USA > New Hampshire > Grafton County > Warren > History of the town of Warren, N.H., from its early settlement to the year 1854: including a sketch of the Pomigewasset Indians > Part 9
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The Waders form the fifth order, and are so called because of their long legs, which enable them to traverse marshes and ditches in search of fish, snakes and worms. The crane, snipe and water-hen belong to this order.
The Swimmers form the sixth order. These are web-footed, which enables them to swim rap- idly through the water. The duck, loon, &c., belong to this class.
All the fishes that formerly inhabitated our waters are still found, except the salmon. They are the trout, pickerel, sucker, eel, red perch, shiner and minnow.
The amphibious animals are the turtle, toad, frog, lizard and swift.
There are but few serpents. These are the striped snake, green snake, water adder, and one other species of a smaller size. Black and rattle- snakes are not found.
Among the insects most common are the bee- tle, grasshopper, cricket, butterfly, fire-fly, black fly, moth, flea, ant, musquito, spider, hornet, wasp, humble-bee, honey-bee, various kinds of bugs, and several species of worms.
The indigenous trees and shrubs are the white, black, ground, mountain and red ash;
159
HORTICULTURAL PRODUCTS.
balm of Gilead, bass wood, beach, birch, butter- nut or bilnut, blackberry, blueberry, bayberry, cedar, black and red choke cherry, wild cherry, wild currant, dogwood, elm, elder, fir, gooseberry, grape vine, hazel, hemlock, ground do., hornbeam, larch ; sugar, white and red maple ; moosewood, juniper, red oak, poplar, plum, white and Norway pine, sumac, thorn-apple, wild-pear, spruce, wil- low, wickapee or leather wood, sheep laurel, rasp- berry, thimbleberry, wild rose, &c.
The principal medicinal plants and herbs are the fir, balsam, yarrow, sweet-flag, may-weed, sar- saparilla, spikenard, everlasting, burdock, worm- wood, wild turnip, coltsfoot, milk-weed, white root, celandine, snake head, winter-green, horse- radish, sweet fern, gold-thread, apple of Peru, thoroughwort, queen of the meadow, wild hoar- hound, avensroot, penny-royal, liverwort, hop, round wood, elecampane, blueflag, dandelion, cat- nip, wood sorrel, garget, broad leaved dock, el- der, golden rod, tansy, snake root, ginsing, mai- den hair, hard-hack, adder-tongue, sweet cicely, and many others.
The horticultural products are the apple, cher- ries of several kinds, Canada plum, wheat plum, pear and grape.
The most important culinary plants, roots and herbs, are the anise, artichoke, bean, beet, cara- way, currant, carrot, hop, mustard, onion, pea,
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HISTORY OF WARREN.
pepper pumpkin, sage, squash, cabbage, turnip, cranberry, parsnip, &c. The common plants found in this latitude abound. Besides these are a number of floral plants.
In the early settling of the town many indi- viduals planted large orchards, and from the pro- ducts of these a considerable amount of cider was manufactured and drank. But the drinking of cider as a beverage is going into disuse, and the value of fruit as a luxury is better appreci- ated. Many of the old orchards have been ren- ovated by grafting, and nurseries are annually planted. The first apple tree was planted by Joseph Patch, and is still standing, though near- ly dead, on land owned by Jonathan Clough, and not far from the Clough school-house. The plum and cherry are abundant. There are but few pears, and peaches do not thrive.
For many years, but a common breed of stock was raised, yet of these there were many fine animals reared. In later times, through the per- severance of Dr. David C. French, there are now some very fine specimens of short horned Durhams. There are also fine specimens of horses, various breeds of sheep, and a considera- ble amount of wool is sold annually. Several thousand dollars worth of fat cattle are now yearly sent to market. Pork was formerly rais- ed in considerable quantities for market, but
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AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS.
since the decline of prices, and prevalence of the potato disease, the quantity does not greatly ex- ceed the home consumption. Poultry raising is on the increase, and large quantities of the common kinds and eggs find a ready sale.
The business of cheese-making is not now so much attended to as formerly ; but still rather a larger quantity than is needed for home con- sumption is made. But the manufacture of but- ter is on the increase ; most of it is of an excel- lent quality, and many hundreds of firkins find a quick demand abroad.
The making of maple sugar is also an impor- tant item to the farmers of Warren. In the year 1850 there were twenty tons made, and a large amount of cakes and maple honey is sold in the larger towns of this State and Massachu- setts ; but for all this, many hundred weight of southern manufacture is sold in town each year.
Formerly a sufficient supply of corn, rye and oats was raised to meet the consumption of the inhabitants, but since the commencement of the railroad, owing to the large number of hands employed upon it during its building, and the large number engaged in the lumbering business, which, since the running of the cars has become profitable, a considerable amount of oats and corn is brought into town each year, to meet the in- creased demand.
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HISTORY OF WARREN.
Very little barley is now grown; beans are raised in considerable quantities, but peas are not an object of much attention, beyond the pro- duction of early ones, to be used when green. There is a considerable crop of wheat grown each year, but it does not thrive so well as for- merly, and there is not enough raised to meet the home demand ; consequently many hundred barrels of flour are annually brought into town and sold. Potatoes are very extensively culti- vated, and although there is not so large a yield as in former years, still many thousand bushels are annually sent to market, or manufactured into starch. For several years the ravages of the rot bid fair to exterminate the culture of them, but for one or two years they have been much less affected by it. Many carrots are also raised, and the farmers are beginning to appreciate their value as food for cattle, horses and swine.
There are eleven mills driven by water for the manufacture of various articles from wood. Of these, four have been built during the past six years. One by Sylvester Merrill, one by Isaac Sawtell, and two by Levi F. Jewell ; two grain mills, one tanning and currying establishment, two carriage manufactories, one starch factory, eight blacksmith shops, and three stores.
The first post-office was established about the year 1818, and was kept for several years by
163
DEATHS BY CASUALTY.
Amos Burton. He was succeeded by Anson Merrill ; Dr. Jesse Little, who held the office of post-master nine years ; Dr. David C. French five years ; L. C. Whitcher three years; Asa Thurs- ton three years; G. W. Prescott, one year, and C. C. Durant.
The first death by casualty in town was that of Mr. Mills, who was killed by the fall of a tree ; the second that of his son, who was killed in the same manner. Amos Eaton, killed by the fall of a tree about the year 1780. Richard Pillsbury, killed at the raising of a barn in 1800; Reuben Batchelder, jr., killed at a raising in 1802; a child of Joshua Copp drowned in a wash tub; Caleb Merrill, deaf and dumb, killed by the fall of a tree, June 8, 1808 ; Joseph Patch, the first settler of Warren, killed by a fall about the year 1832. For several years previous he had been a cripple, brought about by the excessive fatigues he had undergone in his hunting excur- sions. A child of William Kelley, jr., drowned in Kelley pond; Mr. Paul Meader, killed in 1834 by a log rolling over him ; Ward C. Batch- elder, killed in 1836 by the fall of a limb from a tree which he was chopping. A Mr. Merrill, from Groton, was killed about 1840 by a pitch- fork falling upon him; Miranda Whitcher was burned to death in 1845; Abigail Weed, wife of Wilson Weed, was killed in 1846 by falling upon
164
HISTORY OF WARREN.
a pitchfork ; Calvin Cummings, killed in 1848 by falling from a frame; Mrs. Leathers, wife of Vowell Leathers, burned to death in 1849; Da- vid Antrine was drowned in Meader pond the same year; an adopted son of Calvin May was accidentally killed by the tine of a manure fork in 1850; an Irishman killed in 1852 while at work upon the railroad, by a tree falling upon him ; a Mr. Anderson was burned to death while tending a coal-pit in 1852.
The first individual who traded in Foreign and West India goods was Samuel Fellows. He oc- cupied a store near Joshua Merrill's, where Ste- phen Lund now lives ; and after trading a short time was taken crazy. He would sometimes leave home and wander to the neighboring towns; and when his friends went for him it would be extremely difficult to influence him to return. At one time he went to Haverhill, and a young man was sent after him. He found him at the tavern, and to make good friends, asked him whether he would have flip or brandy to drink before going home. Fellows looked up sharply and said he guessed he would have the brandy while the flip was making. To him suc- ceeded, first, Charles Bowls; then George W. Copp; next, Abel Merrill, who traded in 1804. Others who have successively done business are Benjamin Merrill, from 1805 to 1811 or 12. He
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FIRST TRADERS IN WEST INDIA GOODS.
built the house now occupied by Stephen Mars- ton, and occupied it both as store and dwelling- house. Lemuel Keezer succeeded him, and traded until 1815; then Michael Preston, about three years, followed by Amos Burton, who erected the building now occupied by Da- mon Y. Eastman as a wheel-wright shop. Others who have traded in that building are respective- ly Samuel L. Merrill, William Merrill, Anson Merrill, Wm. Wells, John T. Sanborn, Asa Thurs- ton, Quincy Cole and Francis A. Cushman, George W. Prescott and Wm. A. Merrill. Stevens Merrill and Tristram Cross traded for a consid- erable length of time in a store now standing near the dwelling recently owned by Gen. M. P. Merrill. About the year 1846 F. A. & M. E. Cushman erected the building now occupied by A. W. Eastman as a wheel-wright shop, and trad- ed for a few years. James Clement built the store now occupied by the Durants, and in company with Joseph Clement traded for a considerable length of time. Those who have traded there since are E. C. Durant, C. C. & H. H. Durant, J. & C. C. Durant. George W. Prescott erected the store he now occupies, in company with J. M. Williams, about the year 1847, and has since traded in it. Ezra Libby commenced to trade at Warren Summit in company with Jonathan Stickney in the year 1853, and has since done considerable business.
166
HISTORY OF WARREN.
The first physician who practiced in town was Dr. Joseph Peters. He came in 1791, and lived in town about two years.
Dr. Levi Root commenced practice in 1795, and practiced three years.
Dr. Ezra Bartlett, when a young man, came to Warren in 1798, and commenced practice. He built the large two-story house on the place now owned by Russell K. Clement, on Beach hill. Dr. Bartlett was a man of fine abilities, and held many responsible offices. In the year 1804 he was elected to represent the towns of Warren and Benton in the Legislature. In 1809 he was appointed a Justice in the Court of Common Pleas for the county of Grafton. In 1812 he moved to Haverhill, and a few years after was elected a Senator to the State Senate for a number of years, after which for one or two years he was Councillor.
Dr. Thomas Whipple practiced in town from 1812 to 1814, when he moved to Wentworth. Several years after, he was a number of times elected a Representative to Congress ; a position which he filled to the satisfaction of his con- stituents.
Dr. Robert Burns practiced from 1816 to 1818, when he moved to Hebron, and from thence to Plymouth, where he now resides.
Dr. John Broadhead practiced in town from 1818 one year.
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LIST OF PHYSICIANS.
Dr. Laban Ladd, a native of Haverhill, came to Warren about 1820, and practiced two years. He then moved to Haverhill, where he shortly after died.
Dr. David C. French, a son of Joseph French, one of the early settlers of Warren, commenced practice about the year 1821, which he con- tinued to the satisfaction of his numerous friends until the year 1853, when, wishing to retire from business, he sold out his practice.
Dr. Jesse Little, also a native of Warren, and son of Amos Little, who came to Warren in 1789, graduated at the medical college at Han- over, in the year 1828, and has practiced in town since 1830.
Dr. James Emery practiced in Warren a short time in 1845.
Dr. A. Busell has practiced from 1852 to the present time.
Dr. Alphonso G. French, son of Dr. David C. French, graduated at the medical school at Han- over in 1853, and is now practicing in town.
Dr. William Merrill, son of Abel Merrill, grad- uated at the medical school at Hanover, and after practicing at Lisbon for a short time, died.
Dr. Robert C. Merrill, son of Samuel Merrill, graduated at the medical school at Hanover, and for a number of years practiced at Meredith. From this place he removed to Pembroke, where he holds a worthy rank in his profession.
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HISTORY OF WARREN.
The following persons, natives of the town, have attended college. Joseph Merrill, jun., son of Joseph Merrill, graduated at Dartmouth Col- lege, and is now a minister of the Congregation- al denomination, and preaches at Dracut, Mass. Lemuel Merrill, another son of Joseph Merrill, graduated at Dartmouth College, and is now an attorney, practicing in one of the Southern States.
John Merrill, son of Abel Merrill, entered Dartmouth College in 1806. He died while a member of the sophomore class, aged 23 years. The following lines are to be found upon his tomb-stone :
" Behold the blooming youth is gone, The much loved object's fled ; Entered his long eternal home, And numbered with the dead.
But he shall live, and rise again, Enrobed in bright array ; Shall take his part in heavenly strains In everlasting day."
Many of the first settlers of Warren were of the Calvin Baptist order, and they early turned their attention toward the formation of a church and the employment of a minister. But as their number was few, they united with their brethren at Wentworth, and for many years Dea- con Aaron Currier labored with them.
The next society formed was the Methodist.
169
METHODIST SOCIETY.
Their first minister was the Rev. Elijah R. Sabin. Those who have succeeded him are, - Skeels, Winch, Jacob Sanborn, John Lord, Wil- liam Plumbly, - Davis, - Sleeper, Newell Culver, Charles Baker, Nathan Howe, Damon Young, Caleb Dustin, J. H. Hardy, N. W. Aspin- wall, C. R. Harding, J. W. Morey, - Peck, S. A. Cushing, Enos Wells, Reuben Dearborn, Mo- ses Merrill, J. W. Johnson, Salmon Gleason, Ben- jamin R. Hoyt, Kimball Hadley, Lorenzo D. Blodget, - Barker, James Martin, J. A. Sweat- land, - Kellog, Sullivan Holman, J. A. Scar- ritt, L. L. Eastman, Rufus Tilton, James Adams.
The names of the Free Will Baptist ministers are as follows : Joseph Boody, sen., Joseph Boo- dy, jun., Lewis Harriman, Thomas Perkins, J. Marks, - Wallace, James Spencer, Joseph
Quimby, - Messer, Aaron Buzwell, S. Doane, Leavitt, G. W. Cogswell, J. Moulton, - Sargeant, Horace Webber, J. D. Cross.
The names of the Universalist Ministers and the dates of their preaching are as follows : Rev. John E. Palmer, from 1838 to 1841; Samuel A. Johnson, from 1841 to 1845; Alson Scott, 1845 to 1849; Macey B. Newall, 1849 to 1851; Charles C. Clark, 1852 to 1853; S. W. Squire, 1853 to 185 .
The town is divided into eleven school dis- tricts, in the most of which a school is supported
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HISTORY OF WARREN.
nearly half of the year, and in some more than that length of time. About 325 children and youth annually attend for a longer or shorter period. The school-houses, although most of them passable, are not what they should be. Education is the grand secret of the prosperity of this nation, and if we would go on thinking we must cherish and enhance the value of our institutions.
There was a circulating library, which con- tained a number of hundred volumes, commenc- ed about the year 1808, and was incorporated by an act of the. Legislature. The books were most of them printed in the ancient style, and being but little read, were distributed among the owners a few years ago. Another library was commenced by the Warren L. B. Association in 1851, and contains many volumes of an inter- esting and useful character.
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