USA > New Hampshire > Belknap County > Barnstead > History of Barnstead [N.H.] from its first settlement in 1727 to 1872 > Part 6
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His manner of life was singular ; he was in the habit of dressing in furs, and in various rustic garbs ; and for most of the time made the deep woods his dwelling place. He often wandered far back into Canada, supplying himself with game from the forest ; and when that failed, he fed himself on domestic animals, such as he could find on the way. Thus wandering he lived many years, sometimes
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however trading in horses and cattle with the Canadians. Occasionally he would return home, but his stay at home was usually of short duration. At length, on one of his returns, he sold his house and all his lands to one Collins, reserving only a small lot in the orchard next to the street, and near the west end of the barn for his burying- ground.
Several years had elapsed when the old Captain re- turned ; and after being supported a considerable time, at the town's expense, he died, and was buried in the or- chard. A rude stone is left there to mark his resting place.
Subsequent to Drew's decease, as well as before, there were many strange stories afloat in reference to him, but whether true or false will perhaps never be known. There were several circumstances which tended to rouse sus- picion and give currency to the reports then in circula- tion.
Drew's was a tavern house, and a stranger (whom they called a peddler), one evening, had been seen riding that way. The next day, near by, a horse was found feeding by the road side, and there being no owner for him, he was taken to Drew's barn ; and, according to the · laws or fashions of that time, a birch withe was tied about . the neck, and the horse was cried as an astray on all the roads in town, but no owner came for him then or ever afterwards. This matter rested for a time, but soon sus- picions and surmises took wing, until the story of Drew and the Peddler was common to all the neighborhood.
· Some time afterwards a cave was discovered near the same old house, to the east of it, which was covered in, and had been kept most adroitly ; and being found after
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the old man had gone hence, tended to perpetuate those suspicions and surmises as against the good faith of its original proprietor, and paved the way for ghosts and hobgoblins in that neighborhood.
Collins continued to dwell there, but the old barn, as they would have it, was haunted with the midnight ghosts of the departed; the barn floor even appeared to be moved by them; the planks with which it was laid could not be kept down ; at night they would be torn up; Col- lins would nail them down, but they could not be made to stay there; and such was the faith of this man as to the wicked works which had been done in that old barn, and in the unearthly spectres which seemed to follow and in- habit it, he at length became induced to tear it down. This being done he built one on the opposite side of the road ; and by that act, and from that day, for aught we know, the anger of the ghosts became appeased.
This was many years ago; since then we are not aware that any such spectral demonstrations have been witnessed there.
AARON CHESLEY came from Durham in 1771, and bought the land bordering on the Suncook, west of it, and not far from the Parade. This proved to be well- wooded, abounding with heavy timber, and productive ! He soon became a prosperous farmer ; annually he filled his large barn with hay and grain ; his numerous stock of cows, fat oxen, and horses, amply rewarded his industry, his faithfulness and. toil. He raised much fruit, and an- nually made from twenty-five to thirty hogsheads of cider. This being stored in his cellar, would in the course of the year be brought up in mugs, to be consumed as a bev-
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erage by the family, and by workmen employed on the farm.
Mr. Chesley owned a part of the new saw-mill which stood on the south side of the Suncook, opposite the mills. "Uncle Aaron," as he was called, was thick set, head inclining forward, with long white locks; he was quick in movement as well as in wit.
While passing the village doctor's door one day, he was saluted, -
" How are ye, Mr. Chesley ?"
" I am right up and down, like a dog's fore leg."
" Yes," said the doctor, " and you're a right up and down dog all over."
They were always friendly, yet ready for a joke, try- ing to make life cheerful.
Mr. Chesley was a descendant of Philip Chesley who lived in Dover in 1642. Aaron died in 1820 ; his family was large, and his descendants still occupy the old home- stead.
RICHARD SINCLAIR was the son of Maj. Richard Sinclair, of Gilmanton, who was one of the petitioners for the first Town-meeting of that town.
Richard Sinclair of Barnstead, was born in Newing- ton ; his wife was the daughter of Charles Hodgdon, Esquire ; he was the first trader in Barnstead, and did much in raising men for the service of the Revolution. In town affairs he was active, and evinced a taste for in- ternal improvements. His business habits often called him from home; at length he left home, apparently as usual, but never returned, and never afterwards was
12
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traced. His wife was a Puritan, who lived much beloved, and died lamented.
His son, Charles G., was a soldier in the war of 1812, and eventually died of disease caused by a wound re- ceived in that service.
Their descendants do not appear to be numerous in Barnstead, yet one grandson, John G. Sinclair, Esq., is prominently known, at least politically,- is valiant in the democratic faith of his ancestors, and is one of the brave sons of New Hampshire. He has extended favors to us in the publication of these annals.
JOHN TASKER, Esquire. He lived in the East part of Barnstead, on the same premises now occupied by his descendants ; was a smith by trade, and a native of New- ington. He had purchased at auction large tracts of land, prices varying from £10 to £17 by the hundred acres.
This land was sold in the payment of taxes mostly to cancel expenses of the Province Road. Mr. Tasker was a man of considerable wealth and influence ; was a farmer, and occasionally filled the offices of selectman and mod- erator and other places of public trust. He lived to the age of nearly fourscore. His son Joseph inherited the homestead, and lived to a good old age, and died leaving sons and grandsons still to inherit the soil.
MOSES RAND, a native of Newburyport, located him- self in 1772, on the high grounds then uncultivated, but fertile, towards " Beauty Hill." He died in 1825 at an advanced age, leaving a fine farm to his surviving family. He had three sons, Samuel, Wentworth and Jonathan. The two latter were soldiers in the war of 1812. These
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both died in northern New York. Samuel married, and lived and died here, leaving a large family. His son still occupies the homestead. One of the grandsons is a physician in Vermont, and proves to be an honor to the name. A daughter of Moses became the wife of John Shannon, who was a mail carrier, and who brought the first mail into Barnstead. Afterwards the same mail came constantly freighted with that celebrated journal, " The New Hampshire Patriot," which has ever worked wonders in shaping the politics of Barnstead, and of the state. For many years its editor was ISAAC HILL. Moses Rand was a good citizen. Dr. Mark Walker of North Barn- stead is a descendant in the fourth generation, and is a worthy member of his profession.
The Rands are descendants from Francis Rand of Pis- cataqua-1623.
WILLIAM LORD, in 1780, settled on Lord's Hill near the Parade. This settler was noted for his devotional piety ; although the long words which he brought into action at religious gatherings were not very instructive nor entertaining, yet " Uncle Lord," (as they called him,) was always respected. He lived the life of an honest man, and died the death of a Christian, aged 85 years.
LEMUEL HAYES, the son of Paul Hayes of Barrington, was born in 1777. In 1800 he married Abigail Bennett, daughter of John Bennett, Esq., and settled in Barnstead, a farmer. His was a fine location of rolling wood-land in the north-east corner of the town, near the Alton line. This farm proved to be one of the best, and for many years Mr. Hayes cultivated it with success. He lived
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here to see his large family of seven sons and two daughters reared to full age, and trained for the active and useful duties and business of life.
Late years, this farm has been owned by the town, who have made it a residence for the unfortunate poor ; and from year to year, as they become objects of public charity, they are left here, most of them in their last days, to enjoy as well as they may, the sweets of an agreeable, pleasant home.
The sons of Lemuel Hayes, still living, are George W., in Dover, N. H .; Stephen in Worcester, Mass ; Jesse, in Holston; Alvin, in Cambridgeport ; and Joseph R. Hayes, in Lowell, Massachusetts.
Dr. J. R. Hayes settled in that city about 25 years ago - has had a successful business - constantly keep- ing a large store of medicines, and, becoming wealthy and influential, has accomplished much good in his day and generation.
His wife was Miss Leah D. Hayes, daughter of Paul Hayes, Esq., of Alton, N. H.
It was by the friendly aid and encouragement of Dr. Hayes that the editor of this historical work was at first induced to undertake the arduous ,but agreeable task of its revision and publication.
ELIPHALET NUTTER, Esquire, was a son of Major JOHN NUTTER. He lived in the southeast section, was an owner of real estate to a large amount. In 1807 he married Lovey Locke, a daughter of James Locke, a first settler, (she had seen the bears in this then wilderness,) with whom he lived many years, and then dying left several children. He was active in business. He was a justice
E.B. Sutter
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- tried causes as such, was an overseer of the poor, was often a selectman, and moderator in town meeting. In his time he was the principal trial justice at Barnstead, and to him the people applied to obtain a redress of their small grievances which were comprised within his immedi- ate jurisdiction. He built a saw-mill near his house, and furnished much lumber to the inhabitants ;- was pious, social, pleasant, and full of merriment. He died full of years, much lamented, leaving a large family.
His son follows in the foot-steps of his honored father, still occupying the old homestead.
Another son, E. S. Nutter, Esquire, (b. Nov. 26, 1819) was for many years in a successful trade at Barnstead. Was postmaster here under two administrations. In 1855 he removed to Concord, N. H. ; has since been en- gaged in a lucrative business at home and abroad, and of late has retired on the fruitful accumulations of his industry. He is President of one of the New Hampshire Railroads. His wife was Miss Sylvania M. Blanchard of Lowell, Mass.
Their only daughter, Ada R., an accomplished young lady, died at the age of 17, much beloved.
Mr. Nutter is one of the men who have favored a pub- lication of the History of Barnstead.
CHARLES HODGDON, ESQ.
He was the son of Charles Hodgdon, senior, who was an early settler, and a deacon of the church.
Charles, junior, was its representative in the New Hampshire legislature not less than nineteen years. He was an active justice of the peace, was constant at church and liberal to the minister. He reared a large family, and devoted much of the fruits of his industry to their educa-
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tion. He prospered, had faithful servants, built his house large, and his many barns were well filled with hay and stock. His fine horses and carriages were ever ready at his call ; and few were the travellers who passed that way without greeting him.
A clergyman, the Rev. J. G. ADAMS, of Lowell, Mass., who, when young, made a visit to this, his honored uncle, has favored us with the following communication :
A VISIT AT HODGDON'S - FORTY YEARS AGO.
" I have quite a vivid remembrance of my first visit to Barnstead, in my boyhood. I had never before been so far away from my native seaport town (Portsmouth), into the country. And it was the country, really, to me ; and country life did I there realize in all its positiveness and exuberance. My home for the most of the time during my visit was at my uncle's, Charles Hodgdon, Esq. His house was of ample dimensions, and answered the threefold uses of home, law-office, and hotel. Such a kitchen as I was ushered into in the early evening, after a sleighride of long hours from Portsmouth, I had not seen before. That crackling fire in the immense chimney place, where a little less than a foot of long wood was ablaze ; the big table on the opposite side of the room, with its large circular leaf turned back, and its under frame answering for a chair; the sturdy cook, Betsy Meader, with her glowing face, preparing supper before that fiery glare where the oak and maple were consum- ing ; the hearty welcome of cousins and other friends, all new faces to me ; the equally welcome supper of substan- tial ham and sweet brown bread, and what a waggish son
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of the Granite State once called the treat of all other treats - doughnuts and apple sauce; and the cheerful chatting of the family and neighbors and friends, and the singing of some of the olden tunes by the musical men- bers of that household band ; these realities are almost as freshly in mind now as when more than forty years ago they were first and indelibly written into my memory.
My uncle Charles was a man of much mental vigor, although his bodily powers were affected by a palsied trem- ulousness which followed him, through most of his life. He had good business talents, a generous heart and a strong will. He was " justice of the peace and quorum," store-keeper, settler of estates, and adviser in general to all who sought counsel of him. His wife, my father's sister, was one of the worthiest of women, a frugal house- wife, a devoted mother, and a faithful and trusting Christ- ian. The family were all singers, and the children, older and younger, made one of the most musical of choirs. I first heard them sing "Luton " together, around that large fire-place, - Charles, Mary, Elizabeth and Nancy, each taking a part; and they sang it with a will and a richness that I have never yet heard, that is, just as it sounded to me then. " Luton " since has always been a favorite tune with me.
The store of my uncle was a mixed one of dry and " West India goods and groceries." As was usual then in country stores, some of the staple articles in the West In- dia goods line were sugars, molasses, salt fish, and Santa Cruz. New England, or " White Eye," was the democrat- ic, Santa Cruz the aristocratic, beverage ; although in not a few instances they became strangely intermixed. Cider, my uncle used to say, was a " puncher." That
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would be often sought in the house, after the stronger potation had been furnished at the store. It is a matter for congratulation that the Granite State has somewhat more light in reference to these drinking usages now than it had forty years ago; and still there is need of an in- crease of it.
Law cases were attended to at my uncle's, and I remember meeting there often, my uncle's brother, Ben- jamin, of the " Parade," as a writer and reader of depo- sitions. Of plaintiffs, defendants, and witnesses, there comes up before me some rather comical reminiscences, but the groupings are a little too nebulous for me to bring out distinctly with the pen.
I have spoken of my uncle's home as a kind of hotel. That is, he usually kept open house for such travelling people as were on their way to and from the lower towns in the winter season, and who would rather tarry with him than at the tavern houses, some miles below or above him. As his accommodations, house and stable were ample, and his hired and other help an efficient force, always, he was in readiness for such applicants as might occasionally present themselves.
It was during my visit here that I had a most agreea- ble experience in the district school, then taught by Rev. Enos George. The old school-house was well ventilated, with artificial if not artistic openings, and the room, in those cold winter days, was always warmest just before we were in readiness to leave it. But we had good times there. Our " spelling bees " and exercises in grammar were specially enjoyable, and our worthy " village master," the town's minister, although careful in the maintenance of
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his authority, was one of the most considerate of teach- ers. Blessings on his memory !
Such are some of the recollections of my first visit to Barnstead. But what changes have been wrought there in those forty years now gone !
JOHN PITMAN.
He was born in Lee, N. H., May 7, 1732, and in March, 1789, settled in Barnstead, as did also his brother Samuel. His lands were in the east part of Barnstead, where no clearing had been previously made, and no public road had been opened in that neighborhood. He commenced by cultivating one acre at a time.
The bears and wolves troubled his flocks and planta- tions. Many difficulties he had to contend with. Yet by industry and frugality he overcame all obstacles. He was a man of stern integrity ; accordingly he trained his children to be faithful to their calling, honest in their dealings, and charitable to the afflicted.
May 7, 1832, on his hundredth birthday, Mr. Pitman still enjoyed good health. On that day, he sent for his clergyman, Rev. Enos George, who baptized him, and they partook of the Lord's supper together. It seemed to the old man like the beginning of a new life.
About that time he procured a set of teeth, white, strong and fashionable, which was in truth a wonder in the neighborhood, and he began to look young again.
He lived to the age of 101 years, 9 months, and 21 days-died Feb. 28, 1834, and was buried in the field where a plain stone bears record of his name and age.
His wife, Susannah, died March 6, 1835, aged 95 13
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years. His sons, to the fourth generation, still occupy the homestead.
SARAH LEIGHTON, the centre of seven generations, still resides in Barnstead. She has lived to see them all, as follows : Hannah Small, the wife of Edward Small, aged 100 years ; Sarah Small, wife of Samuel Pitman ; Elizabeth Pitman, wife of Benjamin Winkley ; Sarah Winkley, wife of James Leighton; Varnum H. Leigh- ton, the son of James Leighton ; Charles H. Leighton, the son of Varnum H. Leighton, and Frank W. Leighton, aged 6 years, of the 7th generation, son of Charles H. Leighton.
She has had two grandfathers, two uncles, one brother, and twelve cousins, all by the name of Samuel. This lady is now in her seventy-fifth year.
EBENEZER NUTTER was from Newington ; born Dec. 10, 1756. His wife was Temperance Colebath of Ports- mouth. In 1783 they came from Newington on horseback, with a child in their arms, and plodded their way to North Barnstead, guided by spotted trees. Their log-cabin was four miles from their nearest neighbor; but it was a pleasant elevation of land, commanding a pleasant view of the surrounding country.
Mr. Nutter had been a soldier in the Revolution, and was a pensioner.
The first grass seen on his farm was from a turf brought home by Mrs. Nutter from her nearest neighbor.
Mr. Nutter was an honest, upright man, and filled the office of deacon more than fifty years. He had eleven children : seven sons, and four daughters.
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The first death was that of his eldest daughter, aged nineteen. She had anticipated it, and had expressed a desire to be buried beneath her favorite birch tree. The same tree is now standing. It still remains, true to cast its summer shade, and to scatter its autumn leaves upon the ashes of that dear one who had seemed to seek and to implore its genial presence more than sixty years ago.
That tree is now nine feet in circumference, and is the only one of the "old growth " now remaining upon the old homestead.
Deacon Nutter had resided here seventy years ; had lived to see how the generations come and go. At the age of ninety he rested from his labors.
The third and fourth generations still live there.
SOLOMON PENDERGAST, as a deacon, was the successor of Deacon Nutter. He resided at the north part of Barn- stead, and officiated in that office for many years. He delighted in hunting, and was sometimes successful in catching bears. He lived to the age of seventy-five years and bid farewell to earth and all its scenes, seeking a rest in that as yet undiscovered haven best known to that God whom he served. He left a family of sons, upon one of whom the mantle of the holy order still rests.
Deacon John Pendergast, the son, is still a resident here.
WILLIAM KELLEY, all Irish tailor, came here in 1814. On his passage to this country he was wrecked on the shore of the Bay of Fundy, and after being a wanderer for some months in Maine, he found his way to Barn- stead, where, from house to house, he became useful to
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its inhabitants in his vocation as a tailor. He was the only Irishman who had resided there up to that time. He entertained a favorable idea of his own countrymen as tailors, but could not endure the rude fashions of the Yankees, and insisted that in Ireland no Yankee would be permitted even to heat the goose of a tailor. Kelley was a good workman. He died here.
Having given a brief account of the first settlers of Barnstead so far as our tradition traces them, we now return to the circumstances of its being chartered.
The town at that period was laid out six miles squarc. There were no settlements eastward nor towards the great lake. The forest was dense, and it was with con- siderable difficulty that the pioneers, when absent from home, found their way back to their cabins.
Their foot-ways and their bridle-paths in the wilder- ness were indicated by spotted trees ; yet in the dark- ness of night these guide-posts became of little use.
The great lake, Winnipesaugee, was only six miles north, but very little was then known of it. It had been explored only by the land-surveyors, who had represented it as abounding with fish, surrounded with a spacious forest fruitful in game.
The Indians built their camp-fires there, having been driven forth from their more southern hunting-grounds, and about the lakeshore they seemed more secluded and more at peace.
The cariboo, the otter, the beaver and fox, as well as
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the more ferocious bear, had often bit the dust here, smitten by the stealthy arrow of the red man.
Standing upon that beautiful lakeshore, we can but depict those sturdy sons of the forest ; those tall, copper- faced, beardless natives of the new world, erect in man- liness, and dressed in the gaudy plumage of variegated birds, and in the furs of wild beasts, while they breathed the pure air from the gentle ripple that laves the shore, or joined in the giddy dance, or sought the game that gathered there.
This to him was indeed a happy shore ; it had been the home of his fathers. As if bequeathed to his ances- tors by the Great Spirit, it had come down to them and to him, from the beginning of the world, through count- less generations.
This dense, wide spread forest was sacred to him ; no wonder then, that by his own right arm, in many a mur- derous conflict, it was sought to be defended.
STREAMS.
The rivers take their rise from the ponds in the north. There are several of them, rolling their crystal waters over pebbly foundations ; they meander through our six miles square of territory, affording considerable power for saw and grain mills, as well as for manufacturing purposes.
Within these six miles there are no less than eight ponds, all of which afford a good supply of fish, yet the
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finny tribes, as well as the game of the forests, are greatly diminished by the lapse of years and the march of civil- ization.
FISHING AND HUNTING GROUNDS.
The Suncook river, which passes through the town at its centre, is the grand channel which receives and bears away its tributaries, and the bright waters which descend directly from the ponds heretofore named. In this stream, as well as in the ponds, are the pickerel, speckled trout, and perch, which for richness of flavor, nothing of the finny tribe is more excellent.
The early hunters found in the forests here, the black bear in great numbers, the wolf, the deer, the wild cat, the fox, the otter and beaver; these were valuable for their skins, and were taken in large numbers.
The beaver had his house and his dam; his dams were built with so much sagacity and strength, that many of them remain almost entire to this day, and we are told that now and then a solitary beaver is seen wandering near, as if to visit once again his ancient homestead, long lost and now going to decay.
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