^-^ A ^^^ . ^^^ 0° ■* ^M f < o .'\-- V-^' ^/» S' v^-^^ ^v 'J'^ ,* >^ --.^ ^yi%^: _^v -^^ -.jo^-.* ^ ^'' '-^ ^ ^: A <. ^^^ .-'-/^-^ "" ^0^ ^. ^ '^-'^o^ ^ /^i]<^ ^.. .^"^ X ^-^ ^^ .0 ->, -.--^i^/ ^^^ .7s ^ A From 1732 to 1820. A CHRONOLOGICAL REGISTER or BOSCAWEN, IN THE COUNTY OP MERRIMACK, AND STATE OF NEW-HAMPSHIRE, FROM THE FIRST SETTLEMENT OF THE TOWN TO 1820. IN THREE PARTS : ©rscrijjttijf, lUCstorfcal $c i^iscrllanrcus. •OMPILED BY AN ORDER OF THE TOWN, PASSED MARCH, 1819. BY EBENEZER PRICE, A. M. I' PASTOR OE THE SKCOND CHURCH IN SAID TOWN. « On* generation shall prawethy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts." ♦' Thou Shalt raise up the fouiidntions of msny generations, und thou ihmt be called tht Hepairer of the breach, the restorer of paths to dwell in."— Itaiah. CONCORD: TRINTED BY JACOB B. MOORE. 1823. '<|wv/. DEDIC iTION. This compilation, the result of much lahor, has been carefully made, and is now presented to the inhabitants of the town of Boscawen and to their posterity, for a perpetual memorial, of the very interesting events of antiquity, wrested from ob- livion, — V -^ ' By their sincere friend, and B*^" very humble servant, EBENEZER PRICE. PART I. Situation of the town — extent — boundaries — orig'inal name — soil, and its varieties — drain-wells in use — rivers — ponds — water machinei'y — bridges and their extent — roads — climate — villages — dwelling-houses — public buildings — inns and stores — education, how promoted — ^societies — professional characters — post oflfiice — civil officers — population — number of militia — minerals — produc- tions of the soil — fruits and fruit-trees — currants cultivated — the breed of cattle — sheep improved — their number — wool manufac- tured — silk wrought — staple commodities — market towns — chur- ches — revivals of religion — concluding obsei vations. PART II. Section 1. Grant — to whom — character of the proprietors. 2. First meeting of the proprietors — survey of plantation — Jiumber of rights — first division laid out and drawn. 3. First settlers — their enterprize — first labor, &,c. 4. Meeting at Conioocook — log town-house built — preaching — ferry. 5. 2d division laid out and drawn — log meeting house built.-— settlers alarme.l by lndi:'.u* — log lort built — petition to the King^- Mr. Stevens ordained, &c. 6 CONTENTS. 6. New-Hampshire becomes a province — Gov. Wentworth — 3d division laid out, &c. I. Indians molest the inhabitants — Louisburg taken-first inhab- itants killed or taken captive. 8. Mason's claim described — land proprietors — title of the town obtained — indemnity to Mr. Stevens, &c. 9. Provision for a 2d fort — Indians of St. J'rancis — Conduct of Bowen and Morrill — some taken captJve, &c. 10. Rev. Mr. Stevens dies — Great Earthquake — last proprie- tors' meeting before Incorporation — new petition — granted — re- duction of Louisburg — Quebeck taken — Inliansat peace, &c. II. Plantation incorporated — name — 1st charter — 1st town meeting — 1st Justice, &c. 12. Proprietors assist in settling a minister — Mr. Robie Mor- rill ordained — inhabitants leave the fort for thv ir farms. . 13. 4th division laid out and drawn — town charter renewed. 14. Stamp act — province road laid out — Rev. Mr. Morrill dis- missed — new meeting house begun — Mr. Merrill ordained. 15. Pews sold — D. College chartered — bridge built — colonies disturbed — Rev. Mr. Merrill removed. 16. 1775, Ist Congress — battles — independence — campaigns- several preachers employed. 17. Mr. Wood settled — Cornvtallis capitulated — peace with England. 18. Road to Warner opened — delegate to state convention — 5 selectmen — parsonage sold — west meeting house buiit — neutrality proclaimed. 19. Jay's treaty — last meeting of proprietors — evils in this town — county tax. 20. War with France— meeting house burnt — injuries sus- tained — S. house consumed — Rev. Mr. Wood dissolves his com tract with the town. 21. Half the parsonage given to west meeting' house — small pox in town — counterfeiters detected — 2d rcii^.cua society- church and minister — total eclipse. CONTENTS. 7 22. War with England — negociation— check list — defence of •ur seaports — peace restored — improveoient in morals attempt- ed, <^c. 23. School and parsonage lands — water-street difficulty healed —1816, a year of dearth — seasons change — review and close of the Ke£;iiiter. PART lU. J«:«tfllinrous Articles. Names of proprietors — first settlers — table shewing town offi- cers, representatives, other officers, and money raised for the year. — Lists of magistrates, post masters, ministers, deacons, at- torneys, physicians, graduates, births, marriages and deaths. — Commanding officers of the 21st regiment — campaigns — soldiers out in the war with France — stationed at Portsmouth in the late \. war with England — names of those who were killed in the army - — remarkable deaths — singular deli%'^erances — biographical noti- ces — narratives of deaths and captivities by lodiaDS— Kiapture and imprisooment of John Flanders, &ic. Note. — The town of Boscawen, at their an- nual meeting, March, 1821, voted acceptance of the following Register, in manuscript ; appointed a committee of five, including the selectmen, to make an equitable compersation to the compiler, and to dispose of the manuscript as should best meet the intention of the town : accordingly, this committee awarded the writer S50, and propos- ed the printing of the manuscript by subscription. ?^{sitorj» of a3o.€c.iikucn. mis,m ^m% Description of the Toivti of Boscawen. BoscAWEN is an inland town in the State of New-Hampshire, and county of Merrimack, plea- santly situated upon the westerly side of Merri- mack river, between Concord and Salisbury ; and its extent of territory, by grant, is seven miles square. It is bounded eastwardly by Merrimack river ; northwardly on Salisbury line ; w^estward- ly on the line of Warner, and southwardly upon Hopkinton and Concord : its southeast corner monument is near the southwardly margin of Contoocook river, at its conjunction with the Merrimack, within a few yards of the isle on which Mrs. Duston, of ancient fame, performed the unparalleled deed of taking the lives of her savage captors, and making her escape from captiv- ity, more particulai'ly to be noticed in another place. The W'cll known Indian name Contoocook^ was given by the proprietors to tlieir location, and was retained until the town was incorporated. The soil of this town is very various, from the most fertile down to that which is low and poor ; and yet there is but little land in its whole ex- tent w^hich may be deemed waste land, or which may not be advantageously improved. Compar- ed with most of the adjacent towns, it i§ uot 2 10 HISTORY OF BOSCAWEN. hilly, but the face of the town, when view ed from its highest parts, appears uncommonly level. — • There are but few spots where stones greatly abound, and no inconvenience is experienced from morasses or stagnant waters. The territory may be divided into three general divisions, viz : interval pine-plain^ and high-land^ requiring a different cultivation. The interval upon the Merrimack, nearly the whole length of the town, is, in many places, widely extended, originally covered with a heavy growth of elm, butternut, maple and bass-wood. When cultivated, it proved very productive, and, even at this period, bountifully rewards the labour of the husbandman. Bordering on the interval westwardly are large plaitis ; natural growth, hard and white pine trees ; soil thinner, but suited to the ordinary production of rich harvests of grain, when prop- erly cultivated. The high land, which comprises about five sevenths of the whole town, lies in large swells far extending in a direction from north to south f natural growth, white oak and other hard wood ; the soil deep and very productive, affording many excellent farms most delightfully situated, and accommodated generally with a suitable propor- tion of pasturing, mowing and orcharding, with a constant supply of water. The convenience of water is aided by drain-wells, which are in very common use ; opened upon a side hill, and the water taken from the bottom, in pipes, for the ac- commodation of houses and barns ; and found to be a very great saving in respect of labor, manure^ and in the health and growth of cattle. HISTORY OF BOSCAWEN. 11 This town is remarkably well watered. Mer- rimack river laves the whole easterly border. On the west, Black-water river, parallel with the Merrimack, five miles distant, runs through the whole extent of the town from north to south, and empties itself into the Contoocook. This river is not large, but is very important, both in respect of its fertile fields of champaigne, and the numerous water-privileges it affords. Pond brook, or as generally called, Beaver-dam brook, accommodates several mills, and from its meadow^s are annually cut more than 100 tons of hay ; runs between and parallel with Merrimack and Blackwater, from Salisbury, till it unites with Contoocook, in the north-east corner of Hopkin- ton. This stream is considered as nearly equally dividing the tow n east and west. Mill brook^ emptying into Merrimack, and Schoodk^ running southw^ardly from Long Pond, and uniting with Warner river, are streams fur- nishing mill-seats. Beside the before-named, there are many other streams of lesser note, glid- ing through most of our valleys, yielding their benefits to almost every farm ; and some of them improved tbr water machinery. There are two ponds of note : Great Pond lies u«'ar the centre of the town, and is about one mile long, and the same in breadth ; and Long Pond, situated in the west part of the town, is about two miles long, and 1-2 a mile wide : both abound with common freshwater fish, and each furnishes a mill-seat at its outlet. There are in this town seventeen saw-mills ; five corn-mills, three of which have two runs of stones, and all fiurnished with bolts ; four fulling-mills ; five IQ HISTORY OF BOSCAWEN. carding machines ; two mills for grinding tanner's bark ; one trip-hammer ; one mill for turning cart-wheel hubs and felloes, and one for grinding lead for potter's ware. The principal bridges are, two across Merrimack river, uniting Boscawen with Canterbury, built by incoq>orated companies. Chandler's bridge, so called, over Contoocook river ; 7 across Black- water river ; 1 over Stirrup-iron brook, and 1 over the gulf, on the fourth New-Hampshire turnpike, built at the expense of 1000 dollars, by Lt. Ste- phen Gerrish, in 1815; but just before its com- pletion, the contractor, after a short sickness, died, and his death deprived this town of one of its most ingenious, enterprising and valuable citi- zens. As shewing this town to be well watered, it is estimated by judicious men, that the length of plank-bridges annually maintained within its lim- its is more than two miles, including their abut- ments. There are six public roads through this town from Concord and Hopkinton to the town of Sal- isbury ; viz ; King-street and Fish-street in con- tinuation ; High-street^ on the 4th New-Hamp- shire turnpike ; Water-street ; Battle-street^ lately opened ; Pleasant-street^ continued on West-high- way, and West Newhury-street. And crossing all the before-named streets, at right angles, except Battle-street, from Fish-street to Warner line, is Long-street. The Province-roach laid out by the authority of Gov. John Wentworth, in a direction from Ports- mouth to No. 4, or Charlestown, and opened in 1770, is not now improved except for a short dis- tance. HISTORY OF BOSCAWEN. 13 These public streets, at a very great expense, are made easy for carriages of every description. The inhabitants of this tow^n have been highly distinguished in point of health. From its first settlement, there have been no extensively mortal contagions or epidemics. It is thought by men of observation, that the pure air and uniform temper- ature, arising from the numerous streams of whole- some water, and peculiar direction of the swells of high land, parallel with the streams, have contrib- uted to the enjoyment of this invaluable blessing. There are two villages to be noted. The prin- cipal of which is situated in the eastwardly sec- tion of the town, made up of about thirty dwell- ing-houses, through which the 4th New-Hamp- shire turnpike passes, affording a spacious street, nearly two miles in length, very straight and lev- el. In passing through this village, the observant traveller is attracted and delighted by the fertile intervals, and the serpentine course of the Merri- mack in full view. Near the centre of this vil- lage, on the river, are a commodious landing place and lumber yard ; and movements are in train for extending the boating navigation of Merri- mack river, as far as this place, if not further up the river. There is also a village now forming on a pleas- ant eminence in the westwardly part of the town, near the meeting house, promising at no very dis- tant period a centre for business and extensive population. The number of elegant and richly furnished dwelling houses is as yet small, for it may be ob- served that we are an agricultural people, and therefore more attention is paid to the conveni- 14 HISTORY OF BOSCAWEN. ence of the farmer than to well finished and fur- nished houses. There are in town two houses for public re- ligious worship, six miles distant, commodious and decently well finished ; one of which is furnished with a good bell. There are fourteen school- wards, and thirteen school-houses, most of wiiich have been lately built, and are commodious. The average number of children to each house, both summer and winter, is about thirty-five. Nine public inn? ; six retailing stores, and one is)^\xi-pound built of stone. Education is very evidently progressing, and many of our youth are good proficients. To this the early aid and unwearied labour of the Rev. Samuel Wood, D. D. have greatly contributed. In the course of his residence in town, he has uniformly had more or less young men under his tuition, either to advance a ccmmon, or to prepare them for a public education. He has entered at th". different colleges between eighty and ninety young gentlemen, of whom thirty-one have en- gaged in the work of the gospel ministry. And more recentl}^ education has been greatly promot- ed by the town inhabitants in their strict observ- ance of the state law of 1808, requiring the an- imal appointment of a visiting committee ; also, by supporting select schools, under the tuition of learned and pious young men, and likewise by fa- voring sabbath schools, which have become gene- ral, and highly promotive of education, as well as good morals. The Boscawen Social Library Society was founded 1792, and incorporated 1797 ; it contains about 220 volumes. HISTORY OP BOSCAAVEN. 15 There are two religious Societies of the congre- gational order; the first formed in 1802, in con- nection with the first church, and incorporated 1807 ; the second formed 1804, and incorporated 1810. One musical, one moral, and one agricultural society, beside the following charitable societies ; one for educating heathen youth ; one auxiliary to the American Education Society, and supports one beneficiary ; two Female Cent Societies ; two Female Gleaning Societies, to aid poor, pious young men in acquiring an education ; and seve- ral Reading Societies among our female youth, who pay an annual tax, in aid of missions.* Of professional characters, there are in town two Congregational Ministers of the Gospel ; one Counsellor at Law, and two Physicians. A Post-Office was established Jan. 13, 1806, and the present Deputy Post-Master, is Benjamin H. Oak, Esq. There are five Justices of the Peace and one Coroner. The present population of the town, 270 fami- lies ; 313 rateable polls; 394 legal voters, and 2113 souls, of whom 1014 are males, and 1099 females. * Mothers and their daughters have united their charities in aid of Domestic Missions, and the success of their efforts has been manifested in a collection of a very valuable box of cloth- ings recently transmitted to the Elliot station in the Choctaw na- tion of Indians. Also the Pastor of the 1st church has received ^40, constituting him a life-member of the American Education Society, and ^20 to constitute him a life-member of the New- England Tract Society. And the Pastor of the 2d Church has received ,^20 to make him a life-member of the last named soci- ety — mostly from female beneficence in their respective congre- gations. 16 HISTORY OP BOSCAWEN. This town does not abound with mineral sub- stances. That which has excited the most atten- tion is the lead. It seems to be the general im- pression that there are very extensive mines of lead, but notwithstanding the strong solicitude and laborious research of numbers, as yet they have not been found. The soil is favorable to the growth of Indian corn, rye, wdieat, oats, peas, beans and potatoes ; the latter are raised in great abundance, and much used in fattening cattle and swine. Much pains has been taken by the inhabitants of this town in cultivating fruit-trees ; but with- in a few years, orcharding has greatly decayed, and the seasons have been very unfavorable to almost all kinds of stone fruit. At present, apples, pears and cherries are the principal fruit. There has been, however, a great improvement made upon our or- chards by grafting, which afford a great variety of fruit most delicious : among which are the Pear- main, Green Russet, Woburn and Baldwin apples, English, Brown, Pumpkin, Sweetings and Gill- flowers. Attention has been paid of late to the cultivation of currants, and some have begun to derive from them an excellent beverage, which in flavour will equal the richest wine. The breed of cattle has been milch improved within a few years ; w^hile that of horses seems to have claimed but little or no attention.* "^ In reverting to the diseases among cattle, beside those which are common, may be noted, The Black-leg, which particularlj prevailed in 1814, among young cattle and sheep, and proved mortal in a short time. The Hoof-ail, a distemper in the feet of neat cattle, of which *hey rarely died ; but in many case^ the hoof was entirely re- HISTORY OF BOSCAWEN. 17 The wool of our sheep has been greatly im- proved in quality, by mixing our native with the merino breed. The first merino sheep were brought into town by Deac. Enoch Little, in 181 2. The largest number of sheep ever owned in town was in 1816 ; the largest flocks from 50 to 150 : and the quantity of wool carded, and mostly man- ufactured in town the same year, was about 1 7,500 lbs. ; or eight tons and three quarters. The Rev. Doctor Wood has, for the fifteen years past, cultivated the silk-worm ; and furnished his own, and some other families, with sewing-silk of a very excellent quality. Staple Commodities. — Boards, white oak plank, pine and oak timber, white oak staves and head- ing (wrought and unvn^ought), beef, pork, mutton, poultry, butter and cheese — of which, the great- est quantity is pork and cheese, and of the first quality to be found in any market. The principal market towns resorted to by the inhabitants, are Newburyport, Salem, Boston and Portsmouth. There are two congregational churches in town, calvinistic in sentiment. The first embodied in 1740. The present pastor. Rev. Samuel Wood, D. D., was ordained Oct. 17, 1781, and the church moved, and in some cases the usefulness of oxen was destroyed, in 1816. Tlie Black-tongue^ an inflammatory putrid disorder of the throat and tongue of most neat cattle, and frequently of horses, prevailed very extensively in 1819. The same disease would sometimes seize and spend its force upon the hoofs of horses, extremely painful, and often injure or entirely remove the hoof. For this complaint when in the mouth various applications, guard- ing against putridity, were used ; but when in the hoof, immedi- ate bleeding in the part was found to be a great relief, if not an effectual remedy. 18 HISTORY OF BOSCAWEN. now consists of about 350 members. The 2d church was embodied in 1804. Rev. Ebenezer Price installed pastor Sept. 26, 1804, and consists of 120 communicants. Between these churches and the societies with which they are connected, there exists very great harmony of feeling and sen- timent. We have no account of any general outpouring of the spirit of God, for the revival of religion in town, till after the settlement of Rev. Mr. Wood ; but since that time revivals have been numerous r the most powerful and extensive of which were experienced in the years 1815 and 1819. These were general through the two societies, particu- larly the last, whose origin, progress, character, the extent and fruit of the work, evidently showed it- self to be the peculiar work of God ; and such as has been rarely ,if ever, experienced in any place of the same population. There were admitted into the firstchurch,atone time76 ; at another 54; and into the second church, 30, besides smaller addi- tions. It should be observed that there is a large pro- portion of the inhabitants of this town,who do not attach themselves to the existing congregational so- cieties,but are professedly of other denominations^ viz. Calvinistic Baptists, Freewill Baptists, Meth- odists, &c. Though as yet no church has been em- bodied, or society organized, or stated religious teacher settled among them. In placing before you and your posterity the foregoing description of the town of Eoscawen, it is not merely to gratify your feelings by a com- prehensive view of the present advanced state of society, but to induce the inquiry, by what routine HISTORY OF BOSCAWEN. 19 of events — in the employment of what means and instruments, hatli the all-wise God produced such a state of things in the course of 80 or 90 years ? This laudable inquiry we hope to answer in thesecoM^j;m7, by presenting a history of events and facts founded on the records of the proprie- tors and town, as well as on undoubted verbal tes- timony. S2^(S@N^ ^Am> The Chronological Register ; exhibiting the Pro- ceedings of the Proprietors and Town of Bos- caiven^from its first settlement to 1820 — a pe- riod of S8 years ; interspersed with those events and facts interesting to inquirers^ and divided into sections. Section 1. In 1732, the memorable year which gave birth to George Washington, a number of enterpriz- ing men, mostly natives of Newbury, in the Pro- vince of Massachusetts Bay, New-England, asso- ciated together with a view to settle some part of the extensive vsrilderness, should they meet with proper encouragement. Accordingly, they peti- 20 HISTORY OF BOSCAWEN. tioned the General Court of Massachusetts Bay foj" a township situated upon the westerly side of Merrimack river, in New-Hampshire, then under the jurisdiction of Massachusetts ; and were suc- cessful. A grant of seven miles square was made out in due form, Dec. 8, 1732, in the words fol- lowing, viz. " Province of Masmchusetts-Bay. A petition of John Coffin, of Newbury, and eighty others, praying the grant of a tract of land seven miles square lying on the west side of Mer- rimack river, adjoining to Penacook, to settle themselves or their children upon, on such con- ditions as this Court shall judge fit. In the House of Representatives read, and in answer to this petition. Ordered, that there be, and hereby is granted to the petitioners a tract of land, seven miles square, at the place petitioned for, on the west side of Merrimack river, to be laid out by a surveyor, and chain-men on oath, a plan thereof to be pre- sented to this Court, at their next May session, for confirmation. The lands to be by them settled on the conditions following, viz. — That within the space of four years from the confirmation of the jjlan, they settle, and have on the spot eighty- one families ; each settler to build a good conveni- ent dwelling-house, one story high, eighteen feet square at least, and fence, clear and bring to, four acres fit for improvement, and three acres more well stocked with English grass ; and also lay out three shares throughout the town, each share to be one eighty-fourth part of the said tract of land, one of said shares to be for the first settled minis- HISTORY OF BOSCAWEN. 21 ter, one for the ministry, and one for the school ; and also to huild a convenient meeting-house, and settle a learned orthodox minister within the term aforesaid. In Council, read and concurred." A true copy of record, as among the proceedings of the General Court, on the 8th Deer. 1732, p. 336. Attest, Alden Bradford, Secretary of the Commonioealth of Massachusetts. " Province of Massachusetts Bay. A plat of a township of land granted at the Court to John Coffin and others, lying on Merri- mack river, above Penacook, surveyed by Rich- ard Hazzen and two chainmen on oath, being bounded as follows, viz. ; beginning at the mid- dle of Contoocook river, where it empties into Merrimack, where it joins on Penacook Planta- tion ; thence running west 15° south adjoining Pennicook line, four miles, to a white-pine tree, marked for Penacook corner bounds ; thence further on the same line three miles and eight poles, to a Norway-pine, marked for the corner i30unds ; thence turned at right angles, and run- ning north 1 5 deg. west, seven miles and eight poles, to a crotched white-birch, lettered, stand- ing on the south-east side of a hill, which is the north-west corner ; thence turned at right-angles and run east, 1 5 deg. north, near seven miles and an half, to a white-oak and two vvhite-pines, mark- ed by Merrimack river, and by said river as it runs to Contoocook river to the place where it first began. In the House of Representatives read, and voted that this plat be accepted ; and that the lands within delineated and described, be 22 HISTORY OF BOSCAWEN. and hereby are confirmed to the within-named John Coffin, Joseph Dole, and other petitioners, their heirs and assigns forever, they complying with the orders and conditions in the grant, on their petition in December last ; provided the plat does not contain more than the contents of seven miles square, nor interfere with any other, or for- mer grant. Consented to, J. BELCHER." A true copy of record, as among the proceed- ings of the General Court, on 6th June, 1733. Page 394. Attest, Alden Bradford, Secretary of the Ccmmonwealth. This grant, thus confirmed, was made to eigh- ty-one proprietors, to whom were added ten more, making ninety-one, whose names, for the satisfac- tion of their posterity and successors are to be found in a list in the miscellany. The characters of the gentlemen composing the proprietary of Contoocook very widely differ- ed from modern speculators in w ild lands. It was not a mere regard to private emolument which prompted them to engage in such an en- terprize ; but they evidenced in all their proce- dures " in turning the wilderness into a fruitful field," a patriotic spirit, and a readiness to lend their influence for the benefit of others. It is but a just tribute to the memory of this body of men, to say, they w^ere from habit and principle moral, the friends of civil order, and the firm supporters of the institutions of the gospel. Some of them were distinguished, by their influence in the most important concerns of the State, and many of HISTORY OF BOSCAWEN. 23 their names are registered among the friends of the Redeemer. Section. 2. May 2, 1733. By order of the General Court of Massachusetts, to John Coffin, the proprietors held their first meeting in Newbury at the house of Archelaus Adams. Lt. George Little was chosen moderator, and Joseph Coffin, Proprietors' clerk — who was duly sworn by Richard Kent, Esq. justice of the peace. The clerk thus elected, afterwards Col. Joseph Coffin, was a gentleman of good natural abilities, — a handsome common education, and a very ready scribe. Though living in Newbury, he was uniformly chosen clerk, as uniformly at- tended the proprietors' meetings for the term of twenty-eight years, until the town was incorpora- ted. The proprietors being in a capacity to act. the immediate object of their attention was to prepare their plantation for settlement. At their first meeting, therefore, they appointed a commit- tee of five — Joseph Gerrish, Esq. William Ilsley, John Coffin, Joseph Noyes and Tristram Little, to locate their grant, fix its boundaries, take a plan of the same and make a return of their do- ings to the General Court ; — assessed five pounds on each proprietor to defray this expence, and chose Daniel Hale, Treasurer, and John Weed, Collector. The committee performed this ser- vice in the following month of June ; called a meeting of the proprietors, and presented them with a plan of the township as taken by Richard Hazzen, surveyor. July 4. The compensation 24 HISTORY OF BOSCAWEN. made to the surveyor 10^ ; to each of the three chainmeii 36s. ; and 10s. per day to each of the committee for their attendance. The proprietors agreed that the township should he laid out into one hundred and four shares or rights. One right to each of the ninety-one pro- prietors ; — four rights for public uses, viz. for the first minister — support of the ministry — schools and mills ; — and nine rights to be conferred, one on each of the following gentlemen ; — Ebenezer Burrill, Esq., John Wainwright, Esq., Richard Kent, Esq., Mr. Samuel Bradford, John Choate, Esq., Mr. Edward Shove, Mr. Benjamin Bird, Mr. Jeremiah Getchell, and Mr. Richard Hub- bard, who had assisted the proprietors by their advice and influence. In prosecution of the plan, a new committee of five — Col. Joseph Gerrish, Lt. William Ilsley, BenjaminPettingell, Daniel Peirce andJohn Weed, jun. were appointed to lay out the first division, which should consist of an interval lot of five acres, and a liouse-lot (called home-lots) to each proprietor ; — six other gentlemen were added to this committee Oct. 9.^ to attend and advise in respect of the business, the whole to be compen- sated by the proprietors. The season was somewhat advanced, the com- mittee therefore, with their attendants, immedi- ately set about, and accomplished the business of their appointment, so that on the 9th of Novem- ber they were able to report to the proprietors. The 1st division, or home lot, so called, laid out by Mr. John Brown, surveyor ; also, three streets in the first division — King-street, Queen-street, and Newbury-street ; likewise the Gentlemen's HISTORY OP BOSCAWEN. 25 Farms, so called — five on the north side and four on the south side of the plantation ; each farm containing 300 acres, but laid out inlets of 150 acres, two lots to tach farm, including sufficiency of land for all necessary roads. On accepting the report of their committee, the proprietors appointed Henry Rolfe, Esq. to draw the home-lots, and also the Gentlemen's Farms ; assessed 45. on each right to meet the ex- pense of their doings, and the present meeting. And moreover appointed a committee to fence the interval on the plantation early the ensuing spring at the expense of the proprietors. Thus in the short term of about seven months, the proprietors of Contoocook, in exercising the enterprising spirit they possessed^ completely pre- pared their plantation for the reception of its first, settlers. Section 3. It was early in the season of 1734, when the first settlers, mostly natives of Newburj', moved to Contoocook with their families, there to fix their own future residence and provide an inher- itance for their posterity. And this was an un- dertaking of no common mai^nitude in that age. To us it may seem but a light thing to leave the place of our nativity and to migrate 60 or 100 miles into the interior, to bring land from a state of nature into a well cultivated farm. But in turning back 80 or 90 years, we find the circum- stances of men greatly diflfering from ours. Their views of the country were more limited ; their 4 26 HISTORY OF BOSCAWEN. fears more numerous, and their enterprize less. For them, therefore, to leave the fields cultivated by their progenitors for several generations, to es- tablish a residence but a few miles in the woods, demanded a greater effort than would be needed by the most of this age to plant themselves upon the far distant Missouri. But these adventurers had to encounter serious obstacles. To secure the means of life by cutting down the trees of the forest was business entirely new ; the place of their destination was 60 ivAles distant — a dis- tance which but few had ever travelled ; should they arrive in safety to their contemplated resi- dence, their domestic accommodations must, at best, be poor ; and there too they must feel them- selves to be the farthest removed from society, as but few or no permanent settlenients were as yet made between them and Canada. The idea of the wild beasts of the wilderness was appalling ; but the most distressing thought was that of meet- ing merciless Indians, without the means of de- fending their property, families or lives. So that whatever confidence they placed in the encourage- ment, protection, and aid proffered by the proprie- tors, it was like a self-banishment from society, friends and privileges — like giving up all, except their reliance upon a merciful Providence to pre- serve them from evil, and prosper them in their undertaking. There is no record to be found, shewing the ex- act order, or time, in which the first settlers mov- ed into the plantation; their names, therefore, will be found inserted in the miscellany as near their true order as verbal information will allow. HISTORY OF BOSCAWEN. 27 The most of the first season was occupied by the settlers in preparing for and erecting their habitations ; cultivating some patches of inter- val, and making clearings for future crops. Be- ing destitute of saw-mills, their houses were built in the ordinary style of new countries ; the walls of round logs, and roofs covered with large slabs of spruce bark, except a small aperture for the es- cape of the smoke of their fires, instead of the more expensive apparatus of a chimney. The first plough was introduced into the settle- ment, and used by Mr. Stephen Gerrish, upon the interval. Dec. 18, 1734. The proprietors met at New- bury and passed several acts for the accommo- dation of their settlers. Mr. Joseph Toppan was directed to provide a good grind-stone for the use of the plantation ; raised §8100 Massachusetts currency, for building a saw-mill, though at a sub- sequent meeting the measure was objected to and varied ; chose Benjamin Lunt, John Moody, jun. and Edward Emery, assessors, and John Coffin, Collector. Jan, 7, 1735. The first child was born on the plantation, viz. Migail daughter of Nathaniel Danforth, who was married to Thomas Foss, and lived to an advanced age. Sarah, daughter of Andrew Bohonnon, the second child, born Jan. 22,1736. March 10. After several attempts for the erection of mills, the proprietors accepted a pro- posal of Joseph Gerrish, Esq. and fourteen asso- ciates, to build a saw-m.ill at the upper end of King-street, on the small stream called Mill- brook, by the following September j and also to 28 HISTORY OF BOSCAWEN. build a good corn-mill, when there should be in the plantation twenty settlers, for the considera- tion of a 50 acre lot adjoining the mills, and a full right of land through the town. A bond was taken of these 15 gentlemen for the faithful per- formance of this service, by Robert Adams, Jo- seph Morse, Sd, and Richard Hale, for the propri- etors. vSection 4. May 19, 1736. The first meeting of the proprietors held at Contoocook. After choosing a Clerk and other officers, in compliance with one of the conditions of the grant, the proprietors ap- pointed Lt. Benjamin Lunt, Joseph Gerrish, Esq. and Mr. John Coffin, a committee to select a suit- able preacher for the settlers, and empowered them to assess such a tax as would meet this expense : but the name of the preacher is not recollected. Provision was first made for amending the high- ways, and five shillings allowed for a day's work ; an order passed that the interval should not be mowed until the 10th of July ; and this year the proprietors erected on the plantation a log-building for a town-house, and other publick uses. March 4, 1737. Proprietors met at Newbu- ry, and appointed a committee to expose to pub- lic sale the lands of those who were delinquent in paying their proporti(m of the expense incurred in bringing forward the settlement ; granted an award of S5 to John Weed, for his former ser- vice as collector ; and being desirous of settling a minister upon the plantation, authorized tlieir HISTORY OF BOSCAWEN. 29 committee to employ Mr. Phineas Stevens, a can- didate, to preach on trial for settlement. May 25. At Contoocook the proprietors rais- ed ^210 for preaching the present year ; also chose all necessary officers ; and as the number of set- tlers had considerably increased, they passed an order that suitable accommodations should be made in the town-house for holding meetings on the sabbath. May 10, 1738. Meeting at Contoocook. — The proprietors chose their officers ; raised s6lOO for preaching the ensuing season, and Mr. Stevens was again employed as their religious teacher. The ferry across Merrimack river, to Canter- bury was first established, and Mr. Stephen G,er- rish obligated himself to keep it the term of one year for the rate of ferriage. There being no civ- il officer among the settlers, the proprietors by their committee, petitioned the General Court of Massachusetts Bay for the appointment of a con- stable to keep the peace. September 6. The proprietors finding that another division of their plantation was necessa- ry, appointed Benjamin Rolfe, Esq., John Coffin, Edward Emery, Ensign Joseph Gerrish and Thomas Thorla, a committee to lay out the Second Divmon of lots, containing each 80 acres. The committee employed Mr. John Brown as surveyor, performed the service, and made a re- turn of their doings, Dec. 20, with the following streets in said division laid out four rods wide, viz. Fish-street, High-street, Cross-street, Water-street, Long-street, Battle-street, Pleasant-street, and the street now called West-highway^, with several oth- er roads. The expense of this survey amounted 30 HISTORY OF BOSCAWEN. to ^100, lOs., and was allowed by the proprie- tors. Mr. Moses Smith was appointed to draw the lots for the proprietors ; and an order was pass- ed that each proprietor should pay his proportion of the expense of the laying out the 2d division at the drawing, or not have his lot recorded. An as- sessment also of ^100, was made to enable Joseph Gerrish, Esq., Lieut. Joseph Coffin and Jacob Flan- ders to build a meeting house upon the plantation ; said house to be built of logs, 40 feet long, and "as wide as Rumford (now Concord) meeting house,on- ly two feet higher." The land of delinquent pro- prietors was ordered to be set up for sale. Section 5. May 16,1739. Meeting held at the town -house in Contoocook. Officers of the proprietary chosen. Mr. Phineas Stevens again employed as preacher for the settlers. ^300 old tenor raised to dciray con- tingent expenses. The log meeting house com- pleted and occupied ; and the land of delinquent proprietors sold, July 18. But here we must turn from the routine of bu- siness so successfully pursued by the proprietors in advancing the settlement of their plantation, to a subject very interesting and distressing to their settlers. This feeble colony, after the experience of great deprivations, submitting to many hard- ships in planting their habitations in the wilder- ness ; and while flushed with thehope,that soon their toils would be amply rewarded with the accom- modations of life, were harrassed with fear, and called to make defence of themselves and fami- lies against the merciless hands of a savage foe. — HISTORY OF BOSCAWEN. 31 In consequence of the frequent wars between France and England, the Indian tribes in North- America, under the influence of the French, made frequent depredations upon the property, and took captive, or killed, some of the N. E. colonists in the new settlements, even in times of peace. This was the evil threatened the first settlers of Con- toocook by the Canada Indians. To flee before their enemies with their ctU^ they could not ; and to make open defence, they had not power. And where could they look but to the proprietors un- der God for that protection, which, at this junc- ture, they so much needed ? Nor did they look in vain ; for Dec. 6. The proprietors in session at NeAvbury unanimously agreed forthwith to build a fort 100 feet square, 10 feet high, of timber and other ma- terials, for the defence of their settlers. This fort to be built on the school-lot, near the meeting- house, on King-street ; which was completed in the course of the winter, and for more than twenty years proved a commodious garrison for all the in- habitants. Being furnished with muskets and ammunition, they were able to protect them- selves, while they improved their farms. May 1 6, 1 740. The proprietors met at Contoo- cook, and having elected the annual officers, a com- mittee was appointed, consisting of Joseph Ger- rish, Esq., George Jackman, John Brown, John Coffin and Edward Emery, to consult with Mr. Stevens respecting conditions of his settling in the work of the gospel ministry upon the planta- tion, and to report at the next meeting. Raised ^150, bills of credit of the old tenor, for con- tingent expenses ; and at the request of the pro- 22 HISTORY OF BOSCAWEN. prietors of Baker's town (easterly part of Salis- bury) opened a road from King-street, near the river, to said plantation. New-Hampshire was about this time to be or- ganized into a province, separate from Massachu- setts ; the proprietors of Contoocook, therefore, presented a petition to His Majesty the King, by Thomas Huchinson, Esq., praying that their plan- tation might still be continued to the parent-prov- ince. Belknap informs (Hist. 2 vol. p. 173), that 27 other towns made similar application by the same hand, but to no avail ; for it was made to appear to the House of Lords by Mr. Thomlin- son, agent for this colony, that the interest of the people in the province of New-Hampshire required they be under a government distinct from Massachusetts. Sept. 25. At a meeting held at Newbury the proprietors heard and received the report of their committee respecting the settlement of a minister, and agreed to proffer Mr. Phineas Stevens the fol- lowing encouragement for his support : 1. ^135 of bills of credit, made equivalent to silver at 29s. the ounce, as his salary for the first year, and that to increase ^5 a year until it should amount to dgl75, which should be his stated an- nual support during his ministry. 2. To give him a settlement of ^180 ; and 3. Should it be found on trial, that his salary proved inadequate to his support, the proprietors engaged to make a reasonable addition. It was at the same time to be understood that the first settled minister was entitled by grant to one full right of land as his own in fee simple; and the improvement of the parsonage and right HISTORY OF BOSCAWETf. 33 during his ministry. — The last named committee were directed to present these Urms to Mr. Stevens, as the proprietors' call ; and should he accept them, to unite with him in appointing the time of his ordi- nation, and in calling in the aid of an ecclesiastical council. Likewise were authorized to take security of Mr. Stevens, that neither he, nor any other for him, should ever claim, for the minister's right, more than the one hundred and fourth part of said plantation, as his forever ; and for the parsonage right, more than the one hundred and fourth part as his during his ministry.* Mr. Stevens' accepted the proposals made ; — ordination was appointed ; council convened ; the security given. A congregational church em- bodied on the Cambridge platform, and he ordain- ed to the pastoral care of the church and people in Contoocook, October 8, 1740 ;t and George Jackman was elected the first Deacon in the church. Section 6. 1741. William Shirley succeeded Gov. Belcher in the government of Massachusetts, and at the same time New-Hampshire, which had been nearly 1 00 years subject to that government was erected in- to a distinct province, and Benning Wentworth, * Such a security was necessary because the town was laid oul in one hundred and four rights, and by grant the first minister was entitled to an eighty-fourth part of the plantation. t An exact account of the expense of ordination was kept by John Brown, Esq. and paid bv the proprietors, amounting to £104. N. H. old tenor, or ^46 35 our currency — a rare spt'ciraen of tho simplicity and economy of that age. 5 34 HISTORY OF BOSCAWEN. Esq. a native of Portsmouth, N. H. then in Eng- land, was commissioned Governor by the Crown. The newly appointed Governor soon returned from abroad and entered his government on the 12th Dec. 1741, under very liberal tokens of re- spect from the populace. Should any one wish for more information respecting this transaction, he may be gratified by consulting Belknap's Hist. N. H. Vol.11. Chap. 19. May 20. Meeting at Contoocook. The Pro- prietors in addition to the choice of Clerk, Asses- sors and Collector, appointed Surveyors of Ways, Fence-viewers, Pound-keeper and Hogreeves ; raised 20/. for highways, and 200/. for contingent expenses ; ordered the sale of lands for delin- quency in taxes, and employed Capt. Ebenezer Eastman to clear and plough the ministerial in- terval-lot the present summer. 1742. Being now under the immediate gov- ernment of New-Hampshire, the proprietors feel- ing their need of governmental efficiency, sent in a petition to His Excellency Governor Went- worth, and Council, on the 4th of Feb. and another the latter part of the same month, ex- pressing their desire for his favorable patronage in the adoption of measures suited to the state of the settlers ; and as they were exposed to the as- saults of the Indians, to provide them with the means of defence. Sept. 8. The proprietors raised 200/. old ten- or, to meet the minister's salary, and other ex- penditures of the year. And to prevent delay in their collection, ordered that each proprietor give his note of hand for his tax to the Collector. HISTORY OF BOSCAWEN. 35 May 18, 1743. Elected the usual annual of- ficers ; raised 200/. old tenor for the ministry, and contingent expenses ; and to expedite the collection, voted that all those who should pay their taxes before the first day of the ensuing November should pay nothing for collection, but those w^ho should delay payment till after that time, should pay one shilling for every pound in addition — an important stimulus to punctuality in other times. 30^ raised for the highw^ays, and a committee appointed to lay it out. It w^as agreed that the grass upon the undivided mead- ow^s should be mowed by the resident proprietors according to the taxes ; and the remainder to be equally divided among the other inhabitants. Sept. 14. At a full meeting of the proprie- tors an order passed that a 3d Division of land should be laid out — 100 acres to each proprietor's share, made equal in quantity and quality. — Richard Jackman, John Fowler, John Coffin, Ens. Joseph Gerrish, John Brown and Thomas Thor- la appointed a committee to lay out said Division as soon as may be. Oct. 3 1 . Deacon George Jackman received of Henry Rolfe, jun. 4 lbs. of powder, 56 lbs. of bul- lets, and 24 flints ; also of Benj. Pettingill 10 lbs. of powder, to be used by the settlers in garrison, for their defence, as occasion should require. Section 7. Oct. 30, 1744. At an adjourned meeting from the 1 7th inst. the proprietors provided for the ex- 36 HISTORY OF BOSCAWEN. penses of the current year, and raised 126/. old tenor, exclusive of the aid of the inhabitants of the plantation, to fortify the dwelling-house of the Rev. Mr. Stevens. Ttiis became necessary, because the hostility of the Indians v^^as increas- ing, and their depredations were more distressing^ arising from the late declaration of war by Eng- land against France. Though the seat of war was far distant, upon the eastern coast, yet the Indian tribes in Canada, along the river St. Law- rence and upon the Lakes, strongly attached to France, both by interest and religion, sallied forth upon the defenceless frontier settlements : took many captive, and some they barbarously mas- sacred. The committee appointed to lay out the 3d Division made their report, which was accepted. John Brown, the surveyor, was allowed 30/. old tenor, for his service, and each of the committee 1 2^. per day, for their attendance. And to meet the expense of laying out this division of land, the proprietors raised 122/. and appointed John Brown to draw the lots for them, on their pay- ing each his proportion of the whole expense. June 4, 1745. The proprietors met at Contoo- cook, to transact their annual business, and raised 250/. for the support of the ministry, and other expenditures. On the 17th of June the strongly fortified town of Louisbourg, situated on the S. E. side of Cape Breton, was surrendered by the French Go- vernor Duchambon, to the English, after a siege of 49 days. This famous expedition, which re- flected the highest honor upon New-England, was HISTORY OF BOSCAWEN. 37 said and generally believed to have been planned hy William Vanghan, of New-Hampshire.* Per- mission was obtained from the Crown, by Govern- or Shirley, who solicited the aid of Governor Wentworth, and by the united land force princi- pally from Massachusetts and New-Hampshire, under the command of Gen. William Pepperell, and the naval force under Admiral Warren, through a series of very remarkable providences, a very signal victory was attained. The expense of this expedition, and paid by the crow n of Eng- land, was 16,355 pounds sterling. But how^ev- er signal this victory, the war w as not terminated. The Governor of Canada, encouraged and aided the Indians to make depredations upon the colo- nists ; consequently the fields, cattle and mills of the defenceless inhabitants were destroyed, and some of them killed, and others taken captives. 1 746. On the 4th of May, Mr. Thomas Cook, and Caesar, a man of color, were killed at Clay- hill, Contoocook, and a Mr. Jones was taken cap- tive and carried to Canada, and there died. This was a very alarming and distressing circumstance to the rest of the settlers. The proprietors call- ed a meeting, (Dec. 30,) and united in a petition to the Executive of the Government of New- Hampshire to provide for the defence of the dis- tressed inhabitants of their plantation. June 30, 1747. Joseph Coffin was appointed agent in behalf of the proprietors, to present a petition to the Government of the Province for power to collect taxes, who received 9/. old tenor, for the service. * See N. H. Hist. Collections for June, 1823. 38 HISTORY OF BOSCAWEN. Nov, 171h. The annual business of the pro- prietors was attended to at this meeting held at Contoocook. Raised 250/. old tenor, for the min- istry and other expenses ; and appointed Joseph Gerrish, Esq. Agent to apply to the General Court for power to collect taxes ; and voted that the expense of the present meeting be paid by tlie whole proprietors, amounting to 40-s. old tenor —nearly SI 50 ; clearly evincing the intention of the proprietors, that their whole expense should be equally borne. iVoy. 29, 1748. There was a meeting at Con- toocook for the choice of officers, and for the as- sessment of 50.9. upon each proprietor for incident- al charges. Section 8. 1749. It is not unusual in the settlement of new countries for new sources of fear to be open- ed, and for real difficulties to arise, where none had been contemplated. There was about this time much excitement occasioned by the heir of Mason in his claim upon a very extensive territory in New-Hampshire. The proprietors of Contoo- cook had heard of this clairn^ and for which they supposed such arrangements were made, that from it no evils need be apprehended ; yet now they had reason to fear that the course pursued would deeply affect their interest. Though their Plant- ation had been granted them by Massachusetts, they found it lying within the limits of an ante- rior claim in full force. HISTORY OF BOS C A WEN. 39 To satisfy those who may inquire respecting this claim it may be observed that the grant made to Mason by the Crown of England was that por- tion of New-Hampshire contained in the follow- ing description : Beginning at the sea. and run- ning on the westwardly line of the State 60 miles, and also beginning at the sea and running on the eastwardly line 60 miles, and thence running across the Province from point to point, would give the complement of the grant, allowing for the curve upon the sea-shore ; which, as contend- ed for by succeeding proprietors, required a curve line in the interior, greatly enlarging the claim above a straight line. The heir of Mason was in- duced to give the refusal of his claim to the gov- ernment of the Province, for the reasonable con- sideration of 1000/. New-England currency ; but the business was delayed on the part of the gov- ernment, so that before they were ready to con- clude the contract, and thus hold out a lure to all those disposed to possess themselves of the unim- proved lands, he sold the whole of his claim^ in fifteen shares, to twelve persons, for fifteen hun- dred pounds, current money, Jan. 30, 1746. — (^Belknap's Jlccoimt.) The persons to whom this transfer of the Roy- al Grant was made, were termed Lords Propri- etors. They, anticipating that popular displeasure, which would recoil on them for possessing them- selves of the power of disposing of all the lands within the limits of their purchase, on their own terms, endeavoured to sooth the public excite- ment, by generously and prudently quit -claiming SL number of the towns already granted and set- 40 HISTORY OP BOSCAWEN. tied. But other settlements and grants made by Massachnsetts westwardly of Merrimack river, and all the non-resident lands, were held subject to their exactions. This state of things induced the proprie- tors of Contoocook, Feb. 1, 1749, to appoint a committee composed of Capt. Moses Gerrish, Joseph Coffin, Captc Joseph Gerrish, and John Brown, who was afterwards added, to treat with the Lords Proprietors, and if possible to come to some agreement with them respecting their plan- tation, favorable to the settlement. There was nothing immediately done except some encourage- ment given. The business thus remained in sus- pense, for about four years, (1753) when the Lords Proprietors were disposed, very honourably, to lodge in the Register's Office a quit-claim deed^ to the proprietors of several townships on the west- wardly side of Merrimack river, granted by Mas- sachusetts, which secured to the proprietors of Contoocook the title sought, without any further expense. The before-mentioned committee were also authorized to petition the Government of the Province to incorporate their plantation into a town ; the petition was presented, but not grant- ed. About this time peace was established with the northern tribes of Indians, but it afforded very little restraint upon their depredating spirit. May ^5. The proprietors having elected the cus- tomary officers, on passing the vote to raise 250/. old tenor,for the support of the ministry, Mr. Sam- uel Fowler entered his dissent against the vote. Some damage had accrued to the proprietors in consequence of unseasonably turning cattle upon HISTORY OF BOSCAWEN. 41 the intervals, therefore a committee of seven were appointed to close and open said intervals at proper times. A tax of 40/. old tenor was assessed upon those proprietors living on the plantation, in addition to what they paid in equality with other proprie- tors and inhabitants. Nov. 30. Meeting at Newbury ; chose a large committee to adjust the outstanding debts of the proprietors ; to make a particular settlement with Rev. Mr. Stevens, and see how much is his due, as a fulfilment of the terms of his settlement, and report at the next meeting. May 24, 1750. Met at Contoocook, and hav- ing attended to the annual business, heard the re- port of proprietors' committee on their account with Rev. Mr. Stevens, viz. '^ That by reason of the depreciation of the bills of credit, in which Mr. S.'s salary had been paid during his continu- ance with them, he had a just claim on them for an indemnity : accordingly they voted to make him the honorable remuneration of 300/. N. H. old tenor." In doing this the proprietors mani- fested their regard for justice, and expressed the feelings of a people, faithful to their pastor, whom they respected and loved for his work's sake. But to this procedure Mr. Samuel Fowler entered his solemn protest in writing, which was duly recorded by the clerk. Mr. F. was induced to do this, not from personal dislike to the minister, nor to embarrass the proceedings of the proprie- tors, but for conscience's sake. He was of the denomination of Friends ; and while he uniform- ly professed a readiness to use his utmost ability 42 HISTORY OF BOSCAWEN. for the advancement of the settlement, and punc- tually to pay his proportion of all other taxes, he could not with a clear conscience help support the public worship of God in this way. For this year the proprietors abated his tax to the ministry, and though taxed as usual for the five following years, yet each tax was remitted, and it does not appear from record that he ever paid any thing for the support of the ministry afterward. Nov. 6. Again the proprietors applied to the General Court for corporate powers, but did not succeed. Section 9. May 22, 1751.. The proprietors met and chose their annual officers ; ordered a way to be open- ed to the upper interval ; directed such a tax to be levied as would meet their engagement to Mr. Stevens ; also for highways and to pay collectors. And as some proprietors had done but little toward advancing the settlement, 1 Os. old tenor was or- dered to be assessed upon the right of every such proprietor. May 20, 1752. In addition to the annual bu- siness, the proprietors at this meeting voted to raise 200/. old tenor, to build a second fort imme- diately, 110 feet square ; the same to be erected on Samuel Gerrish's lot, and Jacob .Flanders, Richard Jackman and Stephen Gerrish were em- powered to execute the order. Likewise to raise 100/. to fortify Rev. Mr. Stevens' house by the same committee. HISTORY OF BOSCAWEN. 43 The call for this defence was the returning hos- tility of the Indians of the St. Francis tribe, call- ed the Jirosaguntacook tribe. Preparations were making, under the direction of the government of the province, for settling Haverhill and Newbury, in Coos. This tribe, jealous of an encroachment upon their hunting ground, remonstrated, and threatened a retaliation. The business, for the present was intermitted, yet the Indians scoured the w^oods, and spread them- selves among the settlers. Two of them, named Sabatis and Plausawa spent some time at Can- terbury, and were considered very friendly ; but suddenly disappeared, and carried with them two negro men belonging to Messrs. Miles & Lindsey. One of these negroes effected his escape, the oth- er was carried to Crown Point, and sold to a French officer. Belknap has noticed the event. Others about this time were taken captive in oth- er places ; among whom was John Stark, then hunting near Baker's River, afterwards distin- guished in the revolution. May 30, 1753. The bills of credit of the N. H. old tenor were so depreciated that it was found difficult to fulfil contracts equitably ; hence the proprietors raised for incidental charges, 8/. (lawful) they say equal to 60/. old tenor ; 826,67, instead of S45,10, the original value : and order- ed the assessors to make good their contract with Rev. Mr. Stevens. All fears excited by Mason's Claim, as it re- spects Contoocook, were put to rest ; though in respect of other parts of the province there was not a final adjustment till after the Revolutionary war. 44 HISTORY OF BOSCAAYEN. It is well remembered by several, that in June Sabatis and Plausawa, the Indians, who the preceding year carried away the two negroes from Canterbury were killed near Indian-bridge^ so called, in Contoocook,* by Bowen and Morril. This was done in a time of peace, and therefore the perpetrators were apprehended and imprison- ed at Portsmouth, but the night before the day set for their trial, the prison was forced and they li- berated. Some attempt was made to bring the rioters to justice, as well as to restore the prison- ers, but to no avail ; and finally the whole result- ed in the public mind as deeds of merit. May 19, 1754. Proprietors met at Contoo- cook ; made choice of annual officers, and agreed to secure to Rev. Mr. Stevens ^175, equal to sil- ver at the rate of 29.s. per ounce, the original con- tract. Six men attended this meeting, from Newbury, and were compensated for their attend- ance, by ^ 1 2 old tenor each. The ^300 formerly raised for building a second fort, &c. not having been applied, and from the apparent disposition of the enemy not being need- ed, was ordered to be equally divided among the proprietors. But notwithstanding this year was marked by the very interesting and alarming cir- cumstances of the captivity of Mr. Meloon's fam- ily, and the murder of Mrs. Call, &c., to be no- ticed in the Narratives of Captivities. * Belknap from misinformation says " killed in Canterbury." history op boscawen. 45 Section 10. 1755. At the commencement of this year the Church and people of Contoocook, as well as all the proprietors experienced a very interesting and solemn providence in the sudden death of their reverend and beloved Pastor, Mr. Stevens, who died Jan. 19, 1755, in the 16th year of his minis- try. We have not the means of ascertaining partic- ularly the success of his labors for want of church records ; but that he was very dear to the people of his charge, and his services satisfactory, are evi- denced by their united attachment to his interest amid the trying scenes asid sufferings, to which both he and they were calhd. And perhaps it were not necessary, if it were possible, for the proprietary to give stronger proof of their confi- dence, affectionate regard, and of their estimation of his worth, than was done by their uniform inten- tion to do him justice ; to procure his safety, and to administer to his comfort. The army under the command of Gen. Brad- dock was defeated by the French and Indians at Fort du Quesne, on the Ohio, in the month of Ju- ly. The General and a number of his brave men were killed ; and the retreat of the residue was conducted by Col. George Washington. Feb. 11. A new agency was appointed to the General Court for incorporate powers ; for this there was a special call, as their taxes and the dif- ficulty of collecting them increased. 46 HISTORY OF BOSCAWEN. June 1 2. At this meeting, beside choosing of- ficers, several committees were appointed ; one to settle with the administratrix of the Rev. Mr. S.'s estate ; another to provide a preacher for the sea- son, and Mr. Varney was employed ; a 3d, to take care of the parsonage lands ; and a 4th, to procure 20 lbs. of powder, and lead and flints sufficient for the necessary use and protection of the settlers. Raised ^400 for current expenses, and 90^ 17s. old tenor, to meet the expense of Rev. Mr. S.'s funeral. Feb. 19, 1756. Mr. Varney was employed to preach the ensuing season. June I, 1756. The proprietors met at Contoo- cook, and it seems from the record that this was the last meeting of the proprietors before the plant- ation was incorporated into a town. The most of the business of the proprietors at their meetings particularly related to the settlers, and not to their own department ; and as the set- tlers had so much increased in numbers, the pro- prietors felt it to be very desirable to be relieved from any further concern in the government of the inhabitants. They had frequently and im- portunately applied to the General Court for the grant of incorporate powers to the plantation, but without avail. Loth to wave a subject so pressing, they once more appointed an agency, composed of Joseph Coffin, John Moody, and Capt. Stephen Gerrish, to set forth to the Court the urgency of their request, that they might leave the inhabit- ants of their plantation in a capacity to enjoy and improve town privileges, and to bring their own business to a speedy conclusion. It was their last HISTORY OF BOSCAWEN. 47 appeal, and they were successful in it, though the act of incorporation did not pass till nearly three years afterward. The proprietors of Contoocook having steadily pursued the object of tlieir association, wisely cal- culating and ably executing their plans ; — and uniformly showing their intentions to provide for the spiritual as well as temporal interest of those for whom they acted. They closed their present meeting by an order on their treasurer for 10/. old tenor, to be paid to each of six gentlemen from Newbury for their attendance. Note. The remaining part of the proceedings of the propri- etors will be noted in the Register ol the town of Boscawen, as occasion may offer. The following sections exhibit the Chronological History of the town of Boscawen from the time of its incorporation in the year 1760, to the year 1820. Section 11. 1760. While the proprietors' petition for in- corporating their plantation was before the govern- ment of the Province of N. H., the reduction and demolition of Louisbourg, so important to New- England, took place. This event gave great cele- brity to the character of Admiral Boscawen and Gen. Amherst, and furnished the name Boscawen to the plantation, grateful to the feelings of those 48 HISTORY OF BOSCAWEN. whose past experience of sufferings, and cruelty were so closely associated with the Indian name, ContoGCOok. The first act of incorporation, for reasons to us unknown, extended only to the term of two years from April 22, 1760 ; and is here transcribed : PROVINCE OF NEW-HAMPSHIRE. George the Second^ by the grace of God^ of Great Britain, France and Ireland, -^'^''o? Defender of the Faith, he. To all to whom these presents shall come, Greeting. Whereas our Xoy^X subjects, inhabitants of a tract of land within our Province of New-Hampshire, known by the name of Contoo- cook, have humbly petitioned and requested that they may be erected and incorporated into a township, and enfranchised with the powers and privileges which other towns within our said Province by law have and enjoy ; and it appearing to us to be conducive to the general good of our said province, as well as to the said inhabitants in particular, by maintaining order and en- couraging the culture of lands, that the same should be done. Know ye, therefore, that of our special Grace's certain knowl- edge, and for the encouraging the good order and purposes afore- said, by and with the advice of our trusty and well beloved Penning Wentworth, Esq., our Governor and commander in chief, and of our council for said Province of New-Hampshire, have erected, and ordained, and by these presents, for us, our heirs and succes- sors, do will and ordain that the inhabitants of the tract of land aforesaid, or that shall inhabit, or improve thereon, the same being limited and bounded as follows : Beginning at the south- erly side of Contoocook river's mouth, where the same falls into Merrimack river, running thence on a course west, seventeen degrees south, seven miles and one hundred rods, measured Irom a forked white pine near the mouth of Contoocook river, to a pitch pine and heap of stones ; — and from said pitch pine and heap of stones running north seventeen degrees west seven miles to a forked beech marked ; and thence on a course east seven- teen degrees north to Merrimack river to a heap of stones ; thence by the river as the same runs to the mouth of Contoo- cook river again where it began : Shall have, and by these pres- ents are declared, ordained to be a town corporate, and are hereby erected and incorporated into a body politic and corpo- rate, to have a continuance two years only by the name of Bos- c.awen, with all the powers, authorities, privileges, immunitie* HISTORY OP BOSCAWE!*. 49 aurl frimchises which any other town in said Province by law holds anl enjoys ; always reserving to us, our heirs, and successors, all wnits pine trees that are, or shall be found growing, and being on said land fit for the use of our Royal Navy, reserving to us, our heirs and successors the power and right of dividing said town when it shall appear necessary and convenient, for the benefit of the in- habitants thereof; — Provided nevertheless., and it is hereby de- clared, that this our Charter and Grant is not intended, nor shall in any m mner be construed to extend to or effect the private property of tha soil within the limits aforesaid ; and as the sev- eral towns within our said Province of New-Hampshire are by the laws thereof enabled and authorized to assemble, and by a majonty of voters present to choose all such officers and trans- act such affairs as by the said laws are declared. We do by these presents nominate and appoint Col. Joseph Coffin, Esq. to call the first meeting of said inhabitants, to be held within the said town at any time within sixty days from the date heraof, by giving legal notice of the time and design of holding such meeting ; — after which the annual meeting of said town for the choice of such officers, and management of the af- fail's aforesjud shall be held within the same on the first Tuesday of March annually. In testimony whereof, we have caused the seal of our said Province to be hereunto affixed. Witness, Benning Wentworth, Esq. our Governor and commander in chief of our said Prov- ince of New-Hampshire, this twenty-second day of April, in the thirty-third year of our reign, and in the year of our Lord Christ «ne thousand seven hundred and sixty. BENNING WENTWORTH. By His Excellency's command, with advice of council, Theodore Atkinson, Secretary. Province of New-Hampshire, Sept. 23, 1760, Recorded in the, Book of Charters, page 221. Theodore Atkinson, Secretary. On Wednesday, June 18, 1760, conformably to the order contained in the foregoing act of incor- poration, to Col. Joseph Coffin directed, the Jirsf meeting of the freeholders and other inhabitants of the town of Boscawen was convoked at the meeting-house in said town. Col. Coffin wa>: 7 50 HISTORY OF BOSCAWEN. chosen Moderator, and George Jackman, jun. Clerk for the year, who was re-chosen for the fol- lowing thirty-five years successively.* The town beina" thus organized, provision was made for erecting a town pound. July 10. Being destitute of a settled minister, the town raised ^'1200 old tenor ; — ^800 upon the proprietors' rights, and ^400 upon the polls and estate of the inhabitants, for preaching and other expenses of the year. Also appointed a committee to provide a preacher, and Mr. Robie Morrill was employed. The pulpit had been sup- plied the two preceding seasons by Mr. Stephen Scales. The town found it necessary to call in the arrearages of the income of the parsonage and school lands. George Jackman, jun. was appointed the first justice of the peace in the town of Boscawen, by his Majesty's authority, King George II. This was a year of great plenty, but was fol- lowed by two years of great drought and scarcity. Section 12. March 3, 1761. The inhabitants of the town were desirous of re-settling the gospel ministry among them. The duty of selecting the minis- * Lest the Register of the town proceedings, and important events shotild be interrupted and obscured by naming the officers chosen at the annual meetings — such as moderator, Town Clerk, Selectmen, Ptepresentatives, &c. — they are here omitted, and are to be found in a compact List in the 3d Part. HISTORY OP BOSCAWEN. 51 ter now devolved on them, though they felt inad- equate to his support without assistance from the proprietary. At their annual meeting, therefore, Capt. Stephen Gerrish, and Dea. George Jackman were chosen a committee to employ a preacher with a view to his settlement ; and Mr. Robie Morrill, who for some time had preached to good acceptance, was employed on probation. The town made provision for the support of a school two months the present year. Sept. 9. A meeting of the proprietors was called by Ezra Carter, Esq. one of his Majesty's justices of the peace, and attended in Boscawen ; not having had a formal meeting for nearly four years, as ap- pears from the silence of their records. Capt. Ste- phen Gerrish was chosen Moderator — Deacon George Jackman, proprietors' Clerk — to succeed Col. Joseph Coffin, who had served the proprietors in that office with great ability, punctuality and faithfulness for more than 28 years. Other offi- cers were chosen, and a committee composed of John Flanders, Moses Call and Richard Flood to call future meetings of the proprietors on applica- tion of one sixteenth part of the whole proprietary. Said meetings to be publicly notified, according to laWj at Newbury and at Boscawen. Provision was made for settling up all accounts open with former collectors and committees ; and for repairing their meeting-house in Boscawen. And finding the inhabitants disposed to settle Mr. Morrill in the ministry, the proprietors voted ^300 old tenor to- ward defraying the expense of his ordination and support ; and gave such encouragement for fur- ther aid, that the town proceeded to invite, and, on 52 HISTORY OF B09CATVTT>J, his acceptance of their invitation, Mr. Morrill was ordained pastor of the church in Boscawen Dec. 29, 1761. 1762. At subsequent meetings, April 7, and June 2, 1762, the proprietors procured a right of land of Maj. Samuel Gerrish, at the expense of si 1000 New-Hampshire money, and conferred the same upon the Rev. Mr. Morrill, and bis beirs forever : — likewise, in unison with the town, vo- ted him an annual salary of s8700 of the same currency ; — one third to be assessed i pon the polls of stock of the inhabitants, ond the remain- ing two thirds to be assessed upon the lands of the proprietors : said salary to begin at the time of ordination, Dec. 29th. The use of the parsim- age,a matter of course. Thus they evidenced their characteristic regard for the gospel ministry, by so generously aiding in the settlement of a second minister in town ; but Mr. Samuel Fowler was excused from paying his proportion of this benefit cence, at his own request. At their meeting June 2, the proprietors agreed to lay out the 4th division of their land in 45 acre lots ; and appointed Capt. Stephen Gerrish, Maj. Samuel Gerrish, John Webster, Samuel Moody, and John Brown, Esq. their committee — and Mr. Brown to be the surveyor. The war being now over, the fort, which had been occupied by all the inhabitants for more than twenty-two years, was no longer needed as a garri- son, and the proprietors gave liberty to all who had erected framed buildings therein, to remove them to tlieir several farms which they might now HISTORY OF BOSCAWEN. Uu cultivate unmolested, — without the dreadful ap- prehension of meeting savage cruelty. Section 13. Jan, 5, 1763. A meeting of the proprietors was called by their committee and adjourned to the 1st of June, when the 4th division was reported as laid out by their committee ; and the proprie- tors agreed that the lots should be drawn both in B,)scawen and Newbury to accommodate the resi- dent and nonresident proprietors. The expence of this survey was 207/. old tenor to John Brown, Esq. surveyor; 3/. 10«. per day to each of the committee ; and 3/. per day to each of the chain- men. The proprietors in favor to Rev. Mr. Morrill, permitted him to choose the 45 acre lot belongin j£ >* a; le ^ c a) 1-5 EL o O. ^ 2^ U4 c •^ fp e «n t- C re o t- -t3 a. jSw 3W -: o So «5 5, » Is I « 13 98 HISTORY OF BOSCAWEN. o ■3 o .. a _2 ^ 2 -^ s ° o o k2 » 5* d d d d Lfi s» «^l ^ «^ =5 ^ 05 ^ lO ^ •X) CO rt %- 1) £ H «•«-<: H _-s« ^ CO °5r ^5 ."5.2; " 5— -r o = i ^ to"- S (0 .^ °u cc ^^ 6^ a O 2S 1 &^3 . Oi 3 . « H *"; 4J w 11 ^ 1 SeleJmen ign Henry G Dge Jackman ;e Flantlers. a V = :£ I .= o ^ M in 2 Oj j; ^11 C r- N ■ £ -a f? 'S -S 111 S 3 £? "(3 a O £ ^ ^ .2 c i ^ o r. a^ re a a 1. -: !< .2 bjo a '^^ ao4 !? a. i» eras: u lu r OCcr t z o £ i « r- = 01 = C S i a aj III .^ 1 ■ ^ - - - 1 V 1 s S 1^ 8 ^ _^ £■ « ^o a Es 0^ 3 t^ c CU il4 oT --- - V J 5 E o a __. 2 S --• o o 5 -< 3, U J. i "^ $ *J J J^ u q> 1^1 a. S : O , 3 ctf 5* < 5. 3 T! O Year. 1767. O CO t ■< C •i c 5 ^ 1 1 f 1 HISTORY OF BOSCAWEN. 99 ll V a. - o >1 s C.2 ^ a, te e 1 e o o c- ? i ^ 03 » o CO 3 CO o 1^ -1 O 6 % ! ^ ^ ^ i_ +1 ]i|__ ^ ^ A ^ 1 lIuO 2 "3 c O 3 03 c2 2 « jn * - S -3 SX" a X> • ■^ o s S 2 = c 5— u 1 !is| >. ^* gg^s i 5 — ' ."5 t^ « « oi « » 0i4 O ' ol ii O 5 S 3 S» a, W 5 a £■>, cr .xj a, u OS -a W 1 s 1 -1 O C3 a. * 2 5 . o = a*' •^ B ^ go g 2 4) 0) C5 ~ etf S 6* c a- a Ill gjc^ re 3'c E c *^ c 1 u „- o 5 =r 1^ S.2 a >^ c Z eti c 1=1 £f- 3 g £ s a o -S rt -■ 1) l« £P ■ o a, ctf ^ ^ o r: c. 1 C !U ■> 5 , S 5 ■- 2f-o."H O X > O.S IS ■3 •- -^ r 3. ill Is"' a:i 3 s . •=-. £> >. s ^ V £ s a a 0) Cm a a, I* 3 a a. u a, u d o o o S! o « X3 so OS oo >^ s r- t- t- t- t- t~ t- 100 HISTORY OF BOSCAWEN. ^ «^ «o d in ■■a ^ ^ ^ o 2 re c o J3 00 ■J t> ■ (?* •^ aj ■^ O tf '^ in •60 ^^ :^ c c "3 (W — , ^ ^ )d 5 en H o o o s o -^ VJ ^ «4 ss .i "O 2i P a, a: f-> c , ^ S .-S M '^< Q 2 c 2 1/ g Oi !> O T "> •r -V5 n a; u -^ : 2 S al ?=^ ^ r: (43 c "5 ~ « '— ♦^ «« u n c o o Ir ;?-> -5 •■« u j: .^ ^ c _0J i hJ :o s c U3 £ u. t. f. a. :£i — > LU .? Hi ;j:j j: ■3 (0 "3. f*' , Q "-• •^ • .5 • La Q, :) 3 ni o..= -= i a; P c -Sm.2. Q. n. -^ ■2 1-' W i c c - 2 « c Ji a, u E m (J S ►^ ^ ;2 .S -O CO ■ -= ij >J .2 "2 c S 5 - o S eo5 ?o « « o -5 3 .-^3 1; a u £ £ Sea OJO 5 " ? c aT S U C ij"^ -• o £f coo (SCO) •¥l HISTORY OP BOSCAWEN. 101 ^ 2 ^ -^ ^ ^ - 1 ■^ 1 a 9< 1 ^ iH ^ ■3 a. "" 0^ B 22 is nJ -J r< « ,j -! S 3, y 9-5 s^^ e5 .r : M^W c ee .- S a< ^ W a « C C c -G ^ -= ?; N^ S: =.-5 Q ]^ «*; C3 IC ^ 15 ^^1 II- CC tf o a) cB 2§^ E i 2 -2 So a s So j= o C 3 2 S Hen O35 o -= o S — o .20 o&» UU 102 HISTORY OF BOSCAWEN. «^ ^ ^ ^ •*> d" cr W W "C V tj a o J J "3 fl a o s S M ts ? ■—1 5, M 23 «i iS-o Hi a O) o; cA 3 ' « — S; c 0-C(L, 5i5 « I a>_; JS o:: .5 L^K' a, 1, 1^ 3 o O) JCfli ^ S t a-= « c cs rt MOO V ^ i:; as a C oow o^c OS o ^ J= V M -a 0) 5 r- o a. es o eiJ -9 i-i ^ -. t o o lo U HISTORY OF BOSCAWEN. 103 >) «» i o o o © ^ 1 o ■■£> o CO CO • IM f* 5^ ^ ^ «> ^ ^ 1 1 o ,i 1 o u 1 *^ *-» •-J J^ o o c s s^ io -3 fX 1^ -a >> ^ " ^5 c Si 1 § 52 d 1 o ■- . s ! ~ s S^f •3 -S c s aj •—1 3 a) o c 5 id -j:5 5 5,30 '— — 9» ^ .^ .J2 w s ^ 01 a> i^ o o v ^ 3 J a .2 e •» a> u Ol i, m !-• ^ ?* O « Ol M : H "^ -^ '-J « ^ ^ ^ (.H 3 3 3 , ^ 5 ~ _2 I. bJC. fcjO >- -3 . o o bC .: 3 ail 1 en « 5 c 0) C — - ^"5 V < :? ii a 'q « lu m iJ -5 •—1 3 ,• .-Ij 3 3 . 3 3 s -s 3 re i — n Qi 2i 7; 1) a; ~S"i .'^ j:d S-J J O J J Oi; J -!c 1 V 1 _ c . cr s 3" £"[2 a > t;. i;- iS jj- ,- ^ ■<3 2 C9 i s l-= J Is -2 "S 1 « U ^ sf ■s ^3= « — , ti ■^ '■^ • w ^ ■* S o 1 a) f3 a. 0) =^ S i( a* rt N N OJ ^ Ili: ao ^ Mil J. CO r-^ 9» I 1^ |co x> M 33 r " " V 00 1 ■3 s {3 c •^ •*il § CO &< CO CN ex t» 1 a> gs n « 0) 3 X SJ ns « ." »•»» bo *3 cr £3 c: i ^ 2 ^ so to <° ■^'f< t^ ?5 S '^ 13 S CO *• rt c CO =^ s p ii C -C u ^ -s g § -S ^ -C Q^ cS I- o3 6 -a 05 (D tH ^ ^ > •<««< ■« ^•-0 ■* CO S5« a> 2i •** •Ki '"' C 83 %-. ^ M ■3 Is g QJ « 0) ^ •3 S "J 0) !8 i 1 « ^ 0) 'as >. 11 a — >.2 1 00 S ^ 't: ■< -r; •" « lis a c 11 S) '^ -a a e fatal attack, and died in 10 hours ; and was buried on the Sabbath." Thus a holy God whose Providence is inscrutable, took from the fond parents out of seven, five lovely cliildren, in the short term of seven days ! ! Medical aid was early resorted to in these cases, but the violence of the attack in each case, admitted of no relief from the application of medicine. Wife of Jonathan Downing, instantly killed by lightning, June 12, 1816. Wifeoi Jeremiah Burpee, precipitated 30 feet from a sleigh, the horse running off the Bridge over the Gulf, and survived but a few hours, Dec. 1817. Child of James French fell into boiling Beer, which soon terminated his life. Mary Blaisdell, under the influence of melancholy, put an end to her existence by hanging, Jan. 9, 1818. James Brown committed suicide by the use of opium. May 24, 1818. Infant Son of Mr. John Greenough, fell from a chair into the fire and lived but a few hours, 1819. Providential escapes from death. nib. John Corser, tending a saw-mill alone at the head of K. street, Avhile using a crow-bar about a mill log, in an unac- countable manner, the end of the bar struck his head — cut off his nose — took out his right eye — raised the fore half of the skull- bone, and left the brain bare, but not injured. In this situa- tion he was soon found by William Emery. Surgical aid was ad- ministered, and his wounds healed. He however shortly after lost the sight of his other eye ; but lived and enjoyed good health for more than thirty years. 108 HISTORY OF BOSCAWEN. Benjcnnin Little, Esq. when a youth, fell into the floom and passed through the waste-gate of Gerrish's mill-dr.m in a jam of logs and drift stuff, in the month of April, and being driven among the logs nearly a quarter of an hour was discovered, and taken out much injured, but no bones broken. John Manuel.,when barking trees, was struck on the side of the head by a falling limb, which fractured his skull, turned out his left eye, so as to destroy the sight ; but recovered, except the loss of the sight of one eye, without any surgical aid. Benjamin Fisk fell from a saw-mill carriage through the floor- ing of the mill tifteen feet,anel was taken up for dead ; but,though his jaw was broken, and greatly injured otherwise, was restored to perfect health and soundness. Tkomas Eastrna7i was crushed by a large pile of boards over- turned upon him in 1800; from which perilous situation he was immediately taken, very much bruised, but was finally restored to usual health. Daniel Calef, at the raising of ISTorris' Gristmill, very narrowly escaped death, though considerably injured in the chest, by the accidental falling of one side of the Frame, 1805. Jacob Little, June P, 1807, 12 years old, was struck by a falling tree upon the left side of his head. A concussioffwas made upon the right side, and the seam of ihe head opened nearly from ear to ear. The operation of trepanning in two places being per- formed by Dr. Nathan Smith, beyond all expectation, he was restored to his usual health, and strength of mind, and is now a member of Dartmouth College. Wells Biirbank, at ihe raising of a saw-miW fell from the plate, but his heel providentially caught in the brace below, which held him till assistance was afforded, and prevented his falling head first nearly 20 feet upon the rocks. Moses Burbank fell into the floom of Gerrish's mill-dam and the gate being up, was drawn under a cross timber, which confined him under water ; from this dangerous situation he was relieved, though nearly exhausted, by the uncommon exertions of by-stand- ers. John Elliot fell from the top of Joshua Jackman's saw-mill, when raising, but caught the timber below and thus narrowly escaped death. Daniel Shepherd, in the fall of Stirrup-iron Bridge, was buried in its ruins ; but by aid afforded was taken out with a broken limb, and other injuries ; and so far restored as to be active in business for several years. Amos Stone, when boarding a barn by the heat of a summers day, fainted and fell from the ridge-pole to the ground, without receiving essential injui'y cither to limbs or health, July, 1818. HISTORY OF BOSCAWEN. 109 BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. Among those characters, who have been the active promoters of the interest of this town, either in a secular or moral point of view, the following names claim a concise tribute of respect. Capt. Stephen Gerrish was one of the original proprietors, and of the first settlers of the town. He was particularly prepared to advance the settlement of a new country ; being young, robust, acquainted with husbandry, entei-prising, industrious and econom- ical. Though his education was small, and his manners unpol- ished, yet his slrenglh of mind, his frankness and sympathetic feelings rendered him both useful and agreeable. lie well knew the discouragements, and wants of the new set- tlers of a country ; and to him many resorted for succour. Pos- sessing both the means, and the disposition, he was liberal and hospitable — a friend and father to multitudes. He died 1788, at the age of 74 ; having lived to see hischildien settled and pros- perous, and useful members of both civil and religious societies. Col. Henry Gerrish^ eldest son of Capt. S. G.,at an early period of life distinguished himself as an active and very useful citizen. His literary acquirements, though good for his day, were con- tracted; but possessing a capacious ar.d discriminating mind, his knowledge of men and things, the correctness of his opinions, his independence and decision, mild deportment and uniform moral and religious habits, ensured the esteem and contidence of his fellow men in every station. He was acquainted with the art of surveying, and practised that art much through life. Possessing a military turn, he was early promoted. In the trdnsactions of the town he was very commonly chosen to moderate their meet- ings ; for several years a selectman, and very often made one of important committees.* He was a friend of his country, and an active supporter of the revolution. For many years, he bore a commission of the peace. From early life he was a professor of religion, and uniformly gave his support to religious society. He acquired a great es- tate, and brought up a large family of children, the most of whom he lived to see well settled, and whose habits evidenced that his government over them was salutary ; and his house, though for many years the stranger's home, was a house of order. Col. Gerrish died at the age of 64, May 16, 1806. *1773 — Col. Gerrish was chosen the first Grand Juror to his Majesty's Sup. Court. 1774 Dtilcgate to the Convention for the choice of members of tlie 1st Continental Congress. 1775, Delegate to the Convention for the choice of niemhers of the 2d Continental Congress ; Also Delegate to the Provincial Congress. 1779, Repre- sented the towns of Boscavven and Salisbury in the Gen. Court, and 1790 was elect- ed Representative of the town of Boscawen. 110 HISTORY OF BOSCAWEN. Capt. Peter Kimball moved into the town of Boscawen about the year 17G5. Possessing great self-command, a sound judg- ment, and unwavering integrity, he soon came into public notice, and was elected selectman in 1768; in which office he served nine j'ears. In our revolutionary struggle, he manifested a truly patriotic spirit ; readily accepted those appointments, with others, which involved the dearest interests of individuals and of the public. He contributed to the security of our independence, not merely by his assiduous services at home, but endured the pri- vations of four campaigns in defence of his country. In one of them he volunteered as a private soldier ; but, in the other three, he bore a Captain's commission, and at Bennington received a wound at the head of his company — a precious memento of that signal battle. Capt. Kimball was a valuable citizen ; a much esteemed neighbour and a consistant man. Though he never made a public profession of religion, he was the constant sup- porter of religious society, and always attended public worship as long as health would permit. He clearly understood the doc- trines of grace, and evidenced to his pious acquaintance, that his belief in tkem was his joy and salvation. His death was sudden, June 4, 1011, at the age of 72. Mr. Enoch Little, a native of Newbury, Mass. moved into this town in 1774, and died 1816, aged 88 years. His name is not here inserted on account of his personal services in the public affairs of society, but as the head of a numerous family, whose ability and influence have contributed largely to the promotion of the public good ; and, as a man of great eqality of mind, and singular piety. The subject of this notice was made to bow to Immanuel's sceptre at the age of 1 1 years ; and thus like Enoch of old, " walked with God" 77 years ; 64 of which he was a disciple of Christ by a christian profession. He sought retire- ment, particularly in his advanced age, ibr that was most congenial with the habits of his mind. Here he could give free indulgence to pious meditation, prayer and to reading the holy Scriptures, which were as his meat and drink ; and by which he was pre- pared to exhibit the excellencies of his character — his meekness, humility, self-loathing, faith, patience, hope and charity in the domestic circle ; to pious visitors, and to the church of Christ. Mr. Little's example had a very happy influence upon his poster- ity, and by them to society more generally ; for he lived to see them multiplied to nearly an hundred, and many of them parta- kers of the same glorious hope with himself. For many years, he spoke of his being in this world a stranger and sojourner, " looking for a city, which hatli. foundations, whose builder and maker is God^ The good resulting from the example and prayex's of this pious man has been, and will no doubt be, for many gen- inSTORT OF BOSCAWEN. HI rations to come, the precious seed yielding its te mporal and spiritual benefits to the people of this town. George Jackman, Esq. was born at Newbury, Oct. 28, O. S. 1735, son of George Jackman, a proprietor, who became a settler in town 1737, and was elected Deacon in the organization of the first church. The character before us has been so long and so abundantly employed in the transactions of this town, that, in alluding to those who have contributed to its present prosperous state, the most active agent, though living, could not be omitted. In 1760, at the first meeting of the town, after its incorporation, George Jackman, jun. was chosen Town Clerk, and re-chosen for 36 years successively ; afterwards 2 years more, making 38 years in that office. The same year, 17G0, he was appointed a civil magistrate in the reign of George II. and his commission signed by Benning Wentworth, Governor of N. H. ; and was in commission to the year 1818, .50 years; and the oldest Justice of the Peace in the state of New-Hampshire. In 176r, the pro- prietors elected him their Clerk ; (though he had performed the business of the office the five preceding years for his father, who was Clerk ;) and has kept the records, and attended to the busi- ness to this time, 55 years. At the same time, he served the town in the office of Selectman 22 years ; — twice a Delegate to the State Convention ; four times chosen, and three times repre- sented the town in the General Court; and has been a member of the Church of Christ 44 years. For nearly 60 years, Mr, J. has been actively employed in public services. As a Scribe, he was ready, and kept a fair record, written Avith his left hand. In all business assigned him by the town, he was prompt and faithful ; and in discharging the duties of a magistrate, he mani- fested an unwavering attachment to justice and impartiality. He was unil^ormly active in secaring the independence of his country ; and the unshaken friend of the Constitution and Goi^ei'n- ment, which the wisdom of the nation had adopted. In his intercourse with his fellow men, his conversation and habits have been unexceptionable. He highly prized, steadily supported and constantly attended the institutions of the Gospel. And, as a christian, his walk has been such to this day, as became his pro- fession. At this advanced period of his life, nearly 85, he enjoys good health — performs manual labor — spends much time in reading, and in the warm season of the year, is a constant attend- ant on the public worship of God. The notice here taken of the characters and services of some, was not intended to diminish any thing from the merits of others, now numbered either with the dead or the living, whose werthy deeds will long live in the memory of a grateful people ; but, in a record like this, reasonable expectation could not be answer- ed without particularizing a lew. 112 HISTORY OF BOSCAWEN. NARRATIVES of those who ivere taken captive or killed by the Indians. Mrs. DustonPs captivity, spoken of by Belknap and other histo- rians, having concern in our history, we shall offer the outlines of the extraordinary story. Mrs. Duston, her infant babe, but only a week old, and her nurse, the widow Mary Niff, were taken captive by the Indians at Haverhill, Mass. March 15, 1698 j while her husband magnanimously retreated with their seven older children, from before the enemy to a place of safety. The Indiaas soon barbarously dispatched the tender babe, and conveyed the enfeebled, afflicted mother and nurse up the Merri- mack river to a small island in the mouth of Contoocook river, which forma the south-east corner of this town. Here the Indians, 10 or 12, for the number is variously stated, after refreshing themselves, being fatigued and fearless, lay down and readily sunk into a profound, but fatal sleep. Mrs. D. viewing the circumstance as favourable to her escape, improved the moment. By the aid of her nurse and a captive youth, with the death weapons of her savage enemies, instantly despatched them all, except two, who made their escape. And in retaliation took the scalps of their captors slain, and one of their birch canoes, returned down the river to Haverhill in safety, to the unspeaka- ble joy and astonishment of her family and friends ; and was soon after generously rewarded by the Massachusetts government for this unexampled deed. This heroic exploit took place April 30, 1698, about 35 years before the settlement of this town. Josiah Bishop was the first of the settlers, who was taken by the Indians. He was surprised and taken, v/hen at vrork in his field, at the lower end of King-street. The Indians took him in- to the woods ; but finding him unyielding to their wishes, they killed him, as reported by other captives, who were informed by the perpetrators. On May 4, 1746, several men were at work on Clay Hill, and were surprized by a party of Indians in ambush. Thomas Cook and Caesar^ the negro servant of Rev. Mr. Stevens, were killed, and Elisha Jones was taken captive, and carried to Canada, and there sickened and died. The following August, two others were taken captive by the Indians ; not inhabitants of the town, but belonging to Hopkin- ton ; and it is recollected that one of them bore the name of Putney, and the name of the other, a young man, Abraham Kim- ball. 1752. In April the two negroes belonging to Messrs. Miles and Lindsey, were taken captive in Canterbury by Sabatis and Plmisawa. And the following year 1 753, Bowen and Morrill HISTORY OF BOSCAWEN. 113 killed those two Indians at Indian-Bridge, in Boscawen. See the account Section 9, page 44. May, 1754. J\fathaniel Meloon and family were taken captive. Mr. M. had recently moved his family from the fort to Stevens- town, the westward part of Salisbury. While on his way back to the fort on business, a party of Indians came upon him, and took him. They knew him — where he lived, and directed hJm home. The family consisted of Mr. and Mrs. M. and five child- ren, named Nathaniel, Rachel, John, Daniel aiiil Sarah ; and in surprise were ail taken captive, except their eldest son, who was at work in the field in sight. The father was ordered to c-ill his son, and he did ; but the son saw the Indians, and under, tood his fathers wish for his escape, by the significancy of his voice, dropped his hoe, fled to the woods, swam Biaclcwater river, ehi- ded the Indian's pursuit, and reaclied the fort in salety. The alarm being thus given, a strong detachment marched direct- ly up, in hope of recovering the captives, but it was too late. The Indians had hastily taken a few things and the six captives, and were out of their reach on their way toward Canada. Mr. Meloon's youngest daughter, about a year old, was sick, and be- ing exposed grew worse The Indians took the child from the parents, under pretence of appl3'ing medicine, who never be- held her afterwards. In other respects they were treated hu- manely by their savage captors, though their travel and fare were very hard. When they arrived at Canada, they were sep- arated, and sold to the French. Mr. M. and wife, however, liv- ed together, and their son Joseph, now living in Salisbury, N. H. was born in their captivity, 1755. After a servitude of more than three years in Canada, Mr. M. and wife and their three sons were shipped for France ; but on their voyage, near the Grand Banks, were taken by the British, and safely landed at Portland, Me. ; from whence they travelled by land, and once more re- gained their home, after an ahsence of 4 long years in tedious captivity. Their eldest daughter, Rachel, was left behind, and continued in Canada, among the French and Indians nine years ; when Samuel Fowler, Esq. employed by her parents, brought her home, though much against her inclination. She afterwards married, and had a family ; but always retained a partiality for the manners and habits of an Indian life. August 15, 1754, a party of Indians came to the house of Philip Call, who had just before moved from the fort into the edge of Bakerstown, now the eastwardly part of Salisbury. Mrs. Call was in the house, but Mr. Call, his son and a hired man were laboring in the field. They saw the Indians, and ran to- wards home ; but before they arrived, the barbarous enemy had killed Mrs. Call with a tomahawk, while her husband and son were bo near as to hear the fatal blow. The Indiana took her 15 114 HISTORY OF BOSCAWEN. scalp, and immediately retired to the woods. Mr. Call's young man repaired to the fort as quick as possible to g;ve mformation ; and to avoid the chase of the Indians, he swam the Merrimack several times. A detachment of fourteen men well armed with muskets, marched directly on ; but the Indians, in the mean time, suspecting that an alarm had been given, and that they should be pursued, secreted themselves in ambush by the way side. Our men had no sooner passed them, than the Indians rose from their ambush — gave the war-whoop — rushed upon them and took Enos Bishop. Timothy Cook, whose tather had been killed at Clay Hill, plunged into the river ; seven shots were made at him, and th« seventh took his life. But the other twelve of the detachment made their escape, and r'^turned in safety to the fort, not havmg been able, from some cause, to lire a single gun. Mr. E. Bishop was carried captive to Canada, and there un- fortunataly, by accident, lost one of his eyes; but the next year made his escape and returned home. It seems that provision was made for his ransom, but he made his escape before it was applied. 1756. Ezekiel Flanders and Edward Emery were killed by In- dians, when hunting beaver by New-found pond, between Bris- tol and Hebron, in the county of Grafton, N. H. The In- dians afterward informed, that one of them was shot when skin- ning a beaver in the camp, and the other shot at the same time, in sight of the camp, bringing in a beaver on his back. Mr. Moses Jackman, now living, at the age of 73, son of Rich- ard Jackman, deceased, was taken captive by the Indians, June 1757, when about 11 years old. Being on a visit at his uncle C lough's in Canterbury, and, at that time hoeing in the orchard with Dorset, Mr. Clough's negro man ; four Indians of the St. Francis tribe unexpectedly leaped over the log fence within a few rods of them. The sight was so appalling, that Dorset caught young Jackman by the arm, and endeavored to hide; but when the Indians had gotten within a few feet of them, they separated. Jackman ran toward the barn, but before he reached it he stum- bled, and fell, and was taken by an old Indian and young sanop, who pursued him. He very soon made an attempt to escape out of their hands by running, but was re-taken, beaten and tied ; and to intimidate him, as it should seem, the old Indian, who held him, drew his hatchet over him as if to cleave his head asunder, but stopped the blow. This was all the violent usage he experienced from his savage master. Dorset, who had Hed to the woods, was pursued by the other two Indians ; who took the poor fellow, after he had made the most obstinate resistance, and received from them much abuse, by beating his face and head ; vvli>ch drew from him many bitter cries of ''master! mur- der ! murder ! I" HISTORY OP BOSCAWEN. 115 The Indians soon joined in company with their captives, and without rifling the house, the family having all gone drwn to the fort, they sat off for Canada. They travelled through t!ie woods, and crossed Merrimr«ck river, at the talis, having made a light raft for Dorset, who could not swim, and one carried young Jack- man over upon his shoulders. Their first right's eix arr'pment was by SmUh's river, .fackman being without shofs, his ieet and legs were very much injured ; and, for h?s relief and comfort, the Indians kindly provid-d him with moccasons and stockings. He was too young to iiotce the p«)jiits or the distances of their daily marches, or the country or-r which they passed; but after several days hard travel, supported mostly by the scanty game they took in their way, the Indians reached their encampment, where they had large packs uf beaver's fur and one canoe. Here they stopped long enough to make t^otner canoe, and then em- barked with their captives and effects, ««