USA > New Hampshire > Hillsborough County > Bedford > History of Bedford, New-Hampshire, being statistics, compiled on the occasion of the one hundredth anniversary of the incorporation of the town; May 19th, 1850 > Part 20
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Quorum.
Peace.
Joseph Colley, William P. Riddle, William Riddle, Gardner Nevens, Theodore A. Goffe.
1833.
William Moor, Peter P. Woodbury, Samuel Chandler, James McK. Wilkins, Jonas B. Bowman, Joseph Colley,
Quorum.
Peace.
William P. Riddle, William Riddle, Gardner Nevens, Theodore A. Goffe, Mace Moulton.
1834.
William Moor, John Holbrook, Peter P. Woodbury, Samuel Chandler, James McK. Wilkins, Jonas B. Bowman, Joseph Colley,
Quorum.
Peace.
William P. Riddle, William Riddle, Gardner Nevens, Mace Moulton, Thomas Rundlet, Isaac Riddle.
1835.
William Moor, . John Holbrook, Peter P. Woodbury, Samuel Chandler, James McK. Wilkins, Jonas B. Bowman. Joseph Colley,
29
Quorum.
Peace.
William P. Riddle, William Riddle, Gardner Nevens, Mace Moulton, Thomas Rundlet. Isaac Riddle.
226
MISCELLANEOUS STATISTICS.
1836.
William Moor, John Holbrook, James McK. Wilkins, Peter P. Woodbury, Samuel Chandler, Jonas B. Bowman, Joseph Colley,
Quorum.
Peace.
William P. Riddle, William Riddle, Gardner Nevens, Mace Moulton, Thomas Rundlet, Isaac Riddle.
1837.
Quorum.
Peace.
William P. Riddle, William Riddle, Gardner Nevens, Mace Moulton, Thomas Rundlet, Isaac Riddle.
1838.
Quorum.
Peace.
William P. Riddle, Gardner Nevens, Mace Moulton, Thomas Rundlet, Isaac Riddle, John Parker, John Barr.
1839.
Frederick G. Stark, Throughout the State. Quorum.
William Moor,
James McK. Wilkins.
Thomas Rundlet,
Peter P. Woodbury, Theodore A. Goffe, Samuel Chandler, Jonas B. Bowman,
Peace.
Joseph Colley, William P. Riddle, William Riddle, Gardner Nevens, Mace Moulton,
Isaac Riddle, John Parker, John Barr.
1840.
Frederick G. Stark, Throughout
the State. Quorum.
William Moor, James McK. Wilkins, Thomas Rundlet, Peter P. Woodbury, Theodore A. Goffe, Samuel Chandler, Jonas B. Bowman, Joseph Colley,
Peare
William P. Riddle, William Riddle, Gardner Nevens, Mace Moulton, Isaac Riddle, John Parker, John Barr, John Porter, Silas Walker.
1841.
Frederick G. Stark, Throughout the State. Quorum.
William Moor, Thomas Rundlet, Peter P. Woodbury, Theodore A. Goffe,
Peace.
William P. Riddle, Gardner Nevens, Isaac Riddle, John Parker, John Barr, Silas Walker,
William Moor, James McK. Wilkins, Peter P. Woodbury, Samuel Chandler, Jonas B. Bowman, Joseph Colley,
William Moor, James McK. Wilkins, Peter P. Woodbury, Theodore A. Goffe, Samuel Chandler, Jonas B. Bowman, Joseph Colley, William Riddle,
227
JUSTICES.
1841, (continued.)
Samuel Chandler, Jonas B. Bowman, Joseph Colley,
1842.
Frederick G. Stark, Throughout the State. Quorum.
William Moor,
Thomas Rundlet,
Peter P. Woodbury,
Peace.
Silas Walker, Adam Chandler,
David Hamblet,
Moses Gage.
1843.
Frederick G. Stark, Throughout
the State. Quorum.
William Moor,
Thomas Rundlet,
Peter P. Woodbury,
Theodore A. Goffe,
Peace.
Adam Chandler,
Samuel Chandler,
Jonas B. Bowman,
Daniel Gordon.
1844.
Frederick G. Stark, Throughout
the State.
Thomas Rundlet,
Quorum.
Peter P. Woodbury,
Mace Moulton,
Theodore A. Goffe, Peace.
Samuel Chandler,
Moses Gage,
Jonas B. Bowman,
Daniel Gordon,
Leonard C. French, 2d.
1845.
Frederick G. Stark, Throughout the State.
Peter P. Woodbury,
Quorum.
Thomas Rundlet.
Theodore A. Goffe, Samuel Chandler,
Peace.
Jonas B. Bowman,
William P. Riddle, Gardner Nevens,
1846.
Frederick G. Stark, Throughout the State. Quorum.
Peter P. Woodbury, Thomas Rundlet,
Theodore A. Goffe, Samuel Chandler, Jonas B. Bowman, William P. Riddle,
Peace.
Adam Chandler, David Hamblet.
Gardner Nevens, Isaac Riddle,
John Parker, John Barr,
Theodore A. Goffe,
Samuel Chandler,
Jonas B. Bowman,
William P Riddle.
William P. Riddle,
Gardner Nevens, Isaac Riddle, John Parker, John Barr, Silas Walker,
David Hamblet,
Moses Gage,
Isaac Riddle,
John Parker,
John Barr, Silas Walker,
Adam Chandler,
David Hamblet,
William P. Riddle, Gardner Nevens,
Isaac Riddle, John Parker, Silas Walker, Adam Chandler,
Moses Gage, Daniel Gordon,
Leonard C. French, 2d.
Robert Dunlap, John D. Walker.
Gardner Nevens, John Parker, Adam Chandler, Moses Gage, Daniel Gordon,
Leonard C. French, 2d. Robert Dunlap, John D. Walker.
228
MISCELLANEOUS STATISTICS.
1847.
Frederick G. Stark, Throughout
the State.
Peter P. Woodbury,
Quorum.
Thomas Rundlet,
Theodore A. Goffe, Samuel Chandler,
Jonas B. Bowman, William P. Riddle, Gardner Nevens,
Peace.
John Parker, Adam Chandler, Moses Gage,
Leonard C. French, 2d,
Robert Dunlap, John D. Walker, John D. Riddle,
Chandler Spofford.
1848.
Frederick G. Stark, Throughout the State.
Peter P. Woodbury,
Quorum.
Thomas Rundlet,
Peace.
Theodore A. Goffe, Samuel Chandler, Jonas B. Bowman, William P. Riddle, Gardner Nevens, John Parker, Adam Chandler,
John D. Riddle, Chandler Spofford, Leonard French, Daniel Gordon, John Barr, Reuben V. Greely, Henry Hale.
1849.
Frederick G. Stark, Throughout the State. Quorum.
Peter P. Woodbury,
Thomas Rundlet,
Adam Chandler,
Theodore A. Goffe,
Peace.
Samuel Chandler, Jonas B. Bowman, William P. Riddle,
Gardner Nevens, John Parker, Moses Gage,
Leonard C. French, 2d,
1850.
Frederick G. Stark, Throughout
the State.
Quorum.
Peter P. Woodbury, Thomas Rundlet, Adam Chandler, Israel Fuller, Theodore A. Goffe, Jonas B. Bowman, William P. Riddle, Gardner Nevens, John Parker,
Peace.
Moses Gage, Leonard C. French, 2d. Robert Dunlap, John D. Walker, John D. Riddle, Chandler Spofford, John Barr, Reuben V. Greely, Henry Hale, Andrew J. Dow, James Walker.
CORONERS.
1805.
1817. 1823.
Roger Vose, Dec. 21. Jonathan Palmer, June 19. Daniel Mack, June 21.
Moses Gage, Leonard C. French, 2d.
Robert Dunlap, John D. Walker,
Robert Dunlap, John D. Walker, John D. Riddle,
Chandler Spofford, Leonard French, Daniel Gordon, John Barr, Reuben V. Greely, Henry Hale, Isaac Riddle, Andrew J. Dow,
James Walker.
229
MILITARY STATISTICS.
MILITARY STATISTICS.
Persons who have held commissions in the Militia in the Town of Bedford. From Roster in the Adjutant General's Office, Concord.
Stephen Dole, Colonel. James Aiken, Captain. Phineas Aikin, Lieutenant. James Gilmore, Ensign. William Dole, Capt. Nathan Barnes, Capt. Andrew Aiken, Capt. of Cavalry. James Moor, Lieut. - Dunlap, Major. Bois, Capt. William Moor, Capt. James McLaugh- lin, Ens. John McAllister, Capt. Thomas Chandler, Capt. Joseph Colley, Capt. Thomas Barr, Capt. of Artillery, · 1815 to 1817.
William Moore, appointed Captain, August 8, 1812; pro- moted Adjutant, July 4, 1816 ; promoted Colonel, June 20, 1818; resigned, March 9, 1820.
Moody M. Stevens, ap. Lieut. June 20, 1814; res. July 26, 1816.
Leonard C. French, ap. Ens. June 20, 1814; pro. Capt. July 26, 1816 ; res. June 23, 1818.
Enoch Dole, ap. Lieut. July 26, 1816; pro. Capt. June 23, 1818; res. Feb. 10. 1819.
Jesse Parker, ap. Ens. July 26, 1816 ; pro. Lieut. June 23, 1818 ; pro. Capt. Feb. 10, 1819; res. April 9, 1821.
William Chandler, ap. Ensign, June 23, 1818; pro. Lieut. Feb. 10, 1819; pro. Capt. April 9, 1821 ; res. April 9, 1824.
Robert Moor, ap. Ens. Feb. 10, 1819; pro. Lieut. April 9, 1821; pro. Capt. April 9, 1824; res. Jan. 31, 1825.
David Stevens, ap. Ens. Aug. 27, 1821; pro. Lieut. April 9, 1824; res. Jan. 31, 1825.
Samuel Campbell, ap. Ens. April 9, 1824 ; pro. Capt. Feb. 2, 1825; res. March 24, 1828.
Benjamin Nichols, ap. Lieut. Feb. 2, 1825; pro. Capt. March 1, 1828 ; discharged, April 17, 1830.
Joseph C. Moor, ap. Ens. Feb. 2, 1825 ; pro. Lieut. March 1, 1828; pro. Capt. April 17, 1830 ; res. Feb. 8, 1832.
Samuel G. Colley, ap. Ens. Sept. 5, 1829 ; pro. Lieut. April 17, 1830; pro. Capt. Feb. 20, 1832; res. April 8, 1834.
David Sprague, ap. Ens. April 17, 1830; pro. Lieut. Feb. 20, 1832 ; res. April 8, 1834.
William Goff, ap. Capt. April 9, 1834 ; res. Aug. 28, 1834.
230
MISCELLANEOUS STATISTICS.
Rufus Merrill, ap. Capt. Aug. 28, 1834 ; res. Feb. 5, 1838. Nathaniel Moore, ap. Lieut. Aug. 28, 1834 ; pro. Capt. Feb. 6, 1838 ; res. June 5, 1839.
William A. Rundlett, ap. Ens. Aug. 28, 1834; pro. Lieut. May 22, 1838; res. March 14, 1839.
William R. French, ap. Ens. May 23, 1838 ; pro. Capt. June 11, 1839 ; res. March 11, 1842.
Frederick Hodgman, ap. Lieut. June 11, 1839 ; pro. Capt. March 11, 1842; res. July 7, 1843.
William McAllister, ap. Ens. June 11, 1839; pro. Lieut. March 11, 1842 ; July 7, 1843.
Benjamin Hall, ap. Ensign March 11, 1842; pro. Capt. July 7, 1843 ; res. March 20, 1844.
Charles A. Moore, ap. Ens. July 7, 1843 ; res. May 27, 1844.
Philip C. Flanders, ap. Capt. Oct. 13, 1845; removed by address, June Session, 1846.
F. F. French, ap. Ens. Oct. 13, 1845; res. April 20, 1847.
Thomas G. Worthley, ap. Lieut. Oct. 13, 1845; pro. Capt. April 20, 1847 ; res. April 6, 1848.
Joseph H. Flint, ap. Ensign, April 20, 1847 ; pro. Lieut Aug. 24, 1847 ; pro. Capt. Sept. 4, 1848 ; res. May 1, 1849. James H. Moore, ap. Ens. Aug. 24, 1847 ; resigned Aug. 7,1848.
Robert C. Moore, ap. Ens. Sept. 4, 1848; res. May 22, 1849.
William Moore, 2d, ap: Lieut. Sept. 4, 1848, pro. Capt. May 1, 1849 ; now in commission.
William P. Gage, ap. Lieut. May 22, 1849 ; now in com- mission.
Rufus K. Darrah, ap. Ens. May 22, 1849; now in com- mission.
George W. Goffe, ap. Ens. Aug. 24, 1849; now in com- mission.
In the year 1814, a company of exempts was formed in Bedford, numbering about 60 men, which was composed of men forty years of age, and upwards, who were not liable to do military duty according to law, but armed and equipped themselves at their own expense, for the protection of their country, which was then engaged in hostilities with England, and held themselves ready to march at a moment's warning. Their first officers were the following.
Isaac Riddle, Capt. John Holbrook, Lieut. Samuel Chandler, 2d Lieut. William Riddle, Ensign.
231
MILITARY STATISTICS.
It will be perceived, that during the war of 1812, there were more than 200 men armed and equipped in the town of Bedford, who held themselves in readiness to march in defence of their country. At the time the British invaded Portsmouth, the company of exempts under Capt. Isaac Riddle, the Infantry under Capt. William Moore, and the Grenadiers, under Capt. William P. Riddle, met at the centre of the town, and drilled every day for two weeks, expecting hourly to have orders to march to meet the enemy at Portsmouth.
In the year 1815, the Infantry Company, embodying in its limits all of the town of Bedford, was composed of about 150 men. The field officers of the 9th Regiment, deeming it too large for the purpose for which it was intended, created a volunteer company by the name of the Bedford Grenadiers, numbering 48, rank and file. For military tactics, and strict discipline, it stood the highest in the 9th Regiment, and was considered one of the first companies in the State. It was organized before the close of the war of 1812. The uni- forms were of American manufacture. Coats were made of home-spun cloth, colored blue, trimmed with yellow silk braid and bright buttons. Pants were made of white cotton Jean or drilling, manufactured from No. 16 cotton yarn, and wove by the Misses Pattens, of this town. Vests of the same. Gaiters made from black velvet. Black wool hats, furnished with a brass front-piece, impressed with the American Eagle. The plumes were of white, with a red top made from geese feathers, by Mrs. Theodore Goffe of this town.
In the year 1821, the company procured a new uniform, similar in style to the first one, but of a richer material, sub- stituting English manufacture for American.
The company continued to hold its rank as one of the best companies of the State, until it was disbanded, in the year 1834.
Its officers were the following.
William P. Riddle, ap. 1st Capt. Dec. 20, 1815; pro. Maj. May 19, 1820; pro. Lieut. Col. June 23, 1821; pro. Col. June 15, 1824; pro. Brig. Gen. June 24, 1831; pro. Maj. Gen. June 25, 1833; res. June 8, 1835.
Isaac McGaw, ap. Lieut. Dec. 20, 1815 ; res. Feb. 10, 1818.
Wm. Patten, ap. Ens. Dec. 20, 1815 ; pro Lieut. Feb. 10, 1818; pro. Capt. Aug. 28, 1820; res. April 9, 1821.
232
MISCELLANEOUS STATISTICS.
Alfred Foster, ap. Ens. Feb. 10, 1819; pro. Lieut. Aug. 28, 1820 ; pro. Capt. April 9, 1821; pro. Maj. June 18, 1825. Died in office.
John Patten, ap. Ens. Aug. 28, 1820 ; pro. Lieut. April 9, 1821; pro. Capt. Aug. 12, 1825; res. Dec. 19, 1827.
Daniel Gordon, ap. Ens. April 9, 1821; pro. Lieut. Aug. 12, 1825; pro. Capt. Dec. 22, 1827 ; res. Nov. 22, 1829.
Rufus Merrill, ap. Ens. Aug. 12, 1825; pro. Lieut. Dec. 22, 1827 ; pro. Capt. Dec. 2, 1829 ; res. April 16, 1832.
John P. Houston, ap. Ens. Dec. 22, 1827; pro. Lieut. Dec. 2, 1829 ; pro. Capt. April 18, 1832 ; res. April 16, 1833.
James French, ap. Ens. Dec. 22, 1829; res. April 16, 1832.
Samuel Patten, ap. Lieut. April 18, 1832; pro. Capt. April 17, 1833 ; res. April 26, 1834.
Samuel Morrison, ap. Ens. April 18, 1832; pro. Lieut. April 17, 1833 ; res. April 26, 1834.
R. Mclaughlin, ap. Ens. April 17, 1833 ;- res. July 22, 1834.
In the year 1842, a volunteer company was formed, under the style of the Bedford Highlanders. Their uniforms con- sisted of coats made from green and Highland plaid, with a plaid scarf ; pants of white, trimmed with black velvet ; hats of black velvet, with black plumes.
Its first officers were the following :
Charles F. Shepard, ap. Capt. April 11, 1842; res. Oct. 13, 1845.
Joshua Vose, Jr., ap. Lieut. April 11, 1842 ; ap. Capt. Oct. 13, 1845 ; res. April 20, 1847.
Timothy F. Moore, ap. Ens. May 24, 1844; pro. Lieut. Oct. 13, 1845 ; pro. Capt. April 20, 1847 ; res. Dec. 9, 1847.
Alfred McAffee, ap. Ens. Oct. 13, 1845; pro. Lieut. April 20, 1847 ; pro. Capt. Dec. 9, 1847. (Disbanded.)
William Moore, 2d, ap. Ens. April 20, 1847; pro. Lieut. Dec. 9, 1847. (Disbanded. )
Wm. McDole Ferson, ap. Ens. Dec. 9, 1847. (Disbanded. )
Field and Staff Officers.
Silas Walker, ap. Surgeon, Sept. 17, 1824 ; res. Sept. 2, 1826. Robert Riddle, ap. Surgeon's Mate, Sept. 2, 1826. Died in office.
233
MILITARY STATISTICS.
H. C. Parker, ap. Paymaster, Aug. 25, 1831 ; res. Sept. 6, 1831; ap. Surgeon, Dec. 11, 1838 ; res. March 4, 1831.
Isaac Riddle, ap. Adjutant, July 23, 1824; pro. Maj. June 24, 1831; res. June 12, 1833.
Lewis F. Harris, ap. Quartermaster, July 23, 1824; res. Oct. 22, 1828.
A. J. Dow, ap. Adjutant, July 20, 1837 ; res. Aug. 14, 1840.
Leonard Rundlett, ap. Quartermaster, July 20, 1837 ; pro. Brigade Inspector, Sept. 9, 1839; res. 1840.
L. B. Bowman, ap. Paymaster, Aug. 16, 1838; pro. Adju- tant, Aug. 14, 1840; res. 1841.
Geo. W. Riddle, ap. Quartermaster, Aug. 21, 1848; now in commission.
30
234
PISCATAQUOG VILLAGE.
SKETCH OF PISCATAQUOG VILLAGE.
.
- "The Saugus Sachem had come to woo The Bashaba's daughter Weetamo. * * *
* * * * * From the Crystal Hills to the far south-east, The River Sagamores come to the feast. * * * * * *
. Bird of the air, and beast of the field, All which the woods and waters yield, On dishes of birch and hemlock piled, Garnished and graced that banquet wild. * *
* *
* **
1
* Pike and perch from the Suncook taken, Nuts from the trees of the Black Hills shaken, Cranberries picked in the Squamscot bog, And grapes from the vines of Piscataquog." [BRIDAL OF PENNACOOK, Whittier.
PISCATAQUOG VILLAGE lies in the north-east part of the town' of Bedford, and now comprises two school districts, Nos. 5 and 14, and about 100 dwelling houses and 700 inhabitants. It was so called from the river of that name, which here empties into the Merrimac. The Piscataquog river rises in Francestown, near the Crotched Mountains, and after a meandering course in a south-east direction, having received the waters of Pleasant and Scoby's ponds in Francestown," and, passing through a corner of Lyndeborough and thence north-east, through New Boston, it unites with its main branch, coming from Weare and Deering in Goffstown; and thence, by a south-easterly course through Goffstown and a corner of Bedford, it flows into the Merrimac. It is quite a rapid river, and affords many valuable water privileges, some of which have been improved for saw and grist-mills, and other machinery. In the town of New Boston, on this stream and its branches, in 1820, there were more saw-mills than in any other town in the state. It was noted, in the primitive state of its forests, for its beautiful pine timber and excellent masts, hence the origin of the Mast-road and the Mast-landing, or rolling place, near the mouth of this river.
I Col. Chase
EF. Manning
T.G. Wymon
.
R. Fellows
C.Wymon
Hastings
PA.W. Dicker
B. Mitchell"
GRANITE
BRIDGE
.
Weston's
Manchest. M. Co.
J. Sowver
W. Whittle
1.Fuller
A. W. Dickey
/ B. Bakers IT'arker 'n. H.Tufte
. B. Quimby
.
· I.L. Spalding
AL. B. Vincent
D.J.Walkers
Lane to the Old Ferry
D). Leuch
.T.B. Leavitt
Mr.s. Humblet
.
Di Quimby
D. Merril
Perry
I. Fuller
W. F. Ridalle
Mrs. Humided
Sure
L. F.Harrisa
Lavern
Pudiles
Dock
1
.9.6. Bowman
F.G. Stark
1. Trull
W. French
DA: G. Stark
S. Brown
M.SFrench
· Office
Academy
M. Quimby
Mrs.Parker
4.G.St.l.
W. P. Riddle
R.Young
W. Young
F.S.Worthen
B. F. Wallace
N.Poor .
Thier , Road
No. 5
VILLAGE OF PISCATAQUOC
J. P. Cov .it
9
MERRIMAC RIVER
Dri H.C.Parker
PH. Mace
Eastman
Depot Store
F. G. Stark
CATAQUOG
Mrs.Lund
J. Parker
Glorker's
· D. Much
HanlesMills
.T.B. Leavitt
Mast Road
Mrs Hardy
J. B. Bowman ·
. A.J. Don-
BASS
.
Office
J. B.Bowman
Cross Road
Road to Bedford Sp
DRAWN BY Ś WALLACE, 1850
North S't.
R. A. Martins
Hardy
. H. Stearns .
C.Gage
P. Stark.
D.Leach
W. French
N. Bannisters
inte
F .. Barr
D. Bichy.
C.C.F
W. H. Hubbard
D.G.Lull
AW.Dichey
Manchester Mills
to Gofs town
W. H.C. RAILROAD
Bryant
W.Vincent
RIVER
/ C. Baker
. F.G. Stark
Wheeler & MMitchell
W. Vincent
F.G Mark
R.V.Groelev
O. K.Boutelle
J. Dow
Computery
D.Parkers .
235
PISCATAQUOG VILLAGE.
These masts, it will be remembered, were mostly reserved, especially the best, for the king's special use in the royal navy; hence, the town officer found in our old records, under the King, " Deer-Keeper," whose duty was to prevent the unnecessary slaughter of deer, and preserve the King's timber from common use.
The name of the Piscataquog is of Indian origin, and is said to signify, the place of many deer. When the town was first laid out and allotted to the proprietors, Lot No. 1 on Piscata -. quog, containing 25 acres, now occupied by James Walker, was drawn to Gov. Belcher. No. 2, now belonging to the Amoskeag Land and Water Power Company, was drawn to James Davenport. Between these two lots and the range line at the head of the home lots extending west from nearly where the road now is, west and south of Piscataquog river, including the mill privilege and the most thickly settled part of the village, was Lot No. 123 of the third division, con- taining probably a hundred acres or more. The records do not state to whom it was drawn. Next, south of that, extending from the range line to the river, was lot No. 73, drawn to "Maddam Livingston." Home-Lot No. 1, on the Merrimac river, south of the last named, was drawn to Jacob Griggs; No. 2, to John Plympton; No. 3, to Habijah Savadge, Esq .; No. 4, to Thomas Simpkins; No. 5, to Samuel Hollis; No. 6, to James Yeats ; No. 7, to Israel Hubbard; which will probably be the extent of the village, south. The island in the mouth of Piscataquog was drawn in the third division to Samuel Bass, as a meadow-lot, and hence probably called Bass Island. At a meeting of the proprietors of the township, in January, 1839, they voted to raise £20 for "rectifying the way from Souhegan river to Piscataquog river," and Robert Walker was appointed a committee to see the money expended. It seems the way was not "rectified," for in January, 1740, they voted to " chuse" a committee to mark out the highway between Souhegan and Piscataquog. At a meeting in June of the same year, they voted to raise as much more, (viz.,) 3s. 4d., making altogether 6s. Sd. on each right in town for that end, and that Mr. Robert Walker do said work, and those who are delinquents to be proceeded against according to law. It is probable that this road was marked out and prepared for a cart-road, as far as Piscataquog river, at this time. The manner of crossing rivers, at this time, was by fording them,
236
PISCATAQUOG VILLAGE.
which was undoubtedly the case here, for in 1757 we find Thomas Hall petitioning for a road across Piscataquog. The town however, when the petition was laid before them, refused to lay out the road, and he (the said Hall) sued the town at the next quarter sessions, and obtained judgment against them for costs and damage, a part of which they voted to pay, and a part they voted not to pay ; but a settle- ment was obtained at last. The result seemed to be that they immediately set about building a bridge, which was accomplished in the years 1759 and 1760. This was the first bridge built across the Piscataquog at this place, and probably the first on this river.
In 1756, the road generally designated as the mast-road, was known by that name. How long before it had received that appellation, no records appear; but in 1756, a road was laid out from the mast-road, " beginning at the westerly end of the river range of home lots, (probably very near where the road by the Academy building crosses the range line above the McCoy house, so called, ) and runs on the said lots till it comes where the line of said lots turns down the hill to the north- west of Lieut. Moor's house, (supposed to be a little north of James Harvell's house ) and thence on the top of the hill to the west of the swamp, around the same, along between Robert Gilmore's house and barn, to the north-west corner of No. 7 home-lot on the river, from thence south on the heads or westerly ends of the river home-lots to the north-west corner of Samuel Patten's river home-lot, or No. 20, joining on said lot : said road to be four rods wide."
In 1768, we find the following transcript of a road or highway laid out by Moses Barron and James Vose on the 16th day of April. "Beginning at the line of Bedford and Goffstown where the mast-road that was last improved crosses said line, thence, as said mast-road was formerly improved to the hill next to the mast-rolling place on Piscat- aquog river, thence on the north side of a swampy place in said mast-road to the said rolling-place, thence down on the south side of said Piscataquog river to the mouth of said river, where it empties into the river "Merrymac ; " thence down said Merrymac about twenty-five rods, or so far as to take in the head of the eddy in the river next to the mouth of said Piscataquog : the whole way of said road to be four rods wide from the top of the upper bank. And also another piece of a highway, beginning at the highway at the west-
237
PISCATAQUOG VILLAGE.
erly end of the first range of house-lots, and at the north end of the road already laid out on the said end of said lots, from thence starting up the ridge until it comes to the old mast- road above laid out."
In 1770, it became necessary to rebuild the bridge over Piscataquog river ; accordingly, in January of that year, it was voted to raise thirty pounds lawful money for that purpose, and that Major John Goffe be the man to build the bridge. The first mill, it appears, was built by Mr. David- son, which was swept away, and in 1775 rebuilt by John Little.
In 1779, it seems that Samuel Moor owned the mills on the Piscataquog where the mills now stand. How long before this they were built, is uncertain, and also by whom. At the same time, the ferry across the Merrimac, just above the rail-road bridge, was called Merril's Ferry, as appears by the following record of laying out a road.
"June 21st, 1779. The town voted to lay out a road from John McKenney's, by Thomas Boies', James Stile's, &c., to Moor's Mill and Merril's Ferry."
In 1781, the Piscataquog bridge became dangerous or unsafe for travel, and Major John Goffe, Samuel Vose, and James Wallace, were appointed a committee to examine and make what repairs were necessary, which they did, and the bridge was not again rebuilt until 1785, when the building of it was struck off at vendue, on the 24th of January, to Samuel Goffe. It appears that the bridge was required to be built anew about every ten or twelve years. It was last rebuilt in 1843.
At this time, there were but three houses within the limits of the present village of Piscataquog, and one mill ; and here the historian may well pause and look around to find the elements of its subsequent prosperity as a business and com- mercial place. A vast amount of white and hard pine, and white oak suitable for ship-building, the facilities of rafting at the mouth of the river, and the increasing population in the surrounding country, crowned with the recent return of peace, permanently secured by the independence of our country, were the elements of its prosperity - but inactive and valueless, until acted on by a motive power.
About this time, viz., in 1785, William Parker, in the language of his biographer, moved from Litchfield into Bed-
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ford, and built a small house near where the school-house in District No. 5. now stands, and worked at shoe-making. [See Biography.] To his energy, enterprise, and persever- ance, we are indebted for the foundation of this flourishing village ; yet, as we shall hereafter see, others, emulous to equal him in prosperity, as they were perhaps equal in enterprise, took up, in his declining years, and carried out the great plan of prosperity which he had begun.
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