USA > New Hampshire > Hillsborough County > Amherst > History of the town of Amherst, Hillsborough County, New Hampshire (first known as Narraganset township number three, and subsequently as Souhegan West) > Part 14
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A basket picnic at Babboosuek pond, under the aus- pices of the Souhegan Grange, was attended by a large company of farmers residing in Amherst and Milford. The grove presented a very lively and pleasing aspect with its happy groups of well-dressed families. These festivities, so in harmony with the habits of an agri-
174
HISTORY OF AMHERST.
[Chap.
cultural population, were followed by more formal public services in the town-hall, in the evening, which were con- ducted wholly by citizens of the town. Before the hour of meeting the hall was filled with an enthusiastic company of ladies and gentlemen and a generous representation of boys and girls. The assembly was called to order by A. A. Rotch, who had previously been requested to preside.
Prayer was offered by Rev. J. G. Davis, pastor of the Congregational church, when the exercises were opened by the president of the evening, in a comprehensive but concise survey of the great changes in the history of the nation, indicating the nature and course of the country's progress during the century. The address was well conceived, and prepared the way for the reading of the Declaration of Independence, by Mr. Arthur Fletcher, and the pleasing variety of songs, recitations, dialogues, patriotic and hu- morous, which occupied the following hour. The stage at the end of the hall was profusely and tastefully decorated with flags, flowers, and suitable emblems. The states of the Union were personified by ladies dressed in white, with sashes of red and blue, an attractive and graceful array of youth and beauty.
At the call of the president, Levi J. Secomb, Esq., spoke briefly of his interest in the celebration, and alluded with much feeling to the yet nameless and almost unknown grave of John Purple, a Hessian soldier, who deserted from the British army and enlisted in the service of the colonies. He died in Amherst some years after the close of the Revolution. Mr. Secomb expressed a strong desire that a stone might be erected by our citizens to commem- orate the resting place of this good soldier. The next speaker, Dea. B. B. David, spoke of our indebtedness to the men and women of the Revolutionary period for what they endured in the cause of civil liberty, illustrating his position by quotations from the price current which Mrs. John Adams sent to her husband in Europe, stating the enor-
175
AMHERST MUSICAL ASSOCIATION.
IX.]
mous prices paid for food and clothing of the commonest grades in Boston. Dr. B. H. Bartlett moved that some record be made of these proceedings, of which he was an active projector. The motion, which was cordially see- onded by several voices, was unanimously adopted. The Rev. J. G. Davis spoke at some length of the reasons for the important part taken by the citizens of Amherst in the conflict with Great Britain. No town in the State has a more noble record, as it furnished more troops in pro- portion to its population than any other. The descendants of such men should not allow the memory of their fathers to pass into forgetfulness. They set their country above all personal interests and ambitions, and if we emulate their patriotism and other virtues, the next Centennial will wit- ness yet greater achievements, and a more elevated and genuine prosperity than we enjoy.
The addresses were enlivened by spirited and patriotic songs given at intervals by Mrs. Hattie Walker, Mrs. Susic Eaton, and Miss Abby Bosworth.
The assembly adjourned at an early hour, after uniting in singing " My Country, 't is of Thee," with fine effcet.
In October of this year the seleetmen received the follow- ing communication from members of the " Amherst Musi- cal Association" :
To the Selectmen of Amherst :
We, the undersigned, members of the " Amherst Musical Associa- tion." and owners, collectively, of our piano-forte, being desirous that the same be placed where it may be a public benefit, and in a measure thus compensate those who aided the association in its purchase, do hereby give and present to the town of Amherst the said piano-forte, upon condition that said town of Amherst shall keep it in its town- hall, or where it shall be accessible for public gatherings there, and that it shall never be sold or disposed of by said town, or removed therefrom, and that the town shall keep it in order and be entitled to all rentals from its use. We also request that a copy of this paper be placed upon the record books of the town, that no misunderstanding may ever arise.
176
HISTORY OF AMHERST. [Chap.
Francis R. Boutell,
Emma L. Clark,
M. B. Peabody,
Geo. W. Bosworth,
Mrs. L. A. Eaton,
Susie A. Eaton,
Helen B. Rotch,
Edward D. Boylston,
Laura A. Riddell,
A. A. Rotch,
S. M. Stewart,
Fannie A. Boylston,
IIenry M. Parker,
Albert F. Boutelle,
Lizzie G. Lawrence,
Laura S. Osgood,
W. D. Forsaith,
L. B. Myrick,
Geo. W. Osgood,
Anna Kent,
H. E. Woodbury,
Rebecca 1. Davis,
D. D. McKean,
J. G. Davis,
HI. C. Dodge,
M. W. Richardson.
C. M. L. Bartlett, by L. G. L.,
October 7, 1876.
To the Amherst Musical Association :
The town of Amherst accepts your generous offer of a piano on the conditions above specified.
By THOMAS JONES, AARON S. WILKINS, Selectmen of Amherst.
ISAAC B. DODGE,
13 March, 1877, the town voted to repeal the vote passed 12 March, 1872, exempting property invested in manufac- turing establishments from taxation in certain cases, but provided that this action should not affect any manu- facturers who had already availed themselves of the privi- leges granted by that vote.
12 March, 1878, the selectmen were authorized to borrow a sum of money not exceeding $2,800 to settle the liabilities of the town in the " Fairfield Case."
11 March, 1879. The town voted to accept the library owned by the Amherst Library Association, and establish and maintain the same, by suitable appropriations, as a public library for the use of the citizens of Amherst, agreeably to the provisions of Chapter 46 of the General Statutes of New Hampshire. The sum of $75 was voted for the library, and the selectmen and superintending school committee were
177
CURRENT EVENTS.
IX.]
instructed to make all necessary rules for its use and main- tenance.
At the annual meeting 9 March, 1880, $100 was appro- priated for the payment of the librarian and for additions to the library ; and the last year's board of selectmen and and superintending school committee were appointed a committee to nominate and report to the meeting a board of trustees for said library, two of whom should serve one year ; two, two years ; and two, three years.
In accordance with the report of this committee, Josiah G. Davis and Mrs. P. W. Dodge were elected trustees to serve one year ; J. Edward Upton and Mrs. Samuel D. Herrick, to serve two years; and James F. Weston and Lucretia B. Myrick, to serve three years.
The sum of $50 was voted toward defraying the expenses of Decoration day.
A motion made that the present school district system be abolished in this town was rejected-yeas, 79; nays, 94.
Voted, with but one dissenting voice, that the sum of $500 be raised and appropriated to aid in the publication of a history of the town of Amherst, now in the course of preparation by Daniel F. Secomb, Esq., of Concord, to be paid when the work is completed.
The selectmen were authorized to purchase a road build- ing machine if they deemed it expedient so to do.
Francis W. Holbrook, Thomas M. Harvell, and Joel H. Fisher, were appointed a committee to investigate the management of the town farm and suggest any changes in the same that may seem to them to be desirable and report to the town at some future time.
Voted not to allow school district No. 2 to be annexed to Milford, and voted $70 from the treasury to assist in the maintenance of its schools.
Albert A. Rotch, John H. Coggin, and Charles A. Rid- dle, were appointed by the selectmen a committee to draw 12
178
HISTORY OF AMHERST.
[Chap.
the appropriation for Decoration day and expend the same as their judgment might dictate.
2 November, 1880. On the bill providing for " minority representation," there were in favor, 8 ; opposed, 63.
A report was submitted at this meeting by the commit- tee appointed to investigate matters at the town farm, which was accepted and the committee discharged.
March, 1881. The town appropriated $100 for the pay- ment of the librarian and the purchase of books for the town library.
$50 was voted Post Charles H. Phelps, G. A. R., to be used on Decoration day.
A remarkable dark day, similar to the one noticed in May, 1780, occurred 6 September, 1881. A peculiar yel- lowish color of the sky was noticed early in the morning, which increased in intensity to such a degree that at noon it was necessary to use artificial lights in houses and shops. The darkness began to abate at about five o'clock P. M. The vapor or smoke at times was so intense as to wholly obscure the sun. At intervals it was visible and appeared of a deep red color. Lamps and fires when lighted shone with a perfectly white light, and the green foliage of the trees and grass was intensified in color, and presented a singular appearance.
The receipts of the town treasury for the year ending 1 March, 1882, including a balance of $1,026 on hand, amounted to $15,526.65, of which $1,851.31 was received from the savings bank tax, $303.85 from the railroad tax, $131.15 from the literary fund, and $70 from the income of the Lawrence fund for common schools. The taxes assessed amounted to $8,573.
Expenditures for the same time amounted to $13,986.49, of which was paid for the support of schools, $2,727.97 ; roads and bridges, $1,397.54; State tax, $1,844; county tax, $1,406.73. The town debt, over and above available assets, was reported to be $562.19.
179
CHECK-LIST, MARCH, 1882.
List of voters in Amherst, as corrected by the super- visors of elections and used at the annual town meeting 14 March, 1882. Names in SMALL CAPS were on the check- list used at the annual meeting in March, 1843-45 in all.
Abbott, Franklin
Brown, Augustus W.
Aiken, Edward
BROWN, WILLIAM
Aiken, Edward C.
BROWN, WILLIAM 2d
Ainsworth, Israel
Buckley, Daniel
Alexander, William E.
Buckley, Dennis
Annis, Alvaro F.
Buckley, Patrick
Atkinson, Robert
Burnham, Charles II.
Atwood, John
Burns, Daniel
Ayer, Simon
Burtt, Edwin K.
Baldwin, John
Burtt, Edwin R.
Barrett, Charles M.
Butterfield, Benjamin F.
BARRETT, PHILIP S.
Butterfield, Joseph
Barry, James
Cady, Nathan
Barry, William
Caldwell, Edward A.
Batchelder, Ira A.
CALDWELL, ISAAC F.
BENNETT, ALDEN B.
Carleton, John
Berry, Edward
Carr, Lorenzo
Berry, Isaiah S.
Carter, James O.
Bills, Arthur A.
Carter, Oliver
Bills, Freeman C.
Chace, Frank W.
Bills. Jabez F.
Chickering, Albert E.
Bills, Lucius F.
Clark, Charles C.
Blood, George H.
Clark, Charles J.
Bosworth, George W.
Clark, Edward G.
BOUTELLE, FRANCIS K.
Clark, John H.
Boutelle, Henry R.
Clark, William
Boutelle, Horace S.
Clark, William D.
Boutelle, James C.
Clark, William R.
Boutelle, John A.
Coburn, Leon O.
BOUTELLE, ROBERT
Cochran, James
BOYLSTON, EDWARD D.
Coggin, John H.
Brahaney, Patrick
Coggin, Luther
Breed, Henry A.
Colby, Charles C.
Braman, Cornelius
Colby, Sylvester J.
Brockway, Hosea W.
Colcord, Edward J.
Broderick, James H.
Colston, Fred
Brown, Albert P.
Colston, William H.
IX.]
180
HISTORY OF AMHERST. [ Chap.
CONVERSE, CHARLES
Ford, Frederick
Converse, Charles, jr.
Forsaith, Wilson D.
Converse, Eben
Fowle, Joseph E.
Converse, Luther B.
George, Nathaniel H.
Converse, Robert
Gill, Charles
COOMBS, ISAAC
Gilson, Frank O.
Cram, Daniel W.
Gilson, Luke
Crooker, Carroll J.
Gilson, Stephen II.
Cross, Cyrus
Goss, John R.
Cross, William L.
Gould, John
DANFORTH, GEORGE
Grater, Charles E.
DAVID, BARNABAS B.
Green, Franklin C.
DAVID, JOHN O.
· Ilanson, John A. Hanson, Joseph F.
Davis, Edson
Hardy, Arthur
Davis, Herman V.
Harris, Henry A.
Davis, Josiah G.
Hartshorn, Frank
Day, IIenry C.
Hartshorn, George R.
Dinsmore, Walter H.
Harvell, John II.
Dodge, Charles W.
HARVELL, THOMAS M.
Dodge, Henry C.
Hassell, George R.
Dodge, Isaac B.
Hassell, Joseph II.
DODGE, PERLEY
Haseltine, James G.
Dodge, Perley W.
Haseltine, John E.
Doyle, Jeremiah J.
Heath, Alvin
Doyle, John
Herrick, Frank P.
Doyle, John, jr.
Herrick, George W.
Doyle, Patrick
Herrick, Samuel D.
Druker, Joseph H.
HILDRETH, JOHN H.
Duncklee, Porter
Hill, Alonzo
Eaton, George S.
Hill, Arthur H.
EATON, HARRISON Eaton, Harry G.
Hill, Granville S.
Eaton, Samuel
Hodgman, George
Farley, George E.
Hodgman, John P.
Fay, Joseph B.
IIodkins, Edward
FELTON, HIRAM G.
Holbrook, Francis W.
Fields, Edwin
Holbrook, Frank A.
Fisher, Joel F.
Holbrook, George E.
Fletcher, Daniel A.
Holden, George W.
Fletcher, John
Holt, Edwin M.
Fletcher, John P.
HIolt, George E. Holt, Israel H.
Flint, Butler P.
Hill, Bradford A.
Davis, Charles L.
IX.]
CHECK-LIST, MARCH, 1882.
181
Holt, Nathan K.
Marble, Benjamin
Hopkins, David
Marvell, Daniel K.
HOWARD, HERBERT
Maxwell, Francis
HOWARD, LEVI
MELENDY, BRYANT
Hubbard, Eugene C.
MELENDY, CHARLES
Hubbard, William H.
Melendy, Daniel W.
Hutchinson, Isaiah
Melendy, James
Hutchinson, Justin E.
Melendy, John II.
Jackson, James M.
MELENDY, LUTHER
Jeunison, Edwin P.
Melendy, Nathaniel M.
JEPSON, BENJAMIN
Melendy, William
Jess, Robert
Merrill, B. Frank
Jewett, George W.
Merrill, Benjamin F.
Jones, Ephraim W.
Merrill, Charles
Jones, Peter W.
Meserve, Eben
JONES, TIMOTHY
Millard, John F.
Jones, Thomas
Mooar, William
Kelly, Patrick
Moor, James R.
Kent, George
Morse, John I.
Keyes, Horace W.
Mullen, John
Kidder, Andrew J.
Mullen, Michael
Kinson, Charles HI.
Newton, Frank S.
KNIGHT, JONATHAN
Nourse, James P.
Knight, Robert S.
Noyes, Alfred
Leavitt, Frank
Noyes, Edward A.
Leavitt Michael,
Noyes, Frank W.
Leavitt, Michael, jr.
Noyes, Frederick A.
Leland, Willis D.
NOYES, WILLIAM
Longa, Charles H.
Ober, John A.
Lovejoy, Leander
OBER, SAMUEL
Lovejoy, William
()'Connell, John
Lowe, Albert N.
O'Connell, Thomas
Lowe, Newton
Odell, Pliny F.
Lowe, Walter D.
O'Donnell, Patrick
Lynch, George F.
Osgood, George W.
Mace, Frank W.
OSGOOD, JOEL F.
Mack, William A.
Osgood, Joel F., jr.
McConihe, John II.
Parker, Arthur II.
McIntire, Horatio
Parker, Charles
Mckay, Charles II.
Parker, Charles S.
Mckay, John
Parker, George E.
Mckean, Isaac P.
Parker, Granville
Mahan, Richard
Parker, Granville, jr.
182
HISTORY OF AMHERST. [Chap.
Parker, Henry M.
Rotch, Albert A.
Parker, Isaac
Rotch, William B.
PARKER, THOMAS B.
Russ, Isaac J.
Parkhurst, Ephraim A.
Russell, William F.
PARKHURST, HENRY
Ryan, Bart
Parkhurst, Henry H.
Ryan, James T.
Parkhurst, James S.
Ryan, James W.
Parkhurst, Silas P.
Sampson, John
PARKHURST, SPAULDING
Sargent, Charles B.
Peabody, Charles A.
Sargent, Enoch P.
Peabody, Daniel A.
Sargent, Frank
Peacock, John G.
Sargent, Shepton M.
PEACOCK, EZRA W.
Sargent, Thomas D.
Peacock, Rufus A.
Sargent, William B.
Peaslee, William S.
SAWTELLE, ELI
Phelps, Frank A.
Sawtelle, Eli A.
Phelps, Frank P.
Sawyer, Andrew F.
Phelps, Horace
Secomb, Charles
Philbrick, Albert M.
Secomb, Henry W.
Philbrick, Freeman M.
SECOMB, LEVI JJ.
Philbrick, John C.
Shaffer, Oscar
Pratt, William
SHAW, GEORGE II.
Prince, Calvin
Sheehan, Daniel II.
Prince, Charles A.
Sheehan, Jeremiah
Prince, James U.
Shemard, Robert
Prince, John M.
Shepard, Alonzo P.
Prince, Rodney
Shepard, Andrew N.
Prince, Solomon
Shepley, Chester
Prince, Wilder J.
Shoram, Frank
Pulsifer, Jeremiah O.
Skinner, Appleton J.
PUTNAM, ELIJAH
SKINNER, JOSHUA F.
Putnam, George W.
Skully, John Sloan, George
Ranger, Ebenezer
Small, George
Rhoads, David II.
Small, Gilbert
RILOADS, WARREN
Smith, Charles E.
Rhoads, William
Smith, George E.
Richardson, Charles
SMITH, LANGDON Snow, William
Riddle, Charles A.
Rideout, Abel T.
Staples, Alphonzo E.
Riley, Owen
Staples, Levi
Robbins, George E. Roby, Ira
Staples, Samuel E.
STEARNS, HIRAM D.
Rhoads, Albert
IX.]
CHECK-LIST, MARCH, 1882.
183
Stearns, James B.
Wheeler, Charles P.
STEWART, WILLIAM
Wheeler, Henry
Stevens, Alpheus
Wheeler, Nathan C.
Stickney, Timothy J.
White, Charles H.
Trow, Clarence L.
White, Charles S.
Trow, Daniel W.
WHITING, BENJAMIN B.
Trow, Joseph P.
Whiting, Benjamin F.
Upham, Jacob B.
Wilkins, Aaron S.
Upham, John HI.
Wilkins, Charles E.
Upton, Jeremiah
Wilkins, Frank E.
Upton, J. Edward
Wilkins, George H.
Walker, Charles M.
Wilkins, Milton A.
WALKER, GEORGE
WILKINS, SAMUEL
Walker, George K.
Wilkins, Samuel F.
Wallace, John
Wilson, Jacob
Walton, Benjamin F.
Woods, William R.
Webster, James F.
Woodward, Aaron B.
Webster, James P.
Worcester, Frank
West, Henry
Wright, Charles F.
Weston, James F.
Wright, Francis
Wheeler, Benjamin
-
1
182
HISTORY OF AMHERST. [Chap.
Parker, Henry M.
Rotch, Albert A.
Parker, Isaac
Rotch, William B.
PARKER, THOMAS B.
Russ, Isaac J.
Parkhurst, Ephraim A.
Russell, William F.
PARKHURST, HENRY
Ryan, Bart
Parkhurst, Henry H.
Ryan, Jantes T.
Parkhurst, James S.
Ryan, James W.
Parkhurst, Silas P.
Sampson, John
PARKHURST, SPAULDING
Sargent, Charles B.
Peabody, Charles A.
Sargent, Enoch P.
Peabody, Daniel A.
Sargent, Frank
Peacock, John G.
Sargent, Shepton M.
PEACOCK, EZRA W.
Sargent, Thomas D.
Peacock, Rufus A.
Sargent, William B.
Peaslee, William S.
SAWTELLE, ELI
Phelps, Frank A.
Sawtelle, Eli A.
Phelps, Frank P.
Sawyer, Andrew F.
Phelps, Horace
Secomb, Charles
Philbrick, Albert M.
Secomb, Henry W.
Philbrick, Freeman M.
SECOMB, LEVI JJ.
Philbrick, John C.
Shaffer, Oscar
Pratt, William
SHAW, GEORGE II.
Prince, Calvin
Sheehan, Daniel II.
Prince, Charles A.
Sheehan, Jeremialı
Prince, James U.
Shemard, Robert
Prince, John M.
Shepard, Alonzo P.
Prince, Rodney
Shepard, Andrew N.
Prince, Solomon
Shepley, Chester
Prince, Wilder J.
Shoram, Frank
Pulsifer, Jeremiah ().
Skinner, Appleton J.
PUTNAM, ELIJAH
SKINNER, JOSHUA F.
Putnam, George W.
Skully, John
Ranger, Ebenezer
Sloan, George
Rhoads, Albert
Small, George
Rhoads, David II.
Small, Gilbert
RHOADS, WARREN
Smith, Charles E.
Rhoads, William
Smith, George E.
Richardson, Charles
SMITH, LANGDON Snow, William
Riddle, Charles A.
Rideout, Abel T.
Staples, Alphonzo E.
Riley, Owen
Staples, Levi
Robbins, George E. Roby, Ira
Staples, Samuel E.
STEARNS, HIRAM D.
IX.]
CHECK-LIST, MARCH, 1882.
183
Stearns, James B.
Wheeler, Charles P.
STEWART, WILLIAM
Wheeler, Henry
Stevens, Alpheus
Wheeler, Nathan C.
Stickney, Timothy J. Trow, Clarence L.
White, Charles H.
White, Charles S.
Trow, Daniel W.
WHITING, BENJAMIN B.
Trow, Joseph P.
Whiting, Benjamin F.
Uphanı, Jacob B.
Wilkins, Aaron S.
Upham, John H.
Wilkins, Charles E.
Upton, Jeremiah
Wilkins, Frank E.
Upton, J. Edward
Wilkins, George H.
Walker, Charle's M.
Wilkins, Milton A.
WALKER, GEORGE
WILKINS, SAMUEL
Walker, George K.
Wilkins, Samuel F.
Wallace, John
Wilson, Jacob
Walton, Benjamin F.
Woods, William R.
Webster, James F.
Woodward, Aaron B.
Webster, James P.
Worcester, Frank
West, Henry
Wright, Charles F.
Weston, James F.
Wright, Francis
Wheeler, Benjamin
184
HISTORY OF AMHERST.
[Chap.
CHAPTER X.
STATISTICS.
POPULATION OF THE TOWN AT DIFFERENT PERIODS .- HEADS OF FAMILIES, AND NUMBER OF PERSONS IN EACH FAMILY, 1820. -MORTUARY STATISTICS .- DEATHS IN 1842 .- PERSONS BE- TWEEN 80 AND 90 YEARS OF AGE WHO HAVE DIED SINCE 1782. -NONAGENARIANS. - CENTENARIANS. - AGRICULTURAL STA- TISTICS .- TOWN DEBT AT DIFFERENT TIMES .- PROPORTION OF STATE TAX .- MANUFACTURING STATISTICS OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, 1809 .- MODERATORS OF THE ANNUAL TOWN MEET- INGS .- TOWN CLERKS .- SELECTMEN .- SUPERVISORS OF ELEC- TIONS .- COMPENSATION OF SELECTMEN .- REPRESENTATIVES IN THE GENERAL COURT .- DECEASE OF TOWN OFFICERS SINCE 1775 .- JUSTICES OF THE PEACE .- VOTES FOR PRESIDENTS AND GOVERNORS OF THE STATE SINCE 1784 .- CHECK-LIST USED AT THE ANNUAL MEETING IN MARCH, 1843, AND DE- CEASE OF VOTERS .- CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTIONS.
POPULATION.
Fourteen families were settled in town at the time of Mr. Wilkins's ordination, 23 September, 1741.
"Thirty-five families, in which were fifty-eight men above sixteen years old, remained in town 13 May, 1747."
The whole population of the town in
1767
was 858
1790 was 2,369
1840
was 1,565
1773
1,370
1800
2,150
1850
1,613
1775
1,428
1810
1,554
1860
1,508
1783
1,909
1820
1,622
1870
1,353
1786
1,912
1830
1,657
1880
1,225
185
POPULATION.
In 1767 there were 421
males and 437 females.
1773
692
66
678 66
1775 66
697 white males and 747 white females.
1790
66
1,147
" " 1,204
66
1800 sexes not given in census.
1810 there were 760 white males and 784 white females.
1820
779
males and 843 females.
1830
809 white males and 842 white females.
1840 66 66
735 males and
830 females.
1850 66 66
777
836
1860 66 66
710
66 798
66
1870 66
66
644
66
66
709 66
1880
66
66
596
66 629 66
The number of families in 1810 was 235; in 1820, 281 ; in 1850, 328 ; in 1860, 345 ; in 1870, 355 ; in 1880, 338.
Average number of persons in each family in 1810, 63 ; in 1880, 33.
Of the inhabitants in 1880, 965 were natives of New Hampshire, 118 of Massachusetts, 27 of Maine, 21 of Ver- mont, 16 of New York, 4 of Pennsylvania, 3 of Connecticut, 2 of Wisconsin ; one each of New Jersey, Kentucky, Min- nesota, and California ; 52 of Ireland, 8 of England, 3 of Canada, and one each of Germany and Scotland.
The population of the village precinct in 1880 was 434 ; of the outer districts, 791. In the precinct were 181 males and 253 females. In the outer districts were 415 males and 376 females.
The whole white population of the town in 1830 was 1,651. The whole population of the town in 1880 was 1,225, a loss in fifty years of 426.
Of the whole population in 1830, 1,259 were under forty years of age and 392 were forty years old and upward.
Of the whole population in 1880, 704 were under forty years of age, and 521 were forty years old and upward, showing a loss of 555 in the population under forty years of age, and a gain of 129 in the population forty years old and upward, in fifty years.
X.]
186
HISTORY OF AMHERST.
[Chap.
In the censuses of 1767 and 1773 the ages of some of the inhabitants, and the number of cach sex, are given as follows :
MALES.
1767
1773
Boys of 16 years old and under,
200
330
Unmarried men between 16 and 60 years,
63
109
Married
135
237
Men above 60 years,
17
13
Slaves,
2
2
FEMALES.
Unmarried,
270
412
Married,
147
245
Widows,
18
19
Slaves,
2
2
In the census of 1775 the population is classified as follows :
Boys under 16 years old,
343
Men 16 years old and under 50, not in the army,
200
Men 50 years old and upward,
53
Men in the army,
81
Females,
747
Colored persons-sex not stated,
4
In the census of 1790 the population was not classified.
In 1800 there were 31 colored persons in the First parish. Of whites, 630 were under 16 years of age, and 809, 16 years old and upward.
At the same time there were 2 colored persons in the Second parish, 325 white persons, under 16 years of age, and 353, 16 years old and upward.
In 1810 and 1820 the white population was classified thus :
MALES.
1810
1820
Under 16 years of age,
359
328
Of 16 and under 26 years,
148
151
Of 26 and under 45 years,
130
141
Of 45 years and upward,
123
158
187
POPULATION.
FEMALES.
Under 16 years of age,
336
316
Of 16 and under 26 years,
153
176
Of 26 and under 45 years,
130
141
Of 45 years and upward,
150
163
In 1830, 1840, 1850, 1860, 1870, and 1880, the different classes of population were as follows :
MALES.
1830
1840
1850
1860
1870
1880
Under 20 years of age,
429
345
334
265
237
222
Of 20 and under 40 years,
204
200
211
198
156
131
Of 40 and under 60 years,
110
115
155
158
151
134
Of 60 years and upward,
66
75
77
89
100
109
FEMALES.
Under 20 years of age,
384
370
332
267
233
182
Of 20 and under 40 years,
242
224
235
233
191
169
Of 40 and under 60 years,
127
156
166
178
164
148
Of 60 years and upward,
89
80
103
120
121
130
In 1790 Portsmouth, Rochester, Londonderry, Barring- ton, and Gilmanton, only, of the towns in the State, had a greater population than Amherst. In 1880, 78 cities and towns had a larger population.
In the census of 1783 the selectmen stated that there were in town 259 dwelling-houses and 247 barns. In 1820 404 of the inhabitants were engaged in agriculture ; 122 in manufactures ; and 10 in trade. The ministers, doctors, and lawyers, were classed as manufacturers !
The censuses of 1767, 1778, 1775, 1783, and 1786, were taken by the selectmen ; those of 1790, 1800, and 1810, by Col. Daniel Warner ; that of 1820, by Capt. John Secombe ; 1830, by Stephen Peabody, Esq .; 1850, by Robert Moore, Esq .; 1860, by Charles Richardson, Esq. ; 1870, by J. Abbott Marsh, Esq. ; 1880, by Isaac Brooks Dodge, Esq.
Copies of the censuses of 1810 and 1820 may be found in the library of the N. H. Historical Society ; of those of
X.]
188
HISTORY OF AMHERST
[Chap.
1850, 1860, and 1870, in the State library at Concord ; and 1880, in the office of the clerk of the courts of Hillsborough county, Nashua.
Heads of families and number of persons in each family, 1 August, 1820 :
No. Persons. Daniel Campbell, 1
John Alcock,
9 Daniel Campbell, jr.,
8
Jane Alld,
2 Moses Carlton,
3
Elizabeth Appleton,
6 Michael Carter,
2
John Arbuckle,
5 James Cash,
3
Charles H. Atherton,
8 Isaac Chickering,
10
Jeremiah Barnard,
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