3^ /^f CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY FROM DATE DUE um ^**t*BftAi?%^-i_i%*^ Jt - o J ,tn f GAYLOHD PRfNTEDINU.S.A. ■^ell university Library F 44B2 J59 „„„ itsjir History .oLBarnstead,,p||,,j|,,||,| The original of tliis book is in tine Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924028812828 Dr. l. jewett, Cob a lt. Conn. Sanborn, J. P Jewett, M.. p. Dr. L. jewett. Cobalt, Conn; HI ST O KT B AEITSTE AD FIRST SETTLEMEiq^T X7S7 TO 1.873. By jj:remiah p. jewett, m. d. Since Ms Decease Eevised, Enlarged and Published by EOBEET B. CAVBELY, OF THE MIDDLESEX BAR. LOWELL, MASS.; MAEDEN & ROWELL, PBINTEKS. 1872. i\'^fb ^xr Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1871, by EOBEBT B. CAVBKLY, In the of&ce of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. TO THE HON. MARSHALL P. WILDER, PRESIDSNT OF THE NEW ENGLAND HISTORIC , GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY, VENERABLE IN FAITH AND GOOD WORKS, Shis 'i^oluine IS RESPECTFULLY INSCRIBED. BARNSTEAD ANNALS OF ITS INHABITANTS. *' It is wise for us to recur to the history of our ancestors. Those, who do not look upon themselves as a link connecting the past with the future, do not perform their duty to the world." Danieb Webster. PEEFACE. I undertook the revision and publication of this History uhder many discouragements. Dr. Jewett had in his leisure collected most of its materials, and had hastily arranged them ; but early in 1870 disease came upon him, of which he soon afterwards died, leaving the manuscript in a mixed condition ; yet he had anxiously desired me to obtain the means', revise and publish it. The town of Barnstead, being involved in a war-debt, refused to aid its publication, and thereby the whole burden of the outlay, as well as the work itself, was thrown upon its editor, living at a distance and encumbered with other cares. Yet many thanks are due'to a citizen of the town. Dr. John Wheeler, who, in sight of the embarrassment, generously vol- unteered, and has given me much service and good advice in obtaining the means of covering its cash expenses, and in col- lecting and furnishing a large amount of materials which have been used in the work. Thanks, also, to Mary , by whose kind hand the brief record of a hundred grave-yards has been copied, com- municated, and included in these pages. Grateful acknowledg- ments are also due to many others who have favored us, and whose names will be found in the appendix. Ay to my own labor, for which no pay is had, performed mostly late at night, outside the business of a busy profession, " I give and bequeath" it to the generations as yet unborn. Many things here recorded shall be novel to them ; shall be sought for, and shall be carried down to the coming ages as mementos ofthe past, and as gathered from the graves as well as from the fire-sides of the fathers, at the dawn, and in the midst of a new world. E. B. o. CentralvUle, Lowell, Mass., August, 1872. TABLE OF COI^TENTS. The New 'Woeld, - - . .- - 9 New England, its First Adventurers, - 10 King Massasoit and Samoset, - • '11 Tisquantum, alias Squauto, 12 New Hampshire and its Land Titles, 13 Indian Tribes, - - 19 Passaconaway and Eliot, - - 23 Wonalancet. — Major Waldron, 25 War of 1722, - ■ 27 Indian Pastimes, 30 Indian Traces and Remains, - 32 Origin and Habits of the Red-man, - - 34 Tlie Massachusetts Colony, - - - - 36 Court Trials and Decisions, 37 Curious Court Records, - - - 38 Custom of wearing long hair (barbarism), - - 41 Money Coined in Massachusetts, first, - 41 • Quakers and their Persecutions, - 42 Witch-craft, 43 The Wars, ... 45 Baknstbad, its First Grantees, . . 49-72 Settlements, Fii-st, : . 50 Mecting-House, First Built and its Dedication, • - 51 ' Mceting-Huuse, Second Built, . - 52 Bli Bunker, his Donation, - . - • 53 Dedication of Second Meeting-House, . . 54 Meeting-House, Third Built, . . - 54 The North, the Freewill Baptist, and the Centre Meeting-Houses, 56 Elder David Knowlton, First Minister, - . 57 Eev. Enos George, Second Minister, - - - 58 Clergymen generally, - ....,.'.. g^ FASHIONS IN ATTENDING CHUKCJH, . . (54 An Incident, - - . . gy Freewill Baptist Denomination, its Origin, . . gy Benjamin Randall, . * 68 Joseph Boorty, sen., .... go Early- Land-Sale^, * . -, Names of First Proprietors, . . - 73 First Settlers, - „ First Families, . . , . _ 74-99 CONTENTS. VII Dimensions of the Town, its Charter, &c., Streams, Fishing and Hunting, and First Kecords, Province Itond, Soldiers in the Old French War, The Revolution, Soldiers of the ilevolution, Kecords, Mason Title, First Town Meeting, Town Itoads, Town Kecords, miscellaneous, - Old French War, Soldiers of, Kevolutionart Soldiers, Fonds and Klvers, Localities^ the Parade, &c., Chocorua, Koads and Kecords, Schools and School-Houses, Marriages, The First Grist Mill, First Mail, First Stage Coach, Social Library, War of 1812 and its Soldiers, Mexican War, Lawyers and the Law, Physicians of Barnstead, , College and other Graduates, Physicians of Adjoining Towns, Merchants, Manufacturing, Hand Labor, &c., Bricks, to First Saw Mill, Shoes, Town Pound, Town Hall, Sheep Marking, Ebpbesentatives to the Legislature, Selectmen, Town Clerks, Post OfBces and Post Masters, Justices of the Peace, harvests and Huskings, STatiye Fruits, Apple Trees, lOO 101 102 lOS 116 104-107 116-120 108-118 108 109 112 113 118 117 121 122 123 127 129-135 136 137 138 13» 110 141 144 144 151 157-163 159 165 167 - . 169 169 170 171 172 172 173 174 177 178 179 179 182 183 Viii CONTENTS. ILLUSTRATION'S. 183 184 185 186 189 192 194 195 198 198 199 Pears, Peaches, Cherries, &c.. The Potato, Geology, Earthquakes, Climate, Extkemes of Heat and Cold, Sanitary Influences, September Gale of 1816, liOngevity, Casualties, Bones, an Incident, Comets, their appeakances, fee, Birds, their Coming and Habits, ^"^ Military, - ^'^ An Old Fashioned Training, - " ^"^ Old Style and New, 209 Prominent Events (Chronology), ■ 209 Modern Synohronology, ■ ■ 213 Population and Location, - - 218 The Great' Eeb'ellion, Soldiers, &c., 219 March of Improvement, - ■ 223 Burial of the Deadi .■-..- 2g8 Appendix. Biography of J. P. "Jewett, -■ ' 231 Necrology, - , - 233 , Charter of Barnstead, -' ■ ■ 242 An old Contract of a Eirst Proprietor, 248 Test List, from the Revolution, ' 251 Catalogue of Patrons to this work, 253 A Month Among the Tombs (an Epic), 257 I. Portrait of Dr. J. P. Jewett, Frontispiece. II. Samoset's Welcome to the English, 10 III. Death of King Philip, 24 IV. A Conflict with the Indians, . . ^^^' • ^ V. Portrait of Eev. Enos George, .... ^^ . . 60 VI. Portrait of E. S. Nutter, Esq., .... -^ --v • ®2 VII. Indians Crossine the Suncook, " . 120 VIII. A Wheel of the Olden Time, 168 IX. An Old Homestead, 180 X. The War Horse, gig XI. Portrait of the Editor, HISTORY OF BAENSTEAD. NEW ENGLAND. Our New World, when first found by the white man, was full of wonders. Scarcely less wonderful were the varied events that followed its discovery. Events that wrought out to us the coming of the Pilgrims, the settling of New England by a generous manliood — perpetuating progress in agriculture, civilization, and the arts, and affording to history its noblest, proudest chapter. The landscape here, as our fathers first found it, was but little else than a vast solitude, an unbroken forest, extending from the sea to an unknown north and west. This domain, vast as it was, served as a boundless haunt for ferocious beasts of prey, and for scattered, wan- dering tribes of savages. An eternal stillness pervaded the land ; broken only occasionally by the bowlings of the storm, and by the boisterous roar of the ocean wave. Oh, how different was it then from now ! The ble^hoarse winds ceased not at misery's moan, To tBe shivering heart no pitying hand was raised; Cheerless and cold an angry winter howled; Imbittered was the night, and lonely was the day. Such was the New World when Columbus, in 1492, on the 11th of October, at midnight, discovered it. 10 HISTORT OF BAKNSTBAD. 1*^2 - « After this, and up to the time of the landing of the Pilgrims at Plymouth, December 11, (O. S.), 1620, vari- ous adventurers from the Old World visited the coasts of New England ; some for the purpose of making discover- ies ; some to make trades with the natives ; and some with an intent of establishing settlements here, and for other purposes. The first of these voyagers was Sir Francis Drake, who, in 1586, visited these shores while on his adventurous voyage around the world. The privations which attended the first settlers in New England were great indeed; yet there, seems to have been a providential design in their creation, and in the preparation of their adventurous minds for such a pur- pose. To fulfil such a destiny it was theirs to advance civiliza- tion, to fell the forests, to make the rough places smooth, and to fill the land with fair fields and green pastures. By their faithfulness,- force and endursince, towns, cities and States, «as if by magic, came into life, exerting an influence to the utmost bounds of the American Continent, and beyond the seas. In our day it is entertaining and useful to contemplate the result of a beginning so benign and successful, — fraught as it proved to be with so much of hardships, en- durance, and self-sacrifice. They hkve, gone to their ac- count — yet their history is written on the countenances of an enlightened, progressive people — of all men it may be read on the bright folds of our national flag whenever and wherever the sun's rays fall upon it, as it bears on hi"h to the nations of the world the emblems of unity, inde- pendence, prosperity and beauty. S A M O S ET. 1620 NEW ENGLAND. 11 The early pioneers, after landing at Plymouth, estab- lished a code of moral laws, which, coupled with the religion they taught, proved salutary, and which, though two centuries have come and gone, still exist, taking deep root ; and which are destined forever to live, directing and inspiring the coming generations of men. Their absence from a native home, and former friends, their privations in the severe winters, their sufferings for the want of shelter, food and clothing ; these, and their many other trials, served but to increase their trust in that God who had sustained them, and whom they devoutly worshipped. To make this land a fit place for the enjoy- ment of their puritanical faith was the general design of their ambition ; and to this end they lived and labored. The first voyagers to New England had discovered many things new, curious and strange. Among the native savages which the Pilgrims found here in 1621, who had been spared to survive the plague of 1617-18, were two distinguished natives, Samoset, and Tisquantum alias Squanto. They were loyal to their King, Massasoit, and yet were entirely friendly to the Pilgrims, who in turn treated them kindly. Samoset, as he came from the wilderness to meet them, has been described thus : " From thence Samoset comes with heart and hand To welcome Englishmen, and grant them land;— His visage dark, with long and raren hair, No treachtrous marks his beardless features bear, With frame erect, and strangely painted o'er, Belted around his loins, a Sagamore, Whose bony arm a bow and arrow held, ,' A heart unsoiled his tawny bosom swelled C To generous deeds. He broken English spake, ■* And talked anon of men, — of Francis Drake, , That gallant white man, years before, who came, And gave New England her historic name ; 12 HISTORY or BAENSTEAD. 1^22 Of Captain Smith who since surveyed the coast, And other voyagers, now a scattered host; Of former days some history tried to give. And ■ lay of land ' where rambling red men live." IFrom M. B. Caverly's "MerriTrmc," page 2i.'\ Some of the Indians (so-called) which the voyagers first found here, were from time to time taken and con- veyed by their captors to various parts of the Eastern World, and were oftentimes exhibited there as objects of wonder and curiosity. Among the many who were thus taken away, was Tisquantum, (previously named), whose brief history may be of interest in this place. He was conveyed to England by the adventurers Way- mouth and Hunt. But after a considerable time, had elapsed, he obtained a passage back to this country and prior to 1617-18' had become chief of the Patuxet tribe. And, as it happened, war with the Tarratines and the plague of those years had destroyed that entire tribe, with the exception of this same Tisquantum, its chief, leaving him here alone in the wilderness, daily witnessing but little else than the unburied bones of his race. When the Pil- grims came he joined their church, became their inter- preter, and during the remainder of his life (two years) made himself useful to them. He died in December, 1622. This event has been poetized thus : " Sguanto meanwhile who'd served a peaceful end, And in the Pilgrim's God had found a friend. Bereaved and worn by care of bygone years In mazy pathways through a vale of tears, FalU sick ; and as by fever low depressed, And life in doubt, to Pilgrims thus addressed His sovereign will : ' This hunting-ground is mine : The lakes, the vales, those mountain-heights sublime. The green-grown banks where Merriyac bright glows. And all the hills far as man's vision goes. ^^2^ NEW HAMPSHIRE. 13 These spacious wilds my kindred, now no more, In full dominion held and hunted o'er ; Then dying, all their titles thus descend To me, TlSQUANTCM, now so near, this end Of life. To thee, my Pilgrim friends, 1 give This broad domain ; here may the white man live ; My bow and arrow, too, — I give thee all. Hence let me go, obedient to the call Of Angel Death. Adieu I' Thus gracious dies The last red man beneath Patuxet skies. And thus the English sole possession share By will from Squanto, all these regions fair, Forever thence to lay the forest low, To fence fair fields, and drive the crooked plow. To waste the wigwams which for ages spread The wild, and buUd broad mansions in their stead, School-houses neat, each in its needful pl^ce, And sacred temples to their God of grace." [Caverly's " Merrimac," page X.] The destruction of the Patuxet tribe was regarded by the Pilgrims as a special interposition of Providence in opening a space for their colony in New England. NEW HAMPSHIEE. In 1620 Captain John Mason obtained from the Ply- mouth colony a grant of land extending from the river Naumkeag around Cape Ann to the river " Merrimake," and up these rivers to the farthest head thereof ; — then to cross over from the head of the one to the head of the other. The territory thus included was called " Mari- anna." 14 HISTORY OF BARNSTEAD. 1^29 The next year (1621) a grant was made of other ler- ritory jointly to Gorges and Mason, of all the lands between the rivers " Merrimake " and " Sagerdahock," (now known as the Kennebec), extending back to the great lake and river of Canada — and this tract was called Laconia. Under this grant Gorges and Mason, in conjunction with others, styled themselves The Company of Laco- nia, - and commenced the settlement of a colony at Piscataqua. At Little Harbor they established salt works. In 1629 Captain Mason procured a new patent under the seal of " Plymouth," for the land from the middle of Piscataqua river, and up the same " to the farthest head thereof ; " and from thence northwestward " until sixty miles from the mouth of the harbour were finished." Also "through Merrimack river to the farthest head thereof, and so forward up in to the land westward until sixty.miles is finished ; and from thence to cover over land to the end of the sixty miles accounted from Piscataqua river, to- gether with all the islands within five leagues of the coast." This tract of land was called New Hampshire. It took ^ts name from Hampshire, a county in England. This territory appears to have included the whole of what was called " the Wheelwright purchase," and this patent was obtained, as may well be supposed, for the purpose of fortifying Mason's first title to the same tract of country, which had been obtained by him and Gorges seven years previously. Also, in the year 1629, some of the few planters on the Massachusetts Bay, being desirous of making a settle- ment in the neighborhood of Piscataqua, and following the 1630 NEW HAMPSHIRE. 15 example of those of Plymouth who had purchased their lauds of the Indians, and recognizing the validity of Indian titles, notified a general meeting of the tribes at vSwampscott Falls, at which they obtained a deed of Passa- conaway, Sagamore of Penacook, Runawick of Pentucket, Wahangowit, of Swampscott, and Rolls of Newchannpck* wherein they express their desire to have the English come and settle among them as in Massachusetts ; and whereby they hoped to be strengtliened against their enemies, the Tarratines. Accordingly with the universal consent of their subjects, for what they deemed a valuable considera- tion in coats, shirts and kettles, they sell to John Wheel- wright of Massachusetts, minister, Augustus Storer, Th. Wright, William Wentworth and Thomas Leavitt, "All that part of land bounded by the river Piscataqua and the river Merrimacke, and up said river to the Falls of Pa- tucket : to begin at Newichewannok Falls in Piscataqua river, and €own said river to the sea, and along said shore to the Merrimack, and from the Northeast line of the Mer- rimack at the Falls twenty English miles unto the woods, and from thence upon a straight line northeast till it meets with the main river from the falls to Newichewan- nok falls aforesaid." The northwest line here described ends within the township of Amherst, and the northeast line crosses the river Merrimac at Amoskeag Falls, and passes through Chester, Nottingham, Barrington, Rochester,. intersecting Newichewannok River ten miles above Salmon Falls. The conditions of this grant were, that Wheelwright should have ten years to begin a plantation at Swamp- scott Falls ;• that other inhabitants should have the same privilege with him ; that no plantation should exceed ten 16 HISTORT OF BABNSTEAU. 1631 miles square; that no lauds should be granted but in townships ; that these should be subject to the Massachu- setts Colony, until they acquired a settled government among themselves ; that for each township there should be paid one coat of frocking cloth as an annual acknowl- edgement to Passaconaway or his successor; and two bushels of corn to "Wheelwright and his heirs ; the Indians reserving the right and liberty of fishing, fowling, hunt- ing, and planting within said limits. By deeds like these the English inhabitants within this territory obtained titles from the native proprietors of the soil. Previous to the conveyance above named. Captain John Mason had a deed which he and his heirs held for - many years, annoying the inhabitants, retarding their prog- ress, and ending in disputations, and which was settled at last by legislation. Laconia had been explored by ad venturer's, and de- scribed as containing divers lakes, and extending back to the great lake and rivers in the country of the Iroquois. The lake was said to be fair and large, containing many beautiful islands ; the air pure and salubrious ; the coun- try pleasant, having some high hills, with lofty forests, fair valleys and fertile plains, abounding with vines, and with chestnuts, walnuts and many other sorts of fruit. The rivers were represented to be well supplied with fish and as environed with spacious meadows thick-set with timber-tfees. In the great lake, as they said, there were four islands covered with pleasant woods and meadows, having in them stags, fallow elk, roebuck and other game. These islands were described to be commodiously situated for 1632 NEW HAMPSHIRE. 17 habitation anrl traffic in the surroundings of a fine lake, affording the most delicate fish for the household. In 1631 Neal, the agent of Mason, with several others, set out on foot to visit the beautiful lake and settle a trade with the Indians. They calculated the distance to be less than a hundred miles. In the course of their travels they visited the White Mountains, describing them to be "a ridge extending a hundred leagues, on which snow lyeth all the year." On one of these mountains they report as having found a plain of a day's journey, whereupon nothing grows but moss ; and at the end of this plain a rude heap of many stones, one on the top of another, a mile high ; on which one might ascend from stone to stone like a flight of wind- ing stairs, at the top of which there was another level of about an acre, with a pond of clear water. This summit they described to be far up above the clouds. That from here they beheld a vapour like a vast pillar drawn up by the sun-beams out of the vast lake into the air, where it was formed into a cloud. The country beyond these mountains northward, was described to be full of rocky elevations as thick as mole- hills in a meadow, and clothed with infinite thick woods. They expressed the hope of finding precious stones on these mountains ; and something like crystals being picked up, these elevations took the name " Chrystal Hills." From here these adventurers continued their search for the lake until finding their provisions nearly spent, and, the forests of Laconia yielding no supply, they were obliged to return ; and at a time when they supposed themselves within a day's journey of the lake itself. 18 HISTORY OF BABNSTKAD. 1^41 By the death of Mason in 1635 many a visionary scheme, for speculation, aggrandizement, and power, waned away and failed. Governor Winthrop in his jour- nal of 1636, says : "-The last winter Captain Mason died. He was the chief mover in all attempts against us. But the Lord in mercy taking him away, all the business fell asleep.'' It would seem that the Colony of Massachusetts never had much respect for Mason, nor for his religion, nor for his method of doing business. After the death of Mason, New Hampshire was, by his will, lotted out to his heirs in portions to suit its pro- visions. There were however several churches and schools which were remembered in his legacies. Both Mason and Gorges did much in the settlement of this part of the country, but lost a considerable portion of their estates in the undertaking. Piscataqua and many other townsy having at this time no regular government, thought best to join with Massachasetts for aid and pro- tection. And in 1641 the Court on the part of Massachu- setts consented that these towns should be admitted and allowed to enjoy the same privileges with the rest of the Colony, for whom the Court was empowered to act. Under this arrangement these towns were allowed to send two Deputies to the General Court. The freemen had a right to vote in town affairs, although not church members. By such annexation Essex County was made to extend over all the English neighborhoods of New Hampshire. From this time a new impetus was given to settlements, especially in the lower towns. Mason was dead. His titles to this large tract of territory were not acknowledged by Massachusetts. His heirs soon laid claim to it, and 1642 INDIAN TRIBES. 19 deeded away numerous townships. Still their titles were doubted, and after a lapse of more than half a century a renewal of questions of law relating to the old Mason titles created much anxiety among the settlers. Suits were brought — settlers were ejected — and for more than a hundred years this old title was at issue, creating much expense and trouble among the settlers. Legislative ac- tion however settled it finally, and restored to the parties peace and quietude. THE INDIANS. In the early part of the 17th century the country along the coasts of New England was divided and claimed by different tribes of Indians, all speaking nearly the same language. Captain John Smith, a voyager in 1614, gives a minute account of them. Most of these tribes occupied the same positions for nearly a century after the country was being settled by the English. The Penobscots were represented to have been the most powerful nation in New England. They were under the control of a Bashaba, or chief, who held all the tribes in the district of Maine subjected to him as allies. He was at war with the Tarratines, a warlike nation, who from the north often invaded him, sometimes secretly, and who at length slew him and murdered his family. The particulars of this war are not fully known. But as tra- 20 HISTORY 01 EAENSTBAD. 1^43 dition has it, the sachem above referred to, " had his prin- cipal seat upon a small hill, or rising upland, in the midst of a body of salt marsh in the township of Dorchester, near to a place called Squantum." After the death of their chief by the Tarratiues a division arose between them in the choice of their next Bashaba,. of which the Tarratines took advantage, and soon over-powering them, waged a war of extermination all along the coast of Massachusetts. Hand in hand, as it weie, with the perpetrators of these deeds of bloodshed, the pestilence of 1617-18, or the plague as it was called, came upon them, so that in 1620 the tribes upon the sea-coast from the St. Croix to Cape Cod had become greatly reduced in numbers, and in some regions almost entirely extinct. And thus the hills and vales, and banks of the New England rivers were made white with their bones. Such was the situation when the Pilgrims came. ■■ They meet ' old Sqxianto ' wandering here alone, Who, sore depressed — bereaved of friends and home — Recounts events which true tradition brought, Of Indian life, what sad experience taught. How far and near the dead unburied lay, His own Patuxet tribes all swept away; Yet nations seaward deep in woods afar, Spared from the scourge of pestilence and war, Still thrive. There Massasoit, whose power maintains The peace of tribes, in full dominion reigns." [Caverly's " Merrimac," page 23.] Captain Smith says : " They had thvee plagues within three years, extending about three hundred miles on the coast." " It is certain," he says, " there was an exceed- ingly great plague among them ; for where I have seen 1644 INDIANS IN NEW HAMPSHIRE. 21 two or three hundreds, within three years afterwards there remained no more than thirty." Speaking of the Paw- tuckets, a powerful nation on the Merrimac Eiver, who before that war with the Tarratines could muster 3,000 warriors, he says scarcely as many hundreds remain- They overawed the Penobscots and Pawtuckets, leaving the land strewed with the victims of their revenge. Whatever the disease above referred to may have been, it appears to have extended south as far as Cape Cod, and yet wherever it went, was extreme in its viru- lence, destroying almost all, so that the Pilgrims at their landing, and for many years afterwards, had but little to fear, as from the strong tribes which for years previously had inhabited this part of New England. Tet they had to use much precaution and vigilance as against the south- ern tribes and others of the interior who had been less afflicted of disease and war. INDIANS AS FOUND HERE. The first explorers of New Hampshire found the natives friendly. Generally they were entertained by them with a generous feeling, seldom if ever doubting their sincer- ityand truth. But when instead of being masters of their own soil, they found themselves in the attitude of degraded servants, through the indiscreet invasions of the white man, some of them became implacable enemies, quick at resentment, and reckless in revenge. 22 HISTOET OF BAKNSTEAD. 1^45 Among the most powerful tribes were the Pawtuckets and Penacooks. They were ruled and led by the Saga- more, Passaconaway. He was a noted chief whose dominion extended over a very large part of New England. Nearly all the difficulties that arose among his people were sub- mitted to his consideration and decision. His territory extended from the sea to the mountains, and from the Penobscot to the Merrimac River. His places of resi- dence were at Pawtucket, Piscataqua, and at Penacook. Thomas Morton in his -New England Canaan, writes of him thus : " Papsiquimo, the Sachem or Sagamore of the territories near Merrimack River, is a man of the best note and estimation in all these parts ; and (as my coun- tryman, Mr. Wood, declares in his prospectus) >a great necromancer." We infer from an account of him in Win- throp's journal, that Passaconaway was a clever juggler as well as warrior. In full belief of his supernatural povrers, his tribes were held in awe of him, and their destinies were controlled in a great degree by this as well as by his wise councils. They believed he could make a dry leaf turn green ; that he could make water burn, and then make it turn to ice ; that he could hold the rattle-snake in his hands without danger of hurt.or harm. On the 17th of June, 1629, he, with his three subordi- nate Sagamores, sold all the lands extending from the Piscataqua to the Merrimac Rivers, and from the line of Massachusetts thirty miles into the country, to the Rev. John Wheelwright and his associates. By this conveyance Passaconaway seems to have strengthened his line of defence as against his eastern enemies by cherishing the friendship which had ever existed between him and his English neighbors, and 1650 INDIANS IN NEW HAMPSHIEE. 23 creating in them an interest to assist him if occasion might require it in defending his own cherished hunting- grounds. But in 1642 a suspicion arose among the English that a conspiracy was being formed by the Indians to crush out the white man. Thereupon men were sent out to arrest some of the principal chiefs ; and forty of them were directed to arrest Passaconaway, but he escaped by reason of an intervening storm. His son, Wonalancet, not being so fortunate, was taken, but his squaw escaped. As Winthrop relates it, they barbarously and insultingly led Wonalancet away by a rop§ ; that he loosened the rope and escaped from them, but was finally retaken. For such a wrong Passaconaway was afterwards dis- trustful of his English advisors. For this, in 1647, he refused to see his friend Eliot, while both were giving attendance to the fishing season atPawtucket Falls. Being fearful that the English would . kill him, he regarded their religion, which seemed to tolerate such invasions upon the rights of the red man, to be unworthy of his attention. But in 1648, when Eliot again visited Pawtucket Falls at the fishing season, Passaconaway was then pleased to hear his preaching. To the assembled Indians Eliot then preached from this text : -i— " From tiie ri&ing of the sun even to the going down of the same, my name shall be great among the Gentiles ; and in every place incense shall be offered unto my name, and a pure offering : for my name shall be great among the heathen, saith the Lord of hosts." — Malachi, i :xi. The Indians paid respectful attention, and after the discourse was closed proposed many questions. 2^ HISTORY OF BARNSTEAD. ^^^^ At length Passaconaway arose amid the most pro- found attention and announced his belief in the God of the English. Says Eliot.: " He said ' he had never heard of God before as he now doth ; ' " and that he would per- - suade his sons to do the same, pointing to two of them who were present. Passaconaway was doubtless sincere in his belief, and as it appears, so continued until his death. We have but little else of this chief until 1660, when he had be- come old, he was at Pawtucket Falls, on the Merrimac, at a great assemblage of Indians, where, as Captain Goo- kin says, they had a great feast. The old Sagamore then and there made a farewell ad- dress to his tribes. His raiment was plain but somewhat gaudy and beautiful. He was full of sorrow, being deeply affected ; his utterances were tremulous yet musical. Standing erect before that assembled multitude, he said : " Hearken to the words of your Father! I am an old oak that has withstood the storms of more than a hundred winters ! Leaves and branches have been stripped from me by the winds and frosts! My eyes are dim; my limbs totter — I must soon fall! When young no one could bury the hatchet in a sapling be- fore me. My arrows could pierce the deer at a. hundred rods. No wigwam had so many furs, no pole had so many scalp-locks, as Passaconaway's. Then I delighted in war. The whoop of the Penacooks was heaM on the Mohawk, and no voice so loud as Passaconaway's. The scalps upon the pole in my wigwam told the story of Mohawk suffering. The English came*— they seized the lands — they followed upon my foot-path. I made war on them; but they fought with fire and thunder — my young men were swept down before me when no one was near them. I tried sorcery against them, but they still increased and 1676 INDIANS IN NEW HAMPSHIRE. 25 prevailed over me and mine; and I gave place to them and retired to my beautiful Island, Naticook. I, that can make the dry leaf turn green and live again; I, that can take the rattle-snake in my palm as I would a worm without harm ; I, that have had communication with the Great Spirit, dreaming and awake — I am powerless before the pale faces ! These meadows they shall turn with the plow ; these forests shall fall by the axe ; the pale faces shall livp upon your hunting-grounds, and make their vil- lages upon your flshing-places ! The Great Spirit says this, and it must be so ! We are few and powerless before them. We must bend before the storm — peace with the white man is the command of the Great Spirit, and the wish — the last wish — of Passaoonaway." Soon after this, his mantle feli upon his son Wonalan- cet, who continued Sagamore of the Penacooks for several years, yet he was always at peace with the English. At the breaking out of King Philip's war he was strongly besought by the neighboring tribes to engage in it, but he continued friendly, as did also the Ossipees and Pequawkets. Many of the Indians who had joined Philip against the English had returned into the wilderness and united with the Penacooks, the Pequawkets and Ossipees, hoping thereby to be taken as belonging to those peaceful tribes, and thus avoid danger. In 1676 there came to Cocheco. (now Dover) Wonalan- cet, and with him and through his influence about four hundred Indians. These had the promise of good usage, and had the advice of Major Waldron been followed they would have been treated differently, and good faith would have been kept with them. But the result proved other- wise. Major Waldron, as has been alleged, sometimes may have been unfair in his dp,lings with the Indians in this, that " his fist " may have been made somewhat heav- 26 HISTORY OF BARNSTEAB. 1680 ier than a pound weight in the purchase of furs — yet generally he had been their friend. There had been various troubles by which many of the Indians had be- come hostile to the English. Consequently an order had been issued to capture and secure all the Indians as they were then gathered at Cocheco. The English got up a military parade there ; and as had been previously con- certed, the Indians had beenfurnished with canlion mounted on wheels, which pleased them. The gunners were sup-^ plied from the English ; the Indians managing the drag- ropes, and a sham-fight commenced. As if by accident, one of the cannons exploded in the direction of the line of Indians, killing some and wounding others ; at the same time the English infantry by a preconcerted manoeu- vre enclosed the Indians on all sides, securing and disarm- ing them without loss or injury on their part. Wonalancet and the friendly Penacooks, Pequawkets and Ossipees were dismissed to their homes, while the others to the number of 300, known to be fighting men, were taken to Boston, seven or eight of them hanged, and the rest of them sold into slavery. " Oh, God forgive our Saxon race ; Blot from thy bo6k, no more to trace Fraternal wrath infernal; That taints the atmosphere we breathe— The sky above, and earth beneath, Like dearth and death eternal I" [Cavefly's Poems, vol. 2. p. 17.] Wonalancet, although he had lost all faith in the promises of the English settlers, still adhered to the advice given him by his father. He sought peace and was in the habit of giving notice to them of danger whenever there was occasi<#l for it. 1686 INDIANS IN NEW HAMPSHIRE. 27 In 1686 he sold out all his tracts of land in New Hampshire and Massachusetts, not previously disposed of, and left the pale faces and the graves of his fathers forever, and obtained a distant home in the dense forest where no intruder could come to disturb the peace and quiet of his old age. The Pawtuckets, after his departure, began to diminish and gradually vanished away, through the over-powering numbers and influence of their white neighbors, who as it seemed, continually intruded upon their hunting grounds, and otherwise became more and more offensive. Finally the Indians of New Hampshire for many years roamed quietly, and gradually diminished in numbers ; yet they obeyed the injunction of their old Sachem, and the example of his son, who had ever proved true and friendly to the English. The encroachments of the English upon the lands of the Indians, often and continually made, had everywhere in New England become a source of much discontent. The French, many of whom had settled in the north and east, were inclined to take sides with the natives, and doubtless did much to fan the flame of impending hostilities. Mad, with revenge, the Indians soon made war upon their English neighbors, by killing their cattle, by burning their hay-stacks, and by violence in almost all the forms which a savage could invent. The English of course imputed most of this trouble to French influence ; and charged much of the blame to one Sebastian Ralle, a French Jesuit who resided among the Indians at Norridgewock. Father Ralle, as they called him, had resided there some thirty years, had built a chapel, and was the religiofls teacher of many of the 28 HISTORY OF BARNSTEAD. 1730 Indians that wandered in the valley of the Kennebec and elsewhere. For wrongs on the part of Ralle the English sought to arrest him ; and in 1722 a deputation of armed men under Colonel Thomas Westbrook were sent to catch and imprison him, but anticipating their approach, Ralle escaped. Yet in Ralle's " strong box," (as it was called) they ' found certain letters from the French Governor in Canada, which tended to prove with much certainty that Ralle had been one of the leaders in exciting the Indians to violence upon the English. < For these proceedings against their spiritual adviser the Indians became still more exasperated, and an attack upon the settlement at Merry M«eting Ray soon fol- lowed ; then an attempt was made to take St. George's Fort, and then in this same year (1722) raids were made by the Indians on various villages in New Hampshire. Thereupon proclamations by the (governors of Massa- chusetts and New Hampshire were made, declaring war against them. Companies of soldiers were raised and bodies of armed men were sent in pursuit of the savages ; but the effort was attended with very little success. The Indians still sought revenge ; and the fall of 1724 was marked by more than ordinary depredations and violence. Fear and consternation prevailed in the frontier towns as well as at the older and la:fger places on the coast. The government was poor and ineflBcient. It was difficult to raise men. Great excitement prevailed. About this time attacks were made upon Dunstable, a part of which is now Nashua. During this year the famous battle at Pequawket was fought by Lovewell. 1760 INDIANS IN NEW HAMPSHIKE. 29 • The Indians assailed the English garrison-houses, took whole families prisoners, killing and scalping many, and carrying off others into Canada. These depredations inducing war and bloodshed, con- tinued for many years, making it dangerous for the English to labor in .their fields, or even to attend public worship on the Sabbath. Exeter, Coch'eco, Penacook, Contoocook, Suncook, and manj' other places were often made fields of carnage and blood. Carnage over which the Indian was in the habit of exulting with complacent merriment even when his victim was dying by cruel tortures, such as none but a demon could devise or inflict. His warfare was secret. He sought the ambush to gain knowledge of the numbers and strength of the place to be assailed, and then to murder and scalp h\s victim, and set fire to his dwelling-house. It was thus that the then small villages of New England, always in fear, were sometimes laid waste. On some occasions these Indian raids were attended and aided by Frenchmen from Canada ; England and France ait that time being at war. Thus many years transpired, attended with more or less of carnage. About the year 1760 the Indian wars began to cease. The Eng- lish had become too numerous to be conquered. The natives thereupon left their old haunts and retreated to their more dense foi-ests. Their tribes had become feeble and the French and English had concluded a treaty of peace. After this the Indians were in the habit annually of returning back to their old fishing and hunting-grounds, and were thus permitted to visit the homes of their youth, and the graves of their fathers. 30, HISTORY OP BARNSTEAD. 1762 PEQUAWKETS. The tribe next to the Penacooks toward the east, were the Pequawkets, that wandered beyond the eastern shores of Lake Winnipesaugee ; they were, however, subject to the Penacooks, the same as those further north. SCALPING. This feat was performed by the savage as follows : — He places his foot upon the neck of his prostrate enemy, twists the fingers of his left hand into the scalp-locks, cutting with a knife in his right hand a circular gash around the lock, he tears the scalp from the head, and fastens it to his girdle with a yell of triumph, victory and success. The scalps upon their belts on public occasions were worn to designate the warriors, INDIAN PASTIMES. An Indian was always at leisure. He knew no over- tasking of the brain ; had no trouble in extensive trade ; no taxes to pay ; no rents nor national debts. All his ^'^^^ INDIAN PASTIMES. 31 surroundings were free to him. Each had a share in the cool hunting-grounds and in the best fishing-places. His corn-fields were where he. sowed his seed. His tobacco was his constant luxurj', and his fishing and hunting his favorite pastime. His wants being few were easily sup- plied. His bow, arrow and fishing-rod aflforded him a competence in food and raiment. These instruments were substantially the implements of his toil. "With his squaw, who often wandered from the wigwam in company with his tribe, he was usually happy. His home was filled with the song and dance, and smoking of the pipe, or in " drinking the pipe," as they sometimes termed it. The Merrimac, the Suncook, and their tributaries aflforded him many of his best fishing-places. These rivers were grand highways that brought J;hem at every returning spring a full supply of salmon, alewives and shad. At that day no dams or bars being in the way to impede the advent or progress of the finny tribes, they came in vast numbers, and ever proved a source of wealth to the Indian. At the forks of the Merrimac the salmon, which always seek the coldest climes, generally took the cold water and went up the Pemigewaset, while the others took to the warm water and followed the Winnipesaugee to the lake or into the smaller streams. From these rivers and their tribu- taries the thirty thousand Indians that used to trail along these valleys obtained a very large share of their support. For thousands of years the waters of our rivers bad afforded the red man an abundant supply. Salmon weigh- ing thirty pounds were common here. There were then no gates to close up nature's highway, no dashing wheels to frighten back the fish, nor was there then any need of artificial steps or fish-ways to lead the finny tribes (as are 32 HISTORY OF BARNSTEAD. 1770 now invented, but as yet in vain) over high dams into the ponds above. Kind nature had given to the red man the waters of these rivers to run freely down as from the creation they had run ; and had given to the flsh a common highway to advance upward in them. Yet, by what is now termed the progress of civilization, the tribes of flsh as well as the tribes of red men have become almost extinct in this region. Sturgeons used to be caught in the Merrimac. As this kind of flsh passed up the river, two Indians, the one to scull the boat, and the other to throw the weapon, would spear them. Many a noble sturgeon from year to year was thus slain and tugged ashore from his native waters. INDIAN TRACES AND REMAINS. Soon after the close of the French war, the Indians withdrawing from their rivers and ponds and from their hunting and trapping-grounds in New Hampshire, grad- ually vanished away. This opened the way to English settlers, who ventured further into the forests thus vacated, and sequestering and taking possession of the lands, built houses and otherwise made progress, sometimes aggressively excluding the red man, until at length he became unknown in this part of New England. In his departure he left behind him not the ruins of desolated cities caused by destructive wars, not the ruins of lofty castles, nor of world-renowned monasteries ; ^^^^ INDIAN TRACES AND EEMAINS. 33 he left nothing — absolutely nothings but now and then a sample of his bow and arrow, his chisel and his mortar. " His foot-steps fondly dwelt where now we trace Primeval heir-looms of the human race ; The chisel smooth and tomahawk, first made Of stone, ere Art had formed the iron blade ; Where from a narrow dock with native crew He launched in naval pride his first canoe. And plowed the SuNCOOK fair. His dripping oar Kipples the waters never pressed before, Bestirs the scaly tribes to nervous fear For rights most sacred thus invaded here. As if by instinct they the chieftain knew To be a tyrant and a glutton too, Intent on native heast, on bird or fish By slaughter dire to fill a dainty dish; Whose webs are nets from bark of trees alone, And mills that grind are mortars made of stone, Who clothed his tribes, if clad they e'er appear In raiment plundered from the bounding deer; Who maketh treacherous hooka from guiltless bones, And drags a deadly net o'er sacred homes." [" The Merrimac,"T}y S.B. (7.,j).21.] The Indian was no artizan. His wigwam and birch canoe evinced the best skill in architecture which he ever had. His paintings were extravagant and gaudy, his colors brilliant. The flesh side of skins taken by the Indian hunter was generally used by the painter. These he spotted in curious fantastic hues, a ad often with high colprings such as none but a wild man could make, con- trive or invent. He knew but little, and sought for im- provements in nothing. " Lo, the poor Indian I whose untutored mind Sees God in clouds, and hears Him in the wind; His soul proud science never taught to stray Far as the solar walk or milky way." [Pope.] 34 HISTOET OF BAENSTEAD. ORIGIN OF THE EED MAN. 1765 The origin of the natives of this new world is like a sealed book. All speculations in reference to it are attended with extreme doubt and uncertainty. No theory- is satisfactory. These benighted sons, of themselves knew nothing, and had no definite idea of the paternity of their race ; and in this perhaps we are no wiser than they. Many have believed them to be of Asiatic origin and that they had crossed over here upon thp ice that covers the northern coast of America. Yet, opposed to such a theory is the fact that there is a vast dissimilarity now existing between the Asiatics and the North Amer- ican Esquimaux and other Indians. Reason would seem to warrant the belief that in the absence of proof to the contrary, the same race of men that our forefathers first found, had always been here. That the ' ' New World " had existed for thousands of years without having a race of men upon it, would seem but little short of a rash pre- sumption. That it had been left to accident, that it had been left to be peopled by the passing of a tribe from Asia, over an unknown Arctic region, too cold for human existence to get to it, would seem to be a presumption quite as rash. On the whole we can but perceive that the wild forests of America^ when discovered by the white race were as well suited to the Indian as the Indian was to the forests. And that the Indian here was no more a matter of accident than was the forest itself; and that both were but parts of one and the same great- design, would seem to be the most reasonable theory. 1765 ORIGIN OF THE RED MAN. 35 In discoursing upon his origin, &C.5 a modern writer has speculated as follows : *' Then next from curious germ beneath the sod, Now blest of needful care of nature's God, Whose eye all-seeing here began to scan The strange invention of mysterious man; By vigorous thrift, as fell the beaming rays Of Phebus, fitly felt on vernal days. Came forth an Indian's* form divine, Pirst spawn of manhood on the stream of time, Basking in valleys wild, earth-formed, earth-fed For ripened age, — by native reason led ; And chief o'er beast and bird in power became A fitful terror to the timid game. Increased at length by nature's self-same laws To numerous tribes prolific — men and squaws From artful wigwams new, spread o'er the land, First skill evinced in architecture grand, , He wanders wild, belted with arrows keen. And blest with knowledge right and wrong between, A stately priest at peace. Provoked to strife He wields a hatchet and a scalping knife With dire revenge. E'er true to self and squaw, He knows no faith, no code, but nature's law. " [Caver ly.] And so it was ; the manners and habits of the native Indians for ought we know, had always been the same as now. Tradition affords us nothing otherwise. •They are known only as they were first found by the adventurer from the Old World. Their history, circumscribed as it is, within the limits of their short existence with the white man, ^comprises the record of their race for all time. Probably for thousands of years they had been nothing *The natives were called Indians by Columbus through mistake, who at first supposed he had arrived on the. eastern coast of India, by which error they took their name. 36 HISTORY OF BABNSTEAD. 1765 but wild hunters, with manners and habits the same — unimproved — unchanged. " And thus o'er land and stream for ages long, A race of red men, vagrant plod along, With language taught from rustitj nature's throne, And habits each peculiarly their own ; On growth spontaneous fed, content with prey. What serves the purpose of a single day. Their God is seen afar at rise of sunj Their life in heaven is hunting here begun ; By laws un-written sachems rule the tribes. And lead the host, wherever ill betides, To fatal war. By force of arrows hurled, They reigned sole monarchs in this Western World. [CaweWy's " JMerrzmac,"j3. 22.] It is asserted that when the Puritans first landed, there were then about twenty nations or tribes of Indian's in New England. These nations were distinct from each other, but united sometimes for mutual protection and for the purposes of war. In every tribe there was a chief or sagamore, to which all the others paid deference. But as has already been stated, the Indian wars and the plague of 1617-18 had greatly reduced their numbers. MASSACHUSETTS COLONY. Before the soil of New Hampshire took to itself a dis- tinct name it had been included as belonging to the Mas- sachusetts Colony. The first General Court in this Colony was held at Boston, in 1630. It was made up of the freemen of the corporation at large. 1765 THE PURITANS. 37 Being desirous to establish a religious Commonwealth, they ordained, among other things, that "none but church members should be admitted to the freedom of that body politic, or enjoy the privilege of voting." Up to the year 1640 there had arrived here in two hundred and ninety-eight ships, twenty-one thousand and two hundred passengers. Most of these emigrants were from England. They had left their former happy homes with the hopeful intent to find in their distant New England, " freedom to wor- ship God." Their creed was strictly puritan, and, during the first year of their landing, they established the Plymouth Colony on the same faith and on the liberty of faith which had been denied them at home. CODKT TRIALS. The courts, before any regular codes of laws were established, in New England, adhered to the laws of Moses to some extent, as well as to the old English laws, so far at least as such laws were believed to have a tendency to good manners and morals. CUKIOTTS DECISIONS. In 1649 : " Josiah Plaistowe,.for stealing four baskets of corn from the Indians, is ordered to return them eight baskets — to be fined five pounds — and hereafter to be called Josias, and not Mr. as formerly he used to be." " Capt. Stone, for abusing Mr. Ludlow and calling him Just-ass, is find one Tiundred pounds, and prohibited from coming within the patent without the Governor's leave, upon pain of death." 38 HISTOET OF BAKNSTEAD. 1765 Intemperance was emphatically " a plague " at the time of the early settlements ; more so, if possible, than at the present day. Among the hundreds of ships then freighted for the New World was always to be found that bane, called " fire-water," " ockuby," and other Indian names, by which they chose to designate it. It was shipped from England and sold to the Indians for furs and other articles of merchandize obtained in return. Intemperance then, as ever since, led to many offences. Hence it appears : " John Wedgewood, for being found in the company of drunkards, was ordered by the court to be set in the stocks." And " Sargent Perkins was ordered to carry forty turfts to the fort for being drunk." MISCELLANEOUS COURT EECORD. " Edward Palmer, for his extortion in taking two pounds thirteen shillings and four pence for the wood- work of the Boston stocks, is fined five pounds and ordered to sit one hour in the stocks." " Capt. Lovell is admonished to take heed of light, carriage." " Thomas Petit, for suspicion of slander, idleness and stubbornness, is censured to be severely whiped, and to be kept in the-hold." " Catherine, wife of Richard Cornish, was found suspi- cious of incontenency, and is sereously to take heed." " Daniel GlarJc, found to be an immoderate drinker, was fined forty shillings." 1765 COURT RECORD. 39 " Robert Shorthase,hj the blood of God, was sentenced to have his tongue put into a cleft stick, and to stand for the space of half an hour." " It is ordered by the court that laborers shall not take more than 12d per day for their work, and 6d with meat and drink, under pain of x s." " George Palmer having committed folly with Margery Ruggs, through her allurements ; because he confessed voluntarily, he was only set in the pillory and so dis- missed." " Margery Buggs, for enticing and alluring George Palmer, was sentenced to be severely whiped." " Elnor Pierce, her husband was bound 10 £ for her good behaviour, and to bring her to stand in the market place, next market day, with a paper, for her light behaviour." " Jane HawTcins, the wife of Richard Hawkins, had liberty till the beginning of the third month, called May, and the Majestrates, (if she did not depart before) to dis- pose of her, and in the meantime she is not to meddle in Surgery, Physicks, drinks, plasters, or ogles, nor to question matters of religion, except with the elders for satisfaction." " It is ordered by the court that the worshipfull The. Georges and Edward Godfrey, Counsellors of this Prov- ince, shall order all the inhabitants from Pascataque to Kenuibonke, which have any children unbaptized, that as soon as a minister is settled in any of their plantations, they shall bring their said children to Baptism, and if any shall refuse to submit to said order, that then the persons so refusing shall be summoned to answer this their con- tempt at the next general court to be holden in this Prov- ince." 40 HISTORY OF BARNSTEAD. 1765 " It is ordered at this court that all juries between party and party shall have for their fees 8 d per man for every action above 40 s. ; if the action be under 40 s. we allow them 5 d. per man." " Thomas Smith, at the last court holden here, being arrested for slandering Mr. Arthur Brown and Mr. Eobert Saukey for saying they have stolne a pigg, the matter was putt to arbitraeion and ended." In 1651 : " We (the Grand Jury) present Goody Mendum for saying to Tho. GuUison and John Davis ye Divells — fined 2 s. 6 d. for swearing. "We present the wife of Abraham Gumley, for giving reproachful speeches against ye Majestrates, in saying she thought " they were come about one foolery or other." Ordered to find bonds of 20 £. "We present Joane Andrews, the wife of John Andrews, for selling a furldn of Butter to Mr. Nicholas Davis which had two stones in it, containing fourteen pounds 2 oz. in weight. " This presentment is owned by Joane Andrews, and John Andrews, her husband, is bound in a bond of five pounds that Joane, his wife, shall stand in a Towne meet- ing at Yorke, and in a towne meeting at Kittery till two hours bee expired, with her oifence written upon a paper in capetall letters pinned upon her forehead. This injunc- tion fulfilled at Yorke, according to order and att Kittery in the same manner." In 1666 : " Wee present Julean Cloyse, wife to John Cloyse, for a tale bearer from house to house, setting dif- ferences between neighbors." " Julian Cloyse upon the court's examination is found guilty of ye offence and is bound to her good behaviour 1765 BARBARISM. 41 unto the next Court of Pleas, at Casco, in a bond of five pounds." " Wee present William Thompson for rebellion against his father and mother-in-law." " Wee present Mr. Thorpe, for scandalizing Mr. Nor- ton, and say that hee held forth false doctrine in a booke set forth by Mr. Norton. Admonished, and paying ofHcer's fees, is discharged." "We present Miss Sarah Morgan for striking her husband. The delincffcent to stahd with a gagg in her mouth halfe an houre at Kittery at a Publique Towne Meet- ing, and the cause of her sentence writ upon her forehead, or pay 50 s. to the country." BARBARISM. The custom of wearing long hair, after the manner of the barbarous Indians, as Governor Endicott used to term it, was at that period deemed contrary to the word of God, which says : "It is a shame for a man to wear long hair." The rule in the Colony was that men should not wear their hair below their ears. In a clergyman, long hair was extremely offensive, as they were expected at all times " to observe circumspec- tion with open ears." MONEr. The first money coined in the Massachusetts Colony was made in the year 1652. The court ordered that all pieces should have on the one side " Massachusetts," with a tree in the middle ; on the other, " New England, 1652." 42 HISTOEr OF BARNSTEAD. 1765 A very large suin was coined, and the mint-master, it is said, made a great profit from it, as he had fifteen per cent, out of every twenty shillings for coining. QTJAKEKS. In 1656 the Quakers were greatly persecuted. Mart FiSFiER and Anna Dustin we're the first to avow their principles openly. On the 8th day of September, being brought before the court, they aflSrmed that they were sent of God to reprove the people of their sins ; ancT being questioned, after a pause replied that they had the same call that Abraham had to go out from his own country. (They came from Barbadoes.) A great number of the books which they had brought with them were seized and reserved for the fire, and some of the men and women were committed to prison. At this time no special laws had been enacted for the punishment of Quakers. But they were taken by. virtue of a general law then in force, which had been made for the punishment of heretics. And the Court passed sen- tence of banishment upon them all. Afterwards several laws upon this subject were enacted, among which were the following : "Any Quaker after the first conviction, if a man, was to lose his ear, and for the second offence the other ear. A woman, each time, to be severely whipped. And for a third time, being a man or a woman, to have the tongue bored through with a red-hot iron." In October, 1658, a law was passed punishing with death " all Quakers who should return into this jurisdic- 1765 WITCHCRAFT. 43 tion after banishment." Under this law four persons were executed. Much censure has been passed upon the New England Colonies. on account of their enactments as against the Quakers — and perhaps to a certain extent justly. But it must be remembered that the Quakers of those early- times were not the Quakers of the present time, who, though few in numbers, prove to be a generous, inoflfen- sive, influeutial people. These laws were passed to rid the Colony of certain fanatics who called themselves by that name, and who constantly made themselves offensive under the garb of a religious notion or creed, and appeared to have been better subjects for a mad-house than for a Christian church. They often entered into the churches without right, as they did at Hampton, Salem, and Newbury, and were in the habit of declaring the preaching to be an abomination to the Lord. Thomas Newcomb went into the meeting-house in Boston with two glass bottles, and broke them before the congregation, and declared " thus will the Lord break you in pieces." Under such delusion Deborah Wilson advanced on foot through the streets of Salem naked. In various ways they became offensive, oftentimes making themselves violators of the public peace. But it will not be pretended that any such offences could justify incon- siderate, unjust, or oppressive legislation, VriTCHCKAFT. The first instance of a trial for witchcraft in Massa- chusetts occurred in 1648, when Maegaret? Jones, of Charlestown, who being indicted as a witch, was found 44 HISTORY OF BARNSTEAD. 1765 guilty, and under the laws of England against such sup- posed crime, was executed. " She was charged of having such a malignancy that if she laid her hands on man, woman or child in anger, they were seized presently with deafness, vomiting or other sickness, or other violent pains." In 1692 a great excitement was again revived on account of its supposed prevalence. It commenced at this time in the town of Danvers, then a part of Salem, about the last of February. Several children at first ' began to act in a curious, unaccountable manner. Their strange conduct continuing for several days, their friends betook themselves to fasting and prayer. During relig- ious services the children were still, but after the service they would renew their former unaccountable conduct. This was deemed sufficient evidence that they were moved by an evil hand, and every exhibition of the sort was theia regarded as witchcraft. After a while these children began to bring accusations against divers indi- viduals in that vicinity, being severally charged of bewitch- ing them. Unfortunately the children were credited, and the suspected persons were arrested and imprisoned. From that time the contagion spread rajpidly over the neighboring towns, and soon appeared in several parts of Essex county as well as cases now and then in Middlesex and Suffolk. Individuals at Andover, Ipswich, Glouces- ter, Boston and other places, were accused and held for trial. For some time those who were accused were persons of the lower class. But at length accusations were extended even to persons of high rank and distinction. This delusion had now become fearful. Before the close of September of that year nineteen persons had been executed for witchcraft. Among the victims was one Giles Gory, who was pressed to death for refusing to put himself on trial before the Jury. Most, if not all of these persons died declaring them- selves innocent of the crime laid to their charge. At length the courts began to be convinced that their proceedings had been rash, and their judgments without any just foundation. A special session of the court was then holden on this subject, and fifty persons then being held for trial, were acquitted. Others were reprieved by the Governor. These proceedings were followed by a release of all who were then in prison. It ought to be said, perhaps, that if human testimony, coming from credible witnesses, is to be credited, many things happened at that time inducing a belief in witch- craft, which even to many people of our day have never been satisfactorily explained. WAK. A war by the French and Indians commenced about the year 1690. It harrassed the English settlements here all along the frontier nearly the whole time up to its close, September 11, 1697. In a few years another war broke out in Europe, which gave rise to other hostilities in America. So that in 1707 Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island despatched a military force against Port Eoyai, in Nova Scotia, but the expedition failed. In 1710 New England, with the mother country, suc- ceeded with a fleet, in reducing the place. This was in 46 HISTORr OF BARNSTEAD. 1765 the reign of Queen Anne, and they changed its name to Annapolis, in honor of her name. Encouraged by this success, Nicholson, the com- mander, visited England, and proposed an expedition against Canada. His proposition was adopted, and in June, 1711, Admiral.Walker, with a fleet of fifteen ships of war and forty transports, bringing an army of veteran troops, arrived in Boston. They sailed for Quebec about the last of July of that year. At the same time General Nichol- son repaired to Albany to take command of the forces that were to proceed by land. When the fleet had advanced ten leagues up the St. Lawrence the weather became foggy and ternpestuous. Nine of the transports perished. Weakened by this disaster, the admiral returned to England, and the New England troops to their homes. General Nicholson hav- ing learned the fate of the fleet, returned with his troops to Albany. In 1713, March 31st, peace was concluded between France and England, at Utrecht. In 1744, March 29th, war again broke out between France and England, and tlie Colonies here were again " involved in its calamities. The English commerce and fisheries had suffered great injuries from privateers, fitted out at Louisburg, then a strong fortress on the Island of Cape Breton. That place had been considered one of the strongest in America ; its fortifications had been five years building, and had cost the French five and a half millions of dollars. An armament of 4000 men from Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Connecticut under the command of Gen- 1765 WAK. 47 eral Pepperell sailed from Boston for the conquest of that place, attended by four ships of war, under Commodore Warren, from the West Indies. The troops arrived at Louisburg about the first of May, 1745, and commenced the siege. For fourteen nights successively the New England troops, knee deep in mud, manned and pushed forward their cannon through a swamp two miles in length, manifesting the most extraordinary valor and endurance, and assailed the garrison with so much fortitude and brav- ery that on the 17th of June it surrendered. France, smarting with resentment against the Colo- nies, in the following summer sent a powerful fleet to lay waste and ravage the coasts of New England, and to recover Louisburg. But an uncommon succession of disasters, as if it were an interposition of Providence, 'attended the undertaking, and entirely defeated it. The French fleet was delayed and damaged by storms ; fevers prevailed among the troops, and some of the ships were lost. Such was the fortune of the expedition that two of the .admirals, stung by disappointment and chagrin, committed suicide. In 1748, this war was ended by a treaty of peace at , Aux-la-Chapelle, by which all prisoners on both sides were restored without ransom. Scarcely had the Colonies begun to reap the benefits of peace, when they were again thrown into trouble by another war between England and France. This was commenced in 1754, though not formally declared until some time afterwards. Four expeditions were planned, one against the French in Nova Scotia, another against the French on the Ohio, another against Crown Point, and a fourth against Niagara. 48 HISTORY OP BAENSTEAD. 1765 The expeditidn against Nova Scotia consisted of 3000 troops from Massachusetts and New Hampshire, led by Generals Monckton and Winslow. These sailed from Bos- ton on May 20th, 1756, for the Bay of Fundy, where they were joined by three hundred regular British troops. They then proceeded against Fort Beau-Sejour, which surren- dered to them after a siege of four days. Other Forts were taken, and Nova Scotia was entirely subdued. The expedition against Niagara was given to Governor Shir- ley, of Massachusetts, whose force was two thousand five hundred men. The war continued with varied success till the conquest of Quebec, under General Wolfe, in Septem- ber, 1759, and the final reduction of Canada, in 1760. This event caused great and universal rejoicing in the Colonies, and was followed with public thanksgivings. The treaty of peace was signed at Paris in 1763. *^^^ FIRST GRANTEES. 49 BARJ^rSTEAD. THE PROPRIETORS. The charter of Barnstead, a copy of which is appended (marked A,) was granted to the Ret. Joseph Adams, of Newington, and others, by Lieutenant Governor Went- worth, on the 20th of May, 1727. Yet there was much delay in its settlement, made so by Indian hostilities. So that no lots were sold, nor permanent houses built prior to the year 1765. The expense of surveying the lands had laid a tax on the lots, and as the titles purchased were in the hands of heirs, and in no way remunerative, they were at different times sold at auction, and mostly at nominal prices. The sales were made at Newington, and at Ports- mouth. At these sales Mr. Adams bought several lots in Barnstead ; and about the same year, members of his church made extensive purchases within its limits. These investments eventually proved profitable to him and to them. Mr. Adams was born at Braintree, Massachusetts, January 4, 1688 or 89, and was the eldest son of Joseph and Hannah (Bass) Adams. His father was grandson of Rev. Henry Adams, of England, who came to this country with his family about 1630, and settled in Braintree (now Quincy). John Adams, second President of the United States, was the eldest son of John Adams, the next 7 60 HISTOET OF BAKNSTEAD. l^^^ t younger brother of Rev. Joseph Adams. The said Joseph Adams graduated at Harvard College, in 1710. During his college course he kept school' in Newington, N. H. ; and after taldng his degree, he was invited by the people to become their minister. He accepted and was ordained in June, 1715. A written contract between him and his people upon the subject of his salary, &c., is on record at Newington. It may be of interest to our ministry of the present day and is appended, marked B. Under this contract Mr. Adams lived with his church and people sixty-eight years. '. He became the oldest pastor in New England, and died May 26th, 1783. * THE FIRST SETTLERS. At the beginning of settlements in Barnstead, a few Indians would be seen now and then wandering in the forests, or loitering about their wigwams along the lakes, ponds and rivers. Previously they had been more numer- ous. Dense fore^sts, as from the beginning, covered the soil ; and the wilderness continued to be invested by the bear, the wild deer, the cariboo, the wolf, the wild-cat, and other wild animals, as well as by these remnant tribes. This part of New Hampshire had been, and was^ a thor- oughfare from the great lake to the shore towns, made so both by the French and Indians. As against the unbri- dled encroachments of these savages the first English set- tlers had to arm themselves. Out of fear from their hos- tilities and depredations, the settlement of Barnstead had been delayed from its commencement nearly forty years. In 1768 peace was declared, and the settlements then began to advance. Yet hostile invasions would some- ^'^^ FIRST SETTLERS. 51 times be made upon the settlements, whenever the Indian returned to his ancient corn-plat, or when he came to visit his long-loved Suneook, or to ramble once again through the halcyon hunting-grounds' of his youth, then being disfigured and laid waste by the white man. About this time efforts began to be made to christianize them. Eliot, the apostle, came. He learned their language, and translated the Bible and New Testament into it. Visiting the different tribes from place to place, he preached to them. They listened to him, but his efforts proved to be of but little avail. GooKiN also came. His residence was in Boston ; Eliot's in Roxbury. Cotton Mather, of Boston, the learned divine of that day, had much to do and much to say in his time of these sons of the forest. Discoursing on their origin he says : " We do not know when or how these Indians first came inhabitants of this mighty country. Yet we may guess that probablj^ the Devil decoyed those mizerable salvages hither in hopes that the Gospel of the Lord Jesus would never come here to disturb his empire over them. But our Eliot was on such ill terms with the Devil as to alarm him with sounding the silver trumpet of heaven in his territories, and make some noble and zealous atteui^^jts, ousting him of his ancient possessions here." THE meeting-house. It was a condition in the charter made to the proprie- tors in 1727, that there should be a house for public wor- ship built in town within the period of three years therein specified. Accordingly, about the year 1760, the Indian conflicts having subsided. Rev. Joseph Adatns came from 52 HISTORY OF BARNSTEAD. i799 Newington to Barnstead, and selected a lot of land for the church. It was in a valley near a stream of water, about a mile north of Strafford line. Tiien, with his com- panions, he built the meeting-house of logs, and when it was finished he called together the rude hunters of the forest that were there wandering, and the workmen and the hunters, kneeling at the altar, constituted his audi- ence. He preached a sermon to them — sang hymns of praise — and[ then and there dedicated his new made meet- ing-house to the God of their fathers. PARADE MEETING-HOUSE. This was erected about the year 1788. It was the second in order of time, but the. first framed church edifice in Barnstead. In size it was 40 by 60, with posts 24 feet. It stood on the north side of the common, which had been dedicated to the public for church and other purposes by the liberality of Eli Bunker. Eli was a son of John Bunkei, and is ever to be remembfered for his moral worth and benevolence. This meeting-house was not wholly finished until some time in the j^ear 1799, when, by the voluntary contributions of the Parade people, in labor and otherwise, it was completed. It was neat, well proportioned, and its architectural design was in good taste. It had a porch at each end for an entrance and a stairway ; also a door in the centre of the house which fronted to the south. The body of the house on the outside was painted yellow ; tbe roof red. The pulpit stood opposite to the front door ; was high up, rather narrow, and had a large window in the rear. It had an octagon sounding-board a few feet above it. The purpose of a sounding-board was to give the language of the ^^^ PAKADE MEETING-HOUSE. 53 speaker a more impressive utterance. This sounding- board was lil^e the pulpit, a clay color. The pews were panel finished, were square, with a railing, and had the capacity of seating twelve persons each. There were seats on three sides of the pew. They had a hinge joint, and were made to be turned up to malce more space for standing jn time of prayer — for at that day, not to stand up in time of prayer, would have been regarded in the house of God as unbecoming and almost unpardonable. All stood erect, and at the close of each prayer down came the seats with a reverberation. The younger part of the audience usually sought to bring them down in a manner evincing a special interest in that work;- and for the space of half a minute the noise of seats was not unlike the clatter of a windmill, or the swell of a hallelu- jah chorus. -, The site for this church was given by Eli Bunker, as we have previously stated. The deed runs as follows : " This may certify that I, the subscriber, promise to give Charles Hodgdon, Rufas Evans, Jonathan Young, and Joseph Bunker, a commitiee chosen by a body of men for the purpose of erecting a meeting-house in the north part" of Barnstead, as committee men for said proprietors, a deed of a piece of land for the use of said meeting-house, any tame when said meeting- house is built, and a parade 27 rods by Dr.Jewett's, and running back from said road so far as 25 rods toward the river, which is to be left as a square for said parade ; on which is not to be erected any building excepting for the use of said church, or meeting-house, any time when said committee shall demand it, which is to be free as their property so long as there is a meet- ing-house to stand there." As witness my hand, Barnstead, May 1, 1796. Eli Bunkbe. Benjamin Nutter, Benjamin Hodgdon. Recorded, 1821. Enos George, Town Clerk. 54 HISTORY OF BARNSTEAD. 1803 The dedication of this church took place September 16, 1:799, and was attended by a large crowd. They had come long distances. Among the items of expenses as appears, the following named persons paid to Jeremiah Jewett the sums set against their names, "it, being for the ministers and their attendance on that day." Richard Sinclair, for myself and Major John Nutter 3 shillings. Charles Hodgdon 3 Rufus Evans. ."- 3 Moses Rand 3 Joseph Bunker 3 Lemuel Bunker 1-6 Enoch Bunker 1-6 Aaron Chesley ■ - 3 James G. Carr 1-6 John Bickford 1-6 " The Selectmen of the Town to Jeremiah Jbwett, Dr. For twelve dinners, four bowls of punch and three pints of rum, being for the ministers ; also, din- ners for the singers, and horse keeping, and drinks $8. 17 Sept. 16, 1799. Rec'd pay. Jeremiah Jewett, Taverner." ' THIRD MEETING-HOUSE. This was called the Second Congregational Meeting- house. It was built in 1803. It stood upon land pre- sented by Joseph Tasker, Esq., and near his residence ; was boarded and shingled, but not finished. The society who sustained its erection were actuated to some extent by a spirit of competition, claiming ttiat its location was more central than that at the parade. 1820 THIRD MEETING-HOUSE. 65 Rut after the settlement of Rev. Enos George, at Barnstead, the conflicting interests of its inhabitants rapidly diminished. This church structure continued unfinished up to the year 1820, and then it was removed and located at " Winkley's Corner." Its removal was superintended by Col. John Bickford, and the building was drawn to its final location by a team of two hundred oxen. John Peavey, Esq., took an active part, and expended much in this matter. The house was spacious — two story — windows above and below, with glass 7 by 9, and with seventj'-two lights to the window. It had a high pulpit. The work was mostly completed, its outside, however, was never painted. To pay the expense of finishing and furnishing it, and to raise funds to assist in the support of a preacher, they resorted to a public sale of the pews. At the auction thei'e was a large assembly. The auc- tibueer opened the sale by announcing that he .would dispose of the pews severally on the lower floor of the house first. And then from the deacon's desk, holding up a full bottle of brandy, he commenced by further an- nouncing to the crowd, that each bid would entitle the bidder to a fresh drink. Accordingly all the pews were disposed of in a hurry, the centre ones first, then those under the galleries, (as the bidders waxed warm) at a great price, and so on until the whole were sold. Some of these pevvs were sel- dom if ever occupied. The reader will doubtless note a marked difference between the habits and fashions of that day, and the cus- toms of this our day of temperance pledges, church levees, missionary fairs, and Sabbath school gatherings. 56 HISTOKY OF BARNSTEAD. 1825 When the house was dedicated the fathers and mothers gathered themselves together and bowed with reverence and humility at its altar. Preaching was had here according to the denomination for which it was built, , most of the time ; and yet, oftentimes, it was open on the Sabbath for any and all ministers who might be disposed to occu- py it. As time advanced it began to decay and at length became a monument of neglect. The small lights became targets for the boys, until the last one was seen, as if to sigh in its loneliness. In the year 1848 this house was taken down and its timbers were turned to other uses. NORTH MEETING-HOUSE. This is a very neat, modern building, and was erected by the Congregational society of Barnstead in 1820, at the north part of the town, near the residence of Samuel G. Webster, Esq. It was repaired in 1853 ; has been kept in repair, and still remains an ornament to that locality. FREEWILL t;APTIST MEETING-HOUSE. This is a verj' respectable edifice. It was built and has been generally occupied by the denomination 'from which it takes its name. It is kept in good repair, and is better for Christian use and service, than for great show, or for a specimen of architectural design. CENTRE MEETING-HOUSE. This house was erected in 1849. It is modern in its structure ; has a tower ; has been kept well repaired, and generally is well sustained. The first Congregational ^^^^ ITS FIRST MINISTBK. 57 church of Barnstead at first had an interest in it, the Parade church being a branch of the church organization in this locality, they more or less, for a considerable time, occupied it. But it is now supplied for'the most part by clergymen from other denominations. HIS ORDINATION AND FUNERAL. David Knowlton, a Freewill Baptist, was ordained in 1803. Being the first settled minister, he thereby would have been entitled to the lands allotted by the charter of Barnstead to its first settled minister. But Knowlton, believing t^at pay for preaching ought not to be exacted b^- ministers of the gospel, refused to claim the land by right of priority, and at or before his ordination, executed a release of all title acquired, or which he might acquire to said lands at his ordination or settlement in Barnstead as its first minister. Elder Knowlton was a son of the Kev. David Knowl- ton of Pittsfield. He was but twenty-seven years of age at his installation, and died about two years afterwards. His funeral was at Pittsfield. Rev. Benjamin Randall preached the sermon. Text : Num. xxiii : 10 : " Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his ! " Six ministers bore him to the grave. One of them supported the afflicted widow on the way, and nearly one thousand people attended them to the last resting place of the first settled minister of Barnstead. So died the good man, beloved and deplored. SETTLEMENT OF THE SECOND MINISTER. Record. "1801. Dec. 14. The following committee was chosen to confer with the Rev. Mr. Balch respecting 58 HISTORY OF BARNSTEAD. 1803 a settlement : James Tasker, Rufus Ewers, Moses Rand, John Nutter, John Bunker, Joseph Bunker, David Drew, Doct. Jeremiah Jewett, James G-. Cann, Benj amin Nutter, Stephen Dudley, Ebenezer Nutter, James AUard, John Bickford, Sen. Voted, The above committee confer with the Rev. Mr. Balch, and make a report at the adjournment of this meeting. Voted, To adjourn till the last Monday in October, at the westerly meeting-house. Samcl. Nelson, Town Clerk." RET. ENOS GEORGE. " 1803. Nov. 10. The town chose a committee to confer with Rev. Enos George respecting his settlement as a teacher. The following committee was chosen : Major John Nutter, Charles Hodgdon, Joseph Tasker, Esq., Lemuel Bunker, Stephen, Jones, Rufus Ewers, Jere- miah Jewett." The committee reported favorable to the town. The town then voted $1000 settlement, and a sal- ary. This is on condition that said Rev. Enos George give to the town a quitclaim deed of the ministerial right in said town. However, the ministerial right or the $1000, is at his option ; provided the said George chooses the said right, it is his. But if the f 1000 instead, all shall remain unpaid until the next meeting. If he is taken away by death, it shall be at his disposal ; or if continu- ing with us ten years it shall be his ; but if he leaves before the ten years, he shall refund as many hundred dol- lars as it lacks of the ten years. He is to preach in two ^^**^ REV. ENOS GEORGE. 69 meeting-houses, and some other places, that shall be agreed upon by said town. Mr. George reserves three Sabbaths in the year. Charles Hodgdon, In behalf of the Committee of the Town." The installation of Eev. Enos George over the First Congregational Church in Barnstead, took place Sept. 26, 1804. The season was pleasant, the day delightful. The sun shone upon the green foliage, and the silvery waters of the Suncook reflected the beautiful legacies left to her by the departed summer. The people far and near gave, heed to the occasion, and the gates of the temple were crowded. The ordination sermon was by Rev. Stephen Hull of the First Church in Amesbury, Mass. Text: 2 Cor. v: 10. The charge was by Rev. John Kelly of Ham- stead. Right hand of fellowship, by Rev. J. Tucker o f Loudon. Rev. Enos George read the 116th Psalm, sec- ond part, C. M. Mr. George had been invited to this pastorate by a unanimous vote ; and at his installation he became legally entitled to the ministerial lands of the town, awarded in the original charter to its first settled minister. In his ministry he was influential and successful. His open social qualities entitled him to the respect and esteem of all, and led the way to his long life in useful- ness to the church of God and to the people of Barnstead. He had held meetings in various parts of the town during the winter previous to his ordination, and ever afterwards continued to preach alternately at the north, east and west houses, until, by the infirmities of age, he was com- pelled to resign his charge, and leave the field to other 60 HISTORY OP BAKNSTEAD. 1816 laborers. His undeviating faithfulness and good manners during his ministry brought him many friends. Their annual visits "to him and to his household, and the boun- teous gifts which they from year to year awarded to him, will long be remembered. The fame of Rev. Enos George as a man and a minister, will not be lost sight of in all the coming generations at Banistead. Aside from his ministerial duties, Mr. George found time to do great service, and to accomplish much for the community. From the j-ear 1805 up. to the year 1824, through the winter months,' he served as a teacher of youth in the village school at the Parade ; and there is many a man who profited by his wise teachings and admonitions, and who still lives to honor him and to cherish his memory. From the year 1816 up to the year 1856, forty 3'ears, (and of course by forty annual elections), Mr. George performed the duties of Town Clerk. The town records of those long years, evincing his legal knowledge, his good penmanship, and- his faithfulness to duty, will con- stantly remain to him a monument of praise. Mr, George had much distinction as a public speaker. He had served as chaplain to the New Hampshire Legis- lature. In his address he was ready, prompt and eloquent ; as an elocutionist he always made the most of whatever he undertook to read. In form Mr. George was perfect ; his height about 6 feet 10 inches ; his weight about 150 pounds ; his complexion sandy ; his hair almost red, worn long, combed back, and nearly erect ; it faded but little in old age. His dress was usually of the finest black, neat long coat, hat rather wide brimed. His apparel in early days, was a dress- ^^^^^^^"'^^■^''^^^'^^t;^^-^--' ^824 ITS CLERGYMEN. 61 coat, after the fashion of those times, old-fashioned breeches, long boots, with red tops, and with tassels swinging in front ; a white cravat tied in a bow. He always wore a double-ringed watch chain, which held a key, set with a fine cornelian stone, red and beautiful, and a large gold seal. In summer he was often seen having on a long calico gown tied in a knot behind ; and if not in his study, might generally be found in his garden, in which he took great delight, busily at work. Rev. Enos George was the son of Enos George, and grandson of Miah George. His more remote ancestor was Francis George, wiio came from the south of Eng- land about 1680. The Rev. Enos was born June 2d, 1781. His mother was Dorothy, the daughtcBiof Barnes Jewell, an Englishman. In 1804, July 10, Miss Sophia Chesley, a lady of much merit, became his partner in marriage. She was the daughter of Jonathan Chesley, of Barnstead, previously of Durham, N. H. Her life was domestic, yet full of benevolence and kindness. She died February 13, 1858, at the age of 76. Very soon afterwards, October 29th, 185D, at the age of 78 years, Mr. George died. He left the world as he had lived, in the triumph and belief of a glorious immortality. Their remains rest but a few rods easterly of the Parade church, in which he had so often and so eloquently preached the Gospel to the people of Barnstead. His many friends, with becoming generosity, have erected^ a monument to his memory. MINISTERS. Among the Clergymen who, at the early part of the present century, had occasionally preached in Barnstead, other than Joseph Adams, Knowlton, and George, may 62 HISTORY or BAENSTEAD. 1856 be mentioned the Eey. William Balch, from 1784 to 1801, Rev. Joseph Buckminster, Rev. Joseph Haven, Rev. William Parsons, Rev. Peletiah Tingley, and others, also occasionally. Elder Nathaniel Wilson, a Freewill Baptist, was ordained here in, 1805 ; resided in the first framed house ever erected in Barnstead ; preached 35 years, and died in 1843. His wife was Fanny Proctor, of Loudon. Their children were Fanny, afterwards the wife of Elder Wil- liam Demeritt, of Durham ; Samuel, who emigrated to the west among its first settlers ; and Panthea, who mar- ried James Woodhouse. Panthea, Tvith her Imsband, continued to reside at the old homestead, and sent out nine sons and daughters, eight of whom were teachers, and among whom was Betsey T., wife of the late Captain Henry Savage, of Alton, who fell among many others at the terrible battle of Chancellorville. Mrs. Savage now resides in Boston. The following Clergymen were eotemporaries with Enos George as occasional laborers, and are entitled, at least, to a brief notice : Rev. E. H. Caswell, a Congregationalist ; he gradu- ated.at Middlebury College in 1844, and from the Theo- , logical Seminary, at Andover, Massachusetts, in 1847, and preached in Barnstead in the years 1853 and 1854. Rev. Thomas Goodwin preached here in the- years 1855 and 1856, and about that time perhaps some others. Rev. William 0. Care, a Congregationalist, was a native of Derry, New Hampshire, was a graduate of Dartmouth College, and from the Andover Seminary. Mr. Carr was settled over the Parade church in 1861, and still remains in the same field of labor, much respected and 1861 ITS CLERGYMEN. 63 much beloved. He was ordained at Centre Barnstead, February 13, 1861, and by this ordination he then became the acting Pastor of its Congregational churches. The ordination services were as follows : SERMON, By the Eev. Joshua S. Gay, of Chichester. OKDAINING PEATEK AND SIGHT HAND OF FELLOWSHIP, By the Eev. Luther Townsend, of Loudon. CHARGE TO THE CANDIDATE, AND ADDRESS TO THE PEOPLE, By the Eev. J. A. Hood, of Pittsfleld. Rev. Amos Blanchard, of Lowell, was to have preach- ed the ordination sermon, but his attendance, as well as the presence of some other clergymen, was prevented by an intervening snow-storm. Of late, the west, the centre, and north parts of the Town have made separate and distinct organizations for the support of public worship, and generally each church, for the most part of the time, is supplied with a Pastor. » Elder Hecter Caufield has had the care of the church at the Centre, at least, fbv a considerable portion of the time since 1866. The North church has been supplied from its garly date by Ministers, as follows : by Elder Peletiah Ting- ley, a Freewill Baptist, in 1777, and since then. Elder David Moulton, jr., in 1803— he died in 1809 ; Elder John Buzzell ; Elder Joseph Boody, sr. ; Elder John Caverly ; Elder Nathaniel "Wilson ; Elder David Garland, and Elder Haskell. Elder Jonathan Nelson, a Freewill Baptist, born in Barnstead in 1785, ordained here in 1823, preached mostly in Vermont. 64 HISTORY OF BARNSTEAD. 1863 Elder Samuel Lord, a son of William, born in Barn- stead in 1780, ordained in 1820, died in 1849 ; resided mostly in Vermont. Elder Daniel Moulton, a native of Pittsfleld, b. in 1780, ordained in 1803, died in 1805. Elder John Caverl-t, of Strafford, b. in 1789, ordained in 1827, died in 1863, often preached here. Elder David L. Edgerly, a Freewill Baptist, preach- ed at the Parade and at Clarktown, about I860. . Elder Moses A. Qcimby, a Freewill Baptist, from Epsom, -preached occasionally at the Centre House. Elder Joseph Harvey, an Adventist, from Pittsfleld, has of late preached in North Barnstead. Rev. J. Blake, a Congregationalist, ordained in 1838, continued here more or less up to 1861. Rev. A. W. FiSKB, a Congregationalist, from Fislier- ville, preached at the Centre and at North Barnstead one year, up to 1867. METHODISTS. Elder Ebenezer G-erry, and Elder Thomas Tread- well, Methodists, have each in turn preached in the Northwest part of Barnstead, but as late as 1870 they had ho church edifice. ADVENTISTS. This people have a church edifice in what is commonly called the ProctQr neighborhood. Rev. William Bodge has been their minister. ATTENDING CH0ROH. In the olden time, on the Sabbath morning in summer, the roads and cross-paths of the town became dotted with 1863 ITS SABBATH DATS. 65 pedestrians. The economical fashions of that day ought not to be forgotten. Among others we well remember the following; before arriving at the church each lady would exchange her thick shoe for a more comely one, while the cast-offs would be consigned to some old log fence, or other safe place, until her return". This habit has been described thus : " Then when the week hath turned its toll away, How mild and silent is the Sabbath day I The modest maiden churchward as she goes, Proud in good looks, and go-to-meeting clothes," Across the glen, untouched of dust or dews, Bears in her hand her nice embroidered shoes ; Her stockings, too, home-knit, of purest white. Now, near the temple, pulls them on aright ; Then in the precinct of that holy place, Where loud the Parson, grave, dispenses grace. Shines forth a beauty flounced ; there seated down The belle of all the beauties in Barnstead Town." [Caverly.] The wants of the inhabitants were few, and well supplied ; they neither desired nor sought the luxuries of life, nor the wasteful frivolities or follies of the cities. The stillness of the Holy Sabbath came and went without ought to break its quietude ; no bell sent its booming swells through the old forests, as if to start the wild deer from his coy retreat, nor to toll the church-going inhabi- tants to the sacred altar. Who, of that day, does not love the church of his childhoood — the greetings of men and women from afar, their kindnesses, their sweet saluta- tions and smiles, while they gathered to the gates of the sacred sanctuary? At this date the recollection of the Sabbath scenes are still vivid to the memories of many. 66 HISTORY OF BARNSTEAD. 1863 How quaint to be seen, the two coming together. On the steady old nag, enjoying one mind, Unheeding the pathway, the wind or the weather; While closely she sticks to the pillion behind. It was with slow, and quiet tread that the entrance to the sanetuaiy was ajpproached. All were well dress- ed in good home-made cloth ; the men were circum- spect, the boys strong, and the girls were florid with the bloom of health and beauty. The Deacons had seats near the communion table, and there from Sab- bath to Sabbath, constantly on duty. Deacons Nutter and Hodgdon officiated for many years. The aged and wealthy were seated on the broad aisle, and there you would find Captain Eliphalet Nutter, Eli Bunker, Charles Hodgdon, Benjamin Hodgdon, Aaron Chesley, Abraham Bunker, and' others of an equal grade. The boys and people of less means took accommodations in the gal- leries. The tythingman was held to a strict account. It was within his province to keep good order ; under his orders, no dog was permitted to rove in the aisles, the canine race being held to prompt obedience within the pews of their masters. The church service- was from the hours of ten to twelve o'clock, and in the afternoon from one to three. This Parade meeting-house for the first thir- ty years of its existence had in winter no warming apparatus other than a common foot-stove ; the fires in it were usually started by a brand from the fireplace of a near neighbor. The hours of intermission were spent in the neighboring houses, in social chat, at which all the news of the week would be well learnt ; and the guests while resting at the recess would usually be treated to apples, pies or doughnuts, as the conyenience of the family sup- ^^^^ RELIGION. 67 plies would warrant, until at the stated hour of service all were again in their places. Such were the habits of our Fathers in fulfilling the duties of a New England Sabbath. AS INCIDENT. It happened one day when the congregation was still, listening to the last sentences of the sermon, as we well remember, a small boy alarmed us by getting his head caught between two ballusters at the top of a pew. All eyes were at once turned to the scene of commotion ; the preacher could not be heard ; the hearers arose to learn the cause of the uproar ; the minster stopped and stood mute ; the tythingman and others advanced to the rescue. The boy had pushed his head between the banisters, and to hia surprise, the same power which crowded his head in there would not force it out again, and he roared most lustily ; the mother coaxed him ; the tything- man scolded ; but all to no purpose. It seemed that the banisters were even nearer together than when his head first went in ; at length, by a few cuts with a jack-knife, .the boy's head was disengaged, the outcry abated, and quietude was restored to a troubled people. THE FREEWILL BAPTISTS. As Barnstead was near the great head and origin of this religious order, it may not be inappropriate in this connection, to speak of the principal men connected with it, who had preached more or less in this town, and who were the leaders in laying a foundation for this now prosperous and influential denomination of Christians. 68 HISTORY OF BARNSTEAD. 1863 Benjamin Randall, its originator, was an advocate in beiialf of the doctrines of a general atonerdent, condi- tional election, free communion, and a voluntary support of the ministry. With these characteristic principles, he founded a denomination upon the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ being the chief corner stone. The first church of the order was organized at New Durham, N. H., June 30, 1780. It consisted of seven members. Their names were as follows : Benjamin Ran- dall, Robert Boody, Nathaniel Buzzell, Joseph Boody, Judith Cartell, Margaret Boody, and Mary Buzzell. -From this beginning in 1780, the denomination now (1868) nurnbers 1276 churches, and 1221 ordained minis- ters, and about 59,211 communicants. Its founder, Benjamin Randall, was born at Ports- mouth, N. H., Feb. 7, 1749. His education was from the common schools. At the age of twenty-one he was awakened at the preaching of George Whitfield, and met with a change in a few days afterwards by hearing of the death of that celebrated divine. Whitfield died Sept. 30, 1770, at Newburyport. Randall finally settled in New Durham, where he con- tinued to reside during the most part of his thirty years of ministerial labors. His free and open doctrines to a considerable extent, were favorably received in New Dur- ham, Barrington, and Barnstead, and adjoining towns, — whenever and wherever Randall and his preachers from time to time held forth. Randall died at New Durham, of consumption, Octo- ber 22, 1808, aged 59 years. The funeral services were on the 26th. The sermon was by Elder John Buzzell. Text, Timothy iv : 7-8 : " I have fought a good fight." 1863 RELieiON. 69 Several ministers were present. Six of tlie oldest bore him to liis final rest. It is said the assembly of people was such as had never before been seen at a funer- al, in that part of the country ; and that the scene was solemn and impressive. After the lapse of fifty years, and after most of his co-laborers " had gone hence," the connection, in its appreciation of his heroic and saintly labors, erected to his memmy a monument of marble. Joseph Boody, above mentioned, was Joseph, senior, who, after aiding Randall in the formation of the first church, and in the taking of the preliminary steps towards the organization of their then new denomination, settled in the north part of Barrington (now Strafibrd), adjoining Barnstead, and there, and in the neighboring towns, preached for over thirty years. His tall person, dignified appearance, and heavj' voice, were prepossessing ; his great wit, severe sarcasm, and peerless independence, rendered him a successful antagonist as well as orator. Though he was not without his faults, he did much during his ministry as a co-worker with Randall in laying the foundation for that denomination of Christians which they had originated, and which is now befeoming widely extensive, influential, and prosperous. He was born in Barrington, May 16, 1752, and died at his residence in Strafford, January 17, 1824, aged 72 years. FBBEVTLLL BAPTIST CHURCHES. This denomination soon became somewhat numerous in Barnstead, yet more so in Barrington, Pittsfield, Gil- manton, and New Durham. As they increased, churches 70 HISTORY OF BARNSTEAD. 1863 were formed and preaching was had " without money and without price." They relied more on Bible doctrines and puritan principles, than upon rigid rules or creeds in a church government. Up to the year 1804, they had scarcely been recog- nized as a Christian denomination. At that time their burden of taxation was changed by the Legislature of New Hami)shire, and tliey thereby became a distinct sect among the donominalious of New England. As at first they had no meeting-houses, they were con- stantly subjected to great iiiconvenieQces, such as at the present day are entirely uiikuowil. For the want of churches, dwelling-Iiouses, barns, ori-hards, and gi'oves, were often made to take the place of them. The rations of a soldier, to them at their " yearly meetings,'' and " quartei'ly confereuc-es," were regarded as ample fare, with which all were satisfied. Beds were provided for the aged or feeble, while others found contentment and rest without convenient couch or covering. An eye witness says : " At a quarterly meeting at Pittsfield in 1802, Elder Knowlton filled every bed in his house, and then twenty of us lay on the floor, and as many more slept in the barn." In 1816 there was a great revival among them. This was a cold, dreary year. Business was dull, the crops were light, and in many places proved a failure. ' Yet they did not seem to see it. Their revival adva,nced, and the extension of their churches seemed to inspire them to faithfulness and to prosperity. In 1819 the yeai-ly meeting at. New Durham is said to have been one of many blessings. About that time a. cloud of mercy visited Barnstead, Gilmanton and Pitts- 1863 LAND SALES. 71 field — all shaiing it — which soon became more and more manifest, extending far and wide. There were two cases of death by spotted fever in Barnstead that year. LAND SALEkS. Having previously recorded a brief account' of the building of the iirst meeting-house and of other churches, as well as of the ministry who have hitherto preached in Barnstead, we now return to its early land sales. These lands were for a considei-able time held by its original proprietors, yet at an early day many of the lots had been disposed of to others ; and that too, before any general survey of the town had been made. Thus selling and re-selling went on up to the period when a general survey was had, at which time the ranges were defined, and each man's land was allotted to him. The farms were laid out, some of them sixty acres, and others one hundred acres ; space for a range-road was left between every tier of lots. Homesteads adjoining Pittsfleld were purchased first ; most of these were obtained of the Adams's, who had bought them at the auction sales. The town generally was well timbered with a heavy growth of pine, oak, maple, beech, birch, hemlock and spruce ; yet out of this timber the old charter excepted and reserv- ed to the Crown, " all mast-trees growing on said tract of land," " for the better order, rule and government of said Town." 72 HISTORY or BARNSTEAD. -1863 The first record of any Sale, after the survey of the town, is in the Rockingham Registry ; this lot was bought in 1667 by Benjiimin Nutter of Newington, of Hatevil Nutter of the same place. It is now a farm, situated on the rise of ground south of the Parade, containing one hnudied acres. The lot numbered thirty-seven, was purchased as being on the Province road, and was after- wards occupied by Benjamin Nutter until his death. Nathaniel Nutter was his son. This farm is now owned and occupied as a homestead by Charles S. George, Esquire. On September 17, 1772, Richard Downing, Esquire, sold to Benjalnin Colebath, of Barnstead, several pieces of land as appears, " in consideration of one hundred and forty-five pounds lawful money to us in haud from the said Colebath." These lands were mostly on the Province road, numbered 6, 5, 4 and 3, and were sold generally for the payment of the proprietor's debts. In 1772, Benjamin Colebath, of Durham, bought of Mark Hunking Wentworth lot numbered 4 in the first division of lots. In the same year, Winthrop Smart bought of Rev. Joseph Adams sixty acres of land in the same first divi- sion of lots. This deed was given at Newington, and was witnessed by Benjamin Adams, James Adams and Caleb G. Adams. Tliis same lot was originally owned by Mark Ayers, having been bought at public vendue. John Tasker, September 17, 1772, at Newington, purchased several lots of land of the proprietor's committee. A record of these deeds is in the Dover Registry. The lands sold generally at the price of about £17 per lot, lawful money. 1863 FIRST FAMILIES. 73 " John Nutter, the 4th blacksmith of j-^e Province of New Hampshire, bought of Matathias Nutter, of Newing- ton, at 20 £, two lots of one hundred acres each, being in the first and second division of lots." NAMES OF FIRST PROPRIETORS. Many of the names of the primeval settlers are still familiar, yet there were some whose names are scarcely known in these days, evincing the fact that in the absence of a written history, five generations may pass, leaving the fifth with little or no knowledge of the third. Our only record from which to call up those lost families in our native town is in the imperfect memories of our ven- erable inhabitants, and who are fast vanishing awaj'. By these facts we are admonished to diltgence in preserving the facts material to the history of our fathers, and in striving to save from oblivion at least a part of what we have constantly been loosing. The following are the sur- names of settlers from 1768 to 179^0 : Adams, Cinclair, Evans, Ayers, Clark, Garland, Avery, Caswell, Green, Bunker, Colebath, Hodgdon, Blake, Dennett, Huckins, Bacheldei? Dudley, Hayes, Berry, Daniels, ^ Hill, Brown, Dockham, Hatch, Babb, Davis, Jacobs, Bickford, Drew, Kaime, Chesley, Edgerly, Lougee, Collins, Elliott, Locke, 74 HISTORY OF BARNSTEAD. 1863 Lord, Parshley, Tibbetts, Muncy, Pendergast, Seward, Madgett, . Place, Ures, Mason, Pitman, Williams Nelson, Shackford, "Walker, Nutter, Tasker, Wiggin. Pickering, Tuttle, FIRST SETTLERS. Ebenezer Adams was the first person who with a family settled in Barnstead ; he removed here from New- iagton and located himself on a lot near the north line of Barrington, and near the log cabin, which had been dedicated by his father as the first meeting-house in this then wilderness. . Colonel Richard Cinclaie came from Newington and established himself upon a lot of land where Elder Na- thaniel Wilson afterwards lived and died ; it was about six miles from the log church. Cinclair was the second settler. A story is often told here, that Mrs. Cinclair, in the absence of her husband, wearing snow-shoes, brought hay from Newington to Barnstead, (thirty miles) on a hand-sled, withjsrhich to feed and preserve the life of her cow. It has also been stated that this same lady, at one time on her way home from abroad, among the trees encountered a deer, drove him into the deep snow, and killing him with her jack-knife, took him home. 1863 FIRST FAMILIES. 75 Such New England mothers are not common in these our days. James Dealing was our third settler ; he located himself in the wilderness ; his mansion was according to the fashions, a log house ; it stood where Arthur Bickford now lives. Adams, Cinclair, and Dealing, all came from . Newington, had families, and were the first settlers of the forest. They usually felled the trees in a lot large enough for a small field, burned the ground over, and then planted it to corn. Dealing, at one time, had a corn field near his house, which had been invaded by the bears, and having business at Newingtofl, some thirty miles away, he tied his dog, in his field to frighten them away. This scheme worked well enough at first, but tlie master was de- tained too long from home, and the dog starved. Tradition does not tell us whether the bears starved or not. They probably inherited the corn at the decease of the dog. John Bickfokd commenced a residence here in 1765. He owned the Dealing farm, employed workmen, and being lame, used to superintend it on horseback. He was from Newington, and on the way to Barnstead, his son, John, (afterwards Colonel,) then eight years old, drove the team, but rode all the way "on the tongue of the sled " for fear of the bears. first town meeting. The first meeting of the town as a corporation was held here, at John Bickford's. He died in 1804. 76 HISTOEY OF BAKNSTEAD. 1863 Afterwards the son, Colonel John Bickfoed, took the location where the house of Charles Hodgdon, Jr., stood, and where Mr. Clark's house now stands. He Jauilt the Hodgdon house ; and then remove(^ to the Old Lyford house at the Dennett Place, now occupied by Arthur Bickford, where he continued to reside up to 1815, at which time he removed to the Captain Jq^n Chesley farm ; and thence to Cinclair's Mills, rebuilt them, and resided there until his decease in 1851. Colonel Bickford lived to the age of 85 years. He left two sons, Arthur and Daniel, both having families, and both residing in Barnstead. The Colonel was industii- ous, was generous, lived respected, and died much lamented. * Aethuk Bickfoed, his son, still resides on the old farm. In a letter he says : " When my father lived on the old Chesley Place he lost a sheep, killed by some wild beast. Not knowing what it was, I procured a trap and set it be- side the carcass. One day I went for the trap and it was not there. I followed the trap for a considerable distance through the woods, among the uprooted trees- ; heard the rattle of the chain, and saw the animal, such as I had never seen before. I procured a cudgel, and the animal ' showed fight.' I had to keep at a proper distance, away, outside the upturned roots ; but sometimes got near enough to give her ' a side-winder.' After a long fight I ' fetched her,' and took her to the house.- It was there decided to be a wild cat, a Siberian lynx. I set my • trap again, and in a few days caught another ; and in a few days more I caught another. There was a bounty on 18^^ FIRST FAMILIES. 77 them, ^ three dollars each. The pelts brought a dollar apiece. By this time you'd better think, I felt pretty well. Here ends my wild-cat story." Farms near to the " Great Road," then being built, in the south part of the town, were regarded and sought for by the first settlers as most desirable of any. The set- tlers of them, for the most part, were active business men, and all well worthy, at least, of a brief place in this work. Charles Hodgdon, Esquire, Sen., was from Newing- ton ; and settled on the Province Eoad in 1768. His was the first two-story, well-finished house. It stood on the south side of the road, nearly opposite the house since built by his son. He was a deacon of the church, a Justice of the Peace, and far several years a member of the Convention. The first chaise used in town was owned by him ; it had a square, standing top, lined with English calico. Charles, Senior, had two sons, Benjamin and Charles, both of whom, in their day, were prominent men; he died in 1815, much lamented, — aged seventy- five. John Elliott lived in the north ; he settled here about the year 1774. He was a man of much endurance. Tradition says he bought his corn at Durham ; that at one time he brought a bushel of it home upon his shoul- ders, some twenty-five miles ; that he had to ford the Branch river (Suncook). But the river had swollen so that he could not cross it, he however staid all night in the woods, not far from his own house ; but the storm abated. 78 HISTORY OF BARNSTEAD. 1863 in the morniug he forded the river and arrived -home with his corn, — there in sweet contentment to enjoy it. Major John Nutter settled here'in 1768. He. was from Newington ; was a descendant of Anthony Nutter of Dover (1662), and who was a councillor in 1682. Hatevil Nutter, one of his ancestors, was an inhabitant of Dover in 1669. Major John was an officer in the Revolution, and filled many prominent offices in town, such as Moderator, Se- lectman, and the like. He was gentlemanly in manner and was a ready speaker ; he took pride in the military, and was an efficient officer. He died at the age of eighty years upon his original homestead, leaving a large family. Samuel Kaine, Esquire, married his daughter. Joseph Bunker, in 1770, took for his homestead a lot on the Range, about half a mile on the north-east of the parade ; it contained a heavy growth of pine and oak timber. He was from Dover ; his son, Joseph, inherited the place, and after the decease of Joseph, Jr., Enoch, tlie grandson, inherited it. Enoch was a Free-will Baptist ; for many years meet- ings were held at his house. He removed to the State of Maine ; was a deacon of the church ; was a good man, and did much for his favorite denomination. Joseph, Jr., lived eighty years and upwards. His mother. Aunt Sarah as she was called, died in 1815, aged 105 years. Joseph, her son, at the age of eighty, as it is said, was addressed by his minister reminding him of the 1863 FIRST FAMILIES. 79 uncertainty of life; "God bless j^ou," said Joseph, " me die ? my old mother is living yet ! " Moses Dennett's homestead was on the high ground on the Province Road, towards Gilmanton ; he came from Portsmouth about the year 1769, was by trade a tailor. His house was of logs and stood upon the spot now occupied by his descendants. Mr. Dennett for a considerable time brought his provisions from Dover on horse-back, following the spotted trees. His house stood in the deep, dark woods, and in his absence he usually left a small boy with his wife. At one time the boy be- coming tired of a secluded life, deserted the house and went to his home in Dover, leaving the wife for several days and nights alone in her cabin, to be entertained by the voices of howling wolves and the bleak storms of winter. Mr. Dennett bad an excellent farm ; it has descended to the fourth generation, who are still living there. John Bunker, the miller, settled in Barnstead in 1769. His ancestors were from Maiden ; he came from Durham, N. H., had five «ons and two daughters. His land extended from Dodavah Bunker's hill (since Pitts- * field) , following the first range, taking in all the land on the east side of the river, to, and beyond the Province Road, including the mill privilege and land on the north side of the river, and including the lands where the Pa- rade Village stands. Mr. Bunker built his house on the high ground now owne'd by Dr. John Wheeler ; traces of the old cellar are still there. He built the first mill ; its timbers are of oak. 80 HISTORT OF BABNSXBAD. -1863 large and strong. Mr. Bunker was much respected, had served as Town Clerk, Moderator, and Selectman, and lived to the age of four-score years ; his widow, then sur- viving him, lived to the extreme old a,ge of ninety-flve. Eli Bunker. The mantle of John fell on Eli, and Eli inherited the mill, being the eldest son. They were all industrious business men, all had families ; Eli carried on the mill business, was inventive, was always seeking improvements, and was wealthy and generous. He was emphatically a man of inventions ; he erected a mill on dry ground, supposing he could make it operate by the power of weights, and without steam, wind, or water. His greatest fear was not that his mill would not go, but that he might not be able to stop it after it had started to go. The mill at length was finished, but being on high ground it would not budge an inch. The grain was put into the hopper, but no meal would come out ; . yet after a while he added horse power to it, and it operated very well. This mill for half a century at least stood there, under the appellation of Eli's perpetual motion. He had a large family. The male descendants o'f John and Eli have all left town, or have died ; Eli lived to the age of eighty years. His two youngest sons, by ' an Act of the Legislature, took the name "Banchor." Two of his grandsons are in Boston, viz :. John F. Banchor, Esquire, who resides at No. 50 East Springfield street, is a gentleman in extensive trade, and has done much to encourage the publication of the annals of Barnstead. 1863 ^ FIRST FAMILIES. 81 Geoege S. Banchoe, who resides at No. 23 High street, is also a merchant in a prosperous business", evincing most clearly, at least in this instance, that the spirit of enterprise which inspired the foreftithers is not lost in the sons, nor bleached .out by th» years of many generations. The original settlers from whom they, " descended were Joseph, John, Dodapher, and Jonathan. They were from Dover, and we think all of them are from the same stock. As earlj"- as 1634 there was one by that name at Mai- den ; he was there in 1637, and died in 1638. Benjamin, the son of George, had a son who graduated at Harvard in 1638 and died in 1670. His brother John died at Mai- den in 1672 ; a descendant hj the name of William is now a resident in Lowell . Thej' are usually men of tem- perate habits, healthy, well-proportioned, size large, aver- aging about two hundred pounds, and generally have lived to a profitable old age. Jacob Pickering resided on the elevated land about one mile north of the Parade ; he was a good farmer, reared a large family ; many of his descendants were busi- ness men, but like many others have left the town of their childhood, and have sought business and located their homes elsewhere. Thi^ family probably originated from John Pickering, a carpenter, who came to New Eng- land in 1630, who lived in Ipswich in 1634, and after- wards in Salem. John Pea vet, Esquire, early settled at Barnstead Cen- tre, purchased Tasker's Mills and lands adjoining. He 82 HISTORY OF BARNSTEAD. 1863 enlarged tbe mills, sold land, and greatly facilitated busi- ness in bis neighborhood. His native place was Bar- rington ; in height he was six feet four inches, was well- proportioned, kept a public house and a store of goods in connectiol! with his mill-business. He was ever active in •town affairs, — represented it in General Court, and served often as a selectmaji, and moderator. In Jackson's time he was the bearer of the Presidential vote of .New Hampshire to Washington, was a Captain' in the Militia, and was active in aid of the government in the war of 1812. He died at the age of eighty years, leaving one daughter to inherit the homestead ; she is the wife of Mr. Daniel Bickford. ISAAC GARLAND. He early settled at North Barnstead ; was the son of John Garland of Dover. He built a log cabin here, and lived in it many years ; it had neither door, window, glass, nor chimney. He lived a long life in this locality, and died here at the age of ninetj'. His years of marriage were seventy-two ; his wife died at the age of eighty-fee ven. They had six sons and three daughters. In his last years Mr. Garland was blind, yet always patient and cheerful. He was a reader, and some- times a writer of poetry. The following is from the pen of his old age, written on his birthday : — "My years now number eighty-four, How can I ask the Lord for more ? I'll lay my head upon His breast, — How peaceful there 'twill be to rest I * The following items of charge were taken from his ac- •^^•'^ FIRST FAMILIES. 83 count book of fifty years ago, evincing tlie priVes current of that day : — . One day's work, haying $0.50 Making pair of boots $1.50 Maid, one week .50 One bushel of wheat 1.50 One 4 weeks old pig .60 One bushel of corn 1.00 Use of horsB .50 One bushel rye .75 Use of wagon, 15 miles .50 One bushel flax seed 1.00 Making a plow .50 One bushel barley .75 "Wood for same .50 One J/good boards 5.50 Making pair shoes .50 One AT good shingles 2.00 One cord hemlock wood $2.50 Seventy-five years ago the wild bear had not disap- peared in this locality, and the settlers sometimes used to set guns for them in their corn-fields. In doing this, a long line was attached to the gun, at one end, and fastened at the other ; and the bear was invited to shoot himself in crossing it. At one time, in Mr. Garland's absence from home, a neighbor had set a gun in his corn-field ; on his return, in the evening, Mr. Garland, not knowing what had been done, went out to visit his corn, and feeling vigorous started upon the run, — the line caught his shoe-buckle, the gun discharged itself with a loud report and the balls went whistling into a log close behind him. Mr. Gar- land's vigorous movement, as he thought, preserved his life, as by the favor of an over-ruling Providence in whom he believed and had ever trusted. ErCHAKD Garland was a son of Isaac, lived in East Barnstead, and was a most useful and exemplary citizen. He was a thorough 'English scholar, a teacher of schools at least for a quarter of a century, and an excellent farmer. 84 HISTORY OF BARNSTEAD. 1863 At the' age of forty he made himself master of the Greek aud Hebrew languages, so far, at least, as to be able to read the 01d:-and New testaments ia their original tongues. He had a large library ; had served twice as a representative to the General Court ; had filled the offices of County Commissioner, and Selectman ; was cautious and exact ; was self-taught, and was highly respected for his piety and virtue. He fell in his field by a sun-stroke, aged sixty-eight years'. , Nathaniel Adams, the son of Dr. Joseph, and grand- son of the Rev. Joseph Adams, lived on the new road, near Beauty Pond, and on the old homestead originallj' ' settled by his father ; he had a nephew settled near him. He was a man social in his manners, as were the most of his kindred ; he was a Church member, much devoted, — neither cold nor storm kept him from church on the Sab- bath ; even in the midst of a temiiest "Uncle Nat" was sure to come, and "Aunt Nabby" by his side well pro- tected from the cold. The old erect, red sleigh and grey horse, jingling at least one bell, brought them safely ; and the happy pair were always well received. He lived to more than his fourscore, and died leaving one^on. John Keniston. Where is the boy in town that has not heard of him ? He came from Newington at an early day, and pitched his tent near the shore of the Branch river, and near its junction with the Suncook. He was a great hunter and trapper : the otter, the beaver, and the foxes ; the mink, the musk-rat, the wild goose, and the duck, — all had occasion to fear his weapons of death, and to keep aloof from his hidden traps and deceptive boats. 1863 FIRST FAMILIES. 85 Beneath a bunch of pine or hemlock boughs, Keniston would sometimes secrete himself, and floating down the stream thus disguised, would deal (feath upon large flocks of unwary ducks, or whatever else might be decoyed or deceived by him. Keniston lived fourscore years and upwards ; was a good citizen, and left children who inherited his estate. Pitt Lougee settled on the south side of the Suncook, opposite Bunker's Mill. He built a good farm-house, and also a mill for coloring and dressing cloths. This was our first coloring and clothing mill ; the same site is now owned and occupied by J. M. Babcock, Esquire, for the same purposes, yet very much enlarged and improved. The old fulling mill was a small building, and part of it remained unfinished a long time. The cloth was fulled and colored here, and then it was carried to a small build- ing near the dwelling house, there pressed and finished. The press was of oak, and was large according to the old fashions. Mr. Lougee came from Barrington, near Dover. In person he was tall and erect, his hair white, tied in a cue ; he was quick in motion, always industrious ; the tones of his voice were feminine and youthful, while his silvery locks indicated advanced old age. He returned at length to his native Barrington, where he died at the age of ninety years. Pblatiah Daniels settled in the south-east of Barn- stead. He was here early; was prominent in town af- fairs ; was intelligent, lived to a good old age ; left chil- dren, but none of them remain. 86 HISTORY OF BAENSTEAD. " 1863 Samdel Caswell was here as early as 1785, took an elevated lot on the high grounds at Beauty Hill, which commanded a beautiful view from the White Hills to Portsmouth Harbor. He came from Nottingham, was a temperance man, and was opposed to the use of tobacco as well as to ar- dent spirits. His strictly temperance habits probably added many, many years to his long life. He was at all times industrious, quiet, and contented ; and, as has been said, was never seen fifteen miles from home. He died in 1865, aged one hundred and seven years. He reared a large family ; one of his sons inherited the homestead. Captain John Deew^. He resided on the Province Eoad ; his place was the same, since occupied by Benja- min Ilodgdon. Captain Drew had been an officer in the Revolution, and settled here immediately afterwards. His land ex- tended from the Pittsfield line to the Range parallel, and onward north of the Province Road, containing both val- ley and rolling lands. He at once felled the trees and cleared several acres of it for planting. After living a while in a cabin, he built a large framed house, also a barn on the opposite side of the road ; this house he occupied as a tavern. His manner of life was singular ; he was in the habit of dressing in furs, and in various rustic garbs ; and for most of the time made the deep woods his dwelling place. He often wandered far back into Canada, supplying himself with game from the forest ; and when that failed, he fed himself on diomestic animals, such as he could find on the way. Thus wandering he lived many years, sometimes 1863 FIKST FAMILIES. 87 however trading in horses and cattle with the Canadians. Occasionally he would return home, but his stay at home was usually of short duration. At length, on one of his returns, he sold his house and all his lands to one Collins, reserving only a small lot in the orchard next' to the street, and near the west end of the barn for his burying- ground. Several years had elapsed when the old Captain re- turned ; and after being supported a considerable time, at the town's expense, he died, and was buried in the or- chard. A rude stone is left there to mark his resting place. Subsequent to Drew's decease, as well as before, there were many strange stories afloat in reference to him, but whether true or false will perhaps never be known. There were several circumstances which tended to rouse sus- picion and give currency to the reports then in circula- tion. Drew's was a tavern house, and a stranger (whom they called a peddler), one evening, had been seen riding that way. The next day, near by, a horse was- found feeding by the road side, and there being no owner for him, he was taken to Drew's barn ; and, according to the laws or fashions of that time, a birch withe was tied about fhe neck, and the horse was cried as an astray on all the roads in town, but no owner came for him then or ever afterwards. This matter rested for a time, but soon sus- picions and surmises took wing, until the story of Drew and the Peddler was common to all the neighborhood. Some time afterwards a cave was discovered near the same old house, to the east of it, which was. covered in, and had been kept most adroitly ; and being found after 88 ' HISTOEY OF BARNSTEAD. 1863 the old man had gone hence, tended to perpetuate those suspicions and surmises as against the good faith of its original proprietor, and paved the way for ghosts and hobgoblins in that neighborhood. Collins continued to dwell there, but the old barn, as they would have it, was haunted with the midnight ghosts of the departed ; the barn floor even appeared to be moved by them ; the planks with which it was laid could . not be kept down ; at night they would be torn up ; Col- lins would nail them down, but they could not be made to stay there ; and such was the faith of this man as to the wicked works which had been done in that old barn, and in the unearthly spectres which seemed to follow and in- habit it, he at length became induced to tear it down. This being done he built one on the opposite side of the road ; and by that act, and from that day, for aught we know, the anger of the ghosts became appeased. This was many years ago ; since then we are not aware that any such spectral demonstrations have been witnessed there. Aaron Chesley came from Durham in 1771, and bought the land bordering on the Suncook, west of it, and not far from the Parade. This proved to be well- wooded, abounding with heavy timber, and productive! He soon became a prosperous farmer ; annually he filled his large barn with hay and grain ; his numerous stock of cows, fat oxen, and horses, amply rewarded his industry, his faithfulness and toil. He raised much fruit, and an- nually made from twenty-five to thirty hogsheads of cider. This being stored in his cellar, would in the course of the year be. brought up in mugs, to be consumed as a bev- 18^3 FIRST FAMILIES.- 89 erage by the family, and by workmen employed on the farm. Mr. Chesley owned a part of the new saw-mill which stood on the south side of the Suncook, opposite the mills. " Uncle Aaron," as he was called, was thick set, head inclining forward, with long white locks ; he was quick in movement as well as in wit. While passing the village doctor's door one day, he was saluted, — " How are ye, Mr. Chesley?" " I am right up and down, like a dog's fore leg." " Yes," said the doctor, " and you're a right up and down dog all over." They were always friendly, yet ready for a joke, try- ing to make life cheerful. Mr. Chesley was a descendant of Philip Chesley who lived in Dover in 1642. Aaron died in 1820 ; his family was large, and his descendants still occupy the old home- stead. Richard Sinclaik was the son of Maj. Richard Sinclair, of Gilmanton. who was one of the petitioners for the iirst Town-meeting of that town. Richard Sinclair of Barnstead, was born in Ne wing- ton ; his wife was the daughter of Charles Hodgdon, Esquire ; he was the first trader in Barnstead, 'and did much in raising men for the service of the Revolution. In town affairs he was active, and evinced a taste for in- ternal improvements. His business habits often called him from home; at length he left home, apparently as usual, but never returned, and never afterwards was 90 HISTOKY OF BAEHSTEAD. 1863 traced. His wife was a Puritan, who lived much beloved, and died lamented. His son, Chai'les G., was a soldier in the war of 1812, and eventuallj'- died of disease caused by a wound re- ceived in that service. Their descendants do not appear to be numerous in Barnstead, yet one grandson, John. G. Sinclair, Esq., is prominently known, at least politically,^ — is valiant in the democratic faith of his ancestors, and is one of the brave sons of New Hampshire. He has extended favors to us in the publication of these annals. John Tasker, Esquire. He lived in the East part of Barnstead, on the same premises now occupied by his descendants ; was a smith by trade, and a native of New- ington. He had purchased at auction large tracts of land, prices varying from £10 to £17 by the hundred acres. This land was sold in the payment of taxes mostly to cancel expenses of the Province Road. Mr. Tasker w.as a man of considerable wealth and influence ; was a farmer, and occasionally iilled the offices of selectman and mod- erator and other places of public trust. He lived to the age of nearly fourscore. His son Joseph inherited the homestead, and lived to a good old age, .and died leaving sons and grandsons still to inhei-it the soil. Moses Rand, a native of Newbur3'port, located him- self in 1772, on the high grounds then uncultivated, but fertile, towards " Beauty Hill." He died in 1825 at an advanced age, leaving a fine farm to his surviving family. He had three sons, Samuel, Wentworth and Jonathan. The two latter were soldiers in the war of 1812. These 1863 FIRST FAMILIES. 91 both died in northern New York. Samuel married, and lived and died here, leaving a large family. His son still occupies the homestead. One of the grandsons is a physician in Vermont, and proves to be an honor to the name. A daughter of Moses became the wife of John Shannon, who was a mail carrier, and who brought the first mail into Barnstead. Afterwards the same mail came constantly freighted with that celebrated journal, " The New Hampshire Patriot," which has ever worked wonders in shaping the politics of Barnstead, and of the state. P''or many 3'ears its editor was Isaac Hill. Moses Rand was a good citizen. Dr. Mark Walker of North Barn- stead is a descendant in the fourth generation, and is a worthy member of his profession. The Bands are descendants from Francis Rand of Pis- cataqua — 1623. William Lord, in 1780, settled on Lord's Hill near the Parade. This settler was noted for his devotional piety ; although the long words which he brought into action at religious gatherings were not very instructive nor entertaining, yet " Uncle Lord," (as they called him,) was always respected. He lived the life of an honest man, and died the death of a Christian, aged 85 years. Lemuel Hayes, the son of Paul Hayes of Barrington, was born in 1777. In 1800 he married Abigail Bennett, daughter of John Bennett, Esq., and settled in Barnstead, a farmer. His was a fine location of rolling wood-land in the north-east corner of the town, near the Alton line. This farm proved to be one of the best, and for many years Mr. Hayes cultivated it with success. He lived 92 HISTORY OF BAENSTEAD. here to see his large family of seven sons and two daughters reared to full age, and trained for the active and useful duties and business of life. Late years, this farm has been owned by the town, who have made it a residence for the unfortunate poor ; and from year to' year, as they become objects of public charity, they are left here, most of them in their last days, to enjoy as well as they may, the sweets of an agreeable, pleasant home. The sons of Lemuel Hayes, still living, are George W., in Dover, N. H. ; Stephen in Worcester, Mass ; Jesse, in Holston ; Alvin, in Cambridgeport ; and Joseph R. Hayes, in Lowell, Massachusetts. Dr. J. R. Hayes settled in that city about 25 years ago — has had a successful business — constantly keep- ing -a large store of medicines, and, becoming wealthy and influential, has accomplished much good in his day and generation. His wife was Miss Leah D. Hayes, daughter of Paul Hayes, Esq., of Alton, N. H. It was by the friendly aid and encouragement of Dr. Hayes that the editor of this historical work was at first induced to undertake the arduous but agreeable task of its revision and publication. Eliphalet Ndtter, Esquire, was a son of Major John Nutter-. He lived in the southeast section, was an owner of real estate to a large amount. In 1807 he married Lovey Locke, a daughter of James Locke, a first settler, (she had seen the bears in this then wilderness,) with whom he lived many years, and then dying left several children. He was active in business. He was a justice 1863 FIRST FAMILIES. 93 — tried causes as such, was an overseer of the poor, was often a selectman, and moderator in town meeting. In his time he was the principal trial justice at Barnstead, and to him the people applied to obtain a redress of their small grievances which were comprised within his immedi- ate jurisdiction. Pie built a saw-mill near his house, and furnished much lumber to the inhabitants ; — was pious, social, pleasant, and full of merriment. He died full of years, much lamented, leaving a large family. His son follows in the foot-steps of his honored father, still occupying the old homestead. Another son, E. S. Nutter, Esquire, (b. Nov. 26, 1819) was for many j'ears in a successful trade at Barnstead. Was postmaster here under two administrations. In 1855 he removed to Concord, N. H. ; has since been en- gaged in a lucrative business at home and abroad, and of late has retired on the fruitful accumulations of his industry. He is President of one of the New Hampshire Eailroads. His wife was Miss Sylvania M. Blanch ard of Lowell, Mass. Their only daughter, Ada R., an accomplished young lady, died at the age of 17, much beloved. Mr. Nutter is one of the men who have favored a pub- lication of the History of Barnstead. CHARLES HODGDON, ESQ. He was the son of Charles Hodgdon, senior, who was an early settler, and a deacon of the church. Charles, junior, , was its representative in the New Hampshire legislature not less than nineteen years. He was an active justice of the peace,* was constant at church and liberal to the minister. He reared a large family, and devoted much of the fruits of his industry to their educa- 94 HISTORY OF BARNSTEAD. 1863 tion. He prospered, had faithful servants, built his house large, aud his many barns were well filled with hay and stock. His fine horses and carriages were ever ready at his call ; and few were the travellers who passed that way without greeting him. A clergyman, the Rev. J. G. Adams, of Lowell, Mass., who, when young, made a visit to this, his honored uncle, has favored us with the following communication : A VISIT AT HODGDON'S FORTY YEARS AGO. " I have quite a vivid remembrance of my first visit to Barnstead, in my boyhood. I had, never before been so fur away from my native seaport town (Portsmouth), into the country. And it was the country, reallj', to me ; and country life did I there realize in all its positiveness and exuberance. My home for the most of the time during my visit was at my uncle's, Charles Hodgdon, Esq. His house was of ample dimensions, and answered the threefold uses of home, law-offlce, and hotel. Such a kitchen as I was ushered into in the early evening, after a sleighride of long hours from Portsmouth, I had not seen before. That crackling fire in the immense chimney place, where a little less than a foot-of long wood was ablaze ; the big table on the opposite side of the room, with its large circular leaf turned back, and its under frame answering for a chair ; the sturdy cook, Betsy Meader, with her glowing face, preparing supper before that fiery glare where the oak and maple were consunir ing ; the hearty welcome of cousins and other friends, all new faces to me ; the equally welcome supper of substan- tial ham aud sweet brown bread, and what a waggish, son 1863 FIKST FAMILIES. 95 of the Granite State once called the treat of all other treats — doughnuts and apple sauce ; and the cheerful chatting of the family and neighbors and friends, and the singing of some of the olden tunes by the musical mem- bers of that household band ; these realities are almost as freshly in mind now as when more than forty years ago they were first and indelibly written into my memory. My uncle Charles was a man of much mental vigor, although his bodily powers were affected by a palsied trem- ulousness which followed him through most of his life. He had good business talents, a generous heart and a strong will. He was "justice of the peace and quorum," store-keeper, settler of estates, and adviser in general to all who sought counsel of him.. His wife, my father's sister, was one of the worthiest of women, a frugal house- wife, a devoted mother, and a faithful and trusting Christ- ian. The family were all singers, and the children, older and younger, made one of tlie most musical of choirs. I first heard them sing " Luton " together, around that large fire-place, — Charles, Mary, Elizabeth and Nancy, each taking a part ; and they sang it with a will and a richness that I have never yet heard, that is, just as it sounded to me then. " Luton " since has always been a favorite tune with me. The store of my uncle was a mixed one of dry and " "West India goods and groceries." As was usual then in country stores, some of the staple articles in the West In- dia goods line were sugars, molasses, salt fish, and Santa Cruz. New England, or " White Eye," was the democrat- ic, Santa Cruz the aristocratic, beverage ; although in not a few instances they became strangely intermixed. Cider, my uncle used to say, was a "puncher." That 96 HISTOKT OF BARNSTEAD. 1863 would be often soilght in the house, after the stronger potation had been furnished at the store. It is a matter for congratulation that the Granite State has somewhat more light in reference to these drinking usages now than it had forty years ago ; and still there is need of an in- crease of it. Law cases were attended to' at my uncle's, and I remember meeting there often, my uncle's brother, Ben- jamin, of the "Parade," as a writer and reader of depo- sitions. Of plaintiffs, defendants, and witnesses, there comes up before me some rather comical reminiscences, but the groupings are a little too nebulous for me to bring out distinctly with the pen. I have spoken of my uncle's home as a kind of hotel. That is, he usually kept open house for such travelling people as were on their way to and from the lower towns in the winter season, and who would rather tarjy with bird than at the tavern houses, some miles below or above him. As his accommodations, house and stable were ample, and his hired and other help an efficient force, always, he was in readiness for such applicants as might occasionally present themselves. It was during my visit here that I had a most agreea- ble experience in the district school, then taught by Rev. Enos George. The old school-house was well ventilated, with artificial if not artistic openings, and the room, in those cold winter days, was always warmest just before we were in readiness to leave it. But we had good times there. Our " spelling bees " and exercises in grammar were specially enjoyable, and our worthy "^ village master," the town's minister, although careful in the maintenance of 1863 FIRST FAMILIES. 97 his authority, was one of the most considerate of teach- ers. Blessings on his memory ! Such are some_of the recollections of my flrst visit to Barnstead. But what changes have been wrought there in those forty years now gone ! JOHN PITMAN. He was born in Lee, N. H., May 7, 1732, and in March, 1789, settled in Barnstead, as did also his brother Samuel. His lands were in the east part of Barnstead, where no clearing had been previously made, and no public road had been opened in that neighborhood. He commenced by cultivating one acre at a time. The bears and wolves troubled his flocks and planta- tions. Many difficulties he had to contend with. Yet by industry and frugality he overcame all obsta;cles. He was a man of stern integrity ; accordingly he trained bis children to be faithful to their calling, honest in their dealings, and charitable to the afflicted. May 7, 1832, on his hundredth birthday, Mr. Pitman still enjoyed good health. On that day, he sent for his clergyman, Rev. Enos George, who baptized him, and they partook of the Lord's supper together. It seemed to the old man like the beginning of a new life. About that time he procured a set of teeth, white, strong and fashionable, which was in truth a wonder in the neighborhood, and he began to look young again. He lived to the age of 101 years, 9 months, and 21 (Jays — died Feb. 28, 1834, and was buried in the field where a plain stone bears record of his name and age. His wife, Susannah, died March 6, 1835, aged 95 98 HISTOEY OF BAUNSTEAD. 1863 years. His sons, to the fourth generation, still occupy the homestead. Sarah Leighton, the centre of seven generations, still resides in Barnstead. She has lived to see Ihem all, as follows : Hannah JSmall, the wife of Edward Small, aged 100 years ; Sarah Small, wife of Samuel Pitman ; Elizabeth Pitman, wife of Benjamin Winkley ; Sarah Winkley, wife of James Leighton ; Varnum H. Leigh- ton, the son of James Leighton; Charles H. Leighton, the son of Varnum H. Leighton, and Frank W. Leighton, aged 6 years, of the 7th generation, son of Charles H. Leighton. She has had two grandfathers, two uncles, one brother, and twelve cousins, all by the name of Samuel. This lady is now in her seventy-fifth year. Ebenezer Nutter was from Newington ; born Dec. JO, 1756. His wife was Temperance Colebath of Ports- mouth. In 1783 they came from Newington on horseback, with a child in their arms, and plodded their way to North Barnstead, guided by spotted trees. Their log-cabin was four miles from their nearest neighbor; but it was a pleasant elevation of land, commanding a pleasant view of the surrounding country. Mr. Nutter had been a soldier in the Revolution, and was a pensioner. The first grass seen on his farm was from a turf brought home by Mrs. Nutter Irom her nearest neighbor. Mr. Nutter was an honest, upright man, and filled the oflSce of deacon more than fifty years. He had eleven children : seven sons, and four daughters. 1863 FIRST FAMILIES. 99 The first death was that of his eldest daughter, aged nineteen. She had anticipated it, and had expressed a desire to be buried beneath her favorite birch tree. The same tree is now standing. It still remains, true to cast its summer shade, and to scatter its autumn leaves upon the asKes of that dear one who had seemed to seek and to implore its genial presence more than sixty years ago. That tree is now nine feet in circumference, and is the only on 3 of the "old growth" now remaining upon the old homestead. Deacon Nutter had resided here seventy years ; had lived to see how the generations come and go. At the age of ninety he rested from his labors. The third and fourth generations still live there. Solomon Pendergast, as a deacon, was the successor of Deacon Nutter. He resided at the north part of Barn- stead, and oflBciated in that office for many years. He delighted in hunting, and was sometimes successful in catching bears. He lived to the age of seventy-five years and bid farewell to earth and all its scenes, seeking a rest in that as yet undiscovered haven best known to that God whom he served. He left a family of sons, upon one of whom the mantle of the holy order still rests. Deacon John Pendergast, the son, is still a resident here. William Kelley, an Irish tailor, came here in 1814. On his passage to this country he was wrecked on the shore of the Bay of Fundy, and after being a wanderer for some months in Maine, he found his way to Barn- stead, where, from house to house, he became useful to 100 HISTORr OF BARNSTE^D. 1863 its-inhabitants in his vocation as a tailor. He was the only Irishman who had resided there up to that time. He' entertained a favorable idea of his own. countrymen as tailors, but could not endure the rude fashions of the Yankees, and insisted that in Ireland no Yankee would be permitted even to heat the goose of a tailor. Kelley was a good workman. He died here. Having given a brief account of the first settlers of Barnstead so far as our tradition traces them, we now return to the circumstances of its being chartered. The town at that period was laid out six miles square. There were no settlements eastward nor towards the great lake. The forest was dense, and it was with con- siderable diflBculty that the pioneers, when absent from home, found their way back to their cabins. Their foot-ways and their bridle-paths in the wilder- ness were indicated by spotted trees ; yet in the dark- ness of night these guide-posts became of little use. The great lake, Winnipesaugee, was only six miles north, but very little was then known of it. It had been explored only by the land-surveyors, who had represented it as abounding with fish, surrounded with a spacious forest fruitful in game. The Indians built their camp-fires there, having been driven fdrth from their more southern hunting-grounds^ and about the lakeshore they seemed more secluded and more at peace. The cariboo, the otter, the beaver and fox, as well as 1863 PONDS AND STREAMS. 101 the more ferocious bear, had often bit the dust here, smitten by the stealthy arrow of the red man. Standing upon that beautiful lakeshore, we can but depict those sturdy sons of the forest ; those tall, copper- faced, beardless natives of the new world, erect in man- liness, and dressed in the gaudy plumage of variegated birds, and in the furs of wild beasts, while they breathed the pure air from the gentle ripple that laves the shore, or joined in the giddy dance, or sought the game that gathered there. This to Mm was indeed a happy shore ; it had been the home of his fathers. As if bequeathed to his ances- tors bj' the Great Spirit, it had come down to them and to him, from the beginning of the world, through count- less generations. ♦ This dense, wide spread forest was sacred to him ; no wonder then, that by his own right arm, in many a mur- derous conflict, it was sought to be defended. S T R E A M'S . The rivers take their rise from the ponds in the north. There are several of them, rolling their crystal waters over pebbly foundations ; they meander through our six miles square of territory, affording considerable- power for saw and grain mills, as well as for manufacturing purposes. Within these six miles there are no less than eight ponds, all of which afford a good supply of ish, yet the 102 HISTORY OF BAENSTEAD. 1863 finny tribes, as well as the game of the forests, are greatly diminished by the lapse of years and the march of civil- ization. FISHING AND HUNTING GROUNDS. The Suncook river, which passes through the town at its centre, is the grand channel which receives and bears away its tributaries, and the bright waters which descend directly from the ponds heretofore named. In this stream, as well as in the ponds, are the pickerel, speckled trout, and perch, which for richness of flavor, nothing or the finny tribe is more excellent. The early hunters found in the forests here, the black bear in great numbers, the wolf, the deer, the wild cat, the fox, the otter and beaver ; these were -valuable for their skins, and were taken in large numbers. The beaver had his house and his dam ; his dams were built with so much sagacity and strength, that many of them remain almost entire to this day, and we are told that now and then a solitary beaver is seen wandering near, as if to visit once again his ancient homestead, long lostand now going to decay. THE FIRST RECORDS. Up to the year 1772, the registry of all the sales of real estate ia New Hampshire was made in Rockingham 1^^^ PROVINCE ROAD. 103 County ; it was kept at Exeter. After that year the records were removed and kept at Dover, in the County of StraflTord. (In the appendix is a copy of one of the original deeds, marked c.) PROVINCE EOAD. In the year 1770 this road was ordered to be built by the General Court. It was intended as a great thorough- fare from Portsmouth to Canada ; and passed through the town on or near the range of the first tier of lots. The land at that time being all, or nearly all, in the hands of the proprietors, a road tax was assessed upon each owner. This outlay, although it would work a great conven- ience to actual settlers, proved burdensome, and many snrrendei-ed their rights to the land rather than pay the tax thus imposed upon them. Thereupon many of the lots were sold by the officers of the Crown ; the sales being made at Dover, Newington and Portsmouth. The road was made under a contract with the propri- etors by Jonathan Chesley, who after finishing the road, removed to Bamstead. His homestead was about a mile east of the centre. His daughter, Sophia, afterwards became the wife of Eev. Enos George. Previous to the building of this road, the inhabitants had great labor and inconvenience in obtaining their provisions thus far into the woods. Their nearest places 104 HISTOEY OF BAENSTEAD. . 1863 of supply were Dover and Durham, the way being traced by spotted trees, through a rough hilly wilderness, and over unbridged streams, bearing the burden on foot or on horseback. The road when finished, as of course would tend to increase the number of settlers, and at the same time would give much strength and encouragement to the original land holders still then residing in Barnstead. TROUBLE WITH ^THE ENGLISH GOVERNMENT. Soon after the treaty of peace with France, the colo- nists were greatly irritated by an attempt of the English Parliament to increase their revenues by an increase of taxation upon the colonies. To this end, an act had been passed laying a duty on all paper, vellum, or parchment used in America, and declaring all writings on unstamped paper materials to be null and void. This was called the Stamp Act, and received the royal assent to it March 22, 1765. When the news of this act reached here, the people everywhere manifested alarm, and a determination to resist its execution. The assembly of Virginia at once and decisively declared its opposition to the Act by spirited resolutions. Massachusetts also protested against the Stamp Act, and took the lead at this important crisis. In Boston such 1863 WAK "WITH ENGLAND. 105 was the indignation against the measure, that houses, in some instances, were demolished over the heads of such as favored the measure. And as if to render the opposi- tion complete, the Boston merchants met and resolved never to import any more goods from Great Britain, during the existence of the Stamp Act. Deputies from nine of the colonies met, agreed on a declaration of rights, and sent a petition to the King, and a memorial to both Houses of Parliament, in which their opposition to such a law was fully set forth. In Parliament, Mr. Pitt was eloquent against such oppression ; finally, on the 18th of March, 1766, the Stamp Act was repealed. Still the British Ministry would not abandon their design of increasing their revenue by extraordinary tax- ation in America. In 1767 an act was passed by Parliament imposing duties on glass, painters' colors, and on coffee and tea imported to the colonies. These duties were small in themselves, yet the principle on which they were imposed was offensive. From this, another association was formed for sus- pending the importation of all goods on which duties were charged. This opposition, supported by petitions and remon- strances, procured the abolition of all duties except three pence on every pound of tea; but the colonists still re- sisted. The British Government finding mild efforts unavailing in sustaining such laws, sent to Boston four regiments of troops to be stationed there to enforce them. 106 HISTORY OF BARNSTEAD. 1863 Early in 1774 Parliament ordered the refractory col- onists to be punished, and appointed General Gage to take charge of the troops of Boston and execute its mandates. It ordered the port of Boston to be closed from all commerce, and thus all intercourse with the town by water was suspended. The colonial government, the public records, and offices were removed to Salem. All this could but serve to irritate the American people. In May, 1774, General Gage arrived in Boston, com- missioned as Governor of Massachusetts and Commander in Chief of the British forces. He notified the assembly to meet him in convention at Salem, but on further reflec- tion countermanded the summons. The counter order, however, being deemed illegal, the meeting was held in the Governor's absence. They then and there organized themselves into a Provincial Congress, formed a plan of defence, appointed general officers, and adopted measures to collect supplies and military stores, at Concord and Worcester. This Massachusetts assembly, after a short adjourn- ment, again met, and voted to raise twelve thousand soldiers, and sent agents to the neighboring colonies soliciting their co-operation. Thereupon the neighboring colonies sent their commit- tees, and agreed with the assembly on a plan of opera- tions. '' At about the same time, on April 19, 1775, the British army opened the war of the Revolution,' by taking a march from their encampment in Boston to Lexington 1863 WAR WITH ENGLAND. 107 and Concord, with the intent to take or destroy military supplies. The battle at Bunker's Hill, on the 17th of June, then next followed. The American or rebel army (so called) was stationed at Cambridge. All were on the alert at the common cry of war. The farmer, the fisherman, and men of every grade and occupation, repaired to Cambridge with whatever of weapons they had, until they became an army numbering fourteen thousand men. On the 2nd of Julj-, 1775, General George Washing- ton appeared at Cambridge and took command. He found the troops, many of them without equipments and poorly clad ; yet thej' were filled with the blood of patriots, and were alive to obey his orders. Within three miles, at Boston, were the British army, then numbering twenty thousand well trained troops. The pay allowed to his army was one shilling per day to each man. The dress was brown osnaburgs, something like a shirt, double-caped over the shoulder, in imitation of an Indian garb, and bearing upon the breast of it, in distinct letters, " Liberty or Death." Thus commenced the war of the Revolution, to which Barnstead contributed its just share, thereby encouraging the colonies to become free and independent. It is worthy of remembrance that, when by order of Congress, the Test List was taken, there was no one found in Barnstead who would not, " at the risk of his life and fortune, oppose the hostile proceedings of the British fleets and armies." (See Test List, appendix d.) • Soon after the commencement of the war of the Eev- olution a new arrangement in its affairs was established in Barnstead. The town chose its own oflicers, collected 108 HISTORy OF BARNSTEAD. 1863 its own taxes, and the proprietors were at once relieved from duties which had previously devolved upon them. RECORDS The following is the copy of a deed in 1777, conveying lot number 33, for non-payment of taxes from Hatevil Nutter, junior, to the purchaser, Benjamin Nutter :. "Town Collector, Stephen Pickering, of Barnstead, in the County of Strafford and State of New Hampshire, yeoman, Collector of Town, County and State Tax for the Town, 1777, and in consideration of thirty-six shillings lawful money paid by Benjamin Nutter of Barnstead, aforesaid gentleman, he being the lowest bidder at the public vendue sale, according to the terms of the vendue for the sale of lands : We confirm unto him and bis heirs, in the third range of lots, number 33, being part of a one hundred acre lot originally, in the right of HatevU Nutter, junior. John Tasicbr, Justice of the Feme. Witness : Winthrop Smart, John Tasker. MASON TITLE. About this time, and previously, there had been a great embarrassment to the settlers, in consequence of a claim set up against their titles by the Mason heirs. This claim was transferred to persons in Portsmouth, alleging it to have come through the agency, or in behalf of the 1863 , TOWN RECORDS. ' 109 British Government. It covered all the lands in Barn- stead, and settlers began to fear the loss of £ill their titles, which had been earned through much toil, and purchased in good faith many j'ears previously. This claim extended back to 1621, and purported to be from the Plymouth company. At the death of Mason it fell to his son, .John Tafton Mason, and then to his daughter Jane. In 1738 this claim had been transferred to Theodore Atkinson, Hunking Wentworth, and others of Portsmouth. At this time, settlers by paying a small fee, became released from the long and wearisome vexation of this claim. , • This John L. Mason was from Hampshire County, England, and from this Countj' New Hampshire took its name. FIRST TOWN MEETING. Of record, it appears that on November 22, 1775, the voters were called together for the choice of State and County oflScers. This appears to have been the first meet- ing for such a purpose ; it was called in connection with the voters of the inhabitants of Gilmanton, and was holden at the house of William Parsons, junior. At this meeting Joseph JSadger was unanimously elected to the office of an assembly man, (representative,) to attend at the meeting of the Legislature in December of that year, at Exeter. Votes also were cast for a Councillor for the County. At the assembly M. Weare of Hampton Falls, presided, a plan of Government was adopted, and a resolution was passed, recommending a continuation of the war. 110 HISTORY OF BARNSTEAD. 1863 The more immediate action of Barnstead in the war of the Revolution is of record. From this it appears that in the year 1775 the popula- tion of the Town was 252 : males under 16 years, 82 ; from 16 to 50, 53 ; over 50, 4 ; females. 111 ; in the army, 2 ; fire arms, 28 ; wanting, 25 ; powder, none. It seems that this first census was taken by order of the Conven- tion, to ascertain the number which would be held to bear arms in defence of the colonies. At a town meeting held April 26, 1775, "Voted, Captain Richarcl Sinclair, 1 £, Us, 6d lawful money, for his and the men's expenses in going clown below for the defence of our country." " August 22,. 1776, the town " voted to pay four men forty-eight shillings each for a bounty to go to Crown Point. "Voted, John Tasker and Samuel Pitman a committee of safety." At a meeting holden by the town in the same year, at • which John Bunker presided, " Voted, Six hundred dollars to four men to serve at Crown Point." • The town's proportion of corn for the army was 3885 pounds. " Voted, December 12, 1776, $52 bounty for every man who would go to Crown Point on the expedition the present year." "June 17, mi, Voted, $600 to the men to serve at Crown Point." " Voted, That all the money paid by the sundry persons for the one and three year's men should be paid by the town." 1863 TOWN RECORDS. Ill " 1778, Voted, Richard Cinclair and Benjamin Nutter be a committee to liire soldiers at the best rate they can, as they may be sent for the present year, to go into the sei-vice. " Voted, That John Elliott should gather the corn we are to furnish the ai-my, and that he shall have four bushels for every one hundred he raises. " Voted, To pay Richard Cinclair two hundred dollars for letting out Stephen Hood to the service." " 1781, Voted, That we will raise men to go into the army according to their worth and wealth. " Voted, That sUver money be paid to one three year's man and no more." Some of the soldiers above referred to belonged in Barnstead ; others were hired from other places. The products of the land were plenty ; corn was abundant, but gold and silver were exceedingly scarce. Paper money issued by the new Government began to depreciate and became valueless. This continental money (as it was called) was flooding the town, but could not be passed off to any good purpo'se, and many lost by it. This long and tedious war of sevcii years at length came to an end, and great was the rejoicing of the people. Taxes had been, and still continued to be, burdensome ; but these were nothing in the sight of an independent, energetic community. TOWN RECORDS. The records of Barnstead have generally been kept with neatness and safety ; yet a part of them of late have been mislaid, perhaps lost. The volume commencing in 1774, eight years subsequent to the first settlement, is, however, well preserved and in good condition. 112 HISTORY OF BAENSTEAD. 1863 It may be of interest herein to make a few more extracts, as indicating the action of former daj's. TOWN ROADS. " March 29, 1774. At a Meeting of the Town, at the House of Benja. Nutter, — " Voted, Benjamin Nutter, Moderator. " PittsfieW Road laid out from near Suncook bridge on the Province Road, on the south side of the road near the river, as the trees are now spotted through the land. " Voted, For a mill privilege, land by way of spotted trees through Dodovah Bunker's land, by his house on the hill. Said road to be three rods wide. Dated this fourteenth year of his Majesty's reign. John Tasker, Bbbtjamin Nuttbk, 5- Selectmen.' Thomas Edgerly, "Pkovincb of New Hampshire, Strafford ss. By appointment unto us, the subscribers, by the Freeholders of Barnstead, to lay out a road, in consideration of said appli- cation, at the westerly end of Barnstead, we have laid out said road. Beginning at the Province road, so caJJed, at the south- easterly side of Jethro Bachelder's, and Capt. Richard Cinclair's, running north-east between said Bachelder's land and Capt. Richard Cinclair's land to the Range ; thence south-easterly as the Range road was left; then as far as John Mudget's, three rods wide, and making exchange with Capt. Richard Cinclair, allowing said Cinclair one rod of the land left for said road by the Proprietors, as far as his land extends. And we have laid out said Road, ye 29th day of September, in the year of Her Majesty's Reign, Anno Domini, 1774. John Tasker, ^ Benjamin Nutter, V Selectmen." Thomas Edgerly, ) 1863 TOWN RECORDS. 113 " Towu Meeting holden at Benja. Nutter's House, April 19, 1774, By a number of Inhabitants, — " Voted, One hundred dollars to repair roads this year. " Voted, Twenty dollars for necessaries. " Voted, Capt. Sanfuel Pitman six per cent, for what money lie collected, for his pains for gathering. " Voted Six shillings for each of the selectmen, for making rates and settling accounts. " Voted, Assessors twenty-five cents each. " Voted, Three shillings for laborer at road making." "Barnstead, Dec. 30, 1774. Notice is hereby given to ye inhabitants of ye town of Barnstead, that a meeting is to be held at Benjamin Nutter's, on Monday, ye 16th day of January, at 10 o'clock, A. M., for ye purpose as followeth : — " First, to choose a moderator; 2nd, to choose a Deputy Conmiittee to meet the Committee at Exeter, to choose a man to go to Philadelphia. John Taskeb, Benjamin Ntitter." "Agreeable to the above Call a meeting was held at the House of Benjamin Nutter, on ye 16th day of January, 1775. " Voted, to send no man as a committee to your Exeter comite. " Meeting dissolved." " Amount of money raised in 1774, . . . . 11£ 13s 4d The following amounts were appropriated and paid : To County Treasurer, . 3£ 4s 7d Province Tax, 1£ 12s Od Selectmen, laying out roads, .... 0£ 18s Od Carrying down John Nutter to Newing- toH, 0£ 6s Od Paid for Town book, 0£ 4s Od 15 114 HISTORY or BAENSTEAD. 1863 Paid Assessors, 0£ Is 6d Paid Esquire Thompson, for notification for calling meeting for abatement of - Bats, 0£ 7s Id" " Barnstead, April 26, 1775. At a Town Meeting liolden this day at the House of Benjamin Nutter, — " Voted, The selectmen four shillings a day for laying out highways. " Voted, That no money should he raised for the defence of onr country." "Town meeting, March 28, 1775. At a Town meeting holden on this day, — " Eichard Cinclair was voted Moderator. " Benjamin Nutter, Town Clerk. " Capt. Kichard Cinclair, Winthrop Smart, Benjamin Nut- ter, Selectmen. " Thomas Edgerly, Constable. "Jonathan Emerson, John Bunker, Samuel Pitman, Assess- ors. "Joseph Bunker, Simeon Hatch, Francis Blake, John Tas- ker. Highway-men. " Dodovah Bunker, John Hawkins, Tything-men, Hogreaves and Eence-viewers." lu 1776 John Bunker petitioned to have a bridge bnilt over the Branch river near his mill. The town voted not to build it. " August 22, 1776, Voted, "Winthrop Smart 12 s, Thomas Edgerly 12 s, for constables. " Voted, To build abridge over the meeting-house Branch." The Suncook river, as known now, was at first called "The Branch." Bunker's mill was b-uilt several years 1863 TOWN RECORDS. 115 previous to the building of the above named bridge. The mill was built on the north side of the river ; its entrance was from tlxe ledge. " 1777. The town voted that John Cinclair be recom- mended as a suitable person to receive the eommission of Justice of the Peace." " March 20, 1777, Voted, To pay five shillings per day for labor on the highway. " Voted, Xot to raise any money for schools." " Annual town meeting holdea at the house of Benja- min Nutter, March, 1778. Benjamin Nutter was chosen Moderator; John Tasker, Clerk; Benjamin Nutter, Win- throp Smart and -William Brown, Selectmen ; Samuel Ches- ley, Constable ; John Tasker, Richard Cinclair, Assessors ; Jonathan Emerson, Stephen Pickering, Committee ; John Bickford, Daniel Jacobs, T^'thingmen ; Jonathan Bunker, Thomas Swett, Hog-reaves." ■ 1778. "May 18th, Voted, That John Bunker's grist mill was not rated any more than was just and right. " Voted, That in consideration of Peace, to abate Bunker's mill two pounds eight shillings and three pence, and make tender of the same — and he refused. " Voted, John Tasker to stand trial against John Bun- ker for his mill tax in behalf of the town." 1780. "The Selectmen sent John Elliott, Constable, with a warrant to warn out Juda Jenness, who was with child, for fear she would be a town charge, she and her child to be lawfully warned out of Barnstead." 116 HISTORY OF BARNSTEAD. ^§63 At a meeting of the town holden for the purpose of considering John Elliott's vendue, the town voted to have nothing to do with John Elliott. 1783. The town voted 20£ lawful money for preach- ing in the town. " Voted, That John Tasker, Esq., and Charles Hodg- don be a committee to agree with a man to preach." 1785. John Sullivan received 48 votes, and George Atkinson 11 votes for President. SOLDIERS IN THE OLD FRENCH WATl. John Aikin. He served in this war, and returned and was left at rest on the Jacob Aikin farm. He had served, also, in the Revolution. His age was a hundred years, and upwards. Col. Joseph Sinclair. He sleeps at his homestead, on the farm of the late Elder Wilson. The grave is un- marked. Joseph Bunker is left to repose on the Deacon Bunker Farm. " J. B." is there inscribed on a rude stone. SOLDIERS or THE REVOLUTION. LRecords from the tomb.] Ebenezer Natter, on the homestead in North Barn>- stead. Inscription on slate stone : " Deacon Ebenezer 1863 SOLDIERS OP THE REVOLUTION. 117 Nutter, died April 18, 1840, aged 86 years, 8 months, 8 days." John Clark rests in the Clark burying ground. In- scription on common granite: "J. C, d. 1799." From him the Clarks of Barnstead descended. Major John Nutter is in the Parade grounds. In- scription on slate stone : " John Nutter, b. May 1, 1767 ; died Nov. 8, 1840, aged 83 years, 8 months. Jeremiah Jewett, in the old Parade lot. Inscription on slate stone : " In memory of Dr. Jeremiah Jewett,- who departed this life April 22, 1836." Anthony Nutter, on N. Langley farm. Grave not marked nor enclosed. Joseph Place, on Captain Chesley's homestead. His grave is unmarked and unenclosed. He served on the land and on the sea. His wife, Anna C, died in 1871, .aged 102 years. John, his only son, served in the war of 1812, and rests in the same ground. John's three son?; served against the rebellion ; one of them was lost. Valentine Chapman rests at Centre Barnstead. His grave has no monument. Joseph Tasker is buried in the lot opposite the Union Meeting House. Inscription : " In memory of Joseph Tasker, esq., died July 5, 1833, aged 77 years, 8 months." He proved himself a good soldier, a friend to the Gospel and the poor. At the last he rested in peace. William Nutter rests on the plains at the homestead. Inscription on white marble : " William Nutter, Feb. 15, 1811, aged 55 years." He served in the United States Navy. 118 HISTORY OF EARNSTEAD. 1863 Thomas Welch. This veteran of Barnstead, after the close of the Revolutionary war, removed to Thornton, occupying the John M. Young farm. He died there. Peletiah Penny rests in the Eben Jones field, in Snackerty. Joseph Patterson Dame. He rests in a burying ground opposite Master Kelley's place, on the Province road, marked by rough granite, not inscribed. James Davis, after serving in the Revolution, died in the war of 1812. , Samuel Davis, a brother of James, rests in Clark- town. The exact locality cannot be traced. Ebenezer Adams rests at his homestead, on the Province road. A granite stone marks the place, but there is no inscription. David Jacobs is in the old Tuttle burying ground, on the William A. Pierce place. The grave is without marks. Jonathan Young is somewhere on Beauty Hill. Ephraim Tebbetts is buried by the North road. Hatevil Nutter was left in the old Nutter burying ground, on C. S. George's farm. Capt. Jonathan Chesley reposes on his old homestead. A rude stone is there, without an inscription. Capt. John Drew remains in the grounds at his old homestead, near the old Hodgdon tavern. There is no inscription. Thomas Brown, after the Revolution ended, removed from Barnstead and fell asleep at Stratham. William Lord. The stone at his grave is uninscribed. It is at the homestead on the Province road. 1863 SOLDIERS OF THE REVOLUTION. 119 Joseph Sanborn, on his return from the war, went from the Province road to Maine, and is supposed to have died there. Captain Joseph Kaimc died at Somersworth, being there on a visit, and remains there. Samuel Eastman. His grave is without maric or inscription. Colonel Nathaniel Pease sleeps on the Moses Hodgdon farm, without any stone to designate his resting place. Robert Tebbets rests at his late homestead, near the Province road. Samtiel Jenness lived near Lougee's pond. His grave is there, but cannot be traced. Ralph Hall lived on the Glidden farm. He died of sickness or was killed in the war. Joseph Huckins is in the Morrill burying-ground, near Seward's hill. John Welch is on the Welch farm. There are no grave stones. Richard Sinclair left town about the year 1800. His resting place is unknown. Nathan Nutter was a brother of Ebenezer, lived at Jethro Nutter's, died in prison at Halifax, Nova Scotia, and remains there. Eli Ham was last seen somewhere in Gilmanton. John Pitman rests at the Pitman burying ground in Stackerty. Ferry Hixon is buried on Crockett's hill, at Locke's corner. 120 HISTORY OF BAKNSTEAD. 1863 Winthrop Ayers rests from his labors at his homestead iu the Peacham neighborhood. John Aiken reposes beneath the white oaks on Jacob Aiken's farm. Avery, who resided on the Thomas P. Hodg- dpn farm, went, but never returned, from the war of the Eevohition. • William Hill is at rest on the homestead farm of Mr. Jefferson Emerson. Thomas Ayers served his country in this war, and now reposes on the Crockett hill place, at Locke's corner. James Harden served and retnrned, and was buried at " the Centre." Jonathan Emerson also returned, and rests on the homestead of Mr. J. Emerson. \ Samuel Pitman also escaped the casualties of the Revolution, and now reposes at the homestead of a friend and relative, Samuel J. Pitman. ' They sleep their last sleep—they have fought their last battle, No foe shall awake them to glory again." Note. — We are indebted to the researches of our good friend, Mr. Samuel Winkley, through whose instrumentality our heroes of the Eevolution from Barnstead have found a brief place in these annals, so that the venerable dust of at least some of them may not entirely vanish from the world, nor be forgotten by the advancing generations that follow them. Thanks to Mr. Winkley ; and thanks to our friend, Dr. J. Wheeler, who transmitted the materials for this record. 1863 WATER SUPPLY. 121 PONDS AND RIVERS. When the settlers first located their lots, the Indians had left and gone northward, and the names which they had given to ponds, lakes and rivers, were either lost or discarded by the white man, as he seemed . to have had an antipathy to everything " Indian." Yet the Suncook was seen in its beauty coursing its way, winding through ,a then dense forest of timber trees which covered the level surface of the town, as it glided onward towards the ocean. It still bears its original Indian name, Suncook, which in the Indian language is said to mean the same as wild goose in l^nglish ; or, in its more extensive meaning, " the place where the wild goose rested." This river rises in G-uilford, taking its waters from Gunstock and Grey-lock mountains in Gilmanton, and conveying it through a valley until it reaches the pond ; thence through a narrow channel into the second Suncook pond ; thence passing along in its enlarged and beautiful form, adorning the vales and feeding the mills of Barn- stead. The ponds, save the two Suncooks, all took English naines, to wit :'" Half Moon," "Brindle," " Lougee," " Beauty," " Adams," " Wild Goose," and " Pinkham's," numbering nine in all. It is is to be regretted that the Suncook is about the only original Indian name which now remains in 'Barn- stead of all the past ; and that we are entirely unable, even at this early day, to recall the past and to give to the coming generations the primeval names of these beau- tiful sheets of water. 122 HISTORY OF EARNSTEAD. 1863 The small streams that enter the Suncoolc river from various parts of Barnstead, are the Parade brook, Proctor's river, the Mill-stone brook. Walker's broolj, Clark's brook, Branch river and Crooked run. Many of these streams take their rise from the ponds. After receiving these fountains, the Suncook passing on, empties its waters into the Merrimac at Pembroke. All the waters of the town are carried off by the Sun- cook, and as it passes on its way southerly it affords power to drive machinery, by which many citizens find business and employment, on the way as it goes. The drainage by the Suncook is so complete that it leaves no bogs nor meadows to emit pestilence or to gen- erate contagious diseases. To this cause in a great degree may be attributed the general good health and long lives incident to the inhab- itants of Barnstead. LOCALITIES. BEAUTY HILL. This name is given to that high rolling land in the nortiiwestern part of the town. The soil is superior ; formerly it sustained a heavy growth of oak, but under a successful cultivation it now sustains an intelligent, ener- getic class of farmers. The air here is salubrious. This elevation in a clear day affords a view of the silvery lake ^863 ^ _ LOCALITIES. 123 (Winnipesaugee), northerly five miles distant, as well as a view of the whitened sails upon the ocean wave, away in the distance southeastward. Here the sun rises early and sets late, giving health and long life to its inhabitants. Near by and in sight are the Bluehills and Catamount ; farther oflf, yet still in view, are the White mountains and old Chocorua. Chocorua ! oh, what' clusters of historical incidents seem to rally around that name ! Pardon us, for a moment, if we digress from this narrative ! Chocorua (pronounced Chee-cor-ruah), was the last chief commanding the tribes of New Hampshire. He used to wander in these woods. His squaw died, and was buried by the brook-side where he had first found her. His little Indian boy still continued to follow at hif heels, in this then wilderness. One day, at the house of one Campbell (a white settler) , the boy got poisoned, and came home to the wigwam and died. Chocorua thought he was poisoned purposely. Soon afterwards Campbell left home, and when at night he returned, his family were all dead in the house. A few days elapsed, and the white settlers followed Cho- corua. into that mountain which now bears his name, and which stands about fifteen miles north of the lake, in Burton, now Albany. Campbell discovered him on the pinnacle of the mountain cliflf, and commanded him to jump off. " Ah," said the Indian, " the Great Spirit gave CHOCORnA his life, and he will not throw it away at the bidding of the white-man." Campbell shot him, and while dying he pronounced awful curses upon the English. In describing that scene Mrs. L. Maria Child, in a 124 HISTORY OF BARNSTEAD. 1863 vigorous legend, gives the words of Cliocorua's curse thus : " ' A curse on ye white-men ! May the Great Spirit curse ye when he speaks in the clouds and his words are fire ! Chocorua had a son ; and ye killed him when the sky looked bright ! Lightnings blast your crops — winds and fire destro}^ your dwellings ! The Evil Spirit breathe death on your cattle ! Your graves lie in the pathway of the Indian ! Panthers howl and wolves fatten over your bones ! ' "The prophet 'sank upon the ground still uttering inaudible curses." They left his^ bones there. Ever since that day, the want of vegetation in and about that mountain, all its dearths, and all the diseases upon the cattle and upon the inhabitants of that region, have been attributed to that curse of Chocorua. * The faithfulness of Keoka, Chocorua's squaw, has been briefly celebrated in a verse, which we copy, inscribing it to the young mothei-s of BarnStead : '' With truth and trust and patient pride^ At morn, at noon, or eventide, She calmed the cloudy hour; Her heart was full of love and song. She cheered Chocorua's life al6ng; She brought him many a flower. "Such was the life Chocorua sought; Such were the charms Keoka brought. Unselfish, unpretending; Kings of the earth, I'd envy not; Give me to know Chocorua's lot, Such faith, such favor blending I " [Caverly's Poems, vol, 2, p. 10.] 1863 LOCALITIES. 125 SNACKERTY. The extreme northeast part of Barnstead at an early day took this name. It is a sort of an arctic, snowy region, which borders on the north of the Blue hills in Strafford, and is near the line of that town. The lands are of a sulphureous quality. Formerly (and perhaps now), snow shoes were quite common there. Whenever any of its inhabitants came to tire centre of the town or to the Parade, it was called : " Coming out." The first settlers in this locality, as it is said, were from Schenectady, New York ; if this be true, Snackerty may have been adopted as a corruption from-that name. PARADE. This is a fine field or plat of ground in the southwest part, made common to the public through the munificence of EIL Bunker, one of the inhabitants of Barnstead, whose genealogy is given elsewhere. A parade ground or train- ing field was one of the purposes for which this level lot of land was dedicated to the public, and " The Parade " has ever since been used as a name, indicating the end to which the gift was chiefly appropriated, and is sufflciently descriptive of that section of the town. CENTKB. This is a village, on the Suncook, containing several stores, a church, a town-house, a postofllce and tavern. It is near the middle of the town, and is central as to business. 126 HISTORY OF BARNSTEAD. 1863 CLARK TOWN. This is in the southeast part of Barnstead, and takes its name from the great number of Clarks, intelligent and industrious, that inha;bited that locality. TCTTLEBOKO'. Between the Centre and Beauty Hill were several fam- ilies of Tattles, all or nearly all descending from one John Tuttle, an original settler. Hence it derived its name. Many of the Tuttles took wives from a Jacobs family, who were also quite numerous. PEACHAM. This locality is in the north, but whether it took its name from that of individuals residing there, or from some other source, must at this time be left untold. locke's corner. The northeast part takes this name. It had been first settled by one .John Locke, and has ever since been peo- pled for the most part by his descendants. NORTH BARNSTEAD. Here are a few stores, a church, a post office, and many dwelling houses. One of th^ main roads leading from Dover to Gilmanton passes through it, and more and more it becomes a thriving village. SOUTH BARNSTEAD. This is a place of considerable trade, and is favorably known for its thrifty farmers and fat cattle. 1863 ITS SECOND MEETING-HOUSE. 127 EOADS AND RECORDS. "In 1786 a Petition to lay out a road from tlie province road to Bunker's Mill, was signed by "Richard Cinclair, Winthrop Colebath, SamuelJacobs, John Bickford, Aaron Chesley, Jacob Daniels, Samuel Avery, James Brown, Benjamin Nutter, Eliphalet Tib- betts, Samuel Drew, Jr., Dodovah Bunker, Joseph Bunker, John Nutter, Jr." "The town voted to lay out a Rhode through John Bunker's land, where it formerly was to go, to Jo. Bunker's mill." 1786. ."At a public vendue holden at the inn of Charles Hodgdon, 17th of May, for the sail of one cow taken by destraint from John Bunker, for his delinquency, in paying his part affixed, in money or labor, on the high- ways, and the articles of sail is such, that said cow be sold to the highest bidder for cash." "Joseph Tasker had her struck off to him for ] £ 13s Od." ERECTION OF A MEETING-HOUSE, AND OTHEE MATTERS. " 1788, May 25th. The town voted to build a meet- ing-house. " Voted, Capt. Drew, Col. Cinclair, Lew Mason, Ensign 128 HISTORY OF BARNSTEAD. 1863 Evans, IS^icholas Dudley, Thomas Edgerly, John Tasker, Esquire, be a committee to agree on a place to build said meeting-house, and make a report to said town." " Voted, To give 8£ bounty on a hade of a graj-^ wolf, .and £1 10s on a hade for a whelp, caught within the bounds of the town." In the year 1784 there was, as appears, a large sale of lots of laud at public vendue, by reason of the non-pay- ment of State, County, and war taxes. . In the year 1787 a petition for a road through North Barnstead to Dover was signed by Samuel B. Mason, Ebenezer' Nutter, Israel Avery, William Green, Moses Avery, Benjamin Avery, and Samuel Avery. The road was commenced near half-moon pond. The meeting house last named having been erected as contemplated, it remained as finished up to the year 1830, when it was repaired and a stove placed in it. In build- ing the stone chimney, Joseph Bunker fell from the roof of the house and was killed. In 1858, the church being again out of repair, the pew holders relinquished their rights, and by subscription pro- ceeded to make permanent improvements. The old pews were changed to slips and vrere modern- ized ; the porches were taken off ; the main entrance was opened at the end of the house ; its windows were enlarged and improved ; and the general appearance of the structure underwent an entire change. In 1866 the house was again repaired, and improved by the erection of a tower on its westerly end, and by placing in it a neat, fine-toned bell, of 1200 pounds. 1863 SCHOOLS. 129 This enterprise involved the expenditure of a consid- erable sum of money, even more, as it turned out, than could easily be raised in this small village. But, as fortune had it, Mrs. Temperance Jewett, then in her ninety-sixth year, was receiving a visit from her nephew, Hon. George Peabody, the London banker. He happening to see their financial difficulty, called upon the master workman of the house, and ascertaining that the sum of $450 would be the amount required, paid it over at once as a donation from his old aunt ; so that the widow's mite was made to complete the meeting-house. Mr. Pbabodt since then has gone to his last account. The church edifice remains as it was when finished ; and the venerable lady, at the age of more than one hundred years, " still lives " to hear, at least a few times more upon earth the sweet tones of that church-going bell, — coming as if to cite her upward and onward to that celestial abode, where dwells the immortal spirit of her faithful friend and patron. SCHOOLS, 1792, March 15. ' At a town meeting then held, — " Voted, To have Agents in each school district, to build a school-house in each district. " Chose Samuel Nelson, Dependence Colbath, Chas. Hodgdon." 130 HISTORY OF BARNSTEAD. 1863 The disadvantages under which our first settlers labored in establishing their common schools were great. They had migrated from the old towns on the seacoast, where most of them had been taught reading and writing and the rudiments of arithmetic. But now they were located in the wilderness ; their school-houses, if they ' had any, must necessarily be rude and far apart, exposing their children to the ravages of wild beasts that often lurked around their lonely cabins. To support a teacher for any considerable time could not, to them, be otherwise than extremely burdensome. Under such circumstances the faithful dog or the " old Queen's arms " were often depended on, in difficult emergencies. Thus were they situated at the beginning ; and up to the year 1784 each family acted as its own teacher. Previously, the town, by reason of adversity, had not voted to raise any money- for the support of common schools. The Revolution had now but just terminated, — there was but little money, — " continental scrip " had become worthless, silver and gold had in a great degree fallen into the hands of the miser, — these and other attendant difficulties, delayed the progress of education in Barnstead. The first settled teacher employed by the town was had in 1 784. His name was Cornelius Kirby. He was of Scotch descent ; had been educated i-n Scotland. At first he settled in Portsmouth, and thence came here, and became our first school master. His school was in a private house, there being then no school-house in Barnstead. This school was kept at Wm. Newall's. It was in the south part of the town. Newall at one time was an inn keeper. He afterwards lived in the west part, on the 186S SCHOOLS. 131 Province road, not far from the former residence of Dr. Adams and more recently Natliauiel Adams. . " Master Kirby " had tanght school in Portsmouth. He was middle aged, thick set, rather short; his hat, three cornered, buttoned. His shoes were of heavy leather, high cut, and a large sized button of steel on the instep. His coat was rather of the long-jacket style with massive pockets outside, and a standing collar. His breeches buckled snug at the knee, were of corduroy, his stockings long and inclined to the snuff color. His vest was of vast proportions, buttoned snug at the neck, •and made of black and white wool. Snugly ensconced was his " bulls eye " under its right hand fold. His three cornered hat much of the time covered the glistening baldness of his pate, while his frosted locks gathered and tied in the rear, hung in a graceful queues ornament- ing the collar of his coat, upon his spacious round shoulders. His pleasant and graceful bearing bespoke the truthfulness of his early training, and his dialect indicated a nationality of which he was always proud. His books were his Bible, arithmetic and spelling- book. These, as property, were held dear to him, and on the fly-leaf of each was legibly written in coarse hand the following old couplet : " Cornelius Kirby is my name ; Scotland is my nation; Barnstead my place of toil and fame, And Christ is my salvation." There are people still living who remember " Master Kirby," and who learned of him the rudiments of their easly English. He for several years resided in Barnstead as a teacher, and then returned to Scotland. For one 132 HISTOEY OF BARNSTEAU. 1863 term at least he had kept in the Hodgdon District. Though sometimes petulent, "Master Kirby" left behind, him, for uprightness of character and faithfulness in his moral and religious life, a name unblemished. By him the boj'S of Barnstead had been trained to remove their hats, and the girls to drop a graceful courtesy on meeting their superiors at the school, or on the highway. Indeed, may we ask, would it not be well to have, at least, a smat- tering of this sort of training for our girls and boys of the present day ? " Master Kirby," while here, resided most of the time on the Province road, near the place of Major John Nut- ter. Tiie Major was an early settler, and one of Kirby's intimate friends. Kirby at one time contemplated the building of a barn, and was contracting with Mr. Nutter to build it for him. The Major asked him for the dimen- sions of it. Kirby said he wanted the posts sixty feet high, and the tie-up in the roof, so that there would be " no dfgging away of the manure." Nutter says to him, "How will the cattle get up there?" " Oh ! jabbers," says he, running his fingers through his hair, "that- will be their lookout." The first record of money raised in town for school purposes, is found in the year 1785, when £30 were voted to that end. In 1792 the town voted an agent in each of five districts to build as many school-houses, within two years. Next, after the commencement of a school in the Nutter District, one was started at the Parade ; then one in the southeast section, and then one in the north. For several years thereafterwards, small appropriations were 1863 SCHOOLS. 133 made, not every year, but as the ability of the inhabitaiits would seem to warrant, to each of the then five districts. In 1800, or about that time, Barnstead had built five school houses. After this, a man was employed as a teacher in each of them, some two or three months ia the year, mostly in the winter season, and a female teacher nearly jis long in summer. And so it was, up to the year 1817, when the school houses had increased to the num- ber of eleven. In these houses were taught at this time, English grammar, geography, arithmetic and sometimes Latin and Greek. The schools of that day, although supported with the utmost economy, were highly proficient, and it may well be doubted, if in that regard they would sufier in compar- ison with the schools of the present day. If we may judge from appearances, the country school boy of 1830 who attended school but four or five months in the year, obtained a better and more available fund of information than the scholar of 1870 who attends school the year round. The text books then used needed, as it would seem to us, little or no change. Murray's Grammar, English Reader, Adams's Arithmetic, the Columbian Orator, and Webster's Spelling Book were in use, most of them at least, for more than a quarter of a century. They are now among the things that were. Yet to us it is quite doubtful if the books now used instead of them are any better. Too often it Is that boys and girls of the present day graduate from school having but little knowledge of the world, or of human nature, without any suitable train- ing for the daily duties, economies and courtesies neces- sary for marriage relations ; and oftentimes almost entirely 134 HISTORY OF BARNSTEAD. , 1863 deficient in practical good manners, such as all ought to have in order to insure, faithfulness, industry, economy and a general good will to the generations as they shall come and go. It has been intimated that a graduate of a high school at the present day has less of practical knowledge, and far less of practical good manners than the boy with a short jacket of 1817, who had worked his way to manhood through the dearth stricken, dreary winters of that time. Be that as it may, let us say to the inhabitants of Barn- stead : Be economical, but build your school houses nice, convenient and warm. Plant thrifty shade trees all around them, permanently boxing and protecting them ; make them indeed welcome dwelling places for your de- scendants. Go further : alwaj's raising as much money as you can possibly afford, for the support of your schools. Go still further : be always in the habit, from time to time, as your means will allow, of storing your dwelling houses with useful books, each farmer taking pride in hig own library at home. Do this faithfully and ardently — and what shall be the result ? In less than ten j'ears your best boys shall begin to stay at home. No more, no longer will they wander abroad for an edacation. or to seek a livelihood elsewhere. Stay at home they will — not because of any necessity, but because in that home there is a fountain of intelligence, as well as endearments of early scenes and parental love. Thus your farming community will be made up of the best blood of your town. Your spacious farms, from year to year, will greatly improve, affording ample encouragement to the husbandman, whereby all the expenses of a thrifty gen- eration, as well as what is now called the burden of tax- 1868 SCHOOLS. 135 ation, will be easilj' and cheerfully paid. Let it be borne in mind, that every intelligent lad or lass, who can be in- duced to remain at home, and who earns more than his or her living, is a source of wealth to Barnstead. Then, don't allow your best men, who have large fam- ilies, to leave town, for the want of ample facilities to school their children. Have a care for all this. Adhere to it generously, energetically, and religiously, and in the future years you shall see its effects in the countenances of the coming generations. You shall see it in your old age, and look back upon what you have done with a sweet composure of spirit. You shall feel the effect of a work thus well done, in every finger of the hand, in every toe of the foot, and in every vein- through which the blood of your noble manhood shall course. You shall hear of it from abroad. Your neighboring towns, less wise, and less energetic, shall send here for their teachers. Your counties shall- come here to obtain their judges and other noble and im- portant officers. Your gallant state shall, to a great extent, depend on Barnstead for its governors. -Nay, do juSt this, and almost every other good thing shall follow it. Other towns shall profit by your example ; your sons, as they " rise up shall call you blessed," and when you are far away, they will award to you a noble history — a history second to none, save that which records the valor, the faithfulness, and the endurance of your nol)le ances- tors. 136 HISTORY OF BARNSTEAD. 1863 MAEEIAGES. 1777. Samuel Nelson was married to Abigail Ting- ley, January 3, by Rev. William Parsons. 1777. Jonathan Jacobs was married in April to Han- nah Black, by Rev. Peletiah Tingley. 1777. Samuel Williams was married to Sobriety Bunk- er, by Rev. William Parsons. 1777. Bradbury Cinclair was married to Sarah Bunk- er, by Rev. William Parsons. 1777. Henry Tibbets was married to widow Sarah Cinclair, by Rev. William Parsons. 1776. John Drew was married to Lois Tasker, by John Tasker, Esq. 1778. Benjamin Nutter was married to Mercy Task- er, by Joseph Adams of Newington. 1779. Benjamin Hawkins was married to Susan Bunker, by Rev. William Parsons. 1779. Moses Avery was married to Elizabeth Col- bath, by Rev. Joseph Buckminster. 1781. Benjamin Nutter was married to Mary Walker, by Rev. Joseph Adams. 1784. Jethro Nutter was married to Polly Elliott. 1784. John McDuffee was married to Lois Tasker. 1807. Abraham Bunker was married to Polly Cin- clair, by Rev. Enos George. 1807. Nathan Collins was married to Ruth Chesley, by Rev. Enos George. , 1808. Eliphalet Nutter was married to Lovey Lock, by Rev. Enos George. 1863 ITS FIRST MILL. 137 1805. Rev. Enos George was married to Sophia Chesley of Dover, by Rev. Joseph Langdon. 1805. Daniel Bunker ■ was married to Lovey , by Rev. Enos George. 1809. Joseph Pickering was married to Polly Lyford, by Rev. Enos George. BIKTHS. "1771. In New Market, Jonathan Kenniston. 1772. In Portsmouth, George Seward." BUNKER'S MILL. John Bunker, from Dover, settled here about the year 1769. His was the first grist mill. It was situated on the north side of " The Branch," — this at that time being the name of the Suncook river — and near a ledge. A plank walk was constructed, extending from the top of the ledge to the door of the mill. The building was large and stood endwise to the stream. All the corn and grain centred here for many miles around ; and this mill afibrded much profit to its owner, as well as to our thrifty yeomanry, in the production of the best of meal and flour. Bunker was, himself, the miller, and his meal-covered coat, his boots, and the red knit cap which he wore, has been held in remembrance these many years. In the next place, he erected a saw mill, the first in Barnstead. This took the place of the axe, and was of great utility in shaping the lumber, as it came from the 138 HISTOEY OF BARNSTEAD. 1863 forest, making it into timber, boards, &c., which were extensively used at home, as well as in foreign markets. At his decease, these mills, with-oceasional improvements, descended to his son Eli, and then to Timothy, and then to Abraham. The eternal years have wrought changes — the Bunkers "are not." Their mills are grinding still. MAILS. The first mail was brought into Barnstead by one Bragg, on horseback, on his route from Dover to Ply- mouth, a distance of sixty-five miles. His saddle-bags contained oats for his horse, as well as tlie news of the day. Sometimes he used but three pints of. oats in the whole distance. One day Bragg was interrogated thus : " How did you get along in using so few oats?" " Ah !" said he, " I dealt them out with discretion." The first postmaster in Barnstead was Charles Hodg- don, Jr. His office was kept in his private house, on the Province road. In 1808 another mail route was established. The driver carried it in saddle-bags and on horseback. It started from Gilmanton Ironworks on Mondays, and returned on Tuesdays of each week. On this route the first mail carrier was John S. Shan- non of Gilmanton. His wife was a daughter of Moses Rand. His saddle-bags were full of newspapers — none, however, could obtain papers other than subscribers. At first the New Hampshire Patriot was the only paper. After- i86S MAILS. 139 wards the New Hampshire Statesman made its appearance. At the winding of the horn, crowds would cluster around Shannon to learn the news — the old saddle-bags would be unstrapped, and the news, foreign, domestic and political, would be unfolded. Subscribers were supplied far the week, and a newspaper was regarded as one of the great - luxuries of the age. Shannon, independent of his papers, was well versed in what was going on from abroad ; he always had great news for the crowd, and a good word for all who came to make inquiries. After a while the mail route was extended from Dover to Concord, through Barnstead, when Shannon, instead of going on horseback, drove a horse and wagon. News- papers began to increase. The New Hampshire Patriot, edited by Isaac Hill, continued to be the principal political medium by which the democracy of Barnstead were edu- cated and trained. Shannon also acted as our first ex- press n^an in the transmission of the mails and newspa- pers, and in the doing of errands, and sometimes carried a passenger. John I. Tuttle, Samuel G. Berry and others, were the successors of Shannon in this business. At Barnstead Centre, a second post office was soon af- terward established, with John Peavey as postmaster. Another, also, was started at North Barnstead, of which S. G. Webster was the keeper. THE STAGE COACH. The first coach was started here May 23, 1823, and run from Portsmouth to Meredith Bridge, np one day and 140 HISTORY OF BAENSTEAD. 1863 down the next. It was drawn by foar horses ; provisions were made for them on the way by the shareholders. The name of the driver- was Bean. When it started off the road was lined with men and boys to witness its exit, and cheered it at the crack of the whip, when the first mud turned up to bespatter its polished wheels. It was, in- deed, a novelty in Barnstead to see a coach drawn by four horses, winding over the hills and at the speed of seven miles an hour. The same stage route is con- tinued to this day, varying the route only by touching at the Parade, and passing around by the way of Pitts - field. Other mail and passenger routes have since been opened to meet the railroad cars at Alton Bay, and at Concord. A railroad is now opened to Pittsfield. Its steam whistle reverberates along the valley of the Sun- cook, and it is hoped one will sooner or later find its way within the lines of Barnstead in such form as to super- sede the stage coach in that locality almost altogether. THE SOCIAL LIBRARY. ^ This was incorporated in 1807, under the name of the " Barnstead Social Library." It at first contained about three hundred volumes, all in good, strong binding. Its works were miscellaneous, historical, biographical, poeti- cal and religious. Whether this Town Library, which had so good a beginning, has of late been replenished and enlarged, or not, we are unable to state. If it has not, we most fervently pray that it may be. ^8^3 ' WAR. 141 WAR OF 1812. When this war broke out, a recruiting officer, by the name of Neally, a sergeant from the regular army, came to Barnstead, and opened an office." His only assistant was a youth by the name of Grant. Grant was skilful on the violin in playing the " Soldier's Joy" and " Yankee Doodle." His music, which inspired the rustic dances in that recruiting service, is well re- membered. To facilitate this enterprise, the enrolled militia company was called out at the Parade. They formed fin front of the church, were drilled, and at length were drawn up into line — were applauded'and treated copiously. Sergeant Neally, by permission, then advanced and addressed them thus : " Fellow soldiers, attention ! It affords me the high- est gratification to witness the discipline and good order in this large and noble company of citizen soldiers. The town of Barnstead has reason to be proud of her defend- ers. Fellow soldiers ! Your beloved country is engaged in a' bloody war with Great Britain ; we must, as valiant patriots, go forth to maintain her honor and support her flag. Will you help in this crisis? All those who will volunteer in their country's cause will, at the word maech, advance three paces to the front. Forward, march !" All eyes were upon the officer ; but not a soldier moved. At length, old Wiggins Jacobs, although a little lame, hobbled to the front, with measured step, gun erect, and with a determined visage, just as if he meant war. 142 ■ HISTOET OF EARjfSTEAD. 1863 The uniform of this recruit was rather of the oriental style. * His long coat was of the swallow-tail fashion, and out a little at the elbows ; his boots were short, not quite meeting the legs of his pants at the knee. His flre-lock, without a flint, was somewhat laden with rust. And his . old slouched hat was minus about one half of its brim. Still, our" hero was the observed of all observers. He stood forth as the champion, on whom Barnstead was to depend, in that bloody' war. By the determination of his countenance and the flash in his eye, all were given to understand that John Bull and his hosts were not long to remain upon these shores — that in the face of such valor, Britain would be nowhere. The gallant recruiting officer, although well pleased with the valor evinced in this instance, was not quite satisfied with the numerical strength which his patriotic eloquence had called forth. He, however, rallied a second time, in a diflTerent man- ner, and at lengtli had no difficulty in obtaining his requi- site number of recruits, who gallantly represented Barn- stead iu that war. SOLDIERS OF 1812. Among the men who served were : , Capt. John Peavey, John Kaime, Jeremiah Davis, Chandler Peavey, Franklin Chesley, Silas Bunker, . Dearborn Bunker, Timothy Bunker, Paul G. Hoit, James Davis, Joseph Foye, Gardner T. Barker, Jonathan Rand, ' John Place, Winthrop Rand, * Wentworth Rand, Thurston Conner. 1863 . -vy^K. 143 Of the above soldiers, Franklin Chesley served near the lines of Canada, and died in the service. He was the son of Jonathan Chesley, was a man of much culture. He left a wife and one child. T. Bunker, who served in the same company, returned. He was a son of John, and is said to have been a great mimic and wit. Hoit served on the northern frontier, but whether he fell there or not we are not informed. He was a lieutenant. On the frontier, Barnstead was well represente(J by its " regulars," and on the seapoast by its militia. Captain John Peavey, with a company of militia, was stationed for some months at Fort Constitution, in Portsmouth. Joseph Foye was in several battles, was wounded, but af- terwards lived to a good old age. Jonathan and Win- throp Rand were on the frontier, but neither returned. Kaime served as a sergeant. He never returned. Chand- ler Peavey served on the frontier and returned. He was in several battles. S. Bunker was among the enlisted, served through the war, and returned home unharmed. Gardner T. Barker, b. at Lee, who married Martha W. Huntoon of Gilmanton, served, returned, and afterwards resided a considerable time in Barnstead. Thomas E. Barker, Colonel of the 12th N. H. Regiment in the rebel- lion, was his son. John Place was a son of Joseph, of the Revolution. Thurston Conner died at Barnstead July 13, 1872, aged 85. "Of God-like man ! — if thus he e'er appears, 'Tis when his truth outlives declining years, Who ventures all in strength of youth or age, In deeds divine, his energies engage ; Who with one hand sustains a falling brother, Yet grasps his country's flag firm in the other; To flaunt its folds on freedom's towering height, He onward bears it, battling for the right." [Caverly's Merrimac,p. 73.] 144 HISTORY OF BAENSTEAD. » 1863 MEXICAN WAE. Nicholas Kenison served there. He was a brave sol- dier, but was killed in battle. Alfred T. Munsey, also served in the Mexican war. He returned uninjured, and afterwards served as an officer against the rebellion. LAWYERS Since the year 1825, Barnstead has given to lawyers but little support. Previously, when lumbering was the chief employment of laborers, when the products of the forest and the wages of laborers were low, and when New England rum was a common beverage, it was then that the traders in merchandise would entangle t?ie lumbermen in long lists of credits, and before they were aware of the danger, the law would begin to be enforced upon them. It was not uncommon for a neighboring lawyer to issue half a dozen writs against one debtor. The deputy sheriff having them in charge would then come to Barn- stead and proceed to attach his real estate and put all his personal property under the care of a keeper. On a forced sale the property, in some instances, would not be njore than enough to cancel the costs of suit ; and then the farmer's real estate would be subjected to an oppres- sive mortgage or his body to a disgraceful imprisonment. Such were some of the results of the law as administered by the country lawyers fifty years ago. i863 LAWYERS. 145 In these times, as appears, there is in the law a differ- ent practice. The debtor has rights, as well as the cred- itor. A man's homestead is usually protected, and his bodj-, for debt, is seldom arrested or imprisoned. In this, the lapse of half a century has wrought an important im- provement. Caleb Merrill, Esq., was the first lawyer settled, and in practice, in Barnste.ad. His officfe was at the Parade. He was from Chester, and commenced practice here in 1811. He was a man less disposed to obtain riches than to impart professional advice gratuitously. He never en- ticed his clients into hasty litigation, but proved true to the honor of his calling, in cooling the passions of the con- tending parties, and in bringing them to amicable settle- ments. Mr. Merrill was a good citizen, a sound lawyer, and commanded a respectable business. In 1819 he removed to Pittsfleld, where he resided until his death. He left a widow and children. ISAAC O. BARNES, ESQ. Mr. Barnes commenced practice here in 1822. He was a graduate of Middlebury College, and had been a law stu- dent from the office of Titus Brown, Esq., of Frau- cestown. He was a native of Bedford. In form Mr. Barnes was tall, and when first at Barnstead was thin and in slender health'; but the change of place and the, coming in to a more invigorating atmosphere, soon im- parted to his countenance a more healthy hue, and restored him to vigorous health. The lady whom he afterwards married, was a sister to Gov. Woodbury; and being a democrat, he sought and obtained of the government va- 146 HISTOEY or BARNSTEAD. 1863 rioHS offices, which from time to time he held until his death. He practised law in Barnstead about nine years, and then went to Lowell, Mass. In 1833 he removed to Boston, and very soon was appointed Naval Agent for that port. Afterwards, under the Bankrupt act of that time he was made Commissioner for Massachusetts. At one time he held the office of United States . Marshal at Bos- ton, and for a time was President of the Lafayette Bank, and at last obtained the office of United States Pension Agent at Boston, and continued in that position until his death. While in practice Mr. Barnes resided in a cottage at South Barnstead, but cared less for the law than for politics ; was always cheerful and happy — enjoyed the society of his friends — took an active part in all good works', except temperance, and was usually full of wit and sarcasm. At Boston he boarded at the Bromfleld House for many years. His evenings were mostly spent with a circle of listeners, deeply entertained with his fund of amusing anecdotes. One of his jokes has been poetized as follows : NO PEECEDENT. " A jolly old fellow was Isaac O. B., Very large, very fat, very fond of a spree, Very fond of his glass, very fond of a smoke, But fonder by far, than all these, of his joke. H To a political barbecue Isaac once went, And with other good fellows the day gaily spent, In eating and drinking, which did not agree With the spacious interior of Isaac O. B. Yet on arriving at home and going to bed. With stomach overloaded, and very light head, He was soon taken ill, and was so short of breath. That he thought he was called by the grim angel, Death. 1863 ISAAC O. BARNES, ESQ. 147 . So he sent for a doctor, renowned for his skill, Who, hearing that Isaac was fatally ill, Did not tarry a moment, but unto him sped. And found the old gentleman groaning in bed. With feet very hot, and his face very red. And crying out, surely, " I soon shall be dead." " Oh I nonsense I— pooh— pooh I" said the skilful M. D., Your case is not hopeless, my dear Mr. B. " In fact 'tis quite simple. The cause i s quite plain, And you'll soon be as right as a trivet again." " No, doctor," groaned Isaac, " I'm stricken by death. He's got me now, sure— oh 1 I haven't got breath To tell how I suffer." " Oh I come now, sir, come," Said the doctor; 'tis plain you must suffer some. But your pulse is not high, you'll come to no harm, For no man ever died, with his feet like your's, warm." " T know of a case," gasped Isaac O. B., So your statement does not at all reassure me ; I know of a man. and his name I'll repeat, John Eogers,the martyr — he died with warm feet." One other story of this hero will finish our account of him. At the time when President Jackson removed the de- posits from the old United States Bank, the Lafayette Bank in Boston had been recently chartered, with Isaac as President. It became, among others, what was then called a pet bank, which, by the government, was regarded a much safer institution in which to deposit the public moneys, than the old United States Bank, which was then called a monopoly. Consequently nearly a million of dollars from the government fell into this bank for safe ■keeping ; the old bank, which had been the medium, and which had sustained the merchants of the country was to be crushed out, and consequently the merchants of Bos- ton, many of them, at least, must necessarily fail and come to want. 148 HISTORY OF BAKNSTEAD. 1863 In a little time the financial affairs of the country be- came unsettled, merchants began to tremble in their boots, and at length the financial trouble was seen coming, as it soon did come, with a crash. Many of these merchants were the political friends of Isaac, and when their distress came they applied to his bank for relief, and true as the story goes, through his ten- der mercies they did not apply in vain ; the3' were sustained. This crisis came in 1837-8, and thereupon the govern- ment had occasion to send a committee to this bank to investigate its standing and to count up its thousands that had been deposited there. When the Committee arrived Isaac, the President, re- ceived them in his usual manner with jovial good cheer ; and after hearing as they did many of his best anecdotes, the Committee cautiously informed him of their business, and desired him to pilot them in investigating the affairs of the Bank. He welcomed them to the Bank, and appeared happy in the extreme. But says he : " Gentlemen, I'll give ye the keys, I hope you will be successful. I've tried long to ferret out this matter. If you can find any money there, you'll do better than I can." An investigation of several days was had — the Commit- tee returned home about as wise as they came — the de- posits were gone, and all the bills had become worthless^ consequently their favorite Bank at once .came to an end. Moses Norms, Esq. He was a graduate from "Dart- mouth" in 1828, studied law with Isaac O. Barnes, and in 1832 became his successor in practice at Barnstead. Norris was a good scholar, a well-read lawyer, and stood high in the profession, although much of the time was de- 1863 LAWYEKS. 149 voted to politics and other matters. In 1834 he removed to Pittsfleld, his native town, and opened an office. There he became one of its representatives, and was speaker of, the House of Representatives in the years 1840-41. Afterwards he was clioseu a Representative to Congress, and in 1850 was elected by the Legislature United States Senator. He afterwards removed to Man- chester, where he resided until his death in 1858. He was rather slack in his business habits, seemed unambitious, yet he was honest and generous to a fault. He left a widow and three children, hut as yet no stond marks the place where he rests. His son in the rebellion took sides with the confederacy and served as a soldier in the rebel army. Jeremiah Elkins, Esq. In 1836 Mr. Elkins came to Barnstead, where he resided until his decease in 1845. He was a graduate of Bowdoin College, and of the class of 1820. He spent the first years of his professional life in Washington, D. C, and in a successful practice. Leaving there he opened an office in Laconia, where he continued for some time previous to his removal to Barnstead. At his decease Ije left a widow, and two daughters by a former marriage. Albert E. Hodgdon, Esq., was born here, read law with Mr. Norris and Judge Perley, practised some time in Barnstead, and died here in 1847. He was the' son of Charles Hodgdon, Esq. Benjamin Winklet, Esq., was the, son of Benjamin Winkley, Senior. He practised law in Barnstead from 1847 to 1849. Charles SjSith George, Esq., being educated to the law was admitted to the bar in 1845. He however pre- 150 HISTORY OP BAKNSTEAD. 1863 ferred agriculture to the business of the forum, and is now engaged in that most Iiealthful and interesting employ- ment. He was a son of Rev. Enos George, and indeed " is a chip of the old block." In truth we rnay say of him, he is a good lawyer, a ready speaker, and an honest farmer. His wife Almira, was the daughter of Zeehariah Boody Waldron, who was a descendant of the famous Major "Waldron, who was slain at Dover, bj' the Indians, on the night of June 27, 1680. His son, Enos George, .Jr., has contributed inuch by way of encouraging the publication of this history, and his generous kindnesses will long be remembered- by its editor. Charles R. Rogers, Esq., was admitted to the bar in 1848. He practised law here about two years. His oflSce was at the Centre. He left town some time in the year 1850. H.'B. Leavitt, Esq., practised law in Barnstead in the years 1853-4. In 1861 he enlisted in the 7th Regt. N. H. Vols., and afterwards was appointed to the command of a company. At the charge on Fort Wagne^, Charleston, S. C. he fell at the head of his company. He .was a brave officer. THE LAvr. Reasbn and the experience of the past would seem to teach that law was not made so much for the honest as for the depraved. Such have been.the improvements in Barn- stead, of late, in brotherly kindness, temperance, and fair dealing, that at this time no lawyer appears to be needed in this locality. Confident we are that its honest yeomanry have appropriated to themselves a sufficient knowledge of 1863 PHYSICIANS. 151 the* law, at least so far, as to be admonished to kee^p out of it, and to avoid its penalties. However : " We must not make a scare-crow of the law, Setting it up to fear the birds of prey, And let it keep one shape till custom make it Their perch and not their terror." PHYSICIANS. Dk. Joseph Adams, was our first physician. He was an original permanent settler. He was a son of Eev. Joseph Adams, of Newington, was born in 1727, and was educated at Harvard. His father had schooled him for the ministry, but the son preferred physic rather than the- ology. In 1792 he came to Barnstead and settled on the Province road, near Gilmanton line, on a farm owned by his father. It was an elevated location, overlooking Beauty Pond. His wife was Joanna Gilman, daughter of Major Ezekiel Gilman, of Exeter. Dr. Adams was quite advanced in age when he settled. His farm pleased him and he continued to reside here to the end of his daj's. His children were P^zekiel Gilman, Joseph, Ebenezer, Dudley, John, Benjamin, Nathaniel, and two daughters, Betsey and Abigail ; the one married John and the other William Janvrin, both of Seabrook, in 1784. These Jan- vrin families are now numerous in Newburyport and vici- nity. One of the boys, Joseph A. Janvrin, a name-sake of Dr. Adams, has been a sea captain, is now in trade, and 152 HISTORY OF BARNSTEAD. 1863 resides ui the city of Lowell. The descendants of Dr. Adams are some of them, at least, intermingled by marriage with the Hodgdon family. They at this day are quite numerous and are generally much respected. Rev. John G. Adams of Lowell, is one of them. Of Dr. Adams we read the following from the Diary of John Adams, late President of the United States, wherein he refers to him thus : " June, 1771. — At Tilton's in Portsnaouth, I met with my cousin Joseph Adams, whose face- 1 was once as glad to see, as I should have been to see an angel. The sight of him gave me a new feeling. When he was at College he used to come to Braintree with his brother Ebenezer. How I used to love him ? He is broken to pieces with rheumatism and gout new ; to what cause is his ruin to be ascribed?" ^» , Dr. Jeremiah Jewett, Wr., was from Rowley, Mass., /came in the year 1792, being then a young man. Pre- viously he had taken a circuit to the great lake, to Wolfs- boro' and to Merideth, with the view of settling in that neighborhood. But on his return he accepted a cordial invitation, which had some', time before been extended to him to make Barnstead his home. The contrast between the old county of Essex, his' former place of residence, and this then new place with its sparse population, its bad roads, and with its otherwise discouraging aspects, was very great. Yet a spirit of enterprize pervaded the people ; • they were about to erect a cHurch and promised many other improvements. He found a boarding place on the high ground near the Mill, at the house of John Bunker, and at once commenced the business of his profession ; which soon extended beyond Barnstead into Acton, Bar- rington, and other towns. His mode of conveyance was 1863 PHYSICIANS. 153 on horse-back, carrying medicines in, saddle-bags. In 1795 he purchased Ave acres of laod, bordering on the Parade, lying on each side of the brook ; and thereupon built a dwelling house. This was the second.house erected at the Parade, the first being Ben. Hodgdon's, the same now owned by Samuel Kaime. Dr. Jewett married Temperance Dodge, of Rowlej'. For a quarter of a century he was the only physician in Barnstead. He had received his education at the common schools and .-at Dummer Academy, in Newbury, and had studied medicine with Doctors Torrey and Spofford of Eowley. Like many other physicians he was fond of making long visits, never in a hurry, delighted in conver- sation, was rather slack in his habits, and had. little or no determination to accumulate property. In stature he was five feet ten inches, thick set, dark complexion, his hair tinged with gray, was quick' in his gait and in his manner of speaking. He had served a few months in the army of the Revolution, under Gen. Wash- ington, and at one time was a guard over the prisoners then quartered at Cambridge. His house at Barnstead was quite central ; the selectmen often held their meetings in it ; and from this circumstance he was approbated a tav- erner. Consequently he had a large swing-sign painted blue ; on this was the picture of a dolphin, with a spear aimed at it, and under it were the words " Catch a Dol- phin ;" on the other side ^Was the picture of an anchor and under it were the words " Cast Anchor," " Jeremiah Jewett, 1799." The design of this inscription was impressive ; intend- ed perhaps to induce the traveller to " cast anchor" and turn in to partake of the repast then about being prepared for him. 20 154 HISTORY OF BARNSTEAD. 1863 The Doctor was surgeon of the 10th Regt. for many years. On parade days he wore a cockade, and was equipped with a sword. He alwaj's had the most intimate relations with Parson George. On this account, at his decease, Mr. George declined to take part in the funeral exercises, but took a seat in the midst of the mourners. Dr. Jewett died at the old homestead in the year 1836, April 22, aged 79. He left three children, Spoflford D., a clergyman, Jeremiah P., a physician, Jane, wife of Hazen Wheeler, Esq., each having a family. His widow still sur- vives him, being one hundred years old the 4th day of April, 1872. Dk. Noah J. T. George. Dr. George settled at the Parade in 1822. He was a democrat, and aside from pro- fessional practice he wrote for the press and published a life of Gen. Jackson, a Gazetteer of the State of Vermont, and a small book entitled " Multum jn Parvo," and others. His wife was a daughter of William Ayers. He died of a lingering disease of the spine in 1849. One son and one daughter survived him. Dr. Simon P. Woodward. Commenced practice at Centre Barnstead in 1824. He was well-read, was ener- getic and had a good business here. About the year 1836 he removed to New Market. He died in 1854 leaving children. Dr. Williaji Grover. Settled at the Centre where he had an extensive practice, was' a leader in the church, represented the town in the State Legislature, and was a member of the State Medical Society. In the sick cham- ber his kind word and cheerful countenance failed not to inspire a salutary hope in the hearts of his otherwise weary and desponding patients. He died suddenly in 1853 of 1863 PHYSICIANS. 155 an abscess on the liver. His wife, who was a Miss N. P. Taylor, of Hampton, and one daughter, survived him. The town deeply mourned his loss. De. Charles Whittle. Commenced business in the south part of the town in 1830. He previously had had some practice elsewhere, but continued here but about two years ; he then left for some other field of labor. John Wheeler, M. D. Was born in Barnstead, Sept. 15, 1828 ; was grandson of Dr. Jewett, Sr. He fitted- for college at G-ilmanton Academy, and graduated at Dart- mouth College in 1850, studied medicine with Dr. J. P. Jewett, of Lowell, Mass., and with C. T. Berry, of Pitts- field, N. H., attended Medical Lectures at Bowdoin, Bos- ton, and Berkshire Medical Schools, and graduated at the latter in 1852. * He immediately succeeded Dr. Grover in Barnstead, where he has been in practice ever since, with the excep- tion of four years at Pittsfleld, and a while in the army. Many medical students, more than twenty, have pursued their studies, either a part or the whole of the usual term, under his direction. Dr. William Walker. Was the son of Joseph A. Walker. He graduated at Jefierson College, and died at Barnstead in 1855. Dr. George W. Garland. Was a medical student at Bowdoin and graduated from there in 1837. . He studied medicine also with Dr. Dixi Crosby at Hanover, and commenced practice at North Barnstead, at which place he continued up to 1848, a skillful practitioner, and in a suc- cessful business. Since then, as ever, he has prospered with an extensive -practice, residing in the city of Law- rence, Mass. 156 HISTOKY OF BARNSTEAD. 1863 Db. Mark Walker. Graduated in 1854, and settled in the north part of Barnstead. He still continues his practice in this and the neighboring towns, and proves to be one of Barnstead's best physicians. Dh. Betton W. Sargekt. Eesided here in practice from 1848 to 1853, and then went to the far West. During the Rebellion he served as a surgeon on the staff of Major General Thomas. He read with Dr. Knight of Franklin, and now resides at Rochester, N. H. His wife was the daughter of Dr. Farrington, of Rochester, formerly a member of Congress. Dr. Albert G. Weeks. Resided in practice at North Barnstead in the year 1851 and up to 1853. He had been a student at Dartmouth and at Harvard College, was a gentleman and a scholar. He died in 18J3. Dr. Alvin Jenkins, was an M. D., from Dartmouth in 1862, opened an office at Centre Barusteai in 1863. He removed to Great Falls, N. H., where he now remains in business. Dr. S. S. Wentworth. From Dartmouth College in 1863, practised in his profession at Centre Barnstead in 1864, and then left and settled in EUenburg, New York. Dr. JEiiEMiAH Blake, once a student at the medical school at Yale College, resided and practised medicine here at the Parade, about two years. In 1862 he removed to Gilmanton Iron-works, where he still remains. While at Barnstead he married Mrs. Elkins, the daugh- ter of Abram Bunker. The Doctor for a while was in the ministry with good success, and whether as a physician or a divine he has ever proved himself industrious, prompt and efficient in every good word and woi'k. Dr. Dana Buzzell commenced here about the year 1839, but did not remain. 1863 PHYSICIANS. 157 Dr. John P. Elkins also practised here from 1844 to 1848. Dr. James Emerson, a native of Barnstead, and a graduate of Dartmouth Medical School, was in the prac- tice of his profession at tbie Centre from 1858 to 1862. Since then he has practised in New Ipswich, N. H., in Ashby, Mass., in Claremont, Minnesota, in Pittsfield, N. H., and last of all in G-ardiier, Mass. Thus having connected his practice with the geography of his country, the Doctor now remains steadfast and is doing a spacious business. GRADUATES. The following is a list of College Graduates who are natives of Barnstead, and who have located themselves in different sections of the United States : Spoflford D. Jewett, Rev. (now of Middlefleld, Conn.), was the first college " graduate. He preferred the minis- \ try, and after preaching the gospel thirty-six years, in ' 1866 retired by reason of declining healtb, thereafter preaching only occasionally. ^ t ^sX, \ % % "^ i )k&M^ ;/* George F. George, son of Rev. Enos, studied medicine in Georgia, settled in Shady Valley, Ga., where he still resides. Franklin T. Harwood, a graduate of the Harvard Medical School, of the class of 1851, settled at Great Falls, N. H. John "Wheeler, M.D., A.B., from Dartmouth and from the Berkshire Medical School in 1852. George W. Garland, M. D., from Bowdoin, in 1837, now at Lawrence, Mass. William Walker, M.D., from Jefferson Medical School,^ in 1853, died in Barnstead, in 1855. 158 HISTOKY OF BARNSTEAD. 1868 Mark Walker, M.D., from Jefferson Medical School, in 1854, now in Barnstead. James Emerson, M.D., from Dartmouth Medical School, in 1858. Caleb W. Hanson, M.D., from Dartmouth Medical School, in 1858, now in Northwood. John Hanson, from Dartmouth College, 1859, now in business in the West. Joseph B. Rand, M.D., from Dartmouth College, in 1858, now at "White River, Vt. John P. Elkins, M.D., from Bowdoin, in 1862, now in Wilmot. Augustus C. Walker, M.D., from New York Medical College, in 1863, now in Roxbury. Laban M. Saunders, M.D., from Dartmouth College, in 1864, died in Barnstead, in 1867. Arthur C. Newall, M.D., from Ohio Medical College, in 1865, now in Farmington. Jeremiah P. Jewett, was the first in Barnstead who took a degree as anM.D., his biography will be found in the appendix. Hanson C. Canney, M.D., from Dartmouth College, in 1865, settled in Auburn. Phineas H. Wheeler, M.D., from Dartmouth College, in 1865, settled in Alton. Nath. W. Woodhouse,-M.D., from Dartmouth College, now in Wilton, Iowa. George H. Towle, M.D., from Harvard College in 1865, settled in Deerfleld. I. Lysander Eaton, M.D., St. Louis Medical School, settled in St. Louis, Mo. Darius M. Edgerly, M.D., from New York University.* 1863 PHYSICIA-NS. 159 Note. — Doctors Eaton, Saunders, P. H. Wheeler, A. C. Walker and Newall, were all Acting Assistant Sur- geons in the United States Armj' during the Rebellion of 1861. PHYSICIANS OP THE NEIGHBORING TOWNS. PITTSPIELD. Abel Blanohard began his practice in 1803. He was a bachelor ; at one time he offered Pittsfleld $500 towards founding an academy there, but that good people thought it would make their sons and daughters proud and lazy ; and therefore rejected the offer. He left the town in 1807 and went to Pembroke, and disposed of his money in the building of an academy there. Pittsfleld has since honored herself in her schools of learning as well as in her improvements in manufacturing, in agriculture, and in tlie arts. Dr. Thomas Shannon came to Pittsfleld when Dr. Blauchard left. Dr. Shannon was of the old school, edu- cated under Prof. Nathan Smith. In 1827, soon after founding the Medical School, Dr. Smith removed to Moul- tonboro', and died there, aged 80 years. Hon. R. p. I. Tenney, M.D., was a son of Dr. Wm. Tennej', late of Loudon, and succeeded to his father's practice in that town, but afterwards located himself in Pittsfleld, since greatly increased in thrift and beauty, where he found an extensive fleld for his professional skill, and where he still lives, a leader in his profession, and a friend to all mankind. He lives in the midst of a happy family. He married Miss H. A. Sanborn, of Gilmanton, N. H. They have an amiable daughter by the name of Abbie. The Doctor was a Councillor to the Governor of New Hampshire during the Rebellion, and at that time did 160 HISTORY OF BAKNSTEAD. 1863 valiant service for his country in raising and transmitting the New Hampshire regiments to the armies of the North. Long life to him ! Jeremiah Blake, M.D., was a native of this town, commenced practice here in 1826 and continued in this ten years ; studied theology and then went into the minis- try. He still continues his medical practice, residing at Gilmanton Iron Works. Enoch Barnes, M.D., practised here. John S. Elliott, M.D., had an office here for several years, and then went to Manchester. LODDON. Abraham Silver, M.D., an early settler in L., but removed to Gilmanton. Benjamin Kelley, M.D., practised here in 1787, re- moved to Lower Gilmanton. Anthony Sherburne, M.D., settled in L., removed to Gilmanton in 1807, but soon died. Jedediah Tucker, M.D., a Congregational preacher as well as physician, died in 1825. William Tenney, M.D.,was from Newburyport. He settled in Loudon in 1800 ; had a great practice, was social and kind. He died in 1826, aged about sixty years, much lamented. E. P. I. Tenney, M.D., was the successor of Dr. Wil- liam Tenney, his father, but afterwards removed to Pitts- field, where he still remains in practice. ALTON. John Morrison, M.D., one of its first settlers, still in practice, at the age of of seventy-five. 1863 NEIGHBORING PHYSICIANS. 161 Dr. Curry was in practice in Alton, in 1828-9. He died in 1830. Drs. Nathaniel Dorman and A. "W. Lougee also prac- tised in Alton. BARRINGTON. Robert Woodbury, M.D., was early in Barrington, his fame was wide, he was a school-mate with the late Presi- dent John Quincy Adams, had a practice of more than fifty years, and died iii 1856. John S. Furnald, M.D., practised nearly thirty years and died while yet in his strength of manhood. David McDaniel and William Waterhouse, also, were located in Barrington. NEW DURHAM. Daniel Mowe, M.D., a celebrated physician, was here many years. He removed to Lowell, where he lived with professional honor, and died Nov. 3, I860, aged 71. John Elkins, M.D., was skilful, and had an extensive field of labor in New Durham. NORTHWOOD. John Smith, M.D., an early settler, read with Dr. Kel- ly and had much practice in North wood. Benjamin Kelly, M.D., was in Northwood from 1780 to 1791, and then he settled in Gilmanton. John Starr, M.D., had several years' practice in North- wood, but died early. Thomas Tnttle, M.D., was a native of Barrington, set- tled in Northwood, and has had a respectable practice. 162 HISTORY OF BAKNSTEAD. 1863 CHICHESTER. Amasa Kelly, M.D., one of the first in his profession in Chichester, came in 1799, became blind and died in 1846, aged seventy-five. Samuel Sargent, M.D., of South Chichester, died in 1842. EPSOM. Samuel Morrill, M.D., practised here and then removed to Concord. David L. Morrill, M.D., resided here a while, moved to Concord and was subsequently Governer of New Hamp- shire. Josiah Crosby, M.D., practised in Epsom at first, and then at Manchester, and is now residing there. James Babb, M,D., a native of Chichester, twenty years in practice, died in 1843. Hanover Dickey, M.D., served in his profession in "Epsom, was a native— now in Lowell, Mass., and is stil! in practice. John Proctor, M.D., also practised in Epsom. GILMANTON. . William Smith, M.D., was the first doctor in Gilman- ton. Came from East Kingston in 1778. He died in 1830, aged ninety-eight years. Jonathan Hill, M.D., settled in Gilmanton, in 1778. He was a native of Stratham. Obadiah Parish, M.D., a native of Canterbury, married a Miss Badger, came to Gilmanton in 1790, died in 1794, aged thirty. 1863 GRADUATES. 163 Abraham Silver, M.D., came to lower Gilmanton, and was in his profession in Gllmanton some years. Simon Foster, M.D., a native of Andover, Mass., came to Gilmanton in 1800 ; practised thirty years. Daniel Jacobs, M.D., born at Mansfield in 1764, grad- uated at Dartmouth College in 1787, came to Gilmanton in 1796, had a good practice, died in 1814, aged fifty-one. Benjamin Kelley, M.D., came to Gilmanton in 1801, was a fellow of the New Hampshire Medical Society, died in L839, aged seventy-five. t Note. — Dr. Kelley had a son by the name of Hall J. He was a teacher in Bdston, but hearing the story of the great West, he shouldered his pack and gun and, on foot, took a bee line westward. After many weary days he lost sight of all settlements, having reached and traversed vast prairies and spacious forests on the wav. At length he found himself among savages, three thousand miles away from home, in Oregon. At that time he had not seen the face of a white man for two long years. The story of events on the way, the wild experiences in the midst of a new country, his manner of life among the western Indians, &c., were often related by him with thrill- ing interest. His travels were published. There were several physicians other than those above named, who from time to time did good service in Gilman- ton, and other neighboring towns, and who of course some- times visited Barnstead professionally, among whom were Doctors Asa Crosby, Nathan C. Tebbetts, Otis French, and others. COLLEGE GKADDATES. Spofford D. Jewett, now a clergyman settled in Connecticut, graduated from Dartmouth College in 1826. 164 HISTORY OF BARNSTEAD. 1863 He was the first college graduate at Barhstead, studied theology at Andover, was the son of Dr. J. Jewett of Barn- stead, had been thirty-six years in the gospel ministry up to 1866, when on account of failing health lie retired froni his field of labor. Tiii^ ^y\fiKjiMsLl^dLL Q^, George Franklin George; lisq., from Dartmouth College now in practice at Shadjr Dale, Georgia, a son of Rev. Enos George, deceased. Albert Elisha Hodgdon, Esq., a son of Chai-les, from Dartmouth*College in 1842, opened a law-oflice in Barn- stead, but died in 1847. John P. Newell, Esq., at Dartmouth College, was the first scholar in his class, read law, and then took charge of the High School in Manchester. His wife was the daughter of Charles Jas. Bell. Mr. Newell is far known and much respected. Horace Webster, L.L.B., from Dartmouth College in 1849, and a graduate of Harvard Law School. His wife was the daughter of Rev. Amos Blanchard, of Lowell. He died in 1867. His wife soon followed him to the spirit land. John Wheeler, M.D., from Dartmouth College in 1850, and now in full practice in Barnstead. Charles A. Bunker, from Dartmouth College in 1864, now teaching in Peacham Academy. Nathaniel L. Hanson, from Dartmouth College in 1864, engaged in teaching. David M. Edgerly, M.D., from Dartmouth College in 1864, in medicine, graduated at New York University; Lewis W. Clark, Esq., a native of Barnstead, gradu- ated at Dartmouth College in 1850, read law and settled in Pittsfield, thence to Manchester, N. H., is in a large 1863 MERCHANTS. 166 practice. He has a generous heart and a strong mind. He is now (1872) Attorney-General of New Hamp- shire. Alonzo H. Quint, D.D., from Dartmouth College in 1846, and from Andover afterwards, was chaplain in the Second Mass. Regiment during the Rebellion-r-wrote its history — and now is pastor of a church at New Bedford. 'Luther E. Shepard, from Dartmouth College in 1851, read law, and is now in practice, doing a successful busi- ness in Lowell, Mass. Note. — Augustus C. Wall^er, William Walker and Ar- thur C. Newall, are natives of Barnstead, and were students at Dartmouth College for the term of two years. MERCHANTS. The traders in Barnstead have advanced about in the following order : Richard Cinclair, com/nencing in 1774, on Province Road, was the first. Paul G. Hoyt. Moses Styles, from Kingston. Nathaniel Goodhue, in 1814. Second store at Parade (barter trade). Charles G. Cinclair, from Bethlehem ; Goodhue's suc- cessor. John Kelly commenced in 1817. From Gilmanton ; kept at Parade. 166 HISTORY OF BARNSTEAD. 1863 Nathaniel D. Chamberlain, in 1821 ; from Alton. John Berry, from Pittsfield ; kept at South Barnstead. Commenced in 1819 ; was here several years. Returned to Pittsfield. John Kent was Berry's successor. Samuel Webster, at North. Barnstead ; commenced in 1820. George Nutter was Webster's successor and a success- ful merchant. Ebenezer Hall commenced at Parade in 1822 ; several years here ; removed to Concord. Samuel J. Edgerly and P. Hodgdon were in trade several years. Hodgdon removed to Ossipee. John Peavey, Esq., opened the first store at the Centre, and traded many years. Eliphalet S. Nutter, Esq., was in trade at Barnstead Parade a considerable time, and proved one of its most successful merchants. He removed to Concord in 1855. The stores of these men, for the most part, were filled with West India and dry goods, for which they often took pay in lumber, &c., such as ship-timber, boards, shingles, firkins, corn, potatoes, oats, butter, eggs, tow-cloth, &c. Kelly, Goodhue and Webster were extensive traders, and were the purchasers of all such articles. Beyond this, Webster went largely into the lumbering business. The fine forests of pine and oak then standing, began to yield ■ to the woodman's axe, furnishing for the market many a stately mast and much ship timber, as well as an abundance of the finest boards and shingles. He was from Gilman- ton and was in trade here a quarter of a century — was an industrious worker, and, as the farmers would say, "died in the harness." 1863 HAND LABOR. ' 167 At the first settlements, and for more than forty years up to 1812, manufacturing in this and the adjoining towns was all done by hand labor. Every article of •wearing apparel, every article of Tiousehold furniture, all farming utensils, and all kinds of implements used by this community were wrought out without the aid of machinery, through the ardent, exhausting toil of men and women at hand labor. The farm produced the flax, and the variegated flocks afforded an abundance of white and black wool. The flax was at first rotted and dried ; then it was subjected to the break, which was worked by hard hand labor ; then it was swingled and combad, when it became nice, smooth and shiny, and fit for spinning or for the market. The linen and the large wheel then stood ready to assist in preparing it for the web, and the old clock reel to transfer it into skeins, and to count it into knots. The old-fashioned loom then took it, and the rattle of the shuttle and treadles, and the reverberation of the lathe in driving the threads, were heard afar ; while, at the same time, the health of the industrious housewife was . invigorated in this process of manufacturing cloth through hand labor. Be it remembered that life, through such an industry, was made the more profitable, cheerful and happy. The use of most of the cloth in various ways made of flax, wool and cotton, was for the home consumption. Fabrics thus made and thus used administered to the im- mediate comforts of the household, and at the same time tended to inspire it with a complacent self satisfaction. The first attempt to improve the old Scotch wheel was in the patent head. This was intended to increase the 168 ■> HISTORY OF BARNSTEAD. 1863 revolutions of the spindle, and lessen the revolutions of the wheel itself, and thereby to save labor. Cotton was scarce, and commanded a high price, being imported from India, and usually in very small quantities. The old linen wheel, with its foot power and pine distaff, were the same from time immemorial. Any sug- gestions with the view of improvements in them would have been looked upon with distrust, and as being -in vain. So it was during the first fifty years of our history. Female labor was plenty and cheap. It was common for the girl to work by the week, three shillings being the usual wages for that term of service, and the spinning of five skeins of yarn constituted her legal clay's work. Many families were in the habit of manufacturing tow cloth, which was used to clothe the negro slaves of the South, and which sold here at the country stores for about ten or twelve cents per yard. Sometimes a'fabric was made up of a linen warp and hair yarn filling. This was woven in colors, checked, striped, and plain ; it was quite thick and coarse, and was readily sold at the stores in the early years when cotton first began to be successfully raised in our own country. Very soon this material began to be spun by machinery, and sold by the pound in yarn, numbered according to the size of its thread, or its number of skeins to the pound. This was then bought; and sold for warp, while linen was used for filling it, producing a durable home-made cloth. But the years of manufacturing the home supplies of raiment, which evinced the industry, economy, and enjoy- ment of our primeval race, have passed away. The Indus- THE WHEEL OF THE OLDEN TIME. 1863 FIRST SAW MILL. 169 try of our old mothers in this regard has been described in verse as follows : " Mea of my age ! we hail that highland glee That cheered the homes, the hearts of you and me, Of yore. Ye matrons too, whose childhood prime Is merged in memories of the olden time, Call up that hour I and bear me witness too Of what in early life you used to do ; How then on tip-toe cotton yarn you spun, How buzzed the band, and how the spindle run. How moved the thread around the handy reel, How dear old mother whirled the linen wheel. While at her knee the prattling baby stands. Provoking grandma with his little hands, To feel the forked distaff's flaxy curl Or ferret out the curious whiz and whirl - of wheel and spool; heedless of frown or fliers. Or flax comb keen. So fondly he admires I The enchanting scenes of childhood's joyful day, We cherish still, though fled like flowers of May. In truth, alike, the habits had of yore That linen wheel and loom are known no more." [Caverly's '^Merrimac," p. QQ.'] BRICKS. These were made in Barnstead at an early period, clay beds from which to make them being common, and very soon bricks began to take the place of rude unshapely stones, with which were built the chimneys of the ancient houses. They were then burnt in kilns ; no machinery being used, as now, in preparing them for the burning process. FIRST SAW MILL. This was situated on the Suncook. It carried an up and down saw and made but one cut at every revolution of the water wheel, but if furnished suflBcient of boards and planks to supply the demands of this then scattered 170 HISTORY OF BARNStEAD. 1863 people. Their clapboards aad shingles were rived from the rude but more clear forest material, mostly of the old yellow centered pine, having neither wane nor knot for many feet of its length. Labor was cheap, there being but little to do, which would bring an immediate return in money. Yet they had but to work and wait ; as the farm and the forest, oper- ated upon by an economical industry would favor them, and soon did yield to them a full supply and a cheerful livelihood. From 25 to 40 cent's would pay a laborer for his day's work ; corn would bring biit about 50 cents per bushel ; hay $5 per ton ; a cow from $5 to $8 ; a horse from $20 to $40. Clothing was cheap, being home-made as above stated, yet even at these low rates all enjoyed a compe- tence — none seemed to be in want. In later years the lumbering business increased, and the various products of the forests were from time to time in different forms borne awaj' to the market at the tide- waters or elsewhere, and these in time brought to the farmer a more competent cash return. The manufacturing of barrels, firkins, pails, tubs, &c., was by no means a small business in the early days of Barnstead, as it brought to its inhabitants a constant income, sometimes in articles useful to the household and sometimes in cash. SHOES. Within the last thirty years much has been accom- plished in this vicinity in the manufacture of shoes. The material stock being cut out, and boxed, in Lynn and other large manufacturing towns, it is then transported here, 1863 TOWN POUND. 171 giving employment to many men and women to a good profit. All this constituted a part of the home industry of Barnstead, and although taken together, it has not always afforded the most advantageous income, yet it has been productive of sweet contentment and a vigorous health, such as is not often found in the mammoth mills of crowded cities, where such work is done under the labor saving inventions of later and more modern times. TOWN POUND, The following record is on the town book in the year 1817: " It was proposed to build a circular Pound, forty feet in diameter, with a six-foot wall, seven feet high, to be located near the brook by John Tasker's mill. "It was put up at auction and bid off by Nathaniel Tasker at forty dollars ; and a bond was given to the Selectmen by Tasker for a faithful performance of the work." Unfortunately Tasker was taken sick and died. His widow petitioned for a release from the contract. The town voted not to exempt the widow Sally from building the Pound agreeable to the bond given to the Selectmen. It was therefore set up at auction again and bid off by Joseph Pickering for |49. He afterwards fell back, and his forfeit was one dollar. It was again put up at auction 172 HISTORY OF BARNSTEAD. 1863 and was bid off by David Jacobs for $60. His bid was also given up, the one dollar being paid. It was again set up, and was bid off" by John Peavey, Esq., for $60, who gave his bond and built the Pound." TOWN HALL. This is located at the Centre. It was erected in 1847, and ever since the business of the town has been transacted in this building. Previously the Selectmen had held their meetings in the different sections, mostly at private houses. The Town Hall has proved to be not only a great con- venience to the corporation as a public building, but as otherwise affording to the public accommodations for the various gatherings which are common to a country village. SHEEP MARKING. Formerly a farmer would have been regarded as neg- lectful of duty, and destitute of economy, if he did not raise his own wool, and manufacture his own cloth. Hence every farmer must necessarily support a large flock, and by statute law he was held to keep his sheep properly marked. The marking was done by the barbarous fashion of mutilating the ears. Thus for instance, in 1812, the 1872 ITS REPRESENTATIVES. 173 sheep-mark of Samuel Bickford, as appears on record, was " a piece cut off the right side of each ear, the ear sharpened from each side of each ear thereof." Each farmer had a different mark upon the ears of his flock, so that if any were to stray from his fold and mingle with others, they might easily be identified and obtained. REPRESENTATIVES TO THE LEGISLATURE. Charles Hodgdon is the first on record and served from 1797 to 1821 inclusively, excepting the years 1800, 1801, 1802, 1803, 1815, 1817, 1819. t John Nutter in 1800, 1801, 1802, 1803. Nathaniel Wilson in 1815, 1816, 1817. William Walker, Jr., in 1819, 1822, 1824, 1827. Hereafter there was to be two Representatives annually. John Peavey, Esq., 1823, 1824, 1825, 1826, 1828. Charles Hodgdon, 1823, 1845 Joshua B. Merrill, 1851, 1853 JohnKaime, 1825, 1826 Wm. Jenkins, jr., 1852 John Kent, Esq., 1828 Thomas Proctor, 1851, 1852 Isaac O. Barnes, 1829, 1830 Isaac Garland, Jr., 1853, 1854 Samuel Webster, 1829, 1830 John L. Nutter, 1854, 1855 George Nutter, 1831, 1832 Seth Shackford, 1855, 1856 William H. Newall, 1831, 1832 Josh. M. Babcock, 1856, 1857 Thos. P. Hodgdon, 1833, 1834 Joseph Nutter, 1857, 1858 Samuel Kaime, 1833, 1834 Alfred Bunker, 1858, 1859 Samuel G. Berry, 1835, 1836 Jacob B. Locke, 1859, 1860 WilUam S. Hill, 1835, 1836 Charles S. George, 1860, 1861 Timothy Dow, 1837, 1838 John McNeal, 1861, 1862 Eichard Garland, 1837, 1838 Geo. W. Emerson, 1862, 1863 174 HISTORY OF BAENSTEAP. 1872 Joseph A. Walker, 1839, 1840: Jolm Dorr, 1863, 1864 Joseph Jenkins, 1839, 1840 Horace N. Colebath, 1864 Stephen Young, 1841, 1842 Daniel F. Davis, 1865, 1866 Samuel EoUins, jr., 1841, 1842 Charles H. Dorr, 1865, 1866 John Walker, 1843, 1844 Mark Walker, 1867, 1868 Enos George, 1843, 1844 Jona. M. Tasker, 1867, 1868 Chas. Hodgdbn, jr., 1845, 1846 William Proctor, 1869 John H. Collins, 1845, 1846 Jacob W. Evans, 1869 William Grover, 1847, 1848 No Election in 1870 Charles Dudley, 1847, 1848 John P. Holmes, 1871, 1872 Eobert S. Webster, 1849, 1850 Dan'l E. Tuttle, 1871, 1872 Enoch Clark, 1849, 1850 SELECTMEN. John Tasker, 1774, 1776, 1783 Thomas Edgerly, 1774, 1776 Benjamin Nutter, 1774, 1775, 1777, 1778, 1780, 1782, 1783 Richard Cinclair, 1775, 1777, 1779, 1780, 1781, 1782, 1784 Winthrop Smart, 1775, 1778, 1782 Andrew Drew, 1776 Samuel Pitman, 1777 William Brown, 1778, 1781 John Drew, 1779 Jonathan Emerson, 1779, 1780, 1784 Eufus Ewers, 1781, 1794, 1795, 1798, 1799 ' Charles Hodgdon, 1783, 1786, 1787, 1788, 1789, 1792 Ephraim Tebbetts, 1784 Jonathan Chesley, 1785, 1788, 1789, 1791 John Nutter, Jr., 1785, 1787, 1788, 1789, 1891, 1792, 1793, 1794, 1800, 1809 Lemuel Bickford, 1785 Samuel Nelson, 1786, 1790, 1791, 1792", 1793, 1794, 1795, 1797, 1800, 1801 ^872 ITS SELECTMEN. 175 Ebenezer Adams, 1786 Moses Rand, 1787 Dependence Colebath, 1790 Ephraim Tebbetts, 1790 Benjamin Nutter, 1793, 1803 Daniel Drew, 1795, 1797, 1798, 1799 Ezekiel Edgerly, 1796, 1806, 1808 Charles Hodgdon, Jr., 1796, 1802, 1803, 1806, 1817, 1822, 1824, 1826, 1827, 1828 John Jenkins, Jr., 1796, 1805, 1806, 1807, 1809 James Lock, 1800, 1801, 1803 Peletiah Daniels, 1804 Joseph Tasker, 1804, 1805, 1808 • James Brown, 1804, 1805 Moses Chesley, 1807, 1808, 1810 Nathaniel Tasker, 1807, 1809, 1814, 1815 Benjamin Hodgdon, 1810, 1811 Isaac Garland, 1810, 1811 Eliphalet Nutter, 1811, 1812, 1813, 1816, 1820 Nathaniel Wilson, 1812, 1813, 1814, 1815, 1820, 1821, 1823 WiUiam Walker, Jr , 1812, 1813, 1814, 1815, 1816, 1817, 1818, 1820, 1821, 1825 Noah Robinson, 1816, 1817, 1818 John Kaime, 1818, 1819, 1822 John B. Swasey, 1819 Jeremiah Dow, 1819 Samuel Rollins, 1822, 1823 John Daniels, 1823, 1824, 1825, 1826 George Nutter, 1824, 1825 Thomas P. Hodgdon, 1826 Samuel J. Edgerly, 1827, 1828, 1834, 1835 Timothy Dow, 1828, 1829, 1830 Richard Garland, 1829, 1830 Benjamin Hoitt* 1830, 1831 Samuel G. Berry, 1831, 1832 William S. Hill, 1831, 1832" Oliver Demerit, 1832, 1833 Daniel McNeal, 1833, 1834 176 HISTOET OF BARNSTEAD. 1872 William Nutter, 1833, 1834 * Jeremiah Clark, 1835, 1863 Jacob Saunders, 1835 Charles Dudley, 1836, 1887 Joseph Jenkins, 1836, 1837, 1838, 1847, 1848 Arthur Bickford, 1836, 1837 Samuel Webster, 1838, 1839, 1840 Stephen Young, 1838, 1839 Samuel Kaime, 1839, 1840, 1858, 1859 Sewall Cilley, 1840, 1849 John Walker, 1841, 1842, 1843, 1863, 1864 Joseph Walker, 1841, 1842, 1843, 1844, 1857, 1858 Daniel Bickford, 1841 • William Berry, 1843 Hazen Pickering, 1843, 1844 Joseph A. Walker, 1844 Enoch Clark, 1845, 1846 Isaac Garland, 1845, 1846 George S. Roberts, 1845, 1846 Joshua B. Merrill, 1847, 1848, 1849 Josiah E. Shackford, 1847, 1848 Jacob B. Locke, 1849, 1850 John L. Nutter, 1850, 1851 Samuel Bickford, 1850, 1851 Seth Shackford, 1851, 1852 Hazen Wheeler, 1852, 1853 Thomas Emerson, 1852, 1853 John Dow, 1853, 1854, 1867, 1868 Caleb Willey, 1854 Charles S. French, 1854, 1855 John McNeal, 1855, 1856 George W. Emerson, 1855, 1856 Samuel D. Nutter, 1856, 1857 William Proctor, 1857 William S. Nutter, 1859, 1860, 1871, 1872 Jacob W. Evans, 1859; 1860 Nathaniel S. Nutter, 18.60, 1861, 1871, 1872 Joseph D. Proctor, 1861, 1862 ^^''^ TOWN CLERKS. 177 John N. Hoitt, 1861, 1862 Horatio G. Willey, 1862, 1863 Charles S. George, 1864, 1865 Joel S. Hall, 1864, 1865 George W. Hodgdon, 1865, 1866 David H. Evans, 1866 Plumer Garland, 1866 JohnW. F. Locke, 1867, 1868, 1869, 1870 Charles E. Walker, 1867, 1868 John F. Holmes, 1869, 1870 Joseph P. Blaisdell, 1869, 1870 John F. Garland, 1871, 1872 TOWN CLERKS. The first Town Clerk of whom we have any record was Benjamin Nutter, elected in 1775. The record is in a fair hand. He remained in office up to 1781. His suc- cessors were : Samuel Nelson, from 1781 to 1784, inclusive. Jonathan Bunker, from 1785 to 1766, inclusive. Benjamin Hodgdon, from 1787 to 1799, inclusive. Charles Hodgdon, Jr., from 1800 to 1806, inclusive. Jeremiah Jewett, in 1806. Charles Hodgdon, Jr., from 1807 to 1815, Inclusive. -Enos George, from 1816 to 1858, inclusive. Charles S. George, acted as Town Clerk in 1859. Horace N. Colebath, in 1860. Cyrus W. Blanchard, in 1861. Charles E. Walker, from 1862 to 1864, inclusive. Levi C. Scrutton, in 1865. ' John H. Hill, in 1866. John E. Fendergast, from 1867 to 1868, inclusive. George Emerson, from 1869 to 1872, inclusive. 178 HISTORY OF BARNSTEAD. 1872 POST-OFFIQES. Their" locations are designated — Barnstead, Soutii Barnstead, Centre Barnstead, and North Barnstead. Previous to about the year 1814 there had been no Post-offlce here. The first was established on the Province Eoad, near the southwest corner of the town. Charles Hodgdon, was the first Postmaster. He was succeeded by Charles Hodgdon, Jr., Charles J. Hodg- don, Noah Robinson, Samuel D. Nutter, but perhaps not all in the same localitJ^ BARNSTEAD (pARADE) POST-OFFICE. The Postmasters have been Hazeu Wheeler, Eliphalet S. Nutter, Jonathan M. Tasker, Danie*' Chesley, Joseph P. Russell, and Cyrus W. Blaiichard. BARNSTEAD CENTRE POST-OFFICE. Postmasters, Isaac O. Barnes, John Kent, Jeremiah Elkins, John Peavey, Daniel Bickford, Noah C. Hun- tress, E. C. Drew, Laban M. Saunders, Seth Tasker, and Thomas M. Huse. NORTH BARNSTEAD POST-OFFICE. Postmasters, Samuel Webster, Thomas P. Hodgdon, Robert S. Webster, Charles E. Walker, and William C. Berry. SOUTH BARNSTEAD POST-OFFICE. Postmasters, Edward Walker, Charles Reynolds. 1872 HUSieiNGS. 179 JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. John Clnclair, John Tasker, Charles Hodgdon, John Nutter, Benjamin Nutter, Benjamin Hodgdon, Charles Hodgdon, jr., Joseph Tasker, John Peavey, Caleb Merrill, William Walker, William S-. Hill, Hazen Pickering, Charles S. George, John W. P. Locke, John Dow, Samuel Webster, Isaac O. Barnes, Jeremiah Elkins Thomas P. Hodgdon, John Biclrford; Eliphalet Nutter, Moses Norris, George Nutter, Peletiah Daniels, John. H. Collins, Samuel Kaime, Reuben Edgerly, George W. Ewers, Richard Garland. HUSKINGS. Formerly as now, one of the largest crops produced in New Hampshire, was that of maize, known as Indian Corn, as it has been called, the same being believed to be a native of-this country. It was found by the first settlers, as raised by the Indians, and as seen by Columbus and others at their first landings. In New England it has ever since been more extensively cultivated than any other article. It cannot be raised in England to any great profit, but in Asia and Africa the soil and climate for the most part is well adapted to its growth. 180 HISTORY OF BAENSTEAD. 1872 In all countries it is now more or less used in various ways constituting a substantial diet. Almost everywhere it is consumed in the feed of hogs, horses, and cattle, and often takes the place of fuel in some parts of the great west. It is raised there in large quantities and at the small cost of a few cents per bushel. The new lands of the country are well suited to its growth, and no article of produce affords an abundant return with more certainty than a crop of corn. Of this the poor in our early days could always obtain a supply, as it grew abjindantly, and a little labor would command it. How common it was then to see peering through the log cabin from six to ten rosy, red cheeked urchins witb tangled hair, all in the bloom of health, living daily as they did almost entirely on this most nutritive diet, and from month to month scarcely knowing a change from the corn and pork which the father had raised and fattened. All over the large fields, then, in the month of October, could be seen the beautiful ears of yellow corn enveloped with dry husks fully ripe and fit for the garner. It was the work for the husbandman for days, to gather the harvest of these fields, and to deposit the unhusked corn in huge piles along the spacious floors of his barn. This being done, the farmer, as if to join in, a general thanksgiving, would extend to the old, the young, and the middle aged, an invitation to come to his husking. At the evening appointed, they would come from afar by the scores, and after the common greetings were passed .each would bp conducted to the great pile, the same being lighted up brilliantly, usually with wooden chandeliers filled with candles. The young men and the modest young maidens usually appropriated to themselves such seats as THE OLD HOMESTEAD. 1872 HUSKINGS. 181 seemed most agreeable to them, while the older and more sedate would seat themselves, men and women, promiscu- ously at the heaviest part of the heap, all working their fingers energetically, and all amusing themselves in con- versation, story, and song, which usually increased to a noisy hilarity as the heap diminished. The boys and girls will of course crack their jokes. And when a red-ear was husked, then by the laws of the craft, the finder had a right to greet his favorite lady with a kiss. This law was usually promptly enforced, although our lads of the ruder class would sometimes incur the penalty of a box on the side of the head, or of being buried up in the husks. After all the heaps are husked, then all the guests repair to the mansion, where the old fashioned fire-place is ablaze with a rousing fire, and where long extended tables are set, standing upon the sanded fioors, and upon which the various viands that make up a sumptuous feast are displayed and devoured, aud which always follow the husk- ing out of the corn. Then the lively reel and contra dance succeed, well- timed by the fiddler, suspended, however, occasionally, to hear a story of the olden time from the experience of age, or to listen to a song from some fair maiden, all enjoying the occasion, aud each contributing a share to its enter- tainment; thus on until the striking of the old clock, announcing the short hours of the night, admonishes the company that the pleasures of the husking season are post- poned to the next succeeding year. The harvest and the husking of the corn have been celebrated thus: 182 HISTOKY OF BARNSTEAD. 1^72 " Meanwhile the field assumes a spiky form. The time hath come to gather in the corn ; On hand the lahorers, on hand the cart, The lads are all aglee to take a part ; For now they know when eve approaches near 'Twill bring that joyful husking of the year. All now one purpose faithfully fulfil, The rustling ears are hurried from the hill With ardent zeal; and flushed with hopeful joys, Above the standing stalks both men and boys, High on their shoulders crowded baskets wield. The heavy harvest carted from the field, They pile in heaps withyi the grating door Throughout the spacious barn and kitchen floor At eve ; there then the guests all seated down. From every cottage home in all the town, Some old, some young, and some quite lately born Vie with each other husking out the corn ; In social chat and merry song they keep The golden ears fast flying from the heap, While startled oft the seated crowd appear At lucky swains who find a crimsoned ear; For In such luck, 'tis never deemed amiss To go the rounds and give the maids a kiss. The sprightly boys with bending baskets borne, Eemove the husks and bear away the corn. Then comes the hour that gathers large supplies. Of apple-dowdies and of pumpkin pies. Then bends the board with viands, fruit and wine, All hail I that gleeful hour, the olden time I" ICaverly's " Merrimac," p. 57-8.] NATIVE FRUITS. Long before the white man invaded the Indian haunts along these valleys, bountiful crops of fruits and berries seldom failed. Berries in profusion and in great varieties 1872 NATIVE FRUITS. 183 supplied the natives, and fed myriads of birds tliat enliv- ened the dark forest with the melody of their songs. APPLE TREES. The apple grew spontaneously, aflFording in its varie- ties some of its choicest specimens. Then, as now, although in a much less degree, it flourished and was known throughout New England. Yet its production here is always subject to great fluctuations. The apple crop in the valley of the Suneook since the year 1829, haS very much declined. The once beautiful orchards of that locality, then of thrifty growth, bearing well, have given way, and much less of fruit is obtained. Apple trees in the woods sometimes grew to the height of sixty feet, but in the open orchard, well cultivated, they expand into their natural dimensions and produce more fruit. Much has been done within the last fifty years in graft- ing upon the old stocks nature's best varieties, so that the town is now very well supplied with the choicest kinds of this, the best of all fruits, though on the whole not in so great an abundance as formerly. PEARS, PEACHES, CHERRIES, &C. Peaches will not flourish here, the climate being too cold for them. Pears, plums, cherries, native grapes, and nuts flourish well generally. The blue-berry, black-berry, straw-berry and rasp-berry are natives to this soil and grow in profusion. Chestnuts and walnuts are less abun- dant. The oak with its burden of acorns is attractive to the chip, the red, and the gray squirrel, to which they in the fall resort for a supply to their varied favorite winter quarters. 184 HISTORY OF BARNSTEAD. 1872 The low blue-berry bush grows upon the rocky hillside, and in other waste places, and yet it is filled with rich and early fruit. These berries are often gathered in large quantities and sent to the city markets, where they usually find -a profitable sale. This fruit gathering tends to innure the women and children to habits of industry and economy, promoting health and leading to long life. During the fruit season hundreds of bushels of berries are thus collected and sent to the city markets, by which a rough pasture in some instances, is made quite as profitable as the culti- vated field. THE POTATO. The first account had of this plant was of some "roots" found in Virginia, in 1597, and which were, as a curiosity, sent frohi there to England and planted in a gentleman's garden. It is said Sir Walter Raleigh on his return from this country, at about that time introduced them in Ireland, The Irish were slow to introduce them, having at first an unfavorable estimation of their value, but afterwards be- came great admirers of them. In England they were still more tardy in introducing them. One writer said they were nearly like the Jerusalem artichoke, but not so good nor so wholesome ; that they should be roasted and sliced and might be eaten with sauce composed of wine and sugar. The more wealthy were in- clined to regard them as food for the poorer classes who had not the means of obtaining the more common and costly articles. Columbus, in his ealrly voyages, carried them into Spain and was the means of planting them there at an early period. Although of slow introduction, the uses and im- ^^^^ GEOLOGY. 185 portance of this tuber, has given it a wide spread, far beyond all other esculents, so that it has now become one of the great crops of England, Ireland, Spain, and Russia, and is raised more or less in almost every other country. If no other benefits had accrued to the old world by the discovery of the new, the corn and potatoes found here' would have afforded to the adventurer a full and complete compensation. The dry soil of Barnstead is well adapted to the pro- duction of this most healthy and cheap diet, in all of its best and most bountiful varieties. It supplies itself, and from j'ear to year affords large quantities to various mar- kets of the seaport towns. GEOLOGY. There is no mountain range passing through this town, nor is there any direct up-heaving of the earth's surface, indicating volcanic eruptions, by .which the baser metals are sometimes made discoverable, but as it seems the aqueus e ement in primeval times settled here, concealing at least to some extent many of the more prominent materials often found in New England by explorers in Geology. Dr. Charles T. Jackson, in his geological survey "made several years since, represents Barnstead as being rough and hilly, but as having a good soil, its rocks being alter- nations of a very coarse feldspathic granite, with gneiss and mica slate, loose masses of basaltic trap rock on its 24 186 HISTORY OF BARNSTEAD. 1872 main road leading througli it from Pittsfleld. Speci- mens of plumbago were obtained as found in the ledges, on the farm of Jonathan Keniston. Also on the Tuttle farm, one-fourth of a mile west from Centre Barnstead, a bog iron ore is found beneath the turf, covering nearly an acre of ground. Also in the east part of the town on the land of Samuel Garland, bog iron ore is found on the slope of a hill forming a crust of two or three inches in thickness and interlaid by hard pan. It is not sufficiently abundant for a furnace but serves well when ground for paint. Yellow ochre is found on the town farm, but whether any attempt to collect and work these ores would be profitable is a question of much uncer- tainty. There are now and then in Barnstead granite boulders, which, according to the theory of Agassiz and others, were dropped where they now rest by the immense icebergs which were thrown over the country from North to South, leaving on the way also great quantities of trap and other materials. Much of our soil is pebbly^ and sandy ; bogs and clayey soils do not abound. In the four towns bor- dering on this are the Blue-hills, Catamount and Gunstock Mountains, which are much higher than any part of Barn- stead, and these high mountain ranges loom up, making it an uneven valley between them, throngh which the beautifijl Suncook and its tributaries wind their way onward to the Merrimac and to the ocean. EARTH-QUAKES. Perhaps no greater shaking of the earth has been felt in this vicinity than on Nov. 28, 1814. It was in the 18''2 EAETH-QUAKES. 187 evening, there was about two inches of snow upon the ground, the weather was fair and cold, not a cloud being in sight to cover the glittering light of the stars. We were sitting in the kitchen of the farm house, the fire fair blazing in the old fashioned chimney. In front of it sat two j-ouug ladies reading by the light of a candle, and a small boy six years old leaning over the back of his chair nearly asleep. These were all, and silence prevailed. All at once a distant rumbling is heard, like wheels over frozen ground ; it seemed to approach nearer, the rumb- ling became louder, with a gushing noise like a mighty wind, shaking the house, the long row of pewter plates standing on edges, and crockery rattling and shaking, every door seeming as if some one was at the latch trying to get in, and the windows apparently trying to get open. Such a terrible clatter startled the two ladies from their seats, who took for the street in the shortest route, and thence to the nearest doorway of a neighbor. The boy in his fright landed in the midst of the nearest wood-pile of brush, and being hurt bellowed vociferously, so that hE might have been taken as the counterpart to the earthquake. The villagers were all out viewing the stars, and earnestly telling each other what they heard and how the shake appeared to them severally, all acting as if in a momentary expectation of another "eartti-shaker." At length all returned to their houses, which had been vacated thus unceremoniously, and to this day the inhabitants of the Suncook Valley have not forgotten the shake of tha^ night. The great earthquake of 1727, nearly a hundred years earlier, was described in a sermon by Eev. Nath. Gook- in, who then resided in New Hampshire. He sayg:. 188 HISTORY OF BAKNSTEAD. 1872 "The shake was heard and attended by a most terrible noise, somewhat like thunder, the houses trembled some- thing as if they were falling, divers chimneys were cracked — some had their tops broken off. "When the shake was beginning some persons observed a flash of light at their windows, and one or two saw streams of light. The sea was observed to roar in an .unusual manner. The earth broke open near the south bounds of the town (as it did in other divers places) and cast up a, very fine and blue sand. It is hard to express the consternation that fell on both man and beast at the time of the great shock. The brute creation were roaring about the fields as in the gi-eatest distress and making noises — much surprised — and some of them as if in great terror." Another writer describes this earthquake of 1727 thus : "Oct 30.— At 10 o'clock at night. The earthquake shook both ye land and ye water, the islands and the seas at that degree that several doors were shook off ye latch. In our village (Nantucket) ye hearth stones grated ye one against the other, and that Carr the boat-builder run out of his houSe, got into ye boat for fear ye island would sink." It is generally understood that earthquakes are the result of explosions within the earth, and that they proceed from the pent-up melted materials within it, which sometimes Upheave and ventilate, creating excavations or cracks in its outer crust. In some localities they are felt much more sensibly than in this latitude, proving at times destrtfctive to life and property, even to the shaking down of a whole city or ingulfing it in its ruins. 1872 ITS CLIMATE. 189 CLIMATE. At all seasons in this latitude the weather is variable ; so that a constant change of clothing is necessary at almost _all tiroes in order to insure good health. The husbandman, though generally well compensated for his industry, has much with which to contend. The extreme droughts of June and July sometimes trouble him in this valley as welL as fatal frosts, which sometimes in- vade his domain in the early autumn, and to a considerable extent lay waste his fields of vegetation. The season of planting is from the tenth of May to the first of June, and sometimes the copious rains of spring extend into this period and greatly retard the work" and diminish his pros- pects of a fruitful harvest. The year 1769 was a cold season. It very much dis- couraged the settlers. Frosts were seen in every montU of the year. But little hay was raised and generally there was but little vegetation. Corn, the principal cereal, was nearly all killed in its vigor, and the hopes of the husband- man were made faint. In 1770, the year next after the cold summer, winter came in intensely cold, and so remained with very deep snows for forty days in succession. In 1806-on the 16th of June at 10 o'clock, A. M., a cold chill visited New England, caused by a total eclipse of the sun; the only one it can have during the present century. The- darkness that then covered the face of the earth was impressive, "that day became night,". stars made their appearance in the heavens, domestic fowls perched themselves upon their roosts, the conscious cattle forsook 190 HISTOET OF BARNSTEAD. 1872 the pastures in quest of home, and all nature appeared to clothe itself in a serene solemnity. Januarj' 19, 1810, was what has been termed the cold Friday. Previously there had been a succession of cold daj^s, the snow being deep and in drifts. On this day the wind was bleak, blowing strong from the northwest, creating a cold too intense for man to endure with ordinary clothing. 1815. — The winter of this year was memorable for its deep snows. In some parts of New England it fell in the woods to the depth of eight feet. It held on late, and on the 19th of May snow fell to the depth of eight inches and the atmosphere at the time was quite cold. 1816. — During this year frosts now and then were found in the valley of the Suncook all summer. There . was a snow storm in June. This year in its cold and dearth was very much the same as 1769. There was no corn and but little hay, so that in winter the cattle died and the inhabitants were covered deep in dearth and dis- appointments. The price of corn then was two dollars per bushel, hay thirty dollars per ton, and every other needful thing was held in about the same proportion. The cheapest food was sought. A pint of beans with six quarts of water well boiled, was called " bean por- ridge." This was one of the best dishes of that day. Those who could afford it, however, sometimes added to it a small piece of beef, for in many instances their cattle had to be killed to prevent starvation. This year many a family went without bread for weeks in succession. In some parts of Vermont on June 7, 1816, it began to snow and continued until the 9th, when it froze all day. At sunset icicles were three feet in length. On September 9, following, water froze half an inch thick. 1®^2 THE WEATHER. 191 1819. — Very different was the winter of tlais year. It was without snow, there was plenty of rain anJ many mild days. Farmers plowed and sowed their fields in February and March. In 1826 provisions were again scarce and prices ranged high. On Dec. 30, the mercury ranged 25° below zero. January 30, 1830, proved to be the coldest day in New England since the cold Friday of 1810. The year 1832 was productive of much good sleighing. The extremes of heat and cold for a series of years were as follows : BELOW .ZEBO. ABOVE ZERO. FIRST FB03T. 1821, January 25, 26° July 20, 92' September 29, 1822, January 24, 20 July 6, 92 September 18, 1823, January 7, 14 July 11, 93 September 22, 1824, February 5,25 June 30, 92 . September 20, 1825, December 13, 18 July 12, 95 September 26. Number and depth of snows from 1831 to 1839 inclu- sively : NO, FT. I!f. 1831, 53, 6, 4, 1832, 54, 6, 3, 1833, 53, 9, 11, 1234, 51, 10, 9, 1835, 68, 11, 4, NO. FT. IN. 1836, 9, 0, , i, 1837, ?1, 8, 0, 1838, 60, 4, 5, 1839, 57, 5, 9, 1843, 6, 0. It is believed the coldest day in New England within the memory of man was Saturday, January 24, 1857. The day next before it had been even colder than the "cold Friday" of 1810, but this Saturday for its degree of inten- sity surpassed them -both. At Dover, N. H., the mercury at sunrise stood 31° below zero, at Lowell, Mass., 25° be- low, at Tyngsboro', Mass., 31° below, at Bangor, Maine, 44° below, at White River Junction, and Woodstock, Vt., 43° below, at Calais, Me., 39° below, and at Montpelier, 192 HISTORY OP BAENSXEAD. '1872 Vt., the mercury fell to 50° below and congealed. But the weather moderated during the day. The hottest day in Xew England is supposed to have been Wednesday, July 15, 1868. At Lowell, Mass., the mercury rose to 104° in the shade and remained nearly as high during the day. SANITARY INFLUENCES. "Health, brightest visitant of Heaven, "With thee — oh let me rest. In thy allotted years of nature given. Be thou my constant guest." The Suncook River from its source in the Gunstock Mountain range on the west side of Winnipesaugee Lake to its terminus in the Merrimac, is some more than fifty miles in length. It runs at the rate of three miles per hour ; so that in less than twenty-four hours its waters are changed and a new supply is constantly approaching. In its onward course it passes through Gilford, Gilmanton, Lower Gilmanton, Barnstead, Pittsfleld, Epsom and Pem- broke, after receiving the contents of the various ponds, and all the springs from the highlands, it moves on and operates as a complete drainage to the counties of Belknap and Merrimac. In its approach to Barnstead from the northwest enter- ing the thirty-six square miles of its territory^ it meanders onward forming in it two beautiful ponds of water, cover- ing. a thousand of its acres, making a narrow inlet between them ; then leaving the ponds it takes a circuitous sweep around through the centre of the vale, thence onward to the great river Merrimac and to the sea. The flow of the stream is quite uniform, its banks being gravelly, and free from stagnant pools ; no impurities are 1872 SANITARY INFLUENCES. 193 left upon the landscape to engender disease or to load the atmosphere with unpleasant efflavia. The soil along its banks is for the most part a gravelly loam, laden in some places with loose granite boulders which the half frozen aqueous currents from the north at some day had dropped there. The valley of the Suncook in the nortli part of the town was formerly covered with dense forests of oak, and the more southern parts were shaded with pines of mammoth dimensions. Its timbers in times past have been of great _ use in the furnishing of masts and in the building of ships. Aside from these, the original growth in many places was made up of beach, birch, maple, spruce and hemlock. But the valley of the Suncook has long since been shorn of its rich groves. The woodman's axe is no longer heard there. Yet the plow and the sickle at this day encourage the farmer with their constant returns ; his heart is made glad by the bleatings of his flocks as well as by the voice of the meandering, beautiful Suncook. Health and long-life are common to Barnstead. Its first settlers cultivated the spirit of toil, endurance, and contentment, to which may be attributed the general longevity that attended them. Up to the year 1830 the rate of niortality here was far below the common average. In 1819 and 1820, however there were a few cases of spot- ted fever, of which two brothers by the name of Hall died. These- young men on the day before they fell' sick, on coming from the barn to the house, said they discovered a strange odor in the atmosphere. Consumption carries off generally at least one third part of the inhabitants of our towns and cities, but in this town such disease is much less frequent. 194 HISTORY OF BAKNSTBAD. 1872 In 1853 the population of Barnstead was 1870 ; and at that time there were then living in it seventy-seven per- sons whose ages averaged 84 years. SEPTEMBER GALE. Sept. 23, 18l5,Barnstead was visited with the greatest gale in the midst of rain and storm, ever known there. Men and houses were injured, sheds were, unroofed, fences blown down, and in many places the tall pines were laid level to the earth. The old primeval forest, some of which to that time had remained, which had stood the storms of centuries, and had been the resting places of the summer bird in the far by-gone years, were at once laid prostrate with up-turned roots. Hundreds of acres of valuable lum- ber along the valley of the Suncook fell in this gale. In many places it had to be burned and wasted, in order to rid the soil of its incumbrance. At that time there was but" little call for boards, clap- boards or shingles in the market — for this reason they were of but little profit, except for home use. The best of clear boards here at that time brought about $4 per M, at Dover or Durham |8, and clear rived shingle only about $1.75. Hence this gale brought much damage to the lum- bermen. It appeared in its greatest severity along the central part of New Hampshire, doing much damage all the way, as it swept onward from south to north. 1872 ITS LONG LIFE. 195 LONGEVITY. In the year 1853 the following (76) persons were then living in Barnstead, all of whom, as appears, were 75 years of age and upwards : Samuel York, 82 Charles Hodgdoa, 89 Moses Hodgdon, 76 Mrs. M. Hodgdon, 80 Josiah Pendergast, 83 Solomon Pendergast, 77 Mrs. S. Pendergast, 76 Miss Sally Pendergast, 89 Moses Chesley, 79 Mrs. M. Chesley, 77 John Peavey, 79 Isaac Garland, 80 Mrs. I. Garland, 79 John Colebath, 87 Jonathan Ke;aiston, 77 Mrs. J. Keniston, 75 Levi Clark, 79 Mrs. L. Clark, 78 Jeremiah Clark, 81 Mrs. J. Clark, 80 Jacob Willey, 86 Mrs. J. Willey, 80 Moses Bickford, 89 Jeremiah Davis, 90 Jacob Canney, 89 Jethro Nutter, 90 Isaac Willey, 78 John Pitman, 88 Samuel Hill, 77 Mrs. S. Hill, 75 Ebenezer Muncy, 81 Mrs. E. Muncy, 75 ' Stephen Huzzy, 75 Mrs. S. Huzzy, 75 John Nutter, 75 Thomas Snell, 77 Nathaniel Adams, 82 Joseph P. Nutter, 76 John Tebbetts, 82 Samuel Bunker, 80 Mrs. S. Bunker, 79 Simeon Lougee, 76 Samuel Caswell, 90 Mrs. S. Caswell, 88 Mrs. T. Wilson, 82 Mrs. Eunice Straw, 77 Mrs. Hitty Drew, 80 Mrs. Deborah Rollins, 84 Mrs. Lydia Shackford, 83 Mrs. Oliver Daviw, 90 Mrs. Betsey Littlefleld, 87 Mrs. Sally Drew, 84 Mrs. Betsey Jacobs, 75 Mrs. Lovey Bunker, 76 Mrs. Nancy Bickford, 78 Mrs. Dorothy Edgerly, 86 196 HISTORY OF BARNSTEAD. 1872 Jonali Pitman, 76 Mrs. Betsey STewall, 89 Mrs. J. Pitman, 75 Mrs. Patty Drew, 94 John Sanborn, 78 Mrs. Hannah B'erry, 76 Miss Ann Davis, 83 Mrs. Esther Durgin, 89 Miss Jane Muncy, 76 Mrs. Nancy Place, 82 Miss Sally Nutter, 76 Mrs. Susan Babb, 77 Miss Elsey Pitman, 75 Mrs. Dorothy Nutter, 87 Mrs. Mary Hodgdon, 76 Mrs. Mary Pickering, 87 Mrs. Temperance Jewett, 82 Mrs. Elizabeth Roberts, 86 Mrs. Abigail Ayers, 77 Mrs. Susan Durgin, 89 Mrs. Joseph Bunker died in 1817, aged 107 years, and Samuel Caswell died in 1865, aged 107 years. Of this number forty were over fourscore years, five were over ninety, forty-six were females, twenty-seven were widows, three were maiden ladies, and sixteen had husbands. Of the males thirt jr-seven were married, and one a bachelor. Five of them averaged 102 years.; the eldes.t was 107, the youngest 99. It is believed no town in New England for health and longevity sustains a better record. CASUALTIES. 1790. — A murder is surmised, a stranger is missing, his horse feeds by the way-side near John Drew's barn, but the rider is lost, and never found. 1808. — Benjamin Brown, from Collins' boat, upset in the Suncook, and was drowned. 1872 CASUALTIES. 197 1812 — The house and barn of Wm. Lord in a cold night is consumed by fire. 1813. — Samuel Rand's house takes fire and is consumed. 1814. — Nov. 28, a great earthquake happens. 1815. — The bones of a supposed murdered man are found near Centre Barnstead. 1815. — The great '-September gale" unroofs our dwell- ing houses and destroys the pine forest. 1818. — Mrs. P. Young, while on horseback, fell from the saddle and was killed by the fall. 1820. — Mrs. J. Clark, residing in the east of the town, was killed by lightning. 1824. — A child of Timothy Bunker was drowned in a pool of water. 1826. — Mrs. J. Bunker committed suicide in her own house. 1828. — Joseph Peavey,the only son of John, was killed at his father's grist mill. The revolving mill-stone split in two pieces, was thrown upon him, killing him instantly. 1829. — Isaac E. G-oodwin hanged himself in Nutter's woods. Eight months elapsed before the body was found. The joints in this time had extended, increasing its length nearly a foot and a half. He is said to have been insane. 1832. — John Sanborn, the son of Frank, from Gilman- ton, leaving his team here, jumped into a well and was drowned. 1834. — Capt. George Chesley fell under the wheels of a heavy ox-cart and was killed instantly. 1834. — A man by the name of Davis drowned himself in the Suncook, near the Parade. 198 HISTOET OF BARNSTEAD. 1872 1840. — The house, barn, and out-buildings of Rev. Enos George, together with the house, barn, and shop of John Kaime, were consumed by Are, at mid-day. The fire tooli from a flash of lightning. 1842. — ^George Stevens drowned himself in the Sun- cook. 1845. — A son of the late Timothy Bunlcer fell into a wheel-pit at Manchester, and was killed. 1850. — The old Robinson Tavern house, owned by S. D. Nutter, with all its stables and sheds, was consumed by fire. BONES. ■ About the year 1812, while the farmers were at work on the highway extending its width, they plowed up a skeleton. A man had obviously been buried there not long previously by a murderer, who had sought conceal- . ment in that thicket by the wayside. This event caused inuch excitement, tlie bones were not re-buried, but were taken to the porch of the Parade Church, and being deposited under its stairs, remained there for identification for many months. They served in the mean time as a common bugbear to the people of the neighborhood, impressing them with tragical adventures and bloody deeds ; and for a long time the bludgeon of the murderer, the dying groan, and the spirit of the dead man still seemed in sight, hovering over these tragic bones. In the course of a year or two this skeleton was ob- tained by a lady from abrpad whose husband had disap- peared mysteriously at about the time of the supposed murder, and who had never returned. Many years will elapse e'er the bones beneath the stair-way will cease to be remembered. 1872 ASTRONOMICAL. 199 COMETS. Comets are ascertained to be " large opaque bodies moving aronnd the sun in various directions and in very- eccentric orbits." They are wonderful in their motion and appearance, coming and going ; some returning but once in 75, some in 100, and some in 150 years, there being no particular uniformity as to their times of return- ing. Formerly they were regarded by the superstitious as being the harbingers of pestilence, war or famine, filling the timid mind with fearful forebodings for the safety of the state, the throne, or the nation. But in our day they are viewed diflferently. In the time of Nero one was visi- ble at Eome, appearing in the heavens as large as the sun itself. It was said also by the Astronomer Hevelius, that a comet appeared in 1652, which in size was not less than the moon, though its light was pale and dim. There are some hundreds of them. Their orbits though more ellip- tical than those of the planets, can be calculated with some degree of certainty. The tail of the comet sometimes ex- tends an immense distance across the heavens, but,does not thus continue for many days. Its length, however, ap- pears longer or shorter, according to the location from- which it is viewed. The comet of 1664 was visible three months, and cre- ated many superstitious apprehensions among our New England settlers. Although the coming of the comets, as the world grows older, brings less of surprise, yet they always are, and probably always will be looked at with 200 HISTOEr OF BARNSTEAD. 1872 wonder, each of itself, as it approaches, affording to tiie world a subject of curious speculation. •Tlie comet of 1843 was seen in tlie day time by the editor of this work, at Limerick Village, Maine. The fol- lowing is copied from his note book of that date : "Feb. 28, 1843. — The great comet makes its appear- ance east of the sun at 11 o'clock, A. M. It is seen by the naked eye and its train is very conspicuous. In the evening it is seen from 7 to 9 o'clock, its tail extending from the west (as it followed the sun down), towards the southeast, a distance of nearly 70°, the nucleus or body of the comet not being seen, having gone down. This .trail extending back, each succeeding evening as above described, is seen up to April 5, 1843. The motion of this comet in passing around the sun was from west to east." Noah Webster says : "When the Comet is westward of the sun and rises or sets before it, the light appears in the morning like a train, beginning at the body of the Comet, and extending westward and diverging in proportion to its extent. Thus the comet of 1769, (which he saw), when it rose in the morning presented a luminous train that ex- tended nearly from the horizon to the meridian." The comet of November, 1680, first seen in Boston, exhibited a long trail and continued visible until the 24th of January, 1681. The record which the colonists then rnade of it runs as follows : "Since it is that these things are not sent for nothing, though man cannot say particularly for what; they are thought by most people to be fore-runners of evil coming upon the world, though some think otherwise." ^872 ORNITHOLOGICAL. ^ 201 BIRDS. " Vernal songsters all in chorus, Warbling through the matin hour." Perhaps there is no place where these almost domestic and beautifully plumaged choristers can be found in great- er profusion than along the verdant banks of the Suncook, and around the wooded recesses of the ponds of Barnstead. BLUE BIRD. The blue bird coming about the middle of March is the harbinger of Spring. The robin follows soon, and then in flocks they come, until the groves are made joyfully vocal with the melody of their music. How oft have we waited there, how oft have we listened, entranced by their ten thousand warblings, chanting their lovely notes as if upon a double quiver scale, in solo, in duett, and in chorus, they had been trained of angels ! ROBIN. At morn the robin red-breast is early awake ; he is con- stantly a favorite, seeking our shade-trees and orchards ; is always prone to feast on our bounty, never failing as if in a returned favor to make us his melodious, friendly calls, awakening us to the inspirations of the day, and leading us by a noble example, to the varied duties incidental to a happj' and cheerful life. WHIP-POOR-WILL. At eve we are often moved almost to sadness, at the lovely, lonely, never-tiring song, of the "Whip-poor-will." 202 HISTOEY OF BARNSTEAD. 1872 Sometimes he takes his stand on the barn or shed, or on a low tree, repeating over and over again for three or four hours together his plaintive note. At early morn he re- treats to the forest, and through the day remains unseen. But soon as the evening shades appear he skims low, darts out and after obtaining his repast, again takes his stand, and the landscape is again made vocal by the same old song. "We are not aware that any harm has ever come to "poor Will," notwithstanding he has apparently been so often threatened to be whipped. BLACK MARTIN. The black martin is an annual visitant, coming always (as it is said) on thellth of April. His domestic habits bring him about our dwelling-houses, and his song is brief but pleasant. His note is clear and may be heard from early morn until evening. He disappears early in the fall and is seen no more here until the precise day which ap- pears to have been appointed for his return. Most of the birds come in May, build their nests, raise their young, and leave, some of them, as early as the last of July. THE ORIOLE. .The Oriole with his choice musical notes stays much longer. Who of us have not been delighted with his song, while he stands waiving in his high colored beautiful plumage, on the top of a lofty elm ? All at once he turns and darts into his beautiful wrought hanging nest, at the end of a high-up limb, and our entertainment for the time 1872 ORNITHOLOGICAL. 203 being is thus abruptly brought to an end. Such enchant- ments are indeed productive of interest and tend to fill the veins of our hearts with joy and health, and at the same time elevating our conceptions of the wisdom and sublimity of Nature's God. The notes used by birds as well as the voices of animals are doubtless the same now as in the earliest days. Birds use language according to the condi- tion which attends them. Their mating call, their moan of danger, and their shriek of alarm cannot easily be mis- understood. These little "tenants of the air," as they bring to us yearly profitable lessons and entertainments, are entitled to our most tender regards and protection ; yet, how often are their rights invaded by heedless hands. The following story is in point and may prove profitable : " A matron wood-thrush built a neat, And then sat down to take her rest. While sitting there upon her eggs, A snare was tethered to her legs. Ye heartless dogs that did the deed, Shall rue it for your cruel greed. To cheat and rob the feathered tribe Of eggs and all they have beside. Td them, as favorites from above, To rove the air, to live and love, To cheer all nature with a song. Both life and liberty belong. This bird by no means injured you. With her or hers you'd nought to do. Cursed be the heart, the hand, the twine. That steals away that right divine I Such right most dear your mother knows ; When to her ear this story goes, She'll make you dance upon your pegs. With the ' ile of birch ' about the legs. In caution kind a lesson take. Oh, never prove yourself a rake. But live to learn and try to make The world more happy for your sake I" ICaverly's Poems, Vol. 1, p. 77.] 204 HISTORY OP BARNSTEAD. 1872 MILITARY. Immediately after the war of the Revolution, a military pride pervaded most of the towns in New Hampshire. As Barnstead increased in population, its soldiers became numerous and seemed to have been inspired of a laudable ambition in the performance of military duty. Yet there was a law with a penalty requiring all able-bodied men between the ages of 18 and 45 years to be called out, and to perform that service, well armed and equipped, the train- ings being at least three days in a year. Barnstead, Gilmanton, and Gilford constituted the 10th New Hamp- shire Regiment. The battalion drill was often held on Barnstead Parade, even before a full regiment had been organized. At that time the company of cavalry was quite numerous and imposing. The red coats, the buff pants, the stove-pipe hat begirt vvith red silk, the two ends of the silk hanging down on the shoulders, the white feather with its red top, the bear-skin holsters on the front ofthe'saddle holding heavy pistols, and the long sword hanging by the side, gave to both men and officers an ap- pearance war-like and majestic ; emphatically did a hundred of these warriors so appear when seen on the parade, moving at the rate of a double quick. These, together with the light infantry, artillery and infantry, always proved themselves the pride of the crowds of men, women, and boys, that usually surrounded the field on parade days. A noble specimen of an officer was Capt. George Ches- ley of the artillery, with his Napoleon hat, long blue coat, blue pants faced with red, and long sword. His select 18T2 MILITARY. 205 company of large men, six feet two, all at the drag-ropes moving their six pounders ; the rattle of the heavy wheels of artillery, and the frequent explosions of fire and thunder from the cannon, often brought fear as well as amusement to the surrounding spectators. When the general officers on their prancing steads were escorted to the field, they were received with martial salutes ; and then there was music in the words of com- mand as well as from the bands that received them. After the militia of these three towns was concentrated into one regiment,- the Regimental Musters were usually held at Tilton's Field, in Gilmanton, that being the most central locality. Officers were usually selected from the best men, among whom were Col. Bickford, Col. Peavey, Col. Hoitt, Col. Dow, Col. Moulton, Col. Walker, and others of the grade of Lieut. Colonels, Captains, and subalterns, long to be remembered, but too numerous to be mentioned in this work. The military spirit, disci- pline and efficiency of officers of the olden time, were always instructive and interesting. For example, the orders given by the chief in command, loud and distinct, were at once caught and repeated, each word by itself, from one officer to another, and thus were they telegraphed ; and they were clearly understood by every soldier, so that at the last word "march" every foot in the Regiment moved like clock-work. The old Tenth Regiment consisted of one company of cavalry numbering 150,- and seventeen companies of foot, in all about 1500 men. Some of the officers and soldiers above named had served in the war of 1812. The trainings were attended by wrestling parties, numerous shows, auctions, circuses, and monkeys ; and 206 HISTORY OF BARNSX£AD. 1872 were always enlivened by music and dancing, with occa- sional drinks. Parade days, like those, are at this period unknown in New Hampshire. Yet they are remembered. One of them a few years since was truthfully described in a local news- paper by a lady, who resides at the Parade. The pro- duction being regarded as valuable for its historic as well as pbetical interest, we copy it : THE OLD-FASHIONED TRAINING. In the halcyon days of the olden time, When our jolly grandfathers were in their prime, When heroic deeds were bo valiantly done, And when bloodless battles were fought and won, There were few gayer scenes, I have often heard said, Thau were those at the trainings on Barnstead Parade, They came from all quarters; the young and the old, The eager-eyed boy and the officer bold; And the women and girls in their Sunday trim,. In those funny old bonnets that looked so prim, With the round rufded cape and the work-bag, too, And the narrow gored dress and the high-beeled shoe. When the red-coated troop dashed over the green, In the brightest of colors that ever were seen; While banner-like waved'the long plumes that they wore, And the horse-pistols shone in their holsters before; While niusic was wringing from bugle and horn, oil I it was like magic to those looking on I The artillery in blue coatg? faced with red, With heavy-plumed, crescent-shaped caps on each head. Brought their old six-pounder, that thundered so loud, Spreading terror and dread through the startled crowd. How the echo resounded, stUl higher and higher, Like a hostile army returning their fire. 1872 THE OLD-FASHIONED TRAINING. 207 V. With what stately step the light infantry came ; The garments they wore are still living in fame ; The white pants and blue coats, the bell buttons and all, And those stiff-leather caps that were terribly tall; And the long, snowy plumes that were tipped with red. And nodded and halted in time with their tread. VI. Three, too, were the flood-wood — the slam-bang corps, That numbered a hundred and oftentimes more ; Some were tall, some were short, some crooked, some straight, Some were prompt to keep step, and some halting in gait; Un-uniformed men, and with no taste for war, They came to the training obeying the law. Thpir weapons were brought from the workshops and farms, — They were fowling-pieces and old " Queen's arms," — Some were long, some were short, some were old and some new; But all were well cleaned for th' inspector to view; And each man brought, as the law did require, His two spare flints, and a brush and priming-wire. VIII. O, the drummers of those days drummed with a will, And the tpnes of the old-fashioned fifes were shrill; In a minor key they would rattle away. Through solemn old marches and quicksteps gay. "Adams and Liberty," and ." Hail to the Chief," Were popular airs that stood out in relief. IX. When the sergeants had formed the long line with care, And every man stood in his proper place there; When the roll had been called and all had said "Here," While each pompous captain was bustling near; On a prancing steed, with an escorting band. Major Nutter rode on to take the command. X. What authority dwelt in his resolute face I And what dignity shone in his stately pace 1 How his sword gleamed and flashed in the sunlight fair I How his high-toned voice rang out on the air : "At-tention, Bat-talionI" Each man of the host, With closely clasped weapon, stood firm at his post. 208 HISTORY OF BARNSTEAD. 1872 They shouldered arma, carried arms, right-faced and wheeled; They marched and they counter-marched over the field; They went double-quick, and they halted and fired, And marched in platoons till they must hare been tired. And, often, before they broke ranks for the night, Lines of battle were formed and they had a sham fight. The spectators, waiting round all the while, Found varied amusements, the time to beguile. There was swapping of horses and trying their pace ; Some were wrestling, some fighting, some running a race. And around the side tents there would always be some, Eating crackers and fish and drinking new rum. And there in some nook would be veteran Joe Place, "With violent gestures and angry red face, Repeating the stories, we may be assured, Of dangers encountered an:d hardships endured. When they fought those " rascally red-coats " to kill. At White Plains and Monmouth and on Bunker Hill. XIV. Amidst the confusion of noises so queer. The squeak of a fiddle might fall on the ear; And some merry group would be found standing by, To hear the gay fiddling of black Herman Tye ; While two, with coats ofi" and with faces aglow. Would be dancing a "break-down" with both heel and toe, XV. When the twilight came on, the training was done. And the trainers went homeward, one by one; Each with his bundle of ginger-bread tied In a bandana handkerchief close by his side; And many a footstep would stagger astray. When the music had died in the distance away. Gone is the brave major, and gone nearly all The voices that answered the ancient roll-call. And many are silently sleeping alone. In old corner graveyards, unmarked and unknown. While the tramping of troops and warlike sound Are heard no more on the old Parade ground. 1872 c&ronologiCal. 209 OLD STYLE. (0. S.) Prior to 1752, the years commenced on "the twenty- fifth of March. As time had been reckoned up to that year, its com- putation during a long period had by degrees carried the Winter a considerable distance into the Spring. To remedy this irregularity, Parliament, on January 22 , 1752, passed an Act ordering eleven days to be dropped out from the calendar, so that September 3rd, of that year, should be called the 14th ; and this they denominated — New Style (N. S.). PROMINENT EVENTS. 1492— Columbus discovered America. 1586 — Sir Francis Drake visited the New England shores. 1600 — Canada was settled by the French. 1607 — Virginia was settled by the English. 1614 — Capt. John Smith explored this part of the New World. 1620 — A Dutch ship brought negro slaves to Virginia. Pilgrims landed. 1623 — New Hampshire had settlements at Dover and at Little Harbor. 1624 — First-cattle imported to New Englaod. 162-8 — The foundation was laid for the Colony of Mas- sachusetts Bay. 1635 — Roger Williams is banished from Massachusetts Bay. 210 HISTOEY OF BARNSTEAD. . 1872 1638— =June 1st. There was a great earthquake in New England. 1639 — First printing in New England. 1641 — The use of tobacco was prohibited in Massachu- setts< 1642 — First Commencement at Harvard College ; nine graduated. Great training in Boston ; 1200 men, and none drunk. 1642 — Darby Field, bewildered, was lost on Mt. Wash- ington. 1643 — James Britton and Mary Latham are executed, charged with adultery. 1644 — Ana-baptists are banished. 1652 — First money made at Boston. 1658 — Death penalty as against Quakers. 1659 — Wm. Kobinson and M. Stevenson executed on Boston Common. 1662 — Children of respectable parents although non- professors allowed baptism. 1663 — The Indian Bible, by Eliot, is printed in Cam- bridge. 1663 — Baptists are imprisoned for holding meetings. 1670 — The title Reverend is first applied to clergymen. 1675 — Phillip's war commences, 650 settlers in New England lose their lives. 1675^First public fast is held in New England. 1677^— Fine and imprisonments is imposed for attend- ing Quaker Meetings. 1677 — Price for labor £10 per year, — for a woman's work £4. 1679 — New Hampshire is made a separate government by a commission from England. 1872 CHRONOLOGICAL. 211 1680— Baptists are forbidden to hold meetings in Boston, the doors of the church are nailed up by the mag- istrates. 1680 — Major Waldron killed in Dover, by the Indians. 1681 — Mason comes and asserts his title to lands in* New Hampshire, but is resisted and leaves the state. 1682 — New Hampshire has four towns and 4000 in- habitants. 1692 — Twenty persons are executed at Salem, for witchcraft. 1693 — First post-offlce is established in Boston, and common drunkards are posted there. 1696 — There are thirty Indian churches in New Eng- land. 1701 — Kidd, the pirate, is sent to England to be exe- cuted. 1702 — Small-pox prevails in Boston, 500 flie. 1704 — The News-Letter, the first newspaper in Amer- ica is printed. 1712 — ^Paper money is made a legal tender. 1715^Singing books are introduced here for the first time. 1715 — Population of New Hampshire, 9500. It issues £15,000 in paper money. 1719 — Potatoes were first raised at Andover. 1720 — Tea was first used in New England. 1721 — Inoculation for smallpox was first practised. 1724 — The highest tides in the midst of a violent storm. 1725 — A reward is offered for Indian scalps. 1730 — Seven million dollars in goods are imported to New England. 1731 — George "Washington was born. 212 HISTORY OP BAENSTBAB. 1872 1735 — An epidemic," a putrid sore throat, prevails in New Hampshire. ^ 1739 — Gfeorge Whitfield visits America, and is the leader in a great revival. 1 74,6— Concord was invaded by Indians. 1 750 — Paper money is discarded. New Hampshire has 24,000 inhabitants. 1752 — ^Benjamin Franklin experiments with electricity. 1756 — War between the French and English. 1759 — Sept. 13, Quebec is taken by the English, and Wolfe and Montcalm are both killed. ' 1759 — George II dies, and George III succeeds him. 1765 — ^The stamp act was passed. Boston had 15,500 inhabitants. 1768 — British ti-oops arrive in Boston. 1 770 — Several are killed at the Boston Massacre. Tea is no longer in general use. 1773 — Tea is destroyed in the Boston harbor. 1774 — Shakers increase. Ann Lee was their leader. 1774 — Population of New England was 102,000. 1775 — Fight at Lexington, April 19. 1775 — Battle at Bunker's Hill, June 17. 1775 — ^Washington takes command of the army at Cambridge, July 2. 1775 — Paper money was issued by Congress. 1775 — Benjamin Franklin was the first Postmaster General. 1776 — The British evacuate Boston. 1777 — LaFayette joins the Americans in their struggle for independence. 1777 — General Burgoyne surrendered. 1778 — The Sandwich Islands were discovered by Capt. Cook. ^S'^2 STNCHROLOGT. 213 1779— Siege of Charleston, S. C. 1780 — Charleston surrenders. 1780 — Major Andre is executed as a spy. 1781 — New London was burnt by the British. 1781 — Yorktown, by Lord Cornwallis, is surrendered to Washington. 1782 — A provisional treaty with the United States, signed by England at Paris. 1783 — Independence of the United States acknowl- edged by Sweden ; Feb. 25, by Denmark ; • March 24, by Spain. 1783 — The American army is disbanded. SYNCHROLOGT MORE MODERN. 1860. Nov. 6. — Abraham Lincoln is elected President of the United States. Nov. 10. — South Carolina takes measures to raise ten thousand troops, and proposes secession. Nov. 18. — Georgia Legislature votes $1,000,000 to arm the state. Dec. 20. — The South Carolina Convention adopts a secession ordinance unanimously. 1861. Jan. 2. — G-eorgia troops seize Fort Pulaski, &c., and Gov. Ellis of North Carolina takes possession of Fort Macon. Jan. 4. — Gov. Moore of Alabama, seized Fort Morgan and the U. S. Arsenal at Mobile. Jan. 9. — The Star of the West is fired on by the rebel 214 HISTORY OF BAKNSTEAD. 1872 batteries in Charleston Harbor, and driven back. On this day the Mississippi Convention passed an ordinance of secession. The Florida Convention did the same on the 10th, Alabama on the 11th, Georgia on the 19th, Louisiana on the 26th, North Carolina on the 30th, Texas on the 4th of March, and Virginia on the 17th of April then next following. Feb. 9. — Jefferson Davis and A. H. Stevens are elected provisional President and Vice-President of the Southern Confederacy. April 15. — President Lincoln calls for 75,000 volun- teers. April 16,. — The Governors of Kentucky, Virginia, Ten- nesee, and Missouri, refuse to furnish troops to quell the rebellion. April 19. — The 6th Mass. Regiment in passing through Baltimore were attacked bj^ a mob, and several soldiers were slain on the one side and citizens on the other. May 3. — President Lincoln calls for 60,000 Volunteers for the Army and Navy, for three j'^ears. May 10. — Major General Robert E. Lee assumes com- mand of the Rebel forces in Virginia. June 13. — Queen Victoria issues a Proclamation of Neutrality. July 21.— Battle of Bull Run. Aug. 15. — Jefferson Davis orders all Northern men to leave the South in fortj'^ days. Sept. 21. — John C. Breckinridge, late Vice-President of the United States, openly joined the Rebels. - Oct. 29. — Great Naval expedition under Commodore Dupont ; General T. W. Sherman, in command of land forces, leaves Fortress Monroe. 1872 SYNCROLOGY. 215 Nov. 1. — Lieutenant General Scott resigns the com- mand-in-chief of the Union armies, and General McClellan appointed in his place. 1862. Feb. 8. — Battle of Koanoke Island. Feb. 16. — Fort Donelson captured. Feb. 22. — Jeflf. Davis re-inaugurated President of the C. S. A., at Richmond. March 9. — Engagement between the Monitor and Merrimac, in Hampton Roads. April 6. — Battle of SWloh, or Pittsburg Landing. April 7. — Surrender of Island No. 10. April 10. — Sui-render of Port Pulaski. May 3. — Yorktown evacuated by the Rebels. May 31. — Battle of Seven Pines and Fair Oaks. June 26. — Commencement of seven days' battle before Richmond. July 1. — ^President Lincoln calls for three hundred thousand men. Battle of Malvern Hills, and close of the seven days' struggle. Aug. 4. — President Lincoln call's for three hundred thousand nine months' troops. Aug. 9. — Battle of Cedar Mountain. Aug. 29. — Second battle of Bull Run. Sept. 14. — The battle of South Mountain. Sept. 17. — Battle of Antietam. Oct. 3.— Battle of Corinth. Nov. 7.— General McClellan relieved of the command of the Army of the Potomac by Gen. Burnside. Dec. 13. — Battle of Fredericksburg. 216 HISTORY OF BAENSTEAD. 187^ 1863. Jan. 1. — ^President Lincoln issues Ms Emancipation Proclamation. May 3.— Battle of Chaiieellorsville. May 10. — Stonewall Jackson died at Richmond. May 18. — General Grant invests Vicksburg.' May 28. — The first Colored Regiment from the North left Boston. June 15. — Rebels invade Pennsylvania. President Lin- coln calls for one hundred thousand more men to repel in- vasion. July 3. — Third and last day of the battle of Gettys- burg, Pa. July 4. — Vicksburg surrenders to Gen. Grant. July 8. — Surrender of Port Hudson to General Banks. July 13. — Commencement of the great Draft Riot in New York. July 14. — Draft Riot in Boston. Aug. 12. — Robert Toombs publishesa letter exposing the bankruptcy of the Southern Confederacy. Aug. 17. — Grand borubardment of Fort Sumter com- menced by the Yankees. Oct. 17. — President Lincoln calls for three hundred thousand more men. Oct. 19. — Dedication of the National Cemetery at Gettysburg. Oct. 28. — Battle of Lookout Mountain. Nov. 25. — Third and last day of the battle of Chatta- nooga ; sresults in the complete rout of the enemy. Dec. 4. — ^Longstreet's retreat from Knoxville, Tenn. Dec. 8. — President Lincoln issues his Amnesty Proc- lamation. ^87a SYNCHROLOGY. ' 217 1864. Feb. 1. — Draft ordered for 500,000 men. March 9. — Major General Grant receives his commis- sion as. Lieutenant General from President Lincoln. March 12. — General Grant appointed Commander-in- Chief of the United States Army. March 15. — President Lincoln calls for two hundred thousand more men. May 11. — General Grant " proposes to fight it out on this line." May 27. — Lee retreats towards Richmond. May 28. — Great battle between Sherman and Long- street. June 19. — Pirate Alabama sunk by the U. ^. S. Kear- sarge. June 22. — House of Representatives resolved to abolish Slavery. July rS. — Rebel Genertfl Forrest defeated in five differ- ent battles in three days. July 22. — Hood attacks Sherman's lines around At- lanta ; Rebel loss, 20,000. Aug. 5.^Farragut's great victory in Mobile Bay. Sept. 1. — General Hood evacuates Atlanta. Oct. 7. — The Pirate Florida captured by U. S. S. Wau- chusett. Oct. 19. — ^Battle of Cedar Creek. Nov. 5. — General Butler assumes command in New York City, to meet existing emergencies. Nov. 8. — President Lincoln re-elected. Gen.McClellan resigns his commission. Nov. 9. — Sherman begins his march through Georgia. 218 HISTORY OF BARNSTEAD. 1872 ■1865. Jan. 15. — Capture of Fort Fisher, Wilmington Harbor. Feb. 18. — Charleston, S. C, occupied. March 2. — Sheridan defeated Early, and captured over a thousand of his men. April 2. — Assault along the whole line in front of Petersburg ; twelve thousand prisoners and fifty pieces of artillery captured.. April 3. — The Union forces under General Weitzel occupy Richmond. April 9. — Surrender of General Lee and his whole army to General Grant. April 14. — Assassination of President Lincoln by J. Wilkes Booth, an actor, and attempted murder of W. H. Seward, Secretary of State. April 15.— Death of President Lincoln. April 26. — J. Wilkes Booth is killed, and Harrold, an accomplice, is taken. Surrender of Gen. Johnson and all the troops in his department to Gen. W. T. Sherman. May 10. — Jeff. Davis captured under peculiar circum- stances. POPULATION. Barnstead, as we have seen, was Chartered in 1727; was incorporated in 1727 ; is in Belknap County, N. H. ; is 18 miles northeast of Concord, and 500 miles from Washington City. Its population in 1840 was 1,945 ; in 1850 it was 1,848 ; in 1860 it was 1,885 ; in 1870 it was 1,544. 1872 -VV^AR AGAIN. 219 THE GREAT REBELLION. This conflict was prompted by an inordinate ambition in the slave state leaders, who sought to extend and per- petuate their peculiar institution, an institution on which they had for many years been combined and confederated, and who, by force of it, undertook to overturn the Govern- ment'and to make themselves conquerers. Barnstead was not indifferent to the public weal in such an emergency. In the war of the Revolution her sons had acted well their part. It is worthy of praise that by the " test list " of that day, not a man could be found within the lines of Bairnstead, who was. not true to the Constitution, and ready to help fight the battles of his country. (See Appendix, C.) So it was in the conflict of 1812, and so it has ever been, and thus, as we trust, it ever will be. The soldiers of Barnstead who gave battle against the Rebellion were as follows : « THREE MONTHS MEN. First Regiment, N. H. Vols. — Wm. B. Aikin, Frank Sleeper, George H. Bridges, Dudley. First Regiment, N. H. Heavy Artillery, (3 years). — William Brimage. Fourth Regiment, N. H. Vols. (3 years). — Enos Geo. Hodgdon, killedln battle. THREE tears' MEN. Eighth Regiment, N. H. Vols. — Henry H. Huse, Captain at fli-st, then. a Major. John H. Greenwood, Sergeant at 220 mg*ORt OF BARNSTEAD. 1872 first, then a Lieutenant, killed in battle. Samuel J. Smart, Sergeant at first, then a Lieutenant, died in camp. Daniel I). Hanscom, re-enlist- ed. Frank Sleeper, re-enlisted. Lewis M. Jackson, died of wounds received in battle. Rufus Clark. James E. Bunker. Smith Davis, re-enlisted. Thomas M. Huse. John S. Hill, re-enlisted. Daniel Lewis, re-enlisted. James E. Moses, re-enlisted. Benjamin R. Munsey, died. John T. G. Smart, died in camp. Samuel G. Shackford. Chas. H. Williams, re-enlisted. Albert Davis, re-enlisted. "William B. Alkin, re-enlisted. David A. Littlefleld. John M. Smart, died in camp. This regiment left New Hampshire in January, 1862 ; their service was in Louisiana. Twelfth Kegiment, N. H. Vols. (3 years) .--Colonel, Thomas E. Barker. First enlisted in Co. B, 2d N. H., was in all the battles of his regiment, except Gettysburg, was captured at Bull Run, was ten months in Salisbury prison, N. C, and afterwards recruited a company in Barn- stead and Gilmanton in six days, commanded it, and was then promoted to the command of his regiment, w^ wounded at Chancellorsville, served during the war and was discharged with his regiment in 1865 ; resides now at Lynhfleld, Mass. Benjamin F. Chesley. Calvin Pitman. Jonathan McNeal. Winsor P. Huntress, killed in battle at Chancellorsville. Joseph W. Hill, died of wounds received at Cold Harbor. John S. Hayes, died of wounds received at Chancellorsville. Arthur C.Newall, amedical ca- det, then assistant surgeon. Thomas Moore, wounded. John L. Garland, killed in bat- tle. Calvin Chesley. George W. 'Pitman. John L. Piper. George W. Aiken, died. 1872 THE REBELLION. 221 Joseph N. Bunker,killed at Cold Harbor. Thomas J. Pierce, died of wounds received at Chancel- lorsville. Joseph Pendergast, died. Alvin D. H^U. Solomon W. Young. William T. Knight, killed at * Gettysburg. Moses Bickford. J. M. Tasker, a color-bearer, wounded at Chancellors ville, and then a Lieutenant, trans- ferred to the Invalid Corps. David Sackett. Henry H. Emerson. Melvln Jenkins. J. H. Edgerly. Horace M. Parshley. Arthur L. Bickford. George Jones. Solomon Clark. Joseph C. Eussell. Wm. H. Berry, died of wounds at Chancellorsville. Geo. T.Munsey, died of wounds at Chancellorsville. Noble Sackett. Charles H. Pickering. C. H. P. Young. Wm. TJ. Shaw. Horace Edgerly, a private, then a Lieutenant. Horace Munsey, died in the service. The above regiment served in Virginia from Sep- tember, 1862, up to the close of the war. Thirteenth Regiment, N. H. Vols. (3 years). — Lafay- ette Place. NINE MONTHS MEN. Fifteenth Regiment, N. H., Vols.— Thomas M. Huse, First Lieutenant ; Christopher C. Pickering, Second Lieu- tenant. William A. Erye. George W. Blake. Jeremiah E. Emerson. George H. Emerson. Hanson H. Young. James M. Jones. John F. Chesley. John Hill, died. D. L. Huse, died. Charles W. Adams. Orrin F. Chesley. J. F. Parker. Royal Boynton. Albert S. Buzzell. 222 HISTOKT OF BAENSTEAD. 1872 Timothy Blake, Jr. John C. Mason, died. William A. Chesley. Hazen D. Nutter, died. Jacob Lord. This regiment did service in Louisiana. It left New Hampshire for the seat of war in October, 1862. ONE year's men. Eighteenth Regiment, New Hampshire Volunteers. Horatio G. Shackford. Charles Kaime. Samuel H. Clark. Horace Cough. George "W. Blake. James C. Kaime. Eli H. Foss. Noble Sackett. Alvah 0. Adams. Nathaniel Blaisdell. Wm. F. Hanscom. James C. Ham. This regiment left New Hampshire in September, 1864, for Virginia, and served through the war. NAVY. Charles Hill of Barnstead served in the United States Navy, and was one of the crew of the Kearsarge. He par- ticipated in that famous onset which destroyed and sunk the Alabama. surgeons. During the Rebellion Barnstead furnished surgeons as follows : John Wheeler, M.D., Acting Assistant Surgeon, U. S. A. ; Thomas H. Wheeler, do., Laban M. Sanders, do. Miss Harriet P. Dame served against the rebellion. She was the daughter of James C. Dame of Barnstead, went to the seat of war in June, 1861, and continued there 1872 . THE EEBELLION. 223 a friend to the sick and wounded, advising and assisting ■ them as a nurse up to its final end. A part of the time she acted as an agent in the receipt and distribution of supplies to the sick and -wounded soldiers of Nem Hamp- shire. This town, in the year of the rebellion, sent to the war one hundred and seventy enlisted men, a fraction more / y than one to every ten of its inhabitants. In view of the patriotism, endurance, and self-sacrifice, evinced by such a record, we are vividly reminded of the noble hero referred to in Pope's Homer : " The gallant n^n, though slain in light he be, Tet leaves his country safe, his nation free. Entails a debt on all the grateful state. His own brave Mends shall glory in his fate ; His wife live honored, and all his race succeed, And late posterity enjoy the deed." MARCH OF IMPROVEMENT. From the landing of the pilgrims to within the last fifty years there had been but little change in the order of things generally, except what the revolution had inaugu- rated. There had been but few inventions and but few improvements. "Old Time" had jogged on as ever before ; taxes were low, the country was becoming populous, peace and prosperity abounded, and there appeared to be no in- clination to diverge from the beaten track of the ancient fathers. Parents and children alike were taught to revere 224 HISTORY OF BARNSTEAD.* 1872 their Maker, their Bible, and their minister, and to keep the Sabbath holy. Noah Webster's Spelling-book and a copy of the New Testament were the primitive books, and all that *vere deemed necessary for the scholar in which to become a good reader. The old-fashioned school-house, with its large open fire- place, was then thought to be sufficiently commodious for the youths of that day. The simple friction match, now everywhere used, was then unknown. If the fire went out at night, it must be procured at the nearest neighbor's, or obtained from the steel-and flint by casting a spark upon burned tinder, or by flashing Are from the old gun into tow or flax suspended above it, and tlius to catch and kindle it. There were no stoves, nothing but the huge fire-place, in which to place a large back-log and back-stick with a fore-stick resting on iron dogs, and the smaller combus- tibles QUed in between them. The cooking was done on. the fire, the potatoes sometimes being roasted in its em- bers. The baking was in the great brick oven, though occasionally it was done in the old " Dutch-oven " over the fire or in pewter plates in front of it. The farmer's wood was green, usually unhoused,, lying in piles about the doorway. Green wood, though slow to kindle, was preferred to the dry, as it made the hotter fire. At the fireside on a winter's evening groups of children, and often the more aged neighbors, would gather, and en- joying the fire "fair blazing," would amuse themselves with stories and riddles, or otherwise discourse upon the varied incidents of the day. Among the middle-aged conversation would sometimes take direction to their business affairs, their nice houses and fat oxen, and now and then to the telling of a bear 1872 MARCH OP IMPROVEMENT. 225 story, or perhaps some heroic or tragical event of the revo- lution. Lights for the evenings of that period were usually the old tallow candle, generally home-made, manufactured by the mother of the family, by dipping the wicks into warm tallow, and repeating the process until the candle was of suflScient size for use. No one at that time knew of a better light. The first oil-lamp used was of tin, hold- ing a pint. It had a nozzle like a teapot, from which the wick extended. A pair of snuffers sometimes attended these lights, but they were somewhat rare. Since then more than a half a century has elapsed, the old spelling book and the capacious fire-place are no more ; the use of the white flint stone from the field and the tin- der, the flint-lock to the gun, tte Dutch-oven, the pewter plates, the tallow candle and the oil lamp, are all hence- forth to be reckoned among the things that were. The whirl of the great wheel at the hand of the fair maiden that whistled music like the north wind, and that old linen wheel which operated as playing second fiddle to it, are known only to the experience of old age, consigned as they have been to the flames, or to take places in the attics of the old farm-houses. No more is the homespun fulled- cloth used in clothing the family, nor in these days is the linen or tow cloth manufactured by the busy house-wife. How great the change ! The mammoth mills of modern erection have diverted the industry of the people. The livelihood and economy of the happy homes of former days, by the creation Of man- ufacturing towns and by recent inventions, have taken a difierent channel. The fanner's sons and daughters, lured by "the new order of things, have left him to take up their abodes in cities and villages, tending to his discourage- 226 HISTOEY OF BAEKSTEAD. 1872 ment, yet his progress is facilitated by new and improved implements of the workshop and of husbandry, obtained through the artful inventions of the present day. By the invention of the " cotton gin," the power loom, the loco- motive, the telegraph, &c., and by the spirit of enterprise that followed the introduction of them, a new and more progressive life has been inaugurated and is still pro- gressing. " Anon ddvabce the riper years of art, In which inventions take decisive part, Whence generous genius prosecutes the plan, To overcome the drudgery of man ; Hakes lifeless things, impelled at his control, To do the duty of a living soul. Hence cotton gins and spinning-jennies fine, Out-run the wooden wheels of olden time. Hence power of steam, applied on sea or land, Expelling labor with a heavy hand, Work startling wonders through mechanic skill. To move the car, the steamboat, or the mill." [See tlie Merrvmac, by li. B. Caverly,p. 61, 62.] Indeed how strangely different is our mode of travelling from that of the early times. Instead of the saddle and the pillion which were first in use, and of the old wagon, chaise, gig, and stage coach, which came into use at a later period, the railroad car runs in every direction, affording vast facilities for travel and transportation throughout the land. To make way for the locomotive, the valleys have been sought, the rivers have been spanned, and the hills have been made low and level. Perhaps not less strangely different is our present art in painting or taking pictures. Some of us at this day can well remember the old " Profile Taker" as he passed from house to house with his neat little box which con- tained his picture frames, his black paper, &c., and his i872 MARCH OP IMPROVEMENT. 227 scissors, and with which to take a side view of the face ; and all at the small price of one shilling and sixpence. Yet even that art then was rare, so that nearly all of the first settlers of Barnstead, when they left the world, left to their descendants nothing in the shape of a likeness. But now, through the channel of inventions, daguerreotype and photograph pictures are common to this people as they are to the whole earth. Quite as strange, also, has been the change in the making of garments, shoes, and other • articles, facilitated as all this kind of work has been through modern inventions. The number and extent of the New England manufacturers, increased in power and facilitated as they are in the vast productions qf their enterprises by numerous successive modern inventions, tend, at all times, to excite wonder and admiration. The process of manufacturing under modern improve- ments has been briefly described as follows c The wheels, ' within the wheel,' with one consent Fly round and round, each on its duty sent ; Ten thousand spindles in their places spin. Ten thousand spools fast wind their fibres in. Ten thousand shuttles shoot across the web, Fed by the mules, slow back and forward led ; Fast roll the fabrics from the rolling beam, Complete in beauty, true in thread and seam. The sheeting white, the listed broadcloths fine. Neat satinet, and carpets superfine. The gaudy prints and blankets plainer made, For realms remote, for home or foreign trade; Workshops with throngs the vills environ. Magic in power o'er wood, o'er steel and iron; Alire in thought, and helping one another, Onward in handy art advancing further, Embracing all the works that man can do, Through labor fruitful and inventions new." iFrom S. B, Ccmerly's Merrvmac, p. 63.] 228 HISTOET OF BAENSTBAD. 1872 BURIAL OF THE DEAD. " Hither let luxury lead her loose-robed train, Here flutter pride on purple painted wings, And from the moral prospect learn how vain The wish that sighs for sublunary things." It was nearly a century after the first settlements before any spot of land was obtained here and designated as a public burying ground. Strange as it may appear, up to that period there seemed but little concern in the minds of our inhabitants upon this subject. While other towns not very far distant were fencing their grave-yards, were con- secrating them, were strewing them with flowers at each return of the spring season, and every year were improv- ing their repositories with shade trees to invite the pilgrim and the sweet songster, how strange it now seems that ours had been so long, so generally delayed. Ijp to the year 1850 there had been no public burying ground in Barnstead, its first settlers and their immediate descendants many of them having been left to slumber even to the fourth generation in its fields, pastures, lanes, gardens, orchards, and other isolated places, where the cruel plow in the course of time may or may not invade them. Some are honored with a rude unlettered stone. Some have none, and though there are many who have re- spectable monuments with historic inscriptions, still there are scores whose resting places are lost, never again to be watered by aflection's tears, and never more to be traced. Such a seeming neglect, however, may well be attributed to causes common to a new country, particularly to the hardness of the times, wherein from necessity often times the future had to be burdened with the duties of the pres- 1872 BDRIAL OF THE DEAD. 229 ent. At that time a fashion seemed to prevail whereby each farmer was led to believe that some corner in his own field was, of all others, the most appropriate place for his venerated dead. Of late it has been seen that there is no duty more imperative, and in fact more praise-worthy, than to cherish with becoming decency the memories of those who have been with us and who have left us. It is becoming to a generous people to give their dead a place in the highlands, or in the shady dell, where the cypress and the maple shall cast their shadows, and where the soft sound of the pine tree and the warblings of the wild bird shall be borne on the breeze both at morn and eve ; , there let the lily spring up in its beauty, and let the wild-rose bloom there in its fra- grance forever. To such a repository the pilgrim shall come, and here shall we learn the way that " makes glad the city of our God." Here, also, the human heart taking inspiration from the God of nature, shall learn wisdom ; and while it seeks to contemplate the frailties of this life, it shall be led to anticipate with serene delight the tran- scendant glories of that which is to come. To cherish an aflfection for departed worth, to place over the dust of dear ones a sprig of acacia, or to adorn the grave with a forget-me-not, ever serves to strengthen the tie between the living and the dead. 'Tis thus the kind mother, the dutiful wife, and the affectionate child, though dead, are called baek to commune with us in the chambers of love and in beautiful. visions. Old time, as we have seen, has levelled the turf upon the graves of many of the old fathers, yet they rest in peace. " The breezy call of incense-breathing Morn, The swallow's twitt'ring from the straw -built shed, The cock's shrill clarion, or the echoing horn, No more shall rouse them from their lowly bed. 230 HISTORY OF BARNSTEAD. 1872 " For them no more the blazing hearth shall burn, Or busy house-wife ply her evening care, No children run to lisp their sire's return, Or climb his knees the envied kiss to share." [Gray's Elegy.'] At the Parade there was a private burial lot, owned first by John Bunker and afterwards by his son Eli, next by his son Abraham, which still exists in the right of the fifth generation. This ground, as if by common consent of its proprietors, has from time to time been used for burials by a few families for nearly a hundred years. .There is now and then a marble slab in it. Being private property, however, it is ever exposed to the liability of being invaded, neglected, discontinued or desecrated. Improvements are progressing. Since 1850 four public cemeteries have been established, one at the Centre, one at North Barnstead, one at Clarktown, and one at the Parade. In that year a large circle of ladies obtained the means and established the cemetery situated on Lord's Hill, about fifty rods east of the Parade Church, fenced it, divided it into lots, ornamented it with shade trees, and left it alone to await and receive the advancing generations. ^• All honor to the ladies of that hour ! long life to those of them who still live ! and peace, sweet peace, to the ashes of those who sleep ! Quite a nurnber of the dead from the old grounds have already been taken to the new, where many of the lots have been purchased and ornamented as becomes a gener- ous, pious people. Soft is the peace of saints, In peace they lie ; They rest In silence, but they never die I" , APPENDIX. BIOGRAPHY. Jeremiah Peabodt Jewett, who collected the material and started this history, had been for many years a mem- ber of the New England Genealogical Society. A brief account of his father's family will be found on page 152. They descended from Joseph Jewett, one of the first set- tlers of Rowley, Mass. The father, as we have seen, was one of the first settlers of Barnstead, and died there in 1836. His mother. Temperance (Dodge) Jewett, was a sister to Judith Dodge, the mother of George Peabody, well-known to the world as a banker in London. The mother is still living at the age of a hundred years and upwards. Dr. Jewett obtained his common school education at his native village, and in 1826-7 attended Phillips Exeter Academy. His principal instructor there was John Adams. Afterwards he read medicine with his father. Then, for a year or two, he was the medical student of Dr. J. Spofibrd, of Groveland, and in the years 1831-2 he was a student in the medical department of Dartmouth College, under 232 HISTOEY OP BARNSTEAD. 1872 the instruction of Messrs. Muzzey and Oliver. He received his diploma there, and in Marchj 1833, made Lowell his place of residence and practice. He was a Fellow of the Massachusetts Medical Society, and was for a considerable time President of the Medical Society of " The Middlesex District." For many years he was special coroner in the city of Lowell, sometimes represented it in the Massachu- setts legislature, and sometimes in the branches of its own city government. Mrs. Jewett was Miss Harriett E. Looinis, of Windsor, Connecticut. Their sons and daughters now living are EmmaL., Henrietta A., Thomas P., Joseph D., and Alice A., the youngest at the age of five years. The Doctor's health began to decline in the autumn of 1868. He suffered of dropsy, of which he died June 23, 1870. His funeral was attended on the 27th by a large concourse of people. And then by the " old residents " of his adopted town he was borne away to the banks of the " old Concord," and. to a peaceful rest in the shades of the Lowell Cemetery. Brisk blow, ye bleak winds, bring a song, Celestial vespers, sweet and clear, Wave wide ye bending woods along. In love to lay your garlands here ! And you, ye wild birds, often sad. In little songs if not in tears, rorget ye not my honored dead. As wane away the eternal years . Let lilies fragrant fill the ground. Lovely for age shall live the sod I For here, indeed, a friend is found, „ A man, the noblest work of God. June 27, 1870. E. B. C. 1872 ^ OF ITS DEAD. 233 NECROLOGY. Through the generous aid of a lady, Mrs. M. H. W., we have obtained quite an elaborate account of the dead of Barnstead. It covers nearly the whole period of the existence of the town, and details to a certain extent the . out-goings of its young men and maidens as well as of its old men and matrons ; and while it bears upon its pages the names both of citizens and soldiers, it does not lose sight of its wizards and witches. The ashes of " Old Peggy " , are still found to be reposing upon the Drew farm, and old " Aunt Nabby " , as Qf yore, sleeps silently beneath a pine tree near the Suncook bridge. Though " witches they were," yet in our faith they at this hour occupy a place as high at the throne of Heaven as the kings and queens of their time. It is a significant caution to the pride of earth, that at the grave, all are intended to be made equal. And this is all 1— vain wealth may try To rear her monuments on high, In gorgeous grandeur, clever; But where the balmy woodlands sigh, And the dead are equal far and nigh, Eest — rest is sweeter, never I The said Peggy in her day, as tradition tells us, was greatly troublesome to her neighbor, that " she prevented his cow, that would not give good milk ;" that "she forbade the cream, and it refused to turn to butter," and the like. Tradition also informs us " that at the same moment when 30 234 HISTOEY OF BARNSTEAD. 1873- om* poor old Nabby was consigned to the earth, a spacious flock of crows flew rapidly over her, and that a tempestu- ous gale of wind followed them." At this day it is pleasant to know and feel that the credulous years that followed New England witch-craft in its terrible dream, are foreyer at an end. Prior to 1803 Barnstead had no record of interments. , After this date, up to 1860, in an account kept by Parson . George, the number given is 1320. Since then,- by a, record as kept by Eev. William O. Carr, 282 deaths have ■ been added to the list, which in the whole, as taken, numbers 1602. In the following table we are mostly confined to those whose ages and dates of death are given : Date. Age. Date. Age. 1777 Samuel Clark, — 1811 "William Nutter, 55 1784 Peter Edgerly, 21 Anna, his widow. 1795 Samuel Avery, 76 in 1813, 53 1796 John Pendergast, 15 Hetty Pickering, Jonathan Bunker, 67 wife of Stephen, 71 Sarah, his widow, Moses Dennett, 57 in 1825, 96 Betsey, his widow. 1797 Stephen Pendergast, 68 in 1852, 90 Betsey, his widow, 1812 . Samuel Nelson, jr.. 24 in 1836, 99 1814 David Eand, 70 John Tasker, Thomas Edgerly, 85 1798 Dorothy Edgerly, Dathamah, his wife. wife of Samuel, 26 in 1808, 78 1799 John Clark, — David Drew, • 30 Dr. Joseph Adams, 78 1814 Lieut. James Brown 50 1804 David Jacobs, 48 Patience , his widow, Molly, his widow. in 1828, 52 in 1848, 92 1815 Mrs. Bunker, mother 1805 James G. Kainie, 40 of Joseph, 106 Hannah, his wife. 1817 Charles Hodgdon, 75 in 1795, 29 • Hannah, his wife, 1810 Moses Eand, 70 in 1790, 57 1811 Thomas Emerson, 37 Abigail, his widow. Henry Munsey, 75 in 1830, 83 Samuel Nelson, 73' Mrs. Joseph Bunker, 107 lS7i NECROLOGY. Date. Age. Date. 1817 Nathaniel Tasker, 53 1828 Sally,his wiclow,1837 ,56 1819 Thomas Salter, — Mrs. Salter, his wife, — 1829 Samuel Oilman, 89 Josei)h Hawkins, 83 Daniel Hall, 17 Solomon Hall, 15 1820 Capt. Ebenezer Ad- ams, 35 1822 James Locke, Abigail, his widow. 38 in 1869, 82 1830 Benjamin Emerson, 77 1823 Aaron Chesley, 69 Ruth, his wife, 1818, 63 Sarah Jacobs, wife of Isaac, • 21 1831 1824 Susan Hall, wife of Benjamin R. • 21 Jonathan Roberts, 65 1825 John Chesley, 83 1832 John Keniston, 21 Aaron Chesley, 40 Stejjhen Pickering, 85 Jonathan Emerson, 76 Sarah, his wife, 1810 , 68 Enoch Clark, 57 Susannah, his wife, in 1811, 39 Samuel Pitman, 89 Sarah, his widow, 88 1826 Jonathan Clark, jr.. 29 Samuel Clark, 32 Thomas Bunker, 95 Deborah, his wife, in 1824, 91 1833 Jonathan Chesley, 90 Mark Walker, 21 Sarah Bunker, 96 1827 John B. Parshley, 84 Sarah, his wife, 1823 77 John Tuttle, 76 Dolly, his wife, 1825, 73 Stephen Pendergast, 57 Mrs.EzekielEastman,91 Solomon Munsey, 82 Mrs. M. , his wife, 80 235 Age. 29 23 27 62 Thomas Penny, Noah Pitman, Dr. Wm. Walker, Samuel Garland, Abigail, his widow in 1839, 74 Temperance Nutter, 70 Joseph Place, 75 Abigail Goodwin, wife of David, 32 Esther Nutter, wife of Hatevil, 77 Capt. John Daniels, 35 Mercy Nutter, wife of Benjamin, 81 Joseph Bunker, 47 Olive, his wife, 1830, 46 Eleanor Colebath, wife of Dependence, 81 Samuel Jacobs, 43 WilUam Muncy, 86 Ebeuezer Adams, 79 Timothy Muncy, 83 Mary, his wife, 1830, 80 Joseph Bunker, 38 James Locke, 80 Mary, his widow, in 1844, 86 Charles J. Hodgdon, 26 Timothy Munsey, 83 Mary, his wife, 1830, 80 Wm. Walker, 73 Elizabeth, his wid- ow, in 1843, 82 Betsey Towle, 68 Benjamin Nutter, 88 Peletiah Daniels, 63 Mrs. Anna Lyford, 75 John Jacobs, 65 Mercy Jacobs, wife of D. Wiggins, 40 Joseph Tasker, 77 Sally, his widow, in 1834, 78 Daniel Jacobs, 74 Margaret, his wife, in 1819, 57 Capt. George Chesley, 51 236 HISTORY OF BAENSTKAD. 1872 Bate. Age. 1833 Nancy Jenkins, wife of Joseph, . 40 John Dudley, 65 1834 John Pitman, 102 Susanna, his widow, in 1835, 95 Charles G. Sinclair, 41 Joanna Kalme, wife of John, 42 Adonijah Keniston, 43 Olive, his widow, In 1872, 79 Theodore Willey, 70 Abigail Bicklord, wifeTof Moses, 70 1835 Charles Hodgdon, jr. 61 Temperance, his widow, In 1842, 85 Josiah Snell, 75 Wm. Mnnsey, 85 Anna Dockham, 82 1836 Dr. Jeremiah Jewett, 79 Ira Tasker, 37 Miss Betsey Meader, 76 John Davis, 56 Lyman Hodgdon, 23 George Hop Nutter, 35 Samuel Eand, 60 Mary, his widow. In 1852, 78 Keuben Sanborn, 63 Dea. Ezekiel Edgerly, 72 Mary Hatch, wife of Hosea, 51 1837 Aaron Merrill, 62 Abigail, his widow, in 1841, 55 Joseph Fay, 63 Olive, Ms widow, in 1854, 87 Lois Hoitt, wife of Col. James, 39 John Berry, 59 Hannah, his widow, in 1864, 88 1838 Wm. Scnggins, 72 Sally, his wife, in 1811, 41 Date. Age* 1838 Wm. Garland, 42 Lois Brown, wife of Robert, 69 Edward Avery, 58 Dependence Colebath, 90 1839 Simon Dow, 77 Abigail, his wife, in 1820, 55 Euth, his second wife, in 1829, 59 John Judkins, 60 Abigail, his widow, in 1848, 75 Samuel Edgerly, 71 Betsey, his widow, in 1847, 87 Molly Muncy, 89 Abigaii Pickering, 72 1840 Mrs. Noah Robinson, 65 Timothy Bunker, 41 Margaret, his wid- ow, in 1864, 66 Major John Nutter, 83 Betty, his wife, in 1817, 62 Betsey Hodgdon, wife of Lieut. Richard Sinclair, 78 Dennis Pendergast, 76 Hannah, his wife, in 1840, ' 69 Josiah Tebbetts, 56 Eunice, his widow, in 1867, 82 Ephraim Tebbetts, 86 Jacob B. Locke, 40 1841 Jonathan Durgin, 69 Susan, his widow, in 1855, 82 Lydia Bachelder, 88 Solomon Emerson, 24 John Bunker, 80 Polly, his widow, in 1844, 84 Paul Edgerly, 82 1842 Robert Tebbets, Esq. , 83 his widow, in 1845, 88 1872 NECROLOaX. 237 Date. Age. 1842 James Harden, 89 Mrs. Aaron Iieathers, 83 Samuel Ayers, 80 Eli Bunker, 82 Anna, his wife, 79 Gilman Lougee, - 27 Capt. Daniel Bunker, 69 Lovey, his widow, in 1860, 83 John Clark, 76 John Hanscom, 57 Hannah, his widow, in 1852, 68 John Hodgdon, 23 David Drew, 84 Martha W., his wid- ow, in 1855, 95 Hannah Drew, wife of James, 43 Paul Emerson, 21 Peletiah Penny, 85 Mary, his wife, in 1840, 81 1843 Dea. Ebenr. Nutter, 87 Temperance, his wife, in 1829, 70 Anthony Nutter, 79 • Annie, his widow, in 1844, 86 Dollie Drew, 51 Olive Stevens, 60 Capt. Seth Walker, 28 Josiah Shackford, 77 Xydia, his widow, in 1859, 86 . Samuel Walker, 43 Euth, his widow, in 1852, 49 1844 Hannah Eand, sec- ond wife of Moses, 80 Joseph Hall, 76 Mary, his widow, in 1845, 71 Mary Langley, wife of Joseph, 79 Wm. Walker, jr., 58 Betsey, his widow, in 1851, 64 Date. Age, 1844 Valentine Chapman, 86 Patience, his wid- ow, in 1845, 70 Abigail Towle, wife of Roby, 33 Prudence Emerson, wife of Eliphalet, 53 Levi Davis, 87 Joseph P. Nutter, jr. 28 Polly L. Pickering, wife of Joseph, 57 1845 Dr. NoahJ. T.George, 50 Daniel Clark, 45 Nancy, his wife, in 1837, 40 Eben Pitman, 58 Abigail, his widow, in 1856, 61 John Matt. Nutter, 26 Samuel Rollins, 75 Deborah, his wid- ow, in 1857, 52 John Hill, 59 Sally, his widow, in 1857, 62 Daniel Clark, 44 1846 Cyrus P. Garland, 29 Emily, his widow, in 1850, 27 John K. Kaime, 30 John Bodge. 81 Mary, his widow, in 1851, 90 Charles Foster, 48 Abigail, his widow, in 1868, 78 Richard Libby, 28 1847 Albert B. Hodgdon, 25 Rev. Robert Allen, 55 Abigail Rollins, wife of Samuel, 58 Samuel Chesley, 39 John Aikin, 93 Hannah, his wife, in 1843, 84 Mrs. Sarah Durgin, 78 John Nutter, 42 Comfort Chesley, 86 233 HISTORY OF BARNSTEAD. 1872 Date. Age. 1846 Mos'es Bunker, 35 Margaret Wallace, wife of Capt. Wm. 45 Joanna Snell, 68 Timothy Muncy, 24 Joseph Drew, 46 Abigail Hall, his widow, in 1872. 62 Richard Collins, 79 Patience, his wife, in 1845, 70 James Langley, 47 Susan, his widow, .in 1866, 74 , Sally Tuttle, wife of Thomas, 70 Samuel Eaton, 71 Joseph Norris, 80 Hannah, Iiis widow, in 1852, 87 Phineas Young, 72 Dolly, his widow, in - 1862, 80 1849 Benj. Hodgdon, Esq.,82 Polly, his widow, in 1858, 82 Nath. Nutter, 91 Dorothy, his widow, in 1855, 89 Sampson Babb, 86 Winthrop Ayers, 86 Euth, his widow, in 1855, 91 Daniel Pickering, 75 Lois Davis, wife of Josiah, 79 Miss Sally Pickering, 73 1850 "Wm. J. Stiles, , 23 John Brown, 49 Solomon Munsey, jr. 72 1851 Permelia Kaime, second wife of John, 49 Joseph E. Nutter, 44 Benjamin Winkley, 79 Elizabeth, his wife, in 1841, .66 Betsey, his widow, in 1863, 85 Date. Age. 1851 Mary Hodgdon, wife ofWm. A., 24 John Bickford, 83 Andrew Bunker, 67 Rebecca, his widow, in 1853, 67 Joseph Tuttle, 77 Phebe, his wife, in 1848, 67 Wm. B. Wentworth, 50 Anna, his widow, in 1867, 72 John Holmes, ' 62 Nancy Pendergast, 84 Joseph S. Ayers, 49 Andrew Pickering,* 76 1852 Samuel B. Proctor, 30 James B. Peavy, 74 Hannah, his widow, in 1855, 71 Levi Chase, 82 Lydia, his wife, in - 1845, 71 Joshua Pickering, 35 Solomon Hall, 83 Lydia, his wife, in 1845, ■ 73 Lois Webster, wife • of Nathaniel, 69 Mary Ann Hall, wife of Alfred, ' 37 Jacob Saunders, 62 Daniel W. Thurston, 26 Abigail Langley, wife of Henry, 69 Mrs. Mary Welch, . 97 Eunice Lyford, wife of Rev. Frfink H., 26 Mrs. Jeremiah Davis, 86 Widow Paul Edgerly, 87 Jacob Pickering, 87 1853 Nathaniel Adams, son of Dr. Joseph, 82 Mrs. Betsey, Newell, 89 Levi Clark, jr., 44 Jacob Willey, 85 Sally, Ms widow, in 1855, 89 1872 NECROLOQY. 239 Date. Age. 1853 Wm. Grover, M.D., 50 Eben Munsey, 80 Charles Hodgdon, jr. 89 Betsey, his wife, in 1825, • 42 Mary Muncy, 70 Chester H. Nutter, 26 (in Cal), 26 1854 Elizabeth Roberts, 87 Mary A. DanielSj 28 Jonathan Clark, 90 Temperance, his wife, in 1826, 66 Mrs. Sally Nutter, 76 Benjamin Chesley, 64 Col. John Tuttle, 70 Sally, his wife, in 1825, 39 Jonathan Keniston, 83 Sally, his widow, in 1861, , 82 •■ Rev. Jacob Davis, 68 Louise, his wife, in 1839, 48 Samuel York, 82 Betsey, his wife, in 1845, 72 Abigail M. Ayers, 68 Mary Chesley, wife of Henry, 56 Jeremiah Davis, 91 John Tebbetts, 89 Dorothy, his wife, in 1832, 68 1855 David F. Eaton, 49 Eleanor, . his wife, in 1827, 32 Sam'l Webster, Esq., 62 Eliphalet Nutter, 70 Iiovey, his widow, in 1861, 75 Jethro Nutter, 91 Mary, his widow, in 1866, 81 Jeremiah Clark, 85 Sally, his widow, in 1857, 78 Jacob Canney, 82 Date, Age, 1855 Thomas Snell, 82; Thomas Emerson, 40 Wm. Walker, M, D., 27 Simeon Lougee, 88 Mary, his wife, in 1811, 38 Mary E., his second wife, in 1850, 72 Lois Barbour, 80 Francis Elliott, — 1856 Isaac Willey, 79 John Peavey, Esq., 8o Deborah, his wid- ow. In 1865, 87 Thomas Proctor, 77 Martha, his wife, in 1825, 41 Comfort, his second wife, in 1847, 66 John Pitman, 86 Shuah, his wife, in 1850, 79 Perkins Ayers, 72 Mary Morgan, wife of Reuben, 71 Jonathan Moore, 58 Charlotte, his wife, 54 Nathaniel Pickering, 63 Polly his wife, 44 1857 Betsey Webster, wife of Robert, 86 Lillis Runnels, wife of Israel, 62 Leonard Clark, 28 Henry Nutter, 75 Sarah, his wife, in 1853, 73 Jenny Munsey, 82 Ifjaac Kenney, 38 Wm. Berry, 57 Tamson, his widow, in 1872, 69 Stephen Hussey, 79 1858 Wm. A. Hoitt, 27 Charles P. Bunker, 29 Ebenezet Munsey, 80 Mary, his wife, in 1858, 69 240 HISTORY OF BARNSTEAD. 1872 Date. Age. 1858 Josiah Pitman, 83 Susan, his wife, in 1858, 82 Sarah Pendergast, 90 Lemuel Bunker, 85 Sally, his wife, in 1857, 82 Eliza Webster, wife of Caleb, 43 1859 Nath. Blaisdell, 62 Abigail Hall, wife of of Eben, . 54 Rev. Enos George, 78 Sophia, his wife, in 1858, 76 Eliphalet Berry, 61 Solomon Clark, 76 Sarah, his widow, in 1868, 75 John Sanborn, 82 Polly G. Pierce, wife of Harvey, 53 John Thurston, 66 Hannah, his widow, in 1868, 75 Lucy Drew, second wife of James, 66 Wm. H. Elliott, 52 Moses Bickford, 93 1860 Thomas P. Hodgdon, 60 Abram Bunker, 75 Polly, his widow, in 1870, 81 Jonathan Pitman, 44 Joseph Pendergast, 86 Nancy Bickford, wife of John, 84 1861 Gen. Timothy Dow, 64 Mary, his -widow, in 1871, 76 George Nutter, 63 Wm..Shaw, 71 Nancy, his wife, in 1872, 80 John Colebath, 95 Lettice, hi* wife, in 1852, 85 John Garland, 56 Date. Age. 1861 Mary E. Pierce, 35 John M. Nutter, 62 Jonathan Young, 62 Moses Hodgdon, 83 1862 Charles "W. Dow, 22 Polly Nutter, 81 Levi Clark, 89 Betsey, his wife, in 1857, 78 Thomas Pendergast, 78 Mary Nelson, his widow, in 1865, 86 Silas Tuttle, 78 1862 Moses Chesley, 86 Mrs. Drew, 90 1863 Rev. David Garland, 71 Abigail, his wife, in 1850, 58 Thomas J. Pierce, (soldier),. 24 Daniel Drew, 67 Joseph Pendergast, (soldier), 37 Lydia, his wife, in 1850, 20 George F. Munsey, 24 Wm. H. Berry, (sol- dier), 24 Horace T. Munsey, 27 Alice Foss, wife of Jonathan, 72 George Aikin, (sol- dier), 22 Charles Hodgdon, jr. 64 Samuel York, jr. 65 Mrs. Moses Hodgdon, 91 1864 Joseph A. Walker, 63 Abigail, his wife, in 1856, 58 Stephen Pendergast, 65 Ann, his wife, in 1855, 61 Phebe, his widow, in 1869, 64 Corp. Joseph Hill, (a soldier wound- ed at Cold Harbor), 29 Lois Garland, wife of Samuel, 64 1872 NECROLOGY. 241 Date. Age. 1864 Aaron r>rcw, 71 Elizabeth, his wife, in 1856, 68 Joseph Hall, 18 Lorenzo Hall, 36 Sarali iJow, wife of Jacob, ea Timothy Emerson Iloclgdou, 56 Harriett Shackford, wife of Seth, 51 Joseph Pickering, 77 Mary Marshall, wife of Andrew, 68 E. Clarke Drew, 45 Aaron Chesley, 36 1865 Dea. Solomon Pen- dergast, 84 Rebecca, his wife, in 1856, 86 Samuel Caswell 107 Benjamin Hoitt, 71 Mehitable, his wife, in 1858, 60 Judith Clark, wife of Wm. S., 60 James M. Cilley, 31 Edward Pitman, 57 1866 Elijah Emerson, 88 Nabby, his wife, in 1864, 83 Samuel B. Clark, 53 Annie Davis, first child born in B., 96 Esther Durgin, 99 Nancy Pendergast, wife of Dea. John, 58 Jeremiah Bodge, 76 Oliver Dennett, 75 Dodivah Kaime, 62 Samuel Caswell, 103 Mrs. C.,his wife, in 1866, 93 Samuel Rollins, 73 1867 Dr. Laban M. Saun- ders, 34 Mary Allen, wife of Rev. Levi, 62 31 Date. Age. 1867 Isaac Garland, 92 Lydia, his wife, in 1865, 69 John Clark, 48 Henry C. Prime, 28 John Place, 75 Dorathy, his widow, in 1870, 67 Thomas Trickey, 87 Asa Clark, 43 Hannah, his wife, in 1863, 44 Mary Shackford, wife of Josiah, Jr., 71 Capt. Wm. Nutter, 78 I Hannah, his widow, in 1869, ■ 75 Nathaniel Blaisdell, 27 Sophia, his wife, in 1867, 28 Samuel Durgin, 70 Sally Hill, wife of Robert S.. 72 1868 Richard Garland, 68 Solomon Emerson, 89 Deborah, his wife, in 1843, 68 Samuel Pickering, 78 John J. Emerson, 58 Nathan Collins, 82 Ruth, his widow, in 1871, - 82 Phebe Collins, 75 Col. John Aikin, 77 Henry Munsey, 70 James Adams, 72 Mrs. Samuel West, 70 Molly Greenleaf, 75 1869 Wm. Nutter, 71 Ensign John Nutter, 74 Benjamin Trickey, 83 John R. Jenkins, 27 Azariah Holmes, 58 Moses L. Grace, 64 George A. Hall, 30 William Nutter, 76 Eleanor, Ms widow, in 1871, 81 242 HISTORY OF BARNSTEAD. 1873 Date. Age. 1869 Patience Parshley, wife of Joshua, 77 Sarah Clough, wife of Caleb, 77 Martha Nutter, 20 1870 James Foss, 77 Elizabeth Clark, wife of John D., 53 1871 Charles H. Tuttle, died of great tu- mors, 50 Samuel Ayers, 83 Nathaniel Nutter, 89 Dolly, his widow, in 1872, 90 Polly Emerson, wife of Moses, 68 Anna Place, wife of Joseph, ■ 102 Aaron Snell, 69 Nathaniel G. Brown, 45 Sally Poss, wife of Solomon, 65 Eliphalet Locke, 69 George D. Hill, 53 Betty Drew, wife of Jacob, 92 Dorothy Poss, wife of Simon, 55 Date. Age. 1871 Joseph Clark, 57 Ira Varney, 70 Mary, his wife, 70 Caroline Webster, second Wife of Ca- leb, 46 1872 David Wiggins Ja- cobs, 81 Betsey, Ms wife, in 1868, 75 Mary Berry, wife of Samuel B., Esq., 72 Betsey Tutler, wife of John J., 69 Enoch Locke, 79 Curtis C. Tuttle, 57 Rev. John H. Nntter, 83 Joseph Ayers, ' 71 Samuel Hill, 96 Hannah Nutter, wife of Wm. P., 60 John E. Bunker, 65 Mr. John Bradley, 9f Con- cord, N. H., lived and died here, leaving six children, one of whom is the wife of Charles Whitney, Esg., of LoweU, Mass. 1872 TOWK CHARTER. 243 (A.) CHARTER. GEORGE BY THE GRACE OF GOD, OF GREAT BRITAIN, FRANCE AND IRELAND, KING, DEFENDER OF THE FAITH, &C. To all people to whom these presents shall come : Greeting ; Know ye that we of our special knowledge and mere motion for the due encouragement of settling a new Plan- tation, by and with the advice and consent of our Council, have given, granted, and by these presents as far as in us lies, do give and grant, in equal shares, unto sundry of our beloved subjects, whose names are entered in a schedule hereunto annexed, that inhabit or shall in- habit within the said grants, within our Province of New Hampshire, all that tract of land within the following bounds, viz : To begin on the head of the town of Barring- ton, on the southwest side of the town of Coulrane, and running by the said town of Coulrane eight miles, and from the said town of Coulrane to run on the head of Bar- ri'ngton line southwest forty-two degrees six miles, and then northwest eight miles, and then on a straight line to the head of the first eight miles, and that the same be a Town, corporate by the name of Barnstead, to the persons aforesaid forever. To have and to hold the said land to the grantees and their heirs and assigns forever, and to such associates as they shall admit, upon the following conditions : 244 ' HISTORY OP BABNSXEAD. 1872 1st. That every proprietor hnild a