USA > New Hampshire > New Hampshire as it is. In three parts. Part I. A historical sketch of New hampshire. Part II. A gazetter of New Hampshire. Part III. A general view of New Hampshire. Together with the constitution of the State > Part 11
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A Baptist society was formed in 1785, and in the follow- ing year Rev. John Peckens was ordained. He was suc- ceeded by Rev. John Peake in 1788. This society is now in a flourishing condition.
The Methodist society was formed in 1809. Rev. Caleb Dustin was the pastor for many years, and was beloved by all who knew him.
The Universalist society was formed in 1826, and for several years had only occasional preaching. For some time past, however, the society has been under the care of a settled minister.
Hon. Caleb Ellis was a resident of this town. In 1804 he was chosen member of Congress, which office he held two years. In 1813 he was appointed judge of the Superior Court, in which office he remained until his death in 1816. Hon. George B. Upham, a citizen of this town, was a member of Congress in 1801, which office he held two years. He was an eminent lawyer, and by his industry and close application became, from a poor young man, one of the most wealthy men in New Hampshire. He died February 10, 1848, aged 79.
Population in 1854, 4376. Number of polls, 1012.
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155
GAZETTEER OF NEW HAMPSHIRE.
Inventory, $2,096,742. Value of lands, improved and unimproved, $946,256. Number of sheep, 6349. Do. neat stock, 2445. Do. horses and mules, 602.
CLARKSVILLE, Coös county. Bounded north by Pitts- burg, east by grant to Gilmanton Academy, south by Stewartstown, and west by Canaan, Vermont. Distance from Concord, 156 miles, north. This is almost the north- ern limit of the state, there being but one town beyond it, with which it is classed, for the election of representative. The soil is rugged, and not very productive ; the surface is broken and hilly. There are two ponds - one, Clarksville Pond, containing about 100 acres; the other, Carr Pond, covering about 30 acres. There are several tributaries to the Connecticut within this town, but no streams of con- siderable size. This town was incorporated June, 1854.
Population, 187. Number of polls, 54. Amount of inventory, $38,571. Value of lands, improved and unim- proved, $15,467. Number of sheep, 285. Do. neat stock, 257. Do. horses, 41.
COLEBROOK, Coos county. Bounded north by Stewarts- town, east by Dixville, south by Columbia, and west by Vermont. Area, 25,000 acres. Distance from Concord, 140 miles, north ; from Lancaster, 35, north. This town is watered by Mohawk River and Blue Brook, the former containing excellent mill seats and water privileges. The soil is rich, and generally easily cultivated. Intervals of good quality and of considerable extent stretch along the Connecticut ; and the uplands, of moderate ascent, are fer- tile. This is a town of considerable enterprise. The people are industrious, engaged chiefly in agriculture and
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156
NEW HAMPSHIRE AS IT IS.
the manufacture of lumber. There is an academy here, with a fund of $1200.
This town was originally granted to Sir George Cole- brook. It was incorporated in 1790.
Population, 908. Number of polls, 219. Amount of inventory, $217,569. Do. money at interest or on deposit, $29,485. Value of lands, improved and unimproved, $94,548. Do. mills and stock in trade, $11,264. Num- ber of sheep, 1586. Do. neat stock, 1194. Do. horses, 234.
COLUMBIA, Coos county. Bounded north by Colebrook, east by Dixville and ungranted lands, south by ungranted lands and Strafford, and west by Vermont. Area, 37,822 acres. Distance from Concord, 135 miles, north ; from Lan- caster, 30, north. The surface of the town is uneven, and broken by mountains along its southern limits. From these elevations descend a number of streams in a westerly direc- tion into the Connecticut, yielding an ample supply of water for the soil, and affording many excellent water privileges. There are several small ponds in this town, the most re- markable of which is Lime Pond, situated about two miles south-east from Chamberlain's Town, in Colebrook, and near the town line, on a small branch of Simm's Stream. This pond is 160 rods in length, 50 wide, and of an irregular, ellipti- cal shape. Its bottom is covered to a depth of 6 feet with white, calcareous marl of great purity, which is formed by myriads of shells of the cyclas and planorbis species, im- mense hordes of which are still living in the waters of the pond, and are generally found collected under loose stones. Around the shores considerable quantities of impure blue and gray limestone are found. The calcareous matter is generally derived from a neighboring peat swamp. This
157
GAZETTEER OF NEW HAMPSHIRE.
marl is readily burned, and converted into excellent lime for building purposes. A short distance from this place is Fish Pond, the waters of which swarm with trout of fine size. At the outlet of this pond, limestone occurs in con- siderable quantity. The soil in this town is generally strong and productive. Lumber is extensively manufac- tured here, and conveyed to market by rafts down the Connecticut. Large quantities of maple sugar are also made.
This town was granted in 1770, and named Cockburne, in honor of Sir James Cockburne, one of the grantees. It was incorporated December 16, 1797. It received its present name in June, 1811.
There are two religious societies established here, - the Methodist and Baptist, -each of which has a meeting house for worship.
Population, 762. Number of legal voters in 1854, 175. Inventory, $141,187. Value of lands, improved and un- improved, $73,178. Number of sheep, 1539. Do. neat stock, 997. Do. horses, 168.
CONCORD, Merrimack county, the capital of the State of New Hampshire, is bounded north by Canterbury and Bos- cawen, east by Loudon and Pembroke, south by Bow and Hopkinton, and west by Hopkinton and Boscawen. Lati- tude, 42º 12' north. Area, 40,919 acres, about 1800 of which are covered with water. There are five ponds in Concord, the largest of which are Turkey Pond, in the south-west, and Long Pond, in the north-west, part of the town. The streams flowing from these afford several valu- able mill seats and privileges. The Contoocook enters the west corner of the town, and, uniting with the Merri- mack on the north-west line, forms at the confluence the
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158
NEW HAMPSHIRE AS IT IS.
island celebrated as the spot where Mrs. Dustan effected her escape, after slaying a party of Indians who had cap- tured her. (See BOSCAWEN.) The Merrimack is the prin- cipal stream in this region, and, running nearly through the centre of the town, its borders are beautified and adorned by rich and highly cultivated intervals. Concord is very rapidly increasing in business, population, and wealth by the extension of numerous railroads in various directions, and its favorable location for securing the trade of the surrounding towns, as well as by reason of the almost infinite variety of manufacturing and mechanical work carried on within its limits.
Concord is built upon the sandy diluvium of the Merri- mack, through which a fine-grained white granite is occa- sionally seen, forming low ridges of hills. In the west par- ish is a large quarry of this rock, which has been worked for many years. Large quantities have been used in this vicinity and also in Boston. This town was the favorite resort and home of a considerable tribe of Indians called the Pennacooks. At the time of the settlement of eastern New Hampshire they had been much reduced in numbers and strength by their frequent wars, especially with their formidable enemies the Mohawks. Tradition, authenti- cated by several circumstances, says that their principal stronghold was a fortified bluff on the east side of the Merrimack, opposite the north end of Main Street. In one of the last conflicts between these two tribes, one division of the Mohawks advanced down along the west side of the river; and, as the Pennacooks had fled to their fort on the east bluff, the former made a show of attack, as if about to cross the stream and take the fortress by storm. Meanwhile their main body had crossed the river some distance above, and, coming down on the east side, rushed
159
GAZETTEER OF NEW HAMPSHIRE.
across the narrow strip of plain land leading to the bluff, which was protected on the west by the river, and on the north and south by deep ravines. The hostile parties meeting on this narrow plain, a bloody battle ensued ; and though the Pennacooks kept possession of their stronghold, yet it was at immense sacrifice of life. The Mohawks, sadly reduced in numbers, retired to their own country - New York. Could the details of that bloody scene be accurately traced, we doubtless might record instances of valor and intrepidity which would equal, or even surpass, the noblest efforts of the pale tribes in their more scientific and civilized modes of warfare. Hon. J. C. Potter, whose birthplace was on this battle ground, says that he has found undoubted relics of this well-fought field. At the time of the first English settlement, a small number of Pennacooks remained of all the multitude who once found ample subsistence on this their favorite planting, hunting, and fishing ground. Rapidly they dwindled away, until a few years witnessed the end of the last of the Penna- cooks.
This place was first visited by the whites in 1639. It was granted in 1725, under the name of the " Plantation of Pennacook," to Benjamin Stevens, Ebenezer Stevens, and others, by Massachusetts, who claimed jurisdiction of the territory by virtue of the grant in the royal charter of the county, extending northerly to " three miles north of the Merrimack River." In 1726, 103 house lots were laid out on the river, and about 50 persons were employed during the warm season in building and agriculture. The erection of a meeting house and works of defence was commenced this year, and finished in 1727. The dwelling house of the Rev. Mr. Walker was built at the · same time, and, though somewhat modernized, is yet stand-
160
NEW HAMPSHIRE AS IT IS.
ing, and occupied by J. B. Walker, one of his descendants. It is said to be the oldest two-story house between Haver- hill, Massachusetts, and Canada. Another, built in 1727 by Edward Abbott, is yet standing, though degraded to the station of a barn. It stands on Montgomery Street, near Dr. T. Chadbourne's. In this house was born, Feb- ruary, 1728, the first child of English parents - Dorcas, daughter of E. Abbott, who died in 1797. The first male child was born of the same parents in 1730. He died in 1801. The first town meeting was held January 11, 1732, and Captain Ebenezer Eastman was chosen moderator. In 1733 an act of incorporation, including a space about seven miles square, was passed by the General Court of Massachusetts, under which the territory received the name of Rumford, from a parish of that name in England. In 1762, by an order of the king in council, Rumford was de- clared within the jurisdiction of New Hampshire. In 1765 this town was incorporated by New Hampshire un- der the name of Concord.
In 1739, in apprehension of an attack from the Indians, the town built a garrison, enclosing the house of Rev. Mr. Walker. In 1742 the wife of Jonathan Eastman was captured by the Indians and taken to Canada. She was redeemed by her friends some time after, and returned to them. No serious attacks, however, were made by the Indians until the commencement of the war of 1744. On the 8th of August, 1746, about 100 Indians from Canada stationed themselves near the settlement, with the design of destroying it. The same day a company of 40 men from Exeter came to the rescue; making, with the two companies already stationed here, a very respectable force. The savages hoped by waiting until the Sabbath to surprise the inhabitants while at worship. But the people went
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GAZETTEER OF NEW HAMPSHIRE.
armed, and, having discovered the enemy, marched against them and put them to flight. Despairing of success in their original plan, the Indians withdrew and lay in am- bush, determined to kill or capture all who might fall with- in their reach. On Monday, August 11th, seven of the inhabitants, all armed, set out for Hopkinton. One of the party, having proceeded farther than the rest, sat down, about a mile from the village, to await the approach of his friends. The Indians rose from their place of concealment and killed him. His companions, among whom was Jona- than Bradley, had just gained the summit of the hill when the firing took place ; and being deceived as to the number of the enemy, Bradley, who was the leader of the party, ordered his men to fire and rush upon them. The whole body of Indians then arose, and, being about 100 in num- ber, completely surrounded Bradley and his handful of men. Bradley now urged his men to save themselves if possible. Flight was out of the question. Samuel Bradley was shot through the body, stripped of his clothing, and scalped. To Jonathan they offered quarter, as some of their number were acquainted with him ; but, scorning their offer, he fought his overpowering foe with desperation until he was struck down, and, with the knives and tomahawks of the Indians, horribly mangled and scalped. Two others, John Bean and John Lufkin, were killed. Alexander Roberts and William Stickney were made prisoners and taken to Canada. As soon as the alarm was given, the soldiers in the garrison and several of the inhabitants hastened to the place of conflict. At their approach the savages fled, leav- ing behind their dead and wounded. The bodies of Bradley and his companions were brought in and interred on the following day. Six of the Indians were killed and several wounded. A granite monument was erected on the spot
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162
NEW HAMPSHIRE AS IT IS.
where Bradley and his associates fell, by Richard Bradley, Esq., a grandson of Samuel Bradley.
It is, perhaps, somewhat remarkable that many of the descendants of the first settlers are residents in Concord, and occupy the same homesteads where their ancestors settled. Among these are the Walkers, Bradleys, Rolfes, Stickneys, Eastmans, &c .; and few of the ancient estates have been squandered or lost by prodigality.
Concord became the permanent seat of government of New Hampshire in 1805. In 1816 the building of the State House was commenced. It was first occupied in 1819. The centre of the building is 50 feet in front by 57 in depth. The wings are each 38 feet in front by 49 in depth - the whole 126 feet front. The outside walls are hammered granite. The grounds extend from Main Street to State Street, and contain two acres, beautifully laid out and ornamented with a variety of shade trees, and substantially enclosed. The entire cost of the building and grounds was $82,000. In this building is the Representatives Hall, with an arched or dome-shaped ceiling rising 30 feet from the floor, the Senate and Council Chambers, offices for secretary, treasurer, adjutant general, the State Library, and rooms for committees.
With the formation of the county of Merrimack, in 1823, Concord became the county seat, and the county courts have been held here since that time. By an act of the legislature, passed in 1852, the Superior Court holds its sessions in Concord for all the counties in the state.
Court House. - As the present ancient structure is soon to be superseded by a new and elegant edifice, the erection of which is to be commenced this year, (1854,) it is suffi- cient to say that it is a relic of antiquity and of uncomely proportions. It was occupied many years as a state house,
163
GAZETTEER OF NEW HAMPSHIRE.
and more recently as a town hall and seat of justice. The new City Hall and County Rooms are to be construct- ed on the most approved style of architecture, commodious, and located in the centre of spacious grounds now the prop- erty of the city. The whole work is to be completed in 1855.
The County Jail is a new and beautiful edifice, built of brick, and is situated one mile west of the State House. Its location is pleasant, and its grounds capacious and taste- fully arranged, and in a few years it will be ornamented with a growth of shade and fruit trees.
The State Prison is located in State Street. The central part and the south wing were erected in 1812, at which time the institution went into operation. In 1833 a north wing was added, its form and style corresponding with the improvements of the age. In this building are the hospital, cook rooms, and a hall, with cells for 120 convicts. The hall is warmed by steam and lighted with gas. The cooking is also done with steam. The entire expense of this building was about $60,000. The yard, including nearly two acres, is enclosed by a heavy wall of granite. The workshops are well arranged for the accommodation of the convicts in their several employments, which con- sist of shoemaking, blacksmithing, and cabinet work. There are regular religious services each Sabbath, and instruction imparted to all such of the convicts as are unable to read or write. There is connected with this institution a library of 800 volumes, judiciously selected, with a view solely to the moral improvement of the con- victs. The prison has for many years been well managed, and will compare favorably with any institution of the kind in this or other countries.
For several years the proceeds of the labor of the pris-
164
NEW HAMPSHIRE AS IT IS.
oners have been sufficient to defray all expenses of the insti- tution, besides a surplus of $1500 to $3400 as net income.
Number of convicts in prison, committed, discharged, pardoned, deceased, and escaped in each year since the establishment of the institution in 1812.
Year.
In Prison
Com- mitted.
Dis- charged.
Pardon'd
Removed to Insane Asylum.
Died.
Escaped.
1812
1
1
1813
12
11
1814
22
14
4
2
5
1816
48
31
5
1
1
1
1818
69
26
16
1819
62
17
20
1
1
2
1820
61
18
15
2
2
1821
65
23
15
2
2
1822
57
16
19
2
3
1823
66
26
11
5
1
1824
62
19
17
5
1
1825
66
24
13
3
1
1826
59
13
15
4
1
1827
48
12
14
7
2
1828
56
20
8
4
1829
50
11
9
7
1
1830
68
31
9
4
1831
81
24
8
3
1832
82
19
10
6
1
1
1833
81
16
8
9
1834
79
13
4
11
1835
78
23
6
16
1836
86
21
8
4
1
1837
72
12
15
10
1
1838
70
5
4
3
1839
73
30
10
15
2
1840
78
24
4
14
1
1841
84
28
13
7
2
1842
92
20
9
3
1843
99
28
17
4
1844
89
25
19
15
1
1845
81
14
8
12
2
1846
74
30
12
22
1
1847
61
14
12
13
1848
77
42
11
14
1
1849
82
17
9
2
1
1850
91
36
10
14
1
2
1851
95
26
7
11
1
1852
111
44
11
11
6
1853
109
24
9
15
2
1854
105
28
13
13
6
1815
23
13
5
1817
59
29
13
3
2
1
.
2
165
GAZETTEER OF NEW HAMPSHIRE.
The Asylum for the Insane is situated on a delightful eminence three fourths of a mile south-west of the State House. The buildings are spacious and convenient. The style of architecture is rather with reference to substantial purposes than otherwise. The buildings consist of a main or central body, 48 by 44 feet, four stories high, erected in 1843; a north wing, 90 by 36 feet, four stories high, erected in 1852; and a commodious building designed for unsafe and turbulent maniacs. An appropriation of $20,000 has been made by the legislature for the construc- tion of a south wing corresponding with the north wing. There is connected with the institution a valuable farm, the labor upon which is performed by the inmates of the asylum. This institution has an excellent reputation, and has continued to increase, not only in the number com- mitted to its care, but correspondingly in the number dis- charged as wholly or partially recovered. Dr. John E. Tyler is at present the superintendent. Its productive funds amount to $33,000-$15,000 of which was a legacy of the late Countess Rumford, and $3000 of the late Mr. Chandler. The following table will show the progress and success of the institution from its commencement : -
Statistics from the opening of the asylum to June 1, 1854.
Year.
Admit- ted.
Dis- charged.
Recov- ered.
Partially recovered
Unim- proved.
Died.
Whole No.
Remain- ing.
1843
76
29
12
10
6
1
76
47
1844
104
81
37
20
19
5
151
70
1845
88
82
37
17
22
6
158
76
1846
98
76
26
23
16
11
174
98
1847
89
87
38
17
23
9
187
100
1848
92
83
29
20
26
8
192
109
1849
81
76
36
15
11
14
190
114
1850
103
90
45
18
20
7
217
127
1851
88
98
45
25
16
12
215
117
1852
107
106
66
13
16
11
224
118
1853
132
107
63
25
11
8
250
143
1854
141
123
63
24
22
14
284
161
Whole number ever admitted, 1199.
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NEW HAMPSHIRE AS IT IS.
The Rolfe and Rumford Asylum for widows and orphans was founded by the late Countess Rumford, who gave her beautiful country seat, situated about one mile south from the : State House, and the sum of $20,000, as a fund for its endowment. It has not yet been put in operation.
The Methodist General Biblical Institute. - The prin- cipal building of this institution was built for and occupied as the Town Meeting House. It was erected in 1751, and until 1820 was, with the exception of a small Quaker meeting house, the only house of worship in Concord. It is beautifully located in the north part of the city, at the junction of Main and State Streets. It was repaired and changed in its internal arrangements to a very con- venient edifice, and opened for its present uses, in the fall of 1846. Since that time it has enjoyed increasing pros- perity. During the present year there have been in attend- ance 90 students. The property of the institution is ap- praised at $50,750 50. The students have maintained an excellent reputation with the citizens, and are very useful - supplying many churches in the neighboring towns with preaching in the temporary absence of the stated preacher, and otherwise advancing the cause of religion. Faculty : Rev. John Dempster, D. D., Rev. S. M. Vail, A. M., and Rev. J. W. Merrill, D. D.
Education. - There is a high school, taught by G. S. Barnes, A. M., and four select schools. There is no incor- porated academy. The common schools are well conducted. In the populous parts of the city, the school houses are all of liberal and commodious construction. Some have been built without, at least, a penurious regard for expense. These schools are conducted according to the graduated system, including instruction in the first elements, as well as the higher branches of English education.
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GAZETTEER OF NEW HAMPSHIRE.
The whole number of scholars for the year 1854 was 2300. The amount of money expended, $5536 - being $2,40} to each scholar.
INCORPORATED COMPANIES. Banks. - Mechanics' Bank, capital stock, $100,000 ; Merrimack County Bank, $80,- 000; State Capital, $150,000 ; New Hampshire Savings Bank.
Insurance Companies. - New Hampshire Mutual ; New England Mutual ; Columbian Mutual ; Equitable Mutual ; Union Mutual ; People's Mutual.
Railroads. - The Concord Railroad extends from Nashua, up the Merrimack, to Concord. Length, 341 miles. It was opened for travel September 1, 1842. Expense of construction, including depot and all running equipage, $1,450,000. The depot is a splendid building -large, commodious, with a spacious hall, and other convenient rooms.
The Northern Railroad extends from Concord to West Lebanon, at White River junction. Length, 69 miles. The lower section was opened in 1846, the upper in 1847.
The Boston, Concord, and Montreal Railroad extends from Concord to North Haverhill. The first section was opened for travel May 10, 1848. It was completed in 1853. Length, 922 miles.
The Merrimack and Connecticut River Railroad was opened for travel to Warner September 20, 1849 ..
The Portsmouth and Concord Railroad is now com- pleted, and is doing a prosperous business. Length, 47 miles.
All these roads centre in Concord, which add greatly to its importance as a place of business.
Hotels. - The American House is kept by John P. Gass ; the Eagle Hotel, John P. Gibson ; the Phoenix House,
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NEW HAMPSHIRE AS IT IS.
Dumas & Stickney ; the Union House, Stevens ; the Pavil- ion, George Dame ; the Elm House, W. M. Carter ; the Columbian House, Norton ; Hotel at Fisherville, Durgin.
The first of these may be styled as public houses of the first class ; all are respectable, and receive a large pat- ronage.
Houses of Worship. - Congregational, 5 ; Methodist Episcopal, 2; Calvinist Baptist, 3; Freewill Baptist, 1; Episcopal, 1; Unitarian, 1; Universalist, 1; Advent, 1.
PROFESSIONAL MEN. Clergymen. - Congregationalist, 7 ; Methodist, 9; Calvinist Baptist, 4; Freewill Baptist, 1; Episcopalian, 1; Unitarian, 1; Universalist, 1; Ad- vent, 1. Of the ministers, one Congregationalist is ed- itor of a paper, and one chaplain of the Insane Asylum ; of the Methodists, one is a bishop, three professors in the Theological Institution, and one chaplain of the State Pris- on ; of the Baptists, one is agent for the Education Society.
Physicians. - Allopathic, 11 ; homeopathic, 3 ; hydro- pathic, 1 ; botanic, 1; dentists, 3.
There are in Concord 28 lawyers.
Newspapers. - There are published the New Hamp- shire Patriot, New Hampshire Statesman, Congregational Journal, Independent Democrat, State Capital Reporter, Baptist Observer, and New Hampshire Phoenix. In these establishments 60 men are employed.
Statistics of Trade. - Dry goods and groceries, 50; merchant tailors, 11; hardware stores, 5 ; shoe stores, 9; tinware and stoves, 4; saddle, harness, and trunk, 5 ; book stores, 5 ; apothecary stores, 5 ; hat, cap, and fur stores, 3 ; millinery, 6; confectionery and toy shops, 4 ; furniture stores, 3. Total, 109.
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