified, according to law, at Newbury and at Boscawen. Provision was made for settling up all accounts open with former collectors and committees ; and for repairing their meeting-house in Boscawen. And finding the inhabitants disposed to settle Mr. Morrill in the ministry, the proprietors voted ££300 old tenor to- ward defraying the expense of his ordination and support ; and gave such encouragement for fur- ther aid, that the town proceeded to invite, and, on
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HISTORY OF BOSCAWEN.
his acceptance of their invitation, Mr. Morrill was ordained pastor of the church in Boscawen Dec. 29, 1761.
1762. At subsequent meetings, April 7, and June 2, 1762, the proprietors procured a right of land of Maj. Samuel Gerrish, at the expense of ££1000 New-Hampshire money, and conferred the same upon the Rev. Mr. Morrill, and his heirs forever :- likewise, in unison with the town, vo- ted him an annual salary of ££700 of the same currency ;- one third to be assessed upon the polls of stock of the inhabitants, and the remain- ing two thirds to be assessed upon the lands of the proprietors : said salary to begin at the time of ordination. Dec. 29th. The use of the parson- age,a matter of course. Thus they evidenced their characteristic regard for the gospel ministry, by so generously aiding in the settlement of a second minister in town ; but Mr. Samuel Fowler was excused from paying his proportion of this benefi- cence, at his own request.
At their meeting June 2, the proprietors agreed to lay out the 4th division of their land in 45 acre lots ; and appointed Capt. Stephen Gerrish, Maj. Samuel Gerrish, John Webster, Samuel Moody, and John Brown, Esq. their committee- and Mr. Brown to be the surveyor.
The war being now over, the fort, which had been occupied by all the inhabitants for more than twenty-two years, was no longer needed asa garri- son, and the proprietors gave liberty to all who had erected framed buildings therein, to remove them to their several farms which they might now
,
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HISTORY OF BOSCAWEN.
cultivate unmolested,-without the dreadful ap- prehension of meeting savage cruelty.
SECTION 13.
Jan. 5, 1763. A meeting of the proprietors was called by their committee and adjourned to the Ist of June, when the 4th division was reported as laid out by their committee ; and the proprie- tors agreed that the lots should be drawn both in Boscawen and Newbury to accommodate the resi- dent and nonresident proprietors. The expencc of this survey was 207/. old tenor to John Brown, Esq. surveyor ; 31. 10s. per day to each of the committee ; and 37. per day to each of the chain- men.
The proprietors in favor to Rev. Mr. Morrill, permitted him to choose the 45 acre lot belonging to his right ; and he chose lot No. 3. on Cold- brook. Likewise gave to Mr. Morrill the im- provement of the school and meeting-house lots for the term of four years.
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