USA > New Hampshire > Cheshire County > Marlborough > History of the town of Marlborough, Cheshire County, New Hampshire > Part 5
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60
INVENTORY OF MARLBOROUGH, 1777.
No. Polls 18 yrs. & over,
76
Acres arable or tillage land,
82
66
mowing 66
403
66 pasture 66
423
66 Horses & Mares,
34
66 Colts 3 yrs. old,
1
66 " 2 "
7
66 6 1 ® 66
1
66 Oxen,
64
66 Cows,
107
66 Cattle 3 yrs. old,
39
66 66 2 66
30
66
66
1 66 38
£253. 6. 4.
Sum total of money in hand and at interest, . Sum total of Real Estate,
£6089. 10. 0.
* Sum total,
£141. 12. 7.
Proportion to 1000, £. $4. 6. 0
As the main occurrences of this and succeeding years relate mainly to the part which Marlborough sustained during the war of the Revolution, we will pause here, leaving those events to be chronicled in another chapter.
*I presume this means the assessed value of cattle, horses, &c.
CHAPTER III.
REVOLUTIONARY HISTORY.
THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION, AN IMPORTANT EVENT IN HISTORY. - CONDITION OF THE TOWN AT THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE WAR. - RESULT OF THE BATTLE OF CONCORD AND LEXINGTON. - BATTLE OF BUNKER HILL .- LOSS OF ARMS AND CLOTHING. - REPORT OF THE SELECTMEN. - EXPEDITION AGAINST QUEBEC. - JACOB AND PEARSON NEWELL. - THE FOURTEENTH REGIMENT. - TORIES DISARMED. - ASSOCIATION TEST. - DISCHARGE OF BENJAMIN GOODENOW. - COL. BALDWIN'S REGIMENT. - ALARM AND DEFENSIVE MEASURES. - BOUNTIES OFFERED. - BATTLE OF STILLWATER. - LIEUT .- COL. ANDREW COLBURN. - ALARM AT TICONDEROGA. - CAPT. LEWIS' COMPANY. - THREE MEN AT THE BATTLE OF BENNINGTON. - EIGHT MEN IN COL. MOOR'S REGIMENT. - ELEVEN MEN IN COL. HALE'S REGIMENT. - REPORT OF THE SELECTMEN, 1780. - MEN CALLED FOR AND MEASURES TAKEN TO FILL THE QUOTA. - CONTINENTAL MONEY. - LETTER TO THE COMMITTEE OF SAFETY. - NAMES OF THOSE WHO SERVED IN THE ARMY AT DIFFERENT TIMES. - SOME ACCOUNT OF SOLDIERS WHO AFTERWARDS BECAME INHABITANTS OF THE TOWN. - ALEXANDER FISH.
THE American Revolution is one of the most interesting events in modern history. Changes equally great, and con- vulsions equally violent, have taken place; and history tells us of many instances in which oppression urged beyond endurance has called forth the spirit of successful and triumphant resistance. But in this event we see feeble colonies without an army, without a navy, without a revenue, without munitions of war, boldly stepping forth to meet the veteran armies of a powerful and vindictive nation.
We see these colonies amidst want, poverty, and mis- fortune, supported by the pervading spirit of liberty, and guided by the hand of a good Providence, for nearly eight years sustaining the weight of a cruel conflict upon their own soil.
46
HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
At length we witness them victorious. Their enemies sul- lenly retire from their shores, and they stand forth enrolled on the page of history as a free and independent nation.
What people can dwell with more just satisfaction upon their history than ours? Almost all others trace their foundation to some ambitious and blood-thirsty leader who sought only to aggrandize himself by enslaving others. We may with truth say that our independence was won by the people who fought for the natural rights of man.
Whenever we advert to this portion of our history, and review it as well we may with patriotic pride, let us not forget the gratitude we owe to those who "fought and bled and died" for us, as well as to that benignant Providence who stayed the proud waves of British tyranny.
In giving this part of the history of Marlborough relating to the Revolutionary war, it will not be necessary to detail the causes which led to the struggle for American Inde- pendence ; these are too well known to require reiteration here.
At the time of the breaking out of hostilities with Great Britain, Marlborough was but sparsely populated. There could not have been more than sixty men in all the town who were capable of bearing arms: the greater part of whom were heads of families, who found it extremely diffi- cult to provide food and clothing for themselves and those dependent on them. When we consider this, we can see that had they been ever so much inclined to join their companions in the camp and field, they could only have done so at the risk of bringing upon their families privation and suffering. But these men were ardently attached to liberty, and were not wanting in patriotism; nor were they indifferent to the interests of their country in its struggle for independence.
On the 19th of April, 1775, that movement occurred which opened the war of the Revolution. That day's experience at Lexington immeasurably increased the courage of the Americans : as its tidings spread, the voice of war rang through the land, and preparations were everywhere made to carry it forward to a successful end.
47
REVOLUTIONARY HISTORY.
It is to be regretted the public records give so little information concerning the residents of this town who served in the army during the Revolutionary war. To make the list complete the most faithful research has been made, not only of the town records, but of the military papers in the office of the Adjutant-General at Concord. We cannot learn as any of our citizens were present at the battle of Concord and Lexington, but immediately following that action a large number of troops from New Hampshire joined the army then assembled near Boston; and among them were six men from this town, viz .: Moses Tucker, Timothy Rogers, Robert Worsley, Daniel Collins, Lieut. James Brewer, and Pearson Newell. These men were all in the Third New Hampshire Regiment, commanded by Col. James Reed of Fitzwilliam, and participated in the battle of Bunker Hill, June 17, 1775. Moses Tucker and Pearson Newell were in Capt. Jonathan Whitcomb's company ; Timothy Rogers, in Capt. Phillip Thomas' com- pany; Lieut. James Brewer, Robert Worsley, and Daniel Collins, in Capt. Benjamin Mann's company.
This regiment was stationed for a season at Medford, but on the 12th of June received orders from Gen. Ward to march to Charlestown Neck, for the purpose of guarding the ferry at that place. At the battle of Bunker Hill, the New Hampshire troops took their position behind a rail fence between the redoubt and the Mystic River. Here they threw up a breastwork of stones across the beach to the river, extending the fence down the hill to the wall. This hastily-constructed parapet served an excellent pur- pose, as those behind it could take a most deadly aim at the advancing foe; and it is an established fact that the British troops in front of this wall were almost completely annihilated.
The following are the articles lost and the amount paid to the several men in behalf of the Colony :-
S.
s.
Moses Tucker, 2. 8. Robert Worsley, 15.
Pearson Newell, 2. 8. Daniel Collins, . 8.
Timothy Rogers. 15. Lt Brewer, 6. 11.
48
HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
The articles lost for which the above sums were paid were as follows : -
Moses Tucker st. Bod, d coat.
Pearson Newell Gun, powder-horn and cartridge-box.
Timothy Rogers one shirt. Robert Worsley a pair of Stockings.
Daniel Collins a pair of Breeches.
James Brewer a pair of Shoes.
In August the Provincial Congress sent to the selectmen of the several towns and places in New Hampshire, desiring them to make a return of the number of inhabitants in their respective towns, and also the number of fire-arms fit for use. and the number wanting to complete one for every person capable of using them, and also the quantity of powder in each place. The selectmen of Monadnock No. V. made the following -
REPORT.
Males under 16 years of age, 104
Males from 16 years of age to 50, not in the army, 54
All Males above 50 years of age, 2
Persons gone in the army, (out of which no. 2 are dead), 16
All Females, . 148
Negroes and Slaves for life, 0
324
Monadnock, No. 5, Octr 3d 1775.
In Obiediance to the Directions herein given, we have taken a true account of all the persons belonging to this place, and Set the same Down in the Collums above, also an acct of Fire arms fit for Use (viz.) 26, & the number wanting is 28. Powder 5 1-2 lb. those persons that are gone in the army have furnished them Selves with Fire Armes.
BENJA TUCKER ? Selectmen of ELIPLA STONE ( Monadnock No. 5.
The comparative population of the town at this time with others in this vicinity will be seen by their returns: Jaffrey, 351; Marlow, 207; Nelson, 186; Dublin, 305; Peterbor- ough, 549 ; Keene, 758.
Of the sixteen who were in the army at this period we know but little; it is probable that Lieut. James Brewer
49
REVOLUTIONARY HISTORY.
and Timothy Rogers were among this number, and remained with the army in the vicinity of Boston until the close of the year.
Robert Worsley was another; he was in the expedition against Quebec, under Gen. Arnold. This expedition left Cambridge in September, and marched to Newburyport, and proceeded thence by water to the head of navigation on Kennebec River, thence through the forests of Maine and Canada to Quebec. Seldom was there an expedition attempted during the Revolution in which more hardship was endured or more untiring perseverance manifested than in this of Arnold's.
In ascending the Kennebec, his troops were constantly obliged to work against an impetuous current, and often to haul their bateaux up rapids and over dangerous falls ; nor was their march through the country by an unexplored route of three hundred miles less difficult or dangerous. They had swamps and woods, mountains and precipices, alter- nately to cross. Added to other trials, their provisions failed; and to support life they were obliged to eat their dogs, cartouch-boxes, clothes, and shoes. While at the distance of one hundred miles from human habitations, they divided their whole store, about four pints of flour to a man ; when thirty miles distant, they had baked and eaten their last morsel: yet the courage and fortitude of these men was unshaken. They were suffering for their country's cause, and contending for the right's and blessings of free- dom. After thirty-one days of incessant toil through a hideous wilderness, they came to a settlement.
Mr. Worsley in his later years was fond of relating anec- dotes illustrating the sufferings and privations through which he passed while on this expedition; some of these are mentioned in Mr. MeCollester's Centennial Address.
Jacob Newell, Jr., was also in the army at this time; he joined the expedition that was sent to Canada, and was stationed several months at Ticonderoga. His brother, Pearson, was one of the two who were reported as dying in the army.
9
50
HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
Of the remaining number of this little company we can give no information, as no army rolls of this date have been found. About this time the State was divided into seven- teen geographical regiments, and a colonel was appointed over each, whose duty it was to see that his proportion of the soldiers required was raised. The Fourteenth Regiment was composed of the towns of Rindge, New Ipswich, Jaffrey, Peterborough, Temple, Fitzwilliam, Dublin, Marlborough, Stoddard, Nelson, Washington, and Sharon. Enoch Hale of Rindge was appointed colonel of this regiment, Nov. 2, 1775.
In March, 1776, the Continental Congress took measures to disarm all persons who were notoriously opposed to the cause. of America. They passed a resolution on the subject, a copy of which was transmitted to all the Colonies. The Committee of Safety for New Hampshire, under the leader- ship of Hon. Meshach Weare, immediately sent to the sev- eral towns a copy of this resolution, and also a pledge of loyalty for the citizens of each town to sign. This pledge was called the " Association Test "; all those who refused to sign it were supposed to be Tories, and were looked upon by their neighbors with suspicion.
The original paper containing the signatures of fifty of the citizens of Monadnock No. V. was found in the office of the Secretary of State at Concord, from which the fol- lowing copy was made : -
COLONY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE, &C. COMMITTEE OF SAFETY. April, 12, 1776.
To the Selectmen of Monadnock, No. five: In order to carry the under- written RESOLVE of the Honorable Continental Congress into execu- tion. you are requested to desire all Males above twenty-one years of age, (lunatics, idiots and negroes excepted,) to sign the DECLARATION on this paper, and when so done, to make return thereof together with the name, or names of all who shall refuse to sign the same to the GEN- ERAL, ASSEMBLY, or Committee of Safety of this Colony.
M. WEARE, Chairman.
51
REVOLUTIONARY HISTORY.
IN CONGRESS, MARCH, 14th 1776.
Resolved, That it be recommended to the several Assemblies, Conven- tions and Councils, or Committees of Safety of the United States imme- diately to cause all persons to be disarmed within their respective Colonies, who are notoriously disaffected to the cause of AMERICA, or who have not associated and refused to associate to defend by ARMS the United Colonies against the hostile attempts of the British Fleet and Armies.
Extract from the minutes,
CHARLES THOMPSON, Secretary.
In consequence of the above Resolution of the Continental CON- GRESS, and to show our determination in joining our American breath- ren in defending the lives, liberties and properties of the inhabitants of the UNITED COLONIES;
We, the Subscribers, do hereby solemnly engage and promise that we will to the utmost of our power, at the risk of our lives and fortunes, with ARMS oppose the hostile proceedings of the British Fleets and Armies against the United American COLONIES.
This was signed by the following persons, and duly returned by the selectmen : -
Benjamin Tucker.
David Wheeler.
Jonathan Frost.
John Felton.
Thomas Riggs.
Richard Tozer.
Abijah Tucker.
Daniel Emerson.
Eliphalet Stone.
Daniel Goodenow.
Benoni Robbins.
Thaddeas Hastings.
Phinehas Park.
Reuben Ward.
Silas Fife.
Elnathan Newton.
Abel Woodard.
Jonah Harrington.
Benjamin Goodenow.
William Adams.
Berodick Webber.
Jedediah Tayntor.
Samuel Bishop.
William Tenney.
John McBride.
Richard Robbards.
Daniel Collins.
Ebenezer Rhodes.
Joseph Cutting.
James Brewer.
James Lewis.
Solomon Woodward.
Joseph Collins.
James Flood.
James Field.
David Dufer. His
Isaac McAllester.
- Abraham + Brooks. Mark Jonathan Goodenow.
Timothy Biemies.
Daniel Cutting.
Ebenezer Hixson. John Tozer. Stephen Woodard.
David Thurston.
Jacob Newell.
Moses Tucker.
Robert Converse.
Oliver Wright.
Theodore Mann.
52
HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
MONADNOCK, NO. FIVE, July, ye 9th, 1776.
In obedience to the within Riten we have ofered the same to all our inhabitants and they have all sined excepting those whose names are heare under Riten ;
William Barker. Richard Atwell.
Jonathan Shaw.
Icabard Shaw.
Daniel Lawrence.
BENJAMIN TUCKER, ) THOMAS RIGGS, ELIPHALET STONE,
Selectmen of Monadnock No. five.
Tradition tells us that William Barker, although he refused to affix his name to this resolution, was not a Tory at heart, but, holding an office under the king, and not knowing certain which party would in the end become victorious, he withheld his name rather as a matter of prudence than from any disaffection towards the cause of the colonists.
Richard Atwell so far overcame his scruples that he enlisted and joined the army at Rhode Island. Jonathan and Ichabod Shaw were probably Tories indeed ; but, know- ing that the sharp eye of the Committee of Safety was upon them, they remained quiet and peaceable, and as such were undisturbed. Daniel Lawrence was, we are informed, at the battle of Bunker Hill, but why he refused to sign his name to this resolution is a mystery that, at this late day, we are unable to solve.
In July, 1776, a regiment of New Hampshire militia was raised to reinforce the army in Canada, but joined the northern army then commanded by Gen. Gates. This regiment, commanded by Col. Isaac Wyman of Keene, remained in the vicinity of Ticonderoga nearly five months, and suffered much from sickness. On the roll of Capt. Joseph Parker's company in this regiment, we find the names of Benjamin Goodenow, Abel Woodward, and Peter Tozer, who enlisted for five months. Benjamin Goodenow was discharged before the expiration of his term of enlist- ment for reasons set forth in the following
53
REVOLUTIONARY HISTORY.
DISCHARGE.
MOUNT INDEPENDENCE, October the 11th, 1776.
This May Certify, that Benjamin Goodenow, a Private in Capt Joseph Parker's Company, of Colo Isaac Wymans Regiment, is rendered unfit for future Service this Campain, by Reason of a Slow intermitting fever, these six Weeks past, And is hereby Recommended for a Discharge. To Colo Wyman.
SAML WIGGLESWORTH, Surgeon.
In consequence of the above certificate, and convinced that the complaint of Benjamin Goodenow is not fictitious, I Recommend the said Benjamin Goodenow, Private in Captain Joseph Parker's Company, of the Regiment under my command, Aged Twenty Nine years, about five feet Eight Inches high, Dark Brown hair, Blue Eyes, Dark Complection, Belonging to the Town of New Marlborough in New Hampshire, New England, as a proper Person to be Discharged from the Army of the United States of America.
To The Honble Major Gen1 Gates. Commanding at Ticonderoga.
ISAAC WYMAN COLO
I, Benjamin Goodenow, Private in Captain Joseph Parkers company of Colo Isaac Wyman's Regiment, do acknowledge that I have Received all my pay and Arrears of all kinds, due to me for my Service in the Army of the United States of America.
BENJAMIN GOODENOW.
Benjamin Goodenow a Private in Capt Joseph Parker's Company of Colo Isaac Wyman's Regiment, is for the Reason above Mentioned, Discharged from the Service of the United States of America.
HORATIO GATES.
Given at Head Quarters,
11th day of October, 1776.
In September, another regiment was raised to reinforce the army in New York. This was commanded by Col. Nahum Baldwin. The third company in this regiment was commanded by Capt. Abijah Smith, of New Ipswich. The pay-roll of this company gives but two men from this town ; viz., Daniel Goodenow and Jonah Harrington. This regiment was stationed on Long Island and in the vicinity of New York until the first of December, and was under the immediate command of Gen. Washington.
In the spring of 1777, it was settled in England that an invasion of the States should be attempted from the north,
54
HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
and a communication formed between Canada and New York. The execution of the plan was committed to Gen. Burgoyne who left Canada with seven thousand troops, besides a powerful train of artillery and several tribes of Indians.
Measures were immediately taken by the colonists to raise a sufficient number of men to prevent this invasion which now seemed inevitable. Orders were issued to fill the regiments with men enlisted for three years, or during the war. The number required from Col. Enoch Hale's regi- ment was one hundred and nineteen men; of this number, Marlborough was to raise six.
Calvin Goodenow, Frederick Freeman, and Reuben McAlister immediately offered themselves to help. fill the quota. No others being found who signified their willingness to serve their country in this time of peril, a town-meeting was called for the purpose of devising some method to fill their quota. At this meeting, the town voted to give "twenty pounds apiece to the three men that are now to raise." David Wheeler, Capt. James Lewis, and Ens. Richard Roberts, were chosen a committee to procure the men.
The offer of this bounty was sufficient to tempt Adino Goodenow, Timothy Rogers, and Jabez McBride to add their names to the list and complete the quota. The fact that one-half of the number received twenty pounds apiece more than the rest was probably the cause of some dissat- isfaction on the part of those who had volunteered without the promise of any bounty.
The town feeling that they had acted unjustly in the matter, called a meeting on the 23d of June, in the warrant for which was an article "to See if the town will Cum into any method, Whereby Each person Liable By Law to pay taxes, may Bare an Equel part with others, in Supporting the american Cause according to their interest Both for the · time past and yet to Cum." In response to this article, William Adams, Abijah Tucker, and Richard Tozer, engaged to pay Calvin Goodenow twenty pounds for his services in
55
REVOLUTIONARY HISTORY.
the war; Stephen Woodward, John Felton, and Phinehas Parks engaged to pay Frederick Freeman twenty pounds for his services in the war; and William Barker, Oliver Wright, and David Wheeler engaged to pay Reuben McAlister twenty pounds for his services in the war, "if called for."
Peter Tozer also enlisted about this time, and received a bounty of twenty pounds, as is shown by the following paper, which was copied from the original, now on file in the Adjutant-General's office at Concord : -
A Muster Roll and Pay Roll of a part of Cap. Daniel Livermore's Comp in Colo Scammels Regt mustered at the desire of Lt Col. Colburn of said Regt which Regiment was raised by the State of New Hamp- shire for the Continential Service, 1777.
We the Subscribers Do acknowledge that we have received of Tho. Sparhawk one of the muster masters for the State of New Hampshire the several sums prefixed to our names.
Names
1777
Tittle
Age
Place
of Abode
'Travel
Bounty
Mileage
Total
Muney
Adino Goodenough, May
2
Private
22
Marlboro
31
£20 5.2 €20.5. 2
Calvin Goodenough,
66
17
31
20
5. 2
20.5. 2
Fredrick Freeman,
4
66
17
66
31
20 5. 2
20.5. 2
Peter Tozer,
66 30
66
18
66
31
20
5.2
20.5. 2
Joseph Porter,
June 17
16
Chesterfield
29
20
4.10
20.4.10
I have mustered the above men able bodied, Effective and have paid them the several sums set against each of their names.
THOMAS SPARHAWK M.M.
These men were in Scammel's regiment, of which Andrew Colburn of this town, was lieutenant-colonel. This regi- ment participated in the battle of Stillwater, September 19, 1777. Never was more bravery and determination shown than on this occasion. By turns the British and Americans drove each other, taking and re-taking the field-pieces, and often mingling in a hand-to-hand wrestle and fight. Scam- mel's regiment was in the thickest of the battle; it is said
56
HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
the colonel fought like a hero, never leaving his post until he was wounded and taken off the field. Lieut .- Col. Colburn arose that morning with a severe headache, and instead of wearing his hat he tied a handkerchief over his head and entered the battle with his companions. The handkerchief became a mark for the British, and he was killed in the early part of the action. Of the history of this brave and active officer, but little is known beyond what is recorded here. He is first mentioned in the Propri- etors' records in 1771, and for several years served as moderator of the meetings. Col. James Reed, in a letter, commended him to the appointing power as a man worthy to receive the commission of captain, asserting that he had had experience in the French war, etc. Frederick Freeman was also killed in the same battle. Adino Goodenow was discharged December 18, 1778, by Gen. Poor.
In the spring of 1777, the storm of war which had for some time been gathering at the North, almost unnoticed by the Americans, began to roll down upon the frontier settle- ments with alarming rapidity. Although the leaders of the Continental army were aware that a large British force had landed åt Quebec, from which an invasion was expected, either by way of Oswego or through the valley of Lake Champlain, yet, counting on the same dilatory action which had ever characterized the movements of the enemy since the battle of Bunker Hill, they supposed it might be late in the summer before the hostile army would reach the mili- tary posts on Champlain. But in this they were greatly mistaken; for as soon as the waters of the North became navigable, Gen. Burgoyne landed at Montreal, and in another week his army was marching along the shores of Lake Champlain.
The American generals were greatly surprised at the rapid advance of the enemy; and, having delayed to strengthen their defences, they were but illy prepared to meet so powerful a force. An alarm was immediately sounded throughout the country, and men were seen in every direction marching toward Ticonderoga.
57
REVOLUTIONARY HISTORY.
We do not learn as any of our citizens enlisted at this time ; but at a second alarm, a few weeks after, James Lewis immediately enlisted a company of twenty-six men (all but three of them were from this town), and marched for the scene of action.
Pay Roll of Capt. James Lewis' Company in Col. E. Hale's Regt. which marched, June, 29, 1777, to reinforce the Garrison at Ticonderoga.
Capt. James Lewis.
Robert Converse.
Lieut. Richard Robbins .*
James Brewer.
Ensign Oliver Wright.
Edward Wright.#
Sergt. John Rogers.
James Dean.
Corp1 Benja Goodenough.
Samuel Bishop Jr.
John Felton.
John Tozer.
Moses Tucker,
Richard Tozer.
Jonathan Harrington.+
Eliphalet Stone.
Thomas Upham.
Phinehas Park.
John Lewis.
William Tenney.
James Bemis.
Elnathan Newton.
Elijah Park.
David Barrass.
James Flood.
Ezra Towne .¿
On the fourth day of their march, they received informa- tion that Gen. St. Clair was about to abandon the fortress, and, the company being ordered to return, soon after disbanded.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.