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 13
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DIXVILLE, Coos county. Bounded north by Clarksville and grant to Gilmanton Academy, east by Dartmouth College grant and Wentworth Location, south by Millsfield and ungranted lands, and west by Columbia, Colebrook, and Stewartstown. Area, 31,023 acres. 146 miles north from Concord, and 40 north-east from Lancaster. This is a somewhat rugged and rocky region, but nevertheless con- tains some very good land. It is watered by numerous streams. Much of it yet remains uncultivated and covered with a dense forest. In this town is the Dixville Notch, a remarkable gap in the mountains, wild and interesting to the beholder ; and when this region becomes more widely known, it will constitute one of the most agreeable resorts for lovers of picturesque scenery. It is the pass through which teams go from Erroll to Portland. The direction of the pass is north-east and south-west, and is walled on both sides by towering ledges and columns of mica slate, which stand nearly vertical, and rise to the height of 600
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to 800 feet from the road. The rock in this region resem bles volcanic more than any other found in the state. On the north side of this road, some 40 rods distant, is the Flume, caused by the decay of a large trap dike. The chasm is 20 feet deep and 10 wide, and is the channel of a stream of water.
This town was granted in 1805 to Colonel Timothy Dix, of Boscawen, who was the first settler. In 1820 there were only two inhabitants. Population, 8.
DORCHESTER, Grafton county. Bounded north by Went- worth, east by Groton, south by Canaan, and west by Lyme. Area, 23,040 acres. 50 miles north-west from Concord, and 23 south from Haverhill. The principal streams are the south branch of Baker's River, a tributary of the Mascomy, and Rocky Branch. There are several ponds lying wholly or partially in this town. Church, Island, and McCutcher Ponds form the head waters of the Rocky Branch ; Little, Norris, and Smart's Ponds form the head waters of the Mascomy River. Smart's Moun- tain, lying partly in this town, is a considerable elevation. From its summit a most delightful and extensive view is presented of the surrounding country, including the green hills of Vermont and the course of the Connecticut River for several miles. The soil in some parts is very fertile, espe- cially the intervals on the branch of Baker's River. The highlands are very uneven, and generally rocky. The manufacture of lumber is a considerable branch of business in this town. There are 11 sawmills, the aggregate capi- tal of which is $28,000, which give employment to 40 or 50 hands. There are connected with several of these machinery for the manufacture of clapboards, shingles, copperas casks, &c. There is quite an establishment for
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the manufacture of charcoal, with a capital of $4000, giv- ing employment to nine hands. On a hill near the centre of the town is a granite ledge, which seems to have been forced asunder, and the fissure, which is about 16 inches in width, is filled with basalt, in which there are impressions similar to the tracks of cattle, about five inches in width and two and a half feet apart. There are in this town two meeting houses - one belonging to the Congregational society, the other to the Baptist. The Baptist society was formed in 1819. The first two charters of this town were forfeited by a failure to fulfil the conditions required. The third was granted May 1, 1772, to 72 persons, about which time the actual settlement began. The first settlers were Benjamin Rice and Stephen Murch, from Hanover.
Population, 711. Number of polls, 175. Inventory, $165,199. Value of lands, $102,579. Number of sheep, 2742. Do. neat stock, 674. Do. horses, 100.
DOVER, shire town of Strafford county. Bounded north by Somersworth, east by the Salmon Falls River, - which separates it from Elliot, Maine, - south by Madbury, and west by Rochester. 40 miles east from Concord, and 66 north from Boston. This is the oldest and one of the prin- cipal towns in the state. It is situated at the head of navi- gation in the Cocheco River, about 12 miles from the ocean, in the midst of a rich and fertile country. Passing through the town in any direction, the traveller finds no rugged mountains nor sterile plains ; but, occasionally ascending gradual swells of land, he beholds spread out before him a vast and beautiful picture of village, forest, stream, ver- dant dale, and cultivated field. In the south part of the town is a neck of land, about three miles in length and half a mile wide, between the Piscataqua River on one side, and
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Bellamy, or Back, River on the other. The travelled road, from which the land gradually descends in both directions, commands an extensive and delightful prospect of bays, islands, and distant mountains. On this neck of land was commenced the first settlement of the town, in. 1623, by a company in England styled the "Company of Laconia." The purpose of the settlement was to establish a fishery around the mouth of the Piscataqua ; to accomplish which, Edward and William Hilton, fishmongers of London, were sent hither. These two men commenced their operations on the Neck, called by the Indians Winnichahannat ; but they named it at first Northam, afterwards Dover. For many years this spot included the principal part of the population of the town. Here was erected the first meet- ing house, surrounded with entrenchments and flankarts, the remains of which are still pointed out. But in pro- cess of time the current of population began to change and settle around the Falls, four miles north of the Neck, where is now the beautiful and prosperous village of Dover. The descent of the falls in this place is very rapid, being 32 feet within a short distance. As this water power began to be developed a new vigor was added to business, and wealth rapidly followed. During the earlier periods of the settlement this town was much frequented by the Indians, and often suffered greatly from their sudden and repeated attacks. In 1675, Major Waldron, by a stratagem, the justice and prudence of which have been questioned, suc- ceeded in securing about 200 Indians in Dover, who had at times betrayed signs of hostility. Seven or eight who had been guilty of some misdemeanor were immediately hung, and the rest were sold into slavery. Exasperated by this act, as the Indians termed it, of treachery, they swore against him unmitigated revenge. In 1689, after a lapse
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of 13 years, they determined to execute their project. Previous to the fatal night, June 27, hints of impending danger were thrown out by the squaws, but were not heeded. The friendly Indians were suffered to sleep in the garrisons with the people as usual. In the quiet of night the doors of the garrisons were opened, and at a given signal the Indians arose from their secret places and rushed upon the unsuspecting and defenceless inhabitants. Major Waldron, although 80 years of age, made a gallant defence, but was at length overpowered by the superior numbers of his assailants, who literally cut him to pieces. In this onset 23 persons were killed and 29 made prisoners. In 1691 a young man in the woods near the settlement was fired upon by a party of Indians. A body of citizens went in pursuit, and killed or wounded nearly the whole party. In 1696 they again made an attack upon the people as they were returning from church : three were killed, and several wounded and taken prisoners. In 1704 one Mark Giles was killed, and the people waylaid on their way from
meeting. In 1706 William Pearl and Nathaniel Tib- betts were killed, and in 1710 Jacob Garland met the same fate. In the spring of 1711 and 1712 this town was attacked by Indians, who killed a Mr. Tuttle. In August, 1723, the Indians again made their appearance, and surprised the house of Joseph Ham, whom they killed, and carried off three of his children.
The first settled minister in Dover was Rev. William Leveridge, a Congregationalist preacher, who came here October 10, 1633. His support being inadequate, he re- mained but two years, when he was succeeded by Rev. George Burdet, who was settled in 1637. The third was Hanserd Knolles, under whom was organized, in 1639, the "First Church," being the oldest but one in New Hamp-
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shire. He was followed in 1640 by Thomas Larkham, who remained in charge only a few months. Daniel Maud, fifth minister, was settled in 1642; died in 1655. John Reyner settled in 1655 ; died in 1669. He was succeeded in the same year by his son John, who died December 21, 1676. John Pike was the eighth minister, and was settled in 1681; died in 1709. Nicholas Sever was ordained at Dover in 1711; resigned in 1715. Jonathan Cushing was settled in 1717; died in 1769. During the last two years of his ministry he was assisted by Rev. Jere- my Belknap, D. D., the historian of New Hampshire, who succeeded him in 1769. Dr. Belknap was pastor until 1786, when he was followed by Robert Gray, whose connection as pastor of this church ceased in 1805. Rev. Caleb H. Shearman was ordained at Dover May 6, 1807 ; dismissed May 7, 1812. Rev. J. W. Clary was ordained May 7, 1812; dismissed August 6, 1828. Hubbard Winslow was ordained December 4, 1828 ; dismissed in November, 1831. David Root was ordained in 1833; dismissed in 1839. J. S. Young was ordained November 20, 1839 ; dismissed September 4, 1843. Homer Barrows was in- stalled July 9, 1845; dismissed July 6, 1852. The present pastor, Benjamin F. Parsons, was installed January 12, 1853. An Episcopal church was established here at an early period in the history of the town. The Methodist society was incorporated in 1819. There is also one Uni- tarian society, one Calvinist Baptist, two Freewill Baptist, one Universalist, one Catholic, and one Quaker, or Friends.
A high school has recently been established on the sys- tem of classification. The entire cost of buildings, fur- niture, apparatus, &c., is $15,067.
The Cocheco Manufacturing Company is one of the old- est and most extensive corporations of the kind in the
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county. It was incorporated in 1812, and amended in 1821. It commenced operations in 1822. Its capital is $1,300,000. The business of this company is divided into two departments - one, manufacture of cotton goods ; two, printing calicoes. In the manufacturing department there are four mills, containing 47,312 spindles and 1200 looms. Amount of printing cloths manufactured per an- num, 10,000,000 yards - all printed into calico in the print works. Number of bales of cotton consumed annu- ally, 4300. Do. hands employed - males, 400 ; females, 800 ; total, 1200. Moses Paul, agent ; George Mathew- son, superintendent of print works.
There is an extensive oil carpet manufactory owned by Abraham Folsom. It has been in successful operation about five years. About 1000 yards of carpeting are man- ufactured daily. In this work about 40 men are em- ployed. These beautiful and substantial fabrics are sent to various parts of the country and the world.
On Bellamy River, about a mile south-east from the vil- lage, is the Bellamy Machine Shop, where railroad cars, engine lathes, &c., are made. 20 men are employed. Au- gustus Pickerson, agent.
F. A. & J. Sawyers's Flannel Manufactory consumes 60,000 pounds of wool per annum, produces 200,000 yards of flannel per annum, and employs 20 hands.
About one fourth of a mile below Messrs. Sawyers, Messrs. Hale & Moses have erected a factory for making flannel goods. It is estimated to do about the same amount of business as is done by Messrs. Sawyers.
Davis & Snow have a steammill, where they manufac- ture sashes, doors, &c., and employ 20 hands.
There are, besides, several small shops, in which various kinds of mechanical and manufacturing labor are per-
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formed. There are two hotels and thirty stores in this
town. The village of Dover is well laid out and well built, the houses generally being two stories, neat, and some elegant. The houses of worship, the Court House, and other public buildings are handsome, and the factories massive and imposing in their structure. Dover is easily approached by the Boston and Maine Railroad, by the Cocheco Railroad, and by the Great Falls and Conway Railroad.
Population, 8186. Number of polls, 1660. Valuation, $3,267,800. Value of lands, $1,527,500. Number of sheep, 413. Do. neat stock, 1557. Do. horses and mules, 412.
DUBLIN,* Cheshire county. Bounded north by Nelson and Hancock, east by Peterborough, south by Jaffrey, and west by Marlborough and Roxbury. Area, 26,560 acres. Distance from Concord, 50 miles, south-west ; from Keene, 10, south-east. Dublin is situated on the height of land between Merrimack and Connecticut Rivers. Its
streams are small. There is a pond near the middle of the town, called Centre Pond, about one mile in length, and the same in width. A large portion of the Grand Monad- nock lies in the north-west part of the town, and near the centre is Breed's Mountain. Monadnock was formerly covered with small trees and shrubbery ; but numerous fires have laid bare its surface, which presents an uneven mass of ragged rocks. The soil is hard and rocky - much better adapted to grazing than tillage. A handsome Congregational meeting house, erected in 1818, stands on such an elevation that the rain dropping from the west
ยท Harrisville lies partly in this town. For description, see NELSON.
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roof runs into the Connecticut River, and that from the east roof into the Merrimack. There is a Baptist meeting house in the north-west part of the town. The common schools in this town are well conducted. Several years since a bequest of $8000 was made by Rev. Edward Sprague for the support of the public schools. He also left the town $5000, the interest of which is to be applied annually for the support of a Congregational minister.
This town, originally called Monadnock Number Three, was granted, November 3, 1749, to Matthew Thurston and others. It was incorporated March 29, 1771. The first settlements were made in 1762 by John Alexander, Henry Strongman, and William Scott, natives of Ireland, from the capital of which country this town received its name.
The Congregational church was formed June 10, 1772, and Rev. Joseph Farrer ordained at the same time. The Baptist church was organized November 5, 1785. Rev. Elijah Willard was ordained June 5, 1793. There is also a Methodist and Unitarian society in this town.
Population, 1088. Number of polls, 262. Inventory, $454,492. Value of lands, $244,947. Number of sheep, 2191. Do. neat stock, 1349. Do. horses and mules, 206.
DUMMER, Coos county. Bounded north by Millsfield and Erroll, east by Cambridge, south by Milan, and west by Stark and ungranted lands. Area, 23,040 acres. Dis- tance from Concord, 140 miles, north ; from Lancaster, 30, north-east. The principal rivers are the Androscoggin and the Little Ammonoosuc. In the latter are the Dummer, or Pontook, Falls. This town was granted, March 8, 1773, to Mark H. Wentworth and others. It was left unoccupied, however, for many years. Its progress has been very slow, owing perhaps, in some degree, to the rocky and un- even surface of the land and the coldness of the soil.
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Population, 171. Number of legal voters, 45. Com- mon schools, 8. Inventory, $38,832. Value of lands, $24,027. Number of sheep, 206. Do. neat stock, 138. Do. horses, 5.
DUNBARTON, Merrimack county. Bounded north by Hopkinton and Bow, east by Bow and Hooksett, south by Goffstown, and west by Weare. Area, 21,000 acres. Distance from Concord, 9 miles, south. The situation of this town is somewhat elevated, though there are but few hills, and no mountains. Owing to its elevation, the air is pure and the water good. The soil is excellent, especially for the growth of corn, wheat, and fruit. Some of the finest specimens of apples are produced here. The farm- ers are generally industrious and successful husbandmen. The inhabitants are principally descendants of Scotch-Irish, so called from the fact that their ancestors emigrated from Scotland to Ireland. Arsenic, in the state of arsenical pyrites, is found in this town. Dunbarton was granted in 1751 to Archibald Stark, Caleb Page, and others, by the Masonian proprietors. It was first called Stark's Town, in honor of the principal proprietor. Its present name is derived from Dunbarton in Scotland. The first settle- ment was made, about 1749, by Joseph Putney, James Rogers, William Putney, and Obadiah Foster. Captain Caleb Page was one of the first settlers. Archibald Stark resided in Manchester. He was a man of considerable in- fluence, and possessed a large landed property. James Rogers was from Ireland, and was father to Major Robert Rogers. He was shot in the woods, being mistaken for a bear. The Congregational church was formed here about 1789. Rev. Walter Harris was ordained August 26, 1789.
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Population, 915. Number of legal voters in 1854, 230. Do. common schools, 10. Inventory, $387,984. Value of lands, $250,249. Number of sheep, 1145. Do. neat stock, 1323. Do. horses and mules, 170.
DURHAM, Strafford county. . Bounded north by Madbury, east by Little and Great Bays, south by Newmarket, and west by Lee. Area, 14,970 acres. Distance from Con- cord, 32 miles, south-east; from Portsmouth, 11, north- west. This town is situated on Oyster River, at the head of tide water. This river, so called from the abundance of oysters found at its mouth, takes its rise from Wheel- wright's Pond, in Lee, and after winding nearly its whole course through Durham, and furnishing in its progress several excellent mill seats, falls into the Piscataqua. The soil of this town is generally hard and strong. On both sides of Oyster River is a deep, argillaceous loam, favorable to the growth of grasses, of which very heavy crops are cut every year. The farmers devote much of their time to the production of hay for the Boston market. More than 1000 tons are annually exported. A chain of granite ledge extends through the town, which seems to be of primitive formation. There was formerly a large erratic bowlder of sienitic granite in the south-west part of the town, so carefully poised upon two other pieces of the same material that it was visibly moved by the wind. This town was originally a part of Dover, and included in Hil- ton's patent, but soon after its settlement was formed into a distinct parish, by the name of Oyster River. This was a famous rendezvous of the Indians. The early inhabitants were greatly exposed to their assaults and depredations In September, 1675, they made an attack on this place, burned two houses, killed several men, and carried away
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two captives. Two days after they made another attack, destroyed several houses, and killed two persons. In 1694, when a large number of the inhabitants had marched to the westward, the Indians, who were lurking in the woods about Oyster River, having carefully ascertained the number of men in the garrison, rushed upon them as they were going to their morning devotions, and, having cut off their retreat to the house, put them all to death except one, who fortu- nately escaped. They then assailed the house, in which were only two boys, besides the women and children. The boys kept them off for some time, and wounded several of them. At length the Indians set fire to the house ; but even then the boys would not surrender until the Indians had promised to spare their lives. They, however, treach- erously murdered three or four children, one of whom they pierced with a sharp stake in the presence of its mother. The women and children were carried captive, but one of the boys made his escape the following day. The next spring the Indians narrowly watched the frontiers, to deter- mine the safest and most vulnerable points of attack. The settlement at Oyster River was selected for destruction. Here were twelve garrisoned houses, fully sufficient for the reception of the inhabitants ; but, not apprehending any danger, many of the families remained in their unfortified houses, and those who were in the garrison were by no means prepared for a siege, as they were nearly destitute of powder. One John Dean, whose house stood near the Falls, happening to rise very early for a journey, was shot as he came out of his door. The attack was now commenced with vigor on all points where the enemy were ready. Of the twelve garrisoned houses five were destroyed -namely, Adams's, Drew's, Edgerly's, Meader's, and Beard's. The Indians entered Adams's house without resistance, where
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they killed fourteen persons, whose graves are still to be seen. Drew surrendered his garrison on promise of safety ; but he was put to death. Thomas Edgerly, having hid himself in his cellar, preserved his house, though it was twice set on fire. The house of John Buss, the minister, together with his valuable library, was set on fire and con- sumed. In this onset the Indians killed and captured between 90 and 100 persons, and destroyed 20 houses. In 1703 they made another incursion, and killed one man. In 1704 several persons were murdered by them. In 1705 they assailed the house of John Drew, where they killed eight persons, and wounded several others. In 1707 they captured two persons, and murdered two others as they were on a journey to Dover. In September, same year, a party of Mohawks attacked a company of men who were at work in the woods under the direction of Captain Chesley. At the first fire the enemy killed seven, and wounded another. Chesley, with his few surviving com- rades, kept up a brisk fire, and for some time kept them at bay ; but they at length fell, overpowered by numbers. In 1724 the Indians made another attack upon this town, and killed several persons in ambush.
The first preacher in this town was the Rev. John Buss, who died in 1736, aged 108. There is a Baptist society in this town, and one academy. Major General John Sulli- van, of the revolutionary army, was a resident of this town, and died here January 23, 1795. He was a native of Ber- wick, Maine, and was a distinguished commander during the war ; was president of the state three years, and after- wards district judge of New Hampshire. Hon. Ebenezer Thompson was a native of this town. He held several offices during the war, and was an efficient legislator. Colonel Winborn Adams, of the revolutionary army, was a
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citizen of Durham. Population, 1500. Number of legal voters in 1854, 350. Do. common schools, 10. Inventory, $485,953. Value of lands, $335,782. Number of sheep, 417. Do. neat stock, 1000. Do. horses, 182.
EAST KINGSTON, Rockingham county. Bounded north by Brentwood and Exeter, east by Kensington, south by Southampton, and west by Kingston. Area, 2120 acres. Distance from Concord, 42 miles, south-east ; from Ports- mouth, 20, south-west. The surface is moderately uneven. The soil is of an excellent quality, and well adapted to the growth of grains and grasses. Powwow River enters the south-west part of this town, having its sources from ponds in Kingston.
There are in this town one meeting house belonging to the Methodist denomination, two stores, one carriage manu- factory, one shoe manufactory, and two tanneries. The sum of $2000 was recently bequeathed to the town by the late Jeremiah Morrill, Esq., the interest of which is to be applied for the benefit of common schools. This town was incorporated November 17, 1738. Among the first settlers were William and Abraham Smith, who settled near the centre of the town. Rev. Peter Coffin was settled here in 1739, and was dismissed in 1772, since which time the Congregational society has had no regular preaching.
Population, 532. Number of legal voters in 1854, 150. Do. common schools, 4. Inventory, $274,751. Value of lands, $186,137. Number of sheep, 236. Do. neat stock, 484. Do. horses, 72.
EATON, Carroll county. Bounded north by Conway, east by Brownfield, Maine, south by Freedom, and west by Tamworth. Area, 33,637 acres. Distance from Concord,
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71 miles, north-east ; from Ossipee, 22, north. The soil of the uplands, which are quite uneven, is good. The plains are a sandy loam, and were formerly covered with an excellent growth of pine. There are no streams of importance in this town. Six Mile Pond is about three miles in length and from one half to a mile in width. There are several other smaller ponds in this town. Eaton was granted, November 6, 1766, to Clement March and 65 others. A Baptist church was formed here in 1800. There are two Freewill Baptist societies in this town. There is a woollen factory, and several small mills for various purposes. Iron ore of good quality is found here. There is also a vein of sulphuret of lead, of considerable value. Zinc in large quantities is to be found here.
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