USA > New Hampshire > Gazetteer of the state of New-Hampshire > Part 14
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 (link on the Part 1 page).
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
The principal village in Ep- som contains about 20 houses, a congregational meeting-house, a school-house, and several small stores. This town, like most others of its size in the state, has several religious so- cieties. There are here many valuable mill seats. There are 7 grain-mills, 9 saw-mills, 2 clothing-mills, 2 carding-ma- chines, and a cotton factory.
Maj. Andrew M'Clary, a native of this town, fell at the battle of Breed's hill on June 17, 1775, after defend- ing with a few compan- ions a temporary entrenchment thrown up a few hours before. Attacked by an overpowering force of the enemy they re- . treated about one mile. The major in this action displayed great bravery and presence of mind. Inflamed by an ardent patriotism, like the Roman Ca- millus, he left his plough on the first intelligence of war, and volunteered in the cause of his brethren, in which he was soon called to a command which he executed to his lasting honour.
ERROL, a township in Coos county, situated on the western branch of Umbagog lake. It was incorporated in 1774, and contains only 38 inhabitants. It is bounded N. by Went- worth's location, E. by the district of Maine, S. by Suc- cess and Paulsburgh,and W.by Millsfield, and contains 35,400 acres, 2,800of which are water. Margallawayand Clear streams here unite with another stream
129
GAZETTEER OF NEW-HAMPSHIRE.
flowing from Umbagog lake, and form in junction Ameris- coggin river. From the centre of this town to Stratford on Connecticut river the distance is 25 miles.
ERVING'S LOCATION is in Coos county, 118 miles from Portsmouth, bounded N. by Dixville, E. by Millsfield, and W. by Columbia and ungranted lands No. 1.
EXETER, called Swamscot by the aborigines, an ancient post town in Rockingham coun- ty, pleasantly situated at the. head of tide waters and navi- gation on the southwest branch of Piscataqua river, and equi- distant from the metropolis and Newburyport in Essex county, Massachusetts. Exe- ter was incorporated in the year 1639, and contained ac- cording to the last census, 1759 inhabitants. The township is of an irregular figure, of an area of 11,800 acres, and has for its boundaries Newmarket N. by E .; Stratham E. and N. E .; Hampton and Hampton-falls S. E .; Kensington S .; and Brentwood on the W. Exeter Fresh river takes its rise from a small pond in Sandown, running thence on the corn- ers of Hawke and Poplin, thence into Chester and thence again into Poplin, Raymond, Brentwood, and Exeter, near what are termed Pickpocket mills, pursuing from thence an easterly course till with- in one mile of the falls
where it receives Little river from the west, and mingles shortly after with the tide wa- ters of the Swamscot, in the midst of a fine trading and manufacturing settlement. Ex- eter is the second considerable town in the state, 50 miles N. of Boston, and 402 N. E. of Philadelphia. It has a bank with a capital of two hundred thousand dollars. It was for- merly the seat of government, and many of the public offices of the state are still kept here. The public edifices are two congregational churches, a bap- tist meeting-house, an elegant academy, a handsome court- house, and a gaol. Beside the celebrated Phillips Exeter Academy there are here two English schools and ten or a dozen private schools chiefly for females. It is well situat- ed for a manufacturing town, and has 2 fulling-mills, 2 card- ing-machines, 2 oil-mills, a woollen factory, 2 extensive cotton factories, a spinning and weaving factory, a tin ware, comb, and morocco factory, a gin distillery, iron works, a manufactory of ordnance and small arms, a paper mill, a great number of saw and grist- mills, a printing-office, book- store, book-bindery, &c. &c. The saddlery, shoe-making and chaise-making business is also carried on here to a very great extent. In 1776, Col. Samuel Hobart erected a powder-mill in this town capable of manu- facturing 2,400 pound of pow- der per week. It is not now
17
130
GAZETTEER OF NEW-HAMPSHIRE.
in operation. Before the rev- olution ship-building was an · extensive and profitable branch of business here, and vessels of five-hundred tons burden were built and floated down the fiv- er to Portsmouth and sold, or ural philosophy, and an assist- employed in the West-India ant.
-
trade. Since the last war it has altogether declined. Spec- imens of bog iron ore and some considerable copper py- rites have been discovered in this town. Vitriol also, com- bined in the same stone with sulphur, is found in its neigh- bourhood. In the year 1789, the remains of an Indian skel- eton were dug up on the east side of the river in this town. It was in a perpendicular posi- tion and enclosed in a birchen hollow log. Some strings of wampum and twelve spoons, apparently of European manu- facture, were found near it. The skull was entire, the teeth remained in the jaws, and the hair, which was long, straight, and black, had suffered neither decay nor injury.
Phillips Exeter Academy in this town is a highly respecta- ble, useful, and flourishing in- stitution. It was founded by the Hon. John Phillips, LL.D. in 1781. A part of its funds is appropriated to the support of candidates for the ministry or indigent scholars recommend- ed for their genius and learn- ing. There are in this acade- my nearly 80 scholars. It has , a well selected library and a handsome philosophical appara- tus. The board of trustees
consists of seven gentlemen, of whom the Hon. J.T.Gilman is president. The immediate in- * struction of the students is en- trusted to a principal, a pro- fessor of mathematics and nat-
The Rev. John Wheelwright the principal settler of this town, in 1638, removed from Braintree, (Mass.) then a part of Boston, where he was set- tled in the ministry. In the same year he united with sev- eral others in making a settle- ment in Exeter. He was a gentleman of talents, piety and learning.
For other particulars of the original settlement of this place see page 52.
' The Indians did not com- mence their depredations a- gainst this place till the year 1675, at which time they kill- ed several persons here.
4
In July, 1690, Col. Winthrop Hilton's garrison in this place was attacked and some lives were lost. In June, 1697, this town was preserved in a re- markable manner from a deep laid plot which the Indians had formed against it. The enemy were planted in ambush near the town, and were discovered by some children who had ven- tured from home without a guard. The savages retreat- ed without the loss on our side of more than one person.
· In 1710, Col. Winthrop Hilton with a party of his neighbours, while at' work in "a field situate in that part of
131
GAZETTEER OF NEW-HAMPSHIRE.
Exeter which is now called on its southerly side. The latter is about 500 rods long and 60 wide. The westerly side of the town is broken and elevated, but most of its land is suited for grazing. There is in this town a baptist meet- ing-house, 8 or 10 mills, and 3 stores.
Epping, were attacked by the Indians, who barbarously mur- dered the colonel with two of his party, and captured two others. Emboldened with this success the enemy immediately entered the settlement and kill- ed several other persons, some of whom were children.
F.
FARMINGTON in Strafford county was formerly a part of Rochester. It was incorpo- rated in 1722, and in 1810, con- tained 1272 inhabitants ; bound- ed N. E. by Milton, S. E. by Rochester,S. W.by Barrington, and N. W. by New-Durham, comprising 20,811 acres.
Cochecho river flows through the N.E. part of this town, and the Frost mountains extend through it from N. to S. From the summit of this ridge, called Mount Washington, the sea- coast and a large part of the state may be seen. There is in this town a handsome meet- ing-house, several mills, and trading stores.
FITZWILLIAM, a township in Cheshire county, situated on the southerly line of the state, which separates it from Royalston and Winchendon in Massachusetts. It is bounded by Richmond on the W., Marl- borough on the N., and Jaffrey and Rindge on the E., and con- tains 26,900 acres, 400 of which are water. In this town lies South pond, which is 320 rods long and 90 wide in its narrow- est part ; and also Sip's pond, 200 rods long and 100 wide. Fitzwilliam was incorporated in 1773, and its population is now 1310. It is situated on the height of land south of the Monadnock mountain, and its surface is hilly. The soil is rocky but well adapted to grass . and to the cultivation of vari- ous kinds of grain. The low . lands are covered with pine, hemlock, and spruce. There are here also some valuable and productive meadows. Near the centre of the town is a large hill remarkable for the beauti- fully romantic prospect which it affords ; and in the northwest part of the town is Gap moun- tain, which at a distance ap- pears to be part of the Monad-
FISHERSFIELD, a township in Hillsborough county, incor- porated in 1778, and now con- taining 563 inhabitants. It is bounded N. by New-London, E. by Sutton, S. by Bradford, and W. by Cheshire county line which divides it from Go- shen and Wendell, comprising an area of 19,332 acres. In the north part of the town lies Sunapee pond. Todd pond is nock, and on which are found
132
GAZETTEER OF NEW-HAMPSHIRE.
the common substances called izen of this town, and reflected whet-stones.
About half a mile north of . as a soldier and his excellen- the centre of the town four turn- pike roads meet, viz. one from Keene, one from Winchester, one to Templeton, and one to Ashby, (Mass.) ; the two last lead to Boston. There is a village here comprising about 20 houses, a meeting-house, 3 Fox POINT. (See Newing- ton.) stores, and several mechanics' shops. At the south end of South pond an enterprizing citi- FRANCESTOWN, a town in Hillsborough county, bounded N. by Deering, E. by New- Boston, S. by Lyndeborough and Greenfield, and W. by Greenfield, and containing 18, 760 acres, of which 660 are water. In 1810 its population was 1451. zen opened a canal through the bank of the pond at some dis- tance from its natural outlet, and erected upon it a grist-mill, which promises to be produc- tive and useful. At the north extremity. of the town there is a village of about 15 houses, besides a grain-mill, a fulling- mill, and a carding-machine. Severallooms and machines for spinning wool have been in op- eration here during the past summer.
The first church in this town was formed on the 27th of March, 1771, on congregation- al principles, over which the Rev. Benj. Brigham was or- dained pastor. This gentle- man died on the 11th of June, 1799, in the 58th year of his age and the 29th of his minis- try. His successor was the Rev. Stephen Williams, who was dismissed in November, 1802. The Rev. John Sabin, the present minister of the place, was ordained on the 6th of March, 1805.
Brig. Gen. James Reed, a revolutionary officer, was a cit-
honour upon it by his courage cies as a man. The average annual number of deaths in this town for the last seven years has been about 14. In the year 1812, 16 persons died here of the throat distemper.
This town derived its name from Frances, the wife of Gov. John Wentworth. It was in- corporated in 1772, and then included what was once called New-Boston- Addition, togeth- er with a part of Society Land and Lyndeborough. The soil here is uneven and stony, but its qualities are warm and moist. There are some small inter- vales which are very produc- tive. The original growth here was beech, birch, red oak, ma- ple, hemlock, and pine. There are many springs in the town, and on its easterly side is Haunt- cd pond, about 300 rods long and 225 wide ; and also Plea- sant pond, about350 rods square, in which the 4th branch of Pis- cataqua river has its rise.
The highest land in this town is Crotched mountain, the sum-
133
GAZETTEER OF NEW-HAMPSHIRE.
mit of which is more than 600 feet above the plain in the cen- tre of the town. About half way up this mountain there is a small pond, always full and yet always of a shallow depth. One of the summits of this mountain is covered with woods, the other is almost a solid ledge of rocks, affording a very extensive prospect to the southwest.
The second N. H. turnpike passes through this town near its centre in a southerly direc- tion. Another important road, leading from the southwesterly part of the state to Concord, crosses the turnpike in this town.
The first permanent settle- ment here was made about the year 1760, by one Carson, a Scotchman. In 1773, the in- habitants had so increased by emigration, chiefly from Ded- ham, (Mass.) that a congrega- tional church was gathered here by the Rev. Samuel Cot- ton, minister of Litchfield. It consisted at first of 18 mem- bers, and in 1792 of 148, since which time a large number has been added. No other relig- ious society has ever existed in this town excepting a small one of Scotch presbyterians, which in 1792, united with the congregationalists. Rev. Mo- ses Bradford is the first and on- ly minister over settled in this place. He was ordained in September, 1790, and to his exertions is the town in a great measure indebted for its res- pectable character and its pros-
perous condition. From its settlement to 1790, the whole number of deaths was about 100. From 1790 to May, 1814, the deaths amounted to 401, a large proportion of whom were infants. In 1812, thirty- three persons died here of the dysentery ; the whole number of deaths in that year was 45. Exclusive of the ordinary pro- portion of other mechanical business, there are here four large tanneries, a manufactory of musical instruments, and one of earthen ware. The compact part of the town con- sists of about 25 dwelling-hous- es, with a handsome meeting- house,several stores,&c. There are also 7 school-houses. The school committee in March, 1814, reported that exclusive of the small scholars who at- tend in the summer only, there were in these schools during the past winter, 450 scholars, of whom 82 were in the study of English grammar.
The farmers of this town have recently paid increased at- tention to the raising of sheep. The introduction of the merino breed has become an interest- ing and profitable concern. There are two flocks of sheep in this town, containing in them both more than 600. The ag- ricultural and general condi- tion of this place has of late been flourishing. A mail stage passes through Francestown twice a week to and from Bos- ton. There are here two quar- ries of free stone, one in the easterly and one in the souther-
134
GAZETTEER OF NEW-HAMPSHIRE.
ly part of the town. The for- suers he was obliged to swim mer was discovered in 1813. across the Hudson river three times. He is now living in good health at the age of 77. It is not extensive, and has not been much worked. The lat- ter is productive, and probably L. W. inexhaustible. It was first worked about ten years ago. Its colour is white, mingled with a dark shade. It is easi- ly manufactured with the saw or chisel, and is susceptible of à high polish. Although of a soft nature, it is very adhesive and heavy, 12 cubic feet weigh- ing one ton. After it is pre- pared at the quarry, it is sold for $1,42 cts. per cubic foot. It is used for hearths, stoves, &c. In several parts of this town, large rocks of a globular form are found directly poised on the surface of others. Curiosities of this kind, of which the cause is certainly mysterious, are common to many places in this state. Clay of a superior qual- ity for bricks is found in large quantities in this town, and in some spots there have been seen strong indications of iron ore. Indeed several large pieces of good purity have been found. Richard who has long resided in this town, was captured by the Indians during the last French war in the year 1756. Although guarded by two warriors, he was able by superior strength and agility to effect his escape, but not without the loss of all his clothes. He wandered entire- ly naked between the lakes George and Champlain for six days, eating nothing but berries and bark. To elude his pur-
FRANCONIA, (formerly Mor- ristown,) lies in the upper part of Grafton county, near the western side of the White mountains which form its eas- tern boundary. Lincoln and Landaff are its southern, Con- çord its western, and Bethle- hem its northern boundary. The great Hay-Stack mountain is on the southeasterly extrem- ity of this town, and French and other mountains are within its limits. It contains 32,948 acres.
Several branches of the great Amonoosuck rise in these moun- tains and pass through this town. Franconia was incor- porated in 1760, and in 1810, contained 358 inhabitants. There is here an extensive iron factory establishment. The company was incorporated De- cember 18th, 1805, and is com- posed principally of Boston and Salem gentlemen. The works . consist of a blast furnace with a reservoir of water near the top as a precaution against fire, an air furnace, a steel furnace, a pounding machine to sepa- rate the iron from the cinders, a forge with four fires and two hammers, a turning lathe, and a trip-hammer shop with four fires and two hammers. There are also in this town a powder magazine, a saw-mill, a grist-mill, 10 or 12 dwelling-
135
GAZETTEER OF NEW-HAMPSHIRE
houses, a store, and a ware- house.
Most ofthe ore wroughthere is conveyed from Concord mountain about 3 miles from the furnace. There is also a Jarge tract of coaling ground belonging to the company, and a highly impregnated mineral spring about two miles from the furnace. Not very far from this establishment are the up- per works, called " the Haver- hill and Franconia iron works," which were incorporated in 1808. These are built on the same plan as the former, but their operations are not as yet so extensive.
G.
GILFORD, a township in Strafford county, formerly a part of Gilmanton, incorporat- ed in 1727, and now containing about 1200 inhabitants. It is bounded N. by Winnipiseogee lake, E. by Alton, S. by. Gil- manton, and W. by a long bay which divides it from Gilman- ton. There are here several large mountains. The sum- mits of two of them are within 200 rods of each other, and about 2000 feet above the level of the town. On the souther- ly part of Gunstock mountain is Suncook pond, which forms the northerly source of Suncook river.
Gilford has two meeting- houses, which belong to no particular denomination of christians, 3 trading stores, 4 . grain-mills, 3 saw-mills, and a
carding-machine. The free will baptists have here a large church and society under the care of Elder Richard Martin, an aged and respectable minis- ter. There is also a society of the regular baptists under the care of Elder Morrison. At Meredith bridge, which unites this town to Meredith, is a handsome village containing a- bout 25 dwelling-houses,stores, &c. A meeting-house was late- ly erected here by the inhabi- tants of the two towns for the common use of all orders of christians.
GILMANTON, a township in Strafford county, incorporated in 1727, and containing in1810, 4,338 inhabitants. It is bounde ed N. by Gilford, E. by Alton, S. E. by Barnstead, S. W. by Rockingham line, and N.W.by Winnipiseogee lake and bay which separates it from San- bornton, comprising an area of 58,448 acres. Suncook river rises here in a pond of that name on Gilford line, the wa- ters of which fall into another pond of the same name, which is larger than the former, being about 350 rods long and 175 wide. From thence it falls in- to a third pond of the same name 500 rods long and half as wide. There are several small- er ponds in this town, in one of which is the source of Bow Cook river.
There are in Gilmanton 5 meeting-houses, 20 school- houses, a court house, a cotton factory, a nail factory, 9 grain-
Y
136
GAZETTEER OF NEW-HAMPSHIRE.
mills, 10 saw-mills, 2 clothing- mills, a carding-machine, an oil-mill, and 9 trading stores.
A handsome academy was incorporated and built here in 1794, and opened for the recep- tion ofstudents December, 1797. It has generally from 30 to 50 students. Its funds are about $5000, raised by subscription. There is here a congregational church and society recently un- der the charge of the Rev. I- saac Smith, who died in March, 1817. There are several bap- tist societies, and one of friends. One term of the common pleas for the 1st district, is holden here annually.
Hon. Joseph Badger, who settled in this town in the year 1760, was its first magistrate, and was highly instrumental in its growth and prosperity. He was for many years judge of probate, and resigned that of- fice at the age of 70.
GILSUM, a township in Ches- hire county, incorporated in 1763, and now containing 513 inhabitants. It is bounded N. by Alstead and Marlow, E. by Sullivan and Stoddard, S. by Keene, and W. by Surry. The eastern branch of Ashue- lot river passes through this town. Gilsum has 1 meeting- house, 2 grain-mills, and 2 saw- mills. Elisha Fish who died in 1807, was its first ordained minister. The annual average number of deaths in this town is not more than 6. In 1813, 10 died here of the spotted fe- ver.
GOFFSTOWN in Hillsborough county, is situated on the wes- terly side of Merrimack river, it is bounded N. by Dunbarton, E. by Merrimack river, S. by Bedford, and W. by New- Boston and part of Weare, and contains 29,170 acres. It was incorporated in 1761, and in 1810, contained 2000 inhabit- ants. In the S. W. extremity of the town are the two Uncon- oonock mountains, and in the S. E.part is the Amoskeag bridge and falls. Piscataquog river passes through this place. In 1771, Rev. Joseph Currier was settled here in the congrega- tional order. Cornelius Wa- ters andD.L.Morrill,have been
his successors. There are in this town 2 religious socie- ties, 1 meeting-house, 8 trad- ing-stores, 1 cotton factory containing about 30 spindles, 7 grain-mills, 20 saw-mills, 2 clothing-mills, and 2 carding- machines,
GOSHEN, a township in Ches- hire county, incorporated in 1791, and in 1810, containing 563 inhabitants. It is bound- ed N. by Newport and Wen- dell, E. by the county of Hills- borough, S.by Washington,and W. by Lempster and Unity, and contains 12,023acres. Little Sugar river waters the north part of the town. Sunapee mountain lies between Goshen and Fishersfield. Croydon turnpike passes through the west part of the town to Con- necticut river. There is here 1 grain-mill, 2 saw-mills, 1
137
GAZETTEER OF NEW-HAMPSHIRE.
clothing-mill, - and 1 distil- lery.
GRAFTON COUNTY is bound- ed W. by the west branch of Connecticut river, S. by the counties of Cheshire and Hills- borough, E. by Strafford, and N. by Coos. Beginning at Connecticut river, at the west extremity of Dalton and run- ning on the west and south line of Dalton to Whitefield, thence on the west and south line of Whitefield to Bretton Woods, thence on the west and south line of Bretton Woods to the southeast extremity of Weare, thence south in . a straight line across unlocated lands to the county of Strafford at the northerly corner of Tamworth, thence on the north and west line of Sandwich and on the south line of Holderness - to Pemigewasset river, thence down that river to the N. E. extremity of New-Andover, thence on the northerly line of that town and on the northeas- terly line of New-London to the N. E. extremity of Spring- field, thence on the northerly line of Springfield, New-Gran- tham, and Plainfield to Con- necticut river, and thence by that river to the place first men- tioned.
998 more than two years old, 3522 oxen, 1308 four years old, 9981 cows, 50,084 three years old cattle, and 6107 over two years old. In 1812, there were also in this county 52 mules and 3 jacks, and 577 acres of orchard.
Grafton county contains 36 houses for public worship, 1 academy, 83 grain-milis, 118 saw-mills, 24 mills for dressing cloth, 35 carding-machines, 1 paper-mill, 49 trading-stores, 21 distilleries, and 1 oil-mill. The county prison is at Haver- hill, and the superior and infe- rior courts hold alternate ses- sions there and at Plymouth. The probate courts are holden at Haverhill, Plymouth, Han- over, Bridgewater, and En- field.
GRAFTON, a township in the county of that name, lies about 13 miles southeast from Dart- mouth college. It was incor- porated in 1773, and now con- tains 931 inhabitants. It is bounded N. E. by Orange, S. E. by Cushing's Gore,S.W. .by the line of Cheshire county which separates it from Spring -. field, and N. W. by Enfield and a part of Canaan, and con- tains 21,993 acres., Branches of Smith's river water the eas- terly part of the town,and Mas- comy river its west part. There are here 2 baptist meeting- houses, 6 grain-mills, 6 saw- mills, 1 clothing mill, 2 card- ing-machines, 2 stores, 'and 1 distillery.
This county contains35 town- ships and a large quantity of unlocated land. Its population by the last census was 28,462, of whom 4,837 were rateable polls. There are in this coun- ty 29 stud-horses, 3827 other That species of mineral, horses, 286 four years old, and (lassis specularis) commonly 18
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.