Cornell University Library The original of this bool^ is in the Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924089941722 CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY 3 1924 089 941 722 In compliance with current copyright law, Cornell University Library produced this replacement volume on paper that meets the ANSI Standard Z39.48-1992 to replace the irreparably deteriorated original. 2001 CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY HE SPARKS LIBRARY. [AMERICA.] Collected by JARED Sparks, LL. D., President of Harvard College. Purchased by the Cornell University , 1872. o HISTORY ATO DESCRIPTION N, EW ENGLAND, GENERAL AND LOCAL. .r,'- A*^ jfcOOLIDGE AND J. B. MANSFIELD. fillustrateti toitl) numerous Enaraliinas. " In all countries and in all companies, for several years, I have, in conversation and in writing, enumerated the towns, militia, schools, and churches, as the four causes of the growth and defence of New England." — Diary of John Adams. IN TWO VOLUMES. VOL. L MAINE, NEW HAMPSHIEE, AND VERMONT. BOSTON: AUSTIN J. COOLIDGE. 185 9. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1869, by AUSTIN J. COOLIDGE, In the Clerk's Office of the District Court for the District of Massachusetts, CAMBRIDGE : ALLEN AND FARNHAM, ELECTROTTPERS . PRINTED BY H. 0. HOOGHTON AND COMPAKT. TO THE SONS OF NEW ENGLAND, IN WHAXEVEE CLIME, WHOSE JUST PKIDE IT IS, THAT THE PIBTT AND SELF-DENTING LABORS OP THE FORE- FATHERS IN PLANTING CIVIL AND RELIGIOUS LIBERTT, THE VIGILANT TOIL OP PATRIOT SIRES IN NURTURING AND DEFENDING IT, THEIR OWN ACHIEVE- MENTS IN INDUSTRY, AND THEIR FOSTERING CARE FOR THE INSTITUTIONS OP LEARNING IN WHICH THE HUMBLEST MAT TAKE RANK WITH THE MOST OPULENT, FORM THE GRAND MATERIALS OF NEW ENGLAND HISTORY, THIS WOKK IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED. (iu) PREFACE. This ■n'ork is designed to satisfy a public desire to see, in as comprehensive a form as is possible, a more particular and popular account of the planting, growth, and present state of the numerous little democracies that make up the whole of New England. We are now in possession of many valuable books fi-om the pens of gifted authors, which, in describing, in a general manner, the character, condition, language, religion, and laws of the Anglo-Saxon race upon this continent, recite more or less of the history of New England. But these, when not beyond the means of a large proportion of the reading public, are very generally either ex- tended to a length quite disproportionate to the limited time for reading afforded to most people, or are suited only to the tastes of those who have made history a study. On the other hand, the geographical dictionary or gazetteer, although indispen- sable to the commercial world, of great utility to men of letters, and containing with its descriptive matter much of historical interest, stands outside of the proper sphere of history. Destitute, for the most part, of living actors, and the incidents which surround them, it is like a view of the distant city, where one beholds the piles of brick and granite, but sees no moving form, and hears no human voice. It allows you to carry the surveyor's chain and compass, taking the measurements and alti- tudes of the way, but not to ride and enjoy the prospect. The thing wanted, then, — more easily ascertained than produced, — is such a condensation of the style of general narrative, such bringing out of the material facts, and such a combinatjon of these with the exhibition of topography and statis- tics, as will insure the interest, without impairing the practical utility, of the work. Aware of the difficulty of such a task, the authors would have shrunk from it, had they not felt confident that a generous public would not be severe in judging an effort which must be attended with so much labor, and be an object of such con- stant solicitude. It would be vain to expect, in a work so full of details, that errors will not appear ; but it is hoped that none will be found of any magnitude. The work commences with a brief outline of general events, extending from the early discoveries upon the New England coast and the planting of the first colo- nies, down through the Provincial and Revolutionary periods, to that of the Consti- tution, — and, again, through the successive organizings of independent sovereignties to this day, when the representatives of the people come from both oceans to meet in the National Capital. It gives so much of the general history of each State embraced in it, as is a necessary and fitting introduction to the main object. It contains a summary view of the aboriginal inhabitants. The volume now presented has an account, more or less full, according to their relative importance, of thirtj-- nine counties, and upwards of eight hundred and fifty towns, no town, however small or insignificant, being omitted. The facts presented under each of these, were ob- tained from an extensive examination of histories, general and local, centennial addresses, sermons, documents, maps and plans, personal inspection of records, and from a wide correspondence. Very many of the notices were written out by, or submitted to, gentlemen resident in the places noticed, and well qualified to make or verify the statements. A much more frequent reference to authorities might have been made, but, even if the expansion of the book to an unwieldy size were laid out A* (V) VI PREFACE. of consideration, it is obvious from its very plan that such a service was not re- quired. A very full table of historical works, general and local, precedes the opening pages of this volume, which, it is thought, will be found of great convenience. A supplementary list of towns and plantations in Northern Maine, containing such information respecting their history, condition, and fitness for settlement, as could be obtained from sources most worthy of credit, follows immediately after the towns of Vermont. To this succeeds, in the form of Appendixes, a list of Post-Offices not found in the body of the work ; a table of the Lights upon the coast, with a complete description of the same; Epitaphs of several distinguished men; lists of the Sena- tors and Representatives in Congress from each State during the whole period of its history ; also of Governors, and Electors of President ; of Gubernatorial, Presi- dential, and Electoral Votes ; and tables showing the Number of Electoral Votes and the Ratio of Representation. The Illustrations are, with not more than half a dozen exceptions, made from original ambrotypes or photographs, recently taken expressly for the work, the drawing and engraving of which were committed to the most competent and faith- ful artists ; and it is believed that those best acquainted with the respective locali- ties here portrayed will testify to their accuracy. The Maps have been projected with great care from the most recent surveys. The triangulations of the United States Coast Survey were scrupulously followed in delineating the coast line, and the drawings were submitted to men best able to point out their errors and pass upon their correctness. The general topographical execution, the fulness of detail, and the neatness of the engravings, it is hoped, will be a sufficient evidence of their accuracy. The authors gratefully acknowledge the important aid received from gentlemen in all parts of their field of labor, among whom they feel honored in being able to designate the Hon. Joel Parker and Charles Deane, Esq., of Cambridge ; Samuel C. Jackson, M. D., John L. Sibley, William F. Poole, Esqs., John Appleton, M. D., and William B. Trask, Esq., Librarians respectively of the State Library, Harvard University, the Boston Athenasum, the Mass. Hist. Society, and the New England Historic-Genealogical Society ; John W. Dean, Esq., editor of the N. E. Historical and Genealogical Register ; the Hon. George Folsom, of New York, editor of the Historical Magazine ; the Hon. Lorenzo Sabine, of Boston ; the Rev. A. H. Quint, of West Roxbury; the Hon. William Willis, of Portland ; the Hon. Thomas Par- ker, of Farmington ; the Hon. AVilliam Allen, of Norridgewock ; John McKeen, Esq., of Brunswick ; the Hon. E. E. Bourne, of Kennebunk ; J. H. Cochrane, Esq., at the State Secretary's Office, Augusta ; the Hon. Noah Barker, of Bangor, Land Agent of Maine ; David Norton, Esq., of Oldtown ; the Hon. Samuel D. Bell, of Manchester ; the Hon. C. E. Potter, of Hillsborough ; the Rev. Charles Burroughs, D. D., of Portsmouth ; the Rev. Nathaniel Bouton, D. D., Allen Tenney, Esq.^ Dep. Secretary of the State of New Hampshire, G. Parker Lyon, and J. F. Brown' Esqs., all of Concord ; Henry Stevens, Esq., of Burlington ; F. W. Hopkins, Esq.^ of Rutland ; Usher Parsons, M. D., of Providence ; Charles Folsom and 'm. t! Bigelow, Esqrs., of Cambridge. In conclusion, if this effort shall, in any manner, stimulate a disposition to write and present to the world the histories of any of the towns of New Eno-land so rich in local story, it will have an importimt use, additional to, but entirefy conso- nant with, its main purpose ; and it is now submitted to the public, whose approval will excite a pleasure second only to that awakened by the consciousness of en- deavored faithfulness in its preparation. THE AUTHOES. Apkil, 1859. CON T E N T S . PAGE LIST OP ILLUSTRATIONS AND NAMES OF ARTISTS ...... ix TABLE OF HISTORICAL WORKS, GKNKRAL AND LOCAL xi CHAPTER I. NKW ENGLAND DISCOVERY AND SKTTLKMKNT 1 CHAPTKR II. MAINE OUTLINES OF ITS HISTORY . . 8 CIIAPTEPv. III. MAIXE ABORIGINAL INHABITANTS . .... 20 CHAPTER IV. COUNTIES, CITIE.S, AND TOWNS OF MAINE . . . . 25 CHAPTER V. NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLINES OF ITS HISTORY ...... 376 CHAPTER VI. ABORIGINAL TRIBES OF NEW HAMPSHIRE 401 CHAPTER VII. COUNTIES, CITIES, AND TOWNS OF NEW HA.MPSIIIRE. 405 CHAPTER VIII. VERMONT OUTLINES OF ITS HISTORY 705 (Vii) viii CONTENTS. CHAPTER IX. COUNTIES AND TOWNS OF VERMONT . 731 ADDITIONS AND CORRECTIONS • 962 SUPPLEMENT. TOWNS AND PLANTATIONS IN MAINE 963 APPENDIX A. POST-OFFICES NOT ENUMERATED IN THE BODY OF THE WORK . . . 977 APPENDIX B. LIGHTS ON THE COAST OF MAINE AND NEW HAMPSHIUE .... 977 APPENDIX C. EPITAPHS OF SOME OF THE REPRESENTATIVE MEN AND FAMILIES OP MAINE, NEW HAMPSHIRE, AND VERMONT . . 984 APPENDIX D. SENATORS AND KEPRESENTATIVES IN CONGRESS ..... 985 APPENDIX E. POPULAR AND ELECTORAL VOTE FOR PRESIDENT, WITH NAMES OF ELEC- TORS ... 987 NUMBER OF ELECTORAL VOTES TO WHICH EACH STATE I[AS BEEN ENTITLED AT EACH PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION 991 APPOETIONMENT OF FEDERAL KEPRESENTATIVES, AND RATIO OF REPRE- SENTATION BY THE CONSTITUTION, AND AT EACH CENSUS . . .991 APPENDIX F. GUBERNATORIAL VOTE IN MAINE, NEW HAMPSHIRE, AND VERMONT, TO- GETHER WITH THE GOVEKNORS AND ACTING GOVEBNORS IN MAINE AND NEW HAMPSHIRE . . 902 GENERAL INDEX ............. 999 LIST OF nXUSTRATIONS AND ARTISTS. -|. ' Z. Norwood^ Picture by View of the Progress of Civ- ilization IN New England Weymouth, anchored off Bath Lewiston Falls Loche Bros. . . Pine Forests of Northern ) SIaihe ) Auburn State House at Augusta Arsenal at Augusta ... Insane Hospital at Augusta ... ... Bangor T. Ji. Burnham^ . Bath J,\V. C. Morrison^ Belfast T.W. Stuart, . . Saco and Biddefokd JS.If. McKeimey, . Site of Piiip's Fort — Ancient Pemaquid Antiquities in Bristol " . . . . BowDoiN College, Brunswick ... Dexter J. F. Page, . . Ellsworth Moses Hale, . . Farmington a. B. Jennings, . Greenville . J. F. Page, . . Lewiston MoNiiEGAN Isle A. C. Jlamlin, . . Death of Kasles . County Buildings upon Paris Hill Pembroke Iron Works View on the Upper Penobscot, ) Mt. Katahdin in the distance ) Portland Morriscm, . . View of Neutral Island LiBBEY pursued BY THE INDIAN Berwick Academy . . . . K H. Bracey, Owl's Head .... . . Emily Eaton, , Waterville College . . . . S. Wing, . . Fort Halifax, Winslow Birthplace of Hon. Horace ) Greeley ) Berlin Falls Sunset View of Lake Winne- pesaukee Claremoxt Charles AUen, Concord McPherson Bn Draughtsman. A. R. Wand, . M. M. Tidd, . A. C. Warren, Tidd, . . . Warren, . . Tidd, . . . Engraver. Page John Andrew, J.""""? ' title-page. B. T. Smith, . . 11 Benry Marsh, Facing 31 Smith, . . . . 33 Marsh, Smith, . 37 ir; Waud, . Warren, Kllburn, Warren, A.R. Waud, ' iS. W, Sawyer, JJyde, . . . Kllburn, . . . Tidd, . . . . Worcester, . . . Kllbwn, . . Warren, . . . Hamlin, . . W. L. Champney, W. Wand, . . . A. R. Waud, Warren, Tidd,. . W. Waud, Tidd, . Marsh, F. E. Fox, Mallory, . Marsh, AndreiD, . Smith, . Mallory, Smitli, . (( Mallwy, Marsh, Smith, . W. J. Pierce, Fox, . . Andrew, . Marsh, Pierce, Smith, . . Fox, . . Andrew, . Smith, . . . . 40 Facing 46 " 50 . " 52 . " 56 69 . 71 . 77 . 106 . 119 . . 125 . . 146 . . 189 Facing 212 233 . 247 Facing 253 " 260 " 276 . . 283 . . 297 . . 310 . . . 311 . . 345 . . 362 A. R. Waud, ^' ' [ Warren, . . . Warren, Andrew, . . G. B. Bayes, Marsh, . . 411 423 437 A. R. Waud, Warren, . Smith, . . ... 446 Facing 456 (ix) LIST OF ILLUSTEATIONS AND ARTISTS. Picture by " j Whipple 4- Black, T. E. BmdeUe, Conway and the White Moun- tains Dover BiKTHri.ACE of Hon. Lewis Cass Phillips Academy " . . . . EXETEK " . . Old Man of the Mountain Birthplace of Daniel Webster ... Dartmouth College Birthplace of Franklin Pierce Goodrich's Falls Whipple tf Blach, Braaghtsman. A. R. Waiid, W. Waud, . . Chester Allen, . R. Whipple cf Blach, Cutler, . . J. S. Miller, Whipple (^ Bhich, Wtwren. Central Square, Keene . Viaduct of the Cheshire R. AT South Keene The Flume Manchester, from the W. bide OF THE Merrimack, Works of Nashua Iron Comfaki' Gage, Warner & Whitney's Ma- | ,, chine Shop ' Nashua Manufacturing Com- ) ;, PANY, ' Jackson Company " . . Nashua " . . Portsmouth . . . . A. Gregory, Great Falls Village . . H, U. Bracy, Notch of the White Mountains ) soon after the Slide J Silver Cascade, White Moun- tains Cry^stal Falls, White Moun- ) „ TAINS ' Glen Ellis, White Mountains . u Top of Mt. Washington Wolfbokough Whipple Purchas, 1G59-76 ; 2 Belknap's Biog., p. 40. ' See Address by John ISIcKeen, Maine Hist. Coll., vol. v. ' Some modern writers insist tbat it was upon Parker's Island, others at Arrowsic, and still others at Georgetown ; but the recent discovery of the manuscript of " William Stra- chey Gent," in the Sloane Collection of the British Museum, published by the " Ilakluyt Society," London, 1849, and republished by the Mass. Hist. Soc, Fourth Series, vol. 1, pp. 221-24G, has thrown new light upon the point, and hardly leaves room for a doubt that they lauded ou the peninsula. See also Bartlet's Froutier INIissiouary, Note B. p. 236. 12 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. formally reading their patent. They named the settlement the Saga- dahoc colony, and elected their officers — George Popham as president, Captain Rawleigh Gilbert, James Davies, Richard Seymour (the first Episcopal clergyman north of Virginia), Captain Richard Davies, and Captain Harlow, as assistants. Here they built their cabins, and erected a fortification, the remains of which are even now to be seen. The winter months were fraught with various trials. They suffered much from cold and hunger; and, by the impolitic course they had pursued with the natives, had forfeited their trade and hospitality. Their storehouse took fire in midwinter, and was reduced to ashes, and most of their provisions were destroyed. Three of the principal patrons of the colony died during the winter, one of whom was the President (George Popham).^ The hostility of the natives, and the various mis- fortunes that befell the colonists, rendered their situation truly deplora- ble ; and they resolved to quit the country and return to England. As soon as the affairs of the colony could be settled, and arrangements made for leaving, they embarked for home, reporting to their friends and patrons in England, as the cause of their return, that the country was " intolerably cold and sterile, unhealthy, and not habitable by our Eng- lish nation." ^ By the untimely end of this colony, some further deaths, and addi- tional discouragements, a fatal blow was given to the spirit of coloni- zation for some years. De Monts, the French patentee, had also met with many reverses and disappointments ; and, on learning the dis- astrous termination of the Sagadahoc colony, abandoned the idea of prosecuting his enterprise any further, and surrendered his patent to Madame De Guercheville, a Catholic French lady, who was desirous of making the experiment of converting the natives to the Catholic faith. ' There is a tradition that the colonists, for their amusement in the tedious winter months, among other tilings, set a company of the natives to hauling a loaded cannon with drag ropes, with the muzzle pointing forward, which, at a favorable opportiuiity, was discharged, consigning to instant death many of the unsuspecting victims. The Indians, justly incensed at this act of wanton barbarity, assembled in a large body, resolved on the massacre of the whole colony, and made a descent on the storehouse, containing the merchandise and provisions, which were its sole dependence. In the overhauling, they broke open some barrels of powder, which, being accidentally ignited, produced a terrific explosion, killing many of their number. The survivors, in their simplicity, understood this as the reproving voice of the Great Spirit for their attempt to exterminate the settlers ; and forthwith brought provisions enough to sustain them through the winter, without which every man must have perished from starvation. It is thought by some, upon insufficient evidence however, that Popham fell a victim to the merited revenge of his savage neighbors. ' Prince's Annals, p. 35. MAINE OUTLINES OF ITS HISTOEY. 13 She obtained a charter from the king, in confirmation of the patent she had received from De Monts, and immediately sent over her agent (Suassaye), with twenty-five colonists, to take possession of Acadia in her name. He landed on the 16th of May, 1613, at Mount Desert, built a small fort on the south side of the river, and a few cabins around it, erected a cross, celebrated mass, and called the place St. Saviour. The English, being greatly chagrined at their late defeat in establish- ing a settlement at Sagadahoc, watched the settlement of the French at St Saviour with a jealous eye. On learning the important advantages the French were obtaining at this place, in their fur and peltry trade with the natives, Sir Ferdinando Gorges, one of the patrons of the Sagadahoc colony, a man not to be overcome by failure where he saw another suc- cessful, determined upon a second expedition. He purchased a ship with his own money, and obtained a master and crew to make a voyage hither ; but so strangely had the passion for adventure abated in England, that it was with the greatest difficulty he could find any one willing to engage with him in the enterprise of attempting another settlement, or even in exploring the country. During this time. Captain Samuel Argal, of Virginia, who was in the habit of making occasional visits to these northern shores, for the purpose of taking fish, was cast ashore on one of the islands in Penobscot Bay ; and, by closely questioning the natives in regard to the. French, learned aU the particulars of their recent settlement on Mount Desert, under the auspices of Madame De Guercheville. This intelligence he immediately communicated to the magistrates in Virginia, and they determined at once to expel these Roman Catholic Frenchmen, as intruders on the territory granted by his sovereign majesty James I. to his loyal subjects. A naval armament was immediately fitted out for the purpose of reducing Mount Desert, consisting of eleven fishing vessels, containing sixty soldiers, and carrying fourteen pieces of cannon. Argal took the place, with scarcely any show of resistance. The inhabitants surren- dered themselves as prisoners, to whom Argal offered the alternative of returning to France, or going with him to Virginia, — the latter of which most of them accepted. He broke in pieces the cross the Jesuits had erected ; and, by way of taking formal possession of the place, erected another, and inscribed on it the name of King James I. He then proceeded to the island of St. Croix, and destroyed what remained of De Mont's settlement there. From thence he went to Port Royal ; and, after setting fire to that place, returned to Jamestown. These counter claims of the tw^o governments were the principal cause of all the troubles in the colonies. They frequently involved the VOL. I. 2 14 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. two nations in war ; and it was not until Wolfe led the cohorts of Eng- land on to the Plains of Abraham, and British banners waved in tri- umph over Quebec, that the question of sovereignty was finally settled, and France abandoned her claims. Gorges succeeded in securing the services of Captain Richard Vines, to take the command of his vessel, than whom no better man could have been obtained to carry out his design, which was ostensibly to engage in fishing and trade, though in reality it was to keep pos- session of the country against the French. Vines landed at the mouth of Saco river during the fall of 1617, and spent the winter there ; at w^hich place, in 1623, Gorges succeeded in establishing a permanent set- tlement. After some years of variable fortune and uncertain prospects, he obtained a charter from Charles I, of aU the territory between the Ken- nebec and the Piscataqua, as far north as the source of the latter river. By this charter, dated April 8, 1639, this territory, with its inhabitants, was incorporated into a body politic, and named the province or county of Maine, — a compliment to the queen of Charles I., who, it is com- monly supposed, inherited the province in France of that name.^ By this charter, Gorges, his heirs and assigns, were made absolute lords proprietors of the province, excepting the supreme dominion, faith, and allegiance due to the crown, and the right to exact, yearly, a quarter of wheat, and a fifth of the profits arising. from the pearl fishings, and from gold and silver mines. The territory over which Gorges was made dictator was but little less than one sixth of the area of the present State of Maine, and his proprietorship, thus chartered, was little less than an absolute sov- ereignty. Sir Ferdinando, whose mind was ever fruitful in expedients, used every possible means to raise his province into distinction, by encouraging settlements, and making grants of the land to gentlemen of rank and influence. He was fully convinced that the growth of his province was surpassed by all its colonial neighbors, not excepting New^ Hampshire, whilst the seizure of it by the French, who occupied the country east of the Penobscot, was, not without reason, apprehended. After the death of Gorges, the province fell to his heirs ; and, on the 6th of May, 1677, Massachusetts purchased it from them for the sum ' Hon. George Folsom, in his Discourse before the Maine Historical Society, in 1846 (vol. II.), denies the generally received notion that the queen owned the " Province of Meyne." He says, " Such is the prevailing impression as to the origin of the name finally given by Gorges to his province ; but, unfortunately for its accuracy, the prov- ince of Maine, in France, did not appertain to Queen Henrietta Maria, but to the crown ; nor is it discoverable that she possessed any interest in that province." MAINE OUTLINES OF ITS HISTORY. 15 of £1,250 sterling. This event closed the first period in the provincial history of the State. There are other matters connected with this period, such as the occu- pation of Bigaduce, now Castine, by D'Aulney, and subsequently by Baron de Castin ; the revival of the settlement of Sagadahoc by the celebrated John Smith and Thomas Dermer ; the Muscongus or Waldo patent; the Pemaquid patent, and other grants outside of what was then the province of Maine, — a detailed account of all which is given in another part of the work. The second period extends from this colonial union to the close of the Indian wars, embracing over eighty-three years, and bringing down the history to 1760.1 It "was but two years before the purchase of the title of Gorges from his heirs in 1677, that the war of King Philip broke out; and the ter- ritory of Maine was, for the first tiine, alarmed by the hostile aspect of the savages. Thenceforth, till 1760, the Indians made the land a wil- derness, and as such held it as their own. It is appalling, even now, to read the narratives of the deeds of slaughter which were then perpe- trated, and which allowed to three successive generations no secure rest upon their pillows. Every twentieth person in the colony was either slain, or carried into captivity to return no more. Eighty were mur- dered within three months, between the Piscataqua and the Kennebec. The people lived in garrisons, reaping their fields amidst the hazards of ambush and massacre ; and not a few of them withdrew to the more protected towns of Massachusetts. Casco was deserted, Arrowsic was burned, amidst terrible slaughter, and the shores further east entirely devastated. Berwick was defended only at the sacrifice of a gallant family ; Wells and York were again and again attacked, with blood- shed ; and, at the fight of Black Point, sixty out of ninety combatants were left on the field. Ten years of peace followed the close of King PhiUp's war, when the war of King William broke out, and the wild weapons of the Indian, supported by the muskets of the French, were again bathed in blood. This war lasted ten years, and was terminated by the peace of Ryswick. Six years of peace here intervened, when Queen Anne's war began, renewing for ten years more the former misery, before the waste places had been repaired. This war was terminated by the peace of Utrecht: and was soon followed by Lovewell's war, of three years' ' The grateful acknowledgments of the authors are due to the Et. Eev. George Bur- gess, D. D., for permission to use matter contained in his address before the Maine His- torical Society in 1854, published in the fourth volume of their Collections. 16 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. duration, memorable for the slaughter of the Roman Catholic mis- sionary, Rasle, at Norridgewock, and the bloody fight at Fryeburg. The ravages of these Indian wars checked, for a whole century, the advance of the civilizing power of commerce, tUlage, and education. It is hardly possible to paint too strongly the disastrous fruits of this harassing strife. Scarcely a foot was won from the forests. On every spot where settlements had been attempted, nothing but the smoulder- ing ruins of habitations and the bleaching bones of their recent occu- pants met the eye. The third great period in the history of Maine extends from the close of the Indian wars, in 1760, to the organization of the State, and its admission into the Federal Union in 1820, during which a steady advance was made in the productive industry of the province, — the war of the Revolution scarcely impeding its progress. There were, in 1760, but thirteen incorporated townships, which formed little more than a streak along the coast from Kittery to Pema- quid. In this year, the two counties of Cumberland and Lincoln were added to the original shire of York. Old claims are revived, new grants obtained ; the course of the great rivers is explored, and the coast between the Penobscot and the St. Croix is taken into possession. In 1789, twenty new towns were incorporated, and two new eastern coun- ties were honored with the names of Hancock and Washington. The wrecks of questioned claims and confiscated rights were recovered, and large allotments were granted for the encouragement of education ; the advances of the axe upon the forests were steady ; mighty woods were floated down every stream ; and the whispers of the wind through the pines, hitherto heard only by the wild Indian or the wandering hunter, now mingled with the lowing of the herds, the hum of industry, and the songs of the settler. The population of Maine, during the first half of these sixty years, increased to eight times its previous number ; and, in the last half, it had a threefold increase. In the last war with England, a cloud was cast over the smiling prosperity of the province, and the Penobscot was again made a frontier river ; but when that cloud had passed, the three hundred thousand inhabitants of Maine demanded and obtained a separate constitution, as also admission as a State into the Federal Union. The fourth and last period extends from 1820 to the present time. Of this period, little is as yet historical, in that sense in which history is the record of facts completed. It contains, indeed, the beginning and the end of those ambitious speculations which a stirring people are always but too ready to undertake. Unlimited credit, vast enterprises, fictitious MAIKE — OUTLINES OF ITS lUSTORY. 17 fortunes, and final calamity, followed each other in quick succession ; when a new era — that of the lumber business — seemed to dawn upon the country. Immense sums ■w^ere embarked in this enterprise ; but this too failed, bringing upon its projectors, and on capitalists generally, wreck and ruin. That crisis has passed ; but it has left a bolder spirit of enterprise, and perhaps even a preference for hazardous undertakings, which are sometimes seen in singular contrast, if not in singular union, with the former cautious habits of the people. Shipwrecks of every kind are the punishment of such adventures ; but whUe the individual sinks, the calamity may sometimes open more speedily the general path- way to success. This period embraces the final settlement of the north- eastern boundary. The small diminution of territory was but the loss of so much land ; but the decision, while it removed a possible occasion for strife, gave a more distinct view of the -wrilderness behind. It is still a peculiar feature of Maine, that it contains, and must long contain, such a wilderness. " Stern famine guards the solitary coast, And winter barricades the realms of frost." It is at least a background, which somewhat appalls the timid and the easy, so long as, under a genial sky, vast prairies repose untitled along the Mississippi, or the setting sun is reflected from golden hills without an owner. Maine may have a woody desert of her own, larger perhaps than any of the sisterhood of original states ; but, inch by inch, the trees will probably fall, and fences, gravelled roads, pleasant cottages, and fields of waving grain, wiU extend to the Chaudiere and to Madawaska. K we take a step backw^ard in the view of the population of Maine, we shall find that the whole number of its inhabitants, one century ago, did not probably exceed ten thousand ; and they were scattered along the coast, occupying only a few salient points, and engaged in lum- bering and fishing, — not extending at all into the interior, through fear of savages, who held empire over the forests, and for want of roads. This ten thousand, notwithstanding the outsetting current, under the genial influence of free institutions, has become six hundred thousand. To predict that Maine must be, in some sense, a northern hive, sending forth its young to win wealth in warmer fields, is but to say that it must be what the north always was in Asia, in Europe, and America, either through conquests, through commerce, or through constant emi- gration. But neither Scandinavia nor Tart,ary is depopulated by these swarmings of men; nor will Maine be, who can spare her thousands to California, and still keep her hundreds of thousands, quite as worthy and vigorous, at home. 2* 18 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. This state, participating in nearly all the great improvements of the age, has gone on steadily developing her resources, and increasing her wealth and power. Her railroad interest, which did not fully open until since 1840, has become one of vast magnitude. There are upwards of four hundred miles of track in operation, at a cost of from $15,000,000 to $20,000,000, penetrating all parts of the state west of the Penobscot, and affording facilities for transportation which greatly augment the value of property, and contribute to the general prosperity. In the year 1856, the several railroads carried upwards of 2,600,000 passengers, for which they received $1,248,404.69, besides $1,073,244.66 for freight and $78,993.46 for mail and other services. These advantages are increased by 555 miles of telegraph ; and by the steamboat navigation, which was forced into notice under great discouragements, — requiring some ex- clusive privileges from the state, — and which is now an important interest, engrossing a large capital. The slow advance of agriculture into the interior of the State indi- cates that the energy of the people has turned into other channels than the enlargement and cultivation of their fields at home. Notwithstand- ing this diversion, the census of 1850 shows seventy-seven thousand persons engaged in agricultural pursuits, who had more than 2,000,000 acres of improved land in their home farms, and 2,500,000 acres unim- proved, — the land being valued at $55,000,000, and the implements of cultivation at $2,284,000. The aggregate value of stock, agricultural produce, and articles of home manufacture, exceeds annually $30,000,000, showing that here is a substantial interest not to be overlooked. Agri- culture forms the permanent basis of a country's greatness. It is the nursing mother of a wise and virtuous people ; and it is fortunate indeed that the recent decline in the lumber trade seems to be creatine a deeper interest in the products of the soil. Maine, in 1857, held her third annual agricultural exhibition, thus getting the start of her mater- nal state, which that year held her first. But Maine is essentially a commercial state, with an extended sea- coast of 278 miles, (or 2,486 njiles, including bays and islands,) having numerous safe and convenient harbors, with facilities for buUding, man- ning, and equipping vessels of every size and class. She has always ranked among the foremost in maritime operations. In ship-building she took the lead at the very start, and has never lost supremacy, but has left her competitors still further behind. In 1820, 27,705 tons of shipping were built ; and, in 1855, it amounted to 215,904 tons, divided among 213 barques, 107 brigs, sLxty-eight schooners, two sloops, and six steamers. In the fisheries, Maine holds the second ranlc; in the general aggregate of tonnage, the third ; in imports, the seventh ; and in MAINE OUTLINES OF ITS HISTORY. 19 exports, the tenth. She has thirteen districts for collection of the revenue. Her comparative wealth is large. The aggregate valuation of real and personal property in the state in 1850 was $122,777,561, making an average of $210 to every man, woman, and child. Her capital is not idle. Besides the means of its employment before mentioned, up- wards of $15,000,000 are embarked in manufacturing operations, with an annual product of more than $25,000,000. There is also a banking cap- ital of $8,107,485, distributed among seventy-nine banks. In her civil organization, she has fifteen counties, 388 incorporated towns, of which ten have received a city charter ; about 350 plantations and settlements, embracing territory and natural capacities sufficient to support a very large population. Touching her moral and social condi- tion, the last census returns exhibited 945 churches, valued at $1,794,209, giving accommodations to 325,997 persons, or 56 per cent, of the entire population, each church having an average value of $1,899, and seating 345 persons ; two colleges, one theological and one medical school, with an annual income of $14,000 ; 131 academies and private schools, with an annual income of $51,187. The report of the Superintendent of Schools for 1857 gave 4,102 school-districts, 3,889 school-houses, 240,764 pupils, and an expenditure of $666,797.58, or $2.59 to each pupU. There are about fifty newspapers (eight of which are daUy), circulating among 63,887 subscribers, and having an annual issue of more than 4,000,000 copies. The united libraries of Maine, other than private, embracing the public, the school, the Sunday school, the coUege, and the church libraries, contain 121,969 volumes. The pulpit, the school, the press, and the library, then, co-working with the natural and acquired resources of Maine, are an irresistible power, which must give her a distinguished position among the orbs of our political constellation. Her extent of territory, rich soil, long line of sea-coast, excellent harbors and navigable rivers, the enterprise and ingenuity of her people, their regard for education and a faithful admin- istration of duties in the government of the state, are sure precursors of an exalted destiny. CHAPTER III. MAINE — ABORIGINAX INHABITANTS. In closing the general view of Maine, a passing notice should be devoted to the race which so long held undisputed title to its forests, and whose tragic history forms such an exciting chapter in the early- annals of the state. The aborigines of this state were divided into two nations, the Abnakies and the Etchemins; and these were sub- divided into several tribes and clans. The Abnakies. ■. — This nation occupied the whole of the country between the Piscataqua and the Penobscot rivers, and numbered, in 1615, about seventeen thousand souls. This nation was a most terrible enemy to all the English settlements. The members of it were early converted to the Roman Catholic religion by the French missionaries, who spared no effort to embitter the savage mind, not only against the EngUsh, but against aU Protestants, of -whatever nation. Hence they were constantly excited, by religious motives, to miniature crusades, in which the lonely cabin of the settler was so often ravaged, and the awful terrors of barbaric warfare repeated so frequently, that the extermination of this nation became a matter of colonial policy with the English.^ In 1795, only seven families remained; and now the whole of that once noble nation is extinct. The dark, solemn forests have fallen ; the wig- wam has been succeeded by the farm-house, the village, and the city ; and the busy avocations of civilized life occupy the soil where once the noble form of the" dusky Abnaki dwelt. This nation was divided into four tribes, as follows : the Anasagun- ticooks, who occupied the country about the Androscoggin river ; the Sokokis, who had their haunts about the Saco river ; the Wawenocs, who dwelt along the coast, from Merry-Meeting bay to Muscongus river ; and the Canibas, who occupied the country from Merry- Meet- ' For a detailed account of this extermination, see town of Norridgewock. (20) MAINE — ABORIGINAL INHABITANTS. 21 ing bay, along the whole extent of the Kennebec river, to Moosehead lake. This latter tribe was divided into three clans: the Norridge- wocks, whose abode was at Norridgewock ; the Taconnets, at Water- ville ; and the Cushnocs, at Augusta. These clans had a slight differ- ence in dialect, but were essentially one people. The Elchemins. — This nation occupied all the eastern part of the state, from the Penobscot to the St. Croix, and their domain extended into New Brunswick as far as the St. John. They were divided into three tribes ; namely, the Tarratines, who had their residence on the banks of the Penobscot, — the feeble remnants of which are now gath- ered up at Oldtown ; — the Openangoes,i who lived about the Schoodic and St. Croix rivers ; and the Marachites, who inhabited the vicinity of the St. John. Strong ties of friendship existed between these three tribes; and when either of them had any grave question to settle, or installed new officers, a delegation attended from each of the other tribes. The earliest information we have of either the Etchemin or Abnaki nation was obtained in 1614, by Captain John Smith, who, how- ever, was unable to ascertain the numbers of either. The Abnakies were much more numerous, but less hardy and warlike than the Etche- mins, who frequently made inroads on the Abnakies, plundering and killing them. At the time of Captain Smith's visit to Maine, these two nations were engaged in a general war, during which the Etchemins entered the heart of the Abnaki country, killed the Bashaba or Great Chief, carried off his women and effects, and destroyed the succession to the chieftaincy. After this conquest, the Etchemins were not, like their enemies, Avasted by disease and famine. On the contrary, they retained their valor ; and, animated by their success, were less disturbed than the western tribes in the enjoyment of their possessions. Being discreet, they were always reluctant to plunge into hostilities with the English. About the year 1667, the Baron de Castin settled at Bigaduce, to which place he left the legacy of a name. He had four or five Indian ' " If we may believe Captain Francis, this is a younger tribe than either of those at Penobscot or St. John. He sa3's it was told him by his fathers, that an Indian of the latter married a, Tarratine wife, and settled at Passamaquoddy, and from them origi- nated a tribe. It is certain, this one has immemorially lived on terms of the most friendly intercourse with both the others ; and was never known to take an active part in any transactions separate from them. Indeed, its chiefs are not distinctly mentioned in any treaty, till that of 1 760 ; nor is the name of a single sagamore previously living handed down to us, — so much has the tribe mixed with those tribes, and followed their fortune and fate." — Williamson, vol. I., pp. 474-5. 22 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OP NEW ENGLAND. wives, and amassed a large fortune by traffic with the Indians. His influence with them was unbounded, and was much sought after by both the English and French authorities. He lived in the country about thirty years, and conformed himself in all respects to the manners and customs of the natives. In 1675, at the time of King Philip's war, mention is made of the great prince and orator, Assiminasqua, chief of the Tarratines.^ Madockawando, who was probably a prisoner, taken by the Tarratines in some of their wars with the Avestern Indians, was his adopted son and successor. There were frequent negotiations between the colonists and this chief, up to the time of his death, which was in 1698. Treaties between the Tarratines and the English government were ratified in 1675, 1676, and 1693 ; one condition of which was that they should take arms against the Anasagunticooks, in the event of their committing further depredations on the colonists, which were frequent and dreadful. These treaties were repeatedly broken by the wanton avarice of the white traders. For example, in 1688, the house of Castin was robbed, his household furniture, fire-arms, ammunition, and chapel-service being taken away. There were frequent acts of kidnapping and robbing the natives. Their effects were deemed by many lawful plunder ; and the same logic which justified this course allowed them also to steal a savage and sell him into perpetual bondage, to wear out a miserable existence in the performance of menial services, or, worse still, to feel the lash of the taskmaster, — • degradations to which the savage nature of the Indian could never submit. Castin the younger, whose mother was the daughter of Madock- awando, upon the death of that prince, succeeded to the chieftaincy. He was a very good friend of the English, and endured much on that account. Yet in 1703, his house was robbed by them, and one of his sisters was taken captive by Captain Church. In 1710, young Castin went on a mission to Canada, in company with Major Livings- ton, and returned by way of Albany. In 1721, he was improperly seized and carried to Boston, where he was detained several months, and then released. In 1722, according to Charlevoix, he visited B^arn, in France, to inherit his father's property and honors, from which time nothing further is known of him. After the time of the younger Castin, there were frequent -w^ars betwreen the Tarratines and ■\\'hites ; but they were of short duration. In 1726, a treaty was ratified, which was the most lasting ever made ' The Tarratines were the most influential and powerful tribe of the Etchemin nation. MAINE — ABORIGINAL INHABITANTS. 23 with the tribe. Every subsequent treaty has renewed some of its prin- cipal provisions, many of which are still in force. It was negotiated by Captain Duramer, and was signed, on the part of the tribe, by Wene- movet, chief sagamore. The treaty of 1745, renewing that of 1726, was signed by Egeremet as chief. It is not known who were chiefs from 1745 to 1775. Orono flourished during the period of the Revolution. History represents him as a chief; but the tradition of his tribe, only as a captain. He died in 1801, at the age of one hundred and thirteen years. The names of the governors since Orono's time are as follows : John Atteon, grandfather of the pres- ent governor ; John Neptune, father of the present lieutenant-governor ; Joseph Lola, father of Captain Francis ; John Atteon, father of the present governor, said to have been a lineal descendant of Castin, and the only Indian of the tribe with blue eyes, who served from 1816 until his death in May, 1858 ; and Joseph Atteon, elected governor Septem- ber 9, 1858, to hold the office for two years. The territory of the tribe, during the last century, has been constantly encroached upon by the white population, until aU that remains to them of what was worth millions of dollars are the islands in the Penobscot river, a yearly annuity worth some $1,500, and an invested fund of $55,000, the interest to be paid annually, — the whole annual amount being about $3,300. Most of the young men of the tribe engage in day-labor. They are considered excellent hands in the woods, and are esteemed the best of men in the arduous and dangerous business of river-driving. Some of the more helpless, and many of the squaws, engage in basket-making ; and their productions are found in every household in the vicinity, being also much sought after by strangers visiting them, as presents for their friends. This tribe, though it has outlived all the aboriginal tribes of the state with the exception of the Openangoes, or, as they are sometimes called, the Passamaquoddy tribe, has been slowly but constantly de- creasing in numbers, until its present population amounts to but four hundred souls. The Openangoes reside in the town of Perry, Washington county, on a piece of land comprising about 550 acres, purchased for them by Massachusetts for £250 ; and there they will probably remain until the last of the race shall have passed to the " happy hunting-ground," — apparently not very far in the future. In 1794, there were at Pleasant point five hundred wigwams, arranged in four rows or streets, which covered a large part of the point; and the canoes of the tribe were said to resemble a large white winrow around the shore. 24 HISTOKY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. The customs of the Indians, lilce the laws of the Medes and Persians, seem unchangeable. They are still found, as they were a century ago, in their canoes, — chasing the porpoise in summer, and, in winter, removing into the interior, to trap the beaver or hunt the moose and the deer. Their canoe of the present day is the same as that of old, and their habitations, when buUt by themselves, are still wigwams. It is true, in the matter of dress, some departures have been made from ancient usage. They have exchanged the conical cap for a hat, the loose blanket for the citizen's coat and pantaloons ; and, in some instances, an extra-fine young dandy dons a ruffled shirt and polished boots. But, in general, their tailor and shoemaker have improved no more than their boatbuilder or architect. The Indian has an hereditary hatred of the white man ; and, ■when he thinks of his circumscribed situation, and that his brethren have been gradually swept from the land by the advance of the strange invader, this feeling must kindle in his bosom with redoubled force. He looks upon the broad extent of this fair continent, and says to himself : " Once my ancestor possessed this goodly land. On that spot, made beautiful by Nature's plastic hand, he reared his cabin. There, shaded by the venerable trees of the forest, he smoked his calumet in peace, and lis- tened to the innocent prattle of his offspring around him. Upon that alluvial acre, formed by the changing current of the river, he planted the maize which was to supply the demands of appetite, left unsatisfied by misfortune in the chase. Upon yon placid stream he launched his canoe, paddling leisurely along, or, in meditation, floating calmly and silently down the current of life. By that murmuring waterfall he sat for many hours, watching the finny tribe ; and the well-filled basket by his side gave evidence of his skill in the use of the spear. In that boundless forest, whose towering and leafless trunks ever opened their broad and distant vista, — not inappropriate emblems of the converging lines of futurity, — he chased the moose and the caribou, then unscared by the rifle of the pale-face." These, and a thousand other visions of greatness and happiness, are associated in the minds of this unhappy race ; and we seem to hear them further exclaim : " The footstep of civilization has blotted out the war-path of our fathers ; the axe of the pioneer has felled the forest and scared away the game ; the march of improvement has dammed up the waterfall ; and the salmon, frightened by its clatter, have ceased to frequent our streams. The scythe of Time has mowed a wide swath in our ranks, cutting down its victims, of all ages and conditions, leaving but a rem- nant of once countless hosts." CHAPTER IV. COtTNTIES, CITIES, AND TOWNS OF MAINE. Abbott, situated in the southwestern part of Piscataquis county, embraces an area of 23,040 acres, and is one of the five towns that were granted to Bowdoin College in 1794. Its settlement is of recent date, and hence the town possesses but little material for history. It was incorporated in 1827, and possesses all the elements of a thriving agricultural town. The Piscataquis river flows through the southwest part, on the banks of which are many good farms. There are here two small villages, one post-oflice, two religious societies (Congregational and Free-will Baptist), and nine school districts, with sixteen schools. Population, 747 ; valuation, $65,351. Acton is situated in the western part of York county, one hundred and five miles from Augusta, and lies on the boundary line between Maine and New Hampshire. The history of the town belongs to that of Shapleigh, from which it was taken, and incorporated in 1830. Hills and valleys diversify its surface, except in the east and northeasterly parts. The soil is stubborn, but with proper attention good crops are obtainable. The town is well watered by several ponds, known by the names of Long, Square, Great East, Garvin's, and Loon. Little Ossi- pee river lies on the north, Salmon river on the west, and Mousam river towards the northeast of the town. Acton has three villages, — Acton, North Acton, and South Acton, — at each of which there is a post-office and a church ; and fourteen school districts, having twelve schools. Population, 1,359 ; valuation, $213,825. Addison is situated on the sea-coast, on the west side of Indian river, in Washington county. It was settled soon after the close of the Revolutionary war, and organized into a plantation, known as Number Six west of Machias. It became an incorporated town February 14, VOL. I. 3 (25) 26 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. 1796. It has two villages — Addison Point and Indian River, with a post-office at each ; one church edifice (Baptist) ; fourteen school districts, having twenty-six schools. Population, 1,152 ; valuation, $206,931. Albany, Oxford county, lies south of the Androscoggin river, and fifteen miles west of Paris. It was settled soon after the close of the Revolutionary war, and in 1800 contained a population of between sixty and seventy. It was incorporated March 20, 1804. It is drained by Pequawket river, Avhich has its source in a small pond in the northern part of the town. A series of basins, formed by the wear of the river in the solid talcose rock, are objects of great curiosity, one of which is seventy feet deep and forty feet in diameter. The surface of the town is mountainous, and much of it remains uncleared. There is one village in the town, and one post-office. It is divided into eight school districts, with an aggregate of 234 pupils. Population, 747 ; valuation, $71,843. Albion, in the northeast corner of Kennebec county, twenty-four miles from Augusta and forty-four miles southwest from Bangor, was first organized in 1802 into a plantation, and called Freetown. In 1804, it Avas incorporated into a town and called Fairfax, next Lygonia, and lastly Albion. The town is about six miles square. The soil, in the westerly part, is free from stones, and easily cultivated ; the eastern portion is somewhat rocky, but productive. The southern portion is hiUy ; and well adapted to the cultivation of wheat. The Lovejoy pond, in the western part of the town, is famous for pickerel and perch, and is skirted on all sides with beautiful farms. Albion has five shingle machines ; one saw-mill ; one grist-mill, hav- ing three sets of stones ; fourteen school districts, with twenty-six schools ; two post-offices, Albion and South Albion ; and five meeting- houses. Population in 1850, 1,604 — which has been increased, by the annexing of Albion Gore, to about 1,650; valuation, $228,597. Alexander, in the easterly part of Washington county, about mid- way between its northern and southern extremity, was first settled in 1810. Solomon Perkins, Caleb Pike, George Hill, A. Bohanan, Wil- liam D. Crockett, Paul Morse, Cyrus Young, and Samuel Cottel were among the first who made Alexander their home, and came principally from Massachusetts and New Hamj)shire. The settlers obtained the titles to their lands from John Black, agent for the Bingham Purchase. MAINE — TOWN OF ALFRED. 27 The town was incorporated in 1835, being prior to that time designated as Plantation No. 16. The surface is uneven, but there is a variety of good farming land, and the inhabitants depend principally on their agricultural labors for a livelihood. The principal stream is the Wapskanegan, which runs through the centre of the town. Pleasant lake lies in the western part of the town, as also does Burrows lake. Medybemps and Pokey lakes lie partly in this town. A Congregational and a Methodist society have been organized here, neither of which has a church edifice, holding their meetings in the school-houses. The town contains four school districts; Stephenson's mills, situated on Pleasant lake ; and two post-offices — Alexander and Lane's Brook. Population, 544 ; valuation for 1858, $42,000. Alfred, the shire and central town of York county, eighty-eight miles from Boston and twenty-six from Portland, contains about eight thousand acres. The early history of Alfred is involved in that of Sandford, of which it was formerly a part, bearing at that time the name of " North Parish of Sandford," or " Massabesick." The people of Alfred, at the time of its incorporation in 1794, called Sandford " Phillipstown," this being the name of the township before Sandford was incorporated in 1768. The origin of these names may be traced to the owners of the territory, namely. Major William Phillips and Peleg Sandford. Alfred took its name from that early monarch of England, Alfred the Great. The first settler ^ in Alfred was Simeon Coffin, who moved hither in 1764, and settled on what is now called the Hall Farm, on the west side of the pond. Daniel GUe settled north of Mr. Coffin, and after- wai'd Stephen Coffin and his brother Daniel settled south of him. Many others followed at different periods. The tragedy connected with the " picture-tree," which stood a little west of Parson Sweet's meeting-house, on which was carved the image of a child's head, is explained thus : the daughter of Peter Morrill, while gathering hemlock near Doughty's Falls, was surprised and captured by Indians, who, to prevent her giving alarm by screams, killed her on the spot, and on their retreat to Canada, carved her likeness on the tree above mentioned. In Alfred, a female captive was murdered at the crossing of Pequawket road, within a mile of the court-house. She was weak, and the Indians liiUed her to rid themselves of the incumbrance. The northern part of the town is very hiUy, and abomids in granite ' The authors are indebted to Mr. Peter Coffin, -who has preached among the Shakers here for more than forty yeai-s, for much valuable information respecting the early pioneers. 28 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. rocks and hard-wood forests. The southern part is comparatively level. Near the centre of the town, on the northeast side of the plain, stands the beautiful village of Alfred. There are two small rivers intersect- ing this town, which unite to form Mousara river, at a place called Swett's Mill. Each of these streams affords water-power for mills during the greater part of the year ; and below their junction the power is sufficient to run factories the whole year. One of these streams rises from Pomegranate pond, and passes through Massabesick pond ; the other takes its rise in a dense forest and marsh, called Jebung Woods. The chief occupation of the first settlers seems to have been lumber- ing. Several saw and grist mills were early erected ; and mechanics of almost every kind began to locate themselves in the neighborhood of the miUs. The court-house, located in the village of Alfred, was erected in 1806, on land given by WiUiam Parsons and Dr. Hall. The jail was not built until about two years after. In 1821, a newspaper was started, called the " Eastern Star," but had a short existence. The first framed building erected in town was a school-house, on the site of the present brick hotel, and was designed for, and occupied by, the whole town. In 1803, the brick school-house was put up and opened, and districts were formed. The academy was built in 1823 or 1824. The first emigrants were from Massachusetts and New Hampshire, where religious instruction was particularly regarded. They soon felt the privation here, and were early in supplying the best means of public worship their situation allowed. A church was formed, comprising the first settlers around Massabesick and Pomegranate ponds, and the con- tiguous part of Waterboro', under the direction and care of Mr. Merriam and Mr. Little. A second one was soon after formed around Conant's mills, by Mr. Little. In 1780 the two were united under Mr. Prince, and meetings were held regularly in John Knight's barn, a part of which was also occupied by Mr. Knight as a dwelling-house. At this time there were only about twenty members in the church. About 1782, the order of Shakers had its origin, and a small village of them was soon after formed at Mastcamp, four miles northeast of the principal settlement. In 1793, the society was organized as a body, in the present order and discipline of church-government. In 1802, the supreme court, which had been held at Kennebunk for the two preceding years, was removed to Alfred, although not without a severe contest ; and the bench was occupied by Judges Dana, Gushing, and Thacher. In 1806, the court of common pleas and the York courts were removed to this, the shire town. MAINE — TOWN OF ALNA, ETC. 29 There are now five church edifices in the town, — one Congregational, two Baptist, one Methodist, and one Shaker; eleven school districts with ten schools; one bank with a capital of .$75,000; and one post- office. Population, 1,319 ; valuation, $271,600. Alna, Lincoln county, on the west side of Sheepscot river, is bounded south by "Wiscasset. It was originally a part of Old Pownalborough, — now Dresden, — and its history is included in that town's. It was incor- porated in 1794, under the name of New Milford, afterwards changed to Alna. The town extends abolit six miles north and south, and four miles east and west. The surface is uneven, — the western part, back from the river, being quite broken, — while other portions abound in ledges and bogs. On the banks of the river, however, good soil is found. Its abundance of berries makes it a place of resort in the fall. At the head of the tide, near the north line of the town, there is a small village, with two saw-mUls and one grist-mill. One mile east, on the river, is another small village, named Puddle Dock, with a ship-yard, where shipbuilding is carried on to a moderate extent. At the south part of the town is another small village, called Sheepscot Bridge, where are one saw and one grist mill, and a ship-yard, doing a moderate business. Agriculture is the general employment Alna has t^vo church edifices, — one Congregational, the other Free- will Baptist; also six school districts, with twelve schools; and one post-office. Population, 916 ; valuation, $182,679. AiTON, Penobscot county, on the west side of Penobscot river, north of Oldtown, and formerly a part of Argyle, was incorporated a town in 1845. Its surface is generally level, but the soil poor. There is a small village in the northwest part of the town, on the west side of Dead stream, with a tannery, doing a large and lucrative business ; also a saw-mill and a shingle machine, recently put in opera- tion, promising a profitable business. Alton has two post-offices, Alton and Alton Village; and has six school districts, with nine schools. Population, 252 ; valuation, $13,346. Amherst, in the northern part of Hancock county, constitutes a part of Bingham's Purchase. Its settlement was commenced between 1805 and 1808 by Captain Goodell Silsbee, Moses Kirhball, Asahel Foster, Jesse Gils, Joseph Day, Judah West, and Elisha Chick. Its progress since has been slow. In 1822, Amherst was set off" from the planta- tion of MariaviUe, and, in 1831, was incorporated a town. 3* 30 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. Its surface is considerably broken and uneven, and in some parts very rocky. It is watered by some small ponds having their outlet in Union river. Its heavy growth of pine has been mostly cleared off. It has one saW-mill, two clapboard and shingle machines ; a large tannery, doing considerable business ; one small village ; one post-office ; one church edifice (Congregational) ; and four school districts, with three schools. The inhabitants are engaged in agriculture and lumbering. Population, 823 ; valuation, $43,962. Amity, Ajoostook county, was incorporated March 19, 1836. The first settlement was commenced in 1826 by Jonathan T. Clifford, Jona- than Greenleaf, and Columbus Dunn. This township was formerly known as " No. 10, first range." The first settlers bought their lands for twenty cents per acre, payable one half in cash, and one half in work on the public highways. Since the incorporation of the town, the lands have been sold to speculators by the state. This has retarded its growth to a very great extent, since settlers can buy of the state, at the Aroostook settlement, much cheaper than of the proprietors of land here, most of whom are non-residents. The surface is rolling, and well timbered with hard wood. It is watered by branches of the Penobscot, St John, and St. Croix rivers, which take their rise in this town, and which are large enough for float- ing lumber, supplied by the surrounding region. It has three school dis- tricts, with the same number of schools. Population, 256 ; valuation for 1858, $23,300. ANDO'vrER, Oxford county, was incorporated in 1804, under the name of East Andover, and was then in York county. The first settler was Ezekiel MerriU, — with his wife and six children, — who came from Fryeburg. He drew his effects on hand-sleds — aided by his three sons — through the woods, the only guide being the spotted trail of the Lidians. Mrs. MerriU was here tw'o years without seeing the face of any white female, save her own three daughters. The next settlers were mostly from Andover, Mass., and were Jonathan Abbott, Samuel Poor, Sylvanus Poor, Theodore Brickett, Francis Swan, Josiah "Wright, John Abbott, Jeremiah Burnham, and others. The title to the land was first obtained by grant from Massachusetts. The surface is mostly smooth, consisting of large intervals on the river, with a little higher elevation of pine plains. The town is sur- rounded by mountains, lying mostly without and on the borders. Lone mountain being the only one lying wholly within its limits. The town is well watered by Ellis river, which runs through it. Black brook, Saw- ELi ^^iis, fi3& ia^jsfpi MAINE — COUNTY OF ANDROSCOGGIN. 31 yer brook, Frye's brook, — on which is the cataract, — Stony brook, Gardner's brook, and Lone brook. These streams frequently rise so high as to overflow the intervals, and cause great damage to crops ; and the soil being sandy, it is difficult to build bridges so strong as to withstand the freshets. The streams abound in trout. The chief occupation of the settlers is agi-iculture and lumbering. This town has but one village, which is called Andover Corners. ' It has seven school districts, with sixteen schools ; two churches, both occupied by Congregational societies, with one minister; two post- offices, Andover and South Andover; one grist-mill and one tannery. Population, 710 ; valuation, $75,390. Androscoggin County, situated towards the southwest part of the state, has the smallest territory, excepting Sagadahoc, of all the coun- ties, containing an area of about four hundred square miles. The act establishing it was passed March 18, 1854. It was made up from four counties, and comprises fourteen towns, as follows : — Lewiston, Lisbon, and Webster, from the county of Lincoln ; Auburn, Danville, Durham, Minot, and Poland, from the county of Cumberland ; Liver- more and Turner from the county of Oxford ; East Livermore, Greene, Leeds, and Wales, from the county of Kennebec. The inhabitants were left at liberty to select for the shire town, either Auburn, Lewiston, or DanviUe, but were restricted to a location within the limits of the Lewiston Falls Village corporation ; and they chose Auburn. The county is watered by the river whose name it bears, and its trib- utaries ; and possesses, for the most part, a fertile soil, and excellent ad- vantages for manufacturing, which are being largely improved. The leading pursuit of the inhabitants is agriculture, although the manufac- turing interest bids fair to be of no secondary importance. The county has also the best facilities for communication, being traversed by the Grand Trunk railway, and the Andi-oscoggin and Kennebec railroad. The substantial-and commodious county buildings are situated a short distance westerly from Lewiston falls. A view of these falls, which so beautifully combine the wildness of nature with the elements and achievements of industrial life, and which seem to belong to the Avhole county rather than to any part of it, is given in connection with this article. The inhabitants have full county privileges, except in the matter of choosing senators, for whom they vote with their original counties. There are three terms of the supreme judicial court, for both civil and criminal business, in this county, commencing on the first Tuesdays of .January, July, and August. 32 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OP NEW ENGLAND. The aggregate poptilation of the towns composing the county, was, by the last census returns, 25,748 ; valuation, 14,152,502. Anson, Somerset county, situated on the west bank of the Kennebec river, is a large and thriving town. Settlements were made here about the same time as at Norridgewock, by adventurers who pushed up the river, in order to be the first to take possession of the rich alluvial lands on the banks of the Kennebec. When surveyed it was found to be without the limits of the Plymouth Patent, and was accordingly called township Number One west of the Kennebec river, north of the Plymouth Patent It was incorporated March 1, 1798, by its pres- ent name. It was divided, and North Anson was incorporated out of it March 20, 1845 : but a reunion took place March 13, 1855. Anson has two villages, North and South Anson, both on the Kennebec river, with a post-ofEce at each ; two tanneries, doing a good business ; an academy, well patronized ; twenty-four school districts, with thirty-six schools ; four churches, Congregational, Free-will Baptist, Methodist, and Univer- salist. Population, 2,016 ; valuation $310,391. Appleton is situated in the southwest part of Waldo county, twenty- five miles easterly from Augusta. Settlements were made in this town about 1775. It is watered by the Medomac and the St. George's rivers, and is a very good agricultural town. There are two villages, McLain's Mills and North Appleton, at the latter of which, lime is manufactured to a considerable extent. Lumber, hme, dairy and farm produce form the staples of trade. Appleton has five saw-mUls ; nine shingle and stave mills ; three grist-mills ; one tannery ; one carriage manufactory ; three shoe and boot manufactories ; two social libraries ; four church edifices, — one Baptist, one Free-will Baptist, one Friends' and one Union, occupied by Methodists and Universalists ; two post-offices, — McLain's Mills and North Appleton; and twelve school districts, with twenty-four schools. Population, 1,727 ; valuation, $206,691. Argtlb, Penobscot county, on the west bank of Penobscot river, twenty miles north from Bangor, was incorporated in 1839. The sur- face of the town is generally level, — some of it swampy ; and the soil poor. There are two saw-mills and two grist-mills ; two churches, Methodist and Free-will Baptist ; four school districts, with five schools ; and one post-office. Population, 338 ; valuation, $22,573. Aroostook County, forming the whole northern .and northeasterly part of the state, is the largest county, embracing an area of 6,800 square MAINE COUNTY OP AROOSTOOK. 33 miles, most of which is wild land. It was taken from the counties of Penobscot and Washington. The act establishing it was passed March 16, 1839, at which time its name became identified, far and near, with the controversy with Great Britain respecting the boundary. The act defines it to be " all that part of the state lying north of the north line of the fourth range of townships, north of the Lottery townships, and east of the dividing line between ranges five and six west of the east line of the state, and of a line from the north termination of the said dividing line, and running the same course, to the north fine of the state." ■ This territory was enlarged by act of March 21, 1843, by annexing to the county aU of Penobscot county north of the three townships numbered eight, in the sLxth, seventh, and eighth ranges of townships west from the east line of the state ; and again, by act of March 12, 1844, defining the boundaries between several counties, in which Aroos- took acquired from Piscataquis and Somerset counties, aU the territory north of the townships numbered ten, and west of the seventh range of townships west of the east line of the state. It is divided by the state surveys into one hundred and eighty-one townships, and into three districts of registration, known as the first, second, and third districts. The whole county is well watered by a great number of lakes, ponds, rivers, and brooks, and on many of the streams there is a sufficient fall for propelling machin- ery. The principal rivers are the St. John, Allagash, Aroostook, Masgunicook, and the Mattawamkeag, which are fed by a great number of tributaries. The principal lakes are Long lake, in the western part ; and Portage, Eagle, Square, Cross, and Madawaska, in the northeastern part. Here and there a few bogs may be seen, though the country cannot be called swampy. The settlements are mostly in the southerly and easterly portions of the county. As yet, only thirteen towns have been incorporated, though rinc Forests of Northern Mai 34 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. many others, called plantations, are being rapidly settled, and %vill soon become incorporated municipalities. Houlton was made the shire town. There are two terms of the supreme judicial court, for both civil and criminal business, commenc- ing on the second Tuesday of March, and the third Tuesday of •Sep- tember. Aroostook has, until lately, been valued only for its timber. It is now gradually recovering from the unwise policy which .the state has pur- sued, in making grants of its land to public institutions and to scheming speculators, instead of encouraging actual settlers. The forests are receding before the sinewy arms of the woodsmen, who are turning their attention from river-driving to clearing up the lands, and to the development of the abundant agricultural resources of the county. The soil is generally excellent, and of three kinds, — -diluvial, alluvial, and soil resulting from the disintegration of the rocks beneath. Lime- stone is found along the banks of the Aroostook and the St. John, and in some parts of the county is quite abundant. Houlton is remarkable for its limestone soil, which makes it extremely productive, and admira- bly suited for the growth of grain and grasses. The rich alluvial soils of this county will, when cleared up, yield to no other districts in the lirxuriance of their productions. Pop., 12,529 ; Val., |537,438. AuROWSic, Sagadahoc county, is an island town in the Kennebec river, near its mouth, and contains about twenty thousand acres, including a large quantity of salt marsh. This island was purchased of the natives by Major Clark and Captain Lake, in 1661, at which time a fort was standing on the west side of the island, at a place now known as Stin- son's point, and was occupied by one Hammond, an old trader, who probably erected it to prevent a surprise from the natives. It is not, however, known that Hammond purchased or claimed any land at that place. The Indians destroyed this fort, so tradition says, in resentment for the loss of furs and arms stolen by the English from some of their friends, who lived further up the river. Clark and Lake's fort, which was distant about tw^o miles from Hammond's, was destroyed about the same time by the natives who surprised the former ; and Captain Lake, in attempting to flee from it, was mortally wounded. His bones, which were afterwards found, were, it is said, interred in Boston. The early settlers met with many reverses ; and, at times, suffered great privations. During the Indian wars, massacres and conflagrations were of frequent occurrence. A short time before the erection of Fort Halifax, the Norridgewock Indians descended the river, and landing at Arrowsic, killed a Mr. Preble, while he was working in his field ; after ETC. 35 which they proceeded to his house, murdered his wife, and took his children (a son and two daughters) captives, whom they carried to Canada. Captain Hamden, a relative of theirs, after the peace of Paris, in 1763, proceeded to Canada and obtained their release. Remains of dwellings, and other evidences of Indian depredations, are still to be seen on the island. Arrowsic was set off from Georgetown and incorporated in 1841. At present, there is little that would be attractive to the traveller. As a summer resort it is, however, much visited by persons in search of health and recreation, — its invigorating breezes, and opportunities for bathing and fishing being unequalled. It has a church edifice ; two school dis- tricts, with three schools ; and one post-ofhce. Population, 311 ; val- uation, $72,875. Ashland is near the centre of Aroostook county. "William Dalton began its settlement about 1835, at the junction of the Great Machias with the Aroostook. Dalton was followed a year or two afterw^ards by Benjamin Howe, who settled on the Aroostook river, a short distance above him, and still resides there. The township was lotted by Noah Barker, during the years of 1839^0. At that time there were but five families here. The Fairbanks road, leading to Presque Isle, was opened the same year. The Aroostook road, extending from the miU- tary road seven miles above Mattawamkeag point to the north line of this township, having been cut through a year or two previous, was not made passable till about 1843. From the termination of this, the Fish river road, which was surveyed and opened in 1839, runs northerly to the mouth of Fish river. A large portion of the township, bordering upon the river and the roads just mentioned, is cleared up and set- tled. The surface is generally even, and the occupation of the inhab- itants about equally divided between lumbering and farming. There is one village on the east side of the river, near the mouth of the Great Machias, which has a public-house, two stores, and a post-office, but no church edifice. This township was once incorporated as a town, but the charter was subsequently revoked, and it has relapsed into its plan- tation state. There are four school districts. Population, 354. Athens, Somerset county, on the eastern side of the Kennebec river, about forty miles north from Augusta, was settled about 1782, and incorporated March 7, 1804. It is an excellent farming town, watered by a tributary of the Kennebec. Athens has one village, one post-office, thirteen school districts, and three religious societies, — two Baptist and one Methodist Population, 1,460 ; valuation, $245,687. 36 HISTORY AND BESCEIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. Atkinson is in the southern part of Piscataquis county. Its settle- ment was commenced in 1802, by Byley Lyford, from Canterbury, N. H., who, for two years, was the only inhabitant. In 1807, a saw-mill and grist-mill were built near the centre of the town, by Jonathan and Josiah Colcord, from Nottingham, N. H. Since then three saw-mills and several shingle machines have been erected. In 1819, the town was incorporated, and named in honor of Judge Atkinson, of the supreme court of New Hampshire, — one of the three original proprietors of the town, — upon which he gave the town a library of about one hundred volumes. The surface is roUing. The lowlands between the swells are not generally suitable for cultivation. The highlands or swells have a rich, deep soil, free from stone, and easily cultivated. Atkinson has four church organizations, — Baptist, Congregational, Methodist, and Free-wiU Baptist ; also nine school districts, with the same number of schools. Population, 895 ; valuation, $111,181. Auburn, Androscoggin county, is situated on the west bank of the Androscoggin river, opposite Lewiston. The settlement of the town was commenced in 1786. Samuel Starbird, Thomas Bailey, Samuel Emerson, David Libbey, and one Small, were among the first settlers, although the exact date of their arrival is unknown. In June, 1789, Benjamin True, Jabez, Levi, ajid Daniel Merrill, from Salisbury, Mass., and Jacob Stevens, from New Gloucester, settled in the eastern part of the town. Subsequently, the tract comprising this town, Poland, and Minot, was granted by Massachusetts to one Baker, and was thence called Bakerstown.i In 1795, the whole tract was incorporated in one town, named Poland. In 1802, Poland was divided, and the easterly portion incorporated under the name of Minot In 1842, Minot was divided, and the easterly part incorporated under the name of Auburn, the territory comprising which was originally granted by Massachusetts to John Bridgham and others, who had a struggle with the Pejepscot proprietors, the latter claiming that their Indian grant included a large portion of this town. The matter was finally settled by Massachusetts paying the Pejepscot claimants for the land. Thus the settlers seem to have obtained the titles to their lands from John Bridgham and others. Auburn, like many other towns, has its Indian legends. A story is told of a white man, who, at an early period, settled upon an island in the river, above the falls, towards whom the Indians entertained a deadly hatred ; and they determined to kill him. For this purpose a 1 See Poland. JIAINE TO\VX OF AUEUllX. 37 party of about fifty Indians started in their canoes from a point some distance up the riven-, in the dead of night, guided, as they supposed, by the light that the lonely white man kept continually burning upon the island. But by some means, the white man's suspicions had been awakened, and fearing a night attack by them, he had taken the precau- tion to build a fire on a hill below the falls, directly in range of his island, and to put out his own fire upon the island. The Indians, lured on by this light, were drawn into the fatal current before they discov- ered their mistake, — dashed over the falls, and aU of them perished.^ Auburn. Many implements of Indian manufacture have been found here, such as axes, war-clubs, and ornaments. Two years since, Avhile the streets ■were being graded, some ten or twelve Indian skeletons were exhumed, evidently having been buried according to their usual custom, in a sit- ting posture, with their wampum and war-clubs around them. The surface of the to\vn is generally uneven, but without mountains. The soil is fertile, especially along the valleys and the banks of the Androscoggin. The tcw^n is ^vatered by two very pleasant ponds, in the easterly and central parts, and the Little Androscoggin, a stream of considerable size, which forms a portion of tlie southerly and easterly ' Another version of this story represents that the Indians were about to make a de- scent upon tlie settlement at Brunswick, and were intercepted by this island hermit, who by some means had gained a knowledge of their intentions. VOL. I. 4 38 HISTORY AND DESCUirTIOX OF XEW EXGLAND. boundary, and is a tributary of tlio larger river of that name. The Androscoggin and Kennebec raih'oad passes through the town. There are four villages, the most important of which is situated on the banks of the Androscoggin, at what is commonly termed Lewiston Falls. Here are the county buildings, constructed in 1856-57, of brick, with a granite basement, at a cost of §100,000. There are four ]30st-oirices, one at each of the villages; sixteen school districts, with the same number of schools; and four churches, — two Universalist, one Baptist, and one Congregationalist. Auburn is not so much an agricultura Considerable business is done here in the manufacture of house furni- ture, but the boot and shoe manufacture constitutes the principal busi- ness. There are five saw-mills, three flour mills, one peg manufactory, t\vo tanneries, one sash and blind factory, and one iron foundery. The town has one bank, with a capital of 675,000. Population in 1850, 2,840; but since tliat time there has been a large increase of business and of population, so that at the present time there cannot be less than 4,500 inhabitants. Assessors' valuation for 1858, $;f352,847. as a manufacturing town. Augusta, the ca]ntal of the state, and the shire town of Kennebec county, is situated on both sides of the Kennebec, and was originally a Tlio Sbito House. part of tlie Kennebec Patent granted to the Plymouth colony in 1639. It \vas then occupied by the Cushnoc clan of Indians, a branch of the Canibas tribe, and the Abnaki nation, and from them derived its early MAINE CITY OF AUGUSTA. 39 name of Cushnoc. It was here that the patentees made the first settle- ment within the limits of their grant ; and it seems to have become a prosperous one as early as 1654, but was depopulated upon the break- ing out of King Philip's war, and remained desolate many years. In 1716, a stone fort was built here, and garrisoned at the public expense; but the place was again abandoned on the commencement of Love- well's war, in 1724, and but little eflbrt toward resettlement was made until after the fall of Quebec in 1760. There is certainly no evidence of such effort previous to the year 1754, during which Fort Western was built by the Kennebec proprietors, under the auspices of Governor Shirley. In connection with this fort a palisade enclosure -wras made, fifty feet distant from the walls upon all sides, in each of the four corners of Avhich a block-house was erected ; but all traces of the fort and these outposts had disappeared many years since. The " great house," as it was usually called, still standing on the easterly side of the river about a mile above the bridge, which was built by James Howard, the first and only commandant at Fort Western, has been erroneously supposed by some to have been that fort. This house w^as for a short time, in the autumn of 1775, the head-quarters of Benedict Arnold when on his expedition to Quebec. Since the close of the Revolutionary war, the history of the place has been progressive. Augusta became the shire town of the county of Kennebec in 1799, and the seat of government in 1831. The first bridge across the river was built in 1797, at a cost of $28,000. It decayed, and was rebuilt in 40 HISTOUY AXD DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. 1818. The second bridge was destroyed by fire in 1827, but was re- built tlic same year, at a cost of $13,000. The post-oifice was estab- hshed here in 1794, and the first meeting of the legislature was held in January, 1832. Augusta was incorporated as a town in 1797, and became a city in 1849. The principal business portion of the town is on the west side of the river. The scenery on the east side is romantic and pleasing. The streets are shaded by trees, and the numerous beautiful public buildmgs, of white granite, give it a charming appearance. The State House, of which an engraving will be found on a preceding page, is an elegant and spacious structure, built of white granite, and situated on an emi- nence at the west part of the city. It contains excellent accommoda- tions for all state purposes. The grounds about the building are finely laid out, and decorated with trees, presenting quite a tasty ajjpearance. Immediately in front of this building is the common, a beautiful and extensive plat of land, lying between the State House and the Kenne- Insaue Hospital, bee river. Directly opposite the common, on the east bank of the river, is the United States Arsenal, erected at a cost of 6100,000, consisting of several fine buildings, on beautiful grounds, a view of which is given on the preceding page. The buildings are constructed principally of stone, and present a very fine appearance. The grounds are extensive and well arranged, and surrounded by a costly iron fence. Ther(> are at present about two thousand stand of arms deposited here, besides can- non, and various nmnitions of war. Immediately below the arsenal, on the same side of the river, is the State Insane Hospital, a spacious granbe building, occupying a plat of elevated ground of seventy acres, a view of which is here presented. It is an honor to the state and to humanity. Its situation is unrivalled for the beauty of its scenery. It MAINE — CITY OF AUGUSTA. 41 is much admired for its external architecture, and also for its internal arrangements. The centre building and wings are 262 feet long ; the centre building being eighty-two feet in length, forty-six feet wide, four stories high, besides the basement and attic, having a chapel in the attic eighty by forty. The ^\^ngs are ninety feet long in front, and one hun- dred in the rear, thirty-eight feet wide, and three stories high, divided into 126 rooms, 120 of which are designed for patients, with halls be- tween the rooms twelve feet wide, running the entire length of each wing, and communicating with the dining-rooms in the centre building. The buildings which formerly occupied the site of the edifice just described were destroyed by fire on the 3d of December, 1850, when twenty-seven of the inmates and one of the keepers fell victims to the devouring element. The fire originated about four o'clock in the morning, in the hot-air chamber in one south wing, and spread with great rapidity, destroying every thing in the two south wings, and part of the main building. The books and papers belonging to the hospital were safely removed, and a part of the furniture in a damaged state. The reerection of the buildings was immediately commenced, and the work was completed in the course of two years. This institution is under the superintendence of Dr. Henry M. Harlow, who fills his ardu- ous situation with much ability. There are excellent public-houses in Augusta, the chief of which are the Augusta House, near the State house, and the Stanley House. About half a mile above the village, a massive dam, with locks, has been erected across the Kennebec, for the purpose of improving the nav- igation of the river above, and of creating a water-power of great capacity. The length of this dam, exclusive of the stone abutments and lock, is 584 feet, and the height fifteen feet above ordinary high- water mark, forming a pond of the average depth of sixteen feet, and sixteen and a half miles in extent. The immense body of water, and the great and unfailing supply thus brought into use for manufacturing purposes, are almost unsurpassed. The first cost of this great work was about ^300,000. This water-power is already used to a very con- siderable extent in propelling various kinds of machinery. Several saw- mills, a large flouring establishment, sash, door, and blind manufacto- ries, machine shops, and a cotton factory with ten thousand spindles, are in successful operation. Augusta presents advantages for manufac- turing establishments equal, if not superior, to any in New England. The chief manufacture is lumber, there being about thirty saws, and one gang of saws, running day and night. The lumber is principally •shipped, though large quantities are used in some of the manufacturing operations above enumerated. There are an extensive iron foundery, 4* 42 HISTOEY AND DESCEIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. two shovel factories, one manufactory of asolians, and other smaller manufactories. Shipbuilding has recently averaged about two vessels a year. The town is located in the heart of a large and important state, rapidly increasing in population and wealth, surrounded by a fertile country, rich in every necessary agricultural product, and stored with granite, clay, lumber, lime, iron-ore, and every sort of building material. The facilities here afforded for transportation are of inesti- mable value to a large manufacturing place. Augusta is traversed by the Kennebec and Portland railroad, which connects with the Penob- scot and Kennebec, and thus has easy communication with Bangor, as well as all cities to the westward, while equal facilities are presented by water, — Boston being but eleven hours distant by steamer, and many other places being quite as accessible. Augusta contains four banks, having an aggregate capital of ^363,000 ; one savings institution; ten church edifices, namely, two Congrega- tional, one Baptist, two Free-will Baptist, one Methodist, one Unitarian, one Universalist, one Episcopal, and one Roman Catholic ; a female seminary ; twenty-two school districts, with thirty -four schools ; and one post-ofRce. Population, 8,225 ; valuation, ^2,492,575. Aurora, Hancock county, about twenty miles east of Bangor, was settled between 1805 and 1810, by John Gils, and Samuel, Benjamin, and David Silsbee, Samuel Bonsey, Richard Beadle, Moses Ingals, and John Temple. The progress of its settlement has been slow. The chief inducement to settlers has been the lumber business, for the prosecution of which Aurora presents an extensive field. Pine, suitable for lumber, large quantities of which have already been cut off, is stiU abundant. It was incorporated a plantation in 1822, and a town in 1831. The surface is rocky and broken, and is watered by four ponds, three of which are called Middle Branch ponds of Union river, the other Gils's pond, aU of which have their outlet in Union river. Aurora has one post-office ; three school districts, wdth four schools. Population, 217 ; valuation, $33,672. Avon is situated in the central part of Franklin county. Settlements were commenced here very shortly after the close of the Revolutionary war, by Captain Joshua Soule and Captain Perkins Allen. They were followed soon after by Moses Dudley, Ebenezer Thompson, Mark Whit- ten, Thomas Humphrey, Charles Dwelley, and Samuel and Jesse Ingi-a- ham. The town was incorporated in 1802. The south and west parts are somewhat uneven, and not wholly settled. The southwestern corner is MAINE TOWN OF BALDWIN. 43 near the summit of Mount Blue. There is one village in the easterly- part of the town, a place of some trade, having a post-office.- Sandy river passes through the town in nearly a southeast direction. There are twelve school districts, with eighteen schools. Population, 778; valuation, $80,677. Baileyville, Washington county, is situated on the west bank of the St. Ciroix river, and is some fifteen miles in length, by four miles in width. It became an incorporated towij in 1828. It has four school districts, four schools, and one post-office. Population, 431 ; valuation) $24,700. Baldwin, Cumberland county, situated on the western shore of Lake Sebago, was granted, together with the town of Sebago that joins it, in 1774, to the survivors of Captain Flint and company, of Concord, Mass., to whom the government of Massachusetts had granted, about the year 1735, the township No. 3 east of the Connecticut river, (now Walpole) ; but which, on running the boundary line between Massa- chusetts and New Hampshire, was found to be in the latter state ; consequently Captain Flint and his company lost their grant, and all the labor and money they had expended in settling it. They had occn- pied it from 1735 to 1751 ; and from that time until 1774, the proprie- tors kept no records, or, at least, there are none to be found. It is presumed that many of them had died, and others had become dis- heartened ; but, on the petition of Samuel Whittemore and Amos Law- rence, the grant of these two townships was made to the survivors, and they were required to lay out and settle them on the usual conditions, namely, to locate thirty families here within six years. In 1780, the conditions remaining unfulfilled, it became necessary for them to obtain an extension, to avoid the loss of their second guant ; and the state gave them six years more. They were barely able to comply with the terms of the grant w^ithin this time, for in 1790 they had only thirty families, and counted close at that. They complained of a great amount of suf- fering, and their necessities sometimes produced curious, and often amus- ing, contrivances to meet the exigencies of the times. Nothing had been done in this town previously to 1800 for religious or educational purposes. Religious meetings were occasionally held here, but were not frequent nor permanent until some twenty-four years later. On the 23d of June, 1802, the town was incorporated, and named in memory of Loamrai Baldwin, one of the early settlers. It had pre- viously been called Flintstown, in honor of Captain Flint, the original 44 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OP NEW ENGLAND. grantee. The first meeting for organization of the town was held on the 30th of August following the act of incorporation. In the year 1824, Rev. Noah Emerson was settled as pastor of the Congregational church, when the Methodists formed themselves into a society, and claimed a share of the ministerial fund. A suit was brought in the supreme court, but resulted adversely to the claimants. The pastoral relation of Mr. Emerson continued until 1850, but his happi- ness and success were somewhat affected by this unpleasant contro- versy. Each denomination built a house of public worship, and has sustained preaching most of the time. The Methodists have recently built a new and tasteful edifice on the site of the old one. The surface of the town is considerably broken, although the soil is well adapted to the growth of grass and grain. Considerable attention has been paid to the cultivation of fruit. Baldwin has an extensive water-power for manufacturing purposes. On the Saco river near the north line of the town are the Great falls, on which a water-power company have commenced extensive operations, the value of which will be much enhanced on the building of the railroad which has been already chartered up the valley of the Saco river. There are ten school districts, with seventeen schools, and one post-ofRce, in town. Popxila- tion, 1,100 ; valuation, ^156,238. Bangor, Penobscot county, a city and port of entry, is situated on the west bank of the Penobscot river, about thirty miles above its mouth. The town extends on the river six miles, and contains an area of about twenty thousand acres. Bangor was originally known as Kenduskeag plantation. The first attempt at settlement was made by Stephen Buzzell, who, with his family, spent the winter of 1769-70 here. During the ensuing spring and summer he was joined by a few others ; and, in 1772, the settlement contained twelve families. The earliest records of any public proceedings are of a meeting of the inhabitants in 1789, at which a vote was passed to build a place of public worship. The act of incorporation was obtained February 25, 1791, at which time the settlement contained a population of 576 in- habitants. Rev. Seth Noble was the representative of the town, who was intrusted with the duty of obtaining its incorporation. He was directed by the inhabitants to have the town called Sunbury, — a name which was deemed appropriate on account of its pleasant situation, — and to see that that name was inserted in the act. Mr. Noble, however, had a great partiality for that old psalm-tune, Bangor ; and, when the speaker called for the name of the town, recollecting, probably, his tune better than the instructions of his townsmen, Noble answered, Bangor, and so it was named. MAINE CITY OF BANGOR, 45 In 1814, Bangor was taken possession of by a British fleet, imme- diately after the destruction of Hampden, to which place it had gone in pursuit of the American corvette, the Adcmis?- Considerable property was destroyed by this fleet ; and the shipping in the harbor was only saved by the inhabitants binding themselves in the penal sum of ^30,000 to dehver the same at Castine at a specified time ; but peace being declared before the expiration of the time, no enforcement of the bond ever took place. In the fall of 1833, a petition for a city charter was forwarded to the legislature. An act of incorporation was obtained the following winter, and carried into effect the next spring. At this time, and for a few years subsequent, the growth of the city was very rapid. Shipbuilding was carried on to a considerable extent ; the lumber business was large and lucrative ; and many other branches of business were active and prosperous. The rise in the value of real estate, during the period of speculation, hastened the growth of Bangor in a remarkable degree ; but the revulsion wMch followed was disastrous in the extreme. All busi- ness activity w^as, for a season, checked and blasted ; while the business community was cramped in its energies to such a degree, that it did not for years recover from the shock. The act of Congress, passed for the relief of those who had become so sadly involved by that sudden reaction in business, relieved many of the citizens of Bangor from vast liabilities, w^hich they never could have liquidated, and from which, oth- erwise, it Avould have been impossible for them to escape. The theological seminary received its charter from the legislature of Massachusetts in 1814. It was originally established in Hampden ; but was removed thence to Bangor in 1819, where it is now permanently located. Though under the particular charge of the orthodox Congre- gationahsts, it is equally open to other sects ; and students of almost every denomination are found within its walls. The course and term of study are similar to those established at Andover and Princeton. There are three professorships fully endowed; and it is expected a fourth "wnll soon be added. It already has a library of ten thousand vol- umes. The number of students for the past twenty years has been very uniform, rarely rising above fifty or falling below forty. The railroad from Bangor to Oldtown was opened in 1836, and being at that time connected directly Avith the wharf on Exchange street, was the medium of transportation for large quantities of lumber. The completion of the railroad between Bangor and Lincoln will be highly advantageous to Bangor, and the country through which the ^ See Hampden. 46 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. road is to pass. The Penobscot and Kennebec railroad, from Bangor to Waterville, was completed in the fall of 1855. In 1840, the population of Bangor was little short of nine thousand. Since then, it has nearly, or quite, doubled. The principal calamities which have been of quite serious consequence to the city, were first, the great flood, which occurred in March, 1846, submerging the whole lower part of the city, and rising in the stores on West Market square to the height of over seven feet, sweeping away the Penobscot bridge, w^hich connects the city with Brewer, as 'well as occasioning damage at various points on the river. The second calamity was the direful visitation of the cholera in 1849. The location of Bangor is unusually good for the growth of a city, and its business advantages are immense. Its site is pleasant, command- ing fine views of the rivers and the adjoining country. The buildings, both public and private, are constructed with neatness and taste, and some in a style of superior elegance. There are several handsome church edifices and other public buildings ; and within a few years sev- eral new and elegant blocks of stores have been erected, and many splendid and convenient private residences. The new market building, completed in 1856, at a cost of $35,000, is built on piles in the Ken- duskeag river, directly opposite the custom-house and post-office. It evinces in its construction much architectural taste. The hall above will seat two thousand people, and it is one of the finest buildings in the state. The public houses are excellent. Bangor has an extensive coasting trade, which has greatly increased within the last few years. It has also a large southern and West India trade. In 1848, it became a port of entry. The river at Bangor is sufficiently deep to float the largest vessels, the tide rising, on an aver- age, sixteen feet. Franlffort, about twelve miles below, is the head of winter navigation. In 1849, steamers commenced running on the Upper Penobscot. The beautiful and picturesque river and forest scenery in that region, the pleasures of a summer trip to the woods and mountains of the interior, and the fresh air of the country, draw many visitors from abroad to the vicinity of Bangor during the warm season. A voyage up the Penob- scot, and a tramp to Katahdin, make a most healthful and pleasing sum- mer excursion. Travellers visiting Moosehead lake, and the ponds and forests in its vicinity, on hunting or fishing excursions, pass through Bangor. The number of travellers who bend their steps thitherward increases each year. Bangor is on one of the noblest rivers in the Northern states — the product of an almost countless number of tributary streams. The city MAINE — TOWN OP BARING. 4,7 is seated upon both sides of the Kenduskeag river, and is the mart of one of the most extensive and one of the richest alluvial basins east of the Ohio valley. It is true, that this section of the country is in a high degree of latitude, and that the icy chains of winter are felt with greater force and for a longer period than in more southern climes ; but this seeming disadvantage is more than compensated by the unrivalled purity of the air and water — two of the indispensable requisites of health and longevity. There is probably no portion of the country where the great staples of wheat, beef, and wool can be produced with greater facility, where surplus produce can find a market at less expense, or where the industrious agriculturist can reap a surer reward. On a comparison of the present population of this immense territory of which Bangor is the great centre, extending from tide water to Madawaska, with that of older settlements of a less fertile soil, of less navigable facilities, and in nearly as high a degree of latitude, the mind is favorably impressed with the flattering prospects of the valley of the Penobscot, and of Bangor, which must ever possess superior advantages as a mart of trade, and the depot for the agricultural productions of a rich and thriving country extending many miles inland. Lumbering forms a very large and important branch of business. The amount 'of lumber surveyed here, up to the close of the year 1855, according to the books of the surveyor-general, amounts to 2,999,847,201 feet. The agricultural and mineral resources of the surrounding coun- try, though extensive, are as yet, in a great degree, undeveloped. There are in Bangor fifty-nine public schools, four of which are high schools ; fourteen churches, — four Congregational, two Baptist, one Free-w^iU Baptist, two Methodist, one Universalist, one Episcopal, two Roman Catholic, and one Swedenborgian ; thirteen banks, with an ag- gregate capital of f 1,200,000 ; two institutions for savings ; two library associations, one possessing 1,640 volumes, and the other nearly five thousand ; eight benevolent societies ; four newspaper establishments, two of which issue a daily paj^er ; one express company, besides others conducted by individual enterprise. Two lines of steamboats navigate the Penobscot, one betsveen Bangor and Portland, and the other between Bangor and Boston. Population, 14,432 ; valuation, $6,013,709. Baring, Washington county, is bounded north by the St Croix river, and east by Calais. Baring was incorporated in 1825, and does a large and extensive business in lumbering. The railroad from Calais to Baring has been completed some years, and yields a fair revenue to the stock- holders. All the lumber from the Baring mills is taken by the cars to tide water at Calais — there being four or five trains employed in the IUa^ui. 48 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. service each day, each train carrying some fifty thousand feet of lumber. The conveniences for manufacturing and conveying the lumber to the wharves are very complete — it being run directly from the mills on to the cars, where it is not disturbed till piled on the wharves ready for shipment. Baring has one post-office, and one school district, with nine schools. The inhabitants are industrious and prosperous, and are principally engaged in the lumber business. Population, 380 ; valuation, ^63,632. Barnard, Piscataquis county, is the western half of a township six miles square, of which Williamsburg is the eastern half. It lies about ten miles northeast from Dover. The town was incorporated in 1834 ; and has a number of slate quarries, which furnish excellent roofing material ; four school districts, having an aggregate summer attendance of sixty-two pupils. Population, 181 ; valuation, $14,844. Bath, a city and port of entry, is the capital of Sagadahoc county, situated on the west bank of the Kennebec, twelve miles from its mouth. The first European who is known to have landed in Bath, was Captain George Weymouth, who explored this part of the coast of Maine in the summer of 1605.^ He sailed up the Kennebec river ; and wishing to know the quality of the soil and its adaptation to husbandry, took his boat and a part of the crew, and landed. He says : " We passed over very good ground, pleasant and fertile, and fit for pasture, having but little wood, and that oak, like that standing in our pastures in England, good and great, fit timber for any use. There were also some small birch, hazel, and brake, which could easily be cleared away, and made good arable land." Such was his expressed opinion of this place when on his voyage here, preparatory to the founding of the colony, which was attempted by Popham a short time after, at the mouth of the river. No attempt, however, was made to settle here by any Europeans, until as late as 1660, when a clergyman by the name of Robert Gutch, came here, and purchased of Eobin Hood, an Indian sachem, the territory of the present city and town of Bath, and that which constitutes West Bath. Robin Hood was the original and acknowledged proprietor, and his deed to Gutch bears date May 29, 1660. Gutch came from Salem, Mass., and resided here until 1679, when in crossing a river to fulfil an appointment to preach on the Sabbath, he was drowned. The settlement progressed so exceedingly slow, that, for upwards of • See Address by John McKeen, Esq., Maine Hist. Coll., vol. v. MAINE CITY OF BATH- 49 three quarters of a century, only a sufficient number of persons had col- lected here to form a parish. A petition was presented about this time to the General Court of Massachusetts, signed by John Philbrook and forty-six others, " inhabitants of the lands on Kennebec river, bounded southerly by Winnegance river, easterly by Kennebec river, westerly by Stevens's river, and northerly by Merry Meeting bay, in length about nine miles, and in breadth about three, — which, about fourteen years ago, were granted by the Honorable Court to Georgetown, — praying that the said land be set off from Georgetown as a separate parish." The petition was granted September 7, 1753, after which the territory set off was known as the second parish in that town ; but such was the poverty of the inhabitants of this parish, that they were called, in deris- ion, by their fellow townsmen, " the twenty-cow parish ; " probably from that number of cows on their valuation list. From the rate-bill of 1759, we learn that there were sixty ratable polls here. Captain William Swanton, who had been a soldier in the French war, and had served in the reduction of Louisburg in 1758, took up his residence here in 1762. He was a shipbuilder, industrious and skilful in his trade, and was the pioneer in that branch of productive industry for which Bath is now so justly noted. From this time the population and business of the place steadily increased. On the 17th of February, 1781, it became an incorporated town, taking its name from Bath, Rngland. The town was favorably situated for commercial enterprise, being located on the bank of a river, extending far into the interior of a country abounding with valuable ship-timber, much sought after by the maritime powers of Europe. On the conclusion of peace with Great Britain, when the restrictive measures, that had been imposed upon American trade were removed, and the channels of commercial enter- prise were opened, the inhabitants became actively and profitably en- gaged in lumbering and sliipbuilding. The carrying trade from the Southern states to Europe began to increase, and gave to the shipping of Bath constant employment, which yielded a sure and liberal profit ; while the coastwise transportation gave full employment to vessels of a smaller class, many of which were built here. Its commercial prosperity was checked by the last war with England, but on the close of the war it again revived. In 1847, Bath received a city charter, and, on the establishment of Sagadahoc county in 1854, it became the county seat. The compactly- built portion of the city extends about three miles along the river, and, on an average, half a mile back. It is not laid out with any great regard to regularity ; but has some very beautiful streets and many tasteful pri- vate residences. The surface of the town is broken, and the streets are VOL. I. 5 50 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OP NEW ENGLAND. made to correspond to its irregularities. The leading business of the town is shipbuilding, and the avocations connected with that pursuit In this branch of industry it is surpassed only by the cities of Boston, New York, and Philadelphia. During the year ending June 30, 1852, there were forty ships, five brigs, and three schooners buUt here, hav- ing an aggregate of 24,339 tons ; in 1853 the amount of tonnage built was 49,400 ; in 1854 there were fifty-six ships built, besides thir- teen other vessels, amounting in all to 58,454 tons. Since that time, however, there has been a great falling off in shipbuilding. During the year 1856, there were only four large ships of one thousand tons each built here. There are but few places that have advantages for navigation supe- rior to Bath. It has a good harbor, with a sufficient depth of water for the largest ships, and is usually entirely free from ice during the whole year. There is steamboat communication between this place and the towns up the river as far as Waterville, and westerly to Portland and Boston. There is also a branch railroad, that connects with the Ken- nebec and Portland railroad at Brunswick. There are twelve church-edifices here, belonging to the several religious denominations ; five banks, with an aggregate capital of $750,000 ; one savings institution ; three school districts, and eighteen schools. The schools in the city proper are on the graded system. They are well conducted, and are an honor, not only to the city, but to the state. There are also two or three newspaper establishments in the city. The popu- lation in 1850 was 8,020, since which there has probably been some diminution from extensive emigration westward. Valuation for 1858, $6,543,875. Beddington is situated in the western part of Washington county, and has an area of 23,040 acres. It is a new town, and but little has yet been done in clearing up and settling it. It was incorporated in 1833. The town is watered by the Narraguagus and Pleasant rivers, on which are some good miR-sites. It has one school district, with forty pupils. Population, 147 ; valuation, $21,028. Belfast, a city, and the shire town of Waldo county, lies on both sides of the river Passagassawaukeag, at the head of Penobscot bay, twelve miles westerly from the mouth of Penobscot river, and thirty miles below Bangor. The territory comprising Belfast formed a part of the Muscongus or Waldo patent, and was purchased by the first set- tlers in 1769, at the price of twenty cents per acre. It was permanently inhabited the following year by a company from Londonderry, New Hi MAINE — CITY OF BELFAST. 51 Hampshire, who were the immediate descendants of Scotch-Irish colo- nists, who emigrated from the city of the same name in Ireland, in 1718. Other accessions to the settlement soon took place, and in 1773 the population numbered two hundred. A successful application to be incorporated as a town was made that year, — the name of Belfast being selected at the request of one of the inhabitants who was a native of Belfast, Ireland. In their religious tenets, the first settlers of Belfast were strict Presbyterians. When the Revolution commenced, they took an early and decided stand in favor of independence, and refusing to take the oath of allegiance to Great Britain after the occupation of Castine by an English force in 1779, they were driven from their new homes and did not return to them until peace was declared. The municipal organization of the town was resumed in 1786. Belfast was again invested by the British during the war of 1812. The first settlement of Belfast was made on the eastern side of the river, but the more favorable position of the opposite shore for commu- nication with the interior country, diverted business to the location now occupied by the compact part of the city. The first church was erected, in 1792, and Rev. Ebenezer Price, the first minister, was settled four years after. A post-office was established in 1797, and the town was made a port of entry in 1818. The first newspaper, called the Han- cock 'Gazette, was commenced in 1820, and the first bank was incor- porated in 1832. Belfast was made the shire town of Waldo county in 1828. In 1845, a portion of the town, containing about five hundred inhabitants, was set off, and with the western part of Prospect, formed into the present flourishing town of Searsport. A city charter was granted to Belfast in 1850, and accepted in 1853. The first mayor was Hon. Ralph C. Johnson. The compact part of Belfast is built on an acclivity, which ascends gradually from the water, and is for the most part regularly laid out The streets are wide, and many of them are ornamented with shade trees. The business portion of the place is mostly built of brick. Among the public buildings are the court-house, erected in 1853, the United States custom-house and post-oflice, an academy, a stone jail, and six churches, two of which are Congregational, and the others Bap- tist, Methodist, Unitarian, and Universalist There are sixteen school districts with twenty-one schools. A well-perfected system of schools is maintained, at an annual expense of $7,000. Shipbuilding and fish- ing constitute the principal business. There were twenty-six vessels built in 1857, with a combined tonnage of 9,897. The whole amount of the shipping owned in the district in 1857 was 73,475 tons, being exceeded by that of only eleven other ports in the Union. Manufacturing is 52 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. ft carried on to some extent, and there are various manufactories of paper, edge-tools, and iron-work. There are tw^o banks, with an aggregate capital of $175,000, and also an insurance company. Three weekly newspapers are published at Belfast. Steamboats, during the summer, daily connect Belfast with Portland, Boston, and Bangor, and seven stage lines afford constant communication with the neighboring cities and towns. The city contains a population of over six thousand ; valu- ation, $1,186,907. Belgrade, towards the northwest part of Kennebec county, was originally owned by the Plymouth company, from whom the settlers ob- tained their titles. The settlement of the town was commenced in 1774, by PhiJip Snow, from New Hampshire. In 1796, so great had been the increase in the number of inhabitants, that Belgrade was incorporated as a town. The surface is uneven, and much of it covered by water. There is a connected chain of seven lakes, — five of which are in this to-wn, ^ reaching over into Sidney and Waterville, the largest of which covers an area of tw^enty-five square miles. These lakes are interspersed with several islands, one of which is a farm of two hundred acres, and is only accessible from the main land by boat. All of these lalfcs fall into the Kennebec river, about two miles below the centre of Waterville. Agriculture is the principal pursuit of the inhabitants, though there are a few manufactories ; among which are one shovel factory, one spool factory, and several saw-mills and grist-mills. There are two villages in this town, — ■ at each of which considerable business is transacted, — bearing the names of the Mills village, and the Depot village. There are three church edifices, namely. Baptist, Unitarian, and Friends' ; three post-offices — Belgrade, Belgrade Mills, and North Belgrade; eighteen school districts, with nineteen schools; and an academy, which is in a flourishing condition. Population, 1,722 ; valuation, $414,843. Belmont, Waldo county, is situated six miles west from Belfast, and originally formed a part of the Waldo patent. It subsequently fell into the possession of General Knox, who sold the township to Benjamin Joy and Samuel Parkman. The first settlement was commenced by Daniel Doloff, in 1790, and the town was incorporated February 5, 1814. In 1817, a post-office was established here ; and in 1855 the town was divided, the northern half being incorporated under the name of Mor- rill. At that time it had one church, — Free-will Baptist ; one grist- mill, six saw-miUs, two stores, and five school districts, with the same number of schools. Population, 750 ; valuation, about $80,000. ;.''ii 11 \ti mi MAINE TOWN OF BENTON, ETC. 53 Benton, Kennebec county, is situated on the east side of the Kenne- bec river, in the northeastern part of the county, and is about twenty- five miles distant from Augusta. It was called Sebasticook untU June 19, 1850, when it received its present name. The settlement of this town, w^hich originally belonged to the town of Clinton, was com- menced about 1775, and it was incorporated in 1792. Benton is watered by the Sebasticook and the Kennebec rivers, along the banks of which there are some very fine farms. The town has one village, called Sebasticook Corner ; one post-office ; and ten school districts, with ten schools. Population, 1,189 ; valuation, $155,992. Berwick, York county, situated on the eastern bank of the Piscata- qua river, is one of the frontier towns of western 'Maine, and originally formed a part of the possessions of Sir Ferdinando Gorges. It was called by the Indians Newicha-wannock, signifying " Come to my house, or place," probably derived from the salutation of some friendly Indian. Settlements -were commenced in this town as early as 1624 ; but to what extent, we have no means of ascertaining. Two men were living here in 1631, w^hose names were Chadbourne and Gibbins ; and Wil- liamson informs us that there were others here about the same time, the names of whom he gives as Frost, Heard, Shapleigh, Spencer, Brough- ton, Leader, Plaisted, and Wincoll. The earliest title from the Indians on record is a deed, which was obtained by Chadbourne, in 1643, from the chief of the Piscataquas. From this time, for the period of upwards of thirty years, there seems to have been a slow but steady progress in the settlement of the town. The rigors of winter produced here the same privations and sufferings as were experienced in many other of the New England settlements, and not unfrequently in summer w^as there a great scarcity of provisions. But these sufferings were of small moment compared with the Indian troubles that followed. In 1675, Berwick was pillaged and partially destroyed by the savages, while on their march for the destruction of the more populous settle- ments on the coast. It was, however, soon rebuilt, and had niore than recovered its losses, when, in 1689, it was attacked by a party of French and Indians from Canada, and entirely destroyed. The inhabitants defended themselves bravely ; but, the assailants having every advan- tage, they were forced to surrender at discretion, — thirty-four having been killed, while the remainder — fifty-four — for the most part women and children, were carried into captivity.^ In 1703, the settlement had ' The commander of this expedition was M. Artel, the same leader who afterwards added to his infamous notoriety by the destruction of Deerfield, Mass., in 1 704, when he made captives of Kev. Mr. Williams and others. 5* 54 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION^ OP NEW ENGLAND. scarcely been recommenced, when it was again attacked by the French and their savage allies, and several persons were killed Even yet, the cup of bitterness was not full; for, four years afterward, two of the settlers were killed while returning from public worship. The repetition from year to year of these desperate adventures of the savages, aided and abetted by their French allies, was sufficient to blight every hope that might be entertained of the permanent settle- ment of the place ; but the hardihood and determination of the settlers eventually overcame these discouraging obstacles. In 1713, application having been made to the General Court, the settlement was, on the 9th of June of that year, incorporated into a town by the name of Berwick. The area of the town at that time was quite large, embracing, besides its present territory, that of North and South Berwick. The surface of Berwick is generally level, and the soil of a productive character. It is watered by Little river, which runs through the town in a westerly direc- tion, falling into the Salmon Falls river. The principal occupation of the inhabitants is farming. There are three churches in the town, — a Methodist, a Baptist, and a union house ; four tanneries ; one pottery ; eighteen school districts, with thirty schools ; and one post-office. Population, 2,121 ; valuation, $219,101. Bethel, Oxford county, is situated on both sides of the Androscoggin river, and contains an area of 25,920 acres. It was originally granted to Josiah Richardson, of Sudbury, Massachusetts, and others, for services in the French war. It was settled in 1773, under the name of " Sudbury Canada," and became an incorporated town, under its present name, June 10, 1796. The surface of the town is undulating. There are some highly pro- ductive farms along the course of the river. The Grand Trunk railway passes through the town, and affords the most ample facilities to the inhabitants for the transportation of their produce and merchandise to a ready market. The academy located at this place is in a flourishing condition, and ranks high as an institution of learning. Besides this there are twenty-four school districts ; three churches, two of which are Methodist, and one Congregational ; and one post-office. Population, 2,253; valuation, $266,498. BiDDEFORD, York county, situated on the sea-coast, on the western bank of the Saco river, was originally granted by the Plymouth Council to John Oldham and Richard Vines, by patent, bearing date February MAINE CITY OP BIDDEFORD. OO 12, 1629, (o. s.), and described as " that tract of land lying on the south side of the E-iver Swanckadocke (Saco), containing in breadth, by the sea, four miles, and extending eight miles up into the main land." On the 25th of June, 1630, Vines, for, or in conjunction with, Old- ham,^ took legal possession of the land. The emigrants who came over with Vines to settle on his land, and those who arrived here in previous expeditions, located chiefly near the sea, on the spot where Vines passed the winter, when here on an exploring expedition in 1616-17.^ Vines never reaped any benefit from this grant of land, though he made the most commendable exertions to settle it — expending large sums upon it, all which proved unavailing. These frequent outlays soon became a source of pecuniary embarrassment to Vines ; and, in consequence, he was compelled to sell his patent to Dr. Robert Child, of Nashaway (now Lancaster, Mass.), after which he removed to Barbadoes, West Indies, about the close of 1645. Dr. Child, not being particularly pleased with his investment, sold to William Phillips, of Boston. Phillips paid the doctor £90 for the town of Biddeford, and took his deed of it, bearing date March 11, 1658-9. Phillips, notwithstanding he had the title of Vines's grant from the Plymouth Council, as well as the deed of the doctor, had apprehensions lest his title, in some unexpected way, might be questioned ; and soon after acquired another title from the Indian sachem, Mogg Megone, Avhose character is so graphically portrayed in one of Whittier's poems. From Phillips all the land titles in Biddeford are derived. This town has had to contend with all the vicissitudes incident to a frontier settlement, and was twice destroyed by the Indians. The suffer- ings of the settlers were great in each of these Indian wars. During their continuance, a garrison was erected at Winter Harbor, and main- tained at public cost, Avhich, after the conclusion of the war, was dis- mantled, and the troops were removed. Biddeford was united to Saco about 1660, and remained a part of that town, until 1718, when it became a distinct, incorporated town, receiving its name from a town in England, from which some of the settlers emigrated. In the war of the Revolution, Biddeford zealously contributed men 1 It seems that OlJliara never took any interest in the patent ; and no record can be found of his having been at any time within its limits. lie i-eslded principally at Salem, then called Naumkeag. ' Several cellars, now filled up and overgrown with antiquated shrubbery, mark out the locality of this ancient settlement Apple-trees, rotten with age, and the English chen-y, survive here in the midst of oaks and sumachs. It is now a deserted spot, and buried in the most perfect solitude. 56 HISTORY AND DESCKIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. and money for its prosecution ; since which, its record has been one of constant growth. In 1855, the town became a city. The surface is rather broken ; much of it is rocky and unproductive, though here and there are some good farms. The territory is some ten miles in length, and four in width ; and is drained by Little river on the southeast, and by the Saco river on the east. There are quite a number of granite quarries here, which furnish excellent building material, and are worked advantageously and profitably. Manufacturing operations are large in Bfddeford. There are two cotton mills, known by the names of the Pepperell and the Laconia hav- ing a capital of one million dollars each. The Pepperell corporation went into operation in 1850, have three mills, and run seventy thousand spindles. They manufacture the various kinds of cotton goods, varying from thirty up to one hundred inches in width, turning out, on an aver- age, 1,200,000 yards each four weeks, and employing from 1,500 to 1,600 operatives, — about 450 males and 1,200 females. The pay-roll averages twenty thousand dollars per month. The Laconia company went into operation in 1845, and has three mills, runs eleven hundred looms, fifty thousand spindles, and employs one thousand operatives. The monthly pay-roll averages about eighteen thousand dollars. There is also a large machine-shop, for the manufacture of cotton machinery. There are five saw-mills, one of which is propelled by steam, in which considerable business is done in the manufacture of the smaller kinds of lumber. In the coarser kinds of lumber for shipping, there is not so much done as formerly. In the way of shipbuilding, Biddeford does but little. There are ten or twelve vessels owned here, Avhich carry on a profitable trade betAveen Biddeford and other Atlantic ports. A por- tion of the female population is profitably employed in the manufacture of clothing for the Boston market. There are three brick-yards, which have been and still are doing a profitable business, — all the brick edi- fices in the city being built from the production of these yards. There are in Biddeford eight church edifices, — two Congregational, two Methodist, one Baptist, two Free-will Baptist, and one Roman Catholic. The town is divided into eleven school districts, having sixteen school-houses and twenty-one schools. The schools are con- ducted on the graded system. There are two banks, — the Biddeford banlc, with a capital of tAvo hundred thousand dollars, and the City bank, with a capital of fifty thousand dollars ; one savings institution ; and one post-office. Population, 6,095 ; valuation, $4,821,908. BiXGiiAJi, Somerset county, is situated on the cast side of the Kenne- bec river, and contains an area of 23,040 acres. The first settlement rl^jsi^ ' 1 ii ii MAINE — TOWK OF BLANCHAED, ETC. 57 was made in this town as early as 1784 ; and, in 1801, it was surveyed by Philip BuUen. It was incorporated on the 6th of February, 1812, under its present name, which was given in honor of William Bingham, the great landed proprietor in this state. There are two saw-mills and two grist-mills here; three churches, — one Congregational, one Meth- odist, and one Free-will Baptist ; thirteen school districts, with seventeen schools ; and one post-office. Population, 752 ; valuation, $86,322. Blanchard, in the westerly part of Piscataquis county, is distant from Dover twenty-two miles. It embraces an area of six mUes square ; has one considerable elevation, called Russell's mountain, in the southeast- ern part ; and is drained by the head- waters of the Piscataquis river. Blanchard has one Congregational church, one school district, and one post-office. Population, 192; valuation, $17,130. Bloomfield, Somerset county, lies on the west side of Kennebec river, thirty-three miles north from Augusta. It contains an area of 11,910 acres, only three hundred acres of which are waste land, and two hun- dred and nineteen acres are appropriated to highways. This town originally belonged to Canaan, and its early history is blended with the history of that town. It was erected into a separate township and incorporated Februaiy 6, 1814. It has a fertile soil, and produces good crops. Its name will be significant so long as recurring seasons shall adorn its hills and vales with the livery of luxuriant growth. Bloomfield has one Congregational church, nine school districts, with twelve schools ; one academy, with forty students ; one tannery ; three grist-mills ; two saw-mills ; one bank (the Skowhegan), with a capital of $75,000 ; and one post-office. Population, 1,301 ; valuation, $256,690. Bltjehill is situated in the southwest part of Hancock county, on Bluehill bay. The settlement of the town was commenced April 7, 1762, by Joseph Wood and John Roundy, both from Beverly, Mass?. They landed near Fire Falls, so called, where Bluehill bay communi- cates with a salt-water pond. Here they went to work getting out staves, and making preparation for the settlement of their families, which they moved hither the following spring. Four or five years after, Mr. Wood said to Mr. Roundy, " I hope I may live to see plowing in this town yet." To which Mr. Roundy repUed, " I shall not wish to live any longer than till that time." This reply shows how discouraging the prospect before them then appeared. The third family in town was formed by the marriage of Colonel Nathan Parker, from Andover, Mass., with Mary, eldest daughter of Captain Wood. Colonel Parker Avas an 58 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. officer of the provincial troops at the siege and fall of Louisburg. On his return he was driven with many others to the West Indies, where a number died with the fever, about the close of the year 1761. The family of Samuel Foster, from Andover, was the fourth. They made but a short stay. The fifth was that of Colonel Nicholas Holt, from the same town, who arrived May 27, 1765. The plantation name of the township was Newport. In 1769, it appears, by the town records, that the settlers had some place which they used for public worship, since, during the previous year, they voted to raise money, " for to hire a person for to preach the gospel to us, and for to pay his board." And at the same meeting a vote was passed to lay out a road to the Penobscot. On the commencement of hostilities with Great Britain, the town chose a committee of correspondence, a committee of inspection, and a committee of safety. From 1779 to 1784, the town meetings were suspended. In 1772, October 7, the Congregational church was formed, numbering eight male and eight female members. The town was incorporated January 30, 1789. On the 18th of June, 1803, an academy was incorporated, and was endowed by a grant of the western half of township No. 23, Washing- ton county. This tract the trustees of the corporation sold July 28, 1806, for the consideration of $6,2-52. A part of this sum has been lost to the academy, by the failure of parties to whom it had been in- trusted. A principal now remains of $5,064.58 ; the interest of which is applied to defray the expenses of the institution. This, with the tuition fees, supports the school one half the year. The average number of students in attendance is fifty. The surface is varied. The only elevation of note is Bluehill, from which the town takes its name. This is a majestic hill near the centre of the town, rising to an altitude of 950 feet above high-water mark. From the bay there is a gradual ascent for about a mile, thence it is quite abrupt to the top, which consists of a huge mass of curl-grained rocks. In the early settlement of the town, it was covered with trees, principally evergreens, which, at a distance, gave it a very dark' blue tint ; hence its name. It is now entirely bald. The summit affords a delightful view of the village, the bay — interpersed with numerous islands — and the surrounding country. In the eastern part of the town, there is a valuable granite quarry, from which, in 1855, the sum of $20,000 was realized. There are also about five thousand cords of wood annually shipped from this port. Ship building is carried on to some extent : three or four vessels are built every year, averaging two hundred tons each. The Revolutionary sol- diers that went from this town are all deceased. Christopher Osgood, MAINE — TOWN OF BOOTHBAY. 59 son of Ezekiel Osgood, one of the first settlers, was at the battle of Bunker Hill. Nehemiah Hinckley served through the war, was honor- ably discharged at West Point, when he returned to Bluehill, where he died at the age of seventy-five. Edith Hinckley, his widow, the daugh- ter of Joseph "Wood, the first settler, was born August 3, 1766. She is still living, at the advanced age of ninety-two years, and in the full possession and enjoyment of her physical and mental energies. Rev. Jonathan Fisher was the settled minister here from 1796 to 1837, and died in 1847. The town has one village ; two religious societies, — Baptist and Congregational, each having a place of worship ; three pos1>offices, — BluehiU, Bluehill Falls, and North Bluehill ; and eighteen school dis- tricts. Population, 1,939 ; valuation, $350,221. BooTHBAY, Lincoln county, is a peninsula, situated between the mouths of the Sheepscot and Damariscotta rivers, and is what was formerly known as Cape Newagen. It is supposed to have been set- tled as early as 1630 ; but what progress was made at that time is now unknown. Captain Weymouth — when on his voyage here in 1605 — entered the harbor previously to ascending the Kennebec river. Per- mission to settle here was purchased in 1666 by Henry Curtis, of the famous sagamore, Robin Hood ; but the Indians, taking offence either at the terms of the purchase or some probable encroachment, destroyed the settlement in 1688. It lay a desolate ^vaste for forty years afterwards, and was revived in 1730, by Colonel Dunbar, who gave it the name of Townshend, which it bore for many years. The town was incorporated on the 3d of November, 1764, retaining its original name until 1842, when it received the name it now bears, in memory of Old Boothbay, in Lincoln county, England. The commer- cial advantages of this town are equal to any on the coast of Maine ; and there is a wide scope for their improvement. The harbor has four entrances ; and such is its capacity and superior location, that the Eng- lish, prior to the Revolutionary war, had projected the establishment of a naval depot here, — all the arrangements for which were made, — but it was abandoned solely on account of the uncertain chances of war. The inhabitants are principally engaged in the foreign and coasting trade, and in the cod and mackerel fisheries. Shipbuilding is also an impor- tant branch of business, and employs a large amount of capital : about one hundred vessels, of various sizes, are owned in town. Boothbay has one village, one church edifice (Congregational), seventeen school districts, and one post-office. Population, 2,504 ; valuation, $239,067. 60 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. BowDOiN is situated in the northwest corner of Sagadahoc county, and is supposed to have been settled some years previous to the Revolu- tionary Avar. It was incorporated March 21, 1788, and, according to Williamson, contained about 120 families. Bowdoin took its name from the family of Governor Bowdoin. It stands well in an agricul- tural point of view ; has one village, with a capital of some five or six thousand dollars in manufactures ; three church edifices, — two of which are Baptist, and one Free-will Baptist ; eighteen school districts, and one post-office. Population, 1,857 ; valuation, $247,813. BowDOiNHAM, Sagadahoc county, is situated on the west bank of Ken- nebec river. This township was claimed by the Plymouth proprietors, who conveyed it, with other lands adjoining, to William Bowdoin, of Boston. But this title was involved in a dispute; for on the 3d of July, 1637, Sir Ferdinando Gorges granted to Sir Richard Edgecomb, of Mount Edgecomb, England, a tract of eight thousand acres, situated near Merry Meeting bay, then called the " Lake of New Somerset." The bounds were so indefinite as to make the place of location ex- tremely uncertain, and neither the grantee nor his heirs paid any regard to the patent till after Queen Anne's war. In 1718, John Edgecomb, of New London, appeared for the heirs, and entered a minute of the grant in the book of claims. This minute seemed to be a description of a tract equal to four miles square on the western bank of the Kennebec river, where it meets Merry Meeting bay.^ In 1756, the claim was revived by Lord Edgecomb, one of the heirs, who intrusted his busi- ness to Sir William Pepperrell, of Kittery. The latter having died with- out settling the claim, his lordship empowered Nathaniel Sparhawk (Sir William's son-in-law) to pursue it. Mr. Bowdoin brought an action to establish his claim, and showed title from the Plymouth proprietors, and a quitclaim from Abadagusset, an Indian chief. The court ruled that this should prevail against the obsolete and indefinite grant -made by Gorges, and Mr. Bowdoin won the case ; but some years afterwards the superior court ruled that this town did not belong to the Plymouth proprietors, and the north line of the town was fixed as the southern boundary of their patent The settlement of the town was commenced soon after the building a of Fort Richmond ; but its progress was so much retarded by the wars with the Indians, and the disputes about the title to the land, that it did not become an incorporated town until 1762. It is now a place of im- portance. The surface is level and the soil productive. It has an > Book of Claims, p. 82. MAINE — TOWN OF BOWERBANK, ETC. 61 invested capital, in trade and manufactures, of upAvards of |100,000, and one bank, with a capital of $50,000. The Kennebec and Portland rail- road passes through it. Bowdoinham has one village; five churches (two Methodist, a Baptist, Free-will Baptist, and Universalist) ; two post-offices, — Bowdoinham and East Bowdoinham ; and seventeen school districts, with nineteen schools. Population, 2,382 ; valuation, $529,794. BowERBANK, Piscataquis county, is situated north from Dover, the town of Foxcroft intervening. It covers an area of six miles square, and was incorporated in 1839. It has three school districts, one post- office, and one church (Free-will Baptist). Sebec lake, a large body of water, lies mostly in this town. Population, 173 ; valuation, $17,376. Bradford, Penobscot county, is a pleasant agricultural town, situated about twenty miles north from Bangor. The first clearing preparatory to settling was made in the summer of 1803, by James White and Robert Marshall, who came from Thomaston. White moved his family hither the following year, and Marshall moved his in the spring of 1805. In 1804, two men, by the names of Jennison and Rogers, from Union, settled in the south part of the town ; and, in 1806, Wilson and Hildreth moved hither from Thomaston. This was the commencement of the now flourishing town of Bradford. It was organized into a plantation in 1820, — at vi^hich time it contained eleven voters, — and was incorporated March 12, 1831. Robert Marshall, the pioneer settler of the town, is still living, and resides on the same farm, and near the same spot, which he first occupied, fifty-three years ago. He is now eighty years of age. A number of the descendants of Joseph Wilson reside in town, and some in other parts of the county. White, Rogers, and Hildreth moved away many years since. The surface of Bradford is mostly smooth and unbroken, gently undulating, and tolerably free from stones. There are no lakes or ponds in town, and but very little waste land. Dead stream flows through here from northwest to southeast, and falls into the Pushaw stream in Alton. There are a number of good mill-sites on this stream, some of which are already occupied by mills of different kinds. There are three villages with three post-offices in town. At Bradford Corner, there are two neat church edifices, one owned and occupied by the Congrega- tionalists, and the other jointly by the Baptists and Free-will Baptists. The neat town-house stands one mile east of the Corner, and is occu- pied half the time as a place of worship by the Universalist society. The Methodists hold their meetings at East Bradford school-house. VOL. I. 6 62 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. There is one high school, which is kept one or two quarters, in the year, according to the state of finances, and eleven school districts, with t«renty-one schools. The population of the town in 1856 was esti- mated at 1,500, and the valuation, ^155,000. Bradley, Penobscot county, lies on the east bank of the Penobscot river. The first settlers of this town came from different parts of this state, and some from Massachusetts. The town was incorporated in 1834. Its surface is uneven ; but there are few hills of any great height. But little is done in cultivating the soil ; and this will not seem strange, when it is known that the only land suitable for cultivation is on the banks of the Penobscot, and that even this is of indifferent quality. Pine lumber once grew here in large quantities ; but the lumberman's axe and the fire-king have swept most of it away. The lumber manufacture is the only branch of productive industry carried -on here. At the village, there are fourteen single board saw- niills, three gangs of saws, four clapboard mills, four lath mills, and three shingle mills, nearly all of which are in constant operation during the summer season. Part of the large pond on Nichols stream is in this town. The Greatworks and the Nichols are considerable streams, and both supply good water-power, which is improved to a moderate ex- tent. The Penobscot river, however, furnishes the principal water-po\ver. There is no place of public worship in town ; — the inhabitants attend church, however, at Oldtown and Orono. The only village here is called Greatworks, situated at the falls of the same name, on the Penobscot river, two miles from Oldtown village. A post-office is located at this village. The town is divided into four school districts, with five schools, which are kept from five to six months of the year. Besides these there are some private schools in town. Population, 796 ; valuation for 1858, $93,525. Bremen, Lincoln county, is situated in the southern part of the county, and originally belonged to the Pemaquid patent. William Hilton, of Plymouth, Mass., was the first settler, having moved hither with his family, consisting of four sons and three daughters, in the year 1735. He was soon, however, driven back again to Plymouth by the Indians ; but on the pacification of the Indian troubles, in 1745, he returned to Bremen ; and being an heir, by marriage, to the Brown claim,i took ^ This claim originated from one John Brown, wlio settled at New Harbor, in the town of Bristol, in 1621, and who, in 1625, bought of the Indian sagamore, Robin Hood, MAINE TOWN OF BREWER. 63 possession of a lot on said clainn for a farm, on which he resided until 1754, the period of the breaking out of the Indian war, when he moved his family to the block-house at Muscongus harbor, a distance of five miles from his farm. This he made his home, continuing, in the mean time, his labors upon his claim. Li May, 1755, while he and his three sons, William, Richard, and John, were landing from a boat, they were fired upon by the Indians, who were in ambush, which resulted in the death of William, and the severe wounding of the father and Richard ; but John, the youngest son (only seventeen years of age), being un- harmed, returned the fire and killed one of the Indians. He then assisted his father and elder brother into the boat, and returned to the block-house, leaving William dead upon the beach. The wound the father received in this encounter proved mortal, he having survived but eight days. At the incorporation of the town of Bristol, this territory was included as a part of it, and remained as such tiU 1828, when it became an incor- porated town under its present name. The town has an uneven surface. It is watered by Muscongus and McCurdy's ponds, and is bounded on the west by Pemaquid and Biscay ponds. The occupations of the inhabitants are farming and fishing. Commodore Samuel Tucker, of Revolutionary memory, was a native of this town, and lived and died here. Bremen has one village ; one church edifice, which is owned by the Congregationalists ; one post-office, seven school districts, with the same number of schools. Population, 891 ; valuation, from assessors' books in 1858, $106,411. Brewer, Penobscot county, is situated on the east side of Penobscot river, extending six mUes on the river, and being about three miles wide. Its early history is included in that of Orrington, of which it formed the northern part until February, 1812, when it was set off from that town and incorporated under its present name, in honor of John Brewer, one of its first settlers, and the first postmaster of the town. The surface is quite even, and the soil a clayey loam, which is con- sidered good for farming purposes, especially along the banks of the river. Brick-malting is a prominent business here, there being some twelve or for fifty skins, a tract of land between Broad bay and Damarisootta river, extending twenty-five miles into the country. This tract of land he and his descendants inhab- ited till driven away by the Indians ; but, though not allowed to occupy it, his descend- ants claimed the land until 1812, when the matter was adjusted. — Commissioners' Report, 1811 ; Annals of Warren, p. 1 7. 64 HISTOKY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. fifteen yards in operation, which manufacture about twelve millions annually. These bricks sell for five dollars per thousand, delivered at the wharf: most of them are shipped to Boston and its vicinity. There is also considerable business done here in shipbuilding ; the average for the past five years being about two thousand tons annually. The vessels are mostly of the smaller class, consisting of brigs and schooners, vary- ing from one hundred and fifty to three hundred tons burden. A num- ber of saw-mUls are also established here, some of which are propelled by steam; and connected with them are several shingle and lath machines. There are two villages, both located on the river, about two miles apart. The upper village is directly opposite the city of Bangor, with which it is connected by a toll-bridge. There is a post-office at each village. There are three church edifices, — two Congregational, and one Methodist; and three school districts, with twenty-six schools. Population, 2,628 ; valuation, $383,261. Bkidgton, is situated in the northwest part of Cumberland county. The grant of this town was made, in 1761, by Massachusetts, to Ben- jamin Mullikin, Moody Bridges, and Thomas Perley, agents for the proprietors. It was divided into eighty-six shares. Sixty-one of these rights were held by individual proprietors ; one was set apart for the support of the ministry ; one for the first settled minister ; one for Har- vard College ; one for the support of schools ; one for the first settler in the township ; and the remaining twenty were held by all the proprie- tors as a community. These lots were numbered from one to eighty- six ; and each claimant received his number by lot As an encourage- ment to settlers, the proprietors proposed to give one hundred acres of the common land, lying east of Long pond, to each settler who should have twelve acres of land cleared, a house built, and a family settled in the township, by the year 1771. In 1767, the proprietors named their township Bridgton, in honor of Moody Bridges, one of their number. Prior to this time, it had been known by the name of Pondicherry.^ The first tract of land was granted in 1768, to Captain Benjamin Kim- ball, from Ipswich, Mass., who bound himself " to settle in the township by the 10th of June of that year ; to build a convenient house for the entertainment of the proprietors and others, by the 10th day of Septem- ber ; to keep a store of goods, to be retailed out at a reasonable advance ; ' This name was humorously given to a tract of country, lying between Long pond and Pleasant mountain, on account of its numerous ponds and abundance of wild cherries. MAINE TOWN OF BEIDGTON. 65 and also to hold himself in readiness, with a convenient boat of two tons burden, rigged with a convenient sail, to carry passengers and freight from Pierson Town to the head of Long pond and back, whenever called upon by the proprietors, for the term of seven years. For this service, he was to receive six shillings per day for himself, five shiUings per day for an assistant, and two shillings and sixpence for his boat." ^ Kimball kept this store for several years, and carried on a considerable trade with the Indians. The same year the proprietors, for a somewhat similar consideration, contracted with Jacob Stevens to build and keep in repair a saw- mill and a corn-mill. These mills were the first erected in Bridgton, and were built on the stream now known as Stevens's brook. Owing to unforeseen obstacles, the settlement did not advance as rapidly as anticipated ; and additional inducements were held out to settlers. On the night of the 2d of October, 1780, the dwelling-house of Enoch Perley was consumed by fire, together with all the records of the proprietors. Fortunately, however, the field-notes of the surveyor w^ho laid out the township, and the tickets by which the lots were drawn, were preserved. From these, and from memory, a committee, appointed for the purpose, made up a new record, and procured a con- firmation thereof by the legislature of Massachusetts in 1783. In June, 1782, a committee of the proprietors, appointed for the pur- pose of inquiring into the progress made by the settlers in clearing land and erecting buildings, reported the names of certain persons as having merited each one or more lots, which amounted in the aggregate to fourteen, and were located next to Long pond. These lots have since been designated as " merited " lots. At the same time, arrangements were made for building a public saw-mih on the stream leading from Woods pond to Long pond. The site selected was the same that is now occupied by Mr. Chaplin's miU, in the village known by the name of Pinhook. For several years the progress of the settlement was much retarded by the Revorutionary war. The inhabitants, though not actually mo- lested during that war, w^ere in constant apprehension of a hostile attack from the Indians. Several of the families broke up and removed to Standish, where they remained till the danger was past. At one time, in consequence of information received that the Indians had attacked the settlement at Bethel (then called Sudbury Canada), and killed one man, and were advancing towards Bridgton, the alarm became so ' These conditions are embodied in the deed conveying to Captain Kimball the sixty- first right of land. It bears date April 6, 1 708. 6* 66 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. great that nearly all the inhabitants determined on evacuating the place, but were spared the necessity by the withdrawal of the enemy. From the close of the war, the settlement advanced more rapidly, and in 1787, the population numbered two hundred and eighty-seven persons. Bridgton was incorporated as a town February 7, 1794. From that time, the town steadUy increased in wealth and population, till 1805, when the part of its territory lying on the easterly side of Long pond, containing about 8,500 acres, was set off to form, in part, the new town of Harrison. Again, in 1834, a portion of the southeast corner of the town, containing about 2,500 acres, was set off to form a part of the new town of Naples. In 1847, the inhabitants, seeking to restore Bridgton as far as possible to its former dimensions, acquired by annexation upon the west, from the towns of Fryeburg and Denmark, a tract of territory containing about 3,700 acres, now known by the name of Texas. The present area of the town is about thirty thousand acres. The land in this region is very productive. There are some excellent and well-cultivated farms in the town and vicinity. There are twenty-two school districts, and twenty-one public schools, kept, upon an average, about one half the time, and an academy, estab- lished in 1848. There are six rehgious societies, aU having places of pubUc worship, — three Congregational, one Baptist, one Free-will Bap- tist, and one Universalist. There is also a very respectable number of Methodists, but they have no organized society. Bridgton contains nine saw-mills, six grist-mills, three extensive tan- neries, two large carriage manufactories, and several other manufactur- ing establishments of importance ; also, one post-olRce. Population, 2,710; valuation, $472,161. Brighton, Somerset county, was originally a part of Bingham's Ken- nebec Purchase, and joins the town of Bingham on the east. It is watered by a branch of the Kennebec river, and was incorporated in 1816. The town has one small village, two saw-miUs, two grist-mills, one tannery, one church edifice (Free-will Baptist), one post-office, and eight school districts. Population, 748 ; valuation, ®46,919. Bristol, Lincoln county, is situated at the southern extremity of the peninsula, between the Damariscotta and Muscongus rivers, and em- braces the ancient Pemaquid, a place justly celebrated in the eady his- tory of New England, as one of the most important settlements on the coast. It is at present particularly interesting from the fact that the monuments of its early history are still remaining, — these being almost MAINE — TOWN OF BRISTOL. 67 the only records that have been left us. Even these, the destroying hand of time has so changed that a wide field is open to speculative inquiry, as scarcely any thing can be determined with certainty. Bris- tol formed a large part of the Pemaquid patent, granted by the Plymouth Council, February 20, 1631, to Robert Aldsworth and Gyles Elbridge, two merchants, belonging to Bristol, England. The patent covered the entire peninsula, from the- sources of -the rivers to the sesi, including the Damariscove islands, and aU others within twenty-seven miles of the main land. The grant was made in consideration of past public services, as well as the promise, on the part of the patentees, to build a town on the grant as soon as practicable. They commenced the settlement on a point of land, made by the Pemaquid river, as it enters the harbor, covering an area of twenty- seven acres, and which, at that time, was studded with heavy forest trees.^ In a few years, residences, shops, and trading-houses w^ere nu- merous enough to indicate that the settlement was in a most prosperous condition. In 1664, Bristol was claimed by the Duke of York, as being within the patent he held from the crown, of New York and Sagadahoc, of which Sir Edmund Andros was commissioned governor. This gentle- man assumed the reins of government in October, 1674,^ and continued governor over this part of Maine till 1682.^ He transported many Dutch families here ; and Gyles says,* that he built a city at the mouth of the Pemaquid river, on the spot represented in the accompanying engraving, and named it Jamestown, in honor of the duke. The gi-eat number of old cellars here, in a tolerably good state of preservation, and the paved streets, now covered with soil, seem to corroborate this state- ment. Gyles also says, that Andros built a fort here, which he named Fort Charles, and garrisoned with a " considerable number of soldiers." This, Andros was of opinion, would fully secure the duke's supremacy.^ Notwithstanding the arbitrary policy of Andros, and the imperious manner in which he administered the government, — by which he incurred the hatred of every settler in Maine, — the settlements seem to have been generally prosperous. In 1674, Josselyn says, that Pema- quid, Matinicus, Monhegan, Cape Newagen, [now Boothbay,] "where Captain Smith fished for whales," and Muscongus,"now all filled with ' Lar Josselyn's Voyages, p. 200-205. (Harv. CoU. Lib.) ' Williamson, p. 531, vol. i. 'Ill 1. SI a I ii in .1, 1, MAINE — TOWN OF BRISTOL. 69 now to meet its doom. The torch was appUed, and the infant city soon enveloped in one devouring sheet of flame. Tenants ran frantic from their burning dwellings to seek a refuge in the wilderness ; but only, in many cases, to have their heads cleft by the tomahawk. Those who escaped did so only because their fleetness of foot carried them beyond the reach of the shower of balls that followed them. Some plunged into the water to escape the vigilant eye of the savage ; whilst others made their way to the adjacent islands, and from thence to Bos- ton and other places, where they might find security. On the termination of this war, in 1678, the settlers again returned, and began to clear away the ruins of the late conflagration, to repair the fort, and to put the place in a state of defence. This had scarcely been attained, and the settlement placed again on a favorable footing, w^hen a revolution broke out in England. William and Mary ascended the throne. War was declared against France ; and, as a natural result, the colonies were again called to participate in the struggle. Pemaquid was again destroyed, the French battering down the fort, and taking it by assault. Most of the inhabitants were either killed or taken prison- ers, and the fields and habitations that adorned both sides of the river were again reduced to a melancholy waste. In 1692, three years after, this place fell into the hands of the English ; and Sir William Phips, the first governor of Massachusetts under the second charter, commenced its reconstruction, by erecting a new stone fortification on the point of land between the house of Mr. Partridge, as seen in the engraving, and the large rock at the extremity of the point This fort commanded the river above and below, and its strength was supposed to be amply sufficient for the defence of the place. This sup- position, however, proved to be unfounded ; for the French recaptured it in 1717-18, though they occupied it but a short time. In 1724, the fort became a rendezvous for the inhabitants of Pemaquid and the sur- rounding settlements, and continued as such during Lovewell's war. In 1729-30, it had gone considerably to decay, and was repaired by Colo- nel Dunbar.i During the war of the Revolution, fearing it might be- come a place of defence for the enemy, it was destroyed. ' In 1729-30, Colonel David Dunbar, a reduced and indigent colonel in the army, re- ceived an appointment as surveyor of the king's woods in America. He also, by the aid of persons who were enemies of the proprietors, obtained a royal order, by which the entire province of Sagadahoc was given into his hands, with directions to settle, superintend, and govern it He accordingly took up his residence at Pemaquid, and erected a com- modious dwelling-house, which he surrounded with a farm, and beautified with a well- cultivated and tasteful garden. — (Commissioners' Reporl, ISll, -p. 15G.) He repaired the fort that Phips had built, and gave it the name of Fort Frederick ; again laid out the 70 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OP NEW ENGLAND. The inhabitants of this town did not take any part in distant opera- tions in the last war with England, preferring to remain at home and defend their own settlement. The following incidents are evidences of the manner in which they carried out their intentions : — A Spanish brig lay in the harbor of Bristol, having smuggled goods on board destined for that port ; and on the afternoon of September 4, 1813, the British brig Boxer entered the mouth of the Pemaquid river, for the purpose, it is supposed, of collecting the stipulated salvage, which the Spaniard had not heretofore paid. Before she had accomplished her object, however, the American brig Enterprise, which had been cruising off the coast, hove in sight ; and the Boxer determined on her capture. Nailing her colors to her mast, she bore down upon the En- terprise, and engaged her between Pemaquid point and Monhegan island. The conflict lasted forty-eight minutes, during which the Boxer was terribly cut up. The shot from the Enterprise continued to riddle her, until a gun was fired to leeward by the Boxer, — an acknowledg- ment of her submission and capture. The Enterprise then came along side, and took the Boxer as her prize to Portland. The next year, on the 29tli of June, the British determined on being revenged on Bristol, for the many chastisements they had received at the hands of her inhabitants ; and despatched the frigate Maidstone to execute what had long been threatened, namely, the utter demolition of the town. The Bristol boys, however, were prepared to receive them, and treat them to a collation of grape-shot. The Maidstone anchored in Fisherman's Island harbor, and sent eight barges into Pemaquid harbor, containing two hundred and seventy-five men. They were met by Captain Sproul, with a force of about one hundred men. The engage- ment took place during the night, — a dense fog enveloping the rival forces, so that neither the barges nor men could be seen, save by the flashes of the musketry. Not one of Captain Sproul's men was injured during the engagement, which was about an hour in duration ; nor is it known that the British suffered any loss. They did not attempt to land, but pushed for New Harbor, about seven mUes farther east by sea, city, which had been burnt in 1676, and added to the conflicting titles that already ex- isted in this neighborhood, by regranting the lands, with but little regard to the rights of former occupants. Those that refused to repurchase their lands, and take deeds from him, were violently ejected ; and in some cases their houses were burnt, and they them- selves threatened with imprisonment. A mammoth petition was gotten up by the propri- etors of various grants in the province, and others interested, and laid before the king ; and, through the persevering efforts of Levi Waldo, who was largely interested in the Muscongus patent, and the colony agent, Dunbar was removed from authority. — ■ Sulli- van's Hist, of Maine. MAINE ■ • TOWN OF BRISTOL. 71 though only one mile by land. Here two boys were stationed on guard, who, as soon as they saw the barges, fired the concerted signal gun, \vhen Captain Sproul, with his command, made all haste to the rescue. William Rodgers, who lived near this spot, seeing the enemy, advised them to make a hasty retreat, or one hundred of the Bristol boys would soon be upon them. They ridiculed his counsel ; and, in return for it, an officer, with a profane oath, ordered the bow gun to be discharged at him, which, however, did no injury. Soon after, the Yankees, old and young, assembled in large numbers, eager for the fight. Lodging themselves behind the rocks, they made sad havoc among the English forces, while they were comparatively secure from harm. Soon the foremost barge became disabled, and was replaced by another ; but the English, finding that they were suffering considerably, while their enemies were secure, gave up the contest and returned to the ship. Not one of the Bristol boys was hurt during the engagement ; ^vhile the British lost many in killed and wounded, though the exact number is not knowm. The Maidstone hovered about the coast a few weeks subsequent to this engagement, when she returned to England, where the captain was court-martialed and discharged from the service " for making an attack upon Bristol without orders. " There are some interesting relics of an ancient settlement in this town, about three quarters of a mile above the site of Phips's fort. One Antiquitiea id Bristol. of them is an earthwork, situated on a high bluff, as seen in the engrav- ing, having every appearance of the remains of a fortification. Mr. Williamson, the historian of Maine, and some others, pronounce it the 72 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. remains of a fort ; but offer no conjecture as to when it was erected, or by whom, or for what purpose. Some antiquaries, who think they have sufficient proof of the settlement of New England by a Scandinavian colony prior to the time of Columbus, attribute the work to them. There are also in close proximity to the earthwork, the remains of a tan- nery, — now a bog of about half an acre, grown up with rushes. The vats are filled up, though the linings are still preserved. With the aid of a pole, these vats can be felt in their length and breadth. The more reasonable solution of the matter is, that this earthwork was constructed by the early settlers as a place for the storage of provisions, and such other property as they might possess ; and that the old tannery was built at or about the same time. The inhabitants of Bristol are mainly of Scotch descent, with a mix- ture of the Scotch-Irish, a part of whom settled Londonderry, N. H. There are also some of the descendants of the Dutch, who were gar- risoned here under the authority of Andros ; besides a sprinkling of the German stock, who emigrated under the patronage of Waldo, and set- tled the town of Waldoboro'. The territory of the town is very large, and the surface very uneven. Granite is found here ; but, as a general thing, of a coarse quality. There are several ponds, three of which have an outlet, called Pemaquid river, which falls into the harbor of that name, at the south part of the town. The leading pursuit of the inhabitants is seafaring. Something has been done in shipbuilding, though not on a very extensive scale. In the year 1854-55, four ships, one brig, and one schooner were con- structed here, making an aggregate of 3,425 tons. At the present writ- ing, the business has fallen off, only one schooner of forty-five tons having been built in 1856. In the way of manufacturing, little or noth- ing is done. There are four so-called villages, namely, Bristol Mills, Pemaquid Falls, Round Pond, and Walpole. Post-offices have been established at Bristol, Pemaquid, and Round Pond. There are seven churches in Bristol, three of which are Methodist, two Congregational, and two union meeting-houses; and nineteen school districts, with twenty schools. Population, 2,931 ; valuation, $251,075. Brooklin makes one of the extreme southern points of Hancock county, and was formerly a part of the town of Sedgwdck, from which it was incorporated in 1849. The inhabitants are engaged principally in fishing and seafaring. During the summer season, a considerable business is carried on in the manufacture of porgy oil. From five hun- dred to one thousand barrels have been made" annually, worth from MAIXr; — TOWN OF BllOOKS, ETC. 73 ^15 to $20 per barrel. The flesh of the fish, after the oil is thus pressed out, is found to be very serviceable upon the soil of this place, which, like many of the sea-board localities, cannot boast of its productiveness. The farms on which it has been used are rapidly improving. Brooklin has good harbors. A light-house was erected in 1856, on Fly's ledges. There are two small villages, one at the river, near Sedg- wick, the other at the corner, near Centre Harbor ; five boot and shoe manufactories, two barrel manufactories, six grocery stores, one church edifice, occupied by the Baptists and Congregationalists ; one post-office ; and ten school districts, with nineteen schools. Population, 1,002; val- uation, ^77,832. Brooks is situated near the centre of Waldo county, and was first settled in 1801, by three brothers, — Joseph, John, and Jonathan Roberts. Soon after, Benjamin Cilley, accompanied by his sons, Benjamin, Peter, and Simon, from Buckfield, in the county of Oxford, took up their resi- dence in the town. The settlement was originally called Washington, which it retained till its incorporation in 1818, when it received the name of Brooks, in honor of Governor Brooks of Massachusetts. Brooks is a small, hilly town, having generally a good soil, with some fine farms. Some attention is paid to agriculture, with good improve- ment. The town is well "watered. Marsh river, which takes its rise here, and empties into the Penobscot at Frankfort, has water-power suitable for mills. The first mills were built by Joseph Roberts, and called Roberts's mills. In the south part of the town is Passagassawaukeag pond, giving rise to Passagassawaukeag river, which runs through Waldo and the upper part of Belfast, and empties into Penobscot bay, affording in its com-se several excellent water privileges. At the outlet of the pond, in Brooks, are Ellis's mills ; and in the southerly part of the town are several small streams, supplying water-power part of the year. Brooks village is the principal place of business, having mills, stores, and a post-office. Some business is done at Lane's, two miles south of the village. The religious societies are Congregational, Free-will Bap- tist, Methodist, and Friends'. The first lawyer was Phineas Ashmun, who came in the early settlement as agent for Thorndike, Sears, and Prescott, the proprietors of land in Brooks, Jackson, and Thorndike. He was the first postmaster, holding the office many years, and died at an advanced age. The first physician was Jacob Roberts. The set- tlers purchased their lands of the proprietors, Thorndike, Sears, and Prescott. The inhabitants, in general, are temperate, industrious, well-informed, VOL. I. 7 74 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. and independent in word and action. Brooks was the native place of Hon. Woodbury Davis, one of the judges of the supreme court of Maine. No town of its size in the county has done more for the cause of freedom and of temperance. It has seven school districts ; and two post-offices, — Brooks and South Brooks. Population, 1,021 ; val- uation, ^102,343. Brooksville, Hancock county, is situated on the eastern shore of Penobscot bay, opposite Islesborough ; and, with the exception of the southeast corner, is entirely surrounded by water. It adjoins Sedgwick, and was formed from parts of Castine, Penobscot, and Sedgwick. Its history is almost entirely embodied in the articles on those towns, to which the reader is referred. The town was incorporated June 13, 1817. The surface is generally uneven, abounding in granite, of which there are several valuable quar- ries. The principal harbor is Buck's, a deep and safe cove, protected by a small island at its mouth. There are in town, one fulling-mill, three grist-mills, and four saw-mills ; also two churches, — Methodist and Congregationahst; thirteen school districts ; and one post-office. Popu- lation, 1,333; valuation, $105,901. Bro-\vnfield, Oxford county, adjoins Fryeburg on the north, and has Conway and Eaton, in New Hampshire, on the west. It was first organized as a plantation in 1787, and incorporated in 1802. It was originally granted by Massachusetts, in three several grants, to Henry Young Brown, who had been a captain in the French war, in considera- tion, it is supposed, of services rendered in that momentous struggle. He was to settle thirty-eight families therein by June 10, 1770 ; and, in three years from that time, to have a Protestant minister upon the terri- tory, — as a consideration in part, at least, for his grants. The first clearing of land was made by him, in May, 1765. In the war of 1812, when the population of the town was less than nine hundred, twenty- two persons entered the army, including one captain and three lieuten- ants. Of these, four died in the service by sickness, and eighteen returned, — two of them having been wounded. The first settled minister of Brownfield was the Rev. Jacob Rice, a graduate of Harvard College in 1765, who was ordained in 1805. The first schoolmaster was " Master Simeon Colby," canonized by seven years' successive rule and service in a single school district here. The town lies seventy miles southwesterly from Augusta, and forty miles northwesterly from Portland, and on the mail-stage route from Portland, through Fryeburg and Conway, to the notch of the White MAINE TOWN OF BROWNVILLE, ETC. 70 mountains. It is situated on Saco river, and is intersected by the Little Saco, Shepherd's river, Burnt-meadow and Ten-mile brooks. Much of the soil is of medium quality. Burnt-meadow and Frost mountains, the former rising about two thousand, and the latter, about fifteen hundred feet, are within the town, and are resorted to by lovers of extensive and charming views of wild and rural scenery. The centre village, on Shepherd's river, is the principal place of trade and business in the town. There are two church edifices, one belong- ing to the Congregationalists, the other to the Free-will Baptists and Methodists ; seventeen school districts, three grist-mills, three saw-mills, a large tannery, various small mechanical establishments, and one post- office. Population, 1,320 ; valuation, $159,636. Brownville, Piscataquis county, originally No. 5, range 8, north of the Waldo patent, was bargained, by the committee appointed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for the sale of eastern lands, to Samuel Fowler, March 2, 1795, for the sum of £2,963 14s. Id., of which sum he paid £261. In the month of June, 1803, he, in company with Benjamin Marshall and four others, made a survey of the town, laying it out in lots one mile long from north to south, and half a mile wide. In 1806, the town, falling again into the possession of the Common- wealth, was deeded by Read and Smith, agents for the state, to Moses Brown and Josiah HiUs, of Newburyport, Mass. During the summer of that year. Hills moved his family hither, and built a mill on Ebeme river. A part of the wooden dam then built is still in existence. Dr. Isaac Wilkins moved hither from Solon in 1808, and died about 1820. His son George kept the farm after his death, and still resides upon it. In 1810, according to the statement of James Rankin, there Avere but fifteen families here. The settlement was organized into a plantation in 1819, and incorporated as a town in 1824. There is one village belonging to Brownville, which is situated in the southwest part of the town ; and one post-office ; there are two church edifices, belonging to the Congregationalists and Methodists ; and nine school districts, with sixteen schools. The slate quarries in this town are of immense value. Two of them are now worked, and give em- ployment to about seventy men, most of whom are of Welsh origin. Population, 787 ; valuation, $78,987. BRxnsrswiCK is situated in the extreme eastern part of Cumberland county. The first settlement within the limits of the town was made by Thomas Purchas in 1628, under a supposed patent from the Plym- outh council ; but, finding his situation so exposed to the ravages of the 76 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. Indians, that he was constantly liable to their depredations, he sought the protection of Massachusetts, by assigning to the then governor, John Winthrop, " all the tract at Pejepscot,i lying on both sides of the river Androscoggin, four miles towards the sea." He succeeded, under the protecting arm of Massachusetts, in making a prosperous settlement here, but on the breaking out of King Philip's war it was destroyed by the Indians. Scarcely had it arisen from its ashes, when the colony charter of Massachusetts was annulled by the crown, and the ties which connected the inhabitants of Maine with Massachusetts were greatly weakened, if not entirely sundered. Some of the inhabitants, taking ad- vantage of this state of things, conceived the idea of purchasing this large tract of land of the natives ; and, on the 7th of July, 1684, the whole tract that had been taken up by Purchas, and other large tracts, having no very definite limits, were sold by several Indian sagamores to Richard Wharton. The widow and heirs of Purchas made some reservations, and then signed a quitclaim of the whole to Wharton. This is a brief account of the Pejepscot Purchase ; the disputed land claims and the vexatious lawsuits that grew out of it, were the most protracted and harassing to be found on the judicial records of the state. In 1690, the Indians made another incursion, and again burned the town ; but it was rebuilt in 1713-14 ; and, to secure the place against further pillage and destruction, a fort was erected in 1715, near ^vhere the village now stands, called Fort George, which, however, proved to be of little service to the inhabitants, as in Lovewell's Avar, "which occurred in 1722, the town was again laid in ashes. It was re- settled a third time in 1727, and on the 24th of June, 1737, was incor- porated, taking its name from one of the twelve states of the German Confederation. It is now one of the most important towns in the state. The village is very pleasantly situated on a plain near the mouth of the Androscoggin. The Kennebec and Portland Railroad passes through the town, a branch of which has recently been extended from Bruns- wick to Bath. Bowdoin College, a view of which is here given, is situated on an elevated plain in the southeast part of the village. It was chartered by the general court of Massachusetts on the 24th of June, 1794, and, at the same time, was endowed with five townships of land ; ^ and went ' The Indian name, signifying where " angry waters oomc gushing," referring, prob- ably, to the falls in the Androscoggin. Others, however, give as its meauin Yannouth was called IVesciistoffo by the Indians, and it is more than probable that they had a settlement on Lane's island, as several evidences have come to light, in the shape of skeletons of the aborigines, which would give reason for the supposition". MAINE — TOWN OF NORWAY. 239 here was Rev. Ammi R. Cutter, who officiated as a clergyman for some years, and afterwards studied medicine. He commanded a company under General Pepperrell in the memoiuble expedition to Louisburg, and remained there as surgeon to the garrison the winter following the surrender of that place. The surface is generally even, and the land of a good quality. North Yarmouth is watered by RoyaU's river, which runs directly through it. It contains two church edifices — Congregationalist and Methodist ; nine school districts, and nine schools ; two saw-mills, one grist-mill, and two post-offices — Centre and East North Yarmouth. Population, 1,121 ; valuation, ^395,501. Norway, in the southerly part of Oxford county, is estimated to con- tain about twenty-five thousand acres, consisting of a tract, estimated at six thousand acres, purchased of Massachusetts in 1787 ; a six thou- sand acre tract granted to Mr. Lee, and called the Lee Grant ; and two other tracts, known as the Cummings Gore, and the Kent Gore. The township w^as brought to the notice of the first settlers by the reports of hunters, who travelled through its territory in pursuit of deer and other game, with which the forests abounded. James Stinchfield, Jonas Ste- vens, and some others, came into the township on a hunting excursion around the great Pennessewasse pond and other streams, and, seeing the beautiful growth of wood and other indications of fertile soU, deter- mined to settle here. In 1786, Joseph and Jonas Stevens, Jeremiah and Amos Hobbs, and George Lessley, came and commenced vigorous efibrts in clearing lands and erecting dwellings. Shortly, three of them brought their families. Many others soon followed ; and the place began to wear a populous aspect. Captain Rust, a large proprietor of land, performed many acts of kindness to the settlers, for which he was very much beloved and esteemed ; and, in honor of him, the township received its name, which it retained until its incorporation, March 9, 1797. At this date, the inhabitants were thinly scattered about in small clearings, dotted here and there with log houses, many of them with large families of young children, often poorly clad and fed ; notwithstanding which, they were not without their comforts and consolations. Many of the earlier settlers were soldiers in the Revolution ; one of whom, Phineas Whitney, served throughout the war, and was at the battle of Bunker HUl, being one of the last to leave the field. In 1843, the records of the town from the beginning were destroyed by fire. Norway has a fertile soil, and is watered by the great Pennessewasse pond, which furnishes good water-power for mills and other machinery. 240 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. By industry and economy, rapid advances have been made in agricul- tural improvements — in buildings, and in mechanical and mercantile business. Noi-way has five meeting-houses — two Congregational, one Baptist, one Free-will Baptist, and one Methodist ; thirteen school dis- tricts, with fifteen schools ; a prosperous academy, a weekly newspaper, twelve or fifteen stores, ten blacksmith shops, two iron founderies, seven saw-mills, two grist-mills, clapboard, shingle and lath machines, a plough factory, one large carriage factory, a large paper-mill with the latest im- provements, carding and clothier's mills, and a variety of boot and shoe establishments ; as also two post-offices — Norway and North Norway. Population, 1,963 ; valuation, |326,473. Oldtown, Penobscot county, is situated on the west side of the Penobscot river, about twelve miles above Bangor. Its history will be found in that of Orono, of which it formed a part until March, 1840, when it was incorporated as a separate town. The inhabitants, mostly from the western part of the state, were enticed here by the hope of making a fortune in the lumber business; and are an enterprising, active, and intelligent population. They seem to be a homogeneous compound of people from various nations, particularly Irish, Germans, Canadians, and Scotch. The surface is generally pretty even. A " horseback," so called, runs the entire length, from north to south, which, according to the testimony of geologists, has been formed by the action of water. The town is drained by Penobscot river, and Pushaw and Birch streams. Agricul- ture is but little attended to, the inhabitants being principally engrossed in the lumber business, which is very extensively carried on. There are twelve gangs and fifty-nine single saws employed in sawing boards and timber, and some fifty machines used in the manufacture of clapboards, shingles, laths, and other small lumber. The Bangor, Oldtown, and Milford Railroad, the second completed in the United States, passes through here. The Penobscot Railroad, now building, will also pass through. A noticeable feature in Oldtown is the boom in Penobscot river, erected some years since at a cost of §J100,000. Its object is to stop all the lumber coming down the river, and prevent its going out to sea. During the rafting season, there are three hundred men or more employed in rafting out the lumber which is driven into it. The largest quantity ever rafted in one year was in 1855,-181,000,000 feet. There was estimated, at one time, to be six hundred acres of logs in the boom, from which some idea can be formed of the magnitude and importance of the lumber business. There are four villages — Upper Stillwater, Greatworlvs, Pushaw, and MAINE — TOWN OF ORIENT, ETC. 241 Oldtown village, which latter contains a majority of the inhabitants. In this village is located the Lumberman's Bank, with a capital of $75,000. There are also five dry goods and four variety stores, four groceries, two millinery shops, three clothing stores, one tin manu- factory, and one saddlery. It has eight school districts, with sixteen schools ; seven churches — Congregationalist, Baptist, Episcopalian, Universalist, Methodist, Union, and Roman Catholic ; three post-offices — Oldtown, .Upper Stillwater, and West Greatworks. Population, 3,087; valuation for 1858, $496,094. Orient, in the southern part of Aroostook county, was surveyed in 1831 by General John Webber, and the settlement was soon after com- menced by Abraham Longley and others. It became an incorporated town in 1856, and was made up of Orient gore, and the east half of township No. 9, lying west of the gore, and south of the town of Amity, near the monument, in the county of Aroostook. The westerly part is broken ; but the easterly part, bordering on the Schoodic Grand lake, is quite level, has a tolerably good soil, and is partly cleared. It has one post-office, and three school districts. Population, 205. Orland, Hancock county, situated on the east bank of the Penobscot river, was one of the six first-class townships granted by Massachusetts, in 1762, to David Marsh and 559 others. It became an incorporated town, February 11, 1800, and its surface is rough and broken. It is watered by a chain of ponds extending nearly its whole length, called Toddy ponds, having their outlet in the Penobscot river. Besides these there are Cragie's and Long ponds, lying mostly in Bucksport, as also Great pond. Orland is not very valuable for agricultural purposes, and as a consequence the inhabitants are principally engaged in other pur- suits, mainly lumbering, ship-building, and fishing. There is one village in Orland, three church edifices — Methodist, Congregational, and Uni- versalist; eighteen school districts, and twenty-two schools; six saw- mills, two grist-mills; and one post-office. Population, 1,579; valua- tion, $277,433. Orneville, in the southeast part of Piscataquis county, was incor- porated in 1832, under the name of Milton, afterwards changed to Almond, and then to Orneville. It is watered by several ponds and by the Pushaw river, a tributary of the Penobscot. The surface is rolling and the soil good. It contains eight school districts, with the same number of schools ; one post-office ; two grist-mills, three saw-miUs, and VOL. I. 21 242 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLA2JD. two shingle mills. The Bangor post-road passes through the village. Population, 424 ; valuation, $28,926. Orono, Penobscot county, is situated on the west bank of the Penob- scot river, and joins Bangor on the north. It was originally the property of Massachusetts, and was settled, in 1774, by Jeremiah Colburn and Joshua Ayres. It embraced an island in the Penobscot river, which was settled soon after by John Marsh, and consequently called Marsh Island. The McPheters, the Whites, and the Spencers were early set- tlers. John Bennoch, a native of Scotland, came here from Boston about 1808, and Andrew Webster, father of the late Col. E. Webster, settled about the same time. They were the most active and enter- prising among the lumbermen on the river, and contributed largely in laying the foundation of the present prosperity of Orono. The planta- tion name was Stillwater. It included Oldtown as a part of its territory until 1840, the period of its incorporation. The present name was de- rived from a distinguished chief of the Tarratine tribe of Indians, who had his residence here, and whose devotion to American liberty was regarded as a strong reason for thus perpetuating his memory. The surface is generally even. Immediately on the banks of the Penobscot there is some fine tillage land ; but back from the river it is poor and unproductive. Marsh island is connected with the main land by a covered toll-bridge. The Bangor and Oldtown Railroad passes through the western part, and the Orono and Milford follows up the west bank of the Penobscot, both crossing the Stillwater branch, as well as the main river, to Milford, which at present is the terminus of both. Lumbering and j&shing were the principal occupations of the inhabitants for many years ; but, of late, they have turned their attention more to agriculture. There are two sets of saw-mills on the first dam, having three gangs and twenty single saws, together with shingle, lath, and clapboard machines ; and on the second dam, three gangs -and twenty- seven single saws, a portion of which are in operation. There is also at this place another block of mills, called the Basin mills, drawing the water by which they are propelled from the main river. They contain two gangs and about twenty single saws, besides several shingle, lath, and clapboard machines. This block has superior advantages over the others in not being affected by drought, and by having facilities for se- curing and containing a large number of logs. The town has one village, part of which is situated on the main land, and a part on Marsh Island ; three church edifices — Congregational, Methodist, and UniversaKst ; the Orono Bank, with a capital of $50,000; two post-offices — Orono and Upper Stillwater; and one school district, with twelve schools. Population, 2,785 ; valuation, ^259,930. ETC. 243 Orrington, Penobscot county, is situated on the east bank of Penob- scot river, and formerly comprised within its territory Brewer and Holden. It was settled by mariners from Massachusetts, who had been compelled, in the Revolutionary war, to leave their legitimate business and seek other employments. As soon as hostilities ceased, many of these settlers, with their sous, sought again a life on the ocean. Captain Brewer and Simeon Fowler were among the early settlers, and pur- chased from the government a tract of land on Penobscot river, contain- ing 10,864 acres, for which they paid £3,000 in consolidated notes. The remainder was granted to Moses Knapp and others. The survey was made in 1784, and the town was incorporated in 1788. The surface is a medium between that of Bucksport and Brewer — not so hilly and rocky as the former, and not so level, sandy, or loamy as the latter. It is drained by Brewer and Wentworth streams, which flow diagonally through the town, and fall into the Penobscot. Orrington has three small villages ; four church edifices — three Methodist and one Congregational; twelve school districts, with thirteen schools; seven saw-mills, two grist-mills, tw^o shingle mills, one wood-turning establish- ment, one tannery, and four post-offices — Orrington, South Orrington, East Orrington, and Goodale's Corner. Population, 1,852 ; valuation, $256,605. Otis, Hancock county, is bounded on the north by Ellsworth. The first settlements were commenced about fifty years ago. Among those w^ho Avere prominent pioneers in the work of improvement w^ere Isaac Frazer, W. M. Jellison, Nathan Young, Allan Milliken, James Gil- patrick, Benjamin Davis, and others. The first farms were cleared in 1823, the titles to them having been obtained from Leonard Jarvis. Otis was incorporated in 1835. Its surface is quite uneven. Some of the rivers which flow into Frenchman's bay have their source here, and Union river passes the northwest corner. On Flood's pond several mills are built, and Springy pond is the site of a clapboard mill. On Beech Hill pond there are other mills, owned by residents of Ellsworth. The principal portion of the inhabitants are Free-will Baptists ; as yet, how- ever, they own no church edifice, and from necessity hold their meet- ings in the school-houses. There are three school districts, with the same number of schools ; and one post-office. Population, 124 ; valua- tion, ^19,341. Otisfield, in the northern part of Cumberland county, thirty miles from Portland, was formerly a plantation under the same name. It was incorporated in February, 1798. The soil is very good, and as an 244 HISTOKY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. evidence of its productiveness, it may be stated, that, in 1837, it yielded four thousand four hundred and twenty-five bushels of wheat. It is wa- tered by Pequawket river, which empties into Sebago lake, and by Thompson's pond. There is a pond known as Long pond, lying partly in this town and partly in Casco, having its outlet in Pequawket river. Otisfield contains two church edifices, one occupied by the Methodists, and the other by the Free-will Baptists ; twelve school districts, with twenty-four schools ; three saw-miUs ; four shingle machines ; a capital invested in trade of about $6,000 ; and three post-offices — Bolster Mills, Otisfield, and East Otisfield. Population, 1,171 ; valuation, $211,185. Oxford, in the southerly part of Oxford county, originally formed a part of Hebron, from which it was incorporated in 1829. It was set- tled during the closing years of the Revolutionary war by Captain Isaac Bolster from Worcester, John Caldwell from Ipswich, Job and Joseph Cushman and Peter Thayer from Plympton, Daniel Whitney, Daniel Bullen, Zadoc and Abraham Dean, BLLiot Richmond, Daniel and Asa Bartlett, Nathaniel FuUer, Holmes Thomas, Zebulon Chadbourne, James Soule, and James Perry from different places, — all from Massa- chusetts. These settlers came within a few years of each other. The progress of the settlement was slow, — more so from the various obsta- cles that deterred settlers from pushing out into the wilderness, than from any difficulties presented by the soil or position of the place. William C. Whitney settled here in 1796, and remained until about 1840, having held several important offices. J. S. Keith and J. J. Perry are distinguished residents, both having been members of the state senate. Mr. Perry recently represented this district in the Congress of the United States, and has been chosen to the thirty-sixth Congress. The surface is somewhat hiUy, but nearly all of it capable of cultiva- tion. Water is supplied by the Little Androscoggin river and the outlet of Thompson's pond, on which there are some good mill-sites. There are in Oxford three saw-mills, a grist-mill, two wooUen factories, a tannery ; two villages -»- Welchville and Cragie's Mills ; three religious societies — Congregational, Methodist, and Baptist, — the two former of wliich have houses of public worship ; ten school districts, and ten schools; and two post-offices — Oxford and Welchville. Population, 1,233 ; valuation, $183,800. Oxford County extends about one hundred miles in length upon the western boundary of the state, and made originally the northern parts of York and Cumberland. The act establishing it was passed March 4, 1805. Its southerly line then began upon the Androscoggin, at the MAINE TOWN OF PALERMO. 245 southeasterly corner of the town of Turner, and ran west to the present easterly line of the county ; thence southerly and Avesterly as the line now runs, taking in Hebron, Norway, Waterford, and the towns of Sweden, Denmariv, and Hiram, since incorporated. Great Ossipee river was made its southern limit, Canada its northern, and its west- ern the state of New Hampshire. In 1838, the county of Franklin received five towns and a large number of plantations from Oxford, making more than half its territory. In 1854, it gave two towns to form Androscoggin county. It has now thirty-four towns and eighteen plantations and parts of plantations, covering an area of about seventeen hundred square miles, the northern portion of .which is mostly unsettled. Some parts are rough and mountainous; but the greater portion is fertile, and well adapted to cultivation, especially that along the rivers and lakes. The county is well watered by the Androscoggin, Saco, and their tributaries, and in the northern part are the large lakes Umbagog and Moose locmeguntic. It is traversed by the Grand Trunk Railway. Paris has always been the shire town. The county belongs to the western judicial district, the law terms of which are held at Portland. The jury terms of the supreme judicial court for civil and criminal business commence at Paris on the second Tuesdays of March, August, and November. Population, 35,463 ; valuation, ^5,349,340. Palermo is situated in the west part of Waldo county, twenty-four miles from Belfast. It was formerly called Sheepscot Great Pond, and the petition for incorporation was presented in 1801, which set forth,, among other things, that they had " a great proportion of roads to make and maintain within their bounds, and ten miles of road at least out of their limits, which road led to the head of navigation on Sheepscot river, their nighest market." The petitioners were fifty-five in number, among whom were Gabriel Hamilton, Jacob Greeley, Jabez Lewis, James Dennis, William C. Hay, Joseph Whittier, Charles Lewis, Sam- uel and Stephen Longfellow, John Gliddon, and Joseph Bowler. The township was surveyed in August, 1800, by William Davis, and con- tained 27,100 acres. It was incorporated by its present name (Lisbon was the one mentioned in the petition), June 23, 1804. The surface is varied with hill and dale, but not mountainous ; and the soil is good, consisting mainly of a gravelly loam. Palermo has one village, called Branch Mills ; two Baptist church edifices ; fifteen school districts, with thirteen schools; three post-offices — Palermo, Palermo Centre, and East Palermo ; three saw-mills, two grist-mills, three shin- gle machines, and one starch factory. Population, 1,659; valuation, ^177,886. 246 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. Palmyra, in the southeast part of Somerset county, twenty-five miles from Norridgewock, was purchased of Massachusetts by a Mr. Barnard of New Hampshire, for twelve and a half cents per acre, and was after- wards sold by him to Dr. John Warren of Boston. It was surveyed, in 1798, by Samuel Weston. The first settler was Daniel Gale, who re- moved his family here in 1800. It was incorporated in 1807, and a post-office was established in 1824. The surface is rolling, and the soil very productive of grass and grain, to the cultivation of which, attention is mostly directed. Palmyra is drained by the outlet of Moose pond, — the west branch of Sebasticook river, — which affords water-power. The town contains one church edifice (Methodist), fifteen school dis- tricts, with the same number of schools, and the various elements neces- sary to the comfort and convenience of a country town. Population, 1,625 ; valuation, $162,897. Paris, the shire town of Oxford county, is situated forty-seven miles northwest from Portland, and about forty-two miles west from Augusta. It extends from northeast to southwest about twelve miles, and from southeast to northwest about six miles, and contains about seventy square miles. It was originally granted to Captain Joshua Fuller and his sixty-four privates, by Massachusetts, in 1771. The first settlement was commenced in 1779, near the centre of the town, by John Daniels, John Willis, Benjamin Hammond, Lemuel Jackson, and Uriah Ripley. Joseph Daniels, born in February, 1784, who is stiU living, and has always been a resident, was the first native citizen. The first settled minister was Jaines Hooper, Baptist, who was ordained in Lemuel Jackson's barn, June 25, 1795. Mr. Hooper remained in charge of his church forty years. In 1803, the Baptists erected a house for public worship at Paris Hill. Paris was incorporated June 20, 1793, and be- came the shire town upon the incorporation of the county in 1805. It has furnished six members of congress, namely, Levi Hubbard, Albion K. Parris, Enoch Lincoln, Timothy J. Carter, Rufus K. Goodenow, and Charles Andrews, of whom the last only was a native. The surface is uneven. Streaked mountain, on its eastern line, being its highest elevation. It presents every variety of soil except clay, very little of which is found. It is superior for pasturage and hay crops, and ' is one of the best stock and dairy towns in the state. The orchards are large and productive, and a source of great income. The first apple- tree and pear-tree were brought by Lemuel Jackson from Massachu- setts in 1780, and both are still in good condition. Moose pond, in the north pai-t, is tlic only sheet of water of any magnitude. The Little Androscoggin runs its entire length from northwest to southeast, and MAINE - ■TOWX OF PAIUS. 247 furnishes several fine water privileges, whieli are occupied by saw and grist-mills, a woollen factory, manufactories for cane-seat chairs, cast- iron ploughs, and portable galvanized iron ovens. Boots and shoes are manufactured to some extent. In the north part is a beautiful spring, whose waters are strongly impregnated with sulphur and nitre. Snow's falls, on the Little Androscoggin, is one of the wildest and most pic- turesque waterfalls. Mount Mica, in the eastern part, is much resorted to by the scientific to obtain specimens of mica, green and red tourma- lines ; other minerals being also found here in abmidance. The Grand County Buildings upon Paris Hill-^ Trunlv Railway runs the entire length of the town. It crosses the Lit- ile AiKh'oscoggin upon a granite bridge, erected at a cost of $60,000. There are three villages — Paris Hill, South Paris, and North Paris, the first of which contains fifty-five dwelling-liouses and the county buildings, and, from its high elevation, enjoys a fine air and delightful ])rospect. The Oxford Normal Institute, at South Paris, has for years been a flonrishing literary institution. The Paris Hill academy, erectt'd and sustained solely by individual effort, is well jiaironized, and has a very desirable location. There are eighteen school distrii-ts ; four church edifices — one Congregational, two ^Icthodist, and one Baptist; five post-olRees — Paris, Soutli Paris, AVest Paris, North Paris, and Snow's Falls. Population, 2,SS;2 ; valuation for 18-38, 8340,800. ' Tlic above view was taken in Jamiavv, 1S5S, and lias as much scope as could ^\■cl\ lie obtaincil by tlic caniei'a, on acconnt of the sharp elevation of the hill above all neii,dibor- iiig points. The i'oregronnd of the picture indicates the mode of the artist's arrival. 248 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. Parkman, in the southern part of Piscataquis county, fifteen miles from Dover, was incorporated in 1822, and received its name from Dr. George Parkman, who was murdered by Dr. Webster. It is Avatered by a branch of Piscataquis river; and the surface is generally even, with a soil excellently adapted to agricultural development. The man- ufacture of butter and cheese receives considerable attention. A thriv- ing little village, called Parkman Corner, has sprung up near the centre of the town. The people have intelligence, thrift, and industry, and are reaping the benefits arising from these characteristics. There are three church edifices (Methodist, Free-will Baptist, and Congregational) ; fourteen school districts, with twenty-four schools ; two post-offices — Parkman and Parkman Centre ; one grist-mill, two saw-mills, and two shingle mills. Population, 1,243 ; valuation, - MAINE — TOA\ OP PERU. 251 the three proposed new towns of Brunswick, Topsham, and Harpswell. Their prayer was granted, and Fort George was built and garrisoned for their defence. The legislature gave further confirmation in 1726, but with this clause — " saving aU other interests that may be found therein." The history of this purchase had now reached a point where controversy could not be allayed without the arbitrament of law ; or, this failing, till the parties, — worn out with tedious litigation, — should be more disposed to a compromise.^ The case occupied much time at a term of the court in 1754, being conducted by two of the ablest advo- cates in the country — -the attorney-general, Jeremiah Gridley, for the Plymouth company, and the renowned James Otis, for the Pejepscot ]iroprietors. A compromise was arranged, after much difficulty, in 1758, but was not finally carried out till 1766, when the Pejepscot pro- prietors released to the Plymouth company the lands between New Meadows and Kennebec rivers, — comprising the present towns of Phips- burg and Bath, — and determined the line between them, on the south of the latter company, to run from the mouth of the Cathance river, W. N. W., and the west line to be fifteen miles from Kennebec river.^ But, in regard to the true running of the compromise line, disputes afterwards arose, which were not decided until the present century. Massachusetts had, in 1787, defined the Twenty-mile falls to be Lewiston falls, which gave the proprietors all below that point on the west, and below a line near the north line of Leeds on the east. Dissatisfied with this, they procured a reference in 1798, composed of Levi Lincoln, Samuel Dexter, and Thomas Dwight, and refused to abide by the award made in 1800 ; but were compelled to do so by actions brought on the award, decided against them in 1814, by which the tract was limited as fixed by the legislature, embracing, on the west side of the Androscoggin, Brunswick, the greater part of Durham and Danville, a corner of Poland, and the present town of Auburn ; and, on the easterly side, Topsham, a part of Lisbon, all of Lewiston and Greene, and three fourths of Leeds. Peru, Oxford county, bounded north by the Androscoggin river, is twenty-eight miles from Augusta. The original grant of two miles square was made by Massachusetts to Merrill Knight, Daniel Lunt, Wil- ward of that line, down to Merry-lNleeting bay" — wliich confirmation only increased the difficulty, by coming into collision with the Kennebec proprietors, or the Plymouth com- pany. ' " These proprietors had waged a paper war some time before they carried their con- troversy into court. Pamphlets were published on both sides, in which personal abuse was not spared." — Smith and Deane's Journal., p. 157, note 1, by William Willis. ^ See Kennebec Purchase, ante, p. 169. 252 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OP NEW ENGLAND. liam Brackett, and a Mr. Bradish of Falmouth. The settlement was commenced by Knight, who came with a large family about the year 1793. He was soon followed by Lunt and Brackett, and by William Walker, Osborn Trask, and Brady Bailey, also from Falmouth. Many others soon settled upon the same tract, the descendants of whom form a considerable portion of the population of Peru. The remainder of the township was afterwards purchased of the state, in tracts or grants, by E. Fox, Lunt, Thompson, and Peck, and separated into as many grants, designated as Peck's, Fox's and Thompson's grants, and Lunt's upper and lower tracts, the upper tract including the original grant of two miles square. From these proprietors the settlers obtained their titles. The township was organized as a plantation in 1812, and incorpo- rated as a town in 1821. The surface is uneven and broken. On the Androscoggin, which forms its northeasterly boundary, there is generally a narrow interval, between the river and highland, very smooth and fertile. Bordering upon Spear's stream are also several farms of like smoothness and fertility. Wheat and other grain were formerly among the staple productions ; but of late these have been superseded by corn, oats, hay, and grass. The soU of Peru continues good and equally free from stone to the very summit of the hills, on which may be seen some of the best plough fields. The only mountains of note are Black Mountain and Tumble-down Dick, more commonly called Dick. Black Mountain received its name from its black appearance when first discovered, being at that time covered with a dense growth of pine, spruce, and hemlock, to its very summit. Dick is a small mountain, which, when viewed from a distance, resembles Mount Washington. On the north it rises grad- ually to its summit, and on the south it breaks off in an abrupt and frightful precipice, never scaled by man or beast. At the foot of this mountain is a small pond, known as the Cranberry pond. Further to the east, in the southerly and easterly part of the town, is Worthy pond, which is some two miles in length. The small Cranberry pond is the source of the east branch of Twenty Mile river. Spear's stream crosses the town, draining much of its waters and those of Franklin plan- tation into the Androscog-ffin. Hon. Samuel R. Thurston, first delegate to Congress from Oregon Territory, was a native of Peru. He died on his passage between San Francisco and Oregon, en route home. James H. Withington, formerly the able and successful principal of HalloweU academy, was also a native. There is a small place of business on Spear's stream, formerly known as Putnam's Mills, having a grist-mill, saw-mill, shingle and lath mill ; MAINE TOWN OF PEMBROKE. » 253 a cabinet-maker, blacksmith, and two stores. Peru has two post-offices — Peru and West Peru ; one church edifice, owned and occupied by the Episcopal Methodists ; and eleven school districts, with twenty-two schools. Population, 1,109 ; valuation in 1858, $133,804. Pembroke, Washington county, is situated on an arm of Passama- quoddy bay, and adjoins Perry on the east. The first settlers were Hateville Leighton, Edmund Mahar, and William Clark, who arrived here about 1774. They were soon followed by Robert Ash, M. Denho, Joseph Bridges, Zadock Hersey, Caleb Hersey, Samuel Sprague, The- ophilus Wilder, Bela Wilder, Moses Gardiner, Stephen Gardiner, and M. Dunbar, most of whom came from Maine and Massachusetts. It is said, but without proof, that Theophilus Wilder settled here as early as 1740. These settlers brought with them the industrial and frugal habits, respect for law, love of order, and the stern virtues, of an illustrious an- cestry. They obtained the titles to their lands from General Benjamin Lincoln, of Revolutionary memory, and other proprietors. The Indian name was Pennamaquon. Pembroke was originally incorporated as a part of Dennysville; but was set off and incorporated as a separate town in 1832. The surface is uneven, but there are no mountains of note. A considerable portion of the land is suitable for agricultural purposes, but the citizens have not as yet turned their attention that way. There are, however, a few good farms, sufficient to settle the question that farming can be made profitable. Among the natural curiosities of this section of country are the far-famed Cobscook falls, caused by the tumultuous rushing of a vast column of water through a narrow passage, over rugged rocks, into and out of an immense basin or reservoir. It bears some resemblance to Hurl-gate, New York ; the scene here, if possible, being more terrific and wild than there. Prior to the year 1844, some three or four small vessels were biult here ; and, in that year, Hon. S. C. Foster permanently established the ship-building business, and pursued it for a number of years, during which he built a large fleet of vessels. There are now seven ship-yards. Pembroke has one of the best harbors on the coast of Maine. The town has been settled for nearly a century, and though about one hun- dred sail of vessels visit the harbor annually, not one was ever lost within its precincts. A large factory for the manufacture of iron has been erected, the main building of which is 171 feet wide and 160 feet in length, a view of which is here given. It was erected under the auspices of General Ezekiel Foster, an enterprising merchant of East- port, and is situated on the Pennamaquon stream, near the head of tide- VOL. I. 22 254 " HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. water, which furnishes it with unsurpassed water-power, rarely inter- rupted by drought. The dams are built of stone, at a trifling expense, and are entirely free from any hazard by flooding. This factory is sup- plied with all the essentials necessaiy to the prosecution of an exten- sive business, and the grounds and general arrangements are made with special reference to convenience, utility, and economy. The proprietor- ship has changed hands two or three times, and the establishment is now owned by Messrs. William E. Coffin and Company, of Boston. ■The quantity of iron spikes, rivets, and nails produced at this factory in 1856 did not fall short of five thousand tons. The iron produced here is said to be equal to any manufactured on the globe. The southern shores of Pembroke are washed by the sea ; the harbor is easy of access, and its proximity to the fishing grounds renders it one of the best locations for carrying on that important branch of business in this region, the resources of which are inexhaustible ; it has a water- power unemployed, except for unimportant purposes, sufficient to carry several large factories. Its advantages for farming, lumbering, fishing, manufacturing, ship-building, and carrying on the freighting business, warrant the behef, that, eventually, Pembroke will raise its head among the important towns of the state. Pembroke contains two church edi- fices, one a Union church, and the other a Baptist; eleven school dis- tricts, with the same number of schools ; one post-office, one stone fac- tory, three saw-mills, one grist-mill, four shingle machines, four lath machines, and one rolfing-mill, connected -with which is a spike, nail, and rivet factory. Population, 1,712 ; valuation, $158,994. Penobscot, Hancock county, is situated east of Penobscot bay, oppo- site Belfast. It formerly embraced within its limits Castine and a great part of Brooksville, extending from Orland, by the shores of Penobscot river and bay, around by Cape Rozier to Buck's harbor. What year the settlement was commenced is uncertain. The birth of the first child, Mary Grindle, which took place in 1765, leads us to suppose, however, that it occurred about that period. Some of the early settlers were Charles Hutching, Giles Johnson, Elijah Winslow, Jonathan WardweU, Pelatiah Leach, Andrew Herrick, David Dunbar, Elijah Littlefield, and Eliphalet Lowell, nearly all of whom came from towns in Maine. The settlers obtained the titles to their lands from the proprietors. Penobscot was incorporated in 1787. The surface is generally smooth and even, there being no eminences of any note. There are t'W'^o ponds, each being about three miles in circumference, on the outlets of which there are good mill-sites. There is a small village at the head of the Northern bay, having three stores, and other places of business. MAINE COUNTY OF PENOBSCOT. • 255 The manufactures consist of two or three coopering establishments, four or five shoe factories, three saw-mills, and three grist-mills. Agri- culture is the principal occupation of the inhabitants ; though even that is not prosecuted very extensively. There are three meeting-houses — two Methodist, and one Union meeting-house ; fourteen school districts, with the same number of schools ; and two post-offices — Penobscot, and North Penobscot. Population, 1,556 ; valuation, $160,286. Penobscot County, situated towards the easterly part of the state, is of a long, irregular shape, presenting three dissimilar rectangles, and has an area of two thousand seven hundred and sixty square miles. The act establishing it was passed February 15, 1816, under which it was made to include " all that territory in the county of Hancock which lies north of the Waldo Patent, on the west side of Penobscot river, and north and west of the following lines on the east side of said river ; beginning at said river at the south line of Orrington, Brewer, and the gore east of Brewer, to the west line of the Bingham Purchase ; thence northerly by said Bingham Purchase, to the northwest corner thereof; thence easterly on the north line of said Bingham Purchase to the county of Wash- ington." The county then embraced two or three times its present area. The organization of Piscataquis county, in 1838, deprived Penob- scot of the five ranges of townships north of Dexter, Garland, Charleston, Bradford, and Lagrange; and the next year, Aroostook received from Penobscot the ranges of townships numbered three, four, and five north of Mattawamkeag. In 1843, Penobscot was again cut down by an- nexing to Aroostook ranges of townships six, seven, and eight north of township numbered eight. Its territory remains as it was left at that time, and but little more than half of it has yet been settled. There are forty-seven towns and forty-one plantations. The surface is diversified with hill and dale ; but there are no elevations of note. The soU is generally fertile, and produces good crops of hay, wheat, corn, and po- tatoes. The manufacture and shipping of lumber have for many years monopolized the capital and energies of the people ; but as these em- ployments are becoming less lucrative by reason of the large influx of timber from the region of the great lakes of our country, attention is more and more turned to that sure basis of the wealth and prosperity of a state, — agriculture. The Penobscot — that crowning glory of God's handiwork among the rivers of Maine — traverses the entire length of the county, and receives in its course the waters of the Mattawamkeag, Piscataquis, Passadumkeag, Greatworks, Pusliaw, and Kenduskeag rivers, and many others of less magnitude. About one half the length of the excellent mihtary road from Bangor into Aroostook lies within 256 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. this county. It is also traversed by the Penobscot and Kennebec, and the Bangor, Oldtown, and Milford Raih-oads, and will be the route of the projected European and North American Railroad, if that great con- necting link shall ever be completed. Bangor has always been the capital. The supreme judicial court holds a law terra here for the eastern district (which embraces the counties of Waldo, Piscataquis, Penobscot, Hancock, Washington, and Aroostook), on the fourth Tuesday of May. The jury terms of this court for civil business commence on the first Tuesdays of January, April, and October; for criminal business, on the first Tuesdays of Feb- ruary and August. Population, 63,089 ; valuation, $9,094,465. Perkins, Sagadahoc county, is an island in Kennebec river, formerly called Swan island, a part of Dresden, from which it was incorporated June 24, 1847; and is four miles long by two hundred rods wide. It is noted for being at one time the residence of the bashaba of the Abnalci nation. It is well situated both for agricultural and mercantile business. It has one school district, with a maximum winter attendance of fourteen scholars. Population, 84 ; valuation, $26,721. Perry, Washington county, is washed on its eastern shore by the waters of the Passamaquoddy, and on the south by those of Cobs- cook bay, giving, by their numerous indentations, an extent of about forty miles of sea-coast. This township was sold by the state of Massa- chusetts, in 1783 or '84, to General Benjamin Lincoln and others, on condition that the proprietors should place here twenty settlers within a given time, and give to each one hundred acres of land. This was very soon accomjilished, for Perry was a fine timbered township, and the lum- ber was easily got to market, which was a very prominent object with new settlers. For many years, the forest furnished the principal means of subsistence. The trade of the settlers was mainly with St Andrew and Robbinston, carrying thither timber, spars, shingles, and other articles, and bringing back provisions and rum. In process of time, however, there were a few trading houses built on Moose island (now Eastport), which diverted a part of the trade of the town in that direc- tion. It seems surprising, that men could sustain life as the people here did; and the wonder increases, when we consider that they had under their feet a soil, and around them a climate, capable of furnishing all of the necessaries, and many of the luxuries, of life. This state of things continued till 1808, when even the settlers in this remote part of an almost unknown region felt the effects of the political tornado that was desolating Europe. Bonaparte had stopped the MAIXE TOWS OF PUILLIPS. 257 English in their shipment of timber from the Baltic, which as a conse- quence diverted their trade to her colonies on this side of the Atlantic. St. Andrew grew up very rapidly; and the timber trade became the business of the whole surrounding region. This was then the California of the country. One man alone got out timber in ten days which he sold for $300 ; and it w^as no uncommon thing for men to bring home $500, and even ^1000, at a time, as the proceeds of their lumber. But where is it all now ? It is not in Perry. It seems to be a law of nature, that a curse must always attend the lumber business, and that poverty must be its constant attendant. Money could be obtained so much more easily by lumbering than by the slow returns of agricultural pursuits, that the inhabitants neglected to avail themselves of this sure source of independence, if not of w^ealth ; and, in process of time, they found themselves, with their improvident and wasteful habits, living from hand to mouth, their market destroyed, their resources cut off, and their families destitute. The climate is salubrious, not subject to the extremes of heat and cold, — the thermometer seldom rising above 75° or falling below 10°. The shores are bold, allowing vessels of one hundred tons, in most places, to lie so near as to be laden from the bank by wheeling from fifty to eighty feet. The tide rises thirty feet The surface is free from mountains or large hills. The southern part of the town is very rocky and uneven ; the northern part, more level. There is a lake (" Boy- den's ") in the northwest part, emptying into Passamaquoddy bay by Little river, affording by its falls numerous mill-sites. Farming is the most common employment of the inhabitants, who live pretty equally distributed along the coasts of the two bays, forming nowhere a settle- ment which can properly be called a village. At Little river, however, there is a meeting-house, (Congregational,) a school-house, post-office, store, blacksmith shop, three saw-mills, and a grist-miU. The only other church edifice is a Roman Cathohc chapel at Pleasant Point. There is a Unitarian society. The post-office is furnished with a mail occasionally, — when the postmaster can find some market-man willing to convey it from Eastport, — as a regular conveyance would not pay the expense, and the government is too poor. Beside the mills before mentioned, there are several shingle and lath mills, one fulling-mill, and a cardin"--machine. There are thirteen school districts, with twelve schools. Population, 1,324 ; valuation, $115,374. Phillips, Franklin county, lies about seventeen miles northwesterly from Farmington. It was formerly called Curvo, a name it received from Captain Perldns Allen, on account of its resemblance to a port he 22* 258 HISTOKY AND DESCKIPTIOX OF NEW ENGLAND. had visited in a foreign voyage. Improvements were commenced as early as 1790 or 1791, — Perkins Allen, Selli Greeley and son, Jonathan Pratt, Uriah and Joseph Howard, and Isaac Davenport, being among the first settlers. The town was endowed with corporate privileges, February 5, 1812, and received its name in honor of Mr. Phillips, the former proprietor. The soil is productive, the water-power superior, and the situation such as to command most of the trade and other business of the interior of the county ; while the inhabitants find a ready cash market for all their surplus wool, seed, and most other arti- cles. Phillips formerly embraced a territory of about nine miles in length, and five in width ; but, in 1823, a section from the northeast corner was set off to form a part of Salem. There are two important villages on the Sandy river, near the southern extremity of the town. The lower village has a noble waterfall, a superior grist-mill, a tannery, a fulling- mill, a carding-machine, and other operations. The Upper Village, a thriving little place, half a mile above, has several stores, a tannery, a bridge, a saw-mill, a starch factory, with other manufactories ; and, still higher up, there are a grist-mill and saw-mill. All object of striking interest in Phillips is a deep ravine, connecting with a large basin, from forty to sixty feet deep, in loose sand, which is the site of a pond of about eighty acres, that had probably stood for ages, tin within ten years. In 1847, the Messrs. Noyes, two brothers from Weld, erected a grist-mill upon a small stream that discharges its waters into the Sandy river at Bragg's Corner. After constructing their dam about one hundred rods above, on the stream, they found the water-power in- sufficient, and conceived the further design of tapping this pond on top of the hill, about half a mile up the brook, and at a height of seventy feet above it, which they did by constructing a plank flume, bulkhead, and gate, so as to regulate the flow from the pond. After the completion of the work, and while they had retired temporarily to their farms to in- crease their means for future operations, a leakage was discovered in the flume, which threatened to undermine the pond. The house of a Mr. Shepard was above the mill, near the pond. Alarm was felt and given; the neighbors assembled; some were engaged in sounding the pond, and others in examining the works, when one of the number seized and shook one of the flume-posts to test its strength, and the water gushed through. The stream quicldy wore through the indurated clay, a thin layer of which made the bottom of the pond, then increased with immense velocity, widening and deepening the chasm, until the impetuous torrent swept all before it, scattering the buildings of Mr. Shepard and the mill into a thousand fragments, and even hurling the MAINE — TOWN OF PHIPSBURG. 259 rocks from their foundation beds. Mrs. Shepard and her children barely escaped by flight to an adjoining hill. No vestige of the former appear- ance of the surroundings below now remains. The religious societies are the Methodist, the Free-will Baptist, and the Congregational. In the Upper Village there is a Methodist meet- ing-house, and in the Lower Village a Union meeting-house. Phillips has seventeen school districts, with twenty-seven schools ; and one post- office. Population, 1,673 ; valuation, $208,745. Phipsburg, Sagadahoc county, is a peninsula, bounded on the north by Bath, east by the Kennebec river, south by the ocean, and west by Quohog bay. It originally belonged to the Pejepscot Purchase, and included the ancient Cape Small point and Cape Small point har- bor. It is noted as the place where the Popham, or Sagadahoc colony, passed the tedious winter of 1607-8. In 1716, the Pejepscot propri- etors conceived the project of making this a fishing settlement, and prosecuted the enterprise very successfully in making surveys, cutting out roads, and erecting houses. Dr. Oliver Noyes, one of the proprie- tors, was the principal director and patron. He named the settlement Augusta ; ^ and, at a meeting of the inhabitants, held November 6, 1717, it would seem that the settlement was thriving, and had a goodly num- ber of inhabitants. From the record it appears, that Captain John Pen- hallow, of Portsmouth, N. H., author of the " Indian Wars," had taken up his residence here, and was a prominent and useful inhabitant. In 1716, Dr. Noyes erected a stone fort one hundred feet square, for the purpose of protecting the settlers, who were now coming in very fast. A sloop, named the Pejepscot, was obtained, and employed be- tween Augusta and Boston, carrying out lumber and fish, and bringing back merchandise and settlers. The settlement continued to flourish until the time of Lovewell's war, when it was depopulated, the houses burnt, and the fort destroyed by the Indians. In 1737, the proprietors made another effort to rebuild Phipsburg, and sundry persons from Fal- mouth, encouraged by them, removed lo the town. The names of those upon the record are Eben Hall, Eben HaU, Jr., Cornelius Hall, James ' Williamson labors under a mistake in confounding the history of this town with Old Cushnoc, or what is now Augusta, the state capital ; for, in the Pejepscot records, now with the Maine Historical Society, we find the following : " Whereas, at a meeting of the pro- prietoi-s of Pejepscot, on the 23d of April, 1718, it was voted that there be allowed and granted to our partner, Oliver Noyes, Esq., his heirs and assigns, three hundred acres of land in Augusta township, which is comprehended within the limits of Georgetown," [that town then included the peninsula of Phipsburg,] " in consideration of the expense and loss he has been at in settling said town.'' .... — Pejepscot Records, p. 7. 260 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. Doughty, David Gustin, Jeremiah Springer, Nicholas Rideout, John Owe'ns, and others. The names of some of these are famUiar at the present' day as old settlers. It is probable, however, that there is no authentic knowledge of any of the first settlers. Phipsburg was incor- porated with its present limits in 1814, receiving its name in honor of Sir WiUiam Phips. The surface is rough and ledgy. Ship-building is prosecuted to some extent, but the occupation of the inhabitants is divided between fishing and farming. Phipsburg has two small villages, one called Parker's Head, and the other Cobb's Mills; three church edifices-— Congrega- tional, Methodist, and Free-will Baptist ; twelve school districts, with fourteen schools ; and two post-offices. Population, 1,805 ; valuation, $365,622. Piscataquis County is one of the large northern counties, with un- cleared regions yet to be opened wider to the sunshine of life. It was established March 23, 1838, paiily from Somerset, but more largely from Penobscot. It then embraced " all the territory north of the south fines of Parkman and Wefiington in the county of Somerset, and the north fines of Dexter, Garland, Charleston, Bradford, and south line of Kilmarnock, now Medford, in the county of Penobscot." The east fine ran northward between the eighth and ninth ranges of townships, and the west line was continued from the west lines of Wellington, Kings- berry, and Shirley northward to the Kennebec river, and by the west shore of Moosehead lake to Canada. By act of March 12, 1844, Pis- cataquis gave to Aroostook all the territory north of townships num- bered ten, and it remains, in form and size, as it was left at that time. It contains 110 townships, twenty-three of which are settled and incor- porated. The remainder of these townships consists principaUy of wild land, most of which has been lotted to settlers. Like Aroostook county, it is well watered. The chief rivers are the Piscataquis, the east and west branches of the Penobscot, Sebec river, Pleasant river, besides a great number of tributaries of these rivers. The principal lakes are the Pemadumcook, Chesuncook, Sebec, Scootum, and Moosehead ; the lat- ter of which is the largest in the state, and forms part of the boundary fine between Piscataquis and Somerset counties, containing within its limits several large islands. The greatest length of this lake is thirty- five miles, varying in width from four to twelve miles. The county contains 3,780 square miles, the surface of which is diversified with hills and valleys. Katahdin is the only mountain of note in the county. Dover has been the county seat from the organization. It belongs to the eastern judicial district, the law terms of which are held at Bangor. r 1 V »-T5s:i^:r Ts ;v,/* MAINE — TOWN OF PITTSFIELD. 261 The terms of the supreme judicial court, for both civil and criminal business, commence on the last Tuesday of February and second Tues- day of September. Population, 14,735 ; valuation, $1,905,883. PiTTSFiELD, in the southeast corner of Somerset county, is about nine miles in length from north to south, and from seven to eight miles in width from east to west, being narrower across the north and south ends than in the other parts. It was formerly known as the Plymouth Gore, and was included in a grant to the Plymouth company, its east- ern line being on the eastern line of that grant The first settlement was made in 1794, by Moses Martin, of Norridgewock, at a bend of the Sebasticook about two miles below the village. His farm is still occu- pied by his son David, a gentleman some sixty years old, who has held several honorable offices. George Brown of Norridgewock, William Bradford, and one Wyman of Vassalboro' came in 1800. Brown and Wyman built the first mills ; John Sibley and John Spearing came from Fairfield in 1804, and settled on the westerly side, east of Sibley's pond. John Merrick, from Hallowell, settled in 1806. Dominicus Getchel came from West Anson, in 1811 ; Joseph McCauslin from Hallowell, in 1813, and John Webb from Waterville, in 1815. Timothy Mclntire and Stephen Kendal settled about the same time, and were prominent in the early affairs of the town. In 1815, Pittsfield was organized into a plantation by the name of Sebasticoolc ; but, after ineffectual attempts to enforce the collection of taxes, it was abandoned. It was incorporated by the name of Warsaw, June 19, 1819. The first town-meeting after its incorporation was held at John Webb's dwelling-house, July 19, 1819. Stephen Kendal was elected delegate to a convention to frame a state constitution, September 20, 1819 ; and, on December 6 of the same year, the town cast nineteen votes — the whole number • — for the new constitution. In the winter of 1824, the name was changed from Warsaw to Pitts- field, in honor of William Pitts, who was then a proprietor of land here ; and, in 1828, a portion of the Ell of Palmyra, so called, containing 4,200 acres, Joseph Warren of Boston being the proprietor, was annexed to Pittsfield. The first settlers obtained the titles to their lands from the Plymouth company. From the singular shape of Pittsfield, the impression is that it must have been a piece of land which had been left from the laying out of other towns around it. It is situated on a large swell, inclining to the south between the Kennebec and Sebasticook rivers, the waters on the western side running into the Kennebec, and those on the eastern side into the Sebasticook. The -western branch of the Sebasticook runs 262 HISTORY ASD DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. throagh the eastern part. On this river is an excellent water privilege, where there are mills and other machinery. At this place there is a thriving village, which is the only one in Pittsfield. The railroad from Waterville to Bangor here crosses the Sebasticook. The surface is remarkably level, there being no eminence or hill of any note. The original forest was composed of yellow birch, rock maple, beech, hemlock, white ash, and cedar. The soil on the Sebasti- cook is a sandy loam, entirely free from stone ; and back from the river it is deep, rather moist, and, in some places, rather stony. This is an excellent farming town, — corn, wheat, oats, rye, barley, and potatoes being cultivated extensively ; and recently the farmers have been turn- ing their attention to fruit-growing, in which they have met with tolera- ble success. The inhabitants are principally engaged in farming, though there are a few mechanics. The Sebasticook river, mentioned above, is the only river of note ; and the Sibley pond, which lies in the northwest corner, the only pond of note. There are two post-offices — Pittsfield and East Pittsfield ; ten school districts ; and one church edifice — Free-will Baptist. Population, 1,166 ; assessors' valuation for 1857, $222,520. PiTTSTON, Kennebec county, lies on the eastern side of the Kennebec river, seventy-eight miles from Bangor, fifty-three from Portland, and six from Augusta. Among the Massachusetts archives is a bill filed with the act of incorporation, which styles ancient Pittston, " Randolph." It passed through all necessary stages to become a law^ except the sig- nature of the governor. It passed its readings, and was delivered into the hands of John Pitt, January 15, 1779. When, a fortnight later, it was brought forward, it was named Pittston, after his Honor, and so incorporated.^ It is not known that more than one white person penetrated as far as Pittston and established a residence prior to Philip's war. This is supposed to have been one Alexander Brown, who located a house on an interval known by the name of " Kerdoor- meorp," and afterwards as " Brown's farm," in 1670. He remained there, engaged in sturgeon-fishing, until Philip's war broke out; soon after which, in 1676, he was murdered by the Indians, and his house burned. In 1716, Noyes built a fort near Nahumkeag Island, which was also destroyed by the Indians. In 1751, Captain North laid out lots one mile wide on the river, and extending five miles west, from Nahumkeag Island to old Richmond fort. From old maps and records, it appears that the government of Massa- ' Hanson's Histoiy of Gardiner and Pittston. MAINE — TOWJf OF PITTSTON. 263 chusetts built Fort Halifax, in 1754, on the Kennebec. About this time, Dr. Gardiner began his plans, from which first sprang the settlement of ancient Pittston. This region filled up rapidly from 1759 ; and Dr. Gardiner, from various donations, became almost sole owner of Gardiner and Pittston, and of much of the territory in other parts of the old Ken- nebec province. In 1764, James Wjnslow received a deed of ninety acres of land in what is now Pittston, on which he settled the year previous. The names of Berry, McCausland, Philbrook, Tibbetts, Smith, . Colburn, and Bailey, are found among the records of settlers from 1761 to 1765. From the settlement of the plantation down as late as 1790 the civil aflFairs seem to have been in a very loose state, — no governing power exercised ; and to collect debts or obtain justice was next to im- possible. Things assumed a different face on the appointment of Gen- eral Dearborn as marshal, 1790. General Dearborn's house then stood near where now stands the Gardiner Bank. " Near' the spot occupied by the town-house stood a whipping-post, where many an unruly varlet received the barbarous reward of those times for his offence, as meted to him by General Dearborn. Benjamin Shaw was usually the con- stable, and laid on the lashes. So great was the fear felt by culprits of his strength, that when he wished to make an arrest he had only to send his jackknife to the victim, and they were few who failed to return the knife to its owner." Much of the early history of Pittston is iden- tified A\dth that of Gardiner, and the first settlers were more or less con- nected with each. The town of Pittston contains an area of 21,300 acres. It is about seven miles long from north to south, and five miles wide from east to west. The soil is very excellent, and diversified with hills and valleys, ponds and streams. At the time of its settlement, much of the timber was white oak. The " Pebble hills " are situated in the southwestern part, on the " Haley farm." They consist entirely of small pebbles drifted into eminences, and, although excavations to the depth of some eighty feet have been made, nothing else is found. The village of Pitts- ton is beautifully located on the bank of the Kennebec, has good water- power, and is celebrated for the thrift and energy of its people. The principal occupations of the inhabitants are ship-building and agricul- ture. Pittston has nineteen school districts, with thirty-six schools ; an academy in a very flourishing condition ; two Methodist, two Congre- gational, a Baptist, and one or two other churches ; and three post- offices — Pittston, East Pittston, and North Pittston. Population, 2,823 ; valuation, $593,319. 264 HISTORY AXD DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. Plough Patent was a tract of land extending from Casco bay to Cape Porpoise on the seaboard, and about forty miles into the country. It was a grant issued in 1629 to John Dy and other citizens of Lon- don by the Plymouth Council, and included lands which had been granted to Mason and Gorges in 1622. It also covered the lands which had been granted earlier in the year 1629 to the patentees of Saco and Biddeford. The cause of this singular proceeding on the part of the council, of making a grant of lands previously held under former grants, has never been discovered. It is, however, generally attributed to their ignorance of the situation of this part of the country. The name of the patent is supposed to have been derived from the name of the ship, "the Plough," in which the grantees, or persons sent by them, came over from England. There is, however, no satisfactory evidence that any of the original owners of the Plough Patent ever visited their new prov- ince. Gorges remained undisturbed in that part of his possessions covered by this patent until 1646, when it was sold to Alexander Rigby, a mem- ber of the Long Parliament. Gorges resisted the claim of Rigby ; but, as Gorges was a royalist and Rigby a republican, and as the republicans were in power, it -was, to say the least, a most unfavorable occasion for Gorges to urge his claim, however just and honorable it might have been. In 1647, Gorges died, leaving the matter unsettled, and Rigby master of the field. Rigby died in 1650, and, for a brief season, the distracted province enjoyed repose ; but before the noise of the previous contention had died away, the colonists of Massachusetts Bay, by a wonderful stretch of the limits of their charter, declared themselves the rightful proprietors of the province of Maine. The matter did not sub- side here ; but again and again became a bone of contention, and remained unsettled until the Massachusetts Colony, by the positive com- mand of King Charles II., yielded up the province to a son of Sir John Gorges, an heir of Sir Ferdinando. In the year 1677, Massachusetts purchased the province for £1,250 sterling; and thus ended the long contest for a jurisdiction, which, after all, was deemed of no more value than a few hundred pounds. Plymouth, in the westerly part of Penobscot county, fifty-five miles from Bangor, was incorporated in 1826. It is watered by the outlet of Newport pond, affording water-power which is made serviceable in propelling mills. The soil is productive, and well timbered with the usual varieties. The Penobscot and Kennebec Railroad crosses the town. There are six school districts, with seven schools ; one post-office, and one church — Baptist ; also one grist-mill, two saw-mills, and one car- riage factory. Population, 925 ; valuation, $80,272. MAINE — TOWN OF POLAND, ETC. 265 Poland, Androscoggin county, eight miles above Lewiston, adjoins Cumberland county, and is thirty-six miles southwest of Augusta. It was originally called Bakerstown, and embraced Minot and Auburn within its limits. Nathaniel Bailey and Daniel Lane were the first set- tlers; and John Newman followed in 1769. Chandler Freeman with his family, and Joseph Freeman and his wife, moved here in 1784 ; and, in 1786, Samuel Pool came in. The first religious meeting was held in 1784, in the house of Chandler Freeman ; his father, Joseph Freeman, officiating. The first church (Congregational) was formed September 8, 1791 ; and, two years afterward. Rev. Jonathan Scott was called to preach. The town was incorporated February 17, 1798. When the place was first settled, game abounded, and there are many anecdotes related of the narrow escapes which the inhabitants had in hunting. Poland is almost exclusively an agricultural community, though the land is only of an average quality. Water is supplied by several ponds, and by the Little Androscoggin river, on which the town is situated. A very pleasant and thriving little village has been built up by the industry and perseverance of the inhabitants. A family, of the denom- ination called " Shakers,'' have located here, and have supplied them- selves with six hundred acres of the best land within the precincts of the town. They are in no way different from others of this sect, and pursue all those habits of thrift and economy for which they are pecul- iar. The Grand Trunk Railway passes through Poland. There are three religious denominations — Congregational, Methodist, and Free- will Baptist; twenty-three school districts, with twenty -five schools; three post-offices — Poland, East Poland, and West Poland ; four saw- mills, one grist-mill, one taimery, and one carriage factory. Popula- tion, 2,660 ; valuation, f 333,168. Porter, Oxford county, lies one hundred miles southwest from Augusta, and forty miles west-northwest from Portland. The Great Ocisipee river separates it from Parsonsfield, in the county of York, and the New Hampshire line makes its western boundary. This township, containing 18,500 acres (including Timothy Cutler's upper grant of 3,500 acres), was purchased of Massachusetts on the 24th of September, 1795, by Dr. Aaron Porter of Biddeford, Caleb Emery of Sanford, Thomas Cutts of Pepperrellborough, and their associates, for the sum of i;564 lawful money. By the provisions of their grant, they were required to appropriate 320 acres for schools, a like number of acres for the first settled minister, and a like number for the support of the minis- try. They were also required to appropriate one hundred acres of land for each of the following settlers, who settled in the township before A'^OL. I. 23 266 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. the 1st day of January, 1784, namely: Meshech Libby,i Stephen Libby,i John Libby, and James Rankins. These four were the only settlers until 1787, when Benjamin Bickford, Benjamin Bickford, Jr., Samuel Bickford (from Rochester, N. H.), and Benjamin Ellenwood from Groton, became settlers. About 1791, David Allord, Joseph Clark, and Moses Drown from Rochester, N. H., arrived, and became permanent residents. Most of the original settlers were soldiers of the Revolution ; and in their newly selected home, encountered, for fifteen or twenty years, all those hardships and privations incident to a pioneer life. Porter was incorporated February 20, 1807. It is six miles in length by four and a half in width, and contains about twenty-three square miles. The territory, it is said, was a portion of the Pequawket terri- tory ; and, at the time of its purchase, adjoined Fryeburg. At the time of its incorporation, however, about two fifths of its northerly portion was annexed to Brownfield. The surface is generally uneven, contain- ing many hills of considerable height, on which is excellent pasturage. A large number of cattle are annually raised for market. The soil is well adapted to the raising of Indian corn, potatoes, wheat, rye, and oats, which are cultivated to a considerable extent. There are many good orchards of natural and grafted fruit, of nearly every description. Mine mountain, though not large, is celebrated on account of its having been operated upon for mining purposes about the year 1802, by WLUiam Towle. He discovered what he supposed to be gold and silver near the top of its southern slope, and perforated it at right angles with the slope nearly one hundred feet, by burning and blasting ; but, finding nothing save small portions of lead, iron, and a very small portion of silver ore, he finally abandoned the enterprise as useless. Rattlesnake mountain, so called from the large number of rattlesnakes found here, was visited by the first settlers, Avho annually captured a large number ■of these reptiles for the purposes of procuring their skins and oil ; at the present day there are none of them to be found in the vicinity. Quite a number of good water privileges exist, the most of which are occupied. There are also a number of ponds, the two largest of which are the Col- cord and Bickford ponds, the former covering about 150 acres, and the latter about one hundred. At the outlet of each are a saw-mill, a grist- mill, a shingle machine, and a clapboard machine. Spectacle ponds, which take their name from their form, situated in the southeast portion, though not of any great size, are beautiful sheets of water. Porter was originally well timbered with white pine and white and ' These two settlers were the first in town, having arrived here about the )ear 1781. They came from Rye, N. II. MAINE CITY OF PORTLAND. 267 red oak ; but it has nearly all disappeared, and a young growth is now rapidly appearing. There are three meeting-houses, all of which are free ; one village, situated on the Great Ossipee river, about four miles from the New Hampshire line, in which there are three stores, one meeting-house, one saw-mill, one shingle machine, one wheelwright's shop, three blacksmith's shops, and a post-office. There are also thirteen school districts, with the same number of schools. Population, 1,208 ; valuation, $165,198. Portland, Cumberland county, situated on Casco bay, was originally embraced within the town of Falmouth, as were also Westbrook and Cape Elizabeth, together with a number of large and valuable islands in Casco bay, lying at the mouth of the harbor. The firsst settle- ment was made in what is now Portland, by George Cleeves and Richard Tucker, who established themselves near the mouth of the Spurvk'ink river, in 1630. This tract, however, being claimed by Robert Trelawny and Moses Goodyear, merchants of Plymouth, England, by virtue of a grant made to them by the council of Plymouth, a contest was commenced between John Winter, the agent of Trelawny, on the one part, and Cleeves and Tucker on the other. Winter succeeded, in the Provincial court, in sustaining the title of Trelawny ; and the ejected parties sought refuge, in 1632, on the Neck, now Portland. This Neck, Cleeves declared, was known first by the name of Machi- gonne : being a neck of land which was in no man's possession or occu- pation, he seized upon it as his own inheritance, by virtue of a royal proclamation of King James of England, by which proclamation the king freely " gave unto every subject of his who should transport him- self over into this country upon his own charge, for himself and for every person that he should so transport, 150 acres of land." Cleeves further declared, that he " continued the occupation from year to year under this possession, without interruption or demand of any ; at the end of which time, being desirous to enlarge his limits in a lawful way, he addressed himself to Sir Ferdinando Gorges, the proprietor of the Province of Maine, and obtained, for a sum of money and other consid- erations, a warrantable lease of enlargement, bounded as by relation thereunto had doth and may appear." ^ This was the origin of Port- land, which was first called Cloeves's Nock, then Munjoy Neck, and sometimes Casco and Old Casco, from its position on Casco river and bay.* ' This statement is made in an action, ivhioli Winter brought against Cleeves in 1040, to recover possession of this tract also, claiming the whole under the grant made to Tre- lawnj- ; but in this he failed, and Cleeves was left in full possession. 268 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. Portland is probably as rich in historical associations as any locality in Maine ; and to trace them through their various phases would require a greater space than the limits of this work will permit, In July, 1658, the settlement received the name of Falmouth, from Massachusetts, and its limits are thus stated : " Those places formerly called Spurwink and Casco bay, from the east side of Spurwink river to the Clapboard islands in Casco bay, shall run back eight miles into the country." Previous to 1675, the period of the first Indian war, the settlements embraced in this territory had advanced rapidly. The part now occu- pied by Portland had, however, few^er inhabitants than were at other points, — Cleeves occupying the eastern extremity of the Neck,^ the fam- ily of Michael Milton (Cleeves's son-in-law) the western, and Tucker the central part. When that war commenced, there were five or six persons with their families on the Neck, namely : Thomas Brackett, George Mun- joy, John Munjoy, his son, George Burroughs, the minister, and Eliza- beth Harvey, the daughter of Cleeves.^ Every thing was very prosper- ous at this time ; but the Indians left not a vestige to tell the tale that here had been a habitation, or any marks of improvement. Thirty-four persons were killed in the whole town ; among them Thomas Brackett, John Munjoy, and Isaac Wakely upon the Neck. The family of the first were taken into captivity. During the continuance of the war, no white person ventured within the desolated locality ; but after the conclusion of peace, in November, 1678, George Bramhall purchased the hill which yet bears his name, and prosecuted the tannery business. Anthony Brackett, one of the old settlers, with others, in 1679, resumed their former sites, or procured grants of new lots. In 1680, Fort Loyal was erected at the foot of the present India street, in which, in September of that year, Governor Danforth held a court for the purpose of organizing a new settlement arranging the inhabitants in a more compact manner, in order that they might better withstand future attacks from the savages. Evidences of renewed activity were manifest, and houses and buildings were erected in different directions. The character of the inhabitants here at that time was superior. Among them were Peter Bowdoin, or, more properly, Pierre Baudouin, and his son-in-law Stephen Boutineau,^ Philip Barger, Philip Le Bretton, Augustin Jean (the ancestor of the Gustins now liv- ' Cleeves's house fronted on the bay, just east of India street, and his corn-field stretched "westerly to near Clay cove. ^ Milton, her former husband, was at this time dead. ' These were French Huguenots, who (led from France on the repeal of the edict of Nantes. Mr. Bowdoin was a physician of Eochelle, who subsequently established him- self in Boston, and was the ancestor of the distinguished family there of that name. MAINE CITY OF PORTLAND. 269 ing here), George Burroughs,^ the minister, Thaddeus Clark, the Brack- etts, Sylvanus Davis, Joha Graves, Henry Harwood, the Ingersolls, Robert Lawrence, and Edward Tyng. In ten years, the inhabitants in Falmouth had increased to seven hundred. Twenty -five families re- sided on the Neck ; and every effort was being made in the way of progress, and peace and plenty were rewarding their labors, when the blast of war warned them that prosperity could not be enjoyed without interruption. In the autumn of 1689, Major Benjamin Church, of Plymouth Col- ony, a terrible enemy of the Indians, who had been commissioned as commander of an expedition to the eastward, arrived here most oppor- tunely to thwart the designs of a body of French and Indians, some seven hundred strong, who came in at the same time, and landed on Peak's island. Measures were immediately taken for defence; the troops landed with as little noise as possible, and the next morning, an hour before daybreak, marched, accompanied by many of the townsmen, " to a thick place of brush, about half a mile from the town." The enemy, too, had not been idle ; for, during the night, they had shifted their quar- ters to the upper portion of the Neck, and at day-dawn, September 21, approached the farm of Anthony Brackett, whose house stood where the one now or lately occupied by Mr. Deering stands, at the junction of the roads. Brackett's sons gave the alarm, and Captain Hall's company, being in advance, hastened to meet the enemy, which they did in Brackett's orchard, where the action was principally fought. Church, on luMiing the alarm, soon came to the rescue with a reinforcement, and a supply of ammunition, which was transported across Back Cove Creek by one of the friendly Indians. The reserve force of the Eng- lish took up a position on this side of the creek, prepared to support Captain Hall. After contending hotly for some time. Major Church informed Captain Hall that he designed assaulting the enemy in the rear, and immediately advanced up the creek to execute his purpose ; but the enemy, perceiving it, made a precipitate retreat, hotly pursued^ to the forests. Finding that they were met with a number equal, if not superior, to their own, they gave up the idea of further depredations that season. Eleven were killed on the English side, and ten wounded, of whom Mr. Freeze, Mr. Bramhall, and one friendly Indian, died of their wounds. Captain Brackett was also killed, as well as a negro belonging to Colonel Tyng. Had it not been for the timely intervention of ' Mr. Burroughs fell a victim to fanaticism, having been tried for -witchcraft at Salem, May 8, 1692, and executed on the 19th of August following. 23* 270 mSTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. Church, the whole people must have been utterly cut off. As it was, the enemy saw their plans frustrated by the unexpected movements of the Major ; and that they would t-oon be completely in his power : they therefore, after an action which had lasted six hours, made a hasty retreat; but, as the sequel shows, with a determination to renew the attack, whenever a favorable opportunity should occur. Many of the inhabitants, fearing this, sought places of greater security; but a large proportion, through the assurance of Church that he would endeavor to return the next spring with a protecting force, remained. A garrison of fifteen soldiers, with a commander and gunner, was left by Church in the fort, and sixty soldiers in the town, when he departed, with the sincere thanks, but deep regret, of the settlers. A quiet but anxious winter was passed, during which garrisons were sustained in Fort Loyal, at Lawrence's stone house on the hill, at George IngersoU's, foot of Exchange street, and in another part of the Neck not known. The enemy did not remain long inactive. Captain Willard, of Salem, who was in command at this point, was taken off with the regular troops for other operations, leaving the defence of the place entirely to the inhabitants, which the enemy were not slow to discover. In May, 1690, the force which, in February, destroyed Schenectady, N. Y., joined the eastern Lidians, and soon after appeared in Casco bay, where they took Robert Greason, belonging to this place, prisoner. Captain Syl- vanus Davis commanded Fort Loyal, and ordered that the people should not leave their garrisons, but keep constant watch to prevent surprise. Lieutenant Clark and thirty men, however, with more zeal than precau- tion, neglected this advice, and precipitated the destmction of the settle- ment. Being desirous to gain some information with regard to the enemy, they proceeded to the summit of the hill (probably Munjoy's), which was covered with woods, having a lane Avith a fence on each side, and a block-house (probably Lawrence's) at the end. When they came up, they found the cattle looking alarmed towards the fence, afraid to pass into the wood ; and the party immediately suspected that the enemy were in covert there. Lieutenant Clark and his men concluded that the best way to get rid of the difficulty was to boldly face it, and, in the hope of intimidating the enemy, advanced quickly to the fence with a loud shout. But the enemy were fully prepared for them, and poured upon the little party a deadly fire, which killed the lieutenant and thir- teen men, when the remainder ran hastily to the block-house. This was attacked ; but was defended with great bravery all night, when the inmates abandoned the garrison, and sought security in Fort Loyal. On the morning of May 16, the enemy burnt the house, and forthwith turned their attenliou to the fort, which they besieged with their full force, consisting of about four or five hundred French and Indians MAINE — CITY OF PORTLAND. 271 under command of Mons. Burniffe. The fort stood on a rocky bluff (now occupied by the station of the Atlantic and St Lawrence Rail- road), under which the enemy worked with perfect security, being out of reach of the guns, and in no danger, by their superior nunaber, from a sortie from the small force within the fort. The siege was prosecuted actively five days and four nights, in which they " killed the greater part of the English, and burned all the houses." Being ultimately worn out by the continued watching and defence, the besieged capitulated on the 20th of May. The articles of capitulation, which were solemnly sworn to by the French, were disregarded, and the commander " suffered," says Captain Davis, " our women and children and our men to be made captives in the hands of the heathen, to be cruelly murdered and de- stroyed, many of them, and especially our wounded men ; only the French kept myself and three or four more, and carried us overland to Canada." The captives arrived at Quebec, June 14, after twenty-four days' march through the wilderness. Captain Davis, after four months' captivity, was exchanged. Thus sank this rising settlement a second time. Among those killed were Lieutenant Clark, Thomas Cloice, Seth Brackett, Thomas Alsop, Edward Crocker, George Bogwell, and a soldier from Lynn, named James RamsdeU. Captain Robert Lawrence and Anthony Brackett, Jr., were mortally wounded ; and James Ross and Peter Morrill were among the prisoners. Ross was likewise wounded, having had his collar-bone split and cut off, and suffered considerably from the Indians while in Canada ; for which he received, in 1726, a pension of five pounds per annum. John Parker ^ and his son, James, who sought refuge in Fort Loyal Jrom the Indians on the Kennebec, were also among the killed. In August, 1703, the settlements at Falmouth called Spurwink and Purpooduck were entirely destroyed, — no less than twenty-two being killed and taken captive in the former place. Purpooduck, having a pop- ulation of nine families, was visited by the Indians, when all the men were from home, and twenty-five of the inhabitants butchered in the most barbarous manner, while eight were taken prisoners. Some of their atrocities are too horrible to describe. Some of the inhabitants began to return to Falmouth about 1708 ; but the settlement on the Neck was not permanently resumed until after the peace of Utrecht, in 1713. Elisha Ingersoll, Major Samuel Moody, Benjamin Larrabee, Benjamin Skillings, Zachariah Brackett, ' This gentleman was the great-greatgrandfather of the late Isaac Parker, chief justice of Massachusetts, and son of John Parker, who came from Biddeford, England, to Saco, Maine. 272 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. Richard Collier, Samuel Proctor, James Doughty, Mark Rounds, James Mills, Ebenezer Hall, Thomas Thomes, John Wass, John Barbour, and John Gustin settled principally on the Neck, between 1716 and 1718.1 in 1722, further troubles with the Indians retarded the growth of the settlement. In 1725, after the close of hostilities, there were about forty-five families in the place, twenty-seven of whom were upon the Neck. A meeting-house, which was in course of construction five years previous, was completed in 1728, and stood on the junction of the present King and Middle streets. A church had been formed the pre- vious year, over which Rev. Thomas Smith was ordained pastor, being the only minister in the settlement for many years. A saw-mill and grist-mill were in operation; and at this time, the settlement at Fal- mouth was considered, with one exception, — that of York, — the chief one in the state. In September, 1733, Robert Bayley was employed as schoolmaster. A gradual and steady progress was made from this time, with some slight interruptions from the Indians ; and, in 1749, there was a popu- lation of some 2,346, of which 720 were on the Neck, with 120 dwell- ing-houses (all of wood, many of them but one story high, and generally unpainted), most of which were below the present site of Centre street. That part above Centre street was covered with wood and swamp ; and was, in the strictest sense of the term, an " eminent wilderness." The business was transacted at the lower end, around the foot of India street, where was the landing. The principal business occupations were in lumber and Avood, and in fish. Ship-building was also a prom- inent branch of business. In 1752 there were seven schooners and fifteen sloops owned on the Neck ; now the shipping exceeds over 79,000 tons. The people were hardy and industrious, and all the rich men, and those who have been rich, in Portland, were either mariners or mechanics, or descendants of persons in those occupations. Among the most prominent men here at this time were the Moodys, Freeman, Longfellow, Fox, Waldo, Westbrook, Cushing, Noyes, John Wiswell, and the two ministers. Smith and Allen. In 1735, the settlement was made the half-shire town with York, and the Court of Common Pleas and Sessions of the Peace were appointed to be held alternately, in January and October, here and at York. There was no regular mail east of Portsmouth till 1760, and then but once a week. Previous to that time, letters were reserved till a sufficient number accumulated to ' Many of these, and others who came in, were new settlers, and located on the land without anj' shadow of title, which, as a consequence, led to endless disputes between the old proprietors and the new, which were ultimately settled in the supreme court in May, 1731. MAINE CITY OF PORTLAND. 273 pay for the expense, when they were despatched either on the back of a man or a horse. Several important conferences were held here with the Indians, which gave the place considerable distinction. Many of the inhabitants took part in the various expeditions carried on by the English against the French in the subjugation of Canada, and a number lost their lives in the service. The difficulties which hastened the Revolution brought on the destruction of Falmouth or Portland the third time. Several circumstances raised the ire of the British against the town, one of which, in March, 1775, was the trouble \vith Thomas Coulson, a tory, for whom a vessel, arriving about this time, brought rigging and stores for a new ship he had built, and also a considerable cargo of goods and merchandise. These the Committee of Safety and Inspection determined ought not to be used, according to the agreement of the " American Association," and ordered that they should be returned to England in the vessel that brought them. Several attempts were made by Coulson to carry out his designs, in opposition to the command of the committee ; but he was held in check by threats from the populace. Finally, through his instrumentality, the Canseau sloop-of-war. Captain Mowett, arrived in the harbor, and through her pro- tection Coulson accomplished what otherwise he had failed to do, — rig his vessel, and put on board the goods and merchandise. Considerable opposition was met from the populace, and none of them could be hired to assist Coulson, but were pressed into the obnoxious service by the petty tyranny of Mowett. This conduct on his part, as might be imag- ined, made him very unpopular with the citizens ; and on May 9, the captain, with his surgeon, and Rev. Mr. Wiswell, Episcopal minister, were, while on shore, made prisoners by a party of volunteers under the direction of Colonel Samuel Thompson of Brunswick. This was fol- lowed by a threat from the sailing-master of the Canseau, that if Cap- tain Mowett was not released he would lay the town in ashe*, which caused great consternation, and a general stampede amongst some of the inhabitants. Thompson, notwithstanding this threat, and the ex- postulations of some of the first citizens, refused to set the prisoners at large till night; when, through excessive importunity, they were released on parole, — General Preble and Colonel Freeman being pledges for their appearance at nine the following morning. Mowett, however, failed to appear, which so exasperated the volunteers, who had in the mean time collected in considerable numbers from the towns in the vicinity, that they threatened to attack the vessel, provided Mowett continued in the harbor ; and exhibited other marks of displeasure and discontent. Coul- son's dwelling-house was rifled, his boats drawn through the streets, and several persons, who were thought to be tories, were dealt with in a 274 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. manner which soon proved to have been very ill-advised. The crowd at last dispersed, and Mowett, accompanied by Coulson in his own ship, left the harbor for Portsmouth. On Monday, the 16th of October following, a squadron of four armed vessels, consisting of the Canseau, the Cat, a ship of war, a large cutter schooner, and a small bomb ship, arrived in the harbor, and anchored about a league from the town. They were commanded by Captain Mowett ; but the people were at a loss to divine the object of the visit, unless it were to obtain without charge a supply of provisions from the islands, which the inhabitants took measures to prevent. The next day, however, the mystery was cleared up. The vessels were towed up towards the wharves, and, about four o'clock in the afternoon, were moored in line near the compact part of the town. A messenger with a flag was sent on shore by Mowett, who brought a letter from the captain, filled with regrets which he did not feel, and making assertions which were wholly untrue. The* substance was, that, in consequence of the bad behavior of the inhabitants towards the mother country, he had orders "to execute a just punishment on the town of Falmouth," and gave them two hours to remove themselves and what was valuable from its precincts. Not having given any just cause for such a pro- ceeding, the people "^j^ere greatly surprised ; and a meeting was held, at which a committee was appointed to confer with the captain, and learn, if possible, the reasons for this summary vengeance, which was about to be taken on them. The reply of this modern Nero was, " My orders I have received from Admiral Graves, and they direct me to repair to the place with all expedition, take my position near the town, and burn, sink, and destroy; and this without giving the people warning ! The note you have received is of special grace, at the risk of my commis- sion." They used every argument with him against the execution of such a »ruel mandate, till time was allowed to consult the admiral ; but he only replied that his orders applied alike to every seaport on the con- tinent, and concluded by offering some very humiliating conditions, which were the delivery over to him of various munitions of war, — by the fulfilment of which they might save the town from destruction tiU communication was had with the admiral. These terms the people, in order to gain time, complied with in part ; but decided, at a meeting in the morning, not to fulfil in toto. In the last conference held with Mowett, the committee conjured him, by every claim of justice and humanity, to spare the work of destruction for a short period ; but his only answer was, that he would give them thirty viinvtes, and no more. About nine the same morning, the firing Avas opened from the vessels on the ill-fated town, and was urged with considerable briskness, balls MAINE CITY OF PORTLAND. 275 weighing from three to nine pounds being poured like showers of hail upon the most thickly built part. What was not accomplished by the guns was done by armed parties from the vessels ; and though the watchful citizens succeeded in protecting some buildings from destruc- tion, many parts of the village were soon in a blaze. The cannonading lasted some nine hours ; and, with the exception of the Congregational meeting-house, about one hundred of the poorer dwelling-houses, and a few wharves, every thing-' in the once thriving town was one mass of blackened ruins. One hundred and sixty families, which the day previous Avere in comfortable circumstances, were thrown upon the world, almost without food, or covering to protect them from the inclemency of the winter, fast approaching. After the accomplishment of his work of devastation, Mowett with his fleet departed. " Yet his name lives to be execrated, and his dark deeds are portrayed, to teach base men what indelible infamy shall cleave to their memories long after their relics have mouldered to their original element." ^ The last visit which was made by the British to the town was by Captain Symonds, in a large war ship, shortly after this destruction, and when the inhabitants were engaged in erecting forts for defence. He commanded them to desist from the work ; but finding the inhabitants paid no regard to him, and that his ship was exposed to an attack, he made a precipitate retreat. Cape Elizabeth was incorporated from Falmouth, November 1, 1765 ; Portland, July 4, 1786 ; and Westbrook, February 14, 1814. Portland is the capital of Cumberland county. It was incorporated as a city in 1832. The peninsula projects eastwardly into the bay, is about three miles in length, and has an average width of three fourths of a mile. Its surface rises from each shore, forming throughout an ele- vated ridge, which, at its extremities, rises again into considerable hiUs, presenting a marked outline and very beautiful appearance. The city is regularly laid out and handsomely built, particularly its more modern portions, which are noted for their elegant buildings. The streets, and many of the houses, are lighted with gas. The main street occupies the ridge of the peninsula, extending from hill to hill. Many of the streets are lined with elm and other shade trees, presenting a truly delightful appearance. The natural advantages of the city for trade and com- merce have been well improved by its enterprising citizens. The har- bor is capacious and safe, and is considered among the best in the United States. It is protected by islands from the violence of storms, ' St. Paul's church, the new court-house, the town-house, the public library, the fire- en"-inc, about 130 dwelling-houses, 230 stores and warehouses, a great number of stables and outhouses, and about one half the merchandise, furniture, and goods were destroyed. ^ Williamson, vol. ii., p. 437. 276 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. has a good entrance, and is defended by Forts Preble and Scammel, the former of which is garrisoned by United States artillery. The foreign commerce of the city is chiefly with the West Indies and Europe, the chief exports being lumber, ice, fish, and provisions. The coasting trade is principally with Boston, and, during the summer, steamboats run daily to that city. On the 30th June, 1857, the total tonnage of the district was 145,242 tons, of which 109,926 tons were registered, and 35,316 tons enrolled and licensed. The registered tonnage consisted of 85,696 tons permanent, and 24,229 tons temporary. The enrolled and licensed tonnage consisted of 34,437 tons " permanent," which were employed as follows : In coasting trade, 29,722 tons ; in cod fishery, 2,704 tons; in mackerel fishery, 2,011 tons; and 878 tons, " hcensed under twenty tons," which were in the cod fishery. The number of vessels built in 1857 was twenty, namely, eighteen ships and barques, and two schooners, with an aggregate tonnage of 12,925. Portland has several public buildings, the principal of which are the City Hall, the Court-house, Grand Trunk Railway Depot, an Athenseum, incorporated in 1827, and containing a library of upwards of six thousand volumes ; and several spacious hotels, among which may be mentioned the Machigonne House, now in process of erection by the Hon. John M. "Wood, said to be the largest building in the state. The ne"«' custom-house and post-office building, recently erected on Ex- change street, is a stately granite structure, and is a credit to the United States government, and an ornament to the city. At the eastern extremity of the city is a tower, seventy feet high, and 220 feet above tide water, which was erected for the purpose of observing vessels at sea, and is furnished with signals. The harbor is connected by the Cumber- land and Oxford canal, tw^enty and a half miles long, with Sebago pond, and thence with Long pond. Four important railroads now centre at Portland, and contribute greatly to its prosperity. The Portland, Saco, and Portsmouth Railroad, fifty-one miles long, was opened in 1842, completing the line of railroad from Boston to this city, one hundred and five miles. The extension of this route, called the Kennebec and Portland Railroad, is completed to Augusta, sixty miles. The York and Cumberland Railroad, now open to Buxton, eighteen miles, when completed will connect, at Great Falls, wiih the Boston and Maine Railroad. The constraction of the Atlantic and St. Lawrence Railroad, or the Grand Trunk Railway, as it is now more usually called, commenced in 1846, from each terminus — Portland and Montreal — and was completed in 1853. Over this important thoroughfare passes a large portion of the products of the North and "West for shipment to Europe. -'I'^^il^lM 'Fllllfii 1% MAINE — TOWN OF POWNAL. 277 There are twenty-two churches in the city, and seven banks, with an aggregate capital of $2,075,000. The capital of the city is chiefly employed in commerce, coasting and inland trade, and the fisheries ; hence its manufactures are, for the most part, those incident to a mer- cantile city. The Portland Company, with a capital of $250,000, have a large establishment for the manufacture of locomotives and railroad cars. Much attention is given to education in the public schools, which consist of a classical school for boys, a high school for girls, four gram- mar-schools, (two for boys and two for girls,) and the primary schools. There are also numerous private schools, and an academy ; and three daily newspapers — Tlie Advertiser (Republican) ; State of Maine (Repub- lican), and Eastern Argus (Democrat), which also issue tri-weekly and w^eekly editions. Besides these, there are seven weeklies, namely : The Transcript (Literary) ; Christian Mirror (Orthodox Congregational) ; Zion's Advocate (Baptist) ; Journal and Inquirer (Maine Law) ; Pleasure Boat (Miscellaneous) ; Cold Water Fountain (Temperance) ; and The Scholar's Leaf (Educational), issued semi-monthly. There is one post- office. Population estimated at 30,000 ; valuation for 1858, $22,260,290. PowNAL is situated in the eastern part of Cumberland county, and contains an area of about 18,000 acres. Its early history is merged in that of Freeport, of which it formed the northwest part until March 3, 1808, when it was incorporated by its present name. In May, 1807, the inhabitants, at a town-meeting, chose a committee, consisting of Bar- stow Sylvester, Josiah Reed, and Thomas Means, in behalf of the lower part of the town, which is now Freeport, and Edward Thompson, Leb- beus Tuttle, and. Jabez True, for the upper part (or the proposed new town), to agree to a line of separation. The committee reported that they had agreed upon a line, which report was accepted on the 18th of May, as certified by John Cushing and Cornelius Dillingham, selectmen. The petition to the legislature had forty-one signatures, among which appear those of Edmund Cleaves, Jacob Davis, Joseph Hutchins, Na- thaniel Noyes, Benjamin A. Richardson, Edward Thompson, William Sawyer, Benjamin Humphrey, and Jabez True. An order of notice on the petition was made returnable to the next general court, when the act was passed. The surface is undulating, and the soil generally of a pro- ductive character. The inhabitants are devoted principally to agricultural pursuits. Pownal is watered by the eastern branches of Royall's river, none of which have sufficient power for propelling machinery. There are three religious societies — two Methodist and one Congregational ; twelve school districts, and three post-offices — Pownal, North Pownal, VOL. I. 24 278 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. and West Pownal ; also one grist-mill, and one carriage factory. Pop- ulation, 1,074 ; valuation, |241,550. Princeton is situated in the eastern part of Washington county, on the Baring and Houlton road, at the outlet of the chain of lakes which extend some thirty miles westwardly toward the Penobscot river. The head of these lakes is near the source of the Passadumkeag, a tributary of the Penobscot river. When clear of ice, these lakes and their tribu- taries are navigable to the remotest point, at all seasons of the year. A heavy and valuable growth of hard and soft timber borders their shores, from which immense quantities are cut annually for the mills at Baring and Calais, and yet the supply is not sensibly diminished. But few settlements have as yet been made upon the banks of these streams, which are said, in many places, to contain excellent land. A railroad has just been completed from tide-water at Calais to Princeton, a dis- tance of twenty miles, called the Lewey's Island Railroad, which has its terminus at a wharf on the lower lake. By this road immense quazi- tities of lumber Avill be taken annually to market. There is an excellent water-power at this place, having all these lakes as a reservoir, which is now only partially occupied, but which_ ere- long will be one of the lumber marts of Maine. The Lewey's Island Railroad will be one of the links in the projected European and North American Railroad, and this town will be one of the depots through which will flow the productions of two continents. This will not happen in a day ; but time will consummate the enterprise. The town was incorporated in 1832, and has four school districts and two post-offices — Princeton and South Princeton. Population, 280 ; valu- ation, $24,314. Prospect, Waldo county, is situated on the west side of Penobscot river, and has about four miles of shore, extending from the southerly line of Stockton to Marsh bay. The first historical event of note was the erection of a small fort, on the spot now known as Fort Point, — vestiges of which are still standing, — commenced in the year 1758, and completed July 28, 1759, at a cost of £4,969 17.s. M., the expenses being reimbursed by parliament. The ditch by which it is surrounded was originally about twelve feet deep, but rubbish has accumulated in it to such an extent that it is now not over six feet in depth. The old well, which supplied the garrison with water, is still in existence, though partially filled up. It is maintained by some, that this forrification was erected for the purpose of commanding the river, and defending the country from invasion by the French. This, however, is an erroneous MAINE TOWN OF PROSPECT. 279 view of the matter, for there could scarcely be any danger of invasion from the French at that time, the whole of their possessions in Acadie and Canada having fallen into the hands of the British at the fall of Louisburg the year previous. The more probable object of its erection was for the protection of the settlers on the river, and for purposes of trade with the natives. This fort was garrisoned by one hundred men, under the command of Colonel Goldthwaite, who evacuated it at the commencement of the Revolutionary war, and returned to England. In the year 1779, it was destroyed by Commodore Saltonstall, who had been despatched by the government of Massachusetts for the pur- pose of reducing Bigaduce, now Castine. The first inhabitants, some of whom had been soldiers in the French and Indian wars, settled near the above fort. John Odom, who settled at Sandy Point, about three miles above the fort, and who built the first mill on the Penobscot river, a Mr. Clifford, a Mr. Treat, Charles Curtis, from whom Curtis Point takes its name, and two or three men by the name of Colson, were among the first settlers. Phoebe, a daugh- ter of Mr. Curtis, born February 15, 1770, was the first child claiming nativity in the town. Captain John Odom, the grandson of the Odom alluded to above, is a resident here. He was born March, 1787, and is the oldest sea-captain in Prospect, having followed the sea for forty-five years. He was impressed into the British service, and was at the battle of Corunna, at which Sir John More was killed, where he acted an important part in carrying off the wounded and providing for their wants. He obtained his release from the British service soon after that battle and returned home in 1811, since which he has been engaged in maritime pursuits. Prospect was incorporated February 29, 1794, at which time it was seventeen miles in length from north to south. About eighteen square miles of it were taken ofiT to form Stockton, March 13, 1857, leaving but thirteen square miles to Prospect. About one fourth of the land is fertile, the remainder rocky and mountainous. The south branch of Marsh river runs through the town, and is crossed by three bridges. Ellis, Seavey, and Half-moon ponds are considerable bodies of water, and are each crossed by a strong bridge. Heagan mountain, in the northeast, and Mack mountain, in the west, are the two principal elevations. Sammy's Eddy affords shelter and anchorage for vessels. To the north there is a large marsh, covering an area of two or three hundred acres, which may yet become a source of wealth as a fertilizer. In the vicinity of Fort Knox, a short distance above the ferry to Bucksport, lead ore has been exhumed ; but whether it will prove an article of commerce, further developments must determine. The principal business was ship-building, which, since the division, has been 280 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. mainly transferred to Stockton. In 1854, there were five vessels built, one of which was a ship of 1,200 tons ; and in 1855, there were as many more. A superstition was quite rife here, some years ago, respecting some treasures, which were supposed to have been buried by pirates, at a place called the " Cod Lead," a gravel mound, near the north line of the town, directly east of Mosquito Mountain. An immense amount of digging has been performed; but, as yet, money has failed to make its appearance to reward the toilers. The United States government is erecting a stupendous fortification at East Prospect, which, when finished, will command the entire river above and below. It is called Fort Knox, in honor of General Knox, of Revolutionary fame. Prospect has one village, called North Prospect ; but no church edifice. Seven school-houses are distributed through the town, and there are two post-offices — North Prospect and Prospect Ferry. Some manufacturing is done by three saw-mills, one shingle machine, and one grist-mill. Population in 1858, about 900 ; valuation 1101,000. Rangely, situated in the western part of Franklin county, comprises an area of 25,792 acres, most of which is wild land. Settlers have been moving into this township for a few years past, and taking up lots, encouraged principally by the lumbermen of Portland and Bangor, who have been doing considerable business about Mooselockmeguntic lake, a part of which lies here. Rangely had for a short time a plantation organization, which was terminated March 8, 1855, by its becoming an incorporated municipality. There are four school districts, with four schools, a Free-will Baptist society, one post-office, one shingle mill, one gristrmill, and one saw-mill. Population, 200 ; valuation, ^21,000. Raymond, Cumberland county, was granted by Massachusetts to WiUiam Raymond and company, in 1767, in consideration of their ser- vices in the expedition to Canada, and formerly comprised within its limits the town' of Casco. The settlement was commenced by Captain Joseph Dingley, in 1771 ; but there were few families until after the Revolution, when such additions were made to the population from year to year, that, on the 21st June, 1803, it was incorporated, taking its name from Captain Raymond, one of the proprietors. The soil is hard, gravelly, and, in many places, very stony. A large proportion of the timber growth is white oak, an article of considerable trade. The inhabitants are temperate, econdmical, and industrious; uniting with these qualities hospitality and liberality in their donations towards benevolent objects. Raymond has been heavily burdened with MAINE TOWN OF KEADFIELD, ETC. 281 taxation for public and private purposes. There are three small vil- lages — Raymond, East Raymond, and North Raymond, with a post- office at each ; three religious societies — Free-will Baptist, Methodist, and Union ; ten school districts, ^vith eighteen schools ; also two saw- mills and two grist-mills. Population, 1,142 ; valuation, $126,901. Readfield, Kennebec county, originally constituted the northern part of Winthrop, and was incorporated from it under its present name, March 11, 1791. Its settlement was begun about the year 1760, the same time as that of Winthrop, and the first clearings were made on the south of Chandler's pond. The surface is gently undulating, and the soil strong and productive. It is well watered by ponds and small streams, one of which is Carlton pond, and the other a branch of North pond. The town contains three villages — Kent's Hill, Readfield Corner, and East Readfield ; four church edifices — two Methodist, one Free-will Baptist, and one Union ; twelve school districts, and twenty- three schools ; the Maine Wesleyan Seminary, at Kent's Hill, a flourish- ing school for young ladies and gentlemen ; three post-offices — Read- field, Kent's Hill, and Readfield Depot; the Readfield Woollen Manu- facturing Company, employing about twenty-five hands, and having a capital of $20,000 ; one grist-mill, two saw-mills, one tannery, and one oil-clofh carpet factory. The Androscoggin and Kennebec Railroad passes through the centre of Readfield. Population, 1,985 ; valuation, $439,723. Richmond, on the west bank of Kennebec river, in Sagadahoc county, was incorporated from the northern part of Bowdoinham in 1823. All that tract of land extending from the mouth of the stream that falls into the Kennebec, at the northerly extremity of Swan Island, up the Kennebec to the mouth of the Cobbossee Contee, and extending back from the Ken- nebec ten miles, was purchased of the Indians by Christopher Lawson, on the 10th of October, 1649, and was sold by Lawson, July 2, 1650, to Messrs. Clark and Lake. Richmond comprises nearly or quite one half of this tract, and the other half is now Gardiner. In 1719 and 1720 a fortress, called Fort Richmond, was erected here, for the purpose of facil- itating the peltry trade with the natives, and for the better security of the settlers against Indian depredations. This fortress was main- tained until 1754, when it was dismantled. On the incorporation of Bowdoinham, Richmond was included within its limits, and for many years was involved in a violent controversy between its rightful owners and the proprietors of the Plymouth Patent on the north, who claimed it as a part of their possessions. The advantages that were afforded 24* 282 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTIOX OF NEW ENGLAND. for ship-building and navigation were not lost sight of by the early set- tlers. The best of ship timber (oak) was easily procurable. There were also as good facilities for launching vessels and sending them to sea as could be desired ; and, as a consequence, the inhabitants have always been more or less interested in navigation. The town possesses, for the most part, an even surface, and a tolerably productive soil. Communication is had daily by steamboat between Augusta, Boston, Portland, and Bath. The Kennebec and Portland Railroad renders communication with many of the principal cities and towns easy and expeditious. There are six church edifices — one Congregational, two Free-will Baptist, one Methodist, one Union house, and one Baptist ; eleven school districts, with thirty -four schools ; two post-offices — Rich- mond and Richmond Corner ; one large steam mill, one door and sash factory, one brass foundery, one large furniture factory, and twenty-two stores. Population in 1850, 2,056, which had increased, in 1857, to about 3,000 ; valuation at the former date, $405,475, which had increased at the latter date to near $1,000,000. Ripley, Somerset county, was the southern half of Cambridge, and was originally granted by the state of Massachusetts, September 27, 1803, to John S. Frazy, who conveyed it to Charles Vaughan and John Merrick. The survey of the town was commenced in 1809, and com- pleted in 1813. It was settled in 1804 — incorporated December 11, 1816, and named in honor of General Ripley, an officer who distinguished himself in the last war with England. The surface is somewhat uneven, but the soil generally good. It is watered by Maine stream, which forms the northern boundary, and by Indian stream, which has its head waters here. Ripley has one church edifice (Free-will Baptist) ; five school districts, with ten schools ; a few mills, one tannery, and two post- offices — Ripley and West Ripley. Population, 641 ; valuation, $57,648. RoBBiNSTON, Washington county, situated on the west side of the Saint Croix, opposite Saint Andrew, New Brunswick, was granted by the state of Massachusetts, October 21, 1786, to Edward H. and Na- thaniel J. Robbins, in honor of whom the town was named. There were two families here at the time the grant was made, and several others moved in shortly afterwards. Williamson says a post-office was established here as early as 1796. The proprietors entered into the business of clearing a settlement with commendable zeal, and erected a storehouse and other buildings. On the 15th of January, 1810, a com- mittee was chosen by the inhabitants, consisting of .John Brewer, Thomas Vose, John Balkham, Obadiah Allen, Abel Brooks, Job John- MAINE - ■TOWN OF ROEBINSTON. 283 son, and Thaddeus Sibley, to present their petition to the legislature for incorporation ; and after the usual order of notice made returnable to the next legislature, (from which it appears John Balkham was planta- tion clerk,) the town was incorporated February 18, 1811. For many years Robbinston was the centre of trade for the neighboring towns. Ship-building and commerce were carried on to such an extent that the harbors of this town and Saint Andrew, as well as Passamaquoddy bay, were white Avith shipping. The ports of Europe furnished ready markets for the class of ships built here, but, with the changes of fashion in ship-building, the trade has declined, and left to the place but a frac- tion of its pristine glory in this business. More nearly allied with Rob- binston than any other place, from its close proximity, is Neu- tral island, (so called from its position in the middle of the river, which divides the two countries). It is quite small, its area probably not much ex- ceeding six acres ; and is noted only for having furnished, as is supposed, the winter-quar- ters of the explorer, Pierre De Monts, in 1604-5.1 Apprehend- ing danger from the savages, he erected a fortification upon the north part, which entirely commanded the river. Traces of this, still in existence, were found in 1798, by the commissioners appointed by England and the United States, sent to determine the boundary in this vicinity, some dispute about the same having grown out of the indefiniteness of the treaty of 1783.^ Great mortahty prevailed among De Monts's men in that dreadful winter, o-ea- erally supposed to have been from scurvy; but, in the opinion of some, from drinking water from the wells (several of which were duo- by De Monts), poisoned by the Indians, in retaliation for injuries received. There is but one house on the island — ^ the residence of the keeper of the light-house. This light-house was erected in 1856. The British government relinquished all claim to the island upon the final settlement Site of the old fortification at Neutral Inland. ' L'Escarljot's Hist, De Monts's Voyages ; abridged in 5 Purclias's Pilgrims, p. 1619. Ilarv. Coll. Lihranj. " The colony of De JNIonts was made up of Romanists and Protes- tants. Among the latter was L'Escarbot, wlio was a Huguenot minister." — Bardet's Frontier ^fis.■ aquis river, some five miles from the outlet of the lake, in Milo. Pis- cataquis river, the centre of which is the southern boundary of the town, divides Sebec from Atkinson. There are three small ponds near the centre, lying north and south, which empty into the Piscataquis by three distinct streams ; also a number of smaller streams, which empty into the Sebec river and lake, one of which is of sufficient volume to propel machinery. VOL. I. 26 302 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. At the outlet of the Sebec lake there is a small village, having a woollen factory, saw-mill, tannery, and a number of machine. shops. This village has suffered very much by fire, a saw-mill, grist-mill, and woollen factory having been burnt within a few years. There is an- other small place of business, in which are tu^o stores and some ma- chine shops. Agriculture is the principal pursuit of the inhabitants. There is but one church edifice, which is occupied by the Congrega- tionalists, Baptists, and Methodists alternately; two post-offices — Se- bec and South Sebec; and ten school districts, with sixteen schools. Population, 1,223 ; valuation for 1856, §115,000. Sedgwick, situated in the southwestern part of Hancock county, was one of six townships granted by Massachusetts, in 1761, to David Marsh and three hundred and fifty-nine others. It was provided that these townships, w^hich were to be each six miles square, should be located in a regular contiguous manner between the Penobscot and Union rivers. The grantees individually bound themselves in the penal sum of £50 to fulfil the conditions of the grant, which were, to settle each township with sixty Protestant families within six years after ob- taining the king's approbation, to fit for tillage three hundred acres of land, to erect a meeting-house, and to settle a minister. If the grantees failed to execute their portion of the contract, Sedgwick and the other townships were again to become the property of Massachusetts. In 1763, some settlements having been made by Captains Goodwin and Reed, and John and Daniel Black, at what was known as Naskeag point, and, a few years later, by other persons in other parts of the town, the general court, in 1789, quieted their fears of ejectment by grantino- each settler a lot of one hundred acres. The settlement of Sedo-wick progressed slowly; and January 12, 1789, it was incorporated, and named in honor of Major Robert Sedgwick. In 1817, five thousand acres were taken off to form Brooksville ; and again, in 1849, about two fifths of the remaining twenty-two thousand acres were taken off to form the town of Brooklin. Sedgwick is quite brolien, and in some parts ledgy. It is drained by Benjamin river, which forms the dividhig line between Sedgwick and Brooklin; and in the western part there is a pond. Sedgwick can boast of two excellent harbors, to which vessels of one thousand tons may have ingress and egress without difficulty. There are five ship-yards, owned by different individuals, in which are built about three vessels per annum, which are employed in the coasting, fishing, and West India trades. The inhabitants are principally engaged in agriculture and sea- going. The clam and other fisheries yield an annual revenue of up- MAraE TOWN OF SHAPLEIGH. 303 wards of $15,000, which is increasing every year. There are two small villages in Sedgwick ; three post-offices — Sedgwick, North Sedgwick, and West Sedgwick ; ten schools and ten districts, and two church edi- fices, both occupied by the Baptists. The Congregationalists have a society, but no meeting-house ; at present they worship at a place called Dodge's Hall. Population, 1,235; valuation, §119,748. Shapleigh, York county, adjoins Alfred on the west, and was for- merly called Hubbardston. Its territory was a part of the original pur- chase obtained of the Indian chief. Captain Sunday, by Francis Small, of Scarborough, who conveyed an undivided portion of the tract to Major Shapleigh.i The original deed of Small was found in 1770, and the descendants of the two tenants in common made partition, August 5, 1771, when the territory comprised in this township fell to the claim- ants of Shapleigh. Doubts afterwards arising whether it might not be without the limits of the original purchase from the sagamore, and in or- der that the title might not be disputed, the inhabitants obtained a con- firmation of the grant from the state, October 30, 1782. The first efforts at settlement were made in the year 1772, when a saw and grist mill were erected by Simeon Emery. In 1773, Joseph Jellison and his son moved in, and were soon after followed by James Davis, William Stan- ley, George Ham, and others. Settlements were prosecuted with much vigor, so that in 1778 there were over forty families here. Shapleigh was incorporated March 5, 1785, taking its name from its original owner. Nearly one fourth of its surface are plains, lying in the north and northeast part ; the remainder is divided into precipitous hills, pleasant swells, meadows, and extensive ponds of water. Little Ossi- pee river, having its source in Balch pond in this town, forms the north- ern boundary, and Salmon Falls river the western boundary. Ponds and streams of water are abundant, the principal of which are Square pond and Long pond. The land, generally speaking, is suitable for cultiva- tion, requiring, however, attention and care. There are many beautiful landscapes, equal to any in the state. In 1830, Acton was set off from Shapleigh, and in 1844 a portion of the northeast corner was annexed to Newfield. The town contains three villages — North Shapleigh, Emery's Mills, and Ross's Corner; five churches — three Baptist, one Methodist, and one Congregational ; fifteen school districts, with tsventy- ' This tract was supposed to embrace Parsonsficld, Shapleigh, a part of Limerick, New- field, Limin"ton, and Cornish. The three first were assigned to the Shapleigh claimants; the three latter to the Small claimants. Some disputes were afterwards raised as to the justness of this decision ; the Shapleigh proprietors claiming one half of Newfield and Cornish. 304 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. three schools; five saw-mills; two grist-mills; several other mechanical works ; and three post-offices — Shapleigh, North Shapleigh, and fioss's Corner. Population, 1,848 ; valuation, !&201,771. Shirley, in the western part of Piscataquis county, was incorporated in 1834. It formerly contained much timber, which, having been mostly cleared off, leaves the inhabitants to turn their attention to agriculture, for which the town is well adapted. It is watered by the higher branches of the Piscataquis river, on which are erected mills for the manufacture of lumber. Stages pass daily between Bangor and that favorite summer resort, Moosehead Lake. There are three school dis- tricts, with three schools; a post-office, a grist-mill, a saw-mill, and a shingle-mill. Population, 250 ; valuation, $38,012. Sidney, in the county of Kennebec, situated on the western side of Kennebec river, is the next town north of Augusta. It originally con- stituted a part of Vassalborough, from which it was set off and incor- porated January 30, 1792, being named in honor of the renowned Eng- lish republican, Algernon Sidney. The earliest settlements were made along the river, and upon the borders of Snow's pond, in 1774. Sidney contains twenty thousand acres, of w^hich one thousand is bog, but the rest excellent soil for grain and grass. This is one of the best agricul- tural towns in Maine, and the inhabitants are nearly all indcpt'ndent farmers. There is a considerable portion of the primeval forest of beech, birch, and maple yet standing in the central part. There are three stores and two blacksmith shops ; two churches of the Baptist denomination, one of the Free-will Baptists, one of the Methodists, one of the Friends, and one Union house, occupied by the Congregationalists and Free-will Baptists. The streams here are small, with no good mill privileges ; yet there are some half dozen small saw- mills located upon them, which are operated during the spring freshets, and a grist-mill, that runs a short time in the spring and fall. There is a mutual fire insurance company, which was chartered in 1856 ; but no other corporation, and no large manufactories. The only litcraiy institutions are the public schools, of which there are twenty, with a large attendance of pupils in proportion to the number of people. There are three post-offices — Sidney, North Sidney, and East Sidney. Popu- lation, 1,955 ; valuation, §458,556. Skowhegan, Somerset county, lies on the north bend of the Kennebec river. The territory comprising this town was originally a part of Canaan, from which it was separated February 5, 1823, and incorpo- MAINE TOWN OF SMITHFIELD, ETC. 305 rated under the name of Millburn. This name it bore until the year 1836, when, through the efforts of many of its citizens, the one it now bears was substituted in its place. Skowhegan is an Indian word, and signifies " a place to watch." In ancient days, it was noted as a " place to watch" and catch salmon, and other varieties of fish. Skow- hegan has an area of 19,071 acres, forty-eight of which are covered with water, and 324 devoted to roads. There are five churches — a Baptist, a Congregationalist, a Methodist, a Christian, and a Univer- salist ; eleven school districts, one post-office ; a tannery, one grist-mill, two shingle mills, one marble-worker, and four carriage builders. Pop- ulation, 1,756 ; valuation, $331,370. Smitiipield, in the southern part of Somerset county, was incorpo- rated February 20, 1840. It was formed from parts of Mercer and Dearborn, and the whole of the territory called East Pond Plantation. It is watered by a handsome sheet of water, called Milk pond. The soil is good, its inhabitants industrious ; and, from its location, the town obtains a good market for its surplus productions. It has a few saw- mills, and manufacturing establishments ; tw^o church edifices (Free- will Baptist), eleven school districts, with twenty-one schools; and one post-office. Population, 873 ; valuation, §77,058. Smyrna, Aroostook county, fifteen miles west from Houlton, em- braces an area of 23,040 acres, and is yet but sparsely settled. It was incorporated in 1839. It has six school districts, with seventy-two scholars. Population in 1850, 172; valuation, §8,121. Solon, Somerset county, lies on the east side of the Kennebec river, due north from Norridgewock, from which it is separated by the inter- vening town of Madison. The first settler was Wilfiam Hilton, of Wiscasset, who moved here during the fall of 1782, and purchased five hundred acres of land on the river, in the southwest part. Mr. Hilton lived on this farm for sixty-four years, raised a family of thirteen chil- dren, and died, at the advanced age of eighty-seven years, respected as a man of integrity and worth. The next year, 1783, William Hunnewell, from Wiscasset, moved to a farm adjoining Hilton's; and in 1787-8, Calvin and Luther Pierce, from Westmoreland, N. H., Moses Chamber- lain and Jonathan Bosworth, from Easton, Mass., Eleazer Whipple, and Joseph Maynard, settled on the river, in the northwest part. In 1798-9, the south part was settled by James, Jonas, and Nathan Jewett, from Groton, Mass., and Jonas Heald and Caleb Hobart, from Pepperell. Solon was incorporated February 23, 1809, and organized on the 26* 306 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. 27th of March following. The surface is undulating, ^vith rich, alluvial land along the banks of the river. Near the centre is a high elevation of land, called Parkman's hill. The only pond worthy of notice is the Wesserunset, situated in the northeastern part, covering an area of about five hundred acres. This pond is the head of the east branch of a stream bearing the same name, which falls into the Kennebec, and forms the western boundary. Carritunk falls, on the Kennebec, are sit- uated about a mile from the north hne of the town, and have a descent of twenty feet. The scenery in the vicinity of the falls is picturesque and romantic. Fall brook enters the Kennebec two miles south of the north line, and flows through Solon village, affording valuable mill sites. There are already situated on- this stream two saw-mills, one flour- mill, one shovel-handle manufactory, two fulhng and carding machines, and two blacksmith's shops. The principal pursuit of the inhabitants is agriculture, in which the majority of the population are engaged, and from which they reap a profitable return. Grain and hay are the sta- ple productions. There are four churches — Congregationalist, Baptist, Methodist, and Universalist, two of which have church edifices. The one situated at the village is occupied by the above-mentioned denomina- tions in rotation ; the one at South Solon by the Congregationalists. The town has one hundred dwelling-houses and shops, six stores, one hotel, one tannery, two lawyer's oflices, two post-offices — one at Solon, and one at South Solon ; seven school districts, with thirteen schools, and a high school, which is in a prosperous condition. Population, L,419 ; valuation, $179,706. Somerset County is one of the enormous counties of the state, em- bracing an area of three thousand eight hundred square miles. It was the northerly portion of Kennebec county, and was established March 1, 1809, its southern boundary then running, as now, south of Detroit, Pittsfield, Canaan, Fairfield, Smithfield, Mercer, and as far west as the west line of Phillips in Franklin county. Hancock was then upon its east, and Oxford — four years its senior — upon the west. It gave to Franklin the towns of Industry, New Vineyard, Strong, Avon, Phil- lips, Freeman, Salem, Kingfield, and three and a half townships north of these towns; to Piscataquis two ranges of townships, and to Aroostook six townships. It now has one hundred and eleven townships, twenty- nine of which are settled and incorporated. Norridgewock has always been the shire town. The upper portion of the county is drained by the head waters of the St. John river and the west branch of the Pe- nobscot. The Kennebec, the principal river, has its rise in Moosehead lake. It flows centrally through the county, and receives several small MAINE TOWN OF SOUTH EEEWICK. 307 streams in its course. The surface is varied, and there are several small ponds, such as Brassua, Wood, Attean, Long, Allen, etc., interspersed over its territory, all of which are fine sheets of pure, clear water, well filled with the various species of fresh water fish. Agriculture is the leading pursuit. The productions are principally wheat, corn, and pota- toes. The county belongs to the middle judicial district, the law terms of which are held at Augusta. The jury terms of the supreme judicial court, for both civil and criminal business, commence on the third Tues- days of March, September, and December. Population, 35,581 ; valua- tion, $4,935,697. South Berwick, York county, adjoins Quampheagen falls, extending as far as Salmon falls. It was originally a part of Kittery, and was settled simultaneously with Strawberry bank, now Portsmouth. It was called " the Parish of Unity." Berwick was separated from Kittery in 1700, and South Berwick, taken from Berwick, was incorporated in 1814. It includes all the lands within the first territorial parish, and a small part of York, lying north of Agamenticus, since annexed. Among the first settlers were Humphrey Chadbourne, Shapleigh, Heard, Frost, and Emery, — all ambitious and enterprising, — the first of whom purchased a tract of land of the Indians to commence a permanent set- tlement.^ In 1675, the dwelling-house of John Tozier, at this settlement, was attacked by a party of Indians, led on by Andrew of Saco and Hope- hood of Kennebunk, two daring warriors. Tozier was absent on an expedition to Saco with Captain Wincoll, and his family was left with- out any male protector. Circumstances often make heroines as well as heroes ; and in this case the courage and coolness of a girl, eighteen years of age, were most singularly exemplified. She saw the approach of the Indians, and, shutting the door of the house, kept it closed till it was cut in pieces by the tomahawks of the savages, and the family had es- caped from the dwelling. Foiled in their intentions, the Indians wreaked their vengeance on the heroic girl, and, leaving her for dead, started with all haste after the family. Two of the children they over- took, and one of them, being too young to travel, was immediately killed ; the other they kept with them six months. The girl, who was left for dead, revived after the departure of the Indians, and, going to the garrison at Salmon falls, was healed of her wounds, and lived for many years. The day following, (September 25,) a large party of Indians set fire to the buildings of Captain "Wincoll, near Salmon falls, and were pur- "^ Upon part of tliis land the academy is located. 308 HISTORY AXD DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. sued by the men belonging to the garrison ; but darkness put an end to the pursuit. October 7, of the same year, the place was again at- tacked, and a man and two youths were shot. Nor was this all ; on the 16th of the same month, about one hundred Indians assailed the house of Richard Tozier, killing him and taking his son captive. Nine men, sent by the commander of the garrison, Lieutenant Roger Plais- ted, to watch the movements of the enemy, were surprised, and three of them killed. Plaisted and twenty of his men, while bringing in the bodies for interment, were attacked by a party of one hundred and fifty of the enemy, who had been concealed behind some logs, and a fierce conflict ensued. The contest was unequal, and all the men except Plaisted, his eldest son, and one of the garrison, made their escape. Plaisted would not surrender, although frequently urged to do so, and fought with almost unexampled courage, till he was all but cut to pieces with the hatchets of his enemies. His son and his fellow-soldier also fell nobly supporting the heroic man. Another son, engaged in the contest, died a few weeks after, of his wounds. During the Revolutionary war (1775), two full companies marched from Berwick to the scene of action, one being commanded by Captain Philip Hubbard, and the other by Captain Daniel Wood. The latter was promoted to the rank of major ; and Captain Ebenezer Sullivan, brother of General John and Governor James Sullivan, succeeded to the command. Berwick has the honor of having furnished as many men, in proportion to the population, to fight the battles of independ- ence, as any other town in the state. The principal river, a branch of the Piscataqua, was called Newicha- wannock. Quampheagen landing is at the head of tide navigation upon this river, and here is the factory of the Portsmouth Company. The Great Works river rises in Berwick, and flows circuitously into the above-named branch at Yeaton's mills, below Quampheagen. It re- ceived its name, because two Englishmen, named Leders, purchased of the town of Kittery five hundred acres of land on both sides of the river, including the Falls and the " Great hole," where they erected a mill of eighteen saws. The first settlers were attracted to this heritage, because it was one dense forest of pine, hemloclc, and oak, and because of the facilities afforded for lumbering. They had no taste for agricul- ture or the fisheries ; but, in process of time, lumbering failing, their successors took to the cultivation of the land, and they soon found that the soil was strong and retentive. They inclosed gardens, planted orchards, and cultivated fruit, vegetables, corn, and the grains ; but hay is the staple. The lands of the late Judge Hayes, (who was a skilful farmer,) furnish a small part of the view given in this article, and ex- MAINE — TOWN OF SOUTH BERWICK. 309 hibit some of the results of scientific agriculture. The trade of South Berwick was early quickened by the wood and lumber business, which was pushed into the interior towns. Ship-building was carried on ad- vantageously. Merchants built their own vessels and employed them, and a profitable interchange of commodities with the West Indies gave employment to many of the inhabitants. The manufacturing interests of South Berwick are considerable. The company at Great Works manufactures woollen goods; the Ports- mouth company at Quampheagen has 250 hands, and manufactures cotton goods ; and the company at Salmon Falls, on the opposite side of the river, has two large mills employed in the manufacture of cotton cloth. The magnificent estabfishments at Dover and Great Falls are within four mUes of this place. Three of the principal railroads pass through the limits of the town. The Portsmouth, Saco, and Portland Railroad and the Boston and Maine Railroad meet at the junction in South Berwick, on the margin of Great Works river, twelve miles from Portsmouth, and six mUes from Dover. A cross railroad is now com- pleted, diverging at Brock's crossing on the Eastern road, ten miles from Portsmouth, and extending near the factories of Great Works, Quampheagen, and Salmon Falls, to Great Falls, a distance of sbc miles, where it connects with railroads leading to Rochester, Alton, and Wake- field. South Berwick has five churches: one Congregational, — which has been in existence more than a century and a half, over which John Wade was settled in 1702, and Jeremiah Wise, his successor, in 1707, who continued as pastor till his death, in 1756, — two Baptist, one Methodist, and one Free-will Baptist. Some of the most prominent men who have lived and died in this town during the present century, were Colonel Jonathan Hamilton, Hon. John Lord, John Cushing, Esq., General Ichabod Goodwin, Timothy Ferguson, Esq., Hon. William A. Hayes, and Hon. C. N. Cogswell. Berwick Academy (a view of which is given on the next page), located near the centre of the town, upon commanding ground, which was the gift of the late Benjamin Chadbourne, was incorporated in 1791, and endowed with a township of land. Samuel Moody was the first preceptor. The grounds, which are adorned with hedges and shrubbery, are inclosed with a substantial wall. A building of chaste architectural appearance, designed by Richard Upjohn, of New York, has recently been erected. There is also a large and commodious boarding-house. The institution is under the supervision of a board of fourteen trustees, at the head of which is Francis B. Hayes, of Boston. There are three scholarships in the institution, each of which 310 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEA? ENGLAND. provides one hundred dollars per annum for a meritorious graduate of the academy while in college. The school is under the charge of Berwick Ac;u]emy. one of the most skilful teachers and its prospects are at present more auspicious than at any former period. There are in town sixteen school districts, with an attendance of 750 scholars; two banking institutions — the South Berwick Bank, with a ca]5ital of $100,000, and the South Berwick Savings Institution ; a mutual fire insurance company, and one post-olhce. Population, 2,593 ; valuation, er319,409. SouTiiPORT is an island at the mouth of Shecpscot river, and belongs to Lincoln county. It formerly belonged to Boofhbay, from which it was set off and incorporated by the name of Townsend, February 12, 1842. This name was changed to the present one, June 12, 1S50. The inhabitants are mostly fishermen ; and have thirty-five vessels, averaging eighty ions each, employed in this branch of business. Soutliport has one church edifice, which belongs to the Methodists; five school dis- tricts, with five schools ; and one post-olllce. Population, 543 ; valua- tion, §37,126. South Tiiomaston is situated in the extreme easterly part of Lincoln comity, and extends into the Atlantic on the south in the form of a peninsula, and into Penobscot bay on the east in the form of a high bluff or iiroinontory. The first permanent setth^r was Elisha Snow, who came from Brunswick in 1767. He built a saw-mill on the Wes- saweskeag stream, at the site of which has si)rung up the largesi village in South Thomaston. Snow was soon followed by Lieutenant ]\Iat- MAINE — TOWN OF SOUTH TIIOMASTON. 311 thews, Richard Keating, John Bridges, and James and Jonathan Obcr- toii. In 1773, Joseph Coombs, a young man who had but recently attained his majority, came here, and erected another saw-mill in close proximity to the one Snow had built ; and soon after, in comj^any with Snow, erected a grist-mill. The Indian name of this place was Wes- saweskeag, which signifies " a land of wonders." The name was con- tracted by the settlers at first to " Weskeag," afterwards to " Keag," and finally it has degenerated to " Gig," which is a familiar appellation at the present time. The settlements at Wessaweskeag, — which included South Thomaston, Thomaston, E-ockland, St. George, Warren, Gush- ing, Friendship, and other places, — were known in earlier times as Upper and Lo\ver St. George. South Thoinaston \vas incorporated from Thomaston in 1848. The Baptist church of South Thomaston, with one exception, is the oldest one of that denomination which was established between the Kennebec and Penobscot bay, having been constituted June 27, 1784, under the pastoral charge of Rev. Isaac Case. A meeting-house was erected by this society in 1796, which vi^as enlarged and improved in 1847. It is the only church edifice in South Thomaston. In April, 1784, Elisha Snow, the first settler, was baptized, and, September 27, 1794, was settled as sub-pastor of this church. In 1808, he became senior minister, and continued thus till removed by death, January 30, 1832, at the age of ninety-two years. The surface is rough and rocky along the coast, but back some dis- tance there is some good land, which has been laid -^^s^^ ^ _ ^ out in farms. It is wa- w — ^ -=^ tered by the Wessawes- keag stream, which sup- plies many good mill-sites. Owl's Head, a view of which is here given, is a high, rocky bluff" projecting into Penobscot bay, and has a light-house on its summit, as seen in the en- graving, making it a noted sz landmark for seamen ap- proaching this coast. There are three villages — Keag, Owl's Head, and Ingraham's Hill; the two latter having chiefly sprung up since 1850. Ship-building is the leading occupation ; but, owing to Oivrs UoaJ. 312 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. a general depression in this business, it fell off in 1857. In 1854, there were built five ships, three barques, and three schooners. There are twelve school districts, and eighteen schools ; two post-offices ■ — South Thomaston and Owl's Head; one set of mills, consisting of a gi-ist- rnill, two planing machines, one up and down saw, one circular saw, and one shingle machine ; five stores, a sail-loft, a cigar manufactory, two shoemaker's shops, and one carpenter's shop. Population in 1850, 1,420, which has probably increased about 200 ; valuation for 1857, $406,401. Springfield, Penobscot county, lies east of Lee, on the road from that place to Calais. It was first settled in 1830. The first trader was James Butterfleld, who is still living, and doing an extensive and profita- ble business. Springfield was incorporated in 1834, at which time it contained about three hundred inhabitants. From various causes, the population since that time has increased but slowly. One of the main drawbacks was, that the town, soon after its incorporation, became in- volved in debt to the amount of $6,000, or about one fourth of the whole taxable property. This burden was imposed upon the people by the location of two county roads, when but one was necessary, which has ever since retarded the prosperity of the town. By the excellent management of the officers, however, this debt is now nearly extin- guished. The north half of the township was granted by the legislature to Foxcroft academy, and was sold by the ti'ustees to parties in Bangor for thirty-one cents per acre. It was heavily timbered with pine and spruce, immense quantities of which have been taken from it, and much still remains. The south half was sold by the state to settlers and others, and contains some of the best land in Maine. In 1837, the state offered a bounty on wheat, and Springfield took the prize — Samuel C. Clark having produced that year 1,340 bushels of wheat, besides 435 bushels of other grain, making 1,775 bushels in the whole. Agriculture is the principal pursuit. Notwithstanding the financial embarrassments, a large number of the inhabitants are in independent and easy circum- stances, not one of Avhom brought his wealth Avith him. The good buildings and well-cultivated farms prove that the people have not labored in vain. Public worship has generally been sustained on the Sabbath. A large and elegant meeting-house, which will cost some f 2,500, is nearly completed, and will be dedicated shortly. It will be an ornament to the place. The common schools are well cared for, and for several years a high school was sustained. There are eight school districts ; two Free- MAINE — TO-^VN OF STANDISH. 313 will Baptist churches; one grist-mill; two saw-mills; and one post- office. Population, 583 ; valuation, $29,422. Standish, Cumberland county, on the line of York, is equal to eight miles square, including a large portion of Sebago lake, and an island of five hundred acres. The territory composing it was granted April 30, 1750, in one township, not in two, as has been erroneously stated,^ to Captain Humphrey Hobbs and Moses Pearson and their respective companies for military services in the siege of Louisburg, and was laid off next to Gorham, one of the Narraganset townships ; and it was pro- vided that they should " take associates of the Cape Breton soldiers, so called, and not exclude the representatives of those who were dead, so as to make the whole number of grantees 120 ; sixty of whom were to settle in distinct famiUes within three years, and sixty more within seven years ; " and they w^ere to give bonds to the treasurer of the province that each man should build a house sixteen feet by eighteen, and seven feet shed, and clear up five acres of land. Jabez Fox, Ezekiel Gushing, and Enoch Freeman were a committee to receive and transmit the bonds to the treasurer. The settlement was commenced in 1760. Rev. John Thompson, the first minister, was ordained in October, 1768, and remained until 1783. At the time of his ordination, the number of families in the plantation did not exceed thirty. During the Revolutionary war, however, there were considerable accessions of persons who removed hither to escape the ravages of the enemy. Among the noticeable incidents in the history of this town is the effect caused by the following missive to the almost petrified inhabitants, which appears upon the journal of the house of representatives, dated February 19, 1783 : " On representation that the plantation, called Pearsontown, neglected to apply to be incorporated only to avoid paying taxes, they being qualified therefor, — Resolved, that Mr. Stephen Longfellow, Jr., notify the inhabitants of said plantation to show cause, etc., on the first "Wednesday of next June, why they should not be incor- porated into a town." They did " show cause," — not against incorpo- ration, but, in the language of injured innocence, why they should not be subjected to the provisions of an ex post facto \z.vf. The general court had, November 1, 1782, passed a general act providing a more effectual method for collecting taxes in unincorporated plantations, and had also, it seems, following up the spirit of the resolution just quoted, in 1784, ordered an assessment of taxes upon this plantation from the year 1764, ' Williamson, vol. Ii., p. 284. VOL. I. 27 314 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. a period of twenty years. This act brought out an appeal from the inhabitants, not surpassed in earnestness by the remonstrances of the colonies against the exactions of the mother country.^ They further asked for incorporation. This solemn appeal caused the hearts of the lawmakers to relent; and an act was immediately passed to abate £571 18s. from the sum previously ordered, being the amount of taxes up to 1780, arid to stay execution on the remainder for six months. The town was incorporated November 30, 1785, and is said to have been named from respect to the courage and character of Miles Standish. Edmund Mussey was the first representative to the legislature, in 1806. Much of the land consists of pine plains ; but there is good farming land, which is well watered by Sebago lake and little streams connecting with it. There are four villages, known as Standish Corner, Steep Falls, Bonnie Eagle, and East Standish, each of which has a post-office ; eight saw-mills, and two grist-mills; six church edifices — two Metho- dist, two Free-will Baptist, a Unitarian, and a Congregational; six- teen school districts, and an academy. Population, 2,290; valuation, $329,206. Starks, Somerset county, lies on the west side of the Kennebec river, at its junction with the Sandy river. James Waugh, of Townsend, Mass., was the first settler, who, prior to his removal, had resided for ' A petition dated September 27, 1784, signed by Jobn Sanborn, George Freeman, Jonathan Philbrick, Daniel Lowell, and Daniel Hasty, " in the name of the plantation," was presented to the legislature. They say : " Your petitioners are ready to declare that they have not even a wish to be excused from their full and just proportion of public burdens, according to their utmost abilities, and that they had no such object in view in their late application. It was their humble opinion, and they beg leave to say it is their serious opinion still, that the hardships they have suffered in bringing forward a settlement in the midst of a howling wilderness, exposed to the incursions of the native savages, Indians, and wild beasts,- — twenty miles to the nearest market, — to which they make their way through roads almost impassable at firet, and which required vast labor to render them comfortably passable, — your petitioners say it is their serious and unshaken opinion that the inhabitants of this plantation, induced by poverty to settle in a desert, and subdue overgrown forests, — destitute to this time of the conveniences, and frequently of the necessaries, of life, have borne a burden full equal to the rest of the inhabitants of the commonwealth, taking into the account the small assistance they have afforded in ■men and supplies in the late war. Few, if an)', persons in the plantation could have had any knowledge of such taxes, as most of them were residents of other and distant places, where they paid taxes for a number of years after the levy of a part of these taxes. Tour petitioners confess themselves perfectly confounded at the prospect of a burden sufficient to crush them and their unhappy families to ruin. They are still resolved, however, to confide in the wisdom and justice of representatives of the body of the people." MAINE — TOWN OF ST. ALBANS, ETC. 315 some years in Clinton. The history of the arrival of this settler is briefly this : Hearing that the New Plymouth Company were making liberal offers for the encouragement of settlers, he thought he would avail himself of this favorable opportunity to secure a home ; and, in 1772, with his knapsack, dog, and gun, started up the Kennebec in pursuit of a farm. He ascended as far as the mouth of the Sandy river, and, near it, selected a lot. In 1774, he returned, accompanied by three of his neighbors, who brought with them their famUies, all of whom forthwith turned their attention to clearing the lands and building suit- able habitations. In 1790, only sixteen years subsequent to the arrival of Waugh and his three comrades, there M^ere three hundred and twenty- seven persons within the limits of the town. Starks was incorporated February 28, 1795, and received its name from Major-Generai John Stark, the hero of Bennington. It contains an area of seventeen thousand one hundred and fifty-four acres ; of which three hundred and sixty-three acres are in roads, and two thou- sand two hundred and twenty-four in waste lands. ' It is drained by Sandy river. The level appearance and general fertility of the soil lying upon this river are subjects of frequent remark and commenda- tion. Agriculture is the leading pursuit of the inhabitants. Starks is advancing in its industrial enterprises, and in all that adds to the prosperity and dignity of a town. There are two church edifices, both occupied by the various religious denominations alternately ; thirteen school districts, with twenty-four schools ; several saw-mills and grist- mills ; one tannery; and one post-office. Population, 1,446 ; valuation, $211,276. St. Albans, situated in the eastern part of Somerset county, con- tains an area of 23,040 acres. It was sold by the state of Massachu- setts, in 1799, to John Warren of Boston, and was very soon after settled. The act of incorporation was passed June 14, 1813. The sur- face is undulating. Water is supplied by Indian pond, and by a stream, that forms its outlet, falling into the Sebasticook. The town has one vil- lage, centrally situated, two religious societies — Congregational and Free-will Baptist; fifteen school districts, and sixteen public schools; two saw-mills, two shingle mills, and one post-office. The occupation of the inhabitants is principally agriculture, the products of which form the main portion of the trade of the town. Population, 1,792 ; valu- ation for 1857, $200,000. St. George, a peninsula in the eastern part of Lincoln county, is bounded on the southeast by the ocean, and on the west by St. George's 316 HISTORY AND DESCEIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. river. It originally comprised a part of Gushing. It is stated that a settlement was commenced here by two families, as early as 1635 ; but, for want of encouragement, little further progress was made, and it was known for a long time merely as an English frontier. When this sec- tion of country was first settled, this peninsula was noted for the immense flocks of wild ducks, geese, and other waterfowl, that had their haunts on it, and on the adjacent islands in the bay; in killing which the natives, as well as the English, had rare sport. During Lovewell's war, in the spring of 1724, St. George was the scene of a most tragic encounter between the whites and natives. Captain Winslow, a descendant of the governor of that name, having been left in charge of the fort at Thomaston, time hanging heavily on his hands, proposed taking a pleasure excursion down the river to the islands. Accordingly, on the morning of May 11, the weather being fine, he selected a party of sixteen from the garrison to accompany him, and proceeded in a couple of staunch whale-boats to the scene of the intended rendezvous. It was said by those Indians who saw them, that they had a fine time in shooting fowl on the islands ; and the sport must have been enticing, as they did not set out on their return till the evening of the next day. While on their homeward voyage, they were attacked by a large party of Indians in ambush on the banks of the river, and every one of them murdered ; leaving only their savage ene- mies to relate the story of their melancholy fate. Cotton Mather preached a funeral sermon on the death of young Winslow and his companions, in which he commemorated the event in fitting terms. St. George was incorporated in 1803. It has superior facilities for navigation, and a large number of vessels are employed in the lumber and coasting trade, and in the prosecution of that lucrative branch of business — the fisheries. Ship-building is carried on to some extent, averaging three or four vessels annually. The town has three Baptist societies ; eighteen school districts, with thirty-four schools ; a number of stores, a grist-mill, five ship-builders, and t^vo post-offices — St. George and Tenant's Harbor. Population, 2,217 ; valuation, $233,820. Stetson, situated in the western part of Penobscot county, contains an area of 23,040 acres. It is a town of recent settlement, and was in- corporated in 1831. The surface is quite level, and the soil good for agricultural purposes. It is watered by two ponds, one lying near the centre, having its outlet in Newport pond, and the other in the southern part. The Penobscot and Kennebec Railroad passes across the south- west corner. Stetson has one village ; an academy ; one church edi- fice — Union ; eight school districts, and seven schools ; a tannery, doing MAINE TOWN OF STEUBEN, ETC. 317 a large business; one saw-mill, one grist-miU, and two post-ofHces — Stetson and East Stetson. Population, 885 ; valuation, $78,987. Steuben is situated on the sea-coast, in the southwesterly part of Washington county, and was Number 4 of the six second class townships granted in 1762 by Massachusetts to an association of peti- tioners ; but, the grantees failing to comply with the terms upon which the grant had been made, it reverted to the state, and a new grant was made August 26, 1794, to Thomas Ruston. On the 27th of February, 1795, Steuben was incorporated, receiving its name in honor of the cel- ebrated Baron Steuben. The progress of the settlement, notwithstand- ing its advantageous location for commerce, was slow. The surface is uneven, and the soil hard and rocky. The leading pursuit of the inhab- tants is seafaring. A number of vessels are owned here, varying from six hundred tons downwards. Steuben has one village, two church edifices — Methodist and Universalist ; four saw-miUs ; two grist-mills ; a few shingle, lath, and clapboard machines; eleven school districts, with eighteen schools ; and one post-office. Population, 1,122 ; veilua- tion, 1119,136. Stockton, Waldo county, lies on the west side of Penobscot river, having a shore of about eight miles, and is fifty-two miles from Au- gusta. It was incorporated from Prospect, March 13, 1857, up to which time the history of both is almost identical. The soil is generally of a good quaUty, and the surface, of which there are about eighteen square miles, level. There are no rivers coursing through the territory, and there is but one pond, known by the name of Tide Mill. Sandy Point, Fort Point cove, and Cape Jellison are good harbors, affording suffi- cient depth of water for the largest merchant vessels that sail on the Penobscot, with excellent anchorage accommodations. A light-house, erected in the year 1837, stands on Fort Point, which has an elevation of 123 feet above the level of the sea. It has a fixed light, the lamps being about eighty-seven feet from the ground. There are three villages, two of which — Hichborn's Corner and Sandy Point — are of considerable size; the other is but a small settle- ment of four or five families, near Tide Mill pond. The Universalists and Congregationalists are the principal religious denominations, the former having two church edifices, and the latter one. There are twelve schools, each of which has a good school-house; two post-offices — Stockton and Sandy Point; twelve stores, with a capital of $16,000; four saw-mills, three shingle mills, two lath mills, one carding-macliine, 27* 318 HISTORY AND DESCKIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. one cloth-dressing mill, one tannery, four ship yards, six blacksmith's shops, and several other small mechanic shops. Population, by esti- mate, about 1,800 ; valuation, at the time of the separation from Pros- pect, $232,000. Stoneham is a small town in Oxford county, occupying the place of a wedge between Lovell and Albany. It was incorporated in 1834, and has some trade in manufactured lumber, such as boards, shingles, shooks, and hoops. There are two saw-mills, and two stave mills ^ — the lat- ter of which are used in manufacturing red oak staves for cigar boxes ; one village — East Stoneham ; six school districts, with the same num- ber of schools ; and one post-ofEce, situated at the village. Population, 484 ; valuation, $25,390. Stow, Oxford county, is seventy-five miles from Augusta, and thirty from Paris. The original settlers were Isaac James, Micah and Simeon Abbott, from Andover, Mass., William Howard of Keene, N. H., and Samuel Farrington of Fryeburg, Me. The first settlement was com- menced in 1770. The Abbotts obtained the titles to their lands in part from the proprietors of Fryeburg, in part from William Steele of Con- cord, N. H., and in part from Judge Phillips of Andover, Mass. ; and Mr. Howard obtained his from Jonathan Robinson of Fryeburg. Stow was a part of the Pequawket tract, so called from a tribe of Indians who resided within its limits. Corporate privileges were conferred on Stow in 1834. The surface is rather uneven, but not broken. Speckled mountain is situated in the northern part, and Great and Little Cold rivers supply abundance of water. Agriculture is the principal pursuit of the inhabitants. There are one village, one post-office ; one church, owned by the Methodist de- nomination ; and eight school districts, with thirteen schools. Popula- tion, 471 ; valuation, in 1856, $65,525. Strong, Franklin county, lies directly north of Farmington, on the Sandy river, and was formerly known as Middletown. The first settle- ment was made as early as 1784, by William Read, from Nobleborough, in this state, who was followed by Edward Flint, John Day, David and Joseph Humphrey, Jacob Sawyer, William Hiscock, Benjamin Dodge, Timothy Merry, Ehab Eaton, Peter Patterson, Robert McLeary, and one Ellsworth, all from the same place or vicinity. Richard Clark and Joseph Kersey settled about 1792. The township was purchased of the state by an association of individuals, of whom William Read was one, and who acted as their agent in the purchase and survey of the town. MAINE — TOWN OF SULLIVAN. 319 The state reserved one lot for a Mr. Pierpole, on virhich he had settled, after leaving Farmington falls. He put up the second framed house, where he remained till 1801, when he left, and went to Canada with his family. The inhabitants of this town, as well as those located higher up the river, frequently had to go to Winthrop to mill, and, for some years, were compelled to use mortars. Strong was incorporated January 31, 1801, taking its name from the circumstance of the act of incorporation being the first act of the kind which bore the signature of Caleb Strong, governor of Massachu- setts. It embraces a territory of seven miles from north to south, and five from east to west. The soil is strong and fertile, though the surface is somewhat uneven. It has a considerably large pond in the eastern extremity, at the outlet of which stand a saw-mill and a clover- mill. There is a grist-mill on the Sandy river ; and on the northeast branch of the Sandy river are a grist-mill, saw-mill, fulling-mill, carding- machine, starch factory, tannery, and various kinds of mechanic shops, and a very pretty village. Just below this village, a bridge crosses the Sandy river. A meeting-house is situated at the northeast branch of the Sandy river, one at the lower part of the town, and one in the east- erly section, all of which are chiefly occupied by the Episcopal Meth- odists. There is another meeting-house in the northeast part, owned and occupied by the Congregationalists. There are eleven school dis- tricts, with fourteen schools ; and two post-offices — Strong and East Strong. Population, 1,008 ; valuation, ^169,091. Sullivan, Hancock county, which previous to its incorporation was called New Bristol, is pleasantly situated on the northern side of French- man's bay. The township was granted to David Bean and associates, in 1761, by the colonial government of Massachusetts, on condition that the grant should be ratified by the king within eighteen months. It was sent out accordingly, but the king refused to comply with the request The first settlers came from York, and arrived here in 1762, among whom we find the names of Simson, Bragdon, Sullivan, Bean, Preble, Gordon, Blaisdell, Johnson, Card, and Hammond. At the com- mencement of the Revolution, nearly two thirds of these settlers moved back to York, from which county they never returned. The principal object which had attracted them hither was the lumber trade. In 1798, the settlers made application to the legislature of Massachusetts to secure then- lands. In 1800, the legislature passed resolutions granting to each of the settlers one hundred acres by each man's paying into the public treasury the sum of five dollars. Those who moved back to York put in a claim for damages sustained, and the legislature granted them 320 HISTORY AND DESCKIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. fifty acres each. After these lots were appropriated to the settlers, there remained about nine thousand acres, which the resolve gave to Bow- doin and Williams Colleges. The Indian name of the town was Wakeag, signifying " a seal." Li 1789, Sullivan was incorporated, the name being given in compli- ment to one of the original settlers. The surface is very uneven, but the soil is generally good, and adapted to the raising of hay, grain, and other agricultural products, to which considerable attention is paid. Some little attention is devoted to manufactures, as well as to ship- building. In the eastern part are two streams, which furnish water- power for several mills, at which a considerable amount of lumber is manufactured. Sullivan has one church edifice, occupied by the Bap- tists, Methodists, and Universalists ; seven school districts, with seven schools ; and two post-offices, Sullivan and East Sullivan. Population, 810 ; valuation, $107,255. Sdmnek, Oxford county, is situated in the very heart of the Oxford hills, having Peru on the north, Hartford on the east, Buckfield on the south, and Paris and Woodstock on the west. Sumner was originally united with Hartford, under the respective names of East and West Butterfield ; but, in 1798, it was separately incorporated, and the name of Sumner given to it, from Governor Increase Sumner. The first set- tlement was made in 1783, in the southeast part, by Increase Robinson and Noah Bosworth. Most of the first settlers came from Plymouth county, Mass., and were Revolutionary soldiers. Among the earliest settlers were Increase and Joseph Robinson, Simeon Barrett, Noah Bosworth, Hezekiah Stetson, John Briggs, John Crockett, Benjamin Heald, Mesech Keen, Barney Jackson, and Oliver Cummings. They obtained the titles to their lands from the state of Massachusetts. The first blow struck by the axe, in what is now the centre of the town, was by Oliver Cummings, from Dunstable. The first settlers, among other privations, were compelled to go to Turner, a distance of ten miles by " a spotted line," to miU, carrying their grain on their backs. Increase Robinson afterwards erected a saw-mill and a grist- mill, the first of which has been rebuilt, and the last replaced by a shingle machine and starch factory, besides which there are two saw- mills, two grist-mills, one shingle machine, one clover-mill, and one powder-mill. The surface is somewhat broken and uneven. A por- tion of Black mountain, noted for its large growth of blueberries, is located in Sumner; as also three ponds, known by the names of Pleasant, Labrador, and North ponds. Twenty Mile river, which has its rise in Franklin plantation, passes through to Buckfield ; and the MAINE — TOWN OF SURRY, ETC. 321 east branch of this river, having its rise in Peru and emptying its waters into Twenty Mile river in Buckfield, divides this town from Hart- ford. There is one village, called Jackson. The inhabitants are en- gaged, for the most part, in agricultural pursuits. There are five religious societies in Sumner, namely, Congregational, Baptist, Free-will Baptist, Methodist, and Universalist ; only the two former of which have meeting-houses. There are fourteen school dis- tricts, with twenty-six schools ; and three post-offices — Sumner, West Sumner, and East Sumner. Population, 1,151 ; valuation, f 168,070. Surry is situated in the southerly part of Hancock county, on Patten bay. The earliest settlers were John Patten, Hopkinson Flood, An- drew Flood, Leonard Jarvis, Wilbraham Swett, Matthew Ray, James Ray, Samuel Joy, Isaac Lord, James McFarland, and Hezekiah Cog- gins, who came mainly from the w^estern part of the state. They set- tled here about the year 1785. The town was incorporated March 21, 1803. Stephen Conary, a soldier of the war of 1812, is a resident of this town. He was wounded in the hand by the accidental explosion of a musket, while opposing the landing of a party of British soldiers on the shores of Wiscasset. Surry has an area of about 21,025 acres, the surface of which is con- siderably broken. It is well watered by two ponds, lying between Surry and Ellsworth, called Patten's ponds — Patten's stream being the outlet ; also one near the line between Surry and Penobscot, called Toddy pond. The productive industry of the town is about equally divided between agriculture, ship-building, and the lumber business. During the past ten years, thirty vessels, of different sizes and models, have been built, averaging two hundred tons each. There are two societies — Methodist and Baptist, each having a house of public worship ; also one small village, situated at the head of Patten's bay, at which there is a post-office ; eight school districts, with seventeen schools ; one grist- mill, two saw-mills, one shingle mill, and three ship-builders. Popula- tion in 1850, 1,189; valuation for 1856, from the assessors' books, $132,588. SwANVlLLE is situated in the eastern part of Waldo county, and formed a part of the Waldo Patent. It was formerly known as the plantation of Swan. The petition for incorporation was presented by James Leach and thirty-seven others, in November, 1816, and set forth that they had one hundred ratable polls, fifty-six legal voters, and fifty- eight soldiers enrolled in the militia ; that Mr. Sullivan, the present pro- prietor, had appointed an agent to make conveyance to settlers, who had 322 HISTOKT AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. recently made many purchases, and the settlement, in consequence, was rapidly increasing. The petition was allowed February 19, 1819. The face of the country in Swanville is not very level ; but the soil is toler- ably productive. There is one village, known by the name of the Mills. There are six school districts, with nine schools ; one post-office, three saw-mills, and two blacksmith's shops. No church edifice has yet been erected ; but religious meetings are sometimes held. Population, 944 ; valuation, $102,999. Sweden, situated in the western part of Oxford county, forty-five miles northwest from Portland, and sixty-seven southwest from Augusta, formed a part of the grant made to Captain Lovewell's little company, by the commonwealth of Massachusetts, for services in the Indian wars, and was called the Pequawket country, from the Pequawket Indians, (a branch of. the Sokokis tribe,) who lived here. The first settlement was made by Samuel Nevers, from Burlington, Mass., in 1794. He was followed, in 1795-6, by Benjamin Webber from Bedford, Jacob Stevens from Rowley, Andrew Woodbury and Micah Trull from Tewksbury, and Peter Holden from Maiden, Mass. Nevers and Trull, Mrs. Holden and Mrs. Woodbury, were still living in January, 1857, at a good old age, and on the farms they originally occupied, whilst their compan- ions in the privations, dangers, and hardships of a pioneer life, have within the last few years been gathered to their fathers. Nevers is now in his ninety-first year. At the age of seventeen he embarked on board the Rider- Rally, Captain Baldwin, a vessel fitted out in Boston as a privateer during the Revolutionary struggle, and which was captured by the British brig Chatham. He was impressed into the British service, where he remained about one year, when the vessel put in to New York, and he effected his escape. Sweden was incorporated in the year 1813. The soil is good for farming purposes, and is particularly adapted to the growth of grains. Kezar river crosses the west part, and on the northeast are two ponds, by which the town is drained. There are eight school districts, with eight schools, one church (Congregational), and one post-office. Population, 696 ; valuation, $124,268. Temple, in the south part of Franklin county, lies west of Farmington and north of Wilton, and takes its name from a town in New Hamp- shire, from which many of the early settlers emigrated. Temple was formerly known as No. 1 of Abbot's purchase ; and the first settle- ments were commenced about 1796. Joseph Holland and Samuel Briggs were the first two who moved into the place. They were soon MAINE — TOWN OF THOMASTON. 323 followed by James Tuttle, Moses Adams, John Kenney, Jonathan Ballard, William Dniry, Asa Mitchell, Samuel Lawrence, Gideon and George Staples, and others. Mr. Tuttle, who settled at the centre of the town, was soon succeeded by Benjamin Abbot, who was one of the most useful and respected citizens in the place. He died in 1823, aged fifty-three. Temple, at the commencement of the settlement, was owned by Benjamin Phillips of Boston, but was surveyed and settled under the agency of Jacob Abbot, late of Brunswick, in this state, who subse- quently purchased the residue of Mr. Phillips's eastern lands. Temple was incorporated June 20, 1803. It is somewhat mountainous, embrac- ing quite a portion of the Blue ridge ; but the land is good for grazing. The best of sheep are raised here. It is watered principally by the Starling or Davis Mill stream, on which there are a grist-mill and some two or three saw-mills, a starch factory and machine shop. There are two meeting-houses — Congregational and Methodist. Stated meetings have been continued from the period of the first settle- ment by these societies, and also by the Free-will Baptists. Temple has nine school districts, and one post-office — Temple Mills. Popula- tion, 785 ; valuation, $72,550. Thomaston, situated in the eastern part of Lincoln county, on St. George's river, is bounded on the north and east by the city of Rock- land, on the south by St. George and Gushing, and on the west by War- ren, and originally belonged to the Muscongus, afterwards known as the Waldo Patent. The first information of this place dates as far back as 1630, at which time a trading-house was erected by the proprietors on the eastern bank of the river, for the purpose of traffic with the natives. No attempt, however, was made to settle it for nearly a century subse- quent to that period. In 1719-20, two strong block-houses were erected ; and the old trading-house, which was situated directly in front of the spot where the residence of the late General Knox now stands, was remodelled, being made into a sort of fort, the large area between this and the block-house being inclosed with palisades. These improve- , ments were made for the purpose of encouraging the immigration of settlers, assuring them, as it would, of security in case of attack from the Indians. As a still further inducement, the proprietors built a double saw-mill on a stream ever since known as Mill Creek ; erected thirty frames for dwellings, and maintained a garrison of twenty men, under command of Captain Thomas Westbrook.^ ' Report of Committee of General Court, 1731. Waldo's petition to Gov. Belcher. Mass. MS. Papers, vol. cxiv., pp. 116-152. 324 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. The Indians regarded this preparation for a settlement by the English as an unwarrantable encroachment upon their rights, and as an attempt to wrest from them the fairest portion of their eastern possessions. They earnestly protested against these proceedings; in reply to which, the English asserted that they (the Indians) had sold the land to Gov- ernor Phips, the deed having been signed by one of their chiefs, Madock- awando. In reply to this, the Indians maintained that the Madocka- wando, and Sheepscot John, who signed the deed, were not Penobscot Indians, one belonging to Machias, and the other in the vicinity of Bos- ton ; consequently, these chiefs had disposed of what did not rightfully belong to them, and the deed was therefore nuU and void. These rep- resentations, however, failed to convince the English, and they refused to give the Indians any further compensation than that which had been paid them by Governor Phips through Madockawando. The Indians, failing to persuade or frighten the English to abandon their designs, determined on attacking the infant settlement. The government, anticipating the attack, accepted the proposition of the proprietors to make this a public fortress, and sent down a force of forty-five men with cannon, and aU the necessary munitions of war.^ On the 15th of June of that year (1722), the Indians made a descent upon the place, burning the saw-mill, setting fire to a sloop in the har- bor, and destroying all the houses and frames, that had been erected but a short time before. They then made a vigorous assault upon the fort and block-houses, and it was with the greatest difficulty and hazard that the garrison saved them from destruction.^ The Indians retired for a short time only to rally again in greater force. In July, only a few weeks later, they renewed the attack, and prosecuted the siege with un- remitting perseverance for twelve days ; ^ but they were unable to alarm the garrison until they had made considerable progress in undermining one side of the fort, when, fortunately, heavy rains came on, causing the banks of the trenches to cave in upon the besiegers, and forcing them to abandon the enterprise. During this siege the Indians lost twenty of their number, while the garrison lost but five. This failure, instead of dispiriting the savages, seemed to spur them on to renewed exertions ; and, on the 28th December, 1723, they made another onslaught upon the fortress, continuing the siege for thirty days, at the end of which Captain Westbrook, who had previously been suc- ceeded in the command of the place by Captain Kennedy, came to the '■ Mass. Rec. x., p. 380. Com. Rep. 1812, p. 60. ' Report of Committee of General Court, 1731. ' AVilliamson's Hist Maine, vol. ii., p. 115. — Eaton, in Annals of Warren, saya the attack was made Aumst 14. MAINE — TOWN OF THOMASTON. 325 rescue, and put the Indians to flight.^ Even this did not damp their ardor, and still another effort was made the following year to seize the fortress ; but this also proving unsuccessful, all further attempts were abandoned. In 1729, Waldo had engaged a clergyman and 120 families to come here and settle ; but, owing to the proceedings of Colonel David Dunbar, who enjoyed a brief authority in this province, they did not arrive as soon as they intended, and the settlement of the place was again deferred. In 1732, it was visited by Governor Belcher, for the purpose of learning from the Indians their wants and their grievances, and of making such provision for them as might be necessary. He lis- tened to their several complaints, assuring them of redress ; and, after distributing presents among them and drinking the king's health, he departed. In a subsequent message to the legislature, he pronounced a high eulogium upon the soil, rivers, and natural advantages of the country ; and, among other things, recommended the rebuilding of the fort, it being then in a state of decay, and there being an abundance of good stone and lime to aid in its erection.^ Not at all discouraged by the past frustration of his plans, Waldo succeeded, in 1735, in entering into an engagement with twenty-seven persons to settle on his lands on the St. George ; but they, having but recently arrived from Europe and not being acquainted with the man- agement of new lands, accomplished but little in the way of hus- bandry. Waldo, however, continued with renewed activity to make improvements on his settlements. He erected a grist-mill on the river in 1740, — a strong proof that the settlers had made some progress in agriculture, and were beginning to raise a sufficiency of grain to supply themselves A\dth bread. Harassing conflicts with the Indians made fre- quent inroads upon the settlement for some time after. Nothing of a permanent character seemed to exist here until the arrival of Mason Wheaton, who settled on Mill river in 1763. There are various opinions concerning the derivation of the name the town bears. Williamson, the historian of Maine, says, it was named in honor of Major-General John Thomas of Massachusetts, an officer in the American army, who died at Chamblee in the early part of the Revolutionary war. Others say it was named from Thomaston, in Ire-, land, from whence some of the original settlers came. The town was incorporated in 1777. General Peleg Wadsworth and Major-General Henry Knox were residents of this town. ' Hutchinson's History, vol. ii., p. 276. ' Indian Conference of 1 732 ; and "Waldo's petition. VOL. I. 28 326 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. The surface is gently undulating, and drained by Oyster and Mill rivers and Weskeag stream, the latter of which forms a part of the eastern boundary. There are some fine farms in Thomaston ; and, were it not that the inhabitants are extensively engaged in quarrying, lime-burning, and ship-building, there might be many more. There are several valuable quarries of limestone; but they are not worked as extensively as formerly, Rockland having taken the lead in this branch of business. The inhabitants, therefore, are turning their attention more exclusively to ship-building. The state prison is located here. The following statistics will doubtless prove interesting: Whole num- ber received since July 2, 1824, 1,186; discharged on expiration of sen- tence, 845 ; on writ of error, one ; pardoned, 205 ; died, 29 ; escaped and not retaken, 9; removed to insane hospital, 4; number remaining, December 31, 1856, 93. There are only one village, extending over a large part of the town; one post-office; five societies — two Baptist, one Congregational, one Methodist, and one Unitarian, each of which, except the Methodist, has a house of public worship. There are a few Catholics in town ; but they have no resident priest, though they have services occasionally. There are two banks, doing business on a capital of 5!50,000 each ; one steam mill ; an iron foundery ; one news- paper establishment ; two public libraries ; and one post-office. Popula- tion, 2,723 ; valuation, in 1858, $2,124,023. Thorndike, situated in the northwest of Waldo county, is bounded west by Unity, north by Troy, east by Jackson, and south by Knox, and formed a part of the Waldo Patent. It was originally called Lincoln plantation, and the petition for incorporation was dated May 4, 1818, and signed by Joseph Shaw, Joseph Higgins, and Stephen Jones. It was requested in the petition, that the name should be called New Gorham, but it came from the legislators' hands, February 15, 1819, with the name of Thorndike, given to it in honor of the principal pro- prietor. The face of the country in Thorndike is quite broken, and the soil requires more than ordinary attention to make it productive. It is watered by a tributary of the Sebasticook, which flows through in a northwest direction, and by the head waters of Marsh river, which rises in this town, and flows easterly, falling into the Penobscot. There are two church edifices — Free-will Baptist and Quaker; ten school dis- tricts, with ten schools ; two post-ofl[ices — Thorndike and East Thorn- dike ; five country retail stores; and three saw-mills. Population, 1,029 ; valuation, $141,604. MAINE — TOWN OF TOPSFIELD, ETC. 327 TOPSFIELD, situated in the north part of Washington county, on the second range north of Bingham's Penobscot purchase, was incorporated in 1838. It is a fine location for new settlers and others, who wish to retire from the world and live in seclusion. A small Baptist church was organized here in 1840. Topsfield has one post-ofiice ; four school districts, and four schools, with an aggregate of ninety scholars. Pop- ulation, 268 ; valuation, $26,642. TOPSHAM, Sagadahoc county, is about ten miles long and four miles wide, and contains 25,000 acres. It is very pleasantly located on the easterly side of the Androscoggin river, and the first attempt at settle- ment was made about the beginning of the eighteenth century. Three men, accompanied by their families, arrived here about that time; the names of whom, save one (who was called Gyles), are now unknown. Stimulated by the prospect of gain, their designs appear to have been to traffic with the natives, rather than make this their permanent abode. One of them built a house and resided at Fulton's point, another at the head of Muddy river, and the third — Gyles — on Pleasant point, at each of which places, not many years since, the cellars and the rude chimneys of their dwellings w^ere clearly traceable. It is more than probable that the settler at Fulton's point arrived several years prior to the others ; for it is stated, that, in 1750, there was a tree upward of one foot in diameter growing in the cellar. There is also a tradition asserting that this settler lived for some time on ap- parently friendly terms with the natives; but having, on one occasion, been absent in quest of provisions, the Indians massacred his family and burnt his house. He returned; but, fearing he might share the same fate as he supposed had befallen his family, he went to Europe. Both the other families were murdered by the natives. Gyles and his wife were shot while gathering their crops ; and the children were taken into captivity, all of whom, except a son, were ransomed by the officers at the garrison of Fort George. The son alluded to was detained in cap- tivity for three years, when he made his escape, and for some years afterward was commander of the garrison at Brunswick, where he com- posed an account of his captivity, published a few years since by S. G. Drake of Boston, entitled " Tragedies of the Wilderness." The ter- rible fate which befell these pioneers deterred others from venturing within the precincts of Topsham for many years subsequent to their death. About the year 1730, a few families took up their residence here ; and from this period a settlement has been maintained, though for several years many perils and dangers fell to the lot of those who moved into the town. The inhabitants did not feel wholly secure from 328 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. the attacks of the savages till after the peace of Versailles in 1763, when they began to look forward to brighter days. From the discour- aging aspects thus presented, the population increased but slowly, and in 1750 there were but eighteen families in Topsham, most of whom were Scotch-Irish. From this time the population gradually increased, and in 1764 the town was incorporated. The surface is made up of hills and ravines, but there is a good proportion of arable land. Some of it is sandy, and not very produc- tive. The water-power of the Androscoggin river is sufficient for several factories, — there being three falls within the space of half a naile, — most of which is wholly unemployed. Topsham was cele- brated formerly for its business in ship-building; but at the present time it has been entirely discontinued. Lumbering was also prosecuted to a considerable extent ; but it likewise has greatly diminished. The Sagadahoc Agricultural and Horticultural Society, which erected its building here in 1856, promises to be very serviceable to the com- munity and the farming interest generally. The structure is com- modious and the grounds well laid out, with accommodations for the exhibition of stock. It is situated in the vicinity of the railroad station. The town is easy of access by the Kennebec and Port- land Railroad, which passes through, half a mile below the village, at the falls of the Androscoggin. Topsham contains one village ; three church edifices • — Baptist, Congregational, and Free-will Bap- tist ; ten school districts, and thirteen schools, consisting of primary, grammar, and high schools ; one planing and five saw mills ; one blind factory ; one grist-mill ; and one post-office. Population, 2,010 ; valu- ation for 1857, $822,611. Tremont, Hancock county, situated in the southwest part of Mount Desert island, was formerly a portion of that town, from which it was detached and incorporated June 3, 1848, by the name of Mansel, which was changed to the present one August 8, same year. It contains within its limits the islands called Moose, Gott's, and Langley's. The general characteristics of the soil are similar to those of the parent town. Its trade is principally in fish and lumber. The town has one Union meeting-house, thirteen school districts, with the same number of schools; two saw-mills, two shingle mills, four blacksmith's shops, and three post offices — Tremont, Southwest Harbor, and Seal Cove. Population, 1,600 ; valuation, $150,000. Trenton, Hancock county, on the sea-coast bet\^'een Union river and Frenchman's bay, was formerly known as No. 1 of the six second- MAINE TOWN OF TRESCOTT, ETC. 329 class townships granted by Massachusetts in 1762.^ It was confirmed to Paul Thorndike and others, June 21, 1785 ; and the first settlement, of which we can find any account, was made in 1763. At Trenton point, however, there are appearances of a settlement commenced some time anterior to this, probably by the French. Trenton was incorporated February 16, 1789. Its surface is undulating, but the soil is not under cultivation to any great extent, the people being principally engaged in lumbering and fishing. It is watered by Jordan's river, which divides it into Eastern and Western Trenton. There are twelve school districts ; three pos1>offices — East Trenton, Trenton Point, and West Trenton ; and two church edifices, both Baptist. There have been four Baptist churches formed in Trenton — the First Trenton, in 1809 ; the West Trenton and Third Trenton, in 1839 ; and the East Trenton, in 1844. Population, 1,205 ; valuation, $148,720. Trescott, in the southeast part of Washington county, formerly called No. 9, is bounded northeasterly by Lubec, southeasterly by the Atlantic ocean, and southwesterly by Whiting. It was incorporated February 7, 1827. It comprises the harbors of Moose Cove, Bailey's Mistake, and Haycock ; is flourishing in trade and navigation ; con- tains eight school districts, -wdth ten schools ; and five saw-mills and one grist-mill. Population, 782 ; valuation, $62,349. Troy, Waldo county, is thirty-nine miles northeast from Augusta, and twenty from Belfast. The original settlers were Henry Warren, Charles Gerrish, Charles Gerrish, Jr., Enoch Bagly, Enoch Bagly, Jr., Jonathan Bagly, Christopher Varney, John Smart, Andrew Bennett, John Rogers, James Work, Nehemiah Fletcher, Hanson Whitehouse, Francis, Charles, and Thomas Hollraan, and Joseph Green, most of whom came from different parts of this state, and settled here from 1801 to 1813. The first clearing was made about the year 1801 by John Rogers, who acted as agent for the proprietor. After this date the plantation was rapidly filled up by an industrious and thrifty popu- lation. The first settlers obtained the titles to their lands from General Bridge of Chelmsford, Mass., and from Benjamin Joy of Boston, Mass., who owned about seven eighths of the land. Bridge's claim was a transient one, and subsequently fell into the hands of Benjamin Joy and Jonathan C. Hastings of Boston. When the settlement was organized into a plantation, it received the name of Bridgestown, in honor of General Bridge, who erected the first mill. ' Williamson says tliat the original grant was dated January 27, 1764. 28* 330 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. Troy was incorporated, in 1812, by the name of Kingville, since which time, by legislative enactments, it has borne the names of Joy, Mont- gomery, and latterly, Troy. The surface is generally uneven, rising into large swells, with table-lands and valleys, all of which are very fertile. There is a large, dry bog in the northwest part, which may at some future day be made useful as a fertiUzer. There are a number of small streams, which are materially aflfected by drought. Several mills are erected on these streams ; but their business is necessarily small, on ac- count of being compelled to cease operations during the dry season. In the western part, however, there is water-power for mills and machinery, furnished by the Carlton stream, which is formed by a union of small streams, — being the inlet of the Twenty-five-mile pond. The town is drained by branches of the Sebasticook river. Agriculture is the chief employment of the inhabitants. There is but one meeting-house in town, which is open to all denominations. The only regularly organ- ized religious society is that of the Methodist denomination. Other denominations hold meetings at the free meeting-house, town-house, and school-houses. There are twelve schools, having an average attend- ance of about six hundred and nine scholars ; and one post-office. Pop- ulation, 1,484 ; valuation for 1856, $172,212. Turner, Androscoggin county, lies on the west bank of the Andros- coggin river, ten miles above Lewiston Falls village. It is ten miles long from north to south, is about four miles wide on the north, and six miles on the south. The original grant was made by the general court of Massachusetts, in 1735, to Major James Warren and others, sur- vivors of Captain Joseph Sylvester's company, for their services in the expedition against Canada in 1690 ; but, upon running the boundary line between the provinces of Maine and New Hampshire, their town- ship was found to be within the limits of the latter state, and their claim consequently void. On the representation of these facts by Charles Turner and others, agents for the claimants under the original grantees, the general court, on the 20th of June, 1768, made up for the loss by a grant of the present territory, under the name of Sylvester Canada, on the usual conditions for making a settlement; but, throuo-h the remissness of the proprietors, no attempt was made to improve their grant until 1774. During the next year only three families had arrived; but they continued to move in from year to year, until, in 1784, the settlement numbered thirty families. William and Chandler Brad- ford, and a Mr. Copeland, were among the first settlers. Turner was incorporated July 7, 1786, and was named in honor of the gentleman alluded to above as having so successfully represented the rights of the original grantees. MAINE — TOWN OF UNION. 331 It is a farming town, and will probably remain such for many years to come. The inhabitants are in good circumstances, though few are actually wealthy. There are four or five villages, all of which, if consol- idated, would make quite a business place. As they are now, they present but a meagre and scattering appearance. Turner possesses a large amount of water-power, a portion of which, at present, is wholly unoccupied, the balance being brought into service in propelling three grist-mills, five saw-mills, and mills for various other purposes. All the mills at the principal village were destroyed by fire in the spring of 1856. Mr. Turner was the first settled minister, and Allen Greely was the second. There are five religious denominations — the Congregational, the Baptist, and the Universalist (having two societies), the Free-will Baptist, and the Methodist Episcopal, all of which, except the last named, occupy one church edifice alternately. The Methodist Episcopal Society now worships in a private hall, and have preaching on almost every Sabbath. There is a ministerial fund of $360, which is an- nually divided among the different religious denominations having settled pastors, in proportion to their respective numbers. There are nineteen school districts, with forty schools ; and four post-offices, called Turner, East Turner, North Turner, and North Turner Bridge. Pop- ulation, 2,537 ; valuation, $418,832. Union, in the northeast part of Lincoln county, originally embraced an area of 34,560 acres. It was included in the Waldo Patent, and was purchased of the Waldo heirs by Dr. John Taylor of Lunenburg, Massa- chusetts, in 1774, "for the consideration of £1,000, lawful money." Taylor commenced the settlement the same year he made the purchase, offering such inducements to settlers, that, in a few years, the whole tract was lotted and taken up ; and on the 20th of October, 1786, it was incorporated. It then contained nineteen families, nearly all of whom had emigrated from Massachusetts. There are many pleasant reminiscences connected with the history of the early settlers, which, were this the proper place, might be profitably related. They were devout Christians, and, being isolated, made every effort to cultivate those feelings of friendly intercourse which make life blessed. Union and Dresden are the best agricultural towns in the county. The picturesque varieties of hill and dale, water and woodland, render the scenery, in the summer season, truly* beautiful. There are five ponds, three of which lie partly in other towns ; and some two or three streams, besides the St. George's river, by Avhich the town is drained; also, four villages, known as Union Common, East Union, 332 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. North Union, and South Union ; three post-offices — Union, North Union, and East Union; four churches — Baptist, Methodist, Congre- gationalist, and Universalist, the latter of which own a part of the Baptist meeting-house; two carriage factories, one edge-tool, one shovel-handle, and one woollen factory; and fourteen school districts, with the same number of schools. Population, 1,974; valuation, $341,621. Unity is situated in the northwest part of Waldo county, thirty-five miles from Augusta. It formerly belonged to the Plymouth Patent, and its settlement was commenced about the year 1782. It was in- corporated June 22, 1804; the harmony of feeling on political ques- tions at the time finding expression in its name. The soil, in some parts, is tolerably productive; but, as a whole, farming is not a very profitable business. Unity is watered by Twenty-five-mile pond, which lies between it and Burnham. The town has one village ; four church edifices — Congregational, Quaker, Methodist, and Union ; thirteen school districts, with the same number of schools ; four saw-mills, four grist-mills, four shingle machines, two or three tanneries ; and one post- office. Population, 1,557 ; valuation, ^236,034. Vassalborough, Kennebec county, lies on the east side of Kennebec river, and joins Augusta on the northeast, extending along the river ten miles. It was settled, about 1760, by emigrants chiefly from Cape Cod. Williamson says that, in 1768, Vassalborough contained but ten fami- lies ; and, in 1771, the year it was incorporated, the inhabitants voted "to raise .£30 lawful money, for the support of a minister and other necessary charges." At that time the area of the town was much larger than now, Sidney, on the west side of the river, being included within its boundaries. It continued thus until January 30, 1792, when Sidney was set off". The surface is beautifully diversified, and the soil excellent. Taber hill and Cross hill are the only two eminences. Webber pond is a large body of water, lying a short distance from the centre. Part of China lake lies on the eastern side of the town. The water-power is excellent. The principal business is the manufacture of woollen goods, and tan- ning. At East Vassalborough village are two grist-mills, a saw-mill, a woollen factory, and a large amount of machinery otherwise employed. At North Vassalborough is a woollen manufactory, which produces about $300,000 worth of goods annually, employing about two hundred operatives. For many years the tanning business Avas carried on very considerably, and is still prosecuted to some extent. There are eight MAINE — TOWN OF VEAZIE, ETC. 333 church edifices, two occupied by the Friends, the most numerous de- nomination, one Baptist, one Congregational, two Methodist, and two Union ; also, twenty-three school districts, one academy, and the Oak Grove Seminary, owned and directed by the Friends ; three thriving vil- lages ; and six post-offices — Vassalborough, Brown's Corner, East Vassalborough, North Vassalborough, Seward's Mills, and South Vas- salborough. Population, 3,099 ; valuation, $648,288. Veazie, Penobscot county, is a small town on the west side of Pe- nobscot river, taken from Bangor and incorporated March 26, 1853. It was named in honor of General Samuel Veazie, and is about two miles square. It has a very pretty village. The principal business is the manufacture of lumber. It has one public-house ; two church edi- fices, owned by the Congregationalists and Baptists ; one school dis- trict, with four schools ; and one post-office. Population, 800 ; valu- ation, $255,231. Vienna is situated in the northwest part of Kennebec county, twenty- two miles from Augusta. It was surveyed, in 1792, by Jedediah Prescott, and, September 25, 1800, thirty-five of the inhabitants of the place — then called Wyman's Plantation — petitioned for incorporation, repre- senting the plantation to contain sixty ratable polls. Among the sign- ers were Noah Prescott, Joseph Chapman, Timothy White, Abel Whit- tier, and John Carr. A remonstrance was made by several other of the inhabitants, on the ground that " the petitioners were inhabitants of a place known to them by the name of Goshen, a tract of land wide from them by nature's laws," and that Chester was conveniently accessi- ble for religious and town purposes. This remonstrance, however, was ineffectual, and the town was incorporated February 20, 1802, Jedediah Prescott being authorized to call the first meeting. The face of Vienna is uneven, there being several hills interspersed through it, while on the eastern side lies Thomas's or Gilman mountain, which extends into Rome. The soil is generally fertile. Kimball, Kidder's, Graves's, Egypt, and McGurdy ponds lie in different parts of the town; and Flying pond, a considerable body of water, is situated on the southerly line. There are two villages — Vienna and North Vienna ; two churches — Free-will Baptist and Methodist; nineteen school districts, and one post-office ; also a peg factory, propelled by steam, one grist- mill, two saw-mills, three shingle machines, and three blacksmith's shops. Population, 851 ; valuation, $126,125. 334 HISTORY AND DESCKIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. ViNAL Haven, Waldo county, is what was known in the early history of New England as the South Fox Island, taking that name from the number of silver-gray foxes found here. It was a favorite place of resort for the early voyagers, on account of its " safe and convenient harbors." A permanent settlement was not established until 1765, and even then the inhabitants did not enjoy an undisturbed quiet. During the progress of the Revolution, the English at Castine impressed many of the islanders into their service in erecting fortifications there, while others escaped, leaving their houses and effects to be reduced to ashes by the plundering soldiery. On the conclusion of peace, the inhabitants returned to the island, and obtained from Massachusetts valid titles to their lots. Seventy-two of the number purchased the entire island, north and south, from the commonwealth, for £246. This town, including North Haven, contains an area of 16,527 acres. It has a bold shore, with good harbors on every side, running in between projecting bluffs. It was incorporated June 25, 1789. The surface of the island is very broken ; not more than one third of it being suitable for cultivation. Some fishing and coasting vessels have been built here, but on account of the scarcity of timber, the business was long since given up. The leading pursuit of the inhabitants is fishing. There are two light-houses on the island, both of which are single lights ; also a small village called Carver's Harbor, having a post-office. Population, 1,252 ; valuation, $103,921. Waldo, Waldo county, Hes north of Belfast, the northwest corner of Belfast touching the southwest corner of Waldo. It contains about eleven thousand six hundred acres. When Waldo plantation was or- ganized, July 6, 1821, it consisted of the so-called « Three Mile Square," or " Six Thousand Acre Tract," only, which was, in September, 1800, set off on execution from the goods and estate of Brigadier-General Waldo of Boston, deceased, to Sarah Waldo, administratrix of the estate of Samuel Waldo, of Falmouth, Maine, deceased ; and, according to the transcript, was nine hundred and eighty rods square, and was appraised at $8,000 by Robert Houston, James Nesmith, and Daniel Clary, of Belfast, The first clearing on this tract was made in 1798, near the southeast corner, one hundred rods from the Belfast line, by William Taggart, and a Mr. Smith from New Hampshire. This " possession," as it was called, subsequently had several owners ; but no family resided on it until November, 1811, when Henry Davidson moved in, and con- tinued thirty-six years. About the year 1800, Jonathan Thurston, of Belfast, made an opening where Hall Clements (who came here in 1822 or 1823) now resides, and his family was the first on the tract A MAINE TOWN OF WALDOBOROUGH. 335 third opening was made where Comfort Whitcomb now resides, in 1805, by Josiah Sanborn, from Exeter, N. H. In 1809, the tract was surveyed by Malcolm and Gleason into sixty lots, in six ranges of ten lots each. In 1810, when the third United States census was taken, there were not probably more than four or five families on the tract, and there was no return made of these. In 1824, Waldo plantation was enlarged, by the annexation of about five thousand three hundred and eighteen acres from Swanville, which that town made no effort to retain ; and, in 1836, a gore of about one hundred and fifty acres, lying between Knox and the " Three Mile Square," was annexed. The plantation, thus enlarged, constitutes the present town. Waldo was incorporated in 1845. A large portion of the land is rocky, uneven, or broken, and unfit for cultivation, and will probably, for many generations, be reserved for the growth of forest trees. There are, however, some excellent farms and prosperous farmers. At the annual cattle-shows of the county, a fair proportion of premiums is awarded to Waldo. It is watered by the Passagassawaukeag, or Bel- fast river, and by Wescott's stream, on which are seven saw-miUs, one grist-mill, and some shingle machines. There is no place in Waldo that can with propriety be called a village ; nor is there any extensive manufactory of merchandise. The Baptist church, which existed here twenty-five years ago, has become extinct. Ten years ago, the Free-will Baptists Were in a prosperous state, and built a meeting-house. Recently, in consequence of the death of one prominent member, and the removal of some others, the church seems to be in a languishing state, and their meeting-house has now become free to all denominations. There is a small society of Methodists, who are visited by a circuit preacher once in two weeks. In December, 1847, the post-office was removed one mile, to the head of tide-water in the city of Belfast, three miles northwest from the court house. It still retains the name of Waldo post-office. In this little village is a meeting-house; and the Rev. Joseph R. Munsell is pastor of a Congregational church, a few of whose members reside in Waldo. There are three stores, one tannery, and one saw-mill, stave and shingle machines, and sundry mechanical operations. One mile east of this, at a place called The Point, at the head of sloop navigation, are four stores, which do extensive business. There are seven school districts, with fourteen schools. Population, 812 ; valuation, $81,597. Waldoborotjgh, Lincoln county, on an arm of the sea, for many years called Broad Bay, was included within the Muscongus or Waldo Patent. It was settled, through the persevering efforts of Waldo and 336 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. the other patentees and claimants, by Scotch-Irish and German emi- grants, between 1733 and 1740. Shortly afterwards, the town was attacked by the Indians, and burned to ashes ; and those not toma- hawked were carried away captives. Immediately after the ratification of the treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle, in 1748, the settlement was revived ; and, in 1752-3, Samuel Waldo, son of the General, visited Germany, and issued his proclamation, promising every emigrant, settling upon his father's possessions, one hundred acres of land ; and it is fair to pre- sume, that, as an additional incentive to emigration, he promised them exemption from the grasping hand of capricious landlords, and a tolera- tion of their religious and political opinions, untrammelled by priestly surveillance. Influenced by such encouraging prospects, about 1,500 people removed from Germany, and here lived in contiguous neighborhoods till 1763—4, when the lands on the west side of Muscongus river were claimed by Drowne, as being without Waldo's Patent. They submitted to pay for their lands the next year, but very soon after the Brown claim was extended over the same lands. Upon the settlement of the Waldo heirs with the commonwealth of Massachusetts, they (the Waldo heirs) re- leased all the lands on the west side of the river, and thus the German settlers planted there by Waldo were left without any indemnity or remuneration. Displeased with such treatment, and disappointed in their expectations, three hundred families sold their estates for the most they could obtain, and removed to the southwestern part of Carolina, where some of their German brethren had settled. There was, however, a large and flourishing community left on the spot, which was, in 1773, incorporated into a town, and named in honor of General Waldo. A Lutheran church was organized on the arrival of the German set- tlers, and a minister settled in 1762. In 1786, Waldoborough was made a shire town, and remained such till 1800, when the coru-ts were removed to Wiscasset. Conrad Heyer, the first male citizen of Waldo- borough, was born April 10, 1749, and died February 19, 1856, at the advanced age of 106 years, ten months, and nine days. He served in the Revolutionary war, and was wont to relate his adventures in that struggle with peculiar zest. His father was one of the emigrants brought over fi-om Germany by General Waldo. He was buried on the 17th of June, 1856, with mihtary honors. The funeral obsequies were largely attended, not only by the citizens of Waldoborough, but by those of adjoining towns, thus exhibiting the respect in which this venerable man was held. The surface is agreeably diversified. There are some good farms; but generally the soil is not very productive. Within the limits of MAINE — COUNTY OP WALDO, ETC. 337 Waldoborough are several islands, the names of which are Upper Narrows, Hog, Poland's, Hadlock, Hungry, Otter, Jones's, Garden, and several smaller ones. Farming, seafaring, and some little ship-building, engage the industrial energies of the people. The village was greatly injured by fire a few years since, but has been rebuilt. The new buildings evince much improvement upon the former ones. The town is drained by Muscongus river, which has a sufficient fall to be made available in propelling machinery. Waldoborough has a bank with a capital of f 50,000 ; two post-offices — Waldoborough and North Wal- doborough ; six church edifices, — two Congregational, one Methodist, two Baptist, and one Lutheran ; twenty-nine school districts, with thirty-two schools ; fourteen ship-builders, two carriage builders, six saw-mills, three grist-mills, two carding-machines, one tannery, and two brickmakers. Population, 4,199 ; valuation, $941,088. Waldo County has the Penobscot bay and river upon the east, Pe- • nobscot county upon the north, and Kennebec and Lincoln counties upon the west ; and extends somewhat beyond the original limits of the Waldo Patent. The act establishing it was passed February 7, 1827, giving it jurisdiction over " all that portion of the territory of the county of Hancock lying westward of the Penobscot bay and river, with the town of Islesborough in said county, and the towns of Camden, Hope, Montville, and Palermo, and the plantations of Appleton and Montville (now the towns of Appleton and Liberty), in the county of Lincoln, and the towns of Freedom, Unity, Montgomery, and Burnham in the county of Kennebec." By act of January 22, 1828, the limits of this county were enlarged eastward, by making the line dividing it from Hancock " the middle of the channel of the Penobscot river and bay, commencing in the middle of said river, at the northerly line of the county of Waldo, and descending the same, leaving Orphan island on the east, and Islesborough on the west, till it intersects a line drawn due east from the southern corner of this county of Waldo." It has thirty-one towns, of which Belfast is the shire. The surface is uneven, and, in some parts, mountainous. The chief eminences are Mounts Waldo, Knox, and Megunticook. The maritime interests of the county surpass its agricultural, having its largest side and seven of its leading towns upon the bay and river, which have attained an eminence in ship-building, in commerce, and in the fisheries, enjoyed by few towns on the coast of Maine. The principal rivers are the Sebasticook, Duck-trap, Passagassawaulvcag, Marsh, and Megunti- cook. There are also some ponds. This county belongs to the eastern judicial district of the state, the VOL. I. 29 338 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. law terms of which are held at Bangor. The jury terms of the supreme iudicial court for civil and criminal business commence on the first Tuesdays of May and October; for civil business only, on the first Tuesday of January. Population, 47,230 ; valuation, $6,800,981. Waldo, Lincolnshike, or Muscongus Patent, was a tract of land granted by the crown of England, in 1629, to Beauchamp and Leverett, in joint tenantry, and was intended to embrace thirty miles in width on both sides of the Penobscot river.^ As survivor, Leverett became sole owner. By the laws of England transmitting property through the oldest son, the whole patent was inherited by President Leverett, of Harvard college, great-grandson of the patentee. President Leverett, by deed, divided the patent into ten shares, giving one share to a de- scendant of Governor Bradford, to extinguish some interfering claim held by him ; and another to Spencer Phips, son of Governor Phips, in extinguishment of his Indian title to some part of this tract, which he had bought of Madockawando for a mere song. The other eight shares he gave to his sons-in-law. The holders of these ten shares thencefor- ward assumed the name of the " ten proprietors," and, in settling with other parties who held claims, these " proprietors " conveyed one hun- dred thousand acres, including a part of the to^vn of Camden, to a com- pany, which took the name of " the twenty associates.'' As time advanced, danger arose that the title to the patent would be vacated for some defect ; and General Waldo was therefore sent to England to get the patent confirmed. Waldo, having paid out fi-om his private funds some money on account of the " ten proprietors," and having charged them, besides, a pretty round sum for his services, on his return from England settled with the " ten proprietors," and obtained from them a surrender of their entire interest in the patent, excepting only one hundred thousand acres, which was to be run out by them. Waldo determined to make the most of his bargain ; and, being propii- etor of the soil, could provide, not only for its settlement, but at the same time open and carry on a lucrative trade with the natives. In 1758 he obtained the cooperation of the government of Massachusetts, so far as the protection of the settlers was concerned, and under Gov- ernor Pownal, with a company of soldiers, he commenced building a fortification on what is called Fort Point, in the present town of Stock- ton. While this work was going on, Waldo took a vessel with a party of the soldiers, and sailed up the Penobscot as far as he could, in quest of more land. Having been successful in extorting from the " ten ' See Annals of Warren, whicli gives a mucli larger tract, pp. 18, 19. MAINE — TOWN OF WALES. 339 proprietors " a large tract, by simply demanding it, he was thus em- boldened to extend his title over all the lands that joined him. Had the Penobscot been navigable to its source, he would not have stopped till he had reached that; but as he could proceed no further than Eddington bend, he stopped there, and landed on the east side of the river, where he-fixed in the earth a roll of sheet lead with inscriptions thereon, claiming all the land thus far as being within his patent. On his return he very suddenly died. In regard to that part of the patent on the east side of the river, one line was accidentally omitted in the description, which left it so indefinite that no land was attempted to be held in that locality. The one hundred thousand acres which the " ten proprietors " had reserved for themselves, on the liquidation of the claims of Waldo, were, in 1772, surveyed by one Chadwick, and marked and bounded for them, on the south, by what is now the south line of Frankfort, extending north, so as to include Hampden, and part of Bangor. The next year the front lots were all marked off, fifty rods wide on the river, and a head line run, averaging one mile from the river. All the heirs of Gen- eral Waldo, with the exception of one that bore his name, and the wife of General Knox, were tories in the Revolutionary war, and left the country at that period. Their shares were confiscated, and bought in by General Knox. After the war was over, on the application of the General, his title w^as confirmed, and the limits of the Waldo Patent defined and settled in such a manner, that more than half of the land which had been surveyed by Chadwick for the " ten proprietors " fell outside of the limits of the patent. To indemnify the " ten proprietors " and gain their assent to this settlement of the limits of the Waldo pat- ent. General Knox gave his bond ; and, having purchased some of the shares owned by that company, he was elected as their clerk. After that, the bond was never found. The end of the matter was, that, under the ten grantees of President Leverett, a tract intended to embrace thirty miles wide, on both sides of Penobscot river, embraced only about forty-three thousand acres, including what is now Frankfort, a part of the town of Swanville, and a part of Monroe. Wales, Androscoggin county, is bounded north by Monmouth, east by Litchfield, south by Webster, and west by Greene ; being only four and a half miles long and four wide. It was settled in 1773. Among the first inhabitants were Samuel Waymouth, from Berwick ; Jonathan and Reuben Ham; James Wetherell, John Andrews, and John Ham, from Brunswick ; and Joseph Small, from Limington, — at whose house the first plantation meeting was held. The settlers purchased 340 HISTORY AND DESCKIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. their lands of proprietors under the old Plymouth Company. In April, 1803, the settlers met, organized as a plantation, and chose Joseph Small clerk, which office he filled thirty years. At this meeting it Avas voted to raise $50 for plantation expenses, $150 for schools, and $150 for roads. For the first twelve or fifteen years, there were no saw-mills or grist-mills within twenty miles ; and the settlers were conspelled to carry their bags of corn on their shoulders this distance, with no path except marked trees to guide them. The only meats they had were such as they could procure with the rifle — moose, deer, bear, and other game. The surface is uneven, but not broken. There are two elevations of land, one in the southeast part, called Hodgkins hill, which rises to the height of six hundred feet; the other in the southwest, called Sabattis mountain, on the southeast side of which is a cave, called the " Devil's den." In this cave are found some of the finest specimens of red ochre. How far the cave extends is not known. Sabattis pond lies partly in this town; but there is no stream of water of sufficient capacity for mills. The soil is good, and adapted to any crop ; and agriculture is becoming the chief occupation of the settlers. There are seven school districts, with the same number of schools, and two church edifices — one occupied by the Baptists, the other by Baptists, Free-will Baptists, Methodists, and Universalists ; one post-office, one carriage manufac- tory, and one marble shop. Population, 612 ; valuation, $111,632. Waltham, Hancock county, is situated on the east bank of Union river, opposite Mariaville. The settlement was commenced about the year 1805 or 1806, by Samuel Ingalls, Lebbeus and Eben Kingman, Ebenezer Jordan, and others. The progress of it has been very slow. It was incorporated in 1831. The town has two saw-mills, one church edifice (Baptist), two schools, with an average attendance of eighty-two scholars, and one post-office. Population, 304 ; valuation, $41,881. Waeren, Lincoln county, on both sides of St. George's river, at the head of navigation, was originaUy known as the " Upper town of St. George," and belonged to the Muscongus, afterwards the Waldo Patent, The first settlement was begun under the auspices of Waldo, the pro- prietor, in 1736, at which time, says Eaton, " with the exception of a trading house, mill, and fort, which had been erected on the banks of the St. George, one hundred and five years previous, no marks of civil- ization existed, and no inroads were made upon that unbroken forest, which over the whole country sheltered the moose and the Indian alike from the scorching suns of summer and the howling storms of winter." MAINE — TOWN OP WASHINGTON. 341 Waldo made a similar contract with the settlers here to that made by him for the settlement of Thomaston ; and, in the summer of 1736, forty- seven persons, having cast lots for their possessions, located themselves. Waldo furnished the inhabitants with provisions, and they occupied themselves principally in getting out cord-wood and staves, and some- times in hunting and fishing. Agriculture was not much prosecuted, the people understanding but little about the management of new lands. A spirit of harmony prevailed among them, which some of our modern settlements would do well to emulate. In 1752, the town received an accession to its numbers by the arrival of some German emigrants ; and from year to year the numbers were augmented — English, Scotch, Irish, and Germans being among the settlers. Warren was incorporated in November, 1776, taking its name from General Joseph Warren, who fell so gloriously at the battle of Bunker Hill. The surface is broken, having some considerable eminences, the most notable of which are Mount Pleasant and Crawford mountain, the former commanding an extensive view of the neighboring towns, the Atlantic ocean, Penobscot bay, and its islands. The soil is variable in character, but amply rewards the labors of the husbandman. Lime- stone and granite are found in abundance, and are extensively quarried. The town is drained by Back river, and by Little, Southwest, and Crawford's ponds. The coasting trade was formerly a branch of busi- ness much followed ; but latterly it has almost entirely ceased. Ship- building, however, has steadily advanced, as well in the number, as in the size and quality, of the vessels. Between the years 1770 and 1850, there were built 224 vessels, varying from fifty-three to 1,127 tons bur- den. Agi-iculture and ship-building are now the principal pursuits, and the facilities for their prosecution are of the best kind. There are four religious societies, Congregational, Baptist, Methodist, and Free-will Baptist; twenty school districts, with nineteen schools; an academy, endowed by a grant of half a township of land ; a post-office ; also a woollen factory, and other mechanical works. Population, 2,428 ; val- uation, $707,730. Washington is situated in the northerly part of Lincoln county, thirty-five miles easterly from Augusta, a part of it formerly being included within the Hmits of the Plymouth Patent, and a part under the Waldo Patent. It was made up of the " westerly part of Union, and several gores and strips of land adjacent thereto," and was incorporated by the name of Putnam, upon the petition of thirty-eight of the inhab- itants, February 27, 1811. Among the petitioners were Mark Hatch, James Laughton, John Bowmin, David Colamy, John Laughton, Ben- 29* 342 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. jamin Speed, William Starrett, Thomas Nelson, James Daggett, Samuel Stickney, and Sanford Rtioades, most of whom were probably early settlers. The name was changed to Washington, January 31, 1823. The surface is uneven, and in some parts rocky. It is watered by a large pond, and a branch of the Muscongus river, which takes its rise in this pond. The town is purely agricultural, having no more trade or mechanical business than is requisite for the ordinary wants of the place. It has one viUage, three church edifices — Methodist, Congrega- tional, and Union; twelve school districts; and three post-offices — Washington, South Washington, and North Washington. Population, 1,756 ; valuation, ^143,560. Washington County originally made the whole eastern frontier of Maine, having been established by the same act that spoke Hancock county into existence, June 25, 1789. Its western boundary was the eastern line of Hancock.^ It was bounded " south and southeast by the sea or western ocean, on the north by the utmost northern limits of this commonwealth, and easterly by the river Saint Croix ; comprehend- ing all the lands within this commonwealth to the eastward of the line of the county of Hancock aforesaid, including all the islands on the sea- coast of said easternmost county." In 1839, it surrendered to Aroostook all the territory " north of the north line 'of the fourth range of town- ships, north of the lottery townships." ^ The area of the county is about twenty-seven hundred square miles. It had, by the census of 1790, a population of 2,758. Its sea-coast extends for about fifty miles, and abounds in bays and inlets, which afford excellent harbors. It is drained by the Schoodic, the St. CroLx, and the east and west Machias rivers, and contains numerous lakes, the most important of which are the Schoodic and the Baskahegan. The surface is undulating, and the soil back from the seashore is fertile. The people are beginning to show an active interest in railroad enterprise, which has materially aided the growth of some of the older counties. Machias was made the shire town at a time when it was the only corporate town in the county, and has continued to be the county seat. At the time of organization, the terms set for the common pleas and court of sessions were in June and September for both this and Hancock counties ; but all matters happen- ing in either, whereof the supreme judicial court had cognizance, were to be heard and ti-ied at their annual term at Pownalborouffh. The county now belongs to the eastern judicial district, the law terms for which are held at Bangor. The jury terms of the supreme judicial ' See Hancock county, ante, pp. 151-2. " See Aroostook county, ante, p. 33. MAINE — TOWN OF WATERBOUOUGH, ETC. 343 court commence at Machias on the first Tuesdays in January and Octo- ber, and tiie fourth Tuesday in April. Population, 38,811 ; valuation, ^5,244,431. Waterboeough, York county, is a part of a tract of land purchased by William Phillips in 1661^, of the Indian sagamores Fluellen, Hob- inowell, and Captain Sunday. John Smith made a settlement in 1768, the first of which any thing definite is known. In 1770 there were eight famUies here, those of John Smith, John Scribner, Robert Harvey, Alex- ander JeUison, William Deering, Scammon Hodsdon, William Philpot, and William Nason, who came from Scarborough and Berwick, and from New Hampshire, all of whom lived in log huts. Colonel Josiah Waters of Boston, and others, claimed this town under an old Indian deed, and in 1771-2 sent Moses Banks to lot and survey the same ; but the Revolution commencing shortly after, and part of the original pro- prietors turning tories, nothing further was done till 1784, when Colonel Waters had the plantation surveyed, and sold the lots to 118 actual set- tlers for twenty-five cents to one dollar per acre. Waterborough was originally known as Massabesick plantation, which name it retained till its incorporation, March 6, 1787. It was made a shire town of York county in 1790, and the courts of common pleas and sessions were holden here till their removal to Alfred in 1807. The first church was organized in 1780. Waterborough contains 26,491 acres. The land lies mostly in swells or ridges running from north to south, which were covered with white, red, and yellow oak, beach, maple, and birch. There are large tracts of pine plain, on which was formerly a heavy growth of tim- ber, now cleared. This land is quite barren, and of little value, while that on the swells is equal to any in the county. Ossipee mountain, lying in the centre of the town, is, with one exception, the highest in the county, and is a station for the United States coast survey. There are several ponds, covering about one thousand acres, there being con- siderable meadow land, originally flowed by beaver dams upon the streams which flow into them. The people are engaged in farming. There are two villages — Waterborough and Waterborough Centre ; two church edifices — Baptist and Free-will Baptist; fifteen school dis- tricts, with fom-teen schools ; and two post-offices — Waterborough and Waterborough Centre. Population, 1,989 ; valuation, ^200,332. Waterford, Oxford county, is distant from Augusta fifty-seven miles, and from Paris fourteen miles. David McWaine, who arrived in 1775, from Bolton, Mass., was the first settler, and for five or six years was 344 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. the only person in town. Among those who settled subsequently were four brothers by the name of Hamlin, five or six brothers named Brown, and four families named Jewett, Saunders, Chaplin, and Greene, who came from Rowley, Mass. The other settlers came principally from Bolton, Haverhill, and Stow. The titles to the lands were obtained from the proprietors, Jonathan Houghton, Henry Gardiner, David Sampson, Jonathan Whitcomb, and others. Waterford was incorporated in January, 1797. The surface is rather uneven and somewhat mountainous, but the land is good for agricul- ture, which engrosses most of the attention of the inhabitants. There are tw^elve ponds — Thomas's pond, in the centre of the town, contain- ing 484 acres ; Long pond. Bear pond, Island pond. Bog pond. Moose pond, containing 182 acres; Duck pond, Pappoose pond, and four ponds known as the Kezar ponds, the largest of which contains 124 acres. The only river of any size is Crooked river ; and the only hills of any note are the Tyrum, Bear, and Hawk, each of which is some five hundred feet in height. There are three villages ; three church edi- fices — Congregational, Methodist, and Universalist ; three post-offices — Waterford, North Waterford, and South Waterford ; and fifteen school districts, with twenty-four schools. Population, 1,448; valuation, $263,096. Waterville, Kennebec county, — the early history of which is em- bodied in that of Winslow, from which it was taken and incorporated in 1802, — lies on the west side of the Kennebec river, and is six miles long by a little more than six wide, having quite an irregular western boundary. It has two villages, called respectively Waterville and West Waterville. The former contains about twenty-five hundred inhabi- tants, is situated on a fine alluvial plain at the head of boat navigation and is one of the most attractive villages in the state. The west villa o-e lies on the outlet of Snow's pond, which is partly in Belo-rade. The surface generally is rolling, and the soil good. Agriculture is the lead- ing pursuit, though considerable lumber is manufactured at the east vil- lage, besides some manufacturing in axes, hoes, and scythes at the west village. A paper-mill and foundery on Emerson's stream (which runs from Snow's pond), are doing a moderate business. There is a fine fall of water of about twenty feet on the Kennebec, situated at the east village, called Ticonic falls ; but this privilege is as yet but par- tially improved. Richmond lake and JMcGrath's pond fie on the west. There are two post-offices, one at each village; six church edifices two Baptist, two Universalist, one Congregational, and one Free-will Baptist; fourteen school districts, -wdth twenty-two schools; an academy MAINE - -TOWN OF WAYNE. 345 cast village. Waterville College was chartered and college, both in the in 1820, and, though the state has done but little for its endowment, pri- vate individuals have contributed largely to its funds, and furnished it the means for conducting with success a liberal system of education. It has educated many of our public men ; and, from its central position, seems destined to exert an important influence upon the educational interests of the state. There are three banks — the Ticonic Bank, Wa- terville Bank, and People's Bank, having an aggregate capital stock of $350,000. In the summer season, a small steamboat plies between Waterville, Augusta, and Gardiner; while three railroads, the Androscog- gin and Kennebec, Penobscot and Kennebec, and Somerset and Kenne- bec, concentrate here. The village is well supplied with public-houses, has many fine residences, and several blocks of buildings for business purposes. A weekly paper is published, called the Eastern Mail. Pop- ulation, 3,964; valuation, $1,018,362. Wayne, Kennebec county, is situated about sixteen miles northwest of Augusta, and was first settled by Reuben Wing, Reuben Besse, Job Fuller, Samuel Norris, Isaac Dexter, and others, who came from Sand- wich, JMass., aljout the close of the Revolutionary war. These settlers, as was ilien the custom, located themselves in close proximity to the meadows, so that they might easily procure grass for their cattle. They 346 HISTORY AND DESCKIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. purchased their land from the Plymouth Company. The township was called New Sandwich until its incorporation in 1798, when it received its present name, in honor of Anthony Wayne, a general in the Revolu- tion. When it was first settled, — although adjoining the thrivmg town of Winthrop, — it was considered as beyond the pale of civihza- tion, and the Botany Bay of the state. Rev. David Thm-ston gives an anecdote, in his history of Winthrop, of an itinerant fiddler, who came into that town to pursue his profession ; which being particularly obnoxious to the inhabitants, he was warned by the sheriff to leave instanter. But the poor vagabond, at his wits' end, inquired whither he should go. The sheriff replied — "Get out of the world! go to Wayne ! " However truly this may have applied to Wayne then, at the present day it is one of the most enterprising and flourishing towns in the county. The surface is uneven and broken, particularly in the southern part, which is also very rocky ; notwithstanding which, the soil is good for farming, and the inhabitants are active in developing its agricultural resources. The water-power is excellent, there being a chain of four ponds, commencing with Flying pond in the south part of Vienna, all flowing into Wing's pond (which has its outlet in Androscoggin pond) in Wayne village. There are two important places of business — Wayne village, at the outlet of Wing's pond, and North Wayne village, at the outlet of Lovejoy's pond. At the former there are ntiills and manufactories of various descriptions; three churches — one Methodist, one Baptist, and one Free-will Baptist; five stores, and several me- chanic shops. The village is very pleasantly situated, and in a flourish- ing condition. At North Wayne village is situated the North Wayne scythe manufactory, which annually turns out a large quantity of scythes, and gives employment to a considerable numbef of workmen. Here also is a Methodist church. This village is situated about three miles northeast from Wayne village, and is a thriving place. There are fourteen school districts, and two post-offices — Wayne and North Wayne. Population, 1,367 ; valuation, §233,339. Webster, Androscoggin county, is distant from Augusta twenty- seven miles, and was first settled, about 1774, by Robert Ross, from Brunsmck, who located on the shores of the stream which bears his name. The next settlement was made a short time after, in the south part of the town, by one Mora, said to have been a deserter from the American army. The place is still known as Mora's meadow, and is upon land owned by Eliphalet S. Bryant. About the same time, Timo- thy Weymouth, from Berwick, settled, and built a miU for Jesse Davies. MAINE — TOWN OF WELD. 347 Edmund, Nahura, and Jonathan Weymouth, John Henry, Timothy Tibbetts, Foster Wentworth, Abner and Ephraim Jordan, Levi Temple, James Maxwell, William True, Phineas Spofford, Elias Moody, and Edmund Weymouth, Jr., made settlements about 1780. The lands first settled, as well as all within the territorial limits of Webster, were finally decided to be within the grant made to the Plymouth Colony in 1629. Webster was originally within the territorial limits of Bowdoin, which was divided, and the western part incorporated, with the name of Thompsonborough, June 22, 1798. This name was changed to Lisbon, by act of legislature, February 20, 1802 ; and, March 7, 1840, Lisbon was divided, and the northern part incorporated, with the name of Webster. Captain Jeremiah Nowell, a native of Webster, was the captain of the vessel which carried Jerome Bonaparte and his wife — Miss Patter- son, of Baltimore — to France, and brought the latter and her child back to America. The surface and soil are various. Along the Sabattis river are very considerable elevations and depressions. The rock formation is chiefly gneiss, impregnated with iron, which crops out upon its greatest eleva- tions. For the most part, the intermediate elevations consist of drift, varying in depth from twenty to one hundred feet. In the southern part, ' on the eastern margin of the Sabattis river, lies a level tract of consid- erable extent, consisting of clay, portions of which are formed of alluvial deposits. Mount Sabattis lies in the northwestern part, on the line of division of Webster and Wales, and was occupied, during 1853 and 1854, as a station of the Coast Survey. The completion of the railway from Portland to Lewiston gives the industtial resources of Webster means for development, and will make its fine farming lands and exten- sive Avater-power substantial elements of wealth. Sabattisville is the principal and only village. There are three church edifices — Baptist, Free-will Baptist, and Union ; eleven school districts, with twenty schools ; and two post-offices — Webster and Sabattisville. Popula- tion, 1,110 ; valuation for 1856, $257,289. Weld, Franklin county, formerly known as No. 5, or Webb's Pond Plantation, is a large town, containing about forty-eight square miles, and is about ten miles from the court-house in Farmington. It was settled about 1800. Nathaniel Kittredge, Caleb Holt, James Houghton, Abel Holt, and Joseph and Abel Russel, were among the first settlers. Weld was surveyed by Samuel Titcomb, surveyor to the state. It was lotted by Philip BuUen, in 1797, and originally purchased of the state by Jonathan Phillips, of Boston. Sales to settlers were com- 348 HISTORY AND DESCKIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. menced by Jacob Abbot, of Wilton, N. H., who, in 1815, purchased, in company with Benjamin Weld, of Boston, Mr. Phillips's unsold lands in Maine. Mr. Abbot proceeded to the settlement of this and other towns, and procured the location of the Coos road, by the state, from Chesterville, through Wilton, Carthage, and Weld, passing the notch by Mount Metallic, thence through Byron and East Andover to New Hampshire. Mr. Abbot died at Brunswiclv, in 1820, aged sev- enty-four. He was succeeded by his son, the late Jacob Abbot, who died in Farmington, January 21, 1847, at the age of seventy. The town was incorporated February 2, 1816, and derived its name from Mr. Weld, then one of the owners. Webb's pond is a consider- able body of water. Webb's river rises from this pond, and, running southerly through Carthage, falls into the Androscoggin at Dixfield vil- lage. The land around the pond is level, but ranges of mountains hem it in, and impart a picturesque and romantic aspect to the landscape scene. On the south is seen Bear mountain, in Carthage ; on the east. Mount Blue, the summit of which is 2,360 feet above Webb's pond, and nearly 4,000 feet above the sea; on the north is Mount Metallic, and on the west is Ben Nevis. There is a considerable village on the eastern side of Webb's pond, on the Coos road, known as Holt's village, where there are two or three traders, a good grist-mill, a blacksmith's shop, tannery, carding-machine, and several good dvsrelhng-houses. About two miles above, on the same road, there is another village, containing a town- house, starch factory, saw-miU, store, and blacksmith's shop. A Con- gregational church was early organized in the town, of which David Sterret was the first pastor. They have a convenient meeting-house in the eastern part of the town. Rev. Lemuel Jackson, from Greene, opened a religious meeting in 1804, and a Baptist church was consti- tuted in 1809. Various preachers have since labored in the place. Two hundred members have been received since its formation, and about one fourth of that number remain. A small Free-will Baptist church has recently been organized. There are eleven schools, having an attend- ance of about 425 scholars ; and one post-office. Population, 995 ; val- uation, $92,232. Wellington, Piscataquis county, is distant from Augusta sixty miles, and from Dover twenty. The first settlement was made about 1814, by James Knowles, who came from New Hampshire, and located in the south part of the town, on the farm where he now resides. The- same spring, David Staples, from Newfield, settled on the west side of the town ; and the ensuing summer James B. Potter and John Ward, from Bowdoin, located in the northwest part of the town. In 1818, MAINE — TOWN OF WELLS. 349 James Davis and Elisha Boston, from Shapleigh, also settled in the southwest part. These were soon followed by others, and the set- tlement progressed rapidly. The town being a part of what was called the Bingham Purchase, the settlers obtained the titles to their lands of Black, an agent of Bingham's heirs. This purchase subse- quently fell into the hands of a Mr. Bridge, and the town was called Bridge's town, until its incorporation, in 1828, under its present name. The surface is uneven, being diversified by hills and valleys. In the northern part there is a hill of greater size than the rest, called by the inhabitants Ball mountain. Higgins's stream, the only one of any size, — having a saw-mill erected on it, — runs through the town. The inhab- itants are chiefly employed in agriculture. The only other manufac- tory in town is a sash, blind, door, and furniture factory, which has a steam-engine. Wellington possesses one church edifice, owned and occupied by the Free-wiU Baptists ; one post-office ; and eleven schools. Population, 600 ; valuation, |45,000. Wells, situated on the sea-coast, in York county, was first settled by persons from Exeter, N. H., it is believed about the year 1640, and, ac- cording to the statement of Folsom, the title was derived from the In- dians.i One Wawa, a noted Indian chief, resided here about 1750, and pretended to claim the territory in Wells, and that of adjoining towns. It formerly comprised Avithin its limits the territory of Kennebunk, and contained forty thousand acres, one thousand of which is salt marsh. It was formerly a portion of the possessions of Sir Ferdinando Gorges, who, in 1641, presented five thousand acres of it to Thomas Gorges, deputy governor of Maine and mayor of Gorgeana. He was permitted to select whatever portion he pleased, and made choice of the tract near the small river Og^nquit, in the southwesterly part of Wells. A por- tion of this tract — about four or five hundred acres — was conveyed by Gorges, on the 17th of April, 1643, to Rev. John Wheelwright (brother- in-law of the celebrated Anne Hutchinson), who had been banished , from Massachusetts for his antinomian principles; and another grant was made by Gorges, July 14, 1643, to Wheelwright, Henry Boad, and others. The former tract lay along the shore eastward of Ogunquit ' John Wadlow, or Wadleigh, removed from Saco to Wells before 1649, to -whom an Indian, named Thomas Chabinoke, devised " all his title and interest to Namps-cas-coke, being the greatest part of Wells, upon condition that he should allow one bushel of In- dian corn annually to ' Old Webb,' " (his mother). This tract extended from the sea as far up as the Great falls on Cape Porpoise [Mousam] river, and from Negunket to Ken- nebunk river. This title proved valid. — Folsom, p. 120. VOL. I. 30 350 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NE^y ENGLAND. river, and the latter between that river and the Kennebunk. The land was parcelled into lots by Boad and Edward Rishworth. Wheelwright settled here about 1643, as did also Mr. Storer and Francis Littlefield, who immediately began a regular plantation. In July, 1653, Wells submitted to the jurisdiction of Massachusetts, and twenty of her citizens took the freeman's oath of allegiance. Among the names were Samuel Austin, John J. Barrett, John Barrett, Henry Boad, Joseph Bowles, John Buck, Nicholas and William Cole, Joseph Emerson, John Gooch, WiUiam Romans, Ezekiel Knight, Arthur, Francis,! Thomas, and Edmund Littlefield, Francis Littlefield, Jr., Thomas Millot, and John Smith. The plantation, called by the Indians Webhannet, was created into a town at the same time, and had a pop- ulation of about one hundred and fifty-six. Wells was visited by the Indians under command of Mogg, October 18, 1676, who ordered the garrison to capitulate; which was imperatively refused by the com- mander. No attempt was made to attack the fort, but two persons were killed and one wounded, while thirteen of the cattle were de- stroyed. On the 10th of June, 1692, the place was again attacked. The in- habitants at the time were dispersed among the fortified houses, and Storer's fort had only fifteen men, under command of Captain Con- verse, for its defence. The day previous (the 9th of June), however, ammunition, provisions, and fourteen men, fortunately arrived in two sloops. The alarm of approaching danger was given the same day by the cattle, which ran precipitately from the woods, in a bleeding condi- tion ; and Captain Converse immediately gave orders for all to prepare for defence, — the whole night being passed under the greatest anxiety. On the morning of the 10th, John Diamond, a passenger in one of the sloops, was captured by Indian spies ; and shortly afterwards about five hundred French and Indians appeared, under the command of M. Bur- nifFe, General Labrocree, and a few other Frenchmen, attended by Madockawando, Egeremet, Moxus, Warumbee, and several other saga- mores. Having learnt the strength of the garrison from Mr. Diamond, they were certain of victory, and went so far as to portion out the ' Francis Littlefield came from England, and his parents, supposing him dead, named . another son Francis, who, in process of time, also sought his fortune in the New World, ■and came to Wells, when he was agreeably surprised to find that the brother, thought to be dead, was still hale and hearty. He took up a farm near the one occupied by Francis the elder ; and a short time after, two other brothers settled. From them, all of those who bear the name are supposed to have descended — no less than sixty-eight of whom are legal voters of Wells. MAINE — TOWN OF WELLS. 351 spoils. They immediately attacked the fort, and sustained the assault during the day ; while another party, having in the mean time constructed a breastwork, endeavored to destroy the sloops, which were set on fire several times by means of fire-arrows. The crews, however, succeeded not only in extinguishing the flames, but in keeping up such a steady fire that the enemy were compelled to abandon the breastwork. Many other attempts were made to destroy the sloops, but they were all equally unavailing ; while a continual fire from the small arms was sustained, with cries of " Surrender ! surrender ! " which were received by the crews with derision. At night the enemy asked, " Who's your com- mander ? " to which was replied, " We have a great many commanders." " You lie ! " cried an Indian ; " you have none but Converse, and we'll have him before morning ! " The next morning, July 11, which was Sunday, a party of six men, who had been sent to Newichawannock by Captain Converse a few hours before the enemy appeared, arrived in the vicinity of the fort, and were, as a consequence, very much exposed to capture ; but the corporal having by stratagem impressed the Indians with the belief that Con- verse w^as near them, they fled, and he and his men succeeded in enter- ing the fort unharmed. The French and Indians this day concentrated their whole force, and began to move with great precision towards the fort, when one of Captain Converse's soldiers sighed a surrender. " Utter that word again," said the captain, " and you are a dead man! — All lie close, — fire not a gun till it will do execution!" The enemy came for- ward with a steady step, and gave three shouts, when the entire force opened into three ranks, and fired all at once. The cannon (some of which were twelve-pounders), and the small firearms from the fort, re- turned a perfect blaze of fire ; and the repulse was so complete that the attack was not renewed. Many of the women in the garrison handed ammunition, and several of them fired the cannon at the enemy. The enemy, thwarted in their designs upon the fort, made a vigorous effort by means of a fire-float eighteen or twenty feet long, filled with combustibles, to destroy the sloops, which had wellnigh succeeded, when a counter breeze sprang up, and they were thus saved from destruction. The enemy were completely disappointed in every effort made, and they could hope for no success in attempting to undermine the garri- son, in consequence of the level nature of the ground. Not one in the fort was killed, and only one of the mariners. A flag of truce was sent by the leaders, who offered Captain Converse the most seducing terms, all which he refused. A short conversation then ensued,^ after which ^ 2 Slather's Magnalia, pp. 532-536 ; 2 Hutchinson's Hist, p. 67. 352 HISTORY AND DESCKIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. the Indian holding the flag of truce fled. A few shots were indulged in till dusk, and, about ten o'clock, the enemy evacuated the town. Probably this was one of the most extraordinary sieges during the war, and has scarcely a parallel. Several of the enemy fell, among whom was Labrocree; and the Indians, to avenge his death, put John Dia- mond to torture. " They stripped, scalped, and maimed him ; slit his hands and feet between the fingers and toes ; cut deep gashes in the fleshy parts of his body, and then stuck the wounds full of lighted torches, leaving him to die by piecemeal in the agonies of consuming fire." In August, 1703, Wells, which had been thus bravely defended, was again attacked, and with such desperation that, in a short time, it sustained a loss of thirty-nine in killed and prisoners, besides many wounded. In 1712, Wells probably would have met with further injury, had it not been for the strong arm of Massachusetts, which was then most opportunely extended for her relief. A church was early gathered, under the auspices of Mr. Wheelwright, who was much beloved by his flock. The first Congregational church was organized in 1701, being the second in the state ; and, about the year 1780, a society of Baptists was organized. Since 1812, two socie- ties of Free-will Baptists have been formed. Courts were holden at Wells from time to time for nearly half a century ; and it was repre- sented in the general court of Massachusetts for three years, from 1653 to 1676. At the session of Congress in January, 1824, a grant of f 5,000 was made to WeUs, for the purpose of improving the main harbor ; and, the year following, the money was expended in erecting a pier eight hundred feet in length. Wells has a variety of soil, though its general character is sandy. Almost one fifth of the whole town may be considered waste land, being barren heaths, ledges, and pitch-pine plains. The salt marsh, too, is gen- erally considered poor, the average crop of hay not exceeding half a ton per acre ; though experiments have been made upon it sufficient to demonstrate that, when subdued, it will prove valuable. Though a number of the inhabitants are engaged in the cultivation of the soil, it is doubtful if a sufficient supply of corn and grain can be raised to supply home consumption. The principal article of export is wood, which is for the most part sent to Boston, Salem, and Newburyport. Considerable ship-timber has been cut, and vessels of various sizes have been constructed in years past. Water is abundant, there being nine small rivers or brooks coursing through the town in various directions, which afford water-power a part of the year for thirteen saw-mills, five grist-mills, four shingle machines, and one fulling-mill. There are eight churches — two Congregational, two Baptist, one Methodist, and three MAINE TOWS OF WESLEY, ETC. 353 Free-will Baptist ; sixteen school districts, with sixteen schools ; one steam saw-mill, and three post-offices — Wells, Wells Depot, and Ogun- quit. The Portland, Saco, and Portsmouth Railroad has a station in Wells ; and many persons, during the summer months, take advantage of the accommodation thus afforded to visit Wells beach, a delightful resort. Population, 2,945 ; valuation, ^428,628. Wesley, twenty-five miles from Machias, is situated in the central part of Washington county, among the forests, and can scarcely be said to be within the pale of civilization. It was incorporated in 1833, and has one church (Methodist), four school districts, with four schools ; and one post-office. Population, 329 ; valuation, $29,743. West Bath, Sagadahoc county, is a small town detached from Bath, and incorporated February 14, 1844. It has neither village nor post- office ; but contains one church (Methodist), five school districts, one saw-mill, one grist-mill, one clapboard machine, one shingle machine, and one lath machine. Population, 603 ; valuation, $88,645. Westbeook, Cumberland county, was a part of Falmouth, to which it belonged until 1814, when it was set off" and incorporated. It con- tains about 15,000 acres, and is a very beautiful town, the surface being moderately diversified with swells. It is watered by Presumpscot river. Westbrook has three villages — Saccarappa, Stroudwater, and Wood- ford's Corner, all of which are places of considerable business ; but the first named is the principal. The Westbrook Seminary, situated on Stevens's Plains, is well patronized, and a highly successful institution. The Presumpscot canal passes through the western part of Westbrook, and affords excellent facilities for the transportation of merchandise, as does also the York and Cumberland Railroad. The Portland Manufac- turing Company have a mill at Saccarappa for malting sheetings, stripes, and ducks, which runs six thousand spindles. The Cumberland Paper- Mills, running fourteen engines, employ 120 hands, manufacturing one thousand tons of paper annually: value, ^250,000. There are five church edifices — two Congregational, one Free-will Baptist, and two Universalist ; seventeen school districts; and two post-offices — Stevens's Plains, and Saccarappa. Population, 4,852 ; valuation, $1,201,922. West Gardiner, Kennebec county, lies west of Gardiner city, from which it was set off" and incorporated August 8, 1850. The inhabitants were moved to petition for a separate organization from the fact that they would be more conveniently situated for town business and other 30* 354 HISTOKY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. matters. The first town meeting was held August 21, 1850. Its his- tory, up to that period, is so interwoven with that of Gardiner as to leave no room for comment ; and, during the subsequent seven years, nothing of importance has occurred. The people are industrious, thrifty, and contented. The territory contained in West Gardiner amounts to about ten thousand acres, and its general appearance is of a rural character. Cobbossee Contee stream flows in on the northern limits, and Cold stream from the north, while Cobbossee Contee river forms most of the eastern boundary. There are three church edifices — two Free-will Baptist, and one Baptist; eight school districts, with sixteen schools; and one post-office. Population, 1,260; valuation of real and personal property for 1858, $710,459. Weston, lying in the extreme southeastern portion of Aroostook county, one hundred and thirty-five miles northeast of Augusta and about ninety miles northeast from Bangor, was formerly- known as the Hampden Academy grant, having been incorporated March 17, 1835. It was settled soon after 1820, by William Batterfield and Dr. Otis Smith. The soil of Weston is of a good quality, but as yet has been neglected, and much of it remains to be improved. Baskahegan river passes through its southwestern corner, and Grand lake, an extensive body of water, forms its eastern boundary. Roads pass through it, leading to the principal points of trade. Manufacturing is not a very prominent branch of business — there being but three carpenters, one lumber dealer, and one carriage manufacturer in the town. Agriculture, for the most part, seems to occupy the attention of the people. Weston has a Methodist society, six school districts, with six schools ; and one post-office. Population, 293 ; valuation, $28,140. Westport, Lincoln county, is an island situated in Sheepscot river, between Woolwich and Boothbay, and was formerly known as Jere- misquam. It is eleven miles long and about a mile wide, and origi- nally formed a part of Edgecomb, from which it was set off and incor- porated in the year 1828. The surface is uneven. The principal pur- suit of the inhabitants is sea-going. The town has one church edifice, occupied by the Methodists and Free-will Baptists ; six school districts, with the same number of schools ; three saw-mills, four grist-mills, and one post-office. Population, 761 ; valuation, $101,511. Whitefield, in the western part of Lincoln county, contains an area of 29,000 acres. It was claimed by the Plymouth proprietors ; but they failed to establish a right thereto. It was settled, about 1770, by Irish MAI\E — TOWN OF WHITING, ETC. 355 Roman Catholics, and was then the western part of Ballstown, now Jefferson, to which it remained attached till June 19, 1809, when it was incorporated, receiving its name in memory of the celebrated Rev. George Whitefield. Soon after the close of the Revolutionary war, many of the veterans of the struggle for the independence of the colo- nies settled in Whitefield, and cleared away its immense forests of pine and oak timber, the latter of which was used for ship-building. The lumberirig business was successfully prosecuted for a time ; but it has somewhat diminished at the present writing, and the inhabitants are engaged in agricultural pursuits. Whitefield is watered by Sheepscot river, and the head waters of East River. On the Sheepscot are some excellent mill privileges ; but they are not improved to such an extent as they might be, for the want of capital and enterprise. There are three small villages — Whitefield, North Whitefield, and Cooper's Mills, — each of which has a post- office ; four church edifices — two Union, one Baptist, and one Roman CathoUc ; eighteen school districts, and thirty-five schools ; four single saw-mills, and one gang saw-mUl ; four grist-mills ; and about six shingle machines. Population, 2,160 ; valuation, ^278,160. Whiting, Washington county, is situated at the head of Machias bay, eleven miles from Machias, and was incorporated in 1825. Lum- bering has been an important employment, but it has latterly declined. The town has one village, one grist-mill, five saw-mills, one church (Congregational), six school districts, with six schools; and one post- office. Population, 470 ; valuation, $61,260. Whitneyville, Washington county, lies four mUes above Machias, on Machias river, and was originally contained in Machias, from which it was incorporated February 10, 1845. It is small in territorial extent, and has one school district and one post-office. Population, 519 ; val- uation, $86,052. Williamsburg, Piscataquis county, is an uneven, rough township, and is particularly noted for its excellent roofing slate. It was incorporated in 1820, and has been on the retrograde ever since. It has a post-office, and three school districts. Population, 134 ; valuation, $22,018. Wilton is the largest town, excepting Farmington, in Franklin county, and joins Farmington on the east. It is eight miles from the court house in that town, and thirty -two miles northwest from Augusta. The first settlement was made at the place now called East Wilton, in 356 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. 1789, by Samuel Butterfield, accompanied by his brother, Henry Butter- field, then sixteen years of age, who came through the woods from Farm- ington in search of a location on which to build a mill. After exploring the stream for some distance, Samuel fixed upon the spot where the dam of the Wilton factory ^low is, and directed Henry to commence chop- ping the trees, and clearing a spot on which to haul the timber. These were the first trees cut. The township had been previously granted by the state of Massachusetts to Captain Tyng and his company, of Concord, Massachusetts, for destroying an Indian by the name of Harry. It was explored in 1785, by Solomon Adams and others, located by Samuel Titcomb, surveyor for the state, and lotted by Solomon Adams in 1787. The explorers called it Harrytown, in memory of the ill-fated Indian ; but the first settlers called it Tyngtown, in memory of the grantee. Samuel Butterfield erected a saw and grist mill at East Wilton, and settled in Wilton in 1790. With him Isaac Brown was contemporaneous ; and William Walker, Ammial Clough, Joseph Web- ster, Silas Gould, Ebenezer Eaton, Josiah Perham, Ebenezer Brown, Joshua Perley, and Josiah Blake soon followed. Henry Butterfield, who in 1789 cut the first trees within the fimits of this town, is stLU living at East Wilton, having attained a good old age. In his long and eventful life he has seen a territory, which he entered through a pathless forest, converted into fertile and fruitful fields, dotted over with beautiful habitations. Captain Hammon Brown, the first male child born here, is still living. Wilton was incorporated in 1803. In the southerly part is Wilson pond, a fine sheet of water, two miles in length, and some half-mile in width. From this pond issues a stream, which runs north and northeast through the town until it enters Farmiiigton, and thence empties into the Sandy river. On this stream are two villages, Wilton Upper Vil- lage and East Wilton. The Upper Village is situated upon the high land surrounding the outlet of the pond, whilst the stream goes pitching and foaming upon either side of the street for about 150 rods, aflbrdino- water-power for almost any amount of machinery. It has ten stores two taverns, and a large number of shops where the various mechanical occupations are carried en. East Wilton is a beautiful village, having two or three stores, several mechanic shops, and other business interests. Wilton Factory, which has done a large business, and the Farmers' and Mechanics' Tool Factory, are located in this village. At the outlet to Varnum's pond in the north part are a grist-mill and a saw-mill. There are five rehgious societies — Congregational, Methodist, Uni- versalist, and tw^o Free-will Baptist, each of which has a church edifice ; twenty school districts, with thirty-nine schools ; four post- MAINE — TOWN OP WINDHAM. 357 offices — Wilton, East Wilton, North Wilton, and East Dixfield. Capital invested in trade, ^100,000 ; in manufactures, $50,000 ; annual proceeds, $75,000. Wilton is in a flourishing condition. The railroad from Portland to Farmington, recently completed, runs directly through the town. Population, 1,909 ; valuation, -$320,566. Windham, Cumberland county, extends down the Presumpscot river to Saccarappa Falls, and was granted by Massachusetts, December, 1734, to Abraham Howard, Joseph Blaney, and fifty-eight others, be- longing to Marblehead. In June, 1735, the town was located, and the lots laid out and disposed of to the proprietors, — those designated as " the home lots " being so laid out as to protect them from the ravages of the Indians. Some disputes arose between Windham and Gray and Falmouth regarding the boundary lines ; but they were finally amicably settled, after much embarrassment and expense to all parties. After this, the grantees made many improvements, such as building bridges, locating roads, and erecting a meeting-house. It was first called New Marblehead, which it retained until its incorporation in 1762, when it received its present name, from a town in the county of Norfolk, England. Captain Thomas Chute was the first settler, having arrived July 30, 1737. He was shortly after followed by William Mayberry, John Farrar, Stephen Manchester, and Abraham Anderson : all of these, and many of those that subsequently settled, came from Marblehead, Mass. Settlements were commenced under the most discouraging aspects ; but the settlers had dared the dangers, and they were not the men to flinch when obstacles presented them- selves. In the spring of 1744, a substantial fort was erected in the centre of the settlement, by order of the general court of Massachusetts, to protect the settlers from the threatened attacks of the Indians. This fort was furnished, at the expense of the town, with two swivel guns and the necessary ammunition. The inhabitants remained within its walls from 1745 to 1751, which was a period of great suffering and danger. During this time none of the inhabitants lost their lives by the hands of the Indians, though one (William Maxfield) was wounded, and four (William and Joseph Knight, WiUiam Bolton, and Seth Webb) were taken prisoners, who, after a short time, were released. From 1751 to 1754, the inhabitants enjoyed a short respite from the harassing warfare of the Indians, and came forth from the garrison, erected new buildings, and made many improvements, while there was a visible increase in the population. These " good times" were of short duration, however. Peace had scarce found a comfortable abiding place, ere, frightened by 358 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. the voice of war, she again (1754) unfolded her wings and took her flight. The inhabitants put their settlement in a good state of de- fence — converting three dwelling-houses into garrisons, which, with the fort already mentioned, were sufficient for the protection of the settlers. In February, 1756, the Indians surprised and made prisoner of Joseph Knights, who escaped from them, and rendered efficient service, by giving warning to several of the settlements of the approach of the Indians. The last and principal attack of the savages on Windham was made May 14, 1756, by Poland, king of the Rockomeca tribe, and about twenty of his followers. On the morning of that day, Ezra Brown and Ephraim Winship left the fort, accompanied by four men and four boys as a guard, for the purpose of working on Brown's lot. To reach the lot, they had to travel through a wood; and Brown and Winship, being some distance in advance, were fired upon by the Indians, when Brown was shot dead and Winship severely wounded, — the Indians taking their scaljjs. Four of the party (two men and two boys) in the rear, hearing the report, hastened back to the fort, while the others — Abraham Anderson, Stephen Manchester, Timothy Cloudman, and Gershom Winship, the two latter lads — de- termined to pursue the Indians and avenge their companions, or perish in the attempt. The little party soon came upon the savages, -w^ho, seeing them, sought concealment behind the trees. The result of the contest was, that Poland the king, and two of his followers, were killed by the little band of Spartans, when the Indians retreated, leaving behind them several trophies. Subsequently, several men from the fort fell in with another Indian laden with booty in the shape of a quarter of beef, at whom they fired some shots for the purpose of making him sun-ender the beef and himself; but not taking the hint, he fell a victim to his cupidity, or stupidity ; for he was brought to the ground by another shot, from the effects of which he afterwards died. The danger of Indian depredations having abated, the people indulged again in those ]>ursuits which go to make up the sum of happiness in this world, in which they remained undisturbed till the breaking out of the Revo- lution, when the councils of war were siibstituted for those of peace. The people of Windham brought with them into the contest that zeal which alone can spring from the consciousness of being engaged in a just cause. Officers were chosen to impart military instruction, ammu- nition and military accoutrements purchased, the ordnance belonging to the town put in proper condition, and every thing done, with their moderate means, to advance the cause locally and generally. Many men from this town, under command of Captain Richard Mayberry, served through the campaign of 1777 till the surrender of Burgoyne in MAINE — TOWN OF V/INDSOR. 359 October of that year. No less than seventy-one men performed service, and $2,280 in silver money were given by the town for the prosecu- tion of the war. Windham has agricultural advantages of a good order, — the soil being loamy and easily worked. There are inexhaustible quarries of granite in the south part. The inhabitants are mainly engaged in cul- tivating the soil. The principal stream is the Presumpscot, which has ten falls lying partly in Windham, affording excellent water power for mills and manufactories, seldom affected by freshets or drought. Black, Galley Wright's, and Inkhorn broolvs, are in the south part. Pleasant river has many advantageous mill seats ; and in the north part of the town there are several ponds. Duck pond, in the east, is partly in Windham and partly in Westbrook. Little Sebago pond, part of which lies here and part in Gray, is of considerable magnitude, a portion of which was drained of its waters by the making of an artificial outlet at the south end. In June, 1814, this outlet increased to such size that the waters did much damage, carrying away a number of mUis and bridges on Pleasant and Presumpscot rivers, and doing other damage. Windham contains six villages — Little Falls, Oak Hill, Great Falls, Windham Centre, Windham Hill, and the Upper Corner ; six churches — two Congregational, one Friends', two Baptist, and one Universalist ; eighteen school districts, with thirty-fom schools ; two social libraries ; eight saw-mills, one corn and flour mill, two shingle miUs, one fulling- mill, two carding-machines, one w^ooUen factory, one keg factory, one chair-stuff manufactory, two tanneries, and a powder factory having eight or ten mUls. There are three post-ofiices — Windham Centre, South Windham, and North Windham. Population, 2,380; valuation for 1850, $407,708 ; valuation for 1857, $1,021,698. Windsor, Kennebec county, lies on the east side of Kennebec river, and joins Augusta. It belonged to the Plymouth Patent, and Reuel Williams was the principal agent. Its first settlement was commenced in 1790 by Walter Dockindoff, Thomas Labalister, Prince Keen, Samuel Pierce, John Linn, Dr. Stephen Barton, Benjamin and Joseph Hilton, Joseph Linscott, and Joseph Trask. The act of incorporation was passed March 3, 1809, when the town received the name of Malta, which was changed to Gerry in 1820, and to the present one in 1822. Joseph Trask, Jr., was born October 30, 1790, and was the first native citizen of Windsor. Quite an excitement was created here in 1809, by the murder, on the 8th of September, of Paul Chadwick, employed by the proprietors of the Plymouth Patent to survey Windsor, which they 360 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. claimed as part of their territory, and whose authority the settlers gen- erally were determined not to recognize.^ Windsor is laid out perfectly square, and its surface is hilly, but not mountainous. From some of its highest elevations very pretty views are obtained of the surrounding scenery. The principal stream is the western branch of the Sheepscot, which passes through from north to south, affording excellent water privileges for mills and factories. The Barton brook is the next in size, besides which there are the Harriman, Colburn, Dearborn, and Cotton brook's, and several other smaller streams : there are also seven ponds. The southerly end of Three Mile pond lies in Windsor. When the first settlement was commenced, the town was remarkable for the quantity and quality of its pine and oak timber, and its hemlock and hard wood. As a consequence, lumbering formed the main occupation of the inhabitants for a number of years. Saw-mills were erected in different parts of the town, many of which have discontinued their operations in consequence of the scarcity of timber. At the present time, agriculture takes the lead over other pursuits ; and since it has gained favor, Windsor has steadily increased in wealth and importance, — showing that the soil is susceptible of a high state of cultivation, which is well improved. The most thickly settled points are South Windsor, Pope's Mills, and Taylor's Corner. There are three churches — Baptist, Methodist, and Union ; thirteen school districts, with the same number of schools ; two post-offices — Windsor and South Windsor ; three saw-mills, four shingle mills, two grist-mills, one clothing mill and carding-machine, and three pubhc-houses. Population, 1,793 ; valuation, $260,427. Winn, Penobscot county, lies on the east bank of the Penobscot river, north of Lincoln, at the junction of the Mattawamkeag river. It is a new town at the head of steamboat navigation on the Upper Pe- nobscot, and has borne the name of Five Islands. Winn was incorpo- rated March 21, 1857, and named from John Winn of Bangor, a principal proprietor. It contains 22,040 acres. It has two schools, with sixty-five scholars ; and one post-office. Population, 111 ; valuation, $12,000. WiNSLOW, Kennebec county, on the east side of the Kennebec river eighteen miles above Augusta, formerly embraced the territory of Wa- terville, — having been laid out on both sides of the Kennebec river, and then containing seventy-two square miles. The beautiful and grand ' See Kennebec Purcliase, ante, p. 170. MAINE — TOWN OF WINSLOW. 361 Falls of Ticonic (anciently Teconnet, signifying the junction of the two rivers, [Kennebec and Sebastieook] ) — the flats favorable to the planting of Indian corn — the fish and game with which the waters and woods abounded — all these presented features which made the site of this town a favorite abiding-place for the aborigines. The same natural advantages readily att^cted the attention of the white settler. The first farming ever attempted here -was made upon the flat below Fort hill, by Morris Fling, about the year 1764, and was, for a long time after the settlement, known as Fling's field. The whole region, at the time of Fling's arrival, was a dense pine forest. In those days there was no bridge over the Kennebec, no dam on the Ticonic falls, no bridge across the Weskerangan ; the only habitations or signs of improvement being a large block-house on the heights, and two on Fort hUl proper. In 1676, tinder the direction of a council of war then sitting in Mas- sachusetts, Abraham Shurt, of Pemaquid, met the Indians here for a parley, and exerted his powerful influence, as he did at Pemaquid, to prevent the ravages of King Philip's war, then extending over all the eastern settlements. He was received by the Indians in the " great wig- wam," or fort ; but he was unsuccessful in his efforts to ward off the terrible blow; hence nearly a century elapsed before any considerable settlement was made here. Winslow was incorporated in 1771, and received its name in honor of General John Winslow, who had com- mand of the expedition employed in the erection of Fort Halifax. The inhabitants first met in a municipal capacity. May 23, 1771, in the fort, where most public meetings were held for many years afterwards. Among the ancient public buildings in this town was Fort Halifax, a portion of which is now standing, but is fast going to decay. It was erected on the point of land between the rivers Kennebec and Sebasti- eook, in 1754, by Governor Shirley, of Massachusetts, and was the last of the line of forts on the Kennebec river, built as defences during the French and Indian war. There were no settlers here at the time of its erection; and though it was of no real benefit to the section of country in which it was situated, it served, in a measure, as a protection and safeguard to the settlements in the vicinity of Massachusetts, and those further down the river, from the depredations of the Indians, who entertained a wholesome dread of a company of soldiers coming out upon them from the fort. There is no evidence that this fort was ever attacked by the Indians ; in fact, they did not dare to make a direct assault, but occasion- ally attempted to cut off supplies. The balls which were found in it were fired by friendly guns, which is evident from the fact, that most of them were in the first story and a few in the yard side, — at which place there were no port-holes, — whereas, in the second story, where the VOL. I. 31 362 HISTORY AXD DESCRIPTION^ OF NEW ENGLAKD. Fort IlaliCix. majority of the soldiers were most likely to be, and where they surely would have been in case of an attack, -there were no bullet-holes what- ever. The fort was never at- tacked by the French, — the only enemy who could have \ captured it, — for the reason ' that they were called to more A unportant fields of action. Two years previous to the close of the war, the fort was garrisoned by 130 men under Captain William Lithgow, and, after him, Captain Eze- kiel Pattee, commanded. At the peace of Paris, 1763, it was abandoned.^ There is but one village in Winslow, and that is of very limited size. It is situated at the junction of the Sebasticook with the Kennebec river, half a mile below Ticonic falls ; and, being well shaded, possesses rare natural beauty. At the falls there is a natural dam, ^vhich, at a trifling expense, might be raised so as to give a water-power of al- most unlimited extent; and, on the east side of the river, a canal might easily be excavated even as far as the Sebasticooli", with waste ways at suitable distances to return the waters again to the Kennebec ; thus fur- nishing sites for a large manufacturing business, perfectly safe from Hoods, and as enduring as the rocks on which they would rest. The Somerset and Kennebec Railroad, from Augusta to Winslow, built on the east side of the Kennebec, crosses the river at the falls. In the vicinity are considerable tracts of land, which are yet uncleared. The Mile brook, a stream valuable for manufacturing purposes, is the outlet of China pond, and falls into the Sebasticook a mile above its mouth. There is some waste land in (own; but much of the soil is perhaps not exceeded by any in New England. The original settlers came from Massachusetts. The Puritanic descent of tlie injiabitants is aljundantly apparent from the intelligence, taste, and industry to be found on every hand. There are four houses for public worshiji — one Congregational, two Mc^tho- dist, and one Baptist. The town has a post-office, and sixteen school ' The rorncr-ptone of this fort was recently c.xliumcd, ami ilepositcil in tlie stale-liouse at Augusla. It beai-s the following inscription: — "This cojixei: | stone i,ai]> I isy DIRECTION I OF GoVERNOK | SlIIULEY. 175-t." MAINE — TOWN OP WINTHROP. 363 districts, witii twenty-nine schools. Population, 1,796 ; valuation, ^00,000. WiNTHROP, Kennebec county, originally caUed Pondtown, lies on the west side of Kennebec river, and was formerly included in the Kennebec Purchase. The south line of the town was five miles long, the west line nine miles, and the north, seven miles. What the eastern boun- dary was, is unknown. The first settler is supposed to have been Timothy Foster, in 1765, who located his tent by the great pond, on the lot now owned by Jacob Robbins. The next was Squier Bishop, in 1767. Soon after, the families of Foster, Fairbanks, Stanley, and PuUen were settled near Bishop. For a long time these people, having been used to cultivated farms only, suffered intensely, and must have perished but for the abundance of game and wild fruit. They soon received a lesson in baclcwoods life, however, in witnessing the manage- ment of three brothers, — Nathaniel, William, and Thomas Whittier, — who felled some twenty acres of timber, burned it off, and planted theix corn without ploughing, to the no small curiosity of the other settlers. After 1769, settlers poured in rapidly, and the township began to show the progress of civilization. The first saw-mill was built in 1768, on the stream where now stands the cotton factory, by John Chandler, who, soon after its completion, erected a grist-mill. To get the mill-stones from the river is said to have taken " the whole strength of the settlement nearly a week." For building these miUs, he received a grant of four hundred acres, in two lots of two hundred acres each, one near the pond, and the other where he should choose in the province. The first road was cut through and cleared out to the " Hook," now Hallowell. Previous to this, the settlers travelled by a guide of spotted trees. These guide-paths afterwards became roads. The first tax levied in town was paid by a bounty on a wolf's head, by Benjamin Fairbanks, in 1784. Winthrop was incorporated in April, 1771 ; and the first town meet- ing was held on the 20th May in that year, at the inn of Squier Bishop. Soon after this, Nathaniel Fairbanks built a tannery near Deacon Met- calf 's, and afterw^ards carried on business at the village. In 1791, Cyrus Baldwin built a fulling-mill where the woollen factory now stands, which passed through the hands of Benjamin Allen, Liberty Stanley, and John Cole ; the latter also had a blacksmith's shop, with a trip- hammer in operation. In 1806, Nathaniel Perley opened a canal from North pond and erected a grist-mill. This he afterwards sold to the Cotton Manufacturing Company. The Winthrop Woollen and Cotton Manufactory was incorporated in 1809, and went into operation in 1814. 364 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. The first man who made cider in this town was Ichabod How, who, in the absence of a mill or press, pounded a quantity of apples in a sap- trough, and extracted the juice by means of a cheese-press, thus obtain- ing a few gallons, with which he, and his neighbors for a long distance round, made merry in a great gathering. The first movement towards schools was in 1774. Little was done, however, until 1782, on ac- count of the breaking out of the Revolutionary war, which seemed to swallow up every other care, when X20 were appropriated for this pur- pose, and the town was divided into six school districts. The first school was taught by Benjamin Brainard, in the house of Benjamin Fairbanks. Winthrop contains 25,540 acres, the surface of which is rather uneven ; the land is of a good quality, and well wooded. It is adapted to the growth of the different grasses and grains, and to fruit raising. Some of the scenery is beautiful. From the town-house, when the air is favorable, the hills in Dixmont, seventeen miles west of the Penobscot, and a section of the White Mountains, are plainly visible. In the west- ern part lies Mount Pisgah, which extends nearly across that portion of the town. South pond, a large body of water, is partly here ; as is also North pond. Berry and Narrows pond, two smaller bodies of water, lie within the limits of Winthrop, and Cobbossee Contee Great pond covers a large surface in the eastern section. There are two oil-cloth factories, a factory for making window blinds and sashes, a woollen fac- tory, a bank, incorporated in 1853, with a capital of ^75,000 ; a cele- brated water-cure establishment, and an agricultural society, incorpo- rated in 1818. The first chiu-ch in town was built in 1774, and the first preacher was Thurston Whiting. There are now a Congregational, Baptist, Methodist, and Universalist church, and a meeting-house be- longing to the Society of Friends ; ten school districts, and two post- offices — Winthrop and East Winthrop. Population, 2,154 ; valuation, ^500,757. WiscASSET, Lincoln county, is situated on the west side of Sheepscot river, twelve miles from its mouth, and is the shire town of the county. The settlement was commenced in 1663, by George Davie, who, accord- ing to Mr. Bradford, lived about half a mile north of the point where the jail now stands. He purchased of the Indians a tract of several hundred acres, embracing within its limits the present village of Wis- casset ; and during the summer of that year, he, assisted by his brother and two other persons, erected several buildings, and made improve- ments of various kinds, as well as encouraged the location of otlier set- tlers. On the breaking out of King Philip's war, in 1675, the people MAINK TOWN OF WISCASSET. 365 were obliged to leave their homes, and flee to a place of greater secu- rity ; and, for nearly sLxty years afterwards, the town was entirely de- populated. Robert Hooper came here with his family, consisting of four persons, in 1730, and may be considered the first settler. He was a man of energy and determination, and soon erected a small but comfortable dwelling, by the side of a large rock, on the eastern side of where Water street now runs. At that time, with the exception of a few acres of land, which the Davies had cleared more than half a century before, the whole country was a wilderness. Hooper brought with him a few arti- cles of furniture, a small stock of cattle, and a number of fruit-trees, which went far towards comfort in such an inhospitable neighborhood. For nearly four years this hardy pioneer toiled on, unaided and alone, in his wilderness home. In 1734, Michael Seavey, Robert Groves, Sheribiah Lambert, and a man by the name of Foye, immigrated from Rye, N. H. Josiah Bradbury, Nathaniel Rundlett, Richard Hol- broolc, Colonel Kingsbury, and Benjamin Holbrook arrived about the same time ; and, a few years later, John Young, and three others, by the name of Taylor, Boynton, and Chapman, settled on the Cross river, about two miles south of Wiscasset point. Being men of energy, they soon went to work in good earnest in clearing away the lands. From this time forward, the settlement progressed steadily, additions being made to its numbers every year ; and, in 1740, it had become a planta- tion of thirty families, numbering one hundred and fifty persons. About the year 1743, a fortification — some reUcs of which are yet to be seen — ■was erected on the hill near the residence of Captain Wilham H. Clark. It is related of this fort, that in the latter part of September, 1744, a party of twenty Indians arrived before it, in a dense fog, for the purpose of attacking it. The only inhabitants in it at the time were two women and a girl, the men being at work in the fields, some distance off. Discovering, as the mist cleared away, their savage enemies, they barricaded the doors, and, disguising their voices, called to a number of imaginary persons to put the place in a state of defence. The Indians, believing that there was a large force within the fort, be- came alarmed, and abandoned their design. The fort was thus saved by stratagem, adding another to the numerous instances already on record, of the presence of mind and heroism of the women of those early days. In the summer of 1745, a man, who had been at work on the Seavey farm, while returning to the garrison, and being about sixty rods distant, was shot dead by an Indian concealed in the forest. Soon after this, in order to secure better accommodation to all the inhabi- tants, two block-houses were built, — one on what is now called Brim- 31* 366 HISTORY AND DESCMPTIOX OF NEW ENGLAND. stone hill, and the other on Seavey's hill, — about three quarters of a mile distant from each other. No remains of either of these block- houses are now to be seen. The attention of the settlers was very early directed to ship-building and maritime pursuits. Timber for masts and spars was very plenty ; and, being in good demand, it became a very important branch of busi- ness, the land being cleared up for the sake of its valuable timber, rather than for agricultural purposes. The settlement was incorporated in 1760, by the name of Pownalborough, in honor of Governor Pownal of Massachusetts, and embraced within its limits Alna and Dresden. It was incorporated under its present name in 1802. During the Revolu- tionary war, the town having no defences, the British sloop-of-war Rainboio came up the river, anchored in the harbor, and laid the town under contribution to furnish supplies for the ship ; threatening the place with destruction, and the inhabitants with the halter, if they refused. There was no alternative but a compliance with their de- mands ; for, being entirely destitute of any ariuament, they w^ere wholly at the mercy of the invaders. On the conclusion of peace, the business of Wiscasset with foreign ports became very extensive ; and at home the place was the chief mart of trade for the entire country around. She then saw her palmiest days. Most of her inhabitants were more or less interested in navi- gation, and her marine floated on every sea ; but the embargo of 1807 on shipping, being laid at an unfortunate time, dealt a stunning blow to her business and prosperity, the destruction of which was completed by the war of 1812 ; and, to this day, the town has never succeeded in retrieving its fallen fortunes. Wiscasset has a most excellent harbor. A United States surveying commission, in 1813, strongly recommended to the navy department the propriety of establishing a navy yard here. The river spreads out into a broad bay, and becomes admirably fitted for such a purpose. One hundred of the largest sized vessels can anchor here in from twelve to twenty fathoms of water. Vessels rarely find difficulty in enterino- this port ; and, when Boston harbor is frozen over as far as the Castle the harbor at Wiscasset is perfectly free from ice. A high bridge has been thrown across the river, directly above the harbor, which has a draw of thirty-four feet, through which vessels of 1,000 tons pass with- out difficulty. The surface of the town is hilly, making a view of it very interesting and romantic. It is drained by Sheepscot river, Monsweao- stream, and Ward's broolc, the two latter falling into Monsweag bay. Gardner's pond lies partly here and partly in Dresden. Judge Bailey, Abiel Wood, son of General Wood, Judge Orchard Cook, and John D. MAINE TOWN OF WOODSTOCK, ETC. 367 McCrate, citizens of this town, have each represented the people of this district in Congress. There are three churches — Episcopalian, Meth- odist, and Congregationalist ; one bank, the Mariner's, with a capital of $75,000; one village, one post-office, six school districts, with eight schools ; an academy, a select school, a court-house, and a jail. Popu- lation, 2,332 ; valuation, $605,096. Woodstock, Oxford county, comprises two half townships, one of which \\ras granted by the state of Massachusetts, June 14, 1800, to Dummer Academy, and the other, February 7, 1807, to Gorham Acad- emy. It was incorporated February 7, 1815, and its surface is moun- tainous. There are several beautiful ponds, which form mill-streams, and fall into the Little Androscoggin river. The alluvial lands that skirt the ponds and streams are very productive. Hon. Sidney Perham is a resident of this town. Woodstock contains two villages — North Woodstock and Bryant's Pond; three church edifices — Universal ist. Baptist, and Methodist ; eleven school districts, and twenty schools ; five saw-mills, three clapboard machines, three shingle machines, one carriage manufactory, one sash and door manufactory, and two post-offices — Woodstock and North Woodstock. Population, 1,012; valuation for 1857, ®165,000. Woolwich, Sagadahoc county, lies on the eastern shore of Kennebec river, twelve miles above its mouth, and was first settled by Edward Bateman and John Brown in 1638, who, the next year, purchased from Robin Hood, an Indian chief, most of the territory of which the pres- ent town is composed. Subsequently, a large portion of the tract was claimed by Thomas Clark and Sir Biby Lake, and by the settlers under them, by whom mills were erected as early as 1660. In the second Indian war, the settlers were murdered, or compelled to resign their homes. The cellars and wells then constructed are still pointed out as vestiges of this ancient settlement. Persons moved in again about 1726, after Cummer's treaty with the Indians, soon after which it became a precinct of Georgetown, and remained such till its incorporation on the 20th of October, 1759. Its plantation name was Nequasset, and its present name was conferred upon it after Woolwich, England, — the turns and courses of the water on the Thames and Kennebec, near a place called " Fiddler's Reach," situated in proximity to each of the towns, beinff almost the same. The titles to the land were obtained either by actual settlement under the grantees of Robin Hood, or else from Thomas Clark and Sir Biby Lake. Sir William Phips, the first royal governor of the province of Massachusetts, and the commander of 368 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEAV ENGLAND. the first expedition against Canada, about 1690, was a native of Wool- wich, having been born on a peninsular projection into Monsweag bay, in the southeast part, February 2, 1650. The general appearance of Woolwich is rough and broken, though there are neither very large hills nor very ample lowlands. A portion of the land is very heavily wooded, the timber being extensively used in ship-building. The soil is well adapted to the growth of every kind of produce, for which the state is noted. Woolwich contains twenty thousand acres. Nequasset pond is a beautiful sheet of water, lying near the centre, two miles in length, and alternating from a half to three quarters of a mile in width, having an outlet into Nequasset bay, at the southwest part of the town, where is a fall sufficient for mills. There are four small villages — Day's Ferry and Sagadahoc Ferry, near the Kennebec ; Nequasset, at the foot of the pond of that name, and Mon- sweag in the eastern part. The inhabitants are principally devoted to farming, though all trades and professions are represented. Ship-building is carried on to a lim- ited extent — there being one ship yard affording business the greater part of the time ; two saw-mills and two grist-mills are in operation the most of the year. There are six church edifices — two occupied by the Congregationalists, two by the Methodists, one by the Baptists, and one by the Free-will Baptists ; eight school districts, with the same num- ber of schools, and one post-oflfice. Population, 1,420 ; valuation, $346,365. Yarmouth is a small town on Casco bay, in Cumberland county. It is an old settlement with a new name, having formed a part of North Yarmouth until 1849, when it was set off from the parent town and incorporated by its present name.^ There are two large villages, called the Corner and the Falls. The trade or business is principally of a com- mercial character — ship-building and navigation. Hay, potatoes, and brick are the principal articles of exportation. Yarmouth is watered by Royall's river, which runs through it lengthwise, and affords an abun- dant water-power, upon which are located several saw-mills and grist- mills, one cotton factory, and five tanneries. The other manufacturing estabfishments are — two brick-yards, which manufactured, in 1856, three million bricks; two potteries, two cabinet factories, two \^'heel- ■wright shops, four estabfishments for building boats, and one for mak- ing blocks for vessels, one wood-turning establishment, one sash and blind factory, and one plaster mill. Yarmouth has been divided into ' For tbc account of its settlement, see North Yarmouth. MAINE TOWN OF YORK. 369 nine school districts, having sixteen public schools, two seminaries, and an institute. There are four church edifices — Congregational, Baptist, Methodist, and Universalist ; and one post-office. Population, 2,144 ; valuation for 1857, ^955,219. York is a seaboard town, situated in the southwest part of York county. It comprised a part of the patent granted to Sir Ferdinando Gorges, and was selected by him as the seat of government for his Province of Maine. On the 10th of April, 1641, while then a wilderness, it was chartered by Gorges as a borough, the boundaries of which were " to extend three miles east and west, north and south, from the church, chappell, or place ordained for a chappell or oratory, belonging to the plantation of Agamenticus." Over this borough, Thomas Gorges, a cousin of Sir Ferdinando, was appointed mayor ; with Edward God- •frey, Roger Garde, George Puddington, Bartholomew Barned, Edward Johnson, Arthur Bradington, Henry Simpson, and John Rogers, as aldermen. Edward Godfrey was appointed a justice of the peace, and Roger Garde, recorder, town clerk, etc.i This charter was in existence but one year ; for, on the 1st of March following. Gorges issued a new one, erecting his seat of government into a city, and considerably ex- tending its boundaries, which are thus described : " From the beginning of the entrance of the river, commonly called and known by the name of Agamenticus, and so up the said river seven English miles, and all along the east and northeast side of the sea-shore three English miles in breadth from the entrance of the said river, up into the main land, seven miles, butting with the seven miles from the sea-side up the said river, the breadth of the said three miles opposite thereunto." Its name was changed to Gorgeana, and it was appointed to have a corporation, consisting of a mayor, twelve aldermen, and twenty-four common councilmen. The corporation retained the name of Gorgeana, and sometimes Agamenticus, until about the year 1652, when the Mas- sachusetts government, supposing that the charter made to Sir Henry Rossewell and others, by Charles the First, included New Hampshire and a large part of the province of Maine, sent down commissioners from Boston, for the purpose of establishing a government at Agamen- ticus, naming the town York, and the territory lying east of Piscataqua river, Yorkshire, or York county, the boundaries thereof being three miles to the northward of Merrimac river. York enjoyed its city privi- ' The following is a copy of the oath drawn up by Gorges, to be administered to all freemen ; " You shall true liege men be, and true faith and troth bear unto our Sover- eign lord the king, his heirs and successors, and unto the lord proprietor of the Province of Maine, his heirs and assigns. So help you God." 370 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. leges, conferred upon it under the name of Gorgeana, until 1662, when it was made a town, — an apparent falling off from its previous dignity. In 1716 it was made the shire town of York county, then called York- shire. The settlements in the plantation of Agamenticus Avere made princi- pally on the sea-shore, near the mouth of York river ; and before 1641, the commissioners of Sir Ferdinando Gorges held courts of justice at a place called Mount Saco. The settlements on the south side of the river increased to a considerable extent ; so much so, in fact, that, before the year 1740, occasional preaching was had there on the Sabbath. In each of the first three wars with the Indians, the tribes made great efforts to destroy the place entirely, though without success. Early in the morning of Monday, February 5, 1692, at the signal of a gun fired, the town was furiously assaulted at different places by a body of two or three hundred Indians, led on and emboldened by several Canadian Frenchmen, all of the marauders having marched thither upon snow- shoes. The surprise was altogether unexpected and amazing ; and con- sequently the more fatal. A scene of the most horrid carnage and cap- ture instantly ensued ; and, in one half hour, more than 150 of the inhabitants were expiring victims or trembling suppliants at the feet of their enraged enemies. Tlie rest had the good fortune to escape into Preble's, Harman's, Alcock's, and Norton's garrisoned houses, the best fortifications in town. Though well secured within the walls, and bravely defending themselves against their assailants, they were several times summoned to surrender. " Never ! " said they. " Never ! till we have shed the last drop of blood." About seventy-five of the people were killed ; yet, despairing of conquest or capitulation, the vindictive destroyers set fire to nearly all the unfortified houses on the northeast side of the river, which, with a large amount of property left, were laid in ashes. Apprehensive of being overtaken by avenging pursuers, the Indians hastened their retreat into the woods, taking with them as much booty as they could carry away.i Nearly a hundred of these unhappy people were taken prisoners and carried a long journey,^ aggravated by a thousand hardships and sufferings, — severe weather, snow, famine, abuse, and every species of wretchedness.-^ ,So late as the year 1744, there was considerable anxiety felt as to the attacks of the Indians ; and it was customary for the men to take their muskets with them on the Sabbath, to be stacked, during the time of service, in the meeting-house. ' Williamson, vol. i., p. G20. " It is supposed they were taken to Sagadahoc. — Williamson. ' Mather's Magnalia, vol. n., p. 530. MAINE TOWN OP YORK. 371 In June, 1744, during the morning service, there was an earthquake ; and the men in the gallery, supposing, from the rumbling noise and the ■ outcry of the women, that the Indians had made an attack upon the church, seized upon their guns, hastened down stairs, and prepared to discharge them upon their imaginary foes as they were passing the meeting-house door. Prior to the destruction of the town by the Indians in 1692, the prin- cipal road passed near the mouth of the river, over the Long Sands and the Short Sands, to a point of land which retains the name of Betty Allen's Point, where one Elisha Allen conveyed people across the river. In process of time a ferry was established, where the toll-bridge is now built, called Trafton, from the first ferryman. Another was established where the Great Lower Bridge, erected in 1761 by Major Samuel Sew- all, architect, now stands. After the erection of this, the ferries over the river were discontinued. The meeting-house used for public worship in 1692 stood on the northeast side of Meeting-house Creek, within gun- shot of Harman's garrison. This building was replaced in 1719 by a new one, more commodious, which was removed in 1746, and the pres- ent one, which was finished in 1748, erected on the same ground. It is related of the Rev. Samuel Moody, a Calvinistic minister, who settled here in 1700, that, in the expedition to Louisburg in 1745, he vol- unteered as chaplain to General Pepperrell. Induced in some measure by the example of this divine, three full companies were formed in the town, and embarked in the campaign, leaving scarcely a sufficient num- ber to cultivate the soil. Many of these patriots never returned, or when they did, died of a fever, called the Cape Breton fever. Mr. Moody, it is supposed, received the seeds of this disease, of which he died in November, 1747. It is said of this minister, that, in his natural disposition, " he was dogmatical and absolute, and very irritable ; greatly feared and beloved by the people of his charge; over whom he had an uncommon power." The surface is broken, and, in some parts, rocky ; while, along the seashore, it is marshy to a considerable extent. To the northwest there are some very fine farms, which are worked with energy, and yield a profitable return ; though, on the whole, but a small portion of the land is fit for cultivation. The town is regularly laid out, with streets inter- secting each other at right angles ; the buildings on which are comforta- ble and neatly constructed. The principal harbor is at the mouth of York river, having water sufficient for vessels of three hundred tons bur- den. It is distant about six miles from Portsmouth, N. H. The entrance to this harbor is difficult, being narrow and crooked. Cape Neddock 372 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. cove, four miles northeast of York river, is navigable about a mile from the sea, at full tide only, — the sand-bar at its mouth preventing vessels of any considerable burden passing at low water. Cape Neddock and Bald Head are the headlands. The former is a little to the south of Cape Neddock river, and the latter forms the southeast part of Wells bay. At the end of this cape, a small hillock, called " the Nubble," is situated ; and nine miles southward of this lies Boone island. Agamen- ticus mountain, from which the town originally took its name, situated in the north part, is a considerable elevation, and a noted landmark. The United States Coast Survey have erected an observatory on its summit, the prospect being, it is said, one of the grandest in the coun- try. The principal business of the inhabitants is agriculture. Some em- ploy themselves in navigation, — in fishing, coasti ng, and voyaging to dif- ferent parts of the world. The trade and commerce of the inhabitants, for a considerable period after the destruction of the place in 1692, were small and inconsiderable, — two small coasting sloops being the only vessels owned in town up to 1740. At length, great exertions were made to purchase a vessel for the purpose of sending her to the West Indies ; which having been accomphshed and the voyage proving suc- cessful in a pecuniary way, encouragement was given to further essays in this line ; and, in 1756, soon after the commencement of the French war, there Avere several sloops and schooners employed in the coasting trade to Hahfax, and carrying lumber from the eastward to Boston. Some of these vessels were also employed as transports to Louisburg and Que- bec until the peace of 1763. Ship-building was carried on to a consid- erable extent at the commencement of the Revolution ; but, before its close, by captures and disasters, the merchant marine of the town was reduced to two old sloops. On the acknowledgment of the independ- ence of the United States, ship-building again revived, and many engaged in it beyond their ability. The embargo laws, however, put a sto]) to the enterprising spirit which had been infused into the inhabi- tants, and reduced many of them to penury. At present, the ship-build- ing interests are in a good condition, the shipping in 1854 amounting to 1,825 tons, enrolled and licensed. There are four churches in York two Baptist, one Congregational, and one Methodist; three post- offices — York, Cape Neddock, and Scotland ; five villages, of which York village, in the centre of the town, is the principal, and has consid- erable trade ; and fourteen school districts, with thirty schools. Popu- lation, 2,980 ; valuation, ^516,609. MAINE — COUNTY OP YORK. 373 York County, at the extreme southwest of the state, is renowned for its antiquity, being coeval with the province of Maine, chartered to Sir Ferdinando Gorges, April 3, 1639,^ — thus running back to the essayed establishment over the territory of a feudal government but little short of absolute royalty in all its appointments. Then, the people had hardly a shadow of the right of self-government, and this old domain saw the judges and other officers appointed by the lord proprietor, and removable at his will, the regulation of the courts being entirely within his pleasure. But, to the honor of the people, no such system was accepted by them. Sir Ferdinando proposed to divide the province into four counties or bailiwicks, — east, west, north, and south, — these into eight hundreds, and the latter into parishes and tythings, as the peo- ple should increase or convenience require ; but the division was in fact made by the river Kennebunk into two districts or counties, " east and west." Without any formal designation on the part of the court, these counties gradually acquired the names of York and New Somerset, for the former of which the inferior courts were to sit at Agamenticus, and for the latter at Saco ; but a general court for the whole province was to be held annually (June 25), at Saco. This court was composed of seven persons, who were styled " Councillors of Sir Ferdinando Gorges, for the preservation of justice through his province." The inferior courts had no jurisdiction in capital felonies, or in civil actions involving titles to land. Among the prerogatives claimed by the court was the compulsion of all parents in the western division to bring their unbap- tized children to the ordinance ; and whoever should refuse, after the settlement of a minister in his plantation, and after "the worshipful Thomas Gorges " and Edward Godfrey (the deputy governor and senior councillor of the province) " should enjoin upon him the duty," was to become answerable, at the next court, for contempt In 1646, Alexander Rigby, who had become the purchaser of Lygo- nia, or the Plough Patent,^ and thereby involved in a sharp contest with the government of Gorges on the question of jurisdiction, received in his favor the judgment of the governor-general and commissioners of the American plantations, to whom the subject had been referred, by which the jurisdiction of Gorges was narrowed down to Wells, Gorgeana (York), and Piscataqua (Kittery), and the northern Isles of Shoals, or the territory between the Piscataqua and Kennebunk rivers. Cleeves, the deputy-president of Rigby, at once opened a court at Saco, 1 The first volume of York county records begins in 1640 ; and the volumes are num- bered regularly down to the present time. — Williamson, vol. i., p. 283, note. ^ See Plough Patent, ante, p. 264. VOL. I. 32 374 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. at which place and at Casco, the courts were held until their virtual dissolution by the death of Rigby in 1650. The death of .both Gorges and Rigby, the fall of the English monarch, the succession of the repub- lic, and the consequent dissensions and alternation of strength in the provinces, rendered the territory of Maine easy of acquisition by Mas- sachusetts, which regarded it with a wishful eye. Accordingly, the pur- chase of Lygonia was completed in 1652, the Gorges patent having previously been purchased of Sir Ferdinando's heir. This territory, extending just north of the river Presumpscot, was erected into a county by the name of Yorkshire, and a court established, to be holden alter- nately in Kittery and Agamenticus (York), at appointed times, twice a year, by such magistrate or assistant as the general court might from time to time designate, aided by three or five resident associates elected for the purpose within the county. The jurisdiction and authority were to be coequal with similar courts in Massachusetts. After the restoration of monarchy, the state encountered some troubles by the revival of claims under the former patents, but they were again quieted by the purchase, in 1677, of a release from the Gorges heirs for £1,250. A county by the name of Devonshire was formed in 1674, by Massa- chusetts commissioners, out of the territory between the Sagadahoc and George's rivers, being a part of the dominions claimed by the Duke of York under his patent ; but neither the name nor jurisdiction seems to have been long retained. The French and Indian wars rendered the province desolate until early in the next century. In 1716, the general court, " in order to render justice commensurate with its jurisdiction," ordered " that all the lands, families, and settle- ments eastward of Sagadahock," within the limits of the provincial charter, be annexed to Yorkshire ; and that York be the shire town for holding aU the courts and keeping the registry of deeds. In 1735, the legislature ordered that the inferior courts should be holden alternately in January and October at York and Falmouth, the latter thereby be- coming the half shire town, at which time the county appears to have acquired the name of York. In 1760, the two new counties of Cum- berland and Lincoln being established, the bounds between the former and York were made to run, as at present, northerly of Saco, Buxton, and Limington to the point where the northwest line of " Pearson- town" (Standish) intersects the river Saco, "and from thence north two degrees west on a true course as far as the utmost northern limits of this province." This northern section above the Great Ossipee was cut off to make up a portion of Oxford county, in 1805 ; since which the bounds of this once great jurisdiction have remained undisturbed. In MAINE COUNTY OF YORK. 375 1802, the supreme court, which had for the two previous years been held at Kennebunk, was, after a severe contest, removed to Alfred, and, at the first session, the bench was occupied by Judges Dana, Gushing, and Thacher ; but the courts of sessions continued to be held at several places for some years longer. In 1807 they ceased at Biddeford, in 1814 at Waterborough, and in 1833 at York, thus making Alfred the exclusive shire town. York belongs to the western judicial district, the law terms for which are held at Portland. The jury terms of the supreme judicial court commence on the first Tuesdays of January and April, and the third Tuesday of September. The county contains an area of about eight hundred square miles. It is separated from New Hampshire chiefly by the Piscataqua and Sal- mon Falls rivers, and is bounded on the southeast by the ocean, which gives it the advantage of several good harbors. An accurate survey of York harbor has been completed under the superintendence of Professor Bache, of the Coast Survey. Ship-building and maritime pursuits are on the decline, the attention of the people being more generally given to agriculture. The surface is somewhat rough and uneven, and, along the coast, rocky. The county is watered by the Saco and its tributaries, by the Kennebunk, Mousam, Wells, York, and Little Ossipee rivers, besides those before mentioned, and some ponds of greater or less size. It can boast also of Mount Agamenticus, some 680 feet above the level of the sea. It is traversed for about thirty miles by the Portland, Saco, and Portsmouth Railroad, and by the York and Cumberland Railroad, pro- jected from Portland to Great Falls, N. H., but which has been com- pleted only eighteen miles, to Hollis. Population, 60,098; valuation, ^12,390,335. CHAPTER V. NEW HAMPSHIRE— OUTLINES OF ITS HISTORY. New Hampshire is situated between the parallels of 42° 41' and 45° 11' north latitude, and between the meridians of 70° 40' and 72° 28' of longitude, west from Greenwich ; or between 4° 34' and 6° 22' east from Washington. It is bounded on the north by Canada East; on the east by the State of Maine and the Atlantic Ocean ; on the south by the State of Massachusetts ; and on the west by the State of Ver- mont, being separated from it by the Connecticut river, the western bank of which forms the dividing line. It contains an area of 9,280 square miles, or 5,939,200 acres, 100,000 of which are covered with water. For the sake of compactness, four distinct divisions will be made of this chapter: 1. The discovery of New Hampshire, and the efforts of Mason and Gorges at settlement ; the long controversy re- garding the Mason claim ; the first survey ; the settlement of the boun- dary line ; and the controversy with New York regarding Vermont 2. The arrival of Wheelwright ; a glance at the period from the union with Massachusetts in 1641 to the final separation in 1741 ; the set- tlement of the Scottish emigrants. 3. The wars with the Indians and with the French from 1675 to the conquest of Canada in 1760. 4. The American Revolution ; subsequent history, and statistics. 1. The Discovery — Efforts at Settlement — Mason Controversy First Survey — Settlement of Boundary — Conflict with New York. Though, for some years previous to 1603, European vessels had coasted along the shore of New Hampshire, nothing definite was known regarding its rivers, its harbors, or its coast, until the arri- val of Captain Martin Pring, sent out for exploration, under the pat- ronage of some merchants of Bristol, England, on the lOlh of April in that year, with two ships, the Speedwell and Discoverer, with which he entered the harbor of Portsmouth and explored the Piscataqua for three or four leagues. Prominent members of the Plymouth Council were NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLINES OF ITS HISTORY. 377 Sir Ferdinando Gorges, who became its president, and Captain John Mason,^ who was appointed its secretary. To these indefatigable and persevering men New Hampshire is indebted, however little, for the first efforts made to reclaim it from its primeval condition, and to people its uninhabited regions. In 1621, Mason succeeded in obtaining from the council a grant of a tract extending from Naumkeag, now Salem, to the mouth of the Merrimack, which was named the district of Mariana. Another grant was made the next year to Gorges and Mason con- jointly, — so that it would appear that these adventurous men had re- solved to unite their fortunes, — which comprised all the lands between the rivers Merrimack and Kennebec, extending back to the great lakes and the St. Lawrence river. This was called Laconia. In the spring of 1623, under the name of the " Company of Laconia," Gorges and Mason, with several merchants, whom they had induced to adventure with them, equipped and sent over an expedition, consisting of David Thompson, and William and Edward Hilton, fishmongers of London, "with a number of other people, in two divisions," one division of which, under Thompson, settled at Little Harbor (on the Rye side), at the mouth of the Piscataqua; while the other, under the Hiltons, settled on Dover neck, the extreme south point of the town, which they called Northam. Prosperity, however, refused to smile on the efforts of the company of Laconia ; and, for many years, these towns, the ear- liest settled in New Hampshire, hardly advanced from their embryo state, and were little more than stations for fishing. In 1629, the province of Laconia was divided by Mason and Gorges, the former obtaining a grant in his own name of the territory lying be- tween the Merrimack and the Piscataqua, extending sixty miles into the interior, which he called New Hampshire, in remembrance of Hamp- shire in England, where he had his residence. This tract was divided, in 1631, into two gi-ants, called the Upper and Lower Plantations, patents having be*i taken out from the Plymouth Company for the former, — which included Dover, — by the west of England merchants, who appointed Thomas Wiggin as their agent ; and for the latter, — which in«luded Portsmouth, — by the London merchants, with whom Gorges and Mason were partners, and over which, subsequently, Wal- ter Neal was appointed governor. Agriculture, however, was neglected in the pursuit of objects immediately remunerative; consequently, these ' Captain Mason was a London merchant, but bocame a sea-captain. He was after- wards made governor of Newfoundland, whore he acquired considerable knowledge of America, which led him, on his return to England, into a close attachment to those who were endiah K. Smith, a conncillor and state senator. This was also the native ])lace of Hon. Horace Greeley, the distinguished editor of the New York Tribune, who was born in " a small, unpainted but substantial and well- built farm-house," about five miles from the village, on the 3d of Feb- ruary, 1811. His father was Zaccheus Greeley, and his mother, iMary AVoodburn, both descendants of Scotch-Irish settlers, and hard-working people, as were all Mr. Greeley's relatives. The house^ where he was born is still standing, an accurate view of which is here given. It is Birthpla^^ of IIou. Honice Greeley. built upon a level plat, midway of an abrupt, rocky, and rather high eminence. The farm comprised about eighty acres. Young Greeley attended the district school in Londonderry, where all his education was acquired, and he is remembered with feelings akin to veneration, having been a favorite with almost every one.^ The soil of Amherst is varied. In some parts, particularly on Sou- hegan river and on the hills, it is of an excellent quality, and some valuable farms have been laid out, and are under good ciiltivation. There are also some excellent meadows. Amherst is \vatercd by Souhcgan river, ^vhich has considerable water-power, and is crossed at this place by two bridges, and by one at Milford, near the line be- tween tlicse towns. Baboosuck, Little Baboosuck, and Jo English's ponds are the largest collections of water. Iron ore has been discov- ered, but it is not wrought at present. The village, containing the ' Parton's Life of Horace Greeley. 412 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. public buildings, is situated on a plain half a mile long and about the same in width, having a common between the two principal rows of houses. There are four churches — Congregationalist, Baptist, Metho- dist, and Universalist; fourteen school districts, a high school, and one post-office; also three stores; and three manufactories, with a capital invested of $20,000. Population, 1,613 ; valuation, $617,625. Andovek, In the northern part of Merrimack county, is ten miles in length and about four miles in width. It was granted in 1746, by the Masonian proprietors, to Edmund Brown and fifty-nine others, princi- pally of Hampton Falls, and was called New-Breton, in honor of the captors of Cape Breton in 1745, in which expedition several of the grantees participated. It was settled in 1761, by Joseph Fellows, from Boscawen ; who was followed by Elias Rains, William Morey, and Edward Ladd. The settlement at first increased but slowly, the inhabitants being subjected to many and great privations. There were no inhabitants north from whom they could receive assistance, and the difficulties of a communication with those situated south of An- dover rendered their situation less pleasing. They however overcame all these by perseverance, and have succeeded in securing to their faiTiilies a quiet and peaceful possession. In 1779, the town was incor- porated under its present name. Andover abounds with hills and dales, and is in some places quite rocky and barren. On the north, the town is divided from Hill by the Ragged mountains, — so called from their appearance, being in all parts broken, and in many places bleak and precipitous. In some parts, settlements have been made, and snug farms adorn their sides. These rural improvements, with the rocky barrier behind, present from other eminences a picturesque appearance. A little west of the centre of these mountains, a stream of water passes from Hill, on which are situated several mills. In its passage through a chasm in the moun- tain, the water tumbles over a ledge of rocks nearly two hundred feet in the distance of t\vo hundred rods. When the stream is raised by heavy rains or melting snows, the picture is one of rare beauty. The soil is in many parts very good, producing grain and gi-ass in abundance, besides being well suited to orcharding. Pemigewasset and Black- water rivers furnish water, and the latter affords many fine mill-seats. There are six ponds, the largest of which is Chance, situated in the easterly part. Loon pond, also of considerable size, having an island in the easterly part of it, has long been the resort of pleasure parties in the summer season. These ponds are surrounded by beautiful scenery, and contain abundance of fish, which are taken in considerable quantities. NEW HAMPSHIRE TOWN OF ANTRIM. 413 Among those deceased citizens who are remembered with respect by the inhabitants may be mentioned Dr. Silas Barrett and Dr. Jacob B. Moore. The former was the first physician in Andover, and settled in 1792 ; the latter was a poet of some eminence, as well as a political writer, and settled in 1796. William Noyes is also deserving of re- membrance. He left ^10,000, for the support of an academy, which is now in a flourishing condition ; and, from its healthy and quiet loca- tion, affords excellent advantages for the student. The famous juggler and necromancer. Potter, was a citizen of Andover ; and the place \vhere he resided may be seen at the " Potter Place," a station on the Northern Railroad. There are two villages • — Andover, and East Andover ; three churches — two Christian and one Free-will Baptist ; thirteen school districts, the Christian Conference Seminary, the High- land Lake Institute; and three post-offices— Andover, East Andover, and West Andover : also, two grist-mills, and six saw-mills. The Northern Railroad passes through the northern part of Andover. Popu- lation, 1,220; valuation, $425,742. Antrim, in the western part of Hillsborough county, is distant from Concord thirty miles. The first settlement within the present limits of Antrim was made by Philip Riley in 1744, who, in company with his family, after a residence of two years, abandoned their habitation through fear of an Indian attack, and did not return till after an absence of fifteen years. Induced by an advertisement from the Masonian proprietors in 1766, six young men from Londonderry visited the place, and, being pleased with the lands, made some clearings. Being disap- pointed in their anticipations of a present of a lot of land each from the proprietors, only three of them eventually took up their abode here, one of whom, James Aiken, arrived in August, 1767. William Smith, Ran- dal Alexander, John Gordon, Maurice Lynch, and John Duncan were among those who were early settlers. April, 1775, brought new.s of the battle of Lexington ; and although the whole population amounted to only one hundred and seventy-seven souls, yet a company of sixteen men, raised and commanded by Captain Duncan, marched the next morning for the scene of action, followed by Captain Smith with a load of provisions, one man only remaining in the settlement. General Stark met them at Tyngsborough ; and, while warmly commending their patriotism, informed them that there was a sufficiency of men already under arms, recommending them to return and wait till their services became indispensable. In the autumn of 1777, several of the inhabitants marched at different times to the westward, some of whom fought in the battle of Bciuiington under General Stark, while 35* 414 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. a still larger number were present at the surrender of the British army under General Burgoyne. Antrim was incorporated March 22, 1777, and received its name from a county in L-eland. The surface is generally hilly, though the soil is productive and well cultivated. Upon North Branch and the Contoocook rivers are some fine alluvial lands, and a few small tracts of interval. In the western portion is some good grazing land. These rivers water the town, and afford privileges for mills. There are in Antrim three meeting-houses — Presbyterian,^ Baptist, and Methodist ; fourteen school districts ; and two post-offices — Antrim and North Antrim: also, a patent-shovel manufactory, two furniture shops, a silk factory, three grist-mills, seven saw-mills, and three stores. Population, 1,143 ; valuation, $450,724. Atkinson, Rockingham county, lying in the southern extremity of the state, thirty-six miles from Concord, was formerly a part of Plaistow, from which it was set off and incorporated in 1767, receiving its name from Hon. Theodore Atkinson, one of its proprietors, and a member of the council of the state. Settlements were commenced as early as 1727 or 1728 by Benjamin Richards, Jonathan and Edmund Page, and John Dow, the former of whom came from Rochester, N. H., and the latter from Haverhill, Mass., — to which the territory formerly be- longed. In the contest between the provinces and the mother country the citizens of Atkinson manifested a truly patriotic spirit, as well by the passage of suitable resolutions as by the furnishing of men and means. Eight sons of Nathaniel Cogswell participated in the struggle, as also did Rev. Stephen and General Nathaniel Peabody. The surface, though uneven, is composed of land of a superior quality. The hills a"re not of very great height, and are capable of cultivation to their summits. The raising of the apple has for many years engaged attention, and the fruit is excellent. In a large meadow in Atkinson is an island, containing seven or eight acres, which, when the meadow is overflowed by means of an artificial dam, rises with the water, some- times six feet. This has been doubted by some ; but the authority of Dr. Belknap, as well as that of the Rev. Mr. Peabody, late of this tow-n, and others, gives authenticity to the statement. Atkinson contains one village, two churches — Congregational and Univcrsalist ; six school dis- tricts ; one academy, — probably the oldest in the state, — incorporated 1 Rev. John M. Wliiton was the pastor of this church from September 28, 1808, to .Taiuiary 1, 1853, a period of nearly forty-five years — greatly beloved b)- his people, and much esteemed wherever known. NEW HAMPSHIRE TOVfS OF AUBURN, ETC. 415 February 14, 1791 ; and one post-office : also, one machine shop, two saw-mills, two shingle mills, and two stores. The trains of the Boston and Maine Railroad stop at Atkinson when signals are made. Popula- tion, 600 ; valuation, $233,195. Auburn, in the western part of the county of Rockingham, was for- merly the west parish of Chester, having been set off and incorporated in June, 1845. The first minister was Rev. John Wilson, who was settled in 1734, and died February 1, 1779. This was a Presbyterian church. The records begin January 19, 1738. The meeting-house was built that year, near the centre of the present town of Ches- ter. The second church was the Long Meadow meeting-house. Auburn. Auburn has an undulating surface, with some considerable swells of land ; the soil being generally strong and productive, while the swells are very fertile. Massabesic pond, covering about 1,500 acres, and consisting of two parts connected by a strait some 250 rods long, lies partly in this town. Auburn has one village; two meeting-houses — Congregational and Methodist ; eight school districts, and one post- office : also, about fifty shoemakers, two stores ; a saw-mill, shingle mill, and lath mill, all in one building, propelled by steam ; three other saw-mills, three shingle mills, three clapboard mills, three lath mills, and two grist-mills, driven by water-power. Population, 869 ; valuation, $301,296. Barnstead, in the southern corner of Belknap county, is twenty miles from Concord. It was granted to the Rev. Joseph Adams and others. May 20, 1727, and settlements were commenced in 1767. Among the early inhabitants were Colonel Richard Sinclair and John Pitman, th«^ latter of Avhom lived to the extreme age of one hundred and one years, nine months, and twenty days. Mr. Pitman had several very providential escapes from death. On one occasion, while descending a hill on a team laden with boards, he fell between the wheels ; and the boards, trailing as they were on the ground, carried him along, rolling him over and over. At last, one of the wheels struck a stone, and giving a bound to the boards, thus released him from his unpleasant situation. At another time, being in a saw-mill, he had occasion to go down to do something to the water-wheel ; and while there his son came into the mill. He, not knowing the position of his father, set the machinery in operation, and his father was turned over on the crank in the pit till at last he was thrown out into the stream unhurt. Barnstead is not mountainous, but the land in some parts lies in large swells ; though the soil is easy of cultivation. The principal 416 HISTORY AND BESCRIPTIOX OF NEW ENGLAND. ponds are the two known by the names of Suncook and Brindle, and Half-moon pond. Suncook river and its tributary streams furnish good water-power. In various parts, plumbago, bog-iron ore, and yellow ochre have been brought to light. The names of the villages, tw^o in number, are the Parade, and Centre Barnstead. The churches are three Congregational and one Free-will Baptist ; the former being served alternately by Rev. Enos George, who has been estabhshed here for the last fifty-four years. There are sixteen school districts, two libraries, an insurance company, and three post-offices — Barnstead, North Barnstead, and Centre Barnstead: also, six stores, a woollen cloth factory, seven saw-mills, four shingle mills, four clapboard mills, one grooving machine, one turning machine, and two somewhat exten- sive tanneries. Lumber is quite a large item of trade, the wants of neigh- boring towns being supplied. Population, 1,848 ; valuation, $519,920. Bartlett, Carroll county, a small town lying at the foot of the White Mountains, is seventy-five miles northeast from Concord. It was origi- nally granted to William Stark, Vere Royce, and others, for services during the French and Indian war in Canada. A Mr. Harriman, and two brothers by the name of Emery, were among the first who perma- nently located here. In 1777, a few years after the arrival of the above, Daniel Fox, Paul Jilly, and Captain Samuel Willey, from Lee, com- menced a settlement in what is now known as Upper Bartlett. This toxs^n was incorporated June 16, 1790, receiving its name in honor of Governor Bartlett. Many rather trying yet amusing anecdotes might be related of the early settlers. The hardships were those which are the natural offspring of pioneer life ; and, though they sometimes brought weariness to the body, the minds of these people were fruitful in expe- dients for overcoming and ultimately subduing them. Hon. John Pen- dexter came from Portsmouth at an early period, and settled in the south part of the town, near Conway. With his wife he travelled eighty miles in winter, she riding on a feeble old horse with a feather-bed under her, a child in her arms, and he by her side drawing a hand-sled, on which were their household goods. At the time of the great disas- ter near the Notch, when the Willey family were destroyed, a circum- stance almost as frightful occurred in connection with the family of Mr. Emery, who lived at a place called Jericho, near the Rocky Branch, a tributary of the Saco. That stream swelled enormously, and, by the rocks, trees, and bogs which it brought down in its vehement course, made a complete dam just below the spot where the house stood. By this accumulation of water the liouse was raised from its founda- tion, being buoyed up on its surface like a boat. In this perilous situa- NEW HAMPSHIRE TOWN OF BAKRINGTON, ETC. 417 tion the inhabitants remained all night, and it was only by the wonder- ful workings of Providence that they were saved from a watery grave. The land in this irregularly-shaped town is rather poor, with the ex- ception of that on the banks of the Saco, which river flows through here in a circuitous course. Bartlett is a great place of resort for berries, the inhabitants coming from miles around. Pequawket or Kearsarge moun- tain, rising up 3,400 feet in a sort of pyramidal form, lies mostly in the southeast section of the town, a part of it being in Chatham. It is almost isolated from the other hills in the vicinity, and its huge bulk and gigan- tic proportions are brought more boldly into view. A large hotel is built on its highest point, for the accommodation of visitors. In Upper Bart- lett is a neat little edifice, known as the " Chapel of the Hills," built through the efforts of Rev. Mr. Souther among the people of the place, aided with a handsome contribution of three hundred dollars from a Mrs. Snow; who, however, died a short time before this object of her pious munificence was attained. The house was dedicated January 21, 1854, the interesting occasion calling together a large attendance, not- withstanding the deep snows of the mountain roads. There are two church edifices — Methodist and Free-will Baptist ; six school districts, and two post-offices — Bartlett and Lower Bartlett : also, four saw- mills, three grist-mills, two stores, and two tanneries. Population, 761 ; valuation, ^158,376. Barrington, in the eastern part of Strafford county, thirty miles from Concord, was incorporated on the 10th of May, 1722, and the first efforts at settlement were made in 1732. The town of Strafford was formerly comprised within its limits. Barrington is a somewhat broken and rocky township, and the soil is principally a gravelly loam ; a por- tion of it being a sandy loam or hazel mould, and very good for tillage. There are no less than thirteen ponds, of large size, which afford mill- seats of excellent capacity. On the Isinglass river is a perpendicular fall of thirty feet. Minerals, among which is bog-iron ore, are some- what abundant. The Devil's Den, a cavern of some notoriety, is situ- ated about two miles from the centre of the town, and is well worth the attention of those in search of curiosities. There are three church edi- fices — Congregational, Free-will Baptist, and Methodist ; fifteen school districts and fifteen schools, one of which is a high school ; and two post-offices — Barrington and North Barrington : also, one woollen fac- tory and three stores. Population, 1,752 ; valuation, $526,647. Bath, Grafton county, lies on the Connecticut river, at the head of boat navigation, eighty-two miles from Concord. It was originally 418 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. granted to Rev. Andrew Gardner and sixty-one others, September 10, 1761 ; and in March, 1769, it was again chartered to John Sawyer and others, on account of the terms of the first charter not being fulfilled. The contention about these charters forms quite a prominent feature in the town's history : the second one, however, finally prevailed. The first settlers were John Herriman of Haverhill in 1765, Moses Pike in 1766, and the family of Mr. Sawyer in 1767. Bath has a pleasant situation on the vale of the Connecticut, the Green Mountains being on the west, and the White Mountains on the east, which form a strong breastwork from high winds and long storms. The soil is in every way suited for agricultural improvement, in which advancement has been made. Nearly one sixth of the land is interval. Gardner's mountain, about five hundred feet high, lies in the southwest corner, and rises by a very bold ascent from the confluence of the Connecticut and Ammonoosuc rivers. It takes a northerly course, making a dividing line between the inhabitants of the two parts of the town. Alum and copperas can be produced from some of the rocks, and there are ap- pearances on Gardner's mountain of iron and silver ore. The Ammo- noosuc river furnishes water in the southeast part, as well as some fine sites for mills. It receives, about four miles from its mouth, the Wild Ammonoosuc river, which rushes down the lofty Moosilauke. There is a fine fall of water in the Connecticut, which has been improved by the erection of a dam, and another in the Ammonoosuc, near the prin- cipal village, across which river a bridge, three hundred and fifty feet in length, was thrown in 1807. Perch pond, covering an area of nearly one hundred acres, lies in the south part. There are three villages — Upper Village, Lower Village, and Swift- water Village; three church edifices — Congregational, Universahst, and Methodist; the Bath acad- emy ; eleven school districts ; and one post-office : also, five stores, two gi-ist-mills, and two saw-mills. Population, 1,574; valuation, $496,659. Bedford, Hillsborough county, is situated on the westerly side of the Mei-rimack, opposite the city of Manchester, and is traversed upon the northerly side by the Piscataquog, which discharges into the Merrimack. A portion of it was included in the grant of three miles in length upon either side of the Merrimack-, made by the General Court of Massachusetts to Passaconaway, the great sachem of Penacook, in the year 1663, and its history thenceforward, for more than seventy years, contributes nothing new that we can find, to the tale of preceding centuries, save perhaps that the voice of the great apostle John Eliot was heard through these forests, soothing the wild nature of the poor Indian, and discoursing to him of a better life. Wonnalancet, the son NEW HAMPSHIRE TOWN OP BEDFORD. 419 and successor of Passaconaway, was the mild pupil of Eliot. His character was so changed by Christianity that he was called " Wunne- lanshonat," or "one breathing soft words," and rather than join his nation in a war against the English, he retired with his family to Canada. But the sceptre of the bashaba was broken ; and the General Court of Massachusetts, finding no longer occasion to keep in remembrance a former grant, in consideration of important services rendered by officers and soldiers in the war with King Philip, issued to them, or their legal representatives, charters of seven townships of land, one of which was located here by the name of Souhegan East, or Narragansett No. 5. Very few, however, of the one hundred and twenty grantees, became settlers. In 1735, one Sebbins, from Braintree, pitched his camp there for the winter, and engaged in shingle-making, from whom Sebbins pond received its name. But the first permanent settlement was made, in 1737, by Robert and James Walker, and Matthew and Samuel Patten, of the Scotch-Irish emigrants, many of whom had settled at Londonderry. The Pattens were immediately from Dun- stable. Many others of the Londonderry colony soon settled here, whose innate love of civil and religious freedom was a sufficient guar- anty that the patriotism and Protestantism of the citizens would be conspicuous whezi they should come to resist foreign misrule. In 1750, the town was chartered by its present name, probably in compliment to the Dulce of Bedford, a minister of state, who was a friend and correspondent of Governor Wentworth. In the French War (1760), Colonel John Goffe, of Derryfield, com- manded the regiment of eight hundred raised by the province of New Hampshire to join the expedition against Canada under General Amherst, and this town furnished her share of the soldiers. But in the war of the Revolution the people were, to a still greater extent, zealous in sharing the dangers and sacrifices of the struggle, and gave nearly one hundred men to the cause (then nearly one half of the male population), many of whom served at Bunker Hill, and on other fields ; and eighteen with Lieutenant John Orr under General Stark at the battle of Bennington. But one person in the town could be found upon whom the taint of toryisin rested; and he, singularly enough, was the spiritual leader of the people. Rev. John Houston. He refused to sign the Association Test, or pledge of united opposition to British fleets and armies, a measure suggested by a resolution of Congress in JMarch, 1776. Eighty-five male citizens signed the document, and none, with the single exception mentioned, were found unwilling ; and his dismission soon followed, after a successful pastorate of nearly 420 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OP NEW ENGLAND. twenty years. In further illustration of the fervent patriotism of the people during that critical period, it may be mentioned, that, in 1783, they actually instructed John Orr, their representative at the general court, strenuously to oppose the return of " loyalists " as " undeserving of any favor." Bedford has always been chiefly an agricultural town. The portion lying along the Piscataquog has supplied a vast amount of white and hard pine and oak timber suitable for ship-building, and its lofty masts found their way to our naval and maritime ports. Special attention was also given to the hop culture ; and Bedford was, until 1836, the largest hop-growing town in New England. The inspector's books for 1833 showed a production of 97,320 pounds, worth, at the average price for that year of 16^ cents per pound, ^15,571.20. Piscataquog Village, which, in the year 1853, was annexed to Man- chester, seemingly in violation of all geographical rules, by reason of which, and of its associations for a century, it is here placed with Bedford, contained, in 1850, two school districts, and a population of seven hundred ; it is intersected by the Nev^r Hampshire Central Railroad, as well as the river from which it takes its name — is a thrifty place, and gives quite a business face to the town. This village received a fresh start, in 1812, by the enterprise of Isaac Riddle and Caleb Stark, who conceived the design, in connection with the then recent improvement of the river by locks and the Middlesex Canal, of navigating the river by boats. They built a boat at the centre, and drew it, with forty yok'es of oxen, three miles and a half to the Merrimack, launched it amid the cheers of the crowd assembled to view the novelty, named it the Experiment, loaded and navigated it to Boston, where its arrival A\'as hailed with cannonading, and the following announcement in the Boston Centinel : " Arrived from Bedford, N. H., Canal Boat Experi- ment, Isaac Riddle, Captain, via Merrimack river and Middlesex Canal." Bedford has been remarkably fortunate in escaping the too frequent changes in the pulpit, having had but three settled ministers since 1756 : the Rev. John Houston, after whose dismissal, in 1778, the pastorate was vacant until 1804, when Rev. David McGregor was ordained, and continued until 1826 ; since which the Presbyterian church has enjoyed the ministrations of Rev. Thomas Savage, who is the lineal descendant of Major Thomas Savage, and Faith, daughter of Anne Hutchinson. There was another religious society in town, the Baptist; but for years they have not had worship on the. Sabbath. The names of the founders of Bedford are still perpetuated in worthy families. Among its distin- guished sons may be mentioned Hon. Zachariah Chandler, the succes- sor of General Cass in the United States Senate, and the great-grandson NEW HAMPSHIRE — COUNTY OF BELKNAP, ETC. 421 of Zachariah, one of the grantees of Narragansett No. 5; Joseph E. Worcester, LL. D. of Cambridge, the lexicographer ; Hon. John Vose, deceased, preceptor of Atkinson and Pembroke academies, for nearly forty years, and author of a work upon astronomy ; and the late Hon. Joseph Bell, of Boston. The names of GofFe, Orr, Patten, Walker, Riddle, Bell, and Moor are among those which have run through the entire history of the town. Robert Walker, whose father has been mentioned as one of the four who entered Bedford one hundred and thirteen years before, was present at the centennial celebration in 1850. Bedford has thirteen school districts, and one post-office. Population, including Piscataquog Village, 1,906 ; valuation, $542,609. Belknap County, containing an area of some 370 square miles, being next to the smallest county in the state, was established December 23, 1840. It is bounded on the north by Carroll county and Lake Winne- pesaukee, east by Strafford county and the lake, and south and west by Merrimack and Grafton counties. It was set off from Strafford, and was made to embrace " all the land and waters included in the towns of Alton, Barnstead, Centre Harbor, Gilford, Gilmanton, Meredith, New Hampton, and Southampton." Without increasing its territorial limits, a ninth town has been added — Laconia — being set off from Mere- dith. The county received its name in honor of Dr. Jeremy Belknap, the historian of New Hampshire. Gilford was made the shire town. The surface is somewhat uneven ; but there are no mountains of any considerable magnitude. The soil, however, is well adapted to agri- culture, and contains many well-cultivated farms. It is most completely watered by large lakes and the various streams connected with them. Winnepesaukee and Long bay present the most wild, diversified, and enchanting scenery ; being nowhere in this country, and scarcely in the world, surpassed by a similar combination of land and water. This lake is indeed a miniature archipelago. The county belongs to the fourth judicial district. The annual law term of the supreme judicial court is held at Gilford on the fourth Tues- day of December. Terms of this court and the common pleas are held at Gilford on the third Tuesday of February and first Tuesday of Septem- ber in each year. Population, 17,721 ; valuation, $5,457,765. Bennington lies near the centre of Hillsborough county, and once constituted parts of Deering, Francestown, Greenfield, and Hancock, from which it was incorporated in 1842. The surface is undulating, and the soil of an average quality. Crotchet mountain lies partly in Bennington and partly in Francestown, and there are quite a number of VOL. I. 36 422 HISTORY AND DESCRIPXION OF NEW ENGLAND. farms ; though Bennington is more strictly a manufacturing community, having better facilities in this department than many of the adjoining towns. Contoocook river runs through on the western side. The in- habitants, as may be seen by their surroundings, are true New-Eng- landers, having all those qualities of thrift and enterprise for which they are noted. A neat village, consisting of about one hundred dwell- ing-houses, has been built. There are two religious societies— Congre- gational and Baptist; five school districts, and one post-office : also, two establishments for the manufacture of cutlery ; one grist-mill, two paper manufactories, and a saw-mill. Population, 541 ; valuation, $177,137. Benton, towards the western part of Grafton county, adjoins Haver- hill, and is seventy miles from Concord. It was granted to Theophilus Fitch and others, January 81, 1764, and the settlement was begun shortly after the commencement of the Revolutionary war. Settlers have been very backward in taking up their residence here ; and, as a consequence, the population has always been small. The town was first called Coventry, and was changed to the name it now bears, Decem- ber 4, 1840. Benton presents a rough and mountainous aspect, and the soil is not very favorable for agricultural purposes. Several farms are, however, very productive. In the southeast part lies one of the most considerable elevations in the county, known as Moosilauke ; and in the west part is Owl-head mountain. Oliverian brook and Wild Ammonoosuc river water the town. A large quantity of lumber is an- nually manufactured from the timber with which the forests abound. The Boston, Concord, and Montreal Railroad passes through the south part. A quarry of stone, resembling Italian marble, has been opened on Black mountain. Benton has one village (North Benton), one meeting- house, occupied by the several religious denominations ; six school dis- tricts and six schools, and one post-office : also, five saw-mills. Popu- lation, 478; valuation, $141,678. Berlin is a modern town of Coos county, one hundred and forty miles from Concord, having an area of 31,154 acres. It was granted to Sir William Mayne, Bart, his relatives, Thomas, Robert, and Edward, of the same cognomen, with several others from Barbadoes, in the year 1771, being at first called Maynesborough. The act of incorporation is dated 1829. There are several ponds and streams, the largest of which are the Androscoggin, running through the east part, and the Upper Ammonoosuc, through the Avcst. Bedin Falls is a wild and interesting place in the Androscoggin, where the great volume of waters coming down from the Umbagog chain of lakes, and the Clear, Diamond, Marg- NEW HAMPSHIRE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM. 423 alloway, and other smaller streams, forces its way through a rocky defile of about fifty feet wide, with a descent of six or seven feet to every ten. The chasm is spanned by a narrow bridge for persons on foot, from which the near view is very exciting, affording also a fine view of tlie river for some distance. In this vicinity also the northerly slopes of the mountains are presented in theii- magnificence. The town has one ' ^ ^'^^''''C village, called Berlin Falls. The trade of the place is in lumber and country produce. There are three large saw-mills, with a capital of $100,000; four school districts, and two post-offices — Berlin and Ber- lin Falls. The Grand Tranlc Railway passes nearly through the centre of the town. Population, 173 ; valuation, 8161,045. Bethlehem is in the northern part of Grafton county, one hundred miles from Concord. The villag-e is about seventeen miles west of the Notch of the White Mountains, on the road to Franconia and Littleton. The road here passes over a broad, undulating hill, in an open and airy sitrration, which gives the traveller the most satisfactory view of the range of mountains to be anywhere seen. Mount Washington here stands out in its just proportions, flanked upon either side with his fel- lows of lesser stature. Jonas Warren, Nathaniel Snow, Nathan Wheeler, and others, arrived at Bethlehem in 1790, and commenced the settle- ment then known as " Lord's Hill." The privations, sufferings, and hardships of the early inhabitants were numerous; and, had they not been hardy, persevering men, they could not have borne \\p against them. Starvation at one time almost stared them in the face; but they 424 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. were saved from this lingering death by nourishment procured from green chocolate roots and other plants. Bethlehem was incorporated December 29, 1799 ; and the first town-meeting was held in the house of Amos Wheeler. In April of the same year the project of buildino- a bridge over the Ammonoosuc was started, and the following month the town voted to raise three hundred and ninety dollars with which to do it. In 1849, a tract of the state's land east of Bethlehem and south of Carroll was annexed to Bethlehem. The soil is produc- tive, though the surface is somewhat uneven. The principal eminences are the Round and Peaked mountains. Besides the Great Ammonoosuc just mentioned, this town is watered by Gale river. Specimens of magnetic and bog iron ore are found in various parts. Bethlehem con- tains two church edifices, eight school districts, and one post-office : also, five large saw-mills, and a large starch manufactory, which )Dro- duces annually one hundred and forty tons of starch. The White Mountain Railroad passes through the northwestern part of the town. Population, 950 ; valuation, $244,176. BoscAWEN, Merrimack county, is pleasantly situated on the western side of IMerrimack river, between Concord and Salisbury. It was granted June 6, 1733, to John Coffin and ninety others, by the State of Massa- chusetts, and was surveyed and divided into lots the same year. In 1734, the first settlers arrived here, being principally from Newbury, and were occupied the greater portion of that year in making clearings and erecting their log houses. Among the first settlers may be mentioned Stephen Gerrish, Jacob Flanders, Ambrose Gould, George Jackman, Philip Call, .loseph Eastman, and Moses Burbank. The proprietors entered with zeal into the necessary arrangements for the accommoda- tion of the settlers ; and in May, 1739, a town-house, a saw-mill, a grist- mill, and a meeting-house were erected, and a ferry established across the MerrimacJv. In December of the same year a commodious garrison was built, and well supplied with muskets and ammunition for the pro- . tection of the inhabitants. On the 4th of May, 1746, Thomas Cook and Cajsar, a negro, were killed, and a Mr. Jones was taken captive by the Indians and carried to Canada. Prior to this, Josiah Bishop was attacked while at worlv, taken into the woods, and killed. In August of this year Abraham Kimball, and a man by the name of Putney, belong- ing to Hopkinton, were made captives. These circumstances created considerable alarm among the settlers, and an earnest petition "was pre- sented to the executive of New Hampshire (the town being by the divis- ion placed under the jurisdiction of that state), for aid and protection from the assaults of the savages. Continued hostility being manifested NEW HAMPSHIRE — TOWN OF BOSOAWEN. 425 by the Indians, in 1752 the proprietors raised money for the erection of another fort; but the funds were not used on account of the apparent cessation of Indian hostilities. In May, 1754, Nathaniel Meloon and family, belonging to this town, were captured near Salisbury and taken to Canada, from whence they were released after a confinement of three years. In August of the same year, Mrs. Call, wife of Philip Call, was murdered before the eyes of her husband in Bakerstown, now the westerly part of Franklin, by a party of Indians, who took her scalp. Enos Bishop was taken prisoner, while Timothy Cook, after plunging into the river to make his escape, was killed by the same party. The two latter belonged to a detachment sent out from the fort here in pursuit of the Indians, who surprised them in ambush, — no one but Bishop being able to fire a shot. The re- mainder of the men, twelve in number, made their escape. Boscawen was incorporated April 22, 1760, its name being given in honor of an admiral distinguished in the capture of Louisburg. Prior to this time, the settlement retained its Indian name of Contoocook. There is little of interest in the history of the town to notice till we come to that period rendered memorable by the commencement of the Revolution. Boscawen took the necessary measures, as well for the supply of her quota of men and means as for her proper representation in the councils of the infant republic, and the protection of her inhabitants in case of danger. Lieutenant John Flanders, of this town, was taken prisoner in the expedition to Quebec, and was seven months in captivity, two of which he was in irons. With the exception of some local discords, which were certainly very reprehensible, Boscawen, after, and even before, the close of hostilities with Great Britain, continued to enjoy great prosperity, w^hich has not forsaken her up to the present time. It was on a small island at the mouth of Contoocook river, in this town, that the celebrated Mrs. Duston, with the aid of her nurse and a youth, a fellow-captive, performed the heroic feat of killing eight or ten Indians (the number is variously stated), who, with two others, had her as a prisoner. She took the scalps of the Indians, and, in one of their canoes, returned to Haverhill, Mass., whence she had been carried away. This occurred April 30, 1698, thirty-five years before the settlement of this town. The surface is comparatively level, and the soil various ; but, gener- ally speaking, the town, in its whole extent, can be brought under cul- tivation. There are many excellent farms; and fruit-trees — princi- pally the apple, pear, and cherry — are cultivated to a considerable extent. Water is bountifully supplied by the Merrimack and Black- water rivers, and Pond or Beaver-dam, Mill, and Schoodic brooks, 36* 426 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. which furnish good water privileges. Besides these there are many smaller streams, running through most of the valleys, furnishing a ready supply of water to almost every farm. Great and Long ponds are somewhat noted; the former being one mile long and the same in breadth, and the latter two miles long and one and a half wide. The town is well suppUed with roads, which are kept in constant repair, and two bridges, crossing the Merrimack, unite Boscawen with Canterbury. Besides these, there are ten others in various directions, one of which, crossing the gulf, on the fourth New Hampshire turnpike, cost ^1,000. The houses, though not handsome, are convenient and well-built. Boscawen contains three villages, and a part of Fisherville ; six houses for public worship — two Congregational, and one each of Bap- tist, Christian, Methodist, and Union ; an academy ; sixteen school dis- tricts ; and two post-offices — Boscawen and West Boscawen : also^ one cotton mill ; one woollen factory, making annually about 100,000 yards of cloth ; nine saw-mills, a grist-mill, a saw manufactory and machine shop, a chair and match factory, and five stores. The Northern Railroad passes through Boscawen. Population, 2,063 ; valuation, $871,873. Bow, in Merrimack county, is divided on the northeast from Pembroke by the Merrimack river, and adjoins Concord on the northw^est It was granted May 20, 1727, to one hundred and seven proprietors and their associates, among whom was Jonathan Wiggins. It was bounded as follows : " Beginning on the southeast side of the town of Chichester, and running nine miles by Chichester and Canterbury, and carrying that breadth of nine miles from each of the aforesaid towns, southwest, until the full complement of eighty-one square miles are fully made up." This grant covered about three fourths of Concord, the greater part of Pembroke, and even extended into Hopkinton. Quite a controversy grew up between the proprietors of this grant and Concord, which lasted for a number of years — from 1750 to 1772 — and was expensive, vexatious, and bitter.^ After the settlement of the "vexed question," Bow was reduced from its former ample dimensions to an area of sixteen thousand acres. The first church (Baptist) was organized in 1795 ; and the second, being a union of Congregationalists and Baptists, was formed in 1807, but was subsequently dissolved. The " venerable Samuel Welch," as he was called, resided in Bow till his death, a period of over fifty years, and reached the age of about one hundred and thirteen years. He was a native of Kingston, N. H. ; and, though ' See Concord. NEW HAMPSHIRE TOWN OP BRADFORD. 427 not distinguished as a public citizen, was known in private life as an industrious, upright, and honest man. The east boundary of Bow is formed by the Merrimack, upon the bank of which is a fertile interval, the soil being a light loam, free from stone, and very productive. Back from the river, the surface is very uneven; hills and valleys, in promiscuous style, lying on every side, without either range or regularity. The hills, all things considered, afford the very best of land for farm culture ; hard, but fertile, with good depth of soil ; good alike for grain or grass, and producing about ten bushels of wheat to the acre in ordinary seasons. From these hills the lover of nature may feast his eye and rejoice his heart. There is much waste land, unfit for aught save wood and pasturage ; while, upon the brooks in the w^estern part, there are large tracts of natural meadow, which afford large quantities of hay. Turkey river drains the largest part of the town, and runs near to the west and north boundaries. Turee pond, lying near the northwest part, is the only collection of water. There are two meeting-houses — Baptist and Methodist ; four- teen school districts ; and one post-office : also, eight mills for the sawing of deal, shingles, and other descriptions of lumber ; and two grist-mills, in one of which are all the facilities for bolting flour. The trade of the town consists of farm produce, lumber, stock, and other articles. Population, 1,055 ; valuation, $371,868. Bradford, Merrimack county, lies midway between the Merrimack and Connecticut rivers, and is twenty-eight miles from Concord. It was granted to John Pierce and George Jaffrey, and was settled in 1771 by William Presbury and family, who resided here three years before the arrival of any other settlers. Several inhabitants from Brad- ford, Mass., soon afterwards took up their abode, which circumstance gave rise to the name of the town. The act of incorporation was dated September 27, 1787, which mentions that its territory was to consist of New Bradford, Washington Gore, and a portion of Wash- ington. A Congregational church — the first one here — ^was organ- ized in 1803. Mason W. Tappan, the present able representative in Congress from this district, is a resident of this town. The face of Bradford is in many parts hilly ; but the largest portion of the town is situated in a valley, which extends over an area of about three miles. The soil is varied. A plain, a mile in length and half a mile in width, lies near the Sunapee mountains on the northwest. Valuable quarries of stone are opened in the easterly part. Water is supplied by small streams, having their source principally in ponds — Todd's being the largest, and lying between Bradford and Newbury. 428 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. Its bosom is dotted with several floating islands, which are objects of interest. On the east side of the town, lies Pleasant or Bradford pond, about 550 rods long and 250 wide, also having several islands, and having a landscape in its vicinity of peculiar beauty. There are three villages — the Centre, Mill, and Raymond's Corner; three meeting- houses — Congregational, Baptist, and Union ; ten school districts ; and two post-offices — Bradford and South Bradford : also, one woollen manufactory, one sash, blind, and door factory, one wheelwright shop, two saw-mills; one grist and flour mill, built of brick, with several run of stones ; one tannery, one clothing mill, and three hotels. The rail- road from Concord to Claremont has its terminus here. Population, 1,341 ; valuation, $413,759. Brentwood, Rockingham county, adjoining Exeter on the east, was incorporated June 26, 1742. It comprises an area of 10,465 acres of moderately good land, which has been taken up by a class of indus- trious farmers, who have succeeded in bringing it under excellent im- provement. Exeter river, having a central course through the town, and having smaller streams connected with it, supplies water in abun- dance. Pickpocket falls, lying on Exeter river, are within the limits of Brentwood, and furnish water-power for several mills. Iron ore has been excavated, and vitriol combined with sulphur has also been found. The first church was organized in 1752, by the Congregationalists, at " the Gulley ; " and a union was effected between this and a church pre- viously organized at Keenborough in 1756, at which time Rev. Na- thaniel Trask was settled as pastor, which relation he sustained for forty-one years. There are now three church edifices — Congregational, Baptist, and Universalist ; four school districts ; one post-office, three stores, a paper-mill, and three wheelwright shops. Population, 923; valuation, $318,090. Bridgewater, in the eastern part of Grafton county, forty-eight miles from Concord, was incorporated February 12, 1788, having been pre- viously a part of New Chester, now Hill. Thomas Crawford was the first settler, having come hither in 1766 ; he was soon followed by his brother Jonathan, and several others. The settlers came from the low^er part of this state, and from Reading, Mass., and were men of substance, and of some means. A Congregational church was organized as early as 1790, being a branch of that in Hebron. The minister, Mr. Page, was accustomed to preach at this time in the barn of Deacon Boardman. In the year 1802, a meeting-house was commenced, and was completed in 1806. It was a two-story, and rather antique-looking edifice. NEW HAMPSHIRE — TOWN OF BRISTOL. 429 About the year 1798, Deacon Joshua Fletcher, from Plymouth, moved here, and took up his residence near the spot where the meeting-house was built. The surface of Bridgewater is broken to some extent ; but the soil is fertile, and affords good opportunities for the pursuit of agriculture. There are no rivers or ponds of note, and no village. The Free-will Baptists and Congregationalists have each a church edifice, the Meth- odists worshipping in the house of the latter sect. There are ten school districts, and one post-office : also, four saw-mills, a grist-mill, and a shingle mill. The Boston, Concord, and Montreal Railroad touches at Bridgewater. Population, 667-, valuation, $140,294. Bristol, in the southeast part of Grafton county, having Pemige- wasset river on the east, and Smith's river on the south, is thirty miles north from Concord. Bristol originally formed a portion of the territory of Bridgewater and New Chester (now Hill), from which it was set off and incorporated June 24, 1819. Colonel Peter Sleeper, Benjamin Emmons, and others, began the settlement about the year 1770 ; and a church — Methodist — was formed in June, 1818, and the Congrega- tional church in 1826. The general appearance of Bristol is hilly, affording much delightful scenery. The soil is varied, but mostly hard and stony. About three miles from the village, a large and rich bed of plumbago has been discovered. Bristol, being situated at the head of the Franklin and Bristol Rail- road, has considerable mercantile and other business, which would be largely increased if the rave water-power on Newfound river, which runs directly through the village, was more extensively improved. Newfound pond is a beautiful body of water, some nine miles in length, the southern part of which is in Bristol. The outlet has a southern course of two miles or more, emptying into the Pemigewasset at the village, where it has a fall of one hundred feet in the course of some eighty rods. Smith's river, coming from the west, enters the Pemige- wasset some two miles below Bristol village, and has also extensive falls. All that is wanting to make Bristol a large manufacturing place is the investment of capital to call into use its vast water- power. At the junction of Newfound river and the Pemigewasset, a beautiful village has been built (which is increasing in magnitude), containing a number of pretty dwelling-houses and substantial buildings. There are three church edifices — Congregational, Methodist, and Free-wiU Baptist ; eleven school districts, and one post-office : also, two paper mills, two large tanneries, four saw-mills, one giist-mill, one bedstead 430 HISTOKY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. manufactory, one sleigh and wagon factory, one boot and shoe factory, and other mechanical interests. Population, 1,103 ; valuation, $330,076. Brookfield, Carroll county, lies in the eastern part of the state, forty-five miles from Concord. It was, prior to its incorporation in December, 1794, a part of the territory of the adjoining town of Middle- town. The first person who took up his abode here was Nicholas Austin. Richard Hanson erected the first framed house. The soil is good, and the surface generally level ; the only elevation being Moose mountain, which has a pond of about fifteen acres on its summit, having at all seasons the same amount of water in it. The West branch of Salmon Falls river has its source in Cook's pond, which is about one mile long and three quarters of a mile wide. Brookfield Corner is the name of the only village. The trade consists chiefly of the various kinds of dry goods and groceries, and the inhab- itants are generally employed in the cultivation of the soil. Brookfield has two churches — Free-will Baptist and Methodist; five school districts ; several saw-mills and shingle mills ; as well as the usual mechanic shops necessary for a small community. A post-office is located here. Population, 552 ; valuation, ^141,087. Brookline, in the county of Hillsborough, thirty-five miles from Concord, contains 12,664 acres. It originally belonged to the state of Massachusetts, being included in the Dunstable grant. The legislative enactment by which it was incorporated was passed March 30, 1769, and the town was then named Raby, which was changed to Brookline in November, 1798. The first church was of the Congregational order, and was formed in 1795; previous to which the inhabitants were accustomed to attend meeting regularly at HoUis and Pepperell, froiTi five to ten miles distant. The principal part of the original settlers were Scotch- Irish. The only river is called Nisitissit, which takes its rise in the northeast part of Mason. There is a pond one mile long and a third of a mile wide. The trade is in lumber, charcoal, and casks. Brookline has one church edifice, belonging to the Congregationalists and Methodists ; seven school districts, and one post-office : also, eight saw-mills, one grist-mill, and a sash and blind shop. About sixty men are employed in making sugar-kegs for East Boston. Population, 718 ; valuation, $295,169. Cambridge, Coos county, lies on Umbagog lake, and borders on the boundary hne between Maine and New Hampshire. It contains 23,160 acres, which were granted May 19, 1733, to Nathaniel Rogers, NEW HAMPSHIRE — TOWN OF CAMPION. 431 and others. It was incorporated the same year, and is 167 miles from the capital of the state. For many years it was uninhabited, probably from the many obstacles which the land presented to im- provement, the surface being very uneven. The land, however, with proper care and attention, can be advantageously cultivated. Several streams have their source in Cambridge, and discharge themselves into the Androscoggin river, which runs through the northwest part. There is no church edifice in town ; but some of the citizens claim to own pews in the Free-will Baptist church in Bartlett, although it is hardly probable that they are regular attendants upon divine service there, the air-line distance being not less than thirty miles. The town has one school district, and one saw-mill. Population, 35; valuation, |9,374. Campton, in the eastern part of Grafton county, fifty miles from Concord, was granted, w^ith the town of Rumney, which it adjoins, to Captain Jabez Spencer of East Haddam, Conn., in October, 1761. The captain, however, died before the settlement was commenced, and his heirs, and other parties, obtained a new charter January 5, 1767. The families of Isaac Fox and a Mr. Taylor were the first inhabitants, having arrived about 1765. The first meeting of the proprietors was held November 2, 1769, and that of the inhabitants, December 16, 1771. The name of the town originated from the fact of the first proprietors having erected a camp when they came to survey Campton and Rum- ney. Nine or ten of the inhabitants served in the Revolutionary war, five of whom lost their lives in the service. The first church organized was a Congregational, June 1, 1774. Campton has a mountainous and ledgy surface; but the land is generally good, particularly the interval, and that in the valleys. The largest elevation is Mount Prospect, the ascent of which is rewarded by a fine view of Winnepesaukee lake, and a large part of the surrounding country. A range of mountains, generally known by the name of Morgan, lies in the easterly part. Pemigewasset river, which receives the waters of Mad, Beebe's, and West branch rivers, as well as Bog brook, has a central course through the town. In this river are the Livermore falls, in the vicinity of which are evidences of volcanic action, such as burnt stones and lava-like substances. Plumbago and iron ore exist in Campton, the former in considerable quantities, and the latter of inferior quality. There are four church edifices — two Congregational, one Baptist, and one Free-will Baptist ; fourteen school districts; and three post-offices — Campton, Campton Village, and 432 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. West Campton: also, one saw-mill, one grist-mill, a tannery, and a carriage shop. Population, 1,439 ; valuation $376,768. Canaan, in the southern part of Grafton county, forty miles from Concord, was granted July 9, 1761, to sixty-two persons, most of whom belonged to Connecticut, and from Canaan in that state the name was derived. The settlement was permanently established during the win- ter of 1766 or 1767, by John Scofield, who brought his personal effects on a hand-sled, the distance being fourteen miles. George Harris, Thomas Miner, Joshua Harris, Samuel Jones, and Samuel Meacham, were also among the early inhabitants. The proprietors held their first meeting, July 19, 1768. The Baptist denomination organized the first church in 1780, and Rev. Thomas Baldwin, D. D.,' was ordained its pastor in 1783, who removed, in 1790, to Boston. Jonathan Duston, a native of Haverhill, Mass., and grandson of the heroine, Mrs. Hannah Duston, was for some time a resident of Canaan, having died July 4, 1812, aged ninety-three. The land is not very broken, and most of it is suited to agriculture. The Mascomy river originates in the northwest part of Dorchester, and, after a circuitous course of eight or ten miles, discharges its waters into Mascomy pond in Enfield. Indian Stream river unites with Mascomy river, near the centre of this town. Heart pond, so named from its peculiar form, lies in the centre of Canaan, and upon such an elevation of land, that at a distance it appears to be situated on a hill. This pond is about five hundred rods long and two hundred Avide, and is nearly surrounded by a bank or mound of earth, from four to five feet high, having every appearance of a work of art, but which has been found to be caused by the drifting of the ice in the sprino- of the year. There are four other ponds, called Goose, Clark's, Mud, and Bear. On the western shore of Heart pond is a beautiful village, called Canaan Street, and around the depot of the Northern Railroad, which passes through the southeasterly portion of the town, another villacre has sprung up. There are two church edifices — Congregational and Baptist; twenty-one school districts; and three post-offices Canaan East Canaan, and West Canaan : also, one grist-mill, three lath and clapboard mills, one tannery, six stores, and a stock invested in trade of $11,960. Population, 1,682 ; valuation, 6566,593. ' Dr. Bakhvin was the author of the stanzas, liegfinning -with this line : " From whence doth this union arise? " ETC. 433 Candia, in the western part of Rockingham county, adjoins Chester, having formed part of that township till December 17, 1763, when it was incorporated as a separate town. It is distant from Concord fif- teen miles. The name which it bears was conferred upon it by Gov- ernor Benning Wentworth, who was once a prisoner on the island of Candia, in the Mediterranean. William Turner, who moved into the present limits of the town in 1748, was the first settler. In 1755, John Sargent, and several others, took up their residence here. Candia was prominent in her efforts for the attainment of our Independence, fur- nishing sixty-nine of her sons as soldiers of the Revolution. The inliabitants of Candia are mainly composed of farmers, many of whom are wealthy. The soil naturally is of a stubborn character ; but attention and proper methods have made it productive. Candia is built on elevated ground, is bisected by the Portsmouth and Concord Raih'oad, and commands an extensive prospect of the magnificent scenery of the adjacent country — the White hills, the Wachusett, and other mountains, as well as the lights on Plum island, and the ocean, being embraced in the view. It is a very healthy locality, and has been distinguished for the longevity of its inhabitants. There is a ridge in the western part, extending from north to south, which is the highest elevation between the Merrimack and the ocean. Two branches of Lamprey river take their rise on the east side of this ridge. Fruit rais- ing is prosecuted to a considerable extent, and a ready market is found for it in Manchester. There are two villages — Candia and Candia Depot; three churches — one Congregational and two Free-will Bap- tist; fourteen school districts, with a school fund of ®1,000 per annum; and two post-offices — Candia and Candia Village : also, two shoe man- iifactorics; four grist-mills, eight saw-mills, and a cabinet shop. Popu- lation, 1,482 ; valuation, 8437,981. Canterbury, Merrimack county, is bounded on the west by the Merri- mack river, which separates it from Boscawen, and formerly compre- hended within its limits Northfield and Loudon. It was granted May 20, 1727, to Richard Waldron and others, receiving its name from a city in the county of Kent, England ; and was settled, soon after the grant was made, by James Scales, Thomas Clough, Thomas Young, James Gibson, Richard Blanchard, Samuel Shepherd, and others. The incursions of the Indians were suffered here as much as in any of the other towns ; and the inhabitants, for security, had to take up their residence in the garrison. In 1738, Shepherd and Blanchard, being a short distance from the garrison, were fired upon by a party of seven Indians, who had concealed themselves behind a log, not more than two A'^OL. I. 37 434 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. rods from them; but were uninjured. Shepherd and his comrade then fired upon the Indians, but to no purpose ; and the former, seeing that there was no chance for his life but by his heels, made good his escape; while Blanchard, less fortunate, fell into the hands of his assailants, who treated him so unmercifully that he died a few days afterwards. The Indians made several descents upon the inhabitants during the French and Indian war; and at one time, four of the St. Francis tribe entered the house of Thomas Clough, and took from it some provisions. They then concealed themselves behind a log fence, and soon perceiving a young lad by the name of Jackman, a nephew of Mr. Clough, and Dorset, a negro man belonging to Mr. Clough, they jumped over the fence and captured them. They were carried to Canada and sold; and, after enduring uncommon privations, they wore released in 1761, the negro suffering the loss of both his feet on his way home. Two Indians were murdered in 1753, by Peter Bowen, of Contoocook, now the town of Boscawen. It appears that, the year previous, Sabatis and Christi, two Indians, were entertained in Canterbury by the inhabi- tants; and, upon leaving, decoyed two negroes from the town, one of whom made his escape, while the other was taken to Crown Point and sold to an officer. Sabatis, having returned with another Indian, Plau- sawa, in 1753, was reproached for his former treacherous conduct, when they both behaved in an insolent and threatening manner, which was probably owing to their having imbibed large quantities of liquor. When they took their leave, they were followed and murdered in the woods as above stated. The Indians were buried, with the assistance of another person, but so slightly that their bones were soon after dis- covered, when the parties, who belonged to Boscawen, were arrested and taken to Portsmouth for trial. Before the trial came off, however, a mob collected from the country, forced open the prison, and set the guilty ones at liberty. In the arduous struggles of the Revolution, the people of Canterbury bore their full portion of the toils and dangers. Some of the inhabitants fought at Bunker Hill, others at Saratoga, and others at Bennington. The whole number in actual service was seventy, of whom ten were officers. The Hon. Abiel Foster, the first minister ordained in this town, possessed in a great degree the confidence and esteem of the people. Soon after he left the ministry, he was called to arduous duties as a magistrate and legislator ; and was a member of Congress from 1783 to 1804. He died in February, 1806. The surface of Canterbury is uneven, but the soil is generally good ; the more hilly portions being excellent for pasturage. The streams are few, and of little importance ; but several ponds supply small streams. NEAV HAMPSHIRE — TOWN OP CARROLL. 435 which are used to some extent for manufacturing purposes. The Sha- ker village is situated in the southeast part, on an elevated and beautiful site, and every thing about it wears an air of peace and seclusion. This settlement was commenced in 1792, under the ministration of Elder Job Bishop, and has prospered until they number about four hundred. The houses, which are about one hundred in number, are perfect models of neatness and simplicity ; the land is well tilled, the animals amply provided for, and the barns, tools, every thing, in short, connected with the establishment, are kept in an enviable state of order. They have a meeting-house and school-house, and enjoy all things in common. The school affords a pleasant entertainment to visitors, and the pupils appear to advantage when examined in any of their studies. The people of this community possess a commendable reputation among their neighbors for industry, frugality, honesty, and good morals. They have six mills, one for carding and spinning; one grist-mill, in which is a saw-mill for timber, as also planing machines and shingle machines ; three turning mills for wood and iron ; one mill for weav- ing, coloring, fulling, and for the knitting of shirts and drawers. Among the articles manufactured by the Shakers, are wooden-ware, flannel, and knit shirts and drawers, Angola shirts and drawers, sieves, feather- brushes, cakes of wax and maple sugar, bottles of perfumery, essences, and medicines. Besides the Shaker village, the town contains one small village, called Hill's Corner. There are four meeting-houses — Congregational, Free-will Baptist, Shaker, and Union ; twelve school districts, and two post-offices — Canterbury and Shaker Village. Apart from the manufacturing establishments above enumerated, there are one or two saw-mills, and something is done in the way of shoemak- ing. The Boston, Concord, and Montreal Railroad passes through the town. Population, 1,614 ; valuation, $623,758. Carroll, a wild and romantic township in the county of Coos, has an area of 24,640 acres. It was originally named Bretton Woods, and was granted February 8, 1772, to Sir Thomas Wentworth, Bart., Rev. Samuel Langdon, and eighty-one others. It received its present name in 1832, the year of its incorporation. Cherry or Pondicherry moun- tain, in the northern part, lies between this town and Jefferson. Its surface is uneven, and covered mostly with a dense forest of maple, pine, hemlock, and spruce. There are many small streams, abounding with trout. The soil though broken by rocks and hills, is deep and strong. The town contains a starch factory, and two mills for the manufacture of boards, shingles, clapboards, and laths ; a Baptist church, four school districts, and one post-office. Population, 296 ; valuation, $105,874. 436 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. Carroll County, in the eastern part of the state, north of Lake "Winnepesaukee, contains an area of about 560 square miles. It was established by act of the legislature, December 23, 1840, receiving its name out of respect to Hon. Charles Carroll, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. The territory first comprised in the county was taken from Strafford, in fourteen towns, as follows : Albany, Brookfield, Chatham, Conway, Eaton, Effingham, Freedom, Moulton- borough, Sandwich, Tamworth, Tuftonborough, Ossipee, Wakefield, and Wolf borough. Since the erection of the county, two towns — Jackson (formerly Adams), and Bartlett — have been added (in 1853) from Coos ; and Madison has been incorporated from Eaton, making in all seventeen towns in the county. There is also one plantation.^ The surface is mountainous, — Ossipee mountain and Chocorua peak rising considerably above the rest of the country. The soil, though stubborn and requiring much attention, is mostly of a productive qual- ity. Quite a number of lakes and ponds diversify the face of the county, the most notable of which is Ossipee lake ; and there are numerous smaU streams, giving to the inhabitants water-power sufficient for all practical purposes. The county is drained by the Ossipee and Saco rivers. Ossipee has always been the shire town. CarroU county belongs to the fourth judicial district. A law term of the supreme judicial court is held annually at Ossipee on the second Tuesday of July. There are two jury terms of both the supreme judicial and common pleas courts, each commencing on the second Tuesday of May and third Tuesday of November. Population, 20,157 • valuation, $4,769,750. Centre Harbor is a small town in the northern part of Belknap county, and contains an area of about 7,500 acres. Its settlement was commenced in 1755 by Ebenezer Chamberlain, who was followed two years afterwards, by Colonel Joseph Senter. Their progress in improv- ing the township was slow. Their supplies had, for some years, to be obtained from the more prosperous settlements on the Merrimack. The titles to the lands were obtained under the grant of Governor Benning Wentworth to General Jonathan Moulton,^ in 1763. On the incorporation of New Hampton, Centre Harbor was included within the territory of that town, and remained a part thereof until 1797 when it was set off and incorporated under its present name, which it is alleged, was given on account of the location of the place midway between two other ports or landing-places on the lake. It is main- > Haile's Location. = See article on New Hampton. NEW HAMPSHIRE TOWN OF CENTRE HARBOR. 437 tained, on the contrary, that its name was designed to be in compli- ment to Colonel Senter ; but, by a clerical mistake, it was recorded Centre Harbor. The early settlers came principally from Chester, Hampton, Raymond, Candia, and Londonderry in this state, and from Ipswich and Halifax, Mass. In 1812, the first house of worship was erected in the easterly part of the town ; but the edifice, after some years, went to decay, and was some time since removed. The pres- ent edifice in the village was erected by the Congi-egationalists in 1837. The surface of the town is hilly ; but there is a strong soil, producing average crops. Squam lake is a beautiful sheet of water, making the northern boundary of the town, and is much visited in the summer season for fishing and bathing. Lake Winnepesaukee, that forms the southern boundary, is, however, the great place of resort for pleasure seekers, in which respect its attractions are second only to the White Mountains. The extreme length of the lake is some twenty-five miles, and its greatest breadth about ten miles, its altitude above the sea being 472 feet. In form, it is quite irregular, and its surface is bespan- gled with numerous islands, which fact, with the beauty of its marginal lands and its surrounding mountains, — its pure water, well stocked with fish, and the ever invigorating breezes that seem to be at home here, — renders it a most desirable summer retreat. Two steamers make the cir- Punsft vii'W of Lake Winnepesaukee from Centre ILirbor. cuit of the larger part of the lake, between the Weirs, Centre Harbor, Wolfboro', and Alton Bay. Sloops and boats are also seen gliding in 37* 438 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. every direction. There are two religious societies — Congregationalist, and Free-will Baptist ; eight school districts, with 237 scholars ; and one post-office. Population, 543 ; valuation, |142,241. CiiARLESTO^VN, in the western part of Sullivan county, extends thir- teen miles on Connecticut river, and is fifty-one miles from Concord. Charlestown was first settled under the authority of Massachusetts in 1740, and was originally called Number Four, a name sometimes applied to it at the present time. It was granted December 31, 1735, to sixty-three persons, belonging to Northampton, Hadley, Hatfield, Deerfield, and Sunderland, Mass. The first settlers were three families by the name of Farnsworth, who came from Lunenburg, Mass. ; and others soon followed. Few towns in New England have sufTered more severely than Charlestown from the attacks of the Indians, being the northern frontier town, and hence exposed to peculiar dangers. In 1743, the inhabitants began to consult their safety by erecting a fort, which they soon had occasion to know the value of, by reason of being attacked, on the 19th of April, 1746, by a party of Indians, who burnt the mills, and carried John SpafFord, Isaac Parker, and Stephen Farns- worth, as captives to Canada. This was followed, in the beginning of May, by another attack, in which Seth Putnam, one of the soldiers belonging to the fort, was killed. The enemy, however, were soon dispersed by Major Willard. On the 24th of the same month. Captain Paine arrived with a troop of horse from Massachusetts ; and twenty of the men went to view the spot where Putnam was killed, when they were attacked by a large body of Indians, and were only saved from capture or destruction by the prompt appearance of Captain Stevens, commander of the garrison, who engaged the Indians in a severe con- test, which resulted in much loss to the enemy, and the loss of nine of Stevens's men in lulled, wounded, and captured. The settlement was again visited on the 19(h of June the same year ; but before the Indians had time to attacJv, they were assaulted by Captain Stevens and Captain Brown, with fifty men ; and were repulsed, while the loss to the victors was one man killed and four wounded. A party of the enemy appeared again on the fourth of August : suspicions of their appearance being excited by the barking of dogs, scouts were sent out, who were fired upon by the Indians, and one of them killed, while the residue escaped to the fort, which the enemy surrounded, and endeavored for three days to tajce ; but finding their efforts abortive, they withdrew, burning several buildings, and killing all the live-stock within their reach. This state of affairs con- tinued till the following spring, when the " inhabitants, fatigued with watching, and weary of the dangers of the forest,'' abandoned the place. NEW HAMPSHIRE TOWN OP CHARLESTOWN. 439 In March, 1747, Captain Phineas Stevens, with thirty men, took possession of the fort ; and had not been in it many days before they were attacked by a very large party of French and Indians, commanded by M. Debeline. The gate of the fort was kept closed ; but one of the men ventured out, when he was fired upon by the enemy and wounded, managing, however, to reach the fort. The assailants then attacked the fort on all sides, and the assault lasted for three days. But Indian stratagem and French tactics, with fire applied to every combustible about the fort, failed of the desired effect. The men remained un- daunted, and fought with the utmost resolution. An interview between the commanders, Mons. Debeline and Captain Stevens, at length took place. The Frenchman exhibited his forces, and depicted the horrid mas- sacre that would take place unless the fort should be surrendered ; to which Captain Stevens replied, that, " Inasmuch as he was sent here to defend the fort, it would not be consistent with his orders to give it up, unless he should be better satisfied that he [Mons. Debeline] was able to perform what he threatened." ■ — " Well," said the Frenchman, " go into the fort, and see whether your men dare fight any more." After a consultation with the men, Captain Stevens returned, saying, " They had determined to fight it out." The attack again commenced with increased fury, and continued all night. The next morning, the con- testants again came to a parley, which resulted unfavorably, when the enemy, after firing some few shots, returned to Canada, leaving the intrepid commander in possession of the fort. Captain Stevens, for his gallantry on this occasion, not only received the thanks of the people gen- erally, but was presented, by Commodore Sir Charles Knowles, with a valuable and elegant sword as a reward for his bravery ; and from this circumstance the town received the name of Charlestown, when incor- porated, which was on the 2d of July, 1753 ; the charter having been granted by Governor Wentworth, to Joseph Wells, Phineas Stevens, and others, who were purchasers under the old grantees. Another attack was made in March, 1748, on eight men, one of whom was killed, one wounded, and one taken prisoner ; and, in June, Obadiah Sartwell was killed while ploughing, and Enos Stevens, son of the defender of the fort, captured and carried to Canada, from whence he was soon after released. A treaty of peace was concluded in the following September, and depredations, for a while, ceased. After the autumn of 1752, the inhabitants made less use of the fort, and entered with increasing courage into the duties of their voca- tion. The Indians seemed disposed to traffic, and things began to wear a peaceful aspect, when the war with England and France again broke out, and put a period to all hopes of peace during its continuance. On 440 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. the 29th of August, 1754, the Indians attacked the house of James John- son, and he, his wife, her sister, and three children, and two men, — Peter Laberee and Ebenezer Farnsworth, — lodgers in the house, were taken prisoners. On the second day, about fifteen miles from Charles- town, in the wilderness, Mrs. Johnson gave birth to a daughter, whom she named Captive, who afterwards married Colonel George Kimball. Mrs. Johnson was treated with unexpected humanity by the Indians, who tarried one day for her accommodation, carried her on a litter, and placed her afterwards on a horse, besides protecting and nursing her infant. Attacks continued to be made, and this painful state of affairs lasted till 1760, during which several persons were murdered, and many carried into captivity, while the mills were again burnt, and other depre- dations committed. In June of this year, hostilities ceased. About this time, Charlestown was the principal stopping place, during the French war, for soldiers and officers passing to and from Ticon- deroga and Crown Point across the Green Mountains. As a small company of soldiers, with a young lieutenant,^ about the close of the war, were returning from these military stations, through dense for- ests over these mountains, by marked trees, they found a soldier by the wayside, apparently dying, who had been left by his companions some five or six days before. It was late in the fall, when the nights were cold. His little stock of food and fuel, which his companions had kindly provided and supposed would last longer than his life, Avere nearly consumed. On offering him assistance, the sick man begged them to let him alone to die in peace. But the young lieutenant, believing his life might be saved, determined to act the good Samaritan. Contrary to the sick soldier's entreaties, he ordered his foul garments to be carefully removed ; the soldier himself to be thoroughly washed and cleansed ; to be clothed in comfortable raiment, with which the company were fortunately provided ; and directed his attendants to speak words of encouragement and kindness ; to stay by him, supplvi no- bis wants, till able to walk, and then help him to reach the first settle- ment. It was all he needed. In three days, he arrived at the public- house in Charlestown, where, with tears of joy, he grasped the hand of his kind deliverer, the young lieutenant; and, with feelings which choked his utterance, told him that no words could express his gratitude to the man who had persisted in saving his life against his own remonstrance. The people once more turned their attention to the improvement and embellishment of the scene of so many unexampled trials, in which thev ' Afterwards Colonel William Henshaw, of Leicester, Mass. NEW HAMPSHIKK — TOWN OF CHARLESTOWN. 441 continued actively engaged till the war of the Revolution broke out, when they were again called upon to relax their hold upon the imple- ments of peace, and take up those of war. A people who manifested such signal courage in the protection of their homes from the attacks of the Indians, of course would not be loth to engage in another contest equally great and noble. It is sufficient to say, that Charlestown, bore her part in the struggle.^ Charlestown is situated in a delightful and fertile valley ; and, on the east, has a high range of hills. It is watered by Connecticut and Little Sugar rivers, in the former of which there are three islands, the largest, called Sartwell's island, containing about ten acres, which is under a high state of cultivation. These rivers furnish few mill privileges. The village of Charlestown lies between two meadows, known as the Upper and Lower meadows, and is calculated to awaken, from its secluded loveliness, the admiration of the traveller. The Upper meadow contains about two hundred acres, and the Lower about five hundred ; the soil of which is alluvial and exceedingly productive. There are other meadows of different sizes, which, together with the two already mentioned, contain about twelve hundred acres. Among the distin- guishing features of the village are its neatness, its long and pleasant street, shaded on either side by a row of trees, and its regularly propor- tioned, though not magnificent, buildings. Here is an elegant brick meeting-house, owned by the Unitarians ; also the building occupied by the Connecticut River Bank, which has a capital of $100,000 : and the now deserted court house and dilapidated jail, which were used when Charlestown was the " place of judgment." The town is connected with Springfield by a substantial bridge, which crosses the Connecticut about a mile from the village. Besides the one already mentioned, there are two church edifices, belonging respectively to the Congregationalists and the Methodists ; three villages — South Charlestown, Charlestown, and North Charlestown, each of which has a post-office and a railroad station. There is a considerable market for wool here, which is bought up in the surrounding country, and packed and transmitted to the various markets. There are also two establish- ments for the manufacture of ladies' and gentlemen's boots, which give employment to numerous workmen. There are twelve school districts. The Sullivan Railroad passes through here. Population, 1,644; valu- ation, $896,874. ^ Among the distinguished residents of this town, besides Captain Stevens already noticed, may be mentioned Colonel William Heywood, Colonel Samuel Hunt, Hon. Simeon Olcott, and Hon. Benjamin West, all of whom held important civil and military offices; Governor Henry Hubbard, and the late Chief Justice John J. Gilchrist. 442 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. Chatham, Carroll county, lies on the east side of the White Moun- tains, and adjoins the Ihie which divides New Hampshire from Maine, being ninety-two miles from Concord. Peter Livius and others re- ceived the grant, February 7, 1767. It now contains, in addition to the territory granted at this time, a tract of land formerly known as War- ner's location, — the combined area being about twenty-six thousand acres. The surface presents many obstacles to cultivation, — being composed principally of mountains and rocks. Between Chatham and Jackson lie Baldface and Doublehead mountains, the former being 3,600 feet, and the latter 3,100 feet high, and presenting an impassable barrier to the opening of communication betw^een the two towns by means of a road ; hence the inhabitants, in their intercourse with the other tow^ns in the county, are compelled to make a circuit through a portion of the state of Maine. A part of Mount Kearsarge is also in Chatham. There are several ponds and some large streams. Chat- ham has one church edifice ; seven school districts ; a saw-mill, and a grist-mill. Population, 516 ; valuation, $117,206. Cheshire County, forming the southwest extremity of the state, has an area of about 770 square miles. It was established by act of the colonial government, " dividing this province into counties," published on the 19th of March, 1771, and, by the boundaries laid down at that time, contained all of its northern neighbor, Sullivan. By act of the state legislature passed January 2, 1829, the boundaries were thus de- fined : " Beginning at the southeast corner of Rindge ; thence westerly by the state line to the west bank of the Connecticut river ; thence up the same bank to the northwest corner of Walpole ; thence by the northerly lines of Walpole, Alstead, Marlow, and Stoddard, to the line of the county of Hillsborough ; thence by the line of the last-mentioned county to the bounds first mentioned." These boundaries have not since been materially disturbed. The county at present contains twenty-two towns, Keene being the shire. Cheshire county has generally an uneven surface, with a few prom- inent elevations, such as the Grand Monadnock and Ashuelot moun- tains. Along the Connecticut and other streams, the soil is fertile, and abundantly rewards the labors of the husbandman. The Connecticut, which forms the boundary on the west, the Ashuelot and its tributaries, and the head branches of the Contoocook, with other streams, supply abundance of water, for manufacturing and other purposes. The Ches- hire Railroad, from Fitchburg, Mass., to Bellows Falls, Vt., and the Ashuelot Railroad, from South Vernon, Vt, to Keene, are wholly within this county. NE^y IIAMPSHmE town of CHESTER. 443 The county belongs to the third judicial district, a law term for which is held annually at Keene on the first Tuesday of July. There are two jury terms for the supreme judicial court and for the court of common pleas, both commencing at the same time, on the third Tuesdays of March and September. Population, 30,144; valuation, $11,759,894. Chester, in the western section of Rockingham county, adjoins Man- . Chester, and is twenty-three miles from Concord. Eighty persons, be- longing chiefly to Hampton and Portsmouth, associated themselves, in October, 1719, for the purpose of obtaining a grant of a township in the " Chestnut country," and placed three men on the land they had selected to keep possession. After so doing, they petitioned for a grant, which was accorded to them, August 26, 1720, consisting of a tract ten miles square. Several individuals from Rye and Hampton immediately com- menced the settlement. Those who appear to have been the most » zealous and useful in the undertaking were Samuel IngaUs, Jonathan Goodhue, Jacob Sargent, Ebenezer Dearborn, Robert Smith, two men by the name of Colby, and two by the name of Robie. Several fami- lies from the north of Ireland commenced settlements about the same time. The Indian war prevented any great progress being made from 1722 to 1726 ; though the natives, it appears, did not commit any great depredations beyond the capture of Thomas Smith and John Carr, who both escaped from their captors, and arrived in safety at a garrison in Londonderry. Several garrison-houses were maintained here till after the peace of 1749. Chester, which had previously been called Cheshire, was, on the 8th of May, 1722, incorporated. Portions of its territory have been annexed to Derryfield and to Hooksett; Long Meadows, Can- dia, and Freetown were formed entirely from it ; and lastly, in June, 1845, Auburn was incorporated from its westerly part. The aborigines had a settlement of ten or twelve wigwams on an island in Massabesic pond, vestiges of which are said to have been visible as late as 1823. In March, 1731, the first meeting-house was completed, which stood a few rods south of the present Congregational edifice. Over the first soci- ety Rev. Ebenezer Flagg was pastor from 1736 until his death, in 1796. The Presbyterians built a house in 1739, and were served by Rev. John Wilson from 1734 until his death, in 1779. Hon. Samuel Bell, who came to Chester in 1812, was governor of this state from 1819 to 1823, and senator in congress from 1823 to 1835. His sons, Hon. Samuel D. Bell, one of the judges of the supreme court of New Hampshire, the late Hon. James Bell, senator in congress from this state in 1855, and Luther V. Bell, M. D., for many years the superintendent of the McLean Luna- tic Asylum, at Somerville, Mass., were born in Francestown, but were 444 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. quite young at the time of their father's removal to this town. His brother, Hon. John Bell, who was governor in 1828, was also a resident of this town. The surface of tlie town is rather uneven, but the soil is tolerably good. A branch of Exeter river is the only stream of importance. There are three villages — Chester, East Chester, and Hall's Village ; three church edifices — Congregational, Methodist, and Baptist ; eleven school districts, and the same number of schools, with 376 pupils ; an academy, and two post-offices — Chester and East Chester. Population, 1,301 ; valuation, $359,768. Chesterfield, Cheshire county, is situated on the Connecticut river, and is eleven miles from Keene, and sixty-five from Concord. It was granted February 11, 1752, to sixty-five persons, and was settled on the 25th -of November, 1761, by Moses Smith and William Thomas with their families, who located upon the bank of Connecticut river. They were followed, in the spring of 1762, by Abel Emmons and Captain Simon Davis, from which time the population so increased, that, in ten years, it contained one hundred and fifty families. Chesterfield is generally hilly, and few towns on the Connecticut river contain so little interval land. Along the whole extent of the. town bordering upon the river, the hills approach near to the river's side. There is much good upland, on which valuable crops of hay and Indian corn are raised. It is watered by the Connecticut, and Cat's- bane brook, the latter of which furnishes many mill seats. A beautiful lake — Spafford's — lies here, and is about eight miles in circumfer- ence, being fed by springs. Partridge's brook, which furnishes water- power sufficient to carry the machinery of a cotton factory and several mills, issues from this lake. In the lake is an island, which, it is asserted by some, was formerly the residence of a tribe of Indians, from the dis- covery there of various relics peculiar to an Indian settlement. The most noted mountain in Chesterfield is West River mountain, lying partly in Hinsdale, and which was once the scene of a volcanic eruption. There is at present a considerable quantity of lava near its crater ; and it is said by those who live near it, that it frequently trem- bles, and a rumbling noise is heard in its bowels. Some of the early inhabitants, seeing an aperture in it, supposed that it led to a silver mine — thereupon obtained a lease of it, and foolishly commenced digging for the article that would make their fortunes. None of it, however, has come to light, though the diggers have exhibited uncom- mon perseverance. There are t\vo pleasant villages ; four churches — Congregational, Methodist, one occupied by the Baptists and Univer- NEW HAMPSHIRE TOWN OF CHICHESTER, ETC. 445 salists, and one by the Universalists and Methodists ; fifteen school dis- tricts ; an academy, incorporated in January, 1790, and opened in Au- gust, 1794, for a long time the only one in Cheshire county; and two post-offices — Chesterfield and Chesterfield Factory : also, one cotton manufactory, one spiral-bit and auger factory, one accelerating-wheel factory, two grist-miUs, ten saw-mills, one tannery, and one sash and blind manufactory. Population, 1,680 ; valuation, $571,889. Chichester, in the eastern section of Merrimack county, adjoijtiing Concord, was granted May 20, 1727, to Nathaniel Gooldn and others ; but the land remained in its primitive condition till 1758, when Paul Morrill commenced its settlement. The powerful tribe of Indians called the Penacooks, who had their head-quarters at w^hat is now Concord, resided in the vicinity of this town, and planted their corn and other seeds on the banks of the Suncook. Traces of Indian settlements are stiU visible in various parts, and many Indian relics have been discovered. The surface of Chichester is generally level, and the soil of a produc- tive character. Most of the land is occupied by industrious farmers, whose efforts are richly repaid by as bountiful crops as any land in the county can produce. Bear hill, lying in the north part, is the principal eminence, and is under cultivation. Chichester is watered on the east by the Suncook river, into which flow several smaller streams from the south side of the town. This river is bordered by some interval land, and furnishes many good mill seats. Linkfield pond lies here, and from it flows a small stream southwest into the Soucook river. There are three church edifices — Methodist, Congregationalist, and Free-will Baptist ; seven school districts, and two post-offices — Chichester and North Chichester : also, one grist-mill, and three saw-mills. Population, 997 ; valuation, $322,336. Clarbmont, in the extreme western part of Sullivan county, bordering on the Connecticut river, and adjoining Newport, was granted October 26, 1764, to Josiah Willard, Samuel Ashley, and sixty-seven others. Its name was derived from the country residence of Lord Clive, an English nobleman. Moses Spafford and David Lynde, in 1762, were the earliest settlers; and, between 1763 and 1766, many others arrived. A large number of persons from Farmington, Hebron, and Colchester, Conn., many of whom were proprietors, came in during the year 1767, and made settlements in diflferent parts of the town. Elijah, son of Moses Spafford, born in 1763, was the first native of Claremont. The first churches organized were of the Congregational and Episcopal orders. Several of the earlier settlers may be noticed as somewhat distin- voii. I. 38 446 IIISTOIIY AXD DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. guished. Samuel Colo, a graduate of Yale in 1731, was for many years an instructor of youth, and died at a gootl old age. Dr. William Sumner, a native of Boston, came here in 1768 from Hebron, Conn., and died in March, 1778; Colonel Benjamin Sumner, who died in May, 1815, aged seventy-eight, was, for a number of years, a civil magis- trate ; Colonel Joseph Waite, distinguislied as having been in the French and Indian wars, a captain of one of Rogers's companies of Rangt'rs, and as commander of a regiment in the war of the Revolution, died in October, 1776 ; Captain Joseph Taylor, who died in March, 1813, at the age of eighty-four, took part in the siege of Louisburg, the French and the Revolutionary wars, and was, with one Farwell, cap- tured by the Indians in the summer of 1755, taken to Canada, and sold to the French; Hon. Samuel Ashley, who came here in 1782, and had served in the wars of 1745 and 1755, filled several civil offices, among ClaremoDt Village. which was that of judge of the court of common pleas : he died in Feb- ruary, 1792. Hon. Caleb Ellis was member of Congress in 1804, of the executive council from 1809 to 1810, and judge of tiie superior court from 1813 till his deatii. May 9, 1816 : the late Hon. Ralph Metcalf, governor of this state from 1855 to 1857, was also a resident. Claremont is possessed of an undulating surface, which is covered with a rieli, gravelly loam, presenting advantages of a superior order to the agriculturist. Meadows, pastures, and interval are met with in NEW HAMPSHIKE — TOWN OF CLAREMONT. 447 abundance ; the latter, along the rivers, being rich and luxuriant. Green mountain, lying near Newport, is the only elevation of note. The hills and acclivities are capable of cultivation to their summits. Sugar river and the Connecticut, together with numerous other rivers and rivu- lets, furnish ample supplies of water. Sugar river runs through Clare- mont village, affording an immense water-power, the fall in three quar- ters of a mile being one hundred and fifty feet. Each twenty feet fur- nishes sufficient power to carry twenty thousand spindles, — the entire fall through the town being two hundred and fifty feet. Claremont vUlage, an accurate original view of which is given on the preceding page, is a thriving place, quite thickly settled, and having manufacturing interests of an extensive character. The private dwell- ings and the buildings generally, as well here as in other parts, indicate the wealth and prosperity with which the inhabitants are blessed. The following are the principal manufacturing works in the village. The Sunapee Mills, with a capital of $30,000, manufacture ten thousand yards of sheetings and drillings weekly, consuming 104,000 pounds of cotton annually. The Monadnock Mills, for the manufacture of cotton goods, have a factory building of 418 feet in length, including wheel-house and repair-shop, the main wings of which are 124 feet long, sixty feet wide, and five stories high. The capital stock is 0200,000 ; the number of operatives, 400 — one hundred males, three hundred females ; the amount of stock annually consumed, 725,000 pounds ; the amount of goods manufactured, 2,050,000 square yards ; and the amount of money annually paid to operatives, $75,000. The Claremont Machine "Works manufacture engine-lathes and planers, for which the highest premiums have been received at the Crystal Palace, and have a capital stock of $15,000, employing thirty hands. The Home Mills, with a capital of $30,000, manufacture 363,000 yards of thirty-seven inch sheetings, consume 80,000 pounds of cotton, and pay out annually to operatives |78,000. The woollen factory of Sanford and Rossiter, with a capital of $40,000, manufactures 45,000 yards of cassimeres, and consumes 50,000 pounds of wool every year; number of operatives, thirty. The Claremont Manufacturing Company was incorporated in 1852 with an authorized capital of $500,000, $100,000 of which has been paid in ; has three mills with nine engines ; manufactures two hundred and fifty tons of paper per year, and blank books to the amount of $50,000; employs forty males and fifty females. There are in this village forty-six stores; two banks — the Claremont, and the Sullivan Savings Institution ; and two large shoe manufactories, em- ploying a great many hands. West Claremont is the name of a second viUage, also possessing 448 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OP NEW ENGLAND. many advantages. There are in Claremont seven church edifices — two Episcopal, a Methodist, a Congregationalist, a Universalist, a Baptist, and a Roman Catholic ; nineteen school districts ; and two post-offices — Claremont and "West Claremont : also, three hotels • — the Fremont house, the Sullivan house, and the Island house ; two weekly newspapers — the National Eagle, and the Northern Advocate ; besides, — in West Claremont village, — two paper-mills, two saw-mills, two grist-mills, one store, and a hotel. The Concord and Claremont Railroad is projected, and the Sullivan passes through the town. Pop. 3,606 ; valuation, $2,072,601. Clakksvillb, Coos county, lies in the most northerly part of the state, and is one hundred and fifty-six miles from Concord. A part of the town comes within the famous Indian Stream territory, the settlement of which has been principally made since 1810. It was endowed with corporate privileges in June, 1854, and adjoins Pittsburgh, with which it is classed for the election of representative. The appearance of the country is broken and hilly, and the soil requires more than common efforts to make it yield even average crops. Clarksville pond, having an area of one hundred acres, and Carr pond, of about thirty acres, are the only two bodies of water in town. Indian Stream, and several tributaries of the Connecticut river, pass through the settlement. There are three school districts, with an attendance of sixty-six scholars ; and a post-office : also, two saw-mUls and one grist-mill. Population in 1857, 200 ; valuation, $48,550. CoLEBKOOK, in Coos county, has an area of 25,000 acres, and is one hundred and forty miles from Concord. It was originally granted to Sir George Colebrook, and the act of incorporation was passed Decem- ber 1, 1790. It is watered by the Mohawk river, which affords some fine locations for mills ; and by other smaller streams. The soil has good agricultural capacities, which are moderately improved. There is some excellent interval land along the valleys of the Mohawk and the Connecticut. There are three villages — Colebrook Corner, Factory VUlage, and Kidderville ; two churches — Congregationalist and Union ; an academy, with a fund of $12,000 : also, a starch manufactory, four saw-mills, and two grist-mills. The trade of the place consists in starch, grass-seed, beef, pork, mutton, wool, and other articles of country pro- duce. There are eleven school districts, and one post-office. Popula- tion, 908 ; valuation, $244,455. Columbia, Coos county, on the Connecticut river, has an area of 37,822 NEW HAMPSHIRE CITY OP CONCORD. 449 acres, and is one hundred and thirty-five miles from Concord. It was granted December 1, 1770, to Sir James Cockburne of London, and others, from which circumstance it received the. plantation name of Cockburne. It was incorporated December 16, 1797, and its name was changed to Columbia, June 19, 1811. The township originally comprised only 32,000 acres ; but the annexation of Wales Location, made it up to 37,822 acres. The surface is uneven and mountainous along the south- ern limits, and from the elevations descend a number of streams into the Connecticut, amply watering the soil, and affording fine mill privi- leges. The soil is of good quality. A very remarkable pond, called Lime, lies two miles southeast of Chamberlain's Town, in Colebrook, on a small branch of Simm's stream. It is 160 rods long and fifty wide, of an oval and rather irregular shape, bottomed to a depth of six feet with pure white, calcareous marl : in connection with this myriads of shells are found, immense numbers of which are still seen in the waters of the pond, usually collected under loose stones. This marl makes good lime. Impure blue and gray limestone exists in abun- dance around the shores of the pond. There is a little village in the northwest part of the town, called the Valley, containing the only church edifice, which is owned by the Baptists and Methodists. The trade consists in very little except country produce. Considerable quantities of lumber, however, are manufactured, and transported to market on rafts down the Connecticut, Maple sugar is also manufactured largely. There are four saw-mills, three grist-mills, two clapboard machines, and one starch-mill : also, ten school districts, with a good school-house in each ; and one post-office. Population, 762 ; valuation, $163,712. Concord, Merrimack county, first called Penacook, lying on both sides of Merrimack river, is a city, and the capital of New Hampshire. It was granted by Massachusetts, January 17, 1725, to Benjamin Stevens, Ebenezer Eastman, and ninety-eight others, and was laid out the year following, seven miles square. Some difficulty arose with New Hampshire in reference to the grant thus made, this jurisdiction claim- ing that Massachusetts had no authority over the territory, w^hich was not settled for a number of years. According to tradition, several per- sons, among whom were Henry Rolfe and Richard Urann, passed the winter of 1726 here, suffering severely from the cold and for want of suitable provisions, till relieved by friendly Indians, some of whom still dwelt in Penacook. In 1727, Captain Ebenezer Eastman moved his family in, and the same year a block-house, forty feet by twenty- five, was erected, intended to serve the double purpose of a fort and meeting-house. In 1728, arrangements were made for building a saw- 38* 450 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. mill and grist-mill, and for the establishment of a ferry. In 1730, Rev. Timothy Walker was settled as minister, with a salary of £100. From 1731 till 1733, Penacook was in a transition state from a plantation to an incorporated town ; but, towards the latter part of 1733, corporate privileges were conferred upon it with the name of Rumford. In No- vember, 1739, it was voted to construct a garrison around the house of Rev. Mr. Walker, at the town's cost. In 1741, when the division line was run between Massachusetts and New Hampshire, Rumford fell within the bounds of the latter province, which was received with gen- eral regret by the citizens ; and a petition presented to the king, praying to be continued under the jurisdiction of Massachusetts bay ; but all was in vain. Thus far the people had enjoyed a good degree of peace and pros- perity, and had made rapid progress in agriculture and the arts and comforts of life. From 1744 to 1762, however, they were most of the time in a state of alarm and trouble, chiefly from the Indians, instigated by the French from" Canada. Petitions were presented (one of which was signed by sixty-four persons), to New Hampshire and to Massa- chusetts, for men and means ; and, in answer to these petitions, early in 1745, two small companies were furnished by New Hampshire and two by Massachusetts. In 1746, seven garrisons or forts were erected, built of hewn logs, lying flat one upon the other, having within their inclosure several small buildings for the accommodation of families. In the one round the house of Rev. Mr. Walker were stationed eight men, with their families ; in that round the house of Ebenezer Eastman, thirteen ; in that of the house of Jonathan Eastman, eight; in that of Henry Love- joy, ten ; in that of Jeremiah Stickney, twenty ; in that of Joseph Hall, fifteen ; and in that of Timothy Walker, Jr., twenty-two, and their fami- lies. Yet, notwithstanding these precautionary measures, five men were killed by the Indians, and two taken prisoners, August 11, 1746. The names of those killed were Samuel and Jonathan Bradley, Obadiah Peters, John Bean, and John Luf kin, to whose memory a monument was erected in 1837 by Richard Bradley, a great-grandson of Samuel Bradley. In 1748, by treaty between France and England, hostilities were suspended for a few years ; yet the Indians still continued to malce depredations, sometimes murdering or carrying off" the whites. In 1752, John Stark of Derryfield and Amos Eastman of Rumford were car- ried to St. Francis, and retained in captivity six weeks, when they weie ransomed. Hostilities were again commenced in 1754, and continued till 1762, dviring which the people had to sustain a constant watch, and go armed to perform almost every duty. In this war, as well as in the expedition to Louisburg (in which Captain Ebenezer Eastman com- NEW HAMPSHIRE — CITY OF CONCORD. 451 manded a company), Rumford contributed her full share both of men and means. Captain John Chandler commanded a company in 1754; Captain Joseph Eastman in 1756, and Captain John Goffe in 1756. Many of the men composing these companies served under those fear- less leaders, Robert Rogers, John Stark, and William Stark ; and their exploits generally were of the most daring character. From 1733 to 1762, a controversy existed between the proprietors of Rumford and Bow, the latter asserting their right, under a grant from New Hampshire, to a great portion of the territory of Rumford.' This grant was made to one hundred and seven proprietors and their asso- ciates — the latter being the governor and lieutenant-governor, and other members of the government of New Hampshire. Most of the original proprietors of Bow having forfeited their rights by failing to fulfil the conditions of the grant, the new township fell into the hands of the as- sociates ; and hence, in supporting their right to the territory, the proprie- tors of Rumford had to sustain a " tUting match," not so much with the individual inhabitants of Bow as with the government of New Hamp- shire. Such being the case, it seemed almost impossible that an impar- tial trial could be had ; for the government itself was almost entirely the tribunal before which the case was heard. Happily the proprietors of Rumford were firm in their purpose, and were determined to stand by each other in every instance. So the case was allowed to proceed ; but as it is not our purpose to foUow it through all its ramifications, we will merely state, that, failing, after successive efforts, to procure any redress from New Hampshire, Rev. Timothy Walker and Benjamin Rolfe were appointed by the town, February 12, 1753, to make representation of the difficulties to the English government. They were indefatigable, persevering, and, eventually, successful in obtaining redress of griev- ances, the king having, by an order in councU, dated the 29th of December, 1762, decided the matter against the government of New Hampshire and in favor of Rumford. Mr. Walker crossed the ocean three times for the above-mentioned purpose, and early secured the ser- vices of Mr. Murray, afterwards Lord Chief Justice Mansfield, who had first the management of the case as attorney, and lastly, the decision of it as judge. The matter, however, lingered on after this till 1774, when it was settled. In 1765, an act of incorporation was passed by New Hampshire, the title of which reads : " An act for setting off a part of the Town of Bow, together with some lands adjoining thereto, with the inhabitants thereon, and maldng them a Parish; investing them with such privileges and immunities as Towns in this Province ' See Bow. 452 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. have and do enjoy." To this parish in the town of Bow, the name of Concord was given, to express — so tradition says — the entire una- nimity in purpose and action which had uniformly characterized the inhabitants during this long controversy. It will be seen that the gov- ernment of New Hampshire clung to their original purpose of giving Bow the preeminence, which shows that the decision in council was a bitter pill for the government to swallow. In 1751, a new meeting-house, two stories high, was erected on the spot now occupied by the Methodist Biblical Institute. It was built of white oak timber, without porches or gallery, had only one entrance, a door on the south side, while the seats were coarse benches ranged on each side of the broad aisle. Having been improved and enlarged at various times, it was long known as the " Old North Church," the most spacious and best filled house of worship in the state. It may be a matter of interest to the reader to know, that, as late as 1774, negroes were bought and sold in Concord, and that there were quite a number owned in the parish. Many traditions have come down in reference to these sons of Ethiopia, exhibiting the peculiar charac- teristics of the race thus far doomed to servitude. A few of the de- scendants of these slaves are still living in and about Concord. Bears and wolves were quite numerous, and very ti'oublesome to the early settlers ; and, even as late as 1772, they roved around the wilderness in the vicinity of Concord, satisfying their appetites with the young pigs, sheep, and the poultry of the inhabitants. Crows, too, abounded, and for their destruction, and that of the wolves, a bounty was offered by the town. Many amusing encounters with " Bruin " are related, in which the inhabitants exhibited great daring ; " Bruin " sometimes got the best of the fight, but was generally worsted in the end. In 1774, there were two companies of militia in Concord, belonging to the fifteenth regiment — Joshua Abbot being captain of one, and Abiel Chandler of the other. At the period of the American Revolution, 1775, Concord con- tained 1,052 inhabitants, who early manifested their hatred of British tyranny. As soon as news of the Lexington fight was received, Cap- tain Abiel Chandler raised a volunteer company of thirty-six men and marched to Cambridge, ■^'^here they remained a fortnight; and in the regiment commanded by Colonel John Stark were three companies from Concord and neighboring towns, commanded by Captain Gordon Hutchins, Captain Joshua Abbot, and Captain Aaron Kinsman, all of whom shared in the glory of the battle of Bunker Hill. To the provin- cial " congress," held at Exeter, Timothy Walker, Jr. was chosen as representative, May 11th, and again December 5th. The inhabitants were entirely unanimous in the good cause ; for, out of the one hun- NEW HAMPSHIKE — CITY OF CONCORD. 453 dred and fifty-six inhabitants capable of bearing arms in March, 1776, not one of them was returned to congress as favoring the cause of the mother country. The following year, however, several were suspected of " disaffection," and they were immediately advertised as " Enemies to the United States of America," while several of them were confined in jail at Exeter, but were afterwards released, on condition of taking the oath of allegiance, which was done by all except John Stevens. A company was raised for the relief of Ticonderoga ; but news having arrived of the evacuation of that place, the company was disbanded. Probably no greater evidence need be cited of the entire unanimity of a people in a good cause, than that exhibited by the citizens of Concord when called on to enter the regiment of General Stark for the purpose of cutting off" Burgoyne, which resulted in the battle of Bennington. The highest enthusiasm prevailed.^ Colonel Hutchins, hearing that it was decided to raise volunteers for the general, mounted his horse, and rode posthaste for Concord, arriving on Sunday afternoon before the close of pubhc service. He dismounted at the door of the meeting- house, and w^alked up the aisle of the church while Mr. Walker was preaching his sermon. The reverend gentleman paused, asking if Colonel Hutchins was the bearer of any message ? " Yes," replied the colonel ; " General Burgoyne, with his army, is on his march to Albany. General Stark has offered to take the command of New Hampshire men; and, if we all turn out, we can cut off Burgoyne's march." — " My hearers," said Mr. Walker, " those of you who are willing to go, better leave at once." All the men immediately went out, and many of them enlisted on the spot All night was devoted to preparation, and a company was ready to march next morning. Two of the citizens ^ pleaded the want of shoes as a reason why they could not go ; but these were made before morning by Samuel Thompson, a shoemaker. Twenty-eight men from Concord were engaged in the battle of Ben- nington, and Colonel Stickney particularly distinguished himself, and was mentioned by General Stark in his despatches. Another company from Concord, under Colonel Gordon Hutchins, marched to the scene of conflict, but arrived too late to engage in the battle. Another company, under Captain Joshua Abbot, marched from Concord to join the army at Saratoga, in September, 1777. In fact, the inhabitants of Concord ' Jolin Langdon, in tlio ardor of his patriotism, said: " I have £3,000 in money, and fifty hogsheads of rum, and I will pawn m}' house and plate for all thej' are worth, if General Stark will take command of the Now Hampshire troops to cut off' Burgoyne " — adding, " If we gain our independence, I shall be repaid; if not, it matters not what will become of my property.'' — Hlitory of Concord, by Kev. Nathaniel Bouton, D. D., p. 274. ^ Phineas Virgin, and Jonathan Eastman, Sen. 454 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OP NEW ENGLAND. participated in all the dangers, sufferings, and glory, incident to the war: some were with Washington at Valley Forge; some shared in his victories at Princeton and Trenton ; and some were at the scene of blood in Wyoming. Concord w^as the place of meeting for the convention which formed the state constitution, in 1783. In what was called the " Oxford war " (the threatened rupture with France), and in the war of 1812, Concord again exhibited her patriotism, entering readily into the requirements of those occasions. From 1785 to the period of the adoption of the city charter in March, 1853, the history of Concord has been one of uninterrupted progression. From a " plantation " in the wilderness, she has sprung up into a large and thriving city, divided into seven wards, and having a population, at the last census, of nearly nine thousand, which has now considerably increased. In 180-5, it became the permanent seat of the New Hamp- shire government ; and, in 1823, the county seat of Merrimack. Concord has been the residence of many individuals, distinguished in literature, politics, theology, and the arts, to whom a passing allusion may not be inappropriate. Among them may be mentioned, Rev. Tim- othy Walker, the first jninister, who died September 1, 1782; Hon. Timothy Walker, his son, born in Concord in 1737, died May 5, 1822 ; Benjamin Holfe, who died March 20, 1772 ; Dr. Ezra Carter, the first physician, who died September 17, 1767; Dr. Philip Carrigain, who died in 1806 ; Hon. Thomas W. Thompson, who died October 1, 1821 ; the celebrated Benjamin Thompson (better known as Count Rumford), who resided in Concord for a number of years prior to the Revolution, and Sarah, Countess of Rumford, his daughter, who died here in 185$. Governor Isaac Hill, who died in 1851, was also a resident; as was also John Farmer (distinguished as an antiquarian and historian), who died in 1838 ; Jonathan Eastman, Sen., was born here June 10, 1746, and died October 19, 1834; Colonel Wilham A. Kent, who died in 1840, was father of ex-governor Kent of Maine ; and Nathaniel H. Carter, distin- guished as a poet and for other literary attainments, was born at Con- cord in 1787, and died in France, January 2, 1830. Ex-president Pierce was, for a number of years prior to his election as chief magistrate of the republic, a prominent citizen of Concord. Many more might be men- tioned, and much might be written of the lives of those already enumerated. Concord is pleasantly situated on both sides of the Merrimack river, and comprises 40,919 acres, of which about 1,800 are water. It is situated near the centre of the state from east to west, about fifty miles from the Atlantic coast, and the same distance from the Connecticut NEW HAMPSHIRE — CITY OF CONCORD. 455 river. The land is generally good, consisting of interval, upland, and plain. The interval is distinguished for its extent, beauty, and fertility, yielding bountiful crops of corn, grass, oats, potatoes, and sometimes wheat. The uplands are somewhat diverse in quahty, being also uneven, rough, and hilly. They are, however, as a general thing, pro- ductive, forming excellent farms and good pastures. The plains are less productive. An inexhaustible supply of granite exists here, large quantities of which are annually quarried, and used for building pur- poses in Concord, Boston, and other parts of our country. Iron ore has also been found, and excellent clay for making bricks. The principal river is the Merrimack, which flows through the whole length of the township from north to south, dividing it near the centre. Above Sewall's island is a considerable fall, but no available water-power until it reaches Turkey and Garvin's falls. The river is subject to freshets ; and sometimes, during heavy rains and sudden meltings of snow, the whole adjacent interval is covered with water as far as the eye can reach. The Contoocook river passes through the northwest corner, upon which is a fertile section of Concord, affording fine mill privileges for more than a mile in its course. The Soucook river constitutes the boundary line between Concord and Pembroke, — is very crooked and rapid, affords many mill privileges, and has seven bridges across it. There are seven ponds — Turkey, Horse-shoe, Long, Little Turtle, Snow, and Hot-hole, the largest of which are Long and Turkey, the former covering two hundred and sixty-five, and the latter one hundred and seventy, acres. Hot-hole pond is remarkable from the fact that its bottom has never been reached. There are in Concord four villages. The Main village, — frequently called " The Street," from the fact that in early times the houses were all built on one street, nearly a mile and a half long, — is the central place for business, containing most of the public buildings, the principal stores for trade, and shops for almost every variety of mechanical pur- suit. There are here ten churches — Episcopal, Unitarian, Free-will Baptist, Christian, Methodist, Universalist, two Congregational, and two Baptist ; a post-office, and seven hotels, several of which are considered the largest and best kept in the state. A brief enumeration of the prin- cijjal public buildings may here be given. The Methodist General and Biblical Institute was incorporated in 1847, and occupies the old " North Church," which was fitted up in 1846, by the liberality of the citizens, and conveyed to the trustees of the institute for purposes of instruc- tion. In 1854, there were sixty-eight students. The old town-hall and court-house was erected in 1792, and enlarged in 1823. This ancient edifice, together with the county building, built in 1844, of brick, has 456 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. b given place to the new city hall, finished in 1856, at a cost of about ^60,000. This splendid edifice was built at the joint expense of the city and county. On the lower floor are a spacious city hall, and rooms for city offices. In the second story, a court room, rooms for county offices, and for a city library. Surmounting the building is a magnificent dome, which furnishes an extensive view of the city and adjacent country. — The state prison is situated near the north end of Main street, and was first built in 1811-12, but has since been greatly enlarged and improved. The prison consists of four buildings, which, with the yard, cover an area of two acres, surrounded by a granite wall. In 1854, there were 105 convicts in prison, who were engaged in bed- stead-making, cabinet work, and the manufacture of shoes. — The county jail is located near the junction of Pleasant and Washington streets, and is a beautiful edifice, built of brick, in 1852, at a cost of $11,000. — The state house, commenced in 1816 and completed in 1819, extends from Main sti'eet to State street, its grounds being beautifully ornamented with shade-trees. The centre of the building is fifty feet front by fifty-seven in depth ; the wings are each thirty-eight feet in front by forty-nine in depth ; the whole making a parallelogram of 126 feet in length by forty-nine in width, with the addition of a projection in the centre of each front of four feet. The exterior walls are of hammered granite ; the lot on which it stands being inclosed on two sides with a solid wall of hammered stone five feet in height, while the front fences and gates are of cast-iron, with stone posts and sills. The expense of the structure, complete, was ^82,000. The chamber for the representa- tives is adorned with an arched ceiling rising thirty feet from the floor. The senate chamber is eighteen feet in height. The building also con- tains the council chamber, offices for the secretary and treasurer, the adju- tant a'nd attorney-generals, with a spacious room occupied as the state- library. — The New Hampshire Asylum for the Insane is beautifully sit- uated on an eminence on Pleasant street, half a mile from the state house. It has been enlarged and improved since its erection in 1841, and is now capable of accommodating 225 patients. It is a noble edifice, an ornament to the city and an honor to the state. The whole number of patients admitted from its opening in 1842 to June 1, 1857, was 1,476. — Another building worthy of mention is the railroad passenger depot, near the centre of Main street, having in the second story a large and spacious hall, and excellent accommodations for offices. It was erected in 1849. Contiguous to it is an extensive freight depot, and all the nec- essary buildings for engines and cars, and for machine and repair shops. The following railroads centre at this depot : the Concord Railroad, the Northern Railroad, the Boston, Concord, and Montreal Railroad, the NEW HAMPSHIRE — CITY OF CONCORD. 457 Concord and Claremont Railroad, and the Portsmouth and Concord Raih-oad. About three miles from the state house lies the West, or West Par- ish, Village, a thriving place, having a station of the Concord and Claremont Railroad, a Congregational meeting-house, two school-houses, and a post-office. Flannels and blankets are manufactured here to a considerable extent ; and, near the village, is the town-farm and poor- house. In the East Village, on the east side of Merrimack river, about two miles from the state house, are a Congregational meeting-house, two school-houses, a post-office, two stores, and a station of the Boston, Concord, and Montreal Railroad. Fisherville is situated chiefly in Concord, and is about six miles north from the main village. It is built on both sides of the Contoo- cook river, near its junction with the Merrimack, and derives its name from the Messrs. Fisher of Boston, who are proprietors of the larger portion of the water-power. The Contoocook and Penacook mills, for the manufacture of cotton cloth, are situated in this village, the former having been erected in 1836, and the latter in 1846. The former is five stories high, ninety-six feet long, and forty-two wide ; the latter is three stories high, and, including the two wheel-houses, 370 feet in length. On the north side of the river is another mill, erected in 1847 by Deacon Almon Harris, which is three stories high, seventy-five feet long, and forty wide ; it manufactures principally woollen goods. The village is thrifty and growing, having, in 1840, but a population of one hundred, which has increased to about two thousand. There are here small factories and machine-shops of various kinds, a post-office, two large school- houses, as also a Baptist, Congregational, Methodist, and Universalist society, with suitable edifices and halls for worship. Concord has four banks — Merrimack County, capital, ^80,000 ; Me- chanics, $100,000; State Capital, $150,000; Union, $100,000: two savings institutions — New Hampshire and Concord; three fire in- sm-ance companies — Equitable Mutual, Union Mutual, and Merri- mack County Mutual, several other companies having been engaged in operations until a recent period ; five newspapers ^ — New Hamp- shire Patriot, New Hampshire Statesman, Congregational Journal, Inde- pendent Democrat, and Democratic Standard. Several other papers have been established, but are not now in existence. Printing is one of the 1 Tlio first newspaper appeared January 6, 1790, and was called tlie Concord Herald and New Hampshire Intelligencer. It was printed on a sheet fourteen by nine inches, and had for its motto, " The press is the cradle of science, the nurse of genius, and the shield of liberty." VOL. I. 39 458 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. most extensive branches of business in Concord. The manufacture of carriages, boots and shoes, and musical instruments, is carried on very extensively; and in the former, Concord is said to be unrivalled. There are twenty-two school districts, and five post-offices — Concord, West Concord, Mast Yard, East Concord, and Fisherville. Population in 1850, 8,584; present population, about 11,500; valuation, ^4,176,369. Conway, Carroll county, anciently called Pequawket, is bounded on the east by Fryeburg, Maine, and is seventy-two miles from Concord. It is very pleasantly situated on both sides of the Saco river. Daniel Foster received a grant of this town in the year 1675, the grantees agreeing to pay, for ten years, one ear of Indian corn annually. In the year 1764, the first settlers — James and Benjamin Osgood, John Do- loff, and Ebenezer Burbank — came in, building their cabins on the inter- vals along the banks of the Saco, a rather hazardous position, on account of the sudden rises of that river, which fact was fully exemplified in the year 1800, when the " great freshet " took place, which swept houses and barns away in its course. The settlers came principally from Dur- ham and Lee, the glowing accounts of the richness of the soil, the plen- tifulness of game, and the abundance of fish and fowl, being the prin- cipal inducements for removing to this "land of promise." This was formerly the site of an Indian settlement ; and it was with envious eyes that the savages beheld the inroads of the white man upon their favorite haunts. The soil of Conway is plain, upland, and interval, — the larger portion being of the latter, — tracts of which extend through its entire length, from fifty to two hundred rods wide, the surface having been formerly covered with white pine and rock maple. With perseverance, all the land will yield good crops ; but the greater part of it is easy of cultiva- tion. Situated on the northeastern side of the Saco river are three con- siderable elevations, known as Pine, Rattlesnake, and Green Hills. Swift and Pequawket rivers discharge themselves into the Saco in this town. The largest collections of water are Walker's and Pequawket ponds, the latter being 360 rods in circumference ; there is also a spring strongly impregnated with sulphur. The scenery in Conway is probably the grandest and most pictur- esque of any in New England, and has received the highest encomi- ums from the pens of travellers. A writer says : " One who visits the Conway meadows sees the original of half the pictures that have been shown in our art-rooms the last two years. All our landscape ])ainters must try their hands at that perfect gem of New England scenery. One feels, in standing on that green plain, with the music of NEW HAMPSHIRE TOWN OE CONWAY. 459 the Saco in his ears, hemmed in by the broken lines of its guardian ridges, and looking up to the distant summit of Mount Washington, that he is not in any county of New Hampshire, not in any namable latitude of this rugged earth, but in the world of pure beauty — the adytum of the temple, where God is to be worshipped as the infinite Artist, in joy." Willey, in his " Incidents in White Mountain Scenery," says : " The mountains in Conway, and those on her borders, are among the most important things pertaining to her location. To appre- ciate this fully, you have but to take a position somewhere on the main road about three miles south of Bartlett, standing with your face to the north. On your right will stretch up a line of mountains, from Rattle- snake mountain, situated about southeast, to Pequawket or Kearsarge, on the northeast. Sweeping round from this, you pass over Thorn and Double-head and Black mountains till you come at length to the long range of the Motes, that separate Conway from Upper Bartlett. From this point you follow them down on your left till you come to their ter- minus, at a point in the heavens about southwest from where you stand. It is a gtand post of observation to occupy at any time of the year ; but, keep it through the season, and you get a view of scenes which, for majesty and beauty, can scarcely anywhere else be obtained. In winter you will see a parapet of mountains around you, shorn indeed of their summer attractions, but still commanding your attention from the naked and unadorned sublimity of their appearance. Pequawket will rise up before you, like an old sentinel who has stood his post for centuries, amidst the many lightnings and storms that have beat his defenceless head." This mountain is ascended from North Conway. On the western bank of the Saco, opposite this place, are two very high ledges. The most northerly, sometimes called " Hart's Looking-glass," rises, nearly perpendicular, 650 feet. The other, called White Horse Ledge, from presenting the illusion of a white horse dashing up its steep, is 950 feet high. Of late years, Conway has become a very fashionable resort during the summer months, and the hotels and farmers' houses are crowded with visitors till the middle of September. The air is fine and salubri- ous, the mountain streams abound with trout, and some of the ponds with pickerel ; so that altogether the advantages for health and recrea- tion are abundant, and of the best kind. The town contains four vil- lages — North Conway, Kearsarge, Chatauque, and Centre Conway ; four church edifices — two Congregational, one Baptist, and one Union ; twenty school districts, an academy, and a seminary ; and three post- offices — Conway, North Conway, and Conway Centre : also, thirteen stores, two carriage factories, two flouring mills, three grist-mills, one 460 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. paper mill, a large tannery, and several mills for the manufacture of clapboards and shingles. Population, 1,767 ; valuation, $426,468. Coo's County, in the northern part of the state, bounded on the west by the Connecticut river, has an area of about 1,950 square miles. It was created by act of the legislature, December 24, 1803, in which it is thus described : " Coos county shall contain all the lands and waters situated northerly of the line hereinafter mentioned and described within this state, which line is considered as beginning on the westerly bank of Connecticut river, at the southwesterly corner of Dalton, and running on the westerly and southerly line of Dalton to Whitefield ; thence on the westerly and southerly line of Whitefield to Bretton woods (Carroll); thence on the westerly and southerly line of Bretton woods to the southeasterly corner thereof ; thence southerly on a straight line across the unlocated lands to the line of the county of Strafford, at the northwesterly corner of Tamworth ; thence on the line of the county of Strafford to the line of the district of Maine." It contains twenty- five towns, Lancaster being the shire town. Since 1840, two towns and one plantation have been taken from it and given to Carroll. Coos is, in extent of territory, the largest county in the state, and has most of the ungranted lands within its boundaries. Owing to the ex- ceedingly mountainous character of the country, much of the land must ever remain unsettled. Along the banks of the Connecticut and other streams, there are large tracts of interval, which are very fertile. In the south part of the county are situated the principal elevations of the White Mountain range, other summits of the same range showing their isolated heads in various parts. The Connecticut, Androscoggin, and Saco rivers have their origin in this county ; besides which there are a variety of other streams of lesser magnitude, among which may be mentioned the Mohawk, Aramonoosuc, Israel's, and John's rivers. Part of the Umbagog lake lies in the county. The Atlantic and St. Lawrence Railroad passes through the south part of Coos. The name is of Indian origin, and signifies " pines," with which the county is much covered. Coos county belongs to the fifth judicial district. A law terra of the supreme judicial court is held annually at Lancaster on the third Tuesday of July ; and two terms each for this court and the common pleas are held annually, both commencing on the first Tuesdays of May and November. Population, 11,853; valuation, $3,326,774. Cornish, Sullivan county, is situated on Connecticut river, in the western part of the state, and is fifty miles from Concord. Rev. Samuel NEW HAMPSHIRE — TOWN OF CROYDON. 461 McClintock of Greenfield, and sixty-nine others, received the grant of this territory, June 21, 1763, and settlements were commenced by emi- grants chiefly from Sutton, Mass., in 1765, the family of Moses Chase being the first in town. A camp, for many years known as the " Mast Camp," was found erected when the first settlers came in. It had been used by a company employed in procuring spars for the royal navy ; but was occupied by a Mr. Dyke and his family when the settlers arrived. Daniel Putnam, afterwards a respectable inhabitant of the town, resided here the year previous. Cornish was one of the sixteen towns which seceded from New Hampshire and joined Vermont in 1778 ; and it was here that a convention of delegates from several towns on both sides of the river assembled December 9, 1778, and made pro- posals to New^ Hampshire regarding the settlement of a dividing line. Salmon P. Chase, governor of Ohio, Rt. Rev. Carlton Chase, bishop of the Episcopal Church in New Hampshire, and Caleb Chase, one of the wealthiest men of Boston, were born in Cornish. The surface of Cornish is hilly, with the exception of that part lying on the river ; but the soil is generally fertile and productive in the sev- eral varieties of grain and vegetables peculiar to this latitude. Farming is the principal occupation, and the inhabitants are in good circum- stances. Connecticut river waters the western part, and, by means of a bridge, connects Cornish with Windsor, Vt. Blow-me-down and Bri- ant's brooks are the only streams of magnitude, and afford a few good mill privileges. On the latter stream, silver ore has been discovered ; and spruce-yellow paint has been found in considerable quantities on the bottom and along the margin of the brook. Cornish has one village, called the Flats : four church edifices — Congregational, Baptist, Meth- odist, and Episcopal ; sixteen school districts, and two post-offices -^ Cornish and Cornish Flats : also, two grist-mills, five saw-mills, one tannery, and two carriage manufactories. Population, 1,606 ; valuation, $587,748. Croydon, Sullivan county, is situated on the highlands between the Connecticut and Merrimack rivers, and is forty-four miles from Concord, in a northwesterly direction. It was incorporated May 31, 1763, and was granted to Samuel Chase, and sixty-four others, under the usual conditions. The settlement was commenced, in 1766, by Moses Whip- ple, Seth Chase, David Warren, Ezekiel Powers, and perhaps some others, from Grafton, Mass. Seth Chase's family was the first here. Privations and hardships were endured by the first settlers, but Indian depredations were unknown ; in fact, it is believed that no permanent Indian settlement was ever made here, as no vestiges of their habita- 39* 462 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. tions have been discovered. Some stone utensils, such as chisels, gouges, and tomahawks, have come to light, which give evidence that at least they visited the vicinity. The inhabitants of Croydon lent their aid to the struggle which resulted in the independence of the American colonies, and many of them took an active part in the battles incidental to the contest, remaining in active service till the surrender of Burgoyne. The shape of this town was originally square, but additions from it in 1808 and 1809, in the one case to the territory of Grantham, and in the other to that of Cornish, have somewhat altered its form and lessened its dimensions. The surface is hilly and uneven, and is, in many cases, covered with huge masses of granite. The soil, with the exception of the alluvial lands near Sugar river, is generally hard and unproductive. Croydon mountain, the highest land in Sullivan county, extends across the western part. Pine hill, taking its name from its having been covered with pine timber, lies in the eastern part. The town is watered by the north branch of Sugar river, and by a number of ponds, the principal of which are Long, Rocky-bound, Governor's, and Spectacle. The inhabitants are generally engaged in agricultural pur- suits, and in the raising of cattle. There are three churches — Congrega- tionalist, Methodist, and Universalist ; ten school districts, and two post-' offices — Croydon and Croydon Flat : also, one small woollen factory, two grist-mills, one starch factory, two cabinet shops, one wheelwright shop, and two stores. Population, 861 ; valuation, $276,205. Dalton, in the western part of Coos county, on the easterly side of Connecticut river, contains 16,455 acres, and is 110 miles north of Concord. Moses Blake and Walter Bloss first settled Dalton, and, with theii- families, were for a length of time the only inhabitants. Coffin Moore was also an early settler. The act of incorporation of Dalton was passed November 4, 1784, the name having been given in honor of Hon. Tristi-am Dalton, a grantee. The Fifteen Mile Falls in Connecticut river commence here, and flow tumultuously along the northwestern border. Water is supplied by John's river and several large brooks. Blake's pond is the only one in the town. Some of the land is even, while that in the western and southern parts is broken, the soil generally being deep and fertile. It was originally covered with a heavy growth of maple, beech, birch, and ash. Along the shores of John's river the White pine is abundant. Dalton has one village, called Summerville ; one church edifice — Methodist; eight school districts, and one post-office: also, two stores and three saw-mills. The AVliite Mountain Railroad passes through the eastern part of the town. Population, 751 ; valuation, $178,583. NEW HAMPSHIRE — TOWN OF DANBDRY, ETC. 463 Danbl'RY, in the southeastern part of Grafton county, having the Northern Raih'oad passing through near its centre, is thirty miles from Concord, and contains nineteen thousand acres. The first settlers commenced operations about November, 1771, in the eastern part, and gradually extended over the whole tract of territory. It was incorpo- rated June 18, 1795. The face of the town is mostly hilly, with a con- siderable eminence in the northeast part. Smith's river waters the eastern section, where there is some good interval. The raising of cattle and sheep engages a large part of the attention of the inhabi- tants. There are a Congregational, a Methodist, and a Baptist so- ciety; ten school districts, with a high school; and two post-offices — Danbury and South Danbury : also, seven saw-mills, two shingle, lath and clapboard mills, three stores, and one tannery. Population, 934 ; valuation, $253,253. Danville, in the centre of Rockingham county, was first settled between the years 1735 and 1739. The names of Jonathan Sanborn and Jacob Hook are found among those that lived here at that time. The town was formerly a part of Kingston, which it adjoins on the east. It was incorporated February 22, 1760, receiving the name of Hawke, said to have been given in honor of a gentleman somewhat distinguished in the mother country, which was changed to that of Dan- ville, agreeably to a request of the citizens, by the legislature, in June, 1836. During the Revolutionary war, the people engaged with ardor in the general conflict for the " inalienable rights " of man. Several became soldiers in the army. At one time, there were two vacancies in the board of selectmen, they having enlisted in the service. Dr. Thomas Stowe Ranney was, in 1774, chosen to sit in a convention at Exeter for the purpose of choosing delegates to the general congress, which was to be holden at Philadelphia in September of that year. It was agreed also to pay the proportion of the expense of the said delegate at congress. This was raised at the meeting by subscription, the sum being thirty-five shillings lawful money. At a meeting, held in January, 1775, the following resolution was passed: " That the most grateful acknowledgments are due to the truly honorable, patriotic members of the late continental congress, for their assiduity in so nobly defending and supporting the right of America against the wicked machinations of an abandoned ministry to enslave us and our posterity. We are so far from subscribing to the authority of parliament to abridge us of our privileges, that, if death must be our portion in the defence of them, we are ready to sacrifice our lives for liberty." It appears that this town was classed with Sandown in the choice of a representative in 1776, 464: HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. and they have ever since been thus united. The meeting was holdcn at Hawke, June 26, and Moses Colby was chosen to represent the two parishes in the general assembly of the colony. The land in Danville is rather broken, and hard to cultivate. But considerable attention has been given to improvements in agriculture, and the industrious farmers generally obtain good crops. In the north- erly part, there is a large swell of the best kind of land. It is elevated, and the view of the surrounding scenery for many miles is exceedingly interesting. The first church — Congregational — was organized quite early, but the precise date is unknown. The Rev. John Page was settled over it, December 21, 1763, and continued the pastor until his death, January 29, 1783. The Baptists, Free-will Baptists, and Methodists had preach- ing at intervals from an early period, until, in 1841, their efforts were merged into a Union organization. There are therefore two church edifices — Congregational and Union ; four school districts, and one post-office : also, three saw-mills, one shingle mill, and one box mill. Population, 614 ; valuation, $200,484. Deerfield, in the northern part of Rockingham county, eighteen miles from Concord, contains 28,254 acres, and was formerly a part of Nottingham, having been incorporated January 8, 1766. The name originated probably from the great number of deer found in the vicinity. While the petition for incorporation was before the legislature, a Mr. Batchelder killed a deer and presented it to Governor Wentworth, who in return delivered to him the town charter with its present name. Settlements were commenced, in 1756 and 1758, by John Robertson, Jacob Smith, Isaac Shepard, Benjamin Batchelder, Benjamin Butler, Joseph Mills, Andrew Freese, Daniel Page, Samuel Perkins, Thomas Jcnness, Jeremiah Eastman, Nathaniel Weare, John James, and David Haynes. The prevalence of the Indian wars obliged the settlers to make their homes in garrisons ; but, happily, no serious depredations were committed by the savages. Eighteen persons from this town lost their lives in the Revolutionary war. Hon. Richard Jenness and Colonel Joseph Mills were distinguished residents. The former was a representative, magistrate, and judge of the common pleas, and died July 4, 1819, aged seventy-three ; the latter was an officer in the Revo- lutionary war, subsequently a magistrate and representative, and died June, 1809, aged sixty. Deerfield has an uneven surface and a fertile soil, though requiring some exertion to cultivate. The principal eminences are tlie Pawtuck- away, between Deerfield and Nottingham, the highest elevation of NEW HAMPSHIRE — TOWN OF DEERING. 465 which is 892 feet ; the Saddleback, between Deerfield and Northwood, 1,072 feet high, and Fort mountain on the west. The south and south- east part is watered by one of the branches of Lamprey river. Pleasant pond, a beautiful, clear body of water, lies partly here; and Shingle pond, possessing fish of various kinds, lies in the southwest part. In the west part is a remarkable body of water, called Moulton's pond, having no visible inlet, and the bottom of which has never been reached. It is supposed to be supplied by a subterraneous passage, there being always about the same amount of water in it. It has two outlets, one running north into Suncook river, and the other into Lam- prey river. A cave, called the " Indian Camp," with irregular sides, and having its top surmounted by a sheet of granite projecting about fourteen feet, lies in the west part of the town, on the southerly side of Nottingham mountain. On the east side of this curious freak of nature is a flight of steps, or stones resembling steps, by which persons may readily ascend to the summit of the rock. Iron ore, terra sienna, plumbago, and other minerals, are found here. For some time, reports or explosions, which are apparently subterraneous and of a volcanic or gaseous nature, have been prevalent in Deerfield. They are more frequent in the fall than at any other season of the year. Deerfield has three small villages — Deerfield Parade, Deerfield Centre, and South Deerfield ; three church edifices — Congregational, Baptist, and Free-will Baptist; fourteen school districts, and a high school ; and three post-offices — Deerfield, Deerfield Centre, and South Deerfield : also, two large shoe manufactories, five saw-mills, five shingle, clapboard, and lath mills, four grist-mills, four carding machines, and ten stores. Population, 2,022 ; valuation, ^619,922. Deering, in the northern part of Hillsborough county, is twenty-three miles from Concord, and contains 20,057 acres. It was incorporated January 17, 1774, receiving its name in honor of the wife of Governor John Wentworth — Frances Deering Wentworth, of Portsmouth. About the year 1765 the first permanent settlement was commenced. Alex- ander Robinson, William M'Kean, William Forsaith, Thomas Aiken, William Aiken, Francis Grimes, and others, from Amherst, Chester, Londonderry, and Newbury, were the earliest inhabitants. The first religious society formed was the Congregational, in December, 1789. The surface abounds in hills and valleys, well suited to agricultural purposes. There are four ponds, called Dudley's, Gregg's, Chase's, and Mud, the largest of which is situated near the centre of the town, being one hundred and eighty rods long and sixty-five wide. Contoo- cook river lies on the west, and a branch of Piscataquog river enters on 466 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. the east. Plumbago has been found in the north part of the town. There are two church edifices — one occupied by the Congregation- alists, and the other by the Baptists and Methodists ; ten school districts, with a high school ; and one post-office : also, two saw-mills, one clothing mill, one ■ grist-mill, and two stores. Population, 890 ; valuation, |404,814. Derry, in the western part of Rockingham county, adjoins London- derry, of which it composed a part until 1828, when it was incorporated. All that is valuable in point of history will be found embodied in the article on Londonderry. Derry contains 22,600 acres of excellent farm- ing land, the surface in the eastern part being undulating. Here there are some valuable farms, as well as good timber lands. Apples are pro- duced in abundance, and most of the orchards are composed of grafted trees. There are four natural ponds, called Beaver, Upper Shields, Lower Shields, and Island, part of the latter lying in Hampstead and Atkinson. Beaver brook is the most considerable stream in Derry, and issues from Beaver pond, emptying into the Merrimack at Dracut There are three villages - — Derry, East Derry, and Depot Village ; three churches — Presbyterian, Congregational, and Methodist ; two acade- mies — Pinkerton Academy, and Adams Female Academy, the former having a fund of $16,000, and the latter $4,000 ; twelve school districts, one bank (capital $60,000), one post-office, and three saw-mills. The Manchester and Lawrence Railroad passes through this town. Popu- lation, 1,850 ; valuation, $708,240. DixviLLB is a wild, uneven, unincorporated township in the eastern part of Coos county, which was granted in 1805 and 1810 to Colonel Timothy Dix, Jr., of Boscawen. It had twelve inhabitants in 1810, one of whom was the proprietor ; and in 1820 this not extraordinarily large population dwindled down to the meagre immber of two. There are 31,023 acres in the township, some of which is suitable for agriculture, though the major part is a sterile, rocky, inhospitable region, covered with thick woods. Numerous streams of water from the surrounding heights course through the town. The Dixville Notch, a considerable gap in the mountains, walled on each side by immense and almost per- pendicular columns of mica slate, vises to a height of seven or eight hun- dred feet in sharply defined pinnacles, with here and there a straggling spruce or birch tree hanging to some knotty spur, or springing from some deep fissure, in defiance of the sliding avalanche and of almost utter sterility. The road winds through the Notch, and continues on some twenty miles through primitive scenery of the most romantic char- NEW HAMPSHIRE TOWN OF DOECHESTEE, ETC. 467 anter to the Umbagog lakes, and is the principal route of travel. The Flume, a chasm twenty feet deep and ten wide, caused by the decay of a large trap dyke, lies in the vicinity of the Notch, and is the channel through which flows a stream of water. Both these are curi- osities in nature which are worthy of inspection, being wild and grand in the extreme. This immense territory was occupied in 1850 by eight inhabitants — Robinson Crusoes in a small way. Valuation, $11,000. DoECHESTEE, Grafton county, lies among the highlands between the Connecticut and Merrimack rivers, fifty miles from Concord. The first two charters of this town were forfeited by the non-fulfilment of their conditions. The third was granted May 1, 1772, to seventy-two persons, and the settlement began about the same time. The first inhabitants were Benjamin Rice and Stephen Murch, from Hanover, originally from Connecticut. The settlement advanced slowly, and there are still large tracts of land uncleared. The south branch of Baker's river, a tributary of the Mascomy, and Rocky Branch, are the most noted streams. Church Island and ]V']*c- Cutcher ponds, which form the head waters of the Rocky Branch ; and Little, Norris, and Smart's ponds, -which form the head-waters of the Mascomy river, lie partly in Dorchester. Smart's mountain, a portion of which is in this town, is a considerable elevation, its summit afford- ing a pleasing panorama of the adjacent country, the green hills of Ver- mont, and the circuitous route of the Connecticut. The soil is fertile, especially in the intervals ; but the highlands are rocky and uneven. There are two church edifices — Congregational and Baptist; eleven school districts, and two post-offices — Dorchester and North Dorches- ter : also, eleven saw-mills, several clapboard and shingle mills, having a capital of $28,000. Charcoal is manufactured to a considerable extent. Population, 711 ; valuation, $194,165. DovEE, in the eastern part of Strafford county, is forty miles from Concord. On a spring day in 1623, a vessel, whose name is now lost, landed, upon the western shore of the Piscataqua, two parties sent out by the company of Laconia. One party, consisting of Edward and William Hilton (brothers), with a few other persons, took possession of the beautiful neck of land lying between the Newichawannock and Bel- lamy rivers, some six miles up the Piscataqua ; and, with the necessaries which they had brought with them, began the settlement, which, in 1639, received the name of Dover; in 1640, that of Northam; and, in 1641, that of Dover again, which it has since borne. Possibly other set- tlers came over in the years immediately following 1623 ; but, in 1631, 468 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. there were only three houses in all that part of the Piscataqua. In that year Captain Thomas Wiggin was sent over by the patentees ; in 1632 he returned to England, and in 1633 he came back (under the auspices of a new company, of which Lords Say and Brook were prominent members), with "about thirty settlers," some of Avhom were "of good estates and some account for religion," and others of no particular ac- count for either. These settlers, landing at Salem, from the ship James, October 10, 1633, proceeded immediately to Dover, and took up small lots upon Dover Neck, " where they intended to build a compact town." Captain Wiggin, by authority from the owners in England, distributed these lots, recorded the titles, transacted the company's business gener- ally, and " had the power of a governor hereabouts." In the same band came Rev. William Leveridge, " an able and worthy Puritan minister." The inhabitants immediately erected a meeting-house ; and, with the brewery, the tan pits, and other means of practical crafts which soon followed, Dover began its organized existence. In addition to the original purposes of the settlement (fishing), trade with the Indians and the manufacture of lumber soon followed. Both of these were mainly in connection with the settlement of Richard Wal- derne (whose descendants bear the name of Waldron), in 1640, or a little earlier, at the lower falls of the Cochecho, where the compact part of the present city of Dover stands. He built a saw-mill, and soon after a grist-mill; and, for half a century, his house was a frontier trading post. He himself became major, commander of the New Hampshire forces, counsellor, acting president of the province, chief justice, repre- sentative, and speaker of the Massachusetts general court. From 1633 to 1641, Dover, although increasing in population, experi- enced a succession of troubles. The original settlers were Episcopalian ; those of 1633 Puritan. To these discordant elements was added the bad character of some men, who, forced to leave Massachusetts, ac- quired influence in this loose society. The ill results soon appeared. Mr. Leveridge was forced to leave in 1635 for want of support. Rev. George Burdctt, who succeeded him in 1637, was able, ambitious, un- scrupulous, and profligate ; but, before his character became known, he prevailed upon the people to make him governor ; but, soon exposing himself, he fled to Agamenticus. In the ministry he was succeeded by Hanserd KnoUes, a good and jiious man, notwithstanding some impru- dences ; and by him the first church in Dover was organized, in De- cember, 1638. In civil office Burdett was followed by Captain John Undorhill, an old European soldier and a refugee from Massachusetts, having a strange mixture of enthusiasm, ability, and hypocrisy. Under- bill was deposed in 1640 for various crimes. Knolles was eclipsed by NEW HAMPSHIRE — CITY OF DOVEIl. 469 the superior talents of Thomas Larkham, an emigrant of 1639 or 1640, and forced to yield. The discordant elements now broke out into dis- graceful contests, ended at last by the union of Dover with Massachu- setts, October 9, 1641, which the better part of the people adopted as the only cure for their difficulties. It was gladly welcomed by the latter power, who, indeed, claimed a latent right to the territory by virtue of their own patent. The town was made part of old Norfolk county, was represented in the general court, and was subject to the laws of Massachusetts until New Hampshire, in 1679, was erected into a sepa- rate province. From 1641 to 1679, Dover had generally peace, ecclesiastically and civilly. The Massachusetts government bore lightly, and the clergymen were able and excellent men. The only jar in religious matters was that caused by the coming of Quakerism in 1662, and the barbarous sentence upon women of ten lashes upon the naked back. Of course Quakerism flourished with gi-eater vigor in Dover than in any other town in the province. In business the town increased, having a direct trade with the West Indies, exporting principally lumber. In popula- tion it gained rapidly for a time ; the tax-paying males increasing from fifty-four in 1648, to 142 in 1659, and 155 in 1668. It then experienced a check, falling to 146 iu 1675, doubtless on account of the Indian wars. In territory, it embraced, in addition to its present limits, Durham, Madbury, Lee, Somersworth, RoUinsford, and part of Newington, — all of which were included in Dover in 1641, when its boundaries were defined for the first time, and all of which were settled before 1660. In civil affairs it enjoyed virtual self-government. The only disturb- ance was that caused by the royal commissioners in 1665, who en- deavored to find or create a public sentiment in opposition to the gov- ernment of Massachusetts Bay; but, so far as Dover was concerned, entirely in vain. A greater cause of disturbance was the occasional efforts of the heirs of Mason to establish their proprietary claims, efforts which developed themselves more fully at a later period. During this period, some town votes are worthy of copying. One was that of the 27th of November, 1648, when " It is this [day] ordered at pubfique Town meeting that Richard Pinkame shall beate the drumme on Lord's days to give notice for the time of meeting." This method continued for several years. In 1665, it was " ordered that mr. Petter Coffin shall be Impowered by this meitting to A Gree with some workman to Build a Terrett upon the meitting house for to hang the Bell wich wee have Bought of Capt. Walldern." In 1657, " Charles Buckner chosen by voet A Scoellmaster for this town." Other school- VOL. I. 40 470 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. mafsters followed, among whom, early in the next century, was " Master Sullefund" (Sullivan), ancestor of the eminent family of that name. In 1653 the second meeting-house was huilt, — which was " forty foot longe, twenty-six foote wide, sixteen foote studd, with six windows, two doores fitt for such a house, with a tile covering, and to planck all the walls, with glass and nails for it." The third church was built in 1714 (whose bell was hung on a school-house near by) ; the fourth in 1758, which last was used until 1828. In 1658, the worth of provisions was declared to be as follows : beef 2^d. per pound, pork 4c?., wheat 6s. per bushel, malt 6s., and pease 6s. From 1679 to the close of the Indian wars, Dover suffered extremely. Population, it is true, largely increased during the latter part of the period : thus the number of poUs in 1675 was 131, and in 1727, 466, (Newington in both cases being excluded). Nor did any ecclesiastical troubles occur, beyond the efforts of the present town of Durham to obtain separate authority, in which they succeeded in 1716 ; and the question, whether the proper site for a place of worship was not at Cochecho, instead of Dover Neck, which question was settled in 1711, by having the meetings alternate, and, in 1720, by the entire removal to the newer but far larger place. But the Indian wars severely impaired, for a long series of years, the prosperity of the place. It was a frontier town, touching the forests which stretched away to Canada, defending an extensive frontier, and possessing but a scat- tered population. In addition to the general causes of Indian hostility, in their own jealousy and the machinations of the French, local differ- ences had grown out of trading operations. Suspicions of hostility had been so far excited, as early as 1667, as to lead, at that time, to the fortification of the meeting-house, by " intrenchments and flankarts," in whose inclosure sentinels paced during divine service, and whose ruins are still visible. On the breaking out of the general war of 1675, there commenced a series of attacks upon the inhabitants, which, with occa- sional and sometimes protracted intervals of peace, did not wholly end until the treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle. As most of these were petty affairs, and of the same general character, it is unnecessary to narrate them particularly. Exposed houses were captured and burned; individuals at worlv were killed ; inhabitants were waylaid and shot on their way to church ; captives were carried to Canada, to be ransomed at a heavy expense, or, in repeated cases, to live and die there, where the blood of Dover settlers is still perpetuated. On the other hand, Indians were often surprised ; their stores of provisions were destroyed ; the woods were scoured by rangers, especially by parties of exasperated young men ; and sometimes severe blows were struck. The most de- NEW HAMPSHIRE — CITY OF DOVER. 471 structive affair, upon what is now Dover soil, may be more particularly noticed. It occurred on the morning of the 28th of June, 1689. Thirteen years before, at a time when, although war had broken out on the Kennebec, there was peace at Piscataqua, four hundred Indians were assembled at Cochecho, two hundred of whom were refugees from the south of Massachusetts ; and, ignorant of the unity of the government, thought themselves safe with Major Walderne, who then commanded the forces of that territory. Two companies of whites, on their way to the Ken- nebec, stopped at Dover, who brought with them orders to seize all Indians recently hostile, which they would have proceeded by force to obey ; but Walderne, knowing the bloodshed which would follow, dissuaded them, and contrived a stratagem to seize them by means of a sham fight. It was successful ; the whole were disarmed, and the southern Indians were sent to Boston, where four or five were hung, and the remainder sold into slavery. Thirteen years passed away, during which a relentless thirst for vengeance was cherished. In the course of this period, former habits of trade revived, and whites and Indians mingled freely. But the old enmity was fostered by some of those enslaved who had returned. On the 27th of June, the Indians were noticed to be gathered in unaccustomed numbers. Many strange faces also appeared. Some of the people hinted to Walderne their suspicions. " Go plant your pumpkins, and I will tell you when the Indians wiU break out," was his merry reply. That evening, a young man told him that the town was fuU of Indians. " I know the Indians very well," said Walderne, " and there is no danger." The Indians told him that a number of Indians were coming to trade next day. " Brother Walderne," said Messandowitt, as they sat at supper, " what would you do if the strange Indians should come ? " — "I could as- semble a hundred men by lifting up my finger," ^v&s his careless answer. In the evening two squaws applied at each garrison house (Walderne's, Heard's, Otis's, Paine's, the two Coffins', and Gerrish's,) for permis- sion to sleep before the kitchen fire, as had often been done before. It was granted at Walderne's, Heard's, the elder Coffin's, and Otis's. In the hour of deepest quiet the doors were opened; the Indians in waiting entered. Walderne, though seventy-four years old, defended himself with vigor until stunned by a blow on the back of his head. The Indians then dragged him into the hall, placed him in his chair upon the table, with a derisive cry, " Who shall judge Indians now ? " and cut him across the breast in turn, each exclaiming, " I cross out my account," and finally killed him. A messenger sent from Boston with warning of this very attack was delayed a night at Newbury. When 472 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. he reached Cochecho the next morning, he found four or five houses burnt, four garrisons destroyed, twenty-three persons killed, and that twenty-nine were captives on their way to Canada. Among these was Christine Otis, whose romantic adventures a limited space forbids us to recount. Other attacks were made upon other parts of what was then Dover, more disastrous still ; but each is noticed in the account of the towns as now incorporated. Other attacks were made also upon Dover soil, but the intrepid settlers never fell back for a day from their frontier position. Among the various arts to surprise the whites, tradi- tion has preserved the following: The haymakers, having made hay upon a meadow a mile or more up the river from the falls, had piled it into cocks and left it. One warm day, when the men were absent from Walderne's garrison (a few rods from the lower falls), and the doors were open for air, the women noticed the haycocks floating down the stream. They exclaimed against this wanton mischief; but none, save one, paid any further attention to it; and she, as she sat carelessly looking, was suddenly surprised to see the cocks edging towards the shore. A close inspection revealed the cause — under every haycock was an Indian swimming. She gave the alarm ; the doors were hastily closed, and the house secured just in time against the baffled savages. In the midst of other troubles, the Masonian controversy revived.^ Several cases were tried at Dover in 1683, Walderne's being the first. He made no defence, asserted no title, and gave no evidence. Judgment was enterc J against him, and other cases followed ; but in no case could an execution be enforced. Riots ensued, the attempt to enforce an execution at Dover being ended by a woman's knocking down the officer with a Bible. Against such a spirit nothing could be done, and the suits were suspended. They again came up in 1703, passed through various courts, and were a source of constant perplexity to the people, and great complication in political affairs, until 1746.^ From the conclusion of the Indian wars to the Revolution, nothing peculiar marks tlie history of Dover. Its business (including shipbuild- ing) continued to increase. Its population in 1767 was 1,614, having already lost Madbury and Somersworth (including Rollinsford), Durham, and Lee. The population of the original territory at that time was 5,446. In 1775 the population of the original Dover was 5,476 ; of the present Dover, 1,666, including twenty-six slaves.^ During the Revolution it bore its part of the burdens, supplying largely both troops and money. An entire regiment was enlisted at Dover by Colonel John Waldron, 1 See ante, p. 379. ' See ante, p. 380. ' In all these cases Newington is excluded. NEW HAMPSHIRE CITY OF DOVER. 473 under whom it joined the army at Cambridge. The town itself jDaid bounties to all who enlisted. All through the war, in Rhode Island, at Bennington, at Saratoga, at New York, and on every field where northern troops were found, Dover men were in active service ; while, at sea, not a few of its hardy sons were the followers of John Paul Jones. The last person known to have served with him. Dr. Ezra Green, sur- geon on board the Ranker, died in Dover, July 27, 1847, aged one hun- dred and one years and one month, being previous to his death the oldest living graduate of Harvard College. From the close of the war until the introduction of cotton manufac- ture, the town grew somewhat slowly. Its population in 1790 was 1,998 ; in 1800, 2,062 ; in 1810, 2,228 ; in 1820, 2,871. It was, so far, a farming and ship-building town. But, with the erection of cotton mills, a change came over the place. The succession of saw-miUs, grist-mills, fulling-mills, oil mills, and nail factory, which had covered 181 years, ended in 1821, when the " Dover Factory Company " was incorpo- rated, by which, and its successor, the " Cochecho Manufacturing Company," have been erected four mills, running 48,688 spindles and 1,188 looms, and printing its own animal product of 10,000,000 yards of cottons, in print-works of an unsurpassed character. This company employs four hundred males and nearly eight hundred females. There are also flannel mills, a steam, grist, and saw-mill, machine-shops, a bobbin manufactory and extensive shoe manufactories, besides large annual products from fertile farms. Dover now contains ten churches; namely, the "First" (Orthodox Congregational), organized December, 1638 ; Methodist Episcopal, 1824; Universalist, March 23, 1825; First Free-will Baptist, September 15, 1826; Unitarian, September 4, 1827; Baptist, 1827; Roman Catholic, church dedicated September 26, 1830 ; Episcopal, September 20, 1839 ; Washington street Free-will Baptist, February 4, 1840, and the Friends' Society, whose " meeting" was establishecl about 1680. Each of these denominations has a church edifice, and the central part of the city con- tains school-houses, two of which are rarely surpassed. Dover became a city, September 1, 1855. Hon. Andrew Peirce was the first mayor. It is the shire town of Strafford county, and has a jail and court-house, and county offices: also, four banks, with an aggregate capital of ^420,000, and two savings banks : an academy, a library, a post-office, twelve school districts, and other social and business advantages propor- tionate to its wealth. Hon. John P. Hale, United States senator from New Hampshire, and Ex-governor Noah Martin, are residents of this city. The situation of Dover is exceedingly pleasant. Gentle elevations, 40* 474 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. easy swells of land, and winding streams, cliaracterizc its surface. From the high ridge between the rivers Newichawannock and Bellamy, ,g„a»*^^"^*''^'^^^ and from another elevation ovcrlooldng the waters of Great Bay with the Wiunicumet, the Lamprey, the Swamscott, the Shankhassick, and the Ncwicliawannock (with its tributary the Cochccho), all uniting to form the Piscataqua, rolling away in the distance, views may be had of uncommon beauty. The Newichawannock (which divides the town from the State of Maine), and the Bellamy and Cochecho, which flow through the town in a southeast direction, not only add to its beauty, but also to its wealth, by their direct and navigable comiection with the ocean. In the last named, the tide flows to the centre of the city, fur- nishing a highway, which was of great value before the construction of the Boston and Maine Railroad, and which a line of packets still im- proves. The Cochecho Railroad, on the north, furnishes also a direct communication with Lake Winncpcsaukce, and thus to the interior of New Hampshire. Population, 8,186 ; valuation, $3,629,442. Dublin, in the eastern part of Cheshire county, adjoins Marlborough on the south, Peterborougli on the cast, and is forty-four luiles from Concord. The grant of this tract of land ^vas made by the Masonian proprietors, Novejuljer 3, 1749, to Matthew Thornton and ihirty-nine others, residing in difterent towns in the middle and eastern parts of NEW HAMPSHIRE — TOWN OF DDBLIN. 475 New Hampshire ; but none of them, it is thought, ever resided within the limits of the grant. The first person who came in was WiUiani Thornton, arriving here probably in 1752, where he remained but a few years, having left, it is presumed, through dread of the Indians. In 1760, John Alexander, William McNee, Alexander Scott, and William Scott, his son, and James Taggart and son, all from Peterborough, were in the town. These were what were termed Scotch-Irish ; but they did not permanently reside here, having all left before 1771. Henry Strongman, from the same town, was the first permanent settler. The remainder of the early inhabitants came principally from Sherborn, Mass., and among them were Thomas Morse, Levi Partridge, William Greenwood, Sam- uel and Joseph Twitchell, Jr., Eli Morse, Moses Adams, Benjamin Mason, and others. Dublin was incorporated in March, 1771, receiving its name probably from the fact that Henry Strongman, the first settler, was born in Dublin, Ireland. Prior to this, it was called " Monadnock, No. 3," 1 and sometimes " North Monadnock." Upon these first efforts necessary to the progress of a settlement, the inhabitants entered with zeal, and their labors were ultimately crowned with those comforts with which patient toil is sure to be rewarded. In the war of the Revolution, out of the fifty-seven male voters in town, not one of them refused to sign the " declaration " which was sent round to the several committees of safety by the Continental Congress. In all that pertained to the progress of the struggle, the people cooperated heartily and unanimously, and many of them served in the campaigns. By the year 1773, the proprietors of the township had expended about six hundred dollars towards erecting a meeting-house ; but in April of that year they voted not to raise any more money at present for that purpose. This was the last meeting held by them for ten years, until September 11, 1783, when they voted to give the meeting-house to the town, instead of finishing it themselves. It was accepted by the town, probably in a rough-boarded condition. Measures were taken for its completion, and every purchaser of " pew-ground," as the space upon the floor was termed, was to build his pew, in a certain prescribed man- ner, whenever required so to do by the committee appointed to finish the house, under pain of forfeiting his lot. There was also this provis- ion : " Every person that owns a pew shall occupy no other seat in the meeting-house until his pew be as full-seated as is comfortable for those that seat it ; and if any person owns more than one pew, he shall not shut it up and keep people from sitting in it." But we find from the ' It seems that the name Monadnock, witli numbers 1, 2, 3, etc., was applied to eight townships, of which this was one. This township was sometimes also called Novth Monadnock, in respect to Jaffiey and Rindge, lying south of it 476 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. town records, that in 1788 the meeting-house was still unfinished ; and, indeed, it has been doubted whether it was ever finished at all. The reason for giving so much space to this subject is, that it seems to have been the chief question raised at town meetings for forty years, contin- ually haunting the vision of the conscience-stricken citizens. The agi- tation was renewed early in the present century, and the town voted to build — appointed committees to locate — accepted the reports of such committees — got up a disagreement about the location — could not agi-ee upon terms — and kept the question as a football until June, 1818, when the house was raised upon School-house hill, the fact being re- garded as little less of a miracle than the arrival in Canaan was to the Israelites after their sojourn of forty years. The first minister in town. Rev. Joseph Farrar, was settled in 1771. Rev. Edward Sprague was ordained in 1777, and continued until his death in 1817, although, for the last sixteen years, with a voluntary re- linquishment of his salary. He was a man widely known, by means of many jokes put in circulation respecting him, — the truth of very few of them, however, having yet been shown, — probably on account of his ignorance of the customs of an agricultural community. He had been brought up in Boston, educated at Harvard college, and, although a good scholar and of ready wit in conversation, had an inaptitude for a rustic, and perhaps a practical, life. Dublin has the same diversity of hill and valley that is found in the other towns in this section of the state. Dividing Dublin from Jaffrey in the southwest is the grand Monadnock mountain, 3,450 feet above the level of the sea, which can be seen from the dome of the state- house in Boston, and is a conspicuous landmark for mariners. In the north of the centre is another mountain, — called Beech mountain, — from the top of which some beautiful views can be had of the scenery along the Contoocook and Connecticut river valleys, of the Green mountains, as well as of other points of note. The land, though hard and rocky, will yield, with due attention, Indian corn, oats, barley, and potatoes, and, in some cases, wheat and rye. Fruits of various kinds are common. The streams in Dublin are small. Those on the west side run into the Ashuelot; those on the east side into Contoocook river. There are several ponds, the principal of which are Long and Centre ; the former lying in the north, and the latter in the centre. Dublin con- tains three villages — one in the centre, one in the northwest corner, known as Pottsville, and one on the north line, lying partly within its limits, called Harrisville ; four church edifices — Unitarian, Congrega- tional, Baptist, and Methodist; ten school districts, and two post- offices — Pottsville and Dublin : also, three woollen factories, five shops NEW HAMPSHIKE — TOWN OF DUMMER, ETC. 477 for the manufacture of clothes pins, and two stores. The town has $5,000 for the support of preaching, and $11,000 for the support of schools, left by Rev. Edward Sprague, as well as $1,000 for the latter object, left by the late Samuel Appleton, of Boston, and which is called the Appleton Fund. Population, 1,088 ; valuation, $484,465. Ddmmer, lying in the easterly part of Coos county, having Cambridge intercepting it from the boundary line between Maine and New Hamp- shire, has an area of 23,040 acres, and is 140 miles north of Concord and thirty northeast of Lancaster. It was granted March 8, 1773, to Mark H. Wentworth, Nathaniel A. Haven, and others ; but was unoccu- pied for many years. It was incorporated December 19, 1848, and William Lovejoy, John Hodgdon, and Jotham E. Lang were authorized to call the first meeting. Dummer has made but slow progress in im- provement, an apology for which is found in the mountainous character of the land and the sterility of the soil, disadvantages not easily over- come. The principal rivers are the Androscoggin and the Little Am- monoosuc ; in the latter of which are the Dummer or Pontook Falls. The trade of the place is principally in timber, for the manufacture of which there are two saw-mills. The town is divided into seven school districts, and there is a Free-will Baptist society. Population, 171 ; valuation, ^60,224. DuNBARTON, in the extreme southern part of Merrimack county, is nine miles from Concord. The first attempt at settlement was made by Joseph and William Putney, but the actual date of their arrival is not known. They erected their dwellings on the eastern border of a large beaver meadow, called " The Great Meadow," where they remained for some time ; but fearing an attack from the Indians, then committing some depredations in Concord, they abandoned the place. The first permanent settlement was made, in 1749, by the two persons above named, and Obadiah Foster from Concord, and James Rogers ^ from Londonderry. The principal inducement to settle was the large tract of meadow land alluded to above, of which, it appears, they had no actual grant, though their possession was confirmed in 1751. This town was granted by the Masonian proprietors to Archibald Stark, Caleb Page, Hugh Ramsay, and others, in the year 1751, and was to be five miles square. Many of the original settlers came from Londonderry, ' Mr. Rogers, who was father of Major Robert Ron;ers, was killed by Ebenczer Aver, a somewhat celebrated hunter, who, in the e^'elling, mistook him for a bear, for which he had been lying in concealment 478 HISTOEY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. N. H., and some directly from Scotland and Ireland, and their posterity still retain many traits of character peculiar to the Scottish people. For about fourteen years the place was called Starkstown, in compli- ment to the original proprietor ; but when it was incorporated, on the 10th of August, 1766, it was called Dunbarton, from Dumbarton in Scot- land. The citizens took a noble part in the cause which resulted in the independence of the United States. They fought at Bunker Hill, and with Stark at Bennington, and many of them were foremost in the fight. At home all other affairs were considered insignificant compared to this struggle. Among those early settlers who were distinguished, we may mention Captain Caleb Page, who was proprietors' clerk for many years, and held several of the first offices in town after its incorporation ; and Wil- liam Stark, brother of General John Stark, who joined the British service, and was colonel in the army. William Stinson, and Archibald Stark, brother of the former, were also early settlers worthy of notice. Dunbarton is a more than ordinary country town. Evidences are perceptible, on every hand, of the thrift and industry of the people. Its situation is somewhat elevated, though there are few hills and no moun- tains. The soil is good, and peculiarly adapted to the growth of grain, and for orcharding, which receives considerable attention. The water- power is not of great extent ; and the people generally devote them- selves to husbandry, for the prosecution of which they have a wide field and more than common advantages. Dunbarton Centre is the only village. There are two church edifices — Congregational and Baptist ; eleven school districts; and two post-offices — Dunbarton and North Dunbarton : also, four saw-mills, several mechanic shops, and one store. Population, 915 ; valuation, $435,244. Durham, in the extreme southern part of Strafford county, is situated upon Great bay, which empties into the Piscataqua, and was formerly, including Lee, which it adjoins, a parish of Dover, by the name of Oys- ter River. It was settled a few years after the parent town, which was in 1623. Amoiig its early settlers were Francis Matthews, William Williams, John Goddard, Robert Smart, and Tliomas Canvey. These persons settled at Durham Point (a beautiful spot lying at the conflu- ence of Great Bay and the Shankhassick or Oyster River, so called be- cause the early settlers found a bed of oysters in a spot about half-way between the lower falls and its mouth), and, by and by, on the north side of Great bay. A creek is still called " Goddard's Creek." This territory was early in dispute between Dover and Exeter ; but the mat- ter was decided, as early as 1635, in favor of Dover, of which it re- NEW HAMPSHIRE — TOWN OP DURHAM. 479 mained a part until its incorporation, May 15, 1732. In 1649, the falls at Oyster River, near the central part of Durham, were granted to Val- entine Hill (formerly a merchant in Boston), and Thomas Beard, " for the erickting and setting up of a sawe-miU." The mill was built before 1651, and thus business began to centre about the " falls." Mr. Hill had also, in 1655, " free liberty to Cutt through our Comans for drawings Part of the water of LampereUe River into Oyster River." The people at Oyster River, at an early date, had difficulties in eccle- siastical matters with the town of Dover. They complained of the dis- tance to Dover Neck, where the law enforced attendance, — a law which was repeatedly put into operation. As Oyster River increased (it num- bered nearly fifty families in 1669), its inhabitants insisted on their pre- sumed rights. A compromise was effected in 1651, by which the town agreed to support two ministers, paying them £50 each, and to buUd a meeting-house at Oyster River. This was done ; the church stood near the Point; and a parsonage was also buUt, "36 foot long, 10 foett Broed, 12 fooet in the wall, with two chemneyes and to be seutably feneshed." Rev. Mr. Fletcher was procured to preach in 1655, but he left the next year. In 1662 or 1663 Rev. Mr. Hull was there, but soon left. Dissensions still continued until the General Court, in 1675, au- thorized the people to manage their own ecclesiastical affairs. They then settled Mr. John Buss, who remained for forty-five years. He was succeeded by Rev. Hugh Adams, a good and pious man, but knowing far more of Scripture than of human nature. He, at one time, in a peti- tion to the General Court, illustrated his power in prayer by stating how that once, being provoked by the non-payment of his salary, he prayed that it might not rain, and that it did not rain for three months, when he was coaxed out of his purpose, and " appointed and conscientiously sanc- tified a church-fast from evening to evening, and abstained three meals from eating, drinking, and smoaking any thing ; " and the rain came in answer. At another time, in a prayer at Portsmouth, he became greatly embarrassed with the " white horse " of the Revelation, and suddenly stopped ; whereupon one of his brethren remarked, that, at his time of life, if he would avoid a fall, he should be very cautious as to mounting strange horses. John Adams, a nephew of Hugh, was minister here at a later period. It is said by tradition, that when, after thirty years of turbulence, he was about to leave to go to Newfield, Me., then an unbro- ken wilderness, he closed his last service by telling the people to " sing, for their own edification, the first three stanzas of the 120th Psalm " — Thou, God of love, thou, ever blest, Pity my suffering state ; 480 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. Wten wilt thou set my soul at rest From lips that love deceit ? Hard lot of mine ! my days are cast Among the sons of strife, Whose never-ceasing brawlings waste My golden hours of life. Oh ! might I fly to change my place, How would I choose to dwell In some wide lonesome wilderness, And leave these gates of hell ! The Indians made this neighborhood a favorite resort, and many were the depredations committed by them within its borders. The laborer could not go to his field, nor the neighbor to his friend, nor the worship- per to the house of God, without his gun as an arm of defence. The first account we have of their incursions was in September, 1675, when they kUled several men, burned two houses, and carried two persons into captivity. This was followed by another assault two days after, when several houses were destroyed and two persons killed. In 1694, the savages, who were lurking in the woods on Oyster river, attacked the place, and Jiilled seventeen men as they were going to their morning devotions. A large number of the inhabitants had gone to the west- ward, and hence the Indians met with little resistance in their depreda- tions, save from the boys, who were, with some women and children, in one of the houses which they attacked. These little fellows manfully defended the place, wounding several of the enemy, and would not sur- render, even after the house had been set on fire, till the Indians prom- ised to spare their lives. The savages, however, treacherously murdered several children, one of whom they fixed upon a sharp stake before the eyes of its mother. But the most dark and fearful day for the little set- tlement was the attack by the Indians in the spring of 1695. There were twelve gamsoned houses in the town at that time, sufficient to accommodate the whole of the inhabitants ; but, apprehending no dan- ger, they remained in the dwellings, and the forts were in little condi- tion for a siege. The assault commenced by the murder of John Dean, whose house stood near the falls ; and the enemy, having posted them- selves in the most favorable positions, commenced the attack on all sides. From ninety to one hundred persons were either killed or carried into captivity, and five of the garrisons and fifteen dwelling-houses were destroyed. Fourteen persons were killed at one fell swoop. All was confusion, consternation, and terror ; and there was no face which did not gather paleness, and no heart which did not bleed at every pore. NEW HAMPSHIRE TOWJf OF EAST KINGSTON. 481 These depredations continued till the year 1705, up to which time the site of the town might well be termed a " scene of butchery and blood." Half a century of security and peace had visited the settlement, when the Revolution broke out, calling forth the energies of the people as weU as their powers of endurance, for the protection of interests no less dear to them than those they had previously contended for. The citi- zens toolv a decided stand in the cause of our country and our liberties, and acted a distinguished part in securing our independence. There were men belonging to this town who distinguished themselves in legis- lation, and in difficult and doubtful emergencies — Hon. Ebenezer Thompson and Judge Frost ; and other men, who commanded in the field, and gave efficient aid to our armies — Major-General Sullivan, Colonel W. Adams, and the lamented Scammel. No less than fifty of the citizens went into the active services of the field, and twenty of them were lost in the army. Ship-building was once extensively carried on here, but has long since vanished. The soil of Durham 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. To the pro- duction of hay for the Boston market the farmers devote much of their time, — more than one thousand tons being annually exported. The principal river is Lamprey, passing through in a southerly direction, and emptying into Great bay : Oyster river, rising in Wheelwright's pond in Lee, passes through Durham, and falls into the Piscataqua. Both of these rivers furnish several excellent mill-sites. The town has one village and two church edifices — Congregational and Christian Baptist ; two school districts, one academy, and one post-office : also, several saw-mills and grist-mills, and a paper-mill. The Boston and Maine Railroad intersects the town. Population, 1,497 ; valuation, $546,953. East Kingston, Rockingham county, forty-two miles southeast from Concord, was formerly a part of Kingston, the settlement of which was commenced very early, as it was incorporated in 1694. The names of William and Abraham Smith are found among the first settlers of that part of the parent town embraced within the subject of this notice. East Kingston was incorporated November 17, 1738. Jeremy Webster was authorized to call the first parish meeting, which was held January 10, 1739. A meeting-house was built at an early period, and immedi- ately after the incorporation of the town the inhabitants appeared to be interested in sustaining religious worship. At a parish meeting, held May 29, 1739, a committee was chosen to go out and consult the VOL. I. 41 482 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. neighboring ministers for counsel and advice about calling a minister to settle in the place. June 14th. the committee reported, " that the minis- ters would do what they could to assist if Ave conclude to go on, and if we do, they advise us to a fast ; " which advice was followed, and re- sulted in the settlement of Peter Coffin, who remained until 1772. In 1774, Jacob Gale and Ebenczer Bachelder were chosen to go to Exeter to sit in convention for the purpose of choosing delegates to congress. In 1775, at a regular meeting, it was " voted to raise thirteen men, who should be ready to march, on an alarm, to engage in the ser- vice of their country." In 1778, the town voted not to send a delegate to the convention at Concord to form a plan of government; and in 1779, and again in 1782, they voted not to accept the plan of govern- ment submitted ; but, in December of the latter year, they " voted to accept a part of the plan " (what part is not stated) ; and in 1783, the plan as submitted, with alterations, was accepted. The town was classed with Kingston in the choice of a representative till 178-3, and then with South Hampton till 1838, since which it has singly been enti- tled to a representative. The soil is excellent, few towns probably being better adapted to the growth of grass, grain, and the usual products of this climate. The Powow river, which has its source in Kingston, crosses the southwest part, running into South Hampton. East Kingston lost part of her ter- ritory by annexation, at separate periods, to South Hampton and to New- ton. The first meeting-house stood until about 1831, when it was talcen down and a new one erected. This is occupied a portion of the time by the Methodists, Christians, and Baptists severally, and occasionally by others. The town has one school district, and one post-office : also, three tanneries, two carriage shops, one saw-mill, and one grist-mill, both owned by the Salisbury Manufacturing Company. The Boston and jNIaine Railroad traverses East Kingston. Population, 532 ; valuation. $346,007. Eaton, lying in the eastern part of Carroll county, on the boundary line betAveen New Hampshire and ]Maine, is seventy-one miles from Concord, and was granted November 7, 1766, to Clement March and sixty-five others. Some of the first settlers were John Glines, John Banfiekl, Ezekiel Hayes, John Atkinson, Job Allard, Nathaniel Dan- forth, Joseph Snow, John Thompson, Daniel Sawyer, John and Eobert Rennett, and Barnabas and Sylvanus Blossom. The first relig- ious society formed was a Baptist, in 1800. In 1852, the town was divided, and the western portion was incorporated by the name of Mad- ison. Eaton now contains about 25,600 acres, the surface being broken. NEW HAMPSHIRE TOWN OF EFFINGH!AM. 483 though the soil is moderately good on the uplands, while the plains yield excellent pine timber. The principal mill streams are fed by means of springs and small brooks. There are six ponds — Walker, Trout, Robertson, Russel, Drown, and Thurston. Several minerals, among which are iron ore, sulphuret of lead and zinc, have been discov- ered. There are two Free-will Baptist churches, tvvelve school dis- tricts, and one post-office : also, five saw-mills, one grist-mill, one sash, blind, and door factory, one cabinet and chair manufactory, and one bedstead manufactory. Population, 930 ; valuation, $132,014. Effingham, in the southeastern part of Carroll county, on the boun- dary line separating New Hampshire from Maine, is sixty miles from Concord, and contains an area of 30,000 acres. It was settled a short time previous to the commencement of the Revolution, and was called Leavitt's Town. In 1775, Farmer says, in his Gazetteer, that there were only eighty-three inhabitants here. During the war, and for some years afterwards, they found Effingham a hard town to live in ; hard, not only by reason of its being a wilderness, but from the want of means to sustain themselves until they could raise crops from their own soil, and from the embarrassed condition of the whole country, involved as it was in a war with a foreign power, the result of which no one could foresee. Whatever means the people had, after providing for their own immediate wants, they devoted to the country's service. In 1778, the town was incorporated; and in 1780, having raised a surplus of corn, they appropriated it to the support of preaching. The Rev. John Adams was engaged to preach every fourth Sabbath for a year, receiving his board three months of the time, and six bushels of corn per Sabbath, for his services. After the organization of the general government and the adoption of the state constitution, the energies of the settlers were turned from politics and war to the settlement of the town and the cultivation of its soil. The formation of religious socie- ties and district schools was among the foremost objects of their solici- tude ; the results of which are apparent in the intelligence and morals of the people. There have been but few changes in the boundary lines of the town since its incorporation. In June, 1820, however, a part of the territory of Wakefield was included within its lira- its, and on the 23d of December the same year, Ossipee Gore was an- nexed. The surface of the town is somewhat broken ; Green Mountain being the principal elevation, and rising from the eastern shore of Ossipee lake to the height of nearly 1,000 feet. The Ossipee river, forming the northern boundary of the town, is the only stream of note ; besides 484 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. which there is Province pond, a small body of water in the southern part. Effingham has three villages — Effingham Falls, Drake's Corner, and Low's Corner ; five chm-ch edifices — Congregational, Baptist, and three Free-will Baptist; two post-offices — Effingham and Effingham Falls; and eleven school districts: also, a woollen factory, five saw- mills, three grist-mills, and one carriage factory. Population, 1,252; valuation, ^255,063. Ellsworth, in the central part of Grafton county, is fifty-two miles from Concord, and comprises an area of 16,606 acres. It was granted to Barlow Trecothick, May 1, 1769, and was known by the name of Trecolhick until its incorploration in 1802. The surface for the most part is very rough and sterile, and holds out no assurances to its sparse population that they will ever become wealthy by cultivating its soil. Considerable maple sugar is made here, and may be set down as the staple product. Carr's mountain is an elevation of some note, and extends from the north to the central part of the town. The only body of water is West Branch pond, in the southeast part; the outlet of which forms one of the tributaries of the Pemigewasset. Ellsworth has a small church belonging to the Free-will Baptists, and three school districts, with four schools : also, a grist-mill, five saw-mills, and three shingle mills. Population, 320 ; valuation, $45,706. Enfield is one of the southern frontier towns of Grafton county, forty-two miles from Concord, and comprises 24,060 acres, about 2,500 of which are water. The township was gi-anted July 4, 1761, to Jedediah Dana and others, and was incorporated at the same time. Nathaniel Bicknell, Jonathan Paddleford, Elisha. Bingham, and Jesse Johnson were among the first settlers. The first minister in Enfield was Rev. Edward Evans, settled in 1799 and dismissed in 1805. He was a Methodist, and, contrary to the practice of those times which required him who would be a religious teacher in town to be of the order that happened to predominate, which was rarely other than the Congregational, he obtained the land appropriated by the town for the first settled minister. Hills and valleys principally form the surface of the town, which is watered by a variety of ponds and streams, the principal of which are Pleasant or Mascomy and East ponds. The former is a beautiful sheet of water four miles in length, and of various breadth, having a variety of picturesque scenery in its vicinity, as well as Mont Calm, the principal elevation. East pond is one and a half miles long and three fourths of a mile wide. Iron ore has been found, and is supposed to exist in considerable quantities. NEW HAMPSHIRE TOWN OF EPPING. 485 On the Kouthwestern shore of Mascomy pond is the Shaker settle- ment, situated on a fertile plain, and presenting quite a neat and tasty appearance. The inhabitants are about 120 in number, who are divided into three distinct families, each of which has a commodious building for the transaction of their various kinds of business. The buildings generally are noted as much for their unpretending appear- ance, as for their uniform cleanliness. The inhabitants are engaged in agricultural and mechanical pursuits, and take much pains in the im- provement of stock, having recently imported two small flocks of French merino sheep. Their articles of traffic consist, to a considerable extent, of garden seeds, wooden ware, corn brooms, and woollen goods, all of which are of their own raising and manufacture. They have two mills in operation, and are possessed of a handsome meeting-house. Besides this village there are three others, one on the eastern shore about half a mile from Mascomy pond, and known as East Village ; the others are called North Eiffield and Enfield Centre, all of which are situated south of the Shaker village. The Northern Railroad passes through a corner of Enfield, by which a ready market is found for the merchan- dise and surplus produce of the town. Enfield contains three Union church edifices, and one Universalist ; eighteen school districts ; and three post-offices — Enfield, North Enfield, and West Enfield: also, a sash, blind, and door factory ; a woollen yarn and a woollen flannel factory ; one extensive tannery, a bedstead factory, three saw-mills, and one grist-mill. Population, 1,742 ; valuation, $555,383. Epping, in the northern part of Rockingham county, thirty miles southeast of Concord, contains 12,760 acres. It was formerly a part of Exeter, from which it was detached and incorporated February 12, 1741 ; and the next year the inhabitants held their first meeting. An orthodox church was formed December 9, 1747, one of the ministers being Rev. Josiah Stearns, a descendant of Isaac Stearns, who came from England, with Governor Wentworth, in 1630. He was a native of Billerica, Mass., was settled March 8, 1758, and was an unswerving friend of liberty in the trying times of the Revolution. This devout and excellent preacher ministered here thirty years, adding to the church during this time 1,060 souls. The Quakers had a church here as early as 1769, and it is stated that one of them, Jonathan Norris, was impris- oned for refusing to pay taxes to support the Congregationalists. Henry Dearborn, an officer of the Revolutionary army, representative in con- gress, secretary of war, major-general of the war of 1812, minister of the United States at Portugal, as well as holder of several other impor- tant offices, resided in this town in early fife. Wiffiam Plumer, late 41* 486 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OP NEW ENGLAND. governor of New Hampshire, and one of her most distinguished and estimable citizens, resided here till his death.i John Chandler, represent- ative and senator in the Massachusetts legislature, senator in congress, and brigadier-general in the army of 1812, was a native of Epping. The soil of Epping is, for the most part, of a productive description. Several fine streams of water pass through it, diversifying the face of the country, and rendering it one of the pleasant towns of the state. Among them are Lamprey river, running the entire length, and North river, which waters the north part. The roads are well made, and kept in good condition. The population are industrious, frugal agri- culturists. There are three villages — Corner village, Plumer village, and West Epping ; three church edifices — Congregational, Methodist, and Universalist ; eight school districts, and one post-office: also, six saw-mills, two grist-mills, one woollen manufactory, and one bank (the Pawtuckaway), incorporated 1854, with a capital of f 50,000. The Portsmouth and Concord Railroad passes through Epping. Population, 1,663 ; valuation, $523,225. Epsom, in the eastern part of Merrimaclv county, is twelve miles east from Concord. It derives its name from a town in the county of Surry, England, and was granted to Theodore Atkinson and others, belonging to Newcastle, Rye, and Greenland, May 18, 1727, prior to which date there were several families in the plantation. Among those who early settled here were Charles M'Coy, William Blazo, Andrew M' Clary, a Mr. Whittaker, and Samuel Blalve. The inhabitants suffered much from the determined yet transitory warfare of the Indians, and were fre- quently obliged to remove their families from the to\vn, or flee with them to Nottingham. At length a garrison was erected, in which the settlers sought refuge w^henever danger was apprehended. Excepting the capture of Mrs. McCoy, on the 21st August, 1747, — who was car- ried into Canada, from whence she returned soon after the war, — and the robbery of some cattle, the Indians committed no very serious dep- redations in Epsom, such clemency being attributable, probably, to the friendly and conciliatory manner of the inhabitants towards them. Major Andrew M' Clary, a gallant and meritorious officer, who fell at Breed's Hill, was a native of Epsom. Hon. John M' Clary, son of General Michael M' Clary, was killed December 13, 1821, by the fall of the frame of a building in this town. He was for several years a representative and senator in the state legislature. ' The Life of Governor Plumer, by Lis son, lias been recently published by Pliillips, Sampson & Co. NEW HAMPSHIRE TOWN OF EllROL, ETC. 487 The surface of Epsom is generally uneven, the land frequently rising into considereCble eminences, the principal of which are McCoy's Fort, Nat's and Nottingham mountains. The soil, on the average, is good, and well adapted for grazing or grain. Several minerals have been found, as also terra sienna, which constitutes a very handsome paint. Great and Little Suncook rivers furnish water; and there are three ponds, known by the names of Chestnut, Round, and Odiorne's. Ep- som has one village, called Suncook ; two churches — Congregational and Free-will Baptist ; ten school districts, and one post-office : also, two grist-mills, two saw-mills, and several stores. Population, 1,366 ; valuation, $374,780. Errol is situated in Cobs county, on the boundary line dividing New Hampshire from Maine, and was granted to Timothy Ruggles and others, February 28, 1774. It has an area of thirty-five thousand acres, a considerable portion of which is water. Much of the land is still covered mth its native forest trees, and the soil is generally poor. The principal occupation of the inhabitants is lumbering. There are numer- ous ponds and streams ; but the principal body of water is Urabagog lake, which lies on the boundary line, partly in this state and partly in Maine, its length being about twelve miles, and its breadth varying from one to five. The outlet unites with the Margalloway river to form the Androscoggin. This locality has acquired some celebrity through the very interesting narrative of Hon. D. P. Thompson, of Montpelier, Vt, entitled " Gaut Gurley, or the Trappers of the Umbagog." There are no villages, nor even a church organization, in the town. It is inter- sected by a single road, and all the settlers have built their habitations on or near it. Errol has two saw-mills, one grist-mill, and one clap- board machine: also, three school districts with good school-houses, and one post-office. Population, 130 ; valuation, ^55,700. Exeter, Rockingham county, joins Hampton and Hampton Falls on the southeast, and is a shire town of the county. On the 4th of July, 1638, the first settlers arrived within the boundaries of the present town. To Rev. John Wheelwright (who had been disfranchised and banished for his religious views, by the government of Massachusetts), and a party of his followers, is attributable the settlement of Exeter. Wheel- wright purchased of the Indians upon his arrival the country between the Merrimack and the Piscataqua extending back about thirty miles. This little band, being under the jurisdiction of no particular govern- ment, formed themselves into a body politic, — somewhat similar to a democracy, — chose their magistrates, made their own laws, in order 488 HISTOllY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. t that " they might livo together quietly and peaceably in all godliness and honesty." This " combination " existed for three years, when, in 1642, Exeter was annexed to the comity of Essex, Mass. Wheel- wright, being still under sentence of banishment, then removed to Maine, with a few of his adherents. This distinguished man died at Salisbury in November, 1679, aged eighty-five years. He was the ancestor of all the Wheelwrights in Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. In 1643, the arrangement of the counties being changed, Exeter fell within the limits of Norfolk. Various changes occurred subsequent to this; but the establishment of the lines in 1741 put a period to all discussion on the subject of territorial lines between Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Exeter has had her share of the trials and hardships common to the settlement of a wilderness country ; but the greatest sufferings were ex- perienced from the warfare of the Indians. At the time of the arrival of the first settlers there were a few Indians at or near Squamscott Falls, where the compact part of the town is now built ; but they were peaceably disposed and less savage in character than most of the native tribes, and were fully protected by the people of Exeter in their pei-sons and property. These left here about 1672, and settled on the Hudson near Troy. Hostihties commenced in Exeter in 1690. From this time till 1710, the settlers had to confine themselves to the three garrisons in town, cultivating their lands in continual fear of the savage enemy. During the forty years of this dreadful warfare, the horrors of which one can scarcely realize, the killed and captives in Exeter were between thirty and forty, among the former of whom were Ephraim Folsom, Sen., and Goodman Robinson; also. Colonel Winthrop Hilton, whose death was deeply lamented on account of his ma\iy noble qualities. This subtraction from a population so limited in mimbers was great ; and imagination can but faintly trace the harrowing pictures which these inroads in the ranks of the settlers conjured up in the minds of the survivors, fearing lest they should, sooner or later, fall victims to the same savage cruelties. The depredations upon the limited property of the settlers were great, and were severely felt. With these draw- backs in view, it will not seem strange that Exeter, at the close of the first century, had but twenty qualified voters within its limits. About 1712, the Indians, it appears, ceased their attacks. Exeter, in the Revolutionary struggle, sustained a noble part, beino- hearty and unanimous in obedience to the measures recommended by those wise men who undertook the arduous enterprise of ]-)ilotino- the infant republic through the tortuous windings of an unknown destiny. Her inhabitants, without a murmur, bore the dangers and hardships of NEW HAMPSHIRE TOWN OF EXETER. 489 the war, and contracted heavy debts to raise men and supplies for the army. Exeter was one of the first in declaring and steadily maintain- ing the independence of our country, and her records arc full of une- quivocal evidences of her zeal and patriotism. The early conventions, and the provincial assembly or congress, repeatedly met here, until the adoption of the state constitution. Among the eminent and useful men who have been citizens of Exeter we may notice Hon. Samuel Tenney, Hon. Oliver Peabody, Hon. Nicholas Oilman, General Nathaniel Folsom, Governors Jeremiah Smith and Hon. John Taylor Gilman, all of whom held important civil, and some of them military, offices in the earlier years of the republic. Hon. Lewis Cass, who has occupied many important posts in the service of his country, and now stands next in rank to the president of the United States, was a native of this town. He was born on the 9th day of October, 1782, in the Birth-place of Iloa. Lewis Cass. old house, an exact likeness of which is here given from a daguerreo- type just taken, and was the son of Major Jonathan Cass, a soldier of the Revolution. His early life only was spent here. At the age of seventeen, he removed to the then northwest territory with his father's family. The first church in Exeter was, excepting that at Hampton, the first formed in the xState, having been founded in 1638. Mr. Wheelwright, who was a brother-i)i-law of the celebrated Anne Hutchinson, a con- tcmjiorary at the university with Oliver Cromwell, and a friend of Sir Henry ^"anc, was the first minister. After his removal to Maine, the church was brolcen up. An attempt to form another in Exeter was for- bidden by the General Court. No church is known to have been formed 490 inSTOEY AND DESCEIPTIOX OF NEW ENGLAND. until 1698. In the mean time they had a sort of ecclesiastico-civil government. Rev. Samuel Dudley, a son of Governor Dudley, was the minister from 1650 until his death in 1683. Cotton Mather indorsed him as a man who, by the " orthodox piety " which controlled his ad- ministration of civil affairs, did much to save the country " from the contagion of familistic errors, which had like to have overturned all." It is a little surprising, however, that he should have preached so long to an unorganized body. The third minister, Rev. John Clark, was settled, in 1698, over a church of twenty-eight persons then gathered. His suc- cessor was Rev. John Odlin, who was minister of the first church from 1706 to 1754. Upon the settlement, in 1743, of his son, Woodbridge Odlin, as his colleague, — who, with his father, opposed themselves to the measures and influence of Whitefield, during " the great awakening," — a secession took place, and resulted in the formation of the second church with forty-one members, over which Rev. Daniel Rogers, a de- scendant of the Smithfield martyr, was settled from 1748 until his death in 1785. Rev. Joseph Brown was pastor of this church from 1792 to 1797 ; after which the church, for a time, declined. Rev. Isaac Hurd was pastor from 1817 to 1846. Of the first church, after Mr. Odlin, were Rev. Isaac Mansfield, from 1776 to 1787 ; Rev. William F. Rowland, from 1790 to 1828.1 Phillips Academy, a view of which is given on the next page, was founded, in 1781, by the liberal donations of John Phillips, LL. D., who bequeathed to the institution at his death, in 1795, a considerable portion of his estate. It is controlled by seven ti'ustees, three of whom only can reside at Exeter. It generally has from eighty to ninety students. The poorer students are aided in the prosecution of their studies by the funds of this institution. The academy was opened' in 1783, under the preceptorship of William Woodbridge. The late venerable and highly esteemed Benjamin Abbot, LL. D., was the preceptor from 1788 to 1838, a period of fifty years, since which, Gideon L. Soule has served his twenty years. Among its trustees have been Hon. John Phillips, the founder, Samuel Phillips, John Pickering, John Taylor Oilman, Jeremiah Smith, and Daniel Webster. Among its instructors have been Rev. Doctors Daniel Dana, Abiel Abbot, and Joseph S. Buck- minster, James Walker, president of Harvard College, Nathan Lord, president of Dartmouth College, Hon. Alexander H. Everett, Asher Ware, judge of the district court of the United States in JMainc, and Nathan' Hale, the veteran editor of the Boston Daily Advertiser. ' More particularity has been given to the churches here, and a mention of tlie long- est pastorates has been made, for the reason that their history has been so intimately con- nected with the civil affairs of the town. NEW HAMPSHIRE — TOWN OF EXETER. 491 Among its pupils, besides most of those above mentioned, are found the names of Lewis Cass, secretary of state of the United States • tlie Phillips Academy. late Leverett Saltonstall, representative in congress from Massachusetts; Edward Everett, tlie scholar, orator, and statesman of world-wide rcj^u- tation; John G. Palfrey, ex-member of congress, and distinguished as an author; John A. Dix, ex-senator of the United States from New York; Jared Sparlis, the historian; Joseph G. CoggsAveli, of the Astor library; George Bancroft, the historian; Richard Hildrelh, the historian; the late Thomas W. Dorr, of Rhode Island memory; Cliarles Paine, ex-governor of Vermont; John P. Hale, senator in congress from New Hampshire ; Al])heus Fetch, ex-governor of Michigan and senator in congress; James H. Duncan, representative in congress from Rlassachusetts; John P. Gushing of Watertown, and the late Theodore Lyman of Boston, INIass. Such a galaxy of names as appear u])on the catalogue of this institution ^vill not, perhaps, be found in connection with any other academy on this continent. The soil of Exeter is, on the average, good, though it includes ev(ny variety from the best quality io that least productive. The inhabitants are essentially an agricirltural community. Improvements in husbandry are largely entered into. The town is built upon the bank of the Exeter rive]-, called by the Indians Squamscott, and the location is desirable and pleasant. The river is navigable fm- small seliooners. The falls here separate the fresh from the tide w;iter, and furnish some valuable 492 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. mill privileges, which are occupied for manufacturing purposes, to which Exeter owes much of her present prosperity. Exeter has two villages, the principal of which, known as Exeter, is well adorned with trees, and contains many delightful residences and public buildings, among the latter of which are a court-house and town hall, built in 1855, of brick, at a cost of $32,000 ; a county house, where the records of Rockingham county are kept ; and a new jail, built in 1857. The other village is in the westerly part, called Paper-mill ViUage, it being largely devoted to the manufacture of paper. A beautiful view of Exeter is here presented, taken at a point where most of the compact part of the town can be seen. A portion of the town was annexed to South New Market, .January 7, 185.3. There are nine church edifices — two Congregational, two Baptist, one Unitarian, one Methodist, one Christian, one Second Advent, and one Roman Catholic; a female seminary; a public fibrary of 1,900 volumes ; six school districts, with thirteen public schools; the Granite State bank, with a capital of $125,000 ; tlic Exeter Bank, witli a capital of $75,000 ; a savings insti- tution, mcorporated in 1S51 ; and a post-office. The following' are the mcorporatcd companies: The AVater-power and Mill Comj^anv, with a capital of $10,000; the Exeter Manufacturing Company, incorporated m 1829, with a capital of ^$102,500, the buildings of which are of brick, 175 feet h)ng and forty-five wide, and having the main one beina: NEW HAMPSHIRE — TOWN OF FAEMINGTON, ETC. 493 7,224 spindles; and the New England Steam and Gas-pipe Com- pany, incorporated in 1848, and having a capital of $100,000. Be- sides these, there are Flagg's paper-mills, manufacturing $20,000 worth of paper annually; Head and Jewell's carriage manufac- tory, with steam power, turning out $50,000 worth annually, and a number of other carriage factories ; the whole carriage business of the town amounting annually to at least $75,000. The tanning business and manufacture of morocco leather produce about $25,000, and the trade in wool is $200,000 annually. There are also three saw-mUls, four grist-mills, two hub factories, and one steam planing-mill, with circular saws and planing lathes. The Boston and Maine Railroad passes through the village. Population, 3,329; valuation, $1,449,907. Farmington is situated near the centre of Strafford county, tw-enty- five miles from Concord, and contains 21,000 acres. It was originally a part of Rochester, from which it was incorporated December 1, 1798. The surface is broken, and the soil hard to cultivate. There are, however, some tracts of interval on the margin of the Cochecho river that produce very good crops. The Blue hills extend nearly through the town from north to south, from the top of the highest of which, in the southeast part of the town, the shipping in and off Portsmouth harbor can be distinctly seen by the naked eye ; while, to the north and west, the White Mountains, Monadnock, and others of less magnitude, are visible. In 1819, a Congregational church was organized, con- sisting of eight members, and Rev. James Walker for several years officiated as pastor. This town was the birthplace of the Hon. Henry Wilson, now a senator in congress from Massachusetts. Here was the residence of two other members of congress, both now deceased, Hon. Nehemiah Eastman, a distinguished lawyer of Strafford county, and Hon. Joseph Hammons, the only physician in this town for many years. There are two villages — Farmington and West Farmington ; two church edifices — Congregational and Methodist ; sixteen school dis- tricts, one bank (capital $75,000), and one post-office. The chief busi- ness is making boots and shoes. The Cochecho Railroad passes through the town. Population, 1,699 ; valuation, $750,411. FiTZWiLLiAM is in the southern part of Cheshire county, bordering upon the state of Massachusetts; and is sixty miles from Concord. The township originally bore the name of Monadnock No. 4, and was granted January 15, 1752, to Roland Cotton and forty-one others ; but they failing to fulfil the terms of the grant, it was shortly after regranted VOL. I. 42 494 HISTOKY AND DESCRIPTION OP NEW ENGLAND. to Samson Stoddard and twenty-two others. The settlement was com- menced about 1760, by James Reed (a Revolutionary patriot, and after- wards brigadier-general), John Fassett, Benjamin Bigelow, and several others. In 1771, the Congregational church was formed, consisting of six members, and Rev. Benjamin Brigham was settled, and remained the pastor until his death, in 1800. On the 19th of May, 1773, the town was incorporated, taking its name from the Earl of Fitzwilliam. In 1815, a tract of land, comprising 4,200 acres, was taken from Fitzwilliam and annexed to Troy. The surface is hilly ; the soil of the upland is rocky and hard, but suitable for grazing and tillage. The meadow lands are somewhat extensive for such an elevated section of country as this, and are very productive. The town is traversed by the Cheshire Railroad, which has been of great advantage, particularly to the agricultural interest. Farming Avas formerly considered here an unpopular and low business, but it is now the leading occupation of the people ; and many of those who left the plough for the city are now eager to return and enjoy the comforts of a farmer's life in the country. The town is well supplied with ponds and small streams, but they afford no water power worthy of mention. There are three villages — Fitzwilliam, Howeville, and Bowkerville ; two church edifices — Baptist and Union. The Congregational church was burned January 15, 1857, but preparations have been made for rebuilding it. There are eleven school districts and one post-office. Some business is done in the manufacture of wooden ware. Popu- lation, 1,482 ; valuation, $519,972. Feancestown, lying near the centre of Hillsborough county, twenty- seven mUes from Concord, contains 18,760 acres. Its name was given in remembrance of Frances, wife of Governor John Wentworth. It was formed from a place called the New Boston Addition, and a part of Society land, and was incorporated, contrary to the order of things at that time, on petition of the inhabitants of those places, as a distinct township, June 8, 1772. The Masonian proprietors were the owners of the land, and the settlers obtained their titles from them. A part of Lyndeborough was subsequently added to the town. The first settle- ment was made in 1761 by persons from Londonderry, and from Dedham, Mass., of whom John Carson, a Scotchman, was the first on the ground. The former were Scotch-Irish, and the latter English. A Congregational church of eighteen members was formed in 1773, but the house of worship was not completed until 1787. Rev. Moses Bradford was the minister from 1790 until 1827. Prior to the Revo- NEW HAMPSHIRE — TOWN OF FRANCESTOWN. 495 lution, October 21, 1774, several resolves, exhibiting the spirit which animated the people, were passed, and published in the New Hampshire Gazette of November 18th, signed by nearly every inhabitant of the place. Henry Batten, who was a resident of Francestown for nearly forty years, and who died August 25, 1822, at the age of eighty-five, was captured by the Indians during the French war in 1757. Although under the guard of two warriors, by his superior strength and agility he made his escape, with the loss, however, of aU his clothes. In a state of nudity, he wandered between lakes George and Champlain for six days, having nothing to satisfy his appetite except berries and bark, and being compelled to swim the Hudson three times to escape his pursuers. James Woodbury, an active soldier in the old French war and a participant in the siege of Quebec, where he was engaged at the side of General Wolfe when that heroic man was slain, died in this town, March 3, 1823, at the age of eighty-five. He saw much service also as a member of Stark's celebrated company of rangers. Hon. Levi Woodbury was born in this town, November 2, 1789. He graduated at Dartmouth College in 1809, — studied law at Litchfield, Ct., and in Boston, — and commenced the practice of his profession in this town in 1812. He was judge of the supreme court of New Hampshire in 1816, governor of this state in 1822, speaker of the house of representatives in 1824, elected senator to congress in 1825, appointed secretary of the navy by General Jackson in 1831 ; and in 1833, under the General's second term, secretary of the treasury, which latter office he held until the end of Mr. Van Buren's adminis- tration, when he was reelected to the United States senate. In 1849, upon the decease of Judge Story, he was appointed a justice of the supreme court of the United States. While holding the last-named office his death occurred, September 4, 1851, at Portsmouth. Judge Woodbury was distinguished as a man of untiring industry, as well as for great urbanity and dignity of character; and so popular had he become with his party at the close of his career, there is strong ground for thinking, that, had he been spared, he would have succeeded Mr. Fillmore in the presidency. Francestown is watered by the two south branches of Piscataquog river, the largest of which has its source in Pleasant pond, and the other in Haunted pond. Pleasant pond is 350 rods square, and Haunted pond about 300 rods in length and 225 in width. The country is hilly and much of the land stony, though the soil is warm and moist. There are some small intervals which yield abundantly. The mill streams are not very large, and consequently the privileges are not numerous. Crotched mountain is the principal elevation, its sum- 496 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. mit being over six hundred feet above the level of the common in the middle of the town, affording an extensive view of the country to the soutliwest. A very valuable ([uarry of freestone of a dark grayish color, liaving a resemblance to the variegated marble of Vermont, has been discovered and profitably worked, being much prized for stoves and hearths. Plumbago, and specimens of rock crystal of much beauty, have been found, while the common garnet is met with in various places. The second New Hampshire turnpike passes through near the centre of the town. Frajicestown is eligibly situated, but has no railroad as yet running within its limits. The town has a handsome viUage, a Congi-egational meeting-house, an academy, established in 1819, twelve school districts, one post-office, and one bank, having a capital of $60,000. Population, 1,114; valuation, ^536,281. Franconia, Grafton county, joins Bethlehem on the north, and is seventy-four miles north from Concord. It was originally caUed Momstown, and was granted February 14, 1764, to Isaac Searle and others, and incorporated at the same time, the first settlement being commenced in 1774 by Captain Artemas Knight, Lemuel Barnett, Zebedee Applcbee, and others. The surface is very mountainous ; but, along the branches of the Lower Ammonoosuc, which water the town, is some very fertile meadow land. Among the natural curiosities are the Franconia Notch, a narrow pass between Mount Lafayette and Profile or Jackson mountain, and what is called the " Old Man of the Mountain," declared the greatest curiosity in the state. At the height of one thousand feet, on a jiearly perpendic- ular part of the rock which terminates one of the cliiTs of Jack- son mountain, is seen the profile of the human face, formed by a peculiar combination of the surface and angles of five huge granite blocks. There are other points of interest ; but these are the principal, and arc well worthy of a visit from the curious. Near the Notch are two l)odies of water, the one known as Ferrin's pond, which is the source of a branch of the Peniigcwasset river, called the Middle Branch, and the oilier, k)iown as Echo Ijala-, lying at the foot of Mount Lafay- ette. The report of a gun fired upon the shores of this lake may be heard distinctly several times, in perfect imitation of successive dis- charges of musketry. Franconia is subject to great extremes of heat and cold. On the 24th of January, 1857, the thermometer at 6 o'clock, NEW HAMPSHIRE TOWN OF FRANKLIN. 497 A. jr., indicated 49° below zero, and a mercury thermometer taken from a warm room into the open air sunk to 40° below zero in less than twenty minutes. In the summer the thermometer frequently indi- cates 100°. The prosperity of Franconia is mainly owing to the discovery of iron ore in the vicinity. The principal works are situated on the south branch of the Ammonoosuc river, and are owned by the New Hamp- shire Iron Factory Company. The establishment consists of a blast furnace, erected in 1808, a cupola furnace, a forge, and a macliine- shop. The ore is obtained from a mountain in the east part of Lisbon, three miles from the furnace, and is considered the richest in the United States, yielding from fifty to sixty-three per cent. This estab- lishment constantly employs from twenty to thirty men, and from two to three hundred tons of bar iron are manufactured annually. There are also in this town two bedstead factories, a box factory, four saw-mills, and two blacksmith's shops : one church edifice, occu- pied by the Congregationalists and by the Free-will Baptists; seven school districts ; two large and commodious hotels, one situated at Franconiaville, and the other, the Profile House, at the notch of the Franconia mountain, which is said to be capable of holding two hun- dred and fifty guests. There are two post-offices here — Franconia and Franconia Flume. Population, 584; valuation, ^193,834. Franklin is a pleasant and thriving agricultural town in the north- east part of Merrimack county, seventeen miles from Concord. It was taken from Salisbury, Andover, Sanbornton, and Northfield, and incor- porated December 24, 1828, comprising an area of about 9,000 acres on both sides of the Merrimaclc. The surface is mostly broken, the soil tolerably good in some parts ; but the greater portion of the land requires considerable labor and attention to make it productive. This town has slipped in and borne away the honor which ought ever to have remained to its parent Salisbury — of containing the birthplace of Daniel Web- ster. His father. Captain Ebenezer Webster, who was born at Kings- ton, went into the army of General Amherst, in the expedition against Canada, and, after hostilities ceased, was one of several persons from Kingston who, about the year 1761, entered that part of Salisbury now in Franklin. His first location was about two miles south-west of the village of Franklin, near the west line of the town.' Here his distinguished son ' " My father lapped on a little beyond any other comer ; and when he had built his log cabin, and lighted his fire, his smoke ascended nearer to the north star than that of any other of his majesty's New England subjects. His nearest civilized neighbor on the 42* 498 HISTORY AXD DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. was born, on the 18th of January, 1782. The old domicile has long since ])asscd away ; but those who feel an interest in the places where m-cut men only enter the world, will desire to preserve, as a souvenir, its Birthplace of Darnel Webster. primitive pattern, the roomy yard and ample shade. His second resi- dence, the home of Webster's childhood until he entered Exeter Acad- emy, in 1796, was al)out two miles southeasterly of the village. The father had been an oflicer at Bennington, While Plains, and West Point, and was a judge of the court of common pleas for Hillsborough, until his death in 1800. To the honor of the son's memory it may be said, that his reverence for the home of his ])areiiis afterwards led him to purchase this estate, which had fallen to, and been occupied by his brother Ezduel. Hither the weary man used occasionally to repair; and in this ri'tiremcut, away from the jiolitical cormorants and jiarty para- sites that haniitcd hirn at IMnrslifield and at Washington, soliciting his inlluence in their behalf, he is said to have coiniK)sed some of his most nortli was nt jMoiitronl." " Tlio roar follmvi'ii!! my liirtli, iiiv fallier moved from liis first n'siilciioc, wliirli ivas a Iolt-Iiousi' on tlio liill, to tlte vivor sido, in tlio same town, a clistaiieo. of tliroo miles. Hero in tlie meailow land, by th(> river, with ronijli liills h:\u<_i- im?- over, was tlio seene of mi- earli(-"^t rei-olleetions ; or, as was said in anotlier case, 'Here I found myself" — Welistcr'.-i I'riixile Correspondence, vol. i. pp. 5 and G. NEW HAMPSHIRE — TOWN OF FREEDOM, ETC. 499 valuable productions. But the swift-winged messenger that travels along the telegraphic wire has carried its last messag-e for Webster, and the disk-footed courser, that pants unwearied on his iron-girdled course through Franklin, and across the farm of the late venerable statesman, now arouses by its shrill whistle in the early morn other occupants to the toils of the day. The place has passed into the pos- session of Rufus L. Tay, Esq., but retains the name of the " Webster Farm," and is under a high state of cultivation. The principal village is built at the junction of the Pemigewasset and Winnepesaukee rivers, which by their union form the Merrimack. The w^ater-power is abun- dant and valuable. On the Winnepesaukee are several mills and fac- tories. The Franklin mills commenced operations in 1853, for the manufacture of woollen goods, but were burned down in March, 1857, and have not been rebuilt. The Northern Railroad passes directly in the rear of the principal street, on a high embankment, the track being elevated considerably above a level with the tops of the houses, and the traveller in the cars sees, as it were beneath his feet, a thriving village and a busy population. There are two churches — Congregational and Christian : one post-office, ten school districts, and an incorporated academy : also, ten stores, a woollen yarn mill, an iron foundery, a crow- bar and axle factory, a hat factory, two carriage shops, two paper-mills, and a machine-shop. Population, in 1858, about 1,600 ; valuation, $647,914. Freedom, lying on the boundary line between this state and Maine, belongs to Carroll county, and is seventy miles from Concord. It was incorporated June 16, 1831, by the name of North Effingham, which was changed December 6, 1832, to the present one. The town has a broken surface, but the soil is well adapted for grazing purposes, and, in some parts, is good for tillage. Part of Ossipee lake lies in the town, and Ossipee river divides Freedom from Effingham, affording water power of average capacity. The inhabitants devote their attention principally to the cultivation of the soil. The town has one village, one church edifice — Baptist ; a post-office, and ten school districts : also, four tanneries, one saw-mill, one machine-shop, and manufactories of bedsteads, cabinet ware, carriages, chairs, edge-tools, and harnesses. Population, 910 ; valuation, $233,759. Fremont, situated about the centre of Roclvingham county, thirty- three miles from Concord, contains about 10,320 acres. It was char- tered, under the name of Poplin, June 2, 1764, and its present title was conferred upon it by act of the legislature, July 8, 1854. The soil is good, and attention is devoted to its cultivation. The surface is undu- 500 HISTORY AXD DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. lating, being comprised of plains and gently rising hills. The inhabit- ants are in ordinary circumstances, — neither very rich nor yet very poor. Fremont has never enjoyed the benefits of an established min- istry of any order ; though the Methodists, who have a house of worship, have given the people greater care than any other sect. There are four school districts and one post-office : also, two grist-mills, two saw-mills, two shingle, lath, and clapboard mills, one box factory, and one gun- smith's shop. Population, 509 ; valuation, $202,829. Gilford, centrally situated in Belknap county, twenty-five miles from Concord, is the shire town, and adjoins Gilmanton on the south. It was incorporated June 16, 1812, and formerly belonged to Gilmanton, with which its history is intimately connected. It was settled in 1778 by James Ames and S. S. Gilman. Elder Richard Martin was settled here, in 1798, over the first Free-will Baptist society. A tract of land was annexed to this town from Gilmanton, July 5, 1851. The land is productive and well cultivated. Gunstock and Miles brooks are the principal streams, flowing into Winnepesaukee lake. Little and Chattleborough ponds lie here. There are several bridges, two of which connect this town with the islands in Winnepesaukee lake, and four, crossing that lake, connect Meredith village with the one in Gilford, both which are known by the same name — Meredith Bridge. Passing through in an easterly direction nearly to the lake is the Suncook range of mountains. Gilford contains three villages — Gilford, Meredith Bridge, and Lake Village. Meredith Bridge is pleasantly situated and in a flourishing con- dition, as also is the town generally. The religious societies are three Free-will Baptist, one Baptist, and two Universalist — all of which have church edifices. The county buildings are strongly built and tastefully and advantageously located. There are fourteen school districts and an academy. The water power is good, and there are in operation the following manufacturing and mechanical establishments : the Win- nepesaukee Lake Manufacturing Company, the Gilford Manufacturing and Mechanic Company, one cotton factory, one peg factory, one tannery, four saw-mills, one foundery, one large machine-shop, and the repair shop of the Boston, Concord, and Montreal Railroad. There are three post-offices ; namely, Gilford, Gilford Village, and Lake Vil- lage. Population, 2,425 ; valuation, $724,885. Gilmanton, in the westerly, part of Belknap county, adjoins Can- terbury and Northfield on the south, nnd is twenty-five miles northeast fi-om Concord. It was granted to twenty-four persons by the name of NEW HAMPSHIRE TOWN OF GILM ANTON. 501 Gilman, — seven of whom were ministers, — and one hundred and fifty- three others, for services rendered in defence of the country, and was incorporated May 20, 1727. Though the settlement was put off on account of the fear of Indian depredations, yet the proprietors made frequent improvements by the erection of block-houses, laying out of lands and roads. Benjamin and John Mudgett arrived here in 1761, and were the first families in the settlement. They endured great privations in their journey hither. The next year seven families arrived, and from that time the settlement continued to increase. Rev. WUliara Parsons came in 1765, and was the schoolmaster for the greater part of his life. He died in 1796. Rev. Isaac Smith was minister here from 1774 until his death, in 1817. Many of the proprietors took part in the French and Indian wars, and did good service. In the Revolu- tionary struggle, Gilmanton bore an honorable part, and many of the inhabitants, under the command of Lieutenant Eastman, were in the battle of Bunker or Breed's Hill, as well as in other of the Revolu- tionary battles. In 1812, that part of the town known as the Gunstock parish was incorporated separately by the name of Gilford. General Joseph Badger was an early settler and the first magistrate ; he was also representative, as well as judge of probate for Strafford county, some time prior to his death. He was a man much esteemed by his fellow-citizens. The surface of Gilmanton is, to a gi-eat extent, rocky and hilly, while the soU is various. On the ridges and swells of land is good, strong, productive soil : the higher hiUs are rocky, and adapted for pasturing. A small portion of the land is level, sandy, and light. A chain of eminences, varying in height from three hundred to one thousand feet, divides the head springs of the Suncook and the Soucook rivers. The principal of these elevations is called Peaked hill, which is 450 feet high, and from its summit a view of many points of interest can be obtained. Porcupine ledge is a place of considerable note, and is much resorted to by the lover of nature. It is a very abrupt precipice of granite, gneiss, and mica slate rock, below which is a deep and shady dell, the forest trees which prevail being clothed in dark evergreen foliage, while the rocks are overgrown by mosses, the whole presenting a beautiful appearance. Much of the scenery in Gilmanton is very picturesque. Loon, Shell camp, and Rodiy ponds form the source of Soucook river, and Lougee's, Young's, Ingall's, and Woodman's ponds form that of the Suncook river. Great Brook flows through Upper Gilmanton, and Winnepesaukee river, with its various bays, bounds the town on the west. There are three villages — Academy, Iron- "Works, and Factory, or Upper Gilmanton; ten church edifices — three Congregational, three 502 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. Free-will Baptist, one Methodist, one Baptist, one Christian Baptist, and one Qualcer's ; one academy, called Gilmantoii Academy, founded in 1794, with a fund of about $10,000, having a theological department, which was opened iia 1835 ; thirty-one school districts ; and four post- offices — Gilmanton, UpjDer Gilmanton, Lower Gilmanton, and Iron- Works : also, one cotton factory, one batting mill, five grist-mills, eleven saw-mills, one steam tannery, several wagon-maker's shops, and shoe, straw hat, and other manufactures. Several periodicals have been pub- lished in Gilmanton, but they are now all discontinued. Population, 3,282; valuation, $1,005,978. GiLSUJi, in the central part of Cheshire county, adjoins Kcene on the south, and is forty-six miles from Concord. Gilsuni was first granted December 8, 1752, to Joseph Osgood, Jacob Farmer, and others, and received the name of Boyle. In July 13, 1763, it was regranted to Messrs. Gilbert, Sumner, and others, receiving the name of Gilsum, — which is supposed to have originated from a combination of the first syllables of the names of these men. The first attempt at settlement was made in 1764, by Josiah Kilburn, from Hebron, Conn., who was fol- lowed soon after by Peletiah Pease, Obadiah Wilcox, Ebenezer Dewey, Jonathan Adams, and others, most of whom came from Connecticut. The Congregational church was formed 1772, and a meeting-house was completed in 1794, although previously occupied to some extent. Rev. Elisha Fish was the first pastor, settled in 1796. The church, which was greatly prospered during the lifetime of Mr. Fish, after his death in 1807 became weak and divided, and meetings were held by several dif- ferent denominations in private houses, the Methodists, however, having the preponderating influence. The surface of Gilsum is generally uneven and somewhat stony ; but there is some land of a good quality. Ashuelot river runs through the town, and affords a number of water privileges. There is an immense _ granite boulder here, which has received the name of Vessel Roclc, from its peculiar situation. There are two villages — Factory and Mill ; two church edifices — Congregational and Methodist ; seven school dis- tricts ; and one post-office : also, one woollen mill, which manufactures twenty-four thousand yards of cloth per annum ; a bobbin factory, a chair factory, and a large tannery. Population, 668 ; valuation, $195,581. GoFFSTOAVN, in the easterly part of Hillsborough county, is sixteen miles from Concord and twelve from Amherst. It was, in early times, a favorite resort of the Indians, who found ample support and amuse- ment in the abundance of fish with which its waters abounded. The NEW HAMPSHIRE -^ TOWN OP GOFFSTOWN. 503 Masonian proprietors made a grant of it, in 1748, to Rev. Thomas Par- ker of Dracut and others. It is not positively known when it was first settled, but it is thought to have been about 1741 or 1742. It received its act of incorporation June 16, 1761, under the name of Goffstown, which was conferred on it in honor of Colonel John Goffe, lor several years a resident of Bedford, and the first judge of probate in the county of Hillsborough. A large part of the town was originally covered with valuable timber ; and this being a good locality for fish, lumbering and fishing were the main occupations of the early settlers. In these early days, the use of intoxicating drinks was very common ; and society here has not yet wholly recovered from the evil influences which such a practice engenders. A Congregational church was organized abort October 30, 1771, and small appropriations for preaching were made annually. There were two religious classes in the place, — that in the south part was the Scotch- Irish stock and favored Presbyterianism, while the remainder were Congregationalists. A meeting-house was erected in 1768 ; but it was not thoroughly completed for some years afterwards. The first minister was Rev. Joseph Currier, against whose settlement a remon- strance was put in by thirty-seven men, who favored Presbyterianism, and were determined not to give any thing towards his support. Mr. Currier was settled in 1771, and dismissed August 29, 1774, accord- ing to the town records, for intemperance. Seven years intervened without the settlement of a minister ; and in 1781, the Congregational- ists and the Presbyterians were organized separately, the former extend- ing a call to Rev. Cornelius Waters, who became their pastor, and con- tinued till 1795. The next minister was Rev. David L. Morrill, who was settled March 3, 1802, and was jointly sujjported by the two socie- ties under the name of the Congregational Presbyterian church. Mr. Morrill served the town and state civilly as well as ecclesiastically, — was representative of the town, senator in congress, and governor of the state. In 1816, the Religious Union society was organized. A new house was erected in the west village, and meetings were held two thirds of the time in the new house, and one third izr the old house at the cen- tre. In 1818-19 there was a deep religious interest in connection with the preaching of Rev. Abel Manning, and sixty-five persons wen added to this then feeble church within a year. Rev. Benjamin H. Pit- man was settled from 1820 to 1825 ; Rev. Henry Wood from 1826 to 1831 ; and Rev. Isaac Willey from 1837 to 1853. A Baptist church was formed in 1820. Changes in the pulpit have been very common in Goffs- town, which is much owing to the meagre support extended to the minis- ters, not more than one half the people having, at any time, ever at- 504 HISTORY AND DESCEIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. tended worship. In the early part of 1841, a female commenced preach- ing here, and shortly more than half the voters in town came Into her support. She professed no connection with any church. The excite- ment created by her preaching, however, soon died out, the result of it being the organization of the existing Methodist church. Dr. Jonathan Gove, a resident of this town, served in the legislature for many years. All the islands on the Araoskeag falls, in Merrimack river, lying west- erly of the centre of " the Pulpit," or east stream, were annexed to this town, June 28, 1825. The surface is comparatively level, the only elevations of note being two in the southwest part, called by the natives Uncanoonuck. There are considerable tracts of valuable interval, as well as extensive plains, which are generally productive. Piscataquog river is the principal stream, which furnishes quite a number of valuable mill privileges. It passes through in a central direction. Large quantities of lumber were formerly floated down this stream to the Merrimack, and the forests at one time supplied a large number of masts for the English navy. The New Hampshire Central Railroad passes through GofFstown. There are three villages — Goffstown, Goffstown Centre, and Parker's Mills; three church edifices — Baptist, Congregational, and Methodist ; six- teen school districts; and two post-offices ^ — Goflfstown and GofFstown Centre : also, four stores, four saw-miUs, two grist-mills, and one sash and bUnd factory. Population, 2,270 ; valuation, $599,615. GoRHAM, in the eastern part of Coos county, ninety-six miles from Concord, and ninety-one from Portland, by the Atlantic and St. Law- rence Railroad, adjoins Shelburnc on the east, of which it formed a part until its incorporation, June 18, 1836. It was formerly known as Shelburne Addition, and its history is intimately connected with that of the parent town. It is a rough, unproductive spot, lying on the northerly base of the White Mountains, from which numerous streams descend into the Androscoggin. Had it not been for the construc- tion of the Atlantic and St. La^^Tcnce Railroad, this little place would never have been known. Now it is, in connection with the Alpine House, familiar as a household word to travellers visiting the White Mountains, .it being one of the most favorable situations for viewing those great upheavings of nature, and the scenery in connec- tion with them. Around the Alpine House (a large and comfortable hotel, the property of the railroad company) has sprung up a beautiful little village, consisting mostly of buildings owned by the company. By the opening of this railroad a new impulse has been given to White Mountain travel. The visitor breakfasts in Portland, and alights here NEW HAMPSHIRE TOWN OF GOSHEN. 505 by eleven o'clock, — rides eight miles over a road sufficiently rough to quicken his appetite, and dines at the Glen House, at the base of Mount Washington ; or, breakfasting in Boston, he arrives at the same spot in time for his evening meal. The Androscoggin flows majestically through the town, and the silvery Peabody river, dashing down for miles over its bed of pure granite, here ceases from its wild pranks, and falls quietly into the lap of the Androscoggin. The picturesque ruins of an old saw-mill near the Peabody river, scarcely a gunshot from the Alpine House, stand high and dry, the river, during a freshet but a few years ago, having taken a fancy to seek out a new channel. A telegraph station and porit-office are located here. Population, 224 ; valuation, $128,839. Goshen, in the eastern part of Sullivan county, forty-two miles from Concord, was first settled about the year 1769, by William Lang, Ben- jamin Rand, and Daniel Grindle, who endured uncommon suffering and many hardships from the failure of their crops, which were often seri- ously injured, and frequently totally destroyed. On account of these mishaps, the inhabitants were obliged to go to Walpole to purchase grain. When on one of these journeys, Mr. Rand was detained by a severe storm of snow, which prevented his progress for six days, during which time his wife and children were left destitute of provisions. One of the children, five years of age, was kept alive by Mrs. Rand by the milk from her breast, her infant child having died a short time previous. In the spring of 1813, the spotted fever swept off" many of the inhab- itants. The first religious society was formed by the Congregationalists in 1802. Deacon Josiah Stevens, a licensed preacher, came to reside in Goshen in 1798, and is supposed to have been the first Congregational minister that ever preached in the place. Goshen contains 12,023 acres, and was taken from Newport, Sunapee, Newbury, Washington, Lempster, and Unity, and incorporated December 27, 1791. The surface is exceedingly rough and broken, but the soil is mostly good, and produces an abundance of grass. Sunapee mountain is the greatest elevation of land, and from it spring several small streams, which form Sugar river. Rand's pond, in the northeast part, is the only natural collection of water. Plumbago has been found, and is \vrought. The raising of stock, particularly sheep, and the manufacture of butter, cheese, and maple sugar, are the principal avocations of the people. There are two churches — Congregational and Baptist ; five school districts, and two post-offices — Goshen and MiU Village. Popu- lation, 659; valuation, ^165,565. vol. I. 43 506 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION O-F NEW ENGLAND. GOSPORT, in Rockingham county, is an island town, one of the Isles of Shoals, at one time called Appledore and subsequently Star Island. It contains about one hundred and fifty acres, but it is not generally cultivated, its inhabitants being principally engaged in fishing. In 1661 there were upwards of forty families on this group of islands. The fisheries were then prosecuted with vigor and success, and the business continued to flourish for more than a century afterwards. Three or four ships were loaded here annually as early as 1730 for Bilboa, Spain; besides which, large quantities of fish were taken to Portsmouth to be shipped to the West Indies. Prior to the Revo- lution, the dun-fish of these islands had obtained universal celebrity, and was considered the best table fish in the world.^ Town privileges were conferred upon Gosport in 1715, and in 1728 it paid X16 as its proportion of the province tax of £1,000 ; it had a meeting-house, and afterwards a fort on its west point. Its prosperity, since that period, has fallen off to a considerable extent ; but at the present writing, old times seem to be reviving in the way ai business. In Gosport there is a noticeable cavern, — having the appearance of being caused by an earthquake, — in w^hich a Avoman by the name of Betty Moody secreted herself when the Indians visited the island and made prisoners of a number of females. It is known to this day as " Betty Moody's hole." There are invested in the various branches of the fisheries about $5,000 ; and this is the only business of which the place can boast. There are in town one village, one Baptist church, one school district ; and a hotel, erected for the accommodation of those who visit the island for pleasure. Population, 125 ; valuation, $21,640. Grafton, in the southern part of Grafton county, adjoins Danbury on the southeast, and is thirty-six miles from Concord. It was granted to Ephraira Sherman and others, August 14, 1761, and in May, 1772, Captain Joseph Hoyt, from Fremont, came here, and commenced the first settlement. Captain Alexander Pixley and wife arrived soon after- wards, and were the second family within the precincts of the town. The surface of Grafton is very hilly, considerably mountainous in some parts, and so rocky in many places as to render it unfit for cultivation. Some tracts of land, however, are excellent for farming purposes. Glass-hill mountain is the principal elevation, and is about two hun- dred feet high. There is a remarkable ledge here, called the Pinnacle, on the south side of which the ground rises by a gradual ascent to the summit ; but on the north side it falls nearly 150 feet within the dis- ' Report on tlic principal fisheries of the American seas, by Lorenzo Sabine. NEW HAMPSHIRE TOWN OF GKAFTON. 507 tance of six or eight feet. Smith's and Mascomy rivers, and Heard's river, a tributary of Smith's, furnish water. Five ponds lie here, the principal of which, called Grafton pond, contains from two hundred to three hundred acres. Mica is found in large quantities, and is an article of commerce. The town has one village, called Bungtown ; two church edifices — Baptist and Christian ; thirteen school districts and twelve schools ; and two post-offices — Grafton and Grafton Centre. Amount of capital invested in trade, $7,000 ; in manufactures, $5,000. Charcoal is manu- factured in considerable quantities, amounting to about twelve thousand bushels per annum. The Northern Railroad intersects the town, ren- dering communication with various important points easy and expedi- tious. Population, 1,259 ; valuation, $324,687. Grafton County, in the northwest central part of the state, was established by act of the colonial legislature, passed March 19, 1771, being called the " fifth county ; " and was made to contain " all the lands in the province not comprehended in the other counties" — (Hills- borough, Rockingham, Cheshire, and Strafford). The town of Burton (now Albany) was taken from it and given to Sti-afford, November 27, 1800 ; and, December 24, 1803, it was further reduced by the incorpo- ration of Coos, which was entirely formed from its territory. The dimensions of this county were still further reduced June 18, 1805, by the annexation of the whole of Nash and Sawyer's Location to Coos. By act passed January 2, 1829, the boundaries of Grafton were thus established, from which they have not since been materially altered : " Beginning on the westerly bank of Connecticut river at the southwesterly corner of Dalton ; thence on the westerly and southerly line of Dalton to Whitefield ; thence on the westerly and southerly line of Whitefield to Bretton Woods (Carroll) ; thence on the westerly and southerly lines of Bretton Woods and of Nash and Sawyer's Location to the southeasterly corner thereof; thence southerly on a straight line across the unlocated lands to the line of the county of Strafford at the northwesterly corner of Burton (Albany); thence southerly and west- erly by the line of the county of Strafford to the southwest corner of Holderness, at the Pemigewasset or Merrimack river ; thence down said river to the north line of Franklin; thence westerly on the northerly lines of Franklin, Andover, Wilmot, Springfield, Grantham, and Plain- field to the southwest corner of Lebanon, on the west bank of Con- necticut river; thence northerly on said bank to the bound first men- tioned." There are now thirty-eight towns, Haverhill and Plymouth being the shire towns. 508 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. Grafton has an area of about 1,463 square miles, the surface of which is hilly and mountainous, though its capacities for productiveness are not materially lessened by this circumstance. There are tracts of land excellent for pasturage, and along the rivers, intervals both extensive and fertile. As an evidence of the resources of the county in an agri- cultural point of view, it may be stated, that, in 1850, it produced 244,177 bushels of oats, 1,006,237 of potatoes, 103,000 tons of hay, and 1,278,984 pounds of butter. The amounts' of hay, oats, and butter, were the greatest raised by any county in the state, and the quan- tity of potatoes the greatest produced by any county in the United States. The Connecticut river forms the western boundary, besides which there are the Pemigewasset (the largest branch of the Merrimack river), the lower Ammonoosuc, and the head waters of the Saco river. There are numerous small lakes and ponds — Squam lake and Newfound lake being the most distinguished; the former, a good part of which lies in Carroll county, being surrounded by much beautiful and en- chanting scenery. The Boston, Concord, and Montreal Railroad passes through the central part of the county, and the Northern Railroad, a branch of which extends to Bristol, along the southern part, the former connecting with the Connecticut and Passumpsic Rivers Railroad at Wells River, and the latter at White River Junction. The name of the county was derived from Augustus Henry Fitzroy, duke of Grafton. Grafton belongs to the fifth judicial district, a law term of the supreme judicial court being held at Haverhill on the Tuesday next after the fourth Tuesday of December. Trial terms of this court are held at Haverhill on the second Tuesday of April, and at Plymouth on the third Tuesday of November. Terms of the court of common pleas for the western judicial district of Grafton are held at Haverhill on the second Tuesday of April and the first Tuesday of October ; and, for the eastern judicial district, at Plymouth on the third Tuesday of May and the third Tuesday of November. Population, 40,337; valu- ation, $13,076,152. Grantham, in the northern part of Sullivan county, is forty-five miles northwest from Concord. It was granted July 11, 1761 ; but, the pro- prietors failing to fulfil the conditions of the charter, it was forfeited, and re-granted in 1767 to Colonel WiUiam Symmes and sixty-three others, receiving the name of Grantham. The name of New^ Grantham was subsequently conferred upon it, "which was changed back June 12, 1818, to the one it now bears. The surface is broken in some parts, but is, on the average, level, the only mountain of note being that of Croydon or Grantham, which extends through the westerly part, ranging from NEW HAMPSHIRE TOWN OF GREENFIELD. 509 southwest to northeast. On the summit of thi:^ mountain is a natural pond of some fifty acres. The soil is generally productive when under proper cultivation, and the mountain affords good pasturage. Numer- ous brooks and rivulets water the town, having their source principally in Croydon mountain. In 1856 that portion of Grantham lying west of Grantham mountain was annexed to Piainfieid, so that the mountain rising north and south through Grantham is the dividing line of the two towns. There are two villages — South village and North vil- lage; three church edifices — two Union and one Methodist; seven school districts and seven schools ; and two post-offices — Grantham and North Grantham. Capital invested in trade and manufactures, about $6,000. Population, 784 ; valuation, $264,587. Greenfield, in the very central part of Hillsborough county, adjoins Peterborough on the west, and is thirty-eight miles from Concord. Captain Alexander Parker, Major A. Whittemore, Simeon Fletcher, and others commenced the first settlement about 1771, and the town was incorporated June 15, 1791, receiving the name of Greenfield, which was conferred upon it by Mr. Whittemore. hi a meadow in this town, formerly owned by Mr. Whittemore, have been found several Indian relics, from which it is conjectured that it was a favorite haunt of the savages. A Congregational church was organized in 1792, of which Rev. Timothy Clark was pastor from January 1, 1800, until 1811. Rev. John Walker succeeded him, and remained until 1822. A secession grew out of o]5position to Mr. Wallcer, and a large minority went off to the Presbyterian church in Peterborough, and were constituted a branch of that church. The Peterborough church and the Greenfield branch made a union, in 1834, under the title Evangehcal church. The rem- nant of the old church, which was nearly broken up, reorganized in 1839 under their old creed, with the temperance pledge added. Soon after this, the unhappy dissensions of the two bodies came to an end. The surface is rough, and the soil of a varied character, but generally fertile. A part of Crotched mountain lies in the north part, and a por- tion of Lyndeborough mountain in the south and east sections. There are five ponds, the largest of which is about a mile in length, and about one third of a mile in width. Besides these there are several small streams. There is one village, situated in the centre of the town, which has a post-office. Greenfield has three church edifices — one Congregational and two Evangelical Congregational ; and eleven school districts : also, two carriage maimfactories, and two stores. Population, 716 ; valuation, f 299,479. 43* 510 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. Greenland, in the eastern part of Rockingham county, adjoining Portsmouth, is forty-five miles from Concord. Settlements were com- menced at a very early date ; and in 1705 there were 320 inhab- itants in -the township. Greenland composed a part of Portsmouth till 1703, when it was incorporated separately. A piece of land was annexed to this town from Stratham, July 2, 1847. A Congrega- tional church of twenty members was organized in 1706, of \\'hich Rev. William Allen was ordained pastor in 1707, and continued such until 1760, — a period of fifty-three years. Rev. Samuel McClintock was settled as colleague to Mr. Allen in 1756, and continued pastor until his death in 1S04, — forty-eight years. It is doubted whether many such cases of permanency in the pastoral office can be shown in Christendom, and this is worthy of admiration, especially in these days of transitory pastorates. Dr. McClintock was distinguished as a divine, and for his attachment to the cause of his country. He was a chaplain in the army of the Revolution. The soil of Greenland is of a more than ordinary character, and there are some excellent farms. It is somewhat noted for its ex- cellent fruit, and its orchards and gardens are among the best in the county. There is one village, known by the name of the town. The religious denominations are Congregationalists and Methodists, each of which have church edifices. There are three school districts, the Brack- ett Academy, and two post-offices — Greenland and Greenland Depot. The Eastern Railroad passes through the town. Population, 730; val- uation, $356,634. Groton, Grafton county, is forty-five miles from Concord, and was settled, in 1770, by James Gould, Captain Ebenezer Melvin, Jonas Hobart, Phineas Bennet, and Samuel Farley, who endured many hardships during the following winter from the failure of their crops. The act of incorporation was passed December 7, 1796. Groton was first granted July 8, 1761, to George Abbott and others, by the name of Cockermouth ; and was re-granted about five years afterward to Colonel John Hale and others. Lots numbered from one to five were annexed to this town from Hebron, June 26, 1845. A Congregational church was formed in 1779, over which Rev. Samuel Perley, a graduate of Harvard College in 1763 was settled, and continued until 1785. Rev. Thomas Page was the pastor from 1790 to 1813, and Rev. William Rolfe from 1803 to 1828. The surface is uneven, but the soil is strong, and suited to the production of corn and potatoes. A branch of Baker's river waters the north part, and the southerly part has several small streams, which have their outlet in Newfound lake. The only pond NEW HAMPSHIRE — TOWN OF HAMPSTEAD. 511 worth particularizing is Spectacle pond, which is wholly in this town. There are two villages — Groton and Groton Corner; one church edi- fice, occupied by the Congregationalists and Baptists ; eleven school districts and eleven schools ; and two post-offices — Groton and North Groton : also, ten saw-mills, two grist-mills, and shingle and clapboard machines. Population, 776 ; valuation, ^211,401. Hampstead is situated in the southern part of Rockingham county, thirty miles south of Concord, and twenty from Hampton Beach. It is made up of two segments, one from Haverhill and the other from Amesbury, both in Massachusetts, it being cut off from those towns by running the state line in 1741. The Indians, it appears, had but little partiality for this place, owing to the stubbornness of the soil. It is reported, however, that one or two Indians had a temporary abode near Angly pond, in the northeast part, where some of their implements have been found. Three white families, of the names of Ford, Heath, and Emerson, moved into the place about the year 1728. Mr. Em- erson came from Haverhill, and several others soon followed from that town, as also some from Newbury. It is stated, on the authority of some of the oldest inhabitants, that the first house was erected by Edmund or Peter Morse, of Newbury, Mass. The cellar where this ancient habitation stood is still visible, and four large pines now stand in it. In the vicinity of these relics is the first burial-place of the settlers of Hampstead. Near the shore of Wash pond are the remains of the first settlement, once the most important and prosperous part. The roughly stoned cellars, the half-filled wells, and the well-marked paths to springs of water, are still in existence. The town was incorporated January 17, 1749, receiving its name from a pleasant village in Middlesex county, England, — conferred upon it by Governor Benning Wentworth, who reserved an island of three hundred acres, in the southwest part of the town, as his own farm.^ In the early settlement, a dispute arose between Kingston and Hamp- stead respecting certain grants made by Amesbury before the state line was run, which was finally settled by Hampstead paying .£1,000 old tenor, and the grant of Unity to Kingston, made by the governor, July 13, 1764. Prior to its incorporation, Hampstead was known as ' No such reservation appears in the charter. It would, perhaps, be more proper to saj', that lie owned the island in his own right. The buildings erected upon the island must, in their day, ha\e been of a superior kind, one of which was evidently intended for the occasional residence of the governor ; the other, according to the English custom, being of a poorer kind, was doubtless reserved for the domestics. This island was formerly called " Governor's island." — Centennial Address, by Isaac W. Smilh. 512 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. Timber Lane, on account of the superabundance of timber then found within its limits. Hampstead was not behind other towns in her contributions of men and means to the prosecution of the Revolutionary struggle. General Jacob Bayley, an officer in the Revolution, Hon. Charles Johnson, Richard Hazzen, and Hon. John Calfe, an officer in the Revolutionary army and a distinguished man in politics, were residents. No other church than the Congregational has ever been organized here, and this was formed in the year 1752. It has had but three pastors during its existence for more than a century. Rev. Henry True was pastor from 1752 until his death, in 1782 ; Rev. John Kelly, from 1792 until 1836 ; and the present pastor, Rev. J. M. C. Bartley, since 1836. This town is situated on the height of land between Piscataqua and Merrimack rivers, and most of its waters descend southwest into the Merrimaclv through Spigget river, which flows from Wash pond, near the centre. Angly pond is in the northeast, and Island pond in the southwest part. The town, being composed of fragments, is not very square, having about thirty angles. And yet, although it is so irregular and small in dimensions, a person passing through on the most direct road from Haverhill to Chester would consider it a large and rich township ; for he would travel almost six miles on a good road, bor- dered with well cultivated fields and handsome dwellings. There are two meeting-houses — one occupied by the Congregationalists, and the other, which has been standuig for nearly a hundred years, as a town- hall ; eight school districts ; and one post-office : also, one grist-mill, two saw-mills, two planing, clapboard, and shingle mills, three stores, two blaclvsmith's shops, three wheelwright shops, besides several shops for the manufacture of shoes. Population, 789 ; valuation, $323,267. Hampton, in the eastern part of Rockingham county, is a seaboard town, adjoining Exeter and Hampton Falls. It was surveyed as early as 1633, and, in 1636, a house, called the Bound house, was erected, by order of the General Court of Massachusetts, by Nathaniel Easton. In 1638, several persons belonging to Norfolk, England, solicited of Massachusetts the privilege of settling, which was granted on the 7th of October.^ Among the names of the early settlers are Stephen ' Abraham and Isaac Perkins appear to have been the grantees of Hampton. They were the first to have their ohiklron baptized by Mr. Bachiler at that phiee. Abraham's son Abraham, born September 2, 1G39, baptized December 15, 1639, is said to have been the first white male child born in Hampton. Two female children, namely, Mary, daughter of Robert and Lydia Sanderson, and Susanna, daughter of Thomas and Abigail NEW HAMPSHIRE — TOWN OF HAMPTON. 513 Bachiler, Christopher Hussey, "Widow Mary Hussey, Thomas Crom- well, and Samuel Skullard. In 1639, the year after the incorporation, a writer asserts that there were sixty families in the settlement. Hamp- ton formerly included within its limits North Hampton, Hampton Falls, Kensington, and Seabrook. Its Indian name was Winnicumet, which was changed, at the request of Mr. Bachiler, to the one it now bears. Like most of the earlier settlements in New England, Hampton experienced some of the attacks of the Indians ; and, though the usual precautions were taken for protection, some of the inhabitants fell victims to the vengeance of the savages. Among these may be men- tioned Captain Samuel Sherburne and James DoUofF, who were killed near Casco Bay, Me., August 4, 1691. Jonathan Green, Nicholas Bond, Thomas Lancaster, the Widow Hussey, and a boy named Huckley, were killed here in August, 1703; and Benjamin Fifield was killed near his house in August, 1706. The expedition under Captain Swett, which met with such a disastrous repulse at an Indian settlement at Ticonic falls, on the Kennebec, was organized in, and started from, this town. Captain Swett was among the killed. General Jonathan Moulton and Hon. Christopher Toppan, now deceased, were distin- guished residents of Hampton. The Congregational church organized in this town is said to be the oldest in New Hampshire, — the oldest from the fact that it was organ- ized prior to the settlement of the place, having been contemporary with the first inhabitants, who were of the Puritan stock.^ Rev. Stephen Bachiler, a man well advanced in years, was the first pastor. He arrived in this country in 1632, having landed at Boston, June 5th of that year, when he immediately proceeded to Lynn, the residence of his son-in-law, Christopher Hussey, where he became pastor of the church. Difficulties, however, arose with the congregation, and Mr. Bachiler, with several of the church who had come over with him, asked for a dismission, which was granted. Instead, however, of leaving Lynn, as it was supposed he would, he and the recusant members renewed their former obligation for the purpose of forming a new church at Lynn, which, however, was received with such disfavor by the original church, that Mr. Bachiler and his flock deemed it advisable to remove to some other place, where they might not be subjected to such wranglings. Jones, were baptized October 29, 1639. One of tliem was probably the first white child born there. — New England Historical and Genealogical RegUler, January, 1858. ' Historical Address at Hampton, N. H., in 1838, by Joseph Dow. 514 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. Failing to settle at Cape Cod, they took up their abode in Hampton in the autumn of 1638. Mr. Bachiler seemed to be unfortunate in his ministerial efforts. Dissensions crept in here, and his connection with the church ended, it is supposed, about the year 1641, when he went to Exeter. In 1656 or 1657 he returned to England, where he died, at the age of one hundred and one years. His colleague in the ministry was Rev. Timothy Dalton, who was caUed "teacher," while Mr. Bach- iler was called " pastor ; " and became the principal minister after the dismissal of the latter. In 1647, Rev. John Wheelwright was made assistant of Mr. Dalton. Another distinguished minister was Mr. Seaborn Cotton, son of Rev. John Cotton of Boston, who was ordained as pastor in 1660. He was succeeded, after his death in 1686, by his son, John Cotton, who reluctantly accepted a settlement in 1696, and continued until his death in 1710. There were many other able and zealous men engaged in the ministry in this town, among whom was Rev. Jesse Appleton, afterwards president of Bovvdoin College. The surface of Hampton is principally level, and a large proportion of the land is salt-marsh and low interval lying along Hampton river, which divides this town from Hampton Falls. Most of the land is of good quality, well adapted to tillage and mowing ; but pasturage is rather scarce, to obtain which, many of the cattle are sent to the neighboring towns. The situation of Hampton is pleasant, affording from its eminences romantic views of many interesting points, such as the Isles of Shoals, and the sea-coast from Cape Ann to Portsmouth. Invalids, and parties of pleasure, resort to its beaches, which are only surpassed by the celebrated one at Nahant. Accommodation for visi- tors is afforded at the beach by excellent hotels. An abrupt eminence, called Boar's Head, extends into the sea and divides the beaches, about half-way between the river's mouth and the northeast corner of the town. The fisheries have been prosecuted with much success, and it is said that one boat will frequently land from twenty to thirty tons of cod. Ship-building was formerly carried on to a considerable extent ; but, since lumber has become scarce in the vicinity, the business has fallen off. Two convenient Avharves are situated one and a quarter miles from the centre of the town. Large quantities of corn, potatoes, and hay, are annually exported, which is sufficient evidence that good attention is paid to agricuUure. There are two villages — Centre and East Hampton ; three church edifices — Congregational, Methodist, and Baptist ; six school districts, and one post-office : also, three saw- mills and three grist-mills. The Hampton Academy, incorporated NEW HAMPSHIRE — TOWN OF HAMPTON FALLS. 515 in 1810, is a flourishing institution. Population, 1,197; valuation, $528,075. Hampton Falls, Rockingham county, was formerly a part of Hamp- ton, which it adjoins on the northeast. It was incorporated in 1712, and is distant forty miles from Concord. The soil is much the same as that • of contiguous towns, moderately good. The first meeting-house was erected as early as 1711. It stood on the hill, and occupied the present site of the Weare monument. The parish was incorporated in 1718. In 1737 the meeting-house was thoroughly repaired, and in 1768 it was voted to build a new house, which was ready for use in 1770. In 1780 it was voted to sell the old one for the support of the poor. The new house stood till 1842. Theophilus Cotton, grandson of Rev. John Cotton of Boston, was ordained pastor in 1712, and officiated until his death in 1726. He was succeeded by several worthy and eminent men, among whom was Rev. Samuel Langdon, D. D., for several years president of Harvard College. He was settled here as a minister in 1781, and died November 29, 1797. Dr. Langdon was a native of Boston, and was chaplain of the New Hampshire regiment in the expedition to Louisburg, for the services, " fatigues, and dangers " of which he received a grant of ten thousand acres of land in this (then) province. He spent the remainder of his days here in usefulness and peace, and his body rests in the churchyard, near the scene of his labors. He gave his library to the church for the use of the minister. Hon. Meshech Weare, one of the most worthy and distinguished cit- izens of New Hampshire, was a resident of Hampton Falls. He served his country for nearly forty-five years, — as speaker of the house in 1752, as commissioner to the congress at Albany in 1754, as a justice of the superior court, and, in 1777, as chief justice. During the Revolutionary period he held the highest offices, legislative, judicial, and executive ; and, under the new constitution, was elected the first president, which office he resigned before the close of 1784. He died January 15, 1786, in the seventy-third year of his age. He was also fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. A monument, said to be the largest in the state, has been erected in this town, by order of the legisla- ture, to the memory of this distinguished man. Hampton Falls has one village, called Brimstone Hill ; tw^o meeting-houses, one occupied by the Congregationalists, and the other by the Baptists and Unitarians ; three school districts, the Rockingham Academy, the Weare Bank (capital, #50,000), and one post-office. The Eastern Railroad passes through the town. Population, 640 ; valuation, $373,176. 616 HISTORY AND DESCKIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. Hancock, in the western part of Hillsborough county, is divided from Greenfield by Contoocook river, and is thirty-five miles from Concord. It was incorporated November 5, 1779, receiving its name from John Hancock, who was one of the original proprietors. John Grimes and his family were the first settlers, having arrived in May, 1764. They did not remain during the winter, having passed that time in Peter- borough. They returned the spring following, 1765. John Aspey, George M' Cloud, Moses Morrison, and William Lakin, with their families, settled about four or five years subsequent to the first arrival ; and were followed by emigrants from Groton, Hollis, Londonderry, New Ipswich, and other places, — so that the settlements were materi- ally increased. Many of the hardships incident to new settlers fell to the lot of these inhabitants ; but, as most of the towns contiguous were settled to some extent, their sufferings were moderate when compared with those of others less favorably situated. A church of seventeen members was constituted in 1788, and thirty-one persons had united with it anterior to the settlement of Rev. Reed Paige as pastor, in 1791. He remained until his death in 1816. Rev. Archibald Burgess was pastor from 1822 until 1849, since which. Rev. Asahel Bigelow has been pastor. Hancock possesses excellent advantages for the successful prosecution of agriculture, — the soil, though varied, being generally productive. The surface in the west part is mountainous ; but the other parts are composed of plains, hills, and valleys, which are distributed in very agreeable proportions. The two principal ponds are called Norway and Ilalf-moon, — the former being near the centre, and the other in the southwest corner. About one thkd of the farm of John Flint was annexed to this town from Antrim, January 1, 1849. Hancock con- tains one village, having the same name as the town ; one church (Congregational); eight school districts; an academy; several fac- tories ; and one post-office. Capital invested in trade, $6,000. Popu- lation, 1,012; valuation, $405,733. Hanover, Grafton county, lies on the Connecticut river, opposite Norwich, Vt. on the west, being distant from Concord fifty-two miles. It was granted by charter, July 4, 1761, to eleven persons of the name of Freeman, and fifty-two others, principally belonging to the state of Connecticut. The town was first visited with a view of settlement in May, 1765, by Colonel Edmund Freeman, of Mansfield, Coim. ; and, in 1766, Benjamin Davis and Benjamiu Rice, from the same place, to- gether with Gideon Smith and Asa Parker, became residents. The main portion of the first settlers were from Connecticut. NEW HAMPSHIRE — TOWN OP HANOVER. 517 The siirface of Hanover is, to some extent, uneven ; but the greater portion is adapted to agriculture, and there is probably less waste land here than in any other part of the county. A considerable elevation, called Moose mountain, extends across the town from north to south, at the distance of about five miles from Connecticut river. Within the limits of Hanover are several small islands, the largest of which is Par- jcer's, which has about twenty acres. Mink and Goosepond brooks are the principal streams, neither of which is large enough for permanent mill privileges. The charter for a ferry across Connecticut river was granted, in 1772, to Dartmouth College ; and in 1792 a lease was made by the trustees of the college to the White River Falls Bridge Company, which had been incorporated by the legislature for the purpose of erecting a bridge over the site of the ferry, the lease providing an annual stipend of fifty dol- lars to the college for the privilege, which has ever since been paid. In 1854, this bridge was burned down, since which the question of building a/ree bridge has been urged upon the people. After some sharp dis- putes, as well as legal controversy, in respect to the proportion which each of the several parties in interest should contribute, the matter was harmoniously arranged in November, 1858, and the erection of the free bridge is to proceed without delay. This is a work of great importance to the people of Hanover, as well as to the college, as it will restore a ready communication with Norwich, and, by means of the Con- necticut and Passumpsic Rivers Railroad, with the river towns in Ver- mont. Dartmouth College, a view of which is subjoined, is located here. It was established as a college under the royal charter in 1769, receiving its name from the Earl of Dartmouth, who was at the head of a board of trustees, in whose hands the contributions made in England towards its endowment were placed. The original of this institution was a char- ity school for the education of Indian youth, which had been designed and commenced at Stockbridge, Mass., by John Sergeant, a missionary, as early as 1736, but whose labors death had interrupted. The school was revived by Rev. Eleazer Wheelock. As an improvement upon the original design, a number of English youth were educated with the Indians. As the number increased, it became necessary to erect build- ings and extend its operations. A removal was contemplated to a more secluded region. Many invitations were extended from different sec- tions, but that of the governor and other gentlemen of New Hampshire was accepted. Dr. Wheelock was declared in the charter the first president, and a board of twelve trustees was constituted with perpetual succession. The college was endowed with a large landed estate, con- VOL. I. 44 518 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. sistiiii^ of a whole township (Landafl"), and many other tracfs in differ- ent pUu-es, amounting to 44,000 acres. A valuable lot of five liundred acres in Hanover, the gift of Governor Benning Wentworth, was fixed upon as the site for the school and college. Dr. Wheelock, who had been an intimate colaborer with Edwards in the "Great Awakening" of 1740, and was strongly imbued witli a missionary zeal, left a flourishing church after a pastorate of thirty-five years, and removed with his col- ony of seventy or eighty to the new location. The training of Indians in the close confinement of college walls being found discordant with the requirements of nature, and the resumption by many of them of former wild and roving habits, soon made apparent the impracticability ,.T#'Tfel Dartmouth College. ofi their cultivation a leading purpose, while the growing wants of the extending whites determined the future destiny of the institution. The Indian school has, however, always been maintained. Dr. Wheel- ock continued as president until his death in 1779. He was suc- ceeded in the presidency by his son, Hon. John Wheelock, LL. D., who continued in the office for thirty-five years, until the controversy arose between him and the trustees, in which the state took part.^ Rev. Francis Brown, D. D., was president from 1815 to 1820 ; Rev. Daniel Dana, D. D., during 1820-21 ; Rev. Bennett Tyler, D. D., from 1822 to 1828 ; since which. Rev. Nathan Lord, D. D., has occupied the chair. The whole number of those who have been connected with the college is 4,187, of whom 1,540 survive. The number of graduates in regular ' Sec ante, p. 390. NEW HAMPSHIRE — TOWN OF HAVERHILL. 519 course has been 2,889, of whom 1,121 survive. The graduating classes for several years past have ranged from forty-five to sixty-two. There are connected with it a medical department, and the Chandler Scien- tific School, recently founded by the will of the late Abiel Chandler, which went into operation in 1852. The college buildings are spacious and convenient, and present a very handsome appearance. " Though a more central situation for the college would be, on some accounts, highly desirable, yet it has often been remarked, that the location of Dartmouth College is peculiarly favorable to study, and the preservation of morals. Circumstances conducive to these objects, in addition to establishments wisely arranged for the pursuits of literature, are to be found in the salubrity of the situation, the uniform temperature of the climate, and the pleasantness of the village, which is neither too popu- lous nor too solitary." When it was first commenced, there were but twenty log huts in town, and, as a necessary consequence, the accom- modations at first were very humble and meagre. The buildings now consist of five, including an observatory and a chapel. A spacious yard is attached thereto. They are situated in the Plain village. The Medical College, sixty or seventy feet in length and three stories high, built of brick, is situated in this village, a few rods north of the park. Hanover contains three villages, the principal of which is called the Plain, taking its name probably from the fact of its situation, which is on an extensive and level plat of ground half a mile from Connecticut river, and some one hundred and fifty feet above its waters. A more advantageous situation could not be desired. A park or common of some six acres has been laid out, tastefully adorned with trees, around which are erected the dwellings of the inhabitants, which are well built, and have beautiful gardens attached. The streets are of consid- erable width. On the south of the common is the Dartmouth hotel, several stores, and the Tontine, a brick building four stories high and 150 feet in length. There are four meeting-houses — two Congrega- tional, one Baptist, and one Episcopal ; eighteen school districts ; an academy, two female seminaries, and two post-offices — Hanover and Hanover Centre. The Connecticut and Passumpsic Rivers Railroad passes by on the opposite side of the river. Capital invested in trade, §?100,000. Population, 2,350 ; valuation, ^723,824. Haverhill is the half shire town of Grafton county, situated on the western confines of the state, and distant from Concord seventy miles. The first particular account of this place was obtained by Captain Peter Powers, of Hollis, N. H., and others, who were sent out, in 1754, by the government of the state, to explore the Coos country, and who en- 520 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. camped on the common in Haverhill Corner.^ In 1761 Captain John Hazen sent out from Haverhill, Mass., two "men with some cattle, — their names were Michael Johnson and John Pettie, — who took posses- sion of what was called the Little Ox Bow, on the east side of the river, which they found already cleared, probably by the Indians, who occupied the meadows on this and the Vermont side.^ In the spring of 1762 Captain Hazen and Colonel Joshua Howard arrived, with hands and materials for building a saw-mUl and a grist-mill; which were shortly afterward erected where the Swazey mills now stand. The first family, that of Uriah Morse, moved here in June of this year, and March 18, 1764, the town was incorporated under its present name, being known prior to this as Lower Cohos. Settlers soon after arrived in considera- ble numbers, and evidences of improvement were soon apparent. Hon. Moses Dow and Hon. Charles Johnson were distinguished residents of this town. The former held several high civil and military offices in the county and the state ; and the latter was a valuable officer in the Revo- lution, and judge of probate for Grafton county for many years. A church was gathered under the efforts of Rev. Peter Powers, and he was settled over it from 1765 until 1782. After the intervening pas- torates of Rev. Ethan and John Smith, Rev. Grant Powers, author of " History of the Coos Country," was settled here as minister of the Con- gregational church, January 4, 1815, and continued untU 1829. Haverhill is pleasantly situated, and has a varied soil, well adapted to the different modes of cultivation pursued in the state. Granite suita- ble for mill-stones, as well as iron ore, is found. Oliverian and Hazen brooks, both which fall into Connecticut river, water the town in its several parts. Plaverhill has the county buildings, consisting of a court- house, jail, and a fire-proof building for the county offices. There are four villages, — Haverhill Corner, Oliverian, North Haverhill, and Woodsville, — the former of which is the principal one, and has a beau- tiful common laid out in the form of an oblong square, around which stand the buUdings, which are regularly built. The site has been well selected, being a handsome elevation, commanding a view of the adja- cent country from all points. From the street the ground slopes with unusual elegance to the west, and is succeeded by large intervals. There are here seven church edifices — two Congregational, three Meth- odist, one Baptist, and one Union house ; nineteen school districts ; an ' See Grant Powers's History of the Cobs Country. Near this spot, at the mouth of the Cow Meadow brook, were discovered evidences of an old Indian settlement. There were several domestic implements found here, as ■well as heads of arrows and other relics, and also a burying-grouud. NEW HAMPSHIRE — TOWN OF HEBRON, ETC. 521 academy, incorporated in 1794 ; and four post-offices — Haverhill, East Haverhill, North Haverhill, and Haverhill Centre : also, three grist-mills, twelve saw-mills, one paper-mill, one manufacturing company, called the Aqueduct company, one large tannery, one carriage manufactory, one iron foundery, seven shoe factories, a printing-office, several me- chanic shops, and nine stores. The Boston, Concord, and Montreal Railroad passes through Haverhill. Population, 2,405; valuation, $802,811. Hebron, in the southeast part of Grafton county, is distant from Con- cord forty miles. Nearly one half of this town formerly belonged to Groton, and the remaining portion was taken from Plymouth. Hebron was settled, about 1765, by Joseph Hobart, and was incorporated June 15, 1792. The surface is somewhat rough, and the soil rather stubborn ; yet the inhabitants, who are for the most part engaged in agricultural pursuits, have so far overcome the obstacles of nature as to render it very productive of some articles. The larger portion of Newfound lake lies in the southeast part, and is the only body of water of any im- portance in the town. Hebron contains one village, which lies in the centre ; one Congregational church, seven school districts, an incor- porated academy, and one post-office : also, one store and one tan- nery. Population, 565 ; valuation, $122,256. Henniker, in the southwest corner of Merrimack county, is fifteen miles from Concord. July 16, 1752, James and Robert Wallace and others, belonging to Londonderry in this state, obtained a grant of this town from the Masonian proprietors under the name of Number 6. James Peters arrived in 1761, and commenced preparing the place for settlement; soon others followed, most of whona came from Marlbo- rough, Mass. The act of incorporation was passed November 10, 1763, and the name of Henniker was conferred upon it by Governor B. Wentworth, probably in compliment to John Henniker, Esq., of Lon- don, who was a friend of the governor, and a member of the British parliament. Hon. Robert Wallace, one of the original proprietors, held many important civil offices, among which was associate judge of the court of common pleas. He lived to the age of sixty-six, the greater portion of which was devoted to the public service. A church with nine male members was constituted in 1769, and Rev. Jacob Rice was pastor from then till 1782, although, on account of his ill-health, the pulpit was often vacant. He continued to supply it occasionally for twenty years after, during which there was no minister. A division grew up between the church and the town, the former being anxious to settle Rev. Moses 44* 522 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. Sawyer, who, on account of the town's opposition, was ordained in a barn. May 26, 1802, where he preached some time. His ministry con- tinued until 1826. The surface of Henniker is comparatively even, the only eminence of note being Craney hill, lying on the south side of the township, which has been brought under a high state of cultivation. In fact, the whole of the territory is of a fertile character, and is second to none in the county. The town is divided into nearly equal portions by the Con- toocook river, the course of which is rather circuitous, and presents scenes of more than common attractions. The water power is of large ca- pacity, and excellently located for the successful prosecution of business in connection therewith. There are several ponds of considerable size, the principal being Long pond, which is from one to two miles in length and from forty to eighty rods wide. The New Hampshire Cen- tral Railroad connects this place with the city of Manchester, and the Contoocook Valley Railroad renders communication with the capital of the state, and with Portsmouth, easy. Henniker contains two villages — Henniker and West Henniker, each of which has a post-office ; two church edifices — Congregational and Methodist ; thirteen school dis- tricts, and one academy : also, one woollen factory, several mills, and three stores. Population, 1,688 ; valuation, $648,190. Hill, in the extreme southern part of Grafton county, is twenty-four miles from Concord. It was granted September 14, 1753, to eighty- seven proprietors, the greater portion of whom belonged to Chester, and hence it received the name of New Chester, which it retained until January, 1837, when its present name was substituted. Captain Cut- ting Favor and Carr Huse were the first two settlers, arriving here in 1768. Mr. Huse was somewhat distinguished, having been town clerk for several years, as well as representative. Hill was incorporated No- vember 20, 1778. The surface is somewhat uneven, yet some fine farms have been laid out, which are very productive. The soil in some parts is rich and fertile, and, on the average, all of it may be called good. Ragged mountain, lying here, is a considerable elevation, little inferior to Kearsarge. Pemigewasset and Blackwater rivers, and sev- eral smaller streams, furnish abundance of water. The only pond of note is called Eagle. The inhabitants are principally engaged in agricul- ture. Hill contains one village, bearing the same name as the town, in which is located the only post-office; two church edifices, occupied by the several denominations ; eleven school districts, three stores, and the usual mechanical operations of a country town. Population, 954 ; val- uation, $260,593. NEW HAMPSHIRE — TOWN OF HILLSBOROUGH. 523 Hillsborough is the most northerly town in Hillsborough county, and adjoins the counties of Merrimack and Sullivan. Its shape is nearly that of a diamond, being six miles square, and containing 27,320 acres. Settlements were first commenced, in 1741, by a company of men from Boston ; the territory being at that time under the jurisdiction of Mas- sachusetts, by whom it had been granted to Colonel John Hill and a Mr. Keyes. In April, 1746, the few scattered families in Hillsborough, hearing of the depredations committed in adjoining towns by the In- dians, and seeing several of them prowling about the falls in Contoocook river, determined to abandon the settlement, and remove to a place of greater security ; and, after burying their heavier articles of furniture, they commenced their flight, taking with them their lighter articles, and driving their cattle before them. Among those who first settled were James Mc Galley, Samuel Gibson, Robert McClure, and James Lyon. For more than fifteen years from the dispersion of the first settlement, the town was destitute of inhabitants. In 1760, the conquest of Canada and the termination of the second French war having removed the dan- ger of savage incursions, another settlement was commenced, under more favorable auspices than the first. Colonel Hill was now sole proprietor of the town. Daniel McMurphy made the second attempt at settle- ment in 1762, and fixed his residence on Bible hill. He was soon fol- lowed by other settlers ; and in 1767 there were sixteen heads of fami- lies in the place, who came principally from Massachusetts. Ample proof is furnished that Hillsborough was much visited by the Indians, — doubtless the Penacook tribe, — from the exhuming of various cooking utensils and implements of w^ar. The act of incorporation was passed in 1772, the charter stating that all the white-pine trees growing in the town were to be reserved for the use of the royal navy, a clause which was not very favorably regarded by the people, and met with some opposition. It was called Hill- borough at the request of the proprietor ; but, by common usage, the s has been added to the first syllable, probably in compliment to the Earl of Hillsborough, one of the privy council of George HI. In 1775, when hostilities between this country and Great Britain commenced, there were forty families here ; but, before the close of the war, this number was considerably augmented by immigration. The spirit of resistance to the oppressive measures of the mother country extended even to this remote settlement, and the inhabitants entered with patri- otic ardor into the excitement of the contest, furnishing both men and means to prosecute the war. Captain Isaac Baldwin and Lieutenant Ammi Andrews particularly distinguished themselves in General Stark's regiment. In the last war with Great Britain, a commendable 524 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. spirit of patriotism was evinced by the citizens of Hillsborough, nearly twenty persons having enlisted in the regular army. Two natives of the town — General John McNeil and Colonel B. K. Pierce — were distinguished officers of that war, and many cases of signal courage were exhibited. There is little doubt that the cool courage of General McNeil decided the victory of Chippewa, in 1814. He was then a major of the 11th regiment. Its commander. Colonel Campbell, was killed as he was leading his regiment into action. The command then devolved upon Major McNeil. The regiment under his lead marched with shouldered arms to within fifteen rods of the enemy's line, receiv- ing a heavy fire during the entire advance without breaking or waver- ing. It then came up to line with the steadiness and precision of a parade, and poured a most destructive fire upon the enemy. The enemy immediately charged upon the 9th, which was directly in front. In so doing they were heedlessly passing the 11th. McNeil saw their position at once, and taking advantage of it, gave the command : " Eleventh, form line to the front, on the right platoon." The command was obeyed at once, and a raking and destructive flank fire was poured into the ranks of the enemy. The enemy broke at once, and fled, no efforts of their officers being able to stay them until they had gained the pro- tection of their fortifications. General Jesup, in referring to this flank movement of Major McNeil, says : " General McNeil, on his own responsibility and without orders from any one, made a decisive move- ment at Chippewa, and he certainly contributed as much to the victory as any other man in the field." And General Scott, in his official report, says of the fire upon the enemy : " That of Major McNeil was most effective, from the oblique position which his troops judiciously occupied, and he deserved every thing which conspicuous skill and gallantry can win from a grateful country." At the battle of Niagara, as he was gallantly leading the 11th into action, his horse was shot under him and he received a canister shot which passed through his right knee and shattered the bones severely. This occurred while he was leading Brady's and his own troops to the contest. Brady's regiment, the 22d, broke and ffed. McNeil, seeing their panic, spurred his horse in front of them, and, by persuasion and threats, rallied them, reformed them, and led them into action with his own troops. Although suffering extremely from pain, he continued in the battle until, fainting from the loss of blood, his situation was dis- covered, and he was taken from the field. He recovered from his wound, but was a cripple for life. Among those who have been natives or residents of HiUsborough, and have distinguished themselves in the service of the country or the NEW HAMPSHIRE — TOWN OF HILLSBOROUGH. 525 state, may be mentioned Lieutenant Robert B. Wilkins, a brave officer, who served as quarter-master in the detachment commanded by General Lafayette, with whom he was well acquainted. Quite an affecting scene is represented as having taken place between this officer and the general when the latter visited Concord in 1825. Governor Benjamin Pierce, the father of Ex-president Franklin Pierce, was also a distinguished military and civil officer. He entered the army at Lexington, and con- tinued under arms till the last troops were disbanded in 1784. The Ex-president was born here in 1804, and practised law some time before moving to Concord. A Congregational church was formed in 1769, and Rev. Jonathan Barnes was pastor from 1772 until 1803, after which the pastorate does not seem to have been a bed of roses to any of the incumbents, owing to that almost invariable cause of embarrassment in town settlements, a difference of opinions and tastes between the town and the church. The surface of Hillsborough is uneven, being greatly diversified by hills and dales. It has a rugged, yet, in general, strong and productive soil, favorable to the cultivation of all kinds of grass and English grain. Stow's mountain, in the northwest part, is the highest elevation. Hillsborough is watered by tributaries of the Contoocook river, and by Birthplace of Franklin Pierce. those of the Hillsborough river, both considerable streams. There are three natural ponds, known as Loon, Contention, and Campbell's, to- gether making a surface of five hundred acres of water. There are four villages — Hillsborough Centre, Hillsborough Bridge, the Upper village, 526 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. and Lower village, the second of which is the principal, located oil both sides of the Contoocook river, which is crossed at this point by an ele- gant and substantial arched granite bridge, whence the name of the village is derived. The Contoocook, by two falls of considerable size, supplies this village with a valuable water power. It is the seat of con- siderable mercantile and manufacturing business, and many of the dwellings are handsome. The other villages are pleasantly located, and are generally in a prosperous condition. In the Lower village is the elegant mansion of the late Governor Pierce, the birthplace of the Ex- president, a correct view of which is here given. It is now the place of residence of Hon. C. E. Potter, to whose wife it has descended from her mother, Mrs. General John McNeil, who was a daughter of the governor. There are four meeting-houses — two Congregational, one Methodist, and one Baptist ; nineteen school districts ; an academy (the Hills- borough), incorporated in June, 1821, and three post-offices — Hills- borough, Hillsborough Centre, and Hillsborough Bridge : also, eight saw-mills, five grist-mills, four tanneries, one iron foundery, two ma- chine-shops, manufactories of furniture, bedsteads, shoe-pegs, carriages, and tin and sheet-iron, and a large number of blacksmith's, shoe and boot, and carpenter's shops. The Contoocook Valley Railroad has its terminus at HUlsborough. Population, 1,685 ; valuation, $624,731. Hillsborough County, in the southern part of New Hampshire, con- tains about 960 square miles. It is one of the five counties into which New Hampshire was divided March 19, 1771, when under the sway of monarchy. Since that time her limits have been materially diminished, particularly in 1823, when she gave thirteen of her offspring — Andover, Boscawen, Bradford, Dunbarton, Newbury, Henniker, Hooksett, Hop- kinton. New London, Salisbury, Sutton, Warner, and Wilmot — to form the present county of Merrimack. December 10, 1824, Pelham was taken from Rockingham, and added to her territory. By act of the legislature in 1829 the lines were established, and are still as follows : "Beginning at the bound between the towns of Salem and Pelham at the state line ; thence westerly by the state line to the southeast corner of Rindge; thence by the easterly lines of Rindge, Jaffi-ey, Dublin, Nelson, Stoddard, and Washington, to the northwest corner of Hillsbor- ough ; thence by the northerly and easterly lines of Hillsborough, and southerly lines of Henniker and Hopkinton, to the northwest corner of Dunbarton ; thence by the westerly and southerly hnes of Dunbarton and Hooksett to the line of the county of Rockingham ; thence by the NEW HAMPSHIRE — TOWN OF HINSDALE. 527 last-mentioned line to the bound first mentioned." Hillsborough has now thirty towns within her limits, Amherst, Manchester, and Nashua being the shire towns. The records are kept at the former. Hillsborough county has a surface diversified here and there with em- inences, though there are but few mountains of very considerable alti- tude, Lyndeborough, Uncanoonuck, and Crotched being the principal. The soil is mostly fertile. Water is abundant in the county, — the Mer- rimack, the Souhegan, the Contoocook, the Nashua, and the Piscata- quog being rivers of much value for water-power and other purposes. Besides these there are other streams of lesser magnitude, and numer- ous ponds, as weU as part of Massabesic lake. Manufacturing, the ad- vantages for pursuing which are considerable, commands a large share of the attention of the people. The county is traversed by the Concord, Contoocook Valley, New Hampshire Central, Wilton, and Peterborough and Shirley Railroads. The Merrimack river, by means of canals around the falls, is rendered navigable for boats. The county belongs to the second judicial district, a law term of which is held at Manchester on the first Tuesday of June annually. The trial terms of the supreme judicial court are held annually at Amherst on the second Tuesday of September, and at Manches^r on the second Tuesday of January. Terms of the court of common pleas are held at Amherst on the third Tuesday of April, and at Manchester on the first Tuesday of November, in each year. Population, 57,478 ; valuation, $27,498,821. Hinsdale, Cheshire county, seventy-five miles from Concord, lies on the Connecticut river, having Brattleboro' and Vernon, Vt., on the opposite side. Being formerly a part of Northfield, it was granted by the government of Massachusetts, and its settlement was commenced as early as 1683. Hinsdale received the privileges of a town, Septem- ber 3, 1753, and its name was conferred upon it in honor of Ebenezer Hinsdale, a prominent inhabitant, much esteemed by his fellow towns- men for his virtues and talents. It is the place of residence of the present governor, William Haile. At the time of incorporation it in- cluded Vernon, which was separated from it when Vermont became a state. Before 1753 it was known as Fort Dummer, or Bridgman's Fort At the time of settlement, vicissitudes and trials of the most grievous character were the common lot of the pioneer, wherever he might turn his steps ; but a situation on the frontier — beyond the call of the civ- ilized brotherhood, and in the very pathway of the savage, who might burn, pillage, and murder at any moment — was fraught with dangers. 528 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. and surrounded with difficulties, which can better be imagined than de- scribed. Such a position had Hinsdale ; and the chapter of her history is filled with incidents of a harrowing nature, where murder was fre- quent, and captures of the settlers of almost every-day occurrence. Forts were erected, — Dummer, Hinsdale's, Shattuck's, and Bridg- man's, but even with these the settlers were insecure. On the 24th of June, 1746, a party of twenty Indians approached Bridgman's fort, and made an attack on several men, who were laboring in a meadow near by, when William Robbins and James Parker were killed, John Bee- man and Daniel How made prisoners, and M. Gilson and Patrick Ray wounded. The savages did not escape unharmed, — one of their num- ber having been killed by Daniel How. In 1747 the Indians assaulted Bridgman's fort, which they burnt, and killed several persons, besides taking others prisoners. In July this year. Colonel Willard with twenty men proceeded to the grist-mill for the purpose of grinding corn, when the guards, whom he had stationed to watch the approach of any hostile force, were fired upon by the savages. The Colonel, by giving repeated and vociferous orders to attack the enemy, led them to suppose that he had a very superior force ; and the Indians immediately took to flight, leaving their packs and provisions as trophies. These attacks did not end here. A party of the settlers, while cross- ing from Colonel Hinsdale's to Fort Dummer, June 16, 1748, were sur- prised, Nathan French, Joseph Richardson, and John Frost being killed, and seven others captured, one of whom (WiUiam Biclcford) died of his wounds. Another assault was made, in 1755, upon a party who were at work in the woods, when John Hardiclay and John Alex- ander were murdered, and Jonathan Colby was taken prisoner. The last attack of which we have any record took place on the 27th of July the same year, when the Indians ambushed Caleb Howe, Hilkiah Grout, and Benjamin Gaffield, as they were returning from their labor. The remnants of an Indian fortification, erected anterior to the settle- ment of the town, may be seen on a point of a hill a short distance from Connecticut river. A deep trench, extending to the river, divides the site of the fort from the plain at its back, and would prove a very strong obstacle to an enemy in case of attack. When this ancient arm of defence was constructed, or any other points in its history, must be left to the decision of some persevering antiquary. The surface of Hinsdale has several eminences, — the principal of which, lying on the north line, is West River mountain, extending easterly from the banks of the river across the town. Its liighest peak, called Mine mountain, is about nine hundred feet above low- water mark. Iron ore, beds of silicate of manganese, and other minerals, have NEW HAMPSHrRE — TOWN OF HOLDERNESS. 529 been found in or near this eminence. Some years ago, signs of a vol- canic eruption, attended by the emission of a substance resembling lava, were apparent in this mountain. There are extensive and fertile tracts of interval ; and Stebbins hill, a tract of excellent land, is capable of a high degree of cultivation. In the north part the land between the hills and the interval is level, and suitable for the production of corn, rye, and clover. Water is plentiful, there being a great number of springs and rivulets, — the principal of which are the Ashuelot, Kilburn brook, and Ash-swamp brook. Within the limits of the town are sev- eral islands, lying in the Connecticut river. There are two bridges, one crossing the Connecticut opposite Brattleboro', and the other cross- ing the Ashuelot near the centre of the town. Hinsdale contains three church edifices, — Congregational, Universalist, and Baptist ; nine school districts, and one post-office : also, two establishments for the manufacture of cashmerettes, two paper-mills, two machine-shops, one chisel factory, one bobbin factory, two pail factories, one grist-mill, five or six saw-mills, one carriage factory, one tannery, and several smaller mechanical establishments. The Ashuelot Railroad, a branch of the Connecticut River Railroad, connects with Hinsdale. Popula- tion, 1,903 ; valuation, $451,437. HoLDERNESS, in the eastern part of Grafton county, forty miles from Concord, is in size about six miles square. It was first granted October 10, 1751, to John Shepard and others ; but the charter was forfeited, and it was again granted October 24, 1 761, to John Wentworth and sixty- seven others, all members of the English Episcopal church. It was originally known as New Holderness, and was settled, about 1763, by William Piper, from Durham or its vicinity. Some of those who came in subsequently' were from Barrington. This town has one village, called Holderness Village, which is sixty-five miles from Plymouth and forty from Concord. The soil is hard to till, but not unproductive. A con- siderable quantity of maple sugar is annually made, and fruit — consist- ing of plums, cherries, and pears — grows here in comparative abun- dance. The Pemigewasset and other streams impart their fertilizing influence to the soil, and afford good mill sites. There are three large ponds, — two called Squam, and one. White Oak, — the largest being ' One of these, Hon. Samuel Livermore, came herein 1765. He became proprietor of about half the township. His native place was Waltham, Mass., whore he was born in 1732. He graduated at Princeton College in 1754. He became chief justice of the superior court and a senator of the United States, being the most distinguished citizen whom Holderness has ever had. His son, Hon. Arthur Livermore, resided near the banks of Pemigewasset He also held the place of chief justice of the highest state court. VOL. I. 45 530 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. about six miles long and half a mile wide, and the smallest about a mile long. These are very beautiful sheets of water hidden among the wilds of the backwoods. The road* which runs by the larger Squam was, a few years since, almost impassable, but a new one has since been laid out. The route from Plymouth to Winnepesaukee lake and along its borders to Wolf borough is very picturesque, its scenery being scarcely rivalled in this part of the country. Salmon-trout abound in the ponds, and trout, pickerel, and perch in the brooks. There are three churches — one Free-will Baptist and two Episcopal, of which one of the latter is the eldest. Rev. Robert Fowle officiated as its minister for more than thirty years from 1791, upon a salary usually of about two hundred dollars. He also carried on farming, and some- times represented the town in the general court, being " vir doctus el humilis," a man learned and yet humble. There are seventeen school districts, and one post-office: also, six saw-mills, four grist-mills, a paper-mill, fulling-mill, and carding-machine, most of them located upon a stream flowing from the Squam ponds. The capital invested in trade is $20,000, and in manufactures $80,000. The Boston, Con- cord, and Montreal Railroad has a station here. Population, 1,744; valuation, $405,689. HoLLiS, Hillsborough county, on the southern boundary of New Hampshire, adjoining Nashua, formed a part of old Dunstable, until December 28, 1739, when it was set off as the " West Parish of Dun- stable," and soon after incorporated as a separate town by the name of HoUis. Peter Powers and his wife moved to Dunstable in 1728, and, in the fall of 1730, Powers penetrated the forest as far as Nisitisset, now Hollis, which he fixed upon as his future residence. The next year he brought his wife and two children into this then dense wilder- ness. Mr. Powers had been a soldier under the lamented Captain John LoveweU, and was not unused to hardship or destitute of courage. In the summer of 1752 Eleazer Flagg arrived, and Thomas Dinsmore and nine others with families came in 1736, who soon made the neces- sary arrangements for permanently locating themselves. Of course the early settlers of these uninhabited wilds had to endure trials and hard- ships; but there is no account that they were ever attacked by the savages whom they had come to supplant, and teach the manner of living, though they were under fearful apprehensions of attack, as ap- pears by the following, dated May 20, 1746 : " Voted to petition the General Court of Massachusetts Bay for some soldiers for a Guard for us, being in great danger of the enemy." The first minister. Rev. Daniel Emerson, was settled April 20, 1743 (a meeting-house having been NRW HAMPSHISB — TOWN OF HOOKSETT. 531 erected two years previously), and he was sole pastor for more than fifty years, afterwards senior pastor until his death in 1801. Hollis furnished a large number of men for the expedition to Ticon- deroga and Crown Point, and Peter Powers was commissioned as captain. Scarcely had this drawback to the progress of the town been offset by the fall of Quebec and the consequent surrender of all the French possessions in Canada, before another cloud darkened the horizon of peace. This crisis, while demanding equal courage in a holier cause, was one fraught with more serious results to America. The storm of the Revolution burst forth, and Hollis gave bountifully of her limited strength. Seventy of her sons were at the battle of Bunker Hill, while she furnished, with facility and promptness, her quota of men for other expeditions in the good cause. No less than 250 men from Hollis were in the various battles of the Rev- olution, thirty of whom lost their lives in the contest. Peace was pro- claimed in 1783, and in its wake followed prosperity and enterprise. The lands, which had hitherto been allowed, for the want of hands, to lie uncultivated, now began to bloom with fruitful crops, and the advan- tages which the town possessed in other ways were improved. The soil of Hollis is of a varied description, and on the Nashua are some excellent tracts of interval, while the uplands are moderately fertile. The Nashua and Nisitisset rivers water the town, and furnish good mill sites. Near the centre of the town, on a somewhat elevated and pleasant site, is a thriving village. There are two meeting-houses (Congregationalist and Baptist) ; thirteen school districts, and one post-office: also, eight saw-mills, four grist-mills, and several mechanic shops. The Worcester and Nashua Railroad connects w^ith HoUis. Population, 1,293 ; valuation, $667,392. HooKSETT, the southeastern corner town of Merrimack county, adjoin- ing Manchester on the south, and nine miles from Concord, was formed from portions of Chester, Goffstown, and Dunbarton, being incorporated July 2, 1822. There are some well-cultivated farms here, but the soil, on the average, is not of the best description. Agriculture engages a large share of the attention of the inhabitants. Pinnacle mountain, on the west side of the town, is composed of an immense mass of rocks some two hundred feet in height, covered with a ragged growth of trees and bushes. There is a pond at the foot of this mountain, the water of which is remarkably clear and deep, having no visible outlet. It is supposed to have been the bed of the mountain, from which the latter, by some violent convulsion of nature, was upturned. A remarkably fine view is obtained of the surrounding landscape from the summit of this 532 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OP NEW ENGLAND. eminence. Specimens of lead and silver ore have been recently dis- covered, and a company has been formed for the purpose of working the mines, with a fair prospect of success. The river Merrimack runs through the centre of the town. The Isle-of-Hooksett falls, having a descent of water of about sixteen feet perpendicular in thirty rods, are situated here. Hooksett has three villages— Hooksett, Martin's Ferry, and Rowe's Corner ; nine school districts ; two church edifices — Con- gregational and Methodist; and one post-office: also, a large mill, owned by the Amoskeag Company, of Manchester ; several brickkilns, one or two steam saw-mills, and a pail factory. Two railroads pass through Hooksett. The Portsmouth and Concord Railroad enters from the east, and the Manchester and Lawrence from the south. Popu- lation, 1,503 ; valuation, $561,103. HOPKINTON, lying in the southern part of Merrimack county, is seven miles west of Concord. It was granted by Massachusetts, January 16, 1736, to John Jones and others of Hopkinton in that state, and received the name of Number 5, and subsequently, New Hopkinton. About 1740, several emigrants from Hopkinton, Mass., took up their residence here, and commenced the settlement. The Indians committed several depredations, and during the French and Indian war, which commenced in 1744, the inhabitants were compelled to abandon their homes, and the settlement was not resumed till after the conclusion of that contest. On the 22d of April, 1746, six Indians, fully armed, assaulted a garrison, and succeeded in making an entrance, taking eight persons prisoners, — namely, Mr. Woodwell, his wife, two sons, and a daughter, and Samuel Burbank and his two sons, Caleb and Jonathan. These persons were asleep at the time of the attack. It is related of Abraham Kimball, the first male citizen, that on the 13th of April, 1753, while going from Kimball's garrison to that of Putney, he was made prisoner by the In- dians, as also was an aged man named Samuel Putney. Some three days after this, the Indians, while in the vicinity of Boscawen, being suddenly surprised by some of the inhabitants of that town, fled, leaving Putney in the rear, while Kimball escaped, through the sagacity of a dog, that seized an Indian while making preparations to kill Kimball. The Masonian proprietors, November 30, 1750, made a grant of this town to Henry Mellen and others, which occasioned considerable per- plexity with the proprietors of Bow. It was, however, settled by the charter of incorporation, which was granted January 11, 1765. At the first meeting of the proprietors after the grant, they voted, " That when ten families are settled, the proprietors will maintain preaching." A Congregational church often members was formed November 23, 1757, NEW HAMPSHIRE — TOWN OF HUDSON. 533 over which Rev. James Scales was pastor from that date until 1770. There being no meeting-house, the ordination took place in Putney's fort, in the open air, attended by a large number of people. Rev. Elijah Fletcher was the pastor from 1773 to 1786. The house of worship was destroyed by an incendiary fire in February, 1789, in consequence of which the ordination of Rev. Jacob Cram, which took place the same month, ■w'^as solemnized on a platform erected for the purpose. Until the house was rebuilt, public worship was held in the barn of Benjamin Wiggin. Hopkinton contains 26,967 acres, the surface of which consists of widely extended hills, together with several tracts of interval and meadow land, all of which is well adapted to the purposes of agricul- ture. Fruit-growing receives some attention. Contoocook river waters the town, receiving in its course Warner and Blackwater rivers, and sev- eral large brooks emptying into the Merrimack at Concord. The Mer- rimack and Connecticut River Railroad and the Contoocook Valley Railroad connect at Contoocookville. Lumber is manufactured in considerable quantities. There are two villages — East Village and Contoocookville; six church edifices — Congregational, Episcopal, Bap- tist, Free-will Baptist, Universalist, and Swedenborgian ; twenty-one school districts, two academies (one at each village), and two post- offices — Contoocookville and Hopkinton : also, one grist-mill and six saw-mills. Population, 2,169 ; valuation, $717,069. Hudson, Hillsborough county, is situated on the east bank of the Merrimack river, opposite Nashua. It was included in the original grant of Dunstable, and was set off into a separate township by the legislature of Massachusetts, in 1732, by the name of Nottingham. It received a new act of incorporation under New Hampshire, July 5, 1746, and was called Nottingham West. In March, 1778, a small por- tion of the territory of Londonderry was annexed to it, and July 1, 1830, the name was changed to Hudson. It was not settled until after 1710, although several tracts within its bounds were granted before 1660. The names of some of the early settlers were Blodgett, Colburn, Cross, Cummings, Greeley, Hill, Lovewell, Marsh, Merrill, Pollard, and Winn, who commenced settlements on the banks of the Merrimack, where the Indians had cleared fields for raising corn. From anticipated attacks of the savages, the first settlers lived in garrisons ; but, however necessary such precautions may have been, there appears to be no record of any depredations committed by the Indians. In the old French war of 1756, two soldiers from this town, Amos Pollard and Asa Worcester, were in the army in Canada. Hudson contributed largely, according 45* 534 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGJiAND. to its population, to the support of the Revolutionary struggle, five of the inhabitants having been in Captain Walker's company at Bunker Hill. A Congregational church was constituted November 30, 1737, at which time Rev. Nathaniel Merrill was settled as pastor, who appears to have served the church until his death in 1796, although the civil con- tract was dissolved, in 1774, for a consideration of <£60. The land is easy of culture, being of a rich sandy loam. On the river are large intervals of deep and fertile soil ; but distant from the river, the surface is hilly and uneven. There are two ponds — known as the Little Massabesic and Otternick, both covering about three hundred acres. Hudson con- tains two villages ; three church edifices — Baptist, Congregational, and Methodist ; ten school districts, and one post-office : also, four saw-mills, two grist-mills, one batting mill, one wheelwright shop, and one tool- maker's shop. Population, 1,312 ; valuation for 1857, $464,592. Jackson, Coos county, is situated at the base of the White Moun- tains, adjoining Bartlett on the south, and ninety miles from Concord. It was first settled by Benjamin Copp, who, with his family, consti- tuted the only inhabitants, and endured unexampled hardships for a period of twelve years. In the year 1790, they were relieved from their loneliness by the arrival of four other families, — those of Captain Joseph Pinkham, Clement Meserve, John Young, and Joseph D. Pink- ham. The settlement was first called New Madbury, which it retained till the date of its incorporation, December 4, 1800, when it \vas called Adams. To suit prevailing political opinions, this nanie was changed July 4, 1829, to Jackson, in honor of the president of the United States. The surface of Jackson is uneven and rocky ; but the greater propor- tion of the land is adapted to cultivation. The most noted eminences are Black, Baldface, and Thorn mountains, the second of which is sit- uated on the line between Jackson and Bartlett. Iron ore of the best quality, as also bog and magnetic iron and tin ore, have been found here, the former in immense quantities. The tin ore is considered the first ever discovered in the United States, and was found by Dr. Jackson, state geologist. Ellis river, the only stream of note, waters the town, in addition to which are several brooks and rivulets. The view here given is of Goodrich Falls with the old lumber-mill on the main road from Jackson to Bartlett, about two miles from Jackson City, at the junction of the two branches of Ellis river. The height of the rock at the right, from the water, is eighty feet. There is a large circular pool below the fall, the water of which is of great depth. When the river is full, the water pours a broad, beautiful sheet over the dam, covering the rocks. NEW HAMPSHIRE TOWN OF JACKSON. 535 and throwing up clouds of spray, sometimes to the height of one hun- dred feet, and exhibiting a beautiful rainbow. A new mill is in course Goodrich Falls. of erection just in rear of the high rock upon the right. One of the principal thoroughfares to the far-famed White Hills leads through this town ; and the traveller, as he passes along, cannot but be interested as he beholds the beautiful scenery with which the locality abounds. Jack- son has but one village, usually called " The Corner," — sometimes familiarly " Jackson City," — where a half-dozen houses cannot be found in a half a mile; at one of which, passengers coming up from Conway and down from the Glen House, destined to the Crawford House, meet and share the noon-day hospitalities of " mine host." There are two churches — Free-will Baptist, and a Protestant Union house; eight school districts, and one post-office : also, two saw-mills, and one grist-mill. Population, 589; valuation, $114,187. 536 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGg,AND. Jaffrey, in the eastern division of Cheshire county, adjoins Peterbor- ough, and is forty-six miles from Concord. This town was granted by the Masonian proprietors to forty persons in 1749, and the first perma- nent settlement was made, in 1758, by a Mr. Grout and John Davison. In 1753 Richard Peabody, Moses Stickney, and others arrived, and re- mained some two or three years, but not meeting with their anticipated success, they left for more promising fields of labor. Jaffrey was incor- porated in 1773, receiving its name from George Jaffrey, of Portsmouth, one of the Masonian proprietors. Previous to this it was known as New Monadnock, or Monadnock Number 2. The first public meeting, summoned by Jonathan Stanley, was holden September 14, 1773. On the 28th of the same month an adjourned meeting was held, at which a committee, consisting of Captain Jona- than Stanley, Alexander McNeil, and James Callwell, were appointed to procure the services of a minister. The next year, April 26, 1774, it was decided to " build a meeting-house on tlae common near the centre of the town, this and the ensuing year," and at a subsequent meeting, held July 6, it was " Resolved, that the house shall be 60 feet by 45, posts 27 feet ; that there shall be a porch at each end of the house ; and that the house shall be raised by the middle of June, 1775, and be finished by the first of June, 1776." It is a rather singular fact, that the frame of this house is asserted to have been raised on the memorable 17th of June, 1775, and that those engaged in its erection heard the report of the cannon discharged at Bunker Hill.^ The edifice was not completed for many years, doubtless owing to the unsettled state of things pro- duced by war, for which reason also pulpit ministrations were of unfre- quent occurrence until 1780, notwithstanding money was annually raised for the support of the gospel. There was no regularly settled minister till 1782, though many names of clergymen appear on the records. Rev. Laban Ainsworth was unanimously called " to the work of the gospel ministry in this town," July 8, 1782, and was ordained pastor of the Congregational church, December 10th following, and continued alone in the work for nearly half a century. Since 1830 the active duties have been performed by a junior pastor. Mr. Ainsworth died March 17, 1858, aged one hundred years, seven months, and twen- ty-eight days. A Baptist Church was established here January 3, 1814. Among the eminent men who have claimed nativity here is Hon. Joel Parker, for many years chief justice of the state, now Royall professor of law in Harvard College. Jaffrey is uneven in its surface ; but has numerous meadows and rich ^ This meeting-house is now used for civil instead of ecclesiastical purposes. NEJir HAMPSHIRE — TOWN OF JEPFEKSON. 537 pasture, which render it well adapted to the raising of cattle. The Grand Monadnock mountain is principally situated in the northwest part of the town. The direction of the ridge runs northeast and south- west ; and it is about five miles long from north to south, and three miles from east to west. Its height, according to the observations of Professor Dana, in 1816, is 3,450 feet above the level of the sea, its component parts being talc, mica, and slate, distinctly stratified. Sev- eral minerals are found on and around it. Viewed at a distance of four or five miles, its summit appears of a globular shape, bereft of those steep rocks and mural precipices common to granitic mountains. A very extensive view, rural and beautiful, is obtainable from its top. No less than thirty collections of fresh water, some of such ample dimen- sions as to contain islands of eight or ten acres, are to be seen, seem- ingly clustering around its very base. This mountain was, many years since, covered with a large growth of evergreens ; but by repeated fires it now presents, at a distance, a perfectly barren appearance. On ascending, however, there may be found plats of earth sufficient for the growth of the blueberry and cranberry, as well as a variety of shrubs. Innumerable streams of water issue from the mountain, some of which discharge themselves into the Connecticut, while others form the head waters of the Contoocook river. The largest stream rises about one hundred rods from the summit, descending in a southeast direction. The Monadnock mineral spring, which is slightly impregnated with carbonate of iron and sulphate of soda, is about a mile and a half to the southeast of the mountain. Yellow ochre is found at the mouth of the spring. There are several ponds, out of three of which issue streams sufficient to cany mills. In the largest of these ponds, which is four hundred rods long and one ^ hundred and forty wide, is an island of about ten acres. Jaffrey has three villages, bearing the names of Jaffrey, East Jaffrey, and Prescott, at the two former of which are post-offices ; four churches — two Congregational, one Baptist, and one Universalist ; thirteen school districts, and Melville Academy : also, the Monadnock Bank, with a capital of $50,000 ; four stores ; two cotton mills, having a combined capital of $20,000 ; two tanneries, and a manufactory of pails and other wooden ware. Population, 1,497 ; valuation, $643,516. Jefferson, in Coos county, adjoining Lancaster, is ninety-eight miles from Concord. Dartmouth was its first name, under which it was granted October 3, 1765, to John GofFe; and granted again June 26, 1772, to Mark H. Wentworth and others. The settlement was begun, 538 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. about the year 1773, by Colonel Joseph Whipple, Samuel Hart, and others. In December, 1796, it was incorporated by the New Hampshire legislature, receiving its present name in honor of the illustrious Jef- ferson. Colonel Whipple was a man of considerable notoriety in his day, and a very extensive landholder. His name is mentioned, even at the present time, with pride and veneration ; for although very exact in his dealings vnth. his neighbors, paying and receiving pay to the smallest fraction, he was kind and attentive to the settlers, watching after their welfare and interests with a fatherly solicitude. During the Revolu- tionary war, a party of Indians, under the authority of the English, were admitted to the Colonel's house as usual, and made him a pris- oner before he was aware of their intention. He made no objection to accompany them; but said they must wait till he procured some articles of apparel for his journey. Telling Mrs. Hight, his housekeeper, to entertain the Indians with some articles of curious mechanism in the house, he contrived, while their attention was so occupied, to make his escape from his bedroom window. Going directly to a field where some men were at work, he ordered each man to seize a stake from the fence, and shoulder it as he would a gun ; and thus reinforced, he again presented himself before the Indians who were in pursuit of him. The enemy, seeing him at a distance, as they imagined, at the head of a company of armed men, hurriedly seized what plunder they could lay their hands on, and fled. Mr. Gotham, one of the family, was coming to the house when the Indians arrested Colonel Whipple, but saw them in time to make his escape. While crossing the river on a log he was fired upon, but was not injured. Jefferson is quite hilly, but the gently rising slopes are cultivated to their summits, producing wheat, rye, barley, and oats in abundance. There is excellent grazing land on the higher hills, pasturing large flocks of cattle and sheep. A more beautiful pastoral scene cannot be im- agined than that presented to the traveller as he ascends Cherry Moun- tain. Before him lies the town of Jefferson, in all its loveliness. Upon all the green slopes are flomishing fields of grain. Here and there, in the quiet valleys, or sheltered by overhanging cliffs, are snug farm-houses amid scores of outhouses; and scattered among all, and giving anima- tion to the picture, are the "cattle upon a thousand hills." Mount Pliny and Cherry mountain are the highest elevations. John's and Israel's rivers ^ supply abundance of water. Pondicherry bay is two hundred rods long and one hundred wide. Jefferson has a Baptist ' The names of these rivers were derived from two brothers, — John and Israel Ghnes, — who hunted beaver and other animals in the vicinity, prior to the settlement of this part of the country. NEW HAMPSHIRE — TOWN OF KEENE. 539 church, seven school districts, and two post-offices — Jefferson and Jefferson Mills ; also, two mills and one store. Population, 629 ; valu- ation, $170,340. Keene, in the w^esterly part of Cheshire county, fifty-five miles from Concord, is the shire town, and was first settled under the authority of Massachusetts. Jeremiah Hall, Daniel Hoar, Seth Heaton, Elisha Root, Nathaniel Rockwood, Josiah Fisher, William Puffer, and others from Massachusetts, settled in September, 1734, but did not reside here permanently. The first who attempted to pass the winter in Keene were Nathan Blake, Seth Heaton, and William Smeed, who, encoun- tering a variety of hardships, left before the winter expired, returning next season. At this time the line between New Hampshire and Mas- sachusetts had not been run, nor its direction ascertained, and it was generally supposed the valley of the Ashuelot would fall within the boun- daries of the latter. The town was then called Upper Ashuelot, which means, in the Indian language, " a collection of many waters." Upper Ashuelot was a frontier settlement, in the bosom of the wilderness, and was much exposed to Indian assaults, its nearest neighbor being North- field, Mass., twenty miles distant, while Winchester (Lower Ashuelot), though first granted, did not contain any inhabitants, or, at most, two or three. The town was laid out into lots, fifty-four being on Main street, — twenty-seven on each side, — which were one hundred and sixty rods long, and eight rods front ; and in 1736 the proprietors voted to erect a nieeting-house at the south end of Main street, forty feet long, thirty-five feet wide, and twenty feet stud, which was to be finished by the 26th of June, 1737. In 1738 Jacob Bacon was settled as minister. The same year a fort was erected for protection from the Indians, who, in 1745, killed Josiah Fisher. In 1746, the inhabitants becoming alarmed, increased vigilance and circumspection were observed in their movements. On the 23d of April the town was attacked, and all that could took refuge in the fort. There were several attending to their cattle, however, and they encountered the Indians, who had rushed into the street, fiUing the air with their horrid yells. Mrs. McKenny, an aged woman, and John Bullard, were killed ; Mrs. Clark had a narrow escape, having been pursued by an Indian, whom she succeeded in out- running ; and Nathan Blake was taken prisoner and carried to Canada, where he remained tw^o years. The Indians attacked the fort on aU sides, but relief soon after arriving from Swanzey, the savages decamped, burning, however, all the houses, and capturing a number of the cattle. The inhabitants remained in the fort until March or April, 1747, and then abandoned the settlement. 540 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OP NEW ENGLAND. In 1750 or 1752 the inhabitants again returned to the town, and, in 1753, it was incorporated under the name of Keene, which was given in honor of an English nobleman, perhaps Sir Benjamin Keene, British minister at Spain, and contemporary with Governor Wentworth, who granted the charter. Between the years 1754 and 1755 several parties of Indians visited the town, but their depredations were of no great magnitude. They captured one man, Benjamin Twichell, whom they caiTied to Quebec, and who died on his return to Boston. Keene, in the Revolution, exhibited a spirit of wisdom, courage, and patriotism in her supplies of men and means, and in the adoption of the true remedies to aid in the support of the war. As soon as news reached the town of the battle of Lexington, measures were taken to raise a company, which started the next morning, commanded by Captain Wyman, for Concord. Some parties were overzealous in the cause, and would have committed assaults on several tories, who were retained as prisoners, but for the timely efforts of some of the more humane and forbearing of the inhabitants. Several disturbances oc- curred in 1782, regarding the settlement of the divisional line between New Hampshire and Vermont, which at last were amicably settled. Two farms were annexed to Keene from Swanzey, December 10, 1812. The town of Keene is a proud little spot, and has been the residence of many distinguished characters, among whom may be mentioned Judge Daniel Newcomb ; Peleg Sprague, member of congress ; the two Governors Dinsmoor, father and son ; General James Wilson, and his late father, members of congress ; Joel Parker, for many years the able, upright, and highly esteemed chief justice of New Hampshire, now Royall professor of law in Harvard College; Levi Chamberlain, the last whig candidate for governor, a man as much beloved for his friendly and social qualities as respected for his eloquence in the senate and at the bar ; John Prentiss, the veteran editor of the Keene Sentinel, which journal, started by him in 1799, is third in seniority of all the newspapers extant in New Hampshire ; and the reverend and learned Dr. Barstow, of whom the five last named, and the younger Dinsmoor, still survive. On the east side of Main street there for- merly stood a neat little public-house, called " Shurtliff's Hotel," kept by Benoni Shurtliff, whose wife was a sister of the famous Thomas O. Selfridge of Boston, and whose three or four daughters were genteel, sprightly, intelligent young ladies, ambitious of display and of setting a rich and elegant table. Here a select few, the elite of the New Hampshire bar, were wont to resort during the sitting of the court. In 1815 the company consisted of the chief justice, Jeremiah Smith, Daniel Webster, George Baxter Upham, Judge Ellis, Judge Hubbard NEW HAMPSHIKE TOWN OF KEEXE. 541 of Vermont Roc'er Vose of Walpole, and Levi Chamberlain and his elder brother, John C. Chamberlain. The feast of fat things which came oxil of the mouth when this company were seated at the table was more exhilarating than that which went in : together they furnished a rich repast for body and soul. For comic wit, Vose had no superior in New England ; for refined intellectual acumen, Judge Smith was not surpassed. No matter where placed, — on the bench, in the halls of leg- islation, in a popular assembly, or in a company of young ladies, — he was sure to be first, imparting pleasure and instruction to each, and commanding the admiration of aU. Webster was graceful and digni- fied in manner, uttering but few words, but those always forcible. It is deserving of mention, that a female high school was established here by Miss Fiske about the year 1810, and was continued for twenty or thirty years with great success and credit to herself and to her numerous pupils far and near. Governor Washburn, in his history of Leicester Academy, speaking of the first female teacher of that institu- tion, Miss Holmes, a young lady of distinguished learning, ability, and accomplishments, says : " She was educated at that excellent school whose reputation was so long sustained, and at which so many of the Keene — Central Square. best trained minds of New England were educated — Miss Fiskc's of Keene." Miss Fiske, in her quiet, unobtrusive employment, accom- VOL. I. 46 542 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. plished much for the public good, and deservedly will her memory Ije enshrined in many grateful hearts, and, let it be hoped, her example emulated. Keene is connected with Boston by the Cheshire Railroad, over which there is a great amount of travel, to Saratoga Springs, Canada, and the West. It is also connected by the Ashuelot Railroad with Springfield and New York. The surface of the town is generally level or moder- ately swelling, and the soil is good. There is considerable liat or valley land, which is divided nearly equally by the Ashuelot river; presentijig, variegated as it is by agriculture, a })leasing prospect to the traveller. The Ashuelot river has its source in a pond in Washington. Keene has been called _ one of the "prettiest villages" in New England. Tlie principal village is situated on an extensive plain, supposed by many to have been the bed of a lake. The width and uniform level of its streets ; its smooth, dry side-walks ; the abundance of beautiful shade trees, behind which, half hidden, many beautiful residences are seen ; the magnificent gardens, ornamented with every variety of flower; its large j:a-"=^ Viaduct of the Cheshire Railroad at South Keene. and well-constructed hotels ; its handsome stores and beautiful ]>ublic buildings, and generally thrifty appearance, all render the village both pleasant and attractive. Keene is a place of large business. Its facili- ties for trad e, owing in a great measure to its favorable location in rela- NEW HAMPSHIRE — TOWN OF KEENE. 543 tion to the adjoining towns, are numerous, and secure to its mercantile interests valuable advantages. Our view of Keene is taken at a point looking a little west of north, embracing the Park in Central Square, and much of the business portion of the place. There are many interesting objects in and about this town. A work of which the people have reason to be proud is the viaduct over a branch of Ashuelot river, near South Keene station, as seen in the en- graving. It is about seventy-five feet wide and forty-five feet high, and is a beautiful specimen of granite masonry. It cost about ^25,000. Through the arch, in the distance, is seen J. A. Fay and Company's machine-shop, 160 feet long by forty wide, and built of brick, where are made planing, mortising, sash, sticking, moulding, and various other machines, some of which are sent to nearly every quarter of the world. The patent mortising machine received a premium at the World's Fair in London. Another place of interest is Beaver Brook falls, a very beautiful and romantic spot about two miles north of Keene. The water falls about forty feet over what appears to be a natural flight of steps into a basin, partly inclosed by rocks, in which are caught some very large trout. There are many other spots where fish are captured in large numbers. There are in Keene five church edifices — Congregational, Unitarian, Baptist, Methodist, and Roman Catholic ; a town hall, one of the largest and best in the state ; a very popular high school, in which the four vil- lage schools have united, under an act which provides for a graduated system, by which the pupil ascends from the simplest rudiments to those higher branches usually taught in academies ; three large and commo- dious hotels, the Cheshire House being a noble structure, its rooms airy and convenient, and its general internal arrangements in full keeping with the inviting appearance of its external form; three banks, — the Cheshire, the Ashuelot, and the Cheshire County, — with a combined capital of $300,000; the Provident Institution for Savings; two fire insurance companies, thirteen school districts, and one post-office : also, one flannel manufactory ; a large sash and blind factory, driven by a twenty-five horse power engine ; several large establishments for the manufacture of clothing, one for the manufacture of hats and caps, an iron foundery, one steam saw-mill ; one machine-shop, belonging to the Cheshire Railroad, and one organ factory. Population, 3,392; valua- tion, $2,136,615. Kensington, Rockingham county, lying west of Hampton Falls, and forty miles from Concord, was settled at an early period, and was originally included in the limits of Hampton, from which it was incor- 544 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. porated April 1, 1737. It is strange, though nevertheless true, that it contained a larger population at the commencement of the Revolution than it has at the present day. A Congregational church of sixty-four members was formed on the 6th of October, 1737, over which Rev. Jeremiah Fogg was ordained pastor. Mr. Fogg was a native of Hampton, and died December 1, 1789, after a pastorate of fifty-two years. He was arraigned before a council on the January previous to his death for preaching Unitarian sentiments, of which the council expressed disapproval.^ Rev. Naph- thali Shaw, who had been a soldier in the Revolution, was the next pastor, from 1793 until 1813. The surface is quite level. John Tilton lives on the same farm that his ancestors purchased from the Indians more than two hundred years ago. There are no streams of any note, and the only body of water is a small pond, deep and muddy. The town contains one village ; two churches, one occupied by the Christians, and the other by the Congre- gationaUsts and Universalists ; two school districts, and one post-office : also, one tannery, and one boot and shoe factory. Population, 700 ; valuation, $256,404. Kilkenny, in the southern division of Coos county, is 126 miles from Concord, and contains 15,906 acres. It was granted June 4, 1774, to Jonathan Warner and others. It is a very poor township, with few featm-es to make it a desirable habitation for civilized man. Kilkenny is in the form of a triangle surmounted by a parallelogram, many miles in length, but hardly a mile in width, and is rough and barren. Those who have taken up their abode here, — and they are few, — must be of that class who have a predilection for sohtude: — whether it is sweet or not, they are the best judges. The greater part of the territory is usurped by two giants of nature — Pilot and WiUard mountains, so named from an incident that happened to a dog and his master. WiUard lost his way and wandered for three days on these mountains, on the east side of which his camp was situated. Pilot saw that his master was in a strait, and set his sagacity to work to relieve him. Each day he set out on an exploring expedition, — as his master thought, in pursuit of game, — returning invariably towards evening. On the second or third day, Willard being nearly exhausted, followed his dog, who piloted him through the tortuous windings of the mountains to his camp. Certainly, for such disinterested friendship Pilot deserves to have his name handed down to canine posterity. These mountains ' This church afterwards became Unitarian. NEW HAMPSHIRE — TOWN OF KINGSTON. 545 have some fine farms along their base, and, higher up, excellent grazing land. Population, 19 ; valuation, $2,200. Kingston, Rockingham county, adjoins Hampstead on the west, and is distant from Concord thirty-seven miles. It contains 12,188 acres, of ■which eight hundred are estimated to be water. Kingston was granted August 6, 1694, by Lieut. Governor Usher, to James Prescott, Ebenezer Webster, and others, belonging to Hampton. The charter compre- hended the territory which now forms the towns of East Kingston, Dan- ville, and Sandown. A short time subsequent to the grant, garrison houses were erected on the plain by direction of the proprietors, who commenced preparing their lands for the purposes of agriculture. In consequence of the dangers and perplexities of the succeeding hostilities they became discouraged, and many of them returned home within two years after the commencement of the settlement. The enterprise was renewed after the conclusion of the war, but the progress was very slow, and it was not till 1725 that matters began to look favorable. The Indians w^ere exceedingly troublesome to the settlers, and several persons fell victims to their barbarity. In 1707, Stephen and Jacob Gilman were ambushed between Kingston and Exeter, but fortunately succeeded in making their escape to the garrison, with the loss of their horses ; and in the same year, September 15th, a man named Henry Elkins was killed. In 1712, Stephen Gilman and Ebenezer Stevens were w^ounded at Kingston, and the former taken and put to death. Jabez Colman and his son, while employed in their field, were killed September 7, 1724 ; and four children were taken at the same time, one of whom escaped, the others being afterwards redeemed. Many Indian relics, such as jasper and quartz arrow-heads, axes, gouges, and hammers, made from various kinds of stones, as well as some old French coin, have been brought to light at different times, while preparing the land for seed. The first church, a Congregational, was gathered September 17, 1725, over which Rev. Ward Clark was or- dained pastor, at which time the church records commence, and give a list of the heads of families then here, eighty-one in all, among whom were Thomas, John, and Ebenezer Webster, Thomas Webster, Jr., and several by the name of Sanborn. The year 1737 is memorable on account of an unusual mortality among the children of the town, from a disease similar to what is now termed croup, then called the " kanker quinsey." About 1823 the academy was built, which afforded a valuable opportunity for quite a number of young men to prepare for college, who had not before had the means of doing so. The Hon. Josiah Bartlett and Major Ebenezer Stevens were distinguished resi- 46* 546 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. dents of this town. They both held high offices of trust. The former was an eminent physician in Kingston, and acquired great reputation for skill in the treatment of the throat distemper, then quite prevalent and mortal. He was a strong and zealous supporter of American liberty, was for some time chief justice of the colony, was president of the state under the first constitution in 1790 and 1791, and the first governor un- der the revised constitution in 1792-3. There are no high hills in Kingston; the Great and Rock Rimmon are the principal, the former of which is a body of granite, extending over twenty or thirty acres, covered with soil, and having on its west side an abrupt descent of nearly one hundred feet to the plain. The soil of Kingston is generally of a fertile character. Bog-iron ore has been found, as well as red and yellow ochre. There are several ponds, the largest of which covers upward of three hundred acres, and has an island of ten or twelve acres, covered with wood. Country pond, lying partly in Newton, is two hundred acres in extent, and has also an island of some six or eight acres within its limits. Near the centre of the town is an extensive plain, the site of the principal village — Plainville ; besides which there is another, called by the same name as the town. There are three church edifices — Congregational, Meth- odist, and Universalist ; six school disti-icts, an academy, two post- offices — Kingston, and South Kingston: also, four stores, and three carriage factories. Population, 1,192 ; valuation, $415,900. Laconia, Belknap county, twenty-seven miles from Concord, is beautifully inclosed by the waters of Great bay, Long bay, and Winne- pesaukee river, which separate it from Meredith upon the north and west, and Gilford upon the east and south. It has an area of about 10,000 acres, and was taken from Meredith and incorporated July 14, 1855. In form, this and the parent town resemble an open fan, of which Laconia represents the handle. The surface is generally more even than that of Meredith, and all of it capable of cultivation. There are two villages, situated upon the Boston, Concord, and Mon- treal Railroad, the more southerly one being still called Meredith Bridge, and the other Lake Village, parts of both of them being in Gil- ford. The Laconia side of Meredith Bridge contains about eight hun- dred inhabitants ; a fine water power, improved by one cotton and two woollen factories ; eleven stores of various descriptions, an establishment for manufacturing railroad cars, a pail factory, a sash and blind factory, and a public-house ; also, two printing-offices, each of which issues a weekly newspaper; the Belknap County Bank, with a capital of ^80,000 ; " Gilford post-office ; " and a Congregational meeting-house. Mere- NEW HAMPSHIRE — TOWN OF LANCASTER. 547 dith Bridge is a place of great resort in summer on account of its pleasant situation, and its rich and abundant scenery. Lake ViUage, one and a half miles north on the river, contains, in the Laconia part of it, about six hundred inhabitants, one store, two woollen yarn factories, a saw-mill, grist-mill, and wheelwright's shop. The post-office accommo- dations for this village are at Gilford. The situation of the town is well calculated for extensive business, being approached both by railroad and steam navigation, and it contains much capital and enterprise. There are six school districts, enjoying the privileges of school during a part of the year. Upon the incorporation of the town, eleven twenty- fourth parts of the valuation of the former town were assigned to La- conia, making $522,036. Population about 1,400. Lancaster, the shire town of Coos county, about one hundred and forty miles from Concord, and one hundred and thirty from Portland by the Grand Trunk Railway, contains 23,480 acres. It was granted by Governor Benning Wentworth to Captain David Page ' and sixty-nine others, being incorporated at the same time. In June of that year, the son of Captain Page marked a path from Haverhill, through the woods, a distance of forty-eight miles, by which the Captain, together with Edward Bucknam and Emmons Stockwell and their families, all being of Petersham, Mass., traced their way to this place in September follow- ing. At that time there was not an inhabitant on the whole route from Haverhill, nor a settlement near them, nor a grist-mill within a hundred miles. The troubles of the Revolutionary war thinned out the small population, — all the inhabitants above Captain Stockwell's place leav- ing for greater security. Stockwell, however, by his courage and firm- ness, induced some to remain, and, after the war, the progress of the settlement revived. The first church was organized in July, 1794, over which Rev. Joseph Willard was pastor from September of that year until 1822. The town, in 1794, contained thirty-six families. A tract called Barker's Location was annexed to Lancaster, June 22, 1819 ; and a portion of Kilkenny was annexed December 15, 1842. Lancaster has an exceedingly picturesque situation, lying near some mountains, its own surface being pretty level. Three eminences are in the south part, called Martin Meadow hills. Along the Connecticut and at the mouth of Israel's river there are some tracts of alluvial land, being nearly three fourths of a mile wide on the former, and even larger at the latter. The land in the southeast part lies too high up the moun- • The father of Mr. Page was an Englishman, and the first settler of Lunenburg, Mass. 548 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OP NEW ENGLAND. tains for cultivation. "Water is supplied by the Connecticut and Israel's river, and by several large brooks. A bridge has been thrown across the latter river, and the natural advantages of the water power are rendered more valuable by the erection of three dams. Martin-meadow pond, covering one hundred and fifty acres, and Little pond, of forty acres, are the largest collections of water. The principal village is built upon a large plain, half a mile from the Connecticut river, and in it, at the northerly end of the main street, which extends from the bridge northwardly across Israel's river, is situ- ated the court-house and jail. The Congregationalists, Methodists, and Unitarians have each a house of worship; and there are fourteen school districts, one academy, and one post-office ; as well as one grist-mill, eight saw-mills, one carding and cloth-dressing mill, one sash and blind factory, one iron foundery, and one bank (capital $50,000). The amount of capital invested in trade and manufactures is estimated at from 1150,000 to $200,000. Population, 1,559 ; valuation, $471,602. Landaff, in the northwestern part of Grafton county, ninety miles from Concord, contains 29,200 acres, and was granted to James Avery and others, January 3, 1764. These grantees failed to fulfil the condi- tions of the charter, and it was regranted to Dartmouth College. After the Revolution, however, the parties to whom the first grant was made, set up a claim to the land ; and, after one or two hearings before the proper courts, the case was decided in their favor. This decision put Dartmouth College, — under the patronage of which the settlement was commenced, and which erected mills, opened roads, and cleared lands, — to considerable loss, which was made up, however, in a measure, by subsequent grants. The first church organized was a Baptist, in 1788. Landaff has a broken surface, but the land is generally good for grazing. There are three eminences of note, called Landaff mountain, Cobble hill, and Bald hill, the former lying in the eastern part, and the latter in the west. The soil is very fertile in some parts of the town- ship, and in its cultivation the people are principally engaged. Wild Ammonoosuc and Great Ammonoosuc rivers furnish an abundance of water. There are two church edifices — Free-will Baptist and Meth- odist ; nine school districts, and two post-offices — Landaff and East Landaff: also, nine saw-mills and three starch factories. Large quan- tities of maple sugar are annually manufactured. Population, 948 ; valuation, §286,234. Langdon, the southwestern corner town of Sullivan county, fifty miles from Concord, was incorporated January 11, 1737, and named NEW HAMPSHERE — TOWN OF LEBANON. 549 from Governor John Langdon, of Revolutionary fame. Seth "Walker commenced the settlement in 1773, and was followed, the year after, by Nathaniel Rice and Jonathan Willard. The first church was a Con- gregational, which was organized November 8, 1792. Among the names of the early preachers were those of Lazel, Hartwell, Spaulding, and Taft, the latter of whom did most of the preaching from 1795 to 1803, when he turned politician, and was chosen representative to the general court. For many years a sharp conflict ensued in religious matters, by reason of the people being partly Universalists and in part Congregationalists. In 1804, Abner Kneeland, afterwards the notorious infidel preacher, was invited to settle as pastor, in opposition to a strong remonstrance by a minority of the church. In 1810 he was chosen representative; in 1811 he left to settle over the first Universalist society in Charlestown, Mass. The church clerk moved to the west and carried off" the records, with which also the visible organization of the church, for many years, disappeared. The town was found, by all the ministers who visited it, to be truly missionary ground. Several were reluctant to settle, but persevered in their efforts to reform vice and intemperance ; and it is said that a very marked improvement in the morals of the place is visible. The soil is suitable for agricultural purposes, and for the raising of stock. Much attention is paid to the manufacture of butter and cheese, and flax is not a small item in the productions of the town. Langdon is watered by a branch of Cold river, which passes southwest through its whole extent. The principal village is three miles east of Connecti- cut river and six from Bellows Falls. There are two religious socie- ties here — Congregational and Universalist, both of which have church edifices ; six school districts, one post-office, and one store. Population, ' 575; valuation, $326,742. Lebanon lies on the Connecticut river, in the western part of Grafton county, forty-nine miles from Concord. It was brought to the notice of the first settlers during the French and Indian wars; and in 1760, when tranquillity ensued through the conquest of Canada, fifty-two indi- viduals, belonging principally to Lebanon and Mansfield, Conn., asso- ciated themselves into a company and obtained a charter of this town, July 4, 1760, from Governor Benning Wentworth. The charter was granted under the usual conditions, and the township was to be six miles square. The first meeting of the proprietors was held at Mans- field, October 6, 1761, when a committee was appointed to lay out the lots and road immediately ; and, to encourage a speedy settlement, the proprietors voted, that those of their number who shall settle upon their 550 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. lands within the term of ten years shall have the privilege of cultivating and improving such part of the interval as shall best suit them. In 1763 a horse road was completed from Charlestown, and the same year a saw-mill was built. A grist-mill was built in 1764, on the site now occupied by Osgood's mills. The proprietors came up during the summer and cleared the lands, and in the winter returned to their former homes. The first settlements were begun on the river, and gradually extended eastward. The winter of 1762 was passed here by three men, for the first time, the names of whom were Levi Hyde, Samuel Esterbrooks, and William Dana. Wil- liam Downer, with his wife and eight children, Oliver Davidson, Elijah Dewey, and James Jones, arrived in 1763 ; Nathaniel Porter, Asa Kil- bourne, Samuel Meacham, Joseph and Jonathan Dana, Huckins Storrs, SUas Waterman, Jedediah Hibbard, Charles Hill, John Wheatley, Jesse Cook, Zalmon Aspenwall, Joseph Wood, James Hartshorn, and Nathan- iel Storrs, arrived between the years 1763 and 1767. The records com- mence on the 13th of May, 1765, at which date the following appears : " Queary : Whither we will have a minister in the town this summer, or will not ? Voted in the affirmative. Voted the select men talce it upon themselves to seek quarters for the minister and provide for his accom- modation." There could not have been more than twenty families here at this time. In 1767 it was voted to have a school established ; and in July the next year it was resolved to have a meeting-house, and to locate it on a lot near the old burying-ground, which was in the western part of the town ; but the house was not erected till 1772. A church was organized in September, 1768, over which Rev. Isaiah Potter was pastor from 1772 until his death in 1817. He was an athletic man of > over six feet, and could mow, it is said, for a half day without whetting his scythe, bringing down the grass by sheer strength. He was chap- lain to one of the New Hampshire regiments in the Revolution. Walk- ing round the camp one day, he saw two men tugging to mount a can- non upon the carriage. Pushing the men aside and laying hold of the trunnions, he raised the piece alone, and quietly walked away. One of the men, vexed and astonished, used some profane language. Learning, however, that the man who had performed such a feat was a chaplain, he hastened after him, and, with hat in hand, made humble acknowl- edgments for his profanity. One of his congregation once complained that his sermons were too short. Mr. Potter asked him (it was before churches were warmed by stoves), " K a short sermon in a cold day would not do, if it was a good one ? " — " Certainly," replied the other, " if it is a good one." — " But, if it is a poor one, it certainly ought to be short," rejoined Mr. Potter. Prior to this they held meetings in a barn. NEW HAMPSHIKE — TOWN OF LEE. 551 In July, 1775, a committee of safety was appointed. Lebanon was one of the sixteen towns which gave in their allegiance to Vermont, and, November 28, 1777, the following appears on the records: " Voted that the select men should not comply with the warrant sent from the assembly at Exeter, to elect a counsellor and representative, and that the town will vindicate the select men in their non-compliance." Lebanon sent a representative to the Vermont legislature in 1778, and did not return to her allegiance to New Hampshire tUl 1786, at which time, in consequence of not having paid taxes, it was " voted to raise X1,000 in order to pay arrearage taxes to the state of New Hampshire." At the meeting held in August, 1779, it was " Voted that the town pur- chase three gallons of rum for those who attend at the raising of the bridge over the Mascoma, near Capt. Turners." This was the only vote passed. We find nothing further of interest in the records. Lebanon has an undulating surface, and some rich intervals along the Connecticut and Mascomy rivers. The soil is alluvial and very produc- tive. The Connecticut and Mascomy rivers supply abundance of water, and afford many excellent mill seats. The former has falls, which have been rendered more valuable by locks and canals. Lead and iron ore, and other minerals, have been found here. The principal village, called Lebanon, is built upon a plain, which lies in the central part, and has many tasty private residences, and a few good public buildings. There are two other villages, called East and West Lebanon, each of which, as well as Lebanon, has a post-office. There are four church edifices — two Congregational, one Methodist, and one Universalist ; the Tilden Fe- male Academy, and fifteen school districts : also, a large machine-shop, an iron foundery, a sash, door, blind, and furniture manufactory, a carriage manufactory, a large tannery, a scythe and rake factory, two saw-mills, two grist-mills, an establishment for the manufacture of furniture for schools and public buildings, and one bank, with a capital of ^100,000. The Northern Railroad passes through the town. Popu- lation, 2,136 ; valuation, ^1,006,104. Lee, in the southern part of Strafford county, thirty-one miles from Concord, was formerly a part of Durham, from which it was detached and incorporated January 17, 1766, being " in the upper or western end of the town of Durham." It was originally a part of Dover, as was Durham, and was settled before 1700, — Wadleigh's Falls being occupied as early as 1657. The first meeting-house in Lee stood by the old burial-ground, still existing on the " mast road," near the resi- dence of Mrs. Judge Smith. A Congregational church was formed here, but became extinct many years ago. A Baptist church, and a 552 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. Christian Baptist, retain their existence, and worship has been main- tained by the Congregationalists for several years at Lee Hill. Lee suffered, with its mother town, in the Indian wars. Among the traditions is one of a Miss Randall, who was betrothed to Thomas Chesley of Oyster River, and was about to be married. She was returning from Oyster River falls one day with a party of friends, when they were surprised by Indians. She tried to escape, and ran towards a barn standing near, for refuge ; but was shot just as she was going into it, and fell across a stone, where she soon bled to death. The stone is preserved ; and it is said, that, when a heavy rain falls upon it, her blood-stains can be clearly seen. Mr. Chesley devoted himself to fighting the savages. He took his gun immediately and started ; and, coming up with a party of twelve, he did not leave them until eleven had fallen under his shot. "Wheelwright's pond was also the scene of a bloody fight. Two scouting companies, under Captains Floyd and Wiswall, on the 6th of July, 1690, discovered an Indian track, which they followed till they came up during the evening by this pond. A contest began. The men of the town, hearing the firing, hastened to the spot, and the fight continued for hours. Wiswall and his lieutenant, Flagg, with twelve more, were killed, and others were wounded. Floyd continued the fight after Wiswall's death till his men, weakened by losses and exhaustion, were forced to draw off. The enemy retreated at the same time, carrying off their dead. Seven wounded men were found alive the next day, when Captain Convers went to bury the dead. Lee has 11,625 acres, three hundred of which are water. The surface is nearly level, there being but one considerable eminence, called Lee hill. Wheelwright's pond, covering about 165 acres, lies in the north part of the town, and is the principal source of Oyster river. Lamprey river enters from the northeast corner of Epping, passing through into Durham. Little, North, and Oyster rivers water the other portions of Lee. The soil is generally hard, and requires much cultivation to make it productive ; but it is fertile in some places. The inhabitants are for the most part engaged in agriculture. There are in Lee two villages — Lee Hill and Wadleigh's Falls, each place having a post-office; two church edifices — Congregational and Baptist ; and seven school districts : also, six saw-mills, engaged in the manufacture of boards, clapboards, and shingles ; and three grist-mills. Population, 862; valuation, $339,069. Lempster, Sullivan county, forty miles from Concord, was granted by charter, October 5, 1761, to Richard Sparrow and sixty-one others, NEW HAMPSHIRE TOWN OF LINCOLN. 553 and was settled, by emigrants from Connecticut, about the year 1770. A Congregational church witli seven male members was formed November 13, 1781, over which Rev. Elias Fisher was pastor from September 25, 1787, until his death, May 22, 1831. A meeting-house was built, after a long trial to fix on the spot, in 1794. After about thirty years, it was removed to the principal village. The Congrega- tionalists, not being permitted to occupy it the whole time, built a new house, on which occasion many united with the Methodists, who built another house. The surface is undulating, excepting in the eastern part, where it is mountainous, it being the west border of the height of land between the Merrimack and the Connecticut. The soil is of a moist description, and is well suited to grass ; hence stock-raising, and the products of the dairy, form a large part of the agricultural interests of the place. Water is plentiful, though the streams supplying it are not very large ; they are a branch of Sugar river, and the south and west branches of Cold river. Sand pond, four hundred and twenty rods long and twenty wide, lies partly in Lempster ; and Dodge's pond, of about fifty acres, lies near its centre. There are two villages — East Lempster and West Lempster ; three church edifices — Congre- gational, Methodist, and UniversaKst ; a high school ; nine school dis- tricts, with an average attendance of one hundred and ninety-five scholars ; and two post-ofRces — Lempster and East Lempster : also, a large tannery, and a boot and shoe manufactory. Population, 906 ; val- uation, $309,127. Lincoln, in the northeastern part of Grafton county, seventy miles from Concord, contains 32,456 acres, and was granted January 31, 1764, to James Avery and others, but was not settled till several years after the Revolution. The earliest names on record were in 1802, when the following appear: Timothy Shattuck, Asa Oaks, Timothy Shat- tuck, Jr., Nathan Kinsman, Samuel Jones, Moses Wentworth, Paul Cheney, Aaron Jones, Joshua, Ephraim, and Stephen Kendall, Jere- miah and John Stuart, and David Sanger. The surface is mountain- ous, and the soil in many parts unfit for cultivation. There are many elevations. Kings-man's mountain being the highest. There are two large gulfs in the north part of the town, caused by an extraordinary discharge of water from the clouds in 1774. The numerous " slips," as they are termed, from the mountain, are exceedingly curious. They commence near its summit, and run to its base, forcing a passage through all obstructions. This town is much resorted to during the summer season, for the purpose of viewing the scenery of the White Mountains. Among the objects of interest is a very curious cavity vol. I. 47 554 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. which the Pemigcwassct river has worn in its bed of solid rock, known as the Basin. It is forty feet in diameter, and twenty-eigiit feet from the edge to the bottom of the water, which is usually ten or twelve feet deep. The water, which, as it comes over the precipice, makes a beautiful cascade, white with foam, and falls into the side of the basin, has sufficient force to make several circuits before pass- ing out, in doing which, it has, by the attrition of the rocks carried around, given the cavity its smooth, cir- cular form. The bottom is strewn with round rocks. The outlet of the basin has a form similar to the hu- man leg and foot. Another ]>lace of interest is " The Flume." This is near the top of an inclined, smooth, granite ledge, more than a hundred feet long and thirty wide. Over this runs a small stream, of varied width. Near the top of the ledge is the entry to the Flume. Solid walls, cleft by some convulsion of nature, some fifty feet in height, and twenty feet wide at the bottom, but grad- ually narrowing towards the top to ten or eleven feet, afford a passage to the little stream. The opposite sides of the waUs show correspond- ing indentations. They are lined with a green moss, and the air is very damp and cool. A huge boulder, of several tons weight, precipitated from the top of the clifl', has caught, and hangs suspended about half-way down between the walls. An old pine, fallen across the chasm, has made a sort of bridge ; but is one presenting no great temptation to visitors. Near the Flume is a deep natural well in the solid rock, about sixty feet in diameter, called the Pool. It is more than one hundred and fifty feet from the brink of the well to the surface of the water, which is about forty feet deep. A large hotel, called the Flume House, has been erected within a few years, for the accommodation of the visitors. There an; two school districts ; one meeting-house, occupied by all de- nominations ; and two jiost-oflices — Lincoln and the Flume House: The Flume. NEW HAMPSHIEE — TOWN OP LISBON, ETC. 555 also, one saw-miU, and shingle, lath, and clapboard machines. Popula- tion, 57 ; valuation, $56,790. Lisbon, in the northern part of Grafton county, eighty-nine miles from Concord, contains 29,130 acres. It was granted, under the name of Concord, August 6, 1763, to Joseph Burt and others, and regranted November 28, 1768, to Leonard Whiting and others, under the name of Gunthwaite. This title was not satisfactory, and the first one again adopted, which was changed June 14, 1824, to the present name. Methodist and Free-will Baptist societies existed here as early as 1800. The land is of three varieties, — interval, plain, and upland, — all of which is fit for cultivation, the plain requiring extra dressing. The Lower Ammonoosuc river waters the town through its whole extent, and sev- eral smaller streams perform a similar service. Mink pond lies in the south part, and affords mill seats at its outlet. Blueberry mountain is the only elevation of note. A large amount of iron ore is dug from a quarry in the southeast part of the town, sufficient to supply the iron foundery in Franconia. Limestone of good quality is also abundant, and much has been used in the manufacture of lime. Maple sugar is an article largely made. There are two villages — Lisbon and Sugar Hill, at each of which there is a post-office ; two church edifices — Methodist and Free-will Baptist; and fourteen school districts: also, two starch manufactories, one cotton bobbin factory, and one carriage manufactory. There is a way station of the White Mountain Rail- road in Lisbon. Population, 1,881 ; valuation, ^534,139. Litchfield, Hillsborough county, is situated on the east bank of the Merrimack river, directly north of Hudson. The greater portion of the territory comprising this township was granted, as early as 1656, to William Brenton, by the general court of Massachusetts, and was known as Brenton's Farm. Its Indian name was Naticook, and the interval portions of the town were inhabited by a branch of the Pena- cooks, called sometimes the Naticooks. No attempts at settlement were made until about the year 1720, when several persons from Biller- ica and Chelmsford, Mass., arrived, among the names of whom were Underwood, Chase, Bixby, Tufts, and Parker. It was set off from Dunstable (or Nashua), and incorporated by Massachusetts as a town- ship (its territory lying on both sides of the Merrimack river), July 5, 1734. In June, 1749, the charter thus granted was confirmed by New Hampshire. From 1734 to 1746, a period of about twelve years, the settlers on what is now called Merrimack and Litchfield acted under a common organization. Their town and church officers were chosen 556 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OP NEW ENGLAND. partly from each side of the river. The early inhabitants were very de- sirous to establish public worship and the gospel ministry. A commit- tee of two — one from each side of the river — was sent to Newbury, " to treat with Mr. John Tufts about having his son Joshua to preach in Litchfield." Such was the deference paid to parents. Mr. Tufts was ordained in 1741, and remained three years. A church is supposed to have existed some years prior to 1770, but after this there was none for some time previous to 1809, when the Presbyterian church was formed. In the French war, and during that of the Revolution, Litch- field supplied her quota of men and means, and gave her utmost sup- port to the latter contest. Litchfield is a small but remarkably fertile township, and it has yet remaining considerable timber land of great value. Farming is almost the sole employment of its sparse population. It contains one Presbyterian meeting-house, six school districts, and one post-office : also, two saw-mills and one grist-mill. Population, 450 ; valuation, $270,125. Littleton, on the Connecticut river, in Grafton county, one hundred miles from Concord, contains twenty-six thousand acres, and was char- tered November 17, 1764, under the name of Chiswick. For some cause or other it was rechartered, with the name of Apthorp, January 18, 1770, and contained at that time 40,850 acres, Avhich was reduced to the present area, November 4, 1784, by the incorporation of Dalton. The name of Apthorp was changed at that time to the present one. Captain Nathan Caswell commenced its settlement about 1772 or 1773, and his son was the first child born in town, and was named from it. The first church formed was a Congregational, in 1803. Littleton has fifteen miles of territory on Connecticut river. The sur- face is generally uneven and rocky to some extent, but it is suitable for tillage and grazing. There is some rich interval along the Ammonoosuc. The mountains most noted are Raspberry, Black, Palmer's, and Iron which are covered with sugar maple, beech, birch, bass, white ash, and in some places red oak. Fifteen Mile falls, in Connecticut river extend the whole length of Littleton. Ammonoosuc river waters the south part. Partridge pond, lying partly in Lyman, is the only one here. A mineral spring, the water of which is said to resemble that of the Congress spring at Saratoga, lies near Ammonoosuc river. Lime- stone exists in several localities, and a valuable oilstone quarry has been opened, the proceeds of which are extensive. Most of the people are employed in agricultural pursuits, and there are many beautiful and productive farms. There are two villages — Littleton and Factory- ville; two churches — Methodist and Congregational; eighteen school NEW HAMPSHIRE — TOWN OF LONDONDERRY. 557 districts ; two post-offices — Littleton and North Littleton ; and a large hotel, known as the White Mountain House, well arranged and hand- somely finished : also, a large woollen factory, an iron foundery, two machine-shops, three saw-mills, one grist-mill, an edge-tool manufac- tory, a carriage factory, a door, sash, and blind factory, a chair factory, some mechanical establishments of less note, and several stores. The White Mountain Railroad, which passes through Littleton, adds much to the importance and general prosperity of the town. Population, 2,008 ; valuation, $536,878. Londonderry, Rockingham county, is situated on the Merrimack river, twenty-five miles from Concord. The settlers of this town emi- grated from the province of Ulster, Ireland, and were of Scotch descent. They came over to this country as much on account of the glowing descriptions given of the fertility of its soil, and the other inducements which it was represented as possessing, as on account of escaping the religious persecutions which were instituted against the Protestants by James II. Having sent over the Rev. Mr. Boyd to make the necessary arrangements for their arrival, and to confer with Governor Shute of Massachusetts in reference to a grant of land, which having resulted favorably, the little colony embarked in five ships, and arrived at Boston, August 4, 1718. Sixteen of these families having obtained the privilege of settling in Casco, Me., started for Casco bay, where they arrived late in the season, and were frozen in, being obliged to spend the whole winter on board the ship, as well as suffer severely for the want of food. They were saved from starvation by the grant of one hundred bushels of Indian meal by the general court of Massachusetts.^ On the opening of spring, they explored, for some distance, the coun- try around Casco bay, and finding no tract with which they felt satis- fied, they concluded to return to Boston ; and, directing their course westward, they entered the Merrimack river, ascending it as far as Haverhill, where they arrived April 2 (old style), 1719. While at Haverhill, they heard of a fine tract of land about fifteen miles distant, called Nuffield, on account of the abundance of the chestnut, butternut, and walnut trees which distinguished the growth of its forests. Having examined this tract and ascertained that it was unappropriated, they at once decided to solicit a grant of it from Massachusetts. The spot being selected, the settlement was commenced on the 11th of April ' James McKeen, the gi-andfatlier of the first president of Bowdoin College, was one of this company, and the agent who selected the land on which the company finally settled. 47* 558 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. (old style), 1719, and, on the next day. Rev. Mr. McGregore, their pas- tor, made an affectionate and impressive address to the little colony, who had assembled under a large oak ^ on the east side of Benson pond. The field on which the settlers first erected their rude cabins as a temporary accommodation for their famihes, and which they culti- vated the first year in common, lies not far from the turnpike where it crosses West Running brook, and has ever since been called the Com- mon field. The names of these settlers were James McKeen, John Barnett, Archi- bald Clendenin, John Mitchel, James Skerrett, James Anderson, Randal Alexander, James Gregg, James Clark, James Nesmith, Allen Anderson, Robert Weir, John Morrison, Samuel Allison, Thomas Steele, and John Stuart, most of whom were in the prime of life, — robust, persevering, and adventurous, — and well suited to encounter the toils and endure the hardships attendant on the task which they had undertaken. They distributed themselves in different parts of the town, without any regard to the arrangement of lots, which is evidenced in the multiplicity of roads bending in every direction, a circumstance both injudicious and unwise, and latterly a source of considerable expense. Londonderry, though a frontier town, was never molested by the Indians, while those in its immediate neighborhood, and less exposed withal, were plundered and devastated without mercy. This signal exemption from savage hostilities is ascribed to the fact that the settlers secured, through Colonel Wheelwmght of Wells, Me., a fair and acknowledged Indian title to their township ; as well as to the circumstance of the Rev. Mr. McGregore being a classmate in college with the Marquis de Vau- dreuil, the French governor of Canada, who, at the request of Mr. McGregore, caused means to be used for the protection of the settle- ment. It having been ascertained that the town was beyond the jurisdiction of Massachusetts, the settlers, in September, 1719, asked and obtained an act of incorporation from the general court, then sitting at Ports- mouth, N. H. In June, 1772, the settlement, which had heretofore been called Nuffield, was incorporated as a township by the name of London- derry, in commemoration of the city in and near to which most of them had resided in their native land. To this little colony belongs the credit of introducing the potatoe into New England, as also the hand-card, the ' On the prostration of this venerable oak through decay, the owner of the field on ■which it stood planted a young apple-tree among its decayed roots, which is now a thrifty tree. This spot deserves some more enduring memorial ; and, for this object, it has been proposed that a granite obelisk, bearing appropriate inscriptions, should be erected at some early day in place of the tree. NEW HAMPSHIKE — TOWN OF LONDONDERRY. 559 foot-wheel, and the loom, implements afterwards common to every New England town. Londonderry, besides peopling her own borders, has sent many pioneers of civilization to form new colonies in various parts of New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, and elsewhere. She also contributed largely to the struggle for independence, bearing promptly her full share in every conflict. The very first act of open and bold resistance to British authority was exhibited by a small party of men from this town, although the fact never received public notice. While the British were quartered in Boston, and before the encounter at Lex- ington, four of the soldiers deserted and came to Londonderry. An officer, with a number of soldiers, was despatched for the purpose of arresting them, which they succeeded in doing, and marched towards Boston. No sooner was the fact known in the town, than a party of young men rallied, and, led by Captain James Aiken, a bold and energetic officer, pursued and overtook them a few miles north of Haverhill. Captain Aiken, quickly passing them, drew up his men in front of the party, and commanded them to halt and give up their prisoners. The British officer, overawed by this unexpected and bold resistance, at once complied, and the prisoners returned with their deliverers, and afterwards became residents of the town. No further attempts were made for their arrest. General Stark, of Revolutionary fame, was a native of this town, as also were Colonels Reed, McCleary, and Gregg, than whom no better or braver officers can be found in the annals of our country. The Presbyterian church is one of the oldest in the state ; but no early records are in existence. The parish records were begun Sep- tember 7, 1736, more than three years before the incorporation of this as the west parish. This charter gave power to levy taxes for the support of schools and the gospel upon all taxable persons and property ; and conferred on all who were entitled to vote in town affairs the right to vote in parish meetings. This is the present charter, though the power of taxation has been wholly taken away, while that of voting remains in full force.^ Rev. David McGregore, ordained in 1736, was pastor until his death in 1777. Rev. William Morrison, D. D., was pastor from 1783 to 1818. Rev. Daniel Dana, D. D., was pastor for four years, from 1822 to 1826, and did much to promote the temperance reform. Londonderry contains 25,870 acres, the surface of which is composed of gentle swells, and the soil generally strong and productive. There * Lawrence's New Hampshire Churches, p. 89. 560 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. are some well cultivated farms here, which receive the particular attention of their industrious owners. The town is watered by Beaver brook, and a tributary of the Cohas brook; and Scoby's is the only pond. In 1828, the easterly portion of Londonderry was set off as a township, and incorporated by the name of Derry. There are three churches — Presbyterian, Baptist, and Methodist ; eleven school dis- tricts ; and two post-offices ■ — Londonderry and North Londonderry : also, two grist-mills, five saw-mills, and five stores. The Manchester and Lawrence Railroad passes through Londonderry. Population, 1,731 ; valuation, $610,236. Loudon, in the eastern part of Merrimack county, about ten miles from Concord, contains 28,257 acres, which originally belonged to Canterbury. It was incorporated January 23, 1773, and the first town- meeting was held March 23d following. In 1760, settlements were begun, Abraham and Jethro Batchelder and Moses Ordway being among the earliest inhabitants. The Congregationalists organized the first church in 1789. Previous to this, from $50 to $150 had been raised annually for preaching. In 1778, arrangements were made for building a meeting-house, forty-four feet by fifty-eight, with galleries and end porches for stair flights. To defray the expenses of its erec- tion, $45,000 of the depreciated continental bills were raised. A barrel of rum and a great supper were provided for the occasion of " raising." Rev. Jedediah Tucker was settled over the society from 1789 to 1810, when, he was compelled to resign for want of pecuniary support. This state of things lasted for some years, when the organ- ization of a Free-will Baptist society excited the Congregational church to some new efforts, but really weakened it by reducing its number. In 1826, a division of the society arose, chiefly from the distance between different sections of the town. In 1853, January 7th, a tract of land was annexed from the parent town, Canterbury. The land in Loudon is of a varied- quahty, including some good interval on the bor- ders of Soucook river, by which the township is watered. This river furnishes several valuable mill privileges. The principal place of busi- ness is called Soucook Village, and lies in the south part of the town, east of the river. The site is pleasant and agreeable, and the village contains many good buildings. There are three churches — two Con- gregational and one Free-will Baptist ; thirteen school districts ; and three post-offices — Loudon, Loudon Centre, and Loudon Ridge: also, two grist-mills, five saw-mills, two tanneries, one manufactory for flan- nel, two carriage factories, one chair factory, and several lesser mechanic establishments. Population, 1,552 ; valuation, $615,933. NEW HAMPSHIRE — TOWN OF LYMAN, ETC. 561 Lyman, near the Connecticut river, in Grafton county, ninety miles from Concord, was chartered to a number of individuals, among whom was Daniel Lyman, November 10, 1761. The town received its name, it is more than probable, from the first settler. Among the descendants of the first three families were twenty sons, nineteen of whom lived to an advanced age, and were citizens of the town in the year 1815. Lyman was originally six miles square, and so remained till July, 1854, when, by legislative enactment, the territory now comprised in Monroe was severed from it, which took off more than one third of that part of the township lying on Connecticut river. The soil is of a superior quality, and the people are engaged principally in its cultivation. Lyman's or Gardner mountain lies in this town, and on it is the source of the northwest branch of Burnham's river, the northeast branch rising in Partridge pond, which lies partly in Littleton. There are two small villages — Parker Hill and Tiiikerville ; two meeting-houses — Methodist and Union ; one post-office, and seven school districts : also, a steam starch factory, two grist-mills, four saw-mills, and one carding- machine. Population, 1,442; valuation, ^206,768. Lyme, in the western part of Grafton county, fifty-four miles from Concord, has an area of 28,500 acres, and lies on the Connecticut river. Theodore Atkinson and others obtained a grant of the territory, July 8, 1761, and its settlement was commenced, in the autumn of 1764, by three brothers, John, William, and David Sloan. Walter Fairfield came the same or the next year. The name was derived from Lyme, Conn., from which place some of the settlers came. The Congre- gational church, formed in 1771, was the first rehgious society organ- ized. At the first town meeting, however. May 17, 1769, it was voted to unite with Thetford, over the river, to hire preaching for the ensuing year. Rev. William Conant from Bridgewater, Mass., was ordained December 22, 1773, and continued pastor till his death, a period of more than thirty-six years. A meeting-house was erected in 1781. The early inhabitants enjoyed occasional missionary visits from Rev. Eleazer Wheelock, the first president of Dartmouth College. Quite a check was given to intemperance here in connection with the labors of Rev. Baxter Perry, who was pastor from 1821 to his death in 1829. A Baptist church was organized in 1819, and went into efficient and suc- cessful operation. John Fairfield, son of Walter, and Hon. Jonathan Franklin, who became member of the council in 1811, represented the town in the legislature for many years. There is less interval in this town than in most other towns on the Connecticut river, but, with this exception, the characteristics of the 562 HISTOEY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. land are the same. Three small streams pass through Lyme and empty into the Connecticut river, and Post pond is the largest collection of water. Several large reservoirs have been erected at considerable expense, and supply abundance of water at all seasons. Smart's moun- tain, lying in the northeast part, is the most noted elevation. Lime- stone, of the granular crystalline species, is found in various localities in beds six feet thick, connected with which is an abundance of massive garnet, with crystals of hornblende. A mixture of granular quartz, very curious, with carbonate of lime, exists in inexhaustible quantities, and is much used in manufacturing isinglass. Several other minerals are prevalent, and there is an extensive deposit of clay marl, very useful for its fertilizing qualities. Lyme is an agricultural town of more than or- dinary capacity, and has gained notoriety for the extensive quantities of wheat produced, as well as for its superior breeds of sheep. The larg- est amount of wool produced by any town in the state was returned for this town the last year. The people are thrifty, and are blessed with a competence. There are two villages — Lyme and East Lyme ; two meeting-houses — Congregational and Baptist ; sixteen school districts, with the same number of schools, and one post-office : also, a steam saw-mill, several water power saw-mills, and two tanneries. The Con- necticut and Passumpsic Rivers Railroad connects with Lyme. Popu- lation, 1,618 ; valuation, ^593,700. Ltndeborough, lying near the centre of Ilillsborough county, thirty- five miles from Concord, contains 20,767 acres. It was granted in 1736, by Massachusetts, to Captain Samuel King and fifty-nine others, who were engaged in the expedition to Canada in 1690, and in consequence was called Salem Canada, some of the proprietors having belonged to Salem, Mass. Benjamin Lynde, of Salem, purchased a large portion of the land in 1753 ; and when the act of incorporation was passed, April 23, 1764, the name of Lyndeborough was given to the to^vn in honor of that gentleman. Settlements were begun as early as 1750, the earliest inhabitants being Putnam, Chamberlain, and Cram, who came from Massachusetts. In 1757, the first religious society — a Congre- gational — was formed, a meeting-house having been built some time previous. A pastor, Rev. John Rand, was settled in 1757, soon after which another meeting-house was built, on what is called Rocky Hill ; but this was not long used, for, in 1772, a large and substantial edifice was completed, which lasted for sixty-five years. Rev. Sewall Goodridge was pastor from 1768 until his death in 1809 ; Rev. Nathaniel Merrill, from 1811 to 1835. The soil is suitable for grazing, and, though stony, is of good depth, and strong. The streams are inconsiderable, and there NEW HAMPSHIRE TOWN OF MADBURY. 563 is but one pond. The situation of the town is on high land, and it has a large mountain intersecting it from east to west. A part of this town was annexed to Mont Vernon, January 5, 1853. Lyndeborough Centre and South Lyndeborough are the only two villages, the former being pleasantly situated on a plain near Piscataquog river. There are two church edifices — Congregational and Baptist ; ten school districts, with the same number of schools; and three post-offices — Lyndeborough, South Lyndeborough, and North Lyndeborough. Population, 968; valuation, ^319,252. Madburt, in the south part of Strafford county, adjoining Dover, is a small, triangular-shaped town, containing about seven square miles, being thirty-six miles southeast from Concord. It was incorporated as a parish. May 31, 1755, and as a town. May 26, 1768, covering terri- tory taken from the westerly part of Dover and the northerly part of Durham. This town was settled, at a very early date, by persons of the names of Davis, Chesley, Evans, Drew, and others. It suffered all the horrors of Indian warfare, in common with Dover and Durham. " Mahor- rimet's hill," now " Hicks hill," derived its title from a sagamore of that name. The town is about seven miles long, its extreme easterly point extending to the tide water of a branch of the Piscataqua, about five miles above Portsmouth. The surface is undulating: the soil in the valleys is composed of a mixture of clay, and that on the highlands of sand and loam, and not very stony. It has an average productiveness, and affords good returns to the many industrious farmers who cultivate it. Bog iron ore exists, in some localities, in considerable quantities, and in some instances yellow ochre has been found. Bellamy bank river supplies the town with water, and Barbadoes, lying between Mad- bury and Dover, is the only pond, being one hundred and twenty rods long and fifty wide. There was once a meeting-house, but the building was long since turned into a town-house. No church has ever been permanently established. Rev. Mr. Hooper, a Baptist, preached here for a series of years. Transient preaching is occasionally had. The Congregationalists, the Baptists, the Christian Baptists, and the Methodists have each at times been in the majority. Many of the peo- ple attend public worship in Dover and the adjoining towns. There are a number of Friends in Madbury, belonging to the church in Dover. The first meeting-house was erected prior to 1743. There are four school districts, a shingle mill, clapboard mill, and grist-mill. The Bos- ton and Maine Railroad passes through the town. Population, 483 ; valuation, $187,507. 564 HISTORY AND DESCEIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. Madison, Carroll county, in the eastern part of the state, sixty-four miles from Concord, was formed from the west part of Eaton and a portion of Effingham, and was incorporated December 17, 1852. The hne dividing Eaton from Madison runs north and south on the sum- mits of Clark's, Glines's, and Lyman mountains. It was settled about the same time as the parent town, some of the early inhabitants being William Snell, Joshua Nickerson, Timothy Danforth, and Timothy Gil- man, and contains sixty square miles, the surface of which is broken, but the soil good and fertile. There is no river running through the place ; the mill streams are fed by springs and small brooks. The larg- est collections of water are Six-mile, Danforth, and Pequawket ponds, the latter being on the line between Madison and Albany, partly in each. The town has one church edifice (Free-will Baptist) ; nine school districts, and two post-offices — Madison and East Madison : also, two saw-mills and one grist-mill. Population, 850 ; valuation, $155,451. Manchester, Hillsborough county, is a city, situated on both sides of the Merrimack river. The part of the town on the east side of the river was formerly called Derryfield, and was incorporated September 3, 1751. The tract of land embraced in the charter included a part of Chester, a part of Londonderry, and a piece of land belonging to the legal representatives of John Tufton Mason, sometimes called Harry- town. The exact date of the first settlement cannot now be ascer- tained ; but it was doubtless about 1725, at the close of " Lovewell's war." The first inhabitants were, in part, from Massachusetts, but mainly were Scotchmen from the north of Ireland, known as " Scotch Irish," than whom there were no hardier and more persevering men who took up their abode in these then unbroken wilds. John McNeil, Archi- bald Stark (father of the General), Colonel John Goffe, the Perham family. Hall, Dickey, and McMurphy were among the first in Derryfield. The main body of the Indians deserted this part of the country before the arrival of the white settlers, but many of them were found about Amosjjeag Falls as late as 1745. There was a large Indian village on the hill east of, and overlooking the falls, which, for a long time, was the royal residence of the Penacook sagamores. In 1810, the name Der- ryfield was changed to that of Manchester, which was mainly effected by Thomas Stickney, a grandson of Hon. Samuel Blodget, who pre- dicted, that, as a manufacturing place, Manchester of New England would one day vie in importance with the Manchester of Old England, — a fact not beyond the possibility of realization. The institutions of religion did not here, as in other settlements by the Scotch-Irish, follow close upon the heels of the arrival of the NEW HAMPSHIRE CITY OF MANCHESTER. 565 pioneers, though much interest was shown in the subject, in the way of grants of money for preaching, the first of which appears on the records, November, 1751. In 1753, it was voted that " Benj. Stevens' barn and Wm. McClintock's barn be the place of public worship till the money voted last March be expended." There were preachers employed oc- casionally, and several calls were extended ; but no minister ever ac- cepted of the *' distinguished consideration " of the inhabitants of Derry- field. In 1756, the people aroused themselves from their dormant relig- ious condition, and some steps were taken towards erecting a meeting- house ; but its completion seemed to be a great tax upon the energies of the inhabitants, for the outside of the house was not covered till 1792. In fact, it could never be said to have been in a thoroughly finished state while it was occupied, one part decaying before another part was completed. The first church in town was Baptist, and was organized in 1812, under the teaching of Mr. David Abbott. It con- sisted of fourteen members. It flourished under his teaching, until it numbered twenty-two male members. Some difficulty then divided and broke up the church. The next society formed was the Universalist, at the village of Amoskeag, in 1825. It was regularly suppfied with preaching, and, in 1833, the church consisted of seventy members. In 1839, this church was transferred to Manchester. A Presbyterian church was organized in May, 1828, and consisted of two men and six women. They had preaching a portion of the time, but no settled min- ister. In 1839, this church united with the Congregational church in Amoskeag, and a pastor w^as settled in January, 1840, the church being located in Manchester. A Methodist Episcopal church was organized in Manchester in 1829, and, in the following year, a house of worship was erected. This was the first meeting-house finished in Manchester. In 1831-32, the Rev. Matthew Newhall, from the New Hampshire con- ference, was stationed here, and he may be considered the first regular minister in the town. Since that time, this church has been regularly supplied from the conference. In respect to schools, the inhabitants of Derryfield were almost equally remiss. Schools were, however, kept in town by voluntary subscrip- tion, at an early period ; but no regular system of schooling was under- taken until 1781, when four schools were established, in convenient parts of the town, and continued each ten weeks. Soon after, two school-houses were built by private individuals, and the town was divided into school districts. The regular organization of schools in the town may date, therefore, from 1781. It is a curious fact, that but a solitary physician, and no minister or lawyer, resided permanently in town for three quarters of a century after VOL. I. 48 566 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. its incorporation, and not a single native of the town was educated for either of the learned professions for a century. The low state of religion and education is to be attributed, in part, to the pursuits of the inhabit- ants, fishing, lumbering, and "following the river," but mainly from the fact that the population, from the beginning of the settlement, was made up of discordant materials. The Scotch Presbyterians from Ire- land, and the Puritans from Massachusetts, could unite in sentiment upon no question of religion, education, or politics. Of different man- ners, customs, and religious views, there was still a greater obstacle in the way of union. Massachusetts laid claim to a great part of the ter- ritory of New Hampshire, including that settled by the " Scotch-Irish." Both New Hampshire and Massachusetts encouraged settlements upon the disputed territory. The fisheries at Amoskeag were very valuable. People from Massachusetts settled in the neighborhood, under the pat- ronage of that government, to secure the fisheries and the lands adja- cent. The Scotch-Irish settled in Londonderry, and the territory was afterwards incorporated as Derryfield, under the patronage of New Hamp- shire. As a consequence, there was a constant feud among this people, that continued for a century, and was allayed only by the hand of time. It is not strange that in a small town like Derryfield, thus constituted and divided, they could not unite to support a minister or schools, to any great extent. It is more strange that they succeeded in these matters as well as they did. Manchester, in the first days of its settlement, was noted for its abundant supplies of fish. The Merrimack was stocked with shad, ale- wives, salmon, and the laraprey-eel. In the spring of the year, large quantities of these several kinds of fish were taken, and formed the principal sustenance of the inhabitants during the remainder of the year, not only of Derryfield, but of the adjacent country. The eel, in particular, was regarded as a great luxury, and so common was it as an article of food, that it was christened " Derryfield beef." The love of the inhabitants for this cold, slippery animal, in appearance half fish, half reptile, was thus hit off by William Stark, of Manchester, in a poem delivered at the centennial celebration at Manchester, October 2 1851: — " Our fathers treasured the sUmy prize : They loved the eel as their very eyes ; And of one 't is said, with a slander rife, For a string of eels he sold his wife ! " From the eels they formed their food in chief, And eels were called the ' Derryfield beef ! ' NEW HAMPSHIRE — CITY 01' MANCHESTER. 567 And the marks of eels were so plain to trace, That the children looked like eels in the face ; And before they walked — it is well confirmed, That the children never crept, but squirmed." The inhabitants of Manchester, during the Revolutionary struggle, as appears from the records, exhibited remarkable patriotism and spirit There was no wavering in their hatred of the aggressions of Great Britain, and men were promptly on hand to assist the cause in the field. Upon the arrival of the news of the battle of Lexington, thirty-four men out of thirty-six reported by the selectmen as capable of bearing arms in the town, volunteered at once, and joined the army at Cam- bridge. Those were the men, that, under the intrepid Captain Moore of Derryfield, made such havoc among the British troops on the shore of the Mystic, in the battle of Bunker HUl. Of these thirty-four men from Derryfield was General John Stark, the hero of Bennington, whose early life was spent on this then frontier settlement. Speaking of the battle of Bennington, a writer says : " Taking all the circumstances into account, it was evidently one of the most important battles of the Rev- olution." General Stark was one of the first in the field, and was en- gaged, not only in the battle of Bunker Hill, but in various other engagements, in all which he distinguished himself as a brave officer. The general died here May 8, 1822, in his ninety-fourth year, being at that time the only surviving American general of the Revolution. Much of the soil of Manchester is of a light, sandy quality, and is poorly adapted to agriculture ; yet there are some farms that will bear comparison with any in the neighboring towns ; and, taken as a whole, it would seem that the land is better than it has often been represented. Lying within the eastern boundary is part of a large body of water, known as Massabesic lake, one of the most important natural features of Manchester. It is very irregular, being divided into two parts, connected by a narrow strait Indented with points and dotted with islands, it presents to the eye a most picturesque appearance, from whatever point it may be viewed. Several hotels, for the accommo- dation of visitors, have been erected near this delightful lake. Several streams have their origin in Manchester, and discharge themselves into the Merrimack, — Cohas brook, which issues from Massabesic lake and receives two smaller streams from the south, and discharges its waters at the southwest of the town, being the largest There are numerous other streams, which are not sufficiently large to be worthy of particularization. The first important work of art projected in Manchester was the con- struction of the Blodget Canal around the Amoskeag Falls, which was 568 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OP NEW ENGLAND. completed in 1816, by the ingenuity and perseverance of the late Samuel Blodget, and cost $60,000, though a larger sum was at first expended. The Amoskeag Falls, between Manchester and Goffstown, are the largest on the Merrimack. The fall, in the ordinary stage of water, is forty-seven feet, and the whole fall, in the distance of a mile, is fifty-four feet, furnishing power sufficient to run many thousand spin- dles. This almost incalculable force is the nucleus, as well as the chief cause, of the growth of Manchester, which, though not more than twenty years old, is the foremost city in the state, having the largest population, while it is the most varied, extensive, and prolific in produc- tive industry, and second only to Lowell, Mass., in point of cotton man- ufactures. Aside from the value of these falls in their capacity for manufacturing, there is a natural grandeur about them which commands admiration. The width of the river is greatly increased, and it is divided into several distinct streams by numerous small islands. The water finds egress through various channels over a ragged bottom, rush- ing with great velocity, and producing a sound which can be heard some mUes. The force and action of the water can be well divined by the examination, at the upper part, near the greatest fall, of some circular holes, various in size, worn perpendicularly into the solid rock several feet, some of which exceed eight feet in circumference. It is conjec- tured that these holes were made use of by the aborigines, in time of war, as harboring places for provisions. Certain tracts of land were severed from Bedford and Goffstown and annexed to this city, July 1, 1853. This addition included the villages of Amoskeag in Goffstown, and Piscataquog in Bedford,^ on the west side of the Merrimack. Manchester received its city charter in June, 1846, and is divided into eight wards. It is situated on a plain ninety feet above the river, the boarding-houses of the corporations occupying the slope towards the canals. Its form is nearly square, its greatest length being from north to south, while its streets are regular and broad, the principal of which is Elm, — the Broadway of Manchester, — one hundred feet in width and more than a mile in length. The buildings in the western portion of the city are generally of brick ; while those in the eastern are princi- pally of wood, elegant and tasteful in appearance. In different parts of the city, large squares have been laid out, which are decorated with trees and inclosed with handsome railings, two of them haVing within their limits ponds of considerable size, which serve, not only as orna- ments, but as reservoirs in cases of fire. The public cemetery, situated a short distance from the city, is a beautiful spot, always a place of resort, and justly a source of pride to those who have so admirably succeeded ' See ante, p. 420. NEW HAMPSHIRE CITY OF MANCHESTER. 569 in clothing with beauty and attraction the last resting-place of mor- tals. The subjoined statistics of the manufacturing interests of Manchester are for the year 1856, and are considered as the fair exponent of ordi- nary business times. Nearly all of the establishments contained in the following enumeration are in a sound position, although the full resump- tion of operations following after the great financial crisis of 1857-8 cannot yet be recorded. The Amoskeag Manufacturing Company, incorporated in 1831, commenced operations in 1842, and has a cap- ital of $3,000,000. There are five mills. Numbers 1 and 2 are each five stories high, 166 feet long and 50 wide, and calculated each for 8,000 spindles. Number 3 was built in 1843^, of three stories, 444 feet long and 60 wide, calculated for 20,000 spindles. Number 4 was built in 1847-8, six stories high, 260 feet long and 60 wide, cal- culated for 25,000 spindles. Number 5, six stories high, 222 feet long, 60 wide, and calculated for 20,000 spindles, was built in 1855-6. Their last published returns show them to have 85,000 spindles, 2,100 looms, to employ 700 males and 2,500 females, to consume 184,572 pounds of cotton weekly, and to make 400,000 yards of cloth, or 22,500,000 yards per annum. The goods manufactured are chiefly ticks, denims, flan- nels, sheetings, and drillings. Under the same charter and capital with this company is the Land and Water- Power Company, which has charge of the construction of new mills, the renting of shops and power, and the selling of land. It has also the direction of the extensive range of shops north of the cotton mills, occupied by private enterprise. The Amoskeag Manufacturing Company has also a machine-shop and loco- motive works, which have, by superior management, become of great importance, and have acquired great reputation. The machine-shop and foundery were erected for their own convenience in 1842. In 1848, they not only erected a new machine-shop and foundery, but the locomotive works. They have a boiler shop, tank shop, forge shop, paint-shop, set- ting-up shop, a fire proof pattern-house, and a storehouse. These works employ 500 hands, use annually 3,500 tons of cast and wrought iron and steel, 150,000 pounds of brass castings, 250,000 pounds of cop- per, and 300,000 feet of lumber. They turn out annually about sixty locomotives, and machinery sufficient for a rail! of 20,000 spindles. There is a savings institution in connection with this corpora- tion, in which there was a deposit, in 1856, by the operatives, of $175,000. The Stark Mills, incorporated in 1838, went into operation in 1840, and have a capital of $1,250,000. This company put the first cotton- mill in operation on the east side of the Merrimack in this city. The 48* 570 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OP NEW ENGLAND. first structure, which now constitutes the south wing of mill number 1, was built in 1838, four stories high, 48 feet wide by 157 long, upon the upper canal. In 1839, the Amoskeag Manufacturing Company built for this corporation another mill, of the same dimensions as the former, which is now the north wing of mill number 1. In 1843, the company had a centre piece built between these two mills, four stories high, with a pediment end surmounted by a cupola, having a front of 100 feet, — the entire building being in the form of a cross, 48 feet wide by 414 feet in length. The north wing was destroyed by fire in 1850, but was imme- diately rebuilt. Mill number 2 was erected in 1848, five stories high, 220 feet long and 50 wide. Both mills are estimated to contain 40,000 spindles and 1,000 looms. The company employs 1,000 female and 250 male hands. The weekly consumption of cotton is 185,000 pounds, and of wool 135,000 pounds. The goods manufactured are seamless bags, sheetings, and drillings; the annual product being 2,080,000 bags, and 9,620,000 yards of the goods. The pay roll is about $30,000 per month. The Manchester Print Works was originally incorporated under the name of Manchester Mills, in 1839, with a capital stock of $1,000,000. In 1847, this corporation became merged in one under the name of Merrimack Mills, under the impression that the charter of the latter was more liberal in its provisions. In 1851, the name was changed by legislative authority to the one it now bears ; and, in 1852, its capital was increased to $1,800,000, which is its present capital. The manu- facturing department has two mills. The first was built in 1845, — 440 feet long, 60 wide, and four stories high, exclusive of basement and attic. The second mill, built in 1850, was 824 feet long, 60 wide, and five stories high, besides basement and attic. These contain about 60,000 spindles and 1,500 looms; employ 400 male and 1,200 female operatives; consume weekly 22,000 pounds of cotton and 25,000 pounds of wool ; manufacture 14,560,000 yards annually, consisting of de laines, berages, prints, Persian cloths, and cassimeres. Upon the same canal, below these mills, was the old printing establishment of this company. The main building, built in 1845, was six stories high, 300 feet long, and 60 wide. In 1850, an addition or L was added, six stories high, extending south from the main building, 225 feet long, and 60 wide. The building for engraving, and containing dyestuffs and chemicals, and the counting-rooms of the printing establishment, were east of the main building, the madder dye-house being north of it. The main building of the printing department was burned in 1853, and, in 1855, one half of the largest mill ; but both were immediately rebuilt in the most ap- proved manner. NEW HAMPSHIRE — CITY OF MANCHESTER. 571 The Amoskeag Paper-Mill commenced operations in 18-54, with a capital of $40,000. It employs from twenty to thirty hands, and manufactures annually about 270 tons of book paper and fifty of newspaper. The Blodget Paper-Mill went into operation the same year, with a capital of $200,000, for the manufacture of book and news paper and paper hangings ; turning out 650 tons of paper, and 1,800,000 rolls of hangings. The Manchester Iron Company was incor- porated and went into operation in 1853, with a capital of $150,000, employing sixty hands, using 1,000 tons of iron, and making 950 tons of castings per annum. The Manchester Machine Company, incorpo- rated in 1853, went into operation in 1855, with a capital of $300,000, employing forty hands in the manufacture of platform and other scales. The Manchester Car and Machine Works, incorporated in 1854, went into operation in 1855 with a capital of $50,000, employing a hundred hands upon the manufacture of freight cars and machinery, using 1,000 tons of iron and 1,000,000 feet of lumber. The Manchester Locomo- tive Works, incorporated in 1853, began to operate in 1854, upon a capital of $100,000, with two hundred hands, making locomotives, stationary steam-engines, and tools ; using 400 tons of iron, 25,000 pounds of brass, 80,000 pounds of copper, and 85,000 feet of lumber. Aside from their other operations, they turned out annually about thirty locomotives and steam-engines. The Blodget Edge-Tool Manufac- turing Company, incorporated in 1853, commenced operations in 1855, upon $100,000 capital, employing eighty-five hands in making all kinds of axes, adzes, hatchets, and other edge-tools. They have used annually about 525 tons of iron and steel, turning out about 25,000 tools. The Manchester Gas-Light Company, incorporated in 1851, commenced operations in 1852. The works are erected on the east bank of the Merrimack, south of the railroad depot, and are capable of furnishing 150,000 cubic feet of gas in twenty-four hours, the pipes being of sufficient capacity and strength to distribute double that quantity. On the opposite page is inserted, as illustrative of that branch of the industry of New Hampshire which has grown to such immense impor- tance — her manufactures — a comprehensive view of the works of the larger corporations, including the Stark, Amoskeag, and Manchester Mills, and the Manchester Print Works, which were taken from the west side of the Merrimack, in Goffstown, and which necessarily con- ceal much of the nearer part of the city. No satisfactory picture of these establishments can be obtained from the east side, which, how- ever, allows the best general view of Manchester. The city contains twelve church edifices — two Congregational, two Methodist, two Baptist, one Universalist, one Free-will Baptist, one 572 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. Unitarian, one Episcopal, one Roman Catholic, and one Free church ; eleven school-houses, in which schools are kept on a well devel- oped and practical system ; the Manchester Athenaeum, containing a library of 3,100 volumes and an extensive reading-room, which is now merged in the city library ; an efficient fire department, consisting of six engine companies, two hose companies, and one hook and ladder company; six newspapers; four banl >; H' I' I '1 \ \ I y |i I NEW HAMPSHIRE — TOWN OF NEW BOSTON, ETC. 593 New Boston, towards the northeast of Hillsborough county, is twenty- two miles from Concord, and was granted January 14, 1736, by the state of Massachusetts to inhabitants of Boston, from which circum- stance it received its name. It was incorporated by New Hampshire, February 18, 1763, and the first settlement was begun about the year 1733. Among the earliest inhabitants were Messrs. Cochran, Wilson, Caldwell, McNeil, Ferson, and Smith ; and in twenty-two years from the time of its settlement it contained fifty-six persons, a saw and grain mill, and thirty-one dwelling-houses, — sufficient evidence that the early inhabitants were men of energy and perseverance. The Presbyterian church, organized in 1768, was the first religious society. Over this church Rev. Solomon Moore, a native of Ireland, educated at Glasgow, Scotland, was settled September 6, 1768. Mr. Moore was suspected of toryism during the Revolutionary period, was arrested, taken to Exeter, and, it is pVesumed, endured a short imprisonment. He afterwards gave in his allegiance to the state, and ministered to the people here till his death, May -3, 1803. Rev. Ephraim P. Bradford was ordained pastor, February 26, 1806, and continued such till his decease, December 15, 1845. He was a good scholar and a zealous pastor, and at one time his name was proposed to fill the vacancy of president of Dartmouth Col- lege. He was held in high esteem by his flock and by the members of his profession, and his funeral obsequies were attended by a large con- course of sorrowing friends. The surface of New Boston is of an undulating character ; the uplands are fertile, and valuable for agricultural purposes ; and the meadows are good for grazing. There are many beautiful farms. In the south part there is a considerable elevation, called Jo English's hill, one side of which is nearly perpendicular, its height being about 572 feet. New Boston is watered by Piscataquog river and several other streams. Beard's and Jo English's, the latter lying partly in Amherst, are the two principal ponds. The town has one village ; two churches — Presbyte- rian and Baptist ; seventeen school districts ; and one post-office : also, several saw and grist-mills, and other mechanical establishments. Popu- lation, 1,477 ; valuation, $597,009. Newbury, in the western part of Merrimack county, has Sunapee lake on the north, and is thirty-five miles from Concord. Efforts for its settlement were first made, in 1762, by Zephaniah Clark. It was first called Dantzic, and at the time of its incorporation, which was in November, 1778, Fisherfield, in honor of John Fisher, who afterwards went to England. This name was altered in 1836 to the one it now bears. The Free-will Baptists are the principal religious denomination. 50* 594 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OP NEW ENGLAND. The surface is somewhat mountainous, and the soil very indifferent, being hard and rocky. In the western part, the hills rise to a considera- ble height, and the land is broken, but adapted to grazing. Water is very abundant, but there is no stream of any magnitude. Todd pond, five hundred rods in length and sixty in width, affords a small branch to Warner river; and from Chalk pond, in the north part, issues a small stream, communicating with Sunapee lake, a considerable portion of which lies here. There are two villages, called Newbury and South Newbury, two Union churches, thirteen schools, and two post-offices, one at each of the villages. Population, 738 ; valuation, $248,678. New Castle, Rockingham county, is an island at the mouth of the Piscataqua river, at the entrance to Portsmouth harbor, from which city it is about three miles distant. Rye, Greenland, Newington, and Portsmouth were, in connection with New Castle, originally one town, and it was here that the first settlement in New Hampshire was begun, in 1623. It was formerly known as Great Island ; and, in ancient times, when Strawberry Bank was the mere skeleton of the present prosperous city of Portsmouth, most of the business of the immediate vicinity was transacted on it. A church was early organized in this settlement, and Rev. Samuel Moodey,^ son of Rev. Joshua Moodev, preached here previous to the commencement of the eighteenth cen- tury. In 1693, in compliance with a petition from the inhabitants. New Castle was separately incorporated.^ In 1706, a new meeting- house was erected in the style of the period, but finished wdth more than ordinary elegance. It had a fine-toned bell, imported from Eng- land, was decorated with a beautiful altar-piece, and furnished Avith a communion-service of silver. A large silver cup was presented by Mrs. Jane Turrell, sister of Sir William Pepperrell, and a large folio bible, with illuminated letters, printed at the University of Oxford, was bequeathed by Madam Mary Prescott. From 1778 to 1784, the period of the American Revolution, the people suffered under great anxiety and pecuniary embarrassiTient, and the threat of a British man-of-war, ^ It is related of this clergyman, that, while addressing some of his hcarei-s, most of •whom were sailors, on the occasion of a shipwreck, he inquired: "Supposing, my brethren, any of you should be taken short in the bay, in a northeast storm — your hearts trembling with fear, and nothing but death before you — whither would your thoughts turn — what would j-ou do ? " He paused, and an untutored sailor, whose attention was arrested by the description of a storm at sea, supposing lie waited for an answer, replied, " Wli)', in that case, d' ye see, I should immediately hoist the foresail, and scud away for Squani." — Farmer and Moore's Collections, vol. n., p. 297. ' The charter, under the royal seal of Williara and Mary, is still preserved in the archives of the town. It is written on parchment, in old English black-letter. NEW HAMPSHIRE — TOWN OF NEW CASTLE. 595 to burn the place, compelled many of the inhabitants to abandon the island. Fort William and Mary formerly stood on this island ; and, prior to the Revolution, was the scene of one of the first outbursts of colonial indignation at the measures of the British government. By an order in council, a prohibition was laid on the exportation of gunpowder, and other military stores, to America ; and a copy of the order having been brought by express to Portsmouth, December 13, 1774, when a British ship with troops was daily expected from Boston to take possession of the fort, the committee of the town conceived the design of attacking the fortress, and taking from it some of its contents. A company, com- posed of men from Portsmouth and neighboring towns, was formed with secrecy and despatch, and came to New Castle ; and, after taking the fort and confining the garrison, which consisted of only a captain and five men, they carried off one hundred barrels of powder. The day after, another company came here, and relieved the fort of fifteen of its lightest cannon and all the small arms, with other munitions of war, which were distributed in the several towns. General (then major) John Sullivan and Governor (then captain) John Langdon, took a prominent part in this affair.^ The powder was conveyed to Bunker Hill, and did good service on the memorable 17th of June, 1775. Rev. Joseph Walton, a Congregational minister, much beloved and respected in Portsmouth, was a native of New Castle, as was also Hon. Theodore Atkinson, chief justice of the province for a number of years, and secretary and president of the council. He died September 22, 1789. Shadrach Walton was also a native and resident of this town. He was born in 1658, was son of George Walton, and was a man of wealth, as well as public distinction. He was ensign in 1691, engaged in the Indian wars of 1707, was major of the New Hampshire troops in the unfortunate attack on Port Royal in 1707, and their colonel in the reduction of that place in 1710. He was also in service the same year as colonel of the Rangers. He was appointed councillor by mandamus in 1716 ; was senior member and acting president of the province in 1733, judge of the court of common pleas from 1695 to 1698, judge of the superior court in 1698-9, and again judge of the court of common pleas from 1716 to 1737. He died October 3, 1741. Benjamin Randall, who follows, was his great- grandson. Benjamin Randall, the founder of the " Free-will Baptist connection," was born in New Castle, February 26, 1749, the son of Captain ' Belknap's Hist. New Hamp., Farmer's ed., vol. i., p. 353. 596 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NE\y ENGLAND. Benjamin Randall, a shipmaster. He acquired a decent mercantile education, was employed as a sail-maker, and was in the army for a short period. Becoming converted under the labors of Rev. George Whitefield, he united with the Congi-egational church in 1772; but, becoming Baptist in sentiment, was baptized by immersion in Madbury, and was ordained as an evangelist, April 5, 17S0, at New Durham, to which place he had removed his residence, and where he lived till the time of his death. He there organized the first Free-will Baptist church, but employed himself in itinerant labors to a great extent. Other churches of the same faith were added, his labors being abun- dantly successful, until, at the time of his death, he was the virtual head of churches embracing nearly 20,000 souls, gathered by the efforts which he originated. He died October 22, 1808. A handsome bridge, erected in 1821, connects this town with Ports- mouth. Fort Constitution, and a light-house, are located on the island in very advantageous positions. The little soil that the town possesses is zealously cultivated, and made to yield a profitable return. Fishing, however, is the principal occupation of the people, and many of the men and youth of the place are frequently absent from the island in pursuit of this business. The town has one village, two churches (Congregational and Baptist), and two public schools. Population, 800 ; valuation, $53,620. New Durham, the most northerly town of Strafford county, thirty-five miles from Concord, was granted to Ebenezer Smith and others in 1749, and incorporated December 7, 1762. Colonel Thomas Tash, who was very energetic in developing the new settlement, resided here during the last twenty years of his life. He served in the French and Revolutionary wars, and was a man of considerable bravery. The Free-will Baptists are the largest denomination. Elder Benjamin Randall ^ began his work here in 1780, and organized a church. The surface of New Durham is not very even, and a part of it abounds in rocks, — so much so as to unfit it for cultivation. The soil is adapted to grazing. The principal elevations are Mount Betty, Copple-Crown, and Straw's mountains, on the northeast side of the latter of which is a remarkable cave. Rattlesnake hill lies in the centre of the town : its south side is almost one hundred feet high, and nearly perpendicular. A curious fountain, over which a part of Ela's river flows, exists here, the depth of which has not been ascertained. Water, extremely cold and pure, may be obtained from this fountain by sinking a small-mouthed vessel. The principal stream is Ela's river, and the ' See Now Castle. NEW HAMPSHIRE TOWN OF NEW HAMPTON. 597 largest collection of water is Merrymeeting pond, about ten miles in circumference, from which a perpetual stream runs into Merrymeet- ing bay, in Alton. Wood and lumber comprise the chief articles of trade. New Durham contains two villages, the principal of which is called sometimes Downing's Mills and sometimes Raudallsville ; the other is known by the name of Eureka Powder-works, situated on the outlet of Merrymeeting pond, a very fine water privilege. There are two Free- will Baptist meeting-houses in town ; fourteen school districts ; and one post-office: also, the gunpowder works, five saw-miUs, two grist-mills, four shingle mills; and three stores. The Cochecho Railroad crosses New Durham. Population, 1,049 ; valuation, $332,750. New Hampton, lying in the northwest corner of Belknap county, thirty miles from Concord, was first settled in 1775, by Samuel Kelley. The origin of the grant of this town occurred in this wise. General Jona- than Moulton, of Hampton, was desirous of making a present to Governor Wentworth ; and accordingly, having fattened an ox so that it weighed some fourteen hundred pounds, he hoisted a flag on its horns and drove it to Portsmouth, to the governor, who wished to remunerate the general for so rich a gift. The latter strenuously refused to receive any thing, but said he would like, merely as a token of the governor's friend- ship and esteem, to have a charter of a small gore of land he had dis- covered near the town of Moultonborough, of which he was one of the principal proprietors. The request was acceded to, and he named it New Hampton, in honor of his native town. It was incorporated November 27, 1777, and at that time embraced Centre Harbor. The first church organized here was a Baptist, formed in 1782, of members from Holderness, Bridgewater, and New Hampton, — Elder Jeremiah Ward being ordained pastor, who died in 1816. A Congregational church was organized in 1800, and Rev. Salmon Hebard ordained pas- tor ; but this church, after fluctuating for a number of years, has now ceased to exist. The Baptist female seminary, a very influential and extensively patronized institution, and the theological institute of the same sect, both which are now located in Fairfax, Vt., were originally in New Hampton. The Free-will Baptists, in 1854, came into posses- sion of the premises formerly occupied by these institutions, and have establishecl a school of considerable influence. The surface of New Hampton is broken and uneven, though the soil is very valuable for agricultural purposes, producing grain and grass in abundance. A high hill, conical in form, lies in the south part, and it can be seen in almost any direction for many miles. A very pic- 598 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. turesque view can be obtained from its summit. The principal stream is Pemigewasset river, which washes the western boundary ; and over it is thrown the bridge which connects this town with Bristol. On the west side of Kelley's hill is a remarkable spring, from which flows a stream supplying water power for several mills, never affected by rains or drought. There are five ponds, the most noted of which are Pemige- wasset and Measley ponds, the former being about two hundred rods in diameter. There are two villages — Smith's village, which is the larger and more important, and Centre village, which, as its name denotes, lies in the centre of the town, two miles north of the former. The church edifices are three in number, two of which are occupied by the Free- will Baptists, and one by the Baptists. The town is divided into fifteen school districts, and has one post-office. The New Hampton Literary and Biblical Institution is situated in Smith's village, and is the only Biblical seminary of the Free-will Baptist denomination in New Eng- land. It was founded in 1853, and consists of a literary and theological department, and has an average attendance of 175 students. The Mount Ascension Academy is situated at Centre village, and depends for its support upon its patronage, and the liberality of the citizens in the immediate vicinity. There are, beside these, four incorporated liter- ary societies, namely, the Literary Adelphi, having a library of one thousand volumes ; Social Fraternity, having also a library with a simi- lar number of volumes ; the Germanae Dilectaj Scientia, and the Theo- logical Research. There are four lumber mills, and one sash and blind factory. Population, 1,612 ; valuation, ^415,025. Newington, in the eastern part of Rockingham county, having the Piscataqua river for its northeastern boundary, was originally a part of Portsmouth and Dover, and its settlement was commenced at an early date. That part which was from Dover was called " Bloody Point." Its terrible name was given to it because, in 1631, Captain Neal and Captain Wiggin, rival agents, came near shedding blood there, about the possession of the land ; " but," says the worthy Mr. Hubbard, " both the litigants had so much wit in their anger as to waive the battle, each accounting himself to have done very manfully in what was threat- ened; so as in respect merely of what might have fallen out, the place to this day retains the formidable name of Bloody Point." In 1643, the Bloody Point part was in controversy between Portsmouth and Dover; but it ^vas assigned to Dover. The male inhabitants then were Johnson, Canney, Ffursen, Fray, Jones, Trickey, Goddard, LangstalTe, Fayer, Trimings, and Lewis. Langstaffe died in 1705, aged one hun- NEW HAMPSHIRE — TOWN OF NEW IPSWICH. 599 dred, " a hale, strong, hearty man." Newington was incorporated as a parish, July 16, 1713, and as a town in July, 1760. Rev. Joseph Adams, uncle of President John Adams, was the first minister. The Indians made several incursions into this town, the principal of which was in May, 1690, when a party, under a sagamore called Hope- hood, assaulted the settlement at Fox point, burned several houses, killed about fourteen people, and carried away six as prisoners. They were pursued by Captains Floyd and Greenleaf, with some of the set- tlers, who came up with the enemy, and recovered several of the cap- tives and some of the spoil after a severe contest, in which the Indian sagamore was wounded. This is not a very good agricultural town, the soil being generally sandy and unproductive. On the margin of the river there is some good land, which yields average crops of grain and grass. Granite is quar- ried to some extent. Newington Avas connected with Durham by a bridge crossing the Piscataqua river at Fox's point to Goat island, and thence to the shore — which was erected in 1793. This bridge was 2,600 feet long and forty wide, and cost $65,401 ; but a portion having been carried away a few years since, it has been abandoned. There are two churches (Methodist and Congregational), one school district and one school, and a post-office. Population, 472 ; valuation, $191,215. New Ipswich, the southwest corner town of Hillsborough county, fifty miles from Concord, was first settled under Massachusetts ; but when it was commenced cannot now be ascertained. It is asserted on good authority, however, that, in the early part of the war with the French and Indians, which closed in 1748, a family by the name of Fitch was taken by the Indians from the south side of Wataticlc mountain, which so alarmed the inhabitants that they all left. In 1750, the Masonian proprietors granted a considerable part of the town to thirty-four indi- viduals, thirteen of whom already occupied lands in the place. Among these were Reuben Kidder, Archibald White, Joseph and Ebenezer Bul- lard, Joseph Stevens, and Abijah Foster, the latter of whom was the first to bring his family here. An earnest desire was manifested to have religious worship from the earliest date. In 1752, it was voted to have constant preaching, and to build a meeting-house, which was com- pleted in 1754. A Congregational church was organized October 21, 1760, and, the next day. Rev. Stephen Farrar was ordained pastor, in which post he continued till his death, June 23, 1809. During his min- istry the church flourished. The history of New Ipswich embraces little worthy of note. There is no account of Indian assaults, save that already given ; the inhabi- 600 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. tants struggling only against the common difficulties, hardships, and self-denials common to new settlements, which they manfully overcame. In the Revolutionary struggle, the movements of the people show that they caught the spirit of those days of peril, and were anxious for the per- formance of duty with great promptitude and at any sacrifice. Among the distinguished natives of this town are found the names of Jesse Appleton, D. D., president of Bowdoin College ; Hon. Nathan Apple- ton, and the late Samuel Appleton, of Boston ; the late Timothy Farrar, for forty years judge of the New Hampshire courts, who lived to the age of 101 years, and for a time was the oldest living graduate of Har- vard College ; besides several others, who have acquired high reputation in mercantile life. Hon. Ebenezer Champney, judge of probate, and his son Benjamin, an eminent lawyer, were resident here. The act of incorporation was passed September 9, 1762. The Pratt pond is a small collection of water in the southwest part, and gives rise to one branch of the Souhegan river. On this river, which takes a northeast course, are several cotton factories, — Brown's Tick- ing Mills, the Mountain Mills, and the Columbian Manufacturing Company, ■ — which have given rise to three small villages contiguous to each other, and considerably increased the business of the place. The first cotton-mill in this place was among the earliest in the country. Besides the factories already noticed, there is a match factory. There are six villages — Centre, High Bridge, Bank, Smith's, Gibson's, and Wilder's, — the principal one of which, the Centre, has increased very considerably, within the last thirteen years, in population, business, and buildings. At this village is situated the New Ipswich Appleton Acad- emy, for which there has been erected a new building at a cost of $12,000, being assisted by a donation from Hon. Samuel Appleton. There are also thirteen schools, four meeting-houses — two Congrega- tional, one Baptist, and one Methodist ; a town-house, a bank, with a capital of $100,000, and one post-office : also, one batting factory, three chair factories, one bedstead factory, one cigar-box factory, four saw- mills, and one grist-mill. Population, 1,877 ; valuation, $743,095. New London, Merrimack county, Hes on the east of Sunapee lake, which separates it from Sunapee, and is thirty-three miles from Concord. The first persons who arrived were Nathaniel Merrill and James Lamb, who were followed by Eliphalet Lyon and Ebenezer Hunting. New London was incorporated June 25, 1779. Its first name was Dantzic. Dr. Belknap says it was Heidelburg. A part of Wendell (now Sunapee) was annexed to this town, June 19, 1817. The Baptists were the first to establish a church, which was formed October 23, 1788, Rev. Job Sea- NEW HAMPSHIRE — TOWN OF NEWMARKET. 601 mans having been ordained pastor, January 21, 1789. Mr. Seamans was still pastor of the church in 1856, which consisted of 226 members, — the largest Baptist church, with one exception (Newport), in New Hampshire. Ex-governor Anthony Colby is a resident of this town. The surface is undulating, and in some places broken. There are sev- eral large swells. The soil is deep, and on the average good, though some of it is rocky. Lake Sunapee, which is the main source of Sugar river, furnishes abundance of water. There are four large ponds — Little Sunapee, one and a half miles in length and three quarters of a mile in width ; Harvey's and Messer's, each about a mile in length and three quarters in width, which are separated by a bog, many parts of which rise and fall with the water ; and Pleasant pond, which is nearly two miles long and one wide. The town has three villages, the names of which are Four Corners, Scythe Factory, and Hemphill's Mills ; two church edifices — Baptist and Union ; seven school districts, one acad- emy, established by the Baptist denomination ; and one post-office : also, one large scythe factory and five stores. Population, 945 ; valua- tion, $370,846. Newmarket, Rockingham county, lies on the west of Squamscot river and Great Bay, and was originally a part of Exeter, from which it was detached and incorporated December 15, 1727. Mrs. Fanny Shute, who died in this town in September, 1819, was regarded with great respect, as much for her excellent qualities of mind and heart, as for the adventures she met with in her youth. When thirteen months old, she was captured by a party of Indians, carried to Canada, and given to the French. She was educated in a nunnery ; and, after remaining in captivity thirteen years, was redeemed and restored to her friends. South Newmarket was formerly a part of Newmarket, from which it was set off in 1849. The Orthordox Congregational church was organ- ized March 27, 1828, over which Rev. David Sanford was ordained May 22, 1828, he having preached the previous year, and been mainly instrumental in forming the church. Through his efforts a house of worship was erected ; thus involving him, by his disinterested en- deavors, in great pecuniary liabilities. He was dismissed June 22, 1830. Prior to the formation of this church, the Methodists had been the pre- dominant denomination. Winthrop Hilton, a descendant of the Ed- ward Hilton who came from London to New Hampshire in 1623 and settled at Dover, was a native of this town. He was an active and useful officer of the militia. His death was occasioned by the fall of a tree in Northwood, January 11, 1775. A tract of land was annexed to this town from South Newmarket, December 17, 1852. VOL. I. 51 602 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. The surface of Newmarket is somewhat uneven, and, in the south- west portion, generally hilly. Lamprey river touches the northwest and northeast corners of the town, emptying into Great bay, whilst the Squamscott, upon the southeast, divides Newmarket from Stratham,and the Piscassick runs north into the Lamprey. The Boston and Maine Railroad runs through the eastern part, connecting with the Portsmouth and Concord Railroad at the junction in South Newmarket. There are two villages — Newmarket and Lamprey River ; four church edifices — Universalist, Methodist, Baptist, and Unitarian ; five school districts with nine schools, and one post-ofRce : also, one cotton mill, owned by the Newmarket Manufacturing Company, manufacturing 4,500,000 yards of cloth annually ; two establishments for the manufacture of various kinds of machinery ; four stores ; and one bank, with a capital of 1,000. Population, 1,937 ; valuation, $812,897. Newport is the shire town of Sullivan county, and adjoins Claremont on the west, being distant from Concord forty mUes. It was granted by charter, October 6, 1761, and the first settlement was made by Jesse Wilcox, Ebenezer Merritt, Jesse Kelsey, and Samuel Hurd, in the fall of 1763. Those who first settled here came principally from North Killingworth, Conn. It is stated with regard to Newport, — a circum- stance worthy of record — that, upon the first Sabbath after the arrival of the early settlers, they convened for public worship ; and neither they nor their descendants have permitted a Sabbath since to pass without a similar observance. The first spot where they assembled was under a tree ; afterwards they worshipped in a private log-hoase, where they continued their services for seven years. They had no preacher at this early day, being satisfied with listening, in the absence of a more enlightened expositor of the word, to one of their number, who read passages from Scripture and from published sermons. A meeting- house was directed to be built in November, 1772. The Congrega- tional church is the oldest, having been organized in 1779, over which Rev. John Remeli was ordained pastor. This church was considerably m advajice of other churches in its efforts to check the evils of intem- perance, and, in 1831, made total abstinence from the use of ardent spirits a condition of membership. The surface is composed of hills and valleys, and the soil is generally productive; being divided into three classes, alluvial, dry and gravelly, and moist. The eminences deserving of notice are Bald, Coit, East' and Blueberry mountains. The town is watered by Sugar river, the three branches of which unite near the principal village, from whence it passes through Claremont into the Connecticut. This river furnishes NEW HAMPSHIRE — TOWN OP NEWTON. 603 excellent water power for mills and machinery. Nettleton's and Chapin's ponds, the former in the easterly and the latter in the north- west part, are of small extent. Newport is a place of considerable note, as much from the fact of its being the shire of the county as from its central situation, which renders it quite a business locality. The principal village, called Newport, is almost walled in by hills, above which may be seen eleva- tions and mountains towering in the distance. The scenery in summer is romantic and beautiful, while in winter it is wild and sublime. A broad street, about a mile in length, runs through the village, on which are erected some tasty residences, having commodious yards and well- tended gardens. The county buildings are located with a regard to convenience, and are built of substantial materials. The climate is good, and opportunities are afforded for hunting and fishing rarely met with ; which circumstances render the town a place of considerable resort for those in search of recreation. There is another village, called North ville, which is a place of moderate business. Newport contains four churches — Baptist, Methodist, Universalist, and Congregational ; seventeen school districts, having a like number of schools ; the Sugar river bank, with a capital of $50,000; one newspaper — the Argus and Spectator ; and one post-office : also, three woollen mills, two tanneries, and one scythe factory. Population, 2,020; valuation, $741,224. Newton, in the southeast part of Rockingham county, forty miles from Concord, was first settled in 1720, by Joseph Bartlett, soon after whose arrival came several others. This man, twelve years previous to his settling here, was taken prisoner by the Indians in Haverhill, and conveyed to Canada, where he remained four years. Newton was incorporated in 1749, when it was called Newtown, which was changed July 10, 1846. Rev. Jonathan Eames was settled over the Congrega- tional church in this town, January 17, 1759, and was dismissed in 1791, after a ministry of thirty-two years. The Congregational church has long been extinct. The oldest Baptist society in New Hampshire is in existence here, having been formed in 1755, when Rev. Walter Powers was settled as the first pastor. The centennial anniversary of the formation of this church was celebrated with some very interesting ceremonies. A farm of twenty acres was annexed to Newton from East Kingston, July 2, 1845. The soil is good for the production of grain or grass. Part of a pond, known by the name of Country pond, lies here. The prosperity of the town has been much advanced by the Boston and Maine Railroad, which passes through its westerly part 604 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. At the depot, a thriving little village has sprung up. The manufacture of shoes is carried on to a considerable extent, — in fact, most of the people are engaged in this business. Besides the village already men- tioned, there are two others, known by the names of the Centre and Carter's. There are two churches — Baptist and Christian; six school districts, and one post-office. Population, 685 ; valuation, $277,869. NORTHFIELD, in the northeast part of Merrimack county, seventeen miles from Concord, contains 19,000 acres, and was settled, in 1760, by Benjamin Blanchard and others. It was incorporated in the year 1780. Nothing seems to have been done in the way of advancement for a number of years. The first church organized was that of the Meth- odist denomination, in 1806, when the people erected a meeting-house, open to all denominations. The Congregational church was formed in 1822, and, in 1841, was united with that at Sanbornton Bridge. Part of Franklin was annexed to this town, July 3, 1830. Northfield has an uneven surface, with some hills, — the soil on which is the most pro- ductive in the town : the other portions are but moderately good. Bean hill, the largest eminence, separates Northfield from Canterbury. Chestnut pond, the waters of which have an outlet into the Winnepe- saukee, is situated in the east part ; and Sondogardy pond in the south part, draining into the Merrimack. Near Webster's falls, in the northwest part, the Winnepesaukee falls into the Pemigewasset, both of which form the Merrimack. The people are mostly engaged in farming. Northfield has one village, called Northfield Factory ; and one meeting- house — Methodist. The Northfield Conference Seminary and Female College is a large and flourishing institution, under the control of the Methodist denomination. The building and grounds are situated on an eminence, a short distance from Winnepesaukee river and San- bornton Bridge. There is one woollen manufacturing company and one wrapping-paper mill : also, thirteen school districts. The Boston, Concord, and Montreal Railroad has a station in Northfield. Popu- lation, 1,332 ; valuation, $482,098. North Hampton, Rockingham county, in the extreme eastern part of the state, is a seaport town, and is forty-seven miles from Concord. It was formerly a parish of Hampton, called North Hill (which name it retains to some extent even at the present day), and was incorporated November 26, 1742. Settlements were early commenced here, but by whom, or at what particular time, we have been unable to ascertain. A dread of the Indians made it necessary for the inhabitants to dwell in garrisons. The first meeting-house was erected about the year 1734, NEW HAMPSHIRE TOWN OF NORTHUMBERLAND. 605 and near it stood a garrison house, erected for prot-ection against the Indians, who, on the 13th of June, 1677, killed four persons named Edward Colcord, Jr., Abraham Perkins, Jr., Benjamin Hilliard, and Caleb Towle. In this house, tradition says, Simon Dearborn (father of Captain John and Major-General Henry Dearborn) was born July 31, 1706. The Congregational church, originally the fourth church of Hampton, was organized November 17, 1738. Rev. Nathaniel Gookin, son of the late Rev. Nathaniel Gookin of Hampton, was the first minister, having been ordained October 31, 1739. Rev. Jonathan French, D. D., has served this church for a period of fifty-six years. He was ordained November 18, 1801, and continues in the office of senior pastor at the present time. The soil is generally of a productive character, and most of the people are engaged in agricultural pursuits. Many of them are trades- men as well as farmers ; and those who reside in the vicinity of the ocean employ a portion of their time in fishing. Between North hill and one a short distance from it, at the south, a number of springs unite and form a brook, which, taking a west and northwest direction, and receiving supplies from other sources, forms the Winnicut river. This river, after running through Strathara and Greenland, empties into Great bay, which, through branches of the Piscataqua, mingles with the ocean. A very useful mill stream originates from two small ones running nearly parallel from the north part of the town, and from numerous springs collected in a circle at the foot of Breakfast hUl. Little river mingles with the ocean between Little Boar's head in North Hampton and Great Boar's head in Hampton, and near the celebrated Rye beach. The towir contains two churches — Congrega- tionahst and Baptist; three school districts, and one post-office: also, three saw-mills and one grist-mill. Population, 822; valuation, $331,893. Northumberland, in the southwestern part of Coos county, adjoining Lancaster, is one hundred and thirty miles from Concord. It was in- corporated November 17, 1779 ; and the first settlers, who arrived in June, 1767, were Thomas Burnside and Daniel Spaulding, with their families. During the Revolutionary war a small fort stood here, and was placed under the command of Captain Jeremiah Eames, a man of great industry and ready wit The soil along the Connecticut, and, in fact, a good portion of that in town, is of a productive quality. Lying near the centre is Cape Horn, an abrupt mountain of one thousand feet. A neck of plain land separates its base from the Connecticut, and the Upper Amraonoosuc passes its base on the east, as it falls into the 51* 606 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. Connecticut. There is a handsome bridge between Northumberland and Guildhall, at the falls of the Connecticut, below the entrance to the Ammonoosuc. Stock-raising is pursued to a limited extent, and farm- ing engages a great deal of attention. There are two villages — North- umberland and Grovetown, with a post-office at each ; and five school districts : also, two saw-mills, two blacksmith's shops, and three stores. The Grand Trunk Railway passes through this town. Population, 429 ; valuation, $217,437. NORTHWOOD, situated in the north corner of Rockingham county, eighteen miles from Concord, originally composed a part of Nottingham, and received its name from straggling parties who visited this place, and who designated it " north woods," to distinguish it from other wooded localities. Northwood was settled in 1763, — John Davis, In- crease and James Batchelder, Moses Godfrey, Solomon Bickford, and Samuel and Moses Johnson, being among the first settlers. The place, it is presumed, from the number of antiquities found here, was frequently visited by roving bands of Indians ; but the only permanent settlement, of which there is knowledge, was near the north part of North River pond, near the line which now divides Nottingham from Northwood, and within the limits of the latter. Here lived a tribe of Indians, at the head of which was a chief by the name of Swansen. There were quite a number of the inhabitants of Northwood engaged in the Revo- lutionary war, and many served in the last war against Canada. Colonel Samuel Johnson and Sergeant Bickford, son of Solomon, took an active part in the contest. The town was incorporated February 6, 1773. A Congregational meeting-house was erected in 1781, and the first church organized November 29, 1798, consisting of eight members, four males and four females. The first minister was Rev. Josiah Prentice, who was ordained May 29, 1799, and continued in the pastoral office until May 10, 1842, when, in consequence of old age, he requested, and obtained dismission. The house erected in 1781 was occupied as a town-hall from 1840 until 1847, when it was destroyed by fire. Another Congregational meeting-house was erected in 1840, at an expense of about $2,500. The surface is hilly, and there are no plains of even moderate extent to relieve the eye from the continued monotony of the hills. Were it not for its silver lakes, Northwood would be viewed by travellers wilh feelings similar perhaps to what would be experienced by one in an uninhabited country, and at a great distance from home. There are many large swells of land, on which are the best farms ; but only one NEW HAMPSHIRE — TO^TN OF NOTTINGHAM. 607 can claim the name of mountain, which is called Saddleback, and has an elevation of 1,032 feet. The soil of Northwood holds oat but few inducements to its inhabitants, being generally very rocky, and hard to cultivate. There are ten ponds — Bow, Suncook, Jenness, Swain, Long, Pleasant, Littleton, North River, Lucas, and Bargain's ; four of which — Bow, Jenness, Pleasant, and North River — are but partly within Northwood. The north branch of Lamprey river has its rise near Saddleback mountain. The town contains three meeting-houses — Congregational, Baptist, and Free-will Baptist ; eight school districts ; and two post-offices — East Northwood and West Northwood. Popu- lation, 1,308 ; valuation, $439,680. Nottingham, in the northeastern corner of Rockingham county, twenty-five miles from Concord, containing 25,800 acres, was chartered May 10, 1722, and, five years afterwards, was settled by Joseph Cilley and others. In 1752, during the last Indian war, Nottingham was visited by a party of Indians, and a Mr. Beard, Mrs. Folsom, and Mrs. Simpson (wife of Andrew Simpson), who had left their station at the garrison to perform some business at their houses, were surprised and put to death. The religious denomination which first introduced their ministrations here was the Congregational, who established a society in 1742, Rev. Stephen Emery being the first minister. He was dismissed after seven years' service. In 1758, Rev. Benjamin Butler was settled, and remained till August 1, 1770, since which time the church has been without a settled minister. Mr. Butler was afterwards a civil magis- trate in this town, and remained such till his death, December 26, 1804. General Joseph Cilley, one of the pioneers of Nottingham, was a Revo- lutionary hero of some note and distinction, having commanded the first New Hampshire regiment. He was also a representative, senator, and counsellor. He died August, 1799, aged sixty-five. Hon. Thomas Bartlett, also a resident, was one of the committee of safety during the Revolutionary period, lieutenant-colonel under Stark at the capture of Burgoyne, and colonel of a regiment at West Point in 1780, when Ar- nold's treacherous conduct was discovered. He held several civil offices of distinction, and died June 30, 1807, aged fifty-nine. General Henry But- ler, an officer in the Revolution, major-general of militia, justice of peace, and senator of the legislature, died here July 20, 1813, aged sixty-two. Nottingham has a rough and broken surface, with a range of hills lying on the western boundary, known as the Upper, Middle, and Lower mountains ; the latter separated into two nearly equal divisions by a dyke of greenstone trap. This dyke assumes the form of columns, and, on a bare ledge, inclined about forty degrees, there are a series of nat- 608 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. ural steps, fifteen or sixteen in number, about nine inches in height, and known as" The Stairs." Saddleback mountain, having an elevation of 1,032 feet, lies partly here. The soil is well suited to pasturage, and is cultivated to a considerable extent. There is an inexhaustible supply of white granular quartz ; also various other mineral substances, among which is bog iron ore. This, however, is not at present worked. The principal point is called " The Square," which has a pleasant situation on an eminence about 450 feet above the level of the sea. North river passes through the town, and Little river and several lesser streams originate here ; besides which there are a few ponds, all, however, of small size. The Newmarket Manufacturing Company have a reservoir in Nottingham, covering upwards of one thousand acres, and distant from the mills about twelve miles. There are two church edifices — Congregational and Baptist ; two seminaries — the Union and the Pawtuckaway Institutes ; twelve school districts, and two post-offices — Nottingham and Nottingham Turnpike : also, six saw-mills, two grist-mills, and six shingle and clapboard mills. Population, 1,268 ; valuation, $375,997. Orange, in the southeastern division of Grafton county, forty miles from Concord, was formerly called Cardigan, having received that name at the time of its being granted, February 6, 1769. Isaac Fellows and others were the proprietors. It was first settled, in 1773-4, by Silas Harris, Benjamin Shaw, David Eames, Elisha Bayne, and Joseph Kenney. In 1820, nearly one third of its territory was set off to Alex- andria. A Congregational church was formed in May, 1828 ; but there has never been a settled minister. There is also a small society of Free-will Baptists. Orange is uneven in surface, though the soil in several parts is productive. The only eminence of note is Cardigan mountain, which lies in the east part. In this town are found many mineral substances, such as lead and iron ore. A species of paint called spruce yellow, chalk intermixed with magnesia, yellow ochre of a quality superior to that imported, and clay (the latter in considerable abundance), are also found here. The Northern Railroad passes throuo-h the southwestern corner. The trade of Orange consists of lumber, charcoal, and pottery, in all of which much business is done. There are seven school districts, and one Union meeting-house : also, four clap- board mills, four shingle-mills, and one saw-mill. Population, 451 ; valuation, $110,554. Orford, in the western part of Grafton county, is opposite to Fairlee, Vt., and is sixty-two miles from Concord. It was gi-anted to Jonathan KEW HAMPSHIRE — TOWN OF ORFORD. 609 Moulton and others, September 25, 1761 ; and Daniel Cross and wife were the first inhabitants of the place, having arrived in June, 1765, from Lebanon, Conn. John Mann and wife, both of Hebron, Conn., came in on the 24th of October, 1765, the former being twenty-one years of age, and the latter sixteen. They had but one horse, on which they both rode, with their supply of clothing, to Charlestown, N. H., a distance of 150 miles. Here a bushel of oats was purchased, and some bread and cheese ; and, thus equipped, they started on their jour- ney for Orford, Mann being on foot, and his wife and the luggage on horseback. The road was not of the best description, being obstructed with fallen trees, whenever they came to which, wife, oats, bread, and cheese were compelled to dismount. This was repeated till the old horse grew tired of the ceremony ; and, without waiting orders, attempted a clean leap, the sudden result of which was to scatter wife, oats, bread, and cheese in various directions, Dobbin himself being in the catalogue of objects spilled. They rallied, however, conquered all diffi- culties, and completed their journey. Jonathan and Edward Sawyer, General Israel Morey, and a Mr. Caswell, came in the same autumn. John Mann, Jr., was born May 21, 1766, and was the first white child claiming nativity in Orford. A church was organized, on the Presby- terian platform, by Rev. Peter Powers, August 27, 1770. Mr. Obadiah Noble was ordained as pastor, November 5, 1771, receiving £60 settle- ment and £40 salary for the first year, the former to be paid in materials for building and labor, and the latter in wheat at 4s. per bushel, rye at 3s., corn at 2s., and oats at Is. 2d. Twenty cords of good firewood were also to be furnished him annually. Mr. Noble was dismissed in December, 1777, for want of means to support him. Rev. John Sa\\'yer, a son of one of the early settlers, w^as the next minister, having been ordained pastor, October 3, 1787. Prior to his settlement, on the 6th of June, 1786, the church became Congregational. Mr. Sawyer's salary was entirely paid in produce. He was dismissed December 17, 1795, having become obnoxious to some of the members from a too rigorous observance of discipline. Among other ministers who have followed was Rev. Sylvester Dana, who served the church with much success for a period of twenty years, having been settled May 20, 1801. The town lies on Connecticut river, and a biidge connects it with Fairlee. It has many advantages, both as regards situation and soil. There are a number of farms on the banks of the Connecticut, which are laid out with much taste, and are exceedingly fertile. Mounts Cuba and Sun- day, lying near the centre of the town, are two considerable elevations, on the west side of the former of which are beds of limestone, excellent for building purposes. Several minerals have been found, such as sul- 610 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. phuret of copper, magnetic iron ore, and lead ore. Soap-rock, or cotton- stone, is found in great abundance. Tliere are four or five ponds of considerable size, those particularly worthy of note being Baker's Upper pond and Indian pond, the former of which empties into Baker's river in Wentvvorth,^ and the latter into the Connecticut. Orford contains two villages, — Orford and Orfordville, — the former of which has a beautiful site, being situated on an extensive plain, hav- ing on the west magnificent tracts of interval. " The hills on both sides of the river, near the centre of the expansion, approach each other so as to form a kind of neck, and, with a similar approximation at the two ends, give the whole the appearance of a double amphitheatre, or of the numerical figure 8. The greatest breadth of each division is about a mile and a half, and the length of each between two and three miles." The dwellings are substantially built, with a strict view as well to com- fort as to elegance. Orfordville is situated about two miles from Orford, and has a pleasant location and considerable business. The churches, of which there are three, are handsome structures : two of them belong to the Congregationalists, and the other to the Uni- versalists. A large three story brick edifice has been erected for the use of the academy. The educational interests of the youth are properly cared for, there being sixteen schools. Five stores supply the necessary wants of the people. A large tannery, a chair factory, ten saw-mills, a starch factory, a grist-mill, a sash, bUnd, and door factory, and two boot and shoe manufactories, engage the attention of many of those who are not employed in agricultural pursuits. Post-offices have been estab- lished at each of the villages. The Connecticut and Passumpsic Rivers Railroad passes through Orford. Population, 1,406 ; valuation $664,050. OssrPEE, in the eastern part of Carroll county, is the shire town, and is distant from Concord sixty miles. The town was incorporated Feb- ruary 22, 1785. We have no particulars as to its early history. That it was much frequented by the Indians common to this section of country is evident from the fact, that from a mound of earth, forty-five or fifty feet in diameter, near the west shore of Ossipee lake, have been exhumed several entire skeletons, as well as tomahawks and other Indian implements. The first church organized was the Baptist, between 1796 and 1800, over which Rev. Wentworth Lord was pastor about twenty years. The first meeting-house was built about the year 1800, and was occupied by this denomination. A Congregational ' See article on AYentworth. NEW HAMPSHIRE — TOWN OF PELHAM. 611 church was organized September 26, 1806, and a meeting-house built in 1827. Rev. Samuel Arnold was the first pastor, having been or- dained September 23, 1829, and dismissed in 1831, agreeably to his own request. Four ministers have been inducted into the pastorate since that time. The surface is rough and uneven, and in some parts rocky and mountainous to a considerable extent ; but it affords excellent pas- turage. The soil is very strong, and suited to the raising of wheat and potatoes. Ossipee mountain, a rough and broken range, some six or eight miles in length, lies in the northwest, extending into the ad- joining towns. It is so high that, when easterly storms prevail, the winds break over its summits, frequently causing much injury to the farms at its base. Ossipee lake, a fine body of water of an oval form, and covering about seven thousand acres, lies partly in this town and partly in Effingham. From this lake flows Ossipee river, forming the bays east of the lake, from whence it passes through Effingham into the Saco, in Maine. Pine river intersects the east part of the town, and Bearcamp river falls into the lake on the northwest. The prin- cipal pond is about four hundred rods long, and lies partly iti Tufton- borough. The trade of the town is chiefly in produce, lumber, and cattle. Ossipee contains five villages — Ossipee Corner, Centre Ossipee, West Ossipee, Water Village, and Leighton's Corner, each of which has a post-office ; six church edifices — one Congregational, four Free- will Baptist, and one Union ; and twenty-three school districts : also, twelve saw-miUs, five grist-mills, twelve clapboard and shingle mills, one bedstead factory, one door factory, one sash and blind factory, one paper-mill, four tanneries ; and the Pine-river Bank, with a capital of $50,000. Population, 2,123 ; valuation, $399,886. Pelham, in the southeastern corner of Hillsborough county, adjoins Lawrence and Dracut, Mass., and is thirty-seven miles from Concord. The territory comprised in this town was included in the purchase of Wheelwright and in the patent of Mason. Although only distant about thirty miles from the capital of New England, no settlements were commenced here till 1722, a century after the landing at Plymouth. John Butler, William Richardson, and others were among the first set- tlers. Pelham was incorporated July 5, 1746, about five years after the establishment of the state line, by which a portion of the eastern terri- tory of Dracut was taken from that town ; the western part was under the jurisdiction of Dunstable (Nashua). Eighty-seven of the inhabi- tants of Pelham served in the war of the Revolution. A meeting-house was erected in 1747, and, November 13, 1751, a Congregational church 612 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. was organized, Rev. James Hobbs (Arminian in sentiment) being or- dained pastor at the same time. Mr. Hobbs died June 20, 1765. Rev. Amos Moody was ordained November 20, 1765, and dismissed October 20, 1792, in consequence of opposition manifested by some of his charge, who had become so much dissatisfied as to form a new church, which subsequently, however, united with the original one. Rev. J. H. Church was ordained pastor, October 31, 1798, when the denominational sentiments of the church became more prominent than they had been under the previous pastors. Dr. Church was dismissed by mutual con- sent, September 30, 1835, after a successful pastorate of nearly thirty- seven years. Four divines have since occupied the pulpit at different periods. The land comprises valuable meadow, productive pine, and good grazing. The soil is strong. Fruit is raised in considerable quantities, for which, and for the overplus productions of all kinds, a ready sale is found in Lowell, Lawrence, Nashua, and Haverhill. Pelham is rich in granite of a superior quality, which is carried to the above-men- tioned places for building purposes. There are two business localities in Pelham, called the Centre and Butler's mills ; two church edifices — Congregational and Free-will Baptist; six common schools, one high- school, and one post-ofHce : also, one woollen mill, three grist-mills, four saw-mills, one pruning-shcar factory, and two stores. Population, 1,071 ; valuation, $560,936. Pembroke, in the southeast of Merrimack county, west of the Merri- mack river, six miles from Concord, was the ancient Suncook of the Indians, and was granted under that name by the government of Mas- sachusetts, in May, 1727, to Captain John Lovewell and his brave asso- ciates, in consideration of their services against the savages. The pro- prietors were sixty in number, forty-six of whom attended the brave Lovewell in his last expedition to Pequawket, the remaining thirteen having shared his fortunes in his first enterprises against the Indians. The town was surveyed in 1728, and settlements were commenced by several of the grantees the following year. The Indians made many attacks on the settlement, and as a consequence it increased very slowly. James Carr, who was killed May 1, 1748, was the only person who lost his life by the Indians. The inhabitants of Pembroke were interested, with Concord, in the long dispute maintained by Bow against the grantees of land in this vicinity. The act of incorporation was passed November 1, 1759, when the present name was given. Most of the original settlers were of Scotch and English descent, and the first church organized was of the Congregational denomination, in March, NEW HAMPSHIRE — TOWN OF PETERBOROUGH. 613 1737, over which Rev. Aaron Whittemore was pastor from March 12, 1737, until November 16, 1767, when he was seized with paralysis in the pulpit, and shortly after died. A Presbyterian church was organized before the death of Mr. Whittemore (the date is not known), over which Rev. Daniel Mitchel, a native of Ireland, was the pastor from December 3, 1760, until his death, December 16, 1776. This church afterwards united with the first church, and became Congregational. Under the new organization. Rev. Abraham Burnham, D. D., ordained March 2, 1808, served the church forty-three years. The soil of Pembroke is of a varied character, and is generally pro- ductive. On the margin of the streams are small but valuable tracts of interval ; and from these the land rises in extensive and beautiful swells, yielding abundant crops when under proper cultivation. Suncook river and other streams water the town, the former affording several valuable miU seats. Pembroke is well laid out, the public roads being mostly in right angles. The principal street is very pleasant, running in a direct course south 24° east about three mUes, nearly on a parallel with, and about half a mile from, Merrimack river. On this street are many beautiful residences and some handsome public buildings. Suncook village, situated in the south part, on Suncook river, is a thriving little place ; but is just now only recovering from the effects of a fire, which occurred August 31, 1854, destroying property to the amount of ^25,000. The Congregationalists have a church here, and the Methodists have two. The educational interests are probably on as firm and extensive a basis as any in the county, consisting of nine pub- lic schools and two incorporated academies, — the Blanchard Academy, and the Literary Institute and Gymnasium. The Chelmsford Glass Company manufacture the several varieties of glass ; and the Pembroke Mills, with a capital of $250,000, manufacture sheetings and printed goods. There are other mills, as well as two post-offices — Pembroke and Suncook. The Portsmouth and Concord Railroad passes through Pembroke. Population, 1,732 ; valuation, §620,720. Peterborough, Hillsborough county, lies in a northeast direction from the Grand Monadnock, and is forty miles southwest from Concord. It was granted, in 1738, by the general court of Massachusetts (within the jurisdiction of which it was. supposed to lie), to Samuel Haywood and others, who afterwards transferred their title to Jeremiah Gridley, John Hill, Fowle and William Vassal, the first settlements being made under purchases from the last-named gentlemen. Two or three ineffectual attempts at settlement were made here prior to 1749, the first of which was made in 1739. In the former year a permanent VOL. I. 52 614 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. settlement was commenced, when the first adventurers returned, and received large accessions to their numbers from Londonderry, Lunen- burg, Mass., and other places, most of them being of the Scotch-Irish stock. From this time the plantation increased rapidly, so that in ten years it embraced fifty families. It was incorporated January 17, 1760, and took its name from Peter Prescott, of Concord, Mass. The petition for incorporation is signed by Thomas Morrison, Jonathan Morrison, and Thomas Cunningham. The hardships experienced by the first settlers were severe ; far more so than those now experienced by the pioneers in our western territories. They were several times driven off by the enemy, and many of them almost ruined as to property ; yet, their little all was centred here, and " they returned to the settlement as soon as prudence would admit," where they continued, with willing hearts, to stem the tide of misfortune, which eventually yielded to their will, and was supplanted by happiness and prosperity. The first church was Presbyterian, and was probably organized about 1766, when Rev. John Morrison, a Scotchman, was settled as pastor, who remained about five years. Rev. David Annan, also a Scotchman, succeeded him, being settled in 1788, and dismissed in 1792. Both these divines were men of profligate habits, and instead of religion prospering under their hands, it deteriorated. Mr. Morrison afterwards enlisted in the British army, and died in South Carolina. Mr. Annan was deposed from the ministry by the presbytery of Londonderry. This church is now Unitarian. A Presbyterian church was again organized June 19, 1822, of several members of the old church, who built a meeting-house, and settled Rev. Peter Holt as their pastor. A Congregational church was organized in 1853, which has occasional preaching in the Presbyterian house. Ex-governor John H. Steele is a resident of this town. The first settlers of Peterborough and their descendants have exhib- ited energy, courage, and patriotism. During the war which com- menced in 1755, a number of young men enlisted in Rogers's company of rangers, and on the 13th of March, 1758, a party of eight of them having fallen into an Indian ambuscade near Lake George, six of them were killed. The inhabitants were zealous also in the struggle for independence. Twenty-two were present at the battle of Bunker Hill, and seventeen were actually engaged in that memorable conflict. Few towns in New England took a livelier interest in the cause, or furnished a greater number of soldiers in proportion to the number of inhabitants. There was not a man in the town who favored the British ; and this patriotism has its fruit in the comforts, conveniences, and plenty which now surround the inhabitants. NEW HAMPSHIRE TOWN OF PIERMONT. 615 The surface of Peterborough is beautifully diversified with hills, vales, meadows, broad swells, brooks, rivulets, and rapidly flowing rivers. Contoocook river and the North Branch river afford not only a constant supply of water, but several valuable mill privileges. On the latter stream are some of the best waterfalls in the state. A subject of no little interest in this town is its manufacturing enterprise. In 1810, the first cotton factory was put in operation, since which time no less than four others, and one for the manufacture of woollens, have been set in motion ; besides two paper-mills, an iron foundery, a machine-shop, a carriage and a basket factory, an establishment for the manufacture of trusses and supporters, and one for boots and shoes : also, seven saw and three grain mills, as well as nine stores and two hotels. There are four meeting-houses — Unitarian, Presbyterian, Baptist, and Meth- odist ; ten school districts ; an academy ; a bank, with a capital of ^50,000 ; a weekly newspaper — the Peterborough Transcript ; three social libraries ; and one post-office. Population, 2,222 ; valuation, $987,323. PiERMONT, in the western part of Grafton county, adjoins Haverhill on the north, and is seventy miles from Concord. John Temple and fifty- nine others were the grantees, having received their charter, November 6, 1764. Piermont was settled, in the spring of 1768, by Ebenezer White, Levi Root, and Daniel Tyler, who located on the meadows ; and, in the autumn of the same year, David Tyler, wife, and son Jonathan, came on from Lebanon, Conn. Game was exceedingly abundant at this time, and many are the exploits which the earlier inhabitants had with bears. Jonathan Tyler, who came with his parents in 1768, served his country in the Revolutionary war, and when the Americans retreated from Ticonderoga at the approach of Burgoyne's army, he was taken prisoner, but managed to effect his escape, with two other captives. They suffered extremely for want of the necessaries of life, and had to subsist on leaves, buds, and twigs of trees, and roots which they dug out of the ground. The Congregational church was organ- ized in 1771. Piermont is about an average agricultural town. There are exten- sive tracts of interval and some fine plains, suited to the raising of wheat, corn, and all kinds of grain and grass. Back from the Connec- ticut river the surface is composed of swells, well watered with brooks and springs, and excellently adapted for mowing and grazing. East- man's ponds, three considerable bodies of water, lie in the northeast part, and from them issues Eastman's brook, which falls into Connecti- cut river, affording many excellent mill privileges. Mills are erected on 616 HISTORY AND DESCKIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. Indian brook, in the south part. In Connecticut river, in the southwest of the town, is a small island, known by the name of Barron's island, which possesses an extensive quarry of stones, suitable for mills, and various purposes in building. Piermont is the only village. There are three churches — Congregational, Methodist, and Christian ; fourteen school districts, and one post-office : also, four saw-mills, one grist-mill, one shingle mill, one clapboard mill, and one carriage factory. The Connecticut and Passumpsic Rivers Railroad runs through Piermont. Population, 948; valuation, $379,281. Pittsburgh, Coos county, lies in the extreme northern end of the state, 165 miles north by east from Concord, and contains two hundred thousand acres. Pittsburgh is composed of all the land originally known as the Indian Stream territory, the Carlisle grant, Colebrook Academy grant, and some sixty thousand acres of the state lands. It was the theatre of the Indian Stream war ; and over the territory known by that name the British government had jurisdiction until 1842, when the Webster and Ashburton treaty decided the question in favor of the United States.' Pittsburgh was first settled about 1810. General Moody Bedel, an officer in the war of 1812, John Haines, Rev. Nathaniel Perkins, Jeremiah Tabor, Ebenezer Fletcher, and about fifty others, were early settlers. They each claimed two hundred acres of land, which they represented to be by proprietary grants, a title which the state refused at first to acknowledge. In con- sideration, however, of the hardships and privations endured by these pioneers, the state subsequently reversed its former decision, and rein- stated them in their possessions. The town was incorporated Decem- ber 10, 1840. Pittsburgh is by far the most extensive town, in point of territory, in the state, and has a rough and uneven surface. Large tracts of interval are found on the streams. It has agricultural facilities of a high order, and Indian corn, buckwheat, and the English grains, are produced abundantly. Spruce, birch, beech, and rock maple are the prevailing trees, and white pine exists in small quantities. Indian, Hall's, and Perry's streams He within the town ; and, during the spring and fall, have sufficient water to raft timber for several miles. In the northeast part is Connecticut lake, five and a half miles in length and two and a half in width, the source of one of the principal branches of Connecticut river. Four miles above this is Second lake, about two and a half miles long, and one and three quarters wide, being joined ' For a more extended account, see ante, p. 390. NEW HAMPSHIRE TOWN OF PITTSFIELD. 617 to Connecticut lalce by a considerable stream. Third lake, cover- ing about two hundred acres, is situated near the highlands dividing New Hampshire from Canada. Game is plenty, and the waters abound in fish. There are two religious societies — Methodist and Christian ; six school districts, and one post-office : also, four saw-mills, two grist-mills, and one starch factory. Population, 425 ; valuation, $78,466. PlTTSFlELD, in the northeastern corner of Merrimack county, fifteen miles from Concord, is a small town, originally the northerly part of Chichester, and was incorporated May 27, 1782. Nearly all the land in this part of the parent town was owned by Colonel Tappan of Hampton, a wealthy land-owner. Permanent settlements were not made till near 1771, when Colonel Tappan presented John Cram of Hampton with the mill privilege where the cotton-mill now stands, and a large tract of land in that vicinity, as an inducement to settle, and build a saw-mill. Nathaniel Chase and Abraham Green of Seabrook, and Jabez Tucker of Salisbury, accompanied Mr. Cram, and made im- provements about the same time. As Pittsfield was not settled till a late date, the inhabitants did not taste any of the bitterness of Indian warfare. Traces of wigwams and corn-fields have been found, and do- mestic implements and other articles have turned up, which, with the remains of a pipe-kiln near Wild-goose pond, give presumptive evidence, if nothing more, that this town was once quite a resort of the savages. At a meeting held January 6, 1782, the town voted to erect a meet- ing-house for the Congregational society, and that it should stand where the present town-house now is. It was raised in 1787, and completed, in 1789. Jonathan Brown, a schoolmaster, was hired by vote of the town, May 3, 1783, to keep school six months, at $9 per month, and it was voted to hire a minister for two months. A vote occurs on the town books, May 16, 1784, which is worthy of emulation in these mod- ern days, namely : " To take some method to take care of those persons in town who spend their time in idleness and are out of employment,. and set them to work." A Congregational society was formed Novem- ber 17, 1789, Rev. Christopher Paige being the first minister. He was dismissed January 7, 1796, since which time the pastoral relation has been sustained at short intervals by different divines. The cause of so many changes is attributable to the inability of the society to support the ministry. A Free-will Baptist church was formed some twO' months after the Congregational, and a Baptist church organized in 1801, over which Rev. Benjamin Sargent was ordained pastor. The Baptist and Congregational societies afterwards, April 29, 1802, com- 52* 618 HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW ENGLAND. muiied together under Mr. Sargent, and continued thus till his death, March 15, 1818. The Baptist church reorganized October 29, 1818, so that the union so long existing was dissolved. The old church edifice, where meetings were held for half a century, is now used as a town- house. The surface of Pittsfield is diversified, though the soil is fertile and well cultivated. Catamount mountain, so named by some hunters who killed a catamount on its side, is the principal elevation, extending across the southeasterly part ; and from it a fine view of the surround- ing country can be obtained. Mineral ore abounds about this moun- tain, which has attracted some attention of late, and materially affects the magnetic needle. The town is drained by Suncook river, which affords excellent water power. There is a mineral spring in Wolf meadow, said to possess some medicinal properties. Wild goose pond, situated in the northeast corner of the town, and Berry pond, on the mountain, are the largest collections of water. The village, on the banks of the Suncook, is a place of considerable trade. It contains five church edifices — Friends, Baptist, Congregational, Free-will Baptist, and Second Advent ; one bank, the Pittsfield, capital $50,000 ; the Pittsfield Savings Bank; a flourishing academy; and one cotton-mill — the Pittsfield Manufacturing Company. The town has two other vil- lages — Upper City and Dow Borough; ten school districts, and one post-office : also, one grist-mill, with four run of stones, and machinery for bolting flour ; two saw-mills, three shingle mills, two clapboard mills, and one door, sash, and blind factory. The social and religious priv- ileges of Pittsfield are unusually good ; but the business interests suffer for the want of a closer proximity to the railroad. Population, 1,828 ; valuation, $638,510. Plainfield, in the western part of Sullivan county, on Connecticut river, and opposite Hartland, Vt., is fifty-five miles from Concord. It was granted August 14, 1761, and the settlement is said to have been commenced in 1764, by L. Nash and J. Russel.i Its name was derived from a place in Connecticut, where the proprietors held their first meet- ing. About one half of Grantham was annexed to Plainfield about two years since. The Congregationalists organized the first church, ' Rev. Grant Powers, in his History of the Coos Country, says, that -when John Mann, on his journey from Charlestown to Orford, where he settled in 1765, passed throu