USA > New Hampshire > The statistics and gazetteer of New-Hampshire. Containing descriptions of all the counties, towns and villages statistical tables with a list of state officers, etc. > Part 15
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Employments. Agriculture and keeping summer boarders, are the
principal vocations of the people. The farmers receive a good return for all their products they have to sell. The mechanical work is considerable. Over 75 tons of straw board is annually made, 12,000 sides of leather tanned; val- ued at $84,000; 375,000 feet of lum- ber sawed; 6,800 bushels of grain ground; 75 harnesses made, besides various other mechanical works. The total value of goods annually manufactured, of all kinds, is $146, 500. (See tables.) The town has voted to exempt from taxation all manufactories for a certain length of time, provided there be $ 10,000 invested in the manufactory.
Resources. Productions of the soil, $ 143,299; mechanical labor, $ 19,500; money at interest, $ 12, 200; deposits in savings banks, $ 24,553; stock in trade, $37,200; from summer tourists, estimate, $ 160,000; professional business, $ 12,000.
Churches and Schools. Metho- dist, Rev. Joseph Hawks, pastor. At North Conway, Baptist, Rev. P. J. Chapin, pastor; Congrega- tional, Rev. D. P. Eastman, pastor ; Episcopal, Rev. S. H. Hilliard, rector. There are nineteen schools in town; average length for the year, fourteen weeks.
Literary Institution. " North Conway Academy," W. H. Bates, principal.
Hotels. Conway House, Grove Hotel, Pequawket House. At North Conway, Kiarsarge House, Sunset Pavilion, Mc Millen House, Wash- ington House, North Conway House, and Interval House. These Hotels are all fine buildings, and all do a good business through the summer. Each proprietor tries to excel to make their guests feel at
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CONWAY.
home, while under their hospitable roof-horses are always at the command of travelers to convey them to any of the many attractive points in and around Conway.
nearly through October, but the two great months are July and August, when fully three thousand people are stopping here, so that North Conway may well be called
KIARSARGE HOUSE.
The Kiarsarge House is a new and elegant hotel, erected during the year 1872, and has accommoda- tions for three hundred guests. It is delightfully located in the very heart of the village, and com- mands fine views in all direc- tions. A fine band of music is engaged for each season, and with a daily arrival of one hundred to one hundred and fifty persons, a lively and animated scene is pre- sented at all times of the day and evening; for in addition to its own guests, it is made an exchange or centre where guests from the other hotels, are sure to meet friends who may either be stopping tem- porarily, or passing through the place, on their way to the moun- tains.
With the present railroad facili- ties for reaching this point, there is no doubt but it must become one of the most popular resorts in the State. Visitors begin to come here as early as May, and remain
the Saratoga of the mountains. First Settlements. Daniel Foster obtained a grant of this township, October 1st, 1765, with the condi- tion that each grantee should pay a rent of one ear of Indian corn an- nually, for the space of ten years, if demanded. The first settlements were commenced here in 1764, '65 and '66, by James and Benjamin Osgood, John Dolloff, Ebenezer Burbank and others.
First Ministers. Rev. Nathan iel Porter, D. D., Congregational, settled here in 1778, dismissed in 1815.
Boundaries. North by Chatham and Bartlett, east by the State of Maine; south by Eaton and Mad- ison, and west by Madison and Albany. Area 23,040 acres. Im- proved land, 9,965 acres.
Distances. Seventy-two miles north-east from Concord, and twenty-five north from Ossipee.
Railroads. "Portland and Og- densburg," and "Great Falls and
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NEW-HAMPSHIRE GAZETTEER.
Conway" Railroads, are completed to this town; the first from Port- land, the latter from Portsmouth. These two roads, when completed, will make Conway a great railroad center,
CORNISH.
SULLIVAN COUNTY. This town is hilly, with the exception of that part which lies on the river. The soil is fertile, well cultivated, and adapted to the growth of wheat, corn, oats, barley, grass and fruit. There is but one other town in the county which produces as much wheat and fruit. Capt. Chester Pike has the best farm-house in the State.
Minerals. Good lime stone oc- curs in various locations. Crystals of red oxide of titanium have been found. Jewelers value these crys- tals highly, and sell them under the name of " Venus hair stone." On Bryant's brook, silver ore has been discovered. Also, spruce-yel- low paint is obtained in consider- able quantities.
River und Streams. Connecti- cut River waters the western bor- der of Cornish. A fine bridge spans the river and connects this town with Windsor village, Vermont. There are several small streams which afford some water power.
Employments. Agriculture is the general pursuit of the people. Several farms are under a high state of cultivation. There is but very little manufacturing in town. (See table of manufac- tories.)
Resources. Cornish is one of the most wealthy towns in the county, and its resources are principally derived through farming. The an- nual value of the productions of
the soil is $172,664; from mechan- ical labor, $8,000; money in stocks and bonds, $3,600; money at inter- est, $35,016; deposits in savings banks, $26,516; stock in trade, $4,500.
Churches and Schools. There are four churches, viz. Episcopal, Rev. W. B. T. Smith, rector; Methodist, Elder B. P. Spaulding, pastor. At Cornish Flat : Baptist, Rev. H. C. Leavitt, pastor; Con- gregational, Rev. C. M. Palmer, pastor. There are fifteen schools in town. Average length for the year, seventeen weeks.
Hotels. The Connecticut River House; at the Flat, Union House.
First Settlers. This town was granted to Rev. Samuel McClin- tock and sixty-nine others, June 21, 1763. It was first settled by emigrants from Sutton, Massachu- setts, in 1765.
First Ministers. Rev. James Welman (Cong.) settled in 1768; dismissed in 1785. Rev. Joseph Rowell, ordained in 1800; dismiss- ed in 1828. Rev. Ariel Kendrick, (Bap.) ordained in 1801. Episco- pal society formed in 1793.
Boundaries. North by Plain- field, east by Croydon, south by Claremont, and west by Windsor, Vermont. Area, 23,160 acres.
Distances. Twelve miles north- west from Newport, and fifty miles north-west by west from Concord.
Railroads. Sullivan Railroad, seven miles from the village of Cornish Flat, passes through the town. The nearest depot, from which there is a public convey- ance to Cornish Flat is Claremont, ten miles, the terminus of the Su- gar River Railroad, and Lebanon, ten miles, on the Northern (N. H.) Railroad.
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CROYDON-DALTON.
CROYDON.
SULLIVAN COUNTY. This town is hilly, uneven and rocky, but the soil is moist and produces valuable . crops.
Mountains. Croydon Mountain extends across the western part of the town, and is the highest ele- vation in Sullivan County.
Rivers and Ponds. The north branch of Sugar River crosses it in a south-westerly direction, and af- fords some of the best water pow- er there is in the county, though at the present time but very little im- proved. The Sugar River Rail- road passes within five or six miles of this valuable water power, and no doubt within a few years much of it will be improved by valuable mills of various kinds. There are several ponds, the largest of which are Long Pond, Rock Pond, Gov- ernor's and Spectacle Ponds. Some of these ponds are well stored with fish.
Employments. Croydon is con- sidered a farming town, and for years it has enjoyed the reputation of furnishing the best qualities of butter and cheese of any town in the county. About 200,000 feet of lumber is annually sawed. Also a mill to manufacture Excelsior.
Resources. Annual value of ag- ricultural products, $82,475; me- chanical labor, $3,000; deposits in savings banks, $28,225.
Schools. There are seven schools in town; average length for the year, ten weeks.
First Minister. Rev. Jacob Ha- ven ordained in 1788.
First Settler. Samuel Chase and others in 1763.
Boundaries: North by Gran- tham, east by Springfield and Sun- apee, south by Newport and west
by Cornish. Area, 26,000 acres.
Distances. Forty - four miles north-west from Concord and six from Newport.
Railroads. Six miles to the de- pot at Newport, on the Sugar Riv- er Railroad.
DALTON.
Coos COUNTY. The western and southern part of this town is hilly. The soil on the high land is fertile and easy of cultivation, producing fine crops of wheat, &c.
Rivers and Ponds. Connecticut and John's rivers are the principal rivers. Fifteen Mile Falls in the Connecticut commence in this town and flow rapidly along its north-western border. There are also several large brooks; the whole affording many fine water privileges. Blake's Pond lies in the south-east part, and was named for one of the first settlers. There is considerable lumber in this town, of a good quality.
Employments. Agriculture is the prevailing business of the people, but many are extensively engaged in the lumbering business. Over 3,500,000 feet of lumber are an- nually produced, and 125 tons of starch annually manufactured.
Resources. Annual productions of the soil, $80,900; from mechan- ical labor, $12,200; value of stocks in public funds, $10,300; money on hand or at interest, $7,500; depos- its in savings banks, $29; stock in trade, $1,665. Summer tourists, $3,000.
Churches and Schools. Congre- gational Church, no pastor, Nine schools in town; average length for the year, seven weeks.
Hotels. Summer House, Rose- brook House.
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NEW-HAMPSHIRE GAZETTEER.
First Settlers. Moses Blake and Walter Bloss were the first settlers. Blake was a noted hunter and the moose which frequented the pond called by his name often fell by the fatal ball from his unerring rifle. The town was incorporated No- vember 4, 1784, and received its name from the Hon. Tristam Dal- ton, a grantee.
First Minister. William Hutch- inson, settled in 1833.
Boundaries. North by Lancas- ter and Whitefield, east by White- field, south by Littleton, and west by Lunenburgh, Vermont. Area, 16,455 acres.
Distances. Eight miles south from Lancaster, and one hundred and twenty-five miles north-west from Concord.
Railroads. The White Mountain Railroad passes through the town. When completed the Portland and Ogdensburgh Railroad will pass through this town, crossing the Connecticut River near the village. Stages connect daily to and from the Summer House and the depot, with all trains.
DANBURY.
GRAFTON COUNTY. This town is in the southern part of the county and lies in the form of a diamond. It is hilly and uneven, although there is some interval. The soil in many portions is good. Fine crops are produced, and the people are prosperous and happy, notwith- standing other statements.
Rivers. Smith's River is the on- ly stream of any note.
Employments. The people are principally engaged in farming. There is a large tannery, which annually produces leather to the value of $25,000; some 500,000
feet of lumber are annually sawed, and 200,000 last blocks made.
Resources. Annual productions of the soil, $85,226; from mechan- ical labor. $8,600; stocks, bonds and money on hand or at interest, $20,350; stock in trade, $5,140; de- posits in savings banks, $41,019.
Churches and Schools. Baptist, ; Congregational, --; Christian, Rev. J. R. Phillips, pastor. There are ten schools in this town; average length for the year, fourteen weeks.
First Settlement. First settle- ment made in 1771, in the south- east-part of the town. Incorpor- ated June 18, 1795. It was a part of Alexandria.
Boundaries. North by Grafton and Alexandria, east by Alexan- dria and Hill, west by Wilmot and Grafton, and south by Wilmot. Area, 19,000 acres; area of im- proved land, 12,422 acres.
Distances. Sixteen miles south- west from Plymouth, and thirty north-west from Concord.
Railroads. The Northern Rail- road passes through the town near its south-western border. At Dan- bury depot the trains wait five min- utes for refreshments.
DANVILLE.
ROCKINGHAM COUNTY. Dan ville was formerly a part of Kings- ton. The soil is light and the surface uneven, but in some por- tions of the town, excellent crops are produced.
Rivers and Ponds. Squamscot River passes through the north- west corner of the town; Long and Cub Ponds, are the principal bodies of water.
Employments. Agriculture is the principal employment of the peo-
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DEERFIELD.
ple, or we might say it is about equally divided, between farming and manufacturing. Over 100,000 pairs boots and shoes, are annually made; 2,500,000 feet lumber sawed, besides coopering, black- smithing, and various other trades. (See Tables).
Resources. Productions of the soil, $ 18,400; mechanical labor, $24,500; money at interest, $7, 500; deposits in savings banks, in the State, $ 3,100, out of the State, $35,000; stock in trade, $8,500.
Churches and Schools. F. Bap- tist, Rev. P. S. Burbank, pastor ; Methodist, Elder Joseph Hayes, pastor. Four schools in town, average length for the year, thirty- seven weeks.
First Settlers. Jonathan San- born, Jacob Hook, and others settled between the years 1735 and 1739. Incorporated February 22, 1760.
First Ministers. Rev. John Page, settled 1763, died in 1782.
Boundaries. North by Fremont, east by Kingston, south by Kings- ton and Hampstead, and west by Sandown. Area, 7,000 acres; im- proved land, 2,900 acres.
Distances. Thirty-three miles south-east from Concord, and ten south-west from Exeter.
DEERFIELD.
ROCKINGHAM COUNTY. Deer- field is the largest farming town in the county. The surface is uneven, but the soil is fertile, and there are many fine farms under a high state of cultivation. The orchard pro- durts are annually valued at $ 12, 000, and are exceeded by only one town in the county, and but three in the State. Rock maple, white maple, beach, birch, white and red
oak, pine and hemlock are the principal kinds of wood.
Ponds and Rivers. This town contains several ponds, well stored with fish. Pleasant Pond lies partly in this town and partly in Northwood. This pond is noted for its fine, sandy shore, and clear water. Moulton's Pond, in the west part, is noted on account of its having no visible inlet, and its waters are supposed to be sup- plied by a subterranean passage. The outlets of the pond run in opposite directions. One stream finds its way to the ocean through the channels of the Merrimack River, and the other through the Piscataqua. A branch of Lamprey river, passes south and south-east through the town.
Mountains. The principal eleva- tions, are Pawtuckaway, between this town and Nottingham, Saddle- back (see Northwood), and Fort Mountain, in the west part. Near Mount Delight, in the west part of the town, is a natural formation in the rock, which has for over ninety years been known as the " Indian Camp." On the east side of the camp, is a natural flight of stone steps, by which persons may easily ascend to the top of the rock.
Employments. Agriculture is the principal industrial pursuit of the inhabitants, ranking as the first town in the county, and fifteenth in the State, in its value of agriculture productions.
The manufacture of boots and shoes is carried on quite exten- sively, much of the stock being brought from out of the State, to be made up. The number pairs annu- ally made is estimated at 230,000 pairs, valued at $280,000. There are large quantities of lumber
...
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NEW-HAMPSHIRE GAZETTEER.
annually sawed-2,500,000 feet of boards, 60,000 clapboards, and 500, 000 shingles, are the annual pro- ductions.
Resources. Annual production of the soil, $178,518; mechanical labor, $57,900; money at interest, $52,600; deposits in savings banks, $82,729; stock in trade, $7,762; from summer tourists, $2,500.
Churches and Schools. Baptist, Rev. H. C. Walker, pastor; F. W. Baptist, Rev. Ira Emery, pastor ; Congregational, no pastor. There are , fifteen school districts, and fourteen schools in town. Average length for the year, twenty weeks ; amount of money annually appro- priated for school purposes $2,178. 78. F. P. James, Esq., a wealthy banker in New York, and a native of this town, is at the present time (1873,) erecting a fine and substan- tial school-house in his native school district, at an expense of over $3,000, and will endow the district with a permanent fund sufficient to give the scholars of the district all the school advan- tages that can be obtained in any town or city in the State. The late Hon. Richard Jenness, of Portsmouth, donated to the town $5,000, the interest of which is to be annually appropriated for the benefit of the public schools, in addition to the amount authorized by law, to be raised for the school purposes.
Hotels. Glenwood, Parade, Ex- change, Centre.
First Settlers. The first settlers were John Robinson, Jacob Smith, Isaac Shepard and Benjamin Batchelder, in 1756. The first parish (town) meeting was holden at the house of Samuel Leavitt. Wadleigh Cram, was chosen
moderator, Thomas Simpson, clerk, and Samucl Leavitt, John Robinson, and Eliphalet Griffin, Selectmen. Among the early set- tlers, were Josiah Prescott, John James, Nathaniel Weare, David IIaines, Samuel Tilton, Jeremiah Eastman, and Thomas Jenness.
This town was a favorite resort for deer, and while the petition for a charter was pending, a Mr. Batchelder and Josiah Prescott killed a fine deer, and presented it to Gov. Wentworth, and he granted the charter under the name of Deerfield. During the . French and Indian wars, the in- habitants lived in garrisons, but no serious injury was ever experi- enced from the savages. It is well authenticated that Major John Simpson, of this town, fired the first gun, on the American side, at the battle of Bunker Hill. Col. Stark instructed the men in his line not to fire a gun till the Brit- ish had arrived at a certain point designated by him, which was within forty paces of the Ameri- can works." But, when the red coats had advanced to within the distance the major (then a private) called a good shot for a deer, he- could not withstand such a good chance, and fired, and dropped his man. On this the fire commenced along the whole line. When Simpson was reproved for disobey- ing orders, he replied, he could not help firing when game, which he was after, came within gun shot. Major Simpson died Octo- ber 28, 1825.
The names of 18 persons, from this town, who died in the revolu- tionary struggle for independence, are preserved. 48 persons gave up their lives, in the late re-
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DEERING.
bellion, to maintain the Union.
Summer Resorts. Deerfield is becoming quite a resort for tour- ists. From its many elevations, many tine views of the surround- ing country can be obtained. There are but few pleasanter farming towns in the State.
First Minister. Rev. Timothy Upham (Congregational), ordain- ed in 1772; died in 1811. . A Free- will Baptist Church was formed here in 1799.
Boundaries. North by North- wood, east by Nottingham, south by Candia and Raymond, and west by Epsom and Allenstown. Area, 28,254 acres; area improved land, 21,846 acres.
Distances. Thirty miles north- west from Portsmouth, twenty- two north-west from Exeter, and eighteen miles south-east from Concord.
Railroads. Candia and Ray- mond are the nearest points to any railroad. At the north-west part of the town Epsom Station, on the Suncook Railroad, would be the nearest point.
DEERING.
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY. This town is diversified with hills and valleys. The soil is strong and productive, and is favorable to the several purposes of agriculture.
Ponds and Streams. Dudley's Pecker's, and Fullon's ponds are the principal bodies of water. The two former are the sources of the north branch of the Piscata- quog River. The town is well watered by small streams, which afford some good water privi- leges.
Minerals. In the north part of the town, is a mine of Plumbago.
Employments. The larger por- tion of the people are engaged in farming. About 700,000 feet of lumber are annually produced. (See tables.)
Resources. Productions of the soil, $98,846; mechanical labor, $4,100; stocks, bonds, and money at interest, $14,700; deposits in savings banks, $45,569; stock in trade, $4,500.
Churches and Schools. Congre- gational, Rev. Morris Holman, pastor; Methodist, Rev. L. W. Prescott, pastor. Deering Acad- emy, located at Deering Centre. There are eleven schools in town. Average length for the year, sev- enteen weeks.
Hotel. Appleton House.
First Settlement. Alexander Robinson and William McKean were the first settlers, in 1765. The name was given to this town by Hon. John Wentworth, in hon- or of his wife, whose name, before marriage, was Deering. It was incorporated January 17, 1774.
First Minister. Congregational. established in 1789, Rev. William Sleigh, ordained in 1801, dismissed in 1807.
Boundaries. North by Hills- borough and Henniker, east by Weare, south by Francestown and Bennington, and west by Antrim. Improved land, 12,963 acres.
Distances. Twenty-three miles south-west from Concord; twenty- two north-west from Amherst, and eighteen miles north-west from Manchester.
Railroads. Connected by stage, three times a week. with Oil Mills, 12 miles, on the Manchester and North Weare Railroad; Hills- borough Bridge, four miles, is the nearest railroad station. The
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NEW-HAMPSHIRE GAZETTEER.
Hillsborough and Peterborough Railroad will pass through the western part of this town, when completed.
DERRY.
ROCKINGHAM COUNTY. Derry is one of the best townships in the county for agriculture. The soil is strong, productive and well cul- tivated. The inhabitants are not- ed for their industry, wealth and general intelligence. Some over a mile from Derry depot is located Derry village on elevated ground, and'commanding a fine view of the surrounding country. It is a delightful village and is a great resort for summer tourists.
Ponds. Beaver Pond in this town is a fine sheet of water, nearly surrounded by gentle rising hills.
Employments. Agriculture is the principal employment of the inhabitants. Shoe business is car- ried on quite extensively, nearly 190,000 pairs being annually made. Edge tools by H. R. Underhill; ribs for loom reeds, Benjamin Chase; 400,000 shingles and 500, 000 feet of boards annually sawed.
Resources. 'Productions of the soil, $ 141,268; mechanical labor, $ 75,800; summer tourists, $8,000; money at interest, $ 43,600; stocks and bonds, $21,840; deposits in savings banks, $ 150,401; stock in trade, $ 24,506. The resources of this town show that it is in a flourishing condition in its various branches of industrial pursuits.
Churches and Schools. Congre- gational, Rev. Robert Haskins, pastor; Methodist, Elder A. E. Higgins, east. There are eleven schools in town; average length for the year twenty-four weeks.
Literary Institutions. Adams Female Seminary has a fund of $ 4,200, Miss E. L. Taylor, pre- ceptress. Pinkerton Academy has a fund of $ 20,000, Mr. G. T. Tut- tle, principal. These Institutions are popular and are in a flourishing condition.
Banks. Derry National Bank; Derry Savings Bank. (See tables.)
Hotels. Sanders' Hotel; Rail- way House, at the depot.
First Settlement. This town was formerly a part of Chester and Londonderry. Incorporated July 2, 1827.
Boundaries. North by Auburn and Chester, east by Sandown and Hampstead, south by Salem and Windham and west by London- derry. Area of improved land, 12,120 acres.
Distances. Eighteen miles south- west from Exeter and twenty-five south-east from Concord.
Railroads. Manchester and Lawrence Railroad passes through the south-west section of the town
DIXVILLE.
Coos COUNTY. Much of this town is in its primeval state, but very little of it being cultivated. The surface is somewhat rocky and rugged, but there is some very good land.
Streams. This town is watered by numerous streams, affording some fine water privileges.
Dixville Notch. This Notch is a remarkable gap in the mountains. It is through this pass, teams go from Errol to Portland, and it may be regarded as one of the most re- markable exhibitions of natural scenery in the State, and is hardly surpassed in grandeur by the fa- mous Notch, of the White Moun-
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DORCHESTER-DOVER.
ains. It is evident, that so inter- esting a spot as this, when more fully known, will draw a portion of the numerous visitants of the picturesque scenery of New-
Hampshire.
Settlement. This town was granted to Gen. Timothy Dix of Boscawen, in 1805. The Dixville Notch and Dixville road were named for him. He was father of Gen. John A. Dix, the present governor of the State of New-York.
Boundaries. North by Clarks- ville and grant to Gilmanton acad- emy, east by Dartmouth college grant and Wentworth's location, south by Millsfield and Odell, and west by Columbia, Colebrook, and Stewartstown. Area, 31,023 acres.
Distances. Forty miles north from Lancaster, and one hundred and seventy-six north from Con- cord.
DORCHESTER.
GRAFTON COUNTY. The surface of Dorchester is rocky and uneven, but the soil is strong, fertile, and produces good crops of corn, wheat, potatogs &c.
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