USA > New Hampshire > A gazetteer of the state of New-Hampshire by John Farmer and Jacob B. Moore ; embellished with an accurate map of the state, and several other engravings by Abel Bowen > Part 18
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This town was formerly the scene of Indian depredations. On the 17th Aug. 1703, a party of Indians killed 5 persons in Hampton, among whom was a widow Mus- sey, celebrated as a preacher among the friends. Hampton Proprieta- ry School was incorporated in 1810 ; it has a large and convenient build- ing, and promises extensive use- fulness. In 1735 and 6 the throat distemper prevailed in this town, and 55 persons fell its victims. It was also fatal in other towns, and nearly 1000 were swept away with the disease within fourteen months. This fatal sickness returned again in 1754, during which, and the suc- ceeding year, more than 50 persons died in Hampton. The town las, however, been remarkable for its general healthı, and the longevity of its inhabitants-a very unusual number having lived to from 80 to 100 years. But one adult has died here within the last twenty years of fever; and more than three to a hundred now living are more than 75 years of age ; several more than 90. The Hon. CHRISTO- PHER TOPPAN died here in Feb. 1819, aged 84: he was a very use- ful and distinguished citizen. He was grandson of Rev. Christ. Top- pan of Newbury. His father, Dr. Edmund Toppan, married a daugh- ter of Col. Wingate, and settled in Hampton as a physician. Mrs. Sarah Toppan, his relict, died in 1801, having lived respected and honored nearly a century. Col. Wingate left a numerous family, and among his descendants are numbered some of our most distin- guished · characters. Gen. JONA- THAN MOULTON was an inhabi- tant of this town, and died in 1788 : he was a large proprietor in lands ;
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interior of the state owe their ear- ly settlement to his exertions and influence. Pop. 1098.
HAMPTON-FALLS, post-town- ship, Rockingham county,lat.42º 57', is situated 45 miles from Concord, 41 from Boston, and 16 from Portsmouth. It is bounded N. E. by Hampton, S. E. by the marshes, S. by Seabrook, W. by Kensing- ton, N. W. by Exeter, and con- tains 7,400 acres. The soil is gen- erally similar to that of the con- tiguous towns, moderately good, and pleasantly situated. Hamp- ton-Falls was originally a part of Hampton, from which it was sepa- rated and incorporated in 1712; and the same year, the first minis- ter, Rev. Theophilus Cotton, was settled ; he died in 1726, aged 45. Rev. Joseph Whipple, ordained in 1727, died in 1757, at the age of 57. Rev. Josiah Bayley succeeded him in that year ; died in 1762, aged 29. Rev. Paine Wingate was set- tled in 1763, and removed in 1771. Rev. Samuel Langdon,D.D. was set- tled in 1781, and died Nov. 29, 1797, aged 75. He was several years Pres. of Har. Coll, Rev. Jacob Abbot ordained Aug.15,1798. There is also a small society of baptists. The ma- lignant throat distemper prevailed here in 1735 -- 36, and destroyed a great number of persons, principal- ly youth. Pop. 572.
parts of the town are agreeably di- versified with plains, hills and var- leys. On the Contoocook, and some of its tributary streams, there are several tracts of excellent interval. It may with propriety be said to be a good farming town. There are two considerable ponds, one of which is in the centre, a few rods N. of the meeting-house, called Norway pond ; the other in the S. W. corner of the town, and, from its shape, is called Half-moon pond. Besides these, there is a small pond called Mud or Hosley's pond, lying be- tween Half-moon and Long, or Hunt's pond, the last of which is very large and situated in this town and Nelson. These pond's contain fish of various kinds. There is an elegant meeting-house erected in 1820, on the same spot where the former one was accidentally burnt down, Oct. 28, 1819. The pews in this edifice, exclusive of several re- served for public use, were sold at. auction in one day for 7000 dollars. The meeting-liouse is pleasantly situated near the centre of the town, on a handsome plain, in a thriving village, in which are two taverns, three stores, and is well supplied with mechanics of different kinds ; two physicians and one attorney at law. In this town, there are one cotton factory, one potash manufactory, and one for the manufacture of elegant fowling pieces and rifles, many of which are annually made here, and from their excellence are in great demand. There are nine school- houses. That in the village, is built of brick two stories high, the upper story of which was designed, and is well adapted for a public school or academy, to which use it is gen- erally applied. There is a social library containing upwards of 200
HANCOCK, a post-township in Hillsborough county, in lat. 42º 59/ is bounded N. by Antrim, E. by Society-Land, and Contoocook riv- er which divides it from Green- field, S. by Peterborough and Dub- lin, and W. by Nelson, containing 19,372 acres. It is 35 miles from Concord, 22 from Amherst and 19 from Keene. The soil is various, but generally productive. The W. part of the town is mountainous, but affords excellent pasturing and volumes. Hancock is justly con- many good farms. The other
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sidered a healthy place. There has| 'been no prevailing sickness since the summer of 1800, when the dysentery, in the short period of nine weeks, swept off 56 persons, most of whom were children and youth. The whole number ofdeaths that year was 64. The annual av- erage number for the last 20 years has been about 14. For several years past, nearly one half of the deaths has been caused by consump- tion. Hancock was incorporated Nov. 5, 1779. It was named after Gov. Hancock of Boston, who was one of the original proprietors. The first settlement was begun by John Grimes in May, 1764. In the succeeding autumn, he removed with his family to Peterborough ; remained there through the winter, and returned in the spring of 1765, which may be considered the first permanent settlement. Within four or five years from that time, John Aspey, George M'Cloud, Mo- ses Morrison and William Lakin, with their families, settled in this place. From this period, the set- tlements greatly increased by emi- grants from Groton, Hollis, London- derry, New-Ipswich, Peterborough and other places. The first settlers suffered many of the hardships and privations incident to new settlers, but less, perhaps than some others, inasmuch as most of the towns ad- joining had been previously par- tially settled. The congregational church here was organized Aug. 28, 1788, and then consisted of ten males and seven females. It now contains about 100 members. Rev. REED PAIGE, from Hardwick, Mass. was ordained Sept. 21, 1791 ; died July 22, 1816, aged 52 years. He was justly esteemed a learned. pious, able and faithful minister ; a good citizen, an honest and upright man ; a firm patriot, and zealous
and able advocate of his country's rights, which very much endeared him to the people of his charge, who frequently elected him to rep- resent the town in the state legis- lature, of which he was a member at the time of his death. Rev. Archibald Burgess, was ordained as the successor of Mr. Paige, Dec. 25, 1822. Pop. 1178.
HANOVER, a post-township in Grafton county, in lat. 43º 42', is bounded N. by Lime, E. by Canaan, S. by Lebanon and W. by Norwich, Vt. containing 27,745 acres. It is 53 miles N. W. from Concord, 102 from Portsmouth, 114 from Boston and 495 from Washington city. In this town, there is no river nor any considerable stream besides the Connecticut. Mink brook, run- ning in a S. W. direction, Slate brook in a W. course, and Gocse- Pond brook in the N. E. part of the town, are among the principal streams. Neither of these are large enough for permanent mill privileg- es. There are several small islands in Connecticut river within the limits of Hanover, the largest of which is Parker's island containing about 20 acres. There are no na- tural ponds. The original growth of wood is maple, beech, birch, ash, bass, hemlock, spruce and pine. When the town was settled, the greatest proportion of forest trees was what is denominated hard wood. The surface of Hanover is agreea- bly diversified with hills and val- leys, and the greatest part is suita- ble for farms. There is but a small proportion of waste land, less, per- haps, than in any other town in Grafton county. It is estimated that nearly one half is under im- provement. Moose mountain is a considerable elevation, extending across the town from N. to S. at the distance of about five miles
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from Connecticut riven Grafton||six rooms for students ; and a con- turnpike passes through the N. E. venient chapel. A greenhouse part of Hanover to Orford. A |has lately been erected, which will, handsome bridge connects the S. W. soon be furnished with an ample. collection of botanical specimens .. Though a. more central situation for the only collegiate institution in part of the town with. Norwich. The principal village is in the S. W corner of the town, on a beautiful and extensive plain, half a mile the state would be on some accounts, from Connecticut river, and. 180 feet above the level of its waters. Vegetable substances are found in different parts of this plain at a depth of from, 50 to 80 feet .. The number of houses is upwards of 70, the best of which are erected round
1 a square level area of 12 acres. 'The remainder stand on different streets, leading from the green in all directions. On the N. side of the green is a spacious meeting-house ; on the S. a brick tontine, four sto-
. ries high, and 150 feet long. The number of deaths. in this village, of which the population is. 633, in 1821, was three. The annual aver- age for the last 16 years has been about seven. It is perhaps as heal- thy as any place of its size in New- England. A spring of excellent water was brought in 1821, a dis- tance of 1 3-4 mile in leaden pipes, at an expense of $3,500. There are 6 law offices, two taverns, two bookstores, one apothecary's shop and five English and W. I. goods' stores. In this pleasant village is located Dartmouth college, of which an account is given in the General View, page 31. The College buildings are a handsome
edifice of wood, 150 feet by. 50, three stories high, (See plate) con- taining 34 rooms for undergradu- ates, and 6 rooms for other purposes ; an edifice of brick, styled Medical
House, 75 feet long and .32 wide,
three stories high, (See annexed
View) containing a laboratory, an anatomical museum, a minerologi- cal cabinet, two lecture rooms, and
highly desirable, yet it has, often been remarked, that the location of Dartmouth college is peculiarly, favorable to stüdy and the preserva- tion of morals. Circumstances conducive to these objects in addi- tion to establishments wisely arrang- ed for the pursuits of literature, are to be found in the salubrity of the situation, the uniform temperature of the climate and the pleasantness of the village, which is neither too, populous nor too solitary. Among the worthy men who have finished their earthly career in this place. may be mentioned Rev. ELEAZAR WHEELOCK, D. D. who died April 24, 1779, aged 68; Hon. JOHN WHEELOCK, LL. D. President of the college 35 years, who died April 4, 1817, aged 63; Hon. BEZ- ALEEL WOODWARD, who died Aug. 1804; Rev. JOHN SMITH, D. D. who died April, 18,09; Hon. JOHN HUBBARD, who died in Sept. 1810; and Rev. FRANCIS BROWN, D. D. who died July 27, 1820, aged 36. These gentlemen were all connected with the college. The first newspaper printed in Hanover was published by Alden Spooner. " The Eagle or Dartmouth Centi- nel," was commenced July 22, 1793, by Josiah Dunham, A. M. and continued by different publishers till 1799. "The Dartmouth Ga- zette," by Moses Davis, commen- ced Aug. 27, 1799, discontinued in 1820." The "Dartmouth Herald," by Bannister & Thurston, commen- ced June 21, 1820; discontinued July 25, 1821. Hanover was grant-
MEDICAL COLLEGE, HANOVER.
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ed by charter, July 4, 1761, to elcven persons of the name of Freeman and 52 others, principally belong- ing to Connecticut. The first set- tlement was made in May, 1765, by Col. Edmund Frecman, from Mansfield, Conn. In 1766, Benja- min Davis and Benjamin Rice from the same place, and Gideon Smith and Asa Parker, became settlers. All of the first settlers were from Connecticut and most of them were from the towns of Mans- field and Coventry. In 1770, Dart- mouth college was cstablished here by Dr. Wheelock. At that time there were 20 families in town. A
church was gathered in the college by Dr. Wheelock in Jan. 1771. Those who have successively offici- ated in this charch, which still ex- ists, are Rev. Messrs. Wheelock, Ripley, Smith and Shurtleff. The first settled minister of the church and town was Rev. Eden Burroughs, who was installed in Sept. 1772. He continued in the ministry until a division arose, which occasioned the foundation of a new church and society, over which Rev. Sam- uel Collins was installed in Nov. 1788. He was dismissed in 1795. Rev. Dr. Burroughs was dismissed in 1809. Soon after, these church- es were united, and now form one congregational church, over which Rcv. Josiah Toune was ordained in June, 1814. There is a baptist church, over which Rev. Abel Bridgman was settled in 1791 ; died 1800. Rev. Isaac Bridgman, set- tled in 1800; died 1815. Pop. 2222.
HART'S ISLAND, in Connecti- cut river in the township of Plain- field, contains 19 acres.
HAVERHILL, a post-town, and the half shire town in Grafton county, in lat. 44º 3', is bounded N. E. by Bath, E. by Coventry, S. |stores, 2 taverne, jail, &c. Five
W. by Piermont, and W. by New- bury, Vt. containing 34,340 acres. It is 31 miles from Plymouth, 70 from Concord, 27 from Dartmouth college, and 132 from Boston. It is watcred by Oliverian brook, pas- sing through the S. part and falling into Connecticut river above Bc- del's bridge, and by Hazen brook passing the centre of the town, and falling into the Connecticut near the Great Ox Bow, in Newbury. Haverhill is a pleasant town, though but thinly inhabited for several miles in the centre along the main -road. The soil is loam mixed with gravel and suited to every species of cultivation. There is a quarry of granite suitable for mill stones, for buildings, &c. and a bed of iron ore, on the W. side of Coventry bordering this town. Haverhill is divided into two parishes, the south and north, in each of which is a congregational church and a meet- ing-house. The principal village is at the S. W. angle of the town, and known by the name of Haver- hill Corner. There is a beautiful common in this village, laid out in an oblong square, around which the buildings regularly stand. The site is a handsome elevation, over- looking the adjacent country ma- ny miles N. and S., and not less than 6 or 7 miles E. and W. From the street, the ground slopes with unusual elegance to the west ; and is succeeded by large intervals. The prospect here is delightful. This village contains 46 dwelling- houses, 34 of which are two stories high, and one, three stories high, built of brick, and two of the oth- ers are built of brick ; a court- house which is a brick edifice, 53 feet by 43, with a projection 20 feet by 10; an academy, Grafton bank, printing office, post office, 8
02
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stage coaches now arrive at this |1799. Rev. John Smith was or- village, twice in a week each, four dained Dec. 23, 1802 ;₹ dismissed Jan. 14, 1807. Rev. Grant Pow- ers, from Hollis, ordained Jan. 4, 1815. The church contains 93 members. There is a 2d church in the N. parish. There is a so- ciety of methodists, consisting of three classes. Hon. MOSES Dow was one of the most distinguished citizens of this place. He was born in Atkinson ; obtained a col- legiate education by his own exer- tions, was graduated at Harvard college in 1769. After studying the profession of law, he practised as an attorney five years at Haver- hill, Ms. ; five years at Plymouth, N. H., from whence he removed to this town, where he practised until within a few years of his jous paper. death, He was, more than 30 years, register of probate, was a colonel, a brigadier general, speak- er of the house of representatives, senior senatorin 1791, and one of the judges of the court in Grafton county, which office he sustained till his death, March 31, 1811, at the age of 64. Hon. CHARLES JOHNSTON, who died March 5, 1813, aged 76, resided here. He was a valuable officer in the revo- lution, and was many years, judge of probate in Grafton county. Hon. James Woodward and Hon. Ezekiel Ladd were among the ear- ly settlers, and were judges of the old county court. Pop. 1600. of which are mail coaches. There is a pleasant village forming at the N. W. angle of the town, on a street nearly a mile in length, straight and very level. The Ha- verhill academy was opened in Sept. 1793, and incorporated Feb. 11, 1794. The lower story of the court-house is appropriated to its, use. There is a social library, in- corporated June 17, 1817. The newspapers published here have been " The Coos Courier," which commenced April 21, 1808, and the " New-Hampshire Intelligen- cer," which commenced in 1820, by Sylvester T. Goss, who also publishes the "Evangelist," a relig- Nathaniel Coverly published a paper for about 6| months prior to 1800; and 3 or 4 numbers of a magazine were pub- lished by Mosely Dunham. Ha- verhill was granted by charter, May 18, 1764, to John Hazen and 74 others. Its first settlement was made in 1764, by Capt. John Ha- zen, who settled on the Little Ox Bow, near where there had former- ly been an Indian fort and burying ground, and where many Indian skulls and relics have been found. Several of the early settlers were from Newbury and Haverhill, Ms. and from the last place, this town derived its name. Its former name was Lower Cohos. The first court was holden here, Oct. 21, 1773. HAWKE, township, formerly a part of Kingston, Rockingham co., is in lat. 42º 57', and bounded N. by Poplin, E. by Kingston, S. by Kingston and Hampstead, W. by | Sandown, and contains 7000 acres. It was incorporated Feb. 22, 1760, and derived its name from a Brit- ish admiral. In 1775, there were 500 inhabitants more than there has been at any time since. The The first minister was Rev. Peter Powers, the first male child born in Hollis, who was settled over Haverhill and Newbury, Vt. in 1765,and was dismissed in 1784. He died at Deer Isle, Me.in 1799. The first congregational church, in the S. parish, was formed Oct. 30, 1790. Rev. Ethan Smith was ordained Jan. 25, 1792; dismissed June 23,
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soil is uneven, but in some parts good. Squamscot river passes over the N. W. corner of Hawke. Long pond lies in the E. part, and Cub pond on the W. side, adjoining Sandown. The first settlements were made by Jonathan Sanborn, Jacob Hook and others between 1735 and 1739. Rev. John Page was ordained over a congregation- al church here Dec. 21, 1763, and died of the small pox Jan. 29, 1782, aged 43. Since that time no minister has been settled. The av- crage annual number of deaths for the last ten years, has been 5. Hawke has a convenient meeting- house, and three schools. Pop. 421.
HEBRON, a township in Grafton co., lat. 43º 42' is bounded N. by Rumney and Plymouth, E. by Ply- mouth, S. by Bridgewater, Alexan dria and Orange, W. by Groton. It contains 13,350 acres, of which one ,eighth part is water. It is 9 miles from Plymouth and 40 from Con- cord. A considerable part of New- found lake lies in the S. E. part of this town. The Mayhew turnpike passes through the E. part, and for some distance near the lake and par- allel with it. It has no river,nor any important streams. Nearly one half of this town was included in the grant of Cockermouth, now Groton. The remaining part was taken from Plymouth. It was in- corporated June 15, 1792. In 1801, the inhabitants erected a bandsome meeting-house, but have had no settled minister. Pop. 572.
HENNIKER, a post-township in Hillsboroughi county, in lat. 43º 10', is bounded N. by Warner and Bradford, E. by Hopkinton, S. by Deering and Weare, and W. by Hillsborough, containing 26,500 acres. It is 27 miles from Amherst. 15 W. from Concord, and 75 from"
Boston. Contoocook river passes easterly through its centre and di- vides the town into nearly equal portions of territory and population. Its course is rather circuitous, and in many places presents scenes of considerable interest and beauty. Few places afford better prospects for the successful operation of any sort of water machinery than this. There are several ponds of consid- erable size. Long pond is the Jar- gest being between 1 and 2 miles in lengtli, and from 40 to 80 rods wide-situated 1 mile N. of the centre village. Crancy hill is the principal elevation, and embraces a large portion of territory on the S. side of the town. It is mostly in a state of cultivation. Henni- ker, in its soil and productions, can justly claim a character for as much variety and fertility as any town in the county. The soil of the hills is favorable for wheat-the valleys produce good crops of corn. The roads here have been much improved within a few years, and the bridges are kept in good repair. In 1918, a bridge across the Contoocook was constructed at an expense of $2000, having its abutments and principal pier of split granite, and fastened together with iron bolts. There is a social library, incorporated Nov. 30, 1803, containing 170 volumes. Those who have received a collegiate ed- ucation are, at Dartmouth college, Tilly Howe, 1783; Elisha Morrill, 1799; David C. Proctor, 1818; James C. Goss, 1820: at Union college, Solomon Ward : at Har- vard' college, Timothy Darling, 1822. The number of deaths for 20 years preceding Aug. 1822, was 370, making an annual average of 18 1-2. The greatest instance of longevity was Mary Wallace, aged 95. In 1815, 31 persons died of
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the spotted fever. Henniker was granted July 16, 1752, by the Ma- sonian proprietors, under the name of Number 6, to James Wallace, Robert Wallace and others of Lon- donderry. Its settlement commen- ced in 1761 by James Peters. A large proportion of its earliest in- habitants were from Marlborough, Mass. It was incorporated Nov. . 10, 1768, when it received its pres- ent name from governor Went- worth, in honor of his friend Hen- niker, probably John Henniker, Esq., a merchant in London and a member of the British parliament at that time. The congregational church was formed June 7, 1769, and consisted of 9 members. Rev. Jacob Rice, a graduate of Harvard college, was ordained at the same time ; dismissed Feb. 21, 1782. He is now the minister of Brown- field, Me. ; and at the age of 83, is active in the discharge of his parochial duties. Rev. Moses Saw- yer, graduated at Dartmouth col- lege in 1799, was ordained May 26, 1802. Hon. ROBERT WAL- LACE, who was one of the early settlers, was long known in the va- rious capacities of representative, senator, counsellor, and associate judge of the court of common pleas. An unusual proportion of his life, which was continued to the age of 66 years, was employed in public service. The man is rarely found who had fewer enemies at home or abroad, and who maintained through life a more unsullied repu- tation than Judge Wallace. He died in Jan. 1815. Pop. 1900.
HILLSBOROUGH, a post-town- ship in Hillsborough county, in lat. 43º 9', is bounded N. by Bradford, E. by Henniker, S. by Deering and Antrim, W. by Windsor and part of Washington, containing 27,320 acres. It is 23 miles from Amherst,
15 from Hopkinton, 24 from Con- cord and 70 from Boston. This town is well watered. Contoo- cook river passes through the S. E. corner, and affords several excel- lent water privileges. Hillsbor- ough river has its source from ponds in Washington ; runs in a S. E. course through the whole ex- tent of Hillsborough, receiving the outlets of several ponds on the E. and forms a junction with the Con- toocook,on the S. line of this town. The largest pond, called Lyon pond, is nearly a mile in length, and two thirds of a mile wide. This, with other considerable ponds, make a surface of about 500 acres of water. The land here is une- ven, but it affords many good farms. There is a small pleasant village on the 2d N. H: turnpike which passes N. W. through this town, containing a number of dwelling- houses, stores, mills, a post office, and tavern. The meeting-house is 2 miles N. of this village. A post office was established here in 1803. There is a cotton and woollen fac- tory, which has been incorporated. Hillsborough was formerly known by the name of Number 7 of fron- tier towns. The time it was orig- inally granted is not ascertained. The first settlement was made in 1741, by James M'Calley, Samuel Gibson, Robert M'Clure, James Lyon and others, said to have been from Boston and its vicinity. James M'Calley was married, and his wife was the only woman in town the first year. The first children born in Hillsboro' were John M'Calley & Gibson, who intermarried, and received as a gift, a tract of land, from the principal proprietor. The Cape Breton war in 1744 was the means of breaking up the settle- ment; which was not resumed un- til a few years prior to 1759. In
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