USA > New Hampshire > Merrimack County > Boscawen > The history of Boscawen and Webster [N.H.] from 1733 to 1878 > Part 23
USA > New Hampshire > Merrimack County > Webster > The history of Boscawen and Webster [N.H.] from 1733 to 1878 > Part 23
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4-4-0
Mark Currier 19 yds Lawn
4-4-0
Samuel Hopkins Indian stockings
16- 0
Alex Bar checkd Linen
2-15-0"
The sale of plunder amounted to £298 1s. 6d.
FALL CAMPAIGN.
The town had fifteen soldiers in the fall campaign. In a note
266
MILITARY HISTORY.
[1777
in Col. Henry Gerrish's book, we find the number of soldiers from adjoining towns in this campaign :
" Concord 32
Hopkinton
22
Boscawen 15
Hillsborough
7
Bow
6
Warner 4
86-6"
The annexed "6" is explained below.
" Charlestown Oct 4th 1777. "John Church Esq
" Sr please to Deliver the Bearer 222 lb of Powder for 86 men of my
' Regiment & six men of Col Even's Regiment
" Henry Gerrish Lt Col."
It is quite probable that the plunder of the Battenkill sale came from the vicinity of Fort Edward, and was taken by the New Hampshire troops, who were in the rear of Burgoyne.
" Concord Nov 7, 1777
" Recieved of Henry Gerrish my share of Plunder money taken above Fort Edward & also the shares of John Evens, Stilson Eastman Enoch Coffin, Moses Abbot, Philip Abbot, Amos Abbot, & John Farnum the whole being seventy four dollars & two thirds Recieved by me
" Joshua Abbott,
"Capt."
The rally to the defence of the country was wholly independent of Congress. It was a state affair. The men who fought the battle of Bennington were citizens, and they declined to put themselves under Continental authority. Upon the surrender of Burgoyne they wished to leave for home. The letter of thanks from Gen. Gates shows how highly the services rendered by them were appreciated:
" Camp at Saratoga Oct 18 1777
" Sir, I desire you will acquaint the volunteers of New hampshire of the High sense I have of their merit & service in the Defence of the common cause & of the alacrity & spirit with which they have stept forth at this critical and Important season to the Deliverance of their country. They have now my Leave to return home with their Honor-
267
MILITARY HISTORY.
1777.]
able Dismission convinced they will be ready upon every Important Oc- casion to join the Northern Army.
"I am sir your affectionate Humble Servant
" Horatio Gates
" Honble Brigadr Gen Whipple,
". Copy
" To Col Gerrish "
CONTINENTAL SOLDIERS.
Three regiments were raised by the state at the beginning of the war for the Continental service. The muster-rolls of Stark- the first-give the names of six citizens of Boscawen, with the date of enlistment and discharge :
" Batchelder William Enlisted 10 Jan 1777, Dis 1 Jan 1780
" Bishop Enos Enlisted 1 Jan 1777 died 8 Aug 1778. He was cap- tured by the Indians 15 Aug 1754, & taken to Canada [see p. 69].
" Evans Edward Enlisted 7 Feb 1777, Discharged 1 Dec 1781
" Flanders Philip Enlisted 1 Jan 1777, Discharged 1 Jan 1782
" Halcomb Matthew enlisted 1 Jan 1777, Deserted 9 July 1777
" Stevens Peter Roswell enlisted 1 Jan 1777 Discharged 1781."
These, with the exception of Halcomb, took part in the battle of Stillwater, September 19, and of Saratoga, October 7. In the first battle, three New Hampshire regiments, and Dearborn's battalion of 250 New Hampshire troops, were attached to Morgan's rifle- men, and with them did all the fighting from one o'clock till nearly four in the afternoon, sustaining the brunt of the battle. The 62d British regiment of 600 men was nearly annihilated by their withering fire.
RHODE ISLAND CAMPAIGN.
The call for troops during the year was for the defence of Rhode Island. Below are the names of the soldiers who served in that campaign :
FROM THE SELECTMEN'S BOOKS.
" The Men Hereafter Named have Recieved the Savrill sums set against each of thare Names in Consequence of thare going to Rhode Island at the Request of the Committee of Safety. S p Enoch Gerrish 10-0-0
Joseph Gerrish 10-0-0
Daniel Shepard 10-0-0
268
MILITARY HISTORY. [1798.
Joseph Flanders Moses Burbank Thomas Gordon Nathan Davis John Flanders
10-0-0
10-0-0
10-0-0
10-0-0 10 -- 1-0
Isaac Pearson Wells Burbank
10-0-0
10-0-0
10-0-0
1-0)- 0
10-0-0
130-0-0"
" To the Treasurer of the state of New Hampshire,
" Sir please to alow Winthrop Carter Constable for Boscawen the above sum of one hundred & thirty pound out of the State Tax for Boscawen assessed to order of the committee of safety
George Jackman 2 Selectmen
Cutting Noyes for Boscawen " Boscawen Sept 3, 1778 "
The war having been transferred to the Southern states, there was no further call for the militia. Several citizens enlisted in the Continental service, but their names are not known, except those serving in the 1st regiment.
In 1798, in consequence of the interference of French war ships with American merchantmen, serious trouble was apprehended between the United States and France. Congress established a provisional army of eighty thousand men, and appointed Wash- ington lieutenant-general.
Nathaniel Green, Esq., was commissioned a captain, with Moses Sweat, of Concord, first lieutenant, and Israel W. Kelley, of Con- cord, second lieutenant. Eight citizens of Boscawen enlisted :
Sergt. Joseph Flanders,
Moses Corser,
Moses Jackman, Nathan Danforth,
.
Daniel Colby, Bernard Young,
Benjamin Fisk, Joshua Sawyer.
The company assembled at Concord, having their quarters for a few days at Osgood's tavern, and from thence marched to Oxford, Mass., the rendezvous for the New England troops. Negotiations were entered into, and a war averted, and the soldiers dis- charged.
Humphrey Jackman Samuel Morrill Jedediah Hoit
269
MILITARY HISTORY.
1812.]
WAR OF 1812.
There are no rolls in the adjutant-general's office showing what citizens enlisted in the service of the United States during the war of 1812-13.
Col. Timothy Dix commanded a United States regiment on the frontier, and died in the service [see Biography ].
Several British ships of war made their appearance on the coast, and it was supposed that Portsmouth would be attacked. The militia was called out to defend it. There were two drafts,- one for three, and the second for two months.
Those serving under the first draft were,-
Ensign Richard Little,
John Eastman,
John Stone,
Jacob Flanders,
Moses Call,
Josiah Gale,
Enoch Burbank,
Nicholas Gookin,
Samuel Burbank,
Simeon Jackman,
Moses Cross,
Joseph Moses,
Stephen Danforth,
Daniel Shepard. [14]
Under the second draft for two months, ---
Capt. Silas Call, who died in service,
Abel Eastman,
Samuel Watson,
Eleazer Burbank,
Ephraim Noyes,
Jesse Sweat,
James Noyes,
Benj. Severance,
Theodore George,
Amos Rolf,
Ebenezer Moody,
William Haines,
Amos Sawyer,
Guy C. Flanders,
Samuel Jackman. [15]
Of those enlisting in the regular service, the names of a few only are known.
Benjamin Jackman, Fisk, died, Chellis Eastman, died,
Moses Jackman,
Edmund Day, killed,
George Littlefield, died,
Benjamin Fisk, died,
Eliphalet Burpee, died.
THE MILITIA.
No records exist to tell us when the first military company was organized in Boscawen. Through the Indian wars every man was a soldier. It is known that a company existed in Boscawen as early as 1769, and that Peter Coffin was captain, his commis- sion having been granted by Benning Wentworth.
270
MILITARY HISTORY.
[1812.
His successors in command were Capt. Samuel Atkinson, Col. Henry Gerrish, Capt. Peter Kimball.
How long Capt. Kimball commanded, or who succeeded him, is not known.
In 1792 the militia of the state was reorganized. Each regi- ment was composed of two battalions, the regiment being com- manded by a lieutenant-colonel, and the battalions by majors.
The 21st regiment was thus constituted :
First Battalion. Boscawen, Salisbury, Andover, New Lon- don, Kearsarge Gore (Wilmot).
Second Battalion. Hopkinton, Warner, Sutton, Fishersfield, Bradford.
SECOND INFANTRY.
A second infantry company was formed prior to 1794, including those liable to military duty west of Beaver-dam brook. The officers were Benjamin Little, captain, Nathan Kilburn, lieu- tenant, Jeremiah Gerrish, ensign. Capt. Little continued in command probably three years.
The military rations on a muster day for a portion of the regi- ment,-the battalion commanded by Maj. Joseph Gerrish,-will be seen from a bill found among his papers :
"Maj Joseph Gerrish to Nathl Noyes Dr Oct 15 1795 48 To 15 Gals 3 qts 6 Gils W I Rum delivered the companies 5-11-7 To 3 Quarts ditto to Lt Webster 5-3
To 3 Quarts Brandy ditto 7-13
To 33 Dm Gingerbread 5-0
£6-8-11}
Capt Chandler's Company
89-2-3-1
66 Gale 66
55-1-2-7
66 Clement 66
67-2-0-3
Little
93-2-3-5
Scribner
86-2-2-6
Chandler the troop
50-1-2-2
15-3-6
Errors excepted
Nathl Noyes "
(men) Gal Q gills
Petingales
70-2-0-6
271
MILITARY HISTORY.
1812.]
The 7th Infantry, commanded by Capt. Benj. Little, was so numbered till the division of the regiment in 1821, when it be- came the 6th company, but subsequently it was changed to the 2d Infantry of the regiment as well as the 2d in the town.
THE CAVALRY.
The 1st Cavalry of the 21st regiment was organized at an early date. It is known to have been in existence prior to 1787. It was called " the troop." In the military organization of the state, it was contemplated that there should be one company of cavalry connected with each regiment. The uniform consisted of white pants, red coats with bell buttons, a black leather cap ornament- ed with an eagle on a white shield, with chains and tassels, and a red and black plume.
To be a trooper sometimes required hard riding and hard drink- ing. All new members were " crowned " when admitted. From the private papers of Joseph Couch, who was farrier to the troop, and upon whom was laid the duty of "crowning" the new mein- bers, we obtain an insight of the military customs of the early part of the century. The new soldier being brought before the company, the master of ceremonies made an address, first to the officers, then to the soldiers, followed by the giving of the right hand of fellowship, the singing of a song, and the drinking of a great deal of grog.
SONG. Tune-Lady Washington.
"Come, thou brave horseman! my hand I will give you, And will help you to join with the strong.
You're welcome here to dine,
As our company you'll join, And we all will unite in the song.
" Hail, mighty trooper! submit to your captain And he'll lead you, we trust, in the way-
In the way that you should go,
As we trust that you do know, And we all will unite in the main.
" Hark! hear the trumpet : you, my brave soldiers, While that you're clad in the red,
272
MILITARY HISTORY.
[1812.
The sword is at your side, In my hand you may confide,
While the wings of the eagle are spread.
" The soil that's enriched by the blood of brave men, Shall ne'er be oppressed by the slave.
Then let traitors vaunt their pride, In our captain we'll confide, While this red coat is honored as brave !"
THIE CHARGE.
" Brother soldiers : You look like hardy sons of freedom, in whom our confidence may with safety repose. Then how unspeakably great is your privilege, seeing the eyes of all who have suffered in the cause of virtue have earnestly looked towards the privilege you may now en- joy, and have justly expected with you to receive the crown of liberty, and with you to drink the water of freedom through our happy land!"
" Since a charge you demand, I can't say you nay, But feeling quite sure I have little to say ; I must task my invention to bring it in rhyme, With all my endeavors to make it combine.
" To take a sprig of Fashion's part, You Volunteers with all your heart ; To every wit the gauntlet throw, Who dares assail or give a blow; And each one of this little gang Will give a whack for every bang; Receive a jeer for every gibe That's aim'd against the trooping tribe."
Chorus :
" Fill while we may, For that's the right way; The night will be on While we drink down the day."
THE ARTILLERY.
The Artillery company was the second volunteer company in the regiment, organized about the year 1809, and was supplied by the state with a four-pound field-piece. It was a vigorous com- pany for many years, but its fortunes began to wane with the
273
MILITARY HISTORY.
1812.]
general decay of the military system, and was disbanded in 1849. Nathaniel Thurston was its last commander.
LIGIIT INFANTRY.
The Boscawen Light Infantry company was formed in 1811. Moses Gerrish, afterward colonel, was chosen captain, Abraham Burbank, lieutenant, and James Giddings, ensign. A uniform was obtained the next year. It was the third in the regiment of volunteer companies. From that time to the abandonment of the military system throughout the state, it was known as an efficient, energetic, and well-drilled company. Just before the downfall of the system, the company obtained the rich and costly uniform of the New England Guards of Boston. Its last appearance on the muster-field was one of its best,-at the brigade muster at Henni- ker. in 1850. The ranks were full, and the soldiers under a high degree of discipline, with an efficient commander, Capt. David E. Burbank, son of the first lieutenant of the company, Capt. Abra- ham Burbank, its first commander.
THE RIFLE COMPANY.
Although there were two volunteer companies in town, besides one third of the cavalry, the military spirit was high enough to bring into existence a volunteer rifle company, which was formed in 1839, with Fitz Henry Boyden as captain. The natural sup- position would have been, that a young and energetic organization, ably officered, would have overshadowed the existing corps,-the Light Infantry; but the men in the Light Infantry, instead of yielding their prestige, put forth new efforts,-and the two or- ganizations, composed almost wholly of men residing in the west- ern section of the town, maintained their respective positions, in generous rivalry, till the abandonment of the military system.
MUSTERS.
Military musters were great events in the olden times. The military spirit was high. Every able-bodied citizen, between the ages of 18 and 45, was called upon to do military duty. Men are martial by nature. They love to march after
"The ear-piercing fife and spirit-stirring drum."
18
274
MILITARY HISTORY.
[1812.
There was a healthful rivalry between the different volunteer organizations,-each company desiring to appear with full ranks, and to show its superior efficiency in drill and discipline. Every soldier of the volunteer companies looked forward to muster- day with unalloyed pleasure. The approaching event was for weeks the theme of conversation. Everybody went to muster ;- the soldier, to perform his duty ; his wife, to admire him ; his chil- dren, to eat gingerbread and candy, to drink egg-nog, and explode fire-crackers.
There was little sleep the night preceding muster-day. Each soldier deemed it his privilege to salute his officers by firing be- neath his windows, shattering the glass by his heavy charges. The " salute " was acknowledged by an invitation to the soldier and everybody else to step in and help themselves to rum, gin, whiskey, or brandy ; and, if the officer was married, to sit down to baked Indian pudding and beans.
The day began with a caronse. By sunrise every road leading toward the muster-field was swarming with men,-soldiers on foot, on horseback, or in wagons, with troops of boys, and peddlers of every description.
The volunteer companies took pride in being first on parade, to display their marching before the regimental line was formed. Then began the drum-beat,-the long roll,-the formation of the company by the corporal, the reception of the officers, the com- mand of the captain, "By sections, right wheel-march." Then the fifes and clarinets and bugles began, and the soul-stirring strains floated out on the morning air, and the soldiers, with full stomachs and steady steps, moved across the fields, to the delight of the admiring spectators. For an hour or more each company marched, countermarched, wheeled, in section, in battalion, filed right and left, passed defiles and obstacles, changed front, and dis- played itself to the best advantage.
Then came the formation of the regimental line, the inspection and review, and dismissal for dinner, when each man ate as he never ate before. On this one day he gorged himself. Did he not pay for his dinner? Then he was entitled to all he could eat. Did the state furnish him with a dinner? Then he would have all he could get.
Through the forenoon he drinks several glasses of grog. He
275
MILITARY HISTORY.
1861.]
takes another glass after dinner. In the afternoon comes the sham-fight, when muskets blaze and cannon roar. The soldier's legs are getting weary, and he takes more grog to give him strength.
While the sham battle is going on, there is a crowd upon the field. Peddlers are hawking their wares, showmen exhibiting their two-headed calves, and pigs with eight feet. A sleight of hand performer is pulling ribbons out of his mouth, or chewing tow and spitting fire.
The sham battle is over. The regiment is in line once more, the "rear rank " has been called before the colonel and thanked for the soldierly appearance of the troops, and the regiment is dis- missed.
Each company moves away,-some with broken ranks, some with soldiers who are unsteady on their legs. The drummer gets his rub-a-dubs mixed, and does not quite know whether he is play- ing "common " or " compound " time, while the fifer gets " Yan- kee Doodle " confounded with "On the Road to Boston." Soldiers are firing their last guns, hucksters disposing of their last sheets of gingerbread, and the bibulous crowd taking their last drinks of grog. The sun goes down through the murky cloud of the sham battle, the cannon, with sulphurous lips, is limbered up and taken away, and the field gradually becomes deserted.
WAR OF THE REBELLION.
The citizens of Boscawen and Webster were not behind their fellow-citizens in manifesting their patriotism at the breaking out of the Rebellion, and from the beginning to the end maintained their determination to preserve the country one and indivisible forever. The quotas of both towns were kept full, and all calls 'from the state promptly answered.
REGIMENTS.
1st. Col. M. W. Tappan,
3 months.
2d. Col. Gilman Marston,
3 years.
3d. Col. E. Q. Fellows,
66
4th. Col. Thos. J. Whipple,
5th. Col. Edward E. Cross, 66
6th. Col. Nelson Converse, 66
-
276
MILITARY HISTORY. [1863.
7th. Col. H. S. Putnam,
3 years.
Sth. Col. Hawkes Fearing,
9th. Col. E. Q. Fellows,
10th. Col. M. T. Donahue,
11th. Col. Walter Harriman,
66
12th. Col. Joseph H. Potter,
13th. Col. Aaron F. Stevens,
14th. Col. Robert Wilson,
15th. Col. J. W. Kingman,
16th. Col. James Pike,
66
1st Battalion Cavalry, D. B. Nelson,
3 years. 66
1st Co. Heavy Artillery, C. H. Long,
2d Co. Heavy Artillery, J. M. Barton, 66
1st Light Battery, Geo. A. Gerrish,
Co. E, 1st Sharpshooters, A. B. Jones,
Co. F, 2d Sharpshooters, H. M. Caldwell,
Co. G, 2d Sharpshooters, Wm. D. McPherson,
The 17th Regiment was consolidated with the 2d.
It has been a matter of no little difficulty to obtain an accurate and authentic list of those who served during the four years, who were citizens of the towns.
The list of soldiers from Boscawen is given as per record in possession of Isaac K. Gage, which varies materially from the re- port of the adjutant-general, published by the state. The list as given below is the record by which the final settlement with the state was made, and may be accepted as correct.
The records of the movements of the various regiments may be found in the reports published by the state, and in possession of the town clerk.
SOLDIERS FROM BOSCAWEN.
Regt. Regt. .
Ames, Fisher, Co. E,
7 Brown, John H., Co. F, 9
Ayer, Henry H., Co. B,
3 Bidwell, Cyrus B., Co. E, 7
Abbot, Daniel C., Co. E,
7 Bidwell, George F., Co. E, 7
Atkinson, Edmund W., Co. E, 16 Baker, Lt. Henry W., Co. E, 7
Bent, James W., Co. F,
Ballard, Lt. Wm. W., Co. B, 2 Sharpshooters. Brannan, Thos. Navy
Brannan, Wm. H., Co. H, 4 Chandler, Samnel, Co. E, 7
Boynton, Jonas T., Sharpshooters. Clancy, John, Co. E, 7
66 9 months. 66
17th. Col. Henry O. Kent,
277
MILITARY HISTORY.
1863.]
Regt. Regt.
Clancy, Patrick, Co. K,
9 Perry, Wm. H., 8
Chase, Alonzo, Co. I.
4 Pritchard, Dexter, Co. E, 7
Chadwick, Edwin H .. Sharpshooters. Pierce, John, Co. E,
7
Coffin, George, Co. E,
16 Pettengill, John H.,
Call, George, Co. H,
14 Heavy Artillery. 17 Riley, Charles, Co. A, 5
Crane, Albert J., Colby, John F.,
22d Mass. Raymond, Liberty G., Co. E, 7
Duffy, Nicholas, Co. G,
2 Reynolds, Martin, Navy.
Danforth, Nathan C., Co. A,
5 Raley, Walter S., Co. E, 3
7 Sheehan, Jeremiah, Co. C, 3
Danforth, Horace II.,
Cavalry. Shepard, Chas. P., Sharpshooters.
Danforth, Sylvanus E., Co. A,
5 Shepard, Peter R., Co. E, 16
Damon, George, Co. B.,
2 Smart, Horace, Co. E, 16
Day, George, 2d Ileavy Artillery. Stevens, Alexander S., Co. E, 7
Day, Wilson, 2d Heavy Artillery. Story, Wm. H., Co. E, 2
Evans, Isaac C., Co. E,
7 Sweatt, Joseph S., Co. E, 2
Flanders, Curtis, Co. I,
10 Simonds, Calvin W., Sharpshooters.
Flanders, David A., Co. E,
10 Smith, Curtis, 7
Favor, Fred II.,
3 Simonds, Joseph, Co. E, 7
Flanders, Josiah HI.,
Cavalry. Sewell, William, Navy.
Flanders David J.,
Navy. Spearman, Franklin,
Gage, Hiram, Co. B,
3 Spellman, John,
Mayher, John, Co. C,
7 Thurston, Nathaniel,
Mitchell, John, 3 Sharpshooters.
Muzzey, Jolın, Co. E,
Morse, Charles
2 Tyler, James S., Sharpshooters. Thornton, Barnard, Co. A, 5
Morrill, Hiram J., Heavy Artillery. Tewksbury, Sumner P., Co. K, 3
Moulton, Charles, Navy. Tewksbury, Samuel F., Co. G, S
Morse, Daniel, Sharpshooters. Thornton, John C., Co. G, S
McEvely, Herbert, Co. H, 10 Thurston, John P., Co. F. 4
Morrison, Benj., Sharpshooters. Wooley, Matthew, Co. E, 7
Paige, Alonzo, Co. D, 11 Wooley, Samuel, Co. A, 5
Pearson, Henry, Sharpshooters. Woodward, Albert B., Co. K, 4
Pierce, William M., Co. K, 9 Whitney, Charles S., Navy.
BOSCAWEN ENROLLMENT.
Citizens liable to do military duty April 30, 1865, 140
Total quota under all calls, 71
Soldiers in service, volunteers, and substitutes, 85
Surplus, 14
Chadwick, HIale, Co. C,
Cavalry. Reardon, Michael, Co. G, 4
Duckworth, William, Co. E,
278
MILITARY HISTORY.
[1863.
SOLDIERS FROM WEBSTER.
The record is from the papers in the town-clerk's office, and from the reports of the adjutant-general,-neither of them giving in full the company and regiments.
Regt. Regt.
Burbank, Calvin M., Co. B, 2 Ladd, Joseph M.
Burbank, Lt. David E., Co. E, 16 Lock, Warren F.
Burbank, Ezekiel W., Co E,
Blanchard, Carter F., Co. E,
16 Little, Charles, Surgeon, Navy. 10 Macurdy, Capt. David A., Co. 14 H, 14
Call, George,
Corser, Hamilton P.,
Corser, David S.,
Couch, Calvin P.
Chase, George C., Co. E,
16 Roby, Geo. S., 14
Chase, John B., Co. E,
Fisk, Charles W.
16 Sanders, Henry A. Sweatt, Sumner J.
Fellows, George S.,
Flanders, Daniel F., Co. E,
Gerrish, James L., Co. E.,
Heath. Charles N., Co. B,
Jeffers, Edward F., Co. H,
Jack, Hiram A., Co. H,
Jones, Willard W., Co. II,
Jackman, Jesse M., Co. H,
Kilburn, Daniel P., Co. C,
Sharpshooters. Story, Warren A., Co. E, 16
Kelley, Andrew J., Co. C,
Thompson, Hiram, 14
Sharpshooters Titcomb, Luther C., Co. E, 16
Kilburn, Lucien M., Co. E,
16 Thurber, Joseph, Co. E, 16
Libbe, W. H., Co. H,
14 Whittier, John
Libbe. Frank, Heavy Artillery. Whittier, David J., Co. E, 16
Ladd, George W., Co. H, 14
WEBSTER ENROLLMENT.
Citizens liable to do military duty, April 3, 1865, 63
Total quota under all calls, 36
Soldiers in service, 46
Surplus, 10
George S. Fellows is not credited to Boscawen. He was a former resident, but enlisted from Nashua.
Rev. Arthur Little served as chaplain of the 16th Vermont.
If the terms of service and the casualties can be correctly ob- tained, they will be given at the end of the volume.
16 Searles, Jefferson, 7
2 Sanborn, James O., 4
14 Sanders, Joseph E., Co. C,
16 Sharpshooters.
16 Sargent, Lt. Walter II., Co. II, 14
16 Sargent, Isaac P., Co. E, 16
Sargent, John, Heavy Artillery.
S Sweatt, Blaisdell, Co. H, 4
16 Stone, Lt. Frederick P., Cavalry.
14 Macurdy, Matthew, Co. H, 14
14 Page, Tristram S., Co. E, 16
Roby, Gardiner
Boscawen Academy.
CAVIAIKER BOSTON
[1761.
EDUCATIONAL HISTORY.
HE proprietors of Contoocook were required to set aside one eighty-fourth part of the land in their grant for school pur- poses, though there was no stipulation in regard to establishing schools. Whether a public school was established prior to the in- corporation of the town is doubtful. The burdens of the proprie- tors were great. They had to support a minister, fight the Ind- ians, maintain a garrison, open roads, build their houses, cut down the forest, elear the land, and rear their families. Although the land had been freely granted, the outlay far exceeded the income. Many of the proprietors, weary of paying money where there was no prospect of a return, allowed their proprietary rights to be sold for taxes, and it is not probable that they taxed themselves as proprietors to maintain public schools. The records are silent in regard to any appropriation. Probably the instruction received by the children of the first settlers was wholly from their parents.
In 1761, the year after the incorporation of the town, thirty pounds was appropriated for a public school, and Rev. Mr. Var- ney, who had been supplying the pulpit, was employed as teacher. The school was kept two months,-probably in Mr. Varney's house on King street.
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