USA > New Hampshire > Hillsborough County > Antrim > History of the town of Antrim, N.H. for a period of one century from 1744 to 1844 > Part 8
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Mr. Wallace had two brothers who settled in Antrim : John, who came later than James, lived on the place now Samuel Wilson's, and removed to Putney, Vt., about 1812; and Josiah, who came here, 1806, built the three story house in the Branch Village, owned the mills there, and died, 1843, aged 75.
Thomas Mc Coy is referred to in an old record of a road in 1783, as then owning a house in this town, supposed from the tenor of the record to be near Hopkins Griffin's. No farther information in rela- tion to him has been found accessible.
David Mc Clure, afterwards well known as Col. McClure, was from Goffstown, became a resident of Antrim, 1784, began the farm now Mr. Raymond's which he afterwards exchanged for the John Dodge place ; died, 1835, aged 77. Col. McClure was a respectable man, and, after passing through the various subordinate grades, was for many years colonel of the 26th regiment, which had been formerly commanded by Gov. Pierce, and was at that day the "crack" regi- ment of the State. All his children, save two sons, have died or re- moved from town.
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HISTORY OF ANTRIM.
Nathan Taylor, successor of John Gordon on the Dustin place, re- moved his family from Amherst to Antrim, 1780, and died of a can- cer about 1792.
Isaac Cochran, afterwards Dea. Cochran, a grandson of John, an early emigrant from Ireland to Windham, removed to Antrim, 1784, and built the first two story house in town. His father had a sister Elizabeth, who married a Dinsmoor, and became the mother of Dea. Robert Dinsmoor, of Windham, the well-known " Rustic Bard," and of the elder Gov. Dinsmoor ; also the grand-mother of the younger Gov. Dinsmoor. Dea. Cochran was one of the most useful and re- spected citizens of the place, selectman, a member of the first board of elders, a man of uniform and eminent piety. He possessed a portion of true genius, was the author of many poetical effusions, and died, 1825, aged 84. No man labored more faithfully to sustain re- ligious institutions, and to preserve the peace and good order of the church and community. His son James, distinguished for activity and energy, remarkable also for accidental wounds and broken bones, died, 1851, aged 78, after several years of extreme suffering, having honorably discharged the duties of a good citizen, and leaving the old homestead to his son, Ira Cochran. Another son of James, Andrew C., resides in Hancock. Andrew, brother of James, died, 1820. One of his sons, Rev. Sylvester Cochran, resides in Michigan, highly use- ful as a minister of the gospel, and preceptor of a private Academy. A daughter of Andrew, Clarissa, resides at St. Augustine, Florida, and owns an extensive orangery.
The preceding list includes all, or nearly all, who became residents of this town within forty years from the first settlement in 1744. The period from 1784 to the close of the last century, in 1800, ex- hibits a large ratio of increase ; numerous emigrants fixed their dom- icil here. To avoid tedious prolixity, our subsequent notices must be brief, with the exception of a few instances, when matters of interest require a little more minuteness of detail.
Alexander Gregg, from Windham, began to reside here, 1785, had served in a privateer in the revolutionary war, and sailed into the Arctic ocean, in quest of British whalers, and vessels trading to Archangel, in Russia; began the farm now Stickney Buck's ; died, 1830, aged 77. One of his sons, Capt. Wm. Gregg, an esteemed and valuable citizen, who for some years led the church music, died a year before the death of his father. Another son, Dr. James W. Gregg, is in California.
Lemuel and Stephen Curtice, brothers, from Boxford, Ms., came here, 1785, perhaps a year earlier, and began to clear off the forest on Windsor mountain ; the former lived on the farm inherited from him by his son, the present Lemuel Curtice; built his house just within the line of Antrim, died many years ago quite aged; the lat- ter lived in a house once standing half a mile east of Lemuel's, died, 1832, aged 77. None of his descendants remain here.
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HISTORY OF ANTRIM.
Robert Willey, an emigrant from Ireland, came to this town about 1785, began the John Robinson farm, and removed, about 1801, to some town in the northern part of New-Hampshire.
Percy Dow became an inhabitant, 1785, lived in a house once standing on the west side of the old road, a fourth of a mile north of the first meeting-house, and after a few year's residence here, removed to Cornish.
Benj. Butterfield came here, 1785, built a log house a third of a mile west of Capt. Rodney Sawyer's, lived there four or five years, and removed from town.
Another Butterfield, whose given name was Charles, lived a few years, from 1795 to about 1800, in a house then standing on the side of the mountain, north of Artemas Brown's. Prior to his removal from town his house was burnt.
Eben'r Kidder removed from Chelmsford to Antrim, about 1785, lived on the place which has descended to his grandson, Reuben Kid- der, and died after a residence here of about fifteen years. His son, John Kidder, died, 1815.
Adam Dunlap came from Londonderry to this town, 1786, had been in the revolutionary service, began the farm now Mr. Moulton's, died, 1823, aged at least 70. His wife, and also the wife of Alex'r Gregg, were sisters of Hon. Wm. Adams, of Londonderry.
Tobias Butler was an emigrant from Ireland, was educated a Cath- olic, designed, as tradition says, to be a Catholic priest. He, however, became a Protestant, and resolved to try his fortune in America; re- sided some years in New-Boston, and served at Ticonderoga in the - revolutionary war ; came to Antrim, 1786, lived where Silas Hardy now does; was at one time town-clerk ; being often employed as a school-teacher, he was familiarly called Master Butler ; was a man of honesty and religious principle, but rather unacquainted with business affairs. He removed, about 1804, to Hillsboro' ; afterwards returned to Antrim to live with a son, and died 1829, aged 83. Almost all his descendants, with the exception of Thomas, have emigrated from Antrim. One of his sons, about 1800, built a small store at the Four Corners, by the town-house, but soon relinquished trade. John, brother of Tobias, a man of some education, came to this country, lived a short time in a small log house in Silas Hardy's pasture ; but, not being pleased with America, returned to Ireland.
Sutheric Weston removed from Amherst to Antrim, 1786, lived on the Dustin farm in Branch Village, was elected an elder of the church, 1800, died, 1831, aged 79. He was an exemplary and good citizen. His descendants have emigrated, some of them to the far west. He served in the war of Independence, was taken prisoner at the Cedars, in Canada, suffered much from starvation ; himself and fellow prison- ers were once relieved by a benevolent French lady, who sent them pork and peas enough for a plentiful meal.
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HISTORY OF ANTRIM.
William Brown, came from Chester, about 1786, began the farm now Samuel Woods', died, 1830, aged 84. His descendants have left the town.
William Holmes, from Dunbarton, became a resident of Antrim, 1786, began the farm at this day his son's, Thomas Holmes, Esq .; died, 1798, in early life. A brother of his, Robert, began the farm now the town's farm, but after a residence of two or three years, sold it, and returned to Dunbarton, where he was afterwards well-known as Col. Holmes. Another William Holmes, a wheelwright, not known to be a relative of the first William, came about the same time to the place at present owned by Hopkins Griffin, lived there some half dozen years, and removed to Peterboro'.
John Moor, a descendant of an early emigrant from Ireland to Londonderry, began to subdue the Bartlett Wallace farm, 1786, per- haps a year earlier ; was mortally wounded by the fall of a limb of a tree, 1808. His widow, Abigail, daughter of Hon. John Duncan, died, 1848, very aged, being the last surviver of the original members of the Presbyterian church, with which she had been connected sixty years.
Isaac Patterson came here, 1786, lived a few years in the west part of the town, then left the place. Little is known of him.
John Alexander, from Londonderry or vicinity, was the first settler on the farm now Daniel Holt's, 1787, afterwards removed to Branch Village, was a respected citizen and elder of the Presbyterian church, died, 1812.
Peter and Abijah Barker, brothers, were from Atkinson ; the lat- ter came here, 1787, settled on a farm now owned in separate parts by his sons, Abijah and John; died, about 1847, aged 84. The former came three or four years later than his brother, began the farm inherited from him by his son, Capt. Moody Barker ; died, 1829. Both were revolutionary soldiers, and useful citizens.
Jonathan Ladd was the first occupant, 1787, of the farm now Capt. James Wilson's, lived there five or six years, and emigrated to Tun- bridge, Vt.
William Parker, from Dracut, began, in 1787, the farm east of Bartlett Wallace's, resided in this town more than thirty years, then removed to Anson, Maine. His aged father, William, came with him, and died here almost sixty years ago.
William Carr, from Goffstown, began, 1787, to subdue his farm, the one which has recently became Mr. White's, died, 1840, aged 81. His son, the late Wm. Carr, Esq., was often employed in town busi- ness, was representative and justice of the peace ; died, 1850, aged 49.
John Brown, son of an emigrant from Ireland, removed his family from Francestown to this place, 1788, lived on the place at the corner of roads, a little north of Dea. Bell's; died, 1808, very aged. His
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son, Thomas, lived on the place now his nephew's, the present Thomas Brown's ; was a revolutionary soldier, and stationed for a time at West Point ; used to relate that the soldiers were often driven by hunger to seize the sheep of the neighboring Dutch farmers ; was at West Point at the time of the detection of Gen. Arnold's treachery, and had opportunity to witness the execution of Maj. Andre, but his feelings revolted from the sight; died, 1847, aged 86. Francis, another son of John, lived many years in Antrim, part of the time on the Blanchard farm, and removed, 1818, to New-York. Margaret, daughter of John, married Dea. John Bell, and is the mother of Rev. Hiram Bell, pastor of a church in Killingworth, Conn.
Jacob Puffer, from Weare, was the first settler on the Artemas Brown farm, 1788, was a blacksmith, and after a residence of near ten years, removed to the vicinity of Glenn's Falls, on Hudson river.
Samuel Christie came here from New-Boston, 1788, built a large two story house a fourth of a mile north of the first meeting-house, which he occupied as a tavern for many years; died, 1818, aged 54. One son, Josiah W. Christie, remains here. Another son, Daniel M., is a distinguished member of the bar at Dover. A daughter, Mary, married Rev. Levi Spaulding, missionary at Ceylon, and has resided in India, engaged in useful efforts for the spread of christian knowl- edge among a benighted people, more than thirty years. In this pe- riod, she has made one visit to America.
Nathan Hawes built a house, 1788, on the old Butman farm, and resided there about three years. He came from Goffstown, and re- moved to Hooksett.
Thomas Dunlap, a native of Windham, son of James, an emigrant from Ireland, became a resident of Antrim, 1788, and subdued the farm now his grandson's, the present Thomas Dunlap ; died, 1815, very aged; esteemed as a religious, respectable man. He was a sol- dier in the second French war, and was one of the garrison of Fort William Henry, which, in 1756, was surrendered to the French, un- der a pledge of protection from the fury of the Indians. The French perfidiously violated the engagement, permitting the Indians, after the garrison had given up their arms and marched out of the Fort, to massacre many of them. Out of a New-Hampshire regiment of 200 men, 80 were thus slaughtered ! A savage pursued Mr. Dunlap, caught him by the queue, and tore out a large portion of the hair of his head. He escaped from the Indian and fled back to the fort, where the French gave him protection. His son, James, married a McNiel, of Hillsboro', and died, 1846, aged 80. There is a tradition in the family of Mrs. Dunlap, first wife of James, that the first Mc- Niel who came to America was a refugee from Ireland, under the following circumstances : he visited a friend, who gave him a stick to make into a scythe-snath. On his return home he met the lord of the manor, who charged him with stealing it from his forest, and on his denial, called him liar, and struck him with his whip; on which
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McNiel struck him a powerful blow with the stick, and without wait- ing to see whether the wound proved mortal, fled to America.
Samuel Caldwell, a revolutionary soldier, came to this place from Weare, 1788, lived some years on the Edward L. Vose farm, after- wards on the place recently purchased by Mr. Starrett ; died, 1834, aged 79. None of his descendants reside here. In common with the revolutionary soldiers, he idolized Washington, and used to call him " That beloved man."
Samuel Vose, afterwards Dea. Vose, was the fifth in descent from Robert, an emigrant from Lancashire, England, to Dorchester, Ms., 1638 ; came from Bedford to Antrim, 1788, began the farm now Capt. Rodney Sawyer's; worked on his land a few years prior to his marriage, during which time a bear once broke into his camp during his absence and made quite too free with his provisions; was a man of strict integrity and firm religious principle ; died, 1830, aged 71. So exemplary was his observance of the sabbath, that if a man spoke to him that day on secular business, he has been known to show his disapprobation by turning away from him without giving any reply. One son, Edward L., resides here ; another, Samuel, is a physician in Maine ; still another, Deacon John Vose, resides in Peterboro'.
William Bodwell was from Haverhill, Ms., came here, 1789, set- tled on the place at present owned by Reuben Robinson, Sen., and after a residence of some years, went to Ohio, or some other portion of the West.
Charles Woods, from Methuen, became a resident of this town, 1789, brought under cultivation the farm recently bought by Mr. Wilson, died, 1848, aged 78. His constitution was remarkably sus- ceptible of fever ; a disease which, either of the bilious or typhoid type, he had in the course of his life from thirty to forty times. His two sons, Samuel and James, live in town.
Alexander Witherspoon, from Chester, came hither 1789, began the Samuel Tuttle farm, afterwards removed to the Artemas Brown place, died, 1848, aged 87. His son, Joseph S. Witherspoon, who changed his name to Atherton, a man of much promise, universally esteemed for his piety and integrity, died, 1845, in the meridian of life.
Hugh Orr, a brother of Hon. John Orr, of Bedford, removed from that town to this, 1790, and lived in a house a little south of Mr. Temple's, which was then thought to be in Antrim, but, on the final adjustment of the town line, fell just within the limits of Han- cock. He was a man of information and integrity ; to the regret of the citizens, he emigrated about 1795, first to Rockingham, Vt., and thence to Homer, N. Y. His numerous descendants are scattered through the Western States.
Joel Reed became an inhabitant of Antrim, 1790; built a house between Jeremiah Hill's and Daniel Holt's, lived there about twelve years, and removed to Washington, N. H.
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HISTORY OF ANTRIM.
John Woodcock came from Peterboro', 1790, lived on the Chandler Boutell farm, removed to Hillsboro' about 1804, where he resided many years, and changed his name to Bertram. Afterwards removed to Newport. Had a son who became a physician of much promise, and established himself in medical practice at Townsend, Ms. Dr. Bertram acquired a large practice, but died in early life, much re- gretted.
William Heuston, a mason by trade, was a native of Bedford, em- igrated to Antrim about 1790, lived where Miles Tuttle now does, died, 1830.
Robert Vose, brother of Dea. Samuel Vose, came from Bedford or Goffstown, 1790, and struck the first blow on the land constituting the former Gates place. After a stay of some years, he removed to Vermont.
James Pierce was from Hudson, became a resident of this town 1791, built a house on the hill west of Capt. Worthley's, and after two or three years removed to Swanzey.
Samuel Edes, a native of Dedham, Ms., took up his abode here, 1791, lived a little east of Mr. Dinsmoor's, buried his wife in An- trim, and about 1801 removed to Peterboro', where he died at the great age of 93.
Daniel Buswell, from Bedford, Ms., settled in Antrim, 1791, is still living in comfortable health, in his 90th year, being the oldest man in town, having resided in it sixty-one years. He was a revolu- tionary soldier ; in an action near Fort Washington, on the Hudson, he had discharged his musket once at the enemy and was reloading, when a bullet struck and bent his bayonet, and a fragment of the ball inflicted a painful wound in the eye.
John Worthley, grandson of Timothy, an emigrant from England, who lived in Weare to the great age of 100 years, came here from Goffstown, 1791, and made the first opening in the forest at the place he still owns, and where he has resided sixty-one years. One son, Dea. John Worthley, resides in town, whose son, Otis, died in Cali- fornia, 1851.
Samuel Hall was from Windham, emigrated to this town 1791, lived a few years on the Stephen Butterfield farm, then in a house once standing in a pasture west of Daniel McIlvain's, and last at the place now occupied by Isaac Barker. Removed to Washington many years ago, and died there. William, brother of Samuel, came here somewhat later, lived a few years on the Wm. Wilkins farm, and re- moved to Massachusetts.
Ebenezer Cummings, once a resident of Hudson, removed to this place, 1791, and began the cultivation of the John Hill farm ; died, 1815, aged 47. His aged widow still survives ; two daughters, the wives of Charles Gates and David Hill, Jun., reside in town. In
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HISTORY OF ANTRIM.
1801, Mr. Cummings lost a little son, in his sixth year, killed by the fall of a tree.
Abijah Hadley, a well known citizen of Hancock, lived in Antrim a short time from 1791 to about 1793 or '94, on the Butman farm, then removed to Hancock.
James and Ephraim Hall, brothers, lived on the farm now Rev. Mr. Davis'. James came first, began to subdue the place, soon sold to Ephraim, and removed to Hillsboro'. The commencement of his residence here must have been as early as 1791, if not sooner. Ephra- im lived on the place a few years, sold it to Dea. Holt, and removed to New-York.
Nathan Cross, from Litchfield, began the Asa Robinson farm, 1792, and in four or five years removed to Amherst.
David Parker, grandson of Alexander, an emigrant from England to Dunstable, (now Nashua,) came from Litchfield, 1792, and began the farm still owned in his family, south of Alexander Jameson's ; is yet living at the age of 85, and resides with his son, Alexander Parker.
Benjamin Ring, from Dunbarton, built a house, 1792, or near that date, east of John Symond's, lived there about ten years, then deserted his family, and went to parts unknown.
John Thompson came to this town, 1793, from Hamilton, Ms., lived at several different places, died 1842, aged 81. He performed two or three tours of military service in the war of the Revolution, and was a good deal at sea, in privateers. Once he was taken by the British and carried into Halifax ; again he was captured and impris- oned in the island of Bermuda. Here he was charged with being a British deserter, deprived of his rations, and threatened with being shot. Being examined by a British officer, who was a tory refugee from the States, and had some knowledge of the town from which Thompson came, his claim of being an American was admitted as true, and he was exchanged or liberated. After the death of his first wife, he was for a period engaged in the regular naval service, about 1798. One of his sons, Thomas, resides here.
Henry Campbell became a citizen of Antrim, 1793, lived in a house then standing on the spot now occupied by Mr. Newman's, and opened a small store; having gone to Boston in the summer of 1801 to buy goods, he went into Charles river to bathe, in a hot day, and was un- fortunately drowned.
Lemuel Paige, the fifth in descent from John Paige, an emigrant from Dedham, England, who was born 1586, and came to America, 1630, in the company which, under Gov. Winthrop, founded Boston ; he settled at Dedham, Ms., died 1676. Lemuel removed his family from Weare to Antrim, 1793; lived on the farm now owned in part by Mr. Gates ; died 1805. One son, Stevens Paige, and a daughter the wife of John Wallace, reside in town.
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HISTORY OF ANTRIM.
Mark Woodbury was from Beverly, Ms. ; opened the first store at the Woodbury stand, 1794, a little before he became of age; was a large land-holder, and transacted for many years an extensive business both in trade and agriculture; was justice of the peace and represent- ative; died 1828, aged 52, leaving to his heirs the largest property which had been accumulated in Antrim. He has been succeeded in trade by his sons, Mark B., Levi, and John B. Woodbury. His eldest son, Hon. Luke Woodbury, attorney at law, for many years judge of probate for the County of Hillsboro', and at the time of his decease the nominee of the democratic party for the office of Governor, with the fairest prospects of an election, died, 1851, aged 51. The widow of Mark, who was Alice, daughter of Dea. Joseph Boyd, survives, and two daughters reside in town.
Esq. Mark Woodbury's aged father, Peter, who had been a seafaring man, and his wife, a woman of shrewdness and energy, lived with him many years before their death; she died, 1812; he in 1817, aged 79; both sleep in the old burying ground. It is singular that two of their grand children, Judge Luke Woodbury of Antrim, and Judge Levi Woodbury of Portsmouth, who were divided in their deaths by an interval of only a few days, were at the time prominent candidates, the former for the office of Governor of New-Hampshire, the latter for the office of President of the United States.
Barachias and Elijah Holt, brothers, and natives of Andover, Ms., removed to this place from Wilton, 1794, and built each a small house east of Reuben Boutell's, near the river. Elijah soon sold his land and removed to Columbus, N. Y. Barachias bought the place now Rev. Mr. Davis', lived there many years, was an elder of the church, regarded by all as a pious, good man, died, 1846, aged 89. When a youth of fifteen, he witnessed the catastrophe at the raising of Wilton meeting-house, of the fall of about fifty men from the high beams to the ground, some being killed and many more badly injured. The scene left on his mind, as well it might, a deep impression. None of his descendants remain in town. He had another brother, Enoch Holt, who lived some years in town, at dif- ferent places, and died about 1805.
Robert McAllister took up his abode in town as early as 1794, per- haps a little sooner, lived in a house once standing between Dea. Steel's and the brick school-house, and removed his family about 1804 or 1805 to Newbury, Vermont.
John Butman came here from Topsfield, Ms., 1794, lived on the farm still bearing his name, died 1824, aged 87; his widow lived to be 94. He was an estimable man. His son, Eben, removed from Antrim to Bradford about 1822, and still lives at an advanced age.
Nathan W. Cleaves established himself here as a physician, in 1794, or a little earlier, and built the house at present owned by Hop- kins Griffin. An account of his professional career will be found on another page.
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HISTORY OF ANTRIM.
Enoch Sawyer brought his family from Goffstown to this place, 1794; had been a magistrate, and representative of that town in the Legislature ; lived in a house once standing south of Amos Dodge's ; was a man of strong mental powers; died, 1817, aged 76. Three sons settled in Antrim : Samuel, who began the Caleb Clark farm, resided there many years, removed to Bedford, and died in Frances- town, about 1847 or '48 ; Enoch, who began the Tenney farm, lived afterwards at different places, died 1840, aged 63; Tristram, well known as Dea. Sawyer, who lived in the house now Capt. Hutchin- son's, once standing a few rods north of the old meeting-house, and removed it from that to its present location; was an elder in the Presbyterian church, and selectman; to the great regret of the citi- zens, whose confidence he fully possessed, he removed to Hillsboro', 1831, and still resides in that town.
Daniel Bickford, a hatter, from Pembroke, settled in town, 1795, on the old road south-west of Judge Whittemore's, removed to Hillsboro' about 1810.
Elijah Gould was from Amherst, purchased the farm once Maj. Riley's, about 1795, is still living on the place formerly the tavern stand on the turnpike.
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