USA > New Hampshire > Rockingham County > Derry > Willey's book of Nutfield; a history of that part of New Hampshire comprised within the limits of the old township of Londonberry, from its settlement in 1719 to the present time > Part 30
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A RELIC of the stone garrison built in Nut- field in 1723 is to be found in the under- pinning of the house owned by Joseph Gregg in Derry Village. On one of the stones constituting the foundation of the house were engraved a vine and an hourglass, and between them was : "17. G. 23." Until within a few years the inserip- tion was plainly visible, although the emblems - whatever they may have signified -have long sinee been effaecd. The letter and figures indieate the initial of the builder's name, Capt. James Gregg, and the year of building. The stone was originally placed over the doorway of the stone garrison.
WINDHAM RANGE AT POLICY POND.
BY REV. JESSE G. McMURPHY.
of these ponds in recent years has become famous as a summer re- sort, and the loca- tion of a station there on the line of the Boston & Maine railroad has facilitated the coming of numer- ous pleasure par- ties to the shores of this body of water once called Policy pond, but now widely known as Cano- bie, with station and postoffice of the same name. The farms laid out in this range were planned ac- cording to the more general usage, being long and narrow, with the longest lines running north- west and southeast, and with slight variations in length filling the space between Policy and Cobbets ponds. The farm at the northeast end is
IN 1728 a fine area of about twelve hundred characterized as the head of the range, and was acres was laid out in the southern part of originally allotted to the Rev. James McGregor as Londonderry between two beautiful ponds. One an amendment to his former grants. The present owner of this farm is Hon. Leonard A. Mor- rison, author of "Morrison Fam- ily," " History of Windham," " Windham Cen- tennial Celebra- tion," "Norris Family," "Dins- moor Family," "Allison Family," "Rambles in Europe," and "Scotch- Irish Characteristics." He is a man who has done much for his townsmen and for the pre- servation of valu- able historic facts in the town of Londonderry, in which his ances- SCHOOLHOUSE IN DISTRICT NO. 2. LONDONDERRY. tors were charter
proprietors. Next to this farm were the amend- ment lands of James and John Morrison, the first now occupied by Albert A. Morrison and the second by Oliver G. Woodbury. The original lot
24a
257
258
WILLEY'S BOOK OF NUTFIELD.
of John Barr is now the property of John A. Park, more definite than was my last letter the other George F. Armstrong occupies the farm laid out
card link out in de
Per Sames Me Snegor.
Goblets Pond
0
En caudont in
also called Gubages Pond.
John Bass
2321728 Recorded November 2851728
on tifex fight acces Amendment
Card out!
John Bass
Rucoreist
Recorddu
Paul out
William
Robert- News
Recorded January Nichols,
Recordul June 14- 1738.
Archilast Kiss
bond
45 1728
53
Policy Pond
1793-54
Stones how called
V ... Gandhie Brake.
32 Stones
22
amendment land lund out-
Londondury October 10€ 1728 Recorded January 30- 1728
John Anderson
Alexander Walker Zurney six acus
right- one hunding may grunn's
alus amendment- und activation laid out in Londonderry
14-1728 Recorded mark 142 17 28
29
all rights reserved .
One hundred rocks. : 25 50 75 100
to Samuel Allison. These five farms are identified by Mr. Morrison, and from him chiefly the identification of the remainder is obtained. In the rela- tive positions of the sixth, seventh, and eighth farms there is a confliet of testimony. I quote from a letter of Mr. Morrison : "I onee owned about half of John Stuart's farm. The range road divides it, and his old eellar is on the half owned by my relative, Albert Morrison, as pasture land. He may have owned another piece. Onee some forty-six aeres in this piece. There is no room between his place and that of Samuel Allison. Allison's farm was sold to Mr. Park and where Park's house stood was some twenty- five rods from John Stuart's. The bounds of the farms have changed, of course, and I cannot write any
day. Exeter records would be the place to trace them." In proof of the original arrangement given in the map, the reader is referred to the following transcript :
Londonderry October 234 1728. Then laid out to Samuel Allison eighty acres of land which is in full satisfaction for his amendment land and his twenty acres addition which land lieth southeasterly of Cobbets pond and is bounded on the west by a maple tree standing on the bank of the said pond, thence running northeasterly thirty-nine rods to a stake bounding on said pond, from thence running southeast and bounding on John Barr's land to a red oak tree marked and standing near Policy pond, from thence running southwesterly on Policy pond to a stake and stones which is the east angle of John Anderson's land and stands on a line running southeast bounding on said John Anderson's land from the bounds first mentioned, there being land allowed within said bounds for two roads across said land not exceeding six rods wide for both, when the town thinks fit to lay out said roads. Recorded this 21st day of Jan'ry 1733-34. Pr. John MacMurphy, Town Clerk. John Wallace, John Archibald, John Mitchell, Committee.
At a meeting of the proprietors and inhabitants of London- derry March 25th 1732 the transcript of the aforesaid record was read and approved of for the aforesaid Samuel Allisons and his heirs for ever. Per JOHN MACMURPHY, Town Clerk.
Londonderry' October 23ª 1728. Then laid out to John Anderson, weaver, forty-two acres of land which is full satisfac- tion for nine acres of amendment his home lot wanted, and two
HOLMES HOUSE, DERRY DEPOT.
26
197
map of Range. at- Policy Pond
meadow bounds
E in Londondury prepared and chown & Rw. J.S. Me murphy.
Alexander Walker One hundred turney E
- Same 3 # 1 735 Recordtech Summe 14. 1738 185
Thank Kunkurs Zumty Lex acces
Jour at september
laid out pu bondending of the das From domint to
October 22 = 1+ 2 8 Recorded march 2= 13
John Anderson . Forty two acres Amendment October 234 1720 Recorded Sony 21× 173, 110
Som Barnitt Sent
Recorded Raccontar 318 /7 29.
aco 23 # 1728 Recorded Jamy 28' 17289
Amendment Cant faut oft Samuel Allison Eighty acres
Recorded December 31 1728
One hundred and fifty acres amendment laful land out in Londonderry Gelobe 23d 1728
Getover 23+ 1728 Ricariche Max ER 14# 172, 54 26
stake
and I'msure, Seventy asus Amandas
21
Londondury
six acres Aroundment
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WILLEY'S BOOK OF NUTFIELD.
acres of his home lot, and twenty acres of addition, said land lying by Cobbets pond and is bounded as followeth : (viz) beginning at a white oak tree which is William Humphrey's corner on said pond, thence bounding on said pond northerly to a maple tree which is Samuel Allison's west corner, thence bound- ing on said Allison's land to Policy pond to a stake and stones, thence bounding on said pond to a stake and stones, thence bounding on said Humphrey's land northwest to the pond first mentioned which tract of land is twenty rods and a half wide. Note that there is land within said bounds for two highways across said land reserved for the use of the town, one four rods wide and another two rods wide. when they think fit to lay them
out. Recorded this 23ª day of January 1729-30. Pr. John
Mac Murphy, Town Clerk. John Wallace, John Archibald, John Mitchell. Committee.
At a proprietors meeting held at Lon- donderry April 17th 1729 the aforesaid return was read and approved of by the town for the aforesaid John Anderson's proper use. benefit and behoof in fee. Attest per
JOHN MACMURPHY, Town Clerk.
Londonderry Octo- ber 22ª 1728. Then laid out to William Humphrey fifty-six acres of land which is the amendment and twenty acres of addi- tion which his home lot was allowed said land lying southeast- erly of Cobbets pond, bounded on the west by a dry oak tree marked standing on said pond, from thence running southeast to Policy pond and bounding on John Stewart's land to a stake and stones, from thence running northeast twenty-seven rods to a stake and stones bounding on Policy pond, from thence running northwest and bounding on John Anderson's land to the pond first men- tioned to a white oak tree marked, from thence running south- westerly on said pond to the bounds first mentioned. Note there is land within said bounds for two highways running across said land reserved for the use of the town, one four rods wide and the other two rods wide, when they think fit to lay them out. Recorded this 2nd of March 1733-34. Pr. John MacMur. phy, Town Clerk. John Wallace, John Archibald, John Mitch- ell, Committee.
NEW SCHOOLHOUSE, DERRY DEPOT.
At a meeting of the proprietors of Londonderry September 13th 1733 the return of the aforesaid record was read and ap- proved of for the aforesaid William Humphrey's use and his heirs forever. Attest pr. JOHN MACMURPHY, Toun Clerk.
Londonderry 9ber I Ith 1728. Then laid out to John Stew- art thirty four acres of land which is full for his satisfaction of his amendment and twenty acres addition. Said land lieth southerly of Cubages pond and is bounded on the west by a ma- ple tree marked, from thence running south east and bounding on John Barr's land to Policy pond and bounding northeasterly on said pond to a stake and stones from thence running north- west and bounding on Samuel Allisons land to a swamp to a dry oak tree marked, from thence running south- westerly to the bounds first mentioned, there beingy land, allowed within said bounds for two cross roads not exceeding six rods wide. Recorded this fourth day of Jan"y 1728-29. Pr
John MacMurphy Town Clerk. John Wallace. John Archibald. John Mitchell, Committee.
a proprietors meeting held at Lon- donderry Now' 10th 1728 the return of the aforesaid record was read and approved of by the town for the said John Stewart's use benefit and behoof in fee.
Attest Pr JOHN MACMURPHY. Town Clerk.
The proof of the order of the map seems conelusive with the single exception of a name which may have been overwritten in the fading lines of the old records, and thus made to correspond with the modern tradition of the old Stewart cellar. Especially is the identification of original order noted in the dry oak tree marked, that is a common bound for both John Stewart and William Humphrey. . Perhaps John Anderson ex- changed with John Stewart and occasioned this subsequent order.
Mr. Morrison writes that " William Hum- phrey's land is included in farm of Joseph W.
260
WILLEY'S BOOK OF NUTFIELD.
Dinsmoor; John Anderson's land (meaning the from town records and old deeds requiring years farm of John Stewart in the map) is included in of patient toil could establish the certainty of the farm of Jacob Myers; John Barnett's land is many controverted facts of lines, bounds, and even residences. It is greatly to be regretted that the plans of the town of Londonderry or Nutfield, originally made, however fragmentary and crude, have not been preserved. Great eare has been taken to secure accuracy in this map, and in order that the student may have easy access to the material for ecrtifying to the correctness of the plans, the numbers of pages in Volume II of the town records are given for reference in the lower right hand corners of each lot. now Isaiah W. Haseltine's ; William Nichols' land is included in farm of George N. Noyes; Robert Wear's land now in B. F. Senter's farm ; Archibald Clendennen's land was at the base of Senter's hill going from Canobie lake to Cobbet's pond." In this part of the range it is quite evident that the original order of the allotments has been altered and probably so far back that traditions alone cannot determine the correctness of the plans adopted, and only an exhaustive treatise compiled
0
INTERIOR I. O. O. F. LODGE ROOM, DERRY DEPOT .- NOBLE GRAND'S CHAIR.
ECHO LODGE, I. O. O. F.
E CHO LODGE, NO. 61, I. O. O. F., was $4,000 and $5,000 bcing expended for these pur- instituted at Masonic hall, Derry, April 17, poses. Since then electric lights have been put in, 1879, by the Grand Master, Luther F. Mckinney, and an addition has been built upon the rear of the block, adding a new banquet hall, which with the old one will seat 250 guests, and a parlor which the Rebekahs have handsomely furnished. (Sce page 255.) The lodge with eight charter members, eleven others being initiated the same evening. The numbers had doubled by Jan. 1, 1880, and in May of that year the lodge took pos- session of the new hall in Pillsbury & Hardy's block, Derry Depot, and remained there until the fire of Aug. 19, 1882, which destroyed most of the lodge property, including the lodge records. The 175th regular session was held on the night of the fire at the residence of the Noble Grand, Gilman A. Wheeler. The lodge then re- moved to Masonic hall and remained there a little over two years. Mean- while a site had been purchased and the handsome and com- modious block, valued at $7,000, erected at Derry Depot, which has since been the home ODD FELLOWS' BLOCK, BEFORE THE ADDITION WAS BUILT. of the lodge. This hall was first occupied Sept. 25, 1884, and was dedicated by the Grand Master, Lewis A. Mal- vern, Dec. 11, 1884.
The 500th regular session was fittingly celebrated at Bell's Opera House Nov. 15, 1888; up to this time the lodge, then numbering 127 members, had omitted but one regular session for any cause. In 1889 the hall was refitted and refurnished, and steam heat was introduced into the entire building, between
room is now equal in all respects to any in the state. Notwith- standing the changes of location, Echo Lodge has enjoyed gratifying prosperity. Fitting and ample paraphernalia for all the work of the de- grees have been pur- chased ; the debt on the building is com- paratively small ; re- ceipts for rent arc sufficient to liquidate it within a few years.
Mizpah Rebekah De- gree Lodge No. 15. an auxiliary of Echo Lodge, is one of the best in the state out- side the cities. It numbers 255 mem- bers, and has been a great factor in the prosperity of Echo Lodge. The total re- ceipts from all sour- ces, including fairs, rents, and ordinary revenues, to January. 1896. have been $23,223.84. The total amount paid for relief has been $5,255.19. The estimated value of the lodge property, including cash on hand and indebtedness, is $14,130.27. The membership June 30, 1895, was 181. Mystic Encampment, a branch of Echo Lodge, has a membership of 55, and is in a prosperous condition. (See portrait of Prof. E. R. Angell, Noble Grand 1895. p. 175.)
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WILLEY'S BOOK OF NUTFIELD.
INTERIOR I. O. O. F. LODGE ROOM, DERRY DEPOT .- VICE GRAND'S CHAIR.
ADAMS FEMALE ACADEMY BOARDING HOUSE. Now " The Elms," East Derry
HORACE GREELEY'S BIRTHPLACE, Antrim, N. H.
263
WILLEY'S BOOK OF NUTFIELD.
U PTON POST, NO. 45, is named after Lieut. of the charter members: David S. Clark, James George E. Upton of Derry, N. H., who en- H. Crombie, Charles H. Cummings, Isaiah A. listed as a private, Nov. 28, 1861, in Co. G, Sixth
Dustin, James Evans, Charles F. Fields, Isaac N.
UPTON POST NO. 45, G. A. R., AND SOLDIERS' MONUMENT, DERRY.
New Hampshire Volunteers, and was promoted to Hunt, Francis Owens, A. A. Pressey, George first lieutenant Oct. 30, 1863, and was killed near Richards, C. M. Tilton, George B. Tuttle, Henry Petersburg, Va., July 30, 1864. The post was C. Vining. Caleb F. Whidden, and Amos M. chartered Sept. 4, 1879. Following are the names Young. Number of members, thirty-four.
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WILLEY'S BOOK OF NUTFIELD.
MISS LAURA A. HAYNES, TEACHER.
OLD SCHOOLHOUSE, DERRY DEPOT. 1894.
MISS GEORGIETTA KNIGHT, TEACHER.
H. F. AND H. T. WHEELER, sons of Charles F. and Adeline (Gregg) Wheeler, were born in the "Kilrea district," Derry, Horace Franklin March 5, 1868, and Henry Thaddeus Mar. 24, 1870. Their mother was the daughter of Benja- min and Lucy (Danforth) Gregg, who lived for somc years on the turnpike near the bridge over Westrunning brook. Their great-grandfather Danforth was for many years landlord of the old Danforth Tavern, which still stands on the corner in Derry village, and is now occupied by James 20, 1893, as station agent.
Huntce. H. T. Wheeler serves the Boston & Mainc railroad, Derry Depot, in the capacity of baggage master, and H. F. as freight clerk.
H. FLETCHER was born in Berlin, Mass.,
J. . Oct. 29, 1867, and began work for the Bos- ton & Maine Railroad in 1887. He was married Nov. 7, 1891, to Miss M. J. Haynes, of Bedford, Mass. They have one daughter, Beatrice A., born Oct. 1, 1892. Mr. Fletcher came to Derry April
HENRY T. WHEELER.
HORACE F. WHEELER.
J. H. FLETCHER.
WILLEY'S BOOK OF NUTFIELD.
265
FREDERICK H. DODGE.
DANIEL J. DALY.
EDWARD BALLOU CLARK. Baggage Master at Windham Junction.
BOSTON & MAINE DEPOT, DERRY.
GEORGE W. BACHELDER'S HOUSE, EAST DERRY.
25a
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WILLEY'S BOOK OF NUTFIELD.
F REDERICK H. DODGE was born in South Boston, Mass., Dec. 17, 1870, and received his education in the public schools of Boston and of St. Albans. At the age of sixteen he began his business career with the Central Vermont railroad at Proctor, Vt., leaving that place after a few months to accept a more lucrative position with the Boston & Maine railroad at Windham June- tion, in the capacity of station agent. Resigning in the fall of 1891, on account of ill-health, he spent five months in California and in travelling through the western states. He then returned to railroading and assumed charge of the freight business at Rochester, N. H., until, at the request of the superintendent, he accepted a position in the latter's office at Nashua. In the spring of 1892 he returned to his former position at Wind- ham Junetion, where he has sinee remained. Mr. Dodge was married, Dee. 15, 1895, to Miss Minnie E. Mooers of Lawrenee, Mass.
G EORGE W. REED, the son of James and Rebeeea (Major) Reed, and the eldest of eight children, was born in Derry Jan. 6, 1849. In 1869 he went to Manehester and seeured em- ployment in the Amoskeag Axe Factory. After a year's work here he entered the service of Crane, Leland & Moody, shoe manufacturers, and in 1875 he set up in the haek and livery business for himself and is at present engaged in the same business. Nov. 22, 1870, Mr. Reed married Miss Sarah E. Nelson, daughter of John P. and Sarah C. Nelson of Candia, and of this union five children have been born, of whom Lenna Mae, born May 27, 1877; Hattie Euniee, born Feb. 23, 1881, and Albro Parker, born Aug. 13, 1885, now survive. In polities Mr. Reed is a staunch Repub- liean, and has always been an active worker for that party. In 1888 he was elected to the eom- mon eouneil from Ward 3, and re-elected in 1890. In 1892 he was elected to the board of aldermen from Ward 3, serving on the committees on streets, eleetrie lights, accounts, elaims, and eity farm. He was again elected to the board of aldermen for 1895-96. Under the present administration he is chairman of the committee on
streets, a member of the committee on city farm, and of several others of minor importance. Mr.
GEORGE W. REED.
Reed is a charter member of Passaeonnaway Tribe, I. O. R. M., and a member of Security Lodge No. 8, A. O. U. W.
D ANIEL J. DALY was born in Londonderry, Aug. 1, 1872. He entered Pinkerton Acad- emy and at once beeame prominent as a debater and publie speaker, winning a prize two years in sueeession. In 1891 he entered business as junior partner in the firm of John Daly & Sons, market gardeners, remaining with the firm until the spring of 1895, when he was elected a member of the board of seleetmen. After completing the spring duties of his office, he began the study of law with C. J. Hamblett of Nashua, where he has since remained. It is his intention to enter the law school of Boston University in 1896. He is a member of the Church of the Immaculate Con- eeption of Nashua, and in polities is an earnest Republican.
TAVERN STANDS AND STAGE LINES.
T HE tavern existed in Nutfield from the earliest
Samucl Barr, a noted landlord, kept a tavern
davs, and, like the frontier stores of the in the carly days on the Barr homestead, a short West, served several purposes. It was primarily distance southeast of the First meeting-house. a storehouse for rum, brandy, gin, tea, coffee, Philip Nowell for many years entertained the public, and particularly a numerous class of retired sea captains, at his hostelry situated south of the mecting-house. All the buildings have been removed, and no house now occupies the site. Hc opened his tavern soon after the close of the Revolution. sugar, molasses, snuff, and tobacco, all of which were in constant demand, and many persons gathered at the store at evening, It was the centre of intelligence and conviviality and was visited by strangers in search of employment or persons on business from other towns. Thc nocturnal discussions at the taverns were not The Boynton tavern still stands on the turn- pike, a few miles south of Derry Village, with accommodations for forty or fifty guests. Seventy- five years ago there were many travellers on the road, and regular stage communication, when the season and weather permitted. Horses were changed at this tavern, and the passengers obtained lodging and refreshment. always calm and dispassionate, and it is said that a dispute occurred one night at one of them in the turbulent times before the Revolution between a Britisher and a colonist. After having drunken the men waxed fiercer, until the friends of both became excited and a fight ensued, in which the Britisher was killed. Without ceremony the body was carried to the graveyard and hastily buried, The Fisk tavern stands a short distance from the one last mentioned. It was patronized by a and the tragedy was soon forgotton in the greater struggle that was imminent.
Among the earliest landlords worthy of men- tion was Col. Stephen Holland, who kept the public house at the old centre of the town, near the meeting-house first built. He was a surveyor and captain, and one of His Majesty's justices of the peace and a trusted officer of wealth and influence. His homestead extended from his tavern, in the present East Village, to the shores of Beaver pond. As a man conversant with the plans and purposes of the home government, Col. Holland was regarded with suspicion by his neigh- bors, and in vain did he attempt to curry favor with them and at the same time hold office under the king. He was finally proscribed by the provincial government and escaped to the old country with such property as he could convert into money. In 1797 he was living in "Coolifiney in the county of Londonderry and kingdom of Ireland," and brought a suit against an estate in Londonderry, N. H., to recover the value of a note of hand and damages to the amount of $150. The notc had been given March 18, 1775, for fifteen pounds lawful money, by James McMurphy, who died before the suit was instituted. (See “ London- derry Tories," page 208.)
HOTEL BRADFORD, DERRY DEPOT .- IS94.
line of stages running from Lowell to Kingston, Exeter, and Portsmouth, while the Boynton tavern was for the accommodation of the lines running from Haverhill to Concord. For some years it was owned and managed by Mr. Willey,
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WILLEY'S BOOK OF NUTFIELD.
ALBERT J. WILLEY, Proprietor Hotel Bradford, 1883-1891.
MRS. A. J. WILLEY.
---
CHARLES F. WILLEY.
NELSON S. WILLEY.
Willey Brothers, Proprietors of Hotel Bradford, 1891-1894.
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WILLEY'S BOOK OF NUTFIELD.
and was known as the Willey House. It is A. B. Smith, A. J. Willey, Willey Bros. (C. F. and evident from the size of these buildings that the N. S.), and F. A. Benson. stage business was very luerative at some period in the past.
On the Mammoth road there was a tavern at North Pelham, sometimes ealled the Foster tavern, where the stages stopped for change of horses. It was kept for many years by Jesse Gibson, justice of the peaee, postmaster, and deputy sheriff, who also did a general retail business in West India goods. It is remembered that Andrew Jackson, while on his presidential tour through New Hampshire, stopped with Land- lord Gibson on returning from Concord to Mas- sachusetts. He was accompanied by the governor of New Hampshire and part of his eouneil as far as the state line.
Cram's tavern was a few miles farther north on the Mammoth road, and was built especially for the boarding and entertainment of the public and as a meeting place for conversation over the pipe and bowl, rather than for the aeeommodation of the stages. It is still standing, in a good state of preservation.
Plummer's tavern, situated a few miles still farther north on the Mammoth road, was also more adapted to the wants of boarders and visitors than to the needs of a stage line. The mail was changed here, and a few minutes given to the passengers to patronize the bar. This old hostelry still stands at the corner where the Derry and Nashua road erosses the Mammoth.
White's tavern, in the northern part of Lon- donderry, furnished aeeommodations for fifty horses, and was one of the plaees between Lowell and Coneord where the stage horses were kept. It was also a storehouse for groceries and provi- sions, Reuben White, the landlord, buying liberally at Portsmouth and bringing immense loads of goods from that place with his own horses. This tavern is now oceupied by Mrs. Roxana Corning and daughter Alice, and just over the way lives Henry White, the son of the old landlord. (See page 188.)
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