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LAI^DMAEKS
IN
ANCIENT DOYEE,
NEW HAMPSHIRE.
BY
MARY P. THOMPSO]^^.
COMPLETE EDITION.
DURHAM, N. H.
1892.
Copyright, 1892, By Mary P. Thompson.
A// nights Reserved.
Printed by the Kepublican Press Association, Concord, N. H.
THE PRESENT EDITION
OF
LANDMARKS IN ANCIENT DOVER
IS RESPECTFULLY INSCRIBED
TO THE
DOVER HISTORICAL SOCIETY,
AT WHOSE REQUEST IT HAS BEEN PREPARED.
19^^-^
Dover, N. H., January 31, 1891. Miss Mary P. Thompson:
At the January meeting of the Dover Historical Society you were invited to TVrite up the Ancient Landmarks of Dover and vicinity.
Yours respectfully,
A. G. WHITTEMORE,
Secretary.
PREFACE
The township of Dover, New Hampshire, originally comprised not only the present city of that name, but the townships of Durham, Lee, Madbury, RoUinsford and Somersworth, the greater part of Newington, a portion of Newmarket, and nearly, if not quite, the whole shore of Greenland along the south side of the Great Bay.
A complete list of the old localities and landmarks of this extensive region has necessarily required a great amount of research. The list given in the present work is based on the early town records, especially those of Dover proper ; on the county records at Exeter prior to 1773 ; on the New Hamp- shire Provincial and State Papers ; and on local and family traditions. All the grants and conveyances of land referred to in this work have been per- sonally examined by the writer, unless otherwise intimated. The orthogra- phy and phraseology of these records have been retained as far as possible, even when no direct quotations have been made.
The present edition of the " Landmarks in Ancient Dover " entirely super- sedes the first one. The numerous errors in that edition have, as far as dis- covered, been carefully corrected in this, and several hundred new localities have been added.
Among the most important corrections are those relating to Herod's Gove, Pinkham's and Swaddeti's Creeks, and the ancient bounds of the Bloody Point settlement once known as Kenney's Creek and Hogsty Cove. Numerous places along the Greenland shore of the Great Bay are herein proved to have been a part of Ancient Dover. And whereas the first edition of this work was only supplementary to what others had written, the present edition is a complete register of all the noteworthy localities within the limits of Ancient Dover, not only of early times, but also those of more recent date, as well as many places in Barrington, Nottingham, and Rochester, mentioned in con- nection with the public highways or with the inhabitants of Dover.
A few of the places mentioned in this work have not been positively iden- tified, in spite of much research ; but the neighborhood has in all cases been indicated, and some points given which, it is hoped, will lead to their identi- fication. The writer will feel greatly obliged for any information bearing thereon, and for the correction of any errors discovered in the work.
Durham, N. H., May 26, 1892.
LANDMARKS IN ANCIENT DOVER.
Abbott's Brook. This brook is iu tlie nortli-easteni part of Somers- wortti, and connects Cole's pond with the Salmon Falls river. About mid- way in its course it is joined by a brook from Rochester. "Abbott's brook " is mentioned in the Atlas of Hitchcock's Geology of N. H. The name is derived from Moses Abbott, who formerly resided on the south side of this brook.
Abbott's Islands. Richard Dame, on his map of Newingtou in 1805, gives this name to some small islands at the mouth of Laightou's cove. No islands are there, however, except at extremely high tide, when High point, and perhaps one or two other projec- tions, are sometimes severed from the mainland. The origin of the name does not appear.
Adams' Point. This point of land, originally called Matheivs' Neck^ is on the Durham shore, at the Narrows, between Great and Little bays. The present name was derived from Elder John Adams, a descendant of the Rev. Joseph Adams of Newington, who was the uncle of John Adams, the second president of the United States. Elder Adams acquired this neck of land by a mortgage from Timothy Dame of Newington, May 1, 1830, which was never redeemed. The deed describes it as a farm of eighty acres, "commonly called
Mathews' JSfeck," bounded north by the land of Joseph Kent's heirs, and on the other sides by Great and Lit- tle bays, and the coves and creeks that run into said bays." (See Mathews' Neck.)
Adder's Swamp. This swamp is in Durham, at the upper side of Cutt's hill, opposite the Burnham house, on the south side of the road to Durham Point. It belongs to the heirs of the late Col. Joseph Burnham.
Alley Point. This name is given on Whitehouse's map of 1834 to a point on the eastern shore of the Cochecho, above the Narrows. The name was derived from Samuel Alley, whose land here is mentioned Dec. 30, 1734, when Edward Ellis conveyed to John MacElroy 30 acres of land, " beginning at y* lower end of a brook called Stony brook, and running up to y^ road y' leads from Jabez Garland's, and so by y^ road to y^ parting fence between Samuel Alley's land and said lot, and from s** Alley's land to Wm. Thompson's, thence as s'^ Thompson's fence runs to Cochecho salt river, and along s*^ river to y*" lower end of y* s'' Stony brook." Samuel Alley and wife Eliz- abeth conveyed to Job Clement, March 28, 1758, fifty acres of laud where they then dwelt, bounded N. by said Clement's land, E. by Amos Howard's, W. by Garland's and Paul
8
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
Harford's to Cochecho river, rimniDg down said river till it comes to How- ard's land, near Cham-pion's rocks.
Ambler's Islands. These islands, three in number, are so called on Smith's map of Durham.^ They lie off Durham Point, near the mouth of Oyster river. The largest, about an acre in extent, is now called Malhes island, from a recent owner. The next in size is Sassafras island, and the smallest is Hen island. They are all now owned by Mr. Jeremiah Lang- ley. This group derived its name from Elder John Ambler, who once owned land on the neighboring shore, now belonging in part to Mr. Langley. He was chosen deacon of the Oyster River church, Oct. 19, 1718, and ordained " elder," Nov. 16, 1721.
Anthony's Brook. The name of this brook was derived from Anthony Emery, who, May 2, 1642, bought of Stephen Tedder six acres of land on the Newichawannock, confirmed to him by the town of Dover the 7th, 6 mo., 1648, together with an addi- tional grant which extended to " a brook that lyeth on the southeast against the Newichwannick."' This brook is referred to March 19, 1693-4, when three score acres of land were granted to John Hall, Jr., on Salmon Falls river, " on y^ north side of y^ brooke, above Antonies." Three score acres were also laid out to Robert Euans, Jr., Ap. 7, 1696, on the north side of Antony's brook. John Win- gate, Nov. 5, 1702, conveyed to Paul Wentworth three score acres adjacent to Salmon Falls, beginning at a pitch- pine tree on the north side of Anto-
nies brook, and thence running S. E. three score rods by the Salmon Falls river. Richard Rookes, schoolmas- ter, Aug. 9, 1731, conveyed to Thomas Wallingford, inuholder, 60 acres of swamp and upland in the parish of '' Summersworth," granted to John Hall, Jr., March 19, 1693-4, " beginning at a bass tree by y* upper pier, at y^ upper Boom at y^ river," thence running 60 rods south to An- tony's brook, so called. This brook, which has lost its ancient name, and is now insignificant in size, passes through Sill swamp, comes to Salmon Falls village back of the railroad sta- tion, and empties into the Salmon Falls river.
Ash Sw^amp. Mentioned March 19, 1693-4, when 20 acres of land " between Tole End and Ash sivamj)" were granted to John Haise. Israel Hodgdon's land at Ash sivamp, orig- inally granted to William Thompson, above Nock's marsh, is mentioned Feb. 22, 1720, as beginning at the river (Bellamy), leaving a highway four rods wide between Nock's old bound and Thompson's fifty acres. This swamp is called Cochecho log swamp, March 17, 1658-9, when William Thompson's fifty acre grant was laid out to him beyond it, with Thomas Nock's laud on the south- east, and Bellamies Bank freshet on the south-west. Moses Wiugate, Sept. 12, 1752, bought of Nathaniel Hanson twenty acres in " Cochecho swamp or Ash Swamp," which laud Hanson had by inheritance.
Edward Evans' grant of 30 acres of swamp land " near bellemies bank
1 Smith's map of Durham, often referred to in these Landmarks, was drawn by D. Smith in April, 1805. It is the oldest map of the town that has come to light.
JLandmarks in Ancient Dover.
pond, between the two rivers," June 23, 1701, was laid out in Ash sioamp, beginniug at "an asp tree ou the south side of barbadus [Barbadoes] way."
Robert Evans of Meudon, Mass., sold Joseph Meder of Dover, June 5, 1711, sixty acres of land granted his father, Robert Evans, Sr., in Cochecho swamp, on the south side of the way that goeth to a place commonly called Barbadoes. This land was conveyed to John Hanson in 1713. Nock's marsh, on the western side of Dover, is a part of the old Cochecho or Ash swam}).
Another Ash swamp, between the Cochecho and Salmon Falls rivers, is mentioned March 23, 1702, when Paul Wentworth had a grant of 80 acres there.
An Ash sivam]} in the present town of Lee is spoken of July 19, 1721, when ten acres were laid out to Joseph Jones " at a place called the Ash swamp, above Whelrit's pond," on the south side of John Thompson and Moses Davis's land. This was part of a grant to Anthony Nutter in 1694. James and Sarah Clark of Biddeford (Me.), Nov. 9, 1741, con- veyed to Jonathan Thompson 60 acres in the town of Durham, '' at a place commonly called y*" Ash swamp," — half of a six-score acre grant which said Clark bought of Moses Davis, Jr., formerly of Oyster River, de- ceased. This tract began at a pitch- pine tree on the south side of the highway that leads by Peter's Ooen.
John Gray^ sold Samuel James Stevens, March 2, 1747-8, a tract of
land in Durham, on the north side of Ash Swam}). This land was sold Aug. 22, 1750, to Jonathan Thomp- son, Jr., whose descendants still own it. It is ou the upper side of Little river, between Lee Hill and Not- tingham.
A large swamp in South New- market is still known as Ash Swamp).
Ash Swamp Brook. Mentioned Dec. 31, 1750, when Miles and Abi- gail Randall of Durham conveved to Simon Randall 80 acres of land at " a place commonly called y*" Ash swamp brook," part of 100 acres which their father, Nathaniel Randall, deceased, bought of Joseph Smith, "bounded on the south side of y* mast road." A bridge over Ash brook is mentioned in the Durham records of 1753 and 1754, and Ash Swamp-bridge is mentioned several times between 1755 and 1763. This brook is the outlet of Ash swamp. It crosses the road from Lee Hill to Nottingham, near Mr. John Thomp- son's, and empties into Little river.
Atkinson's Hill. This hill is in the south-western part of the Back River district, not far from the old Pascataqua bridge. It is partly in Dover and partly in Madbury, and is so named from the Hon. Wm. King Atkinson, who acquired laud here at the close of the last century. It is often mentioned in the Madbury rec- ords as '■'' Laighton^s Hill," a name derived from the Laightou family that owned land in this vicinity for nearly 200 years, descendants of Thomas Layton of the Dover Combi- nation of 1640. (See RoyaWsCove.)
1 John and George Gray are mentioned as trained soldiers on the south side of Oyster river,
in 1732.
lO
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
The Atkinson house, now owned by Mrs. Simpson, is in Madbur}'. The Laighton house, owned by Mr. Pres- cott, is in Dover. The road from Dover to the old Paseataqua bridge ci'osses Atkinson hill between these two houses.
This height affords an admirable view of the ueighborins; waters ex- tending from the mouth of Oyster river and the opening into Little bay, to a great distance down the Paseataqua. The river directly in front is nearly a mile in width, and dotted by islands, two of which once formed links in the Paseataqua bridge ; and beyond the broad expanse are the beautifully varied shores of Newington. Daniel Webster, who often crossed Atkinson hill on his way to and from Ports- mouth when it was court time at Dover, declared this view unsurpassed by any other in New England. (See Laighton' s Hill.)
Back Cove. This cove is at the mouth of Minnow brook, at the lower end of Dover Neck, on the west side. It is mentioned June 25, 1704, when Richard Pinkham, Sr. , and wife Eliz- abeth, conveyed to Ralph Hall 3^ acres of land adjacent to y'' Back Cove on Dover Neck, butting on Back river at the west, and bounded N. by John Dam's land, E. by low street, and S. by a lane running down to the Back cove, which land formerly be- longed to their grandfather, Thomas
Layton. Ensign Joseph Beard, Oct. 7, 1713, confirmed to Ralph Hall the right to one acre of land on Dover Neck, bounded N. by land conveyed by Joseph Beard, Sr., to Captain Thomas Tibbets, E. by land sold said Tibbets by Richard Pinkham, S. by a lane that led from high street to the back cove, and W. by the lane for- merly called the Dirty lane.
Back River. The early settlers gave this name to the river at the west side of Dover Neck, as far as the head of tide water, above which it was called Bellamy's Bank river or freshet^ to its source in Barrington. It is mentioned as early as Sept. 20, 1647, when Joseph Miller conveyed to John Goddard 20 acres on the west side of Back river. The name is still retained.
Back River, as a district, is also frequently mentioned in the public records of the last 200 years. It comprises the whole territory between Back river itself, and the Durham line from Cedar point to Johnson's creek bridge.
Back River Garrisons. There seem to have been at least five garri- sons in the Back River district.
I. Dam's Garrison, otherwise Dame's. John Cross is mentioned as serving at " TFi7Z Dam's garrison" from Jan. 7 till Feb. 6, 1695 ; John Bickford from May 12 till June 8, 1695; John Tucker and John Miller
1 The name of "freshet " was given by the early settlers to the fresh portion of a stream, to distinguish it from the tidal part towards the mouth, which is salt. " Oyster river freshet," and '' Bellamy Bank freshet," Sive often mentioned in the old records,, meaning that part of those streams above the head of tide water. An English critic, objecting to Dr. Jeremy Bel- knap's use of this term as unknown to him, Belknap replied, " Our forefathers brought the word from England," and he cited Milton's Paradise Regained as good authority for its use :
"All fish from sea or shore, Freshet or purling brook, or shell, or fln."
(See Belknap's History of New Hampshire (1792) Vol. Ill, Preface.)
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
ir
from Nov. 4 till Dec. 5, 1695, and Ephraim Jackson from Dec. 5 till Jan. 7, 1696. {N, H. Prov. Pap., 17: 648.)
The precise situation of this garri- son is not known, but it was in the Back River district, apparently on the lot granted John Dam in 1642, which was "Number eleven," next above the lot of John Upgrove, oth- erwise Newgrove.
Forty acres of land, granted to John Dam in 1656, were laid out to his son John Sept. 16, 1702, begin- ning at a white oak on the line be- tween this land and that of Joseph Tibbets. A highway is mentioned between Dam's laud and that of James Newt, which led to a landing- place at the head of James Newt's creek. This creek is above Hope- hood's point. (See Nute's Creek.)
Wm. Dam, Sr., of Dover, in con- sideration of the love, good-will, and affection he bore to his loving son William, conveyed to him, June 7, 1712, one half of the neio house he was then building, and half of the land on which it stood, with one third of his orchard, and also three acres of land bounded S. by the land of New Groue and James Newt, E. by the river, being all his land on that side of the creek. And Wm. Dam, Jr., that same day, bound himself to be at one third part of the charge of moving the house in which he then dwelt at the west end (24 ft. long and 30 ft. wide), up to the Logg house, and set it there. Wm. Dam conveyed to Jacob Allen, Ap. 7, 1724, "one half of a dioelling Logg House, set in Dover, on the westerly side of y* back river, which was formerly y^ divelling house of Wm. Dam. Sr., together
with the land on which it stands, and part of y® upper orchard containing two rows of apple trees next said Jacob's part of y* orchard ; also 4^ acres lying in y* sjyruce jJasture."
James Nute of Dover conveyed to James Tuttle, Feb. 3, 1770, 28 acres of laud on the west side of Back river, at the N. E. corner of said Tuttle's other land bought of Tristram Pinkham, and running along by said river to the heirs of Wm. Dam, de- ceased, then westerly by said Dam's land and thatch-bed till it came to the west side of the creek, to high- water mark, and running across a point of land till it came to said James Tuttle's other land.
II. Drew's Garrison. The Back River garrison of this name is still in a good state of preservation, and is a. picturesque feature of the road known as Spruce Lane. It is now owned by Mrs. Rounds, and contains an inter- esting collection of furniture and do- mestic utensils of colonial times. It was probably built by John Drew, who owned laud at Back River be- tween the lots of Robert Huckins and Thomas Whitehouse, June 6, 1698, when he acquired the Huckins lot, called " No. 16 " in the numbering of the Back River grants. The Pom- frett lot. No. 17, was sold him Feb. 5, 1701-2, by Pomfrett Whitehouse, srandson of Wm. Pomfrett. Richard and Sarah Paine of Boston conveyed to him June 5, 1705, 20 acres, " with y" marsh and flatts belonging thereto, being y"" 18th of y* twenty acre lots on the west side of Back river, and abutting on Back river." Israel Hodg- don conveyed to John Drew, Sr., March 1, 1705-6, three fourths of an acre of salt marsh on the north side
12
Landnia7'ks in Ancient Dover.
of the Little freshit or brook that goes out of the deej) gtitt, so called, that is ill y" 18th lot of y* twenty acre lotts on the west side of Back river, join- ing John Drew's other thatch-bed.
'•'■ Dreiu Garrison^' is so called June 21, 1779. (See Spruce Lane.)
III. Field's Garrison. This gar- rison stood on the present " Paul Me- serve farm," so called, near the Back River school-house, but on the oppo- site side of the road. It was built by Zacharias Field, who was taxed at Oyster River in 1664, and owned land at Back River as early as 1670. The Rev. John Pike relates that, July 8, 1707, John Bunker and Ichabod Raw- lins were going with a cart from Lieut. Zach Field's garrison to James Bun- ker's for a loom, when they were slain by the Indians.
The highway that led to Field's garrison., and thence to Capt. Ger- rish's gristmill, as y* way goes to Co- checho, is mentioned March 6, 1710- 11. {N. H. Prov. Pa2).,\l -.no.)
IV. Meserve's Garrison. This is called the '■'■Harvey Garrison" in San ford & E vert's county atlas. It was still standing a few years since in a ruinous condition near the house of Mr. Gerrish P. Drew, but having been partly blown down, it had to be completely demolished. It is said to have been built by Clement Meserve, whose land adjoining the Field land is mentioned in the middle of the last century.
V. ToRR Garrison. The first gar- rison of this name was perhaps built by John Knight, whose '' plantation already improved " on the west side of Back river is mentioned Ap. 11, 1694. Leah Knight, his widow, mar- ried Benedictus Torr, who seems to
have been in possession of the Knight land, Feb. 22, 1709-10, when John Gerrish of Dover, and wife Elizabeth, conveyed to Benedictus Torr, and Leah, his wife, 36^ acres in Dover township, lying to the westward of the 7nast hridge., on the west side of the Bake (Back) river, beginning at the south-west corner of the lot for- merly sold b}' Major Richard Waldrou to John Knight, deceased, but at this time in the tenure of said Benedictus Torr and Leah, his wife, thence run- ning on a S. S. W. point three score and five rods to a Plase (place) called by the name of Tom Drew^s oven. One bound of this land was a pine tree on the south side of the 7nast path. (See Mast Bridge.)
The first Torr garrison is said to have been burned by the Indians, but another was soon after erected hy Benedictus Torr, which stood nearly opposite the present residence of Mr. Simon Torr. When taken down some years ago, a part of the timbers were used in the construction of the farm buildings.
Bagdad. This name has been giv- en for the last three score years or more to a corner east of Brown's hill in Durham — not for anything oriental in the scenery or in the style of ar- chitecture of the buildings, or any magnificence of sentiment among the residents. On the contrary, at the time this corner received its name, it was notable for its squalor and pov- erty and lowness of morals ; and the name was, perhaps, given by some rural philosopher, who found it as good a place to moralize in as Mirza did on the high hills of Bagdad, where he went to muse and moralize on the condition aud fate of humanity. And
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
13
here, as ou Mirza's bills, there is a " long hollow valle}^" beneath, in the depth of which courses Huckins brook, along the upper side of Buck's hill.
Some sa}', however, that the name of Bagdad was given by the boys of this corner, who had been reading the " Arabian Nights," and the name so tickled the popular fancy, by the very force of contrast, as to be at once uni- versally accepted.
Bald Gade, otherwise Bold Gade, mentioned in a Tibbets deed of the middle of last century. It was ap- parently in Somersworth, but the name has not been retained.
Bald Head. This is a small bluff on the Newington shore of Little Bay, just above Fox Pt., which has a bald, sandy aspect, facing the water, but otherwise is covered with verdure.
Ballard's Brook. This name is often given to that part of Stony brook where it is crossed by the road from Durham village to Madbury.
The bridge across it is also called BallarcVs bridge, {^qq Stony Brook.)
Bantom's Point, ptherwise Bamp- ton's. This point, according to White- house's map of Dover, is on the west' side of the river Cochecho, below the Narrows. Matthew James of Somers- worth, Dec. 29, 1741, conveyed to his son John 12 acres and 128 rods of land, compassing one acre in John Bamton's possession, beginning at his fence and running down to a landing-place on Cochecho river. It joined Samuel Tibbets' land. John James sold this laud to Jonathan
Watson, who, Dec. 2, 1746, conveyed to Ambrose Bampton 12 acres 128 rods, towards the upper end of Dover Neck, compassing one acre already in said Bampton's possession, and running down to a landing place on the Cochecho i;iver. " Ambrous Ban- tom " belonged to Capt. Thomas Mil- let's Company in 1740. (See Clark's Ferry.)
Barbadoes. This name was given about two hundred years ago to a dis- trict on the present borders of Dover and Madbury that comprised Barba- does Marsh, Barbadoes Plain, Bar- badoes Pond, Barbadoes Spring, and Barbadoes Woods. A road led to this district, sometimes called Bar- badoes way, which is mentioned May 30,1702. {See Broad Turn.) Robert Evans of Mendon (Mass.), June 5, 1711, conveyed to Joseph Meader of Dover, 60 acres of land granted his father Robert Evans, Sr., laid out in Cochecho Swamp, on " the south side of the way that goeth to a place com- monly called Barbadoes." Joseph Meader conveyed this trac\t to John Hanson in 1713. Benjamin Evans, April 10, 1739, conveyed to Hercules Mooney, schoolmaster^, eleven acres in ^ y^ place commonly called Bar- badoes " on the north side of the way from Littleworth to Barrington, be- ginning at Robert Hanson's bound. Thirty acres were granted to Joseph Evans in Purbadies (Barbadoes) woods, Ap. 6, 1702. John Wingate, in his will of 1714, gives his son Ed- mund thirty acres in Barbadoes woods, which, according to a deed from Si-
1 This was Col. Hercules Mooney, a native of Ireland, who not only taught school many years in Durham, Newington, and Somersworth, but served with distinction in the Seven Years' War and at the Revolutionary period. His first wife was Elizabeth, daughter of the above Benjamin Evans.
H
Landmarhs in Ancient Dover.
nion and Joanna Wiugate to their brother Moses in 1736, were on the south side of the road that led from Barbadoes spring. Thomas Hanson of Dover, in his will of Sept. 18, 1728, gives his son Timothy sixty acres in Barbadoes tvoods. March 23, 1752, Henry Bickford of Dover sold Daniel Hayes twenty-eight acres in Barbadoes woods in two lots. One was next the Wingate land, on the south side of '•'•Barbadoes highway.'^ One side of this lot extended to Bel- lamy river. It is now owned by Mr. George 0. Hayes.
Pomfrett Whitehouse, Feb. 9, 1732 -3, conveyed to Nathaniel Hanson 32 acres in Barbadoes woods, granted his father, Pomfrett Whitehouse, in 1702, and laid out to him in 1721. Fifteen acres were laid out to Nathan- iel Hanson on Barbadoes plain, Ap. 13, 1737.
Barbadoes Pond is spoken of as early as 1693, and again March 28, 1722, when Israel Hodgdon had eight acres laid out in Barbadus tvoods, on the east side of Barbadus pond, west of Richard Scammon's land,
Barbadoes pond brook is mentioned March 27, 1739, when Joseph Han- son's thirty-acre grant was laid out on both sides of this brook, at the westerly corner of Peter Hayes' land.
Ten acres of swamp and upland were laid out to John Tuttle, S'., June 23, 1701, in the woods above burbadus spring. Only one spring appears to have been mentioned in early times, but at a later day all the springs of this vicinity were com-
prised under the name of " Barbadoes springs." They are now sometimes called Kelley's sjyrings. They are south-east of the pond, and are of importance as the source from which the Dover aqueduct gets part of its supply of water. (See Kelley's Springs.)
The name of Barbadoes is no doubt a reminiscence of the days when wood and lumber from this region were sent to the West Indies in ex- change for supplies of sugar, mo- lasses, and other commodities. There was constant trade in early times with the island of Barbadoes especially.^ Robert Nanny, a signer of the Dover Combination, had an estate there. Thomas Beard of Dover was living there July 24, 1668. One of the early Hansons of Dover went there, and, according to tradition, there found a wife. Complaint was made Oct. 4, 1683, of the pine boards sent from N. H. to Barbadoes and else- where. {N. H. Prov. Pap., 1 : 468.) " Richard Gerrish, Command"' of y* ship Benjamin," built on the Pascat- aqua, and "now bound for Barba- does," is mentioned in Aug., 1698. {Ibid., 17: 678.)
Among the custom-house returns at Portsmouth of the " entries inward " in the short space of one week in 1692 are the following: Sept. 17, 1692, the bark Mary, of Kittery, from Barbadoes, with rum and limestone ballasts ; and the Friends Endeavor, of Portsmouth, from Barbadoes, Nich- olas Follet, commander, with sugar, molasses, and salt ; Sept. 19, the
1 The island of Barbadoes is said to have derived its name from the long beard-like streamers of moss which hang from the branches of the trees, giving them a strange, ven- erable aspect, —
" Like harpers hoar, with beards that rest on their bosoms."
I^aiidmarks in Ancient Dover
15
hugSintmQ Friendship , of Portsmouth, from Barbadoes, Samuel Riues, com', with salt, English goods, etc. ; and Sept. 22, the bark Fj-iends Increase, of Portsmouth, from Barhadoes, John Cutt, com"".
Robert Cutt of Portsmouth for a time lived at Rarbadoes, and there married his first wife. TheVaughaus of Portsmouth also traded there, and there died Cutt, son of Wm. Vaughan, and grandson of Richard Cutt. Michael Hicks, as stated in his will of 1688, was born at Barbadoes. Antipas Boyes, the son-in-law of Val- entine Hill of Oyster River, ^ traded with Barbadoes ; and there, about 1706, died his son, Antipas, Jr., whose estate fell to his cousin, Na- thaniel Hill of Oyster River, son of Valentine. As late as Ap. 11, 1752, mention is made of Nathaniel Thomp- son's shipping goods from Barbadoes on the sloop Nancy (his brother, James Thompson, captain) , consigned to Benjamin Mathes and Jonathan Thompson, Jr., of Piscataqua. These four men all belonged in Durham.
So constant was our intercourse with Barbadoes in early times that even official letters to and from Eng:- land were sometimes despatched by way of that island. {N. H. Prov. Pap., 17: 601.)
But in these days the island of Barbadoes, with which we once held such close commercial relations, is chiefly known to us through Captain Cuttle's famous nautical song :
" For the Port of Barbadoes, boys ! Cheerily ! Leaving old England behind us, boys ! Cheerily!"
Barnes's Island. This is a little island near the eastern shore of Oys- ter river, not far above the mouth. It now belongs to Mr. J. S. Chesley. It is referred to July 5, 1643, when Valentine Hill had a grant of land extending " from a creek over against Thomas Stevenson's, at Oyster river, that hath an island in the moxith of it. to the head of that creek in Roy all's cove," etc. The present name was given it early this century by the boatmen on the river, who left one of their mates, nick-named " Capt. Barnes," on this island, and he was forced to swim ashore. It is some- times called Badge's island.
Barrington Oak. This name is given to the present boundary tree at the Barrington terminus of the line between Lee and Madbury. It is a white oak, which stands where the roads from these three towns meet, at the side of the highway adjacent to the old Pinkham land, now be- longing to Mr. Laban Emerson. Bar- rington oak seems to have sprung up since the line between Barrington and Madbury was perambulated Dec. 28, 1801. According to the Madbury records, the dividing line at that time ran to the western corner of Madbury, about one rod north-west of an apple- tree in Mr. Richard Pinkham's or- chard.
Bartlett's Falls. This name is given on the state map of Lee,^ in 1803, to a dam just below the Little river saw-mill, in Lee, where Josiah Bartlett of Haverhill, Mass., ac- quired a grist-mill privilege May 3,
'Antipas Boyes (or Boj'ce) and Hannah Hill were married in Boston by Gov. John Endicott, Jan. 24, 1659.
-The so called " state maps," mentioned in this work, belong to the valuable collection of maps in the state-house at Concord, N. H.
i6
Landma7'ks in Ancient Dover.
1774. {^&e Thompson's Falls.) An- other Josiah Bartlett, in his will of 1858, gives his son Alfred his mill and mill privilege on " Little river stream." This was lower down.
Bartlett's Hill. This name is sometimes given to the hill at the upper side of Little river mill, where the cellar of the Bartlett house can still be traced. It is otherwise called Thompson's Hill. On the top was once a whip-saw pit, owned by a Follet.
Bartlett's Spring. Mentioned in the report of the Great Falls commit- tee for the suiiply of water, Dec. 2, 1890. It is on land now owned by Mr. Bartlett, on the way from Great Falls to Rochester, below Tate's brook.
Bay Hill. Mentioned Nov. 28, 1679, when Lieut. Walter Neale con- firmed unto George Huntress the right to a tract of land in Greenland, upon Y hill called Bay Hill., on the west side of John ffilbrook's land, beginning at a white oak on the top of said hill. This hill is at the west of Mr. J. C. "Weeks' farm, a quarter of a mile from the Great Bay shore, on the highway to Greenland village.
Bay Side. This name, in a re- stricted sense, is given to that part of the Great Bay shore in Greenland, above the mouth of Winnicot river. It is also given to the neighboring railway station. A "school at Bay side" is mentioned in 1787, at which time the master was Clement Weeks, a o;raduate of Harvard Colleo;e.
Bean's Point. See Stepheri's Point.
Beard's Creek. This is the first in- let on the north side of Oyster river below Durham Falls. The name is derived from Wm. Beard, who was
living at Oyster River, June 16, 1640, when he conveyed to Francis Ma- thews his house and land, " situate, lying, and being in Oyster river, next adjoining y'" land of Darbey field."
This creek is mentioned in 1660, when John Woodman had a grant of twenty acres " at the head of Wil- liam Beard's creek." (See Stony Brook.) And again in 1663, when Benjamin Mathes conveyed land to John Woodman on " the west side of Wm. Beard's creek."
There was a public landing-place at the head of Beard's creek as early as 1689, in which year a road was laid out from it extending to Newtown. The town of Durham conveyed this landing-place to Jonathan Woodman in 1779. (See Brown's Hill.) This creek is often called " Woodman's creek" in the Durham records, being partly bordered by the land attached to Woodman's garrison. (See Beard's Garrison.)
The bridge on the turnpike road across Beard's creek, near the mouth, is called in the town recor?ls by vari- ous names, according to the owner of the adjacent land, such as Steele's bridge, Kingman's bridge, and now Coe's bridge.
Beauty Hill. This hill is in Bar- rington, north-east of Bodge's pond. Said to have been so named from the number of rustic belles in that vicin- ity at one period.
Beaver Dams. The most noted beaver dam in ancient Dover was at Bellamy Hook, a little above the mouth of the Mallego. It is men- tioned in 1659, when Thomas Wig- oin's grant of 200 acres was laid out on a branch of Bellamy river, " neare y^ Great Beaver Dam."
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
17
Thomas Edgerly, Jr., March 19, 1693-4, had a grant of five acres of fresh marsh " on the uorth side of y' marsh Will Tasker and Ju". Derry hath cleared above y** great beaver dain," which was confirmed to him Ap. 2, 1694. Twenty acres of fresh marsh were granted John Derry and William Tasker, July 14, 1703, above the great beaver dam on Bella- my's bank river, where the s*^ Derry and Tasker hath cleared, beginning at a tree near the beaver dam on the south side of said river.
John Davis, Sr., conveyed to Sam- uel Chesley, Ap. 26, 1719, five acres of fresh marsh " above Great Beaver Damm," originally granted to Thomas Edgerly, March 19, 1693-4. Samuel Chesley conveyed this marsh, that same day, to Eli and John Demerit, Samuel Davis, and others, evidently for the benefit of the mill built not long after at Bellamy Hook. (See De- merit's Mill.)
This was no doubt called " Great " Beaver Dam in order to distinguish it from a smaller beaver dam a little further up the Bellamy, just above Ricker's bridge, and immediately be- low the so called Deep Hole, which is a hollow in the channel of the river, noted as a favorable place for catch- ing perch, pickerel, and shiners.
There are traces of several beaver dams in Durham, the most perfect of which is near the head of Beard's creek, beneath the tongue of land where the Woodmans are buried.
There was also a beaver dam in the south-western part of Lee, near North river. (See Beaver Brook and Pond.)
Mention is made of a beaver dam in Somersworth, Oct. 21, 1734, when 20 acres of land were laid out to Eb-
enezer Wentworth " where he then dwelt, above the beaver dam, near the lower end oi Peter's Marsh, so called, by the brook." And, March 23, 1736, 20 acres were laid out to Samuel Walton, " beginning at a black ash in a maple swamp, near east from the heaver dam that is on the brook that cometh through Peter's marsh." This large beaver dam was near Mr. Thomas Ranlet's, where that part of Peter's Marsh brook, now called "Tate's brook," is crossed by the road from Great Falls.
The remains of another beaver dam are still to be seen in Rollinsford, on the east side of Fresh creek, above the road to Eliot.
The great number of beavers in N. H. in early times, especially in the vicinity of the Newichawannock, is evident from the amount killed in the course of a few months in the year 1633, as shown by the accounts of Ambrose Gibbons. {N. H. Prov. Pap., 1 : 71-2 and 2 : 558.) It is not surprising that these interesting ani- mals were speedily exterminated.
Beaver Brook, Beaver Pond, and Beaver Pond Meadow. Beaver pond is mentioned March 5, 1729-30, when ten acres of swamp, granted to James Thomas in 1701, " up above Little river, at a place QaWeA Beaver Pound," were laid out to Ebenezer Smith. And three score acres of upland and meadow, granted to Roger Rose, were laid out to John Smith May 13, 1726, beginning at a white ash tree on the south side of "a meadow called the bever Pond medoiu; " thence ruur ning N. W. by N. 60 rods, to a ma- ple ; then S. W. by W. 22 rods, " where the two brooks meet in the medow," etc.
i8
Landmarks in Ancient Dover
Beaver pond, formed by the over- flow of the beaver dam below, is do loEi2;er to be seen, but the meadow where it stood is iu the south-western part of Lee, between the site of Fox garrison and North river. This mead- ow seems to have been acquired last century by Ephraim Davis and John Sias. It now belongs to Mr. Kener- sou and Mr. B. F. Lang. It was drained by Beaver brook, which was the outlet of the pond. The beaver dam was on this brook, about ten rods from the old Sias house. A spring, about 30 rods from the house, is still called the Sias spring.
Two brooks are mentioned above. One of them is now dry most of the year, and has no name. The other is Beaver brook, which flows from the meadow to the boundary line of Lee and Nottingham, where it receives Davis's brook, that rises back of Mr. Obadiah Davis's house. It then runs half a mile northerly — contrary to the direction of the other brooks in this vicinity — crosses the Kelsey meadow in Nottingham and empties into Pea Porridge brook, which, a hundred rods beyond, empties into Little river.
Beck's Point and Slip. Beck's Slip was a landing-place at Beck's point, on Fore river. This point is mentioned July 2, 1718, when Wm. Parker, of Portsmouth, conveyed to Nicholas Harford a dwelling-house and four acres of land on Dover Neck, beginning at a landing-place commonly called Beck's p>oint, and extending west by the highway side to y* high street, then south by y* street to Samuel Haines' land, thence
east by Haines' land down to y^ fore river.
A road was laid out March 16, 1721-22, from high street to Beck's slip, no doubt to facilitate access to Harford's ferry, which Nicholas Har- ford in 1717 had been licensed to run from this slip to Kittery — that is, to the opposite shore ; for Kittery then extended up the Newichawannock, and included the present town of Eliot and the Berwicks.
Thomas Gushing of Boston, and Mercy, his wife, Aug. 23, 1736, con- veyed to Capt. John Gage five acres of land, with buildings, etc., bought of Nicholas Harford, on the east side of Dover Neck, lying be- tween the land of Joseph Roberts and y" highway that leads down to y* landing-place commonly called Beck's slip, bounded westerly by the main road over Dover Neck down to Hilton's Point, northerly by Rob- erts' land, south by the highway from said main road to said landing-place, and easterly by Fore river, running from the river to the main road, in- cluding a strip four rods wide running along the river from said highway to the wharf on the river side, built by said Harford ; with the privilege of the Ferry from said landing-place over to Kittery Shore.
Beck's Point was so named from Henry Beck of the Dover Combina- tion of 1640. He seems to have set- tled in Portsmouth. "Henry Beck of Sagamore Creek in y'^ town of Portsmouth, planter" and Ann, his wife, are mentioned iu the county records at Exeter, Sept. 1, 1668.^
1 Henry Beck was the ancestor of Theodore Eomeyn Beck, the author of Beck's Botany and several works on medical jurisprudence.
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
19
The lancliug-place at Beck's slip and Harford's ferry, afterwards Mor- rill's ferry, is now owned by Mr. Geo. W. Ford.
Beech Hill. This hill is on the confines of Durham, Lee, and Mad- bury. It is mentioned the 4th, 9 mo., 1652, when Philip Chesley had a grant of 100 acres, one half of which was laid out in 1661 " att a place called the Indian graves., on the west side of heacli hill." Twelve score acres of laud were granted Capt. John Woodman and his sons, John and Jouathau, March 19, 1693-4, "on y* south side of beach Hill and so down to the swamp." (Follet's Swamp.) Part of this land is now owned by Mr. Moses Gilmau Wood- man, a direct descendant of Capt. John Woodman.
When Lee was separated from Durham, Jau. 17, 1766, the line of division began at Paul Chesley's house at Beech hill. When the bounds were perambulated in 1798, the line began at the place " where the house of Paul Chesley stood."
The name of Beech Hill is still re- tained, though the beech trees from which it was no doubt derived have all disappeared.
Bellamy Bank River or Freshet, otherwise Bellamy River. This river rises at Chesley's lower pond, now Swayne's, in Barriugton (See Chesley's Ponds), and flows into Madbury, where it is joined by the Mallego at Bellamy Hook. Below the Barbadoes region it receives Church's brook, after which it passes through the Bellamy district in Dover. At the head of tide water it takes the name of " Back river " and flows along the west side of Dover
Neck, and finally empties into the Pascataqua river.
Dr. Ham of Dover ascribes the name of Bellamy to William Bellew, who, in 1644, owned a house and twenty acres of land on the north side of this stream, which he sold to Christopher Lawsou. His name is otherwise written Ballew. " William Ballew " is the witness of a deed from Thomas Larkham to Wm. Walderne, Sept. 13, 1642. {N. H. Prov. Pap., 1:163.) "AVilliara Ballew" is also one of the petitioners concerning Wm. Walderne's estate, Oct. 27, 1647. {Ihid., 1 : 188-9.) " Will Bel- lew" is a witness to a deed from "Darby ffield" to John Bickford July 17, 1645. He is apparently the "Mr. Bellev " who had a grant of six acres in Cochecho marsh in 1648. As his name does not appear in the Dover rate-list of that year, this grant was no doubt made in view of his for- mer rights, and belonged to his as-
signee.
The derivation of the name of Bel- lamy river from Wm. Ballew is doubt- ful. He was a petty land-owner for a brief period, and has left no proof of his importance but the " Mr." prefixed to his name in one or two instances. Besides, Wm. Ballew's land seems not to have been on the fresh part of the stream to which the name of Bellamy has always been confined, but lower down, on the part called " Back river."
" The fifth of September, Anno Domi, 1644, William Bellew soulde [sold] his house situate in Dover, with y* appurtenances, unto Christopher Lawson, with twenty acres of land on ye back river, and thirty pounds
20
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
in goods, for thirty thousand of pine staves to be paid the first of August, 1646, etc. {County Records^ Exeter.)
The supposition that Belleman's Bank is a contraction of " Bellew- man's Bank " is therefore hardly ad- missible. Besides, Belleman's Bank was certainly not the original name of this stream. The earliest form of the name was undoubtedly Bellamies Bank, greatly varied as to ortho- graphy. It is so called as early as 1648, the very year Wm. Ballew had a grant of six acres in Cochecho marsh. "Belleman's Bank" is men- tioned in 1658. It is evidently a corruption, and one that is ignoble to the ear. It is, however, frequently found in the old records. It is called " Bellamy's Bank'' Oct. 17, 1683, by Major Richard Waldron, who was at Dover in the time of "Wm. Ballew, and may be considered indisputable authority as to the name. The word " Bank " was perhaps added to the name of the plantation here in imita- tion of " Strawberry Bank " at the mouth of the Pascataqua.
A different origin of the name is suggested by the term of "ye old planting -ground " ^ in the following deed : Thomas Beard of Dover,. Aug. 6, 1654, conveyed to Richard Wal- drou a quarter part of the saw-mill (on Bellamy river), with all the iron works, ropes, wheels, and all imple- ments and housings, with all the logs
and the grant of timber by the town, and likewise ye old planting-ground, commonly called Bellemies Bank, with 20 acres more, granted by the town of Dover. (See Bellamy Falls.)
There were, however, people of the name of Bellamy in New England as early as 1644, when mention is made of John Bellamy of New Haven, merchant, who two years later was lost at sea, on his way to London. Mathew Bellamy of New Haven is mentioned in 1658, and again in 1675, when he had a grant of land at Say- brook, Conn.
Bellamy Bank, as a locality, is men- tioned May 31, 1675, when the com- mons above Little .John's creek were set apart "on y*^ west side of y* way y' goes to Belamyes bank."
The disuse of the word " Bank" is ascribed to Wm. Hale after he ac- quired the falls next above Sawyer's mills. The name of Bellamy is now given to the district around these falls, as well as to the falls them- selves.
Bellamy Falls and Mills. The first falls in the Bellamy river are at the outlet of Swayne's pond in Bar- rington, where a reservoir dam was erected for the benefit of Sawyer's mills in 1863-4, and enlarged in 1881. The land here was conveyed by Elijah Austin to Isaac Wendell Oct. 28, 1823, for the Great Falls Manufacturing Company, which se-
1 " Old planting-ground " was an expression generally applied to the land planted by the Indians. " RunacxvitVs old planting-ground " in Kittery is mentioned in the York records. The " Sqtiammagonake old planting-ground " is mentioned in 1686, in a deed from Hoope Whood and other Indian sagamores to Peter Coffin. " MahenniVs planting-ground " in the Pack- er's Falls district, Durham, is mentioned Oct. 9, 1735. (See Pendergast Garrison.) Andrew Wiggin of Quam.scot conveyed to Joshua Bracket, Sept. 1, 1719, a tract of land " bounded att a clump of trees standing in a piece of old planting -ground nearly forty rods below Sandj' Point, beginning- at a stake in a piece of the old Indian ground 15 rods from high-water mark, about 40 rods below Sandy Point." Other instances might be given of the Indian corn-grounds, which were generally near the falls or some other important point on the rivers.
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
21
cured all the water powers on the Bellamy in 1823-24, now controlled by the proprietors of Sawyer's mills.
Just below the reservoir dam are HalVs mills, consisting of a saw-mill on the lower side, run by water power, and a steam mill on the other side for axe handles, etc. About a mile below are Mr. Israel Pierce's saxo-mill and grist-mill, which former- ly belonged to Jonathan Young. These mills are in Harrington. The uppermost mill within the limits of ancient Dover stood at Bellamy Hook, in Madbury, where a dam was built by Ely Demerit in 1719. This mill is now gone. (See Demerits Mill.)
A short distance below the Hook once stood a mill for a brief period, built by Samuel Davis.
At the next falls were the Gerrish mills, also in Madbury. The river here flows between two steep hills. On the south side, below the bridge, was a grist-mill, and on the opposite bank a saw-mill. (See Oerrish's Mill.)
Between Gerrish's mill and the present Boston & Maine railway bridge was a saw-mill on the Hayes land, built a century ago at least. It was burned down Nov. 10, 1853, at which time it belonged to Mr. Oliver Hayes.
Fui'ther down was another saw- mill, long since removed. The water privilege here was owned by the Hayes family in 1825, when the old mill-site is stated to be half a mile above Col. Samuel Dudley's factory.
which was at the chief falls in the Bellamy district.
About fifty rods above Dudley's falls once stood a " day" saw-mill, owned by the neighboring farmers, but the fall is no longer perceptible, having been overflowed by the raising of the dam below after the Dudley privilege was acquired by Mr. Richard- son. This mill appears to have stood onthe Hanson land, perhaps part of the tract mentioned Sept. 22, 1755, when Paul and Mary Gerrish, of the parish of Madbury, conveyed to Solomon Hanson a tract of 40 acres, 96 rods, in Dover, on the north side of Belle- min's Bank river, being part of y* land commonly called Beard's hun- dred acres, beginning at a considera- ble fall in said river. ^ It extended from Ensign Joseph Beard's land to the river, and the conveyance in- cluded " the sole privilege of s** fall " on the north side of the river.
The chief falls in the Bellamy dis- trict have been called by various names, according to the different owners of this water privilege. A complete account of their mills would occupy too much space for this work. Among them mav be mentioned Dud- ley's, Watson's, Richardson's, and Hale's mills. A saw-mill and grist- mill stood here Aug. 11, 1826, when the bridge between them, called Dwd- ley's bridge, was swept away. This bridge was so named from Col. Sam- uel Dudley, who once had a mill on the south side for woollen cloths, carding, and machinery. He after- wards sold this factorv to Daniel
1 Thomas Beard's 100-acre grant adjoined the 100 acres southward of Capt. Waldron's log swamp, conveyed by Henry Nock, Feb. 18, 1718-19, to John Hanson and Thomas Hanson, Jr. (See Nock's Marsh.)
22
Landmarks in Ancient Dover
Watsou, who converted it into a grist- mill. At a later day it was used for other purposes, and was finally ac- quired by Mr. Augustus Richardson toward the middle of this century. A grist-mill now stands here, owned by the proprietors of Sawyer's mills.
The mill privilege on the opposite side of the river was leased for four- teen years to Nathaniel Watson, Jan. 15, 1830, by Stephen, Abijah, Mar- tha, and Anna Hanson. Watson's mill is mentioned Ap. 3, 1839, when Stephen and Abijah Hanson conveyed to Augustus Eichardson a tract of six acres, beginning at the division of the roads to Lee, Dover, and the Bellamy district ; also another parcel of laud, known as Watson'' s mill priv- ilege on said river, which tract was a square, measuring nine rods each way, beginning in the centre of said river, four rods below the dam, and thence running up the centre nine rods, and turning to the right, at right angles, and running nine rods, and so on, till the square was com- pleted, being all the land owned by the said Hanson, on the north side of the river, or between the river and the Lee road ; the saw-mill standing on the tract last described being ex- cepted from the sale. This was of course the mill leased to Watson.
The Great Falls Manufacturing Co. acquired control of the water power in the Bellamy district by various purchases in 1823-24. In a deed from Jesse Varney (who had obtained a part of the old Dudley privilege) to Isaac Wendell, agent of the above Company, Ap. 2, 1823, mention is made of the cotton factory at Bellamy. This was the Hanson factory^ built by Zaccheus Hanson,
father of the above Stephen and Abi- jah, at a dam just below Dudley's falls, where the present §aw-mill stands. It was bought and removed by Alfred I. Sawyer in 1832. The saw- mill here was erected some years later by Mr. Augustus Richardson, who acquired the whole water privi- lege at Bellamy by various deeds be- tween 1839 and 1850. . He also had a grist-mill, and established other works.
Richardson's mills and privilege were acquired by Wm. Hale b}' dif- ferent conveyances. The final one seems to have been in 1867. A few years later he conveyed them to the proprietors of Sawyer's mills. There are still two dams here. At the up- per one, the old Dudley privilege, is a grist-mill on the south side of the river. At the lower dam, where the cotton factory once stood, is a saw- mill on the north side. The highway passes between these two mills.
The remaining falls in the Bellamy are below Libbey's bridge, now Saw- yer's bridge. They are three in num- ber. A grist-mill stood at the upper falls, near the bridge, before 1711, when the road from Lamprey river to Salmon Falls is mentioned as running past Field's garrison to " Capt. Ger- rish's grist-mill as y* way now goes to Cochecho." (N. H. Prov. Pap., 17 : 710.) It is again spoken of in 1735, as will be seen below. At the beginning of this century it was own- ed by Benjamin Libbey.' Libbey's mill and bridge are often mentioned in the Dover records. Enoch Libbey conveyed to Andrew Pierce, March 22, 1822, ''a certain mill privilege and grist-mill owned and occupied by my late father Benjamin Libbey ; also
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
23
the whole right I have of erecting a dam on the southerly side of said river, on said privilege, and below the same," with the understanding that any overflow or damage done by erecting a dam below said privilege should be paid for. This purchase was made for the Great Falls Man. Co. The privilege here was leased to Alfred I. Sawver in 1824. He gave notice July 27, 1824, that on the 1st of September following, he should "carry on the business of cloth- dressing at the place formerly known as Lihhey's mills." He also ran the grist-mill, and a few years later es- tablished a flannel mill. He bought the rights of the Great Falls Man. Co. in 1845. After his death in 1849 the business was continued by his brothers. In 1858 they purchased the Moses mill at the lower falls, so named from C. C. P. Moses, who bought this privilege from the Great Falls Man. Co. in 1845, and built on the site of the Osborne foundry a paper-mill, which he converted into a flannel mill in 1855. From these two woollen mills have sprung up, through the able management of the Messrs. Sawyer, the present extensive manu- factories of fine cloths and suitings. Their company was incorporated in 1873. There are three dams at Saw- yer's mills. The lowest has a fall of 20 ft. and 80 horse power. This is at the head of tide water, to which point barges and small schooners can ascend Back river. The other two dams have a fall of 12 ft. and 50 horse power.
The earliest saw-mill on the Bella- my is supposed to have stood at the head of tide water. The falls here were granted to John Dam, Thomas
Lay ton, and Wm. Pomfrett the 23d, 8 mo., 1649, but were afterwards acquired by Thomas Beard, Wm. Follet, Thomas Layton, and Philip Lewis. Thomas Layton conveyed his quarter part of the saw-mill here to Richard Waldrou, Ap. 8, 1653. Thomas Beard and wife Mary, con- veyed to Waldron his portion Dec. 6, 1654, together with '■'■ye old idanting ground commonly called JBellemies Bank;" Philip Lewis conveyed his quarter June 4, 1657 ; and Wm. Fol- let of Oyster River his part, Ap. 27, 1675. The entire mill and water ^^ privilege here, having been thus acquired by Major Waldron, he gave half of it as a marriage portion to his daughter Elizabeth, wife of John Gerrish, which gift he ratified by an indenture of Oct. 17, 1683, confirm- ing unto John Gerrish of Bellamy's Bank one half of said mills, together with a moiet}' of all housings, lands, tenements, meadows, marshes, pas- tures, gardens, woods, swamps, water courses, mills, dams, head weirs, ponds, fishing, fowling ways, profits, privileges, rights, commonages, he- reditaments, emoluments, and appui'- tenances, to him, his heirs, and assigns forever.
John Gerrish afterwards acquired the whole privilege. Here stood the Gerrish mills of early times, near which was no doubt the Gerrish gar- rison. These mills and the privilege were inherited by his sons. Col. Tim- othy Gerrish of Kittery, and Col. Paul Gerrish of Dover, who, Oct. 28, 1735, made a division of the land and water privilege left them undi- vided by their honored father, John Gerrish, Esq. A line was drawn, beginning at a certain rock about
H
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
four rods from the southerly end of the bridge over Belleman's Bank river, on y* westerly side of the road y' leads over said bridge to Durham, theuee running W. S. W. 64 rods to another marked rock, then S. S. W. 148 rods to a beech tree. It was agreed that all the land on the easterly side of the above line should belong to said Timothy, and that on the westerly side to said Paul. It was moreover agreed that " the privilege of y^ falls where the gristmill now stands upon Belleman's Bank river shall remain in partnership within y^ compass of s*^ Timothy's land down to the flow- ing of the tide, and y' y* Ch'eat Falls in y* s*^ river, above y* s** gristmill Pond, lying within y* compass of s** Paul Gerrish's land shall remain to said Paul's own use."
Andrew Gerrish, Dec. 1, 1753, con- veyed to Mr. Jonathan Gushing, clerk, ten acres on the east side of Back river, a little below the lower- most falls, where he then had a saw- mill standing, beginning at the river, by the highway that leads across said river below the aforesaid sawmill, thence running down the river 55 rods to Capt. John Winget's land, then E. S. E. by said Winget's land to the road that leads from Dover Neck to Cochecho, etc.
Bellamy Bank Pond. This name is given to Barbadoes pond June 23, 1701, in a grant of land to Edward Evans. (See Ash Swamp.)
Bellamy Hook. This Hook is in Madbury. It is a deep bend in the Bellamy river at the mouth of the Mallego. (See Demerit's Mill.)
Bennet's Crossing. This crossing is on the Boston and Maine R. R., between the Durham and Newmarket
stations. It is so called from John and Eleazar Bennet, owners of th€ adjacent land, and descendants of Abraham Bennick of Lubberland. (See Goddard's Garrison.)
Betel's Point, otherwise Beetle's. This name is given to Ragg's Pt., on the Newingtou shore of the Long Reach, March 15, 1731-2, when James Rawlins and " Rebeck," his mother, and Deborah, his wife, con- veyed to Josiah Downing a tract of land by y^ main river at a certain Point commonly called or known by y* name of Beetle's Point or Ragg^s Point, between y^ land of Capt. John Downing and y^ laud of Samuel Raw- lings, being the whole breadth of James Rawlins' land fronting on the salt water, running up from y* water side into the land of said James, and carrying the whole breadth upward until three acres be accomplished. When this land was conveyed to Jonathan Battishall by Josiah Down- ing, June 25, 1737, the line began "at the main river at Betel's Point or Bagg's Poiiit."
Joshua Downing conveyed to Na- thaniel Mendum of Portsmouth, June 12, 1744, a tract of 50 acres in New- ingtou, bounded easterly by the Pas- cataqua river, southerly by y* lauds of Jon'' Batteshall and Sam' Rowlings, dec*^, westerly by y^ road y* leads to Bloody Point, and northerly by the land of Richard Downing.
Capt. Tho' Tibbetts of Dover (aged 88 years) testified about 1750 that ever since his remembrance the Point of land where Jonathan Battishal's dwellino;-house then stood in Newing- ton was commonly called and known by the name of Jeffry Ragg's Point. (N. H. Town Pajiers, XII: 715.)
Landmarks in Ancient Dover
25
Betel's point was ou the shore of the Rollins land, just below Patter- son's lane. The name is apparently a contraction of Battishall. (See Ragg's Point.)
Bickford's Point. Mention is made of " the poynt whearon John Bickford now dweleth," the 7th, 4 mo., 1675. The road from Oyster river falls to BickforcVs Poynt is mentioned in a grant to Nicholas ffollett, laid out Ap. 11, 1694. This road is spoken of in a deed from John Downing to Benjamin Mathes, Sept. 7, 1738, as " y^ highway y' leads from y^ falls to y® ferry called Bickford's Ferry." The Durham rec- ords, Aug. 15, 1754, mention " the highway from Bickford's point to Durham falls."
Bickford's Point was on the shore of Little Bay, near the mouth of Oys- ter river, where the Bickford garrison once stood. It is novr owned by Jer- emiah Langley, Esq.
Big River. The people of South Lee sometimes give this name to the neighboring part of Lamprey river, no doubt to distinguish it from Little river, which in some old deeds is called " Lamprey little river."
Birch Point. A point of this name, on the shore of Goddard's creek, is mentioned June 15, 1734, when Abraham Bennick of Durham conveyed to Joseph Chesley and Elea- zar Bennick " twent}' acres in that part of Durham called Luhherland, adjacent to the Luhberland Marshes, beginning at a red oak by y' side of y* marsh over against Burch Point, near where y* fence now stands, and runs N. N. E. over y* old Shop Hill, strait over a large flat rock marked J. E. until it comes to y* path used
to go from Lubberland to y" lower falls, which is near four rods over said rock, from thence to run strait to ye old garrison seller [no doubt the cellar of the Goddard garrison] near E. S. E. — thence strait to a great rock marked J. E. which stands by y' path w'' goes to ye landing place, thence to Perkins his salt marsh," and thence to the first bound. This Birch Point is mentioned twice in a deed of Ap. 19, 1745, from Nathaniel Doe to Ralph Cross. (See Doe' s Neck.)
Another Birch Point is on the Newington shore of, the Pascataqua river, below Bloody Point. (See Pine Point.)
Black Hall. Mentioned in the Durham records, July 2, 1740, when a highway was laid out, beginning at a pitch-pine tree standing near the mast way on the south side of the spruce swamp (on Lee Hill), and then running along the old way till it comes to the way that goes to Black- hall, then along that way to the head of the town. Blackball is near the head of Marston's mill-pond, in Not- tingham, and perhaps was so named in contradistinction to Whitehall in Rochester, to which a road led at the other side of ancient Dover.
Blacksnake Hill. This hill is in Durham, on the north side of " Oys- ter River freshet," between the Mast road and the B. & M. railroad. It is a part of the farm of the late Ben- jamin Thompson.
Blackwater Brook and Marsh. Blackwater brook rises in the south- ern part of Rochester, flows through the north-western part of Somers- worth into Dover, and empties into the river Cochecho above Hussey's falls. There have been two saw-mills
26
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
on this brook in the course of the present century. The first one was owned and operated by Isaac Twom- bly, and the other by his son Allen, but neither of them is now standing.
Blackwater bridge, otherwise called Mast bridge because on the Mast road to Whitehall, is mentioned June 23, 1701, in a grant of 30 acres to Tris- tram Heard. That same day Paul Went worth had a grant of 15 acres of marsh " on the west side of black water marsh." A petition was made to the town of Dover, May 3, 1739, for a road to be laid out " from Scat- terwitt, so called, through Black water woods near Long hill to the Rochester line." Blackwater, as a locality, is often mentioned in the early records, and this name is still given to one of the school districts in Dover.
Blind Will's Neck. This is a point of land in the south-west part of Rochester, near the Dover line, formed by the junction of the Coche- cho and Isinglass rivers. It was here that a friendly Indian sagamore named Blind Will was killed in March, 1677, having been sent with a scout- ing-party by Major Waldrou to watch the movements of some hostile In- dians, who fell suddenly upon the party and killed the greater part. This neck is mentioned March 17, 1736, when Samuel Tibbets conveyed to his son Ichabod a part of his second division in Rochester, " at a place called Blind Will's Neck, lying on y* S. W. of a marsh commonly called Long marsh." And again Dec. 3, 1745, when Jonathan Young of Dover conveyed to his sou Jona- than a tract of land " at Blind Will's Neck, at or near two marshes called
Long marsh and Cheat Marsh.'" Hum- phrey Hanson conveyed to his brother Ephraim, Oct. 8, 1765, "three acres at Blind Will's Neck, so called, in Rochester, on y" very S. E. point of said Neck, nearly opposite the mouth of Blackwater brook, joining partly to the Isinglass portion of the river, and partly to the Squommouo- gonnock branch," being the land he purchased of John Smith Ap. 27, 1739.
Bloodsucker's Pond. (See Par- sonage Pond.)
Bloody Corner. This name has long been given by the popular voice to the corner at the intersection of Washington, Green, and Orange streets, in Great Falls village.
Bloody Point. This name was given as early as 1633 to a neck of land between the Long Reach and the western branch of the Pascataqua river, which for eighty years formed part of ancient Dover. The lower bound of this neck originally extended from Canney or Kenney's creek, on the shore of the Long Reach, to Hog- sty Cove at the mouth of the Great Bay. Nearly a year after Bloody Point was made a separate parish, its name was changed to Neioington by Gov. Joseph Dudley. This was done May 12, 1714. {N H. Prov. Pap., 3: 562.)
The story generally related to ac- count for the name of Bloody Point seems ridiculously inadequate to an appellation of such tragical import. But the real history, too long to be given here, is not of a mere blood- less encounter between Neale and Wiggin in 1632, but of a far more serious contest about rival patents, that involved the title to all the lands along the Pascataqua. Capt. Wiggin,
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
27
from the first, was devoted to the in- terests of Massachusetts Bay, which sought control over New Hampshire. Capt. Neale, who was Mason's attor- ney, was strongly opposed to the pretensions of Massachusetts. Their conflict, therefore, was not wholly personal, but represented the strife of contending parties. The Bloody Point region was a kind of debatable ground — a border land between Straw- berry Bank and Hilton's Point, along whose pleasant shores the members of both factions were disposed to lay out lands for themselves ; and their alarm, their sanguinary mood, and their resolution to defend their claims, are all embodied in the name they gave this point as a perpetual defiance to those who would dispossess them — a name far better suited to their temper of mind than to the actual encounter between Walter Neale and Thomas Wio-giu.
The Indian massacre, to which some writers ascribe the name of Bloody Point, from a popular tradi- tion in Newington, if it ever took place at all, must have occurred too long after this name had been given it to be worthy of any consideration.
The early settlers at Bloody Point gave this name, in a restricted sense, to the projection directly opposite Hilton's Point, now the Newington terminus of the bridge across the Pascataqua from Dover Point. A little to the west is the old landins:- place of Knight's ferry. This ferry is often called Bloody Point ferry in the early records. It is mentioned in the Diary of John Adams, after- wards President of the United States, who gives an account of a visit to his uncle, the Rev. Joseph Adams of
Newington, June 30, 1770. He says that after " a cheerful and agreeable dinner," he " then set off for York over Bloody Point ferry, and arrived at Woodbridge's half an hour after sun- set."
In connection with Bloody Point and Dover (once called Northam) it might be mentioned that a place near the village of Northam, Eug,, has for centuries been known by the name of the Bloody Corner, from a fight with the Danes which occurred there in the reign of King Alfred.
Bloody Point Plains. Mentioned Dec. 19, 1685. (See Pitch Pine Plains.)
Boiling Rock. This ancient bound is in the Pascataqua river, off the Eliot shore, above the Narrows. It is mentioned May 26, 1656, when the division of the Squamscot Patent was made — the first division of which comprised " all the land from Bloody Point unto the hoyling Rock for breadth." President Cutt, in his will of 1680, speaks of his thirteen acres at Boyling Rock, bought of Jaffrey Currier.
Boom. The Rev. John Pike, in his journal, speaks of Mr. Waldrou's "coming over the Boom" April 28, 1704. This boom was a floating bridge on the Cochecho river, "• by Col. Waldron's, above the falls." It was made of three or four pieces of hewn timber laid side by side, wide enough for horses and cattle to pass over in file ; but teams were obliged to ford the river below the falls. (See N. H. Town Pap., XI : 540.) The falls here referred to are in Dover city.
There was a boom across Lamprey river in early times, as well as on the
28
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
Cochecho. Dec. 15, 1712, the town of Dover voted to give twenty-five pounds " for building a hoo'tn over Lampereel river." A tract of twenty- five acres adjoining this part of the river then belonged to Philip Chesley, who sold it to Joseph Duda, reserv- ing for himself four rods for a high- way from ye, country hoom over Lam- per river on the north side, down to the mill, and one fourth of an acre adjoining said mill, for lauding logs. Before this boom was built, there was a ferry across the river. In 1671 Philip Crommet was licensed to keep a ferr}' across Lamprey river, at the rate of two pence for each person, and six pence for man and horse.
There seem to have been two booms, at least, on the Newichawan- nock. " The wppe?- hoom" there, is mentioned Aug. 9, 1731, as 60 rods north of Anthony's brook. Robert and Judith Cole, Sept. 28, 1731, con- veyed to Thomas Wallingford 8 acres of land, beginning at the pier of the u])per Boom, about half a mile above y* upper Salmon Falls mills, and thence extending up the river.
Brandy Rock. Mentioned in 1709, when a number of the inhabitants ^' living within the bounds of Quam- scott patent " (the part now called Stratham), but " never yet been joined to any town," petitioned the Governor and Council for the charter of a township, " beginning at a rock called Brandy Rock, near Sandy Point, and to run up to the River by the mouth of a creek called Wheel- wright's creek," etc. {N. H. Prov. Pap., 3 : 405-6.)
Brandy Rock is one of the bounds between Greenland and Stratham. It is a few rods above the Stratham railway-station, at the side of the road leading from the station to the main road to Exeter.
Branson's Creek. Mentioned the 10th, 8 mo., 1653, when Wm. Drew had a grant of 60 acres of upland on the north side of Branson's creek, join- ing his marsh next Thomas Willie's land. He afterwards assigned this land to his sou, Francis Drew.
Charles Adams had a neck of land granted him in 1656, on the south side of Branson's creek, bounded from the western branch upon a south line to the Great Bay. This land was conveyed to Joseph Kent Feb. 15, 1711-12, by Henry Nock and his wife Sarah, daughter of Charles Ad- ams. Jonas Bine had an " out lot ' in 1654, on the S. W. side of Brati- son's Creek, next Charles Adams' lot, and joining George Webb's,^ right over against a place called the hay stack. He sold this land to John Bickford and John Hill in 1668. It is called ''Brand's Krick," Oct. 9, 1691, when Francis Drew conveyed to Thomas Drew all his right to 60 acres belonging to the estate of his father, Wm. Drew, late of Dover, de- ceased.
The name of this creek was derived from Geo. Branson, whose name is on the Dover rate-list of 1648. He died before July 2, 1657, on which day certain jurymen were appointed, under oath, to inquire into the cause of his death. John Alte, who seems to have been the foreman, testified
1 George Smythe, administrator of the estate of Geo. Web, deceased, conveyed to Oliver Kente in 1651, " a messuage or tenement in Oyster River plantation, formerly in the possession of sd Geo. W^eb, but then in the tenure of sd Oliver Kent, containing by estimation one acre and a half."
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
29
" that BraDson went well out of his house, and he (Alte) went after him, and found Branson lying on the ground, crying that the bull had killed him, with one wound up to- wards his shoulders, and another against the small of his back, with his members all brook." {County Records, Exeter.)
John Alt and Richard York were appointed administrators of Bran- son's estate July 2, 16.57. Branson's creek is on the Durham shore of the Great Bay, and is now known as CrummWs creek. (See Long Creek.)
Breakneck Hill. This hill is south of Cole's pond in Somersworth, on the road from Rocky Hills to Great Falls, after it crosses Tate's brook. It is a mass of round cobble- stones dangerous for teams, and was so named, it is said, because an ox once fell, in descending it with a load, and broke his neck.
Bristol. This name was given to the settlement at Hilton's Point as early as 1633, and is mentioned on an old map of 1634. It was derived from the town of Bristol, England, whence came the first pioneers of New Hampshire. The explorers of the Pascataqua under Martin Priug in June, 1603, were sent over by the enterprising merchants of Bristol. The Hilton Point settlement of 1623 was also under their patronage. And they formed the greater part of the Plymouth Company, from whom Ed- ward Hilton obtained his patent of 1630, one of the promoters of which was Sir Ferdinaudo Gorges, who had a house at Bristol. " The Bristol men's plantation in Piscataqua" is
mentioned March 25, 1633, in a letter from Edward Howes of Loudon to Gov. John Wiuthrop of Massachu- setts.
The situation of Dover Point and Neck is not unlike that of Bristol, Eng., which stands on the ridge of a peninsula between the Avon and the Frome, and connected with the rest of Gloucestershire by a neck of land.
Broad Cove. This cove is on the Newington shore, between Fox Point and Stephen's Point, now Bean's. ^'- Broad Cove below foxe poynt" is mentioned in 1659, when a grant of land to Henry Langstar was laid out. (See Dumpling Cove.) And again Oct. 27, 1701, when the town voted there should be "a highway from Mr. Harrison's to broad cove freshett, and so to the highway from bloody poynt Road to Stepheri's poynt, or broad Cove, where it should be thought most fitt." (See Stephen's Point.) John Crockett conveyed to John Downing, July 6, 1719, house and land, on the road from Newing- ington meeting-house to Broad CovCy y® house standing on the left-hand side of the road as you go to the water side at Broad Cove; with an- other tract on the right-hand side of the road, joining said Dowuing's land at the north, and that of John and Richard Carter at the east or nortli- east, being part of the estate of his father, Joshua Crockett, deceased.^
Another Broad Cove is on the Lubberlaud shore of Great Bay, ad- jacent to the Smith lands. (See Red Rock.) It is mentioned Dec. 9, 1679, when John Alt's grant of 80 acres in the Great Bay was laid out, beginning
1 Joshua Crockett's wife was Sarah, daughter of Thomas Trickey.
30
Landmarks in Ancient Dover
at Richard Yorke's marked tree in the Broad cove, and ruuniug thence by the water side 40 rods towards Needom's Point. In the grant of this land to " John Olt," the 10th, 8 mo., 1653, this cove is spoken of as " the Great cove above Needom's Point." Mention is made of it July 17, 1705, when Roger Rose of Portsmouth con- veyed to John Smith land and houses at Lubberland, in the town of Dover, bought of John York, beginning at a great white oak 2 or 3 poles above York's marsh, in the creek commonly called Goddard's creek, then N. by E. 60 rods to the middle of a valley or gutter, thence to the N. E. bound tree marked R. Y. and then S. E. to a tree in the Broad Cove. This cove is again mentioned Ap. 19, 1757, when Eleanor (Stevenson) McCalvey, widow, conveyed to Joseph Footman all her rights to land between that of Footman and Pinder, extending along a channel to a great rock near the head of Broad Cove. (See Needliam'' s Cove and Point.)
There is a third Broad Cove on the Rollinsford shore of the Newicha- wannock river, mentioned March 27, 1701-2, when Jonas Hambleton con- veyed to Nicholas Waldron 20 acres of land at a place called broad cove, granted Thomas Young, bounded northerly by the lot of Joseph Jenk- ins ; easterly, at the lower end, by the Newichawannock river, where it measured 24 rods ; southerly by the lot of Jeremiah Tibbets, and westerly, at the upper end, by the lot of Thomas Roberts. John Haggins, of Berwick, admin"" of the estate of Daniel Hag- gins, conveyed to John Tibbets, June 24, 1805, 8 acres of thatch ground at a place called Broad cove, beginning
at Samuel Hussey's fence at high water mark, and running E. 2 deg. S. 32 rods, at low water mark in the Newichawannock river. The name has not been retained.
Broad Cove Creek or Freshet. Mentioned in 1659 as ^Hhe freshett that goeth into Broad Cove." (See Dumpling Cove.) Geo. Walton con- veyed to Eleazar Coleman, Feb. 27, 1718-19, 50 acres of land in Newing- ton, at a place called Broad Cove, bounded westerly by land of said Coleman, southerly by Wm. Shack- ford's, and northerly upon ye creek in broad cove, being all that parcel of land formerly Capt. Henry Lang- star's, except ten acres sold to Sam- uel and John Shackford. This brook is generally called Carter's brook, but often takes the name of the adjoin- ing proprietor. (See Carter's Brook.)
Broad Marsh. This marsh is in Durham, between Long marsh and the Moat. It is mentioned May 17, 1705, when Sarah Nutter, " widdo of Anthony Nutter, late of Dover, de- ceased," and their sons, John, Hat- euil, and Harry, sold Roger Roase (Rose) of Portsmouth, 128 acres be- tween Lampereel river falls and Oys- ter river falls, laid out to said An- thony Dec. 1, 1662. This land began at the north-east end of an island, evidently the Moat island, and in- cluded " all the Broad Marsh at y® end of y^ Long marsh," except two acres at the head of it laid out to Thomas ft'uttman. The whole tract included fifty acres of upland granted Hateuil Nutter, father of Anthony, in 1643, and sixty acres adjoining, afterwards given Anthony, on the south-east side of his marsh, extend- ina: to a " hollow near the lower end
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
31
of the moat," and up that hollow to the head of another marsh, no doubt Moharimet's.
A Broad marsh on the Greenland shore is mentioned Ap. 9, 1729. (See Wigwam Point.)
Broad Turn. Mentioned March 19, 1693-4, when Mark Giles had a grant of 20 acres " as near the Broad turn as may be." This grant was laid out May 30, 1702, on the south side of Barbadoes way, above the broad turn. The right of a highway four rods wide was reserved, to go through this land " from the broad turne into the ash swam^J." Ralph Twombley had a grant of 30 acres "near the broad turn in Cochecha swamp," March 19, 1693-4. It was laid out to Wm. Twombley, " succes- sor of Ralph Twombley, Jr., de- ceased," Nov. 4, 1702, on the N. E. side of the way from the Broad turn to Barbados. The bounds of the ancient cartway, five rods wide, that led from Tolend falls into the Co- cjiecho swamp, were renewed March
4, 1703-4, running on a W. by S. point, as the way then went, till it met with the other way that led " from broad turne into said swamp." John Haise conveyed to Ichabod Haise, Aug. 15, 1721, twenty acres of laud " in Dover, near Cochechoh, at a place called by y'' name of broad turn or Littleworth, bounded 40 rods by the highway, and 80 rods by Wm. Twombley's land on the N. E. and
5. W."
Brookin's Marsh. Mentioned Nov. 28, 1804, when Valentine Mathes conveyed to John Bunker two acres of upland, salt marsh, and thatch- bed, situate and lying in Durham, adjoining Jones's creek, and com-
monly called Brookin's Marsh, bound- ed north by Jacob Joy's land, west b}' the creek aforesaid, and southerly and easterly by said Bunker's land. This small marsh was so named from Wm. Brooking, who is mentioned Oct. 16, 1684, when Thomasine Ma- thews, relict of ffrancis Mathews of Oyster River, out of love and affec- tion to Will Brooking, y* son of God- ferie Brooking, deceased, her well beloved grandchild, conveyed to him three acres of upland and a parcel of marsh adjoining the north-east side of Johnson's creek, with half an acre on the S. W. side of said creek.
Godfrey Brooking was drowned at the Isles of Shoals Dec. 10, 1681, leaving a wife and four small chil- dren. Wm. ffollet of Oyster River calls Hannah Brooking, apparently the widow of Godfrey, his "daughter- in-law." (N. H. Prov. Pap., 17: 610.)
Wm. Brakiu is mentioned among the men sent over by Capt. John Mason in 1631.
Broth Hill. This is a well known height at the south end of Durham village, commanding a beautiful view of the Oyster river valley and the hilly, winding village beyond, in its most picturesque aspect. The ham- let on this hill is quite distinct from the village proper, and is the centre of one of the old school-districts, generally called the " Broth-Hill dis- trict." There is a story that this name was given in derision of the favorite dish of the workmen once employed in the Durham ship-yards, for whom several cottages had been built on this height. But it was no doubt derived from the Coolbroth or Colbath family that once lived here
32
Land^narks in Ancient Dover.
— a name since happily illustrated by Vice-President Henry Wilson, whose name originally was Colbath.
The Rev. Curtis Coe of Durham gires another variation of this name in his record of the burial of "Down- ing Colhroath," Dec. 14, 1785.
Brown's Brook. This name is some- times given to the easterly portion of Peter's Marsh brook, between the part called Tate's brook and the Salmon Falls river into which it empties.
Brown's Hill. This hill is in Durham, north of Woodman's garri- son, on the old road to Dover. The Durham records mention it May 3, 1779, when the town appointed " Ebenezer Thompson, Esq., and John Smith, 3d, to agree with Mr. Jonathan Woodman for a strip of land in his pasture to make the road more convenient over Brown's Hill (so called) . . and to convey to s*^ Woodman in exchange therefor all the right that the town has to the landing-place at the head of Wood- man's Creek" (Beard's Creek).
Buck's Hill. This name is given to a hill in Durham, a little east of Huckins brook, on the wa}' from Bagdad to the Back River district.
BuMFAGGiN. Forty-two acres of land in Barrington, " at a place called Bumfaggin," are mentioned June 18, 1811, in the inventory of the estate of John Layn of Newtown, Lee. Bumfaggin ivoods are in the western part of Barrington, below Stonehouse Pond. Bumfaggin road leads through these woods into Nottingham. The name is said to be associated with the noted Leathers tribe.
Bumford's Plains. So called from Robert Bumford of Barrington, who, Feb. 23, 1760, conveyed to his son
Robert 50 acres " in the two Mile Streak, so called, being all that lot of land where I now dwell, which I bought of George Jaffrey, Esq., de- ceased." In the time of Hatevil Bumford, the first half of this centu- ry, Bumford's plains were used as a training field for the county militia. " Barrington Training" day drew an immense crowd to these plains every year, or to the other training-ground near the old meeting-house in Bar- rington.
Bunker's Creek. This is the first inlet on the easterly side of Oyster river below Johnson's creek. The name is derived from James Bunker, who was at Oyster River as early as 1653, and built a garrison near this creek. Bunker's creek is often mentioned in the county and town records of the last two hundred years. Wm. Hill conveyed to Henry Hill, Nov. 11, 1734, one third of the farm in Durham where said Henry then lived, adjoining a creek commonly called Bunker's creek, on the north side, beginning at a red oak at the head of this creek, then running north to Henry Rines's land, and along this land to the land Joseph Jenkins bought of Wm. Clay. A grist-mill on Bunker's creek is men- tioned May 8, 1768, when Eliphalet Hill conveyed to Clement Meserve one fourth of this mill which he bought of Jonathan Bunker.
Bimker's bridge is on the first N, H. turnpike road, across this creek. There was a double stone dam at this bridge the first half of this cen- tury, with a tide-mill, adjoining, but they are both now gone. The brook that empties into Bunker's creek is sometimes called the Di7-ty Slough.
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
33
Bxinker's Lane is mentioned March 17, 1857, when Daniel Smith con- veyed to James M. Bunker 107 acres in Durham, bounded westerly by Bunker's lane, so called, and the Mill Pond. This lane is the old road across FoUet's Rocky hill.
Bunker's Neck. Mentioned June 23, 1701, when a strip of land was granted Nathaniel Lumas (Lamos) and Richard Clay " between Stories hundred acres and bunker's neck, to be equally divided, bounded on sto- ries hundred acres on the north-east and hunker's neck on the south- west."
Richard and Mary Clay, Ap. 6, 1702, conveyed to Samuel Perkins " four or five acres of land between James Bunker's Neck and FoUett's hundred acre lott, with other lands adjacent thereto."
Bunker's Neck is in Durham, on the upper side of Oyster river, be- tween Johnson's creek and Bunker's creek. William FoUet and James Bunker, the 10th, 8 mo., 1653, had a grant of all that neck of land between Thomas Johnson's creek and Oyster point, " from y^ head of Johnson's ci'eek where y*^ salt marsh ends, to y* head of y^ other creek where Jonas Bine's marsh is, except William Sto- rey and Mr. Mathews's grants, and likewise y* cartways for the trans- porting of timber."
BuRGETT Park. This is a place of popular entertainment at the lower side of Willand's Pond, adjoining the electric railway from Dover to Great Falls. So called from Mr. H. W. Burgett, the proprietor, who, Oct. 1, 1890, acquired 20 acres of land for this purpose from the heirs of Rufus Ham, eastward of Mr. Benj° Hus-
sey's, and on the same side of the highway. S-tt /?<:..i[.rrtrt,<^», A..2/y
BuRNT Ground. Mentioned March 19, 1693-4, when Joseph Meader had a grant of 30 acres of " land and swamp" on the S. W. side of the path to the burnt ground bridge, in Follet's swamp. This is apparently the bridge across 03'ster river, below Dishwater mill. Philip Chesley's grant of 30 acres was laid out Jan. 23, 1701, above Thomas Wille's, upon the bu7'nt ground. It was on the north side of the road from Oyster River to Newtown. The name is in- dicative of an extensive fire in the forest in early times. '5»«- /btiji-.
Buzzell's Hill. This hill is on the cross road from Madbury to the First N. H. turnpike-road, between the Samuel Demeritt house and that of Mr. I. Blake Hill ; the former of which is in Lee, and the latter in Durham. The boundary line between these two towns crosses the brow of this hill, and the road crosses Oyster river at its foot, on the Lee side. It is familiarly called Buzzy Hill.
Caldwell's Brook. This brook rises in Barringtou, one branch at Creek pond, and the other in Great swamp, back of the Two-Mile school- house. These branches unite, and form what is othervrise called Mnple brook, which empties into Oyster river above Wheelwright's pond. Wm. Caldwell acquired land in New- town the middle of the last century, at or near Bunker's corner. (See Majyle Brook.)
Calves-Pen Island. Mentioned Ap. 1, 1662, when " a tract of land and marsh on the north side of Win- nicot river in y* Great Bay " was divided between Philip Lewis on one
50^* lir^*^ ^
34
Landmarks in Ancient Dover
side, and Thomas Nock and Henry Tibbets on the other ; said Lewis binding himself to lav no claim to " the marsh y' lyeth within y" bounds of the calves-pen marsh," except what had already been laid out to him on the N. W. side of the island, com- monly called and known by y* name of y^ calves-pen island, situate within y' Great bay aforesaid." Philip Lewis's land fell to his daughter Hannah, wife of John Johnson, who also acquired the marsh of Henry Nock of Oyster river, which was half of the marsh that previously belonged to his grandfather Tibbets on the north side of Wiunicot river. John Johnson and Hannah conveyed the above land and marsh to Nathaniel Huggins May 2.5, 1696.
Calves-Pen island is no longer to be traced. It was probably an island at high tide, that has disappeared with the draining of the marshes.
Campin's Rocks. This name is given to a well-known ledge that pro- jects from the right bank of the Co- checho, at the Narrows. It is men- tioned in a grant to Joseph Sanders in 1660,1 and again Oct. 25, 1669, when he sold John Heard 30 acres "on Dover Neck, near Cochecho, riglit up from Campings Bocks," join- ing Tobias Hanson's land. Jabez Garland and wife Dorcas, July 7, 1694, conveyed to Timothy Hanson 30 acres of land "upon Dover Neck, near Campon's Mocks," laid out to Joseph Sanders, and sold by him to John Heard, and given by John Heard, deceased, to his daughter Dorcas, wife of said Jabez. This tract was adjacent to the lands of
Timothy, Thomas, and Tobias Han- son. Richard Scammon conveyed to Joseph Estes, March 23, 1738-9, 4 acres and 32 rods of land on " y^ southerly side of y"^ road from Coche- cho down to ye landing at Campain's Rocks," adjoining the land that was James Hanson's. The name of these Rocks is otherwise written. They are called Camjnng rocks in a grant to the Rev. Mr. Sever in 1711, and Champion''s rocks in a deed from Samuel Alley to Job Clement, March 28, 1758. Campin is no doubt a cor- ruption of Campion or Champion. A Robert Champion of Dover is men- tioned in 1657, when a jury of twelve men, " sworn to inquire into his death," declared that he had been drowned by accident. ( County Rec- ords, Exeter.) This maybe a key to the popular tradition that Campin's rocks were so called from a man who, pursued hither by the Indians, was forced to jump into the river in order to escape. A Clement Campion is mentioned as early as 1644, when he brought a suit against Wm. Payne for carrying pine staves and masts into the Bay, for which Payne was fined 20 shillings and costs. {Coicnty Rec- ords, Exeter.) He seems to have lived in Portsmouth. "Master" Clement Campioue's house is spoken of, Jan. 12, 1652, as opposite Fur- son's island, now Noble's, which is on the right side of the Pascataqua river, a little below Cutt's cove. It stood no doubt on Campion's Neck, mentioned July 10, 1655, which com- prised the laud from the North bury- ing-ground to Raine's shipyard in Portsmouth.
1 Joseph Sanders was killed by the Indians June 28, 1689.
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
15
Campron River. This name is given to Lamprey river tlie 27th, 10 mo.. 1647, in a grant of the mill priv- ilege thereon to Ambrose Gibbons and others. '■^ CamiJeron" is men- tioned in a law-suit of 1713. This was probably an error of the recorder. The name of Lamprone is repeatedly ofiven to this river in the town records of p:xeter. (See Bell's Hist, of Exe- ter, p. 437.)
Camsoe, otherwise Camsie and Campsey. Mentioned in David Kin- caid's will of June 13, 1719,. in which he gives his " loving wife Anne," 40 acres of laud he bought of Moses Davis, Sr., "now called by y" name of Campse.'' Ann Kincaid conveyed to Robert Thompson, Aug. 14, 1723, 40 acres of land at Oyster river, given her in the last will and testament of David Kincaid,^ deceased, commonly called by the name of Camsoe. It is also mentioned in the Durham rec- ords, Jan. 29, 1733-4, when a road was laid out on the north side of the mast path, " beginning at a place called Camsey, at the S. W. corner of Mr. Robert Tomson's fence," and extending to Willey's way in New- town, and by that way to the head of the town.
This laud lies along the banks of Oyster river, on the north side of the mast road, on the confines of Lee and Durham. It no longer bears the name of Camsoe ; but a spring thereon, remarkable for the purity of its water, is still known as " Camsie spring.'^ A popular tradition attrib-
utes this name to an Indian who is said to have frequented this spring in early times. The name, however, does not appear till after the land was purchased by David Kincaid. A similar name is found in Scotland, whence the Kincaids are said to have sprung. Scott, in his "Legend of Montrose," sings of the fishermen, who,
" On St. Bridget's mom, Drew nets on Campsie side."
Claverhouse's black book in " Old Mortality " mentions " a conventicle among the Campsie hills." Alexan- der Smith also speaks of the Campsie hills, and quotes the old song :
"The Campsie Duke 's a-riding, a-riding, a-rid- ing."
And the Earl of Huntingdon, in the "Fortunes of Nigel," longs to "hear the Tay once more flinging himself over the Campsie Linn."
Canaan. This name is given to a district in Barrington, above the Two- Mile Streak. It is mentioned on Holland's map of 1784.
Canney's Bridge. Mentioned in the Madbury records of 1794, when Moses Canney furnished plank for the repair of this bridge. It is on the Mallego river, in the upper part of Madbury.
Canney's Brook. This brook rises in the swampy lands in the upper part of Dover Neck, and is fed by Canney's spring, an abundant, never- failing source of excellent water on the old Canney land, in the rear of Mr. S. R. Home's house. The brook crosses the so-called "Middle
iThis was the " David Kinked," who, according to the Rev. John Pike's journal, was attacked Sept. 8, 1708, by three Indians at his house "some considerable distance from Woodman's garrison," but "thro Mercy " he and his lad made their escape. He died in February, 1722-3, but his son lived to goto the siege at Louisbourg. Kincaicfs Brook is mentioned in the Durham records of 1765. The name is usually pronounced Kink-et, and is sometimes found so written.
3^
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
road " a little below the house, and further down is joined by Varney's brook on the land of Mr. Wm. P. Tuttle. At the head of tide water it becomes Little John's creek.
It is related of Thomas Canney, a sea captain of the last century, that, drinking one day at his ancestral spring, he fell in, and came near be- ing drowned. "A pretty story it would have been for the newspapers," he exclaimed when rescued, "that Capt. Canney, after sailing all around the world, only came home to get drowned in Tom Canney's spring ! " This Capt. Canney, an esteemed member of the Society of Friends, died May 16, 1805, aged 95.
Canney's Creek or Cove, otherwise Kenney's.^ This is an inlet from the Pascataqua river, on the eastern shore of Newington, and one of the bounds of ancient Dover. It derived its name from Thomas Canney, or Canning, of the Dover Combination of 1640, who, as early as 1652, had a grant of land on the upper side of this creek, which was afterwards acquired by James Rawlins. It is mentioned in 1657, when the lower bounds of Dover were defined as run- ning " from Kennei/'s cree^■ to Hogsty Cove, with all the marsh from that place round about the bay up to Cot- terill's Delight, with four hundred acres of upland adjoining." The
lower boundary of Dover, as recorded in 1701, ran from the middle of Quamphegan falls down the river to Hilton's Point ; thence to Kenney's creek., and thence in a direct line to Hogsty Cove, and from this cove to the mouth of Lamprey river.
A tract of 240 acres was laid out to Capt. Bryan Pendleton next to James Rawlins, Dec. 5, 1661, begin- ning at Kenney's Cove., and running down by the river 80 rods to pyne cove, etc. (See Pine Gove.) James Rawlins, Aug. 25, 1662, mortgaged to Bryan Pendleton 100 acres of land " lying in the long reach, from Cayi- ney's cove upward nyntie od pole by y* water side, and so up into tlie woods, together with the land in til- lage, with y^ corn upon it, and his then dwelling house, with two cows." This mortgage seems to have been redeemed, for James Rawlins sold the Canney land to Matthew Nelson Sept. 12, 1679. Nelson sold it to George Huntress. "George Huntris," in his will of June 8, 1715, gives his sons, Samuel and John, his farm where they then dwelt, lying by the side of the Long Reach, part of which he bought of Matthew Nelson, part of John Pickering, and part of Wm. Vaughan, the whole containing 150 acres, part of which lay "in the township of Portsmouth, and part in Newington, which was Dover." -
1 Cannej^'s Creek is culled King's creek in the Mass. records May 22, 1656. (See i\". H. Prov. Pap., 1 : 222.) The latter name may have been given it by the settlers at Strawberry Bank, from Richard King, who, as early as 1649, owned Clampering island, now Leach's, further down the river.
2 The Pickering land, above mentioned, was, in part, a tract of 35 acres conveyed to John Pickering, Jr., by Benjamin Rawlins Sept. 13, 1689, bounded by ye land formerly bought by Mat- thew Nelson, beginning at ye riverside, by ye edge of ye bank, and running along Nelson's land 129 rods, then north 43 rods, with the same breadth down straight to the river, and so to the first bound, keeping said breadth of river at the other end : and, in part, a grant of six acres from the town of Dover to John Pickering Ap. 16, 1694, and laid out to Geo. Huntress, Sr., June 16, 1699.
For the Vaughan land, see the Gore.
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
37
Samuel and Jonathan Huntress, Ap. 3, 1758, made a division of their farm of 71 acres, held in common, bounded north by the land of Sam' Rawlins' heirs, east by the Pascata- qua river, south by the laud of Sam- uel Brown of Salem, and westerl}' by the road leading to Portsmouth. With the record of this division, in the County Registry, is a plan of said farm, including Keuney's creek or cove. Jonathan's portion extended to the mouth of this cove. Samuel's part was above, " with the right of a road two roads wide to a watering place near Kenny's cove." Samuel Huntress died shortl}' after this divi- sion was made, and was buried near the ''Upper Huntress," on land now owned by Miss Mary Huntress. His gravestone bears the following in- scriptiou : "Here lies the body of Samuel Huntress, died April 28, in the v^ 1758, aged 71 v^"
The above-mentioned Huntress land, as shown, extended south to the land of Samuel Browne of Salem. And Jonathan Huntress, in the convey- ances of his portion to Gideon Walker at a later day, describes it as bounded south by Wm. Browne of Salem. The Brown land was the old Vaughan land, originally granted to Brian Pendleton, extending from Kenney's creek to Pine cove. It was acquired by Wm. King of Salem, son of Mary (Vaughan) King, who conveyed it to Samuel Brown Ap. 20, 1738. The deed describes it as bounded north by the Huntress laud. This laud, amounting to 400 acres, ex- tended into the pitch-pine plains of Newington. It was conveyed by Wm. Browne of Salem to James Stoodly Feb. 21, 1770. Wm. Stoodly,
son of James, sold this land to Na- thaniel Folsom, March 26, 1790, and confirmed the sale b}' another deed of Aug. 7, 1792, after which it became known as the Folsom farm. Over 54 acres of this farm were afterwards acquired by the Frink brothers, who sold this tract to Winthrop Pickering May 12, 1856. The deed describes it as bounded north by the land of Amos Dow (previously Walker's or the Huntress laud) and extending south along the river to laud formerly owned by Samuel Hill, deceased. Winthrop Pickering conveyed this land to Stephen Paul, A p. 29, 1862. Whence it is evident that the Kenney or Canney's creek of early times, which in part separated the Huntress laud from the Pendleton land — after- wards Browne's, then Stoodly's, and then Folsom's land — was the one now known as PauVs creek. It has been obstructed and greatly disfigured by the railway, but its former dimen- sions can still be traced.
Canney's Island, otherwise Ken- ney's. This island is mentioned Ap. 23, 1743, when John and Prudence Johnson of Durham conveyed to Samuel Weeks two* acres of salt marsh in Greenland, bounded on the S. E. side by Wille's creek, on the S. W. side by Kenes creek, and on the N. AV. by an island called Kenies Island. Samuel Weeks, in his will of Sept. 15, 1745, gives his son Mat- thias " the island lying by the Great Bay called Kenneifs island." This island is about half a mile above Wiunicot river, and is now owned by Mr. J. Clement Weeks. It is a finely wooded upland of 20 acres on the shore of Great Bay, between Can- ney's creek and Willey's creek, which
38
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
at high tide surround it with water. It is now merely called " the island" without any prefix. Notwithstanding its old name, this island originally formed part of a grant to Thomas Willey, which was adjacent to that of Thomas Canney. Leonard Weeks con- veyed to his son Samuel, Ap. 23, 1706, " all the mash [marsh] and Island of upland " which he bought of Thomas Willey. (See WiUey's Spring.)
Canney's Marsh and Creek, other- wise Kenney's. Canney's marsh is on the Greenland shore of the Great Bay, adjacent to Canney's creek, and now forms part of the Weeks land. It is so named from Thomas Canney of Dover, who, before 1651, had a grant of nine acres of marsh on the S. W. side of the Great Bay, " bounded on the south running into y'' marsh of George Webb's creek, and y^ whole marsh in tire till you come out of y*^ Great Bay at y'^ north end upon a cove, a neck of land all on y"" S. E. side between Geo. Webbes and that. More, two small spots lying by the water side, near to the above marsh, bounded upon y*^ south west side of y^ Great Bay." Thomas and Grace Kenney of Dovfer, May 4, 1696, con- veyed to Leonard Weeks of Green- land " three acres of meadow on the Great Bay, given by Ould Thomas Kenny to his son Thomas, deceased, as appears by a deed to his son Joseph." Leonard Weeks conveyed to his sou Joseph, Ap. 3, 1706, one acre and a half of salt marsh, lying westward of Canney's creek, so called. And, Ap. 23, 1706, he conveyed to his son Samuel Weeks " the marsh I bought that ivas Cannyes, that lyeth next to Wm. ffurber's marsh, except- ing the cove and flatts belonoino- to
it, which I have given to my son Jonathan Weeks, and one acre and a half of salt marsh and flatts that I have given to my son Joseph, lying by the westward side of Cannies CrikeJ' This creek is again men- tioned Ap. 23, 1743, when John and Prudence Johnson conveyed to Sam- uel Weeks two acres of salt marsh bounded " on the southwest side on Kenes creek."
Canney's Point, otherwise Ken- ney's. Mentioned in Wm. Week's will of June 13, 1777, in which he gives his sou Joshua a piece of land in Greenland, on Kenney's Point, ad- joining the river or Bay, and on the S. E. side of a piece of salt marsh he bought of John Allen.
Captain's Hill. This is a little hill on the old road formerly called Low street, in the lower part of Dover Neck. It is said to have de- rived its name from Capt. Thomas Wiggin, but no authority is given for this statement.
Card's Cove. This name is now given to Pomeroy's cove, from Capt. Thomas Card, who lived on the north side. He died about twenty years ago at the advanced age of 100 years and 22 days. Card's cove is on the east side of Dover neck, nearly half a mile above Dover Point. It is crossed at the west end by the Ports- mouth & Dover railway.
Carter's Brook. This brook is often mentioned in the early records as " the freshett that goeth into Broad Cove," and "the creek in Broad Cove." (See Broad Cove Freshet.) It is mentioned June 13, 1839, when Cyrus Frink conveyed to Wallis Lane a tract of laud in New- iugton, beginning at Rocky Point, at
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
39
Carter's brook, so called, thence run- ning west to a stake in the marsh 3 rods N. W. of the site of the old mill formerly owned by John Coleman, and along said creek to a marked rock, then S. to a rock beside the road from Pascataqua bridge to Portsmouth, thence E. by said road to Carter's Lane, then N. to the first bound. This laud was conveyed March 17, 1842, to Mr. F. W. de Eochemont, who sold it to Mrs. Mary Orr of Boston, March 21, 1847. Hence the name of Orr's brook and De RochemonVs brook, by which it is sometimes called.
Carter's Lane. This is an old road in Newiugton, leading to Rocky Pt., laid out early in the last century. Geo. Walton conveyed to Samuel and John Shackford, Feb. 27, 1718- 19, ten acres of land (part of fifty acres bought of Henry Laugster) "running down between the freshet and the lane that goes to Rocky Poynt." Carter's Lane is now the western boundary of Mr. Valentine M. Coleman's farm. It is one's ideal of a rural lane, being left almost entirely to nature — the path- way grassy from present disuse, shady with overhanging trees, and bordered with a tangle of rose- bushes, vines, and shrubs, and its lower extremity washed by the ebb and flow of the tide around the o-reat flat ledge called Garter's Rocks.
Carter's Marsh. This marsh is mentioned in 1658. (See Robert's Creek.) It is on the Greenland shore, where Richard Cater or Carter had a grant, afterwards conveyed to Thomas Packer. (See Hall's Marsh.)
Carter's Rocks. These rocks are ou the Newington shore of Broad
Cove, a little below Carter's brook. At high tide they are separated from the shore, but at other times form a projection from the main land that is commonly called Rocky Point. Here was once a landing-place, to which led the old road now called Carter's Lane. The name is derived from one of the oldest families in Newing- ton. Richard Carter was living near Pine Pt. before 1648. Among his descendants were John and Richard Carter, who owned land in the vicin- ity of Broad Cove in 1719. (See Broad Cove.)
There is a ledge off Penhale Point, on the Cornish coast of England, called Carter's Rock, from people of that name living on the neighboring shore.
Cart-way. This name was given as early as 1648 to the road that led from Cochecho Falls to the Great Cochecho marsh, north of the "Great hill." It is now the Garrison Hill road. Several other cart-ways in early times are mentioned, one of which led from Tolend falls into Cochecho Log Swamp, and another across Bunker's Neck, " for trans- porting timber," mentioned as early as 1653.
Caulley's Marsh. This marsh is in the Durham Point district, and still retains its ancient name. Mat- thew Giles's land at Colles marsh is mentioned in 1658. Thirty acres were granted " Mr. Thomas Edgerlie, Sen^," March 19, 1693-4, "between Collies marsh and the homes." John Ambler, Jan. 31, 1725-6, conveyed to " Zebulon Trickey of Kitery, Co. York, province of Mass. Ba}'," seven or eight acres "on y* high way y' goes from team hill to Collyes marsh."
40
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
Col. James Davis, iu his will of Oct. 18, 1748, gives his son Daniel 17 acres granted him in the common land iu Durham, adjoining Catdley's marsh. And the land of Francis Footman " at a place called Caulley's marsh " is mentioned in the county records of 1752. A portion of Caul- ley's marsh that formed part of the estate of Robert Mathes, is now owned by Mr. John Header.
No CauUeys appear in the early rate-lists of Dover. The name may be a cori'uption of Crawley. Thomas Crawley was brought before the Dover authorities July 14, 1657, for three offences, viz : — for living idly in his calling, for stirring up strife between neighbors, and for drinking
[perhaps Mat-
witli Matthew — thew ^■iles] 14 pints of wine at one time at the house of John Webster. For the last offence he was fined, and for the two others admonished and required to pay the fees. This did not subdue him, however. A suit was brought against him June 26, 1660, by Thomas Canney for slander- ing his daughter Phebe, then under age, after which Thomas Crawley disappears from the Dover records.
Cedar Point. This point is so called the 5th, 5 mo., 1652, in the grant of Goat Island to Wm. Pom- frett. It is now owned by Mrs. Alley. It is on the upper shore of the Pascataqua, below the mouth of Oyster river, and at the southwest side of Royall's cove. It is a bound of the three townships of Dover, Durham, and Madbury. Wiien the bounds between Dover and Madbury were perambulated Jan. 19, 1793, the line began "■ at Cedar point, so called, by the river," then ran north
40 deg., or thereabouts, to the south- west corner of Joseph Jenkins' house, thence north 34|- deg. W. to a beech tree on Stephen Hanson's land, on the north side of the road to Barring- ton, thence on the same point about 6 ft. from the corner of Dr. Ezra Green's pasture, and thence north 34j deg. W. to the Harrington line.
When the line between Durham and Madbury was perambulated Jan. 9, 1802, it began at " a long rock on Cedar Pt., so called, on the west side of the back river," marked M. on the north, and D. on the south ; thence ran about north 55°, 30' west, to a red oak on the north side of the creek, on land lately belonging to the heirs of Thomas Wallingford, deceased, thence on the same course to the middle of Johnson's creek bridge, thence N. by E. to, and across, Beech hill, and thence to the north-east corner of the town of Lee.
Cedar Svtamp. This swamp, which is partly in Greenland, and partly in Portsmouth, did not form part of ancient Dover, but is mentioned in connection witli its inhabitants. Nathaniel Huggins of Greenland, Jan. 2, 1723-4, conveyed to his son Nathaniel two acres of fresh marsh lying by y* side of Sam^ Neal's meadow, joining to y* Cedar sivavip. Thomas Pickering of Newington, in his will of Ap. 4, 1782, gives his son William " my cedar swamp in Ports- mouth, bought of John Holmes."
Champernowne's Creek. Men- tioned April 15, 1664, when Samuel Haines had 80 acres of his "divideut land " laid out to him adjoining Francis Drake's, " neere Capt. Cham- p)ernoune's creek,'' thence running west 72 rods to the cartway at the
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
fence between " Gudman Haynes and Walter Neale." {Portsmouth Rec- ords.) This creek rises in the Great Swamp, flows through Greenland, and empties into the Great Bay east of Packer's Point, but the name is no longer in use. It is now called Packer's creek, from Thomas Packer who acquired part of the Champer- nowne lands, and sometimes Peirce's creek, from Col. J. W. Peirce, who bought part of the Packer estate.
Channell's Islands. (See Ches- ley's Islands.)
Charles's Point. Mentioned, ap- parently about 1654, when Jonas Biuu or Bine had the grant of an island of two acres, or thereabouts, next Charles Adams' lot, at y^ entrance into Little Ba}', over against a point called by the name of Charles's iioint. The only islands at the entrance into Little Bay are Ambler's islands, the largest of which does not contain more than one acre. Goat island, below, has about three acres, but was already granted to Wm. Pomfrett in 1652. Charles's Point is supposed to have been named from said Charles Adams, but the land where his garrison stood was within the mouth of Oyster river, not at the point, which was owned by Jonas Binn or Bine. (See Jonas Point.) The only other land owned by Charles Adams near the river was at Branson's creek, near the mouth of the Great Bay.
Cherry Hill. This name is given to the homestead of the late Lorenzo Stackpole in Rollinsford, from the profusion of wild cherry trees in the vicinity. Cherry is also used, in part, for the interior wood-work of the house, which was built in the early
part of this century by the Philpot family.
Cheslev's Hill. This hill is men- tioned in the Durham records. It is at the west end of Durham village, near the railroad station. It derived its name from the old Chesley resi- dence at the top, where lived five or sis generations of this name. The Chesley lands adjoining, originally a part of Valentine Hill's Five-Hundred- Acre grant, extended south as far as Chesley's mill on Oyster river. The house and grounds, now enclosed be- tween the old Mast road and the turnpike road, have recently been acquired by the Agricultural College. There is another Chesley's Hill at Lubberland. (See Great Hill.)
Chesley's Islands. These islands, two in number, are in Great Bay, off that part of the Durham shore ceded to Newmarket in 1870. The name is derived from Joseph Chesley, who, March 26, 1707, bought of Sampson Doe all the land between John God- dard's and Richard Yorke's, and with it six acres and tivo islands, which Joseph Smith had previously sold Nicholas Doe. These islands orig- inally belonged to Richard Yorke, who, about 1652, had a grant of seven acres of marsh in the Great Bay, butting upon tico small iskoids. John York, Oct. U, 1680, conveyed to Roger Rose 80 acres of laud, granted said York's father, with all meadows, flats, creek, thatch-bed, islands, and islets, belonging to said grant. Roger Rose conveyed this land to John Smith July 17, 1705.
Merrill's Gazeteer of New Hamp- shire, in 1817, mentions Chesley's island as " the south corner boundary of Durham at the west." When the
42
Laoidmarks in Ancient Dover
bounds were perambulated in 1805, the line on this shore ran from the mouth of Goddard's creek to " dies- ley's little island." " Chesley's great island" is spoken of in a deed of May 18, 1743. These islands are now called Channell's islands, from the present owner.
Chesley's Mill. See Oyster River Falls.
Chesley's Ponds. These ponds are in the lower part of Harrington . " Chesley's iqjper poyid" and " Ches- ley's lower pond" are on the Barring- ton map of 1805. They are now known as Bodge's and Swayne's ponds. The latter is the source of the Bella- my river. These ponds were formerly separated by a narrow isthmus, but when Sawyer's reservoir dam was built at the outlet of Swayne's pond it caused an overflow which converted them into one pond.
Church's Brook. Mentioned Dec. 23, 1712, when a 20 acre grant to Thomas Hanson, Sr., in Ash Swamp, was laid out to Nathaniel Hanson, beginning near the S. W. corner of Robert Evans' three score acres (ac- quired by John Hanson in 1713), thence running N. 80 rods to a beech tree, then W. 40 rods to a birch near Chtirch's brook. This brook crosses the Dover road to Madbury near Mr. O. K. Hayes's, and empties into the Bellamy. John Church and wife Mary, March 23, 1736-7, conveyed to Wra. Twombly 30 acres of land granted to John Church, Sr., der ceased, and laid out in Ash Swamp in 1696, but, found to intrench on another grant, 24 acres were removed to " a place called Barbadoes " May 8, 1721, beginning at the west end of Pomfrett Whitehouse's land, sold to
Nathaniel Hanson, thence running N. W. 40 rods to " Bellimou's bank freshet," then N. N. E. 96 rods by the river, then E. S. E. 40 rods to a lot laid out to Thomas Hanson, de- ceased.
John Church, Sr., was killed by the Indians May 7, 1696. His son John, who seems to have married Mercy Hanson, was also killed by the Indians in 1711.
Clam Brook. This name is given to one of the two brooks that afford an outlet to Meader's swamp in South Lee, near the site of French's garrison. These brooks unite and empty into Lamprey river below Wadleigh's falls.
Clark's Brook. This brook rises near the source of Wednesday brook, in the Deraeritt pasture on the west side of Wednesday Hill, and empties into Lamprey river near Dame's mill, at the head of Lee Hook. Another Clark's brook rises in Rochester, and empties into Blackwater brook in the upper part of Dover.
Clark's Ferry. This ferry ran across the Cochecho river, above the mouth of Fresh creek. It is men- tioned Feb. 26, 1730-31, when a road was ordered to be laid out there- to, "along by Ephraim Tebbetts's." This is doubtless the road to Perkiits' landing., at the upper side of Bantom's Point, mentioned on Whiteliouse's map of Dover. The name was no doubt derived from Elisha Clark, who conveyed to his daughter Katharine James, May 4, 1739, twelve acres of land, " beginning at the road running by John Bampton's down to a land- ing-place on Cochecho river." On one side it extended to Samuel Tib- bet's fence. (See Bantom's Point.)
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
43
Clark's Plains. These plains, once owned by Abraham Clark, are south-east of Pudding hill, on the line between Dover and Madbury. They were formerly somewhat noted for horse-races.
Clay Point. Mentioned the 4th, 10 rao., 1656, when three acres of upland on the east side of Dover Neck, "at a poynte called Clay poynt^" were laid out to Joseph Twamley (Twombley), and again Jan. 5, 1669, when Jedediah Andrews of Salisbury, Mass., conveyed to the Rev. John Reyner three acres of land, 22 poles square, at Clay Point, being the same land given Ralph Twamley as a house lot. This land was near said Andrews' house lot, also conveyed to John Reyner ; and between the house of Thomas Rob- erts and land previously owned by John Reyner. The name of Clay Point has not been perpetuated, but it was no doubt pear the Roberts land on the east side of Dover Neck.
Cleft Cove, otherwise Cliff. This cove is on the Lubberland shore, be- tween Crummit's creek and Pinder's Point, but the name is no longer re- tained. It is mentioned July 1, 1669, when Thomas Roberts, Sr., conveyed to John York a tract of land " begin- ning at y'^ little poynt in Cliff cove, adjoining Thomas Morries, and so over the neck to a pine tree by y* path going to Lubberland." And again May 16, 1681, in a deed from John York to John Pinder. (See Pinder's Point.) Benjamin and Jo- seph Pinder conveyed to Dependence Bickford of Newiugton, July 2, 1763, their farm in Durham where they then lived, beginning at Cleft cove, so called, and running northerly by the
land of John Durgin, westerly by Ebenezer Smith's, southerly by Benj" Colbroth's to the Great Bay, and thence by the bay to the first bound.
Clement's Brook. This name is given to the upper part of Twombley's brook in RoUinsford, that flows through the old Clement land. Ralph Twombley's grant nest " Mr. Clem- ent's " (no doubt Job Clement) is mentioned in 1725. (See Tivonibley's Brook.)
Clement's Point. Whitehouse's map of Dover in 1834 gives this name to the point at the mouth of Back river, on the west side. It is also so called in Sanford & Evert's Atlas of Strafford Co. The Clement land in the lower part of the Back River district, adjoining the lands of Sam- uel Emerson and Thomas Layton, is repeatedly mentioned in the early records. Job Clement had one of the twenty acre lots in that vicinity in 1652. He married Joanna, widow of Thomas Layton, July 16, 1673. March 15, 1704, he conveyed 30 acres on the west side of Back river to John Laitou. The inventory of Job Clement's estate Dec. 1, 1716, men- tions 16 acres of pasture and meadow land "on the back cove point, on y® west side of y** Back river." This laud was given his wife during her lifetime.
CocHECHO. This name was for a long time given to the settlement around the lowest falls in the Coche- cho river, in order to distinguish it from the settlement on Dover Neck. James Ordway testified in 1705 that sixty years previous. Major Waldron with some others began the plantation called Cochecho, and two or three years later built a saw-mill and corn-
44
Landma7'ks in Ancient Dover.
mill there. (Dr. Quint's ed. of Pike's Journal, p. 10, foot-note.) " Peter Coffin of Cochecha, in the township of Dover,'' is mentioned Ap. 1, 1673. (See Muchadoe.) " Lauds and tene- ments in Cochecho, Dover," are men- tioned Oct. 8, 1683. (JV. H. Prov. Pap., 1: 468.) "The road which leads to Cochecha " is mentioned in the will of Judge John Tuttle, Dec. 28, 1717. " Samuel Heard of Coche- cho, in the toionship of Dover," Aug. 13, 1731, conveyed to Richard Rookes of "the parish of Sumersworth," schoolmaster, 30 acres of upland and swamp "in ye parish of Cochecho afores*^," on the S. E. side of the road from Salmon falls to the Cochecho boom. Thomas Roberts and Eliza- beth conveyed to Benjamin Roberts, Jan. 3, 1734-5, 30 acres of land, bounded east by " y^ highway y* runs up to Cochecho, a place in Dover, so called." " The meeting-house at Co- checho in Dover " is mentioned May 22. 1754 {N. H. Town Pap. XI : 524). " Thomas Westbrook Waldron's mills at Cochecho, below y® lower falls," are mentioned Jan. 22, 1770. (Ibid., p. 534.)
The Cochecho settlement is now the city proper of Dover.
Cochecho River and Falls. This river rises among the ponds of New Durham and Middleton, and empties into the Newichawaunock at Cochecho Point. The word Cochecho signifies, according to Dr. Quint, "the rapid foaming water." It was the Indian name of the falls in Dover city, but the early settlers extended it to the whole stream, and gave it to the set- tlement that grew up around these
falls. It is now generally,but incorrect- ly, written Cocheco — the form adopted by the Cocheco Manufacturing Com- pany, said to be owing to the error of a clerk of the N. H. legislature when that company was incorporated. The name of " freshet " was often given to that part of the river above the head of tide-water. John Wal- dron and Mary, Jan. 2, 1721, con- veyed to John Horn 60 acres of land, running S. W. by John Hilton's land to Cochecho river freshet, and bounded on the N. W. by Thomas Downs' 50 acres.
Cochecho Falls. The first falls, reckoning from the mouth of the river — the "Cochecho falls "pa?' ex- cellence— are in the heart of Dover city, and now owned by the Cocheco Manufacturing Company. A mill privilege here was granted the 1st, 6 mo., 1642, to Richard Waldron, who built a mill on the north side. An- other mill privilege on the south side was granted him in 1648.^ These rights were inherited by his son. Col. Richard Waldron, in 1689. The lat- ter bequeathed his rights to his son Richard Waldron in 1730. In 17.53 they fell to Thomas Westbrook Wal- dron and his brother George. The former bought his brother's part and became sole owner. By his will, proved in 1785, they fell to Daniel Waldron. They were acquired, Jan. 30, 1820, by the Strafford Bank, the directors of which conveyed them, Ap. 23, 1821, to Wra. Payne of Boston, who represented the Dover Manufacturing Co.
The ASecowd/a/Zs, called the ToleEnd or Tolend falls, and otherwise Whitch-
1 Pike's Journal says, Jan. 3, 1682-3: " Col. Waldron's mills burnt down in a very Bainey night."
Landmarks tn Ancient Dover.
45
er's or WJiittier's falls, were granted to Thomas Wiggin aud Edward Star- buck the 4th, 5 mo., 1650. The lat- ter, July 29, 1652, conveyed his right in the "• Cochecho upper falls" with all privileges of water and timber, to Peter Coffin, who had married his daughter Abigail. Sarah Wiggin of Quamscott in the township of Exeter, widow, and Thomas her sou, convey- ed to Richard Waldron of Cochecho one full half of the second falls of Cochecho in the township of Dover, with half of the timber granted to Capt. Thomas Wiggin (grandfather of the above Thomas) the 5th, 10 mo., 1652.
Richard Waldron, the 6th, 10 mo., 1652, was authorized to build a saw- mill on the north side of the second falls, provided it did not entrench on any former grant.
" The Second fall of the River of Cochecha, commonly called or known by the name of Tole End fall" is mentioned March 3, 1702. Richard Waldron of Portsmouth having con- veyed to James Chesley, Joseph Han- son, and John Hayes, the hundred- acre grant to Thomas Wiggin in 1650, on the north side of the Coche- cho, near the second falls, this tract was divided among them July 27, 1734. Twenty-six acres were as- signed to John Hayes at the S. E. corner, adjoining the river, near the Tolend mills. Twenty acres fell to Joseph Hanson in the S. W. corner, adjoining the river, "at y* Eleicare loading-place." This was, of course, the Lower Eelweir. James Chesley had the remaining 54 acres. This Eelweir above Tolend falls is again mentioned Dec. 2, 1734, when Ezra Kimball conveyed to Joseph Hanson
one acre and three quarters of land adjoining the Cochecho river on the north side, " at a place call" y^ Eal- ware falls," and also joining to y®
5. W. corner of y^ 100 acres granted Thomas Wiggin by the town of Dover, beginning at a small oak in a little valley on the line between said Kimball and Hanson, thence running W. to the river, by a small hemlock between y'' cove and y* island, thence down the river, including said island, to the first bound.
The name of " Whittier'smill" was derived from Obadiah Whittier, who is called a "cloathyer" March 28, 1797, when William Brown and Abi- gail conveyed to him 9 acres, 16 sq. rods, bounded by " the highway in Dover called Scatuate" (Scatterwit), and by the land of the widow Conner, and that in possession of Thomas Hanson. Obadiah was succeeded by his son Moses, who had a clothing- mill, carded wool, and manufactured homespun cloth. This was on the easterly side of the river. On the opposite shore was Ephraim Ham's grist-mill. "The mills at Tolend, known by the name of Wliittier's mills," were burned down Jan. 7, 1818. {Dover Sun oilUS.) Clough's gristmill is now at Tolend falls.
The third falls are mentioned Ap.
6, 1702, when Richard Waldron had a grant of " three score acres of land on the north side of the Cochecho river, adjoining to the third falls, commonly called Hayes's falls, or as near adjacent thereunto as it can be found in common." In 1704 he liad a grant of the falls, "commonly called haises fall," with due regard to the falls below. Richard Waldron conveyed the above grant of 60 acres
46
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
to Dauiel Horn, July 15, 1729, wheu Hayes's falls are again mentioned. Joseph Twomble}', Jr., conveyed to Ezra Kimball, June 14, 1733, sixty acres of laud, part of a hundred-acre grant to Peter Coffin, adjoining the Cochecho river on the north side, a little above the third falls. Nehe- miali Kimball conveyed to his brother Ezra, Dec. 2, 1734, one half of his right in "a certain pair of falls w'^ unto my land doth joyne, known as Hayes' falls." Hence the name of Kimball's falls and mill, at one time given to the dam and mill at this place.
The third falls are now generally called Pike's falls, from Wm. H. Pike, who, in company with Thomas J. Dearborn, once had a saw and planing mill here. Clarissa Kimball conveyed to them, April 4, 1867, five acres of laud on the northerly side of the Cochecho river, with the saw mill, mill privilege, and water power on, and pertaining to, said land, but sub- ject to an indenture of Nov. 4, 1861, between Elzra and Clarissa Kimball on one side, and the Cocheco Manu- facturing Co. on the other, allowing only a certain height to the dam. Pike's mill was afterwards sold to that Company, but was burned down soon after. The privilege remains unused.
The fourth falls, once known as Kimball's falls, are now generally called the Ujyer Factory falls, from the cotton factory, now gone, built here in 1815 by the Dover Cotton Factory Co. This Company was incorporated Dec. 15, 1812, and bought 5 acres, 8 sq. rods of land at KimhalV s falls on the east side, from Ezra, Jonathan, and other Kimballs,
Ap. 25, 1814. On this land the upper factory was built. Other Kim- ball laud was acquired in 1818, when Wm. Kimball, Ap. 23, conveyed to Williams and Wendell 93 acres of land on the southerly side of the " Scatavi^it road," formerly the home- stead of John Kimball. This was at the westerly side of Nathaniel Hta^s/Vorn homestead farm, and extended up to Joseph Waldron's land. It included an island near the bank of the river.
The "' Home dam," now gone, is mentioned in 1820, as a little above the Upper Factory falls, at the lower end of the Kimball farm. This is apparently' the fall mentioned Dec. 14, 1820, when John Young con- veyed to John Williams and Isaac Wendell (for the Dover Cotton Fac- tory) one acre of land " westerly of the next falls or cataract " above said Cotton Factory, including the privilege on said falls. This fall dis- appeared when the Upper Factory dam was raised.
The fifth falls, properly Waldron's falls, but now generally called Wat- son's Falls, are the first falls below the mouth of Reyner's brook. Here once stood a "• day " sawmill of which the Watsons were the chief owners. The privilege, on the east side, how- ever, belonged to Joseph Waldron, who had a grist-mill here. These mills are mentioned Feb. 1, 1819, when Winthrop Watson and Winthrop Watson, Jr., conveyed to Moses Whittier, clothier, one acre of land, and the mill privilege attached there- to, beginning by the Cochecho river, on the southerly side, at a place called Waldron's and Watson^s mills, a little westerly of a point of rocks westerly of the bridge, and running
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
47
south 35 deg. E. 24 rods, including all the laud between said line and said river, with all their right in the dam halfway over the river, and a right to pass and re-pass across their land and Aaron Watson's land from Tolend road, with carts, teams, and all things necessary for improving said privilege, building mills, etc.
The Dover Cotton Factory Co. ac- quired, Dec. 15, 1821, one acre of land at a place called Waldron^s and TF"a<- son's/aiZs, with the privilege in the dam half way across the river, being the land and mill privilege Winthrop Watson and Winthrop Watson, Jr., conveyed to Moses Whittier Feb. 1, 1819 ; excepting, however, and re- serving to said Whittier the privilege of drawing such a quantity of water from the pond as he might have occasion for in fulling cloth or skins. This fulling-mill on the westerly side of the river is mentioned on White- house's map of 1834. Whittier moved this mill down the river about 1842. John Trickey afterwards acquired the mills on the east side of these falls, which he demolished about 1853. There is no mill here now, and the whole water power is owned by the Cocheco Manufacturing Co.
The sixtli falls., called Hussey's falls and the Upper Eel- Weir falls, are below the mouth of Blackwater brook. They are mentioned July 31, 1721, when 60 acres were laid out to Stephen Field, on the N. W. side of Long hill, granted to his father Zach- ariah in 1694, on the west side of the Cochecho river, " above y^Ealeware" beginning at a red oak tree, one of the bounds of the land of John Winget, deceased. (See Sandy Log Hill.) (2J.s*^-2- 9/
The name of Hussey's falls was derived from Timothy Hussey and his nephew Elijah, who once owned this water privilege and the adjoin- ing land. No mention is made of any mill here. Timothy Hussey and Elizabeth, Dec. 11, 1821, conveyed to Isaac Wendell, for the Dover Cot- ton Factory, one acre of land " at a place called Eelware falls" together with the falls. This was on the east- erly side of the river. Elijah Hussey and Jane, that same day, conveyed to said Wendell one acre on the west side of the falls, including all the water privilege^idjoining said lot. A reservoir dam was built here by the Cotton Factory soon after this purchase.
Above the Dover line there ai'e two falls in the Cochecho, below Gonic. The lower one, of eight feet, is not used. At the upper one, a fall of 15 ft., is a saw-mill. At Gonic is a fall of 19^ ft., 120 horse power, used by the Gonic Manufact- uring Co. The next falls are in the city proper of Rochester, where there are three privileges. At the lowest is a saw- and grist mill. The next one supplies the mills of the Norwa}' Plains Manufacturing Co., which has another mill at the dam still further up. This Company controls the res- ervoirs in New Durham and Middle- ton.
Cochecho Bridge. Mentioned July 10, 1758, when Joseph Hanson con- veyed to the deacons of the Congre- grational church a lot for their meet- ing-house, a quarter of an acre in extent, on the northwesterly side of y* main road from Dover Neck to Cochecha bridge, and on y*^ northeast- erly side of y'' road that leads from
48
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
y* af ores'* road to Littleworth. The town of Dover voted Jan. 22, 1770, that a new bridge be built " over the upper ware, so called, next below Capt. Tho^ W^. Waldron's mills at Cochecho, below y* lower falls." {N. H. Town Pap. XI : 534.) " The two new bridges lately built over Quoche- chaw River," are mentioned Jan. 11, 1771. {Ibid.,oU.)
CocHECHO Landing. The landing- place on the Cochecho river, below the lowest falls, are so called Jan. 11, 1771, in a plan of the two bridges across the river, above it. It is now called Dover Landirm. The adjacent school-district was called the ^^Land- ing-District.'' by a vote of the school meeting, Ap. 7, 1806.
Cochecho Log Swamp. This swamp was between the Cochecho river and Bellamj' Bank freshet, and comprised Waldron's Log Swamp, and perhaps Nock's Marsh, Ash Sioami:), etc. Fifty acres were laid out to Wm. Thomp- son March 17,1658-9, ''beyond Co- checho log swamp," bounded S. E. by land then " in possession of Thomas Nocke, and South by Bellamies Banke freshett." When this tract was con- veyed by John Thompson, son of Wm., to John Tuttle, Feb. 11, 1715- 16, it was said to be " at Cochecho log swamp." When this land was sold to Moses Wingate by Solomon and P^beuezer Hanson, it was stated to be '• in Ash Swamp." And Moses Win- gate, Sept. 12, 1752, bought of Na- thaniel Hanson 20 acres " in Coche- cho or Ash swamp." (See Ash Swamp.)
Cochecho Swamp seemed to extend to Barbadoes Pond, if not to Mallego river. (See Broad Turn and the Saplings.) An " ancient cartway
leading from the second [Tolend] falls into the swamp till it meets the other way that leads from broad turn," is mentioned March 4, 1703-4. (Do- ver Records.)
Cochecho Marsh. This marsh, now for the most part drained, lay at the upper side of Garrison Hill, and extended into the present town of Rollinsford. It is otherwise called the Great Cochecho Marsh and the Great Fresh Marsh. It is mentioned as early as May 2, 1642, when lots of six acres therein were granted to Anthony Emery and Stephen Tedder. Twenty lots of the same size were granted to other Dover settlers June
16, 1648. A path led to this marsh as early as 1648, called the " cartway," which is the present Garrison Hill road. This marsh is mentioned June
17, 1677, when Wm. Wentworth con- veyed to George Ricker " a piece of marsh and swamp-land near Cochecho, near y*' lower part of y^ marsh com- monly called Cochecho Marsh, the lower end butting upon y*^ northern side of y^ brook which doth run out of y'^ s'* marsh upon a little pond by y® s** brook." The only brook that an- swers to this description is the St^'x, which flows through the marsh in the vicinity of No-Bottom pond. Fag- goty brook also once drained the neighboring marshes, now for the most part dried up.
Peter Coffin conveyed to Maturin Ricker, Dec. 26, 1682, 12 acres at the lower end of the marsh commonly called Cochecha marsh in Dover, bounded S. by a brook of water which issues out of said marsh, and N. E. by a small stream of w^ater which doth empty itself into said brook. A final division of'Cochecho marsh was
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
49
made by a vote of the town Apr. 16, 1722.
CocHECHO Point. This point is at the junction of the Cochecho and Newichawannock rivers. It was granted to Wm. Porafrett the 30th, 6 mo., 1643. His grant is described as " a neck of land between the month of Cochecha river and Nechewanick river, with the marsh to the first nar- row." (^V. H. Prov. Pap.. 9 : 153-4.) The name of Cochecho Point seems also to have comprised the lands above Pomfrett's grant. John Rob- erts conveyed to Joseph Austin, July 7, 1658, all his upland " commonly called and known by the name of Cochecho poynt in Piscataq river." Thomas Canney, Oct. 6, 1670, con- veyed to his son Joseph one undivided eighth of Cochecho Pointy bounded by the Cochecho and Newichawan- nock rivers, and the Newichawan- nock path from Fresh creek to St. Alban's cove. Richard Waldron of Portsmouth, July 24, 1729, conveyed to Benj" Mason of Dover, one half of a neck of land in Dover, granted y" 10 mo., 5th day, 1652, to his father Capt. Richard Waldron, Wm. ffurber, Wm. Wentworth, Henry Langstar, and Thomas Kenny, being the whole neck of land from St. Alban's cove to y*" head of Fresh creek, and so to Cochecho point., except a former grant to Wm. Pomfrett, one half of which grant, and of all privileges, belonged to Capt. Waldron.
After the township of RoUinsford was incorporated, this point was often called RoUinsford Point., but it has resumed its ancient name since its re-conveyance to the township of Do- ver.
Cochecho Pond. This pond is on
the borders of Dover and Somers- worth. It was originally called " the Great pond^'' but is now known as WillancVs pond. (See Ch'eat Pond.) It is mentioned Ap. 4, 1757, when Nathaniel Austin conveyed to John Mackelroy 30 acres of land in Sora- ers worth, part of a tract in the plains above Cochecho pond, which formerly belonged to his grandfather Thomas Austin. It is called Cochecho Pond on Whitehouse's map of 1834. (See Willand's Pond.)
Cochecho Pond Brook. Men- tioned June 10, 1736, when 20 acres of land were laid out to Thomas Pinkham " up at a place called Co- checha Pond Brook, about 12 rods westerly of y^ brook," on the N. side of a lot formerly Joseph Astin's (Austin's). (See Peter's Marsh Brook.)
Coffin's Brook. Dr. Quint gives this name to a brook which once ran through the old Coffin field, now traversed by Washington St. in Dover city. It crossed the lot where the Masonic Hall now stands, and emp- tied into the Cochecho river near the Washington St. bridge. It now runs wholly through sewers, but was once of sufficient size to run a grist-mill, which stood near the above mentioned bridge as late as 1833, when it was owned by Arlo Flagg.
Coffin's Mill. Mentioned June 23, 1701, when 30 acres were granted to Daniel Messerve " between Coffin's null at oyster Riuer and moses davis his land." Henrv Marsh had a o-i-ant of 40 acres, March 23, 1701-2, "above Coffin's mill, over against Moses Davis his land." The Meserve land was on the mill road in Durham, above Chesley's mill. Henry Marsh's
50
landmarks in Ancient Dover.
land was between Chesley's mill and the Mast road, adjoining the north side of Oyster river. His son Heze- kiah Marsh conve^'ed his right thereto to Jonathan Thompson Feb. 7, 1737 ; and his daughter Dinah Marsh quit- claimed to said Thompson March 6, 1737-8. Her deed describes this land as a tract of 40 acres granted her father, Henry Marsh, deceased, laid out on tlie nortii side of Oyster river, over against y" land which was Moses Davis's, beginning at an elm tree at the river side. Where Coffin's mill stood does not appear. The onh' mills at that time on Oyster river, below the above lands, were Chesley's mill and those at the lowest falls. Peter Coffin, however, appears to have owned mill privileges on Lam- prey river and the Pascassick within the limits of the Oyster River dis- trict.
Cole's Pond. This pond, so called in Merrill's Gazeteer of N. H. in 1817, is in the northeastern part of Somersworth. It is 150 rods long, and half as wide. It is called HurcVs Pond on Holland's map of 1784. And it is sometimes called Lily pond, from the profusion of lilies that grow therein. Ebenezer Cole, who married Mary, daughter of Benj" Wentworth, lived at Rocky Hills, near this pond, in the middle of the last century.
Coleman's Creek. This name is now given to a small brook that emp- ties into Trickey's cove, Newiugtou. It is the " little gully" mentioned in a deed from John Downing to Sam^ and Jn° Shackford, March 5, 1713. (See Trickey's Cove.) The present name is derived from Nathaniel P. Coleman, to whom Ruel J. Bean con- veyed, May 11, 1846, a tract of land
adjoining Pascataqua river, formerly owned by Capt. Sam^ Shackford, be- ginning at the creek on the easterly side of Bean's land, and running southerly by the river round by Zack- ey's Point, so called, to the centre of the creek against Nancy Drew's land, etc. This land now belongs to Val- entine M. Coleman, Esq., sou of the above Nathaniel.
" Coleman's cove, so called, in New- ington," is mentioned in the N. H. Gazette (Portsmouth) of Oct. 20, 1801 ; apparently the small cove be- low Dumpling cove, where James Coleman owned land at the close of the last centur3\
Common. All the land between Fresh Creek and the Cochecho, below Wm. Wentworth's and John Heard's, excepting the tract laid out to Wm. Pomfrett, was ordered the 19th, 11 mo., 1664, to be set apart as a com- mon forever to the inhabitants of Cochecho. And it was voted at a public town-meeting May 31, 1675, "that all y*^ land uugranted above Little John's creek, on y* west side of y* way y' goes to Belarayes bank shall lye com^mon forever."
Corset Brook. This brook emp- ties into Lamprey river, between Packer's and Sullivan's falls, on the north side.
Cotterill's Delight. This place is mentioned in May, 1653, when the inhabitants of Strawberry Bank peti- tioned the General Court at Boston to grant them " the necke of land beginninge in the Great Bay, at the place called CotterilVs Delight, soej running to the sea." This petition] was " respited because of Mr. Ma- son's claim." {N. H. Prov. Pap., 1 : 208.) In the division of the Swam-
Landmarks in Ancient Dover
51
scott Patent (otherwise called the Hilton or Sqnamscot Patent), May 22, 1656, the territor}' assigned to Dover included " all the marsh from Hogstye Cove round about the bay up to CotterilVs Delight, with 400 acres of upland, as granted by the Court, bounded and laid out and pos- sessed by the inhabitants of Dover," etc. {N. H. Frov. Pap., 1 : 222-223.) This is called the Jirst division of that Patent. As this division extended up the Great Bay shore to Cotterill's Delight, and the second division be- gan 40 poles below Sandy Point, and extended towards Exeter, there can be no doubt as to the situation of Cotterill's Delight. It is at the upper end of the beautiful shore of Great Bay known as Bay Side, beginning 40 rods below Sandy Point, whence ran the old line from the Great Bay, extending down between Portsmouth and Hampton. Henry and John Sherburne and Samuel Haynes were authorized by the town of Portsmouth, Ap. 6, 1666, "■ to meet the neighbors of Hampton, to run the lyne between the towns of Portsmouth and Hamp- ton, provided it be run from Cotterill's Delight, and from thence unto a little river about half a mile be^'oud Little Boar's head." {Po7'ts. Records.)
The grants made by the town of Dover on the shore of Great Bay to Thomas Canney, Wm. Furber, Rich- ard Hussey, Thomas Willey, George Webb, and perhaps others, were all above the mouth of Wiunicot river, and of course below Cotterill's De- light. These grants are now owned for the most part by the Weeks fam- ily. Beyond lay the large tract which Eichard Waldrou and Thomas Lake reserved for themselves, which no
doubt included Cotterill's Delight. That the Greenland line began 40 rods below Sandy Point Sept. 1, 1719, is shown by a deed of that date from Simon, Andrew, and Jonathan Wiggin, and John Sinkler, guardian of the children of Bradstreet Wig-aiu of Quamscott, deceased, conveying to Joshua Bracket of Greenland in the township of Portsmouth, 71 acres m PoHsmoutli, part of a tract of land their grandfather Capt. Thomas Wig- gin bought of Mr. Richard Waldrou and Thomas Lake, " bounded att a clump of trees standing on a piece of old planting laud near forty rods he- loio Sandy Point, as by deed of the year 1658, — which tract said Bracket is now in possession of, bounded as follows, beginning at a stake stand- ing in a piece of Old Indian Ground, 15 rods from highwater mark, about 40 rods beloio Sandy point, and from said stake S. E. 287 rods to an ash tree, then S. W. 40 rods to a black ash, then N. W. to two stones 3|- rods N. W. of brandy rock, theuce N. E. to the first bound." Here no doubt was Cotterill's Delight.
The name of Cotterill's Delight can- not with certainty be traced. There was a Robert Cotterill in Providence, R. I., in 1645, and a Francis Cotterill or Cottrell at Wells, Maine, in 1668. The name may have been given by Francis Champernowne, who was con- nected with the Cotterells of England, through the Gorges. Sir Ferdiuando Gorges' nephew, Samuel Gorges (born in 1604), married Jaue, daughter of John Cotterell, Esq., of Somerset- shire, Eug.
The Cotterells were also connected with the Pendletons, who had large o;rants from the town of Portsmouth
52
Landmarks in Ancient Dover,
in early times, but afterwards left the province. Capt. James Pendleton had, at least, a small grant of 15 acres " at Greenland" in Jan. 1667, " one side joining to Dover " and adjacent to the land of Wm. Furber. (Ports. Records.) His daughter, Dor- othy Cotterell, widow, of " Westerly, in King's Co., colony of Rhoad Is- land and Providence plantations," Aug. 1, 1734, conveyed to Edmund Pendleton of said Westerly, all right and title to any lands, tenements, etc., that had or might come to her from her honored grandfather, Brian Pen- dleton, late of Saco, gent., deceased, and all claim to lands, etc., that be- longed to her father James Pendleton, late of Westerly, deceased.
Crockett's Crossing. This is a crossing on the Boston & Maine railway, mentioned July 3, 1849, as one of the bounds between Somers- worth and Rollinsford, south of the dwelling-house of Andrew Crockett. (See Rollinsford.) The woods near this crossing are said to be a favorite camping-place for gypsies.
Cromwell's Creek. Mentioned Feb. 18, 1739-40, when Thomas and Eliza Waits conveyed to John Pearl, bricklayer, four acres of upland on the westerly side of Dover Neck, and on the southeasterl}' side of a small creek commonly called Mast creek or Crtimwell's creek; also the thatch- bed between said land and creek, beginning at the mouth of the creek, by y^ Back river, and running north- erly, up the middle of said creek as it runs. The name of Cromwell's creek was derived from Joshua Crom- well, to whom the above four acres were conveyed July 4, 1727, by Thomas Roberts, to whose father
(Thomas) they had been granted in 1658. This land is described as " but- ting on y^ back river on y'' west side, on a small creek on y^ uorwest side," and lying between Thomas Whitehouse's land and that of Abra- ham Nute. Joshua and " Ledea " Cromwell conveyed it to Thomas Waitt Ap. 10, 1730.
This creek is again mentioned Ap. 2, 1754, when Mary, widow of John Pearl, conveyed to Moses Varney four acres of upland on the west side of Dover Neck, on the southeasterly side of a small creek, commonly called Mast creek or CromwelVs creek, which runs into the Back river. Neither of these names has been retained. The creek is no doubt the same as Varney's creek, otherwise called Little John's creek. (See Var- ney's Creek.)
Croxford's Swamp. This was part of Moharimet's marsh, in the Pack- er's Falls district, Durham, so named from Daniel Croxford who was in General Sullivan's employ at the fulling-mill which stood at Sullivan's falls as early as 1774. It is now owned by Mr. Ezra Parsons. Daniel Croxford is mentioned Feb. 19, 1788, when he bought 20 acres of land of Isaac Medar, which he sold Eleazar Bennet Dec. 3, 1792.
Crummit's Creek, otherwise Crom- met's. This name has been given for a hundred years, or more, to the inlet from Great Bay which divides the Durham Point district from Lub- berland. In early times it was vari- ously called Great creek, Branson's Creek, Long creek, and finally Ma- thews' or Mathes's creek, which name it chiefly bore from 1653 till the lat- ter part of the eighteenth century. It
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
53
is called " Sturgeon creek " on Saud- ford & Everts' county atlas of 1871, but for this name there is no warrant whatever. It is otherwise called in the Durham records of March 21, 174G-7, when a petition was made for a new road by John Edgerly's " to the creek called the Millcreelc" This name was derived from Mathes's mill, afterwards Crummit's mill, which stood at the head of tide water. " Crummit's mill Cove" is mentioned in 1825. (See Matheiv's Neck.) And Crummifs mill-creek bridge is men- tioned in the Durham records of 1835. The name of Crummit's creek was derived from Jacob Crommet, to whom Peter Levius conveyed, Feb. 14, 1772, a farm of 140 acres adja- cent to this creek, " beginning at the southerly end of the mill dam thereon.^ thence running down the creek 9 rods, thence north 26 deg. E. 13 rods, across said creek to a stone, which is au old Monument," etc. John Peirce of Portsmouth, Jan. 10, 1778, con- veyed to Jacob Crommet 35 acres, " set off by execution as the estate of Peter Levius, Esq., beginning at a rock at the N. W. corner of the mill, thence running down the creek S. 55 deg. E. 8 rods," etc., being part of the farm then occupied by said Jacob Crommet.'^
The Crummit lands and mill were acquired by the Kent family, by inter- marriage. The mill is no longer in operation, but the water privilege is now owned by Mr. James Kent.
The name of Crummit is said to be a corruption of Cromwell, and the family claim relationship with the great Protector. Philip Cromwell
was taxed in Dover as early as 1657, and Daniel in 1662. One share in the ox pasture on Dover Neck was conveyed to Timothy Carel Dec. 16, 1709, by "Samuel Cromwell" who calls himself in the deed " the heir and successor of Phillip Cromwell of Dover," to whom it had been granted. The confusion occasioned by the va- rious ways of writing this name is shown by a letter from the army com- missary in 1780 concerning a soldier from Durham, called James Crum- mett, Cromel, or Cromwell. {N. H. State Pap., 17: 367.)
Crummit's Hill. This hill is in Durham, on the lower side of Crum- mit's creek, near the site of the old mill.
There is another Crummit's hill in Lee, at the upper end of the Step- ping-Stones road, so named from Joshua Crummit, who had 25 acres laid out to him on the south side of the Newtown road. May 19, 1749. The name of GrummiVs hill is also sometimes given to Otis' hill in Som- ersworth, otherwise called Picker's Hill. (See Otis' Hill.)
CuRRiELL Point. Mentioned Jan. 23, 1720, when Deacon John Hall's hundred-acre grant of 1656, between St. Alban's cove and Quamphegan, was re-surveyed for his grandson John Hall, "beginning at a poynt commonly called Curriel Poynt." This land, when first laid out in 1659, was bounded on the S. E. by the Newichawannock river; S. W. by John Roberts' lot, and N. E. by the highway from the river between Hall's land and Henry Magoon'si
The name of Curriel Pt., which has
1 An old newspaper of June 14, 1800, states that Jacob Grummet, returning from a walk in his field, fell down at his door and expired instantly.
54
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
not been perpetuated, seems to have been derived from Edward Cowel, who acquired the Magoon land, after- wards conveyed by his grandson Jethro Furber to Benj° Waymouth, and now forms part of the Garvin lands.
Cushing's Crossing. Mentioned in the Wentworth Genealogy, Vol. II, p. 545. This is a railway station on Dover Neck, above Little John's creek, where the Portsmouth & Dover R. R. crosses the land of Mr. Jonathan Gushing.
Cushing's Hill. See Madam's Cove.
Cutt's Brook. This brook is so called in the division of Robert Burn- ham's estate, Ap. 28, 1762. It rises in the Long Marsh, Durham, crosses the highway at the foot of Cutt's Hill, and empties into Burnham's Creek on the lower side of Oyster river. It is sometimes called Sandy Brooli.
Cutt's Hill. This hill is on the road to Durham Point, just below the house of the late Col. Joseph Burnham. On the south side of it is CuWs spring, a source of excellent water. Here is the laud purchased over two hundred years ago by John Cutt or Cutts of Portsmouth, first president of New Hampshire. Thomas Doutie (written "Doughty" in President Cutt's will), "resident at Oyster River," sold John Cutt, of Portsmouth, Oct., 1657, land, marsh, dwelling-house, etc., bought of Wil- liam Roberts, who was then in pos- session thereof. This farm and half of the "plantation" near it, which President Cutt bought of William Williams, were bequeathed to his son Samuel, and now belong in part, if
not wholly, to the heirs of Col. Burn- ham, and the heirs of H. A. Mathes. The name is now generallv written Cutts.
The highway to Durham Point for- merly led around Cutt's hill to avoid its steepness, but was finally run directly across it, by way of a short cut. " What name can be more unluckily short?" says Benjamin Disraeli, speaking of John Cuts, commissioned by Queen Elizabeth to receive a haughty ambassador from Spain, who, accustomed to the long sonorous names of Spanish dignita- ries, considered the brevity of Cuts' name a just ground of complaint.
Cutt's Marsh. "A fresh marsh, commonly called Cutt's marsh " is mentioned Ap. 15, 1719, in a deed from James Burnham to Robert Burnham. This marsh, still owned by the descendants of said Robert, is on the west side of Cutt's brook, opposite the Burnham house, on the way to Durham Point. It is other- wise called Adder's Swamp.
Dame's Falls. This name is now given to the falls at the upper end of Lee Hook, from the sawmill there, owned by the sous of Mr. Israel Dame. They were previously called Mathes' falls, from John Mathes, at that time the proprietor. On the state map of Lee in 1803 they are called Hill's falls. (See Hill's Falls.)
Dame's Point. This point, so called on Whitehouse's map of Dover, is between the Cochecho river and the mouth of Fresh creek, at their junction, where Wm. Pomfrett had a grant of 100 acres the 5th, 10 mo., 1652, laid out June 5, 1674. Wm. Pomfrett, March 26, 1675, out of love aud affection to his grand-
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
55
child Wm. Dam, then about 20 years of age, son of John Dam, Sr., con- veyed to him all the upland and meadow granted said Wm. Pomfrett the 5th, 10 mo., 1652, "lying and being from y* mouth of Fresh creek, on y" western side towards Cochecho — that is to say, it runs up from Cochecho river by said creek's side, from y* mouth thereof, the creek being the bounds thereof on y* east- ern side. And from the mouth of Fresh creek it runs up the riVer, which is y* bound on y*^ south and by west side." These bounds were renewed, at the request of Pomfrett Dam (son of Wm.), June 9, 1724.
Another Dame's Point is on the Newington shore of Little Bay, at the lower side of Welshman's cove, where John Dam, Sr., of Dover had a grant of 40 acres of upland in 1652, laid out the 10th, 11 mo., 1656, between Richard Cater or Carter's laud and that of Elder Nutter. This point is often called Joshua's Point, from Mr. Joshua Pickering, the late proprietor, by whose heirs it is now owned.
Dam's Windmill, otherwise Dame's. Mentioned May 4, 1736, when John Tebbets, Jr., "of Cochecho, in Do- ver," Jeremiah Tebbets, Jr., and Tam- seu Tebbets, conveyed to James Clark one half of a 40 acre grant to their grandfather John Meader, March 23, 1702, laid out Feb. 28, 1705-6, on the south side of y'^ Back river, " which land now lyes between y" s"* Back river and Wm. Dam's windmill, being on y* east side of Samuel Davis's land, joining to John Twomb- ley's, having said Twombley's on the east side joining to it at full length ; " the west side of said grant, joining
to Samuel Davis's, being reserved for Wm. Hill, Jr. In their deed to Wm. Hill, that same day, Wm. Dam's windmill is again mentioned, and this land is stated to have been given to their mother Sarah Tibbets by her father. This windmill, other- wise called Drew's windmill, stood on Pudding Hill, and seems to have been owned in common by Wm. Dam and Clement Drew. (See Pudding Hill.)
Daniel's Brook. This brook rises among the marshes in Horn's Woods, and empties into Crummit's mill- pond, Durham. The name is derived from John Daniel, who had land in this vicinity before April 11, 1694, when 40 acres were laid out to John Bickford, " beginning at a white oak on the hill at the south side of the old dam at the head of the Creek," dividing this tract from John Daniel's, and running thence W. S. W. 47 rods to the brook that also divided their lands. Forty acres were laid out to John Daniel Nov. 13, 1713, " on the north side of the brook going to Lubberland, the next brook to his home field, beginning at a black ash tree in the grassy sivamp near the parting of the brooks." Joseph Wormwood, in 1810, conveyed to Eliphalet Daniel land on the south branch of Mathes's mill-pond, that formerly belonged to Gershom and Benjamin Matlies, Jr. The Daniels farm is now owned by Mr. James Meader. (See Edgerly Brook.)
David's Lane. This lane, so named from David Daniels, is in Madbury, and extends from Nute's corner to the house of Mr. Charles W. Hayes, whose farm was originally owned by the Daniels family, seven
56
Landmarks in Ancient Dover
generations of which are said to lie buried at the foot of the Ha3'es gar- den. The old Daniels house was a garrison.
Davis's Brook. See Beaver Pond.
Davis's Hill. This hill is in the south-western part of Lee, and so named from Mr. Obadiah Davis, whose house stands at the foot. On the top of this hill once lived Miriam Clement, a reputed witch of local notoriety.
Dead Water Brook and Neck. Tristram Heard of Dover, in his will of Ap. 18, 1734, gives his grandsons Joseph Knight and Tristram Warrin 30 acres of land at a place commonly called Dead Water. Tristram War- ren, of Berwicli, Me., conveyed to Joseph Hanson, Esq., March 19, 1754, all right to 30 acres of laud in Dover, granted to his honored grand- father Tristram Heard March 19, 1693-4, and laid out on the north side of the Cochecho, between y" mouth of Black Water brook and Dead Water neck — the same land which Tristram Heard, deceased, gave Joseph Knight (son of Robert Knight) and Tristram Warren in his last will and testament. Seventeen acres of land were laid out to Joseph Hanson, Jr., Nov. 5, 1741, on the east side of the river Coche- cho, in a place called Dead Water Neck, opposite the 37 acres laid out to him that same day on the other side of the river (see Saridy Log Hill), beginning at the mouth of Dead Water brook, and running up said brook as it goes to the head, and so along the ridge of the hill, as the hedge fence goes, to a white birch marked I. H., thence S. by W. to a large cove in said river, bounding the same by said river down to the mouth of said
brook where we began — which land said Hanson had for some years im- proved. Oct. 28, 1765, Humphrey Hanson (and Joanna) conveyed to his brother Ephraim Hanson, inn- holder, 17 acres on y^ east side of the Cochecho, at a place called Dead Water Neck, laid out to their father Joseph Hanson, Esq., Nov. 5, 1741.
Deadwater Brook empties into the Cochecho on the east side, over 40 rods above the upper Eelweir falls. The Neck lies between this brook and the Cochecho river.
Dean's Marsh. This marsh is spoken of in the Durham records of Jan. 29, 1733-4, as " above Newtown river," meaning, of course, that part of Oyster river which flows through Newtown in Lee. Its name, not per- petuated, was derived from John Dean, who was slain by the Indians July 18, 1694, as he came out of his house by the saw-mill, at the falls where is now Durham village. His wife and daughter were carried up the river and left in a spruce swamp in the care of an old Indian, from whom she made her escape with her child. This daughter afterwards married Stephen Jenkins, who, Nov. 19, 1729, with "Elizabeth his wife, daughter of John Dean, deceased," conveyed to Ann Kinket, widow, " land in New town, the old possession of John Dean, deceased." Ann Kincaid after- wards married Thomas Potts. "Potts' bridge " on the highway from John Snell's to Benjamin Clark's, in New- town, is mentioned Oct. 12, 1790.
Demerit's Mill. This mill is mentioned in the Dover records Dec. 8, 1734, when a petition was made for a road " from Demerit's mill to the Mallego road at the Saplings."
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
57
It was built in 1722 by Eli Demerit, Jr., maternal ancestor of the writer. It stood in the fork of the Bellamy and Mallego rivers, just above the bridge, and at a later day was called the Hook mill, from a remarkable bend in this part of the Bellamy river.
In the Granite Monthly of Dec, 1881, is an interesting account of a suit brought against Elv Demerit, Jr., " planter," by Capts. Timothy and Paul Gerrish, by which it appears that the said Demerit and others, supposing the Gerrish right to the river# did not extend to the branches, had begun in May, 1719, to build a dam across the Bellamv, about eighty rods above the mouth of the Mallego. An action for trespass was brought against him, his estate was attached to the value of £100, and he was summoned to appear at the Septem- ber term of the Court of Common Pleas. The trial came ou at Ports- mouth, Sept. 3, 1719. One of the judges on the bench was Col. James Davis of Oyster Eiver ; and among the witnesses appeared old Parson Buss and his sou, and John Thomp- son, all of the same place. John Buss, Jr., testified that "the Damm in controversy is between six and seven miles above Capt. Gerrish's upper mill as the river runs." This implies that Gerrish then had two mills at the lower falls. The verdict was against Demerit, and he appealed to the Superior Court. But it was a struggle against one of the monopo- lies of that earl}" day, which had existed from the time when Major Richard Waldron acquired control of the Cochecho, and his son-in-law, John Gerrish, control of the Bellamy.
Demerit lost his case again ; but the Gerrishes, by an indenture of May 30, 1722, finally granted Ely Demerit, Sr., Ely Demerit, Jr., Derry Pitman, and Samuel Chesley, four parts in six of the water-privilege in contro- versy, for two years.
EI3' Demerit strengthened his claims by acquiring land in the vicin- ity, ten acres of which were laid out Nov. 1, 1734, "on the north side of Bellamy river, near the hook mill, be- ginning at a stake by the road that comes down to the loading -p)lace below the mill." And ten acres, part of a grant to Sylvauus Nock, were laid out to Ely Demerit, Jr., June 11, 1735, beginning at a red oak tree " near his land above the hook mill, said tree north of Sam' Davis's house." And so persistently did said Ely re- tain his hold of the mill he built here, that it was still in his possession at the time of his death. In his will of Jan. 10, 1758, he gives his son Ebenezer all his " Right, Title, and Interest in and unto the saw mill standing upon y® falls in Bellemiu's Bank freshet at ye Hook, commonly so called," and all his right in said freshet.
This mill gave an impetus to the lumber business in that part of the township, and promoted its settle- ment. It long bore the Demerit name, and became one of the prominent landmarks of Dover. '^Demerit' s mill" is repeatedly mentioned in the early grants and laying out of roads. The name was often abbreviated to Merit. Joseph Rines had 10 acres laid out Ap. 7, 1735, "beginning at a pitch pine tree on the west side of y* road that leads from merit's mill to the head of the township, two rods from Israel Hodgdon's north corner." Ten
58
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
acres were laid out to Maul Hauson, May 12, 1735, " at the Sou West side of the road that leads from Merrit's mill to the head of the town at Joseph Riues's," And five acres were laid out to Wm. Hill Ap. 9, 1736, begin- ning at the west side of the road, about 10 rods S. W. of Merrifs mill, and bounded partly by Merrifs mill- pond.
A vote was passed at a town meet- ing "at Cochecha," Aug. 16, 1736, " that a highway be layed out from y* road that leads from Madberry up to y* mill now in possession of Eli De- merit and others, across over to y* way that leadeth from Littleworth to Mallego, said road to be two rods wide."
The cost of rebuilding the Hook mill-dam in Oct., 1758, according to the accounts of Ely Demerit, amount- ed to 155 £., 15s. for the work alone, without reckoning the materials.
It is evident from the above men- tioned records that the true Bellamy Rook is at the mouth of the Mallego, and uot the bend in the river below.
Another " Demerit mill " was built by the same Ely, Jr., about half a mile south of his garrison, on Demer- it's brook — a streamlet that empties into Johnson's creek at Back river. This mill was in operation till the first part of this century, and a por- tion of the dam still remaius.^^t-Z-i?*
Dishwater mill, on Oyster river, in Lee, is also often called Demeritfs mill, as the name is now written.
Denbow's Brook, otherwise Den- bo's. Mentioned Aug. 15, 1743, when Joseph Davis of Durham conveyed
to John Sambon, " cordwinder," 2 acres, 42 rods, of land, beginning at said Davis's N. E. corner, at the country road near Denho's brook, and running N. by W. to the Tnill-pond (at Durham falls), bounded N. E. by land said Sambon bought of James Smith. In Smith's deed to Sambon, June 13, 1743, this brook is called " Long Marsh brook," one branch of it taking its rise in that marsh. The other branch rises at the Moat. It is sometimes called Horsehide Brook where it crosses the Newmarket road, south of Broth Hill.
It was no doubt from the Moat, aud partly by means of Denbow's brook, that Valentine Hill proposed to construct a canal from Lamprey river to Oyster river — probably the first canal projected in New England. The 14th, 11 mo., 1655, he obtained " free liberty to cut through the com- mons for drawing part of the water of lamperele River into Oyster river, for the supply of his mill," provided no injury be done other grants of land or water, and that he should build bridges wherever his new feeder interfered with the highways, aud that this water-course should cease if he should throw up the grant of Lamperel river.
The name of Denbow's brook was no doubt derived from Salathiel Denbow, who owned land on the west side of Long marsh before 1713.-' And Richard Denbo had a grant of 20 acres of upland, laid out, Oct. 14, 1713, "on the west side of Colley's marsh, near his father's place, on the east side of the road that goeth from Ovster
1 Salathiel Denbow served in the French and Indian wars of that period. A pension for a ' hurt " received was granted him Dec. 1, 1730. {N. H. Prov. Pap., 4: 581, 723.)
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
59
River to Lubberland." This name is now written Dinsmoor.
Dirty Brook. Meutiouecl March 19, 1693-4, when John Bickford had a grant of 60 acres on " the south side of the durty hrooke, going to the second falls" at the upper side of Benj" York's land. John Bickford conveyed this land to John Smith Ap. 8, 1703, when dirty brook is again mentioned. Part of John Smith's grant of 50 acres, June 23, 1701, was laid out Ap. 3, 1705, " on the north side of the durty hrook" bounded one side by ^''follefs path" thence running westward to the brook. This land was near the sec- ond falls in Lamprey river. He had another grant of 20 acres Oct. 2, 1729, at the upper side of his grant of 1701, "lying between Follefs bridge path and the DuHy brook." It joined the lands of Burnum, God- dard, and Stevenson.
Dirty brook is in the Packer's Falls district, Durham, and empties into the Moat. It once had sufficient power to run a shingle-mill.
Dirty Gut. Mentioned Ap. 11, 1694, when George Braun had a grant of 20 acres " at the durty gutt." Geo. Brawn, March 10, 1703, con- veyed to John Downing a tract of land near Bloody Point, on the west- erly side of Pascataqua river, " on y'^ place called the dirty gutt" granted him by the town of Dover in 1694. This land was laid out to John Down- ing with 140 acres he bought of Joseph Hill. James Place of New- ington, Ap. 26, 1736, conveyed to John Hodsdon one acre on the south side of Capt. Dowuiug's land, for- merly Jos. Rawlins', beginning at a place called the durty gut, joining on
the north easterly side land at s*^ gut that formerly belonged to Jos. Rich- ards, and running up towards the Pitch-Pine plains, which said acre James Place bought of Samuel Ben- son, and Benson of Jos. Rawlins. Wm. Vaughan conveyed to Geo. Huntress, Sr., Feb. 5, 1708, a tract of land in the Long Reach, beginning at y" river's side at Canney's cove, and running W. S. W. to a certain place called the Durty Chitt in the way that goes from Rawlins's to the Pitch-Pine plains, etc. (See the Gore.)
The name of Dirty Gut has not been perpetuated, but it is appar- ently the brook, or a branch of it, which empties into Pickering's cove near Birch Point. This brook has two branches, both of which rise in the old Pitch-Pine plains of Newing- ton. One rises in the so-called " Langdon pasture," in the lower plains; and the other above, east of the parsonage land, but is fed chiefly by Coleman's spring. They both cross the road from Fox Point to Portsmouth, one a little below Stony hill, now Pine hill, and the other further down. They afterwards unite in one brook which finally empties into Pickering's Cove.
Another Dirty Chit is mentioned Ap. 9, 1703, when a highway was laid out " from the Oyster bed at Oyster river to the country road at the durty gutt by Abraham Clark's." Abraham Clark lived near the divid- iuo; line between the Ovster River precinct and Dover proper, a& appears from a vote at the town- meeting of Ap. 22, 1706, that the inhabitants of Dover Neck should keep in repair the road from Hilton's-
6o
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
Point to Abraham Clark's ; aud the inhabitants on the north side of Oyster river should keep the road in repair from said Clark's to Oyster River falls.
Dirty Lane. Mentioned Oct. 7, 1713, when Joseph Baard conveyed to Ralph Hall all right to his father's land, bounded S. by the lane from high street to the hack cove, aud W. by the lane formerly called Dirty lane. This lane was at the lower part of Dover Neck, between high street aud Back river. It seems to have been a part of Low street.
Dirty Slough. Mentioned March 19, 1693-4, when 30 acres of laud were granted to " Isaac gold by the durty slow, below beach hill." And again Jan. 9, 1721, when Wm. Leathers gave his sou Thomas a tract of laud on the northwest side of the way to Beech Hill at y^ place called the Dirty Slough. This slough is a gully on the borders of Durham and Madbury, a little west of the Tom-Hall road, on the way to Beech Hill.
The name of Dirty slough is some- times given to the brook that empties into Bunker's creek, in Durham.
Dishwater Falls and Mill. See Oyster River Falls.
Doe's Neck. This neck, now in Newmarket, but once a part of ancient Dover, was so called from Sampson Doe, to whom Richard Waldron conveyed, March 22, 1709, all that neck of land between Lam- perell river and Goddard's creek in the township of Dover, formerly granted by said town to Peter Coffin of Exeter. (See Lamprey-River Neck.) Nathaniel Doe, Ap. 19, 1745, conveyed to Ralph Cross of Newbury
half of a farm commonly called Doe's Neck, consisting of 120 acres, with dwelling-house, and barn southward of the house, the laud extending from the barn to Lamperel river, then E. on said river to the Great Bay, and by said Bay northerly to a fence northward of Martain's layn, so called, then up the creek (God- dard's) to a rock eastward of Burch Point, near the place where people commonly pass over, and from said rock to a large red oak by the upland above Burch point, then along said creek to the fence between said Doe's land, and that of Samuel Smith of Durham. (See Lamprey River Neck and Martin's Lane.)
Dover. This name was given to the settlement at Hilton's Point as earW as 1639, if not before. It was changed to Northam in 1641, but the name of Dover was restored in 1642. "A Combination for government" was formed by the inhabitants of Dover, Oct. 22, 1640, aud the settle- ment remained independent till its union with Massachusetts, which was consummated Oct. 9, 1641. C. W, Tuttle, in his Historical Papers (p. 333) says it is an error to give the uame of '■^ Dover Combination" to the local form of government of 1640, because the word "Dover" does not appear in the document. It was merely endorsed, "The Com- bination for government by y*^ people at Pascataq." The name, however, is in constant use, and serves to dis- tinguish it from the combinations at Exeter and Strawberi-v Bauk. And it is appropriately so called, because it was formed by and for the Dover settlers. This Combination was the only charter of incorporation Dover
Landmarks in Ancient Dover
61
ever had, till it was made a city June 18, 1855. * The township of Dover formerly comprised, not only Dover proper, but the present town- ships of Durham, Lee, Madbury, Somersworth, and Rollinsford, the greater part of Newington, and a portion of Greenland and New- market.'^?** A^*c-w--u».«»»>^%^f ^.1.^.7
The name of Dover, in a restricted sense, was sometimes given in early times to the settlement on Dover Neck, by way of distinction from that called " Cochecho," around the lowest falls in the Cochecho river. "The road from Dover to Cochecho" is mentioned May 5, 1718, meaning the road from Dover Point. (See Cochecho.)
Dover Garrisons.
I. Peter Coffin's Garrison. The N. H. government ordered, March 13, 1683-4, that the houses of Peter Coffin, Esq., and Richard Otis be immediately fortified as " by-garri- sons for Cochecho," for the security of the inhabitants in their vicinity. (N. H. Prov. Pap., 1:499.) Cof- fin's house is mentioned May 27, 1671, when Richard Waldron con- veyed to Peter Coffin one fourth of the sawmill works on the south side of the river Cochecho, with one fourth of all grants and privileges thereunto pertaining. Also six acres of land on the south side of the river, adjoining " y* two acres of land upon part whereof y* s'^ Peter Coffin's house now stands, which s'^ Peter formerly bought of his father-in-law Edward Starbuck." Coffin's garrison and mill were burnt by the Indians June 28, 1689. The Rev. Joshua Moodey of Portsmouth implies that this was a judgment on Peter Coffin, who was
one of the Justices at Moodey's trial in 1684. {Ibid., 1:523.) ^ Coffin himself, however, escaped the fate of Col. Waldron, having treated the Indians more equitably, as shown by his securing from them a title to his lands at Squaraanagonick and at the second falls in Lamprey river. Cof- fin's garrison is said to have stood on an elevation, now cut down, between Orchard and Waldron streets, in the rear of Varney's block, about sixty feet from the line of Central Avenue.
II. Tristram Coffin's Garrison. This garrison, built by Tristram, son of Peter Coffin, escaped destruction in the Indian attack of 1689. Where it stood is uncertain, but it is supposed to have been on the high land near the present Belknap school- house on Silver street, which is part of the old Littleworth road. Elipha- let Coffin conveyed to Joseph Han- son, Sept. 5, 1735, two acres of -laud in Dover, bounded S. by the highway to Littleworth, W. by David Wat- son's two-acre home lot, N. by Leah's field, so called, and E. by '' a small gore claimed by Mr. Riciiard Wal- dron y' lies over against ye pound, being the very same land ivhere Tris- tram Coffin, father of Eliphalet, for- merly lived." Tristram's son of the same name, however, lived near the lowest falls in the Cochecho. Peter Coffin, son of Eliphalet, conveyed to John Gage all right and title to the mill privilege at the lower falls in Cochecho river, on the south side, " being near ye dwelling house of Capt. Tristram Coffin." s^"- 7a,v T'-^-^-^JL . ^.« i^
III. Gerrish's Garrison. Men- tioned in the Journal of the Rev. John Pike, Dec. 25, 1692, when, as he states, "A dolefuU and tremen-
62
Land^narks in Ancient Dovei'
dous noise was affirmed to be beard in the Ayr nigh Cajpt Ger : Garrison, which Continued (with a little inter- mission) near half an hour." — " Money p"^ for dialing of soldiers at Capt. John Gerrishes Garason" is mentioned in 1692. {N. H. Prov. Pap., 17: 621.) Two soldiers are mentioned as " serving his Majesty" in Capt. Gerrish's garrison from Jan. 7, 1695, till Feb. 6, following. (Ibid, 17: 648.) This garrison no doubt stood near Gerrish's mills at the lowest falls in the Bellamy river, but the precise spot is not known.
IV. Hayes's Garrison. This was a minor garrison of a later day, which, according to Sanford & Evert's atlas, stood west of the Cochecho river at the foot of Wink- ley's hill, at the junction of the road to Barrington and that to Tolend falls. It is elsewhere spoken of as " the garrison of Lieut. Jonathan Hayes," who died Ap. 15, 1787. It was taken down in 1812.
V. Heard's Garrison. This garri- son, built by Capt. John Heard of the Dover Combination of 1640, stood on a small hill, west of Garrison Hill, at the lower side of the ancient cartway, where is now the garden of the Bangs residence. It escaped de- struction in the attack of 1689, at which time John Heard was already dead. The allowance made by the government for the subsistence of soldiers at Dame Heard's garrison in 1692 and 1693, is given in the JSf. H. Prov. Pap., 17:621, 629. Five sol- diers were ordered to be stationed at " Samuel Heard's garrison " in 1693. (/6i(Z., 2 : 103.) Orders were given Oct. 20, 1693, that only two soldiers be left at Heard's gai'rison. This
seems to have been the only fortified garrison on the north side of the Cochecho river Feb. 17, 1696-7, when the government ordered that the bridge (boom) " broken and gone," should be speedily repaired, in order that Heard's garrison miglit be relieved in case of an attack by the enemy. Six men were ordered to be sent to Heard's garrison Ap. 15, 1697. {Hid., 2 : 223, 227.) This garrison is mentioned Jan. 16, 1721, when Stephen Varney conveyed to Wm. Welland ''30 acres of laud, which was the homestead of John Heard, deceased, lying in Cochecho, beginning at the highway at the back side of Lt. Tristram Heard's house, and running W. by N. to the end of the lot, taking in the Old Gar- rison House."
VI. Meeting-House Fort or Gar- rison. Capt. Peter Coffin agreed, the 4th, 5 mo., 1667, to build a fort about the meeting-house on Dover Neck, 100 feet square, with two Sconces 16 feet square, all the tim- bers to be 12 inches thick, and the wall to be S^feet high, with sills and braces. It'jwas ordered by the Gov- ernor and Council, March 13, 1683-4, " that the meeting-house at Dover be immediately fortified, and a line drawn about it, which meeting-house shall be the main garinson for de- fending the inhabitants against the attacks of the enemy ; also that the house, formerly called the Watch House, be a by-guard." {Ibid., 1:499.) " The garrisoii about ye ministry house on Dover Neck " is spoken of May 11, 1697. {Hid., 17 : 656.) This house and its fortifica- tions are now gone. The land where it stood was purchased a few years
Landmarks in Ancient Dove7'
63
ago by the Hon. C. H. Sawyer and Mr. E. R. Brown, and presented by them to the Congregational Society of Dover. (See Nutter's Hill.) The guard house, mentioned above, is re- ferred to in Job Clement's will of Sept. 4, 1682, in which he gives his grandchild Jane Kenney a part of his six acre lot "• near the watch house on Dover Neck."
VII. Otis' Garrison. This garri- son stood about half way between Heard's and Waldron's garrisons, on the brow of a hill on the west side of what is now Central Avenue, near Milk St. It was built by Richard Otis, ancestor of the present writer, who settled in Dover as early as 1655. The N. H. authorities ordered, March 13, 1683-4, that his house should be immediately fortified, as one of the " by-garrisons " of Cochecho, for the securitv of the neighborins; inhabi- tauts. {N. H. Prov. Pap., 1:499.) It was destroyed by the Indians June 28, 1689, on which occasion Richard Otis was killed, together with his son Stephen and daughter Hannah. His wife, and twenty-eight other inmates of the garrison, wei'c taken captive.
VIII. Paine's Garrison. Mention is made of Thomas Paine's garrison being surrounded by a baud of Ind- ians in the night of June 27-28, 1689. {Ihid., 2:bl.) It was prob- ably destroyed on that occasion, for no mention is made of it subse- quently. Dr. Quint says it stood close to the house of the late Capt. James Varney, on the turnpike road (Portland St.), near the corner of Rogers St. ; but on what authority does not appear. It was undoubt- edly on that side of the Cochecho river, however — probably on Mt. Raw-
lings, where Thomas Paine acquired land and a dwelling-house March 5, 1673. (See Mount Rawlings.)
IX. Pinkham's Garrison. This garrison was built by Richard Pinck- hame, of the Dover Combination. It stood on the west side of Dover Neck, on gently sloping land overlooking Back river, that for six generations remained in possession of the Pink- ham family, covering a space of about 250 years. It is now owned by Mr. Charles Thompson. About four rods west of his house stood the garrison, which was taken down about 1825.
X. Samuel Tibbet's Garrison. Mentioned in 1696, when Richard Clay was stationed there from Ap. 13 till June 8. This garrison was on Dover Neck. Samuel Tibbet's land in the upper part of Dover Neck, on the east side, is mentioned in 1702. He was still living Feb. 9, 1733-4, when he declared himself to be 67 years old. " Capt. Samuel Tibbets" is spoken of Ap. 17, 1742,
as " deceased." S-^^^'-Sic^^^*^.^. ^4^
XII. Varney's Garrison. This garrison was on the Blackwater road in Dover, some distance N. W. of Willand's pond. It was no doubt built by Stephen Varney, who, Oct. 24, 1719, acquired part of Wm. Pom- frett's hundred-acre grant in Coche- cho woods, bordering on Mr. Rey- ner's 400 acre grant, at the east. It was a large garrison of two stories, the second story projecting about three feet beyond the first. During the French and Indian wars of the last century it is said to have afforded shelter to all the neighboring farm- ers. It was still standing in 1834, in which year it is mentioned as the " Old Garrison " on Whitehouse's
64
Landmaj-hs in Ancient Dover.
map of Dover. It was taken down not long after, and some of its tim- bers were used in the construction of the Bickford house near Faggoty bridge, now owned by Mr. Moses Hussey. The cellar, however, can still be traced.
XIII. Waldron's Garrison. This garrison was built by Major Richard Waldron, founder of the Cochecho settlement. It stood north of the Cochecho river, on the west side of Central Avenue, between First and Second streets, directly behind the National Block, which, as Dr. Quint says, should have been called Wal- dron's block. The present Court House stands on a part of this garri- son site. This garrison was destroyed in the attack of 1689, on which occa- sion the Indians, by way of revenge for numerous wrongs, put Major Waldron to death in the most bar- barous manner. <2**^xy<*^'^'-****5
There were other Dover gtu-risons*" on the west side of Back river. (See Back River Garrisotis.)
Dover Landing. See Cochecho Landing.
Dover Neck. This neck is men- tioned in 1643, when Wm. ffurber had a grant of " two house lots con- taining six acres, on the east side of y^ neck of Dover, butting on y'^ fore side of the river, next Joseph Austin at the north." Dover Neck and Point constitute a tongue of high land that extends between Fore and Back rivers to the main body of the Pascataqua. Belknap describes it as a ridge " about two miles long, and half a mile wide, rising gently along a fine road, and declining on each side like a ship's deck."
Dover Point. This name is now
given to Hilton's Point, at the lower end of Dover Neck.
Dover Point Ferry. This name was given to a new ferry from Dover Point to Newington, established by the Pascataqua Ferry Co. in 1856. It was connected with Dover city and Portsmouth by means of a daily stage-coach. The ferry here in early times was called the Bloody Point ferry and Knighfs ferry.
Dover River. This name is given to the Cochecho river on Pike's map of Somersworth in 1805. "Cochecho or Dover river " is mentioned in Mer- rill's Gazeteer of N. H. in 1817.
Dow's Hill. This name is now given to the highest point of land in Newington, from Amos Dow, to whom Seth Walker conveyed, Sept. 25, 1816, a tract of land on the N. W. side of the road to Bloody Point ferry, adjacent to the Huntress and Rollins lands.
Downing's Creek. See Uncle Siah's Creek.
Downing's Plains. So called from John Downing, who acquired land in the Pitch-Pine plains of Newington Feb. 14, 1723-4. (See the Gore.) Richard Downing's land in the upper Pitch-Pine plains of Newington is mentioned in 1770. (See Pitch-Pine Plains.) And Feb. 27, 1799, Bar- tholomew Downing and Richard D. Hart advertised for sale "100 acres of corn laud on Dow?ii7ig's Plain in Newington. "JV^ /**-•"»■'''-' -^ <=-«•«- ^./rv
Downs' Brook. This brook is in Somersworth, below Great Falls, and so named from an old family in that vicinity. A quitclaim to 60 acres of land at Indigo Hill, lying between the lands of Wm. Downs and Paul Brown, joining the river at the north-
Landmarks in Ancient Dover
65
east, was given to Samuel Downs March 13, 1750, b\' the other children of Thomas Downs, who, says the deed, "upward of thirty years ago was killed by y* Indians." A part of the old Downs laud is now owned by Mr. Morrill.
Dram Rock. This rock, according to Dame's map of Newington in 1805, is in the Loug Reach, off the Newing- ton shore, about half way between Bloody Ft. and the Portsmouth line. It is apparently the same as Shag Rock^ and no doubt derived its name from the boatmen who regarded it as a signal for a dram when they as- cended the river.
Drew's Hill. This is a steep hill in the Back River district, about a mile below Sawyer's bridge across the Bellamy. Along the upper side of this hill runs the old mast road from Wingate's Slij) (now ForcVs Landing) to Madbury. The name is derived from John Drew, who ac- quired several of the twenty-acre lots on the west side of Back river, grant- ed in 1642. His land here is men- tioned Nov. 22, 1698, when John Laighton of Rochester sold Shadrach Hodgdon 20 acres on the west side of Back river, where said Laighton had built a house in which he then lived, bounded northeasterly by Back river, S. E. by Hodgdon's land, S. W. by Dreiv's land, and northwesterly by the highway " from mast bridge to y* river, at a place cal*^ y^ Sli}^ " — being lot No. 21, granted Henry Beck in 1642, and laid out to Thomas Layton, his successor.
Drew's Marsh. This was a small marsh in a bend or bow of Johnson's creek, on the south side ; and north- east of a little run of water from a
spring near the Jones house in Dur- ham. It is mentioned in some depo- sitions of Aug. 1, 1776, made by Stephen Pinkham and others, who testified that this marsh had long been owned by the Drews of Back River.
Drew's Point. Mentioned Sept. 7, 1738, when John Downing of New- ington and his wife Elizabeth con- veyed to Benjamin Mathes 50 acres of land in Durham, " beginning at Oyster river, near y* Pint cal*^ Dreio's Point,^' and running along a highway from the river between said land and the lands of Joseph Stevenson and Thomas Footman till it came to the highway " from y* falls to y*" ferry called Bickford's ferry," bounded north by the river, and east by Caleb Wakeham's land, — which fifty acres formerly belonged to James Langley, and was part of the estate of his father James Langley. (See Lang- ley's Point.)
Drew's Windmill. See Dani's Windmill.
Dry Hill. This name is given to Gage's hill in the Dover Sun of Ap. 17, 1813, when mention is made of land on Dry Hill belonging to the estate of Samuel Bragg, Jr., formerly editor of that newspaper. And Capt. Moses Paul also speaks of " Dry Hill" in his diary of 1852. It is otherwise called Faggoty Mil and Gage's hill.
Dry Pines. Mentioned March 19, 1693-4, when Richard Pinkham had a grant of 30 acres of land " between y® drie innes and Abraham Clark's." And that same day Zachariah Pitman had a grant of 20 acres " in y^ Dry Pines, between Jn" Knight's and Zach- arias field's." Pitman conveyed this land to John Drew Aug. 16, 1697.
66
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
Elijah Drew and wife Abigail, Nov. 29, 1762, conveyed to, Shadrach Hodgdon 25 acres of land, bounded northerly by the highway that leads from the country road to Clement Meserve's, westerly by said Meserve and Samuel Hayes, and easterly by part of the estate of John Field, de- ceased ; which land, called the Dry Pines, formerly belonged to Joseph Drew, father of said Elijah. John Knight's land at Mast bridge was afterwards acquired by Benedictus Torr. And Samuel Hayes' land, above mentioned, was conveyed to him Dec. 3, 1737, by Daniel, son of Zacharias Field. The Dry Pines, a portion of the tract generally called Field's 2^lains, were in the upper part of the Back River district. (See Field's Plains.)
The Dump. This name is now given to a deep ravine at the eastern side of the Waldron cemetery on Chapel St., Dover, into which, for a time, was dumped the refuse of that vicinity. A small brook flows through this ra- vine and empties into the Cochecho river. ^**- ftroa'<^*««»-j ^*"*'^'<-^ i?-- .
Dumpling Cove. This cove is on the Newington shore of Little Bay, at the lower side of Dame's Ft., now Joshua's Ft. It is mentioned the 11th, 10 mo., 1656, when Richard Catter's (Carter's) grant of 40 acres of upland in 1652, was laid out "south of the freshett at DonnMne Cove" bounded north by Henry Lankstar's land, and south by that of John Dam. Henry Langstar's grant of 200 acres in 1652 was laid out in 1659, "beginning at Doempling Coxie in the letell Bay, and so up the freshett to the parting of it," thence over to "the freshett that goeth into the broad Coue below
foxe jJoynt, thence over the mouth of the crike to a maple tree, thence to the north side of a little swamp, thence to a Rock a little below Tern- ing Poynt, and up the little bay to DoonipUne Cove." Henry Laugstar, Oct. 27, 1704, conveyed to his daugh- ter Mary all his land on Little Bay, beginning at the mouth of a creek in Broad Cove, and running up Little Bay as far as Duvii^ling Cove, to the southwest side of the freshet ; which land was granted said Henry Lang- star the 9th, 5 mo., 1652.
Sarah Levett, " widow and relict of James Levett," conveyed to Joseph Adams, "preacher of the Gospel," March 15, 1721, a tract of 40 acres, "bounded somewhat northerly on y^ lands that were formerly old Mr. Langstar's, now in y^ possession of Mr. Eleazar Coleman, somewhat westerly on y^ river that runs into y* Great Bay, somewhat southerly by the lands of Mr. John Dam, and somewhat easterly by the lands of said Adams ; " — the laud thus bound- ed being " at or near a place called Dumpling Cove, and formerly granted by the town of Dover to one Richard Cater" (Carter.) '
Joseph Adams of Newington, Dec. 18, 1783, conveyed to John Gee Fick- ering 20 acres of land in Newington, "supposed to be half of the farm where said Adams then lived," be- ginning at Joseph Dame's land, and running along Little Bay to the land of James Coleman. This land is now owned by Mr. Gee Fickering of Forts- mouth, and the Dame land adjoining by the heirs of Mr. Joshua Fickering.
Dumpling cove is sometimes called Sow-Pit cove, probably a corruption of Sow and Pigs, a name given to a
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
67
cluster of rocks in the river near this cove.
Dunn's Woods. These woods are in Dover, adjoining the road to Dur- ham. They were acquired early last century by Benedictus Torr, and now belong to Mr. Simon Torr. For the last fifty years they have been known as "Dunn's woods," for the strange reason that Samuel Dunn, of Dunn's tavern, Dover, owned land adjoining, that was almost entirely woodless. In days by no means dis- tant, these dark, damp, lonely woods, enclosed by hills, and remote from any dwelling, were said to be the scene of many a robbery by day and supernatural occurrence by night, stories of which at once delighted and terrified the neighboring children. The ghost stories sprang chiefly from the delusive phosphorescent lights which on dark nights were often seen gleaming here and there among the bogs and decayed wood. Torr's ivoods, as they should be called, are now fast disappearing, and with them the nocturnal lights which once starr tied the belated traveller.
Durham. This name was given to the Oyster River parish when it was incorporated as a town May 15, 1732. It included the present township of Lee till the latter was incorporated Jan. 16, 1766, and a part of New- market, ceded to that town July 2, 1870. The name of Durham was apparently given at the request of the Rev. Hugh Adams, then the minister at Oyster River. In his address to the General Court in 1738, he says this parish "was chartered into the township of Durham" in answer to his petition " for its privi- leges and said name, as therein
pleaded for." (See N. H. Prov. Papers, V: 35.) The name of Dur- ham may have been chosen in order to commemorate the palatine form of government originally accorded to the New Hampshire settlement, if credit is to be given to the so-called Charter of Charles I to Capt. John Mason, Aug. 19, 1635, granting him the province of New Hampshire, " with power of government and as ample jurisdiction and prerogatives as used by the bishop of Durham." {Ihid, 1 : 37.) The bishops of Dur- ham, England, it will be remembered, formerlv exercised the semi-regal powers of a count palatine. It does not appear, however, that Capt. Mason or his heirs ever attempted to exercise such prerogatives in New Hampshire.
Similar powers were also conferred on Sir Ferdinando Gorges in the Royal Charter of April 3, in the fifteenth year of the reign of Charles I, granting him the Province of Maine, with " all the Powers, Rights, Franchisses, Immunities, Royalties, & Priviledges w*^" are enjoyed or ought to be enjoyed by the Bishop of Duresftme in the County Palatine of Duresme." (See Baxter's Sir Ferdi- nando Gorges, 3 : 304.)
The first government established in Maryland was also palatinate, according to the charter from Charles I to Cecilius, the second Lord Balti- more, June 20, 1632, conferring on him prerogatives as ample as those exercised by the Bishop of Durham, which, as implied above, fell little short of royalty itself.
Durham Corner. This corner is at the centre of Durham village, where three roads meet, coming from Dover, Lee, and Newmarket.
68
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
Durham Falls. This uame is often given to the lowest falls in Oyster river, and to the village of Durham itself. (See Oyster River Falls.) A road, laid out "from Durham Falls to Coos," is mentioned July 13, 1768, as "beginning at Durham Falls," and thence running to Madbury Meeting-house, thence through Harrington b^^ Levi Daniels' house, etc. (N. H. State Pap., 18: 584.)
Durham Falls bridge, across Oyster river at the foot of the lowest falls, is mentioned Oct. 8, 1770, when Wm. and Avis Odiorne conveyed to Tim- othy Meder the "Mansion House" where thev then dwelt, together with a barn and warehouse, and one acre of laud, bounded S. by land of Abra- ham Perkins, deceased, E, by the road from Durham Falls bridge to Nottingham, and N. and W. by John Hanson's land.
Durham Landing. A landing- place at the head of Oyster river, according to a vote of the town of Dover, Oct. 27, 1701, was laid out June 14, 1703, beginning at high- water mark by Geo. Chesley's fence, and running by his fence to the top of the hill by Bartholomew Steven- son's house, (now Mr. Wm. P. Ffrost's), "thence N. N. W. to a pitch pine on the east side of the mast path which leads from Oyster river, thence to the fence on the west side of the aforesaid path, then south- ward, as the fence goes, till it comes to the fresh river above the saw-mill, all which land thus laid out is to lay open for a public landing-place." (Dover Records.) This landing- place included, not only the slope of Log hill in front of the Ffrost resi-
dence, but all the land on the south side of the road immediately above the saw-mill, now enclosed as house- yards, which, within the writer's recollection, lay open as a place for lumber for the convenience of the mill, and still properly belongs to the town or the mill privilege.
Durham Point. This name is now given to the entire district between Little Bay and the lower part of Oyster river, but strictly speaking the point itself is at the mouth of the river on the south side. It was originally called Oyster River 'point or BicJcford's point.
Durham River. D. Smith, on his map of 1805, gives this name to the fresh-water part of Oyster river. He confines the name of " Oyster river" to the tidal or salt-water portion, below Durham falls.
Edgerlt Brook. This name is often given to Daniel's brook, the southern branch of Cruramit's creek, from Samuel Edgerly, to whom 30 acres were laid out Oct. 15, 1714, " beginning at a hemlock tree on a little hill on the west side of a path that leads from Oyster River to John Daniel's." This land is still owned by the descendants of the above Samuel. (See DanieVs Brook.)
Eel-Pot Creek. This creek runs through the land of Mr. Rufus W. Weeks of Greenland, and empties into the Great Bay, about fifty rods above the mouth of Winnicot river. It is mentioned Nov. 22, 1716, when Henry Langstar, of Piscataqua, New Jersey, by virtue of a power of attor- ney from his father John Langstar, son of Henry Langstar (otherwise Langstaffe) of Dover, deceased, con- veyed to Henry Nutter a tract of 20
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
69
acres in Portsmouth, on y^ western- most side of Greenland river, in y'' Great Bay, bounded upon Ealpole creek. ^'
Eelweir Falls. (See Cochecho Falls.)
Eelweir Plains. Mentioned Nov. 5, 1741 (see Sandy Log HUT), and again Nov. 2, 1773, wlien John Tworabley and Sarah conveyed to Thomas Hayes 37 acres on the wester- ly side of the Cochecho river, " at or near the Eelware Plains, so called," formerly laid out to Joseph Hanson, which land said Twomblev bought of Ephraim Hanson, deceased.
Egg Pond. This name is some- times given to No-Bottom pond.
Elijah's Ledge. This is a quarry in Home's woods, so called from Elijah Edgerly, who sold it to the Newmarket Manufacturing Co.
Emerson's Brook. This brook, otherwise called Great Brook, is in the southwestern part of Lee. It flows through the lands acquired by Samuel and Solomon Emerson in the middle of last century (see North River), and empties into North river a little below Harvey's mill. A place in the channel, called the Mound Hole, seems to indicate that there was once a dam here. The Emersons, how- ever, acquired the neighboring privi- lege on North river, where Samuel Emerson had a mill at the beginning of this century.
Fabyan's Point. This point of land, originally called Starbuck's Pt., is on the Newingtou shore of Great Bay, at the upper side of Herod's Cove, otherwise Laighton's. It is mentioned May 30, 1721, when Mary, widow of Thomas Pickering, and her three sons, James, Joshua, and
Thomas, conveyed to John Fabins all right to a tract of land, commonly called Starbuck's Point, on Great Bay, with one half of y"" salt marsh thereto adjoining. John Fabyan is mentioned in 1713 among the petitioners for Newington to be made a separate parish.
Faggoty Bridge. This is a small bridge across Faggoty brook, on the road from Dover to Rochester, at the foot of Faggoty hill, now Gage's hill. It was so named because the road at this point lay across a bog that had to be filled in with faggots and small
DC?
trees, to give it 6tabilit^^ It is men- tioned Dec. 22, 1720, when 60 acres of land, granted Tobias Hanson in 1702, were laid out to him " between fagote bridg and the'old bold sjnt,'' on the east side of Wm. Pomfrett's grant, then in possession of Ephraim "Went- worth, Thomas Downs, and Stephen Varney. Tristram Heard, in his will of Ap. 18, 1734, gives his son John 30 acres of land " above Faggoty bridge." And June 23, 1736, eleven acres were laid out to Thomas Var- ney on the N. E. side of Faggoty bridge, beginning at the S. corner of Jos. Heard's land, north of said bridge, and thence running S. E. bv y* road 47 rods.
Faggoty Brook. This brook rises in a marsh in the Page pasture, Dover, and crosses the Rochester road at the foot of Gage's hill, then flows through the lands of Mr. Free- man Babb and Andrew Rollins, and crosses the road above Mr. Andrew Rollin's house, in RoUinsford, and empties into Rollin's brook.
Faggoty Hill. This name was generally given to Gage's hill till the middle of this centurv. In an adver-
70
Land'}narks in Ancient Dover.
tisement of 1802 it is called " Fag- gotty bridge hill."
Falls Hill. The hill iu Durham village on which the Cougre2;ational meeting-house now stands is repeat- edly called by this name in the rec- ords of last century. May 25, 1736, Nathaniel and Valentine Hill sold Thomas Pike, Jr., of the bury New- town, three acres on the west side of Falls hill, bounded northerly by the mast way, and westerly by the way leading towards y* spruce swamp and little mill (Chesley's mill). This laud Thomas Pike conveyed to Joseph Atkinson Sept. 12, 1738, when Falls hill is again mentioned, as well as the other bounds. Timo- thy Jones of Stratham, innholder, and Eleuor his wife, Sept. 4, 1747, conveyed to Abednego Leathers of Durham, mariner, three acres of land, with dwelling-house, barn, and malt- house thereon, which land and build- ings Jones had bought of Dr. Joseph Atkinson, " lying on the west side of a hill called and known by the name of Falls hill, bounded N. by the mast path, W. by the usual way leading to the spruce swamp, and S. and E. by the laud of Nathaniel and Valentine Hill." This laud was afterwards acquired by James Laigh- tou, and is now owned for the most part by Mrs. Cook.
Deacon Hubbard Stevens of Dur- ham conveyed to Moses Emerson^ of Haverhill, Mass., May 23, 1751, a quarter of an acre of land, with a
dwelling-house on it, on the west side of a hill called by the name of Falls hill, lying between the country path (the road to Madbury) and the mast path, which land said Stevens bought of Nathaniel Hill. Here, at a later period, stood Ballard's tavern, now owned by Mr. Hoitt.
Both of these tracts originally be- longed to Valentine Hill's grant of 500 acres, which comprised all the land from Durham falls, including the greater part of the present vil- lage, to the western boundary of the land owned by the late Benjamin Thompson,
Fancy Hill. Mentioned July 23, 1735, when 20 acres of land were laid out to Ichabod Canney on the S. W. side of the road from Little- worth to the Saplings, at a place called Fancy Hill, beginning at Joseph Hanson's east corner, and running along his laud S. W. to his south corner, then along the com- mons and Wm. Twombley's land to the road, and by the road to the first bound. The name of Fancy hill has not been perpetuated, but it seems to have been the hill a little west of Barbadoes Pond, which affords a pleasant view across the pond, with the city of Dover farther east, and Garrison Hill and other heights iu the distance.
Field's Marsh. This was a small marsh in the Durham Point district, mentioned in the Durham records of 1764 as next the parsonage lands.
1 Moses Emerson was appointed commissary in the Revolutionary army in 1775. He had four brothers in the army, one of whom was Capt. Nehemiah Emerson of Haverhill, Mass. They descended from Jonathan Emerson, of Haverhill, brother of Capt. Samuel Emerson of Oyster River. The second wife of Moses Emerson was a Taylor, a great granddaughter of Gov. Edward Winslow of Mass., and a near relative of Gov. John Taylor Oilman's mother, of Exeter. She died in Durham, and lies buried in the Thompson burial-ground, near the residence of Mr. Lucien Thompson.
Landmarks in Ancient Dovc7'.
71
The county records speak of Nicholas Follet's dwelling-house, July 22, 1680, as standing on land adjoining Joseph Field's marsh. Joseph was the brother of Zacharias Field who settled in the Back River district. He was taxed at Oyster River in 1657. They are supposed to have been the sons of Darby Field, who is noted as the first of our colonists to make the ascent and give an account of the White mountains. Gov. Wiu- throp speaks of him as an Irishman, but Bell's History of Exeter says there is some reason to suppose him connected with the Hutchinson's of the Antinomiau controversy in Mass- achusetts. Most writers regard him as one of the early settlers at Exeter, N. H., but there is no proof that he ever lived there. Like Francis Mathews, he subscribed to the Exeter Combination of 1639, but they both settled on what was then debatable laud between Exeter and Dover proper, known as the Oyster River settlement, now Durham, where Darby Field owned land as early as 1639. Wm. Beard conveyed to Francis Mathews, June 16, 1640, his house and land at Oyster River " next adjoining y^ land of Darbey ffield." Darby Field was still living at Oyster River in 1644, when he was licensed to sell wme. This was no doubt at Durham Point, where stood his dwelling-house, which, with part of his land, he conveyed to John Bickford June 17, 1645. (See Bic'kford's Garrison.) He was still living at Oyster River, however, in 1649, when he had a case in court. And here he no doubt died about two years later. Ambrose Gibbons was appointed " administrator of y^ estate
of darbey ffield, deceased, at y* court holden in Dover y'' 1, 8 mo., (16)51."
Field's Plains. This name is generally given to the level sandy tract between Dover and Durham, in the upper part of the Back River Dis- trict. It includes the Dry Pines and Pitch-pine plains of early times, and Clarke's plains of a later day. They are so named from Zacharias Field, who acquired land on these plains more than 200 years ago, and here built his garrison. Mention is made of them May 9, 1768, when Paul Giles conveyed to Stephen Evans three acres of land on the westerly side of the main road from Cochecho to Durham at a place called Field's Plains, beginning at the northerly corner of Clement Meserve's laud, adjoining said road, and running westerly by his land to Evans' other land, which three acres said Giles purchased of his honored father-in- law John Field, deceased. Stephen Evans and wife Lydia conveyed to Clement Meserve, Ap. 7, 1773, 58 acres at a place called Fields 2Dlai7is, on the right hand side of the road from Dover to Durham, bounded westerly b}' said Meserve's land, southerly by Capt. Shadrach Hodg- don's, northerly by a highway, and easterly by the aforesaid road to Durham. (See Dry Pines and Fields Garrison.)
Fielden's Brook, otherwise Field- ing's. Mentioned in the Report of the committee for the supply of water in Great Falls, Dec. 2, 1890. It is a small brook that runs through the old Hauson lands on the west side of Prospect Hill, at the upper end of Great Falls village, and empties into the Salmon Falls river. The name
72
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
is derived from a family that lived there the first half of this century. It is properly Hanson's brook.
Flaggt Hole. This place is men- tioned in the Madbury records. It is a " bog-hole," or low swamp, at the foot of Perry's hill, nearly a mile above Hicks's hill. Two brooks have their source in this bog, on the south side of the road to Harrington. One flows south-west into Oyster river, and the other flows north into the Bellamy. The latter crosses the road, and the bridge over it is called in the town records ^'Flaggy Hole Brooh bridge.''
Flaggy Swamp. Mentioned July 13, 1721, when one half of Joseph Jenkins' grant of 40 acres near Gal- lows Hill, afterwards removed, was laid out to his sou William. One bound of this land was a maple tree in Flaggy sioamp. Wra. Jenkins seems to have settled iu the vicinity of Wednesday Hill, but he also owned land near the Frog pond, Back River, mentioned in 1771. Joseph Jenkins, however, had land in 1751 in the vicinity of Flaggy Hole iu Madbury.
Follet's Brook. This brook rises in Lee, on Mr. Geo. Yorke's land, at a source called Sam's spring from Samuel Davis, a former owner of the land. It flows through Follet's marsh in the Packer's Falls district, Dur- ham, and finally empties into the Pascassick river near the Boston & Maine railway.
Follet's Path, otherwise Follet's Bridge Path. (See Dirty Brook) .
Follet's Rocky Hill. Mentioned Ap. 9, 1703, wlieu a road from the
Oyster bed was laid out along the west side of Follet's Rocky hill, above Fol- let's barn, then along the east side of the next rocky hill to Abraham Clark's. This hill is on the upper side of Oyster riyer, near the head of Bunker's creek, so called from Wm. FoUet, who, with James Bunker, had a grant of a point of land, afterwards called Bunker's neck, Oct. 10, 1653. Follet's share was sold to James Bunker March 28, 1707, by Nicholas Follet of Portsmouth. (See Bunker's Neck.)
Follet's Swamp. This swamp is frequently mentioned in the old grants and deeds at Dover and Exeter, and in the early records of Durham. Ap. 2, 1694, John Thompson, Sr., had a grant of land from the town of Dover in Follet's swamp at Oyster River, on the north side of the mast path. And this John Thompson, in his will of Ap. 12, 1733, gives his son Jonathan his land at Follet's stvamp on the south side of the mast path " where he (Jonathan) now dwells." Forty acres of land, granted to Eli Demerit^ Ap. 11, 1694, were laid out to him May 31, 1699, at the south-east side of ffollet's sioamp., bounded north by Jonathan Woodman's land, leaving a path 4 rods wide on one side, for cattle to go into the woods. Eli Demerit, iu his will of Nov. 12, 1739, gives his son Ely all his lands "at a place commonly called and known by the name of Follet's sivamp. in the town of Durham." This land formed part of the estate afterwards inher- ited by his great-grandsons, Nathaniel and Israel, and still owned by their
1 This name, in one record of the original grant, is written (no doubt phonetically) " Eli Demrey;" and in another record of the same grant " Eli De Miret." The Rev. Hugh Adams, a contemporary of said Eli, writes it " De Merit " in his church records.
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
73
descendants. Thomas Johnson's 100 acre grant near Philip Chesley's, laid out to Stephen Jones July 19, 1715, was, when re-surveyed for Joseph Jones, March 14, 1745-6, declared to be "at a place commonly called folleVs swamp." " Lieut. Jones' fence uqvly folleVs swamp" is mentioned Ap. 4, 1752. His land was above the De- merit farm, on the borders of Oyster river. This shows that Follet's swamp not only extended along the Mast road, but up the river, and in the direction of Beech Hill.
This swamp is again mentioned June 5, 1764, when Ebenezer Jackson conveyed to Jonathan Thompson 24 acres of land in Durham, " being one half of the land that belonged to his honored grandfather Ichabod Follet, deceased, lying at a place commonly called and known by the name of Follet's Sivamp," reserving the rights of the widow Prudence Follet during her natural life. Robert Leathers and wife Deborah (Follet) conveyed to Jonathan Thompson, Nov. 21, 1763, one half of the farm where lived Ichabod Follet, deceased, be- ginning at said Thompson's land, and running along the Mast road to Oys- 'ter river, then by said river and John Laskey's land to the land of Joseph Smith, and by Smith's land to that of Jonathan Thompson, also reserv- ing said Prudence's rights.
'■'■ Follet's Swamp (school) district" is mentioned in the Durham records of 1794. It is now called the '■'■Mast- road district."
Another Follet's Swamp is in the vicinity of Packer's falls, on the upper side of Lamprey river, where Wm. Follet had a grant of six acres in "■Mahomet's Marsh " the 7th, 6 mo.,
1661, and another grant of 100 acres of upland near " Mohermit's marsh " the 18th, 10 mo., 1663. (See Mo- harimet's Marsh.) William Follet was in Dover as early as 1649, and John Follet belonged to the Dover Combination of 1640.
A third Follet's Svtamp is men- tioned in the Durham records of 1820, when the heirs of Jeremiah Brackett were taxed in Durham for land ''■ at Follet's swamp in Packer's Falls." This land is on the south side of Lamprey river, and is now owned by Mr. James McDaniel. But in the middle of the last century it was in the possession of a Follet, whose cel- lar may still be traced. The name, however, has been corrupted, and the swamp and a neighboring brook are now often called Follard's marsh and brook. (See Follet's Brook.)
Footman's Islands. These islands, two in number, are near the Lubber- land shore of Great Bay, not far above Crummit's creek. They are now owned by Dr. Elkins of New- market. The name was derived from Thomas Footman, who, the 10th, 8 mo., 1653, had the grant of an island containing one acre of land, more or less, in the mouth of the Great Bay. In his will of Aug. 14, 1667, he men- tions his house, with 80 acres of land adjacent, and the " island laying against the house." The other island is insignificant.
Ford's Crossing. This is a cross- ins on the Portsmouth and Dover R. R., at the lower end of Dover Neck, adjoining the land of Mr. George Ford.
Ford's Landing. See Wingate's Slip.
Fore River. This name was given by the early settlers on Dover Neck
74
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
to that part of the Newichawaunock on the fore or east side of this Neck. Fore river is repeatedly mentioned in the old grants and deeds of land adja- cent.
Fowling Marsh. Mentioned Aug. 6, 1691, when John Roberts gave his grandsons, Wm. and John Roberts, " a piece of marsh lying on Necho- wanuck side, commonly called y* fowling marsh" with the flats belong- ing thereto. This name has not been perpetuated, but the land referred to was evidently in the lower part of Rollinsford.
Fox Brook. " Edward ffox of Greenland, belonging to Portsmouth,'' conveyed to Joshua Weeks May 14, 1698, 30 acres of upland " lyiug ivitliin if hounds of Portsmouth or Dover " bounded N. W. and N. E. by Great Bay, S. W. by laud in pos- session of Samuel King, and east by Wm. Shackford's, then in possession of Joshua Weeks. John Dockum conveyed to his oldest son John, June 6, 1713, a ti-act of land south- east from y^ corner of y" road oppo- site Christopher Keniston's, running W. S. W. by Alexander Keniston's to ffox brook. This was, of course, above Winnicot river, but the name of Fox brook is no longer in use.
Fox Point. This point is so called Sept. 14, 1642. (See BoyalVs Cove.) It is on the Newiugton shore of the Pascataqua river, between Lit- tle Bay and Broad Cove. It is nearly half a mile long, and is the most prominent headland on that side of the river. Its name is sup- posed to have been given by the hunters of early times, who drove
the foxes they pursued into this long narrow neck, whence it was impossi- ble to make their escape. It is said to have been an old Indian " drive," where the aborigines brought the wild deer to bay in a similar manner.
This point was originally owned by John Bickford of Oyster River. "Thirty acres of upland on fox poynV were granted John Bickford, Sr., by the town of Dover, the 10th, 8 mo., 1653, and laid out by Robert Burnum and John Davis, beginning at a marked tree near Thomas Trick- ey's marsh on " the letell baye sied," and extending to " a marked tree at the broad cove on the other sied of the necke."
May 13, 1677, John Bickford and Temperance his wife, "out of love and affection to their daughter Mary, wife of Nicholas Harryson of Oyster River," conveyed to her " twenty^ acres of land in Dover, bounded ou one part by the river of Piscataqua where it leads into Little Bay, said land known by the name of ffox poynt. granted unto said Bickford by the town of Dover.'* Nicholas Har- rison, in his will of March 5, 1707,^ gives his son-in-law John Downing and wife Elizabeth, as his eldest daughter, " all his housing, orchards, and lands, at^^oajjjom^e," given him by his father-in-law John Bickford. James Burnam of Oyster River, and Temperance his wife, July 8, 1713, conveyed to John Downing of ffox point in y^ township of Dover, two lots at or near y^ head of broad Cove aX ffox point., one. containing 11 acres, and the other 19 acres, which lots were granted by Dover to Mr. Nich-
1 The Rev. John Pike says, " Nicholas Harrison died strangely insensible of any spiritual good," Ap. 11, 1708.
Landmarks in Ancient Dover
75
olas Harrison, and bequeathed by him to Temperance his daughter.
Fox Point was the Newington ter- minus of the old Pascataqua bridge from the Durham shore. Richard Downing of Newington, Nov. 12, 1793, " for the sum of five shillings, but more especialW for the encourage- ment of building a bridge over the Piscataqua river at and from Fox Point" conveyed to the proprietors of said bridge " one acre, to be laid out in square form, upon any part of my farm at Fox Pointy now in posses- sion of my son Bartholomew, where said proprietors may think proper to build said bridge and from my farm," on condition that the deed be null and void if the bridge be not com- menced within two years and com- pleted as directed by the act of incorporation.
Fox Point^ remained in possession of the Downing famih' till the pres- ent century. It is now chiefly owned by the heirs of Dr. F. E. Laugdon. The view from the ridge above the Laugdon house is fine, with Little Bay at the left ; Durham shore, with the intermediate islands, in front ; and the mouth of Back river at the northwest, out of which pours a stream to quicken the course of the turbulent Horse Races of the Pascat- aqua, which may be seen swiftly coursing towards the Long Reach. Dover Point is in full sight. It is a page full of historic interest.
Charles W. Tuttle, in his " Histor- ical Pa2)ers," pp. 163-171, endeavors to prove that no Indian attack on
Fox Point was made May 28, 1690, as generally believed. His reason- ing, however, is wholly negative. On the other hand, Wm. Vaughan, a prominent man of Portsmouth, in a letter written that very night at ten o'clock, asserts that the neighbor- hood of Bloody Point had that after- noon been ravaged by the Indians under Hopehood, who had been kill- ing and burning ivithin three or four miles of Portsmouth. Belknap, in his History of N. H., gives an account of this attack without ex- pressing the slightest doubt as to its occurrence. And the constant tradi- tion in Newington is supported by the marks of assault on the Downing garrison at Fox Pt., and the tradi- tion of the massacre at Bloody Point* near Langstafir'e's garrison.
Fox Point ferry ran to Meader's landing at the mouth of Oyster river, ' on the upper side. It is mentioned Aug. 21, 1771, when Lemuel Header conveyed his ferry place and privi- lege to George Knight, son of John Knight of Portsmouth, from whom it was sometimes called Knighf s ferry .
^^ Fox Point ferry to Durham Point" is mentioned in 1792, no doubt the same as BicJcford's ferry, which is spoken of Aug. 23, 1764, when Stephen Willey conveyed to his sou Stephen his homestead at or near this ferry. This land was at Durham Point.
France. This name is given to a neighborhood in Barriugtou, westerly of S Wayne's pond.
Frank's Fort. This is an island
1 As you turn down from Broad Cove to Fox Point, there is a fine wood at the rigcht, in which is a remarliable oali, or series of oaks— four in number — that spring from a common base of oval shape, with a space between each bole like a seat. These three spaces are delightfully umbrageous, and being well adapted for sweet converse, have been popularly named the Lovers' Seats.
76
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
in the Long Reach of the Pascataqua river, just above Eliot Neck. It was once a steep gravelly height, flat on the top, with the aspect of a fortifi- cation, but has been greatly worn by the elements, and partly carried away by vessels for ballast. Frank's Fort is mentioned Feb. 14, 1648, in a grant to John Gren. ( York Records.) In a deed from George Smith of Dover to Dennis Downing of Kittery, Dec. 18, \Q>bO ^ ffrayikes fort n,ni\.watts fort are mentioned. Land on the east side of the Pascataqua river, " \)Q- twixt Fi'anke's fort and Darhy's fort.,'' was granted, July 14, 1659, by the General Court of Mass. Bay to Wm. Hawthorne of Salem. Frank's fort is also spoken of Dec. 4, 1663, when James Emery of Kittery conveyed to Stephen Robinson of Oyster River a tract of la;id between Richard Rogers and Richard Green, Sr. ;^ and again. May 16, 1695, in a grant of land to Maj. Thomas Clark, " between ffrankes fort and Wat's fo7't."'^ The name of Frank's fort has been per- petuated to this day, but its origin is not known. Boatmen on the river invariably call it by this name. "Frankfort" is a corruption that should be ignored. A Newington tradition says the powder from Fort William and Mary was first stored on this island, whence it was conveyed farther up the river for greater secu- rity.
Franklin City. This name was given to a projected settlement or
town, laid out in Durham, at the end of Pascataqua bridge, towards the close of last century, by a company of men belonging to Dover, Ports- mouth, Durham, etc., two of whom — Nathaniel Coggswell and Thomas Piukham, in behalf of themselves and their associates — petitioned the New Hampshire legislature in 1796 to be incorporated under the name of the Franklin Proprietary., to " continue a body politic and corporate by that name forever." The act of incorpor- ation was passed Dec. 15, 1796, and approved the nest day. This bill authorized Ebenezer Thompson of Durham to call the first meeting of the proprietors, or, in case of his failure, Ebenezer Smith of the same town. $"..«. A.iix^.
Thomas Pinkham of Durham, Dec. 30, 1797, conveyed to Wm. King- Atkinson of Dover all right, title, and interest, in fourteen lots in '•'• Franklin Propriety, so called," in Durham, also three lots in the flats, and "one third of all the land at Tittle, or Tickle, or Trickle Point, so called, in said propriety, not laid out and drawn, and one third of the flats not heretofore conveyed, lying near Pascataqua (river) and one third of any common land of said Franklin," etc. Each of these lots contained one fourth of an acre.
The Portsmouth Gazette, of April 11, 1801, gives notice of a meeting to be held by the proprietors on Thursday, May 7, of that year, among
lAp, 28, 1697, "John Hall, Sen., drowned coming up the River in a little float, near Green, potn^."
Rev. John Pike's Journal.
-WaWs fort, otherwise Joslin'sfort, was about a mile farther up the river, on a point of land where Henry Joselyn or Josselyn is said to have lived for a time before going to Scarborough. Wm. Leighton, mariner, bought land at or near W^att's fort June 20, 1656, and his son Capt. John Leighton, the Sheriff, built a garrison there in 1690, generally called Leighton's fort. This point is in Eliot, and still owned by the Leighton family.
I
Landmarks in Ancient Dovei'.
77
other purposes, to see what should be done about the New Hampshire turupike road passing through some of their lots, and to renew the boun- daries. This notice is signed by eleven of their number, among whom are Wm. K. Atkinson of Dover, Mark Simes of Portsmouth, etc.
The founding of Franklin City was projected by men specially interested in trade and shipping. In the first quarter of this century many vessels were built, not only on the wharves in Durham village, but at Pascataqua bridge. The embargo and the war of 1812 were a great check to this busi- ness, but mention is made of two privateers built at this bridge by Andrew Simpson of Durham during that war, the contracts for which are in the writer's possession. The de- cline of shipping was a serious blow to the settlement of the proposed city, and the idea was gradually abandon- ed. Ballard Pinkham, administrator of the estate of Thomas Pinkham, advertised the sale of "seventeen lots in Franklin city," Jan. 2, 1812. The " Winkley estate in Franklin city, so called," is mentioned in the Strafford Register (Doyer) of Feb. 15, 1820. Mention is made of the own- ers of 36 lots in 1825. And May 28, 1829, Andrew Simpson sold 25 lots. But their decrease in value is shown by the abatements in the rate-lists. The Durham records of 1821 mention
an abatement of $3.15, on Timothy Pinkham's " land in Franklin City."
Franklin City was laid out by Nathaniel Coggswell and Thomas Pinkham. The plan was drawn by Benjamin Dearborn, one of the pro- prietors, who was a teacher in Ports- mouth, and a man of much mechanical genius.-' This plan, beautifully exe- cuted, is still preserved, and in the possession of Mrs. Alley, the present owner of the site of Franklin City. But no one can behold it, with its wharves, streets, and house-lots, all marked out in imposing array, with- out being reminded of that which young Martin Chuzzlewit found adorn- ing one side of Mr. Zephaniah Scad- der's office, and, like Eden City, with nothing yet built, and in nearly as low and unpromising a situation as that renowned settlement. (See Header's Neck and Tickle Point.)
Freetown. This name has long been given to a part of Madbury, north of Hicks's hill, now in school- district No. 3. It is mentioned in Feb., 1730, when twenty acres of land were laid out to Derry Pitman, " a little above the west end of Me- hermett's Hill," beginning at the corner of Wm. Demerit's land, and running N. by it 60 rods, then E. by the common, then S. "on a road leading to the road commonly called Freetotvn road." Derry Pitman and wife Dorothy'^ conveyed to Wm.
1 Benjamin Dearborn is mentioned in 1786 as an inventor of a certain balance or scales, and an engine for throwing- water. {N. H. State Papers, 18 : 779.)
2 Sir W^illiam Pepperrell, in his will of Jan. 11, 1759, mentions his " Jjinswoman Dorothy Pitman," and gives her " all the money which her husband Derry Pitman oweth me." The Durham records have the following entry : " The ages of Mr. Derry Pitman's children, born in the year 1749, in March ye 22, andrew pepral Pitman, and Mary Pitman." These twin children were evidently both named for the Pepperrell family. An interesting account of the captivity of Derry Pitman's parents is to be found in the N. H. Town Papers, 17 : 682. His sister Tabitha married Eli Demerit, Jr., and Abigail, another sister, married Wm. Demerit, brother of said Eli.
78
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
Fowler, June 25, 1748, one acre of land in Madbury, part of a 30 acre grant to his father Nathaniel, June 23, 1701, beginning at Zachariah Pit- man's fence, near said Fowler's house, on the same side of the road leading from Madbur}' to the place commonly called Freetoion.
Twenty-eight acres were laid out to Nathaniel Davis Nov. 14, 1749, at a place called Freetoion, where said Davis then lived, being part of a thirty acre grant to his father John Davis, deceased. Samuel Emerson of Dover and Dorothy his wife, Wm. Allin of Rochester and Hannah his wife, Joseph Tibbets of Rochester and Sarah liis wife, and John Tomp- son, Jr., of Durham and Abigail his wife, conveyed toWm. Dam, Jan. 10, 1751, 25 acres of land in that part of Dover called freetown, granted " Michial " Emerson of Dover, deceas- ed, in the division of the common lands, bounded on the S. E. by Joseph Jen- kins, and joining Nathaniel Davis, and the Hayes lands, on the S. E. and S. W., and running north to a rock called John Foy's. The inventory of Mrs. Sarah Dam's estate, July 16, 1767, mentions her laud "• at a place called Freetown, in Madbury."
At a public meeting in the parish of Madbury, March 31, 1757, it was voted that a school be kept two months " at M"" Hill's House at Free- toion.'^
Frenchman's Creek. This creek is one of the bounds of the old Emerson and Leighton lands, in the lower part of the Back river district. The origin of the name is uncertain. John Winthrop, in his Journal, June 25, 1631, speaks of an English ship that had brought to Pascataqua some
Frenchmen to make salt. Henry Frenchman was taxed in Dover in 1665. John Frenchman, " smith," is on the Portsmouth rate-list of Sept. 24, 1681. Frenchman's creek is mentioned the 6th, 10 mo., 1656, when Thomas Layton's grant of 100 acres was laid out on the south side of ^'' the frenchman'' s creek." (See Hoy all's Cove.)
Nicholas Harford conveyed to Samuel Emerson, March 20, 1711-12, land on the west side of Back river, near Frenchman's creek, which land had been bought of Moses Davis, to whom it was granted in 1701. It was between the land of Thomas Lay- ton and the land Samuel Emerson bought of Joseph and Thomas Hall, Dec. 18, 1700. May 17, 1714, Thomas Laiton sold Samuel Emerson the eastern portion of his land at Back river, " beginning at rocky Hill at y* turn of the fence, and so run- ning straight down to a white oak standing against a little orchard y' was Nich'* Harford's on y^ west, then straight to the turn of y' marsh and so to y* river." These tracts became the homestead estate of Capt. Sam- uel Emerson, and remained in the possession of his descendants about 175 years. The buildings, with part of the land, now belong to Mr. Mark Chase. Capt. Emerson, a direct ances- tor of the writer, was a native of Hav- erhill, Mass., and a brother of Han- nah Dustiu, famous for her escape from the Indians in 1697. He married Judith, sister of Col. James Davis of Oyster River, who, after her mar- riage, was for several years a captive among the Indians. Capt. Emerson removed, early last century, to Oys- ter River, where he was appointed
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
79
one of the first deacons of the church, April 3, 1818, the Sunday after its organization, and his wife was the first person admitted as a member, that same day. He was ordained "Elder" Nov. 16, 1721. The grave of Samuel Emerson, — cap- tain, deacon, and elder, — and that of his wife, Judith, ma}' still be seen near the residence of his descendant. Deacon Winthrop S. Meserve, of Durham.
Fresh Creek. This stream is a tributary of the Cochecho river, into which it empties on the east side, not far above the mouth. It is men- tioned in the Dover records as early as 1648. The mill privilege on this creek was granted the 5th, 10 mo., 1652, to Wm. Furber, Wm. Went- worth, Henry Langstar and Thomas Canney, together with the timber " from the head of tidewater three miles up into the woods betwixt the tivo freshets, the southernmost fresh- ett coming out of the marsh beside the Great hill at Cochecho, the northernmost freshett bounding Cap' Wiggins and JVP broadstreet's grant at Quomphegan," etc. {N. H. Toiun Pap., XI: 530.) Henry Tibbets, June 29, 1713, conveyed to John Drew, Sr., one half of the mill privi- lege at the head of Fresh creek, and half of his labor in building the saw- mill there, with the privilege of erect- ing a dam for the convenience of said mill, together with land for a log hill. This fall was within the line of Samuel Croumel's (Cromwell's) land, near y*^ place where Joshua Croumel's house formerly stood.
The name of Fresh creek is still retained, but the water power is now small. The lowest saw-mill thereon was at the crossing of the present road to Eliot. Fkujg's mill, a tide mill, was the last that stood here. The tide, however, extends up to the old road laid out in 1709, where stood Fielding's mill. Another mill once stood farther up the stream, where it is crossed by the road of 1733. Between the site of Flagg's and Fielding's mills are the remains of an old beaver dam in a cove, at the foot of a hill covered with alders, poplars, and red oaks. The part of Fresh creek above the head of tide water to the mouth of Twombley's brook is often called Willoio brook, from the number of ancient willows that border the stream for some dis- tance ; and sometimes Barbel brook, because in spring it is full of barbels, as well as lamprey-eels, etc. Barbel brook is crossed by the turnpike road to Portland. Above the mouth of Twombley's brook, it is called Rollins brook, to its source among the springs in the vicinity of Otis' Hill. (See Rollins' and Tioombley's Brooks.y
The whole brook above the head of tide water was in early times called Fresh creek brook. This name is given it Dec. 16, 1720, when Ger- shom Wentworth conveyed to Thomas Downs ten acres of land near said Downs' house, extending up fresh creek brook 31 poles. Ebenezer Wentworth conveyed to Benjamin Wentworth, June 27, 1737, all right and title to the estate of their
1 A description of Fresh creek and its tributaries, written with charming freshness (as the subject required) by Mrs. Baer of Rollinsford, is to be found in the Granite Monthly, Dec, 1883.
8o
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
honored father Beuj" Wentworth, bounded northerl}' b}' Ephraim Went- worth's laud, easterly by Fresh creek brook, etc.
Fresh Creek Woods. Mentioned Nov. 28, 1729, when Ephraim Went- worth conveyed to Gershom Went- worth ten acres in a place called Fresh Creek woods, beginning at the highway side, near John Heard's land, and extending along said way over Fresh creek head 46 rods to Daniel Plummer's land ; and two acres more on the north side of said highway, beginning at a heap of stones near Richard Goodwin's east- erly corner.
Fresh Creek Neck. This neck of land is in the lower part of Rollins- ford, between Fresh creek and the Newichawannock river. It is men- tioned March 19, 1693-4, when Thomas Tibbets had a grant of 40 acres '■'■ on Fresh creek neck." And Ap. 2, 1694, Joseph Jenkins had a erant of 20 acres "on Fresh creek neck, to butt on y* fore river." The lower part of this neck was granted Wm. Pomfrett in 1643, and the re- mainder to Richard Waldron and others in 1652. (See Cochecho Point.)
Freshet Bridge. This bridge is across Johnson's creek, in the lower part of Madbury, and is so called in the town records to distinguish it from ''Johnson's Creek bridge," which is not far off, on the boundary line between Durham and Madbury. The road from the Dover line above Dan- iel Pinkham's house is spoken of Ap. 6, 1815, as leading down by his house over freshet bridge.
Frog Pond. Mentioned in Col. James Davis's will of Oct. 18, 1748, in which he gives his son Ephraim 15
acres of land granted to his father, laid out adjoining " a place commonly called and known by the name of Frogg Pond." This is probably the pond referred to July 24, 1771, when Nathaniel Lamos conveyed to James Lamos 15 acres and 100 sq. rods, part of a pasture near Johnson's creek, beginning at a Frog Pond by the land of Wm. Jenkins.
Furber's Bridge. So called in the town records of Lee in 1785. It is across Little river, on the road from Lee Hill to Wadleigh's falls. Its name was derived from Jethro Fur- ber, whose laud on Little river is men- tioned when the above road was laid out in 1755. (See Little River.)
Furber's Point and Ferry. Fur- ber's Point is on the Newington shore, at the Narrows between Great and Little Bays. The name is derived from Wm. Furber, who came from England in the "Angel Gabriel," which was wrecked at Pemaquid in August, 1636. He was at Dover in 1637, and belonged to the Combina- tion of 1640. He had a grant of land at Welsh Cove as early as 1652. In 1657, he had a grant of thirty acres more, which must have been beyond the boundary Hue at Hogsty Cove, as they were a part of the 400 acres along Great Bay granted to Dover by the government of Mass. Bay in 1643, and confirmed iu May, 1656. These 30 acres were doubtless part of the land he afterwards gave his son Jethro. June 17, 1674, he gave his homestead to his oldest son William (see Pascataqua Pock), who, Dec. 11, 1694, was licensed to keep a ferry " from his house at Welchman's cove over to Oyster River." (See Ifatheiv's Neck.) Furber's ferry, however, was
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
8i
in operation before May, 1694. (See N. H. Prov. Pap., 17: 668.) The ferry place on the Newiugton side is mentioned May 19, 1708, when " Joshua ffurber of Portsmouth, mar- iner, now bound to sea, upon a voy- age to the West Indies, and not knowing how the Lord may dispose of me," gives, in his will, unto his "dear and loving wife Elizabeth," till her son Joshua should be of age, his dwelling-house at Welch cove, and all his lands, " beginning at a pitch-pine tree standing below the point, about fifteen rodds or there- abouts below the ferry -place, where the turn of the tide begins at ebb and flow, and from there to a stake in the field, on the south side of the old barn, and so on to William's line, and from thence to the elm tree by the brick-yard home to the meadow of Thomas Roberts, being the house and land which my father William ffurber, deceased, gave me by his deed of Sept. 13, 1707." The'oldFurberslie buried at the right, as you drive down to the point where Furber's wharf formerly stood. The way, now seldom traversed, is rough, but bor- dered with many fine walnut trees, and the view up Great Bay and down Little Bay amply repays all fatigue. Across the Narrows may be seen, amid the trees, the white house on Adams' Point, once called Mathews' Neck, the Durham terminus of Fur- ber's ferry.
Furber's Straits. This name is sometimes given to the Narrows be- twe.en Great and Little bays, across which P'urber's ferry once ran.
Gage's Hill. This name is now generally given to Faggoty hill, from Capt. John Gage, who lived at the
foot of it, on the place now owned by Mr. Joseph Hutchins. It is other- wise called Dry Hill.
Gage's Point. This name is given on Whitehouse's map of 1834, to a point at the mouth of the Cochecho on the west side. It is derived from Col. John Gage of Beverley, Mass., who came to Dover before 1725, and married Mrs. Elizabeth (Roberts) Hubbard, great-granddaughter of Thomas Roberts of the Dover Com- bination of 1640. He acquired land below the mouth of the Cochecho, on the west side, before Feb. 12, 1742, on which day Love and Mary Canney confirmed to him all right to 70 acres in Dover, bounded southerly on Gage's land to the mouth of the Cochecho, westerly on said river to Thompson's Point, and northerly by said river to a place commonly called Long creek, etc.
Gallows Hill. This hill is men- tioned May 30, 1699, as a little below the falls in Oyster river, where Sam- uel and Philip Chesley and others had liberty to build a saw-mill. (See Oyster River Falls.) This mill be- came known as " Chesley's mill," and was so called as early as 1701. At a latei" period it became a grist- mill. Gallows hill is just below, on the so-called ''Mill road," that leads from Durham village to Packer's Falls. This sinister name is derived from some residents of former days, supposed to be morally qualified to undergo the highest penalty of the law.
Sivazey^s hill in Dover, just below Central square, between Central ave- nue and the Cochecho river, was often called Oalloios hill after the execu- tion of Elisha Thomas, who was hung: in 1788 for the murder of Capt. Peter
82
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
Drowne of New Durham. The spec- tators assembled on this hill, but the gallows stood at the foot — where the print-works now are.^5"^^»"*^*y^ f^^
Garrisons. The garrisons men- tioned in this work are classified under the following heads : Hack River^ Dover, Greenland, Lee, Madhury, Newington, Oyster River (Durham), and Rollinsford Garrisons.
Garrison Hill. This name was originally given to the small hill in Dover on which Heard's garrison once stood, but for more than half a century has been transferred to the height at the eastward, called in early times the Great Hill, and at a later period Varney's hill. If no garrison ever stood on the Garrison Hill of the present day, it was at least surround- ed by garrisons. Heard's was on the westerly side ; Otis's farther off, at the south ; and a little later, one, if not two, Wentworth garrisons were built at the eastward. And Varney's house probably had defences. Eben- ezer Varney acquired land here in 1696, after which it was generally called " Varney's hill.'' This name is given to it as late as 1834, on Whitehouse's map of Dover. (See Great Hill and Varney's Hill.)
Garrison Hill is about a mile above the Dover railway station. Eight and a half acres thereon were bought by the city in 1888, for a public park and a reservoir to supply the city with water. The reservoir, which contains about two million gallons, is supplied from Page's springs, and, when ne- cessary, from Willand's pond. The
Hussey springs have also been re- cently acquired. The Park has de- servedly become a popular resort. The view from the top of the hill, which is 298 feet above the head of tide-water, extends from the White Mountains to the Isles of Shoals. In every direction is a glorious range of hills — among them the Northwood hills and Saddleback mountain, the three Pawtuckaways in Nottingham, the Blue ridge in Strafford, with Blue Job at the head,- Otis' or Ricker's hill in Rollinsford, Frost's hill in Eliot, and, further east, Mount Agamenticus of legendary fame.
Garrison Hill Village. This name is given, on Whitehouse's map of Dover, to the settlement northwest of Garrison Hill.
Geebig Road, otherwise Chebeague and Jebucto. The first of these names is popularly given to a road that leads through the northeastern part of Nottingham to Geebig mill, on North river. It is called Jelmcto road on Tuttle's map of Nottingham in 1806. '-'• Jaheague upper mill" '\Q mentioned Oct. 31, 1765, when Solo- mon Davis conveyed to Wm. Drew a tract of land on Cross street in Not- tingham, adjoining this mill. The name is said to have been derived from Chebucto, an Indian chief in the vicinity of North river, the first half of last century. Chebucto or Jebucto was also the ancient name of the place where is now the city of Hali- fax, N. S. Great and Little Che- beague islands on the coast of Maine have names akin.
1 Capt. Peter Drowne was a revolutionary officer in Col. Stephen Peabody's regiment, that went to Rhode Island in 1778. He was murdered Feb. 4, 1788, by Elisha Thomas, who had served as a private in Col. Tash's regiment in 1776.
2 The name of Blue Job is given to the highest part of the Blue Hill range in Farmington, from Job AUard, a former proprietor.
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
83
George's Creek. This creek, men- ioned iu the Dover records of 1803, empties into the Cochecho river near Beach's soap-factor}' .5*«>7/4,?ti HiLL .
Gerrish's Bridge. This is a well known bridge across Bellamy river in Mad bury, below the Hook. A peti- tion for a bridge across Bellamy Bank freshet, " a little above Ca-[)t. Paul Gerrish's saiv-mill" was made Oct. 12, 1756. This bridge is spoken of iu 1787 as standing by " Benjamin Gerrish's corn-mill." Beiuo' lono; and high and difficult to keep in repair,Ger- rish's bridge is repeatedly mentioned in the town records of Madbury.
Gerrish's Mills. The first mills of this name were at the lowest falls in the Bellamy river. Capt. John Gerrish, through his wife, daughter of Major Richard Waldron, acquired one half of the water privilege here, Oct. 17, 1683, and became sole owner at a later day. At his death this property fell to his sons Timothy and Paul, who had two mills on the lower part of the Bellamy in 1719, and seem to have acquired exclusive pos- session of all the mill privileges on the river, within the limits of ancient Dover. (See Demerit's Mill and Bel- lamy Falls.)
Another Gerrish mill^ frequently mentioned in the Dover and Madbury records, also stood on the Bellamy. It was in Madbury, below the Hook, directly southwest of Barbadoes Pond. A record of Jan. 7, 1758, speaks of it as " set up by Capt. Paul Gerrish and others." Among these was John Hanson, of Dover, who,
that same day, sold Daniel Hayes, of Madbury, one sixteenth part of this mill. " Log hill, adjacent to the mill," is spoken of in the deed of con- veyance. A grist-mill was also erected here. One of these mills was swept away by a flood in 1798, and the other, June 24, 1799; but they were both rebuilt soon after. Mrs. Sarah Meserve, of Dover, March 28, 1804, sold Dauiel Hayes of Madbury, one twenty-fourth part of GerrisWs saw- mill— " the same," she says iu her deed, " that was set up by my father, Benjamin Gerrish." Benjamin was the son of Paul. This saw-mill be- came a day-mill in time, and was taken down about 1833.
" The grist-mill and falls, with the privilege belonging to the same," were, in the early part of this century, acquired by Eli Demerit,^ who sold them at auction in 1832. This mill is now gone. The dam was removed iu 1865 by the Messrs. Sawyer of Dover, who had acquired control of all the mill privileges on the Bellamy.
Giles's Creek. This creek, the first below Stevenson's, on the south side of Oyster river, is mentioned May 26, 1719, when James Davis, sou of Moses, and Mary his wife, daughter of Bartholomew Stevenson, sold James Langley fifteen acres of land granted Joseph Stevenson March 19, 1693-4, beginning at an oak tree near the highway that goeth from a creek called Giles's creek, thence E. S. E. to a pine tree by the pen. '^ This name, now discontinued, was derived from Matthew Gyles, who was taxed
1 This Eli Demerit was the great-grandson of the Eli who built the iirst saw-mill at Bellamy Hook.
2 Several "pens " are mentioned in the neighborhood of Durham Point and Lubberland. A tract of four acres called " the Pen" on the north side of the road to Durham Point, originallj- part of the parsonage land, was conveyed to Valentine Mathes by Robert Mathes, Maj' 3, 1832.
84
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
at Dover in 1648. He died before June 30, 1668, when his estate was divided between Richard Knight and Matthew "Williams. His land was afterwards acquired by William Pit- man, whose son Francis sold it to Edward Wakeham, May 2, 1695. The deed of conveyance describes it as " situate and lying, and being in y*' place known by y^ name of Gilo's old fields lying between two creeks." (See Wakeham'' s Creek.)
Gilmore's Point. This point is on the upper shore of Oyster river, between the Smith land and the mouth of Bunker's creek. It was so named from James Gilmore, who lived in that vicinity the middle of last cen- tury. He seems to have married Deborah, widow of Joseph Smith, who died before Ap. 3, 1766. James Gilmore conveyed to Daniel Smith, July 23, 1792, the whole share that fell to Samuel Smith out of that part of his father Joseph Smith's estate that was set off to his mother Debo- rah Gilmore for her thirds. Daniel Smith married Mary Gilmore Dec. 7, 1780. This tract is now owned by Mr. Geo. Fowler.
Goat Island. This island is in the Pascataqua river, a little below the mouth of Oyster river, and, like Rock island, belongs to Newingtou. Wm. Pomfrett, the 5th, 5 mo., 1652, had the grant of " one island, lying in the river that runneth toward Oyster river, commonly called by the name of Gooett Hand, having Seder (Cedar) point on the north, and i?ed- ding Point on the east and Fox poynt on the southwestward." William Pom- frett gave this island to his grandson, Wm. Dam. " William Damme of Dover," and wife Martha, Aug. 5,
1702, gave their son Pomfrett Dam the island "commonly called and known by y*^ name of Goat Island, lying between Fox point and y^ neck of land formerly granted unto Mr. Valentine Hill, deceased." In the ap- praisal of the estate of Samuel Dam, Ap. 18, 1751, mention is made of " one small island of about three acres, called Goat Island," valued 20 £. It is also mentioned in the in- ventory of Timothy Emerson's estate in 1755, and valued 60 £. It now be- longs to Mr. Cyrus Frink and others.
According to Dame's map of New- ington, Goat island is 48 rods long. At the west end it is 11 rods wide. Its greatest width is 12 rods, whence it tapers to the east end, where it is only 2 rods wide. This island was one of the links in the old Pascataqua bridge. On it was built the " Pascat- aque-bridge tavern " before Oct. 24, 1794, on which day the agents of the Bridge Co. advertised it "to be let," describing it as " a new, commodious, double house, with a large, conven- ient stable, and a well that afforded an ample supply of water in the dry- est season." This tavern was burned down many years ago, and no build- ings now remain on the island. There is another Goat Island in the Pascat- aqua river, off the Kittery shore.
Goddard's Creek. This creek is on the southern shore of Lubberland, and was, till 1870, one of the bound- aries between Durham and New- market, and, of course, between Strafford and Rockingham counties. The dividing line, when perambulated March 4, 1805, " from Lampreyeel River Bridge to the great bay," began " at the picked rock under said bridge, and ran S. 56J° E. 264 rods, to the
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
85
head of Goddard's creeJc, so called, thence by the channel of said creek to the mouth at the bay aforesaid."
The name of this creek was derived from John Goddard, one of Capt. Mason's colonists, who came over with Henry Jocelyn and others in the Pied Coiv, in 1634, and arrived at Newichawanuock Jul}' 13, where he aided in erecting a saw-mill and corn- mill. (Tuttle's Ccqot. John Mason, p. 325.) He acquired land on the creek that afterwards took his name Sept. 22, 1647, when Joseph Miller conveyed to him the liouse where Miller then lived, together with 30 acres of marsh on the west side of Great Bay, near the Great Cove, and 100 acres of land on the west side of said marsh, all of which had been originally granted to Thomas Lark- ham. John Goddard died before June 27, 1667, on which day the in- ventory of his estate was made. " The old loay from Lamprill-river falls to John Godder's," is mentioned the 28th, 2 mo., 1664, in the laying out of a road from said falls to the Great Bay. His creek is mentioned June 25, 1675, when all ot Lamprey river neck was conveyed to Peter Coffin, extending from the head of ^^ John Goddar's creek " to the head of tide water below Lamprey river falls, where Mr. Hill's works stood. An error having been made in laying out "a lot at Lubberland for old Richard York," and the old return being lost, the bounds were renewed Dec. 11, 1683, beginning at a marked tree by the creek called Goddard's creek, and running N. N. W. 60 poles to a val- ley or gutter, etc. Four acres of thatch-ground on the south side of '■^ Gothard's creek," joining the south
side of " Lampreel river neck," were granted Wm. Furber, Sr., June 23, 1701.
This creek is called Luhherland creefc March 10, 1740-41, when Samp- son Doe of the parish of Newmarket, in the town of Exeter, conveyed to his SOD Samuel, one fourth of a piece of salt marsh and flats in " y^ creek commonly called Luhherland creek" There appears to have been a mill on this creek in early times. " Samson Doe" conveyed to Nathaniel Doe, Ap. 22, 1742, his land and marsh " between y^ fence and Goddard's creek, from ye old mill, so called, up to an elm tree at Drisco's field."
Golding's Bridge. Mentioned Dec. 21, 1721, when Maturin Ricker's grant in the " Trunnel country" was laid out to his son Joseph on the " east side of a way that leads from Quamphegan to goldins hridge." This name may be a corruption of Good- ing. Maturin and Hannah Ricker Aug. 29, 1721, conveyed to Richard Gooding 12 acres, part of a 20 acre grant to Joshua Cromwell, and laid out to said Maturin Dec. 14, 1720, on the north side of the way from Cochecho to Salmon falls, and two acres more on the south side of said way, beginning at an elm tree stand- ing by a bridge. This was no doubt Golding or Ricker's bridge. (See Fresh Creek Woods.)
Maturin Ricker conveyed to Ger- shom Wentworth, Oct. 27, 1729, twelve acres of land on the easterly side of the road from Cochecho to Salmon falls, beginning at an elm tree near a certain bridge called Rick- er's bridge, and running S. by E. to Joseph Ricker's fence, and thence easterlv to Jeremiah Rawlin's fence.
86
Landma7-ks in Ancient Dover
This bridge was no doubt across Fresh creek brook, now Rollins' brook.
GoNic. See Sqiiamanagonic.
Gooseberry Marsh. This marsh is in the upper part of Madbury, on the south side of Bellamy river. It is so called May 30, 1738, when John and Sarah Giles conveyed to Wra. Dam 20 acres on " the S. E. side of y*^ HooJc marsh, beginning at a hem- lock tree near y* place called y® goos- bery marsh." Timothy Moses con- veyed to Timothy Emerson, Aug. 24, 1741, five acres at the east end of Gooseberry marsh, on the south side of Belleman's Bank river.
The Gore. This was a section of land on the borders of Portsmouth and the Bloody Point district that remained ungranted till 1693. It did not form part of Ancient Dover, but it is often mentioned in the convey- ances of the Dover lands adjoining, and now belongs for the most part, if not wholly, to Newington. The se- lectmen of Portsmouth, March 22, 1693, conveyed to Wm. Vaughan " a gore of land between the land former- ly granted Capt. Bryan Pendleton and the line y' is y* bounds betwene the towns of Portsmouth and Dover y' runs from Caunyes Coue to hoogsty Coue, and runs from Canuyes Coue to (the) Bloody point roode waye that leads to Greenland." William Vaughan of Portsmouth, Feb. 1, 1708, conveyed to George Huntris of Do- ver, a tract of 40 acres " in Ports- mouth, adjoining to Cannyes Cove, near said George Huntris' house in Piscataqua river, in that part which
is called the Long Retch, beginning at the river's side, at said cove, and running W. S. W. from the river by a tract of land which was formerly given and laid out to Capt. Pendleton by the town of Portsmouth, which said Pendleton sold to Christopher Jose, and now belongs to Capt. Rich- ard Gerrish, to run on a W. S. W. line by said Gerrish's land to a cer- tain place called the Durty Gutt, in the way that goes from Rawlins' to the pitch-pine plains, and from said durty Gutt in said way to run N. W. by y^ edge of the swamp to the line that bounds Portsmouth and Dover, and thence upon said Portsmouth and Dover line to y® first bounds, being a gore, and is part of that gore which the said Wm. Vauo-han bought of the town of Portsmouth, which lott con- tains about 40 acres, reserving unto said Wm. Vaughan, his heirs and assigns, a cartway down to Cannej^'s cove, and 40 feet at the foot of the hill at said cove."
William and Abigail King of Ports- mouth, Feb. 14, 1723-4, conveyed to John Downing, Jr., of Newington, his part of the gore in the pitch-pine plains in Neivington, which land lay in equal partnership between Capt. Nathaniel Gerrish, Mrs. Margret Vaughan (then Mrs. Margret ffoye), Mrs. Abigail Shannon, Mrs. Elizabeth Vaughan, and the said Wm. King.* Bridget Gerrish of Berwick, widow of Nathaniel Gerrish, March 25, 1730, conveyed to Margaret, " y* now wife of John ffoye of Charlestown, Mrs. Abigail Shannon, widow, ^ Mrs. Eliz-
1 Wm. King was the son of Mary Vaughan, who married Daniel King of Salem.
2 Capt. Nathaniel Gerrish of Berwick married Bridget Vaughan. Abigail Vaughan married, 1st, Nathaniel Shannon, and secondly, Capt. George Walker. Margaret Vaughan married, 1st, Capt. John Foye, and 2dly, the Hon. Charles Chambers, both of Charlestown, Mass.
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
87
abeth Vaughan, single woman, and "Wm. King, mariner, all of Portsmouth, her fifth part of tlie Qore of laud which her father Wm. Vaughan had of the town of Portsmouth — which fifth part was 52 acres. The whole tract was bounded S. E. on the land of Wm. Vaughan, then in possession of John Vincent ; W. by Jos. John- son and Alex"" Hodgden ; S. by land of Capt. Henry Dering and Lt. Gov. Wentworth, then in possession of Samson Babb and John Stevens ; N. W. on Mad. Graff ord's common right, Mr. Ephraim Dennet and oth- ers ; and " on y* east, northerly, on y® road that leads from Islington to Newiugton ferry."
Gosling Road. This name is pop- ularl}' given to the long straight road leading from the Pascataqua river two miles along the dividing line between Newington and Portsmouth. Rich- ard Dame, on his map, calls it the " Road to Boiling Rock.''' It is called the ''New Road'' May 12, 1759, when David and Charles Dennett con- veyed to John Hart eleven acres of land in Portsmouth, on the south- easterly side of y^ new road., so called, which divides y^ town of Portsmouth and y^ parish of Newington, and on y* southwesterly side of y® road that leads from Portsmouth by Islington to Knight's ferry, having the land of Benj° Miller on y^ S. E. side, and the land of John Shackford on the south- west. It was still called the " new road" in 1772, when Joseph S. Hart, the 11th of June, conveyed to Rich- ard Hai't 150 acres of laud in New- ington, beginning at the river, and running westerly by the Neio Road, so called, to the land of Samuel Ham, etc., beina: the land on which his
father John Hart then lived. This land was acquired by Richard Pick- ering in 1808.
Granite State Park. This park is on the N. W. side of Willaud's pond, partly in Dover and partly in Soraers worth. It was laid out in 1876, on land acquired from Mr. Frank Bickford and Mr. Howard Henderson. A " Race Course " here is mentioned on Chace's county map of 1856. There is still a trotting ground, and agricultural fairs are held in the park.
Great Bay. This beautiful basin of water, four miles wide in one part, enclosed between Durham and New- market on the north, and Greenland and Newiugton on the south, was so named as early as 1643. It was oth- erwise called the Bay or Lake of Pascataquack. It is generally sup- posed to be formed by the union of the Winnicot, Squamscot, and Lam- prey rivers, but it is by no means dependent on them for its supply of water. It is a tidal basin that de- pends chiefly on the ebb and flow of the ocean. "At high tide," says Mr. J. S. Jenness, " when this large basin is filled by the sea, the prospect over its pellucid surface, framed all around with green meadows and waving grain and noble woods, is trulv en- chantins;- But when the tide is out, a vast bed of black ooze is exposed to view, bearing the scanty waters of several small streams which empty into this great laguue."
Great Beaver Dam. See Beaver Dams.
Great Brook. See Emerson's Brook.
Great Creek. Mentioned the 23d, 10th mo., 1644, when, at a public
88
Landinarks in Ancient Dover.
town meeting in Dover, a grant was made to Mr. ffrancis Mathes ^ of " all the marsh in the Great creek on the uorwest side of the Great bay, being the first creek, and one hundred acres of upland adjoining to it." The in- ventory of his estate, made " 50 or 60 years " after his decease, and sworn to by his son Benjamin, March 6, 1704, mentions, among other lands, 100 acres adjoining the N. W. side of the first creek in the Great Bay, together with three acres of salt marsh. Francis Mathes, Dec. 5, 1749, con- veyed to his grandsons Gershom and Benjamin Mathews, Jr., 100 acres of land in Durham, adjoining the Great Greek, commonly called 3Iatheius' Creek, then in possession of said Gershom and Benjamin, with all his right to the said Great Creek, etc. This creek is now called Crmnmit's creek.
Great Falls. This name was given at an early day to the chief natural falls in the Salmon Falls river. Richard Hussey, March 19, 1693-4, had a grant of 50 acres above the Great Falls, laid out Dec. 9, 1729, beginning above said falls at a pitch- pine tree on the west side of a brook, thence running N. 45° W. 100 rods, to a small white oak in sight of Pe- ter's marsh, then 49° E. 80 rods, to land belonging to the heirs of John Hanson, deceased. Job and Joseph Hussey conveyed part of this land to Thomas Wallingford July 5, 1743, giving the same bounds. Forty acres, " near adjatiant to the Great falls on Salmon fall Riuer," were granted to " Henry hobs" Ap. 11, 1694. Ben-
jamin Mason of Dover, son of Peter, conveyed to Thomas Hanson, Oct. 8, 1727, a quarter part of " y** new mill upon Salmon falls river, on that part of y® river commonly called by y* name of the Great Falls, distin- guished and known by that name, built in y* year 1727, joining to the old mill, or near to it, with a quarter part of all the privileges, and y^ dam thereto, with y'' falls and water and watercourses thereto belonging," etc.
Ten acres of land, acquired by Benj° Waimouth in 1734, were laid out to Joseph Wentworth Ap. 2, 1747, " beginning at a small white oak near Hogges fence above s'^ Wentworth's house at y^ Great falls where he now lives." Thomas AVest- brook Waldron, administrator of the estate of Joseph Wentworth of Som- ersworth, Ap. 10, 1766, conveyed to Andrew Home of Dover, blacksmith, (the highest bidder at a public sale) , § of the homestead estate of said Wentworth, situate, lying, and being at a place called the great falls in Somersworth, being §of 53 acres and 120 rods of land, with | of the house and barn, and f of a grist-mill, and § of ^ of the stream saw in the double saw-mill there, together with the proportionable part of all the machinery and privileges belonging to said mill as then situated on Sal- mon falls river.
The water privilege here was ac- quired between 1820 and 1823, by Isaac Wendell of Dover, who also bought of Gershom Horn a tract of land adjacent. This purchase was made for the Great Falls Manufac-
1 This Francis Matlies or Mathews was one of Capt. John Mason's colonists sent over between 1631 and 1634, and asigner of the Exeter Combination of 1639. His descendants are still numer- ous in Durham and the neighboring towns.
Landmai'ks m Ancient Dover.
89
turing Co., which was incorporated June 11, 1823. This Company now has control of the whole water power from the various sources of the Sal- mon Falls river to the third level at Great Falls, including Great East, Horn's, and Wilson's Ponds on the East branch ; Cook's, Lovell's, and Cate's, on the West branch, and the Three Ponds at Milton. Around the extensive cotton mills belonging to this Company has grown up the flour- ishing village of Great Falls, the only village in Somersworth since the in- corporation of Rollinsford.
The name of Great Falls was also formerly given to the falls in North River, at South Lee, where Harvey's mill now stands. (See North River.)
Great Hill. Mentioned the 5th, 10 mo., 1652, when John Heard had a grant of 50 acres under the Great Hill of Cochechoe, on the south side, below the cartway. A freshet is mentioned the same day as " coming out of the marsh beside the great hill at Cochecho." Thomas Paine of Dover, in y^ county of Dover and Portsmouth, conveyed to Ginking Jones, July 9, 1673, twenty acres of land at Cochecha near y* Greate hill, bought of Wm. Wentworth March 6, 1666, being part of 50 acres granted said Wentworth the 1st, 10 mo., 1652, beginning at a gutt at y*" lower end of said Wentworth's field, on y'' east side of the Greate hill, and running by y** cartway to a marked tree. This hill is otherwise called the Great Cochecho hill and Cochecho Great hill. The Eev. John Pike calls it simply " the Hill" May 28, 1704. It is now called Garrison Hill.
The name of Great Hill is also given to a hill in Lubberland near the
head of Goddard's creek. It is men- tioned the 10th, 2 mo., 1674, when 100 acres of land on the Great Bay, bought by John Goddard of Thomas Larkham, were laid out, beginning at the corner of the orchard and run- ning N. by W. to a marked tree under the Great Hill. " Y* Great Hill" is again mentioned in a deed from Martha, widow of Elias Critchet, Sr., and daughter of John Goddard, Sr., to her grandson Joseph Thomas, Aug. 4, 1729. It is called Chesley's Hill in a deed from Elias Critchet to Samuel Smith Ap. 5, 1731. It is otherwise called Rocky Hill. (See Birch Point, Doe's Neck, and Stony Brook.)
Great Ponu. So called in the Dover grants of 1650. Joseph Aus- tin's land near the Great Pond is mentioned the 23d, 10 mo., 1658. Thomas and Sarah Downs, Dec. 16, 1720, conveyed to Gershom Went- worth 50 acres of land near y* Great Pond above Cochecho, half of a hun- dred-acre grant to Wm. Everit, deceased, " beginning at a pitch- pine tree near y* pond, on y* west side of y^ road y^ leads to Whitehall." Gershom AVeutworth conveyed this land to his "loving son Ezekiel " Nov. 10, 1730, when the Great Pond is again mentioned. Moses Stevens had %^ acres laid out March 27, 1736, on the north side of the brook that comes out of the Great pond, below the stejyj^ing-stoyies, so called, joining to the marsh line, beginning at an alder bush near the old bridge.
This pond is now called Willand's Pond. (See Cochecho Pond.)
Great Swamp. This swamp, partly in Greenland, and partly in
90
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
Portsmouth, is crossed by the Ports- mouth and Coucord railway. It is the source of several streams that flow through a part of ancient Dover.
Great Turn. Mentioned June 10, 1719, when 100 acres of land, granted to Wm. Follet in 1658, were laid out to Ichabod Chesley " near y* Place called the Grate Turn.''' This land adjoined the S. W. side of " Bello- raan's Bank freshett." Thirty acres were laid out to Daniel Messerve June 12, 1719, beginning " at the south side of the way that leads to the liook, at a pine at the great turn" and thence running N. N. W. 60 rods by the path to a white pine. A high- way into the woods was laid out May 31, 1733, "beginning on y^ west side of the road at y® great turn, as y* way was formerly laid out by Capt. Jones and Jonathan Thompson," and run- ning "as y'^ way now goes on y* north side of John Davis's house, and so along y*^ same way till it comes to Durham line." Ichabod Chesley and wife Temperance, Ap. 4, 1748, conveyed to Joseph Daniel 25f acres of land in Dover, near the place called the great turn. May 28, 1748, he conveyed to Eli Demerit 13^ acres in Dover, on the S. W. side of Belliman's Bank freshit, near the place called the Great turn, being part of 100 acres granted to Wm. Folliott of Oyster River the 5th, 2 mo., 1658.^ And that same day Ichabod Chesley conveyed to Solomon Emer- son 9|^ acres of Follet's grant, near the great turn, beginning at the S. E. corner of the land Zachariah Pitman bought of said Chesley, near said Em- erson's orchard. (See Long Turn.)
Green Hill. The road to Green
Hill is frequently mentioned in the Dover and Madbury records. It is in the eastern corner of the Two Mile Streak, adjoining the Dover line. It is so called on an old plan of July 10, 1753, executed by Thomas W. Waldron, and on Holland's map of 1784. At the foot of this hill is Fly Market. (See the Heath.)
Greenland. The entire shore of Greenland, beginning 40 rods below Sandy Point, appears to have formed part of ancient Dover. At the Court held in Boston the 19th, 7 mo., 1643, it was ordered "That all the marsh and meadow ground lying against the great bay on Strawberry bank side shall belong to the towne of Dover, together with 400 acres of upland adjoining." {N. H. Prov. Pap., 1 : 172.) This grant was more clearly defined in the division of the Squamscot Patent, May 22, 1656, when all the marsh was assigned to Dover from Hogsty Cove, near the mouth of Great Bay, round about the Bay up to Cotterill's Delight, together w^ith 400 acres of upland, as granted it by the Court. {Ibid, 1 : 222. See also CotteriU's Delight.)
Among the Dover grants on the Greenland shore are those to Thomas Canney, Richard Carter, John Hall, John Heard, Richard Hussey, Henry Lano[staffe, John and Thomas Rob- erts, Henry Tibbets, Thomas Willey, George Webb, etc. The grants to Thomas Canney and Thomas Willey were at a considerable distance above the mouth of Winnicot river. (See Canney' s Marsh and Willey' s Island.) And still farther above was the large tract which Richard Waldron and Thomas Lake reserved for them-
1 Foliot was the name of a Devonshire family, allied with the Gorges. (Baxter's Sic J'erdi- nando Gorges, 2: 152.)
Landmarks in Ancient Dover,
91
selves. The Dover o-raDts on this shore seem to have been for the most part purchased by the Portsmouth settlers, and the whole shore was finally relinquished when Greenland was made a separate parish.
Greenland is mentioned in the Portsmouth records as early as July 10, 1655, when 300 acres of upland and meadow were granted to Capt. Champernouu,^ " adjoining his now dwelling \\0wiiQ2X grenlandJ''' In July, 1657, Francis Champernoone con- veyed to Valentine Hill his '' farm in y® Great Bay called by y® name of Greenland,''^ which had been in his possession 16 or 17 years, with all right to " 400 acres in said farm granted him by Mr. Robert Salton- stall and others of y^ Patentees." Valentine Hill of Dover conveyed to Capt. Thomas Clark and Wm. Paddy of Boston, merchants, his " farm called Greenland^ lying in y* bottom of y^ Greate bay in y*" river of Pis- cataqua."
March 12, 1713, Edward Hutchinson of Boston, merchant, and Mary, wife of Josiah Wolcot of Salem — son and daughter of Eliza Hutchinson, lately deceased, the heir of Major Thomas Clark, late of Boston, deceased — conveyed to Col. Wm. Partridge in the name of said Clark and of Wm. Paddy, deceased, a certain neck, tract, or parcell of land commonly called by the name of Greenland or Champernmm farm, butted and bounded on the Great Bay, and lying
between two creeks, purchased by said Clark and Paddy before released from Valentine Hill, long since de- ceased, who derived his title from Capt. Francis Champernoun, the first and original proprietor of said farm.
Wm. Partridge, Esq., of Newbury conveyed to Thomas Packer of Ports- mouth, chirurgeon, one half of all his right unto ye old and 7iew ffarme at Greenland, called Cham per now ne ffarme or ffarmes, as sold by ffrancis Champernoun to Nathaniel Fryer, Henry Langstaffe, and Philip Lewis, March 27, in y* one and twentieth year of y^ late reign of our sov. Lord, Charles y* Second.
John Davis of Oyster River, in his will of May 25, 1686, gives his son Joseph " one half the marsh which I bought of Mr. Valentine Hill, situate and lying in Greenland.^'
Francis and Mary Drake of Ports- mouth, Aug. 5, 1686, conveyed to John Johnson and Thomas Bracket "my now dwelling-house" and 84 acres of land in Greenland in y'^ town- ship of Portsmouth, obtained partly by grant, and partly from Capt. Francis Champeruoon. Sept. 20, 1717, Wm. Partridge and Thomas Packer conveyed to Matthias Haynes QQ acres in the parish of Gi'eenland, part of the Champernoo7i new farm, joining the road from Greenland to Hampton, at the turn of the road against Neel's. Capt. Champernowue was a member of the Dover Combination of 1640, and a portion of his land at Greenland
1 This was Francis Champernowne of royal descent, tlie friend and relative of Sir Walter Raleigh, and, as Mr. J. S. Jenness says, " the noblest born and bred of all New Hampshire's first planters." On Champernowne 's island, now called Gerrish's island, at Kittery Point, may be seen his grave, with its rude cairn, over which Dr. Wm. Hale of Dover has recently sung so plaintive a dirge :
" Where, wind to wave, and wave to echoing rock, Their endless dirges chant for lost renown; With everj' bursting wave sounding a knell Above the lonely grave of Champernowne."
92
Landmarks in Ancient Dove?'.
fell within the limits of aucieut Dover. The part acquired by Capt. Thomas Packer became known as the Packer farm. A portion of this is now gen- erally called the "Peirce^ farm," from the late Col. Joshua W. Peirce, by whose heirs it is still owned.
It was voted at a town meeting in Portsmouth, June 4, 1705, that " y* bounds of Greenland be on y* south side of Col. Packer's farme.'' And a petition of May 26, 1725, mentions a vote of the town "that Greenland bounds should be on the south side of Packer's farm (which suppose is now Doctor Marches)."
The name of Greenland, originally confined to the Champeruowne farm,^ was finally given to all the western part of Portsmouth, which was set off as a separate parish in 1706, but con- tinued to be assessed as a part of Portsmouth till March 21, 1721, when, at the petition of Samuel and Joshua Weeks and James Johnson, it was allowed to be taxed separately (iV. H. Prov. Pap., 2: 739-40.) The privi- lege of sending a representative to the General Assembly was granted to the Parish of Greenland May 12, 1732. {Ibid, 4 : 618, 785.)
Greenland Garrisons. It is one of the boasts of Greenland that it never had any garrison, or any need of one, the land having been peace- ably acquired from the Indians. The house of John Keniston 'at Greenland, however, was burned by the Indians, and he killed, Ap. 16,
1677. And there appears to have been one garrison at least, no doubt Neale's Garrison. In the Portsmouth records of 1692, among the accounts of ammunition furnished the various garrisons that year, mention is made of " 17 lbs. of of powder and 18 lbs. of bullets to Cajit. Nele,for Greenland." His house was on Heard's Neck, near the mouth of Winnicot river, on the upper side. The Portsmouth authorities ordered July 22, 1665, that Walter Neale's home lot should extend " from goodraan hajnns his house due north and by east unto Winicont Riuer, leaving a way for Capt. Champernoune between his houses." (Ports. Records.) Brew- ster's Rambles says the Weeks house in Greenland, one of the oldest houses in the state, " was evidently built as a sort of garrison." It was erected by Leonard Weeks, " over against " whose house a road was laid out in 1663. {Ports. Records.)
Greenland River. This name is given on Merrill's map of Greenland, in 1806, to the tidal portion of Win- nicot river. It is mentioned Ap. 19, 1746, when Samuel Nutter conveyed to Ebenezer Johnson all right and title to half a tract of salt marsh and thatchbed, bounded northerly by Great Bay, easterly' by Greenland river., and south by a creek parting said marsh from that of Matthias Haines. Thirt}' acres of laud were laid out to Henry and Sylvanus Nock, June 29, 1702, being the divi-
1 This form of the Pierce name reminds one of the Feilding family of Great Britain. When one of its members, a peer of the realm, who retained the old usage of placing the e before the i asked his kinsman, Henry Fielding, the great novelist, why they wrote their names differently, the latter replied that he could not tell, unless because his own branch was the first that knew how to spell.
2 The editor of Mr. C W. Tuttle's Historical Papers says there was ancientlj- a cove or dock in the harbor of Dartmouth, England, called Greenland Dock—Si name that must have been familiar to Capt. Champernowne, who undoubtedly gave it to his farm on Great Bay.
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
93
dend land beloDgiug to their grand- father Tibbets' marsh, adjoining their marsh on the S. side of the Great bay, about half a mile to the westward of Greenland river. {Dover Records.') Thomas Roberts conveyed to Mark H. Went worth, Ap. 20, 1750, his marsh, bounded northerly by Haines' marsh, and easterly and southerly by Greenland river.
The Gulf. Mentioned the 30th, 6 mo., 1643, when 20 acres were granted Wm. Furber, " abutting upon a certain place called if GulfeJ' And again the same year mention is made of William ffurber's twenty acres of upland, lying north of the river Cochechoe, below y* fall.s, abut- ting on a certain place called if Gvlfe. These twenty acres were con- veyed to Thomas Nock July 2, 1657, — James Kid, Oct. 28, 1714, con- veyed to Job Clement 20 acres join- ing the Cochecho river at a place called the Gulf. This name is still retained. The Gulf is an enlarge- ment of the Cochecho river, just below the head of tide water.
Guppy's Hill. This hill is in Dover, on the Portland turupike road. On the west side are Guppfs ivoods, formerly Paine' s ivoods.
Guppy's Point. This is the first point below St. Alban's cove, on the Newichawannock river. So named from James Guppey, who conveyed to James Philpot, Aug. 3, 1736, 30 acres of laud in Dover, bounded northerly by the road from Fresh creek to St. Alban's Cove, easterly by Wm. Stiles' laud, S. by Joseph Hussey's, and W. by that of Thomas Downs and Joseph Ricker ; being the place where said Guppey then lived. To his son Joseph he conveyed his
undivided eighth of Cochecho Poiut, bounded by the Cochecho and Newichawannock rivers and the path that led from Fresh Creek to St. Alban's cove. Joseph Guppy cou- veyed part of his land, including Gupjjfs Point to Wm. Styles. This point was sold by Moses Styles to Judge Doe, who uses it for a family burial-place.
Half-Way Swamp. Mentioned the 5th, 10 mo., 1652, when Wm. Wentworth had a grant of 40 acres of upland, northward of the Half ivay sivamp, on the north side of John Heard's 40 acre lot, and so along the cart-ivay. And again March 10, 1665, when James Ord- way of Newbury, and wife Ann, con- veyed to John Heard of Cochecho 20 acres granted him by the town of Dover, on the further side of the half way swamp going to the marsh of Cochecho aforesaid, joining on one side to y* cart path.^ and at y* other end by a freshet or swamp. This swamp, now drained, was south- west of Garrison Hill, on the west side of the old cartway, now the Garrison Hill road. It was so called because it was about halfway between Cochecho falls and the Great Cochecho marsh.
Hall's Marsh. Mentioned the 12th, 10 mo., 1658, when 250 acres were laid out to John Hall (see Bob- ertls Creek), butting partly on the Great Bay. This was in Greenland. And again Aug. 14, 1698, when Richard Cater (Carter) of Kittery conveyed four acres of fresh and salt meadow at the bottom of the Great Bay in Pascataqua river, near the upper end of John Hall's marsh, and on the north side of a creek over
94
Landma7'ks in Ancient Dove?'.
against Capt. Chavipernoon' s meadow ; also 30 acres adjoiuiug, granted by the town of Dover to James Rawl- ings. This laud now belongs to the Peirce farm in Greenland, part of which is called the Hall field to this day.
Hall's Slip. Mentioned in a deed from Ephraim Tibbets to John Clem- ent Sept. 4, 1766, as below Tibbet's homestead on Back river, the west- erly side of Dover Neck.
Hall's Spring. This name is still given to a spring near the spot where Deacon John Hall lived over 200 years ago. It is S. W. of the site of the old fortified meeting-house on Dover Neck, towards Back cove.
Ham's Marsh. John Ham's marsh is mentioned Nov. 23, 1735. It was at Oak Swamp. Eleven acres were laid out to Peter Hayes, Oct. 15, 1748, beginning at a pine tree on the west side of the mast road that goes from Tolend to Rochester, " about 16 rods above the crotch of the way that comes over Ham's marsh." Oct. 15, 1748, 21 acres were laid out to Joseph Hanson, Jr., beginning at a pitch pine on the west side of the old mast path, leading from Ham's mxirsh, so called, to the " Ealware plains," about 10 rods above the path that leads to Tolend. (See Oak Swamp.)
Hardscrabble. This name is given to a rough district in the east- ern part of Barrington.
Harford's FERRy. So called from Nicholas Harford, who, iu 1717, was licensed to keep a ferry across Fore river from Dover Neck to Kittery. He petitioned March 26, 1726, that his license might be renewed. This ferry ran from Beck's slip to what is
now known as Morrill's point on the Eliot shore, originally a part of Kit- tery. At a later day it was called Morrill's ferry. (See Beck's Point and Sliji.) The name of Harford is otherwise written Hartford.
Harrud's Spring, otherwise Heard's. Mentioned May 25, 1735, when James Hanson conveyed to Joseph Hanson, Jr., 5 acres of land in Dover, at the north end of James Hanson's pasture, called Hard Spring pasture, on the east side of Richard Scammon's pasture, and partly on the S. W. side of the highwav that leads down to widow Cloutman's, and partly on y^ west end of Joseph Hanson's own land, on the south side joining to James Hanson's land. This spring is again mentioned April 9, 1737, when James Hanson con- veyed to Joseph Hanson 8 acres and 100 rods of land in Dover, adjoining s*^ Joseph's land on the S. E., begin- ning " southward of Harrud's spring., by said Hanson's land which contains y* s*^ Harrud's spring," thence run- ning N. 27 deg. E. by s*^ Joseph's land 46 rods to the land of Joseph Hanson, Jr., and 31 rods to Richard Scammon's. This was apparently on the Upper Neck, where John Heard acquired land in 1669. (See Campin's Hocks.)
Harvey's Hill, otherwise Meser- ve's. This hill is at the upper side of Freetown in Madbury, on the road to Barrington. It was so named from Daniel " Messerve," who had a grant on the south side of the way that leads to Bellamy Hook, June 12, 1719. He is called "Daniel Mis- harvey " in a deed from James Huck- ins to Eli Demerit Dec. 19, 1746. Meserve's garrison stood on this hill.
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
95
Harwood's Cove, otherwise Har- rod's, Herod's, Heard's, etc. This cove, uow called Laighton's Cove, is on the Nevvingtou shore of Great Bay, below Fabyan's Point. It is referred to the 20tb, 8 mo., 1651, when Wm. Pomfrett of Dover con- veyed to Anthony Nutter a marsh on the N. E. side of Great Bay, at the great cove there, above long |jow^. Anthony Nutter and wife Sarah, in exchange for land at Welsh Cove, conveyed to Thomas Roberts, June 6, 1664, " a parcel of marsh in y^ Great Bay in Dover, in a certain cove usu- ally called by y*^ name of Harrod's Cove, bounded by y*^ mouth of a small trench, and so upon a straight line down to y* middle of a small island betwixt y^ marsh of John Dam, Sr., and y* aforesaid marsh of Anthony Nutter." Thomas Roberts, in his deed of land on Welsh Cove, ex- changed for the above tract, speaks of the latter as "in Hard's Cove." "■ The freshett called Harwood's creek or cove," is mentioned in Mr. Moody's grant of May 10, 1668. (See Harwood's Creek.) It is called Herd's cove, July 5, 1700, when Thomas Tibbets of Dover and Judith his wife conveyed to George Hunt- ress all his salt marsh (about two acres) on y^ east side of the creek running out of y*" gutt commonly called by the name of Herd's Chit into the great bay, bounded by John Dam on the west, north-west by said creek, and so to Herd's cove, with the privilege of the fiats from the lower point of the marsh at the creek's mouth on a S. S. W. direction into the bay. This adjoined the tract conveyed to George Huntress, Dec. 13, 1699, by James and John
" Leitsh " (Leach), who, in the deed, speak of it as " land in Portsmouth at great bay, at a place called by y' name of Harwoods cove," on the north side of George Walton's land, which tract had been granted their father James " Leith " by the town of Portsmouth.
Shadrach and George Walton of New Castle conveyed to Nath<c>^ Knight in 1708, a tract of " 136 acres in Portsmouth, on the N. E. side of the Create Bay, at a place called and known by the name of Harwood's cove," beginning at a white oak by the water side in said cove, and running to a red oak near John Hall's fence, joining John Jackson. Nathan Knight of Dover conveyed to John Downing, Jr., Ap. 12, 1712, " thirty acres of land in Dover, part of 136 acres laid out to George Walton, Sr., in 1665, begin- ning at a white oak by the water side in harrold's cove," etc. Thomas and Ephraim Tibbets, Dec. 2, 1735, con- veyed to John Nutter of Newiugton a tract of marsh (four acres) in Har- rod's cove in Great Bay, bounded on the upper end by the marsh of Deacon Moses Dam, west by the marsh of Anthony Nutter, deceased, and easterly upon "• y* crick that runs between y* marsh of Christopher Huntress " (grandson of the above George) and the premises then con- veyed, with the thatch-bed adjoin- ing, running over to " y* loor paint [lower point] of y" salt marsh for- merly sold to s*^ Huntress." John Perry conveyed to John Vincent Maj' 12, 1735, "a parcel of fflatts or thatch-bed in Harwood's Cove, New- ington," on the S. side of Christopher Huntress. (See Laighton's Cove.)
96
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
The name of Harwood's cove was probably derived from Andrew Har- wood, who is mentioned in 1643, when he and Thomas ffurson were brought before the authorities " for neglecting to come to the ordinances of God this last winter." He was engaged in the lumber business. A suit at court concerning the sale of timber, clapboards, and pipe-staves, by Philip Swadden, Thomas Johnson, Andrexo Harwood, and Thomas ffur- son is mentioned the last of the 6tlr mo., 1643. {County Records, Exe- ter.) See Herod'' s Point and Wig- icam.
Harwooi>'s Creek, otherwise Har- rod's, Herod's, etc. This name was given, not only to the inlet called Harwood's or Herod's cove, but to the freshwater stream which empties into it, now usually called the Trout brook. It is mentioned Jan. 11, 1657, when the town of Portsmouth granted to Henry Sherburne and others the land from Harrod's creek northward to Welshman's Cove, excepting the 400 acres belonging to Dover. (See Hog- sty Cove.)
A part of this tract (141 acres) was afterwards re-granted to the Rev. Joshua Moody of Portsmouth, and laid out Jan. 21, 1666, beginning at " a white oak by the freshet called Harrod's cove neere Jn°. Dam's marsh," thence running N. E. by E. to a small asp tree, and thence by that point towards Bloody Point, to " a three forked pine tree which is Dover hounds, standing in the road way, thence S. W. by W. down to the aforesaid ftreshet called Harrod's Creeke to a hemlock — Bloody Point or Hampton path being the eastern bound, Dover bounds the northern.
and the freshet called Harrod's creeke aforesaid the western."
Wm. Furber, Sr., Anthony Nutter, and John Dam, Jr., having been ap- pointed by the town of Dover to meet the lot-layers of Portsmouth, to set- tle "the line in the woods between Cannyes Coue and hogsty Coue," made their report under oath before Richard Cutt at Portsmouth, May 10, 1668, " that the great three-forked pine should be the bound tree," whence the line should run straight to the middle of the mouth of each cove, " which said /orfced pme stands in y^ way y' goes from bloody Point to Portsm° & is too (two) hundred rod to the northward of y' path y' turns out of said way w'^'^ goes to goodman Pickering's and goodman Hall's farms ; and nere said three forked Pine is a little dry round gully, not above two or three rod distance." — "And at the same time y^ lott-layers of Portsmouth laid out a pcell (parcel) of land to Mr. Joshua Moody, (w)hose northern bound was the three forked pine," and thence ran in a straight line " to the freshett called Harwood's creek or Coue, nere John Dam's marsh. And the gore of land that remained between dover and Mr. Moodyes line y^ said lott-layers laid out to Capt. James Pendleton, and is bounded at one end by the said Will"" Furber Sen' his land."
The road above mentioned, on which stood the three-forked pine, must not be confounded with the present road from Bloody Point to Portsmouth. It must have meant the road to Greenland, then belong- ing in part to Portsmouth, or less probably the old road to Portsmouth
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
97
called the Narroio lane that seems to have led from Welsh Cove or Fur- ber's ferry. Samuel Moody of Bos- ton, Sept. 10, 1704, conveyed to Thomas Row of Welsh Cove 3G acres of land formerly belonging to his honoured father, the Rev. Joshua Moody, lying at or near Welch Cove in ye town of Portsmouth, adjoining the brook that runs into Harwood's Cove, beginning at a hemlock tree near the way that leads from Welch Cove to said Row's house, thence running 136 rods E. by N. to the antient bounds w'^^ is orpine tree adjoining the road toJiicJi leads from Bloodfj Point to Greenland, thence 60 rods along the road to another pine, thence 130 rods S. by W. to a piue 8 rods from the brook, and thence to the first bound. This land seems to have ex- tended to the vicinity of Sam Bow's hill, near which is the source of Har- wood's creek. Twenty acres of the above tract were conveyed by Thomas Row, Ap. 10, 1733, to his son-in-law, John Quint, beginning at a small white oak by the road from Newing- tou meeting-house to Greenland, and runniuo- along this road 30 rods to a pitch pine, then 130 rods S. W. to a pine tree, 8 rods from the brook. One bound is a small hill at the corner of Thomas Row's orchard. Joseph Richards, planter, of "Welsh-mans cove," and Abigail his wife, conveyed to Benj° Richards, March 20, 1702, ten acres of land which said Joseph's father purchased of Wm. ffurber, lying and being on the S. E. side of the road which goes to Ports'^ from Welsh man's cove, bounded on the north side by Dover bounds, and on the east side by Mr. Moody's land. Samuel Moody quit
claim to Clement Messervey of Ports- mouth, July 29, 1703, to a tract of 25 acres, lying and being in Ports- mouth, at or near Welch cove, begin- ing at a white oak bv v^ freshett called Harrod's cove, near John Dam's marsh, and running along v" brooke 116 rods to a maple that stands near y^ road that goes down to Mr. Wm. Furber's, thence 120 rods along y^ road toiuards Portsmouth to a flat rock that stands near y* path, and thence 160 rods to the first bound. " Clement Misservie, late of Newington, now of Scar- borough, Maine," (son of the above Clement) conveyed to John Vincent, Oct. 26, the first year of the reign of our sovereign lord, George the second (1727), 25 acres in Newington, be- ginning at a white oak by y^ ffreshet that runs into Harrods Cooe near the land of Deacon Moses Dam, and ex- tending along the brook 116 rods to a maple that stands near the road to Welch Cove, thence 120 rods along y^ road toivards Portsmouth to a flat rock that stands near y^ path, and thence 160 rods to the first bound.
Harwood's creek is called " Herds guf' July 5, 1700. (See Harioood's Cove.) It is otherwise called " Stony brook " in Geo. Huntriss' will of June 8,1715. (8ee Stony Brook.)
Haven's Hill. This hill is in Rochester, on the main road from Dover to Norway Plains, Here stood the first meeting-house in Rochester, built in 1731. Its name was derived from the Rev. Joseph Haven of Portsmouth, who was installed at Rochester Jan. 10, 1776, and there died Jan. 27, 1825, after a pastorate of forty-nine years.
Hayes' Falls. See Cochecho Falls.
98
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
Hay Stack. Mentioued in 1654, when Jouas Biun had a graut of ten acres ou the S. W. side of Branson's creek, joining Geo. Webb, and next to Charles Adams' lot, " the east side coming to a little gutt right over against a place called the hay stack." This was near the upper shore of the Great Bay, above Crummit's creek, but the name has not been retained. It mav have been a place where the early settlers stacked their salt hay or thatch. (See Branson's Creek.)
Heard's Neck. Mentioued Dec. 5, 1653, when AValter Neall had a grant of " eaight acres to his house upon the neck of land by Winacont river, commonlj^ called John Heard's necke." {Portsmouth Records.) This was in Greenland.
Heard's Pond, otherwise Herd's. Holland's map of 1784 gives this name to Cole's pond, in the N. E. part of Somersworth. It was per- haps derived from John and Samuel Heard, who were engaged in the lum- ber business on the Salmon Falls river in the middle of last century.
The Heath. A heath in the upper part of Dover is mentioned July 5, 1736, when 20 acres — part of a 30 acre graut to Thomas Wille, July 8, 1734 — were laid out to his sou Thomas " at a place called y® Ele- ware plains,^' on the north side of the road from the heath to Green Hill. This land was conveyed to Stephen Hawkins March 29, 1743. Ichabod Canney's seven acres of land, conveyed to Paul Hayes Ap. 1, 1741, were laid out above the heath., on the S. W. side of Cochecho river, beginning at Stephen Wille's W. cor- ner bound. Joseph Roberts' share of the common lands in 1734, was
laid out to him Nov. 10, 1741, above the heathy beginning at the head line of Dover, at the N. W. corner of Ichabod Canney's land.
The marsh adjacent to Willaud's Pond, between Peter's Marsh brook and the Dover road to Whitehall, is commonly called "the Hathe" or Heath. Peter Austin of Somers- worth, and wife Betty, conveyed to Moses Carr, Jan. 16, 1788, 26 acres of land, bought of Nicholas Austin, bounded E. by the road from Dover to Great Falls and the land of Icha- bod Rollins, southerly by Daniel Ran- dall, and westerly b}^ the heatJi brook, so called.
There is also a heath on the upper side of AVheelwright's pond. (See Langley's Heath.)
Hen Island. This is an islet at the lower side of Fox Point, Newiug- ton, near the shore. It bears a single pine tree — verdant, broad- spreading, and somewhat pictur- esque.
Henderson's Point. This point is ou the Rollinsford shore of the Newichawannock, below Middle Point. It is the terminus of the bridge from Eliot, at the lower side of Jocelyn's cove. The name is derived from Wm. Henderson, who had a grant of land on this shore March 19, 1693-4. (See Jocelyn's Cove.) It is now owned by Mr. Hiram Philpot.
There was also a Henderson's point on the east side of Dover Neck, to which led a road, mentioned in 1812. This was apparently above Morrill's ferry, formerly Beck's slip. Henderson' s sjjring in that vicinity is mentioued in Sauford & E vert's Atlas.
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
99
Herod's Point aud Wigwam, otherwise Harrod's. Herod's wig- wam is mentioned the loth, 4 mo., 1646, when "John Damme" had a grant from the town of Dover of " six acres of marsh on y* Great Bay, bounded w'' y* creek at y* mouth on the northwest side, the upland on y^ southeast side, «fc y^ island of y** northwest nere to a loigwam on the south east side of said marsh, com- monly called by the name of Herod's luigtvome."
Thirty acres of upland were laid out to John Dam, Sr., the 10th, 10 mo., 1656, "on the south side of his marsh towards HarroecVs Poynt^ 6 acres and 24 acres at the head of his marsh, bounded by the freshet that goeth towards Bloody Poynt." Another record of the same date says : " Whereas by order of the General Court, 400 acres of upland were oiven to the inhabitants of Dover that have marsh in the Great Bay, Elder Nutter, Wm. Story, Wm. ffurber, and Henry Lankstar, laid out and bounded unto John Dam, Sr., 30 acres of upland as follows, 6 acres and 24 acres at the head of his marsh towards harrods wigwame — the upland bounded by the freshet that goeth towards Bloody Point ; that is, 16 poles up the freshett, and 26 pooles wide." This tract joined the Layton and Nutter lands, and being part of the 400 acres, was of course above Hogsty Cove — that is, " above " with reference to the course of the river or bay, not to the points of the compass.
Herod's Point seems to have form- ed part of the Fabyan lands. (See Sivadden's Island.) The mention of a wigwam has led to the supposition
that the name of this Point, and of Herod's Cove, was derived from an Indian sagamore. It may, however, have been a variation of Heard, pro- nounced with a brogue. But it was more probably a corruption of Har- wood. (See Harioood's Cove.)
The word "wigwam" does not necessarily imply an Indian cabin. It was a name often given by the early pioneers to a logging shanty in the forest. Mention is made of one, Nov. 21, 1706, when laud was laid out to Thomas Goodwin in Kittery, near the Salmon Falls river, above the Nine Notches, " beginning about 30 or 40 poles below the logging house or wigiuam that Wm. Grant, Thomas aud Daniel Goodwin, and Joseph Hodsden, kept in, the last winter." {Kittery Records. See Historical il/a^., Oct., 1868, p. 192.) " Young's ivigwam " in Hampton is also men- tioned Ap. 5, 1710.
Herod's wigwam was probably the logging camp of Andrew Harwood, who was undoubtedly engaged in the lumber business. Thomas Johnson brought a suit against him in 1644, for " 6000 hogshead staves to be delivered at highwater mark in v^ river of Pascataway." {County Rec- ords, Exeter.)
HicKs's Hill. See Moharimefs Hill.
High Point. This is the first point on the Rollinsford shore of the New- ichawannock river below the Eliot bridge. It formerly belonged to the Cate family, but is now owned by Mr. John Bennett.
The name of High Point is also given to a subdivision of Long Point, on the Newingtou shore of Great Bay. (See Long Point.)
lOO
Landnim'ks in Ancient Dover.
High Street. This name was given in early times to the main road along Dover Neck to Hilton's Point. It is mentioned Sept. 11, 1733, when Thomas and Ephraim Tibbets sold Richard Plummer^ a small strip of land at the S. E. corner of their field, adjoining "• y'^ little Logg House y' Jn° Foy lived in," extending from said house six rods northerly, joining on likjli street."
It is called Great street Oct. 6, 1670, when Thomas Canney, Sr., conveyed his dwelling house and lot to his son Joseph, bounded E. by Fore river, W. by "ye great street on Dover Neck," etc.
Hill's Cove or Creek. This inlet, no doubt the Pine Cove of early times, is on the Newington shore of the Long Reach, below Paul's creek ; so called from Samuel Hill, who ac- quired part of the Folsom farm, which his son William Hill conveyed in 1869 to Mr. de Rochemont, the present owner. It was previously called Stood- ley's creeJc.
Hill's Falls. The State map of Lee in 1803 gives this name to the falls in Lamprey river at the head of Lee Hook, where at that time stood a saw-mill and grist-mill, owned by the heirs of Capt. Reuben Hill, who acquired this water privilege and the adjoining farm in the middle of last century. He was one of the select- men of Lee in 1769. His mill is mentioned in the records of that town ; and the neighboring bridge across Lamprey river is repeatedly called
HilVs bridge in the town accounts from 1771 till 1800, and doubtless much later. For instance, 5 £., Is., were " p** Ensign Reuben Hill on his bridge" mini. This name is still retained, though Reuben Hill died about 1794, and his heirs sold the water privilege here at the beginning of this century. Cha:ce's county map of 1856 mentions "J. Mathes's shin- gle and grist-mill " at Hill's falls. There is now a sawmill here, owned by the Dames. (See Dame's Falls.) Hill's Five Hundred Acres. Frequently mentioned in the old con- veyances of Durham lands, referring to Valentine Hill's grant of 500 acres from the town of Dover, the 14tli, 5 mo., 1651, for a farm adjacent to his mills at Oyster River. This tract comprised the whole site of the pres- ent village of Durham on the upper side of Oyster river, and extended from the lowest falls westward as far as Follet's swamp. It was bounded on the south by the fresh part of Oyster river, and on the north by the Woodman, Thompson, and Demeritt lands. It is mentioned June 15, 1719, when 30 acres of land, laid out to Bartholomew Stevenson May 31, 1699, found to intrench on ^ Capt. HilVs five hundred acre lot.,'' were, at the request of Abraham Stevenson, laid out anew, " beginning at Hill's line, near the north corner of Hill's land." This land was conveyed by Abraham and Mary Stevenson to Jonathan Thompson Feb. 24, 1732- 33, " beginning at y^ north corner of
1 Richard Plummer's wife was Elizabeth, daughter of Joseph Beard." She quit claim to all right in her father's estate in favor of her brother Samuel, May 25, 1737. And her sister, Esther DoUoff, did the same Ap. 8, 1731.
2 John Foy married Mary, widow of Ralph Hall, before Feb. 26, 1717-18. She was the daughter of Philip Chesley of Oyster River. John Foy's Rock is mentioned in article Freetown. (See p. 78.)
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
lOI
Capt. Nathaniel Hill's five Jmndred acres, at a stump in said Hill's line,"
Joseph Buss and wife Lydia con- veyed to Thomas Chesley, Feb. 21, 1739-40, one half of two thirds of one third part of five hundred acres in Durham, granted to Valentine Hill by the town of Dover the 14th, 5 mo., (16)51, " for a farm adjacent to his mills at Oyster River, provided it doth not not annoy the inhabitants, and laid out and bounded in y^ year 1660, y« 3d day of y^ 11th mo., bounded upon a N. and S. line from Oyster River 200 rods, and from that bound N. W. half a point westerly 320 rods, and from y' to Oyster river upon a S. W. and by S. line 210 rods to y" river, and so y*^ river is y^ bounds."
Valentine Hill of Nottingham and Robert Hill of Durham conveyed to Joseph Smith, Feb. 23, 1765, part of that land in Durham "commonly known by the name of tJie five hun- dred acres,'' beginning at the N. W. corner of Samuel Hill's homestead farm by the laud of Samuel Demerit, etc. (See Warner Farm.)
Valentine Hill^ who had this grant of 500 acres, was the most enterpris- ing of the early settlers at Oyster River. He was in Boston as early as 1638, a freeman in 1640, and was ordained deacon in Boston "by y^ laying on of y^ hands of y^ presby- terv," Mav 7, 1640. He was also a member of the Ancient and Hon. Artillery Co. He had a grant at Oyster River the 5th, 5 mo., 1642, and another the following year. And further grants of lands and mill priv- ileges on Lamprey and Oyster rivers were made to him in 1649, 1651, 1652, etc. He was apparentW the
first to erect mills at Oyster River, and it was he who built the first meeting-house here in* 1656-7. He was the representative from Dover to the General Court at Boston in 1652-3-4-5 and 7. The freemen of Dover petitioned. May 27, 1652, that Mr. Valentine Hill might be appointed one of the Associate Judges of the Court that year. Their petition was granted. (N. H. Prov. Pap., 1 : 198, 207.) He died in 1661, leaving two children, Nathaniel and Mary, by his last wife, who was Mary Eaton, daughter of Gov. Theophilus Eaton of New Haven. She survived him, and afterwards married Ezekiel Knight.
Mary, daughter of Valentine Hill, married Jehtt—^iss, -^on- of- Parson Buss of Oyster River. Nathaniel Hill, the only sou left by Valentine, married Sarah, daughter of Anthou}' Nutter of Welshman's cove. He inherited the greater part of his father's lands at Oyster River, on which he settled. He was appointed deacon of the Oyster River church. He had two sous, Valentine and Samuel. The latter married Sarah, daughter of John Thompson, Sr., of Oyster River, and lived a short dis- tance above the present railway sta- tion. Sarah Hill, daughter of Nathaniel, married Daniel Warner of Portsmouth, who afterwards acquired a part of Hill's Five Hundred Acres. (See Warner Farm.) Abigail Hill, another daughter, married Benjamin, son of Capt. Francis Mathes, Dec. 17, 1716. Tlie name of Valentine, from her grandfather Valentine Hill, became henceforth a favorite name in the Mathes family, where it is perpetuated to this day. Among
I02
Landmai'ks in Ancient Dover.
those who still bear it ma}' be men- tioned Mr. Valentine Mathes of Dover, and Valentine Mathes Cole- man, Esq., of Newington.
Hill's Mill Pond. This name, derived from Valentine Hill (see HiWs Five Hundred Acres), is given to the mill-pond above the lowest falls in Oyster river (now Durham Falls) the 25th, 9 mo., 1661, when 20 acres of upland were granted to John Wood- man " betwixt the freshett that run- neth to Mr. hill's mill pond and the upper end of the pond, whear the sayd John Woodman shall see gode to make ehoyse of, not intrenching apon aui former grant."
Hill's Pan or Pen. See Stony Brook.
Hill's Swamp, Mentioned in 1656, when John Bickford, Sr., had a grant of 100 acres of upland adjacent to Thomas Footman's hundred acres, on the N. W. side of " the swampe sometimes called Mr. hill's sii:ar)ipe." This Bickford land was afterwards acquired by Joseph Hix, for whom it was laid out anew Ap. 12, 1718, on the N. W. side of hill's sioamp). This swamp was apparently the low land in Madbury, adjoining the Boston & Maine R. R., between Hicks's Hill and Pudding Hill. The name may have been derived from Valen- tine Hill of Oyster River, the only person of the name in Dover at the time of Bickford's grant, who appears to have had the prefix of " Mr." A timber grant to " Mr. Hill " (no doubt Valentine) "on y*^ north side of y* path from Bellamies Bank towards Oyster River," is mentioned in a grant to Richard Waldron in 1652. In the time of Joseph Hix (or Hicks), however, Wm. Hill lived at the lower
side of Pudding Hill. "The mast path that leadeth from Knight's farm to William Hill's," is mentioned Feb. 28, 1705-6. Thirty acres were laid out to Henry Marsh Ap. 4, 1709, " eastward of Mahorramet's hill, be- ginning at a hemlock tree on the poynt of the plain to the westward of Willia7n Hill's plantation."
Hilton's Cove. This cove is on the Newington shore, adjoining the old terminus of Knight's ferry, but the name is no longer in use. It is mentioned the 9th, 5 mo., 1652, when John Hall had a grant of 18 acres " a little above Hilton's Gove." It is again mentioned the 5th, 10 mo., 1674, when Thomas Tricke's grant of 18 acres in 1656, " on Bloody poynt side," was laid out " aboue hiUtones coue, joining to henery Lankster his land westerly, bounded up the gutt to a rock, and from the rock to A wall nutt Tree marked with an H and a T, and soe to a Beich Tree marked with A and T, and so to the freshett that runs in too Thomas Trickey his coue aboue his hotise at high-water mark."
John Hall conveyed to Henry Laugstaffe, the 1st, 4 mo., 1668, 12 acres of land granted him by the town of Dover, together with house, goods, and chattels within doors and without. Henry Langstar, grandson of the above Henry, conveyed to John Shackford, Nov. 23, 1716, ten acres of land called Hall's field., bounded N. W. by a little mead, W. by land formerly Zachariah Trickey's but then in possession of Capt. John Knight, and E. by the highway to the ferry. George Walton and Fran- ces conveyed to John Knight, Feb. 27, 1718-19, ten acres of land " in y**
Landmarks in Ancient Dover
103
town of Newington," bounded north- westerly by land formerly Zachariah Trickey's, then y'' said Knight's, and easterly by the highway from the ferry to the meeting-house — " which ffield is called HalVs ffielcl, and for- merly belonged to Henry Laugstar, deceased."
John Knight, Sr., and wife Bridget, conveyed to their sou John, Feb. 7, 1717-18, a tract of 18 acres at Bloody Point, bought of Zachary Trickey, bounded N. W. by the main river, east by John Hoyt's land (previously Geo. Brawn's), south by the Bloody Point highway to Nutter's, and west by Ephraim Trickey's laud, — together with the dwelling-house, and all in- terest in the ferry at Bloody Poynt.
Hilton's Point. This name was given for more than a century to the lower extremity of Dover Neck, from Edward Hilton, who founded a settle- ment here as early as 1623, that proved, however, unsuccessful. It is so called March 12, 1629-30, in the new patent he obtained from the Ply- mouth Council. He afterwards set- tled in Exeter, but this point con- tinued to bear his name till the sec- ond half of the 18th century. (See Hilton's Point Ferry.) The Dover records make mention of it repeat- edly. It is so called by Robert Mason in 1681. Thomas Mason of Dover, trader, and Magdalen his wife, Sept. 13, 1733, conveyed to John Wheelwright and others, of Boston, merchants, his dwelling- house on Dover Neck, " on the west- erly side of the road that leads down to Hilton's Point, commonly so called," together with the laud adja- cent. It is now called Dover Point. (See Wecanacohimt.)
Hilton's Point Ferry. Mentioned Sept. 4, 1766, when Ephraim and Hannah Tibbets conveyed to Job Clement 12^ acres " on Dover Neck the westerly side of the road to Hil- ton's Point ferry, so called," extend- ing to the ui)per side of the way that leads to Hall's sli}) ou Back river. This was the ferry from Hilton's Poiut to Newington, generally called KniyhV s ferry .
Hilton's Point Swamp. Men- tioned in 1652, when this swamp was laid out as an ox pasture. Hum- phrey Varney conveyed to John Knight, Nov. 8, 1711, his share in the ox pasture "granted him in Hil- ton's Point sivamp at y*" loer end of Dover Neck." — "The ox pasture in Hilton's Point sivamp " is again men- tioned in Judge Johu Tuttle's will of Dec. 28, 1717. Joseph Hall of New- market conveyed to Thomas Millet, Feb. 11, 1736, two tracts of land in Dover; "one known by y" name of y^ Sivamp or Ox common, aud call** by some Hilton's Point; " — " y^ other known by y'' name of y^ Calves Pasture." These lots were originally laid out to " Lt. Ralph Hall," grand- father of said Joseph. This swamp is now called Huckleberry Sivamjy.
HoBBs's Hole. Mentioned Nov. 20, 1722, when Samuel Kenney con- firmed to Capt. Ichabod Plaisted all right to three acres of land at a place in the township of Dover called Hobbs's hole, bounded southward and eastward by " Nichewanock" river, north by said Plaisted's laud, and west by that of Henry Hobbs, de- ceased. The significance of the word " Hole" does not appear.
Henry Hobbs married Hannah, daughter of Thomas Canney, Sr.,
**M^J
s-
h^t^ ^
•^
i*»
n i ^,
I04
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
and received as part of her portion, July 12, 1661, six score acres of laud between St. Alban's cove and Quam- pbegau, bounded S. E. by the " Nechewanuick " river in [mrt, and partly by land that was sometime possessed by Capt. Mason's agent ; N. E. by the highway tliat goeth from y*^ south end of }'* s*^ lot up into y^ woods towards the N. W. ; N. W. by Thomas Hanson's land, and S. W. partly by James Grant's, and partly by the commons. Henry Hobbs conveyed to Thomas Hobbs, Ap. 12, 1720, one half of all his land at Sligo, bounded easterly by the "Nechawonack " river, southerly by Sylvanus Nock's laud, and northerly by that of James Stackpole. On this shore, in the upper part of the "Point district," not far above St. Alban's cove, the Hobbses built ships in early times, which were eas- ily launched at high tide, this part of the river being deep. "The road that passes by the meeting-house down to Capt. Hobbs's by the river" is meutioned July 26, 1764, in a deed of six acres of land which Thomas Wallingford sold Benjamin Warren, part of a tract said Wallingford had purchased of Thomas Hobbs.
Hodgdon's Point. This point is on the shore of the Pascataqua, below Bloody Point, but the name has not been retained. It was so called from John Hodgdon, who con- veyed to John Knight, in three par- cels, all his lands on the southerly side of the road from Bloody Point, part of which adjoined Henr^' Laug- star's ten-acre grant. The last of these was conveyed March 7, 1736, when John and Marv Hodgdon sold John Knio;ht " all the laud where we
now dwell, beginning at the lower end of our garden, and running along the land we sold s*^ Knight to Mr. Geo. Walton's line, then somewhat southerly by Walton's line up to y^ road." John Knight, sou of the above John, in his will of 1770, speaks of his land at Hodgdon's Pointy on the east side of the lane leading from his dwelling-house to Portsmouth, adjoining the laud of Geo. Walton.
HoGSTY Cove. This cove is men- tioned as one of the bounds of an- cient Dover the Sth, 7 mo., 1652, when the line ran " from a creek next below Thomas Cauuey his house, to a certain cove near the mouth of the Great Bay called Hogsty Gove. In the division of the Squamscot Pa- tent, May 22, 1656, the General Court at Boston granted to the town of Dover " the land from Kinges (Keuney's) Creeke to a certain Cove neere the mouth of the great Bay called Hogstye Cove., with all the marsh from that place round about the bay up to Cotterill's Delight, with 400 acres of upland, as granted it by the Court," etc. (N. H. Prov. Pap., 1 : 222.) This was a confirmation of a previous decree the 19th, 7 mo., 1643, when the General Court at Boston ordered " that all the marsh and meadow ground lying against the great bay on Strawberry bank side shall belong to Dover, together with 400 acres of upland adjoining." {Ibid, 1 : 172.) The Dover bounds, as de- fined by the N. H. General Court, Sept. 12, 1701, ran "from Cannye's Crike on a Directe Line to Hoogstie Cove, with the Mashes on the Grete Baye and foure Hundred Acres of Upland Adjoiniuge thereto, as form-
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
105
eriy laid out, and from Hoogstie Cove over to Lamperill River month," etc. {Ibid, 3 : 227.) That Hogsty Cove was the lowest cove on the Newington shore of the Great Bay — that is, the cove immediately above Furber's Point or Ferry-place — is proved by the fact that all the lauds above this cove — that is, up the Bay side — were, according to the Dover records, a part of the 400 acres granted to Dover above Hogst}' Cove, as will be seen by reference to Farbefs Pointy Harivood's Creek, Herod's Point, Jyttighton's Cove, Long Point, etc.
When George Snell and Wm. Vaughau surve3'ed the bounds of Portsmouth, the 28th, 8 mo., 1695-6, they ran the line " from Cannye's Coue in the louge reche to Hogg Stye Coue at ye mouth of ye great Bay, and from the midle of the mouth of one Coue to y" midle of the mouth of y*" other, is west, & by South and East & by north & strikes 3£r. Williame ffar- bers Barne.'' (Portsmouth Records.)
This clearly defines the position of Hogsty Cove. It was "■ at y^ mouth of y*" Great Bay," and the Hue thereto from Cauney's creek struck the barn of Wm. Furber, who then lived at the Narrows between Great Bay and Little Bay, having been licensed, Dec. 11, 1694, to keep a ferry " from his house at Welchman's Cove over to Oyster River." {Ibid, 2: 147.) His farm at the ferry-place was given him by his father, Wm. Furber, in 1674, together with two dwelling- houses, a barn, etc., thereon. (See Pascataqua Rock.) The line from Cauney's Creek through Wm. Fur- ber's barn could only terminate at the first cove above the Narrows or fer- ry-place.
Wm. Furber of AVelch Cove, in the township of Dover, conveyed to his son Jethro, Ap. 3, 1706, a tract of 60 acres on which said Jethro then dwelt — being all the laud from a white oak, called by the name of the bound tree betioeen Dover and Portsm°, to a white oak near the line of the land given b}'^ said William to his son William by deed, — that is, all his land south of that line, which said Wm., senior, had of his father by a deed of gift, and so home to the land which his father gave his brother Jethro.
Jethro Furber of Portsmouth, Aug. 1, 1706, conveyed to John Bickford of Welch Cove in the township of Dover 100 acres of upland in the toionship of Portsmouth, at Long Poynt, bounded S. W. by the land of said John Bickford, S. E. by that of Thomas Laiton, E. by that of Wm. ffurber, Jr., and W. N. W. by that of Jethro ffurber, son of William.
The map in C. W. Tuttle's Histor- ical Papers, edited by Mr. A. H. Hoyt, (1889), supposes Laighton's Cove to be the ancient Hogst}' Cove. And the present writer, in the first edition of " Landmarks in Ancient Dover," deferring to the opinion of others, makes the same statement. This, however, is certainly an error, for the old Laightou, Nutter, Dame, and Bickford lands, around and below Laighton's cove — that is, below in the sense of going down stream, though really in a northerly direc- tion— and even the southern portion of Wm. Furber's laud, (see Furber's Point), are clearly stated iu the Dover records to have been part of the 400 acres granted to Dover above Hogsty Cove. As the only cove be- tween these lands and the mouth of
io6
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
the Great Bay is the one immediately above Furber's Point or Ferry-place, this is undoubtedly the ancient Hog- sty Cove.
Moreover, the town of Portsmouth, Jan. 11, 1657, granted to Henrie and John Sherburne, Wm. Cotton, John Pickering, Geo. Walton, and Philip Lewis, " the tract of land more or lesse from Harrod's creek northward to Welchman's cove, excepting the grant by dover on the 400 acres, w*** this p™viso, they maintaininge all sutts (suits) of law against any that aposeth them, of there own proper cost, always acknowledging Ports- mouth as there towne in paying all publike charges thereunto." (Ports- mouth Town Records.)
A foot-note in the N. H. Prov. Papers, (Vol. 3 : 227,) says Hogsty Cove was " a place where swine were driven from Exeter every spring." The court at Exeter, the 30th, first mo., 1641, ordered " that all the swine above ^ a year old and upwards are to be sent down into the great bay by the 10th day of the second month." {Ibid, 1 : 142.)
HoGSTY Point. Mentioned in 1652, when 40 acres of upland at Welsh- man's cove were granted to Thomas Layton in 1652, ten acres of which were laid out on hoggstie poynt. No further mention of these ten acres of upland is made. Tliey perhaps in- trenched on the Furber grant at the mouth of the Great Bay. The other 30 acres were laid out at the head of Thomas Layton's marsh, the south bound being a Great Rock towards longe poynt. The name of Hogsty point has not been perpetuated, but it was probably on one side of Hog- sty cove.
Hoitt's Crossing. This is a rail- way crossing on the turnpike road in Lee, near the Hoitt homestead, now belonging to Mr. Layn. A great amount of lumber is conveyed to market from this crossing, and it will probably be soon made a passenger station. There are five other railway crossings in Lee, but none of them stopping-places, viz : Pinkham^s, on Newtown Plains ; Pendergast's, at the head of Wheelwright's pond ; Thompson's, between Little river mill and Nottingham ; and Obadiah Davis' s, near the South Lee station.
Holmes' Bridge. Mentioned June 23, 1701, when Edward Cloutman had a grant of 30 acres " between Co- checha and Nechewanick, as near holmes his bridge as may be." That same day 30 acres were granted to Benj" Way mouth, joining Edward Cloutman's land " near holmes bridg." Joseph Roberts conveyed to Samuel Randle, Feb. 27, 1726-7, 30 acres on the south side of the Salmon falls road (from Cochecho) " near Home's bridge," thence running S. S. E. to a hemlock in Jeremy Rollins' fence, then E. to an elm in a hollow near Thomas Nock's. This bridge seems to have been across the Twombley brook in RoUiusford, but the name is no longer in use. (See Otis' Bridge.)
Hook-Island Falls, otherwise Hook Falls. These falls are in Lamprey river, on the east side of Lee Hook. They are called the '•'-Hook falls" on the State map of Lee in 1803, but. are now generally called Hook Island falls, from an island that divides them.
Hook Marsh. This marsh is in Madbury, in the vicinity of Bellamy
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
107
Hook. It is mentioned May 30, 1738. (See Gooseberry Marsh.)
Hooper's Pond. This is an arti- ficial pond on the Hooper farm in the Back River district, made by enlarg- ing the bed of Johnson's creek, which rises among the marshes not far be- yond.
Hope Hood's Point. This point, so called, according to the late C. W. Tnttle, as early as 1694, is on the western shore of Back river, above the Three Creeks. It is mentioned March 1, 1701, when John and Mary Tuttle conveyed to Richard Pinkham a parcel of land and marsh " lying and being at y* hed of the crike run- niuge upon the west side of Hoope Hood's Poynte, so called, and so through said Pinkham's 20 acres bought of Philip Cromwell on y'^ west side of y* Bake river, and lying w^'in y^ southernmost line of that Twenty Acre loat by anny waies or menes whatsoever." Thomas Tuttle con- veyed to James Tuttle, May 3, 1740, a tract of salt marsh and upland in Dover, at a place commonly called Back Hiver, beginning at a rock at Hope Woods Point, and running W. N. W. 34 rods by Pinkham's laud.
The name of this point is derived from a noted Indian chief, said to have belonged to the Abenaki tribe. Dr. Quint says he was the saga- more Wahowah or Wohawa, chief of all the lands from Exeter to Salmon Falls. Hubbard, in his Narrative, calls him Hope Hood., and says he was the son of Robin Hood. The name of " mr. hope hoth" and that of ''Old Robin " are affixed to a letter from John Hogkins May 15, 1685. (N. H. Frov. Pap., 1 : 583.) ''Hoope Whood" and " Ould Robin "are also among
the signers of a deed of land at ^' Squammagonake " to Peter Coffin Jan. 3, 1686. It was Hoop Hood who led the attack on the Newicha- wannock settlement in 1690, as well as that on the Bloody Point shore soon after, which Mr. Tuttle endeav- ors to disprove. So noted did he become for his ferocity to the Eng- lish settlers that Mather, in his 3Iag- nalia, loads him with opprobrious epithets, such as *•' that memorable tygre," " that hellish fellow," etc. According to a local tradition he was killed in 1690, and buried on this point of land, which has ever since borne his name. It is a spot as wild and solitary as it was 200 years ago, covered with thickets where the wild grape runs from tree to tree, and where, it is affirmed, the groans of the Indian warrior are still to be heard from time to time among the moaning branches.
Hoppers. There are several "hoppers" within the limits of ancient Dover. The most important of these is mentioned Nov. 10, 1753, when the head line of Dover was per- ambulated. This line, in its course, is stated to lead " through a Vault in the earth, commonly known and called by the name of the Hopper, on the westerly side of Cochecho river, to the edge of the hill on the west- erly side of the said Vault." This Hopper is on the line between Dover and Barrington, on the Ezra Hayes farm, now in the tenure of his son-in- law, Mr. John Grey. The farm house itself is within the Barrington line, at the southeast side of Green hill. There are three hoppers in this vicinity, the largest of which is the one above mentioned. It is a
io8
Landmarks in Ancient Dover
remarkable hollow in the woods, about 100 feet in depth, and 500 feet across. Full grown pines have been cut in this Hopper for timber.
Another Hopper is in Madbury, near the site of Clark's garrison. It is a natural, tunnel-like hole in the ground, somewhat curious, but less remarkable than the three above mentioned.
Horne's Hill. Mentioned in 1834, when it is related that the Strafford Guards of Dover, returning from the inauguration of Gov. William Badger, were met at Horne's hill by Captain Moses Paul and a cavalcade of citi- zens, who escorted them into town. This hill is on Sixth street, at that time called the " new upper Factory road," and afterwards "Brick street," from a brickyard where is now Snow's tenement house. The name is de- rived from Wm. Home, to whom Nathaniel Starbuck conveyed 240 acres of land between Cochecho and Tolend Sept. 20, 1661. This laud was originally granted to Elder Edward Starbuck in 1643.
Before the Cochecho railroad was built, the intervale on this shore was used by the Dover military com- panies for target practice, with Home's hill for a background. The river at this place was long used by the Free Will Baptist Society for the rite of immersion, the bank being low, and the water shoal. It is now a favorite bathing-place.
Horn's Woods. The woods which have borne this name for two hun- dred years or more, are in the heart of the Lubberland district, below the present road from Durham village to Newmarket. Thirty acres of land were granted to "Mr. Thomas Edgerlie, Sen^, between Collies
marsh and the homes" March 19, 1693-4, laid out March 29, 1699. The Edgerly family still own part of these woods. Ten acres, part of a 40 acre grant to John Doo (Doe) in 1694, were laid out to John Smith, Jr., Aug. 12, 1732, "-beginning at a black oak in Horn's woods, so called." {Durhain Records.) Capt. John Smith's ten-acre lot "in the horn's woods, by the grassy swam}^," is men- tioned Oct. 31, 1749. John Mason conveyed to Abraham Mathes Aug. 5, 1747, 16 acres of marsh and upland, commonly called Doe's marsh, "lying in a place commonly called the Horne's woods in Durham, being part of the estate of my honored grandfather John Doe, set off to my mother Mary Mason of Durham, wid- ow." Ninety acres in Horne's woods are mentioned in the inventory of Ab- raham Mathes' estate, Feb. 9, 1762. A highway from "Wormwood's into Horn's woods," bordering on the Edg- erly lands, is mentioned Dec. 26, 1743.
No Horns appear in the early rate- lists of Oyster River, but there were Homes in Dover proper. The name may have been derived from John Haunce, who was taxed at Oj'ster River as early as 1655. Geo. Wal- ton, May 24, 1665, conveyed land on Great Island to " John Haunce of Oyster River, carpenter."
HoRSEHiDE Brook. This name is sometimes given to that part of Den- bow's brook, where it crosses the Newmarket road at the south side of Broth Hill, in Durham. It was so named from a tan-yard formerly adjacent, belonging to Robert Jones. This brook has two branches, one of which rises at the Moat. It is per-
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
109
haps " the little brook that cometh out of the mooet," mentioued in old grants. This unites with Denbow's brook, which rises in the Long marsh, and empties into the mill-pond above Durham falls. (See Denboiv's Brook.)
HucKiNs' Brook. This brook rises in Madbury, above the town-house, passes through the old Tasker lands — whence this part of it is often called the Tasker or Tasket brook,^ — crosses the highway below the Miles house, and, after being fed by the Pendexter springs farther down, comes into Durham, where it flows through the old Huckins land, east of the spot where stood the Huckins garrison, destroyed by the Indians in 1689. It is joined by the " Tom-Hall brook " a little below the place where the Huckins massacre occurred, and empties into Beard's creek.
Huckins' Mill was built on this stream at an early day. It is men- tioned Jan. 10, 1697-8. Among the Dover grants is recorded, Jan. 23, 1701, " libbertie of a Remoue of ten Acres of laud granted Robbart Huckins in 1664 at the head of his twenty acre lott on the west side of back riuer, to be laid out adjoining to his home laud at oyster Riuer, on the west side of the brooke that driues his mill." This removal of Robert Huckins' grant seems to have been made in favor of his grandson Robert, son of James Huckins who was killed by the Indians in 1689. One fourth of this mill was sold by John Huckins to Capt. Samuel Emer- son, Oct. 24, 1727, for £30. The
receipt for this sum, still extant, de- clares,— " The said mill standeth on the stream called Huckins' brook." The entire mill and the Huckins lands were finally acquired by Capt. Emer- son and his sons. The mill is now gone, but the remains of the dam are still to be seen on that part of the brook which flows through the land of Mr. Ebenezer T. Emerson.
Huckleberry Hill. This is a high ridge on Dover neck, about three quarters of a mile below the bridge across Little John's creek. It is mentioned the 5th, 10 mo., 1659, when it was ordered that huckleberry hill, which had been laid out for a sheep pasture, should be divided for a public training place for the town- ship of Dover. "The way which doth lead from huckleberry hill to Cochecho " is mentioned in a convey- ance of land from the town to John Tuttle, March 5, 1674-5. This hill commands an extensive and magnif- icent view across the Newichawan- nock on one side, and Back river on the other. And far down the Long Reach of the Pascataqua may be seen the spires of Portsmouth rising be- yond the fair shores of Newiugton, with beautiful hills and gleaming waters in every direction.
Huckleberry Plain. Mentioned March 19, 1693-4, when the town of Dover granted to Zachariah Trickev " that ftield he hath ffenced on ye hort- tleberry plain, with as much joining it as to make it twenty acres." This land was no doubt " zachery trickey's twenty acres in the pich pine x>lctins "
2 The name of Tasker seems to have been thus corrupted at a very early period. Or Tasket may have been the original name. At any rate, it is written Tasket in the Dover rate-list of 16T5, and in the court records of 1686. (See Farmer's Belknap, page 169, foot note.) John Tas- ket's name is on the muster-roll of Capt. James Davis's scouting party in 17l2. And the name is frequently so called to this day in Madbury
no
Landmai'ks in Ancient Dover.
(in Newiugtou), uext Richard Pome- roy's grant, mentioned Ap. 2, 1694. (See Pitch-Pme Plains.)
Huckleberry Swamp. This name is now given to Hilton's Point swamp, which was laid out as an ox pasture in 1652. It is at the lower end of Dover Neck.
Hull's Meadow. So named from Benjamin Hull, who had a grant adjoining the Pascassic mill in 1659. (See Indian Graves.) Benjamin Hull of Dover, Dec. 12, 1678, con- ve^'ed to John Rand 120 acres of land in Dover, bounded N. E. by Lamperel river, and S. W. by the Dover line. John Rand of y^ town- ship of Dover, in y'^ county of Ports- mouth, conveyed to Robert Wadley of Dover, Aug. 26, 1679, " 120 acres of land and meadow ground, lying by Laraperell river, between y* Island Falls and y^ second Falls of y^ af ores'* river, commonly called by y^ name of Benjamin HtdVs meadow."
The Hull land was acquired Jan. 12, 1695, by Richard Hilton, who, Dec. 5, 1735, conveyed to Thomas Darling of Portsmouth 120 acres of upland and Meadow in Durham, beginning at a pitch-pine tree on or near the line between Durham and Exeter, thence up said line W. and by N. 170 rods to a black oak on said line or town bounds, then north 160 rods to a hemlock on the bank of Lamperel river, then down said river as far as it bears east nearest, then E. and by N. six score rods to a pine, thence to y'' pitch pine first mentioned, standing on y* town bounds, near to y"^ Indian graves. Thomas Darling of Durham, Oct. 27, 1742, out of love, good-will, and affection to his well-beloved son-in-
law, John Frost of Portsmouth, con- veyed to said Frost one half of his homestead estate — that is, half the upland he bought of Richard Hilton, except 40 acres then owned by Nathaniel Frost, together with one half of y* meadow commonly called HulVs meadoiv. That same day Thomas Darling conveyed to his beloved son-in-law Nicholas Tuttle the other half of his homestead estate, and half of y meadow com- monly called Hull's meadoiv on the north side. Nicholas Tuttle con- veyed his part to Jeremiah Folsom, Jr., Feb. 10, 1752. John Frost, Sept. 20, 1752, conveyed to Thomas and John Tash, both of Durham, a tract of upland and meadow in Dur- ham, part of the land formerly granted to Benjamin Hull, bounded N. by Nathaniel Frost's laud, and S. and W. by that of Jonathan Stevens and David Davis y* 3^ The Tash land, between the Pascassic river and Lee Hook, is still pointed out.
Humphrey's Pond. This name is ffiven to Willand's Pond in the Somers worth records of March 16, 1793 ; also in Merrill's N. H. Gazeteer of 1817, and in Hayward's Neio Eng- land Gazeteer of 1839. The origin of the name is uncertain, but it may have been derived from Humphrey Varney, who was received an inhabi- tant of Dover, Aug. 2, 1659, and married Sarah, daughter of Elder Edward Starbuck, who owned land around Cochecho pond, now Wil- land's.
Huntress Landings. There are two landing-places of this name on the western shore of the Long Reach, called by the river boatmen the Upper and Loiver Huntress.
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
Ill
The Upper Huntress is in Newing- ton, a short distauce above Paul's creek, at the foot of an old road along the east side of a point of land owned by Miss Mary Huntress, to whom the landing-place also belongs. This is a remnant of the old Huntress estate on this shore, acquired by George Huntress about 200 years ago, half of which was inherited by his son Sam- uel, whose grave is still to be seen not far from the landing-place that bears his name. Here he doubtless moored his gundelows and other craft, mentioned in the public records. It was voted by the N. H. General Assembly, Dec. 13, 1746, "that Sam' Huntriss be allowed fifteen shills and nine Pence in full for y* use of his Guudloe 18 days at y* Fort." And the " Ace' of Sam' Huntress for gundaloe hire at N. Castle " is again mentioned the same day. {N. H. Prov. Fap., 5:475,855.)
The Lower Huntress is in Ports- mouth, just below the Newington line, at the foot of the Gosling road. The name is derived from Clement Hun- tress, to whom Alice Thompson con- veyed, Oct. 5, 1831, four acres and two rods of land' in Portsmouth, at the northwesterly corner of the prem- ises adjoining the road which sepa- rates Newington from Portsmouth, bounded on one side b}^ the Piscata- qua river, and adjacent to the Elliot farm, so-called, then belonging to Stephen Pearse. This land is now owned by Mr. Nathaniel Huntress, nephew of the above Clement. The landing-place here is sometimes called Thompson'' s Point.
Hussey's Brook. This is the first brook that empties into the Newicha- wannock river above Cochecho Point.
So named from Joseph Hussey whose land below St. Albau's cove is mentioned in 1736. (See Gui^]}y's Point.)
Hussey's Falls. See Cochecho Falls.
Hussey's Pond. This name is sometimes given to AVilland's pond, from the Husse}' families that own land in its vicinity.
Hussey's Springs. The largest of the Hussey springs is on the farm of Mr. Benjamin Hussey, but those ac- quired by the city of Dover for the public water-works are on the farm of Mr. John S. Hussev, between Gage's Hill and Willand's Pond, partly in Dover and partly in Somersworth.
Indian Brook. Mentioned June 23, 1701, when John Varuey had a grant of 30 acres " near the Indian hrook." This brook, which is oppo- site the old Indian corn ground^ crosses the Scatterwit road in Dover, and empties into the Cochecho river, a little above the Upper FactoiT falls. The name is still retained. It is mentioned in 1865, as one of the bounds of Dover "• highway district No. One." 5"*-*- Sla^ Jn-c/taH [(/<oi*cifi-v,^
Indian Graves. Mentioned the 4th, 9 mo., 1652, when Philip Ches- ley had a grant of 100 acres " at the Indian graves,''^ which was laid out in 1661. Of this laud 78 acres were laid out for his grandson, Lieut. Philip Chesley, July 21, 1715, begiu- niuo; at " the south end of the Indian graves att beach hill, att a hemlock marked P. C. on the south side of the road, thence running S. S. W. 52 rods to a hemlock, thence S. S. E. 240 rods along by Mr. Woodman's land to a beach tree, thence N. N. E. 52 rods, to a red oak by a grate rock
112
Laiidmarks in Ancient Dover.
by the road, thence by the highway to the first bound."
This land is on the western side of Beech Hill, and is now owned in part, if not wholly, by Mr. I. Blake Hill.
Another Indian burying-ground is mentioned the 5th, 8 mo., 1659, when Benjamin Hull had a grant of 100 acres from the town of Dover, " adiacent to the bounds of Puscas- siclv mill, on the S. W. sied of Lamprill River fall," which was laid out the 12th, 11 mo., 1660, "begin- ning at a marked tree in the town hounds, by the Indian graves that are thear," and iimning W. by S. 12 rods, "then N. to Lamprill river, and along the river side as long as the river bears away east, making the line 120 rods, till you come to a marked tree, then S. to the town bounds next Exeter side near the graves.'^ Exeter, it will be remem- bered, then included Newmarket. (See HidVs Meadow.)
The tongue of land on the west side of Beard's creek, where the Woodmans lie buried, not far from their garrison, has alwavs borne the name of the Indian hurying-ground, derived perhaps from a tradition that they were partly of Indian descent, through an earl}' member of the fam- ily said to have married a dusky maiden of the ]V|ohawk race. Noth- ing has been found in the records, however, to justify this romantic tradition.
Indian Ground, or Corn Ground. Mentioned the 7th, 10 mo., 1659, when sufficient land to make up Peter Coffin's lot of 100 acres, was laid out a little above the third fall in the Co- checho river, beginning at a pine tree
by the river side and extending up the river to a white oak on a little hill, thence northward to the swamp by the Indian ground. This planting- ground seems to have been abandoned by the Indians after the disturbances occasioned by Major "VValdrou's treachery to them in 1676, and it was afterwards divided among the Dover settlers. Among others, John Horn, Sr., had a grant of 30 acres " on the Indian Come ground on the west side of Cochecho river," March 19, 1693-4. It was laid out Feb. 16, 1711, begin- ning at the Indian Corn ground^ upon the north side of burbadus (Barba- does) way that leads to tole end." Wm. Hartford Ap, 1, 1712, conveyed to .John and Peter Haise 20 acres of land " between Cochecha river and Barbadoes, beginning at a red oak on y^ Indian Corn Ground." (See Mo- harimeVs Planting-Ground. )
Indian Hills. These hills are on the neck of land between Fresh creek and the Newichawannock river. Rob- ert Huggens conveyed to James Guppy, Oct. 19, 1713, 20 acres of land, with a parcel of marsh and flats belonging thereto, " from the lower point, where the Indian hills are, to y*^ head of y^ Fresh creek on Cochecho point." John Meader, aged 70 years, or thereabouts, testified be- fore John Woodman, Justice of the Peace, Sept. 17, 1702, that " all the marsh flats from the lower point wiaere the Indian hills are, to y^ head of y^ crick, on both sides of the crick which is commonly called Fresh crick, on y® north side of Cochecho river, as also a parcell of planting land on the west side pf said creek" were, in the year of our Lord 1647 or 8, in the possession of Robert Huckius, grand-
L.ajidi]iarks in Ancient Dover.
113
father of Robert Huckins, Jr., then claiming title to said marsh.
James Guppv, Aug. 21, 1733, con- veyed to Thomas Downs 35 acres of his land " on a certain neck common- ly called by y® name of Cochecho Point, beginning at a rock on the south side of the way leading to Nechowanuuck, near a brook y' runs out of Cromwel's land into Fresh creek.'' Another portion he conveyed to Joseph Ricker, Nov. 21, 1733, beginning at the S. E. corner of Thomas Downs' land on Fresh creek. And Aug. 3, 1736, he conveyed 30 acres to James Philpot. (See Gup- py's Point.)
Indian Oven. This is a cave in the side of a steep ledge near the top of a hill in the Caverno pasture, in Lee, overlooking the lower side of Wheelwright's pond. The opening is five or six feet high, and the depth perhaps four feet. Traces of fire within still bear witness to its hav- ing been used for domestic purposes. In this vicinity took place the battle of Wheelwright's pond.
Indian Path. Mentioned May 4, 1657, when 200 acres of land were laid out to " Mr. Edward Rawson, secretary ; " one half of it on " the east side of the Quochecho river," and the other half on the west side, " a little below the Indian path,'' which path " lyeth about three miles above Peter Cofyns house." (iV. H. Frov. Pap., 1 : 229.) This land was afterwards acquired by Richard Wal- dron, who conveyed it in part, if not wholly, to Peter Coffin May 27, 1671. It apparently joined the Indian reser- vation above Tolend, called in the early records the " Indian corn- ground." Peter Coffin of Exeter,
June 2, 1696, conveyed to his son Peter of Nantucket a tract of 200 acres on " the north side of Coche- chow river, at a place called " ye six Indian wicjioams." (See Indian Corn- ground.)
Indigo Hill. This is a well-known hill in Somersworth, about three quarters of a mile below Great Falls, between the river and the new road to Salmon Falls. It is mentioned March 19, 1693-4, when Ezekiel Wentworth had a grant of land on Salmon Falls river, above Indigo Hill. John Tuttle had a grant of 60 acres June 18, 1694, between Indigo Hill and Autonies (brook), which, in his will of Dec. 28, 1717, he gives his son Ebenezer. Over 23 acres of this land were conveyed to Robert Cole Sept. 4, 1730, when it is spoken of as on the north side of John Hall's lot. A road was laid out in 1720 from Quamphegan to Indigo Hill and the commons. This road is now partly closed up. The name is found variously written Indigo, Indego, and Endego. Its origin does not ap- pear, but the suggestion has been made that it may be a corruption of Endicott. John Endicott was gov- ernor of Massachusetts for man}' years between 1644 and 1665, at which time New Hampshire was un- der the jurisdiction of the Massachu- setts government. Others suppose it to be a reminiscence of commercial relations with Antigua, the name of which is found corrupted to Antegoe in the old records, not dissimilar in sound to Indigo.
Isinglass River. This is a branch of the Cochecho, that rises at Bow pond, Strafford. On the state map of Barrington in 1805, mention is
114
Landmarks in Ancient Dover
made of Foss's mills on this stream, not far from the source, with a bridge just below. Then come Roberts' saiv- mill and Nat'l Foss's grist-mill. Farther down is Caverh/s bridge., on the Ridge road, with French's mill just belowi at the outlet ot Long pond. In the bend below is Judge Hale's house, east of Nippo piond. At the next bend stand Tioombley's mills, above the mouth of a brook that con- nects Isinglass river with Ayefs pond. A little below the mouth of this brook is Tattle's fulling-mill, with Blake's bridge below. Farther down, on the Green Hill road, is Babb's mill. Locke's mill is on or near the line between Barrington and Roches- ter. Coming into Rochester, Isin- glass river flows along the west side of Blind WilVs Neck, and empties into the Cochecho on the west side.
The Isiuo-lass river is fed, not only by Bow pond in Strafford, where it takes its rise, but through its tribu- taries by Ayer's, Nippo, Round, and Long ponds, in Barrington. These ponds are the chief reservoirs of the Cocheco Manufacturing Co., which has a dam at the outlet of the three first, if not all.
Island Falls. So called in 1669, when Robert Wadley's claim to these falls was confirmed by a grant from the town of Dover. And again Aug. 26, 1679, when John Rand conveyed to Robert Wadley 120 acres of land " between y^ Island Falls and y* sec- ond falls in Lamperell river." They are now called Wadleigh's falls. In an old plan of 1739, five islands are represented at these falls.
Jackson's Creek. Mentioned March 6, 1710-11, in connection with a road from Lamprey river to the
Salmon Falls river, which, in its course, ran near Robert Huggins' house, at the south ; thence to Wm. Jackson's pasture and to the head of Jackson's creek, straight as y* old road went, then "Joseph Jenkins to open at y* left," etc. Evidently the same as Johnson's creek, near which Walter Jackson had a grant of land the 19th, 1 mo., 1665.
Jackson's Point. Mentioned Jan. 26, 1773, when a tract of upwards of 47 acres, belonging to Jonathan and Robert Leathers, is described as run- ning southerly along the land of Samuel Chesley and Wm. Jackson to highwater mark at Jackson's Point, so called, then easterly by the up- land 4^ rods to Robert Leathers' thatch-bed, and along this bed S. 13 deg. W. to the channel of Oyster river, westerly by this channel to the land of Mary and Jonathan Chesley, and northerly to the highway. The name of this point has not been re- tained, but the tract referred to ap- pears to be the Leathers land in Durham, now owned in part by the heirs of the late John T. Emerson.
Jeems's Cove, otherwise James's. This is the first cove below Paul's cove, on the Rolliusford shore of the Newichawannock river, so called from a family that once lived adjacent thereto. The boatmen on the river in those days, when they came abreast of this cove, hailed it with the cry : " There 's Mother Jeems ! " and laid down their oars to take their turn at the jug which was passed around. The land here is now owned by Mr. Henry Paul.
Jewell's Point. This point, so called on Smith's map of Durham, is on the Lubberlaud shore, at the lower
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
115
side of Broad Cove. It was originally called Needliam'' s Pointy but is now known as Long Pointy and forms part of the present Randall farm. The name was derived from Bradbury Jewell of Tam worth, to whom Thomas >t Stevenson of Durham, and wife Ag- nes, Feb. 10, 1785, conveyed all his homestead plantation of 64^ acres, where he (Stevenson) then dwelt, to- gether with another tract of 30 acres called Ambler's marsh, bounded S. by the lands of Benjamin and John Smith, westerly by the highway to Durham Falls, and northerly and easterly by the lands of F^phraim Davis and the heirs of Wm. Durgin. (See Heel Pock and Needham's Point.) Bradbury Jewell, after living for some years on this shore, removed to Sandwich, N. H. The Eev. Curtis Coe of Durham records the marriage of Bradbury Jewell, Esq., of Sand- wich and Ann Elizabeth Fldgerly of Durham, Jan. 4, 1804. She was the daughter of Moses Edgerly, who seems to have bequeathed her 30 acres of land in Durham.
Jocelyn's Cove. Mentioned Dec. 12, 1701, when 30 acres of land were laid out to Wm. Henderson, Sr. (^granted March 19, 1693-4), begin- ning at a small white pine near Cornelius Courson's fence, on the south side of Josling's Coue. This cove is on the western shore of the Newichawannock, just above the bridge to Eliot. The name was no doubt derived from Henry Jocelyn, who was appointed Capt. John Mason's agent in New Hampshire in 1634. He was the son of Sir Thomas Josselyn, whom Sir Ferdi- nando Gorges appointed Deputy Governor of Maine in 1639. A list
of the goods left with " Mr. Joslyn " in the house at Newichawannock, Aug., 1634, is given in the N. H. Prov. Pap., 1 : 93-94. He seems to have written his name '•'Jocelyn." Henry Jocelyn afterwards went to Black Point, Scarborough, Me., where he built a garrison, which, iu spite of the vigilance implied in Whittier's line,
" Grey Jocelyn's eye Is never sleeping, '-
was captured by Mogg Megone or Hegone Oct. 12, 1677.
Jody's Spring. This name is given to a "boiling spring" at the lower end of the Eollins farm, in Newington, from Joanna Rollins, a former proprietress. It is in a thicket near the railway.
Johnson's Creek. This is the first inlet from Oyster river above Bunker's creek, in Durham. The name, however, was generally given at an early day, not only to the tidal portion, but to the fresh-water brook above it. This brook rises in the marshes above the Hooper laud in the Back River district, Dover. The name is derived from Thomas John- son, who was in Dover as early as 1639, and afterwards had a grant of 100 acres of upland next Philip Chesley's. Thomas Johnson of Pas- cataway, planter, conveyed to Nich- olas ffoUett house, field, marsh, goods, cattle, etc., Sept. 6, 1652. This was perhaps a mortgage, for the inventory of Thomas Johnson's estate, made July 1, 1661, mentions his house, land, and marsh.
"The path at the head of John- son^s Creek " was one of the old bounds between the Oyster River precinct and Dover proper, when defined Dec. 21, 1657. Permission
ii6
Land^narks in Ancient Dover.
was granted Ambrose Gibbons the 5th, 10 mo., 1659, to erect a saw- mill at the head of Thomas Johnson's creek — that is, at the head of tide water. Twenty acres of land, granted to Valentine Hill the 5th, 10 mo., 1652, were laid out Dec. 2, 1709, to Nathaniel Hill, only son of said Valentine, on " the east side of Thomas Johnson's creek, between Wm. Stories 100 acre lot and the swamp."
Johnson's creek bridge is often mentioned in the Durham and Mad- bury records, generally referring, not to the bridge near the mouth, but to the one on the I'oad to Back River, on the line between Durham and Mad- bury. When this line was perambu lated Jan. 9, 1802, it ran from Cedar Point in a westerly direction " to the middle of Johnson's creek bridge." (Du7'ham Records.)
The name of Johnson's creek is still retained, but the tidal portion is sometimes called Jones's creek.
Johnson's Creek Hill. This hill is mentioned in the Madbury records of 1803, when $14 were paid Wm. and Thomas Jones for land taken for a highway on " Johnson's Creek Hill, so called." This was no doubt the road laid out Oct. 20, 1800, across a corner of land belonging to the heirs of Stephen Jones, on the hill below Johnson's creek bridge, to avoid the steepness of the hill on the old road. This, of course, was in the lower part of Madbury.
Jonas' Creek, otherwise Jonas Bine's. Mentioned the 10th, 8 mo., 1653, when Wm. Follet and James Bonker had a grant of " tenn acres of land above the head of Jonas his creek, called the Vinyeard."
Ap. 2, 1711, Nicholas ffollett of Portsmouth, heir and successor of Wm. ffollett, late of Dover, deceased, conveyed to James Bunker 20 acres of land, " being one moyetie or part of a forty acre grant to Wm. Story in the year 1650: 29: 5 mo., lying upon the neck of land between John- sou's creek and Jonas Bine his creek." This inlet is now called Bunker's creek.
Jonas Bine's marsh at the head of his creek is mentioned in 1653.
Jonas' Point. So called from Jo- nas Binn or Biue, who, in 1651, had a house and lot of six acres which he bought of Thomas Stevenson, on the point at the entrance into Oyster river, compassed with the river every way except the south side, which joined the land of Mr. Francis Mathes. Francis Mathes, Dec. 20, 1748, con- veyed to Valentine and Abraham Mathes, Jr., the homestead where he then lived, " beginning at John Bick- ford's orchard point, so the salt water is y* bounds to Joneses Point, and Oyster river and said point is on y^ northerly side," etc. John Bickford, June 8, 1771, conveyed to his son Winthrop Bickford 25 acres of land, bounded northerly and westerly by land of Valentine Mathes, easterly by the water, and southerly by the land of Stephen Willey. Also an- other parcel of laud near the above, commonly known by the name of Jonas's Point, containing six acres, bounded southerly by land of Valen- tine Mathes, and westerly, northerly, and easterly by the salt water.
Jonas' Point is on the south side of Oyster river, at the very mouth, and now belongs to Miss Dorothy Mathes. The name is still retained, but is
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
117
generally corrupted to Jones's Point.
Jones's Creek. This name is now generally given to the tidal portion of Johnson's creek, in Durham, from Stephen Jones, who was at Oyster river as early as 1663, and acquired the lands of Thomas Johnson. ^' Jones's creek " is mentioned in the Durham records as early as March 27, 1785. Jones's bridge is also fre- quently alluded to in the town ac- counts, meaning the bridge near the mouth of Jones's creek, on the turn- pike-road.
Kelley's Springs. This name is now given to Barbadoes springs, which supply the Dover aqueduct with water. They are southeast of Barbadoes pond, and originally be- longed in part to the Evans family. Samuel and Nathaniel Evans, Dec, 22, 1812, conveyed to Benjamin Kielle 24^ acres of laud in that part of Dover called Littleworth, on the southerly side of the road from Do- ver to Barrington, " commonly known by the name of the spring pasture." This pasture is said to contain scores of springs. The old name of Kielle is now written Kelley.
Kenney's Cove, Creek, etc. See Canney.
Kimball's Falls. See Cochecho Falls.
Kincaid's Brook. This brook is mentioned several times in the Dur- ham records previous to the incorpo- ration of the township of Lee. In 1765 the town paid Simon Randall 1£, 6s., 3d., for timber furnished Thomas Leathers for " the bridge over Kincaid's brook." This appears to be the trout brook that rises among the marshes in Newtown, crosses the turnpike road above Mr. S. E. De-
meritt's, and finally empties into Oy- ster river. It is now generally called Demeritt's brook.
Knight's Ferry. This ferry, un- der the name of Trickey's ferry or Bloody Point ferry ^ was in operation at an early day. It ran not only from Bloody Point to Hilton's Point, but also to the Kittery shore, and was originally owned by Thomas Trickey, who was in Dover as early as 1640, and was living at Bloody Pt. before 1657. He died before 1680, in which year, on the 16th of June, his widow Elizabeth renounced all claim to the Trickey plantation and the ferry belonging to it, in favor of her son Zachariah. Zachariah Trick- ey of Bloody Point, Aug. 1, 1705, conveyed to John Chevalier, cdias Knight, 14 acres of upland at Bloody Fo'mt, tvhere ye ferry is kept, part of y* laud formerly granted Thomas Trickey, bounded east by Zachariah's homestead, of which this tract was a part, south by the highway going to Nutter's (Welsh Cove), and north- west by other Trickey lauds and the " maine river." This deed was con- firmed Nov. 22, 1705, when mention was made of the boats, " gondeloes," and other equipments for the ferry.
" Capt. John Knight of Dover, near Bloody Point," petitioned to the N. H. General Assembly, Dec. 18, 1705, for a license to carry on the Bloody Point ferry, " setting forth that the fer)-y there kept to Hilton's Point belonging to Dover Neck, and the other from the said Bloody Point to Kittery Neck, were always holden by the inhabitants of Trickey's farm, which is now his by purchase, and thereupon humbly prays that the right of the said ferrys may be con-
ii8
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
ferred upon him." It was " accord- ingly agreed that the Governor be desired to give him a patent for the said ferrys, he not demanding more than twelve pence for every horse and man at each ferry, and three pence for every single person without Horse, he always taking care that there be Boats always ready, that there be no complaint thereupon." (iV. H. Prov.Pcqi., 3 : 322-323.)
John Knight was a Huguenot refu- gee, who changed his French name of Chevalier for its English equivalent of Knight. " John Clievalier and man " are on the Portsmouth rate-list of 1681. "John Knight of Ports- mouth, alias Chevalier," Oct. 18, 1702, bought the Carter farm at Pine Point, adjacent to the mill-stream below Bloody Point. (See Pine Point.) ^
The Knight place at Bloody Point, whence the ferry ran to Hilton's Point and Kittery, was acquired by Miss Nancy N. Drew July 16, 1831. (See Nancy Dretv's Point. It now belongs to Mr. Charles Dame.
There was another Kniglifs ferry between Fox Point and the Durham shore. (See Fox Point.)
Laighton's Cove. This cove, originally called Harwood's, Harrod's, Herod's., Herd's, etc., is on the New- ington shore of Great Bay, between Fabyan's Pt. and Long Pt. Its present name was derived from Thomas Layton of Dover, who, the loth, 4 mo., 1646, had a grant of ten acres of marsh in the Great Bay, upon the other side of y* creek west
of y« land of Wm. Pomfrett. (Pom- frett's land was sold to Anthony Nutter in 1651.) Thirty acres of upland were laid out to Thomas Layton in 1656, adjoining his marsh in the Great Bay, towards Long point. Elder Nutter's land was on one side. This tract is specified as part of the 400 acres granted to Dover on Great Bay, which proves, beyond all dispute, that.Hogsty cove was further down the shore, and not Laighton's cove itself, as some have supposed. fSee Hogsty Cove and Long Point.) Thomas Laighton, descendant of the above Thomas, Jan. 26, 1741, conveyed all his lands, marsh, and flats, in Newington, to Thomas Laighton, Jr., who, about thirty years later, sold them to Nich- olas Pickering.
Laighton's Hill. This hill, so called in the Madbury records, is in tlie southwestern part of the Back River district, on the borders of Dover and Madbury. It is crossed bv the road to Dover from the old Pascataqua bridge, and is now gen- erally called Atkinson's Hill. Its old name was derived from Thomas Layton, who, the 6th, 10 mo., 1656, had a grant of 100 acres on the west side of Back river, which was laid out at the head of a 20 acre lot he bought of Ambrose Gibbons, run- ning along the northern branch of Royall's cove and up the freshet. (See Royall's Cove.) This laud was still owned by his descendants Ap. 1, 1762, when Tliomas Laighton con- veyed to Thomas Walliugford of
1 The marriage of Elizabethrdaughter of John Knight and Bridget his wife, to John Janvnn, is thus recorded by the Rev. John Pike : " Mr. John Jambrin of Jersey (belonging to England) was legally married to Elizabeth Knight, alias Sheavallier, of the town of Dover in New Eng- land, upon the 12 of September, 1706." The Knights and Janvrins are connected with the pres- ent writer through her paternal grandmother.
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
119
Somersworth 100 acres of land in Dover, on the west side of Back river, extending from Roy all's cove about 40 rods westward to the land of Joseph Header, and running along bis laud and that of Ephraim Davis to Paul Nnte's. Isaac Lord gave a quit claim deed to Wra. King Atkin- son, Feb. 3, 1798, of 100 acres of land in Dover, Durham, and Mad- bury, that belonged to his grand- father Thomas Walliugford. Other heirs quit claim that same year. Atkinson also bought 30 acres of Ephraim Davis's land adjoining, July 17, 1799, bounded west by the road to Pascataqua bridge. (See Atkinson'' s Hill.)
Laighton's Point. This name is sometimes given to tlie point at the lower side of Laighton's cove, in Newington, generally called Long Point.
Lamos Bridge. This bridge is at the foot of Guppy's hill in Dover, across a large culvert on the turn- pike-road to Portland, so called from a workman named Lamos, who was killed in the course of its construction.
Lamprey River. The Indians called this river the Pascassick, a name now confined to the lowest western tributary, and generalh' writ- ten Piscassick. In the Exeter rec- ords of 1639 it is called Lamprill and Lamprel river, and elsewhere Lamper- eel, Lampreel, etc. It is called " Lam- prey River" March 20, 1641, in the inventory of the estate of John Phil- lipps. {County Eecords, Exeter. Vol. 1, p. 16.) And again in 1652, when ^"Lamprey river" was declared to be the lawful boundary between Dover and Exeter.
This river rises in North wood,
west of Saddleback mountain, and, after a circuitous course through Deerfield, Candia, Raymond, and Epping, it enters Lee above Wad- leigh's falls, and after a deep bend, called the Hook, it enters Durham below Hook Island falls. It crosses the Durham line into Newmarket near the mouth of the Pascassick river, and finally empties into the Great Bay.
The name of '•'' Lamprey River" was generally given to the village of Newmarket till 1849, to distinguish it from another village in the same township called " Newfields," now South Newmarket, wbich was not incorporated as a separate township till June 27, 1849.
Lamprey River Falls. There are several falls in this river within the limits of ancient Dover where mill- dams have been erected. The upper- most are Wadleigh's falls, often called the " xipper falls" in early times, and previously known as Island falls, from the number of islets adjacent. The latter name is mentioned as late as Dec. 30, 1736, when Robert Wad- leigh of Exeter conveyed to Ebeuezer Smith of Durham one half of a cer- tain grant of 120 acres, with y* Falls and privilege of timber, at a place (formerly) call** y^ Island falls, but now by y" name of Wadly's Falls, which land, falls, and timber were granted by the town of Dover to his father Robert Wadle}', deceased. Below are Dame's falls, formerly Mathes's, called HilVs falls on the state map of 1803. On the easterly side of the Hook are Hook-Island falls, so called from the islet that divided the dam. Below are Long falls, and another fall apparently
I20
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
unnamed. Then come WisivaWs falls, where stood the paper-mill of Mr. Thomas H. Wiswall, formerly called Wiggings falls. Just below the Packer's falls bridge, on the road to Newmarket, are the falls to which the name of " Packer's" is now con- fined, and a little below slvq Sullivan's falls. There are no others in the river till you come to Newmarket falls at the head of tide water.
The lowest falls, generally called '■'■Lamprey River falls " by way of superiority, are in Newmarket vil- lage, and now belong to the New- market Manufacturing Company. In early times the water privilege here, on the easterly side, belonged to the town of Dover, and the 19th, 10 mo., 1647, was granted to Elder Nutter and Elder Starbuck, who were author- ized to build a sawmill at the upper or lower falls in Lamprell river. And the 7th, 5 mo., 1652, Mr. Valen- tine Hill of Dover had a grant of the whole accommodations of Lamprell river for the erecting and setting up of a sawmill or mills, with all the timber on the south side of the river within the Dover line, a mile in breadth, not infringing on the Piscas- sick grant, and all the timber on the north side a mile in breadth, and all the land in length, at the rent of twenty pounds a year.
Peter Coffin afterwards acquired this water privilege. The mill at Lamprey river lower falls, " built by Capt. Coffin, but carried away by a freshet," is mentioned in a deed from Dyer to Hilton, Apr. 11, 1715.
Lamprey River Neck. This neck is mentioned April 26, 1675, when all the town right of Dover " in Lam- per-Eel River Neck., both land and
timber " was conveyed to Peter Coffin, " from the head of John Goddar's Creek so far as the tide flows upon a strait line to the Cove at high-water mark below Lamper Eel fall., where Mr. Hill's works stood." {N. H. Prov. Pap., 17:604, 605.) "Hill's works " were the mills of Valentine Hill, who had a grant of the privi- lege at Lamprey river falls in 1652. The neck "between Lamper-Eel river and Goddard's creek " was con- veyed by Peter Coffin to Capt. Rich- ard Waldron, June 25, 1675. {Ihid, 17: 605.) Richard Waldron, March 22, 1709, conveyed to Sampson Doe of Lubberland all that neck of land between Lamperell river and God- dard's creek in the township of Do- ver, formerly granted by said town to Peter Coffin of Exeter.
The bounds of this Neck were de- fined May 15, 1711, when Jn° Tuttle, Sen', Jn" Bickford, and Tristram Heard, " lott layers of Dover," at the request of Sampson Doe, drew " the neck line from the head of goddard's Greek to Lampreele Riuer as followeth, beginning at the head of goddard's Creek at the flowing of the tide there, at about Eight Rods southward from Abraham benick's mill, and from thence to run nor west and be west f westerle cours to Stony brook, a little below Lamprele Riuer first falls. Lamprill Riuer bounds this Neck on the westward side, the great bay upon the southward side, and Goddard's Greek on the eastward side up to the place where we begun." (See Doe's Neck.)
Langley's Heath. This heath is on the borders of Wheelwright's pond in Lee, just below the outlet, or source of Oyster river. It is now
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
121
owned by Mr. Ciimmings. It is com- monly called " the Hathe"
Langley's Point. Mentioned March 8, 1770, when Benjamin Mathes and wife Ann conveyed to the "Hon. Jonathan Warner, Esq.," 50 acres of laud in Durham, begin- ning at Oyster river, near the point called Langley's Pointy thence run- ning southerly on the east side of a highway between said land and the lands of Abraham Stevenson aud others, leading from the river to the couutry road from Durham P'alls to Bickford's Ferry or point ; thence by said country way to said Mathes's land, formerly Caleb Wakeham's, and by this land to Oyster river to the head of the creek there, and down through the channel of said creek to the place where we began.
Langley's Point, otherwise called Drew's point, and sometimes Warner's point, was so named from James Langley, who was appointed deacon of the Oyster River church June 17, 1724. The Rev. Hugh Adams, in his parish records, May 12, 1728, speaks of " Deacon Langley and Mary his Godly wife." Mary was the daughter of Job Runnells or Rey- nolds of tliat part of Oyster River parish now the township of Lee. Drew's Point was acquired by James Langley Nov. 5, 1714, when Stephen Jenkins and wife Elizabeth conveyed to him " all the lands, tenements, and messuages," which said Jenkins bought of John Drew, and he of Richard Elliot, and was " the estate of William and Thomas Drew on the south side of Oyster river, and not elsewhere," reserving to said John Drew the whole length of his marsh two rods wide. James Langley pe-
titioned July 25, 1715, for "a high- way out to the country road that goeth from Willey's creek to Oyster river falls," as he was " penned up bv Bartholomew Stevenson to eight foot or thereabout." This road was laid out two rods wide May 28, 1716, " beginning at Will Drew's old pos- session, joining to the bond higkway," and runuiug W. S. W. and by W. to a little hill, leaving the spring seven rods on the N. W. side, and so to Willey's wa}'. This " bond highway " is referred to Aug. 22, 1719, when Thomas Stevenson and wife Sarah, out of love and tender affection to his brother Joseph, quitclaimed to him the laud whereon their father Bar- tholomew Stevenson did both live and die, except said Thomas' part of the marsh and flats. This land was on the westerly side of Oyster river, on the upper side of "ye covenant high- way maintained between Thomas Drew aud his successors."
The above mentioned spring is still to be seen, full to the brim, a few rods westerly of the road branching off the highway towards the residence of Mr. Nathaniel Stevens, the pres- ent owner of Langley's or Drew's Point and of part of the Stevenson laud. This road extends to Oyster river, where the Durham packet to Portsmouth formerly stopped for passengers, announcing its arrival here by the blowing of a conch (shell).
Langstaffe Rocks. These rocks are in the Pascataqua river, off the Newingtou shore below Bloody Pt. They are hidden beneath the current, and are carefully avoided by boat- men, for more than one schooner has been driven thereon and wrecked.
122
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
The name is derived from Henry Langstaffe or Langstar, who acquired land on the neighboring shore as early as 1652.
Laomi's Pond, otherwise Lomy's. This is a little pond at the easterly side of the road from Fox Point to Portsmouth, on Mr. Charles Lam- prey's land. Its name was derived from a woman named Laomi or Lomy (perhaps Salome), who, supposed to have strayed from the path in a cold, dark night, was drowned in this pond.
. Laskey's Bridge. This bridge is mentioned in the Durham records Marcli 21, 1798, as one of the bounds between Durham and Lee. It is across Oyster river, on the Mast road, near the old Laskey farm, now Mr. Charles W. Bartlett's. It is called '■'•Mast bridge," \n a deed of neighboring land from Moses Davis to David Kincaid Nov. 18, 1713. It was voted at the Durham town-meet- ing, March 27, 1786, "to build a causeway at the head of the town near the bridge by Mr. Wm. Las- key's."
Layn's Mill. See Newtown Mill.
Leathers City. This name is given to the once noted Leathers settlement in Barrington, above Bodge's pond. It is divided into Upper City and Lower City, which are not far apart. In this region are to be found Hop- ping Pafs Lane, so called from one of the most notorious of the Leath- ers tribe ; Pig Lane, where the swine once had free range ; and other places with equally significant names. Dr. Quint supposes this tribe to have sprung from the Leathers family of Durham. This is doubtful, however, though some members of that family
may have drifted into the Barrington tribe.
Ledge Wharf. This wharf is on the upper side of Oyster river, below the mouth of Beard's creek. Its name was derived from the " Cleft Ledge Granite Co.," that once owned a quarry in Durham, and shipped their blocks of granite from this wharf, to which led a wheel-path from the turnpike road. This path and wharf now belong to the heirs of the late John T. Emerson, to whom they were conveyed March 21, 1842, by Thomas A. Adams of Portsmouth, by virtue of an execution in his favor against said company in 1840.
Lee. The upper part of Durham was set off as a separate parish, with town privileges, under the name of Lee, by an act of the N. H. legisla- ture, passed Jan. 10, 1766, and approved Jan. 15, following. {N. H. Prov.Pap., 1:^1.)
Lee Garrisons. Only three garri- sons are mentioned within the limits of the present town of Lee.
I. The Doe Garrison, generally called the Fox or French Garrison. This garrison stood in the south- western part of Lee, " District No. 7." It was no doubt built by Joseph Doe, who, June 23, 1737, bought land here of John Bickford, which had been assigned the latter as his share of the common lands in Dur- ham in 1734. After the death of Joseph Doe and his wife, this place fell to their daughter Elizabeth, wife of Elijah F'ox, from whom the garri- son became known as the Fox garri- son. Ann, the granddaughter of Elijah and Elizabeth Fox, and wife of Daniel Cartland, inherited this dwelling-house, but after her death it
Landmai'ks in Ancient Dover.
123
was sold to Samuel French, from whom it was often called the French garrison. It was taken down a few years ago by Mr. Keuerson, the pres- ent owner of the Doe laud.
II. A Jones garrison iu Newtown is said to have stood on the laud now owned by Mr. Nehemiah Snell. An old road from Madbury to Snell's mill, now disused, passed by this garrison. 72r« Randall's Garrison. This garri- son, taken down towards the middle of this century, stood between Dur- ham and Lee Hill, ou the south side of the Mast road, two or three rods east of Mr. A. D. Wiggin's house. It was built of logs, with loop-holes in the thick walls for the discharge of guns, and naturally became the centre of a neighborhood. It was erected by Capt. Nathaniel Randall, son of Richard Randall aud of Eliza- beth Tozer, his wife. Capt. Randall's grandfather Richard Tozer was, May 5, 1657, married to Judith Smith in Boston, by Gov. Richard Bellinghara. He afterwards settled near Salmon Falls, on the Berwick side, where he was killed by the Indians, Oct. 16, 1675. Nathaniel Randall married Mary Hodgdon of Dover, and settled in Lee, where he had several grants of land, aud acquired a large estate. He died March 9, 1748-9, in his 54th year. His grave may be seen iu the Lee cemeter}', near his lauds, with that of " Mary, his consort," who died Jan. 3, 1775, in her 76th year. They
were the maternal ancestors of the writer, through their daughter Eliza- beth, who married Capt. Samuel Demerit of Durliam.'^
The Raudall garrison was inherited by his son. Miles Randall, a man of energy and ability, who was made a county magistrate by the Exeter au- thorities in 1775. At the Revolution he obtained a large quantity of nitre beneath his garrison, which he sent to the Committee of Supplies for the manufacture of gunpowder.
Lee Hill. This elevation, or ta- ble-land, is in the central part of Lee, where five or six roads meet, coming from Durham, Eppiug, Newmarket, Nottingham, etc. Here is a hamlet, rather than a village, with a meeting- house,, town-house, post-office, vari- ety store, and a grave-yard. And in the days of stage-coaches there was a tavern. In the time of the Federalist and Republican parties this heioht was often called " Federal hill,'' from the number of Federal- ists iu the vicinity. No name is given to this hill on the State map of 1803, but it is called ''Lee Hill" on Chace's County map of 1856.
Lee Hook. This is a remarkable bend or bow iu Lamprey river, in the southern part of Lee, below Lee Hill. A saw-mill was built here at an early day. The inventory of Geo. Chesley's estate, of Durham, Aug. 27, 1724, mentions part of the mill "at y^ hook of La7npreel river." It is called " the Hook mill " in a deed of 1728. Ephraim Foulsham, Dec.
1 Capt. Samuel Demerit was appointed quarter-master in Col. John Downing's regiment of troopers, by Gov. Benning Wentworth, Sept. 29, 1755. and was efficient in raising and equipp- ing men for the Seven Years war, as shown by documents still extant. In view of his services, he received from Gov. Benning Wentworth Ap. 5, 1765, the commission of Captain in Col. Clement March's regiment of " Gentlemen Troopers." Both of the above commissions are in the writer's possession.
124
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
4, 1742, conveyed to bis sou John sixty acres of land in Durham, bought of Maj. Peter Gilman Dec. 8, 1739, lying next y** highway below y* Hook mill, beginning 20 rods above y^ second brook from y*^ house for- merly Capt. John Oilman's, towards y^ Hook mill. Peter, John, Sam\ and Nath' Gilman, May 2, 1749, conveved to Joseph Smith 190 acres at a place commonly called the Hook^ beginning by the side of Lampereel river, in the turn below the falls where the Hook mill stood.
John Thompson of Durham, " one of the proprietors of the Hook land, and y® proper owner of one whole share," conveyed this share, Aug. 30, 1748, to Abner Clough of Salis- bury, Mass.
The Durham grants of land at the Hook conflicting with the Gilman claims, Samuel Smith and Capt. Jonathan Thompson were appointed agents of the land proprietors in Durham Nov. 28, 1748, to agree with Col. Peter Gilman and others about " the parcel of land in Durham, on the south side of Lampreel river, commonly called and known by the name of the Hook land." In a deed of Aug. 30, 1748, this district is called " Durham Hook," Lee being at that time a part of Durham. The Rev. John Adams of Durham records, June 10, 1750, the baptism of " Nicholas, son of Nat Frost, in y"^ Hook."
The " Hook road to Northwood " is mentioned on the State map of 1803. It runs from Newmarket through the "Hook, and crosses Lamprey river at Hill's bridge, near the falls where now stands Dame's mill.
Libbey's Bridge and Mill. The
bridge across Bellamy river, near Ex-Governor Sawyer's residence, is frequently called Libbey's bridge in the Dover and Madbury records. "The road from Libbey's bridge to Durham as far as Pinkham's hill " is mentioned in 1812. It afterwards acquired the name of Dunn's bridge from its proximity to Dunn's tavern — previously the Titcomb place, where Col. Benjamin Titcomb, a Revolu- tionary officer who was wounded in three different battles, ended his days. Sawyer's village and the chateau-like mansion, built by the late Jonathan Sawyer, stand on the Titcomb land. Libbey's bridge is now called Sawyer's bridge. The former name was derived from Ben- jamin Libbey and his son Enoch, who lived just below, on the Back river road, and successively owned the privilege at Sawyer's upper mill. (See Bellamy Falls.) Benjamin Lib- bey first acquired land here Sept. 26, 1752, when Timothy Gerrish con- veyed to him three quarters of an acre of land in a triangular form, on the southerly side of Bellarain's Bank river, a little below y^ bridge made over s*^ river in y^ Road y' leads from Cochecho to Durham, beginning at a certain rock by s*^ river four rods below to y* southerly side of s*^ bi'idge, thence running southerly by the road 18 rods, leaving out y* spring and y^ brook to y* river. This land was probably sold Libbey that he might operate the grist-mill here, which he afterwards acquired. "• Lib- bey's grist-mill " is mentioned in 1820. The Dover Sun of 1824 gives notice of clothing business carried on " near the village of Dover, at the place formerly known as Libbey's
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
125
mills" but then owned by the Great Falls Manufacturing Company.
Limmy's Ledge. This is a rocky islet on the upper shore of Great Bay, at the south side of Adams Point, Durham. It is said to have derived its name from Lemuel Furber, who was left on this ledge and forced to swim ashore at the risk of his life. On Smith's map of Durham it is called Nuttefs Island.
Line Hill. This name is some- times given to a hill on the line be- tween Dover and Rochester, west of the river Cochecho. It is crossed by the highway fromTolend, below Blind Will's Neck.
Little Bay, So called as early as Sept. 14, 1642. (See RoyalVs Cove.) It is the basin between Newington and the Durham Point district, into which the waters of the Great Bay pour, on their way to join the main body of the Pascataqua. At the up- per extremity of Little Bay is the strait between Adams Point and Furber's Point, generally called the Narrows. At the lower end is the headland from the Newington shore, called Fox Point.
Little Falls. These falls are in the Salmon Falls river, and are some- times called Mast Point falls from their vicinity to Mast Point. They are mentioned in the Dover rec- ords of 1753 (see Mast Point) and much earlier in the Kittery records. They probably acquired the name of Little falls because they are not far below the mouth of Little river on the Maine side, or in contradistinction from Great Falls in the Salmon Falls river below.
Little John's Creek. This is an inlet from Back river, on the eastern
shore of Dover Neck, where Joseph Austin had the grant of a saw-mill privilege the 5th, 10 mo., 1652. In 1656 he had a grant of 30 acres of land, bounded southeasterly by this creek and Little John's Marsh, south- westerly by the river, and on tlie other sides by the common.
Richard York sold Joseph Austin, Aug. 7, 1661, 50 acres of land at Little John's Creek which he bought of Wm. Hilton. Austin's Mill stood near the mouth of this creek, and a road led thither from the main thor- oughfare along Dover Neck. Thomas Austin conveyed to his son Nathaniel, Dec. 23, 1720, the land where said Nathaniel then lived, bounded north- easterly by the road y' leads down to Dover Neck, northwesterly by Little John's creeli, and southerly by Thomas Robert's land, with all the meadow on y* eastern side of said creek, from said road down to y*" lower side of y" cove y* is next s'^ creek's mouth, except 1^ acre on the easterly side of the creek, adjoining the road. Thomas Austin conveyed to his son Joseph, Jan. 2, 1720-21, his home estate, together with y* mill creek., mill, etc. The mouth of this creek has been greatly disfigured by the Portsmouth and Dover railway. It is entirely filled up with an embankment, leav- ing only a small archway for the cur- rent, that looks like the opening of a sewer. The old banks are still to be traced, however, showing the original width of this creek at the mouth. The main road to Dover Point crosses Little John's creek about two miles below Central Square in Dover city. The head of tide-water is still further above, where it is met by a fresh water brook, formed by the union of
126
Landmarks in Ancient Dover
Canuey's and Varney's brooks. Lit- tle John's creek is called " Varney's Creek " on Whitebouse's map of Dover. (See Varney's Creek.)
" Little John " is supposed to have been an Indian, so named from the •celebrated English outlaw of the greenwood, who was the boon com- panion of Robin Hood. And, as the father of Hope Hood, the ferocious Indian warrior, was named Robin Hood, it is not unreasonable to sup- pose there may have been another son of the forest named " Little John." The "Little John " of En- glish lore was so-called by way of anti-climax, on account of his stal- wart frame. He is said to have been seven feet tall, and according to an old ballad his original name of John Little was transposed by Robin Hood when received into his band.
" This infant was called John Little, quoth he, Which name shall be changed anon ; The words we '11 transpose, so wherever he
goes. His name shall be called Little John."
Little John's Falls. Mentioned July 3, 1717, when Jeremiah Tibbetts conveyed to Samuel Tibbetts, Jr., land on the Newichawannock river " at the mouth of the first cove above Little John's falls" — part of a hund- red acre grant to Henry Tibbetts in 1656, bounded N. by Ralph Twom- bley's laud, N. E. by John Dam's, S. W. by Joseph Austin's, and S. by said river. These falls are below the Samuel Hale place in Rollinsford. They begin in the Newichawannock
above the mouth of the Great Works river, ^ and extend down an eighth of a mile or more to Madam's Cove.
Little River. This stream is fre- quently mentioned in the early rec- ords of Dover and Durham. It rises at Mendum's pond, in Barriugton, and empties into Lamprey river, south of Lee Hill. Three score acres of land were granted to Jethro Furber, June 23, 1701, "adjacent to Lavi- pereal Little Eiver," laid out Feb. 2, 1726-7, " beginning on the northeast side of said Little river above the old mast way." {Dover Records.)
A highway was laid out July 31, 1755, beginning " at the northeast side of the spruce hole by the mast rode" extending to Jethro Furber's land, then " by his land to Litel River, then across litel River by Fur- ber's land, then southerh' to Lam- preel river, and along this river as far as the bridge " — evidently the bridge at Wadleigh's falls. Com- munication was opened between this stream and the lowest falls iu Oyster river at least 200 years ago, by means of the Mast road, which is mentioned in a grant to John Thomp- son, Sr., Ap. 2, 1694. This road comes to the upper side of Little river a short distance above Lee Hill, where a sawmill was erected at an early day. "Little river mill" is mentioned iu the will of said John Thompson Ap. 12, 1733. And again Jan. 1, 1750, when John FoUet con- veyed to Samuel Demerit of Durham
' Great Works river rises in Bonny Bigg Pond, North Berwick, or among the ponds above, and empties into the Newichawannock below Salmon Falls, on the South Berwick side. It is mentioned Dec. 18, 1674, when Moses Spencer conveyed to Daniel Goodwin, Sr., a tract of land " on ye North side of great work river and is a little above the place called the great Eddy." The Great Eddy is mentioned Ap. 26, 1672, when 1,282 acres of land were laid out to Capt. Rich- ard Waldron and others on the S. side of the Newichawannock, about a mile above the head line of Dover, " beginning at a certaine elbow of the said river knowne by the name of the Great Eddy, neare to a point of land called Goljabs N'eck." (iV. H. Prov. Pap. 1: 314-315.)
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
127
^ part of Little River mill, with all his rights in the falls, mill-poud, etc.
Jonathan Thompson of Durham, in his will of Sept. 10, 1756, gives his son Jonathan one half his right in Little River sawmill and the falls. And to his son Joseph his right in the gristmill n.nd fulling-mill at Little river, with all his right to the falls where said mills stood. The two last mills were a short distance below the saw-mill, at Thompson'' s falls, after- wards called Bartlett's falls. (See Mendum's Pond.)
There is a Little river which rises in Acton, Me., and empties into the Salmon Falls river on the Berwick side, opposite Rochester.
Little Water Brook. Mentioned the 30th, 6 mo., 1G43, when Edward Starbuck had a grant of four score acres of upland " at Cutchechoe, next above the Lott of John Baker, at the little water Brook," forty of which were on one side of the fresh river (the Cochecho), and forty on the other. The name has not been perpetuated.
Littlevtorth. This is a district in Dover, between the Cochecho river and Barbadoes Pond. It is so called Aug. 15, 1721, in a deed from John to Ichabod Haise. (See Broad Turn.) " Y*^ mast path y* goes to a place called by y* name of Little- worth^' is mentioned Dec. 9, 1722. "The road from Littleworth to the Saplings " is mentioned Sept. 20, 1734. (See the SajMngs.) It is miscalled Trueworth on Whitehouse's map of 1834. Littleworth is the name of one of the present school- districts in Dover.
Log Hill. This name was common- ly given in former times to a hill in
the vicinity of a saw-mill, from which logs could be rolled down to the waterside. One is mentioned. Dec. 25, 1695, when Peter Coffin of Exeter conveyed to his grandson Tristram Coffin all his lands " at logg hill " at Cochecho. The log hill above the Cochecho first falls is said to have been the high bank where the Ports- mouth and Dover R. R. crosses the old bed of the Cochecho river. From it led the Great Mast path, southward, in the line of Lexington St., into the "logg swamp." ^•.«- i.o<&///// S/ixi-rya L^iyt
" A conueniant Logg hill accom- modable to the mill " at the second falls on the Cochecho, was laid out March 4, 1703-4, " beginning att the Taill of s'^ mill " and extending five rods by the river side. On the same day were renewed " the bounds of the ancient cartway leading from the falls into the swamp " till it met the other way leading from the broad turn.
Sandy Log Hill, in tlie upper part of Dover, on the west side of the Eel- Weir falls, is mentioned Nov. 5, 1741. (See Sandy Log Hill.)
A log hill at Quamphegan falls is mentioned Dec. 7, 1732, when Thomas Tebbets conveyed to Nathan Lord one third part of the saw-mill at Quamphegan, on the west side of the river, called " y^ shere mill" (share mill), with one third of " the privilege of the land called y^ logg hill." (See Quamphegan.)
A logg hill, adjacent to Gerrish's mill in Madbury, is mentioned Jan. 7, 1758. (See Gerrish's Mill.)
The log hill at Durham falls is still in use.
There is also a log hill at Wad- leigh's falls in Lee.
128
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
Log Swamp. See Cocheclio Log Swamp and Waldron's Log Sioamp.
Long Creek and Long Creek Brook. Long creek is mentioned the 10th, 8 mo., 1653, when John Hill had a grant of land on the north- west side of the Great Bay, between Thomas Footman's and the long creek. Thomas Wille, the 10th, 2 mo, 1654, had a grant on the N. W. side of Little Bay, beginning " at the mouth of the Long creek., and so upwards into the woods." It is again men- tioned Oct. 26, 1658, when a grove of pines, reserved by the town, was laid out on the N. W. side of Little Bay, about half a mile from a creek " commonly called the long creek" bounded on the south by Thomas Wille's grant. Wm. Perkins and wife Elizabeth conveyed to Thomas Edgerly, Jan. 28, 1669, twenty acres previously a part of Thomas Wille's 60 acres on the S. W. side of the Long creek. " John Alt's Long Creek near ye mill" is mentioned in 1678. Thomas Edgerly, Sr., and wife " Rebeckah " (daughter of John Alt,) conveyed to their son Samuel, May 1, 1700, fifteen acres of land " beginning at the head of ye old dam seated between the long Crike brook and the highway that goeth into y* commons, lying to the west of the little Bay in Oyster River."
Long creek, properly speaking, was the inlet from Great Bay now called Crummit's creek, in Durham, but the name appears from the above grants and conveyances to have been also given to a branch of it that crosses Long marsh.
Another Long Creek is on the east- ern side of Dover Neck, just below the mouth of the Cochecho river. It
is mentioned the 6th, 10 mo., 1656, when Thomas Canney's grant of 16 acres of upland to join his land at Tomson^s poynt was laid out from the outmost point turning up to Cocheclio, 50 rods to the long creek westward below Tomson's poynt butting on Fore river, thence running three score and ten rods up the long creek side, re- serving a cartway from the woods to the water side, at the head of the creek, and up Cochecho river three score and ten rods, and from the end of that three score and ten rods up- on a straight line over to the bound at the head of the long creek.
Love and Mary Canney, Feb. 12, 1742, confirmed to John Gage all right to 70 acres in Dover, bounded southerly on Gage's land to tlie mouth of the Cochecho river, and westerly on said river to Thompson's Point., extending downward to a place commonly called Long Creek., and running up said creek to Benj" Roberts, Jr., his land, which he bought of Randall.
Long Falls. These falls in Lam- prey river are mentioned Jan. 29, 1718, when Geo. Jeffrey and Henry Dyer conveyed to Andrew Glidden and others all right and title to "• cer- tain falls between Wadleigh's falls and Packer's falls, called the long falls" with the use and improvement of the water privilege " where the present saw-mill standeth, on y® south side of Lamperill river, and no other part thereof, all the rest being reserved, being part of the grant to Mr. Valentine Hill in 1652 of 100 acres of land adjoining each mill that should by him be erected on the falls in said river."
Forty acres, granted to Francis
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
129
Pitman in 1702, were laid out to Joseph Jenl^ius Oct. 9, 1726, on the north side of Lampreall river, on the west side of a lot laid out to Samuel Smith adjoining to the long falls. (See Lmnpvey River Falls.)
The name of " Long Falls " is also given on the State map of Lee, in 1803, to the falls in North river in the southwestern part of Lee, for- merly called " Great Falls."
Long Gut. A name formerly given to the run at the lower end of the Canney portion of the Calves' Pasture on Dover Neck, a short dis- tance below the run from Pinliham's spring.
Long Hill. This hill is mentioned July 31, 1721, when 60 acres of land, granted to Zachariah Field in 1694, were laid out to his son Steplien on y*' northwest side of y^ Long Hill. Tlie ''mast way to Long Hill" is men- tioned June 24, 1738. ''Long-kill road" is mentioned in the surveyor's warrant of 1810, as " crossing Rey- uer's brook at the bridge." Long Hill school-district is mentioned as early as 1790. This hill is in the upper part of Dover, on the east side of the river Cochecho.
There is another Long hill, which deserves its name, in the upper part of Madbury near Mr. Reuben Hayes's.
Long Marsh. This marsh is cliiefly in the Durham Point district. It is mentioned the 10th, 7 mo , 1663, when " all tlie longe marsh wich layes joining too Antoney nutters Tnarsh, and soe towards Oyster River falls," was laid out " for the minis- trie " at Oyster River. Twenty acres of land were granted to Eze- kiel Pitman, Ap. 2, 1694, at the
lower end of tlie long marsh above the head of John Davis's land. And Feb. 22, 1720-21, a road was laid out across the long marsh, beginning at Team Hill, and extendins: to " the King's thoroughfare road to Lam-
prey river.
The name of Lonof
marsh is still perpetuated ; and the old road, mentioned above, is still known as the " Long Marsh road."
A Long marsh on the Greenland shore of Great Bay is mentioned Ap. 9, 1729. (See Wigwam Point.)
Long Marsh Brook. This brook rises in the Long marsh, Durham, and empties into Crummit's creek. In a deed from Joseph Smith to John Sambon, June 13, 1743, this name is also given to Denboiv's brook, which rises in the Long marsh, and after uniting with a brook from the Moat, empties into Oyster river inill-poud. (See Horsehide Brook.)
Long Point. This point is on the Newington shore of Great Bay, at the lower side of Laighton's Cove. It is mentioned July 17, 1645, when " Darby ffield of Oyster River, plan- ter," sold John Bickford (also of Oyster River) " seven or eight acres of marsh at Long Poynt in the great bay, together with one poynt of land thereunto adjoining."
By virtue of aa order of the gen- eral court " that 400 acres of upland should be given to the inhabitants of Dover who had marsh in tiie Great Bay, Elder Nutter, Wm. Storey, Henry Lancaster, and Wm. Fin-ber, appointed to lay out and bound unto the particular inhabitants their divi- sion of upland to their marsh, hiid out the 27th, 11 mo., 1656, tliirty acres of upland to Jolin Bickford, Senior, joining to his marsh upon the
I30
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
northeast end over the neck from water to water, joining to Tho. Lay- ton's upland within twoel (12) poll or thereabouts." {Dover Records.)
The order of the General Court, above mentioned, refers to a grant to the town of Dover of all the marsh from Hogstye Cove round about the bay up to Cotterill's Delight, with 400 acres of upland adjoining {N. H. Prov. Pap., 1 : 2-22.) The fact that the Bickford laud at Long Point, as well as the Laighton laud adjoining, was a part of these 400 acres, proves conclusively that the ancient Hogsty cove was not the present Laighton's cove, as many writers have supposed, but must have been below Long Point ; that is, farther down the shore of the Great Bay. Anthony Nutter bought of Wm. Pomfrett of Dover, the 20th, 6 mo., 1651, a marsh on the N. E. side of Great Bay, at the great cove there, above long point. This was at the head of Herod's cove, now Laighton's. Thirty acres of upland (part of the 400 acre grant to Dover) were laid out to Elder Nutter, the 10th, 10 mo., 1656, ad- joining his marsh : 22 acres of it on the easterly side of John Dam's up- land, and four acres at the head of the creek that runneth through Elder Nutter's marsh, and four acres ad- joining Thomas Lay ton's upland on the S. W. side of tlie creek. As this grant was part of the 400 acres, it was, of course, above Hogsty cove. Wm. Furber, Sr., " of Dover, in Piscataqua River, in consideratiou of y^ natural love and tender affection to his dutiful and well-beloved son Jethro," conveyed to him, Feb. 14, " in y* year of o'' Lord God, accord- ing to y'' computation of y*" church of
England, 1677," a neck of land, con- taining 100 acres or thereabouts, within y* mouth of y^ Great Bay, in y^ township of Dover, commonly called and known by the name of Long Point, bounded on y'' N. W. by the laud of Wm. Furber, Jr. ; on y'' S. W. by John Bickford's, on y« S. E. by the land of Thomas Lay ton, late of Do- ver, deceased, and on y* N. E. by Anthony Nutter's land.
As this land was between the Ferry Farm and the Bickford land, it is evident that the name of Long Point, like that of Durham Point, Welch cove, etc., was given, not merely to the point itself, but to the neishboriug district.
Anna Walker, relict of Samuel Walker of Newington, May 22, 1731, conveyed to her well beloved brother Lemuel Bickford, shipwriglit, all right to a tract of land in Newington '-at a place called or known by y* name of Long Point, and is part of y* farm my honour'' father Mr. John Bickford, late of Newington, dyed possess*^ of, and is yet in y*' posses- sion of my hon^'^ mother Mrs. Susan Bickford." Joseph Bickford of the city of Bristol, mariner, gave a power of attorney, dated at London, Ap. 12, 1740, to his brother Eliakim Bickford, mariner, to receive from his brother Lemuel Bickford of New- iugtou, shipwright, all money and rents due from one ninth part of the land in Newington, adjoining Great Bay at Long Point, and all other lauds that belonged to his father John Bickford, deceased.
Lemuel Bickford of Newington, shipwright, and wife Temperance, for 1250 pounds, new tenor, conveyed to Thomas Pickering, gentleman.
Landmarks in Ancient Dover,
131
May 2, 1751, 100 acres of upland, marsh, aud thatch-heds, with build- iugs thereon, bounded northerly by the land of Jethro Bickford and Richard Dam, east b\' Thomas Layton and said Dam, and on all other sides by the Great Bay, being all the tract on which the said Lemuel then lived, except one acre of salt marsh and flats belonging to Jethro Bickford. Thomas Pickering, in his will of Ap. 4, 1782, gives his son Nicholas the farm whereon the said Nicholas then lived — the same which said Thomas bought of Lemuel Bickford.
Nicholas Pickering, in his will of Nov. 21, 1807, gives his grandson Nicholas Woodman (son of his daugh- ter Betse^', who married a Woodman) " all the farm whereon I now live." It was from this Nicholas Woodman that Long Point acquired the name of Woodman's Pointy by whicli it is sometimes called. Richard Dame calls it Long Point on his map of Newing- tou. Properly speaking, Long Point is the whole neck of land on the north side of Laighton's cove, be- tween that cove and Great Bay. At the upper side is a small bluff, called High Point, which is surrounded by marshes and becomes an island at higli tide. Both points are now owned by the heirs of Mr. James Alfred Pickering.
A pine grove covers the ridge as you goto the end of Long Point, and beyond are oaks, and tall tapering cedars of funereal aspect, that skirt the point itself, which terminates in a broad slaty ledge, from which there is a fine view up and down the Great Bay. Off the point is Nanncy's island,
green with low shrubs, aud all along the shore the wild convolvulus blooms profusely in every direction, lighting up this romantic, but somewhat des- olate point.
There is a Long Point on the Lub- berland shore of Great Bay, at the lower side of Broad Cove. (See JeiveU's Point.)
Long Reach. This name is eiven to that portion of the Pascataqua river between Dover Point and the narrows below Boiling Rock. It is so called on Holland's map of 1784, aud is in common use among the river boatmen to this day. The name was also given in early times to the adjacent shores. James Rawlins, in 1662, mortgaged 100 acres of land " lying in y"" Long Reach, back from Canney's cove upward." Pike's Jourual of Aug. 24, 1694, says "8 persons were killed and captivated at Long Heach: 5 at Downing's and 3 at Toby's." ^ This was in Kittery, which then extended up the river as far as the Berwick townships. Rich- ard Cutts, in his will of May 10, 1675, gives his daughter Bridget liis land " in the long reach" next Capt. Pen- dleton's, "thirty three pole broad front on the river, and so back the whole depth." This was iu Portsmouth.
That part of the Long Reach iu the vicinity of the Pulpit is often called the Pulpit Reach, which is, of course, below the bounds of ancieut Dover. Theodore Atkinson, administrator of the estate of Dr. Robert Pike of Portsmouth, conveyed to Christopher Rymes, mariner, a parcel of land said Pike bought of Samuel Cutt, de- ceased, June 30, 1720, fronting on
1 James Tobey's land "near ffrankes fort" Is mentioned Jan. 13, 1695-6; Joshua Downing of Kittery is mentioned in 1717.
132
Land7narks in Ancient Dover.
the Pascataqua "at a place com- monly called by y* name of y^ Pulpit Reach, 60 poles on the river, and carrying the same breadth back into the woods 266 rods, being y'^ farm commonly called Cutt's farm, and the westerly half of 200 acres granted by Portsmouth to John and Richard Cutt." (For the Pulpit, see Pascat- aqua River.)
Long Turn. Mentioned Ap. 19, 1725, when John Pitman (and Elisa- beth) conveyed to Benedictus Torr 20 acres of land granted to his father Joseph Pitman on the north side of Mahorimet's hill, but afterwards re- moved to the long turn on the west- erly side of y^ mast way y* leads up to y* Hook timber at or near y* place in y® way commonly called y*^ long or broad ttnii, beginning at a red oak by y* above said way. Benedictus Torr and Leah conveyed this land to Benj" and Ralph Hall Nov. 29, 1726. Ralph Hall conveyed to Benj° Hall, Nov. 21, 1749, all right and title to 13f acres in that part of Dover called Madbury, on the westerly side of the mast ivay that leads along by said Benjamin's dwelling-house, part of a grant to Joseph Pitman, and pur- chased by said Ralph and Benj", as tenants in common, of Benedictus Tarr of Dover, deceased. Benj° and Frances Hall of the parish of Mad- bury conveyed to Joseph Masarve, Sept. 6, 1756, half of the homestead where they then dwelt (17 acres), re- serving one square rod where their children lay buried, beginning at the N. E. corner of the lot which Wm. Hill purchased of Ralph Hall.^
The names of Broad Turn, Great Turn, and Long Turn are supposed by some to apply, not to the high- ways, but to the long bend in the Bellamy river, in its course through Madbury. (See Great Turn.)
LuBBERLAND. This name was given to the upper shore of Great Bay as early as 1669. (See Cleft Cove.) It then formed part of the Oyster River precinct, but the greater part of it now belongs to Newmarket. It is frequently mentioned in the public records of the last two hun- dred years. A right was reserved for two hi^hwavs " from Lubherland to Oyster River" when John Alt's grant of 80 acres on Great Bay was laid out Dec. 9, 1679. "The path to Lubberland" is mentioned in a deed from Jolin York to John Bin- der, May 16, 1681. Tiie Rev. John Pike records the death of " Roger Rose of Lubber-Land" Aug. 6, 1705. The Rev. John Buss, in his " hum- ble petition" of May 26, 1716, speaks of his thirty-acre grant be- tween the minister's lot and '•'■ Lubber Land." Twenty acres were laid out to him July 25, 1716, "on the west side of the path or high way going to Lobber Laud." The Rev. Hugh Adams in 1717 calls it ^"^ Lover Land," for which there appears no precedent. Since his day, however, this form of the name is occasionally found, sometimes absurdly varied to Loving-land. In a few instances Lob- berland and Louberland are mention- ed. But the prevailing form from the beginning is Lubberland.
Lubberland brook is mentioned
1 Ralph Hall and Elisabeth, conveyed to Wm. Hill, June 13, 1744, eight acres of land, part of his right from the town of Dover, beginning at a rock at a place called freetown in Dover, on the north side of a road that runs from James Huckins' to Joseph Daniels', Jr.
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
133
June 23, 1701, when John Daniel's grant was laid out between Thomas Morris's land and John Bickford's, on the north side of Luhberland brook — apparently the broolv that empties into Crummit's creek.
Lubherland creeks for Goddard's, is mentioned March 10, 1740-41.-^ (See Goddard's Creek.) Lubherland marshes are mentioned June 15, 1734. {^ee Birch Point.)
Lubberland school-district is men- tioned in the Durham records of 1784.
Tiie name of Lubberland was per- haps given by the sailors or fisher- men of early times, by way of derid- ing the peaceful farmers along the Great Bay. -
"A cup of welcome to thee out of Lobby-Land.," cries Lord Saville to ■Chifflnch in Scott's Peveril of the Peak. "Why, thou hast been so long in the country that thou hast got a bumpkinly clod-compelliug sort of look thyself."
It has been kindly suggested to the writer by the author of " Neio Castle., Historic and Picturesque," that the name of Lubberland may have been derived from some old tale of English folk-lore, brought over by our early settlers, and he refers to the use of the name in Ben Jonson's ^' Bartholomew P'air" by John Little- wit: "Good mother, how shall we find a pig if we do not look about for 't : will it run off o' the spit into
our mouths, think you, as in Ltibber- land, n,nd cry, wee, wee ! "
This Lubberland of Jonson's may be the " Lob's pound " of pixy-land, mentioned by Massinger and the author of " Hudibras," or the " pond- fold " of Phooka or Pouka, the Irish Puck. Pixy-land is Puck's land, and Puck himself, in the " Midsum- mer-Night's Dream," is addressed as '• Thou lob of spirits ! " Grimm tells us of a German sprite, whom lie calls " Good Ltibber." Lob's pound seems to be a place or condition into which one is led by a kind of elfish enchant- ment or diablerie, worthy of the '' Lubber-fiend" oi Milton's " L'Al- legro."
But, Pixy-land or not, the drive along the shore of Lubberland from Newmarket to Jewell's Point, when the waters of the Great Bay are at high tide, and the sun is turning to the west in a cloudless sky, is one of constant delight.
Low Street. This name was given in early times to a road in the lower part of Dover Neck, nearly parallel with Higli street, between that street and Back river. It is mentioned Ap. 5, 1701, when Syl- vanus Nock (and Eliza) conveyed to Wm. Harford his dwelling on Dover Neck, with seven acres of laud, bounded E. by high street, W. by low street, N. by a lane separating it from John Pinkham's land, and S. by Philip Cromwell's land. John
1 There is a Lubber's Creek at New Castle, so called in an advertisement of Nov. 15, 1800.
^ Land-louper and louper-lan, Scotch words from which Louberlan or Lubberland may have been derived, has a more invidious signification, as is evident from the application of the name of " landlouper " to Capt. Waverley by the Laird of Balmawhapple, and to the German advent- urer Dousterswivel by Mr. Jonathan Oldbuck. The Zetlanders also called the pirate Cleveland a " landlouper," though for many years he had been a cruiser in the Spanish main. And Scott, too, makes King James I use the word " dyke-louper " in reference to the escapades of the Duke of Buckingham. A louper is evidently a person given to overleaping the proper bounds •of moral restraint.
134
I^andmarks in Ancient Dove?'
Pinkham conveyed to his son Amos, June 19, 1715, his dwelling-house and four acres of land on Dover Neck, bounded E. by hkih street^ W. by low street^ and S. by a lane between this lane and Wm. Har- ford's. Amos Pinkham and Eliza- beth conveyed this house and land to Otis Pinkham Aug. 8, 1720.
The first Meeting- House on Dover Neck was on Low Street. Richard Yorke's lot was on the south side of Nutter's lane, and measured 28 rods on Low Street. Next below him was John Dam's lot, 14 rods on Low St. Next came the lot on which stood the meeting-house and Mr. Maud's parsonage, which was 28 rods on Low St., and 20 rods on a cross lane.
Madam's Cove. This cove is at the foot of Little John's falls, on the Rollinsford shore of the Newicha- wannock. So called, it is said, from Madam Wallingford, probably the third wife of Col. Thomas Walling- ford, who outlived her husband nearly forty years. Her daughter Olive married John Cushing of S. Berwick, from whom the name of Cusliing's hill, below the S. Hale place in RoUinsford, is said to have been de- rived.
Madbury. This name was given to a part of Dover as early as March
19, 1693-4, when 40 acres of land were granted to Francis Pitman, "on the N. W. side of Logg hill, on the N. E. side of the path going to Mad- berry, where he had all Reddy begun to improve." And that same day, 30 acres were laid out to vStephen Willey "on y" north side of y^ mast path which comes from Madberry." (Dover Records.)
According to the late John Elwyn of Portsmouth,^ the name of Mad- bury vras derived from Modbury, in Devonshire, Eng., the seat for cen- turies of the Champernowne family, to which belonged Capt. Francis Champernowne of the Dover Combi- nation of 1640. He acquired a large tract of land on the eastern side of Great Bay, part of which fell within the limits of Ancient Dover. (See Greejiland.) He married the widow of Robert Cutt, brother of President John Cutt, and was one of the most influential men in the Province. He was a member of the provincial Coun- cil in 1686, about which time Mad- bury received its name. Capt. Cham- pernowne was of royal descent, and. a nephew, by marriage, of Sir Ferdi- nando Gorges. His great-grandfather, Sir Arthur Champernowne of Mod- bury, took part in the battle of Bos- worth Field, and was vice-admiral in the English navy.'-^
1 John Elwyn, who was thoroughly versed in everything relating to the early history of the Pascataqua region, was the grandson of Gov. Langdon, and a descendant of Ambros.' Gibbons the early pioneer, who died at Oyster River, July 11, 1656.
- Sir Arthur Champernowne acquired the barony of Dartington two miles above Totness,. Devon, whence came some of the early settlers along the Pascataqua, such as the Coffins of Do- ver and the Shapleighs of Kittery. The name of Dartington was given, June 14, 1638, to a neck of land, containing 500 acres, east of the mouth of the Pascataqua river, and extending northeast- erly to Braveboat Harbor, granted by Sir Ferdinando Gorges to Arthur Champernowne, father of Capt. Francis. This was in Kittery, and included the island afterwards called Champer- nowne's Island, where Capt. Francis Champernowne now lies buried. Kittery is another Dev- onshire name, probably given by Capt. Champernowne in memory of Kittery Court, on the River Dart, near Dartmouth, Eng. And there is a bend of the river at Kittery Court that still bears the name of Kittery Point. Not far from Modbury is Portledge, where, as Kingsley says in Westivard Ho! " The Coffins had lived ever since Noah's flood, if indeed they had not re- turned merely thither after that temporary displacement." Peter Cottln of Dover was born in Devonshire in 1630.
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
135
At Modbury was born Katherine Champernovvne (great annt of Capt. Francis Charapernowne), who, by different marriages, was the mother of Sir Humphrey Gilbert and Sir Walter Raleigh.
The Charapernowne house at Mod- bury, where the royalists had en- trenched tliemselves under Sir Ed- mund Fortescue, was taken and devastated by the Parliamentary troops in 1642.
Modbury is midway between Dart- moutli and Plymouth. Some ruins are still left of the ancient manor- house, where, according to the ex- pression of an old chronicler, " the clarions family of Champernon " once lived in dignity and splendor. But alas, as John Elwyn laments,
" No crusader's war-horse, plumed and steeled, Paws the grass now at Modbury 's bla- zoned door."
It is to be deplored that this his- toric name should have been corrupted to Madbury by our early settlers. The original name should be restored. Modbury is more agreeable to the ear, and its association with the Champernownes would give it a sig- nificance not to be regarded without pride.
Madbury was made a separate par- ish, with town privileges, May 31, 1755, and a township May 26, 1768. There is no village in Madbury.
Madbury Garrisons. These gar- risons all appear to have been of the eighteenth century, or at least erect- ed after 1694.
I. ClarKs Garrison. This garri- son stood on Clark's plains, near the borders of Dover and Madbury, where Mr. Biederraan's house now is. It was built by Abraham Clark, who
owned land in this vicinity, March 19, 1693-4, when Richard Pinkhara had a grant of 30 acres " between Drie pines and Abraham Clark's." It was taken down about the year 1836.
II. Daniel's Garrison stood near the present residence of Mr. Charles W. Hayes. (See David's Lane.)
III. Demerit's Garrison. This garrison was built by Eli Demerit, Jr., about 1720. It stood where is now the house of Mr. Alfred Deme- ritt, his direct descendant, and was taken down in the spring of 1836.
IV. Gerrish's Garrison stood on the first hill west of Gerrish's mill, near the present dwelling-house of Mr. B. F. Hayes. It was probabh^ built by Capt. Paul Gerrish, who erected the first mill at the neighbor- ing fall in the Bellamy. It must not be confounded with the old Gerrish garrison built the previous century by Capt. John Gerrish, probably near his mill at the lowest falls on the same river.
V. Meserve's Garrison. Traces of this garrison are still to be seen on Harvey's hill, that formed part of the old Meserve lauds. The land of Daniel Misharvey, Jr., (Meservey or Meserve), at a place called Freetown, is mentioned Dec. 19, 1746, in a con- veyance to Eli Demerit. There was another Meserve garrison in the Back River district, Dover.
VI. Tasker's Garrison. This garrison was at the foot of Mohari- met's hill, now Hicks's hill, on the south side, where now stands the house belonging to tiie heirs of the late E. E. Demeritt. The land here originally belonged to Charles Adams of Ovster River, who had a grant of
136
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
100 acres, laid out Nov. 1, 1672, at the foot of "Mabarmett's hill," half of which he conve3'ed, March 11, 1693-4, to his daughter Mary, wife of Wm. Tasker. The Taskers were liviug here when their house was attacked by the Indians not long after, but they succeeded in making their escape to Woodman's garrison. As their house was then in a defence- less condition, the garrison was no doubt erected subsequently. It was taken down about 1820, soon after it was acquired by Eben'' T. Demeritt.
VII. Tvjomhleif s Garrison. Tiiis garrison stood a few rods above the present residence of Judge Young. It was no doubt built by Wm. Tvrombley, who acquired land near the Saplings before April, 1734. It was taken down in the spring of 1842 by Mr. Nathaniel Twombley, and some of its timbers were used in framing the barn now owned b}' Judge Frost at the corner of Locust and Nelson streets, Dover.
Madbury Meeting-House. This meeting-house is often mentioned in the records of last century. It stood near the present brick school-house, a short distance south of Hicks's hill. John Tasker and '" Judah " his wife, Sept. 23, 1735, conveyed one acre of land to the inhabitants of the west- ern side of Dover township for a meeting-house, " beginning at y*^ turn of y* way that leads from Mad- berry road to beach hill ;'' acknowl- edged Sept. 6, 17r)9. The "meet- ing-house now at Madbury, standing almost home to Durham line," is men- tioned in a petition of May 8, 1744. {N. H. Prov. JPa2)., 9 : 176-177.)
A ))lan of this large old-fashioned meeting-house, with its interior gal- lery around three sides, is to be found in the Madbury records. It was taken down within the writer's recollection.
Maine. The territory comprised in Ancient Dover formed part of the Province of 3Iaine^ as granted by the Council for New England to Sir Fer- dinando Gorges and Capt. John Mason, jointly, Aug. 10, 1622. This grant comprised all the land along the sea-coast between the Ken- nebec and Merrimac rivers, with all the islands within five leagues, and extended 60 miles inland — which ter- ritory, says the patent, is "to be called the Province of Maine.''
But no part of New Hampshire was included in the Province of Maine, as granted Sir Ferdinando Gorges in the charter of Charles I, Ap. 3, 1639. It began " at the entrance of Piscataqua Harbour," and extended up the river into the Newichannock, to the head thereof, till 120 miles were accomplished; and from the mouth of Piscataqua Harbour north-eastward along the sea-coast to Sagadahoc, theuce up stream, through the "Kynybequy" river^ to the head thereof to the dis- tance of 120 miles, thence across to the head of the Newichawannock line ; together with the north half of the Isles of Shoals, and all the islands witiiin five leagues of the coast, etc. (See Baxter's Sir Ferdi- nando Gorges., 2 : 124-5.)
The Indian name of this district was Mawooshen or Maroshen., which, according to Purchas's Pilgrimes,
1 The Kennebec river was called in early times the Quinnebequi, from the Indian words quinne, " long," and bequi, " still water," referring to its long stretches of still water.
I^andmarks in Ancient Dover.
137
lay between 43 and 45 degrees, 40 leagues in breadth and 50 in length, containing nine rivers, among which was the Sagadahoc (Kennebec), which had six islands and two branches. The Portsmouth Oracle of May 18, 1799, publishes a pro- posed Bill to the Massachusetts leg- islature of that year that all the por- tion of the Mass. commonwealth, called by the aborigines Maroshen, but " now commonly called the Dis- trict of Maine, lying between the state of New Hampshire and the province of New Brunswick," should be made a separate state under the name of the State of Maroshen.
Mallego. This name has been given for nearly two hundred years to the north easterly, branch of the Bellamy river^, which rises at Gate's pond in Barriugton, and empties into the Bellamy at the Hook. The ex- tensive forests in this region led to the opening of a mast road hither at an early day. '•'•Mallego way" is mentioned in the Dover records, Feb. 16, 1710-11. And " the Mast road to Mallego" is mentioned in 1717. Mallego brook or river is repeatedly spoken of in the depositions concern- ing Demerit's dam at the Hook in 1719, (Granite 3foHthly, Dec, 1881.) Mallego looocls are referred to Jan. 12, 1742, when Ichabod Canney conveyed to Robert Hanson 35f acres in Mal- lego woods, " at a place called y® Sap- lings," on the southerly side of the road from Little worth to Barriugton, beginning at an asp tree at the S. E. corner of ten acres laid out to the Quakers. Ichabod Gate of Barring- ton conveyed to David Waldron, Ap.
19, 1810, land in Barriugton, in the Two-mile Streak, so called, beginning at land owned b}' Isaac Waldron at the east side of a river that runs through said land, called Malaga river or Huckins brook, and running E. by said Waldron's land 7 rods, then turning and running up by said river, carrying the same breadth of 7 rods till it comes to a place called Gate's dam, 20 rods more or less, then turning and running across said river till it comes to the iirovince road, so called, then down by said road to Isaac Waldron's land, then by said land across said river to the first bound.
The Mallego bridge in Barriugton is on the old stage road from Dover, which crosses this river not long after it issues from Gate's pond.
The name of Mallego, like that of Barbadoes, was no doubt given b}' the early lumber-men engaged in sup- plying the foreign market with lum- ber. Lt. Gov. Partridge, among others, certainly furnished timber for the Mediterranean coast at the end of the xvii century. {N. H. Prov. Pap., 2 : 247.) Our intercourse with Spain at an early day is evident from the accounts of Gapt. John Smith and Sir Ferdinando Gorges (the lat- ter in his Narration) of a merchant named Hunt who treacherously seized 20 of our Indians in 1614 and carried them to Spain, where he sold a part as slaves, and the rest were taken from him by the friars to be brought up in the Ghristian faith. An interesting account of one of them, named Tasquautum, who made his escape from Malaga and returned
1 Stephen Newt's map of Madbury in 1805 erroneously gives the name of " Bellamy river " to the Mallego branch.
138
I^andmarks in Ancient Dover.
to this country, is given in Baxter's SirF. Gorges, 1 : 103-106.
The name of Mallesjo is akin to Malagoe, one of the isles of Shoals, which is otherwise written " Malla- go " in a letter from Capt. Willey to the Mass. government, March 11, 1691-2. (Jenness' Isles of Shoals, p. 201.) Cargoes of fish, and also ela[)boards, pipe-staves, etc., that must have come from the main land, were sent from the Shoals in the middle of the xvii century to the Mediterranean ; and wines and other foreign products were brought back. (Ibid, 2^. 91.) The name of Malaga island may therefore have been given by merchants in traffic with the Spanish city of that name. Nor is it so inappropriate as might at first seem, if the name is derived, as some say, from the word Melach which signifies salt fish — the great staple at the Shoals.
The island of Malaga was bought in 1647 by Henry Sherburne, son-in- law of Ambrose Gibbons, the early pioneer on the Newichawannock, who had grants of mill privileges and forest lands in ancient Dover, and died at Oyster River July 11, 1656.
Maple Brook. This brook rises in Barrington, and empties into Oys- ter river not far from Wheelwright's pond. It is often mentioned in the Durham records of last century ; as Aug. 10, 1745, when a road was laid out " from a peaked rock Iw Thomas Willey's new house where he now dwelleth," past James Bunker's, etc., to Majyle brook, so-called. And Nov. 18, 1758, a road was laid out from the north-east corner bound of Nottingham, runnins; along
the Barrington line, etc., to Maple brook, so-called. (See CaldivelVs Brook.)
Marsh Brook Roau. This road is mentioned in the Dover records of 1819, as extending to the Madbury line. It is apparently the way lead- ing from the Littleworth road to the head of Barbadoes pond, where it crosses a brook running through the marsh into the pond. The bridge across this brook is on the bounds of Dover and Madbury.
Martin's Brook. Mentioned Ap. 1, 1721, when Samuel King of the parish of Greenland, and wife P^liza- beth, conveyed to Capt. Joshua Weeks a tract of 40 rods on the west side of Martin's brook, in a conven- ient place to set a mill near the mouth of said brook, where Capt. Weeks might choose, with his privi- lege of land on the east side of the brook, adjacent to Robert Davis's land, and all the land the dam of said mill might cause to overflow. Eiwht acres adjoining this land were con- veyed to Joshua Weeks by Samuel King, June 5, 1724, bounded North by the Great Bay, and South by Martin's brook. John Dockum, Jr., couve3'ed to Capt. Joshua Weeks, Ap. 6, 1726, 13 acres on the south side of Martin's brook, adjacent to the lands of Tucker Cate and John Vrin, where the road leads to the Great Bay.
George Keniston conveyed to said Weeks, July 25, 1727, one acre, be- ginning at Martin's brook on the west side, and running down to the Great Bay. Martin's brook is just above the Bay-side railway station. It flows through the old King land, now owned by Messrs. G. and J. P. Weeks,
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
139
and empties into the Great Bay near Mr. J. H. Brackett's house.
IMartin's Lane. So named from Jolin Martin, whose house and lane (at Lubberland) are mentioned as early as the 28th, 2 mo., 1664, in connection with a road "from Lam- prill river fall to the water side in the great bay," which passed "be- twixt a letell swampe and the Rocky hill side that lieth behind John Mar- tin's house, and soe strait to the laen (lane) that is betwixt John Godder's fence and John Martin's fence." Martin's lane is again mentioned Ap. 19, 1745. (See Doe's Neck.)
John Martin (and Hester) con- veyed to Thomas Mounsell, Sept. 20, 1667, his dwelling-house " now stand- ing in Luberland in y^ Great Bay," together with 40 acres of upland granted him by the town of Dover, bounded on one side by Richard York from y*^ high-water side, and on y® other by y" land of John Goddard. Also two acres of salt meadow adjoining s** upland, and 12 acres of fresh meadow about f of a mile from the house. Also six score acres of upland, lying by the side of Lamperil river near y® mill, with all rights, privileges, etc.
Thomas Mounsell conveyed the above lands to Nicholas Doe, Feb. 14, 1667-8. Nicholas Doe was received as an inhabitant of Dover the 21st, 7 mo.. 1668, " upon the same terms Thomas Whitehouse was received in 1665." John Martin went to Piscataqua, New Jersey.
Mast Bridges. A Mast bridge on the Mast road to Madbnry is men- tioned Ap. 11, 1694, when John Knight had a grant of 40 acres " joyn- ing to his plantation at mast bridge
all Reddy Improved." This land was laid out to Leah Knight, widow of said John, June 17, 1700, four rods being; allowed for a highwav to Johnson's creek. Thomas Hanson of Dover, in his will of Sept. 18, 1728, gives his well-beloved sons Maul and Jonathan 97 acres of land " near the river, near mast bridge.'' This tract was confirmed to them March 20, 1741-2, in a deed from Geo. Jaffrey of Portsmouth, execu- tor of the estate of Jane Gerrish, widow of Richard Gerrish of Ports- mouth, giving Maul Hanson, hus- bandman, and Jonathan Hanson, blacksmith, a quit claim to 97 acres of land in Dover, on the westerly side of Bellamy's bank river, run- ning southwest to y*^ mast Road., thence northwest to y^ land of Bene- dictus Torr, deceased, bounding on y^ said mast road y^ whole breadth of said Torr's land.
Henry Hill and wife Hannah, and Clement Bunker and wife " Rebeck," all of Durham, conveyed to John and Daniel Twombley of Dover, March 24, 1738-9, 168 acres of land on the west side of " Bellemins Bank river near y" windmill (see Dreiv's or Dam's Windmill), bounded north by John Twombley's land, east by that of John Ham, Jr., south by y^ road y' leads down from said wind- mill over mast bridge, and west by the toivn's common.
Tristram Pinkham and wife Martha conveyed to James Tuttle, Jan. 8, 1745-6, one acre and a half of land which said Pinkham bought of Na- thaniel Randal, " beginning at Mast bridge bruck."
Catharine Tibbetts, single woman, and Jacob AUin and wife Hannah,
140
Landmarks in Ancient Dover
all of Dover, conveyed to Maul Han- son, Feb. 1, 1760, four acres of land on the west side of " Belleniin's Banck river," and on the easterly side of the road that leads over mast hridge to Madbury, which land for- merly belonged to Joseph Tibbetts, father of said Catherine and Hannah, commonly called the mast hridge land.
This bridge crosses the upper part of Johnson's creek, near the Hooper land in the Back River district, Dover. (See Reynold's Bridge.)
A mast hridge across Oyster river is mentioned Nov. 18, 1713, in a deed from Moses Davis to David Kincaid. It is otherwise called Las- key's hridge in the Durham records. It is on the Mast road from Durham falls to Nottingham, and is one of the boundaries between Durham and Lee, near Mr. Charles W. Bartlett's.
A Mast hridge across the Black- water is mentioned June 23, 1701, when Tristram Heard had a grant of 30 acres " between the Mast hridge and Hodsdon's Cole pitt." This grant is elsewhere spoken of the same day as "between hlackwater hridg and the pitch jyine plains." This was on the Mast road to Whitehall.
Mast Creek. See CromwelVs Creek.
Mast Paths or Roaus. Several mast roads were laid out at an early day from the Bellamy, Cochecho, Lamprey, Oyster, and Salmon Falls rivers, for the conveyance of timber suital)le for masts and other shipping purposes, especially for the Royal navy, to be sent down the river to Portsmouth. Mention is made in 1667 of masts sent his majesty from the lands of Robert Mason two vears
before. (lY. H. Prov. Pap., 17: 519.) The course of these mast paths into the forests was no doubt varied at first to suit the convenience of the lumbermen, but in later years was straightened and perhaps other- wise changed, by order of the town.
The Great Mast Path is men- tioned the 17th, 12 mo., 1672, when 50 acres were laid out to Peter Coffin " on y*^ north side of y" Great mast path going into y* swamp." (See Plum-Pudding Hill.) This path be- gan at Log hill, near the first falls in the Cochecho, and ran south in the line of Lexington St., leaving Plum-Pudding hill at the right. It then curved a little to the west, and crossed the road from Cochecho to Tolend into the Cochecho swamp. It afterwards extended to Barbadoes, and finally to Bellamy Hook and the Mallego. It is the present Little- worth road. " The Mast path to Lit- tleworth" is spoken of Dec. 9, 1722. The " Mast path to Mallego " is men- tioned in 1717.
The Mast Path to Long Hill is mentioned June 24, 1738. This is on the easterly side of the Cochecho river. " The mast road that goes from Tolend to Rochester " is men- tioned Oct. 15, 1748. (See Ham's Marsh.) It is again spoken of that same day when 21 acres of land were laid out to Joseph Hanson, Jr., be- ginning at a pitch pine tree on the west side of the old mast path leading from Ham's marsh, so called, to the Eelware plains, about ten rods above the path that leads to Tolend. This is the road on the west side of the Cochecho river. (See Sandy Log Hill.)
The Mast Path to White Hall is
Landmarks in Anacnt Dover.
141
mentioned Dec. 20, 1714, when Eben- ezer Downs conveyed to John Hiird half the luud given his brother Thomas by their grandmother, Mar- tha Lord, beginning at a pine tree near the great Pond above Cochecho (Willand's pond), on y^ west side of the mast X)atli yt leads to WJiite Hall. Thomas Horn, June 18, 1728, con- veyed to Stephen Varney 46 acres of land that were Edward Starbuck's, "on y*" south side of y^way or path y' is called by y^ name of ye mast ivay that leadeth to Wliit Hall.'" (See Whitehall.)
The Mast Road to Madbury is mentioned May 8, 1682, when Rich- ard Waldron conveyed to John Knight 20 acres of land, part of a tract of 400 acres, 300 of which said Wal- dron acquired from the town of Do- ver, and 100 he bought of Wm. Follet, all laid out on the west side of Belloman's Banke river. Tlie 20 acres sold John Knight began on " the west line of said tract, nere the masting ivay, and so Este by said masting IV ay 40 perches, and so south south west four score and six perches the like breadth." This land was afterwards acquired by Benedictus Torr, who married Leah, the widow of John Knight. (See Torr's Garri- son and Mast Bridge.)
Forty acres were laid out to John Bussell, June 13, 1694, on "the south side of the mast j^ath that goes from John Knight's to New towne, be- ginning at a beech on the side of a brook." Fifty acres were laid out to Stephen Wille, March 19. 1693-4, joining his house, thirty acres on " y* south side of y^ 77iast ixith tvhich conies from 3fadberry," and twenty on y* north side. Stephen Wille lived at
Newtown. That same day 50 acres were granted Joseph Jones '' on the north side of the mast 'path that goes to William Tasker's, below Stephen Wille's." Wm. Tasker lived at the foot of Moharimet's hill, otherwise Hicks's hill, on land now owned by the heirs of Edric E. Demeritt. John Drew's land, "on the north side of y^ mast path above Knight's farme," is mentioned in the Dover records June 23, 1701. Thirty acres were granted Thomas Perkins Ap. 5, 1703, " beginning at a hemlock on the north side of the mast path at the northwest of Mahorramifs hill " — a highway of four rods to go through this land, as the mast path then went. The mast-road through Madhury is spoken of in the Dover records, March 24, 1728-9, when the town voted to lay out a road " from y* place commonly called by the name of WingeVs Slip to y^ end of y'^town- shi[)." The surveyors testified, Dec. 27, 1729, that they had laid it out " as y* mast way now goes." And the same day they laid out " a cross road four rods wide from y'^ above said mast ivay to Neivtown way, beginning at a pine tree between Philip Chesley's land and John Tas- ker's land."
Thomas Laighton and Susanna conveyed to John Ham, Jan. 21, 1722-3, 14 acres in Dover, on y^ plains, by y^ highway y* goeth from Wingifs slip to Madhury" part of a grant to John Drew. This land was on the north side of said high- way.
" Mr. Deary Pitman's house " (see Freetoion) "on the west side of the mast path that runs from Wingit's slip through Madberry to the end of
142
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
the township," is mentioned June 30, 1736.
The mast road to Madbnry begins at Wiugate's slip, now Ford's land- ing, on the west side of Back river, and runs along the upper side of Drew's hill. Soon after, it crosses the old ?/ias^ bridge brook, sometimes called Reynold's brook, but really the upper part of Johnson's creek, through the old Knight and Torr lands into Madbury.
The Madbury mast road appears to be the one referred to March 19, 1693-4, when 20 acres of land were granted James Jackson " near where the mast wheels whare (were) broken, on the no: west side of the way." The bounds of James Jackson's land, granted to his father James in 1693- 4, were renewed Oct. 14, 1732, " beginning at the inast way, so called, at a turn of said way, above where his house now stands." Ten acres of this land were laid out on the west side of said mast way, run- ning along this way 52 rods, near Eli Demerit's land. The other ten acres were laid out on the east side of said Tnast way, beginning at a pine root, a former corner bound of Eli Demerit's land, and running 40 I'ods northeastei'ly along by said Demerit's land to a heap of stones, then 40 rods S. W. to a beech tree standing in the fence by said way N. West- erly of his house, thence S. easterly to the first bound. This land was in Madbury, and is still owned in part, if not wholly, by said James's de- scendants.
A mast road is mentioned the 7th, 9 mo., 1G82, when 20 acres of land, granted Walter Jackson the 19th, 1 mo., 1665-6, "• at the head of his own
lott betwixt the cow-path and the swampe," were laid out adjoining the land he bought of Thomas Johnson, " lying betweene William Beard's crick, and the crick called Thomas Johnson's." This land ran along the mast 2')cith from the west end to the south. It does not appear what mast path this was. Walter Jackson of Oyster River and wife Jane conveyed to Robert Watson, Dec. 14, 1668, a tract of land on the north side of the river, (27? rods on the river), and ex- tending the same distance to " the Cochechorv 2)ath from Wm. Beard's, bounded E, by Philip Chesley's land, and W. by said Jackson's." The Jackson land last mentioned was east of the Beard land, afterwards acquired by Edward Leathers. The commissioners appointed to measure a tract held in common between Robert Leathers (deceased) and Jonathan Leathers, Jan. .26, 1773, began at the N. E. corner of Mary and Jonathan Chesley's land at the highway, thence ran easterly by said way to the land of s'' Robert and Jonathan Leathers, and by their land about S. 5 deg. 52 rods, then N. 55 deg. E. 22 rods, to the land of Sam- uel Chesley and Wm. Jackson, and along s*^ land southerly to highwater mark at Jackson's point, so called. (See Jackson's Point.)
The Mast Path to Oyster River was laid out at least two hundred years ago. It is mentioned Ap. 2, 1694, when John Thompson, Sr., had a grant of fifty acres in Follet's swamp at Oyster River, on the north side of the mast' path. And John Tuttle of Dover conveyed to John Thompson, Sr., Feb. 18, 1715-16, forty acres in Oyster River ivoods, on
L.atiamarks in Ancient Dover.
143
the south side of the Mast path that leads to Little river. This path was declared, June 6, 1701, to be a hi_s;hway of four rods wide, " as first laid out," begiuuiug at the foot of Oyster River falls, aud extending " to the utmost bounds of the town." John Pitman of Durham, Nov. 20, 1744, conveyed to Jonathan Thomp- son, Jr., 25 acres in Durham (which then included Lee), on the north side of ye mast way yt leads u|i to Wm. Kelsey's at Nottingham, with dwel- ling-house, etc., beginning at a stake on the north side of said way near y* Little river mill.
Fifty acres of land, granted to Capt. Thomas Packer, Ap. 11, 1694, " on the south side of Lamprell river fourth falls, or elsewhere for his con- veniency," were laid out to Jonathan Chesley, beginning at a white oak on the south side of the mast path that leads from y" Little river to Oyster River Falls, and from said tree S. S. E. 100 rods to a pine stump near Wednesday Hill.
Fifty acres of land were laid out Dec. 17, 1723, to Jonathan Wood- man, James Davis, Joseph Meder, and Mary Thomas (widow of James Thomas, who was one of the original grantees), beginning at a white oak standing by the mast path, the west- ward l)ound of Capt. Packer's land, and running 84 rods by the 7iiast path. Joseph Thomas conveyed to Samuel Smith, July 21, 1730, 15 acres of land (part of the above tract), be- ginning 35^ rods from Packer's west coi'ner bound standing by y" must path and extending up to y*" Little river.
In the warraqt for a town-meeting in Durham, Nov. 9, 1744, is the pro-
posal of a highway from Little river mill to Nottingham " where the mast path ivay now goeth." At a town- meeting held Dec. 24, 1744, it was voted " that the mast way from litel Riuer to Sam" Siases, and so to the head of the township, be made and maintained."
This mast road begins at the Dur- ham Lauding, at the lowest falls in Oyster river, and constitutes the principal street through Durham vil- lage as far as the foot of Chesley's hill, where it bends to the right, leav- ing the turnpike road, but joining it again at the top of the hill. A quar- ter of a mile further west, it again leaves the turnpike road, and bends around northwesterly, and then souther! V, to the mast-road school- house, where it crosses the turni)ike road in the direction of Lee Hill. The portion of this road between the schoolhouse and the Lee boundar\' constitutes a neighborhood, now pop- ularly called " the Mast Road,''' in- habited chiefly by the Bunker, Wig- gins, and Chesley families. On the bounds of Durham and Lee this mast road crosses Oyster river at the old mast bridge, otherwise called Laskefs bridge in the Durham re- cords.
Mast Point. This [)oint is on the westerly side of tlie Salmon Falls river, on the confines of Somers- worth and Rochester. It is men- tioned Nov. 10, 1753, when the bounds between Dover and Rochester were perambulated, " beginning at a dry pitch-pine tree at Mast Point by Salmon Falls river, three rods S. W. of a certain cove next adjacent to the uppermost head of the Little falls, so called." (Lover Records.) "The
144
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
road from y* Mast Pomt to Cochecho landing,'' is mentioned last centnry in a deed from Benjamin to Jofin Went- worth. A bridge across the river at Mast point once connected Berwick with Rochester and Dover, bnt this is now gone, and in its place is Mast Point dam, bnilt by the Great Falls Manufactnring Co. in 1835. The river above, for several miles, is broad and deep, and in early times afforded a natnral highway for the transportation of masts and other timber. The " Landing-place for masts," is mentioned on Holland's map of 1784, just above the junction with Little river. The cove at the upper side of Mast Point is said to have been another landing-place whence the timber was conveyed by teams to Cochecho landing, and sent to Portsmouth by water. The name of Mast Point falls is sometimes given to Little falls.
Mathews' Creek, otherwise Mathes's. This creek was called ''the Great creek" in 1644, when Francis Mathews had a grant of marsh and upland on its northwest side. (See Great Creek.) It is mentioned the 10th, 8 mo., 1653, when John Bickford and Thomas ft'ootman had the grant of a neck of land " on the southwest side of Mrs. Mathews' creek, from the flowing of the tide of the southernmost branch of Mrs. Mathews' creek to the flowing of the tide in the creek at the old tree." This was Mrs. Tamsen or Thomasine Mathews, widow of the above Francis Mathews.
Three score and ten acres of land, or thereabout, were laid out to Oleuer (Oliver) Kent the 3d, 2 mo., 1658, bounded by Wm. Drew and
Mr. Mathews and Charles Adams, "by the creek side, commonly called Mr. Matheivses Greek."
Francis Durgin of Exeter con- veyed to John Smith, Dec. 25, 1723, all right and title to " a certain neck of land on the N. W. side of y® Great bay, aioyning to Matheses Creek, so called, being half of said neck of land which his father Wra. Durgin lived on in his life-time."
James Durgin of Dover, in Oyster River parish, conveyed to John Smith, Jr., March 9, 1729-30, one third of a tract of 20 acres on the N. W. side of Great Bay, " adjoining the creek commonly called Matheives Creek, which land the Governor and council heretofore settled on y* heirs of my father Wm. Durgin, deceased, Oct. 19, 1706."
Lemuel Bickford of Newington, Oct. 10, 1733, conveyed to John Smith a tract of land on the south- west side of '"'• Mathises creek, so called," originally granted to his grandfather John Bickford and Thomas Footman.
Robert and Joseph Kent, and others of the same family, conveyed to John Kent, Ap. 1, 1748, a tract of land, formerly the estate of Joseph Kent, father of said Robert, and grandfather of said John — which land joined Thomas Drew's land where he then dwelt, and " tlie land of Capt. Francis Mathes in y^ possession of Abraham Mathes, which is called by the name of Mathes Neck," and thence ran to " Mistress Mathes' creek, commonly called and known by said name." A mill on this creek is spoken of in 1678. {^ee Long Creek.) The "old dam" at the head of it is mentioned
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
145
Ap. 11, 1694. (See DanieVs Brook.) Eliphalet Daniel, March 13, 1755, couve3'ed to Daniel Rogers and Benj" Jenkins 100 acres of land in Durham, bounded northeasterly by land in possession of Gershom and Benj" Mathes, and running by their land to Mathes's mill-pond., so called.
Gershom Mathes conveyed his rights here to his brother Benjamin Feb. 13, 1756, and afterwards went to Loudon. Benjamin Mathes, Nov. 8, 1756, conveyed to Joseph Sias a tract of 60 acres in Durham, part of the farm where his father Francis Mathes, deceased, formerly dwelt, beginning at a stoyie at high-water mark, about 6 rods N. E. from the corn-mill, thence running N. 63 deg. W. 80 rods to the well marsh, so ^ called, thence N. 33 deg. E. 126 rods, to the road ; together with one half of the corn-mill adjoining thereto.
Benjamin Mathes, Jr., conveyed to Joseph Sias, Aug 15, 1765, all right and title to the creek or mill privilege, joining to that farm in Durham which he sold said Sias, with the mills thereon, and utensils, etc.
This mill and part of the Mathes land were afterwards acquired by Jacob Crommet or Crummit, from whom Mathes' creek derived the name of Crummit's creek, by which it is now known. (See Crummit's Creek.)
Mathews' Neck. This name is given on Smith's map of Durham in 1805, to the small peninsula at the Narrows, between Great and Little Bays, now called Adams' Point. Benjamin Mathews or Mathes, the 10 th, 2 mo., 1654, had a grant " on (of a ?) Little Plott of marsh at the
head of the little bay, with the neck of land there." It is mentioned Dec. 11, 1694, when Wm. Furber was licensed to "keep a ferry from his house at Welchman's cove to trans- port travellers over to Oyster River," at the rate of three pence for each person, and eight pence for man and horse, if landed " at Mathews his neck," and six pence for each person, and twelve pence for man and horse, if landed " at Durgin's, on the west side of Mathews his neck." {N. H. Prov. Pap., 2: 146-7.)
Francis Mathes of Durham con- veyed to Jabez Davis, Sept. 13, 1769, eighty acres of land in Durham, being all that tract between Great bay and Little bay in Piscataqua river commonly called by the name of Mathes Neck, bounded on every part by water, except the northwest part which is bounded by land in possession of John Kent. Mathews' Neck was afterwards acquired by Richard Dame. (See Adams' Point.)
Seth Shackford of Newmarket, and others, petitioned the N. H. leg- islature in June, 1825, for a bridge across the Pascataqua river at a place called the narrows, or Fii.rher's ferry, commencing at land belonging to the heirs of William Furber in the town of Newington, and crossing the Pascataqua river in a westerly direction to the east side of Mathes' neck in Durham, at land belonging to the heirs of Richard Dame, and extending from the west side of said Mathes' neck across a small cove, called Crummit's Mill Cove, to land owned by James Furnald, Esq. A bridge here, it is stated in the peti- tion, would offer no obstruction to the navigation of the Pascataqua,
146
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
and the current is less rapid than at any other place in the river below. The length of the bridge from the Newington shore to the east side of Mathes' Neck would be about 60 rods, and from the west side of Mathes' Neck across Crummit's Mill cove about 40 rods.
A similar petition was presented by Wm. Claggett and others in 1832, but the town of Durham instructed its representative to oppose this movement, and the petition was not granted.
Mathews' Neck, until the construc- tion of the present causeway, became an island at high tide. An inlet on one side is now called Island cove. Beneath the banks of this Neck may be seen some half-ruined caves, said to have been used by the aborigines in pre-historic times. At a later day they often served the early settlers as places of concealment from the Indians. There is a similar cave lower down, on the shore of the Emerson farm on Little Bay. Bel- knap says that four sons of John Wheeler, who with his wife and two children was killed by the Indians Ap. 27, 1706, "took refuge in a cave by the bank of the Little Ba}', and though pursued by the Indians, escaped unhurt." (See Shooting Point.)
Meauer's Bridge. Mentioned on Sanford & Evert's Atlas. This bridge is on the highwa}' where it spans the Dover and Winnipiseogee R. R. near Mr. Moses Meader's in the upper part of Dover.
Meader's Neck. This neck of land is on the upper shore of the
Pascataqua, between the mouth of Oyster river and Royall's cove. It is mostly in Durham, and includes Cedar Ft. and Tickle Ft. Franklin city was laid out on this neck. Fart of it was conveyed to John Meader by Valentine Hill and Mary his wife, Sept. 20, 1660, and part was acquired by a grant of 150 acres to John Meader and Wm. Sheffield in 1656. Wm. Sheffield's half was conveyed to James Davis, John Meader, Sr., and John Meader, Jr., in equal shares, by "Joseph Sheffield of Shurbury, Middlesex Co.,Frov. of Mass. Bay," Nov. 11, 1701. John Meader, Sr., out of love and affection to his son John, conveyed to him, June 17, 1679, as liis portion and patrimony in full, three score acres of land on the yieck that lyeth between Oyster, river and y* Back river, being a part and moitie of a greater tract granted y^ s^ John Meader, y" father, and Wm. Sheffield at a pul)lic town-meet- ing in y* year of our Lord God 1656, — which three score acres begin at an aspe tree some four rods from y^ flowing of y® tide at y* head of RiaVs Cove, so north and by west 142 rods by y* lands lately Thomas Laiton's, and by y* land latelie Elder Nutter's^ to a red oak, and thence W. by S. 68 rods to a hemlock, thence S. and by E. to a great white oak, y^ N. E. corner bound of y'^ land which John Meader, y^ father, l)ought of Mr. Valentine Hill, and so from s*^ oak to y'' aspe tree at y^ head of Riars Cove af ores'*, always provided there be a highway one rod wide from y*^ s"^ oak to y® aspe tree at y^ Cove afores** for a watering way to s'' Cove.
1 Elder Hatevil Nutter had a grant of 200 acres of upland for a farm, next adjacent to Wm. Sheffield's, the 2d, 12 mo., 1658.
Land^narks in Ancient Dover.
147
There was a fulling mill on this neck early last century', mentioned Nov. 10, 1724, when John Meder of Dover, weaver, for y*^ natural love and affection for his well beloved son Nicholas Meder, planter, conveyed to him. on certain conditions, Nov. 10, 1724, "a parcel of land and meadow in Dover, beginning at ye ould fulling ynill, commonly so called, and running thence west to a great rock, thence to the dwelling house of s'' John Meder where he now liveth, and from s'^ house to v" bridge that is over the gully or small brook that goeth out to y*" commons — that is, all the laud on the north side of the line from the fidling-mill to y" l)ridge, and from y" bridge to s"* John INIeder's fresh marsh on a N. W. by N. line from tiie head of the marsh to the land of John Laighton, thence to the Sif or es'^ fullhig-7nill, together with the moitie or half of his other lands in Dover, and also one half of the barn Joseph Meder built." (See Header's Garrison, RoyalVs Cove, and Stony Brook. )
Meaderboro' Road. Meaderbor- ough is a prosperous farming region in the northwestern part of Roches- ter, so named from Benjamin Meader and his four brothers, who were among the first settlers in that part of the town. They were Quakers. Meaderboro' road extends along the ridge through this district into Farm- ington.
Mechanicsville. The Dover Di- rectory of 1843 gives this name to a hamlet or neighborhood about half- way between Garrison Hill and Wil- land's pond, in the vicinity of Gage's hill. It was at that period chiefly in-, habited by people of industrial pur-
suits, such as George and John Gage, wheelwrights ; John Gould, baker ; Daniel K. Webster, tanner and cur- rier, etc. The name is no longer in use.
Mendum's Pond. This pond is in the western part of Barrington, next the Nottingham line. It is the source of Little river. The name was derived from Capt. Nathaniel Mendura of Portsmouth, whose saw- mill on this river is mentioned Oct. 7, 1742, when Daniel Davis of Durham conveyed to John Burnum 12 acres of land, together with "• one fourth of a sawmill in Nottingham, below Capt. Nathaniel Menduni's saivmill on Little river." The Newmarket Manufacturing Co. have a dam at the outlet of Mendum's pond, and the sawmill here is now called the Factory- Dam mill. The next mill below is owned by Mr. Samuel Thompson. Marston's mill, also in Nottingham, is further down the river, on the highway to Lee, not far from the boundary line. (See Little River.)
Merit's Mill. See Demeritt's Mill.
Messenger's Pond. See Cochecho
P07ld.
Middle Point, Middle Point Bridge, and Middle Point Brook. There is a Middle Point on the Rol- linsford shore of the Newichawan- nock river at Jocelyn's Cove, be- tween Pine point and Henderson's point. And the brook which emp- ties into this cove is called " Middle Point brook." A psinr-of this name in Dover is mentioned May 12, 1736, when Timothy Tebbets conveyed to Howard Henderson six acres of land laid out to said Tebbets in 1736, where he then dwelt, at or near '■'■Middle pinte Brook," in Dover.
148
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
And again Jan. 20, 1743-4, when Howard Henderson mortgaged to Abraham Nute six acres of land at or near a place called by y*^ name of Middle Point hrook^ in Dover. This name is no longer in use, and the bridge, formerly known as Middle Point bridge, has ceased to bear this name, but it appears to be the one across Canny's brook, on the so- called ' ' Middle road " across the Up- per Neck, about midway between Fore river and Back river. It is mentioned Dec. 7, 1737, when Samuel and Patience Carle conveyed to Jona- than Gushing ten acres of land ad- joining the road that leads down from Cochecho to Dover over Middle Point hridge, a little above Joseph Han- son's. Wm. Twombley, Jan. 23, 1771, conveyed to Caleb Hodgdon his homestead farm of 60 acres, adjoin- ing the main road from Cochecho to Dover neck, bounded " southerly by the land of Moses and Aaron Win- gate, and northerly adjoining the road that leads from the aforesaid road over Middle yoint bridge, so called, to Dover." Benj" Watson and wife Lydia, Jan. 29, 1785, conveyed to Moses Wingate 8|- acres of land, set off as said Lydia's portion of the estate of her honored father Isaac Hanson, on tlie west side of the road that leads from Major Hodgdon's to Middle point {bridge?), so called, bounded northwesterly by said Hodg- don's land, southwesterly by said Wingate's, southeasterly by Thomas Kinney's, and northeasterly by the aforesaid road.
Miles' Hill. This hill is on the borders of Lee and Nottingham, at the upper side of North river, on the road from Nottingham to Newmar-
ket. The name is derived from Miles Reynolds, who once lived on the top. He served in the Revolutionary war, and in that of 1812. "Miles Reynolds of the North River dis- trict " is mentioned in the Lee rec- ords of 1807.
Mill Creek. Mentioned Feb. 21, 1711, when John and Elizabeth Edg- erly conveyed to Samuel Edgerly a tract of land on the north-west side of Little Bay, " bounded N. by the creek called and known by the name of the mill creek, E. by Little Bay, and S. by the land of John Wheeler, lately deceased." And again in the Durham records of March 21, 1746-7, when a petition was made for a highway " by John Edgerl3''s laud to the creek called the Mill creek." This creek is in Dur- ham, at the easterly side of the Lub- berland district. The name was derived from a mill that once stood thereon at the head of tide water. It was otherwise called Mathews' creek, but is now generally known as Crummifs creek.
Another 3Iill creek is in Newing- ton, above Fabyan's point, so named from a mill that once stood at the head of tide water, the remains of which can still be seen, on the Thomas Pickering farm, now owned by Mr. J. S. Hoyt. (See Swadden's Creek.)
Mill Road. So called from Ches- ley's mill on Oyster river, to which this road once led on its way from Durham village to Packer's falls. The mill is now gone, but the road retains its name, which is often men- tioned in deeds of adjacent lands. (See Warner Farm.)
Mill-Road Brook. Tiiis brook rises in Follet's swamp, above the
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
149
Mast-road school-house, and empties into the Durham mill-pond on the west side. Its name is derived from the so-called Mill road, which it crosses near the Oyster River cream- ery, at which point it is a watering- place for cattle, and in rain^^ weather often swells to a considerable size.
Minnow Brook. This name — derived from the abundance of min- nows therein, used by fishermen for bait — is now given to a small run from Hall's spring that empties into Back cove on the western side of Dover Neck.
Miry Gut. This is a channel twenty feet deep at the mouth of Reyuer's brook, where it is crossed by the Dover and Winnipiseogee Railroad and the Scatterwit highway. There is a stone culvert at this point, forty feet in length, affording room for both roads to cross. This part of the brook is often called Miry Gut brook; and the cove above, on the easterly side of the Cochecho, is called Miry Ctut coce.
The Moat. This is an outlet or arm on the left side of Lamprey river that encircles an island generally called the Moat isla^id, otherwise Doe's island. It is in the Packer's Falls district, Durham, below the so-called " Diamond bridge," on the Boston and Maine railway. Mention is made of it the 11th, 7 mo., 1649, when An- thony Nutter's grant at a place called '■''the moote" is spoken of in the county records. It is again men- tioned the 11th, 11 mo., 1660, when Robert Burnum's 100 acre grant in 1656 was laid out, one head line
" joining to the moet" and the other bounded by " a marked tree at a let- tell Brook that coraeth from the moett, joining to Elder Nutter's land." (See Broad Marsh.) It is again men- tioned Aug. 14, 1667, in the will of John Footman. Peter Coffin con- veyed to Samuel AUin of New Castle, Nov. 28, 1698, thirty acres of land " called by y*^ name of y^ mote, which s^ Peter Coffin purchased of y^ Indi- ans." (See Moharimet's Flanting- Ground.) Six score acres of land adjoining " the mote" are mentioned in the inventory of Nicholas Doe's estate, March 30, 1706. A road was ordered to be laid out, March 6, 1710-11, " from Lampereel river as straight as it may be to y^old Bridge by y^ moat so as y^ way goes to Graves^ his land, thence to the falls," etc. {N. H. Prov. Papers. 17 : 710.) John Rawlins of Durham, Ap. 24, 1733, conveyed to "Joseph Smith of New- market in Exeter," all his homestead estate in Durham, beginning at the east side of the country road to Dur- ham falls. One side extended to "y^ mouth of y^ mote ricer." The Moat and Moat river are repeatedly mentioned in the division of John Doe's estate, Ap. 24, 1742. His widow Elizabeth's dowry was set off from the homestead, beginning at the north corner of Joseph Smith's land, one side running along Lara- prey river to a pitch-pine " standing by a hollow that runs into the river commonly called the mote river." Mary Mason's part was on " the southerly side of that land called the mote." Elizabeth Woodman's part
iThis was Wm. Graves.who married Elizabeth, the widow of Richard York. He was wounded by the Indians and his estate devastated in 1694, as appears from his petition of January 8, 1694-5. (iV. H. Prov. Pap., 2: 147.)
I50
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
(wife of Joshua) was on the 'moat river, and extended to the "east side of the mote.'" Joseph Doe's portion was "on the mote" between the por- tions of John and Benjamin. And Daniel Doe's part began at Deacon John Yorke's land, 109 rods N. E. from Lamperel river, and ran S. E. to the "■ 7note river" near Joseph Smith's land at the pine tree boun- dary, and up by said Smith's laud to the country road. The Moat still retains its ancient name. Moat island, otherwise Doe's, now belongs to Mr, Olinthus Doe, a descendant of the above mentioned John Doe.
Moharimet's Hill, otherwise HiCKs's Hill. This beautiful hill, wooded to the very summit, is at Mad- bury corner, west of the railway sta- tion. Its original name was derived from Moharimet or Mahomet, an Indi- an sagamore of the seventeenth cen- tury. (See Moharimet's Marsh and Wadleigh's Falls.) Charles Adams, of Oyster River, had a grant of 100 acres of land at the foot of Mohari- met's hill, in 1656, one half of which he conveyed, March 11, 1693-4, to his daughter, Mary, wife of William Tasker. Derry Pitman, Jan. 1, 1723-4, sold Eli Demerit, Sr., thirty acres of land on the south-west side of Meharmefs hill. Thomas Footman's hundred acre grant in 1656, was laid out anew, at the request of his son John, June 23, 1715, beginning at a white pine bound tree on John Bick- ford's lot, near the lower end of Ma- harimutfs Hill on the west side. This laud, when re-surveyed for John Roberts, July 25, 1729, ran from a white oak W. S. W. 120 rods, to " a heap of stones on the S. E. end of Moharmot's hill, about a rod from
the way leading through Madberry, leaving the space of one rod between the land and the way where it goes down to the turn about 4 rods from Archabel Smith's pit,'" etc. Col. James Davis, in his will of Oct. 18, 1748, gives his sons, James and Samuel, twenty acres of land on the northwest side of Maharrimet's hill. James Davis of Dover, gentleman, conveyed to Joseph Hicks, March 5, 1761, ten acres on the north side of Mahomet's Hill, being half of twenty acres given him in his father's will. The name of Hicks's hill was de- rived from Joseph Hicks, who, early last century, acquired the greater part, if not all, of this hill, and erected a garrison on the eastern side, traces of which can still be seen. April 15, 1718, John Underwood, of Newcastle, and Temperance his wife (granddaughter of John Bickford of Oyster River), conveyed to Joseph Hix 100 acres ou the east side of Maharimet's hill, originally granted John Bickford by the town of Dover. Joseph Hicks is called " captain " in the rate-list of 1758. He married Sarah, daughter of Col. James Davis, who outlived her husband, and died at the age of ninety-one. Letters of administration were granted on her estate Jan. 14, 1794. She and her husband lie buried at the foot of Hicks's hill, at the east. A large part of this hill is still owned by their descendants, among whom may be mentioned the Kingman, Miles, and Young families.
Moiiauimp:t's Marsh. This marsh is on tlie upper side of Lamprey river, in the Packer's Falls district, but the name has not been perpet- uated. It was so named from the
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
151
Indian sagamore of that region, in whose presence, and with whose con- sent, Samuel Symonds took posses- sion of his grant at Island falls ^ now Wadleigh's, June 3, 1657. The name is otherwise written, Mahori- met, Mohermite, Moharmet, etc., and is no doubt a corruption of Mahomet. In fact, it is to be found so written in a Durham record of 1735, which runs as follows :
" Whereas there was a Certain tract of Marsh laid out unto William Follet of six acres in the Marsh called Mahomet's Marsh the 7'*' day of the 6"'° 1661. And also a Certain tract of land laid out to the said William Follet and bounded the 18'" 10 month 1663, near a Marsh called Mahomefs Marsh, and we whose names are under written being Called by Nicho- laus Medar^ the Possessor of the afor"^ Lands to renew the bounds, we have Run the Points of Compass as before. That is to say, begin- ning at a White Oak stump, one of the Old bounds next Thomas Foot- man's land," etc. This land was laid out Aug. 30, 1735.
July 1, 1710, Nicholas Follet and Mary his wife conveyed to Nicholas Medar two lots — one of six acres and the other of one hundred acres — in Moheremet's fresh marsh next Thomas Footman's land. March 30, 1749, Nicholas Medar conveyed to his sou Samuel eighty-six acres of land, " part of the marsh formerly granted to W" Follet." May 23, 1763, Nicho- las Medar sold Timothy Medar thirty acres, " part of the one hundred acres formerly laid out to W"> Follet." This lot was bounded N. E. and S. W. by Joshua Woodman's land, and joined the lands of John and Samuel Medar.
Timothy Medar, shipwright, con- veyed the same thirty acres to Isaac Medar June 12, 1772. This land, after various owners, was purchased Sept. 1, 1820, by Capt. Edward Griffiths, whose son still owns it. Mention is made in the Dover records of a highway laid out on the south side of Oyster river freshet, June 13, 1719, beginning at Chesley's mill, and following the old way past the land of Moses Davis, Jr., etc., to Wm. FoUet's hundred acre lot at Maharimufs Marsh. This marsh, most of which is now drained and cultivated, no doubt extended beyond Mr. Fogg's farm, and included the so called " Croxford swamp." (See FoUet's S^vamp.)
Moharimet's Planting-Ground, otherwise Mahomet's. Mentioned Nov. 28, 1698, when Peter Coffin conveyed to Samuel Allen 210 acres of upland on the south side of Lamp- rill river, beginning at the mouth of the Pascassick river, and running up Lamprey river to a red oak "about 20 rods above the run of water that runneth into Lamprill river, near y* land called by y*" name of old Mahor- vietfs planting ground." Eliphalet Coffin of Exeter conveyed to Stephen Pendergrass, Oct. 9, 1735, 84 acres of land in Durham, adjoining Lampereel river, beginning at, or near about, 20 rods above y*" run of water near y® laud formerly called Mahermit's planting groimd, which land said Eli- phalet had of his grandfather Peter Coffin, late of Exeter. Stephen Pen- dergast of Newmarket, July 12, 1740, conveyed to Nathan Mendum 84 acres of land in Durham, beginning at Lam- prel river, about 20 rods above y' run of water near y® land formerly called
S"**, St*/-^^^***^. /' -fi^ .
152
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
MahermiVs planting ground^ theuce aloug said river to the west side of a spring by the river. This land is in the Packer's Falls district, Durham, on the south side of Lamprey river. The Pendergast garrison is still stand- ing.
Morrill's Ferry. See Beck's Slij)-
Morris's Creek. Mentioned Jan. 2, 1734-5, when Francis Durgin sold John Smith, Jr., a dwelling-house and tract of land in Durham, on the shore of Great Bay, bounded by John Piuder on y'' S. W., and on the N. E. by a creek " called Thomas Morry's creek." This land now belongs to Mr. Channell.
Morris's Point. This point, mis- called Maurice's Point on Smith's map of Durham, is just below Pin- dar's point, on the Lubberland shore of Great Bay. The name, no longer in use, was derived from Thomas Morris, who was taxed at Oyster River as early as 1663, and owned a tract at Lubberland before 1681. The Rev. John Pike, in his journal, records the death of " old Tho. Mor- ris of Lubberland" July 30, 1707. He seems to have left no wife or children. In his will of Dec. 1, 1701, (proved June 5, 1710) he gives his friends, James and William Durgin, his house and land to be divided equally among them, and he dis- tributes his personal effects among various neighbors on the Lubberland shore.
Mount Burroughs. This hill, so named from Jabez Burroughs, to whom it once belonged, is in the east- ern part of Dover, below the Port- land turnpike road. It is now owned by Mr. Geo. Yeaton, Mrs. Dana, and others. It is well-wooded on
the southeast side, but is chiefly a ledge of granite.
Mount Hungry. Mentioned March 7, 1764, when Dependence and Olive Bickford conveyed land to Richard Furber in Newington, bounded west- erly by the highway from the late dwelling-house of Hatevil Nutter to the hill called Mount Hungry., north by the lands of James Nutter and Rachel Row ; east by said Row, John Quint, and Moses and Nehemiah Furber ; and south by the highway aforesaid ; which laud had been pur- chased by said Dependence Bickford of Richard Furber.
Wm. Furber, in his will of Nov. 12, 1741, proved May 25, 1751, gives his grandson Richard Furber all his land in Newington on the easterly or upper side of the road from Ensign Hatevil Nutter's to Mr. Vincent's tvindmiU. And he gives his sous Moses and Nehemiah all his land on the lower or westerly side of the highway that runs from Ensign Hat- evil Nutter's to Vincent's windmill.
It is evident from the above con- veyances that this windmill stood on Mt. Hungry, which probably derived its name from this circumstance. Vincent's windmill was no doubt so called from John Vincent, who bought land of Clement Messervey Oct. 26, 1727, originally granted to the Rev. Joshua Moodey. (See Harwood's Creek.) Part of this land was con- veyed July 22, 1783, by Anthony Vincent to Ephraim Pickering, be- ginning at a flat rock bv the road leading to Furber's ferry, at the land of Noah Huntress and running by said laud to that of Moses Dame.
Another part was conveyed to Wm. and Levi Furber Oct. 21, 1783.
I^andmarks in Ancient Dover.
153
Mount Hungry no longer retains its ancient name, but it could not have been far from the source of the Trout brook, formerh' Harwood's creek.
Mount Misery. This mount is in Barrington, just above the Judge Hale place.
Mount Pleasant. This elevation is in Dover, east of Pine Hill, between the cemetery and the river Cochecho.
Mount Sorrowful. Mentioned March 23, 1702, when 30 acres of land were granted to Paul Wentworth " near the place called Mount Sor- rowful, not intrenching on any former grants." No commons being found here, this grant was laid out in 1718, " between Salmon fall river and Co- checha, att a place called the great ash sioamp.'' The name of Mount Sor- rowful is still retained. It is a steep gravelly hill in Rollinsford, near Rollins' brook, crossed by the Bos- ton and Maine R. R. It formerly belonged to the Ricker family, but is now owned by Messrs. Samuel and Wm. Rollins.
Mount Rawlings. Mentioned March 26, 1683, when Richard Wal- dron of Dover conveyed to Thomas Paine a tract of land, with a. dwelling- house thereon, situate lying, and being, at or near Cochecho, common- ly called or known by the name of Mount Rawlings, bounded on the south by the Cochecho river, and running from a great pine tree on the brow of the hill N. by W . 44 perches to a pine tree on the brow of another hill, being a parcel of land said Rich- ard Waldron bought of James Raw- lings March 5, 1673. This land was conveyed to Richard Waldron of Ports- mouth, June 17, 1705, by Thomas Paine of Newcastle (son of the
above Thomas) , who in the deed of conveyance repeats the same bounds, and also oives to this tract the name of Mount Rawlings. This name has not been perpetuated, but it ap- pears to have been given to one of the hills near the Cochecho river in the vicinity of Rogers street, at the head of which Paine's garrison is said to have stood. Further east are Paine's ivoocls, now called Guppy's woods.
MucHADOE. Mentioned in the Dover records of 1672, when Peter Coffin had ten acres laid out on the south side of the Great Mast p)ath, bounded east by land previously laid out to said Coffin " to y^ path y' goeth to Muchadoe''^ (the Tolend road). And again Ap. 1, 1673, when Peter Coffin conveyed to Nathaniel Stevens a quarter part of a tract of land near Cochecha, bounded north by the highwav from Muchadoe to Plum- Pudding hill. (See Trumbeloiu Swamp.)
The Muchadoe of the present day is a steep hill in Barrington, about a mile N. E. of the Congregational meeting-house. On the top are two pines, a remnant of the woods which once covered it ; and at the foot is a huge rock tapestried with moss and vines, near which, according to the " Wild Artist," once lived a witch named Moll Ellsworth, whose sole companion was a black cat without a single white hair. The devil is said to have flown away with her in a gale of wind oue dark, tempestuous night. At all events, she mysteriously disap- peared, and with her the black cat, said to have embodied a still darker fiend.
Mud Brook. This brook is in
154
jLandma?'ks in Ancient Dover.
Lee aud empties into Lamprey river, between the mouth of Little river and Wadleigh's Falls. It is crossed by the road from Lee Hill at Mud bridge, now a mere culvert.
Munsey's Bridge. Mentioned March 21, 1798, when the bounds between Durham and Lee were per- ambulated. It is on the back road across Oyster river, below Dishwater falls, and is no doubt the bridge men- tioned March 19, 1693-4, when Jo- seph Meader's grant was laid out on the S. W. side of the path to the burnt ground bridge, in Follet's swamp. (See Burnt Ground.) The Meader land was afterwards acquired by " John Muncey." A highway was laid out Ap. 4, 1752, " begin- ning at Moses Davis's fence, 79 rods from Lieut. Jones's fence near folet's swamp, at the head of John Wood- man's land, next to or near Jona"* Mouses land." (Durham Hecords.)
The Woodman laud above men- tioned, originally granted to John Woodman and his sous (see Beech Hill), was inherited by his son Jona- than, who, in his will of Jan. 2, 1749, gives his son Jonathan "■ 100 acres of land where he now lives, at a place called the burnt ground, at the east- ern end thereof." This land is now owned by his descendant, Mr. Moses G. Woodman. And he gives to his son Archelaus 100 acres at a place called the burnt ground, at the west- ern end thereof, reserving a highway two rods wide for his son Jonathan to pass and re-pass from his laud to the mast road.
The land of Moses Davis, whose fence is mentioned above, is now owned by Mr. Israel Demeritt. In his neighborhood is Munsey's bridge,
on the bounds between Durham and Lee. A nocturnal meeting of the " Know-Nothings " is said to have been held on this bridge in the hey- day of that party — a singularly ap- propriate place for such a gathering.
Nancy Drew's Point. This name is now popularly given to the New- ingtou terminus of Knight's ferry, from Miss Nancy N. Drew, to whom John Knight conveyed, July 16, 1831, 44 acres of land adjoining the road from Bloody Point ferry, so called, to Newington meeting-house, running northerly to the land of Samuel Shackford, deceased, then northeast- erly by said land to Pascataqua river, and by said river to Wxq ferry, thence to the first bound.
Miss Nancy Drew died in 1889 at her residence on this point, at the age of 93 years, and her homestead was sold at auction, May 31, 1890, to Mr. Charles Dame.
Nanney's Island. This island is in Great Bay, off Long Point, and now belongs to the heirs of Mr. James A. Pickering. It no doubt de- rived its name from Robert Nanney of the Dover Combination of 1640. His name is on the Dover rate-list of 1649. He afterwards became a mer- chant iu Boston, where he died Aug. 27, 1663, leaving among other property, part of an estate in Barba- does. His wife was Katherine, daughter of the Rev. Johu Wheel- wright, founder of Exeter.
The Narrow Lane. Mentioned Ap. 28, 1779, when Jonathan Quint conveyed to Jonathan Hight (Hoyt), both " of Newington, at a place com- monly called the Upper x>lc(.ins" half an acre of land, 16 rods on the road leading from Newington meeting-
Landma7'ks in Ancient Dovci'
^SS
house to Greenland, and 10 rods upon a road called the narrow lane, lead- ing to Portsmouth.
Daniel Walker of Portsmouth con- veyed to Gee Pickering, Ap. 26, 1806, one acre of land on the north side of the Narroio Lane, so called, bounded west by Lieut. Richard Dame's land, and N. and E. by said Pickering's land, being the same land said Walk- er bought of John Stevens, Dec. 11, 1787. John Stevens' land is spoken of in 1730 as at the south end of the Gore. (See the Gore.) Richard Dame gave a quit-claim to Gee Pick- ering, May 15, 1811, of 3^ acres, bounded " southwardly by the nan■o^o lane, so called, which adjoins Doivn- ing's Plai7is, as formerly called."
Narrows. The Narrows in the river Cochecho are at Cam pin's Rocks, about a mile below the first falls.
Furber's Straits, between Great and Little bays, are also called the Narrows. And farther down the Pascataqua, at the end of the Long Reach, below Boiling Rock, are the Narrows, so called by boatmen. >, There are also Narrows in Wheel- wright's Pond. S-A^y».27f
"• The Narroivs " and '■'■Loiuer Nar- rows " in Lamprey river, between the lowest falls and Goddard's creek, are on Smith's map of Newmarket in 1805. The latter are mentioned Feb. 22, 1714-15, when Sampson Doe conveyed to Cornelius Driscoe 60 acres of the neck of laud (Doe's neck,) between Lamprill river and Goddard's creek, in the township of Dover, bounded by a little water- course to said river a little above or near y^ low^ narroio in s^ Lamprill river, and near s** Driscoe's house,
running along s"^ water-course to a red oak about three rods from a spring in said water-course, thence northerly to an elm near the highway to Lamprill river low' falls, etc.
Needham's Cove. This cove, now called Broad cove, is on the Lubberland shore of Great Bay. The name was no doubt derived from Nicholas Needham, " Ruler of Ex- eter" from 1639 till 1642, at which time Exeter laid claim to Oyster River lauds. It is mentioned Aug. 18, 1670, when John Alt of Oyster River, and wife Remembrance, conveyed to John Cutt of Portsmouth 80 acres of land " in y*" greate Bay, in Neediim's Cove," granted him by the town of Dover. And again, Nov. 11, 1715, when Joseph Roberts, Sr., conveyed to John Footman four score acres of land on the N. W. side of Great Bay, adjoining Needian's Cove, beginning at a white oak next Pinder's fence. (See Needham's Pt. and Broad Cove.)
Needham's Point. This point is mentioned the 10th, 8 mo., 1653, when, " at a public meeting of y® select men at oister river," 80 acres of land were granted to John Alt, at " y* Great Cove above Needum's poynt, 40 rods in length upon y^ Cove." This point is at the lower side of Broad Cove. It is called JewelVs Point on Smith's map of 1805, but is now called Loyig Point.
New England. This name was first given by Capt. John Smith, who ex- plored our coast in 1614, and after- wards published an interesting ac- count of his voyage, together with a map or chart of this region. The name of New England was subse- quently confirmed by the so-called " New England Charter" to Sir Fer-
156
Landmarks in Ancient Dover
dinando Gorges and bis associates in 1620.
Newfields. Tliis name was given to South Newmarket until its incor- poration as a separate township, June 27, 1849. Here lived Richard Hil- ton, son of William, and grandson of Edward Hilton. John ffoullsam and Abigail conveyed to Edward Hall, May 26, 1707, 12 acres in Exeter, " beginning at the water-side in the field commonly called Mr. Hilton's neiv ffield." The name is mentioned Nov. 25, 1755, in a petition about " a bridge over the river (Squamscot) from Stratham to a place called New- Jields, in Newmarket."
Joseph Merrill of Newmarket con- veyed to John Moody, March 4,' 1771, 36 acres of land on the N. E. side of the road from the Newfield Landing-place, so called, to Notting- ham, running N. W. as the fence runs to Piscassick river. This land- ing was probably at the ferry-place. Richard Hilton petitioned to the N. H. government June 12, 1700, " for a ferry to be granted to him for trans- porting hoi'se and man over the river (Squamscot) against his house for 50 years' time." This petition was grant- ed. (N. H. Prov. Pap., 3 : 99-102.)
New Hampshire. The late C. W. Tuttle, in his "Memoir of Capt. John Mason," says the Council of Plymouth granted Capt. Mason Nov. 7, 1629, " all that part of the prov- ince of Maine lying between the Mer- rimack and Pascataqua rivers, and Mason called it New Hampshire out of regard to the favor in which he held Hampshire in England, where he had resided many years." And that Council, by an indenture of Ap. 22, 1632, declared that the lands granted
Capt. Mason should henceforth bear this name.
New Hampshire was styled a Prov- ince till Jan. 5, 1776, and a Colony from that time till Sept. 11, 1776, on which day it was enacted by the Gen- eral Assembly and Council at Exeter that henceforth " this Colony should take the name of the State oj Neio Hampshire."
Newichawannock. This name, according to Mr. J. S. Jenness, is derived from the Indian word 7iee- iceek-wan-axcke, signifying " my wig- wam place." It was the name of an Indian village near Salmon falls, but the English pioneers gave it also to the adjoining river, from the head of tide water down to the main body of the Pascataqua. They seem to have pronounced the u^ixnQ Ne-ge-won-nuch. (See Belknap's Hist, of N. H, Far- mer & Moore's ed., p. 10, foot-note.) It is called Nechewanick in a grant to Wm. Pomfrett in 1643. (See Coche- cho Point.) Capt. Dantforth, an emi- nent surveyor, wrote it Negewonnick in 1679. It is called Nechowanuck in 1691 (see Fowling Marsh) , and Nich- ewanock in 1722. (See Hobbs's Hole.)
Above the head of tide water this stream was generally called the Sal- mon Falls river by the early settlers, which name it still retains. The part between the mouth of the Co- checho river and Hilton's Point was called Fore river by the people on Dover Neck. (See Salmon Falls.) The Newichawannock or Salmon Falls river is the eastern branch of the Pascataqua. It rises at East pond, on the borders of Newfield and Wakefield, Me., and unites with the western branch of the Pascataqua at Hilton's Point, now Dover Point.
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
157
A trading-post was established on the Newichawannock in 1631 by Am- brose Gibbons, agent of the Laconia Compan}'. A letter to him from this Company, Dec. 5, 1632, speaks of " onr house at Newicheivanick.'" (Tattle's Capt. John Mason, p. 305.) There was not only a store-house here, but a large dwelling-house, palisaded and furnished with an ample supply of arms and ammunition. (N. H. Prov. Pap., 1: 116.) These build- ings were burned to the ground about 1645. (Ibid, 1 : 45.)
A saw-mill and grist-mil
the
first set up on the Pascataqua," were erected here in 1634 by Henry Joce- lyn, who was sent over, by Capt. Mason in the spring of that year. They were " at a small fall at a place called by the Indians Assahenheduck on the little Newichwannock, now South Berwick." (Tuttle's Capt. John Mason, p. 25.) Three excellent saw- mills at the falls of '•'• Nicliiquiioanick'' are mentioned in the Ms. supposed to have been written in 1660 by Sam- uel Maverick, who adds that down that side of the river had been pro- cured most of the masts brought over to England ; among them " that ad- mired mast which came over some time last year containing ueere 30 Tunes of timber." {Maine Hist, and Gen. Register-, 1 : 159.)
Neivichaiuannock is mentioned as a locality on the west side of the river, Oct. 7, 1699, when James Grant of York (Me.) conveyed to David Hambleton^ of Neivecheivannuck 20 acres of land in the township of Dover, at a pjlace called Neivitcheivan- nuck, granted said James Grant by the town (in 1657-8), lying between
a place called St. Alban's cove and Quamphegan falls, bordering on the river at the S. E. ; on Thomas Can- ney's lot at the N. E., on y^ commons at the N. W., and on Henry Ma- goun's lot on the S. W.
The selectmen of Dover granted Thomas Pots, March 28, 1698, in consideration of his keeping and main- taining David Hamilton, eldest son of David Hamilton, the whole term of his life, 20 acres of land at New- cheivanake, below a lot granted to Mary Mason and the lot of Thomas Canney, being all that tract of land formerly in the tenure, of David Ham- ilton, Sr., deceased. Tiiomas Potts conveyed this land to Job Clement, Esq., Jan. 19, 1698-9. Job Clement conveyed it to Henry Nock Oct. 15, 1700. Nock's widow married Eleazer Wyer, and conveyed this land to her son-in-law of the same name.
Newington. The Bloody Point settlement was incorporated as a par- ish July 16, 1713, but its name was not changed till May 12, 1714, when, according to the records of the Coun- cil, " Bloody Point was named New- ington this day by his Excellency the Governour." (N. H. Prov. Pap., 3: 549-551, 562.) This parish had town privileges from the first. In a petition of March 30, 1784, it is stated that the inhabitants had exer- cised the right of sending a repre- sentative to the General Assembly for more than 60 years. {N. H, Town Pap., 12:727.) John Dam was the representative in 1715. In 1718 Capt. John Downing presented a petition to the Governor and Coun- cil from John Fabyan, Hatevil Nut- ter, and Moses Dam, the selectmen oi
1 David Hamilton was killed by the Indians " at Newtek," Sept. 28, 1692. (Pike's Journal.)
^58
Landmarks in Ancient Dove?'
Newingtou, praying that as Xh^town- ship of Newingtoii was a small neck of laud made out of Dover aud Ports- mouth, with no distinct line between it and the latter town, a line might be run from the south side of Mr. Thomas Pickering's farm, fronting •on the Ba}', down to Joseph Dennet's farm, then in possession of Henry Bennet, and thence in a direct line to the main river. {N. H. Prov. Pap.,
Newington seems never to have been formally incorporated as a town. For years it was indiscriminately called a parish and a township. The '■'■town of Newington,''' the " toivn-meet- ing held in sd town" Jan. 21, 1744, and the " Town Clerk of Newington,'" are all mentioned in the Journal of the House of Assembly Jan. 25, 1744, {N H. Prov. Pap., 5 : 267.) John Fabyan was chosen to represent the " Town or Parish of sd Newington" in 1745. {Ibid, D : 288.) In a peti- tion of Sept. 17, 1755, it is called " the Township) of Newington." In another of Dec. 13, 1763, it is called " the Parish of Newington." {N. H. Town Pap., 12 : 721.) But it seems to have been fully recognized as a township from the time of the Revo- lution.
Newington Garrisons. There were at least five garrisons on the Newington shore.
I. Dam's Garrison, otherwise Dame's, is mentioned Sept. 26, 1696, when Sergeant John Dam was sum- moned to appear before Gov. Usher for dismissing sundry soldiers posted at his sarrison. Their dismissal was perhaps owing to a lack of provisions, of which Sergeant Dam had previ- •ously complained in a letter dated
" Welch Cove, July 27, 1696." ( N. H. Prov. Pap., 2: 194-200.; His garrison is again mentioned in 1797, when one soldier was stationed there. John Dam petitioned for relief to his garrison Ap. 7, 1698. This gar- rison stood near Dame's Point, but the precise spot is not known.
II. The Downing Gakhison was on Fox Point. It was probably built by Nicholas Harrison, who, in his will of March 5, 1707, gives his son- in-law John Downing and wife Eliza- beth, " as his eldest daughter," all his housing, orchards, and lands, at ffox pointe, given him by his father-in-law John Bickford (see Fox Point) ; also half of his lauds in New Jersey. John Downing, who married Eliza- beth Harrison, died Sept. 16, 1744, aged 85. His will of Feb. 23, 1743, proved Sept. 26, 1744, mentions his wife Elizabeth. He is called " Es- quire " in the letters of administra- tion. His son was the Hon. Jolin Downing, generally called " Col. Downing," who was a man of wealth and political influence. He was a member of the Provincial Council of N. H. under the administration of Gov. Benniug Wentworth, from 1742 to 1763. He was an extensive land- owner in Newington, Portsmouth, Rochester, aud Nottingham, besides owning 300 acres in Arundell, Maine, bequeathed him by his father. At his death he gave land for a school- house in Newington, and 500 pounds "put at interest" for the mainte- nance of a teacher. His will, dated September 5, 1755, was admitted to probate March 12, 1766. In it he mentions his son John as " deceased." The latter died about 1750, in which vcar, Nov. 28, letters of administra-
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
159
tion were granted his widow Pa- tience. Mr. Brewster, in his notes to the "Atkinson Silver Waiter" (see Mambles about Portsmouth, Vol. II) wrongly snpposes John Downing, 3d, husband of Patience, to have been the Councillor and the same John who died in 1744. Mary, daughter of Col. John Downing, the Councillor, married Thomas Picker- ing Feb. 7, 1727. They were the great-great-grandparents of the pres- ent writer.
The Downing land at Fox Point was still in possession of the family, at least in part, Nov. 12, 1793, when Richard Downing conveyed one acre of it to the proprietors of Pascataqua bridge. The garrison was no doubt then occupied by his son Bartholo- mew, who, at that time, was living on the Fox Point farm. (See Fox Point.) It was built of logs, with four large rooms, each said to have been occupied by a family at one period. It was attacked moi-e than once by the Indians, who, on one occasion, set fire to it, traces of which could still be seen when it was taken down about fifty years ago by Col. Isaac Frink,who had acquired it.
III. Fl'kber's Garrison. This garrison stood near Furber's Pt., and must have been built before 1689, in which year Wm. Furber was ap- pointed " Ensign " by the Mass. government. He was promoted to to be " Lieutenant" Sept. 20, 1692.
Lieut. Wm. Furber speaks of liis garrison at Welch Cove, July 27, 1696. He was tried by a court-mar- tial that year for dismissing his sol- diers (perhaps for lack of supplies), and not only fined for that and other offences, but forbidden to hold office.
He was, however, a representative to the General Assembly in 1703 and 1704, and in 1707 he was one of the men appointed to run the boundaries of the five townships of the province. The Rev. John Pike, in his journal, records the death of '• Lt. William Furber of Welch Cove," Sept. 14, 1707. He was an ancestor of the present writer, through her great- grandmother Deborah Furber, who married John Gee Pickering of New- ington.
IV. Langstaffe's Garrison. This garrison is mentioned by Major Pike as attacked in 1789.. It stood on Bloody Point itself, which seems to have verified its name if credit is to be given to a tradition that many people lie buried here who were mas- sacred by the Indians. It was built by Henry Laugstaffe or Langstar, who was one of the colonists sent over by Capt. John Mason in 1631. The Rev. John Pike, in his Journal, records the death of Henry Langstar at Bloody Point, July 18, 1705, at the age of about 100 years, "• from a fall down four steps into his Lean- to." The Langstar homestead is mentioned Nov. 23, 1716, when Hen- ry Langstar of Piscataqua, New Jer- sey, attorney of his father John Lang- star, conveyed to John Shackford one half of the homestead at Bloody Point, on the west side of the Piscat- aqua river — then in possession of Henry Langstar, son of Heni-y Lang- star, deceased — bounded south by Capt. John Knight's land, formerly Benj" Bickford's, west by y*" highway leading to y*" ferry, and so bounded upon y"" land formerly George Braun's down to y'^ river, thence upon y'= river to said Knight's, where we first began.
i6o
Land^narks in Ancient Dover.
Benjamin Bickford's land was at the upper side of Pine Ft., adjoining Geo. Brann's.
V. Ndtter's Garrison. Tliis gar- rison stood near Welsh Cove, on land now owned by the heirs of Col. Isaac Frink, whose mother was a Nutter. It was no doubt built by Anthony Nutter (son of Hatevil of Dover), who is mentioned in 1663 as a " planter at Welshman's cove." He is noted for aiding and abetting Thomas Wiggin, of Squamscot, in his assault upon Deputy-Governor Barefoot in 1685, on which occasion he is described as "a tall, big man, walking around the room in a laugh- ing manner." (See N. H. Prov. Fwp., 1 : 578-9.) He married Sarah, daugh- ter of Henry Langstaffe. Fike's Journal says, Feb. 19, 1685-6 : " Lt. Anthony Nutter of Welch Cove de- ceased of the smal-pox bef : it came out."
Newmarket. The north part of P^xeter was made a parish under the name of Newmarket, Dec. 15, 1727, but it did not have a grant of town privileges till Aug. 19, 1737. {N. H. Frov. Pap., IV: 739.) It was still called a "parish" in 1745, when Capt. Israel Gilman was chosen rep- resentative {Ibid, V : 339), and seems never to have been formally chartered as a township. A part of ancient Dover now belongs to Newmarket.
Newtown. This name has been given for more than two hundred years to a district in the upper part of Lee, between Wheelwright's pond and Madbury. The Dover records speak of a highway laid out in 1688 from the head of Beard's creek to Newtown. The name itself implies a settlement. That there was one here
at an early day, doubtless first made for logging purposes, is confirmed by the mention of an orchard May 31, 1721, when 60 acres of land (half of a grant to Patrick Jemison the 17th, 10 mo., 1663), were laid out to Capt. Samuel Emerson about a mile and a half from Wheelwright's pond, down the river on both sides, beginning below Newtoimi Orchard, at a red oak on the south side of Oyster river by the river side. One bound was from a tree about ten rods on the north side of the river, extending to the ujyper falls. This land was con- veyed to Capt. Emerson by John Webster and wife Bridget of Salis- bury, Mass., Jan. 27, 1719-20. The other half of the Jemison or Jameson grant was conveyed to Nathaniel Randall by John and Bridget Web- ster Jan. 27, 1719-20, and laid out to him May 31, 1721, beginning at an oak on the south side of the mast path. This was, of course, the mast path from Madbury.
Newtown Mill. A mill was erected at the uppermost falls in Oyster river at an early day — no doubt the mill Belknap mentions as burnt by the Indians in 1712, to- gether with a large quantity of boards. It must have been rebuilt soon after. It is probably the mill referred to in the inventory of the estate of Robert Huckins of Oyster River, April 22, 1720, in wliich " half a quarter of the saw-mill at Wehster^s falls, so called," is mentioned. (See Joliu and Bridget Webster's conveyance at Newtown mentioned above.) This mill, however, was generally known as the Newtoxon mill down to the be- ginning of the present century, when it took the name of Zayn's mill,
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
:6i
which it still bears. Nathaniel La- mos had 40 acres of land laid out to him May 19, 1729, ''beginning on Oyster river, a littel above the mill called New Town miliy A highway " from New Town mill up into the woods" is mentioned Oct. 20, 1735, when 25 acres were laid out for Rob- ert Huckins on the south side of this road " at a place called 3Iaple brook." A highway was laid out from New- toivn saicmill on the south side of Oyster river, June 9, 1738, extend- ing to the road that leads from Little river. {Durham Records.)
Wm. Clay conveyed to his sons Samuel and Joseph, Oct. 23, 1742, '' one full quarter part of a sawmill situated in Durham, upon y* stream or river called Newtoivn River, being y* uppermost mill standing upon y* s*^ stream, and is next to y* pond called Wheelwright's Pond, out of which s*^ stream issues," with a quar- ter part of "y" running geer," dam, stream, and all privileges thereunto belonging:. " Newtown river" is, of course, that part of Oyster river which flows through Newtown. "Wm. Clay, " cordwaiuder," and Samuel Clay, husbandman, conveyed to Dan- iel Rodgers and Benjamin Mathes, July 20, 1754, 80 acres of land at or near Neio Town Saw Mill in the town of Durham, beginning at the S. E. corner of said Clay's land, next Eli Clark's, thence running by the high- way to said saw-mill, and over the freshet by s*^ highway to the end of Clay's fence, thence northerly to the land of widow Joanna Snell and John Jonknes (Jones?), then easterly by the highway to the first bound, with all buildings, orchards, etc. Edward Leathers, Jr., of Durham, conveyed
to David Munsey, Sept. 12, 1761, one sixteenth part of Newtoivn saw- mill, so called, in said Durham, also one sixteenth of the falls and privi- leges belonging to said mill, and a sixteenth part of all the iron work in partnership belonging thereto. Ed- ward Leathers conveyed to John Leathers, March 5, 1790, forty acres of land in Lee, beginning at the S. W. corner of John Snell's land, and running on the road that leads to Neivtoivn sawmill until it comes to Clarke's yard, so called, etc., except- ing however the land lately sold his daughter Hannah (afterwards the wife of Lemuel Chesley.) Also a sixth part of Newtown sawmill and gristmill, so called, in said Lee, to- gether with one sixth part of the dam and privilege of said mill. Edward Leathers, Ap. 7, 1801, conveyed to David Monsey one sixteenth part of a sawmill in Lee, known by the name of Newtown satvmill.
The first time the writer finds the Newtown mill called Layn's mill is on the State map of Lee in 1803, where mention is made ot '•'• Layn's mill road." This name was derived from Capt. John Layn, who was in Durham as early as March 8, 1760, when he enlisted in Capt. Samuel Gerrish's company. Col. John Goffe's regiment, for the Canada expedition. "John Layn of Durham, gunsmith," in a petition of May 26, 1761, states that he was employed as armorer for that regiment, and furnished his own tools, but had received no extra pay for this service. He was allowed 4 £ sterling. {N. H. Town Pap., XI : 581-2.) He was appointed captain in Col. John Waldron's regiment, March 6, 1776, for six weeks service
l62
Landmarks m Ancient Dove7'.
at Winter Hill. He acquired land at Newtown in 1763, and again June 9, 1766, when Thomas Leathers con- veyed to him ten acres of land where said Thomas then lived, at the corner of the roads that led to Durham falls, Madbury, and Newtown. He estab- lished an inn in this vicinity, proba- bly the first in Newtown. The old sign-board, bearing the name of Washington and the date of " 1779," is still to be seen, but the painting of Washington on horseback, once em- blazoned thereon, has been entirely effaced by the elements. John Layn calls himself " of Lee" in 1790, but in 1804 was living in Barrington, where he had acquired several tracts of laud — among others, 42 acres at Bumfaggin, and lots No. 40, and No. 41, in the half-mile range near Bow Pond, in that part of Barrington now Strafford, consisting of 100 acres each, which he bought of Daniel Brewster and Isaiah Swain. There he had a saw-mill and probably lived. At that time he owned the whole of the grist-mill at Newtown, but only a four-days right in the saw-mill, both of which he conveyed, July 17, 1804, to Paul Giles, who re-conveyed them to Layn Nov. 22, 1805. These mills were then no doubt operated by his son Edmund. Capt. John Layn died before May 22, 1811, when his son John was appointed administrator of his estate. The inventory, made June 18, 1811, mentions his grist- mill and privilege, and the old grist- mill frame, but not the saw-mill. They were acquired by his son Edmund, who continued to run them till his death, at the age of 76 years, Aug. 27, 1843. There is now a saw and shingle-mill here, owned by Mr. Sam-
uel W. Layn, grandson of the above Edmund. In this vicinity is Layn's school-house, on the turnpike-road, once noted, not for its schools, but as a place for popular prayer-meet-
ings.
Newtown Plains. Mentioned in the Durham records, March 9, 1764, when the selectmen of Durham, at the request of Joseph Atkinson, Esq., laid out "a public highway at a place called New Toivn Plains in said Durham," beginning at the high- way that leads up to Barrington, and running south 10 rods to Wm. Jack- son's S. W. corner, and along his land to Joseph Atkinson's. And again Ap. 16, 1764, when, by virtue of a vote of the proprietors of Dur- ham, 14 acres were laid out to John Layn, blacksmith, " at a place called Newtown Plains, beginning at the highway, at the S. W. corner of a piece of land usually called Odiorne's field," and extending on one side to the northwest part of a heath. These plains, called "Newtown plains" to this day, comprise a sandy, barren, monotonous region in the upper part of Newtown.
Nigger Point. This point is on the southern shore of Oyster river, in Durham. It formed part of the old Burnham land, but is now owned by Mr. Wm. P. Ffrost. Here lived the Barhews, a negro family of last cen- tury, owned b}' Deacon Jeremiah Burnham. The parents were kid- napped in Africa and brought to this country, where they received the names of Belmont and Venus. Their union seems to have been duly legal- ized, for among the records of the Rev. John Adams of Durham is the marriage of " Belmont and Venus,"
Laiid)iiarks in Ancient Dove?'
163
Jan. 1, 1760, No surname is men- tioned. Tliey had seven cliildren, five of whom were boys, viz : — ^non, Cfesar, Jubal, Titus, and Peter or Pete. ^NON, when only four years of age, was bought by Col. Timothy Emerson of Durham. He became free after the Revolution, but con- tinued to live with his master, to the great enjoyment of Col. Emerson's descendants to the fourth generation, by whom he was always held in affec- tionate remembrance. He died at an advanced age, and lies buried with other Emerson slaves, in an old or- chard on the north side of Brown's Hill. Their graves have always been respected by the family. C^sau be- came the property of Vowel Leathers of Nottingham. He is spoken of as " a good Christian," and was noted for singing hymns and spiritual songs with great unction, which made him an acquisition at prayer- meetings. He acquired $500, after his freedom, and ended his days with his old master's daughter in New- market. Titus was bought by Col. James Gilmore, who lived below Bunker's creek, in Durham. Jubal, generally called Jube, was acquired by Capt. Smith Emerson of Durham, an able officer of the Revolutionary army. When a boy he was generally punished for his misdeeds by being placed in the fork of a large elm be- fore the house, which, in consequence, became known as Jube's elm. This house stood on Mast road, near the Lee boundary, and when burned down many years ago, Jube's elm was de- stroyed. Peter was the youngest, and remained in the possession of Deacon Burnham. He was of a cross grain, and required much skill in
management. His sleeping-place, still called Pete's hole, is to be seen in the old Burnham mansion, now in ruins. The Rev. Mr. Coe, in Nov., 1783, records the burial of " Venus, a negro servant of J. Burnham, Jr." She was the mother of this interest- ing family. Several of the Barhews were buried near " Nigger Point." Their graves were always respected by the Burnhams, but have since disappeared under the ploughshare.
Nimble Hill. Mentioned in the Dover records March 13, 1703-4, when ten acres, granted to Zachariah Trickey in 1675, were laid out to him at Nimble Hill, west of John Down- ing's land, on the north side of the highway from Bloody Point to Green- land. John Downing bought this land March 20, 1703-4, when Nim- ble Hill is again mentioned. The name is still retained. Nimble Hill is in the northern part of Newington and crossed by the highway near the old Adams mansion, now owned by Mr. Knox. (See Stony Hill.)
No-BoTTOM Pond. This name is given to a little pond in Dover, above Garrison Hill, said to be fathomless. It is in the Taylor-Page pasture, in the rear of the farm buildings, whence it is sometimes called Page's pond. It is on the Dover map of 1805, but without any name. This is, in fact, a spruce hole, the pool being in the depths of a hollow, sur- rounded by a bed of thick, soft moss, where grow the side-saddle flower and other bog-loving plants, and the sides of hollow bordered with spruce and other trees, weather-beaten and in every stage of crookedness. This black pool of ominous aspect, with its name akin to the Bottomless Pit,
164
Landmarks in Ancient Dove?'
the quaking bog around it, and dreary looking trees, distorted as if with pain, and the small, swift stream- let which issues therefrom, called the Styx^ are all suggestive of baleful things. This pond has diminished in size, the bushes having constantly advanced on its borders. It feeds another pool much smaller, at a short distance, called Little i^ond or Egg pond. The Styx flows through the Page pasture and the Dennis land, and before the draining of the neigh- boring marshes was large enough to require a string-piece at the crossing.
Nock's Marsh. This is a well- known marsh on the west side of Dover, crossed by the so-called Nock's Marsh road from Dover to Madbury. It is mentioned in the second Thomas Nock's will of Feb. 15, 1676, in which he gives his brother Sylvanus a tract of land between Cochecho and Nock's Marshy next Thomas Beard's land. And again May 8, 1716, when Eliphalet Coffin conveyed to Mark Giles ten acres " on the northwest side of y* path y' leads (from Cochecho) to Nock's Marsh." Ebenezer Hanson, Sept. 19, 1768, conveyed to Otis Baker his homestead farm of 62^ acres, at or near a place called Nock's Marsh, bounded east by his brother Solomon Hanson's land, south by Bellamy river, northerly by Mark Giles' land, etc., being part of his father Thomas Hanson's estate.
The " old road from Little worth to Nock's Marsh " is mentioned in the Dover records of Ap. 11, 1804.
The name of Nock's marsh (some- times incorrectly written Knox) is de- rived from Thomas Nock, who was in possession of 30 acres adjoining
Log sivamp the 1st, 10 mo., 1656, and subsequently had several grants of land adjoining. Henry Nock, Feb. 18, 1718-19, conveyed to John Hanson and Thomas Hanson, Jr., 100 acres " to y® southward of Capt. Waldron's Logg Swamp, bordering on y* S. E. side partly on Thomas Beard's 100 acres, on the S. W. by the Back river, on the N. W. by Wm. Thompson's land, and N. E. by the commons." Also a tract adjoining the above, next Thomas Beard's lot, reserving 20 acres, all of which land was granted, says the deed, to his father Thomas Nock, deceased.
NoRTHAM. This name was given to Dover in 1640, out of compliment, it is said, to the Rev. Thomas Lark- ham, of Northam, Eng., at that time the minister at Dover Neck. But the name of Dover was speedily re- sumed after his departure in 1642, doubtless because he left with a tar- nished reputation. (See N. H. Prov. Pap., 1 : 124.) It was called Northam as late as Sept. 14, 1642. (See Royall's Cove.) Northam, Eng., is in Devonshire, not far from Bideford, near the junction of the Torridge and the Taw, a region of wiiich Kingsley gives pleasant glimpses in his " West- ward Ho ! " These two towns are so near together, he says, that the bells rung out from the tower of Northam church are answered by those of Bid- eford. Several of the early settlers in New Hampshire were from that region. Edmond Pickard, one of the chief proprietors at the Shoals in 1661, describes himself in a deed as "■ of Nortliara, near Biddeford, in Devon, in Old England." The name of Appledore, at the Shoals, was de- rived from a hamlet of that name in
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
165
the parish of Northam, Eng. Mr. J. S. Jenness says when he was at Northam and Appledore in 1874, he was struck by the number of sur- names like those of the early settlers at the Shoals. (Jenness' Isles of Shoals, p. 101.)
North River. This tributary to Lampre}' river rises in North River pond, on the borders of Northwood and Nottingham. At the head of this stream once lived a small tribe of Indians, who, after the fall of Louisbourg, became troublesome to the neighboring settlers for many years. ^ North river is frequently mentioned in the early records of Durham. The third division of the common lauds, ordered March 18, 1733-4, embraced the lauds at North river, now South Lee. Of the lots thus assigned to the proprietors of Durham, a dozen or more were ac- quired b}' Solomon Emerson, and over twenty by Joseph Sias. (See Coimty Records at Exeter, Vol. 79, etc.) Capt. Samuel Emerson had a grant of 42J acres, laid out Nov. 5, 1750, on the south side of North river, " beginning at the river on the dividing line between Durham and Nottingham." " P*^ the commit- tee for laying out a highway from North River to little River— £38, os." {Durharn Records, 1763.)
North River Falls are mentioned in the Durham records March 15, 1754, when Ichabod Chesley's grant of 25 acres was laid out " on the south side of Little River, and on the north side of a High Wav that leadeth
to the North River falls," begin- ning at an asp tree marked E. D., it being Ephraim Davis's S. W. corner bound.
These falls are at the bend in North river, in the southwest corner of Lee. They are sometimes called Great falls. Over nine acres, part of a 25 acre grant to Edward Wake- ham, deceased, were laid out to Sam- uel Smith, June 13, 1753, beginning at a hemlock tree, " standing three- rods above the Pitch of the North River Great falls, so called, in Dur- ham." Great Falls bridge is men- tioned in the Lee records of 1789. These falls are called '^ Long Falls" on the State map of Lee in 1803. Harvey's shingle-mill is now in oper- ation here.
Norway Plains. This name was given at an early day to the large sandy plain on which the cits' of Rociiester now stands ; — derived, it is said, from the Norway pines that once covered it. A James Norrowa}-, however, is mentioned in Dover in 1696, and many old people in Roches- ter at the present day call this tract <•<• Norroway Plains." This form of the name is often found in the old- world legends and songs about the "ancient rock-bound Norroway " of northern Europe.
Norivay Plains Mills are mentioned in Col. John Downing's will of Sept. 5, 1755. Jonathan Downing of Rochester conveyed to Richard Downing of Newington, May 6, 1774, 100 acres " at the upper part of the Long lot, so called, against Norway
1 The writer remembers hearing her maternal grandmother, who was born in Nottingham in 1756, relate how in her childhood she had been forced to take refuge eight times in a garrison —doubtless Longfellow's— on account of these Indians or their allies. Only a few years previ- ous (in 1747) several people of that vicinity had been slain, among them Mrs. Elizabeth Simp- son, who was shot by the Indians as she stood near a window kneading dough for the oven.
i66
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
Plains in Rochester, given him hy his honored grandfather John Down- ing, Esq., of Newington, in his last will and testament." A petition that the court of Strafford Co., then held at Dover and Durham, might be moved to Norway Plain in Rochester, is mentioned June 4, 1789. {N. H. State Pap., 12:11-12.) '•'Norway Plains village in Rochester " is men- tioned in the N. H. Repuhlicaii of Dover, March 25, 1828. This was, of course, the present city of Roches- ter.
Nute's Corner. This corner is in Freetown, Madbury, between the old Province road to Barrington and the road to the Hook mill. So named from Andrew Nute, who was licensed to keep a tavern here April 14, 1804.
Nute's Creek. A creek of this name on the west side of Back river is mentioned Sept. 16, 1702, when 40 acres of land, granted to John Dam in 1656, were laid out to his son, be- ginning at a white oak on the line between this land and that of Joseph Tibbets. A highway is mentioned between Dam's land and that of James Newt, which led to a landing- place at the head of James Newt's Creek. This creek is above Hope- hood's Point. Joseph Tibbets' land is now owned in part by Mr. Peasley. Nute's land here is mentioned Ap. 5, 1710, when Wm. Story's lot on the west side of Back river (lot No. 8) was conveyed by his sons, Joseph of Wells and Jeremiah of Boston, to Samuel Cromwell, bounded S. by Capt. John Tuttle's land, north by James Nute's, and west by Capt. Philip Cromwell's.
Nute's Point. A point of this name is mentioned on Whitehouse's
map, on the east side of Dover Neck, half a mile below Morrill's Ferry. The Nute point of the present day is at the lower side of Little .John's creek.
Nutter's Hill. This name is given to the hill on Dover Neck where stood the old fortified meeting- house. So called from Elder Hatevil Nutter, whose house was on the east side of the main road to Dover Point, about fifteen rods from the N. E. corner of the meeting-house, in a northeasterly direction. The cellar can still be traced. This hill is men- tioned Dec. 5, 1652, when Richard Waldron, in consideration of certain grants, bound himself " to erect a meeting-house upon the hill near El- der Nutter's."
Nutter's Islands. These are two small islands at the mouth of the brook which empties into Laighton's cove, in Newington. The largest is mentioned June 25, 1664, when An- thony Nutter conveyed to Thomas Roberts a piece of marsh in Harrod's Cove, bounded by a small trench straight down to the middle of a small islaiid. It is singular that after more than two hundred years this islet should still have two owners, one half being now owned by Mr. Frink, and the other by Mrs. Coffin of Pitts- burg, Pa., a descendant of the Nut- ters.
Limmy's Ledge, an islet on the Durham shore of Great Bay, is called Nutter's island on Smith's map of 1805.
Nutter's Lane. This lane ran from Nutter's Hill, along the upper side of Richard Yorke's lot, to Nut- ter's Slip. It is mentioned May 4, 1706, when Richard Pinkham con-
JLaiidmarks in Ancient Dover.
167
veyed to Nicholas Harford seven acres of land on Dover Neck, bound- ed N. by Nutter's Lane, E. by high street^ S. by Thomas Tibbets' land, and W. by loiv street. And again May 19, 1708, when Philip " Cro- mell," in his will, gives his son Sam- uel " Cromwell " a lot between Wm. Hereford's land and the lane former- ly called Nuttefs lane, on the north side of the meetiug-house.
Nutter's Slip is mentioned June 26, 1716, when John Hall conveyed to Thomas Kenny one share in the calves pasture, lying between y'' lane running from y* low street to Nutter's Sli^) and PinJcham's sirring, bounded by Back river on the west, and low street on the east, with all the privi- leges thereunto belonging, as granted bv the town to his grandfather John Hall. This slip was, of course, on the eastern shore of Back river.
Oak Svtamp. Mentioned Ap. 30, 1735, when four acres were laid out to Lieut. John Ham " at a place called the oak swamp, beginning at a birch tree on the S. W. side of the road that leads to the Ealware," one cor- ner joining said Ham's other land. Nov. 23, 1735, ten acres were laid out to Isaac "Watson " at or near a place called oak swamp, joining to the N. E. corner of John Ham's marsh.'' Four acres were laid out to Timothy Hanson, March 30, 1739, at a place " formerly called oak sivamp." (See Ham's Marsh.)
Old Bowsprit, otlierwise Old Bold Spit. Mentioned Dec. 22, 1720, when Tobias Hanson's sixty acre grant was laid out " between f agate hridg and the old hold spit," on the east side of Wm. Porafrett's grant. And again June 25, 1739, when a
road was ordered to be laid out from John Heard's to the Rochester line, running near the old Bowsprit, as the way now goes. This name has not been retained, and its derivation is uncertain. It may refer to one of the tracts of woodland reserved in former times for boivsprits and other shipping purposes. (See N. H. Prov. Pap., 18: 143.)
Old Brigg. Mentioned Aug. 29, 1740, when James Hall of Somers- worth conveyed to Thomas Hodsdou of Berwick, York Co., province of Mass. Bay, all right, title, and inter- est in the saw-mill at Quamphegan fall, commonly called ye old Brigg (which part was three days in each month of the year), purchased by him of his father John Hall. The origin of this name does not appear. It may have been derived from the old bridge or boom at the Quam- phegan mill. Brig or brigg is the Scotch form of bridge. The " auld brigg of Ayr " is sung by Burns, and the ballad of Gil Morice has the lines :
"And when he came to broken briggs, He slacked his bow and swam."
Otis' Bridge. Mentioned Ap. 15, 1702, when Edward Cloutman's grant of thirty acres was laid out " between holmes hridg and Otises hridg, begin- ning at a red oke upon a poynt be- tween two gullies." One bound was the road to Salmon falls. Joseph Twombley, Jr., conveyed to Gershom Wentworth, Aug. 5, 1719, 60 acres in Dover, "near a place call** Otises bridge," being one half of six score acres granted Ralph Twombley, not yet divided. (See Twombley' s Brook.) Samuel Randle conveyed to Benj° Roberts, Jr., March 12, 1734, 30 acres
i68
Landmarks in Ancient Dove?'.
of land in the parish of Somersworth, beginning at a pitch pine })y Thomas Nock's, and runuing southwesterly 50 rods to Otis his bridge. This bridge was across the " Fresh creek brook," now called Rollins' brook. Tlie name is no longer in use. (See Holmes' Bridge.)
Otis' Hill. Mentioned in Job Clement's will, Oct. 8, 1716, in which he gives his daughter Margaret three score acres of land which his father bought of Thomas Pain, "lying on y^ back side of Otis his hill in Coche- cho woods." When Thomas Payne sold Job Clement (Sr.) the above tract of land, the 29th, 4 mo., 1665, it was stated to be " at the northern end of Richard Otis his hundred acres, northeast from Cochecho marsh."
Farmer and Moore's Gazeteer of JV. II. (1823) speaks of Otis hill as the highest in Somersworth, about a mile above Garrison Hill. It is also mentioned in Hayward's Neio Eng- land Gazeteer of 1839. It is other- wise called Bicker's Hill^ from the former proprietors. It is now owned for the most part by the Rollins fam- ily, and is sometimes called Capt. Ichabod's hill, or Cajyt. Ich's hill, from Ichabod Rollins, who first ac- quired a part of it Jan. 14, 1771, when Levi Ricker and his sister Ju- dith conveyed to said Ichabod all riglit and title to the homestead of their honored father, George Ricker, Jr., deceased, who, it is stated in the deed, lived at Otis' Hill, so called. Mrs. Baer, in one of her pleasing sketches, speaks of the " pine-clad side of Capt. Ich's hill," its clumps of savin with their agreeable odor, and
the broad-spreading oaks on the summit. This hill is also sometimes called Crummit's hill, otherwise Cromivell's. The Cromwell lands in this vicinity are mentioned in 1733, when, in a deed from James Guppy to Thomas Downs, "the brook y' runs out of Cromwell's land into Fresh creek," is spoken of.
Oyster Point. This name is given to the point of land between Oyster river and the upper side of Bunker's creek, Oct. 10, 1653, in a grant to Wm. Follet and James Bunker. (See Bunker's Neck.) Another Oyster Point, mentioned on Smith's map of Durham, is on the opposite shore of Oyster river, at the lower 8ide of Stevenson's creek, now Mathes's creek. At these two points were the old Oyster Beds, from wh.ch Oyster river derived its name. The upper Oyster bed is mentioned Nov. 18, 1727, when Wm. and Mary Clay conveyed to Samuel Smith a tract of land previousl}' Joshua Davis's, " on the N. W. side of the high way that leads to y'^ Oister bed, and so by y* way by Nathaniel Lomaxes,-' and joining to Joseph Jenkins his liun- dred acre Lott y' was formerly Wm. Storey's, and so by s*^ lot to Amos Pinkham's land." In the deed of tliis Pinkham land (7 acres) from Joshua Davis to said Amos, Oct. 3, 1720, the above road is spoken of as " leading from James Bunker's into y'^ main I'oad that goes to Cochecho, being part of the land that was James Bunker's, deceased." (See Oyster River.)
Oyster River. This river, so called as early as Ap. 3, 1638, (see N. H. Prov. Pap., 1 : 135) rises at
1 This name, generally called Lummocks or Lumax in early times, is now written Lamos.
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
i6^
Wheelwright's pond in Lee, and emp- ties into the Pascataqna river at the mouth of Little Bay.
Some old records make a distinc- tion between Oyster river and " Oyster river freshet," — the former being the tidal stream that comes to a head at the lowest falls in Durham village ; and the latter the fi-esh-water stream above these falls to its source. " The landing-place at the head of Oyster river " is spoken of in the Dover records of Ma}' 17, 1703, meaning at the head of tide water. The name of this river was derived from the 03'ster beds found by the early pioneers towards the mouth. These beds are often mentioned in the old records. One is on the upper side of the river, at the mouth of Bunker's creek, mentioned Ap. 9, 1703, when a road was laid out, " be- ginning at the loading -place at the oyster bed," and running along the west side of Follet's rocky hill to the head of Bunker's creek. " The par- sonage lott near the Oyster Bed, where the old meeting-house formerly stood," is mentioned in the Durham records March 20, 1762. This bed is on the lower side of the river. (See Oyster Point.)
"The neighborhood of Oyster Riv- er" is mentioned the 3d, 12 mo., 1640, implying that a settlement had been made here some time previous. (N. H. Prov. Pap., 1 : 141.) Strictly speaking, this settlement formed part of Dover, but it was a distinct one, and had a separate history from the first. In the old records, and in the early history of New Hampshire, it is gen- erally spoken of as " Oyster River," which name it bore for nearly a hun- dred years. It is called " Oyster
River p)lantation" in 1651, when George Smythe, administrator of George Webb's estate, conveyed to Oliver Kent " an acre and a half of land in Oyster river plantation, heretofore in possession of said George Web." It is sometimes called the ^'•Precinct of Oyster River, '^ as in a remonstrance against its incorpora- tion as a town, addressed to Gov. Burnet May 14, 1729. The dividing line between this precinct and Dover proper was, as stated Dec. 21, 1657, a straight line from the first rocky point below the mouth of Oyster river, on the north side, to the path at the head of Thomas Johnson's creek, and thence to the end of the town.
Oyster River settlement was made a separate parish May 4, 1716, and was incorporated as a township, un- der the name of Durham, by an act of the General Assembly, passed May 13, 1732; and signed by Gov. Belcher two days later. These dates are from the copy of the Charter in the Durham records. But according to the Journal of the House (N. H. Prov. Pap., 4: 784 j, the vote for making Oyster River a town passed the House May 11, 1732, and "his Excellency was pleased to give his consent" thereto. May 12. The bill was still further sanctioned by the Governor and Council, May 15, fol- lowing.
Oyster Rivkr Banks. Descend- ing Oyster river from the bridge at the foot of Durham falls, are the half-ruined wharves on both shores, where many vessels were built and launched in more enterprising days. At the right, iramediatel}' above the first wharf, rises the steep hill where
lyo
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
stood the meeting-bouse, built in 1716, beneath whicli the gunpowder from Fort William and Mary was for a time stored in 1774. Just below is Gen. Sullivan's house, its terraced garden extending to the very shore. Farther down is a small creek ; then comes the Sea Wall, built a century or more ago to protect the bank from the encroaching tide. Near it is an- other creek, no doubt the upper bound of the Ambrose Gibbous grant, laid out to Robert Burnham in 1661. Below is Nigger Point, then comes Biirnham's Point, with Parson Buss's Pulpit at the lower side. Well cove is on the upper side. A short dis- tance farther down is Burnham's creek, into which empties CutVs brook, otherwise Sandy brook. Then come the Burnham Oaks and the Old Wo- man's Sliding- Place, where the bank, generally steep, slopes down eighteen or twenty feet to the river, and is always bare. Here, in the river, is the Roundabout, well known to boat- men. There is no bend in the river itself, like the Roundabout in the Squamscot,-' but the name is given to a deep groove or furrow in the very bed of the river, which, off the Burn- ham Oaks, sweeps around towards Ledge loharf on the opposite shore, forming a deep curve, and then re- turns toward the lower bank. Below the Oaks are two small creeks. Then comes Mathes's creek, formerly Stev- enson's, with Oyster Point on the lower side. Here is one of the oyster beds, from which the river derives its name. In early times there was a ford across Oyster river at this place, easily traversed at low tide by people
on horseback, then the usual mode of travelling. This ford is mentioned in 1703 as the '' Wading -Place.'' A path or road led to the main thor- oughfare across Long marsh to Exe- ter, and from the opposite side to- wards Dover.
Two sharp rocks lie off this shore, avoided by boatmen. Farther down is Drew's Point, where the Durham packet to Portsmouth used to stop for passengers. At the lower side is another small inlet, formerly called Wakehami's creek. Jonas' Point is be- low, at the mouth of the river. It is a subdivision of Durham Point, which name, in a general sense, is given to the whole neck of land between Little Bay and the lower part of Oyster river.
Returning to the upper shore, the first inlet below Durham falls is Beard's creek, with Butler's Point on the upper side. Farther down is Ledge ivliarf and two or three little creeks not named. Some distance below is Jones's creek, otherwise Johnson's. The next inlet is Bank- er's creek. Here is the upper oyster bed, and the upper end of the old ford, whence a road was laid oat to- wards Dover at an early day. Gil- more's Point is not far below, — so named from James Gilmore, who lived in Durham at the Revolutionary period. At the mouth of a creek farther down, between the old Smith and Davis lands, is Barnes' Island, otherwise Bodge's. Passing another small creek called Davis's creek, you come, at the mouth of the river, to Half-Tide Rock, so called from its being covered when the tide is half
1 The beautiful Rotindabout in the Squamscot river, winding through a verdant meadow, is in full sight of the Boston and Maine K. R., between Exeter and South Newmarket, at the east
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
171
wa}' up. Below is another rock, called by the boatmen '•'■ Half -Tide, Junior."
Oyster River Falls. The first falls in Oyster river below its source are at Layn's mills in Lee, where a sawmill seems to have been erected before 1712. (See Newtoion Mill.)
The second falls are also in New- town, between the present residences of Mr. H. B. Snell and Mr. C. H. Jones. A grist-mill was built here in the middle of the last century, called the Snell mill, from Thomas Snell, to whose wife " Johaunah " was conveyed, June 27, 1737, by her parents, James and Elizabeth Pink- ham, one half of a grant of 35 acres, " laid out on both sides of y'' freshet of Oyster river, near Wm. Clay's land."
Below was another dam for a brief period, where stood a mill on Solo- mon Emerson's land, now owned by Mr. James.
The next falls are on the borders of Lee, near Madbury. They are called Dishivater Falls — not from any turbiduess of the stream, but from the scarcity of water at certain seasons of the year ; about enough for domestic purposes, in fact. A mill here is mentioned March 10, 1777, when Zachariah Edgerly con- veyed to John Demerit "■ one six- teenth part of a saw-mill in Lee, known by the name of Dishivater mill." This seems to be the '•'•Emerson milV mentioned on the State map of Lee in 1803. Capt. Smith Emerson, Sol- omon Emerson, Moses Emerson, John Demerit, John Demerit, Jr., Isaac Chesley, and Simon Randall, by an indenture of Feb. 3, 1801, agreed to provide their share of tim- ber and rebuild the saw-mill in Lee,
" where the old mill now stands, known by the name of Dishwater mill." It is called the '•'■Demeritt mill" Ap. 23, 1839, from the chief owners at that time. This mill is still stand- ing, and now belongs to the heirs of the late Hopley Demeritt.
Below the Mast road, in Durham, the remains of a dam may be seen, where a mill once stood, on land originally granted to Henry Marsh, and con- veyed by his children, Hezekiah and Dinah, to Jonathan Thompson, Feb. 7, 1737-8. This mill-site is now owned by Mr. Frank Bunker. On the opposite side of the river is the land of Moses Davis, who was slain by the Indians in this vicinity in 1724.
A little farther down, in a wild, picturesque spot near Blacksnake hill, are the best natural falls in the river, but too narrowly enclosed by hills to afford suitable mill facilities.
Near the Boston & Maine railway one comes to a series of little falls or rapids, extending nearly to Durham mill-pond, one of which was granted May 30, 1699, to Lieut. James Da- vis, Samuel and Philip Chesley, and Wm. Jackson, for erecting a saw- mill, at a rent of 50s. a year. This is spoken of as " Chesley' s mill" as early as June 6, 1701, when a road was ordered to be laid out from the mast path to Chesley's mill on Oys- ter river, and over the freshet to the old way into the commons, and so on to Lamperel second falls. This is the well known " mill-road " to Pack- er's Falls, which, however, has greatly changed its course since first laid out, June 24, 1703. This mill was afterwards converted into a grist- mill, which fifty years ago was run
172
Landmarks in Ancient Dover'.
by Elijah Willey. And for a time there was a fuUiug-mill here, oper- ated by Mr. William J. Chesley. To- wards the middle of this century this mill and the water privilege, owned by the Chesley family nearly 150 years, were acquired by Mr. McDan- iel ; and the grist-mill was, for a time, run by Stephen Kendall, from whom it was sometimes incorrectly called Kendall's mill. This mill is now gone, and the water privilege here is now owned by the Boston and Maine Railroad Co.
Below Chesle3''s mill, near the so- called "string-piece," a dam was built, and a mill erected by Joseph Hanson in the early part of this centu- ry. Both are now gone, and only a hollow in the bed of the stream is left to attest the power of the fall. This hollow is often called " the Pool."'
The lowest and chief falls in Oyster river are at the head of tide water in Durham village. They are often mentioned in the earl^' records as " Oyster river falls," or " the falls," aud at a later period as '•'•Durham falls."
Valentine HilP aud Thomas Beard had a grant of '■'■ the fall of Oyster River" the lOtli, 9 mo., 1649. Mr. Hill built a sawmill here before the 14th, 5 mo., 1651, and the following year this water privilege was con- firmed to him and his heirs. Na- thaniel Hill, sou of Valentine, for- mally renounced " all right to Oyster river falls and freshet" Sept. 13, 1697, and the mill privilege here was granted, March 25, 1699, to Capt. John Woodman, Lieut. Nathaniel
Hill, and Ensign Stephen Jones, at a rent of £7 a year. Complaint hav- ing been made of this sura, and of the damage done by the mill above (Chesley's), the rent was reduced to £3 a year.
Nathaniel Hill of Oyster River parish, out of love and affection to his oldest son Valentine, conveyed to him. May 10, 1735, half of his share in y^ saiv-mill and grist-mill, aud half of his homestead and other lands not given his younger sou Samuel, or otherwise disposed of, aud the re- maining half at the death of said Valentine's parents. Jonathan Wood- man conveyed to his sons John and Jonathan, Jan. 10, 1749, all his in- terest in the saw-mill and grist-mill on Oyster River freshet, so called, in the town of Durham, with all privi- leges, etc. The grist-mill here is again mentioned June 27, 1752, when Shadrach Walton conveyed toElipha- let Daniels a quarter of an acre of land " near the falls where y^ old grise mill stood," bounded northerly by "Oyster river or freshet."
In the middle of this century the saw-mill and privilege on the west side of these falls were acquired by Mr. Samuel Randlett, who built the present saw-mill and grist-mill in 1860. At the other end of the dam is a machine shop, run by water power, belonging to the heirs of the late Ephraim Jenkins.
The name of Oyster River Falls was often given in former times to the village which began to spring up around these falls in the first part of the last century. This village is so
1 In Kurd's History of Rockingham and Strafford Counties (1882) tliis name is incorrectly given as " Valentine Smith." The same mistake is made in Sanford & Evert's Atlas of Straf- ford County (1871). There were no Smiths at Oyster River in 1649.
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
173
called May 5, 1744, when Joseph Nutter (son of Henry Nutter of New- ington) conveyed to Shadrach Wal- ton a lot he purchased of " Volen- tine " Hill at " a 'place called Oyster River Falls, in the township of Dur- ham." In the town records of 1747, mention is made of " the meeting- house at Oyster River falls" " the meeting-house at Durham Falls," and " ^/te Falls meeting-house." The neighboring farmers to this day often speak of '• the Falls," when they mean Durham village. (See Falls Hill.)
Nathaniel Hill conveyed to Wm. Odiorne, Esq.,^ Aug. 9, 1745, half an acre lot in Durham, " lying at a place there called the Falls," begin- ning at a notch cut in the middle of a log " in the bottom of the fence by the country road by the way that the logs and other lumber is hailed up from the mill Pond," thence running S. 64 deg. W. 5 rods, 3^ ft. to " a large rock standing in the edge of the Mill Pond," etc. (See Durham Falls.)
Oyster River Garrisons. There appear to have been at least four- teen garrisons, or fortified houses, at Oyster River before 1694, though only thirteen have heretofore been mentioned.^ Ten of these formed a line of defence along each side of the river itself, below the head of tide- water— that is, below the falls in the present village of Durham. On the north side stood the following, in the same succession :
T. The Meader Garrison. This garrison was at the very mouth of Oyster river, overlooking the Pas- cataqua. It was built by John Meader, who was taxed at Oyster River as early as 1656, and had a house here before Sept. 20, 1660, on which day Valentine Hill and Mary, his wife, conveyed to John Meader a corn-field and orchard adjacent to "• his now dwelling-house." John Davis's land is spoken of as " on y^ west." John Meader, Nov. 18, 1686, conveyed to his son Joseph his plan- tation near the mouth of Oyster river where he, the said John, tjien dwelt, which he bought of Mr. Valentine Hill, together with 20 acres adjoin- ing, part of a four-score acre grant from the town of Dover, with the houses thereon, etc.
In the Indian attack of 1694, when the Oyster River settlement was nearly destroyed, it is stated that no house below Jones's creek was con- sumed except that of John Meader, whose family had been sent off by water, and the house abandoned — no doubt because insufficiently manned, or because ammunition was lacking, as was the case at several of the gar- risons. John Meader was then about sixty-four years old, but he was still alive Jan. 30, 1712. If his garrison was destroyed on that occasion, de- fences must have been immediately set up, for one soldier was quartered at " John Meader's garrison " from July 18, 1694, till the 24th of Novem-
1 Wm. Odiorne, son of Judge Jotham Odiorne, was a ship-builder and a commissioner for the preservation of forests in N. H. He married Avis, daughter of the Rev. Hugh Adams of Dur- ham. Their daughter Hetty Odiorne became the wife of James Sullivan, governor of Massa- chusetts in 1807. (See Durham Falls Bridge.)
2 Belknap, in his History of New Hampshire, mentions only twelve garrisons at Oyster River (Huckins's garrison had been destroyed in 1689) when this settlement was attacked by the Indians, July 18, 1694, on which occasion five garrisons and manj' other dwelling-houses were destroyed, and nearly a hundred persons killed or carried into captivity.
174
Landmarks in Ancient Dover
ber following. And other soldiers were stationed here from Nov. 2, 1695, till March 6, 1696. {N. H. Prov. Pajy., 17:645, 657.)
March 27, 1730, Joseph Meader gave his nephew Daniel, son of Nathaniel Meader,^ eighty acres of land " whereon I now dwell, lying near the mouth of Oyster river, which was formerly y* estate of my honored father, John Meader, deceased, bounded west by the land of James Davis, Esq., (son of the above John), south by the river, or salt water, with all the houses, privileges," etc. Dan- iel Meader, as will be seen, was liv- ing here Oct. 18, 1748, when Colonel James Davis made his will. At his decease he divided this homestead between his sons, Joseph and Lemuel. Lemuel Meader, son of Daniel, Aug. 21, 1771, sold his share (forty-five acres) of the homestead farm, given him in his father's will, to George, son of John Knight of Portsmouth, with the dwelling-house thereon, and all right, title, and privilege of the ferry-})lace heretofore used across the river between said premises and Fox point. This became known as Knight's Ferry, but must not be con- founded with the ferry of the same name between Bloody Point and Hil- ton's Point. Lemuel's portion of the Meader homestead now belongs to Mr. Samuel Emerson, and Joseph's to Mr. J. S. Chesley.-
II. The Davis Garrison. This garrison stood near Oyster river.
above the Meader garrison, and just above Davis's creek. It was built by John Davis of Haverhill, Mass., an- cestor of the present writer, who came to New Hampshire as early as
1653. Valentine Hill conveyed to John Davis of Oyster River, Aug. 14,
1654, sixty acres of land at the mouth of said river, on the north side, '' beginning at the mouth of a creek and extending west south-west to Stony Brook cove, and so bounded from the forementioned creek by the river." Ensign John Davis (he is called "Ensign" as early as 1663) died before May 25, 1686, leaving his homestead to his son James, in his will of Ap. 1, 1685, which runs as follows : " I do give unto my son, James Davis, my estate of houses and lands with all y* privileges there- unto belonging, ivherein I now dwell, after the decease of my wife."
At the Indian attack of 1694, Lieut. James Davis sent his family off by water, but remained himself to defend his garrison, which he did most successfully with the help of his brother. Sergeant Davis — no doubt Joseph. One soldier was sta- tioned at "• Ensign " Davis's garrison from July 25, 1694, till Nov. 24, fol- lowing. Lieut. James Davis testi- fied Ap. 7, 1696, that James Rolens served in his garrison, " in his Mag'** sarvis," from Nov. 2 till the 18th. And Lieut. Davis's account for board- ing soldiers from Nov. 2, 1695, till March 6, 1696, amounted to £3.
^ Nathaniel Meader, son of John, born June 14, 1671, was, as the Rev. John Pike records, " slain by ye Indians, April 25, 1704, not far from the place where Nicholas Follet formerly dwelt." This was near Durham Point. Nicholas Follet's house is spoken of in 1680 as near Field's marsh, not far from the parsonage lands.
2 As some doubt has heretofore existed as to the precise location of the Meader and Davis garrisons, the writer, by way of proof, gives many details about the transfer of lands that would otherwise be unnecessary.
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
T~1S
(N. H. Prov. Pap., 17: 645, 654, 657.)
A road on the upper side of Oyster river, between Joseph Header's and Lieut. Davis's, is mentioned in 1701. And Ap. 9, 1703, a highway was laid out on the upper side of Oyster river, from the road that led to Lieut. Da- vis's, along by the head of Joseph Bunker's land, and thence to the King's tiioroughfare road to Dover. James Davis, in his will of Oct. 11, 1748, gives his son Ephraim " the ^\&QQ ivhere I now live , between Col. Samuel Smith's and Daniel Head- er's," entailing it on one of his grand- sous.^
Col. James Davis was, in his day, one of the leading men of the Oyster River settlement. At an earlv age he organized and led scouting parties for the defence of the colony, and was the companion-in-arms of Col. Hilton, as related by Belknap, and took part in the expeditions to Haine and Port Royal. At the age of twenty-five, or thereabouts, he re- ceived a lieutenant's commission, which was confirmed by the Hassa- chusetts government in 1690, and re- newed by Gov. Usher of New Hamp- shire in 1692. Belknap calls him "captain" in 1703. Sixty men under Capt. James Davis, scouting at the head of our rivers, were or- dered to be disbanded Ap. 20, 1703. {N. H. Prov. Pap., 3: 252.) He was appointed member of the council of war by the provincial government, Oct. 18, 1707. His muster-roll of 1812 is given in the N. H. State Pa-
2yers, Vol. 14 : 3. He is called " lieut. colonel " in the Dover Records of 1720, and '^ colonel," in 1721. He was also a selectman of Dover in 1698, 1700, and 1701; and a mem- ber of the General Assembly from Dec. 28, 1697, till June, 1701, and again from Nov. 8, 1716, till Nov. 21, 1727, when he was about sixty- six years old. He was also a Jus- tice of the Peace. And Dec. 9, 1717, he was made Judge of the Court of Common Pleas. He died between Oct. 18, 1748, and Sept. 27, 1749, on which day his will was proved. He left nine children, whose ages, at their death, averaged eighty-seven years each.
The cellar of the Davis garrison can still be traced. From this knoll, now so solitary and peaceful, Col. Da- vis could, in that night of horrors in July, 1694, not only hear the cries of the savages and their victims, but could plainly see the flames consum- ing the Header garrison below, and Beard's garrison above, and, across the river, the Adams and Drew gar- risons, with the houses of Parson Buss, Ezekiel Pitman, and many others in every direction — among them that of his own brother, John, who was killed, together with his wife and all of his children except two daughters, who were carried into cap- tivity.
It is still related in the neighbor- hood how Col. James Davis, the vet- eran officer and able magistrate, used on occasion to lay aside his carnal weapons, and convene religious meet-
1 Col. Samuel Smith was the son of Joseph. He inherited the homestead farm, above the Davis lands, on which stood the Smith garrison.
Daniel Meader, as we have seen, was the grandson of John Meader, part of whose home- stead he was then in possession of.
176
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
ings at his garrison, in which he took part in prayer and exhortation, show- ing himself, as Butler says in Hudi- bras, —
" Most fit t' hold forth the Word, And wield the one and t'other sword."
Six or seven persons from Oyster river point, on their way to the boat from one of these meetings, were waylaid and slain by the Indians on the Meader land, just below Davis's creek. Their bodies, discovered some days later, were covered with earth where they lay. This place is still pointed out by the present owner of the land, Mr. J. S. Chesley, who, like his father and grandfather, it is a pleasure to state, continues to re- spect the grave of these pious vic- tims.
III. Smith's Garrison. This gar- rison was built by Joseph Smith, ^ who, the 3lst, 7 mo., 1660, had a grant of " one small parcell of wast land on the north side of Oyster River for a house lott, provided it intrench not upon anie former grant, wich say*^ land lyeth Betwine the lott of Mathew Willyames and the lott of Wm. Willyames, Juner." Sept. 14, 1660, he bought Matthew Williams' forty acre grant, ^ bounded E. by the neck of land formerly granted to Valentine Hill (conveyed by him, as already shown, to John Davis and John Meader), S. by Oyster river, N. by the commons, and N. W. by land granted Joseph Smith by the tow^n of Dover.
There is nothing on record to jus-
tify a vague tradition that Joseph Smith was inclined to Quaker doc- trines. At all events, he acted on the principle that self-preservation is the first law of nature, and made good the defence of his habitation, which escaped destruction in 1694. Moreover, he availed himself of the secular arm. Two soldiers served at Joseph Smith's garrison from July 25, 1694, till Nov. 24, following. And his account for boarding soldiers from Nov. 2, 1695, till March 6, 1696, was 6£, 6s. {N. H. Prov. Pajx, 17:645,657.)
The precise spot where Smith's o;arrison stood is unknown, but it is believed to have been near Oyster river, on the south side of the turn- pike road. This land is now owned by Mr. Forrest Smith.
IV. Bunker's Garrison. This garrison is still standing, entirely divested of any appearance of forti- fication, on the upper side of Bunk- er's creek, but more remote from Oyster river than the three garrisons below. It was built by James Bunker, who was at Oyster River as early as 1652. Two soldiers are mentioned as serving at "James Bunker's gar- rison " from July 25, 1694, till Nov. 24, following ; and others from Nov. 2, 1695, till March 6, 1696. (N. H. Prov. Pap., 17: 645, 657.)
Wm. Story, Wm. Follet, and James Bunker had a grant of land in this vicinity before Oct. 5, 1652. And James Bunker and Wm. Follet had the grant of a neck of land on
1 Joseph Smith was the direct ancestor of the present writer, his daughter, Elizabeth, having- married James, grandson of Richard Pinckhame, of Dover Neck. Lois, daughter of said James and Elizabeth, married Vincent Torr. Their daughter, Mary Torr, became the wife of Judge Ebenezer Thompson.
2 " Matthew Williams' forty-acre grant in the tenure of Joseph Smith," is spoken of October 29, 1701, when a road was laid out from the head of Lieut. Davis's land and Joseph Meader's, to the old path leading to Abraham Clark's, and so on to the King's thoroughfare road to Dover.
Linidniarks in Ancicut Dover.
177
the upper side of Oyster river, tlie lOtli, 8 mo., 1653, bounded by a line from the Iiead of Thomas Johnson's creek, where the salt marsh ended, to the head of the other creek (Bunk- er's) where Jonas Bine's marsh was. This tract was sometimes called BunJcer's Ned'. Wm. FoUet's half of this neck was conveyed to James Bunker, son of the above James, then deceased, March 28, " in the sixth year of our sovereign Lady Ann" (1707), by Nicholas Follet of Portsmouth, " by right of heir-in- law," together with one half of ten acres, called ye Vineyard, at the head of Johnson's creek, granted Wm. Follet and James Bunker in 1653, and also twenty acres of upland, ad- jacent to Stoj-y's marsh} With the exception of three acres of salt marsh given by James Bunker, Sr., to his daughter, Wealthen, wife of Robert Huckins, the whole of Bunker's Neck, or " plantation," as it is called, com- prising 236f acres, was divided, May 15, 1759, among the seven children of James Bunker, Jr. A part of this (36f acres), next Jones's creek, fell to Love Bunker, wife of Col. Thomas Millet of Dover, and the re- mainder was acquired by three of the sons. A part of this estate, includ- ing the old garrison, is still in pos- session of the Bunker family.
V. The Jones Garrison. This garrison stood on the upper side of Jones's creek, and, like most of the old garrisons at Oyster River, in a
pleasant situation, which speaks well for the taste of the early settlers. The river is in full sight. It was built by Stephen Jones, who came to this neighborhood about 1663, and • acquired the lands of Thomas John- son. He is called "Ensign" in 1692, being one of the three officers appointed for the defence of the set- tlement. The others were Capt. John Woodman and Lieut. James Davis. They probably had better defences, and a greater supply of ammunition than the other garrison owners, and all their houses escaped destruction in the attack of 1694. Lieut. Jones, however, came near being killed on that occasion. Three soldiers are mentioned as serving at his garrison from July 25, 1694, till the 24th of Nov. following, "• except one want- ing a fortnight." And Stephen Jones's account for boarding soldiers from Nov. 2, 1695, till March 6, 1696, amounted to £6. {N. H. Prov. Pap., 17: 645, 657.)
Thomas Leathers, aged 75, in a deposition of Aug. 1, 1776, states that the family he was living with, when young, having moved to Capt, Stephen Jones's, to garrison during Queen Anne's war, he also went there. Jones's garrison was burnt down before May 9, 1732, when " Stephen Jones of Oyster River," son of the above Stephen, declared upon oath in the N. H. General Assembly, tha^ " when his father's house was burnt he had in his chest
' Wm. Story died before Oct. 9, 1660, and Sarah, his widow, married Samuel Au.stin before Jan. 27, 1661, and went to W^ells, Me. May 12, 1662, thi.s Samuel Au.stin, " planter," with the con- sent of Sarah, his wife, conveyed to William ffollet of Dover, the fall, and all right, title, and interest to Wm. Story's land at Oyster River, consisting of 140 acres of upland and a parcel of marsh near Thomas Johnson's creek. Sixty acres of Story's grant were sold by James Bunker to Abraham Clark. This tract seems to have been on the dividing line between the Oyster River precinct and Dover proper. One hundred acres of the same grant were sold April 4, 1720, by Nicholas Follet to Joseph Jenkins.
lyS
Land^naj'ks in Ancient Dover.
iu said house forty-two pounds of this Province money." It was voted to indemnify him for this loss. {N. H. Prov. Pap., 4: G17, 784.)
VI. Beard's Garrison. This gar- rison, according to tradition, stood east of Beard's creek, between the present turnpike road and the high- way to Dover, a short distance from the corner. It was built by Wm. Beard, who was at Oyster River as early as 1640, and was still living here April 19, 1675, on which day he and his wife Elisabeth gave " gra- tisly and freely " to James Huckins a tract of land near Beard's creek, adjoining the Woodman land. Tlie deed of conveyance was executed in "ye new dwelling-house of William Beard of Oister River," it is therein expressly declared. This house, spoken of in Farmer's notes to Bel- knap as " garrisoned," was, a few months later, assaulted by the In- dians, who, coming upon the "• good old man " William Beard without, killed him on the spot, cut off his head, and set it on a pole in derision. The inventory of his estate was made Nov. 1, 1675. One half of his house and lands was given to his widow and her heirs, and the other half to Edward Leathers and his heirs, un- less she should require it for her maintenance. And as to the land
which said Edward did then possess, it was confirmed to him and his heirs. ^
It does not appear who occupied this garrison in 1694, but Edward Leathers was subsequently in posses- sion of the land. At the Indian at- tack of that year it is said to have been evacuated, and burned to the ground by the enemy. Edward's wife, called "■ old Mrs. Leathers," and one or two others of the family, were killed. They must have lived in this neighborhood, if not in the garrison itself. William, his son, escaped by running. It was this William, who, Jan. 9, 1721, gave his oldest son Edward his farm, where he then dwelt, on the south side of the highway,^ extending down to Oyster river low-water mark — apparently the very land on which Beard's garrison is said to have stood. The Leathers graves, not far from the river, may still be seen.
A Joseph Beard is mentioned in the Durham tradition iu connection with the destruction of this garrison, but thus far nothing has appeared in the old records to verify this mention. William Beard evidently had no sons, nor did his property fall to any of the Beards. A "Joseph Beard of Oys- ter River" is mentioned in the Phil- brick Genealogy as the first husband
1 Edward Leathers— or Letheres, as he himself wrote the name— the heir of Wm. Beard, was a freeman at Oyster River as early as May 19, 1669, when he signed a petition to the Mass. government for Oyster River to be made a separate parish. He was constable in 1681, and au- thorized to collect all tases in arrears. (See iV. Jf. Proy. Papers, I: 308-310, 430-431.) W^m. Pit- man, in his will of Nov. 1, 1682, appointed Edward Leathers " over.seer " of his wife and chil- dren, and to .see that his will was properly executed, a proof of hi.s good character and stand- ing. " Edward Letheres, Senior," was .still alive April 6, 1716, when he and his son William signed a petition to Gov. Vaughan, the original of which is still extant, showing that they both wrote their names Letheres. A part of the old Beard land is still In the possession of Ed- ward's descendants.
2 It has been supposed there was in early times no road from Oyster river falls to Dover except " the King's highway " across Brown's hill. This is a mistake. The " Cochecho Path from William Beard's " is mentioned as early as 1668.
Landmarks in Ancient Dover
179
of Esther, daughter of James Phil- brick of Hampton, who was boru March 1, 1657. He was probably the Joseph Beard of Dover, who, with his wife P>sther, conveyed to Thomas Tebbetts July 16, 1692, two acres of land on Dover Neck that formerly belonged to his father Thomas Beard, deceased. His wife Esther w^as appointed administratrix of his estate Feb. 9, 1703. She became the second wife of Sylvanns Nock of Dover Nov. 12, 1705. P^n- sign Joseph Beard, son of the above Joseph and Esther, is mentioned Oct. 7, 1713. (See Back Cove.) His wife was P^lizabeth, who, with their son-in-law Richard Plumer, was appointed to administer on his estate Dec. 4. 1723.
Thomas Beard, father of the first mentioned Joseph, was no doubt the Thomas who had a grant of land near Sandy point in 1642 (see Sandy Point), and who, together with Valen- tine Hill, had the grant of Oyster River falls Nov. 19, 1649. His will of Dec. 16, 1678, mentions his wife Mary, his sons Joseph and Thomas, and his daughters Martha Bunker and Elizabeth Watson. The latter was probably the wife of Robert Watson of Oyster River, who was killed by the Indians in 1694.
VII. Woodman's Garrison. This garrison, which is still in an admira- ble state of preservation, is one of the largest and most noted of the Oyster River defences. It is beauti- fully situated on the eastern slope of
a hill at the head of Beard's creek, with brooks and deep ravines on every side of the acclivity, except at the west. It has a fine outlook for an approaching enemy, as well as a charming view in every direction, except in the rear, where the rise of land intercepts the pros[)ect. Dur- ham village, which did not exist when this garrison was built, lies at the south in full view, embosomed among trees ; and at the east may be traced the windings of Oyster river on its way to the Pascataqua. At the north, through an opening between the hills, can be seen the spot where the Huckins garrison stood ; and nearer at hand, but separated from it by a profound ravine, is the field where occurred the massacre of 1689.
This garrison was built by Capt. John Woodman,^ son of Edvvard Woodman of Newbury, Mass., who came to Oyster River as early as 1657, and in 1660 had a grant of twenty acres between the lands of William Beard and Valentine Hill, with Stony brook on the south, ap- parently the very land where he built his garrison. He had a captain's commission before 1690, which was renewed by the Massachusetts gov- ernment that year, and again by Gov. Usher of New Hampshire in 1692. His garrison underwent more than one attack from the Indians, and seems to have been manned in part by government soldiers.
The N. H. authorities ordered, Nov. 28, 1692, that five pounds be
iCapt. John Woodman was the direct ancestor of the present writer, through his daughter Sarah, who married John Thompson of Oyster River. Among the descendants of said John and Sarah might be mentioned the Hon. Ebenezer Thompson, first secretary of state of N. H.; the late Major A. B. Thompson of Concord, also secretary of this state for many years; Mrs. O. C. Moore of Nashua; Miss Fi-ances E. Willard, the well known President of the Woman's Temperance Union ; Mrs. Minerva B. Norton of Beloit, Wis., authoress, etc.
i8o
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
paid for provisions for the soldiers at Capt. Woodman's garrison. In 1693 he represented to the govern- ment the defenceless condition of Oyster River, and an order " that six men be raised for Capt. John Wood- man " was issued Ap. 24, 1693. (N. H. Prov. Pap., 2 : 102-3.) Six more were sent here Nov. 30, 1695, and one Dec. 2. {Ibid, 2 : 174.) Three sol- diers are mentioned as serving here from July 25, 1694, till Nov. 24, fol- lowing, and others from Nov. 2, 1695, till March 6, 1696. {Ibid, 17: 645, 657.)
Woodman's garrison is one of the most interesting monuments of early times in the state. Unfortunately it is no longer in possession of the family. The last owner of the name was Prof. John S. Woodman of Dartmouth College. After his death it was sold b}' his widow, together with the adjacent land that for more than two hundred years had been owned by the Woodman family.
VIII. HucKiNs' Gakrison. This garrison stood on the very outskirts of the Oyster River settlement, spe- cially exposed to attack. It was a few rods south of the house now owned by Mr. Ebenezer T. Emerson, on the same side of the road. Oyster river is half a mile distant in a direct line ; and a mile, at least, following the course of the road. This garri- son was built by James Huckins, son of Robert Huggins of the Dover Com-
bination. James was taxed at Oys- ter River in 1664. He seems to have been a connection of Wm. Beard or his wife, who gave him a portion of their lands. Huckins' gar- rison was destroyed in August, 1689,^ on which occasion eighteen persons were massacred in a neighboring field now belonging to Mr. J. W. Coe, besides several others at the garrison itself. Pike, in his Journal, says James Huggin of Oyster River was slain. Sarah, his wife,^ was taken captive, but was rescued the follow- ing year at Ameriscoggin. She be- came the second wife of Capt. John Woodman. The Huckins lands were acquired by the Emersons. {SeeHuck- ins' brook.)
IX. The Burnham Garrison. De- scending Oyster river on the south side, about a mile below Durham falls as the road winds, but half that dis- tance in a direct line, stood the Burn- ham garrison, the exact site of which has been disputed. It was built by Robert Burnham, who came to this country in the Angel Gabriel, which sailed from Bristol, Eng., June 4, 1635, and was wrecked at Pemaquid, now Bristol, Me., August 15, follow- ing. He was taxed at Oyster River (of course for land) in 1657, if not before. Two hundred acres more were laid out to him Nov. 9, 1661, orisinallv granted to Ambrose Gib- bons, adjacent to the house where Gibbons then lived, and where he
1 C. W^. Tuttle, in his Historical Papers, pp. 203-4, says Huckins' garrison was destroyed Sept. 13, 1689. He considers Pike's date erroneous.
2 A Sarali Huggins lias become renowned in song for her conquest of the Earl of Exeter. She was the prototype of the heroine in Tennyson's romantic poem, " The Lord of Burleigh."
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
i8i
wrote his will, July 11, 1656, the very day he died.-^ One portion of this grant is a beautiful meadow, now chiefly owned by Mr. G. W. Burn- ham, which lies along the river side, enclosed among wooded hills, and intersected by a runlet of water that empties into Burnham's creek. Ac- cording to the tradition in the above owner's line, the garrison stood in the heart of this meadow, near the runlet, — a place with no natural ad- vantages of position whatever, and where there could have been no cellar suitable for storage. This meadow, however, was unquestionably a part of the old Gibbons grant acquired by Robert Burnham, and a house thereon was no doubt erected at an early day, that sooner or later was proba- bly surrounded by defences. Wheth- er this was the original Burnham garrison or not is to be decided chiefly by the situation of the Pitman land. At the Indian attack of July 18, 1694, Ezekiel Pitman is said to have lived at " a gunshot's distance " from the garrison, and being awak- ened by the shout that the enemy was at hand, barely effected his escape into the garrison with his
family. But all the land owned by Ezekiel Pitman on the south side of Oyster river was, as far as it has come to light, some distance below, as will be seen.
Nearly a quarter of a mile farther down the river, on the farm now owned by the heirs of the late Joseph Burnham, between Cutt's hill and the shore, is another and more remarka- ble spot, where a constant tradition in the owner's line places the garri- son. And it would seem that no one, except for safety, would ever have built a house in so inaccessible a place, certainly not a mere dwell- ing-house. It is a steep, craggy hill, precipitous for the most part, so it could have been made absolutely im- pregnable after the mode of warfare in those days. It is not surprising the Indians did not venture to attack so strong a hold, when they found the inmates on the alert. There is just room enough on the top for the buildings and a palisade. The cel- lar, with its stone wall, is still per- fect, as well as a smaller cellar, entirely separate, which no doubt was for ammunition and other dry storage. These two cellars are mentioned more
1 Ambrose Gibbons owned land at Oyster river before tlie 3d, 12 mo., 1640 {N. H. Prov. Pap., 1: 141.) He was one of the agents sent over by Capt. John Mason in the spring of 1630. He sailed in the bark Warivick subsequent to Ap. 8, and arrived before July 21 of that year. He first set- tled on the Newichawannocli, where he established a trading-post, built a saw-mill, and attempted the cultivation of the grapevine. His wife and child came over in 1631. This child is often spoken of in the letters to Gibbons. (See N. H. Prov. Pap., Vol. I.) One from George Vaughan, dated at " Boston, Aug. 20, 1634," affectionately mentions " little Beck." Her name was Rebecca. She afterward married Henry Sherburne, also one of Mason's coloni.sts. Her grandson, the Hon. Henry Sherburne, married Dorothy, sister of Lieutenant Gov. John Went- worth. Her granddaughter, Bridget, daughter of Richard and Mary (Sherburne) Sloper, mar- ried, March 29, 1684, John Chevalier, otherwise Knight, who acquired Knight's ferry at Bloody Point.
Ambrose Gibbons belonged to the Dover Combination, and Sept. 27, 1648, was one of the five men charged with the prudential affairs of the town. He was also a magistrate. Oct. 5, 1652. he had a grant of the mill-privilege at the head of Thomas Johnson's creek. He was then living on the south side of Ovster river, on land now owned by Col. Burnham, and adjacent to the tract of 200 acres granted nim by the town at the above date. He bequeathed all his prop- erty to his grandson, Samuel Sherburne, son of his only child, Rebecca. Ambrose Gibbons is said to have been buried at Sanders's Point, just across the bridge from the Wentworth House at New Castle.
l82
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
than once in the Bnrnham records of last century as " the cellar " and " the cellar house." At one end of the garrison cellar a depression marks the place of the " little barn," also spoken of in the same records. The house had a frame of huge timbers of white oak, some of which were used in the construction of the present farm buildings. There is a never-failing spring near the foot of the hill. A growth of young pines on one side of this hill now screens the sum- mit from the river. Through the branches you catch here and there a glimpse of the water, and before they sprang up Oyster river was in full view, especially up-stream, in the direction of Durham falls.
The chief point in favor of this being the real site of the Burnham garrison of 1694 is the proximity of the Pitman land. Directly beneath the hill, on the lower side, is the field known from time immemorial as the "Pitman field," where still remain several trees of the Pitman orchard, which was much more extensive a few years ago. The county records show that this very land was con- veyed to Wra. Pitman and his son Ezekiel, Nov. 23, 1664. The inven- tory of Ezekiel's estate, Jan. 2, 1709- 10, mentions his orchard, but not his house, it having been burned by the Indians, and apparently not rebuilt. William Pitman, son of Ezekiel, sold this land to John and Robert Burn- ham, March 14, 1717-18. The deed of conveyance repeats the bounds exactly as given in the deed to his father and grandfather in 1664. This land is now in the possession of the heirs of the late Joseph Burnham, a descendant of the above Robert.
There seems to have been only one Burnham garrison in 1694, in which year, from July 25 till Nov. 24, "Jeremy Burnam " had two soldiers stationed at his garrison. Jeremiah Burn urn's account for boarding sol- diers from Nov. 2, 1695, till March 6, 1696, amounted to 4£. 9s. {N. R. Prov. Pap., 17: 645, 658.)
The large Burnham house, now deserted, that stands on a ridge at the lower side of the Gibbons meadow, is also said to have been a garrison. The frame is of white oak timbers, still uudecayed, fastened together with large oak pins, and one end is lined internally with a brick wall, originally pierced with loop-holes. This house was probably built by John Burnham, son of the above Jeremiah.
X. Drew's Garrison. This gar- rison, destroyed in the Indian attack of 1694, no doubt stood near Drew's Point, on the south side of Oyster river, where William Drew owned land as early as 1648. He died the "last of April," 1669. The'inven- tory of his estate mentions his dwell- ing house, one cannon, his fishing boats, the Hopewell and the Increase, and a great amount of fishing tackle, showing that he was chiefly engaged in fisheries. His widow Elizabeth married Wm. Follet. Wm. FoUet of Dover and Elizabeth his wife con- veyed to Thomas Drevv, June 20, 1680, " a dwelling-house, barn, and other out housen buildings," stand- ing on a piece of land that was first Darb}' ffleld's, who conveyed it to Wra. Roberts, and he to Wm. Drew, adjoining un^o and between the land of Tho:.jas Stevenson and y* land thr.'u formerly belonged to Matthew
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
183
Giles. It was probably this Tliomas Drew (some say it was Francis) wlio surrendered the garrison in 1694, on the promise of quarter, and was mak- ing his escape to the Adams garri- son, which stood below, when he was slain. His widow married Richard Elliot of Portsmouth. Richard Elliot and wife Mary, formerly y^ relict of Thomas Drew, and administratrix of his estate, quit claim, Nov. 15, 1706, to the estate of Wm. Drew, in favor of his sou John, who. May 10, 1712, conveyed to Stephen Jenkins all his rights in the real estate of his father, Wm. Drew of Oyster River, deceased, which had been mortgaged bv his mother Elizabeth, relict of said Will- iam, and administrator of his estate, to Thomas Drew, uncle of said John, July 8, 1671. Stephen Jenkins and wife Elizabeth conveyed to James Langley, Nov. 0, 1714, all the lands, tenements, and messuages, he bought of John Drew, and Drew of Richard Elliott, which property was " the estate and possession of William and Thomas Drew, on the south side of Oyster river." James Langley peti- tioned in 1715 for a road to the high- i way as he was " penned up by Bar- tholomew Stevenson." This road was laid out the next year, '•'• begin- ning at Will Drew's old possession." (See Langley' s Point.)
Some think, however, that Drew's garrison was on the Little Bay shore, where, in fact, Francis Drew had land given him by his father, to whom it had been granted in 1653. The surviving members of the Drew fam- ily no doubt established themselves here soon after 1694, and probably erected defences. The Rev. Hugh Adams, March 3, 1727-8, admitted
into the Oyster River church "Thomas Drew of Little Bay," and Tarasen his wife. They had been recently married, and were living in the old garrison in 1694, when they were carried into captivity. The place where they lived after their redemp- tion was no doubt the land of Francis Drew, above mentioned, and the same now owned by Mr. James Kent, on which an old burial-ground of the Drews is still to be seen. Here, in one grave, lie the above Thomas and Tamsen, and, near b}', a part of the fourteen children they were blessed with after their return from captivity. It need not be said that the family is perpetuated to this day.
XI. The Adams Garrison. This garrison was built by Charles Adams, who acquired land at Oyster River as early as Ap. 6, 1645. He was living near the mouth of this river in 1671, when twelve acres more were laid out to him " behind his house." At the Indian attack of July 18, 1694, his garrison was burned to the ground, and he himself, his son Samuel and wife, and eleven others, were killed. They were afterwards buried in one grave, beneath a mound still to be traced, close to the Mathes burial- ground at Durham Point. This huge grave has always been respected by the owners of the soil. The garrison is supposed to have stood on the ele- vation immediately above. At any rate, it could not have been far off, for the Adams land at Oyster River Point only comprised eighteen acres. The inventory of the estate of Charles Adams, Senior, consisting of up- lands, salt meadow, a small orchard, etc., as sworn to by his son Charles,
184
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
Ap. 1, 1695, amounted to sixty pounds in value.
March 4, 1711-12, "Joseph Dudy and Rebeckah his wife, the eldest daughter of Charles Adams (Jr.) de- ceased," sold Francis Mathes for four-score pounds " a certain tract or parcel of land situate in Dover township, lying and being on Oyster River poynt, commonly called and known by the name of Charles Adams his home plantation or house lott, being by estimation eighteen acres more or less, all w'^in fence, and now in the tenure and occupation of the aforesaid ffrancis Mathes, bounded on the north w"" the highway that leads from Willey's creek to Oyster River falls, on the south w"" the aforesaid Mathes his land ; more (over), twelve acres of land begin- ning at a marked tree behind the aforesaid house lott, and runs ab'lOO rods by the highway side that leads to Oyster River falls, and from that extent it runs on a straight line west and by south, or thereabouts, to the other corner, all which said home plantation or house lott and twelve acres of land, together with all the fence and growing stuff, and all other the hereditaments, liberties, immuni- ties, commons, water courses^ etc. Signed by " Joseph Dowdy, Rebec-
her " her
kah -f- Dowdy, Esther -{- Adams."
mark ' mark
Nov. 23, 1710, "Easter Adams" personally appeared before James Davis, Justice of the Peace, and ac- knowledged the foregoing deed. This Esther Adams afterwards married Thomas Bickford, Jr.
John Meader, Sr., aged about 82 years, testified before James Davis, Justice of the Peace, Jan. 30, 1711-
12, " that Charles Adams, sen', did peaceably possess, build fence, plant and Improve the land within the mouth of oyster River, on the south side, . . . joining to francis mathes, sen'', his land, aboue fifty fiue years ago and Euer since till oyster River weare distroyed, and then the s"^ Adams was killed and his house burnt by the Enemie."
XII. Bickford's Garrison. This garrison stood at Durham Point, a little below the mouth of Oyster river, but the exact spot is not known. It has often been asserted that this was a mere dwelling-house surrounded by palisades, but the owner speaks of it as " my garrison," Nov. 12,
1694, in a certificate about a soldier stationed here, signed " Thomas Bickford, comander of the gareson." (N. H. Prov. Pap., 17: 645.) Two soldiers are mentioned as servins; here from July 25, 1694, till Nov. 24 following, and others from Nov. 2,
1695, till March 6, 1696. {Ibid, pp. 645, 657.) This garrison was de- fended in an admirable manner at the Indian attack of 1694, by Capt. Thomas Bickford, who, warned by the alarm guns at the upper garrisons that the Indians were at hand, had sent his family off by water, and remained to defend his house alone. Shouting forth his orders as if he had a squad of soldiers at his com- mand, and presenting himself every few minutes in fresh guise to blaze away at the enemy, he deceived them so effectually that they speedily gave up the attempt to reduce a hold appar- ently so well manned. This Thomas, whose wife was Bridget Furber, of Welsh Cove, was the son of John Bickford, who was living at Oyster
Landmai'ks in Ancient Dover
185
River as early as July 17, 1645, on which day "Darby fBelcl of Oyster River, in the river of Piseataqua, conuty of Norfolk, planter," sold John Bickford his dwelling-house at Oyster River, then "in the tenure of said Bickford," with a lot of five or six acres adjoining, and all the land to the creek on the side towards Lit- tle Bay, except the "breadth" on said creek in possession of Thomas Willey. (This was the inlet after- wards known as " Willey's Creek.") June 23, 1684, John Bickford, " with the consent of his wife Temperate," conveyed to his son Thomas " all his houses and lauds lying at the poynt of Oyster river. "^
The Bickford garrison Ions; since disappeared. The land where it stood, with Little Bay on one side, Oyster river on the other, and, directly in front, the river Pascata- qua, with its verdant isles, swiftly coursing seaward between Newington at the right and the Back River dis- trict at the left, is now owned b}' Mr. Jeremiah Langley.
XIII. The Edgekly Garrison. This garrison was built by Thomas Edgerly, who was taxed at Oyster River in 1665, and admitted freeman in 1672. He was a Justice of the Peace in 1674, and took part that year in the Rev. Joshua Moody's trial for nonconformity, on which occasion he refused to subscribe to Mr. Moody's commitment, and con- sequently lost his commission. Ac-
cording to the Durham tradition, his garrison was destroyed in the attack of 1694, his son Zachariah slain, and he himself taken captive, but soon after made his escape. Belknap says the garrison was evacuated and destroyed, but he shortly after states that Thomas Edgerly, by concealing himself in his cellar, preserved his house, though twice set on fire. That very year, however, not long after the attack of July 18, Thomas Edgerly petitioned the governor and council that — as he and his neigh- bors had been afflicted by the Indians, his dwelling-house burnt, his goods destroved, and his son wounded — the house of John Rand, deceased, might be made a garri- son for the defence of the re- maining families adjacent, and that six men might be sent to defend it. {N. H. Prov. Papers, XVII: 640.) Either the Rand house took his name, or he erected a new one, for three soldiers are mentioned as sta- tioned at Edgerly' s garrison Jan. 6, 1696. Thomas Edgerly was still alive in 1715.
The precise situation of this garri- son is not known, but it could not have been far from the shore of Little Bay. Thomas Edgerly had a " plott" of land at the west end of " Hilliard's field," conveyed to him by his father- in-law, John Alt, Ap. 3, 1674. This "plott" joined land already owned by Pxlgerly, near Plum Swamp, on the lower side. If the garrison did
1 John Bickford, -when he left Oyster River, went to the Newington shore, where he owned several tracts of land — one near Bloody Point, another at Fox Point, and a third near Long Point, where he established himself. His children and grandchildren intermarried with the chief land-owners in Newington; and their descendants are now without number. The name of his wife, usually written Temperance, has for more than two hundred years been perpetu- ated among her descendants in Newington and the neighboring towns— the Harrisons, Down- ings, Knights, Pickerings, Goes, etc. John Bickford and his wife Temperance were the direct ancestors of the writer through her paternal grandmother.
i86
Landmai'ks in Ancient Dover.
not stand here, it must have been on the south-west side of Long creek (Crummit's), where Thomas Edgerly acquired land Jan. 28, 1659, on which he appears to have been living May 21, 1700, when he conveyed a part of it to his son Samuel.
XIV. Goddard's Garrison. There appears to have been a Goddard or Symond's garrison at an early day. No mention is made of it in history, however, or in the Durham tradi- tions, unless it was the garrison at Luhheiiand^ mentioned in 1693. (See Luhherland Garrison.) It is referred to March 16, 1735-6, when Abraham Benuicki (nephew of John Goddard), conveyed to his son Abraham a cer- tain messuage or tract of land in that part of Durham called Lober- land, being part of y*' estate formerly John Goddard's, " beginning at y^ old garrison seller [cellar], formerly y* widow Simonds." Mrs. Syraonds was previously the wife of John Goddard, of Goddard's Cove, who died about 1660, after which she married Michael Simmonds, or Sj^- monds. " Goody Goddard" is stated to have chosen the appraisers of her husband John Goddard's estate, who made the inventory June 27, 1667; and Sept. 16, 1667, " Mrs. Welthen Simonds " appeared before Judge Thomas Packer, and made oath as to the correctness of this inventory. She was still alive Aug. 8, 1705, when John Woodman, ICsq., one of her majesty's Justices of the Peace, having been requested by Abraham Bennick, of Lubberland, to receive
her acknowledgment of an act con- veying her homestead lands to her grandson, to the exclusion of her daughter, he went to see her, and, after examining her on this and vari- ous other subjects, he declared her altogether incapable of making such a conveyance, being non compos me7i- tis, and to the best of his knowledge had been so six or seven years, through much infirmity and exceed- ing old age.
Lubberland Garrison. This gar- rison is mentioned Ap. 24, 1693, when the government ordered two men to be impressed for the garrison " at Lubarland." (^. If. Prov. Pap., 2: 103.) "A good garrison" at Lubberland is spoken of in a record, supposed to be of 1694, as " cut down and destroyed" the pievious summer. (Ibid, p. 147.) This was probably the Goddard garrison.
Durgin's Garrison. William Dur- gin's garrisou is mentioned in 1695, when soldiers were stationed there from Nov. 2, till the 6th of March, following. (iV". H. Prov. Pap., 17: 657.) Two soldiers at Durgin's gar- rison are mentioned Jan. 6, 1695-6. (Ibid, 2 : 175.) Wm. Durgin, accord- ing to tradition, lived near the mouth of the Great Bay, on the west side of the Mathes land. His sons certainly owned land afterwards in the vicinity of Crummit's creek. (See Matheivs' Creek and Shooting Point.) The Landing-place "at Durgin^s, off the west side of Mathews his neck," is mentioned Dec. 11, 1694. {Ibid, 2 : 146.)
J This is the "Abraham Benwick" spoken of by Belknap as commanding a company of vol- unteers in 1724 to scout for the Indians. The name seems to have been generally written Ben- nick down to the Revolutionary period, when for some unknown reason it was changed to Ben net.
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
187
David Davis's Garrison. This garrison was on tlie Lubberland shore. Two soldiers were stationed at '"''David Davis's garrison" Jan. 6, 1695-6. {N. H. Prov. Pap. ,2:175.) And his account is given for board- ing soldiers from Nov. 2, 1695, till March 6, 1696. (Ibid, 17: 657.) The Rev. John Pike, in his Journal, says David Davis was killed by the Indians at Lubberland Aug. 27, 1696. Susanna, his widow, soon after married James Durgin, son of William. Jan. 23, 1699, "Susanna Dorgiug" was summoned to appear before Lieut. Gov. Partridge to show why she had not administered upon the estate of her late husband, David Davis, and why Roger Rose, the principal creditor, should not admin- ister. What became of the garrison is not known with certainty, but it is supposed to have been acquired by John Smith, who bought land of Roger Rose and was living in this vicinity March 4, 1701-2. Some coun- tenance is given to this supposition by the record of the Rev. Hugh Adams, who, Jan. 30, 1722-3, bap- tised "two sons of Susanna Durgin, wife of James, at Lt. John Smith's at Loverland." This, of course, was at the so-called /Smith garrison.
Smith's Garrison. This well- known block house at Lubberland, not far from the mouth of Lamprey river, was, it is to be regretted, taken down a few vears ago, and without any necessity, for its huge timbers were still sound, and it stood firmly on its base. Tradition says it was the David Davis garrison, men-
tioned in 1695. At any rate, it was no doubt the house mentioned March 4, 1701-2, when orders were given that Capt. Peter Coffin should send two scouting men from Exeter to Lamperill river, to the house of John Smith, and Capt. Woodman was ordered to send two from Oyster River to said Smith's, and so back. This was to be done daily till further orders. {N. H. Prov. Pap., 2 : 363.) The Rev. Hugh Adams speaks of " Lt. John Smith's at Loverland" Jan. 30, 1722-3. (See David Davis's Garrison.) Smith's garrison, at a later period, was sometimes called Frost's garrison, and Blydenburg' s garrison, according to the occupant.
The following garrisons at Oyster River were no doubt erected in the first half of last century, or, at least, subsequent to 1694 :
" Philip Chesley's garrison," and " the late Capt. Chesley's garrison," are mentioned Sept. 29, 1707. (iV. H. Prov. Pap., 2 : 567.) The latter was Capt. Samuel Chesley, an oflficer who took part in two expeditions to Port Royal. From the last of these he arrived at Portsmouth in the sloop Sarah and Hannah, Thursday, Aug. 28, 1707, and that same day pre- sented himself before the governor and council for further orders. Three weeks later (Sept. 17) he and his brother James, with six other young men, were slain by the In- dians, while lumbering in the forest, not far from Capt. Chesley's house. ^ His widow Elisabeth was appointed administratrix of his estate, Aug. 3, 1708. Forty acres of his land, with
1 These Indians, supposed to have come from Port Royal, were pursued as far as Lake Win- nipesaukee {N. H. Prov. Pap., 2: 566.) The Rev. John Pike says the Indian who killed James Chesley was slain on the spot by Robert Thompson, (great-great grandfather of the present writer.)
1 88
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
a house and barn, were acquired by Capt. Samuel Emerson, Ap. 11, 1717, and confirmed to him in 1732 by Joseph, son of Capt. Chesley. This tract included the spot where Capt. Chesley and his companions were slain, now owned by Mr. E. T. Emerson. The other part of Capt. Chesley's homestead lands (33 acres), with his "new dwelling- house," was conveyed to Philip Chesley, July 30, 1719. It is uncer- tain which of the above houses was the garrison. It stood, however, eastward of the Huckins garrison, probably on Buck's hill.
Philip Chesley's garrison is said to have stood near the Chesley house, now in ruins, popularly called " Ben's fort,'" on the road from Durham village to Dpver, perhaps on the same spot.
Another Chesley garrison stood immediately in front of the present school-house in Durham village. It was built by George Chesley, who acquired this land Oct. 16, 1699. According to the family tradition, he was killed by the Indians near the Durham Point meeting-house, on his way to Crummit's mill. The estate of a George Chesley was adminis- tered upon by his widow, Deliver- ance, and his brother Joseph, Sept. 5, 1710. Another George Chesley, as Belknap relates, was killed by the
Indians May 24, 1724, as he was returning from public worship with Elizabeth Burnham, who was mor- tally wounded at the same time.^ A romantic tradition declares them engaged to be married, and a poem is still extant bewailing the fate of the youthful lovers.
It is a pity to spoil so touching a romance, but the stern necessity of adhering to the truth compels the writer to say that if this was the George Chesley who built the garri- son, he must have been at that time forty-five years of age, at least. This may not lessen our pity for the vic- tims, but it certainly dispels the ro- mance. The inventory of his estate was made Aug. 27, 1724.^
Another Chesley garrison is said to have stood on the Lubberland shore, built by Joseph Chesley, who acquired land there as early as March 26, 1707. (See Chesley's Islands.)
A Davis garrison stood in the Packer's Falls district, the south side of Lamprey river, built by David Davis in the first half of last century. He was no doubt a son of the above David and Susanna. Here five gen- erations of the name of David Davis are said to have lived. This place is now owned by Mr. Ebenezer Davis, who has a son David. The garrison, now gone, stood on a gentle eminence
' Elizabeth Burnham lived four days after she was wounded. The Rev. Hugh Adams bap- tized her May 27th, the evening before her death, " at her penitent request."
2 That the reader may not be entirely cheated out of his romance, it should be added that the above account has become entangled with a more authentic story of a young Chesley of last century, who was engaged to a Miss Randall, of Lee. They were returning from meeting- together, when they were slain by the Indians on the Mast road. The rock on which the maiden fell is said to be stained with her blood to this day, but unfortunately it has been removed from its original position. This legendary rock is referred to in a ballad, published in the TV. H. Republican of Dec. 30, 1823:
" Twice fifty summers' storms have beat Relentless on that sacred place; As many summers' ardent heat; But could not that red stream efface."
Landniarks in Ancient Dover.
189
opposite the present house, ou the other side of the highway.
A fourth Davis garrison, very small in size, is still standing, ad- joining the house of the late Deacon John Thompson, about a mile from Durham village. It was no doubt built by Jabez Davis, son of Moses, on land conveyed to him by his uncle. Sergeant Joseph Davis, Dec. 2, 1723. Like the other small garrisons, it must have depended chiefly on the defences set up around it.
The Mathews garrison, otherwise Mathes, stood at Durham Point, where is now the house of Mr. Mark Mathes. It was no doubt built by Capt. Fran- cis Mathes, who was living in that vicinity in 1712, when he bought the Adams laud. (See Adams garrison.) Dec. 20, 1748, he conveyed to Valen- tine and Abraham Mathes, Jr., the homestead where he then lived, " be- ginning at John Bickford's orchard point, so the salt water is y*^ bounds to Joneses Point (Jonas' Point), and Oyster river, and s*^ point is on y® northerly side ; and s"^ point in y* possession of Bickford aforesaid ; westerly by land in possession of Caleb Wakeham ; south by a road that leads to Bickford's aforesaid and his field to y* Orchard Point, just mentioned, together with all build- ings," etc.
Second Falls Garrison. The Rev. Hugh Adams, of Oyster River, re- cords, Jan. 11, 1719-20, the baptism of James, the infant son of James Tilley, at " the Garrison House, sec- ond falls." He undoubtedly referred to the second falls in Lamprey river (see Packer's falls), which belonged to the Oyster River precinct, and at that time were usually called the
" second falls." There were at least two garrisons in this vicinity. One of them, called the Pendergast garri- son, is still standing, and now occu- pied by Mr. Scott. When or by whom it was built is uncertain, but it stood on land sold Oct. 9, 1735, by Eliphalet Coffin of P^xeter to " Ste- phen Pendergrass." The deed speaks of it as a tract of eighty-four acres in Durham, adjoining Lamprey river, beginning at the river about twenty rods above " a run of water near y^ land formerly called Mahermit's planting ground." A spring is men- tioned as just east of the lower bound, near the river.
The Tilleys do not appear to have owned any land in Durham. Men- tion is made, June 7, 1738, of Sam- uel Tille, collier, and Jane his wife, who conveyed a whole right of land in Canterbury to Stephen Pendergast.
A Wood^nan garrison, probably built bv Joshua Woodman, stood not far from Wiswall's mills, on the upper side of Lamprey river. (See Shad Falls.)
Oyster River Point. This was the original name of Durham Point, but it is sometimes incorrecth^ given to Oyster Point, as March 17, 1720- 21, when two grants to Wm. Will- iams " att the mouth of the creek below Oyster river Point, on the east side of Oyster river," were re-bounded for his son John, beginning at the mouth of the creek, then running 65 rods by said river down to the freshet, and thence 27 rods to a great rock in the gully, then 100 rods n. easterly or northerly to the Rocky Hill, etc.
Packer's Creek and Point. Pack- er's brook or creek is mentioned Nov. 20, 1723, when James Hains con-
190
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
veyed to Joshua Hains land in Green- iaiid that belonged to his father Joshua, bounded westerly by the country road leading from Packer's brook, so called, to Greenland meet- ing-house, north by the laud of Clem- ent March, etc. Packer's bridge is mentioned July 28, 1714, in connec- tion with the line between the par- ishes of Greenland and Newington. {N. H. Town Pap., 12 : 66.)
Packer's Point is on the shore of the Great Bay, between the mouth of Winnicot river and that of Packer's creek. It is so called on Phineas Merrill's map of Greenland in 1806. The name is still retained. It was derived from Thomas Packer, who acquired part of the Champeruowne lands in 1714. (See Greenland and Chanipernoivne's creek.) Packer's Point, and the lower part of Packer's creek, fell within the limits of ancient Dover.
Packer's Falls. These falls are in that part of Lamprey river which flows through the southern part of Durham. The name is now confined to the falls just below the bridge on the road to Newmarket — the first falls below Wiswall's ; but it originally comprised the whole series of falls or rapids along this portion of the river. These falls were in early times gen- erally called " the secoyid falls," a name that included the falls where General Sullivan afterwards estab- lished his mills. (See Sullivan's Falls and Second Falls.)
The name of Packer's falls was derived, not from Thomas Packer, the sheriff who hung Ruth Blay, but from his father, Col. Thomas Packer, also of Portsmouth, who was at once physician, judge, lieutenant-colonel.
and member of the governor's couu- cil. The town of Dover, Ap. 11, 1694, " granted to Capt. Packer, Jonathan Woodman, James Davis, Joseph Meder, and James Thomas, the hole streame of Lamprele River for the erecting of a sawmill or mills, that is to say, the one half to Capt. Thomas Packer, the other half to the other fower men befour mentioned." With 50 acres of land to Capt. Packer "■ on the south side of the aforesaid falls or elsewhere for his couveniency, leaving eight rods of land by the river for a highway." And fift}' acres also on the south side of the river, adjoining Capt. Packer's, were grant- ed to Jonathan Woodman, James Davis, Joseph Meder, and James Thomas. These grants were con- firmed Ap. 16, 1694. Capt. Packer conveyed to Philip Chesle}' of Oyster River, Dec. 1, 1711, fifty acres of land adjoining Lamprey river, which had been granted him by the town of Dover, together " with y^ pri»'ilege of erecting a mill or mills upon y* said river."
Packer's Falls are so called as early as 1718. (See Long Falls.) They are again mentioned Dec. 18, 1724, when James Basford of Dover sold James Gipseu one sixteenth part of the sawmill standing on Lamperel river, on y* falls called Packer's falls, which s'^ Basford bought of John Tasker. Samuel Chesley, March 1, 1727-8, sold Samuel Linsey one eighth part of the sawmill at the falls in Lamperel river " commonly called Packer's falls." Abraham Bennick conveyed to his son Abraham, May 23, 1737, one half of a corn-mill, now standing on Lampereel river, at a place commonly called Packer's falls,
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
191
in Durham, together with one half the stream and privilege belonging to said corn-mill. (See Shad Falls.) And May 10, 1739, Joseph Smith, of Newmarket, conveyed to Abraham Bennick, Jr., of Duriiam, all right and title to y^ mill-dam, and falls, and land, granted John Goddard, late of Dover, deceased, at y' place called or known by y*^ name of Pack- er's Falls.
The first time the name of Packer's falls appears in the Durham records is June 13, 1750, when a road "to Packer's falls, so-called," was pro- posed. But it must be remembered that there are very few Durham rec- ords prior to 1750, and none before 1733. The following item is entered in 1763: "P^ Mr. Nicholas Doody for building Packer's Falls bridge — £111. 5s." This was the Nicholas Doody who afterwards changed his name to Durell. -'• Packer's Falls way" is mentioned the same year. As a locality, the name of Packer's Falls has long been given to the southwestern part of Durham, on both sides of Lamprey river, extend- ing to Newmarket at the south, and to Lee at the west./
The first mention of Packer's Falls as a school-district is Oct. 7, 1783, when £l0^16s. were paid John Smith " in lawful money, in full, for his son Daniel's keeping school in the Pack- er's falls district " during the year 1782. There was, however, without doubt, a public school here before the Revolution, as there certainly was in Durham village and at Durham Point.
Page's Pond, See No-Bottom Pond.
Page's Springs. These springs supply, in part, the reservoir belong-
ing to the public Water "Works in Dover. They are above Garrison Hill, on the Waldron land acquired ])y Mr. Taylor Page Ap. 24, 1833. The city of Dover completed the purchase of these springs in 1889, but work had been begun at the pumping station Aug. 3, 1888, and on the receiving basin the followina; October.
Palmer's Hill. This hill, so named from Mr. Wni. Palmer, is in the southwestern part of Lee, on the road to the railway station.
Pappoon Hill. This hill is at Quamphegan, on the road from St. Alban's cove, below the turnpike road. The name is derived from a neighboring family of last century.
Parsonage Pond. This is a little pond or pool in a pasture that once belonged to Parson McClary of Dover, who was installed May 7, 1812, and dismissed Aug. 6, 1828. V It is on the western side of the back road to Dover Neck, about half a mile below the road to Campiu's rocks. It is sometimes called Blood- sucker's Pond.
Parson Buss's Pulpit. This is a recess in the steep, rocky bank of Oyster river, on the south side, a shortdistance above Burnham's creek, where, according to tradition, the Rev. John Buss used to retire for contemplation and prayer in his de- clining years. He was the third min- ister at the Oyster River settlement, and in the Indian attack of 1694 he lost his house and valuable library, and being reduced to a narrow habi- tation and encumbered with a large family, he might well be glad to take refuge in this niche of pleasant out- look across the swiftly running stream,
192
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
and here taste the sweets of solitude. He doubtless lived a short distance below Cutt's hill, on a grant of twen- ty-five acres from the town, adjoining the parsonage lands, on the north side of the road leading to Durham Point. The rock that formed the seat of the pulpit has been carried away by irreverent boys, but the niche remains, looking like a chair of state, hewn in the side of the cliff.
Parsons' Hill. This hill is west of Wheelwright's Pond, in Lee, about half a mile above Peter's Oven, on the same road. The cellar of the Parsons house thereon can still be traced.
Partridge Hill. This hill is in Somersworth, on the line of the Elec- tric Railroad, near the corner of the road leading to Rochester from the Dover road to Great Falls. The land adjoining the highway at this point is owned by Mr. Andrews and the heirs of Isaac Chandler on the east side ; and on the west by Messrs. Bickford, Johnson, etc. The name was derived from the coveys of partridges on this hill in former times, when it was covered with underwood on both sides of the road.
Partridge Point. Mentioned Ap. 2, 1694, when 30 acres were set apart for the use of the ministry between Partridge point and John Wiuget's, running from the commons on the west side of the road to Coche- cho, thence west to an asp tree, thence towards Partridge Pt., then to a red oak uj)on the sandy hill by the roadside, and by the road to the first bound. A highway to be allowed from said road to Wingefs Marsh.
Abraham Nute, only son of James Nute, Sr., in consideration of a
house on the west side of Back river, conveyed to him by John Drew, con- firmed unto said Drew March 16, 1698-9, a tract of marsh and flats on the east side of Back river, adjacent to Partridge Point, " beginning at said point, and so down by y* Back river side three score and two rods to a sandie hill.''' One fourth of this tract was conveyed to Thomas Canne of Dover Aug. 11, 1744, by John Drew of Somersworth, who says it was given him by his grandfather John Drew in his will. John Canne of Dover and wife Love, Nov. 29, 1762, conveyed to Francis Drew of Madbury a parcel of salt marsh on the easterly side of Back river, a little below Partridge Point, contain- ing one fourth of the marsh and thatch bed in that place, being all that part which his honored father Thomas Canne of Dover, deceased, bought of John Drew of Somers- worth, deceased, Aug. 11, 1744.
Partridge Point is about half a mile above the mouth of Little John's Creek. The name is said to have been derived from the number of partridges in this vicinity.
Pascassick River, otherwise Pis- CASSiCK. This name was originally given by the Indians to Lamprey river, or to the loM^est falls in that river. ' ' Y^ Riuer called Pascassokes " is mentioned in the patent of 1631 to Sir Ferdinando Gorges and others. The name is now given to the chief tributary to Lamprey river, on the west side. The lower part of this stream fell within the limits of ancient Dover, but since 1870 has belonged to Newmarket. A " mill on the Pis- cassick river, at the Dover line," is mentioned May 22, 1719. There was
Laiidmarks in Ancient Dover.
193
one here as early as Ap. 14, 1657, when, by an agreement between Do- ver and Exeter, Thomas Keraball, Wm. Hilton, and Robert Smart had their right confirmed to the owner- ship of the mill at the lower fall of the Piscassick, with the neck of land on the east side, down to Lamprey river, except six poles along the river side. Also 60 acres for tillage on the west side, adjacent to the mill. This land fell within the limits of Dover. The inventory of John God- dard's estate, June 27, 1667, men- tions f of Piscassick mill. Robert Smart, Sr., of Exeter, conveyed to Capt. Peter Coffin of Elxeter, mer- chant, March 10, 1695-6, "all ray part of the neck of land which lies within the line belonging to Dover, and which was granted to me b}' the town of Dover, as I was parte owner of the mill c&Wed pocassett mill, which land lieth between Pocassett river and Lamprill river." The bounds between Dover and Exeter, as de- fined Sept. 18, 1718, began at a picked rock in Lamprel river, at the lowest fall, and ran to the Piscassick river, about two rods south of the great mill, etc. William Smart, son of John, conveyed to Thomas Tash, Feb. 1, 1754, twenty acres of laud, "■ beginning at y* north of Passcassick brook, at Dover line, and thence run- ning up y^ middle of said brook 40 rods."
A road was laid out by the town of Durham, July 20, 1763, across Lamprey river through the Packer's Falls district, extending to " the pis- cassick mill privilege, then on said privilege S. 10 deg. W. over the bridge to the dividing line between Newmarket and Durham 18 rods,
leaving the highway westward of said line." The Durham accounts of 1764 have the following entry : " P*^ for Building X'^'''^^^^^^ Bridge £.23, 10^"
Around the Nut and Bolt factory erected by Mr. Lafayette Hall near the mouth of the Pascassick, on the Durham side, but now a part of Newmarket, is a small village gener- ally called Hallsville.
The names of Washucke and Watchic are sometimes given to the Pascas- sick river. (See Washucke.)
Pascataqua Bridge, otherwise PiscATAQUA. This bridge extended across the river Pascataqua from Meader's Neck in Durham to Fox Point on the Newingtou shore. It was chartered June 20, 1793. The land at the Durham terminus was conveyed by Andrew Drew to the proprietors of the bridge Nov. 7, 1793, for the sum of five shillings, " to encourage the building of said bridge, and in consideration of other advantages " he might derive there- from. It was one acre in extent, " to be laid out in a square form, at the place the proprietors should deem most advantageous, provided that the bridge be commenced within two years, and completed according to the act of incorporation."
John Drew of Barustead conveyed his right to said laud July 24, 1794, and Mark Meader conveyed his right Aug. 20, 1794.
The land at the Newington termi- nus was conveyed by Richard Down- ing Nov. 12, 1793, for the sum of five shillings, but " more especially for the encouragement of buildiusr a bridge over the Piscataqua river at and from Fox Point." It consisted
[94
handfuarks in Ancient Dover.
of oue acre, to be laid out in a square form upon any part of his farm at Fox Point, then occupied by his son Bartholomew, wherever the proprie- tors should think proper to build, on condition that his deed should be null and void if the bridge were not begun within two 3'ears, and com- pleted as directed by the act of in- corporation.
The bridge was begun in April, 1794, and was so far completed as to be opened for travel November 25, the same year, with a toll-gate at the Durham end. It was 2,362 feet long, and 38 feet wide. It had three sections. The first was horizontal, and built on piles from Fox Point to Rock island. The second was an arch from Rock island to Goat island. And the third, built like the first, was from Goat island to the Durham shore. There was a draw for the passage of vessels. Thomas Thomp- son, and John Pierce of Portsmouth, were the agents for its construction. Timothy Palmer, of Newburyport, Mass., was the architect. Enos Whiting, of Norwich, Conn., had charge of the pile-work and clraw. There was a planking surface of nearly half a mile in length. Three thousand tons of oak timber, 2,000 tons of pine timber, 80,000 four-inch plank, 20 tons of iron, and 8,000 tons of stone were used in its construc- tion.
This bridge was considered a mas- terpiece in its time, on account of the difficulty of its construction across a current of great rapidity, and for the most part fifty two feet deep at high tide. Mr. Gilmor of Baltimore, who visited it Aug. 19, 1797, speaks of it as " the only oue of the kind in
America, and a surprising work." He made a sketch of the bridge, in- cluding the tavern on Goat island, probably the earliest ever made. (See the Gilmor Memorandums, re- cently printed by the Boston Public Library, which contains a cut repro- duced from Mr. Gilmor's sketch.)
This bridge opened a new highway to Portsmouth, and for fifty years greatly contributed to the prosperity of that town by directing thither a portion of country trade, especially after the opening of the First New Hampshire turnpike road. The N. H. legislature, by an Act of Dec. 12, 1803, granted a lottery for rais- ing $15,000, to repair and maintain Piscataqua bridge. Ten thousand first class tickets at $0 each, were issued and advertised in the N. H. Gazette (Portsmouth) of Jan. 17, 1804. Some of these tickets are still to be found.
This bridge gave way March 8, 1830, and again in the autumn of 1854. In the latter instance it was repaired by the Messrs. Frink of Newiugton, who had recently bought it for $2,000, though it originally cost $65,947.34. This decrease in value was owing to the construction of railways, which had diverted travel in other directions. Consequently, when 600 feet of the bridge on the Newiugton side was carried away by the ice, Feb. 18, 1855, the owners could not afford to repair it, and the por- tion left was removed not long after.
The name of Pascataqiia Bi'idge is still siven to the neighborhood around the Durham terminus, though only the old abutments of the bridge now remain. And the school district in this part of the town is generally
Landmarks in Ancient Dover
195
called the Bridge or Pascataqua Bridge district.
Pascataqua River, otherwise Pis- CATAQUA. Judge Potter defines the name of this river as " a great deer place," from the Indian words, pos, great ; attiick, deer ; and mike, a place. Sanford and Evert's Atlas says the Piscataqua river was so named by Capt. Martin Pring, from 2nscatus, fish, and aqua, water, from the abundance of fish he found when he ascended this river several leagues in 1603. Thoreau, in his '•'•Maine Woods" says Piscataquis signifies, according to the definition of an in- telligent Indian, "the branch of a river.'" Mr. Hoyt, in his notes to Tuttle's Historical JPajyers, p. 101, says the word Pascataqua means " a divided tidal place," the river of this name being divided at the mouth into two streams by the island of New Castle. It no doubt does signify a divided or branched river. The Pas- cataqua is, in fact, a forked river, with two great branches — one coming down from East Pond in the north- east corner of Wakefield, and the other from Great and Little Bays. These unite at Hilton's Point, whence this confluent stream flows eastward to the Atlantic, seven miles distant.
The Hon. C. H. Bell, in his His- tory of Exeter, aptly compares the Pascataqua and its tributaries to " a man's left hand and wrist, back up- wards, and fingers wide apart. The thumb would stand for the Salmon Falls or Newichwannock river, the forefinger for Bellamy river, the sec- ond finger for Oyster river, the third for Lamprey river, and the fourth for I^xeter or Squamscot river ; while the palm of the hand would represent
the Great Bay, into which most of those streams pour their waters, and the wrist the Pascataqua proper." A branched river, indeed, as the name signifies.
Different names are given to differ- ent parts of the Pascataqua. Ac- cording to Belknap, the eastern branch, from its source to the lower falls at Berwick, is called the Salmon Falls river. Then it assumes the name of Newichaicannock, which it bears till it meets with the Cochecho. The early settlers on Dover Neck called that part between the mouth of the Cochecho and Hilton's Point by the name of Fore river.
Dr. Quint thinks the name of Pas- cataqua should be confined to the western branch. At the head of this branch is Great Bay, the waters of which empty into Little Bay at the Narrows. The lower bound of Little Bay is Fox ■point, opposite which is Goat island below the mouth of Oys- ter river. Cedar point \^ just below the Durham end of the old Pascata- qua bridge, with RoyaWs cove at the east. Beyond is Clement's point, at the mouth of Back river, on the west- erl}' side. Between Back River and Newington are the Horse Races, where the current of the Pascataqua is rapid and turbulent. At Hilton's Point, otherwise Dover Point, this western branch unites with the New- ichawaunock, forming what the old records often call the Main rioer, which flows thence in a direct course towards the Atlantic ocean. This straight portion of the river, between Dover Point and the Narrows, below Boiling Rock, is called the Long Reach.
The chief points and coves along
196
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
the Newington shore, beginning at the Greenland line, and proceeding in the direction of Fox Pt., succeed each other as follows. First comes Pincomb's or Pinkhatn's creek, near the line — the upper boundary of the old Pickering grant. The lower boundary is called Swadden's creek, otherwise 3IUI creek. Oft" this shore is Sivadden's island, now often cor- rupted to Swan island. Farther down is Fabyan's Point, formerly Starbuck's, at the upper side of Laighton's cove. At the lower side of this cove is Long 2)oint, otherwise Woodman's. Off shore is Nanney's islayid. Below is Small point. The cove below is no doubt the ancient Hogsty Cove, at the lower side of which is Furher's point, at the Nar- rows, which separate Great and Lit- tle bays. Below Furber's point, or ferry place, is Welsh Cove, otherwise Welshman's, with Dame's point at the lower side, sometimes called Joshua's Point. Then comes Dump- ling Cove, with the " Sow and Pigs " off shore, to be seen at low tide. Farther down is Bald Head, just beyond which is Fox point, the most prominent headland on the Newing- ton shore. At the lower side is Hen island. We are now in Broad cove. Midway along the shore of this cove is Pocky point, otherwise Carter's Bocks. At the lower side of Broad cove is Stephen's point, now Bean's. Below is Coleman's creek. Then comes Zackey's point, otherwise Orchard point, with Trickey's cove at the lower side. Below is Nancy Drew's point, a subdivision of Bloody point, formerly the landing-place of Knight's ferry. Just below is the point to which the name of Bloody
Point is now confined. It is the ter- minus of the Dover Point bridge. In the river below, perhaps thirty rods from the shore, are the Lang- staffe Bocks, dangerous to shipping, with a wrecked schooner now lying near. On the neighboring shore is Pickering's Cove, otherwise Whid- den's, and a creek which once divided the Bickford and Carter lands, aud ran a mill. Below is Birch Point, no doubt the Pine Point of early times. Farther down is Uncle Siah's cove, properly Downing' s cove, just above Patterson's Lane. Off shore is Shag Rock. Ragg's p)oint, other- wise Beetle's, is on the shore of the Rollins farm. Farther down is the Upper Huntress landing-place, now owned by Miss Mary Huntress. Below is Paul's Creek, the Kenny or Canney's creek of early times. Then comes Hill's cove, no doubt the old Pine Cove. A short distance below begins the Gosling road, which sep- arates Newington from Portsmouth. At the lower side is the landing- place called the Lower Huntress. A ferry once ran from this point to the Eliot shore, at Paul's ship-3'ard, whence another road led into the country. Boiling Rock is oft" the Eliot shore, a little below. Beyond are the Narrows. Here is Cult's eddy, the worst in tiie river. On the shore is Wentworth Point, better known as the Ptdpit, so called from a I'ock that hangs out from the shore, where sailors in passing formerly "■ made their manners" for the sake of good luck, and still do so to some extent. An anecdote is related in Brewster's Rambles of General Sul- livan's refusing to pay the customary mark of respect in passing the Pulpit,
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
197
and the raeaus used by the boatmen to make him doff his hat. President Cutt, in his will, gives his wife the use of land at y" Pulpit till his son Samuel should be of age. It was here Madam Ursula Cutt retired after his death, and was killed by the Indians in 1694. The Pulpit is now owned by the Hon. Frank Jones. Below is Cult's Cove, with Freeman's Point beyond, for two hundred years called Ham's Point, from William Ham, who had a grant of land here in 1652, and built a house on it before 1654. On the Kittery shore, opposite, are Adams Oaks}
Going up the Long Reach, the river boatmen, after passing Frank's Fort, used to sing out, " Barn Door ! " as soon as they caught sight of a barn on a distant hill, the doors of which were never known to be shut. This was the signal for a dram, and the men would flat their oars and take their grog, the better to stem the strong current of the Long Reach. Another dram was always found necessary at the Horse Races, after entering the western branch of the Pascataqua, where the current is very swift and powerful. And the Oyster river boatmen took' one at Half-Tide Rock, on entering the mouth of that stream.
The name of Pascataqua, variously written Pascataquack, Piscataway, etc., was in earl}' times, not only given to the river itself, but to the entire settlement on both shores, from the mouth upward.
Pascataqua Rock. This rock is mentioned in the following convey- ance of June 17, 1674:— "I, Wil- liam ffurbur. Sen', for y* entire affec- tion I bear to my son Will : ffurbur, my first-born son, do by these p'sents give to him & his heirs for- ev"' all my now dwelling house, both y^ old and new one, w"" my barn and all out housing, w"* all my Land from Piscataq Rock to the north End of Anthony Nutter his land to y® north of this line," etc. This was the farm at Furber's ferry. March 2, 1704, Jethro ffurbur, of Portsmouth (son of Jethro, deceased, mariner), out of love and affection, conveyed to his loving cousin, Jethro ffurber, son of William of Dover, his uncle, twenty-five acres of land at or near Great Bay in Portsmouth, fronting the river between Pascataqua Rock and Small Point, adjoining Wm. ffurber's land, said land having belonged to Jethro's father, also named Jethro, who intended to give it to Jethro, son of William. This land is now owned by Mr. J. W. Hoyt.
Pascataqua Rock, which separated the ferry farm from Jethro Furber's farm, was, according to tradition, the terminal bound of the old Dover line from Canney's creek to Hogsty Cove. It was a large slaty rock neai- the shore, which was gradually broken up hy the frost, and carried away by the ice and strong tides.
Pastures. Land for a Calves' Pasture was granted to the settlers on' Dover Neck the oth, 10 mo.,
1 In this connection it might be added that Christian Shore, at Portsmouth, a name whose origin has been questioned, was so called, the writer remembers hearing her grandmother say, from the number of baptisms by immersion on this shore by the Rev. Elias Smith, a noted " revivalist," at the beginning of this century, who organized a Baptist church in Portsmouth March 20, 1803.
ipS
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
1652, at the lower end of the Neck, on the west side. This pasture was divided araoug them, or their heirs, Ap. 16, 1722. As it contained 36 acres, and there were 27 proprietors, each right amounted to one acre and a third. John Tuttle conveyed to Amos Piukham Feb. 9, 1708-9, three shares in the Calves' pasture, originally granted to Joseph Austin, Wni. Furher, and Thomas Roberts, Sr., lying between John Pinkham's land and a lane on y* north side of Hall's land, butting on y" Back river on y® west, and on y* lower way on y^ east. Nine shares were set off to Otis Pinkham Ap. 16, 1722, extend- ing from the spring below John Pink- ham's house 32 rods by the loiv st7'eet, and 36 rods by the water side, begin- ning at the run of water that comes from the spring. And that same day eight shares were set off to Thomas Canney, extending from Otis Pinkham's head line by the low street 32 rods, and 33 rods by the water side to a fence on the south side of the Long Chttt, so called. It is evident from the above that the Calves' Pasture was on the west side of Dover Neck, below Pinkham's spring.
An Ox Pasture was laid out in Hilton's Point swamp in 1652, which was afterwards divided among the inhabitants of Dover Neck. Timothy Carl or Caroll conveyed to John Knight, Sr., Dec. 10, 1710, one sh^'e of the ox common on Dover Neck, at Hilton's Point, bought of Samuel Cromwell. (See Hilton's Point Swam,p.)
Two " Quaker Pastures'' were also granted to the Society of Friends. One of these, granted June 25, 1717,
was in the upper part of Dover Neck, " between the Watering Gutt and the Cochecho." It is mentioned March 20, 1729-30, when a road was ordered to be laid out from y^ Quaker Pasture to the way that leads from the watering gutt to Samuel Carle's. Another Quaker pasture of ten acres, between the Bellamy and the mast path to Mallego, was re-granted March 30, 1733, and laid out July 25, 1733, beginning at a poplar tree by the head line of Dover, and extend- ing N. E. to a pitch-pine tree by the way that goes to Mallego, and so by said way S. W. 80 rods, etc. This pasture is mentioned May 10, 1736, when 6 acres were laid out to Tim- othy Tibbets near his dwelling-place, beginning at the east side of y^ hook, near y^ bridge, and running thence S. W. to a road that comes from the Quaker pasture. And Jan. 12, 1742, Ichabod Canney conveyed to Robert Hanson 35f acres " in Malligo woods, at a place called y^ Sapplings, on the southerly side of y^ road y* leads from Littleworth to Barriugton," 23 acres of which began at the S. E. corner of the ten acres laid out to the Quakers.
A Sheej) Pasture on Dover Neck is mentioned the 5th, 10 mo., 1659, when a part of it was set off by the town for a training-ground. Jede- diah Andrews of Salisbury, Mass., and Mary his wife, conveyed to the Rev. John Reyuer, Jan. 5, 1669, their dwelling-house on the east side of Dover Neck, and the lot it stood on, originally granted said Andrews by the town of Dover, and laid out the 17th of March An^ Salutis 1659, bounded east by said Reyner's land, north by Reyner's upper lot, south
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
199
by Mr. Robert's lot, and west by the Sheep pasture. Edward Whitebouse quit claim to the heirs of Moses Var- ney, May 29, 1761, to three acres of " y' land called the Sheep's Pasture " which for some years previous had been in possession of said Moses. This Pasture was on Huckleberry Hill.
Patterson's Lane. This lane is just above the Rollins mansion in Newington. It leads from the main road to an old landing-place on the Pascataqua river, below '■ Uncle Slab's creek." (See Patterson's Point.)
Patterson's Point. This point is on the Newington shore of the Pas- cataqua, at the foot of Patterson's Lane, where Joseph Patterson had a wharf last century. He acquired a portion of the Rollins or Rawlins laud June 14, 1769, and another ad- joining in 1772. This land was afterwards reconveyed to the Rollins family by Temperance, his widow. At the upper side of Patterson's Lane, in a thicket beside the wall, is the grave of Joseph Patterson, with a headstone of slate, briefly inscribed : "J. P. A 85. 1787." (See Eafffs Point.)
Paul's Cove. This cove is on the Rolliusford shore of the Newicha- wannock river, below High Point. It is so called from Mr. Henry Paul, the proprietor of the adjacent land, whose house is opposite this cove.
Paul's Creek. This is the first creek below the upper Huntress, on the Newington shore, and derives its name from Stephen Paul of Eliot, to whom Winthrop Pickering conveyed 50 acres of land, Ap. 29, 1862, be- ginning at the road from Fox Pt. to Portsmouth, and running east bv the
land of Isaac and Amos Dow to the Pascataqua river. This was no doubt the Canney or Kenney's creek of early times.
Pierce's Brook. This brook rises in the Barrington woods and empties into the Bellamy river in the upper part of Madbur}'.
Pearl's Ferry. " John Parell" was licensed to keep a ferry over Back river from his house or landing-place over to Sergeant Drew's usual land- ing-place, March 13, 1722-3; to re- ceive "one penny for every inhabi- tant so carried and fetched over, and 2*^ for strangers." John Pearl was the son of Nicholas Pearl, who was killed by the Indians not far from Pudding Hill in 1707. His ferrv seems to have run from what is now called Nute's poirit, at the lower side of Little John's creek. A public road still leads to this landing-place from the main road to Dover Pt. It was doubtless here that John Pearl acquired four acres of land, conveyed to him by Thomas Waits, Feb. 18, 1739-40. (See Cromwell's Creek.) Benjamin Roberts conveyed to John Pearl, Jan. 4, 1744-5, a tract of land ten rods square, beginning at the corner where the road that leads from the country road down to Austin's mill crosses the wa}' between the lands of Abraham Nute and Benja- min Roberts. And Roberts also con- veyed to John Pearl, Aug. 3, 1752, four acres adjoining s^ Pearl's dwell- ing-house lot, previously bought of said Roberts, adjoining the highway that leads by said Pearl's house down to the Back river. This laud was sold b}' Mary, the widow of John Pearl, to Moses Varney Ap. 2, 1754. (See CromivelVs Creek.)
200
Landinarks in Ancient Dove?'
Pear Yard District. This name is given to the school district in the northwestern part of Rolliusford. Its origin is shown by a vote passed by the town of Soraersworth March 16, 1793 : that " the school-house for Number Two, or the west district, shall be at a certain place called the old back road, opposite a certain Pear-Yard in the possession of An- drew Rollins, or as near said spot as there can be a piece of land procured for the house." The '■'Pear Yard district " is mentioned in the Soraers- worth records of 1814. (See Yard Country Way.)
Peirce's Creek and Peirce's Point. These names are now sometimes given to Packer's Creek and Poi^it., on the Greenland shore of the Great Bay. "-Pierces Pt." is mentioned on Chace's County map of 1857. (See Cheenlaiid and Packet-'' s Ct-eek.)
Pelatiah's Hill. This hill is in Lee, on the south side of Little river, below the sawmill. So named from Pelatiah Thompson, son of Robert and Susanna, who was born July 15, 1765, and died Nov. 8, 1843. It was in Pelatiah's early life that his father removed his dwelling-house from the valley to the top of this hill, where it now stands.
Perry's Hill. This hill is in Madbury, and belongs to the same ridge as Harvey's hill ; from which it is only separated by a small hollow. The Freetown road from Madbury to^ Barrington crosses this ridge. The name is said to have been derived from a Perry family, whose cellar on this hill can still be traced. A Mat- thew Perry and his six children are mentioned in the records of the Rev. Hugh Adams. He was no doubt the
Matthew Pierre, to whom Timothy I^raersou and wife Mary, July 4, 1736, conveyed 15 acres and 146 rods of land in Durham, beginnins: at John Sias' east corner bound, thence extending south to a white oak by Oyster river running by New- town.
Peter's Marsh. This name is given to Starbuck's marsh in Soraers- worth, from Peter Coffin, to whom his father-in-law Edward Starbuck conveyed all his rights in Dover not otherwise disposed of, June 19, 1678. "The bounds of a piece or (jlot of marsh commonly called Starbuck's marsh or Peter's marsh, granted Edward Starbuck by the town of Dover on y" 30th of 6th mo. 1643, were newly run, laid out, and bounded, June 25, 1735, for Capt. Eliphalet Coffin of Exeter, beginning at a heap of stones on the east side of the road that leads over the brook that comes out of the great pond, a little east- ward of the falls in said brook or on the south side of said brook." This brook is known as Peter's Marsh brook. (See Starbuck's Marsh.)
Peter's Marsh Brook. Mentioned Sept. 6, 1736, when thirty acres of land were laid out to Isaac Hanson on the S. W. side of Salmon Falls river, extending up the river to the mouth of a brook commonly called Peter's marsh brook, thence up this brook to and along the land of Eben- ezer Wentworth. This is the brook mentioned in the grant of Starbuck's marsh in 1643 as coming out of the Great Pond. It connects Willand's Pond with Salmon Falls river. The eastern part is now sometimes called Brown's brook, and the middle part is often called Tate's brook.
Landmm'ks in Ancient Dover
20I
Peter's Oven. This name is given to a natural cave in the side of a steep ledge, a short distance above Lee Hill, on the right hand side of the road to Barrington. It is mentioned July 10, 1721, when 100 acres of land, originally granted to Wm. Williams, Sr., in 1662, and laid out to Wm. Roberts in 1663, on the west side of " Whell Rights Pond," were laid out anew to Moses Davis and John Thompson, Jr., beginning at a pitch-pine tree on the west side of the cartway that leads to '•^Peter's Ouen, soe called." And again May 29, 1752, when land on " the south side of the way leading from the Place commonly called Peter's Oven to the head of the township," was conveyed by John Pitman to Jona- than Thompson, Jr. One tradition says this name was derived from an Indian named Peter, who, wounded at the battle of Wheelwright's pond, succeeded in reaching this cave, into which he crawled, and there died. According to another tradition, it was so called from a negro named Peter, who once made it his haunt, and gave it a diabolical reputation.
The name of " oven " is often given to a cave in Ireland, from the Irish word Uamhain, pronounced oovan, whence the corruption of oven. JJamham is evidently akin to the Gaelic word Uaimh, used by Scott, who, in "• Waverley," gives the name of Uaimli an Hi, or Chieftain's cave, to the dwelling-place of Donald Bean Lean.
Picked Rock. This ancient boun- dary is mentioned July 12, 1723, when the committee appointed by the N. H. General Assemblv concerning a bridge across Lamprey river at the
lowest falls, reported that the best place for its erection would be "at the Picked rock, so called, a little above the first Dam in s** river." And Benjamin Thomas, in his report to the House, Dec. 13, 1723, agreed that the most convenient place would be " at a Picked Rock upon the lower falls, near y^ old Dam." (N. H. Prov. PaiJ., IV: 124, 125.)
When the selectmen of Durham and Newmarket perambulated the dividing line " from Lamprey-eel River bridge to the great bay," March 4, 1805, they began " at the picked Rock un- der said bridge, and ran S. 56^° E. 264 rods, to the head of Goddard's Creek, so called, thence by the chan- nel of said creek to the mouth thereof at the bay aforesaid." {Durham Records.)
The Picked Rock is spoken of June 19, 1818, as " in the south butment of Durham and Lamperell River bridge, so called." {N. H. Toivn Pap., XII: 390.)
Andrew Doe, Seth Shackford and others, Ap. 19, 1823, conveyed to Daniel M. Durell and Stephen Han- son of Dover, |-f of the saw-mill ou Lamprey river, in Newmarket, and f of the grist mill, with the fulling-mill, all standing together, with the same proportion of all the privileges on both sides of the river, beginning at the Bryant rock, so called, on the west side of said river, at high water mark, then running south 60 deg. W. 4 rods, to the road leading from Exe- ter to Durham, then by said road northerly 41 ^^^ rods to the picked rock, so called, standing on the N. W. side of the southerly abutment of Lam- prey river bridge, dividing the county of Rockingham from the county of
202
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
Strafford, and thence rnnuing south- easterly to a bound on the west side of the Lubberland road, etc.
The Picked Rock is no longer one of the bounds between Rockingham and Strafford counties, since the ces- sion of a part of Durham to New- market in 1870.
The Bryant Mock., above mentioned, derived its name from Walter Bryant, who, in 1870 bought the Drisco land (see the Narrows)., including ten acres where formerly lived Philip Cromraet, who was licensed to keep a ferry across Lamprey river in 1671.
Pickering's Cove, or Creek. This inlet is at the upper side of Birch point, on the Newington shore, and is variously named, according to the owner of the adjacent lands. It is sometimes called Whiddeyi^s Creek. A sawmill here is mentioned in 1702, which probably stood at the head of tide water. The fresh water brook that empties into it is mentioned in 1664, when Richard Carter had a grant of land at Pine Point (now Birch Pt.), which came within four poles of the Jreshet. (See Pine Point.) This brook appears to have been the "Dirty Gut" of early times. (See Dirty Gut.) The name of Pickering's Cove is derived from James Pickering, who acquired the Walton lands in this vicinity shortly after the Revolution.
Pickering's Crossing. This cross- ing is in the southwestern part of Rochester, east of the Cochecho, where the Dover aud Winnipiseo- gee R. R. crosses the highway near the house of Mrs. T. D. Picker- ing.
Pike's Falls. (See Cochecho Falls.)
Pimple Stone. This was one of the old landmarks hailed b}' the boat- men on the Pascataqua river as they entered the western branch, and for- tified themselves for encountering the Horse Races by means of a copious dram. It was a large rock west of Dover Point, with a broad white stripe around it, rendering it con- spicuous at a great distance. Ac- cording to a legend this rock was, when small, slung across the river from the Newingtou shore by an enraged old housewife, by means of a skein of white yarn fastened around it.-^ This skein, of course, produced the white stripe. This is a sailor's yarn, however, which unfortunately cannot be verified, for the Pimple Stone was long since blown up and removed by some odious utilita- rian.
Pinch Hill. This hill is in Rol- liusford, where the turnpike road is crossed by the highway to the Rollins- ford station. It is mentioned Feb. 16, 1721-22, when Joseph Roberts con- veyed to Benj" Weutworth 15 acres of land " near y" hill known and called by y*^ name of Pinch hill, bounded S. by land of said Went- worth, and thence running westerly to y* highway which leads from y** Pine plains to Fresh creek." And again Feb. 29, 1733-4, when Francis Sayer of Ipswich, Mass., conveyed to Benj" Waymouth 20 acres of land in Soraersworth, with a dwelling- house thereon, beginning at " Necha- wonock river," and thence running westerly on y'^ possession of Eleazar
1 Among the legends of Cromarty, in Scotland, is one of a ponderous stone whirled from the point of a spindle across Dornoch firth.
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
203
Wyer^to a certain highway or private road, called Pinch Hill road^ to y* s*^ Benj" Way mouth's land, thence southerly to a highway between said laud and y^ former grant of John Hall, Deacon, thence easterly by said road to the river ; which land had been mortgaged by said Way- mouth's father to Francis Sayer.
Pinch Hill was so named because it was too sharp and nari'ow to be crossed by more than one team at a time. Rollinsford, however, at the town-meeting of 1891, wisely appro- priated S800 for the purpose of widen-
ing it.
Finder's Point. This name, no longer used, is given on Smith's map of Durham to a point on the Lubber- land shore, between Jewell's Pt. and Morris's Pt. It was derived from John Pinder, brickmaker, to whom John York of Lubberland, May 16, 1681, conveyed a tract of land, " beginning at the Little point in Clift Cove, adjoining Thomas Mor- ris's, and so over the neck to a pine tree by the path to Lubberland." John Pinder, Oct. 27, 1701, had a grant of ten acres joining the land where he then lived. The Pinder land in 1715 is mentioned as next the Footman land.
Pine Cove. This cove is on the Newiugton shore of the Long Reach. It is mentioned Dec. 5, 1661, when 240 acres were laid out to Capt. Bryan Pendleton next to James Raw- lins, beginning at Kennerfs Cove, and running down by the river side 80 rods to pyne cove, thence into the
woods 480 rods to the edge of the pitch pyine plaine. (Portsmouth Rec- ords.)
Ichabod Plaisted of Portsmouth, and Mary his wife, June 15, 1703, relinquished to Richard Gerrish of Portsmouth 27 acres of land in Ports- mouth, part of 240 acres formerly laid out to Brian Pendleton, and pur- chased by Christopher Jose of Ports- mouth, deceased, bounded upon y* main river, commonly called by y" name of y^ long reach, which 240 acres begin at Kenny's Cove and run by the river 80 rods to pine cove, thence into y" woods to the edge of the pitch pine plains upon a S. S. W. line. (See Hill's Cove.)
Pine Hill. The public cemetery in Dover is on this hill, at the lower end of the city proper. Here stood the third meeting-house in Dover, which was, according to the Rev. Dr. Quint, a few rods from the Cushing tomb, a little west of north. It was built before May 2, 1711, when ^ four acres were laid out to the Reauerant Mr. Nicholas Seuer be- tween Mr. Paul Gerrish his liouse and the new meeting-house, begiu- ning at the corner of the higliway that leads from Cochecha Road to Campin's Rocks, and running thence north and be west thirty rods by Cochecha Road to a Little gully," etc. This grant to the Rev. Mr. Sever was probably for a parsonage. His successor, the Rev. Jonathan Cushing, lived on Pine Hill, where his well is still pointed out.
March 29, 1731, the town voted
iTheWyer " possession " was originally James Grant's land, then David Hamilton's, and at a later period Henry Nock's, whose widow Sarah, daughter of Charles Adams of Oyster River, afterwards married Eleazar Wyer, and conveyed this land to her step-son of the same name. This land is now owned by the Garvlns. (See Newichawannock and Sligo.)
204
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
"That there be one acre and a half of Land Granted for the use of the Town forever, for a public Buryiug- place, To be Laid out by y® select men near y* meeting house on pme liill at Cochecha." Nov. 26, 1759, the town appointed "■ a committee to Sell the old meeting-house standing on s"^ 'pine hill in the best manner they Can." It was still standing, however, March 31, 1760, when the town-meeting was held therein.
A school-house stood on Pine hill early last century, and when the church bell was brought from Dover Neck in 1720, there being no belfry on the meeting-house at Pine hill, it was hung, it is said, on the neigiiboring school-house. The town voted, Oct. 13, 1760, "to sell the old school- house standing on pine hill." It was near the present school-house, if not on the same spot.
Another Pine Hill is in Newing- ton, mentioned June 2, 1800, when Seth Walker, with Lucy his wife, and Eleanor his motiier, conveyed to Richard Pickering 5f acres, part of a tract given said Eleanor and Seth in tlie will of Gideon Walker, begin- ning at the road to Bloody Pt., at the N. E. corner of Nathaniel Fol- som's land, and running N. E. along said road to the land of Paul Raw- lins ; being part of the place com- monly known by the nq.me of pine hill. This hill is no doubt the ridge to which Doiv's hill belongs, but it no longer bears its ancient name.
The J^i7ie hill of the present day in Newington is on the road from Fox Pt. to Portsmouth, and derives its name from Knight's pines., now Hoyt's Pines, adjacent to this hill. It is a part of Stony hill.
Pine Point. This point is on the Newington shore of the Long Reach, at the lower side of Pickering's cove, otherwise Whidden's. It is mention- ed June 24, 1648, when Richard Car- ter, " sometime dwelling in Piscata- way," sold house and land on Pine X)oint to his trusty and well beloved friend, Mattliew Giles, dwelling in Oyster River. Richard Carter had, however, a grant of 35 acres at Pine Point, laid out the 10th, 12 mo., 1664, one bound of which came within four poles of the freshet. His chil- dren owned this land till Oct. 8, 1702, when his son Richard and wife Margaret, with Edward Carter, and Mary their sister, conveyed to John Knight, alias Chevalier, 50 acres of land "at a place formerly called Pine point, near or adjacent to a place commonly called Bloody Point, granted by Dover to Richard Carter, deceased, bounded on the N. W. side of a lot formerly Micliael Brawns, now in possession of John Downing, and adjoining the laud of Benj" Bickford." Also 20 acres, beginning at the highway from Bloody Point to Portsmouth, bounded on the north by Geo. Braun's, south by John Dowu- ing's, with a quarter part of the saiv- mill on the same ; reserving, how- ever, eighteen feet where their father and mother lay buried in one corner of the orchard.
Benjamin Bickford and wife Sarah conveyed to John Knight, alias Chev- alier, of Portsmouth, Dec. 7, 1702, 16 acres of meadow formerly belong- ing to Benjamin's father (John Bick- ford, of Oyster River), lying betwixt a i)lace formerly called Pine Point and a place commonly called Bloody Point, bounded on land said Knight
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
205
bought of Richard Carter on the south, Heury Langstaffe's ou the north, the river on the east, and the highway at the west, together with one fourth of the saw-mill between said land and that of John Knight, formerly Carter's. From this it is evident that Pine Point is the little promontory below Bloody Point, known by different names, according to the owner, such as Pickering's Point and Furber's Point. It is now owned by Mr. Furber, and is generally known as Birch Point, from the numerous white birch trees along the shore, conspicuous at a great dis- tance. On this point, in a beautiful, wild, lonely spot, is the grave of John Knight, the exile, shaded by sassafras trees and tall white birches whose boles gleam afar off like shafts of polished marble. It is marked by a low, broad, three-lobed headstone of slate, on which, beneath an incised death's head and cross-bones, is this inscription : '•'• Here lyes buried the body of John Knight, Esq"', born August y* 30, 1659, and died May the ll*^ 1721."
Another Pine Point is on the west- ern shore of the Newichawannock, be- low^ St. Alban's cove. It is mentioned March 19, 1693-4, when 20 acres of land were laid out to Jonathan Wat- son on Fresh creek neck, fronting on fore river, above Pine Poynt. Pine point is mentioned on Pike's map of Somersworth in I8O0. It is the first point below St. Alban's cove, and is now owned by Mr. Henry Paul. Daniel Paul and wife Dorothy, March 7, 1791, conveyed to Thomas Roberts 30^ acres of land, part of the estate of Capt. Benj° Mason, beginning at the S. E. corner, on Pine point, on
the west side of Salmon Falls river, and running northerly by the land of Benj" Paul.
Pinkham's Creek, otherwise Pin- comb's. This creek is the upper boundary of the grant to John Pick- ering on the shore of Great Bay, mentioned in the Portsmouth records of Feb., 1655:
" It is this day granted unto John pickringe that hee shall haue the land lying betwen sivadens creek and pin- comb's creek in the great bay so that it bee no mans former Right or prop- erty, the sa^^d land is to extend into the swamp and no farther."
In the former edition of this work Pinkham's creek is stated to be the inlet at the lower end of the Picker- ing grant, and Swadden's at the upper end. Further investigation proves that the upper creek is Pink- ham's, and the lower one Swadden's ; the words "upper" and "lower" referring to the course of the river or bay, not to the points of the compass. A portion of this grant fell within the limits of Ancient Dover, being part of the 400 acres on Great Bay allowed that town by the Mass. gov- ernment; "due right," however, being reserved to "everyone that hath proprietyes in the same." (N.H. Prov. Pap., 1 : 172.)
Pinkham's creek rises in the Great Swamp, and empties into the Great Bay on the borders of Newingtou and Greenland. The highway between these two towns crosses the creek about eight rods below the Green- land line. The name is derived from Richard Pinckhame or Pinkham, of the Dover Combination of 1640, who had a grant of laud on Great Bay sometime previous to June 30, 1659^
2o6
Landmarks in Ancient Dover
when Thomas Layton certified under oath before Thomas Dantforth that " the town of Dover gave Richard Pincham a lott of marsh in y^ Great bay, & y' s*^ Pincum sould all his right that he had in said marsh to Josepli Austin of Dover." {Dover Records.)
Mention is made of this creek in a petition of May 2, 1716, that the bounds of Portsmouth miglit " run from the river on y^ north side of Mr. Roger's Creek or dock, on a straight line to Pinco7n's creek." (iV. H. Prov. Pap., 17: 727.) Thomas Pickering, son of the above John, " out of parental love and affection to his well-beloved son Joshua, for his en- couragement in beginning the world," conveyed to him, Ap. 30, 1719, a parcel of land and marsh in Ports- mouth, on the easterly side of the Great Bay, " beginning at the N. W. corner of Hall's farm (afterwards Packer's), at the water side, thence to run to the middle of a long- point, southeasterly from Sivaden's island, thence to Col. Wentworth's land, so as to contain 50 acres, together with the full half of the marsh formerly called and known by the name of Pincomb's creek or marsh, etc., and one third of the sawmill and all water privileges." And June 6, 1719, he gave his son Thomas " half of the marsh at Pmkovi's creek," together with one third of his sawmill. This was perhaps the " new mill," men- tioned March 6, 1710-11, when a road was ordered to be opened through Thomas Pickering's farm as far as y^ neiv mill, and thence straight through Hall's farm to the bridge by Hains (Haynes's, in Greenland.)
In an indenture of June 25, 1739,
between Joshua Pickering and the heirs of Joseph Hall, it was agreed that the dividing line between their lands should " begin at the eastern- most post of y^ gate upon y® country road, upon y^ southerly side of the bridge near the aforesaid Joshua Pickering's house, which gate divides between Greenland and Newington." The line is also stated therein to run "from a stake near a rotten stump on y*' bank by y" side of y* Bay at high water mark, north 26 deg. west, to y* marsh creek y* proceeds out of y* marsh commonly called by y* name of Pinkham'' s marsh, and thence to run as said creek or channel runs." A plan of " Hall's farm at Green- land, beginning at a place called Pinkum's creek," is to be found in the Exeter registry, in the division of Joseph Hall's estate, Nov. 19, 1743.
Pinkham's Hill. This hill is on the borders of Dover and Madbury. It is mentioned May 31, 1812, when the way from Libbey's bridge (now Sawyer's) " by the new road to Dur- ham ^s far as Pinkham's Mil,'" is spoken of. The guide post at the foot of Pinkham's hill, on the Dover road to Madbury line, leading both to Durham and to Piscataqua bridge, is mentioned the same year. The name is derived from a family that owned land in this vicinity for nearly 200 years. John Pinkham had a grant of 50 acres on the S. W. side of Thomas Drew's, Ap. 11, 1694. Thomas Drew's land adjoined that of Benedictus Torr.
Pinkham's Point. This name is given on Whitehouse's map of 1834 to a point on the western shore of the Cochecho, about half way be-
Landmai'ks in Ancient Dover.
207
tween Woodchuck island and Gage's Point. It is now ovvued In' Mr. Minother. Tlie old road to the land- ing-place on this point can still be traced, as well as the cellar of Paul Pinkham's house, from whom the present name was derived.
Pinkham's Spring. This spring is mentioned in a deed from John Hall to Thomas Kenny June 26, 1716. (See Nutter's Sli}).) It is at the head of a run on Dover Neck, a short distance southwest of the site of Pinkham's garrison, now owned by Mr. Charles Thompson.
PisCASSiCK River. See Pascassick.
PiscATAQUA River. See Pascata- qua.
Piss Hill. This hill is mentioned May 26, 1731, when 8 acres of marsh, granted Joseph Evans Ap. 6, 1702, were conveyed by him to Wm. Forst, beginning at a pitch-pine tree near a place commonly called Piss hill, and extending at the S. E. to the end of a little pond. Part of Otis Pinkham's share of the common lands in 1734, was laid out to him June 10, 1735, on the N. 12. aide of the road leading to Rochester, " be- ginning at the -first sloto above Piss hill, so called." The ''upper slough" on the Rochester road is mentioned Nov. 5, 1734. Eight acres were laid out to Ephraim Tebbets Nov. 15, 1735, on the east side of the Mast road that goes to Rochester, near the first sloto above Piss hill, begin- ning at the S. W. corner of Otis Pinkham's land. This hill is repeat- edly mentioned in the Dover records. It is above Willand's Pond in the Blackwater region, on the borders of Dover and Somers worth.
PiTCH-PiNE Plains. The P itch-
Pine Plains of Neu'ington are in the central part of the township. They are spoken of Dec. 5, 1661, as ad- joining Capt. Bryan Pendleton's land. (See Pine Cove.) They are again mentioned Ap. 2, 1694, when Richard Puraerey's (Pomeroy's) grant of " 20 acres joining zachery trickey's twenty acres in the picli pine x>lains" was confirmed by the town of Dover. This land was laid out to Richard Pumery June 18, 1697, on the east side of Greenland road, adjoining "Zachery" Trickey's. Nathan and Elizabeth Spinney of Kittery, Ap. 21, 1725, conveyed to Capt. John Knight of Newington, gentleman, all right and title to 20 acres in Newing- ton, bounded northward by the road from the ferry to Greenland, east- ward by the land of Eleazar Cole- man, southward by the parsonage land, and westward by the land of Wm. Vaughan, deceased, which tract was the estate of Richard Pomery, late of Newington, deceased, who was father to y*^ said Elizabeth Spin- ney. Jane Pomery also quit claim to said Knight that same day. " The gore in the j)itcli pine plains of New- ington " is mentioned Feb. 14, 1723- 4. (See the Gore.)
The ''upper Pitch Pine plains" are mentioned March 14, 1770, when Richard Downing, Esq., of Newing- ton, conveyed to Jonathan Quint one acre of land at a place commonly called the xipper Pitch Pine Plains, adjoining the road that leads from Newington meeting house to Green- land, and upon a road called the Narroio Lane leading to Portsmouth. (See Downing' s Plains.) These plains are otherwise called Sept. 19, 1685, when " Nathaniel Fryar in the
208
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
province of Main," having the pre- vious day sold Anthony Libbey " a parcel of land in TMoody j^oint plains " appointed Capt. John Pickering, his attorney, to give s*^ Libby peaceable possession thereof. In another deed from said Fryar to Henry Sherburne, they are called '•'•the Pitch- Pine plains going to Bloody Point.''
Pitch-Pine Plains in the upper part of Dover, on the east side, are mentioned June 23, 1701, in a grant to Tristram Heard of 30 acres between Black water bridge and the ^3i^c/i pme plains.
Pitch-Pine Plains in the Back River district are mentioned Ap. 2, 1707, when John and Samuel Will- iams conveyed to Thomas Davis 13 acres of land on the S. side of the p>itch pine plains between John Knight's and Oyster River, granted their father by the town of Dover Ap. 16, 1694, and laid out the 13tb of June following, beginning at John Pinkliam's. These plains are gener- ally called Field's plains.
Pitch-Pine Plains in Somersworth are mentioned in Paul Wentworth's will of Feb. 3, 1747-8, in which he gives his uepliew John 109 acres of land lying on both sides of the way from Wm. Downs' to the pitch pine plains, and so on to the stepping- stones. Thomas Wentworth con- veyed to Maturin Ricker, Sept. 1, 1749, a quarter part of 24 acres which Col. Paul Wentworth, deceas- ed, had laid out upon y* p^^c/i piiie plains., a little above his swamp. These plains are no doubt the same referred to Aug. 29, 1727, when Richard Wakhon conveyed to To- bias Hanson, Thomas Downs, and John McElroy, 200 acres granted to
his father Richard Waldron y^ 5th, 10 mo., 1652, upon y« great plain betwixt Cochecho river and Necha- wanock river, to the eastward of y* great Pond. The highway from "ye Pine plains to Fresh creek" is mentioned Feb. 16, 1721-22. (See Pinch Hill.)
Pitman's Creek. This is an inlet from Oyster river on the shore of the Burnham land, a mile or more below Durham Falls. It is mentioned Nov. 7, 1724, when John Burnham con- veyed to Robert Burnham land on the south side of Oyster river, ^ att a krick known or called by y* name of Pittnian's krick, between the land of s^ John Burnham and that of Wm. Pitman, son of Ezekiel."
Plato's Hill, otherwise Plate's and Platte's Hill. This hill is in Dover city, on the borders of the Highway District No. 15, which is defined in the Dover records of 1867 as beginning " at the culvert at Platte's Hill." It is on Hanson street, at its junction with Payne street, and the culvert above men- tioned is on the latter street, across George's creek. Platte is a corrup- tion of Plate or Plato, a name derived from Plato Waldron, whose house on the side of this hill, on Hanson street, is still to be seen. He was a well- known, popular negro of stalwart frame, who was janitor of the Dover court-house in the day when the Strafford sessions brought hither such lawyers as Daniel Webster, Jeremiah Mason, and Ichabod Bartlett. He was also sexton of the ''First Par- ish," and figured prominently at funerals, which he liked to attend. Unfortunately he married a white woman late in life, who was not kind
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
209
to him, and in a fit of despondency he drowned himself in the Cocliecho river, not far from the hill that bears his name. George's creek, at the foot of the hill, is often called Plato Waldron's brooks and sometimes Drew's brook, from the late Wm. Drew, who resided in this vicinity.
Plum-Pudding Hill. Mentioned the 17th, 12 mo., 1672, when 50 acres of land were laid out to Peter Coffin "on y^ north side of y^ great mast path going into y^ swamp," the south east corner bounded by a marked tree at the west end of Pliimjnidding hill, and so by y'^ head of Capt. Wal- den's land to y* highway that goeth to Tole end, and thence along by land which said Coffin bought of Thomas Nock to y*" bridge over y* brook going to Tole end, reserving liberty for a cart-way for the use of the town, if required. It is again mentioned the 7th, 4 mo., 1723, when the five daughters of James Coffin, viz : Mary, wife of James Gardner ; Dinah, wife of Nathaniel Stai'buck ; Deborah, wife of George Bunker ; Ruth, wife of Joseph Gardner ; to- gether with their husbands and their sister, Elizabeth Bunker, widow, all of " Sherborn, on Nantucket" con- veyed to John Ham of Dover, one half a tract of 75 acres, reserving two acres where the orchard was, bounded by the land of Thomas Downs on the E. or S. E., and by a hill called Plumbpudding hill on y* W. or N. W., and by y^ highway on y^ N. side ; which land was conveyed to said James by his brother Peter Coffin, and given by said James to his five daughters in his will of May 17,1720. (See Trumbelow Swamp.) Plum-Pudding Hill is said to be the
high ground between Lexington and Arch streets, in Dover city.
Plum Swamp. This swamp is in the southern part of the Durham Point district, below Long marsh. It is called '■'■plome swamp" in the Wil- ley grant of March 19, 1693-4. A part of " Plumb Swamp " was sold John Ambler, July 12, 1714, by John, son of Thomas Bickford. Nov. 17, 1718, John Rand sold Francis Mathes thirty-one acres of land south of John Ambler's, bounded east by the bay (Little bay), and extending up towards the woods near y* plumb swaynp, which land was called by the name of ^'' Rand's plantation.'''' Fran- cis Mathes, Dec. 20, 1748, conveyed to Benj" and Samuel Mathes a tract called plum, swamp, bounded N. by Stephen Wille's land, W. by that of John Ambler, deceased, S. by the common land and the highway, and E. by a highway that goes to said Wille's. These roads lead to Lub- berlaud and into Horn's woods. The lower part of Plum swamp lays along a brook of the same name, which crosses the highway near Mr, Henry Davis's. The name is still retained. Plum Swamp, Caulley's Marsh, Long Marsh, Broad Marsh, and Moharimet's Marsh, succeed each other from the vicinity of Little Bay to the bounds of Lee.
Plum-Swamp Brook. Mentioned Oct. 14, 1714, when thirty acres were laid out to ffrancis Mathes, begin- ning at a rock in the Plum, swamp brook, on the west side of the path that leads from said Mathes his dwelling house to Samuel Edgerle's. This brook rises among the springs in Plum swamp, crosses the road from Durham Point to Lubberland near Mr. Henry Davis's house, and
2IO
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
empties into Little Bay on the shore of Mr. John Emerson's ffirra. At the month is a fall of several feet over a perpendicular ledge, which is called the Falling-off place.
Plum-Tree Point. Mentioned June 2, 1766, when James Bunker of Dur- ham, and wife Sarah, conveyed to Remembrance C-lark of Madbury about one acre of thatch bed in Dur- ham, at the head of a small creek, southerly of the house where said Bunker then lived, beginning at a " pople tree" bound between Joseph and James Bunker, and extending around by the upland to " a place called Plumb tree 2)o int." This was, of course, at the head of Bunker's creek.
PoCKETTY Marsh. Mentioned Jan . 7, 1736-7, when Benedictus Torr conveyed to Abraham Nute three acres of meadow ground and thatch- bed, on y** easterly side of Back river, above y" mouth of Little John's creek, between said river and Joseph Aus- tin's land, commonly called y* Pock- etty Marsh., alias y" Boggy Marsh., which said Torr had purchased of Abraham Nute and John Drew. Abraham and Rachel Nute conveyed this marsh to Joseph Austin Sept. 14, 1737.
Pomeroy's Cove. Mentioned the 5th, 10 mo., 1652, when Richard Waldron had the grant of " a cove on Dover Neck, commonly called Pomryes Coue, from Sandy point right over to the other side of the coue to make a Docke." — "All the marsh in pomryes Cove " was con- veyed to Thomas Kemble Nov. 6, 1658. He conveyed it, Jan. 18, 1662, to Peter Coffin, who sold it to Anthony Nutter Feb. 17, 1664,
(See Sandy Point.) Pomeroy's cove, now called Card's cove, is on Fore river, at the lower end of Dover Neck, about half a mile above the lower extremity of Dover Point. It extends westward, cutting the Neck nearly in two. The remains of Capt. Thomas Card's wharf are still to be seen on the north side, probably in the same place as Major Waldron's. The original name of this cove was no doubt derived from Richard Pom- ero}', wiio also owned laud in the Bloody Point district. He, or his father, was one of the early settlers at the Shoals. ^ *-^ /^ ■■^-'7 "/ ■
Pond City. This name is famil- iarly given to a neighborhood on the north side of Barbadoes Pond, on the so-called " new road," leading from the Littleworth road along the upper side of the pond.
PoNi> Hill. This hill is on the Stepping-Stones road in Lee below the source of Oyster river. It ex- tends along the upper side of Lang- ley's heath to Wheelwright's pond.
Poor Town. Mentioned on Hol- land's map of 1784. It is in Somers- worth, below Kurd's pond, now Cole's, but the name, perhaps derived from the nature of the soil, is no longer in use.
Portsmouth. This name is said to commemorate Capt. John Mason's residence at the English port and naval station of Portsmouth during the wars with France and Spain, at which time he had command of the South Sea Castle which defended the entrance to Portsmouth harbor. This castle perhaps suggested the name of New Castle at the mouth of the Pascataqua. (See Tuttle's Capt. John Mason.) The above reason.
I^andniarks in Ancient Dover.
211
however, is not given when the inhabitants at Strawberry Bank peti- tioned to the General Court at Bos- ton, May, 1653, to have the name of that Bank changed to Portsmouth — the latter, says the petition, " being a name most suitable for this place, it beinge (at) the River's mouth & a good (harbour) as any in this land." {N. H. Prov. Paj)., 1 : 208.) Ports- mouth, at one period, included the Greenland shore, which had been a part of Ancient Dover. " The county of Dover and Portsmouth " is often mentioned in the early records. (See Strafford County and Trumhelow Swmivp.) ^.c-i- L , 1 tfo.
Pray's Brook. This small brook is mentioned as between the lands of Moses Pray and Francis Pluraer, July 3, 1849, when the bounds be- tween Somersworth and Rollinsford were defined. (See Rollinsford.) It rises between the Pra}' house and Indigo hill, and runs in a nearly direct course to the Salmon Falls river.
Prospect Hill. This name has long been given to the height at the upper end of Great Falls village. The Wentworth Genealogy (1 : 278) says that Joseph, son of Benjamin Went- worth, (born Dec. 22, 1709; died Jan. 26, 1765) " owned the high- lands now known as Prospect Hill at Great Falls." On the top of this hill is the reservoir, built for the use of the Manufacturing Co., but gen- erously allowed the village for its supply of water.
Pudding Hill. This hill is in Madbury, east of the railway station, near the Dover line, and commands an extensive and beautiful view of the surrounding countrv. It is
crossed by - the old road from Back river. The name was no doubt derived from the windmill thereon in early times, to which the neighboring farmers brought their corn to be ground. The hill and windmill are both mentioned in the Dover records. May 20, 1734, when Stephen Otis and others petitioned the town for a small tract of Iniirl U, lif common where Wm. Dam and Clement Dreirs windmill stood on " Pudden Hill,''' for the convenience of said mill. This petition was not granted. (See Dam's Windmill.) At a town-meet- ing in Madbury, March 30, 1786, it was voted to change the road lead- ing through Benjamin Hill's land to Nock's marsh, beginning at the S. E. corner of Samuel Davis's land, where he then lived, on the main road over Pudden Hill, so called, and running by said Davis's land to Remembrance Clark's land, and then to follow the old road first laid out. " Samuel Davis of Pudden Hill in Madbury," is mentioned towards the close of last century as marrying Judith Tut- tle (born 1762) granddaughter of Ensign John Tuttle, who was killed by the Indians, May 17, 1712. He
1 sprang from the Davises of Oyster River, and his descendants still own the above mentioned land on Pud- ding Hill.
Many Indian traditions are con- nected with Pudding Hill. Two men in earlv times were harvesting grain
! on the Davis land, when some In- dians stole in between them and tlieir
j muskets, which lay on the ground
[ while they were at work. Catching a glimpse of their foes, the men started, one for the Field's garrison and the other for Woodman's, with tiie
212
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
Indians in pursuit. Botf! got safely into garrison, and the signal guns, fired almost at the same instant, showed they arrived about the same time.
Near Pudding Hill, at the south- east, lived an unmarried man named Pearl, alone in his cabin. The In- dians set fire to the dwelling, and he was burned alive. This was perhaps Nicholas Pearle, who, according to Rev. John Pike's journal, was slain by the Indians in the day time, Aug. 10, 1706, '•'• at his Cave some miles al)ove Oyster River, where he dwelt night and day, winter and summer, from the last breaking out of the war, tho twas in the very wake and way where the enemy used to pass." Belknap calls him Wm. Pearl. Nich- olas, however, certainly lived in this vicinity. John Pearl and wife Mary, Nov. 30, 1717, conveyed to James Clark 30 acres of land formerly owned by his fatlier Nicholas Pearly on the south side of the mast path that leads from Benedictus Tarr's to Madberry, between James Bunker's and Joseph Header's. (See PearVa Farry.)
Quaker Meeting-Houses. The first meeting-house in the township, built by the Society of Friends, was on Dover Neck. It is mentioned Dec. 11, 1720-30, when Joseph and Elizabeth Rol)erts conveyed to " Tiiomas Canney and others of the Society commonly called Quakers," three eighths of an acre of land, be- ginning 62 rods from the N. W. cor- ner of the Quaker meetiyig -house, and running along the road from Hilton's Point to Cochecho. Tiiis tract seems to have included the site of the meet- ing-house itself. The remainder was
for a burial place, which is still to be seen, on the west side of the highway to Dover Point, adjoining the Roberts land. The meeting-house was re- moved to Eliot about 1770, for the use of the Society there.
Another Quaker meeting-house is mentioned in an indenture of March 4, 1734-5, signed by Eben'', Joseph, and Stephen Varney, John Twonibly, Joseph Estes, and Tobias Hanson, conveying land in Dover, on y* south- erly side of y* road y' leads from Cochecho to Tolend, near y'' place w'' Tho^ Down^ House formerly stood, 80 ft. in length and 40 ft. in breadth, bounded northerly on said road 80 ft. ; and easterly, southerly, and west- erly, on David Watson's land ; it being y*" piece or parcel of land on w'^'' stands a certain meeting house in ^ch ye^ People at Cochecho commonly called Quakers iis^iaUy meet. This is the same land David Watson conveyed to Eben' Varney March 30, 1724, 80 ft. long, and 40 ft. broad, " begin- ning near an apple tree standing where old Thomas Downs formerly had a house," thence running 80 ft. "■ by y* road y' leads from Tolend." It was a part of the old Cofflu land. (See Trumhelow Sioamp and Phim- Puddihg Hill.) The Rev. Dr. Quint, however, says the second Quaker meeting-house, built " consideral)ly prior to 1720," " stood on the south- west corner of Locust and Silver streets, where Jacob K. Purinton now lives." (See his First Parish in Dover., p. 54.) The present one, on Central Avenue, was built in 1768.
QuAMPiiEGAN. This name was originally given to the falls in the Nevvichawannock where Capt. Thomas
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
213
Wiggin aud Symoa Bradstreet erect- ed a saw-mill, mentioned the 5tli, 10 mo., 1652, but it was soon ex- tended to the neighboring district on both sides of the river. Andrew Wiggin of Qiiamscott conveyed to John Lovering, Ma}' 18, 1663, 50 acres of land granted him by the town of Dover for the accommoda- tion of a sawmill on a branch of the Piscataqna river, at a place called Qaam2)hegcm, bounded N. or N. W. by land of Thomas Bronghton and southerly by the lot of Thomas Beard, one bound at the upper side being an oak within two rods of the dwelling-house of said Lovering. John and Ralph Hall testified, June 1, 1674, that a tract of land was laid out to Thomas Bronghton on the S. W. side of Newichawannock river, beginning at a tree by the river side near to y* house commonly called Jn° Louerin's house, and running thence N. W. to a white oak at the foot of a long hill above the falls, thence N. W. to a maple by the side of a swamp. A space on the river, re- served for depositing logs, is men- tioned, and. a highivay between Lov- ering's house aud the upper end of Qaampliegan tnill. John Lovering was drowned about 1668, and his son John sold the above mentioned land to Thomas Abbott. "Thomas Ab- bott, Sr., of Kittery, alias Barwick,^ in the Province of Maine in y'' Mas- sachusetts Colon}'," conveyed it, Jan.
30, 1710, to his son Joseph, who sold it to Archibald MacPheadris Nov. 9, 1717. Archibald MacPheadris of Portsmouth and wife Mary conveyed this same tract to Benj" Wentworth Ap. 12, 1725. The deed declares it to be "in Dover, at a place commonly called by the name of Quaonphegan, bounded north by Mr. Broughton's," etc. Capt. Benj" Wentworth seems to have settled on this land. He lived near the present turnpike bridge, on land owned by the late James Rollins.
The log hill on the western side of Quamphegan falls, laid out in 1702, was re-bounded Jan. 6, 1723, "be- ginning at or near the old sellar (cel- lar) by the river side where there was a former bound mark of Luffer- ing (Lovering) in a red oak tree by the river side, thence running N. W. and be W. 27 rods," etc. This hill is again mentioned Nov. 28, 1728, when Samuel Tebbets conveyed to his daughter Judith " one eighth part of a certain single saw in the middle sawmill at Qvainpeagiii falls, w'*^ y^ eighth part of y"" pvilege of the stream fall, and y'' pvileges of y® logg Hill" which privilege was granted said Samuel in 1701.
Quamphegan bridge is at the foot of Somersworth Hill, aud crossed by the turnpike road to Portland. Quamphegan falls are a little below the bridge. The head of tide water is at the foot of the dam. Quam-
1 Kittery was incorporated as a town Oct. 20, 1647. Kittery Point is mentioned March 8, 1670- 71. "The upper part of Kittery now jBerirjcfc," is mentioned in the York records Oct. 2, 1678. " The vpper diuision of Kittery, now called Baricick," is mentioned in a deed from John Hearle to Abraham Lord Aug. 27,1681. The " parish of Barivick" is spoken of July 12, 1683. It was sometimes called C/nion parish. Berwick was incorporated as a town June 9,1713. Martha Lord, aged about 70, testified Sept. 19, 1717, that " ye now town of Berwick from Siurgeon Creek up to Toziers above Salmon falls hath been inhabited above sixty years." {York Records.) Eliot was separated from Kittery and incorporated in 1810. South Berwick was separated from Berwick and incorporated June 5, 1814, and North Berwick March 22, 1831.
214
JLandiiiarks in Ancient Dover.
phegan, ou the easterly side of the Newichawannock, is uow called South Berwick.
Ragg's Point. This point, other- wise called Betel's Point, is on the shore of the Rollins laud in Newing- ton. It was so called from Jeffrey Ragg, whose name is on the Dover rate-list of 1648 ; probably the " Jaffry Ragge " who sold Roger Knight a house on Great Island pre- vious to May 20, 1651. A petition from the Newington people in Sept., 1753, says the town of Dover, in 1656, granted a cart- way of four rods wide from the water side at Jaf- frey Ragg his house, and so into the woods to the old way. Complaint having been made that Samuel Raw- lins had fenced up this road as part of his own enclosure, the Court of General Sessions ordered, Dec. 4, 1753, that it should be re-opened. (See Newington in N. H. Town Papers^ Vol. XII.) According to a plan of the Rawlins land among the State Papers at Concord, Jeffrey Ragg's house was on the shore of the Pascataqua, at the lower side of the old road now called Patterson's lane. (See Patterson's Pt. and Betel's Pt.)
Railroads. The following rail- roads now traverse lands that once formed a part of Ancient Dover.
I. The Boston and Maine Rail- road, which extends from Boston to Portland. This is a consolidation of the Boston and Portland R. E., chartered March 15, 1833 ; the old Boston and Maine road, chartered June 27, 1835 ; and the Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts road, chartered March 12, 1839. The Boston and Maine R. R. was opened as far as Exeter in 1840 ; to Dover
in 1841 ; and to South Berwick the 23d of Feb., 1843. It acquired full possession of the Eastern Railroad (which was incorporated June 18, 1836; opened Nov. 9, 1840), and the Portsmouth, Great Falls, and Conivay R. R. May 9, 1890, hav- ing been authorized by the Mass. legislature of that year, and previ- ously by the General Court of Maine and New Hampshire.
II. The Dover and Winnipi- SEOGEE R. R., from Dover to Alton Bay, was first chartered as the Cochecho R. R. in 1847. It was opened as far as Rochester in Sept., 1849, and to Alton Bay in 1857. It now forms part of the Boston and Maine system, being leased to that road.
III. The Portsmouth, Great Falls, and Conway R. R., com- pleted in June, 1872, is a consolida- tion of the Great Falls and Conway R. R., (which was chartered July 19, 1844, and opened to Union vil- lage in 1850), and the Great Falls and South Berivick R. R., which was chartered June 8, 1848, and opened July 1, 1854. Full posses- sion of these consolidated roads was I taken by the Boston and Maine R.
R. May 9, 1890. J
IV. The Portsmouth and Dover R. R. Chartered July 7, 1866. Opened Feb. 1, 1872.
V. The Nashua and Rochester R. R., which traverses the township of Lee, was chartered July 5, 1867, and opened Nov. 24, 1874.
VI. The Concord and Portsmouth R. R., which traverses Greenland, was chartered July 1, 1845, and opened in 1852.
VII. Dover Horse Railroad.
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
215
Chartered June, 1881. Opened July 8, 1882, This road extended from Sawyer's Mills to Garrison Hill, a distance of 2^ miles, but has been superseded by the Electric railroad, which extends to Great Falls.
VIII. The Electric or Union Street Railroad. The Union Street Railroad Company was incorporated August 9, 1889, for the purpose of constructing an electric railroad from Sawyer's bridge in Dover, to the vil- lage of Great Falls in Somers worth. This road was opened Aug. 17, 1890. Midway in its course is a sta- tion at Burgett Park, which is in Somersworth, at the lower side of Willand's pond. (See Burgett Park.)
Ralph's Hill. This hill is in Somersworth, near the Dover line, on the old road from Dover to Roches- ter, about a quarter of a mile above Willand's pond. The Granite State Park is in this vicinity. Its name was derived from Ralph Twombley, who, in early times, was driving a team of six oxen, with a mast from the forest, when the runners slewed on this hill, throwing him beneath, and crushing him to death. The tra- dition of this occurrence has been preserved in the neighborhood, and it is also related in the N. H. Repub- lican (Dover) of Dec. 5, 1826, by Mr. Joseph Tibbets of Rochester, together with many other interesting •details of forest life, in early times, acquired from his father and grand- father. Ralph Twombley, Jr., was alive March 19, 1693-4, but dead before June 9, 1702.
Redding Point. This is the first point above Hilton's Pt., on the west side of Dover Neck. It is so called the 5th, 5 mo., 1652, in the grant of
Goat Island to "Wm. Pomfrett. A highway to Redding Foynt was or- dered to be laid out by the selectmen of Dover Aug. 3, 1666 ; John Rob- erts, Sr., to oversee the work. Dea- con John Hall, in his will of Feb. 1, 1685-6, gives his son Ralph half of "his marsh near Redden Point;" the other half to be Ralph's after the Deacon's death. John Hall, son of the above Ralph, conveyed to Nicho- las Harford Feb. 21, 1721-2, four acres of marsh and upland on the west side of Dover Neck, between two points, commonly called by y* name of Hilton's Point and Redding point, adjoining the salt water.
The name of this point was no doubt derived from Thaddeus Riddan or Reddmg. He was one of the wit- nesses when Thomas Layton conveyed to Richard Waldron, Ap. 8, 1653, one fourth part of the Bellamy saw- mill. He seems to have settled at Strawberry Bank, where he bought a house of Wm. Palmer Sept. 4, 1651. " Thaddeus Riddan " is mentioned in the Portsmouth records, April 5, 1652. And May 17, 1652, is the following entry : " Mr. Theados Rid- dan is chosen clarke of the courte."
Red Oak Hill. Mentioned March 19, 1693-4, when Thomas Ash had a grant of 40 acres from the town of Dover, on the south side of Red Oak Mil, near the head of Stevenson's land. Forty acres were also granted to Jeremiah Burnum at Red Oak hill, Ap. 11, 1694. And Robert Smart, Sr., conveyed to Peter Coffin, March 10, 1695-6, 100 acres of laud and meadow by the road going up unto the place where Capt. Wadleigh's mills stood, " near the hill called Red Oke hill,'" granted him by the
2l6
Landmarks in Anct'etit Dover.
town of Exeter. The name of this hill has DOt beeu retained, but ac- cording to a plan of the laud con- veyed by Jaffrey to Folsom in 1739, if was on the Dover side of the ancient boundary between Dover and Exeter, a little below the mouth of Smart's creek. The wadiug-place across this creek, was, according to this plan, on, or ver}' near, the boun- dary line. This creek empties into Lamprey river, which pursues nearly a straight course from the upper side of Red Oak hill to Wadleigh's falls. The Red Oak hill of the present day is in Epping.
Red Oak Spring. This name is given to Major Waldron's spring, now unfortunately closed up, which was a little below the south line of Second street in Dover, a few feet west of Wm. B. Wiggin's house.
Red Rock. This rock, so named from its reddish hue, is on the shore of Broad Cove, Lubberland. It was one of the bounds of the old Smith lands ; and the neighboring farm was called the '•^ Red-Rock farm." Men- tion is made of it July 10, 1761, when Benjamin Smith conveyed to his son John 150 acres of land where said Benjamin formerly lived, but then occupied by said John, " begin- ning at the Red rock on the westerly side of the Broad Cove., so called, and running nearl}' S. W. 19 rods to another rock lying about half tide." The line extended in an opposite direction from Red Rock along the water side to Thomas Stevenson's land, whence it ran northeasterl}' to Field's marsh brook.
Reynek's Buook. Mentioned March 8, 1710-11, when 40 acres were laid out to Capt. John Tuttle " on the
south side of the Cochecho, nearly opposite Mr. Reyner's brook." And again June 29, 1728, when Thomas and Joseph Hall conveyed to Joiiu Home one half of the hundred-acre grant to John Hall Ap. 2, 1694, "on the east side of y^ Cochecho river, laid out by Mr. Raynei^'s brook." This name, still retained, was derived from the Rev. John Reyner, who settled in Dover in 1655, and in 1656 had a grant of 400 acres in the vicin- ity of this brook, which was laid out to John Waldron Oct. 23, 1719. (See Sunken Island.) John Waldron, in his will of May 12, 1740, proved July 30, following, gives 30 acres of land " bought of Rayner," to each of his daughters, viz : Elizabeth, wife of Ezra Kimball ; Mehitable, wife of James Chesley ; and Sarah, wife of Isaac Libbey. Reyner's brook emp- ties into the Cochecho river on the east side, above Watson's falls.
Reynold's Bridge, " The new road to Reynold's h'idge" is mentioned in 1865 as belonging to the "High- way District, No. 16,'" in Dover. And " the Mast road to Reynold's bridge" \s mentioned the same year as belonging to "• District No. 17." This is the mast road to Madbury. Reynold's bridge is the old mast bridge across Johnson's creek. The name was derived from Joseph Re- nolds, tanner, to whom Tristram Piukham and wife Martha, Ap. 19, 1755, conveyed five acres, part of the tract said Martha received from her father Samuel Hayes, lying " on the westerly side of Back river, and on y*^ soutlierly side of y® road that leads over Mast bridge, adjoining said bridge, beginning at y* afores"* road at y" northeast corner of Maul
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
217
Hanson's laud," with " dwelling- house, barn, bark house, tan fats," etc.
Kicker's Hill. This name is sometimes given to Otis' Hill in Som- ersworth, from the Ricker family that formerly owned the greater part, if not the whole, of this hill. (See Otis' Hill.)
Riverside Station. This station is on the Dover and Winnipiseogee R. R., near Header's bridge, in the upper part of Dover.
Roberts' Creek. Mentioned March 24, 1657-8, when Thomas Lake aud Richard Waldron conveyed to John Hall ten acres on the north side of John Roberts his creek. Thirty acres, granted to John Roberts by the town of Dover, were laid out on Great Bay the 14th, 8 mo., 1656, being part of the 400 acres on Great Bay granted to Dover by the General Court of Massachusetts. {Dover Records.) John Roberts of Dover conveyed to Joseph Hall of Greenland, June 29, 1665, 18 acres of the above grant, specified as '■'part of the 400 acres" north of the land of Johu Hall, father of said Joseph. Wm. ffurber, the 12th, 10 mo., 1658, " Layd out to John Hall, by ord' from Capt. Wal- den " 250 acres of land aud marsh, " bouuded by a freshett on y" north y' runs unto John Roberts his creek and marsh, aud comes out of y* Great Swamp, running up y** freshett 45 rods by y^ side of y* freshett to a beach tree, and butting upon the west upon y*" thirty acre lots of John Rob- erts, John Hall, and Richard Cater (Carter), and butting on y*^ south on a freshett that comes out of John Hall's fresh marsh, . . aud run- niug into y* s'* Cator's fresh marsh to
a white oak by y* side of y® freshett, then by the side of y*" fresh marsh 80 rods to an ash tree standing between y^ newfound marsh and y^ fresh marsh, butting easterly on Strawberry ba%k common, and so upon a straight line to the first bound. Which 250 acres takes up the whole tract between y* two freshetts, and between y* fresh marsh and y* 30 acre lots, with 20 acres in y^ fresh marsh, and with 10 acres on y^ north side of John Roberts his creek, joining to a little Spott of salt marsh at high water mark, but- ting upon y* Great Bay and John Roberts' land." The name of Rob- erts' creek has not been perpetuated, but the two freshets above mentioned must have been Packer's brook and Pinkham's creek.
Roberts' Marsh. So named from Thomas Roberts, Sr., " of y* town of Dover, under the jurisdiction of Massachusetts," who conveyed to his sous John and Thomas, Jan. 16, 1670, " one half of his marsh lying and being at y^ mouth of Winecott river, on y* westerly side thereof, at y** bottom of y'' Greate Bay upon pascattaq river," adjoining Henry Tib- betfs marsh on the south, also "all y® creek, thatch, aud flats, adjoining y® said marsh, occupying the upper- most point thereof, lying over against Watt Neale his marsh.'' Also 30 acres of land, ''which was my part of the 400 acres granted hy the court to y^ toum of Dover." Moses Roberts of Dover, Ap. 20, 1750, conveyed to Mark H unking Weutworth four acres of marsh and thatch ground in Green- laud, "called heretofore Thomas Rob- erts' marsh" granted said Thomas by the town of Dover, bounded northerly by Haines' marsh, easterly
2l8
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
and southerly by Greenland river, and west by John HalVs marsh. Two thirds of the above marsh had been given to said Moses in the will of' his uncle Thomas Roberts, and the other third conveyed to him by John Roberts. — Joseph and Thomas Roberts of Dover, Aug. 14, 1717, conveyed to Matthias Haines 30 acres in Greenland, "being a divi- dend of land heloyiging to y^ s'^ Robert's mars/i," bounded north by Thomas Wille's land, and east by that of Philip Lewis.
Robert's Neck. The neck of laud, formerly so called, is in Lee, between Wheelwright's pond and its outlet, known as Oyster river. The name is derived from Wm. Roberts, who had a grant of 100 acres of upland the 23d, 10 mo., 1663, "on the South side of the fresh river near the pond that lyeth between Lamprill river and Oyster river fall." That same day the hundred acre grant to Wm. Williams in 1656 was laid out on this neck. It is again mentioned June 4, 1720, when Richard Denbo conveyed to Salathiel Denbo (grand- son of Wm. Roberts) one share of 200 acres on the north side of Wheelwright's pond, at a place called Roberts' JSfeck, in Dover town- ship, which was formerly granted to Wm. Roberts. On the same day John Sias and Ann conveyed to said Salathiel tw^o shares of the same neck. Twenty four acres of land in Durham at a place known by y'' name of Roberts' Neck, are mentioned in the division of the estate of Joseph Jenkins, Feb. 25, 1734-5.
Rochester. This township was for the most part originally owned and settled by the people of ancient
Dover. It was incorporated May 10, 1722, and so named, it is said, from the Earl of Rochester, England. It is mentioned in 1727, when com- plaint was made to the N. H. govern- ment that one Hanson and his asso- ciates had in 1725 cut down 34 white pines, out of which 33 masts and bowsprits had been made in Ports- mouth, pretending they were cut in a certain township called Rochester, but not then settled. {N. H. State Papers, 18 : 6-7.)
Rocking Stone. A rocking stone in the Durham Point district was once so noted as to attract many vis- itors, and be reckoned among the natural curiosities of the state. Merrill's Gazeteer of N. H. (1817) speaks of it as a "remarkable rock weighing 60 or 70 tons, and lying so exactly poised on another rock as easily to be moved with one hand." Uufortunateh' it was dislodged from its position several years ago by some mischievous visitors, and could not be replaced. The rock itself is still to be seen on the farm lately owned by Mr. Brackett Edgerly.
There are many of these stones in Cornwall and Wales, where they are called Logan stones, from the word log, which signifies to rock or vibrate. They are supposed to be under the protection of fairies, who heavily avenge their overthrow. It would be a great satisfaction to know this was the case as to the offenders who overthrew the Durham rocking-stone, but the writer is utterly ignorant of their fate.
Rocky Hill. This name is deserv- edly given to the first steep hill below Sawyer's bridge, Dover, on the road along the west side of Back river.
L,andmarks in Ancient Dove?'.
219
There is also a Rocky Hill at Lub- berland. (See Great Hill.)
Rocky Hills. These are small, round, rocky hills iu Somersworth, at the southeast side of Cole's Pond, above Tate's brook. The road that crosses them to Rochester is called the Rocky Hills road. A school at Rocky Hills is mentioned in the town records of 1797, and the school-dis- trict there is still called the " Rocky Hills district."
Rock Island. This little island is in the Pascataqua river, between Goat island and Fox Point. It was one of the links in the old Pascata- qua bridge, built in 1794, and, like Goat island, belongs to Newington.
Rocky Point. This point is on the shore of Broad Cove, Newington, between Fox Pt. and Stephen's Pt., now Bean's. It is a mere ledge pro- jecting from the shore, but apparently separated from it at high tide, and generally called Carter^s Rocks. It is mentioned Ap. 9, 1702, when thirty acres of land were laid out to Mr. Nicholas Harrison " on bloody poynt side, in Dover, beginning at Rockey poynt, att henry Langstar's land, and so by the water side 21 rods upon an east line, thence on a south line to Joshua Crockett's land 116 rods, and so to henry Langstar's land on a west line 39 rods, and so to Rockey 2^oynt where we began." Also 9 or 10 acres on the south side of the highwavthat leads from Broad Cove to the plains, etc. (See Car- ter's Rocks.) Joseph W. Pickering, administrator of the estate of Eleazar Coleman, conveyed to Cyrus Frink, Dec. 4, 1831, 48 acres of land in Newington, beginning at Rocky Point, so called, and running thence to the
northwestward of the grist-mill, thence as the creek runs to the middle of the cider-house, etc., together with the t house, grist-mill, and alt privileges. Mention is made of John Shackford's land at the S. E.
A Rocky Point is mentioned July 17, 1660, when it was agreed by the Dover authorities " that the house of Mr. Valentine Hill, which is his now dwelling at Rocky Point, shall be within tiie line of deuetion to Oyster River." This point may have been on the Durham shore, where Valen- tine Hill owned several large tracts of land. If he owned land on the Newington shore, it must have been re-granted after his death. The line of division between the Oyster River precinct (now Durham) and Dover proper, is thus stated in the Dover records, the 21st., 10 mo., 1657: "The bounds of the iuhabetance of oyster Reiver for the acomodating Q of the ministerv is the inhabitants that are or shall be scittuated from the next Rocky poynt on the north side below the mouth of the sayd River and from there by a straight line to the head of Tho Johnson's Creek to the Path thear, and from theare by a west line to the end of the Towne bounds. As allso all the inhabetantes on the south side of that line that either are or shall be thear scittuated are likewise to pay to the ministry there, excepting all the Inhabitants on fox poynt side that are or shall be in the letell Bay." Tliis last sentence seems to imply that the Bloody Point district from Fox Pt. up Little Bay then belonged to the Oyster River precinct for civil, if not for ecclesiastical, purposes. In that case, Valentine Hill's house, if at
220
Landmarks in Ancient Dove?'.
Rocky Pt. on the lower side of Fox Point, could have been easily included within the above-mentioned line of division.
RoLLiNSFORD. This township was set off from Somersworth July 3, 1849, and so named, it is said, from the Rollins and Wallingford families, prominent in the town. The latter, however, only contributed its final syllable to the name. The line of division between Rollinsford and the present town of Somersworth, was then stated to begin at the easterly end, at a point 115 rods southerly from Pray's brook, so called, and thence run in a straight line to the railroad crossing, south of the dwell- ing-house of Andrew Crockett, and thence in a straight line to a stone on the westerlv line of the town, at the point where the line between it and Dover crosses the old road from Dover to Great Falls village.
Rollinsford Garrisons. The Pike lioxise is said to have been a garrison, so named from the Rev. James Pike, a native of Newbury, Mass., who began his ministry at Somersworth in 1727, and was ordained Oct. 28, 1730. He is said to have planted the elms before his house with his own hands. It was here he died in the 6oth year of his pastorate, March 19, 1792.
Another garrison was at Sligo. (See Sligo.)
'•'• EzeMel Wentworth's garrison" is mentioned March 6, 1710-11, as beyond Ebenezer Varney's corner, on the way from Cochecho to Quamphe- gan and Salmon falls. {N. H. Prov. Pap., 17 : 711.) It was on the Rollins- ford side of Garrison Hill, no doubt on the land still owned by the Went- worth family.
"The garrison of Capt. Benjamin Wentworth in Dover," is mentioned Nov. 18, 1724. {Ibid., XI: 510.) Capt. Wentworth lived at Quamphe- gan, near the turnpike bridge across the Newichawannock river. (See QuamjyJiega^i.)
The old Wentworth house at Sal- mon Falls, still standing, probably had defences at first. It was built by Col. Paul Wentworth about 1710.
Rollins Station. This station is on the Portsmouth and Dover R. R., in Newington, adjacent to the Rol- lins farm.
Round Swamp. Mentioned May 2, 1711, when six acres were laid out to the Rev. Nicholas Sever in the Bound swamp, eastward of Jolin Twomly's field, beginning at a white oak standing at the south side of the way that leads to fresh creek. Nich- olas Sever conveyed to Paul Gerrish, July 27, 1716, six acres, laid out to him by the town at a place called Round swamp, bounded northerly hy y^ highway y' goes down by John Twombly's, and on the other sides by the common lands. This swamp, so named from its shape, is on the eastern side of Dover, in the Bur- roughs pasture. It is surrounded by grey ledges, through which a brook finds its way, once known as Twomhley's brook.
Royall's Cove, otherwise Rtall's. This cove, according to the State map of Dover in 1805, is on the southwestern shore of the Back River district, at the east side of Cedar Point. The name is generally sup- posed to have been derived from Teague Ryall or Royall, one of the early settlers at Oyster River. But
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
'ii\
his name does not appear in the rate- lists till 1661, about 20 years after mention is made of Royall's Cove. He was, for a brief period, the owner of a few acres of land in the interior of the Oyster River district, and then disappeared. His name does not ap- pear in connection with any enter- [)rise of that day. It is much more probable that Royall's cove was named from Wm. Royall, who was sent over from England to Gov. Endicott of Mass. in 1629, as a " cleaver of tim- ber." He was enaasfed in the lum- ber business, and like Henry Jocelyn, Philip Swadden, and others, perhaps came to the Pascataqua region before he went to the province of Maine. He is called a cooper and clapboard cleaver in 164-1, when he purchased a tract of land in the present town of Yarmouth, Me., on the river West- custigo, which from him took the name of Royall's river. There he ended his days.
Royall's cove is mentioned in con- nection with lumber business as early as Sept. 14, 1642, when '' Edward Colcord of Northam in Pascataway river," made over to Wm. Payne as a security, "■ my timber in RyaVs coue^ being in number 200 trees, and all my trees w'' are felled txtfoxpoynt or the little hay^ and all such boards and clap boards as are at both places." {County Registry., Exeter.) This cove is again mentioned the oth, 5 mo., 1643, when " Mr. Valentine Hill of Boston " had a grant of a neck of land extending " from a creek over against Thomas Steven- son's at Oyster River that hath an island in the mouth of it, to the head of that creek in RoyaWs Cooe to y* part of the North East of Mr. Rob-
erts his marsh, and ten acres of upland. All the rest of that neck we give to Mr. Hill, and one hundred acres up in the country." Valentine Hill conveyed this neck of land be- tween Oyster river and Royall's cove to John Davis and John Meader. (See Header's Neck and Garrison, and Davis's Garrison at Oyster River.) Thomas Layton, the 6th, 10 mo., 1656, had a grant of 100 acres on the west side of Back river, adjoining a twenty acre lot he bought of Ambrose Gibbons, previously Mr. Rogers' lot ; — which hundred acres were " laid out at the head of this twenty acre lot, 16 poles by the north- ernmost branch of RialVs cove., and so up the freshett 16 and 13 pole, the creek being on the south side." (See Frenchman's Creek.) Thomas Lay- ton, Sr., Feb. 13, 1670, " out of love and affection to his natural son, Thomas Layton, Jr.," conveyed to him the dwelling house then in his possession, together with eight score acres of land, whereof 20 were granted Henry Tibbets, 20 to Mr. Rogers, and the rest to himself, all adjoining ; the whole bounded south by Riall Cove, east by Back river, north by a lot lately held by Elder Hatevil Nut- ter, and west partly by John Mead- er's land, and partly by Joseph ffields, and separated from both by stony brook. (See Stony Brook.) Hatevil ' Nutter, as a portion to his daughter Elizabeth, wife of Thomas Layton, Jr., conveyed to said Thomas, Feb. 13, 1670, a forty acre lot granted said Nutter by the town of Dover, between Oyster River and the Back river, bounded southerly by land lately held by Thomas Layton, Sr., west by John Meder's land, north by
222
I^andinarks hi Ancient Dover.
Job Clement's, and easterly by " y^ head of y* twenty acre lott."
In the return of the lands of Thomas Laytou, deceased, in 1710, mention is made of three lots, viz : the second in the number of the 20 acre lots on the west side of Back river; a 100 acre lot granted to Thomas Layton, 8r. ; and a 40 acre lot granted to Hatevil Nutter. These three lots were surveyed anew Ap. | 10, 1710, Ujv rooraas Layton, " heir and successor" of the second Thomas ; "beoinning at a small walnut tree on the bank by the river side, between frenchman' s creek and the little marsh in RoyaVs Coue on the west side of Back river, and from said tree run- ning west and be northwesterly near- est 168 rods to the head of the north- most branch of RoyaVs Coice, and so said cove bounds this land on the south, and from that extent it runs up the freshet six score and thirteen rods to a run of water in the fresh marsh, which said freshet trends near norwest from the head of the creek to the aforesaid marsh, and so bounds this land on the S. W., and from that extent it runs 20 rods on the same course to the S. W. corner of Mr. Clement's 40 acre lott, said lott bounding tiiis land to the S. E. corner of said Clement's lot, thence \ easteily 12 rods to a highway between ' this land and Samuel Emerson's, then : near S. S. E. on the westward side of said way 50 rods to the crook in said Layton's fence, and from said crook to the first bound."
Thomas Leighton of Dover, Ap. 1, 1762, conveyed to Thomas Wal- lingford of Somersworth 100 acres of land in Dover, on the west side of Ba-ok river, running from y*^ said
river to Royal's cove, about 40 rods to the land of Joseph Header west- ward, and by his land and Ephraim Davis's till it comes to Paul Nute's, and so along the lands of said Nute and Clement, and the land of John Leighton, to the first bound. This land was conveyed to Wm. King Atkinson by said Wallingford's heirs about 1798, and is now owned in part by Mrs. Simpson, together with the Atkinson house which stands on the height now called Atkinson's Hill. A part of the Leighton land on the same hill is now owned by Mr. Prescott.
John Meader, Sr., of Oyster River, June 17, 1679, conveyed to his son John, as his patrimony, " 30 acres on the neck of land that lyeth between Oyster river and y^ Back river, being a moitie of a larger tract granted said John Meader, y* father, and Wm. Sheffield in y* year of our Lord God 1656, which three score acres were laid out as followeth : — beginning at an asp tree some four rods from y* flowing of y*^ tide at y* head of Rial's Coue, thence N. by W. 142 rods by y* land which was lately Thomas Laiton's, and by y* land latelie Elder Nutter's to a red oak, thence W. by S. 68 rods to a hem- lock, thence S. by E. 142 rods to a great white oak, which tree being v* N. E. corner bound of y* land which y^ s** John Meader bought of Mr. Valentine Hill, and from said oak to the asp tree at the head of Rial's Coue, reserving a highway one rod wide from said oak to y* asp tree for a watering wav to said cove."
The inhabitants at Oyster River in 1695 petitioned to the Governor and Council to be incorporated as a sep- arate parish, " beginning at the head
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
223
of Riall Jiis cove, and thence running upon a N. W. line, " etc.
Twenty acres of laud were laid out to Zacharias ffleld,^ Sept. 24, 1695, according to a grant to Mr. Thomas Roberts, Sr., deceased, " in y^ bot- tom of Riars Cone, on y*" western side of y" back Rieuer, known by y*" name of y^ Hirst twenty acor lott, bounded as followeth : beoiuning at a Red oake tree by y^ creek side y' runs up to stonie brooJc, from said tree N. W, by W. 80 poles to a heap of stones near John Header's fence, thence S. W. and by 8. 40 pooles to a heap of stones near Joseph Header's fence, thence 8. E. and by E. 92 poles, and thence to the first bound, allowing y' strip of land v' falls below y^ east line to fill up y** water by reason it falles on y^ creek."
John Shapleigh of Kittery, and wife Sarah, July 20, 1699, conveyed to Joseph Smith and John Header, Jr., both of Oyster River, all their right to a neck of laud at the mouth of Oyster river formerly granted to Valentine Hill the 5th, 10 mo., 1643, " bounded to the head of RyalVs cove, and so to the head of a cove, against Thomas Stinson's," except 20 acres belonging to Robert's marsh, and " the widow Hill's thirds during her life, forfeited to the crown."
8t. Alban's Cove. This cove is on the western shore of the Newicha- wannock, below Quamphegan Falls. It is so called in the grant of the mill privilege on Fresh creek the 5th, 2 mo., 1652. The name is said to have been given by the early Tuttles of Dover, who came from Great St. Alban's, Hertfordshire, Eng., which
place derived its name, of course, from the great proto- martyr of Elng- land. St. Alban's cove is variously called in the old records, St. Albon's, St. Albanes, Sentalbons, etc. (See Style's Cove.)
Salmon Falls, and Salmon Falls River. The name of Salmon Falls river has been given for two and a half centuries to that part of the Newichawaunock above the head of tide water. It was no doubt derived from the abundance of salmon found in tills stream before the erection of mills. The Dover authorities of 1644 ordered the first salmon of the season, as well as other fish, to be given to the minister of the parish. The falls in this river, specially known as "Salmon falls," are at the manufacturing village of the same name, in Rollinsford. They are repeatedly mentioned in the early grants and deeds. In 1658 Thomas Hanson had a grant of 100 acres of land "■ neir the saman fall.'" Ralph Twombley's hundred acres " neir the samaii fall" is also spoken of the same year. And Hajor Richard Wal- dron, in a letter of Nov. 8, 1675, speaks of " Samon faull." (See N. H. Prov. Pap., 1:356.) Edward Taylor of Exeter and wife " Rebec- kah " conveyed to Thomas Roberts, July 20, 1699, 50 acres on the west side of Salmon falls river, a little below y*^ Salmon fall, bordering on the N. W. on a tract formerly in the occupation of George Broughton, on the S. W. by a tract commonly called the Qaamiyliegan grant, or Sheafs land, and on y^ east by the river, reserving a cartway from
> Zachariah Field married the daughter of John Roberts, son of Thomas Roberts, Sr. John Roberts' wife was Abigail, daughter of Hatevil Nutter.
224
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
Salmon falls mill to the usual rafting- place for delivering boards. John Tuttle and Ezekiel Wentworth had a grant of the mill privilege on the west side of the Salmon falls, Oct. 27, 1701. And May 19, 1702, they had the grant of an os -pasture of 30 acres, " accomadable to their mill- grant at Salmon falls, . . begin- ning at the riuer below the mill, where they hall up boards." One side of this tract was bounded by " the King's road that leads to Salmon falls.'' A cartway, four rods wide, was reserved, to go through this land, " from Salmon falls to the usual landing -2'>lace at Edward Tail- ers." John Tuttle, Sr., conveyed to John Wentworth, July 29, 1709, one eighth part of the westward side of the lower fall, alias foot fall, of the Salmon falls river, with the accom- modation of land belonging thereto, between said fall and the cart path that leads from the afors** Salmon falls to Edward Tailer's former plan- tation. John Tuttle, in his will of Dec. 28, 1717, gives his son Ebenezer all his right at the middle fall, lying between the two falls, on the west side of Salmon Fall river. Ebenezer Tuttle, Feb. 5, 1721-2, conveyed to Capt. Benj" Wentworth and Thomas Wallingford one quarter part of the falls commonly called y* middle falls, between y® two mills on the westward side of a river commonly called Salmon fall river, opposite a mill in y* possession of John Key and James Grant, which afores** fall was granted to Ca.pt. John Tuttle by the town of Dover.
Elizabeth Wentworth of Boston conveyed to Paul Wentworth of " Summersworth," Nov. 2, 1730, ten
acres of an ox-pasture between lands of y* widow Martha Wentworth, Mr. John Yeaton, Mr. Love Roberts, Mr. Elijah Tuttle, and ye highway which leads to Salmon falls. Also " one eighth part of y* upper mill upon y* shoar upon Salmon falls, and one eighth of y'^ shoar mill upon y* middle falls," with the stream and all privi- leges on the west side of Salmon falls river. Paul Wentworth, in his will of Feb. 3, 1747-8, gives his brother Gershom Wentworth certain rights in "■ the iipp)er inill standing on Salmon falls"; to his nephew Paul Wentworth certain rights in the middle mill on the westerly side of Salmon falls river, near the widow Drew's dwelling, (this was Abigail, widow of John Drew) and his part of the grist-mill standing near said saw- mill ; and to his nephew Paul Brown certain rights in the middle mill and in the loicer mill, both standing on the westerly side of Salmon falls river.
The Salmon Falls Manufacturing Company was incorporated June 17, 1822, and a mill for woollen cloths was built soon after, which was burned down Aug. 7, 1834. The first cotton mill was established here in 1844, and became the nucleus of the present factories, around which has sprung up the village of Salmon Falls, the only village in RoUiusford.
Salmon Falls tuoods are mentioned Ap. 17, 1742, when Mary Corson (and Zebulon) daughter of Capt. Samuel Tibbets of Dover, deceased, conveyed to Capt. John Wallingford all right and title to an eighty-acre grant to said Samuel in the Salmon Falls woods, so called.
Sam Roe's Hill. This hill is in
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
225
NewingtoD, uear the source of the Trout hrook, once known as Piar- wood's creek. The name is derived from a descendant of Richard Row or Roe, who acquired land at Welsh Cove June 17, 1658. (See Welsh Cove.) *»--^ /i<*-w«i/**^'<?i«^-Xr.
Sandy Bank. Mentioned the 8th, 5 mo., 1664, when 20 acres of land were laid out to Hugh Dunn^ at "■ a place called Sandy Banks up larapril river," granted him in 1656, begin- ning at a marked tree by the river side at a deep gully. It is again mentioned Oct., 1717, when John Footman sold "Joseph Duedy " twenty acres of land on the north side of Lamprey river, beginning at a hemlock by the river side, "• at a deep gully at a place called Sandy bank." This land had been given John Footman by his grandfather, "Philip Cromeele " (Crommet or Cromwell). Joseph Duda, black- smith, Nov. 28, 1743, sold John Crommet two acres at Hugh Dun's, between Crommet's pasture and Du- da's swamp. Sandy Bank is just aU»»V.e Hook Island falls, and now belongs to the Newmarket Manufac- turing Company. The gulh' above mentioned is still to be seen, and not far off is a large swamp now owned by the Yorke family.
The Joseph Duda here spoken of married Rebecca Adams. In a deed of 1712 he signs his name "Joseph Dowdy." (See Adams Garrison.) In another of 1716 he writes it "Jo- seph Duda." Joseph Duda's name
is on the muster-roll of Capt. James Davis in 1712. Tiie Rev. Hugh Adams of Oyster River, Nov. 10, 1717, records the baptism of Joseph Doody, Rebecca his wife, and Ben- more and Susanna, their children. Sept. 18, 1726, he baptized Temper- ance Dudey, infant of Joseph Dndey.- Joseph Duda was the son of Philip, who appears to have first lived in that part of Exeter which is now Newmarket. The name of " Philip Duday " is signed to a petition from the peo|)le of New Hampshire to the Massacliusetts government, Feb. 20, 1689-90. Dec. 30, 1738, Philip Duda of Arundell, York Co., Maine, for thiity pounds, conveyed to his son Joseph Duda, of Durham, blacksmith, fifty acres of land in P^xeter, granted said Philip Feb. 25, 1698. Philip signs with a mark in both instances. Rebecca, the first wife of Joseph Duda, left at least five children. April 8, 1756, Benmore Duda, Su- sanna (Duda) wife of Francis Dur- gin, Nicholas Duda, True worthy Durgin, and Mary Duda his wife, and Zebulon Duda of Newmarket, chil- dren of Joseph Duda of Durham, l)lacksmith, and Rebecca his wife, deceased, for ten pounds conveyed to their uncle, Thomas Bickford of Madbury, and Elsther (Adams) his wife, lands at Caley's marsh (Caul- ley's marsh at Durham Point), and in Madl)ury, which belonged to the estate of their grandfather Adams. Joseph Duda died before Dec. 25, 1751, on which dav his widow
1 Hugh Dunn went to New J*ersey as early as 1666, and was one of the first settlers of Piscata- qua, in that state.
2 The name of Temperance was derived from Temperance Benmore, wife of Charles Adams, and daughter of Philip Benmore. She inherited lands on the south side of Sturgeon creek, in Kitterj'. (See York Records.)
226
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
Hannah (his second wife) testified as to the correctness of the inventory of his estate, in which is mentioned his shop, anvil, sledge-hammer, dwelling- house, barn, and thirty two acres of homestead land.
Nicholas, son of Joseph and Re- becca Duda, was born about 1730. He seems to have been married at an early age. The Rev. John Adams of Durham, Jan. 13, 1754, records the baptism of Deborah, daughter of Nicholas Doody. " Nicolas Dudy, constable," is mentioned in the Dur- ham records of 1755. "Nicholas Dudy " was one of the first selectmen in Lee after the incorporation of that town. He was apparently the first to chanije his surname to Durell. The late Judge Durell was his grand- son. The first time the name appears so written is in a deed from Nicholas Durell of Durham to Benjamin Rich- ards of Rochester, Feb. 14, 1754, but it continued to be called and gener- ally written Duda at least half a cen- tury later, as many people still recol- lect. The name of Ben more Duda (brother of Nicholas) is on the Dur- ham rate-list of 1778. In that of
1787 it is written Benmore Dudy. In
1788 it is Benmore Durril. In 1789 it was- first written Benmore Dudy, then the surname was half effaced and Durril substituted. It is Ben- more Dudy again in 1791, after which it disappears. In the Lee records, the name of "Joseph Duda" is on the rate-list of 1794, but on that of 1795 he is called "Joseph Durrel."
Nothing appears in the early rec- ords to justify the assertion that the Doody or Duda family came from the Isle of Jersey, much less that it was of Norman extraction. Doody is
still a well known name in Ireland, especially in Kerry. It is derived from the ancient O'Dubhda, signify- ing dark complexioued, and is now variously written as Doody, Dowd, and O'Dowd, etc. The last form is dear to every reader of Thackeray's "Vanity Fair."
Sandy Brook. See CutVs Brook.
Sandy Log Hill. This hill is in the upper part of Dover, the west side of the Cochecho river, on the road from Tolend to Rochester. It is mentioned Nov. 5, 1741, when 27 acres of land were laid out to John Hanson, Jr., beginning at Sandy log hill, at the S. E. end of the plain commonly called the Ealware plains, a little above the uppermost end of John Tibbet's fence, at the east side of the old mast path, and running somewhat northerly, as said path goes, as far as Rochester line, then nearly N. E. as that line runs, till it comes to the Cochecho river at the small neck of land which said Hanson hath fenced in, then running down the river to the Ealware falls, and thence down the river to Sandy log hill, where we first began, having the said river on the easterly side, and the mast path on the westerly side. Twelve acres of land were laid out to James Kielle Jan. 24, 1750, on the west side of the road " right against the Sandy logg hill, or the bend of the river."
Sandy Point. Two points of this name are mentioned in the early records. One of them is on the east- ern side of Dover Neck, at the upper side of Pomeroy's Cove, now Card's Cove, and still retains its ancient name, no doubt derived from the sandy nature of the soil. Thomas
Laiidiiiarks in Ancient Dover.
227
Beard had a grant of three acres of land on Dover Neck, Ap. 4, 1642, " bounded by land in the possession of Thomas Wiggin on y'' south side, in the swamp towards Sandy poynt.''' He and his wife Mary conveyed this land to Richard Waldron Dec. 6, 1G54. This point is again mentioned the 5th, 10 mo., 1652, when Richard Walderne or Waldron had the grant of Pomeroy's cove on Dover Neck '" from Sandy point right over to the other side of tlie Coue, to make a Docke," Capt. Walter Barefoot, the 2d, 3 mo., 1652, had a grant of " fower scoer foot in Breadth of flates below hiewater mark at Sande p)oynl,'' and twenty four feet of upland. And " Capt. Richard Walld- ern " also had a grant of 24 feet of upland " to joine to his former grant of flats at Sande poyrit."
Isaac Nash of Dover and his wife Margery (both deceased before Feb.
17, 1664) conveyed to Thomas Kem- ble, Nov. 6, 1658, a dwelling-house on Sandy jwynt in Dover, with six acres of upland adjoining, and all the marsh in pumryes Cove. Thomas Kemble and his wife Elizabeth con- veyed the same to Peter Coffin Jan.
18, 1662. Peter Coffin (and Abigail), Feb. 17, 1664, conveyed to Anthony Nutter " y* said dwelling-house and six acres of upland, and the afores*^ marsh m pomeryes cove." John Red- man of Hampton, Ap. 19, 1673, con- veyed to Capt. Richard Waldron, 3 acres of land on Dover Neck, granted him the 4th, 2 mo., 1642, bounded by Thomas Wiggin on y^ south side in y® swamp towards Sandy pioynt., which land was formerly in possession of said John Redman, and commonly called by y^ name of Hedman's sliopp.
A Sandy Point of greater note is in Strathara, at the lower side of the mouth of Squamscot river. It is mentioned in connection with ancient Dover, which extended along the Greenland shore of Great Bay to a bound forty rods below Sandy Point. (See N. H. Ptoik Pap., 1 : 222.) Near this point lived Capt. Thomas Wiggin of Bloody Point celebrity, the so-called governor of Pascataqua, and the constant friend to Massachu- setts Bay. He died about 1667. The cellar of his house can still be traced. Part of the large tract of land he acquired in this vicinity is still owned by his descendants, who are justly proud of their origin.
Sandy Point Marsh. Mentioned March 12, 1695-6, when Marie Lake of Boston, widow of Thomas Lake and executrix of his will, and .John and Anne Cotton of Hampton, heirs of said Thomas, for themselves and for Mr. Thomas Lake of London, son and heir of said Thomas, de- ceased, conveyed to Peter Coffin a tract of land adjoining the river com- monly called the Great bay, being half the tract of land and marsh which said Thomas Lake and Major Richard Waldron reserved for them- selves when they sold their other land to Mr. Thomas Wiggin. "■ The marsh ground, commonly called by the name of Sandie point marsh " adjoined the marsh of said Wiggin, and the upland adjoining extended from the Great Bay to Winnicot river, " and so up to Wm. Davis's fence, and so to the dividing line between Andrew Wiggins's land and this land ; that is, one half of all this land in compass, excepting only that part which was granted to Dover
228
JLandmarks in Ancient Dover.
by the General Court at Boston.^'' Peter Coffin of Exeter, June 2, 1696, couveyed to his son Peter of Nan- tucket 200 acres of land he had purchased of Mrs. Lake of Boston on the S, W. side of the Great Bay.
The Saplings. " The road that leads to the SwpUngs above Mallago river, so called," is mentioned in con- nection with land laid out to Beuj° Mason in April, 1734, beginning at a beech tree at the side of this road, at the east corner of Wm. Twomble's land. " The road that goes from Littleworth to the Saplings, so called," is mentioned Sept. 20, 1734, when land adjoining was laid out to Edward Cloutraan. A petition was made Deo. 8, 1734, and again Aug. 7, 1736, for a road "• from Deinerifs mill to the Mallego road at the Saplings.'" This petition was granted Aug. 16, 1736. (See Demerit's Mill.) Ten acres and 140 rods of land were laid out to Robert Hanson, June 1, 1739, on the S. W. side of a piece of land belonging to the Quakers, at a i^lace called the Sap- lings. (See Quaker Pastures.) The Saplings, a name no longer in use, were evidently in the upper part of Madbury adjacent to the Mallego river, near the terminus of the cross road from Bellamy Hook.
Sarah Paul Hill. This hill formed part of the old Chesley lauds on the upper side of Beech Hill, and was so named from Sarah, wife of Paul Chesley, who, during a long widowhood, displayed great force of character and a taste for litigation. She was called Sarah Paul to distin- guish her from " Sarah Liramy," the
widow of Lemuel Chesley, and daugh- ter of Samuel Smith. They are both mentioned in the Durham rate-list of 1778. At the foot of this hill is the " Sarah Paid Spring" the source of Stony brook, which empties into Beard's creek.
Saunder's Point. This point is below Salmon Falls, just above the foundry. Here lived the widow Elizabeth Saunders who married Master Tate, the noted school-master of Somersworth. This point must not be confounded with the Sander's Point of early times, where Ambrose Gibbons, the early pioneer on the Newichawannock, was buried. The latter is connected with Great Island by a bridge near the Wentworth House whicli extends from the island across to Sander's Point.
Sawyer's Bridge. This name is now given to the bridge across the Bellamy river near the residence of Ex-Governor Sawyer in Dover, for- merly called Dmiu's bridge, Libbey's bridge, and Gerrish's bridge.
Sawyer's Mills. These mills are at the lowest falls in the Bellamy river, at the south side of the city proper of Dover. For more than a century the saw-mill and grist-mill here were called Gerrish's mills, hav- ing been given by Major Richard Waldron, Oct. 17, 1683, together with all the lands, timber grants, water i)rivileges, etc., belonging thereto, as a marriage portion to his two daughters, Anna, wife of the Rev. Joseph Gerrish of Wenham, Mass., and Elizabeth, wife of John Gerrish of Dover. Joseph Gerrish, May 20, 1701, conveyed his wife's half of this property to John Gerrish,
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
ii<^
who thus became the sole proprietor. (See Bellamy Falls and Mills. )^
Sawyer's Station. This is a sta- tion on the Portsmouth and Dover Railroad, near Sawyer's mills in Do- ver.
Sawyer's Village. The line of tenement houses along the Bellamy, near Sawyer's mills, erected for the benefit of the operatives, is popularly so called. The longest of these houses is known as the Ten Com- mandments— a name facetiously given in the course of its erection, be- cause it was divided into ten tene- ments.
Scatterwit. This name is given to a district above the Upper-Factory falls in Dover, adjoining the Coche- cho on the easterly side. It is men- tioned June 23, 1701, when Ebenezer Varney had a grant of 30 acres near Scatterwitt cotcntry. Tristram Heard, in his will of Ap. 18, 1834, gives his daughter Jean, wife of Benjamin Hayes, one half of his sixty-acre lot at Scatterwit. The name is otherwise written, May 7, 1736, when Wm. Welland conveyed to Isaac Libbey 14 acres of land '" on the north side of y^ way y' leads to Scatiiet. Six acres of land were laid out to Beuj" Roberts Feb. 26, 1739, at a place called Scatterwit, beginning at a white oak near Ezra Kimball's shop on the north side of the road that leads to s?i\(\ Scatterwit, then running by Ebenezer Varney 's land. The road from Gage's Hill to the Long Hill road is now called the Scatterwit road. San ford and Everts' Atlas incorrectly calls this district " Scatter-
wlth." The present county farm is in Scatterwit.
School-Districts. A school was established on Dover Neck at an early day. The town ordered the 5th, 2 mo., 1658, that 20 pounds per annum be raised to maintain a school- master in the town of Dover, to teach all the children "to reid, write, cast a compte, latine, as the parents shall require." {N. H. Prov. Pap., 1 : 312 ) The school-districts of Dover are thus enumerated in 1790: 1. Centre district. 2. Dover Neck. 3. Littlewortli. 4. Tolend. 5. North Side, Garrison Hill. 6. Long Hill, from R. Kimball's to N. Varney's. 7. Fresh Creelt. 8. Black Water. 9. Back River, south end. 10. Back River, Mast road. The Dover school- districts of the present day are : 1. Back River. 2. Upper Factory. 3. Garrison Hill. 4. Blackwater. 5. Long Hill. 6. Tolend. 1. Little- worth. 8. Upper Neck. 9. Lower Neck. These do not include the dis- tricts in the city proper.
The Durham school-districts are mentioned in the town records of 1794 as follows: 1. Falls, 1st North district ; i. e., in Durham village. 2. Falls, 2d North district; i. e.. the district around Buck's hill. 3. Falls, South district, now the Broth Hill dis- trict. 4. Licbberland. 5. Point dis- trict. 6. Packer's Falls. 7. District below Jones's Creek. This is called Back River district in 1799. It is now sometimes called the Bridge or Pascataqua Bridge district because it extends to the Durham terminus of the old Pascataqua bridge. 8. District
1 In the article Bellamy Falls and Mills Wm. Follet is said to have conveyed his part thereof to Richard Waldron Ap. 27, 1675. It wa.s in the year 1671, and Waldron's deed to Joseph Qer- rish says it was on the 20th of April.
230
Landma7'ks in Ancient Dove?'.
above Wm. Spinney's. This is called the Mast Road District iu 1797, which name it still retains.
There were schools in Lee before its separation from Durham. Col. Hercules Moouey was one of the early teachers there, and after its in- corporation he taught there from 1766 till the Revolution, and at the close of the war he laid down his sword to resume the ferule.^ The Hoolx school is mentioned in the town records of 1771. Schools at Newtown and WadleigJi' s falls are mentioned in 1790, and at Little river and North river in 1791. They were no doubt in oi)eration much earlier. '■'■School in the Mastway " and " Mastway dis- trict" are mentioned in 1791. ^^Lower Newtown district" now Layn's district, is mentioned in 1800,
Madbury established schools as soon as it was made a separate par- ish. A vote was passed March 31, 1757, that schools of two months each be kept at James Pbikham's (now District No. One); at the Meet- ing-house; at Mr. HilVs house at Freetown; and at Ichahod Canney's house, afterwards called the North school-district, now No. Four.
The Newington records of 1762 mention 303 pounds " paid Capt. Mooney for keeping school." This was the above-mentioned Hercules Mooney. Col. John Downing, in his will of Sept. 5, 1755, proved March 12, 1766, gives one acre of land, then in the possession of Nicholas Knight, on the highway from Newington meeting-house to Greenland, for a school-house, and
500 pounds put at interest to main- tain a teacher till said house be built. There is only one school disti'ict in Newington at the present day.
Somerswoith was divided into four school districts in 1793, which were increased to eight in the course of 30 years. A school at Rocky Hills is mentioned in 1797, and Indigo Hill school in 1803. Great Falls district and the Point district are mentioned in 1803 ; Pear- Yard district in 1813 ; Salmon Fcdls, Turn- pike, and Quaw.phegan districts in 1825.
Second Fa).ls. These falls are often mentioned in the earl}' records, as " the second falls in Lamprey river," or merely as " the Second falls," and as they lay within the Oyster river precinct they have some- times been confounded with the sec- ond falls in Oyster river. The Rev. Hugh Adams undoubtedly refers to these falls in his record of a bap- tism " at the garrison-house, second falls," ;S an. 11, 1719-20. (See Oys- ter River Garrisons.) A road from Oyster river to the second falls is spoken of Oct. 24, 1721, meaning the road to Packer's falls. Tlie second falls mill is mentioned Sept. 25, 1716, when Henry and Joanna Dver conveved to George Jaffrev " a piece of land called the mote," 50 acres more or less, together with their part of 400 acres extending from y^ mouth of Piscassick river up Lanipril river till it conies within a few rods of second falls mill, and their part of y* whole accommodation of Lampreel river which was granted
1 Col. Mooney's second wife was Mrs. Jones, of Lee, on whose farm he took up his residence • It was afterwards acquired by Mr. Gorham Hoitt. A quagmire on this land, into which sank a valuable colt belonging to Col. Mooney, is called Mooney's Hole to this day.
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
231
Mr. Valentine Hill by the town of Dover, for erecting mills on any part of said river, with 100 acres of land at each mill. The '■'■second falls miW" is again mentioned Nov. 2, 1739. {N.H. TownFap., XI : 649.) These falls are now known Si,% Pack- er's falls. (See S'ldlivan's Falls.)
Senter's Swamp. Mentioned March 19, ,1693-4, when Philip Chesley, Jr., had a grant of 40 acres in the swamp near the mast bridge, commonly called Senters swamp. This swamp was evidently in the Back River dis- trict, but the name has not been retained. Walter Mathes, son of Francis, in his will of 1678, speaks of his daughter Mary Senter, and his niece Susanna Senter. Sj^/> > 2 S'/.
Shad Falls. Apparently the same as Packer's falls. John Goddard, who died before June 27, 1667, owned 100 acres of land " abore the shad fall," adjoining John Woodman's land. One half of this tract was. May 4, 1736, conveyed by his nephew, Abra- ham Bennick, of Durham, gentleman, to Benjamin, son of said Abraham, beginning at " Woodman's south-east corner bound tree, standing on y® side of Lamperel river," thence ex- tending down the river 130 rods to " a little island in y'^ river above ye second falls." (See Packer's Falls.) The Woodman land referred to above was a grant of 100 acres to John Woodman, Nov. 10, 1658. It be- came the homestead of his grandson, Joshua Woodman, who had it per- ambulated June 15, 1765, "begin- ning at a white oak by Lamperil river."
Shadogee Corner. This corner is in Madbury, above Hicks' Hill, at the intersection of the roads to Bar- rington and to Gerrish's bridge. At the fork of these roads once stood a tavern, popular among men of " sha- dy " propensities. The name, like that of Snaggerty,^ in Strafford, is supposed to have been given it by some old veterans in memory of their campaigns. Fifty of our sol- diers are spoken of Jan. 11, 1779, as " at Slmtagee," a corruption of Cha- teaugay. In the Canada expedition, during the war of 1812-1815, our troops were more than, once at that place. Gen. Hampton was reported, Nov. 5, 1813, as then "at Chdteaic- gay or Four Corners." Gen. Wil- kinson is also mentioned as going into winter quarters in Nov., 1813, " about 25 miles from Four Corners, Chdleangay." The enemy having encamped a few months later within three miles of Chateaugay, Gen. Wil- kinson proceeded thither Feb. 21, 1814. At his advance the enemy re- treated, destroying the bridges. Our soldiers seem to have called this place " Shatagee " or " Shadogee." A part of Conway still bears the name of Shadowgee.
Shag Rock. This rock is in the Pascataqua river, off the Downing land on the Newington shore, above Patterson's Point. It is called Dram Rock on Dame's map of 1805. Fish- ermen sometimes call it Bass rock, from the number of fish caught there at certain seasons.
Shankhassick. This is said to have been the Indian name of Ovster
ifiTiaggrertj/ in Strafford, said to be a corruption of Schenectady, was so named by some old soldiers of last century, after their return from the wars. And Croicn Point, a name popularly given to Strafford Corner, is of similar origin.
232
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
river. According to Edward Col- cord's deposition concerning the Wheelwright purchase the 14th, 2 mo., 1668, one bound of the land acquired from Wehanownowit, the chief sagamore, was " tlie westerly part of Oyster River called by the Indians ShanJchassick, vf"^ is about foure miles northerly beyond Lam- periele River." (N. H. Proa. Pap., 1 : 137.) The meaning of the word is uncertain. The Indian word sunk- haze, which seems akin to it, signi- fies, according to one definition, "• one stream emptying into another." And mike, whence ick, means "a place." According to another definition sunk- liaze means " dead water," which could not be applied to a tidal stream like tlie lower part of Oyster river. The first syllable shank may be de- rived from chesunk, which Judge Potter says, means '^ a wild goose." There is a Sunkhaze sti'eam in Maine that empties into the Penobscot on the east side, about fifteen miles above Old Town village. Adjacent is the Sunkhaze plantation.
Shepherd's Bridge. Mentioned on Smith's map of Durham in 1805. It is on the main road from Durham Falls to Newmarket, across the brook that comes from the Moat. The Durham records speak of it as near " Mooney's brick-yard," which is now gone, but at that time was at or near the present burial ground of the Mooney family. The name of this bridge, no longer in use, was derived from John Shepherd, who lived in the vicinity at the beginning of this century.
Sheep Road. This road is in Lee, and extends from the First N. H. turn- pike road to the Stepping-Stoues road.
Short Creek. This creek is next to Long creek, on the shore of the Gage land, just below the mouth of the river Cochecho.
Shooting Point. Mentioned on Dame's map of 1805. It is on the Durham shore, opposite Furber's Point, at the upper side of Adams Point. Above it was Diirgin's land- ing-place, so called in 1694, from Wm. Durgin, who was taxed at Oys- ter River in 1664. He married, June 25, 1672, "Katharine, relict of Thomas Footman." He declared himself to be 35 years of age, or thereabouts, March 12, 1677-8, when he testified about Robert Smart's land at Goddard's Cove. According to tradition, the Indians crucified him at Shooting Point, and carried his seven daughters to the Newington shore, and there barbarously mur- dered them on a large rock, no doubt Pascataqua Pock, said to have been the western bound of the Bloody Point settlement. His widow Kath- arine administered on his estate Nov. 30, 1703. (See Mathew's Creek and Neck.)
Sill Swamp, otherwise Syl's. This name has lono; been gfiven to a part of the Samuel Hale estate in RoUinsford, derived perhaps from Sylvanus Wentworth, or otherwise from Sylvanus Nock, who owned land in this vicinity as early as 1698. His house is mentioned May 9, 1709, as above Sligo sfarrison. And amongr the Dover fence-viewers, chosen May 20, 1717, was " Sill Nock for Sligo." {Town Records.)
Simon's Lane. This name is giv- en to an old road through Horn's woods, in the Lubberland district, now impassable for the most part
Landinar]<s in Ancient Dover.
233
except on foot. Perhaps it derived its name from Michael Syraonds, who was taxed at Oyster River in 1666, and the following year mar- ried the widow of John Goddard, of Goddard's Cove ; or from Joseph Simons, who, Feb. 8, 1727-8, mar- ried Elizabeth, daughter of Elder James Nock. In 1733 Joseph Simons and Elizabeth his wife conveyed to Samuel Smith all their interest in the estate of their honored father, James Nock, deceased.
Six Indian Wigwams. Mentioned June 22, 1696, when Peter Coffin of Exeter conveyed to his son Peter Coffin of Nantucket 200 acres of land on the north side of Cochecho river, "at a place called y" 8ix Indian Wigivams." Jedediah Fitch "of Sherburn on Nantuckett," and his wife Abigail, and Jemima Coffin, daughters of Peter Coffin of Sher- burn, deceased, conveyed to Joseph Twombley of Dover, July 13, 1725, | of 100 acres on the north side of Cochecho river, part of 200 acres of land given said Peter bv their grand- father, June 22, 1696, beginning a little above the third falls in Coche- cho river, at a pine tree at the river side, and extending up the river side to a white oak on a little hill, thence north to a swamp by y'' Indian Ground. This land was conveyed by Joseph Twombley to Ezra Kimball, June 14, 1733. (See Indian Corn- Ground.) Thomas Hanson of Co- checho in y* town of Dover, planter, in his will of the 24th, 2 mo., 1710, gives to his well beloved son Nathan- iel his land between Reyner's brook and the Indian Wigivani brook.
Six Miles Tree. Mentioned Sept. 20, 1753, when Daniel Davis, aged
about 60, and Philip Chesley, about 77, personally appeared in the woods where said tree then stood, and took oath before his Majesty's Justices of the Peace that the committee ap- pointed by the N. H. government to run and settle the head line of Dover about 30 years previous, ran the line to a certain red oak tree, which they marked and established as the S. W. corner bound tree of Dover, which was accepted by the government as the perpetual bound of said town. And the deponents, then in the woods, pointed out said bound be- tween Dover and Exeter, " known and called by the name of the Six Miles Tree." The line between Dur- ham and Nottingham being still dis- puted, a petition was addressed the General Assembly, Ap. 20, 1758, by Samuel Smith, Ebenezer Smith, and Ephraim Davis, representing that the head line of Dover, before Durham was incorporated, ran from a certain red oak tree at the west corner bound, in a straight line to a pitch-pine stump which is the corner bound of Barriugton. The line was thus set- tled Sept. 24, 1759, by a committee appointed by the General Court of N. H. (iY. H. Toivn Pap., XI: 579—580.)
Sligo. This name, now given to a district in Rollinsford below Quam- phegan, appears to have been origi- nally given to a garrison that stood above St. Alban's cove, not far from the Newichawaunock shore. It is mentioned March 29, 1708, when Jethro Furber conveyed to Benj" Weamouth 20 acres of land " at or near a place called Sligoes garrison," between the highway and the lots formerly David Haramleton's and
234
Landmarks in Ancient Dove?'.
Nicholas Curreus', fronting on the Newichawannock river, being the lot originally granted to Henry Magoon, who sold it to Wm. Laton, by whom it was sold to Edward Cowel, "grandfather of the donor." Rich- ard Hussey, Feb. 25, 1710, conveyed to Benj° Waymouth 30 acres of land " att a garrison called Sligoe.^' Beuj'^ Waymouth, Feb. 1, 1717, con- veyed to Benj" Waymouth, Jr., 30 acres of laud originally granted to Richard Hussey, " lying and being at a garrison called SUgo." bounded N. by Joseph Roberts' laud, E. by said Waymouth, S. by "a lott called Currol's," and W. by the commons. The exact site of this garrison is not known, but it is mentioned May 9, 1709, as on the east side of the high- way from St. Albau's cove to Quam- phegan, between Lieut. Hatevil Nut- ter's house and that of Sylvanus Nock. This land is now owned by the Garvin family. The name of Sligo soon extended to the surround- ing district. Eleazer and Sarah Wyer conveyed to Eleazar Wyer, Jr., Sept. 25, 1738, 20 acres of land, with two dwelling-houses and a barn thereon, " at a place formerly called Sligo" bounded N. by the land of Sylvanus Nock, E. by the Newicha- wannock river, and S. and W. by Benj" Weymouth's land. The town voted, Ap. 5, 1756, that a "school be kept three months at Sligo."
Sligo was doubtless so called from the town of that name in Ireland,
" Sligo town that lies so snug at the foot of Knocknarea."
The name is said to he derived from the Irish word silgeach, which signi- fies a shelly river, or a place where shells are deposited. The History
of Rockingham and Strafford Coun- ties asserts that Sligo garrison was so named by the Stackpole family, the early members of which are said to have come from Sligo, Ireland. No authority is given for this state- ment. The garrison was not built till many years after James Stack- pole's arrival, and its name does not appear till the beginning of the eighteenth century. It may have been given out of compliment to the earl of Bellomout, appointed gov- ernor of N. H. in 1699. He was born in Sligo, Ireland, in 1636. Orders from King William were sent him Jan. 19, 1701, to build such forts at Piscataqua and elsewhere as were necessary for security. (N. H. Prov. Pap.. 3: 130.) His political and religious principles naturally recommended him to the favor of our colonists, and he is said to have been very popular during his short administration. He was the grand- son of Sir Charles Coote, noted for his ferocity to the Irish in the reign of Charles I, and he himself was one of the first to espouse the cause of William of Orange, who rewarded him with the title of earl, and ap- pointed him governor of New York, Massachusetts, and New Hamp- shire.
Sluiceway. This name is now given to the old wadiug-place or ford across the Newichawannock, below the Samuel Hale brook in Rollins- ford, where the U. S. government attempted to blast out the obstruc- tions in the channel. To this ford a road was opened at an early day between tlie lots of Joseph Austin and Thomas Canney. On the oppo- site shore once stood the Newicha-
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
235
wanuock mills — the first saw and grist mills set up iu the Pascataqua region.
The Sluice Rock is at the head of Little John's falls, on the shore of the Samuel Hale estate, formerly the Stackpole land, and previousl}^ that of Joseph Austin. (See StackpoWs Creek. )
Small Point. Mentioned March 2, 1704. (See Pascataqua Hock.) Also on Dame's map of 1805. It is a long narrow point on the Newing- ton shore, below Long point ; that is, below in the sense of going down stream, though really in a northerly direction.
Smith's Island. This is an islet on the Lubberland shore of Great Bay, opposite the farm of the late Valentine Smith, to whose estate it belonged. It is so named on Smith's map of 1805.
Smith's Point. This name is given on Smith's map of Newmarket in 1805, to the point at the mouth of Lamprey river, on the Lubberland side. The point on the opposite shore is thereon called Shackford's Point.
Smoky Hollow. This hollow is at tiie south side of Great Falls vil- lage, and so named because, after the foundry was established here over forty years ago, the smoke often settled along the brook that flows through it.
Snell's Mill. See Oyster River Falls.
SoMERSwoRTH. This name was given to the parish set off from the northeastern part of Dover, Dec. 19, 1729. It was incorporated as a town Ap. 22, 1754. The line of division between this township and Dover
was then stated to begin at the mouth of Fresh creek and run as said creek runs to the head thereof, and thence as the way goes to the southerly side of Varney's hill, to Ebenezer Varney's land, thence to a white oak over the end of said hill, two or three rods from a spring, etc. When Somersworth was divided into two townships, July 3, 1849, the lower part took the name of RoUinsford.
Somersworth Hill. This hill is near Quamphegan bridge, on the road to the RoUinsford station. It is called ^'■RoUinsford Hill" in 'the History of Rockingham and Strafford Counties, for which there appears no warrant. (See Log Hill.)
Somersworth Parade. Mention- ed Dec. 11, 1821, when 24 acres of land belonging to the estate of James Rollins, deceased, were advertised for sale, bounded easterly and south- erly by the estate of Stephen Rob- erts, northerly by Somersworth Pa- rade., and westerly by the creek road, so called. This was, of course, in the present town of RoUinsford.
Sow AND Pigs. Rocks, so named, are visible at low tide just above Bald Head, on the Newington shore.
Spruce Holes. There are three Spruce Holes in Lee, all of the same general character. One, enclosed by steep banks, is below Layn's mill in Newtown, on the farm of Mr. Edmund Layn. A much larger Sjiruce Hole or swamp is at tlie head of Wheelwright's pond, just below the Barrington and Nottingham line. The bog here has been sounded to the depth of 65 feet, without finding any bottom. It is owned by Mr. Isaiah Caldwell, the heirs of Samuel Glass, and others.
236
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
A third Spruce Hole is on Lee Hill, at the uorth side of the Mast road, behind the town hall, but the spruce trees have nearly disappeared, and the place is no longer noteworthy. But it was formerly an important landmark. It is mentioned several times in the Durham records of the last century. In one of July 2, 1740, it is called the spruce sivamp. Another is of March 24, 1752, when a road was laid out, beginuiug on the north side of the mast path by the spruce hole, so called, and running south-west across Little river above John Dam's land. May 31, 1763, a road was laid out, beginning at the south side of the spyruce hole by the mast path, and extending across Lamprey river through the Hook land to a highway near Thomas Yorke's that led to Newmarket.
Another Spruce Hole of much greater interest is in Durham, near the Lee boundary, and forms part of the old Laskey farm, now Mr. Charles W. Bartlett's. It is some- what difficult of access, being sur- rounded by dense woods and almost impenetrable thickets, but is well worth the trouble of visiting. It is a remarkable bowl-like depression in the ground, and covers five or six acres. The direct depth from the level above to the bottom of the bowl must be a hundred feet. The sides are very steep, and were once lined, and still are, in part, with spruce trees, which impart a peculiar solem- nity to the place. The bottom of the bowl is a quaking bog, covered with a bed of thick, soft moss, from which the water oozes at every step. Here grow a variety of orchids, the sun- dew, the side-saddle flower, and
other curious plants, and it is the haunt of multitudinous insects, whose hum on a summer's day alone breaks the solemn stillness of this solitary spot. In the centre is a dark pool, said to be unfathomable, concerning which there is a tragical legend. Unfortunately, the destruction of most of the spruce trees, and other profanations, have greatly injured this sanctuary of nature and marred its once singular beauty.
Spruce Lane. This lane is in the Back River district, Dover. It is mentioned June 21, 1779, when a road was ordered to be laid out to the land of Moses Peasley, " beginning at the main road that leads to Dur- ham, on the southerly side of Spiruce Lane, near the Dreio garrison." The name of this lane is still in use, and the land above mentioned is still in possession of the Peasley family.
Spruce Swamp. This swamp is mentioned in connection with the Indian massacre at Oyster River July 18, 1694, when Mrs. Dean and her daughter were left therein by the savages while gone to complete the destruction of the settlement. Ac- cording to Belknap she was carried up the river about two miles and left in a swamp under the care of an old Indian, from whom she managed to escape with her child. Moses Davis, in his account, says she was above the spruce swamp when he espied her, and he thought it a mistake about her being hidden there. He doubtless referred to the spruce swamp near his lands, now belonging in part to Mr. Albert Young, about a mile above Durham falls. The road towards this spruce swamp is repeat- edly mentioned in the conveyances of
JLandmarks in Ancient Dover.
237
laud last century. (See Falls Hill.) It is spoken of Sept. 13, 1769, when Jabez Davis conveyed to Francis Mathes all the land belonging to his homestead plantation, one hundred acres in extent, beginning at the N. E. corner in a spruce sivamp^ and running westerly by Abednego Leath- ers' land to that of Love Davis.
Squall Point. This point is on the Cochecho river, at the foot of George St., in Dover city.
Squamanagonic, otherwise Gonic. The name of Gonic is now given to a village in Rochester which has grown up around the falls in the Cochecho called Squamanagonick falls, from au Indian word signifying, it is said, " water from the clay-place hill." This abbreviation is used by Whittier in his line : " From swift Quamphegan to Gonic fall."
The " SquammagonaJce old planting- ground'" is mentioned Jan. 3, 1G86, when Hoope Whood, Samll Lines, Ould Robbin, and Kinge Harry con- veyed to Peter CotBu all right and title to the marshes and timber be- tween the two branches of the Coche- cho, ^ beginning at the run of water on tiie north side o{ Squammagonake old p^««^i''*9' ground (and between the two branches) to begin at the spring where the old cellar was, and so to run ten miles up into the coun- try between the branches by the riv- ers." Tristram Heard, in his will of Ap. 18, 1734, mentions his mill priv- ilege at Squatnonogonick. Samuel Alley conve3'ed to .Jonathan Hodg- don Feb. 22, 1743-4, 40 acres " lying on a place called Blind Will's neck, a little above y^ uppermost mill at Squommonygo7inock." And Dec. 8, 1749, said Alle}' conveyed to Eliza-
beth, widow of Wra. Thompson, and his other heirs, 20 acres of land in Rochester, on the west side of the river, " a little above the great fort at Squonimonygonnock. so called."
Square Swamp. Mention is made June 26, 176-5, of a tract on the north side of Wheelwright's pond, at the head of Durham, containing all the common and undivided land in the swamp commonly called and known by y'' name of Square swamp.
Stackpole's Creek or Brook. This creek is referred to May 9, 1709, when a road was laid out from St. Alban's cove, running " along between Lt. Hatevil Roberts his house and barn, and so ou to the west side of Sligo garrison," and, further on, between Sylvanus Nock's house and barn, keeping the same course to the " way that runs down on the north side of Thomas Can- nies lott to the old wadelng place opposite to Chadbonru's mill, then trending Eastward down the s*^ way till it comes to the mouth of a little Creek on the south side of James Stackpole's house," thence north- ward over said creek, and along between the river and Stackpole's fence, etc. Thomas Tibbetts con- vered to John Vicker, July 20, 1738, oue acre of land, " beginning at y^ road y* leads from Stackpole's brook to Somersworth meeting-house." ad- joining Ensign John Tebbets' land. John Vickers, Nov. 12, 1740-41, conveyed to John Moffat of Ports- mouth his house and one acre of land on the highway from StagpoWs creek or brook to Quamphegan road, and another acre adjoining the road from said brook to the meeting-house. Elizabeth, widow of Capt. Benj"
238
Landmarks in Ancient Dover
Wentworth, conveyed to Thomas Walliugford, Feb. 11, 1739, I3f acres of land at Quamphegan, begin- ning at the higliway that leads from Stackpole's brook towards Somers- worth. Stackpole's brook crosses the Portland turnpike road and now empties into Hale's artificial pond. It formerly emptied into the Newicha- wannock river.
Stackpole's Landing is mentioned Ap. 12, 1774, when John Parker, administrator of the estate of Nathaniel Adams, conveyed to Jacob and Benj" Quimby 3|^ acres of land, bounded northerly by the road from Soraersworth to Quamphegan, east- erly and southerly by Capt. Nathan Lord's land, and westerly by the road to Stackpole's landing. This landing was no doubt at the above- mentioned wading-place, to which a road led in early times. The old Stackpole house stood where is no<v the garden of the Samuel Hale place, a little north of the artificial pond. James Stackpole acquired land here May 20, 1710, when Thomas Austin, only son and heir of Joseph Austin of Dover, conveyed to him all that tract of land granted said Joseph in 1656, '' lying in y* range of lots between St. Alban's cove and Quam- phegan," l)Ounded S. E. by the Newichawannock liver, N. E. l)v Henry Tibbets' hundred acre lot, N. W. by Ralph Twombley's 100 acres and Thomas Hanson's 100 acres, and S. W. by a higliway between this lot and Thomas Kenne's 100 acre lot. (See Sluiceway.)
Starbuck's Brook. This is the first brook that empties into the east side of the Cochecho river above Fourth street bridge in Dover. It is
mentioned Ap. 14, 1701, when Peter Coffin conveyed to John Ham a dwelling-house and barn at Tolein, with a tract of land adjoining, begin- ning two rods beyond the barn, and extending thence straight down to y^ run of water, then along the foot of the hill till it comes to the brook called Elder Starbuck's brook, which is by the highway going to Cochecho, thence down by y" brook to Coche- cho river, and thence, to the dwell- ing-house, reserving one rod and a half along the river side. A tract of land, formerly in the possession of Richard Otis, deceased, was sur- veyed anew for Richard Waldron Dec. 28, 1706, beginning at the east- ernmost end of the dividing line between this land and Mr. Waldron's, adjoining the Queen's thoroughfare road, and running N. E. on said road 135 rods to the east end of the division fence between this land and that in the tenure of Wm. foast and Tristram Heard, thence W. by N. northerly 68 rods to a pitchpine on the west side of Starbuck's brook, etc. Starbuck's Marsh. The chief marsh of this name was granted to Elder Pklward Starbuck Aug. 30, 1643, when it is spoken of as a " plott of marsh above Cutchechoe Great marsh, that the Brook that comes out of the great Pond runns threw." This is Peter's Marsh brooJc, and the marsh it runs through, now for the most part drained, is long and narrow, beginning at the north- easterly side of the Great Pond (Willand's), and extending along the brook nearly to Salmon Falls river. It is mentioned Ap. 11, 1694, when 30 acres of land were granted to Richard Otis " between the Pond and
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
239
StarhucKs marsh. And again Ap. 15, 1696, when Paul Wentworth con- veyed to his brother Benjamin eight acres of ineadow above Elder Star- huclis marsh. (See Peters Marsh.) Another Starbuck's marsh is in New- iugtou. (See Starhuck''s Point.)
Starbdck's Point and Marsh. Starbnck's Point, now called Fahij- an's Pt., is on the Newington shore of the Great Bay, where Edward Starbuck of Dover had a grant of marsh in 1643, (see SwadderCs Creek) ; and later, a grant of upland adjoining. His son-in-law Peter Coffin conveyed to John Hall of Greenland a tract of upland on the southeast side of Great Bay, " for- merly the land of Edward Starbuck," possession of which was given " with twigg and turf," Dec. 25, 1662. John Atkinson conveyed to Thomas Pick- ering, Dec. 7, 1702, 13 acres of land granted to his father Joseph Atkin- son by the town of Portsmouth, bounded S. by " Swaden's brook;" S. W. by the bay, and on the other sides by " Starbuck's mash,'' and the lands of Jackson, Geo. Walton, and said Thomas Pickering. Starbuck's Point and marsh are again mentioned Jan. 28, 1716, in a conveyance, be- ginning in solemn form as follows : "To all Christian People to whom this my present deed of gift shall come and concern, know y*^ that I, Thomas Pickering of Portsmouth, in the province of New Hampshire, sendeth greeting in our Lord God everlasting." Said Thomas then goes on to say that, " out of natural love and affection to his well-beloved son James, for his incouragement," he conveys to him the full half of a marsh called and known by the name
of Starbuck's Poynt Marsh, together with a tract of land, adjoining the land whereon said Thomas then lived, bounded northerly by John Fabin's land and the country road, south by Swadden's brook, and extending to the Great Bay ; said Thomas reserv- ing; the riwht to drive his cattle back and forth to Starbuck's Point. John Fabins (P'abyan) of Newington, May 30, 1721, conveyed to James Picker- ins; all right to the southeast half of the salt marsh, formerly called Star- buck's marsh, adjoining said Picker- ing's own land, (^ee Fabi/an's Point.) Stephen's Point. This point is on the Newington shore, at the lower side of Broad Cove. The name was derived from Stephen Teddar, who belonged to the Dover Combination of 1640, and seems to have lived on this shore at an early day. % Wm. Furber and Anthony Nutter were appointed by the town of Dover the 5th, 2 mo., 1652, to lay out Henry Langstaffe's lot of 200 acres "■ ivhere Stephen Teddar' s house was." This order was repeated the 5th, 2 mo., 1658. Langstaft'e had another grant the 9th, 5 mo., 1652, "-near where Stephen Teddar's house was." Men- tion is also made of Langstar's land laid out at Stephen's marsh Ap. 11, 1694. (Dover Records.) Stephen's Point is mentioned June 6, 1701, when a road was proposed " from Mr. Harrison's (at Fox Point) to Broad Cove freshett, and so to the highway from Bloody poynt road to Stephens poynt or broad cove," as should be thought fit. And again Sept. 8, 1703, when Henry Langstar or Langstaffe, conveyed to his daugh- ter Mary fifty acres of land " a little above Bloody Point, commonly called
^ S
A
3. V/
240
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
b^' the name of Stepheii's point, oth- erwise Stephen Jethro's point former- ly, right over against Hiltou's Point," bounded east by land that was for- merly Joseph Trickey's, and west by a cove commonly called Broad Cove. The next transfer of this land re- veals a curious bit of family history, well worth copying from the County records : " Mary Langstar of Bloody Point, June 20, 1713, well knowing that a marriage by God's grace is intended and shortly to be had and solemnized between Eleazar Coleman of said place to the s"^ Mary Langstar, and considering that s"^ Mary, being about y^ age of 63 years, and the said Eleazar about 28 years, and she may the better be taken care of in case she lives to any great age, and for divers other good and just causes, conveys to him fifty acres of upland called Steven's Point, otherwise by y'' name of Stephen Jether's j)oint,^ a little above Bloody point, right east by Broad cove. Also land on Little Bay, beginning by a creek in Broad cove, and running up y^ Little bay as far as Dumplin cove." Tiiat Mary Langstar married Eleazar Coleman is proved by a deed of May 25, 1734, by which John Johnson conveyed to Samuel Nutter 5 acres and 50 rods of land in Greenland, which Matthew
Haines and Nathan Johnson had bought of Mr. Eleazar Coleman, hav- ing been " given by Mr. Henry Lang- star, late of Dover, deceased, to his daughter Mary Langstar, who was wife to said Eleazar Coleman." Elea- zar Coleman, and Mary his wife, March 6, 1713-14, ^ conveyed to Richard Downing and Thomas Cole- man of Newbury Falls, 50 acres of land in Newington, at a place com- monly called Stej^hen's Point, other- wise Stephen Jether's Point formerly, lying a little above Bloody Point, right over against Hilton's Point, bounded east by Jos. Trickey's land, and on y" west by Broad Cove. Also, the land from the mouth of the creek in Broad Cove up Little Bay as far as Dumpling Cove. Tiie Laugstars laid claim to Mrs. Coleman's estate after her death, and still spoke of her as "Mary Langstar," but finally her nephew Heur}', attorne}^ of his father, John Langstar, of the town of Piscataqua,* Middlesex county, New Jersev, resigned to Eleazar Coleman Nov. 26, 1716, all claim to the lands given the latter by his aunt, Mary Langstar, deceased.
Stephen's Point is now generall}' called Bean's Point, from Mr. Henry Bean, the present owner. (See Cole- 7nan's Creek.)
1 The corruption of Tedder to Kidder, Jethers, and Jethro, is an instance of the strange vari- ation of names in early times, doubtless owing, in part, to the error of the recorder. Other instances might be mentioned, such as Carter, Cater, and Catter; Canney, Kenney, and Can- ning; Harwood and Herod; Langstar and Langstaffe; Swadden, Swaddow, and Scoudew; Stimpson and Stevenson, etc.
- This date proves that Eleazar Coleman married Mary Langstar between June 20, 1713, and March 6, 1713-14. There is a story, which the writer is unwilling to believe, that Eleazar Cole- man, having been asked if he loved his elderly but well-endowed bride, replied significantly that he loved the very ground she walked on. She died before Nov. 26, 1716, and he married March 1, 1717, Anne (Nutter, it is supposed), a near relative of Mary Langstaffe.
3 The town of Piscataqua, N. J., was so named bj' the first settlers there, several of whom went from the region of the Pa.scataqua in New Hampshire. Among them were Hugh Dunn and John Martin, who were from Oyster River. The land there was first acquired bj^ Daniel Peirce of Newbury, Mass., and others. He was the grandfather of Daniel and Joshua Peirce, who settled in Portsmouth, N. H.
Landmarks in Ancient Dovci'
241
Stepping-Stones. a range of steppiug-stones at an early day gave a footing across the channel of Oys- ter river shortly after it leaves its source, and across the adjacent marsh. This was, of course, in the present town of Lee. Mention is made of them Nov. 16, 1720, when 50 acres of land were laid out to Natiianiel Hill on the north side of Wheelwright's pond, beginning at a black oak standing near the place called the Stepping Stones, and thence running E. S. E. 68 rods to the pond. These stones remained till the pres- ent century, and are still remembered by the oldest inhabitants. The high- way across them is still known as the Stepping- Stones road. It runs to- wards Barrington, between the pond and the turnpike road, and is so called on the state map of Lee in 1803.
There were also Stepping-Stones in the Durham Point district, across Stevenson's creek, which is called Stepping-Stones Creek in 1720. This was a great thoroughfare in early times, leading to the fording-place across Oyster river, and to the meet- ing-house which stood on the upper side of this creek. ^
Mention is frequently made in the old records of the Stepping-Stones across Peter's marsh in Somersworth. A new highway was ordered to be laid out March, 1731, from the Indigo Hill road to the Stepping- Stones at Peter's marsh, towaixls the Cochecho road leading to Rochester. Moses Stevens had 61 acres laid out to him March 27, 1736, on the north side of the brook that comes out of the Great Pond, below the stepping- stones, so called, joining to the marsh. A lot was laid out to Samuel Walton
Nov. 22, 1743, on the N. E. side of the road that leads over the stepping- stones, beginning four rods from Maturin Picker's corner. These stones are also mentioned in Paul Wentworth's will of Feb. 3, 1747-8. There was, till a recent period, a wheel-track across Peter's marsh, about half a mile from Willand's pond, with stepping-stones for peo- ple on foot.
Stepping-stones were once ' com- mon in Elngland, and are still to be found there. Those across the river Duddon have been made famous by Wordsworth, who compares them to
"A zone Chosen for ornament. Stone matched with
stone In studied symmetry, with interspace For the clear waters to pursue their race Without restraint."
Stevenson's Creek, otherwise Stimpson's. This is the first inlet on the lower side of Oyster river below the old parsonage lands. John God- dard, June iQ, 1664, sold Wm. Will- iams, Sr., forty acres on the south side of Oyster river, "butting upon a creek commonly called Stimpson's Creek.'" bounded on one side by Stony hrook, and on another by the meeting- house lots. Williams sold this land to Joseph Field June 18, 1674; and Zacharias Field, brother of Joseph, conveyed it to John Davis, sou of Moses, Dec. 11, 1710. John Davis and Abigail his wife conveyed to Daniel Davis, May 22, 1719, 40 acres of land, marsh, and flats, granted to John Pillou Dec. 8, 1653, with ten more granted Joseph Field for the highway that goeth across his land, and a parcel of salt mar.sh John Davis bought of Philip Chesley between said land and the meeting:- house lot, which land is on y" south
242
L,andmarks in Ancient Dover.
side of Oyster river, lying between Stony brook and y^ meeting-house lot, and butting on a creek called Stim- son's creek. John Drew, in his will of Jan. 31, 1721, gives his daughter Sarah, wife of John Field, two acres of salt marsh, with flats and thatch- bed, on the west side of the mouth of Stevenson's creek, on the south side of Oyster river, joining the parson- age lands, which marsh s*^ Drew had bought of Zacharias Field, adminis- trator of Joseph Field's estate. John Field of Dover and Sarah his wife, formerly Sarah Drew, Aug. 1, 1748. conveyed to Joseph Hicks a plot of two acres of salt marsh, bequeathed to s*^ Sarah by her father John Drew, on the west side of Stevens creek, so called, on the south side of Oyster river, joining to the parsonage.
The name of Stepping-Stones creek is given to Stevenson's creek March 6, 1720, when 40 acres of land were laid out to Daniel Davis, by virtue of a deed from John Davis, beginning at a rock by Stony brook and running thence S. W. and by S. 120 rods to an asp tree : thence N. W. 44 rods to a black birch next the town lott to the salt marsh, the next marsh to the meeting-house, and thence on the same point to the stepping-stones creek on the east.
Stevenson's creek derived its name from Thomas Stevenson, who owned land on the south side of Oyster river July 5, 1643, when Valentine Hill had a grant on the opposite shore '" over against Thomas Stevenson's." He ap})ears to have owned laud at the very mouth of Oyster river (see Jonas' Point) ^ and all the laud from Wakeham's creek to the creek above, which afterwards took his name. A
neck of land next adjacent to his lot, granted him in 1654, is mentioned in the Dover records as laid out to his son Joseph Stevenson, Aug. 19, 1676, " from the side of the rock at the head of Stony brook creek E. S. PL near E. about 100 rods unto the next creek, to a tree lying in s*^ creek, markt J. S.'' Stimpson is a corrup- tion of Stevenson. Joseph Stirason's name is on the Dover rate-list of 1666. In that of 1667 he is called Joseph Stevenson. Stimpson's or Stevenson's creek is now called Matlies's creek, from the owner of adjacent land.
Stony Brook. There are at least
seven brooks of this name within the
limits of ancient Dover. Five of
them are in Durham, or partly so.
The most important of these rises at
the " Sarah Paul sjning," above
Beech Hill, and is fed by the marsh
below, and other springs along the
way — eight in number, at least — and
finally empties into Beard's creek,
south of the Woodman burying-
ground. Several of these springs
have recently been acquired by the
Agricultural College, and a dam has
been erected ou the upper part of
Stony brook to provide a reservoir
for that institution. This will no
doubt greatly diminish the stream
below. Mention is made of this
brook the 30th, 7 mo., 1660, when
John Woodman had a grant of
" twenty acres of land at the head of
William Beard's creek, on the west
side thereof, and on the north side of
Stoney Broke, the broke being the
first bounds unto the afoersayd creek."
And Benjamin Mathes conveyed to
said Woodman, March ]0, 1663, a
parcel of land on the west side of
^A.*-,^ ^ ^U-^ w^*w •^**/ -**.rf . J, /4^^
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
243
Wm. Beard's creek, contaiuing all the marsh on the north side of stony brook to the head of that creek ; which parcel had been conveyed to Fiancis Mathews by Wra. Hilton in 1645. This brook is again mentioned May 10, 1741, when Nathaniel Hill conveyed to Samnel Hill a tract of land " commonly called by y^ name of HiU's Pan, bounded southerly on a brook called by y* name of Stony brook, westerly on y'^ road y* leads to Dover, northerly and easterly on y* land of Jon" Woodman." Hill's Pan and Stony brook are both mentioned when this land was conveyed to Dr. Joseph Atkinson Nov. 20, 1742. It was acquired by Moses Emerson July 22, 1757, when it was described as a tract of 95 acres, " formerly called HilVs Pen, about half a mile from y* falls meeting-house, on v^ east side of y^ road from Durham Falls to Dover, adjoining the land of John Woodman." The road here referred to is the Madbury road, which crosses Stony brook at a short distance from Durham village. At this place the brook often swells to a considerable size after a rain or the melting of the snow in spring-time. It is here crossed by a bridge, generally called Ballard's bridge, and the brook itself at this point is called Ballard's brook, from Joshua Ballard, who acquired Hill's Pan or Pen after the death of Moses Emerson. This Pan is no longer a separate tract, but forms part of the Woodman farm, now owned by Mr. Dennison.
Another Stony Brook is mentioned Aug. 14, 1654, when Valentine Hill
conveyed to John Davis 60 acres of land, " lying at the mouth of Oyster river, on the north side, beginning at the mouth of a creek, and so runs upon a N. and by E. poynt 144 rods to a pine tree, then W. S. W. to Stony Brook Coue, and so bounded from the fore-mentioned creek by the river." ^
A controversy having arisen be- tween Ensign John Davis and Joseph Smith as to the bounds between their lands, the town appointed Wm. Went- worth, John Bickford, and John Heard to surve}' said Davis's land ; which they did May 13, 1673, " be- sinning at a white oak att stonie brook cove, near Joseph Smith's fence, and running N, N. PL to the head of the lott, leaving sufficient land to make good Joseph Smith's lot. This controversy, however, seems to have been renewed, but it was finally agreed. Sept, 30, 1678, "that the division line between v'" shall begin at a hemlock tree at y^ head of y^ cove by Stony brooke, and so to run N. E. and by N. eight score rods, which is y* eastern bound of Matthew William's grant."
Stony Brook is mentioned as the western boundary of the old Lay ton lands in the Back River district Feb. 13, 1670, when Thomas Layton, Sr., conveyed to his son Thomas eight score acres of land bounded south by Royall's cove, and west by the lands of John Meader and Joseph Field, and parted from both by Stony brook. It is again mentioned Sept. 24, 1695, when Thomas Roberts' 20 acre grant was laid out to Zacharias ffield, " on
'Valentine Hill, that same day, conveyed to the above John Davis 20 acres of salt marsh by the side of a place called Broadbow Harbour, in the island called Champernon's island. This is Gerrish's island at Kittery Point, where Capt. Francis Champernown lies buried.
244
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
y* bottom of Rial's coue," beginniug at a red oak " by y" creek side y' runs up to Stonie brook from s*^ tree N. W. by W. 80 poles to a heap of stones near Jn° Header's fence." This Stony brook crosses the road from Atkinson's Hill to the old Pas- cataqua bridge, and empties into Royall's cove. (See Meader's Neck and MoyalVs Cove.)
Another Stony Brook empties into Stevenson's creek, on the south side of Oyster river. It is mentioned the 6th, 4 mo., 1659, when John Goddard conveyed to Wm. Willyames, Sr., "40 acres of land in Oyster River, wich was John Pellines — the neck of land wich lieth betwene Stoney brooke and the meeting-house lot." When this land was confirmed to Wm. Will- iams, June 26, 1664, it was described as " butting upon a creek commonly called Stimjysoyi's creek," and bounded on one side by Stony brook.
There is also a Stony Brook in the Packer's Falls district. It rises in Moharimet's marsh, formerly so called, and empties into the north side of Lamprey river below Sullivan's falls.
Another Stony Brook is in Lub- berland, a short distance below New- market village. It is mentioned May 15, 1711, when the " lott layers of Dover," at the request of Sampson Doe, ran " the 7ieck line from the liead of goddard' s creek to Lampreele Riuer as foUoweth, beginning at the head of goddard's Creek at the flowing of the tide there, at about Eight Rods southward from Abraham benick's mill., and from thence to run nor west and be west f westerle cours to Stony brook a little below Lamprele Riuer first falls."
A Stony Brook in Dover is men-
tioned Feb. 26, 1713, when Nathaniel Roberts' grant of 30 acres on the west side of Fresh creek, at the head of Wm. Dam's land, was laid out, beginning at a white pine tree on the north side of Stony brook. Nathan- iel Roberts conveyed to Jabez Gar- land, March 29, 1722, 30 acres of land on y* west side of Fresh creek, beginning at a white pine on y^ north side of Stoney brook. Edward Ellis, Dec. 30, 1734, conveyed to John Mackelroy 30 acres of land in Dover, beginning at y^ lower end of a brook called Stony brook, and running along by Cochecho salt river to William Thompson's fence, and along his fence to Samuel Alley's land, thence to the road from Jabez Garland's, and along this road to the lower end of Stony brook, above mentioned. (See Alley Point.)
A Stony Brook in Newington is mentioned in George Huntris' will of June 8, 1715, in which he gives his wife Mary, during her natural life, that part of the estate where he then dwelt, between Nathan Knight's and a fence on the north side of Stony brook. To his grandson Christopher, eldest son of his son George Huntris deceased, he gives all the land where Christopher then dwelt, lying between a fence on the north side of stony brook and Clement Misharue's land. As Clement Messervey's land was part of the Moody grant, along Harwood's Creek, this Stony brook was no doubt what is now called the trout brook, that em{)ties into Laighton's Cove. (See Herod's Creek.)
Stony Hill. Mentioned Sept. 1, 1699, when Wm.Wittum had "■ enough land granted to his former improve- ment on Bloody Poynt side, joining
1
Land7narks in Ancient Dover.
245
the road at Stonie hill, so as to make it 20 acres." This land (12 acres) was laid out at Stonie hill iu 1712, beginning at a hemlock tree at the N. E. of John Carter's land, on the north side of the highway from Welshman's Cove to Bloody Point, and running by said way to John Downiug's land, and so to the par- sonage land, etc.
Sixteen acres of laud, "on the north side of a place called Stoney hill,'" were given by the parish of Newington, June 20, 1713, to " y« Reverand Mr. Joseph Adams, minis- ter of the parish afores*^, iu consider- ation of the great love, affection, and respect they had and did bear to him, and also moved by divers good causes — upon condition of his continuance with them as long as his life is con- tinued, or he is able to officiate with with them as a minister." {Neiving- ton Records.) Wm. Witham, Ap. 5, 1717, conveyed to Joseph Adams 12 acres in Newington at a place com- monly known by y^ name of Stoney Hill, bounded S. by said Adams' land, S. E. by the Bloody Pt. road, and N. E. by Mr. John Downing's land. Richard and Mary Carter con- veyed to Mr. John Downing, Ap. 26, 1722, 20 acres of land at or near a place commonly called by y* name of Stoyiy Hill, bounded S. E. by the highway from Capt. Knight's ferry to Newington meeting-house, west by the highway from the meeting-house to Broad Cove, etc. Stony Hill be- longs to the same ridge as Nimble Hill. Stony Hill pasture, now be- longing to Mr. James Hoyt, is be- tween the road to Greenland and the Fox Pt. road to Portsmouth. (See Nimble Hill and Pine Hill.)
Stony Point. This is the first point above St. Alban's cove on the Rolliusford shore, below Madam's cove. It is now owned by Mr. Rob- erts. S*jc^A . xif
Stoodley's Creek. This name was given over a century ago to the inlet on the Newington shore of the Pas- cataqua now known as Hill's creek or cove. It is the next inlet below Paul's creek, and no doubt the Pine cove of early times. The name was derived from James Stoodly, to whom Wm. Browne of Salem conveyed, Feb. 21, 1770, his farm of 400 acres, bounded N. by the lands of Gideon Walker, Wm. Huntress, and others, E. by the Pascataqua river, etc. This land was conveyed by Wm. Stoodly, son of James, to Nathaniel Folsom March 26, 1790. This sale was con- firmed by later deeds, the last of which is dated Aug. 7, 1792. Over 54 acres of the Folsom farm were acquired by the Frinks, who con- veyed this tract to Winthrop Picker- ing May 12, 1856. It is described as extending north to the land of Amos Dow, deceased, and south, along the river, to the land formerly owned by Samuel Hill, deceased. Win- throp Pickering conveyed this land to Stephen Paul of Eliot Ap. 29, 1862, from whom the next inlet above Stoodley's acquired its present name of Paul's creek.
Story's Marsh. See Oyster Point, and Bunker's Garrison.
Strafford County. Ancient Do- ver formed part of Norfolk County as long as it was under the jurisdic- tion of Massachusetts, but, like Ports- mouth, it bad some of the privileges of a shire town, such as its own courts. The "County Courts of
246
Landmm'ks in Ancient Dover.
Dover and Portsraouth " are repeat- edly mentioned in the Provincial Papers, as in 1653, and 1674. {Vol. 1 : 206, 317, etc.) Hence, no doubt, the name of "the County of Dover and Portsmoiith " met with in many early deeds. It is also mentioned in the Provincial Papers, May 31, 1671, May 12, 1675, etc. {Ibid, 1: 316- 320.) After N. H. had a govern- ment of its own, at least in the early part of the last century, the courts were all held at Portsmouth, as stated in 1717. {Ibid, 3: 676.) An act, however, was passed by the Gen. Assembly in 1730 that one term of the Court of Common Pleas should also be held yearly at Dover, Exeter, and Hampton. As the number of inhabitants increased, and townships sprang up in the interior of the prov- ince, the inconvenience was felt of having the courts for the most part held at Portsmouth. Repeated efforts were made to divide the province into counties from 1755 onward, but this was not effected till 1769. {Ibid, 7 : 204-210.) Full operation, how- ever, had to be suspended till the royal approbation could be secured. Five counties were formed, two of which remained for a time inactive. The three which went into partial operation were first called the East- ern, Western, and Middle counties. {Do., 7: 211-215.) It was enacted Ap. 1, 1769, "that one Superior Court, one Inferior Court of Com- mon Pleas, and one court of Gen' Sessions of the Peace of the Easterly County " should be held yearly at Exeter. The rest continued to be held at Portsmouth. Gov. John Wentworth, in his message of March 21, 1771, announced that "his
Majest}' had been graciously pleas'd to approve and confirm the Act for dividing this Province into Counties." {Do., p. 274.) This Act seems to have taken full effect March 28, 1771, on which day the Recorders of Deeds for the three counties were appointed. The name of Rocking liain County first appears on this occasion, when " the Hon''' Daniel Pierce Esq''"was ap- pointed " Recorder of Deeds and Conveyances of Real Estate witliin the County of Rockingham." This name, and that of Strafford County, were given, it is said, b3'Gov. Went- worth in honor of the Marquis of Rockingham and the Earl of Straf- ford, who belonged to the Wentworth family of England.
Strafford County is mentioned May 28, 1772, in a message from Gov, Wentworth, as " without county privileges." {Do., p. 302.) It was then attached to Rockingham Co. Tlie Council voted, June 13, 1772, that " all the Courts for the County of Strcfford be held for the term of 7 years at Dover." (p. 309.) And the "Honb' Tho' Westbrook Waldron " was appointed Recorder of Deeds in Strafford County Feb. 6, 1773, on which day this county apparently went into full operation. A part of Ancient Dover, however, still belongs to Rockingham Countv.
Strav^berry Bank. This name was given to the settlement after- wards called Portsmouth as early as 1631. It is mentioned Dec. 5, 1632, {N. H. Prov^Pap., 1 : 68.) In the petition to the Mass. government in May, 1653, to have this name changed to Portsmouth, it is stated that the plantation of Strawberry Bank was "accidentally soe called by reason
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
HI
of a banke where straberries were found." {N. H. Ptov. Pajy., 1 : 208.) There was a Straioberry BanJc Com- bination for government, probably as early as 1633. This included Great Island, and all the lower Pascataqua region. It is referred to in 1643, wlien John Pickering was " in joined to deliver the old combination at Strawberrxj Bank the next court." {Ibid, 1 : 111.) Pike, in his Journal in 1698, merely calls this settlement the Bank, as did many Portsmouth people to a late day.
Styles' Bkook. This brook, so called in a deed of 1795, rises at a spring on the Roberts laud, in Rol- linsford, and empties into St. Alban's cove. It is referred to May 9, 1709, when the road from the head of Fresh creek to St. Alban's cove was ex- tended " northward down the hill, and over the freshet that vents itself into St. Albon's cove, at the old wade- iug-place there."
Styles' Cove. This name, derived from a neighboring land owner, is sometimes given to St. Alban's cove, on the western shore of the Salmon Falls river. Wm. Stiles, Oct. 31, 1752, conveyed to Thomas Miller, Jr., one acre of laud in Somersworth, beginning three rods eastward of an old cellar where Samuel Styles for- merly dwelt, and extending along the road that leads from St. Alban's cove to Quochecho. Wm. Stiles conveyed to Hanson Stiles, Aug. 13, 1784, 60 acres of land, butting easterly on Newechewanick river and St. Alban's cove, northerly on the road that leads
from Sligo to Fresh creek, southerly on Hussey's land, and westerly on that of Richard Philpot.
The Styx. See No-Bottom Pond.
SuKE Abbot's Hill. This hill is on the borders of the Two-Mile Streak, east of the turnpike-road, near the Lee boundary. Many amus- ing stories are still in circulation about the eccentric woman from whom this hill derived its name.
Sullivan's Falls. This name is now given to the lowest falls in Lam- prey river within the limits of Dur- ham, but Gen. Sullivan's privilege no doubt extended along the rapids to the falls above, to which the name of "Packer's" is now confined. He acquired this mill-privilege Sept. 4, 1770, when John Shepard of Not- tingham, and Susanna his wife, for the sum of 260 pounds, conveyed to John Sullivan sixty acres of land adjoining Lamperell river on the south side, at a place called the second falls, with all right and title to said second falls.^ John Adams, after- wards President, in a letter from York, June 29, 1774, says John Sullivan of Durham then had " a fine stream of water, with an excel- lent corn-mill, saw-mill, fulling-mill, scythe-mill, and others, six mills in all, which are both his delight and profit." Sullivan's mills " at Pack- er's falls " are spoken of Dec, 1774, when P^leazar Bennet, of the Fort William and Mary expedition, was in his employ. According to Hol- land's map of 1784 Gen. Sullivan had four mills along this part of the
'This land was conve.yed by Samuel Smith, Oct. 3, 1769, to his " dutiful daughter Susanna," wife of John Shephard of Nottingham, in consideration of 260 pounds paid by her. The deed of this land declares it to be " on the south side of Lamperel river, at a place called the second falls on said river."
248
Landmai'ks in Ancient Dover.
river. The N. H. Mercury of Ports- mouth advertises, Nov. 14, 1785, General Sullivan's " new grist-mill, where his double grist-mill formerly stood, also a new fulling-mill, both at Second Falls, and nearly in the same places where those mills stood which were swept off by the late freshet;" the "clothing and silk- dying business carried on in the best manner " at the fulling-mill. A good farm of upwards 150 acres "near Lampreyeel river, near Packer's falls," with grist-mill, saw-mill, full- ing-mill, and press-house, were ad- vertised for sale Oct. 5, 1790. These were General Sullivan's. The "full- ing-mill 2Lt Sullivan'' s falls ^' \^ again mentioned, in 1793. It was then managed by Daniel Croxford, who, after Gen, Sullivan's death, con- tinued to carry on " the clothier's business in all its branches," as ap- pears from his advertisement of June 19, 1798.
Sunken Island. This island is in the Cochecho river, near the mouth of Reyner's brook. It is said to have derived its name from being submerged at the erection of the dam at the fifth falls. It is men- tioned March 8, 1710-11, when 40 acres of land were laid out to Capt. John Tuttle, on the south side of the Cochecho river, above Tole End, nearly opposite Mr. Reyner's brook, beginning at a hemlock tree by the river, below the Sunken Island. And again, Oct. 23, 1719, when Mr. Rainer's 400 acre grant in 1656 was laid out to John Waldron " above Tole End, on the N. E. side of Cochecha fresh river."
Sunken Ledge. This is a rock dangerous to navigation in the Long Reach. It is off the Newington shore, below Birch Point, but hidden by the current.
Swadden's Creek. This inlet is on the Newington shore of the Great Bay, above Fabyan's point. It is the lower bound of the old Pickering grant, mentioned in the Portsmouth records of Feb., 1655, when John Pickering had a grant of all "the land lying between swadens creek and pincomb's creek in the great bay." The former edition of this work says Swadden's creek was the tqyjyer boun- dary of the Pickering grant. Further investigation shows that the upper bound was Pinkham's creek, and the lower one Swadden's. (See Pink- ham's Creek.) The name of Swad- den's creek was derived from Philip Swadden, Swaddow, or Scoudew, of the Dover Combination of 1640, who had a grant of land on this shore be- fore 1643. It was re-granted the 24th, 8 mo., 1643, as follows : " It is this day ordered that Edward Starbuck shall have the marsh in the Great Bay which was formerly granted Philip Scoudew nere his wigwam."^ Mention of "his wigwam" has led some writers erroneously to suppose that Philip Swadden was an Indian. The word " wigwam," however, does not necessarily imply an Indian hab- itation as elsewhere shown. (See Her- od's Wigioam.) It was a name often given by lumber-men in early times to their shelter in the forest. Among those engaged in the lumber business at that time on the shore of the Great Bay, were Philip Swadden, <
^
1 The recorder may have accidentally omitted the word Herod before " his wigwam." (See Swadden'' s Island and Herod's Point.)
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
249
Thomas Johnson, Andrew Harwood, and Thomas ffurson, all of whom are mentioned the last of the 6th mo., 1643, as selling timber, clapboards, and pipe-staves. (See Harwood's Cove.) Philip Swadden left Dover not long after, and went to Maine, where he was still living Aug. 27, 1673, when he testified that he was then about 73 years of age, and 38 or 39 years previous lived in the Pis- cataqua region. On the creek which bore his name settled Thomas Pick- ering, son of the above John, and ancestor of the present writer, Thomas conveyed to his son James, Jan. 28, 1716, a tract of land bound- ed east by " a brook called Sivadden's brook.'' And June 6, 1719, he gave to his son Thomas 100 acres adjoin- ing, on which stood his dwelling- house, barn, out-houses, orchard, etc. This land, which remained in the Pickering family till a recent day, now belongs to Mr. J. S. Hoyt. Traces of a mill on Swadden's creek at the head of tide water may still be seen. Hence the name of Millcreek^ by which it is now generally called.
Swadden's brook rises on the Haven farm in Portsmouth, just beyond the Newington line. The springs that feed it partly supply Portsmouth with water, in consequence of which this brook now often dries up in summer time. Pinkham's and Swadden's creeks are about a mile apart at their source, but at the mouth only a third of that distance. The road from Newington to Greenland crosses them both, shortly before they empty into the Great Bay. The lower part of Swadden's creek, for many years
alive with the falls and mill, and the activity of the early pioneers, is now utterly silent and desolate. There is only a cluster of tall chestnuts and pines on the shore, which overshadow a few hillocks covered with rank grass, where the early Pickerings are buried, on the very edge of the water, looking off over Great Bay towards the southern shore of Durham — a spot beautiful and solitary, and aban- doned to Nature, where it seems good to rest and await the vitam venturi sceculi.
Swadden's Island. This is an islet in Great Bay, just a,bove the mouth of Swadden's creek, otherwise Mill creek. It has always belonged to the " Mill-creek farm," which was origi- nally a part of the Pickering grant of 1655. The name has been corrupted to Sivan island. It is mentioned Dec. 15, 1662, when Peter Coffin conveyed to John Hall 30 acres of upland, and 6 acres of salt marsh adjoining, formerly granted to Elder Edward Starbuck by the town of Dover, s** upland and marsh now lying and being w'^'in the p*cincts or Limits of the s** town of Dover, upon the S. E. side of the Great Bay, over against Swadden's island, commonly soe called, and adjoining s*' Hall's land. It is again mentioned Oct. 3, 1686, when John Fabens (Fabyan) of Portsmouth, and Sarah, my now wife,^ "daughter of John Hall of Greenland, conveyed to Thomas Pickering" 30 acres of upland, and 6 acres of salt marsh adjoining thereto, formerly called by the naraeof >S'ioad- on's Marsh and Herod's Point, upon the eastward side of the Great Bay, and
1 Pike records the marriage of " John Fabian and Mary Pickirin " Dec. 25, 1702. She was the daughter of Thomas Pickering.
250
Landmarks m Ancient Dover.
Dorthward from Swadon's island, so called ; bounded north by John Jack- son's land, and so runs to Harxoood's Cove, and so round southward and east by water to the other end of the fence by Joseph Atkinson's land, near adjoining to said Pickering's neck of land." Swadden's island is again mentioned Ap. 30, 1719, in a deed from Thomas Pickering to his son Joshua.
Swan Island. See Sivadden's Is- land.
Swazey's Hill. This hill is in Dover city, on William Street, be- tween Central Avenue and the Print Works. It is so called in the Dover records of 1812, when "the road from the top of Swazey's hill towards the bridge " is mentioned. Also in the conveyance of a lot near Siveasey's hill to the Dover Cotton Factory Jan. 19, 1822, by Mary and Abigail J. Kimball, and Wm. and Maria Palmer. The name was derived from Nathaniel Sweasey or Swazey, cabinet-maker, who lived here a century ago. He died before July 28, 1804, when his widow Sarah is mentioned as admin- istratrix of his estate. This hill is otherwise called Galloivs Hill. The Irish of this quarter call it Sioazey's Bray, from the Irish word hri, bree, or bj-ea, signifying a hill or rising ground — the same as the Scotch word brae, so often used by the poet Burns. (See Galloivs Hill.)
Symond's Grant. See Wadleigh's Falls.
Tan House. Mentioned the 4th, 8 mo., 1653, when Job Clement had a grant of land by Fore river side, one bound of which was a stake above the Tan House, thence over the spring (probably the one now
called Coleman'' s spring) 5 poles and 4 ft. to a stake 2 poles and 2 ft. to the N. E. corner of the old Breiv House, upon a straight line to the water side. This was apparently the land above the old ferry-place at Beck's Slip, now owned by Mr. Jo- seph Furnald. Job Clement, Sr., himself was a tanner.
Tate's Brook. This name is some- times given to that part of Peter's Marsh brook which runs through the Tate lands in Somersworth. It more properly belongs to a small tributary to this brook, on the lower side, which flows through the Tate and Ranlet lands.
The name of Tate's road is fre- quently given to that part of the old road to Rocky Hills which passes through the Tate land, below the brook.
Team Hill, otherwise Teem. This hill is mentioned several times in the Dover and Durham records, as Feb. 22, 1720-21, when a road is spoken of " beginning att a place called Teem Hill," and " crossing the long marsh to the road that leads from Oyster River falls to Lampereel bridge." This hill is at Durham Point, where the common is. Sev- eral roads centre in this vicinity, and in the day of ferries across the river to Fox point, and across the bay to Furber's point, the number of vehi- cles that met on this hill doubtless gave it its name.
Tear-Cap Corner. This name was formerly given to Madbury cor- ner, where three roads meet at the foot of Hicks's hill. It is mentioned May 29, 1740, when a petition was made for a road from " Tare Caj:)" to Freetown. At that time the Tasker
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
251
and Hicks families owned the land around this corner, and its name may have been derived from tlie towering cap of Mrs. Hicks, which seems to have been proverbial. To this day, when an ominous cloud gathers around the top of Hicks's Hill, on which she lived, the people of the vicinity say : "A storm is brewing : Granny Hicks has got her night-cap on." She was the wife of the first Joseph Hicks, and the daughter of Col. James Davis of Oyster River, who was famous as a leader of scout- ing parties against the Indians. She lived to an advanced age, and was a woman of great ability and energy of character. She had a tendency to predominate, and doubtless held chief sway in her neighborhood, where many stories are still afloat which testify to her originality and con- sciousness of superiority. She used to loudly wish, with a deploring shake of her head (and the cap on it), that she could put her brains into her son Joseph's cranium. It does not ap- pear, however, that he was particu- larly deficient.
Ten Rods Road. This road leads through Rochester into Farraington, crossing the line between these towns about half way between Ricker's pond
9
and the Cochecho river. It is men- tioned June 13, 1733, when John Canne of Dover conveyed to Elijah Tibbets of Rochester 30 acres in the 56th lot in the first division of Roch- ester, " beginning at y^ ten rods road that runs across y^ first division of s** Rochester from Salmon fall river to Cochecha river, near an house erected on said land, or where y*" viast way now crosseth y® s** ten rods road." Thomas Point. This name is
sometimes given to a small point on the Newington shore, below Long Point, perhaps from Thomas Picker- ing, who acquired most of the land at and around Long Pt. in the middle of last century. Or from Stephen Jones Thomas, who, between 1789 and 1802, bought in various parcels the adjoining homestead of Depend- ence Bickford, with 7 acres of Nich- olas Pickering, and 5^ of Timothy Dame which extended to a cove in Great Bay.
Thompson's Falls. This name was formerly given to a mill privilege in Lee, just below Little River saw- mill, where Jonathan Thompson had a grist-mill and fulling-mill, which he gave to his son Joseph in his will of Sept. 10, 1756, together with the falls on which they stood, and one acre of land joining thereto. These falls were at a later day called Bart- letfs falls. Joseph Thompson, May 3, 17?1, conveyed to Josiali Bartlett of Haverhill, Mass., his dwelling- house and one acre of land adjoin- ing ; also his grist-mill and fulling- mill, with one half of the privilege, and four acres between the grist-mill and saw-mill, adjoining the road. (See Bartlett' s Falls.)
Thompson's Point. This point is ^ on the west side of the river Coche- cho, a little above the mouth, but the name has not been perpetuated. It was so called from William Thomp- son, ancestor of the present writer, who was in Dover as early as 1647. " Thompson's point house'' is on the Dover rate-list of 1648. This point is again mentioned the 5th, 10 mo., 1652, when orders were given to be- gin at Tomson's Pointe to mark the 300 pine trees and 100 oak trees
252
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
granted Capt. Thomas Wiggin and others, and thence upward into Mr. Waldron's grant. Thomas Canney had a grant of 16 acres of upland the 6th, 10 mo., 1656, to be laid out adjoining " his perches (purchase) at Tomson's poynt." This land was laid out from the outmost point turning up to Cochecho 50 rods to the long creek westward below Tomson's 2^oy7it, butting on Fore river, thence running three score and ten rods up the long creek side, reserving a cartway from the woods to the water side at the head of the creek, and up Cochecho river three score and ten rods, and thence on a straight line over to the bound at the head of the long creek.
Job Clement had a grant of 3^ acres of upland the 23d, 10 mo., 1658, part of which was below "the highway that goeth from Thomas Canney's into the woods towards Tomson's Poynt.," bounded E. by the Fore river, on the northern side of the hollow, where the ship was built.^ A lane from Parson Reyner's land to Tomson's point is mentioned in 1675. Thomas, "oldest son and rightful heir of the late Thomas Canney, Jr.," and his wife Grace, conveyed to his brother Samuel, Aug. 12, 1703, 45 acres of land in the tenure of said Samuel, adjacent to Thompson's Point, and next to Henry Tibbet's land. Joshua Canney, son of Samuel, con- veyed to John Gage, Dec. 17, 1745, a tract of land extending to the mouth of the Cochecho river, and westerly on said river to Thompson's point. It joined Gage's land on the south. (See Long Greek.)
Thompson's Point, which seems to
have been acquired by Thomas Can- ney, was apparently at or near the present brick-yard of Mr. Gage, near the mouth of the Cochecho river. Wm. Thompson, from whom it de- rived its name, is supposed by some writers to have removed to Kittery, where a Wm. Thompson died in 1676, leaving six children. But the writer finds no proof of this supposed iden- tity. Wm. Thompson's name is not on the Dover rate-lists after 1659, and the only land he left in Dover unsold appears to have been inherited by his son John, who afterwards set- tled at Oyster River. (See Ash Swamp) and Cochecho Log Swamp.)
The article on Thompson's Point in the former edition of this work is full of errors, this point being confounded therein with land on the east side of the Cochecho river above the mouth of Fresh Creek, where a Wm. Thomp- son and his son William successively owned land, which the latter sold to Samuel Alley Aug. 3, 1736. (See Alley Point.)
The name of Thompson's Point is now sometimes given to the Lower Huntress landing-place, on the bor- ders of Newingtou and Portsmouth.
Three Creeks. These creeks, sometimes called Tuttle's creeks, are on the west side of Back river, below Hopehood's Point, where John Tut- tle had a grant in 1642. His son, Judge John Tuttle, in his will of Dec. 28, 1717, gives his grandsons, Thomas and John Tuttle, all his lands on the west side of Back river, adjacent to the three creeks, to be divided by the cartway to the south side of the mid- dle point, the usual place of landing :
' Isaac Stokes in 1661 also had a grant of 31/2 acres on the east side of Dover Neck, near the place where " the friggot was billd."
Landmaj'ks in Ancient Dover.
253
Thomas to have the north division, and John the south.
The Three-Forked Pine. This tree was one of the old bounds of the Bloody Point settlement, on the line from Canney's creek to Hogsty Cove. (See Harwood's Creek.)
TiBBETTs' Slip. There was once a landing-place of this name on the east side of Back river, nearly a mile above Nutter's Slip, probably so called from Jeremiah Tibbets, who had a grant of a house-lot in 1655, at the upper side of which a highway was afterwards laid out to this slip. A short distance S. E. is Nock's spring, where Thomas Nock had the grant of 3|- acres for a house-lot in 1656, laid out Feb. 5, 1657.
Tickle Point. Mentioned as early as Aug. 17, 1738, when Joseph Header of the island of Nantucket, and Nicholas Meader of Durham, made a division of two acres of land, part of the homestead of their father John Meader, deceased, " adjacent to y" river on y® Point commonly call*^ and known by y* name of Tickle Point in Durham aforesaid." In a deed from Thomas Pinkham to Win. K. Atkinson, Dec. 30, 1797," Tittle, or Tickle, or Trickle Point " is men- tioned as a part of the " Franklin Propriety." On a plan of July 10, 1758, among the State Papers at Concord, mention is made of ^^ Tickle Pt. or Cedar Pt.^' as if the same point. Cedar Pt., however, is at the lower side of what is generally called Tickle Pt. The latter is just below the month of Oyster river, at the Durham terminus of the old Pascata- qua bridge. In the day of a tavern and toll-gate at this bridge, the name of Tickle Pt. was often superseded
bv the significant one of Tattle Point. (See Franklin City.)
ToLE End, otherwise Tolend. The Tolend district is on the south side of the Cochecho river, above the second or Tolend falls. The name seems to have been originally given to the limit of the early grants at Cochecho, next the territory occupied by the Indians. (See Indian Corn- Ground.) James Paquamehood of Tollend, evidently an Indian, is men- tioned Oct. 20, 1665, as selling sun- dry lands and ponds to James Raw- ling of Long Reach. An old Dover grant, which the writer has not been able to find, is said to mention '' Mr. Towle his end." No Towles, how- ever, are on the early rate-lists of Dover, but "Jo" Towle, flSsherman," is mentioned in the York records Jan. 18, 1652, when he made an attesta- tion concerning Geo. Walton. Na- thaniel Starbuck and Wm. Horne had a grant of 240 acres between Co- checho and Tole End, Sept. 20, 1661. " The second fall of the River of Co- checha, commonly called or known by the name of tole End fall,''' is mentioned March 3, 1702. Israel Hodgdon of Dover, June 11, 1714, conveyed to John Drew and Philip Yeaton one sixteenth part of the new mill "on y® northside of Toall-End Falls, with y^ privilege of said falls." (See Cochecho Falls. ) The Barbadoes way to Tole End is mentioned Feb. 16, 1711, when land was laid out to John Horn. (See Indian Corn Ground.) '•'• The mast road that goes from Tolend to Rochester" is mentioned Oct. 15, 1748. (See Hants Marsh.) The name of Tolend was given to one of the Dover school-districts as early as 1790. It is still retained.
254
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
Tom Drew's Oven. Mentioned P^eb. 22, 1709-10, when John Ger- rish conveyed to Benedictus Torr a tract of land on the west side of Back river, on the south side of the mast path, extending southwesterly near a place called Tom Drew's Oven. (See Torres Garrison.) Major Waldrou's 400 acre grant on the west side of Back river, according to the boundary of May 19, 1688, ran from the brow of the hill on the south side of the mill-dam of Belleman's bank S. S. W. 260 rods to a pitch pine tree on the plains, then W. 320 rods to a dry pine "near the house which Thomas Drew, Jr., hath erected," bounding said land on the north to the mill-dam. Thomas Drew's laud was on the south side of the Torr land, but there is no tradition in that neighborhood concerning his Oven.
Tom-Hall Brook. This brook rises south of Beech hill, and empties into Huckins brook a little above the head of Beard's creek, in Durham. It is referred to Ap. 22, 1728, when Joseph Hall of Dover conveyed to John Hall all right and title to 20 acres of land granted to his father Thomas Hall (grandson of Deacon John Hall of Dover) "at ye hrook above y* head of Jonathan Wood- man's creek." This stream is still known as the Toii^rHall hrook. The l)ridge that spans it, on the highway from Durham village to Madbury, a little above the Boston & Maine Rail- road, is called the Tom-Hall bridge. And this part of the highway, laid out in 1818, is often called in the Durham records the Tom-Hall road., or route, to distinguish it from the old road over Brown's hill.
Tkask's Corner. This corner is in
the western part of the Quamphegan district, on the road to the Rollins- ford station, where a family of that name formerly lived.
Trickey's Cove. This cove is men- tioned March 5, 1713, when John Downing sold Samuel and John Shackford part of a neck of land on the soutl4 side of Trickey's cove, and at the north-east of a little cove be- tween said neck and Steven's point. The bounds of this tract, which amounted to 16 acres, began at a birch tree near Downing's land and ran to a rock in or beside a little brook above said Trickey's dwelling- house, then extended E. along by the land of Zaehariah Trickey, Senior; N. to a pine stump in a little gully near y^ point, and W. to the lands of Rebecca Trickey and the parsonage. This neck is now called Zackey's Pom^, otherwise Orchard Point. The "gully" above mentioned is now called Coleman's Creek.
Trickey's cove is on the Newing- ton shore, between Knight's Ferry and Trickey's Point, otherwise Zack- ey's. It received its name from Thomas Trickey whose name is on the Dover rate-list of 1648. He died before June 16, 1680, on which day his widow Elizabeth, " out of natural affection, and parental love, and re- spect to her beloved son Zaehariah," resigned to him all right, title, and interest in her plantation, and to the ferry belonging to said plantation. This was Trickey's ferry, afterwards Knight's. And May 19, 1682, his three daughters, Deborah, Lydia, and Sarah, with the consent of their hus- bands, William Shackford, Richard Webber, and Joshua Crocket, con- veyed to their brother, Zaehariah
Landmarks in Ancient Dove?'.
255
Tiickey, all right and title to their father's plantation, on which he lived before his decease.
Trickey's Point. This point is on the Newington shore, at the upper side of Trickey's Cove. It is men- tioned Ap. 7, 1713, when Zachary Trickey sold to Samuel and John Shackford 3i acres of land at a point commonly called Trickey's pointy between Bloody Ft. and Steplien's Pt., together with his dwelling-house, etc. The cellar of this house can still be traced. This point is now owned by Mr. Valentine M. Coleman, who inherited it from his father. It is otherwise called Zackey's Point and Orchard Point. (See Zackey's Point.)
Trout Brook. This name is now sometimes given to a brook in New- ington that take its rise at a spring near Sara Roe's Hill and empties into Laighton's cove. It was in early times called Harwood's creek., Stony brook., etc. (See Herod's Creek.)
Trumbelow Swamp, otherwise Thombelow. This swamp was appar- ently at the east end of Cochecho Log swamp, not far from Plum Pudding hill. It is mentioned Jan.'l, 1668, when Peter Coffin conveyed to John Church one fourth of 75 acres, bounded E. by Thomas Downs, and W. by a swamp called Thombelow. James Coffin's laud lay east of this " fourth," and Nathaniel Stevens's at the west. Peter Coffin " of Cochecha in the township of Dover, in y^ county of Dover and Ports- mouth," conveyed to Nathaniel Stevens, Ap. 1, 1673, " a quarter part of a tract of land near Cochecha, bounded on y^ north by the highway y' goeth from Miichadoe to plumjpud-
ding hill., and on y* east by land now in possession of Thomas Downs, and so upon a straight line from y^ rock 126 perches towards y*' swamp called Trumbelow." This land is otherwise stated to be bounded east by the land of John Church. Nathaniel Stevens of Stratham (son of the above Nathaniel), and others of the family in Exeter, conveyed to David Wat- ! son, March 21, 1716-17, two tracts of land in Dover — one between the land of James Coffin and that of Tristram Coffin, deceased (see Plum Pudding Hill) ; the other-between the lands of John Church and Mark Giles. A part of this land was conveyed by David Watson to Ebenezer Varney, March 30, 1724, 80 ft. long and 40 ft. broad, " beginning near an apple tree standing where old Thomas Downs formerly had a house," thence running 80 ft. " by y^ road y' leads from Tolend." (See Quaker Meeting- Houses) .
The Giles land, above referred to, is mentioned Ap. 1, 1673, when " Peter Coffin of Cochecha in y* town- ship of Dover, in y^ countie of Dover & Portsm".," conveyed to Mark Giles six acres of land " neere Cochecha, where y^ now dwelling house of y" s'' Mark Giles uow.standeth, being coi5^ only called or known by y** name of ' plnmpudding hill, being bounded on y® north by y^ Great Mast way going to y^ swamp, (see Mast Paths) and on y^ east by y* land of s*^ peter Coffin fortie five pearch, and on y' south by y* land of y* s** peter Coffin fortie three pearch, the w'^ six acres of land being Moity & p*^ of a tract of land which was granted & Laid out to me y*^ s*^ peter Coffin by a Town Grant, for and in consider-
256
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
acion of what charge I have been out
unto John church concerning the child of Naomi Hull, as by the record bearing date y* fifth of March in y* yeare 1667,"
The pathetic story of Naomi Hull and her child is akin to that of Haw- thorne's "Scarlet Letter."^ She is said to have been the daughter of the Rev. Joseph Hull, minister at Oyster River in 1662, and afterwards at the Shoals, where he died in 1665. A year or more later, Naomi, perhaps with the hope of concealing her mis- fortune, seems to have taken refuge with one of her father's old flock at Oyster River. But it had been or- dered in 1666 that no person should admit or entertain any inmate, or sojourner, or servant, in his house without giving notice to the select- men within thirty days, under penal- ty of nineteen shillings. Accordingly, at a public town meeting of the 14th, 7 mo., 1668, it was ordered by the selectmen that forthwith the consta- ble (John Dam) should take of Will- iam Williams, Senior, by way of distress, the sum of nineteen shillings for a fine, for a breach of the town order for entertaining Naomie Hull. Overwhelmed by the cruel laws of that time, it is not surprising that Naomi did not long survive the birth
of her daughter. The town, how- ever, was merciful enough to provide for tiie child. Besides the above mentioned grant to Peter Coffin, it voted, Oct. 3, 1667, to give John Church 60 acres of land, confirmed March 5, 1667-8, with the promise to make it 70 acres, if he would take " Nearay's child," and keep her hence- forward until she be 20 years old. John Church is said to have lived where the old jail on Silver St. was. He was killed by the Indians May 7, 1696. What became of " Neamy's child " does not appear.
Trunnel Country. Mentioned June 23, 1701, when Maturin Ricker had a grant of 30 acres " up in the Trunnill Contrey." It was laid out to his son Joseph Dec. 4, 1721, "at a place called the Trunnill countrey — on the east side of a way that leads from Quaraphegan to goldins bridge." Joseph Ricker of Berwick, May 10, 1754, conveyed to Meturin Ricker of "■ Summersworth," 30 acres of land laid out to said Joseph Dec. 4, 1721, " which land lyeth at a place called y* Trurmal country," beginning at a white oak on the east side of the way that leads from Quamphegan to Gold- ing's bridge. The Trunnel country seems to have been the marshy region in the western part of old Soniers-
lA law similar to that in Massachusetts for such infractions of the moral code, was promul- gated in New Hampshire after its separation from that colony, and was still unrepealed at the time of the Revolution. An act was passed by the General Assembly at Portsmouth, N. H., in the June session, 1701, that the persons convicted of such an offence "shall be set upon the gallows by the space of an hour, with a rope about their necks, and the other end cast over the gal- lows; and in the way from thence to the common goal shall be severely whipped, not exceed- ing forty stripes each. Also every person and persons, so offending, shall forever after wear a capital letter A of two inches long, and proportionable in bigness, cut out in cloth of a con- trary colour to their cloaths, and sewed upon their upper garments on the outside of their arm, or on their back, in open view. And if any person or persons, having been convicted and sen- tenced for such offence, shall at any time be found without their letter so worn during their abode in this province, they shall, by warrant from a Justice of the peace, be forthwith appre- hended, and ordered to be publickly whipped not exceeding fifteen stripes, and so from time to time toties quoties." (From Acts and Laws of N. H., printed in Portsmouth in 1771.)
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
257
worth, but the name has not been perpetuated.
Tufts' Boundary. When the line between Durham and Lee was per- ambulated March 21, 1798, one of the bounds was " a rock marked D. L. in Thomas Turf's pasture, about six rods north easterly from the hook road, said rock being a little east of the line." {Durhaitn Records) . The Tufts family of tiiis vicinity has acquired an unenviable notoriety from the exploits of Henry Tufts (or "Turf," as the name was generally called in his day), which have made him proverbially infamous throughout New Hampshire. Within the writer's recollection it was common, by way of expressing superlative wickedness, to say "as big a liar (or thief, etc., etc., as the case might be) as old Hen Turf." The bucolic imagination of this region could take no farther flight in the line of total depravity. The utility of perpetuating the mem- ory of so shameless a man may be doubted, but fresh interest in his career within a few years has been excited in this section by Col. T. W. Higginson's "New England Vaga- bond," in Harper's Magazine of March, 1888. He considers Henry Tufts' autobiography to be of some historic and philological value, but others sav it contains nothing of the kind which may not be found in less pernicious books. This work is said to have been written by a clever young lawyer of Dover, for Henry Tufts himself — in spite of what Col. Higginsou calls the "Brahmin blood," derived from his grandfather, the Harvard divine — was too illiterate to write his own name correctly. Some say, however, it was composed by
Col. Thomas Tash, who in Tufts' early life did not live far distant. But that brave Revolutionary officer was far better qualified to handle the sword than the pen. The details of this work have never been supposed strictly true, but they undoubtedly present a faithful likeness of this de- praved man. The waggery attending some of his most audacious perform- ances unfortunately gave a debasing popularity among the vulgar, not only to the book itself, but to count- less other tales which are still in cir- culation in this part of the state. But some people have a taste for nastiness, as the Zulus have for Ubomi — that is, for carrion with worms in it, a Ubominahle mess in- deed, as Henry Tufts' narrative is said to be.
The cellar of the house where Henry Tufts once lived is still to be traced, not far from the above mentioned bound, on land now owned by Mr. James McDauiel, only a few rods southerly from Mr. Bert Thompson's house, on the same side of the road. The name of " Hanary Tufts " is signed to a petition for the separa- tion of Lee from Durham, Nov. 18, 1765. {N. H. Town Pap., XI: 587.) "Henry Tufts" is mentioned as a private soldier on Seavey's Island in Portsmouth harbor, Nov. 5, 1775, in Capt. Smith Emerson's Company ; Elijah Denbow, first lieutenant. {Prov Pap., 14: 233.)
Turning Point. Mentioned the 30th, 10 mo., 1643, when Wm. Fur- ber had a grant of six acres of Marsh " upon y^ Great Bay, upon y" south- west side going to Capt. Champer- noone's, y'^ next marsh to Txcrney Point." {Dover Mecords.) Fifteen
258
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
acres were laid out to Capt. James Peudletou at Greenland^ Jan., 1667, one side joining to Dover bounds, next the land of Wm. Furber. Leon- ard Weeks of Greenland, planter, conveyed to bis well- beloved son Joshua, Ap. 23, 1706, thirty acres of land adjoining a place called Turn- ing Poynte, with six acres of marsh adjoining, on the west side of Wm. Furber's. Wm. Furber, Sr., of Do- ver, out of paternal love and affec- tion to his well-beloved son Moses Furber of Portsmouth, conveyed to him, Dec. 1, 1696, six acres of marsh on the "S. W. side of y*^ great bay in Piscataqua river, within ?/« toimiship of Dover,'" bounded north by a marsh in the tenure of AVm. Shackford, and on the south by "the creek which goes up to the land where Luke Maloone now dwelleth." Also 30 acres of upland adjoining said marsh, and of the same breadth, running up into the woods till 30 acres be completed. After the death of Moses Furber, Thomas Phipps, the high sheriff of N. H., levied a portion of his estate for debt, and sold to Joshua Weeks, Aug. 17, 1711, six acres of his marsh on the S. side of Great Bay, tvithin the toionship of Dover, bounded on the north by a marsh in the tenure of said Joshua Weeks, and on the south by " the creek that goes up to the land where Luke Maloon for- merly dwelt and now dwelleth : also 30 acres of upland adjoining said marsh on the west side, beginning at the marsh of said Joshua Weeks, formerly Shackford's, and running oO rods S. W. to a red oak on the S. side of the creek at the head of the marsh, then S. W. and S. 11 rods to a rock by the creek or freshet on the
south side. The name of Turning Pt. has not been perpetuated, but it was evidently on the shore of the Weeks lands in Greenland.
Another Turning Point, between Broad Cove and Dumpling Cove, is mentioned in 1659 (see Dumpling Cove) and again Feb. 27, 1718-19, when Eleazar Coleman mortgaged 200 acres of land whereon he then dwelt, beginning at the mouth of the creek in Broad Cove and extending to a marked tree at John Trickey's, where he lived, thence to a rock a little helow turning poynt, and so up the bay to Dumpling Cove. This point seems to have been just above Fox Pt., and perhaps marked the turning of the tide.
TuRNPiKE-RoAD. The First New Hampshire Turnpike-Road properly belongs to this list, as one of its ter- mini was in Durham, at Pascataqua bridge. It was the first turnpike- road incorporated in this state. The act was passed June 16, 1796. Na- thaniel A. Haven of Portsmouth is- sued proposals for its construction Oct. 3, 1800, and the work proceeded rapidly from that time. This road IS thirty six miles long, and extends through Durham, Lee, the Two Mile Streak, Nottingham, North- wood, Epsom, and Chichester, to the Concord upper bridge over the Merri- mack. It cost about $900, a mile.
The directors of the First N. H. Turnpike-Road gave notice in the Portsmoutii Oracle and Advertiser of March 19, 1803, that they had ex- pended on said road tiie sums re- quired by law, and would set up the gates and begin to take toll on said ^ road the first day of April following. The toll-gate at Pascataqua bridge
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
259
did not, of course, belong to the turn- pi ke-road. Tiie first one was just above the bridge across Jolinson's creek. Tlie second was a little below Durham corner. The town of Dur- ham, unwilling to endure such an ob- struction to travel, took measures to remove these two gates in 1817. The third gate was at the Mast-road crossing, opposite the present school- house. It is spoken of March 29, 1827, as " Toll-gate No. 2," proba- bly meaning the second from that at Pascataqua bridge. There was no other within the limits of Durham. The only toll-gate in Lee was at the bridge across Oyster river, in Newtown.
Turtle Pond. This pond is in Lee, not far behind the mansion of Mr. , Charles Thompson, between Oyster river and Wheelwright's pond. A record of 1735 speaks of it as near the highway that leads from y^ Mast road to Newtown mill. According to a local tradition the battle of Wheelwright's pond began at Turtle pond. It is often mentioned in the early grants and deeds. Ensign John Davis of Oyster River, in his will of May 25, 1686, makes the following bequest: "I do give to my son John Davis the six score acres of land I had by a town grant, situate and lying and being at Turtle Pond in Oyster River." This John Davis, Jr., was killed by the Indians July 18, 1694, together with his wife and several children. His house was also burnt, and two daughters were carried into captivity. One of these, accordinsc to a constant tradition in
Durham, became a nun in Canada and never returned. The other must have been the Sarah who inherited her father's land at Turtle pond, and also his homestead on the south side of Oyster river, between the Burnhara lands and Durham falls, now owned in part by Mr. Ffrost. Oct. 16, 1702, Jeremiah Burnhara was appointed administrator of the estate of John Davis, late of Oyster River, and guar- dian of his daughter vSarah Davis.
Sarah Davis became the wife of Peter Mason, and seems to have re- sided at her own homestead. Feb. 18, 1726-7, Peter Mason sold James Stevens, inn-keeper, thirtv acres of land granted by the town of Dover, April 11, 1694, to John Davis, who, he says in the deed, was " y^ father of my wife Sarah Mason, formerly Sarah Davis." Her mother appears to have been the sister of Jeremiah Burnham, her guardian. Peter and Sarah Mason, July 1, 1728, resigned in favor of Joseph Smith, all right, title, and interest in the estate of their grandfather Robert Burnhara, espe- cially the hundred acre grant from the town of Dover not yet laid out. The " six score acres " at Turtle Pond which her father inherited is spoken of March 24, 1719-20, as laid out to Ensign John Davis " above forty yeares agoe." On that day one half of said tract (60 acres) was laid out to Peter Mason. This was afterwards conveyed by Peter and Sarah Mason, Ap. 29, 1736, to their loving son-in-law, William Randall^ and his wife Hannah, their
1 Wiliam RandaU was the brother of Capt. Nathaniel Randall of Randall's Garrison. He is mentioned Jan. 21, 1712-13, when Richard Tozer, Jr., out of " natural love and affection," gave each of his nephews, Richard andjWilliam Randall, five acres of land in Kittery; and that same day their father gave each of them thirty acres more of a neighboring tract. This was the Ri -hard Tozer who married Elizabeth, daughter of Elder William Wentworth, noted for her heroism in the various Indian attacks at Salmon Falls. She was thrice taken captive and car- ried to Canada.
26o
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
daughter. This land lay on the south side of Turtle Pond. The other half of the six score acres was conveyed by Peter Mason to John Sias, to whom it was laid out, March 24, 1719-20, on both sides of Turtle pond, beginning on the north side of the Mast path, at a pitch pine, " a littel above Naptheli Kinck- et's." This was Napthali Kincaid, son of David, who then lived at Camsoe.
Sarah Mason was a widow April 6, 1747, when she conveyed to Benja- min Bickford all her right to thirty acres on the west side of the way to Little river. She seems to have in- herited the Davis longevity, for she was still alive Sept. 26, 1771, when she sold John ^afterwards General^ Sullivan thirty acres of her home- stead on the south side of the higli- way from the parsonage house to Durham Point.
TuTThE's Marsh. This marsh formed part of a grant to John Tuttle on the east side of Fresh creek, after- wards sold by his grandson Thomas Tuttle to Thomas Wallingford and others. A plan of Tuttle's marsh in 1767, is to be found in the Exeter registry, Vol. 94 : p. 7.
Twombley's Brook. This is a popular trout stream in RoUinsford that winds down from the hills of Somersworth and empties into the east side of Fresh Creek brook, now Rollins brook. A dam was built and a mill erected on Twombley's brook last century, below the mouth of Warren's brook, which it receives a little below the Boston and Maine R. R. The upper part of Twom- bley's brook — that is, the part above
the road from Salmon Falls to Dover — is called Clement''s brook. Joseph Twombley conveyed to his brother Benjamin, May 28, 1725, three score acres of upland and swamp in Dover — half of a grant of six score acres to Ralph Twombley, beginning at a white ash on y'' land of Mr. Clement, thence running S. S. E. 128 rods to y"- road at Otis's bridge, to a tree on y* west side of y" road y' leads from Co- checho to Salmon Falls. The other half was bought by Gershom Went- worth.
Another Twombley Brook rises southeast of Garrison Hill, flows through Benj" Wentworth's land, then across the Portland turnpike road westward of his house, through the Guppy land and Roimd Sivamp, crosses the road from the Gulf to Eliot bridge, runs through Mr. Henry McDuffee's land, and finally empties into the Cochecho. (See Bound Swamj).)
Two-Mile Road, and Two-Mile Streak. The Two-Mile road, men- tioned in the Durham records of last century, is an old thoroughfare in Lee that extends to and across the The Two-Mile Streak. This streak was a slip of land two miles wide at the head of ancient Dover, granted in 1719, and confirmed in 1722, to the proprietors of tlie iron works at Lamprey river " for their encouragement," and to supply them with fuel. Though really a part of Barrington, it is marked out on Holland's map of 1784 as a separate territory. About 1,000 acres in the western part of the Two- Mile Streak, adjoining Nottingham and the head line of Dover, were laid
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
261
out in small lots of fifty acres and iipvvards, 15 of which were granted as early as Oct. 23, 1729. Among them, two lots, of 50 and 120 acres, were srauted to Wm. McDonald, and another of 75 acres to Robert Mc- Donald. This land is still owned by their descendants, whose ancient Scotch name has been corrupted to McDaniel. Two other lots of 50 and 75 acres, granted to John Ellis, are still owned wholly or in part, by his descendants, who write their name Ellison. In 1747 there were sixteen families and two garrisons on this Streak. The greater part of it seems to have been monopolized by the leading men of Portsmouth. George Jaffrey owned at least 900 acres. March 10, 1748, John Hayes conveyed to his son Robert 50 acres in the two mile streaky in the town- ship of Harrington, being part of the 900 acres which said John Hayes and Joseph Chesley purchased of • George Jaffrey, Esq., and the 7th lot in said 900 acres according to Capt. Evans' division. The Durham records of April 14, 1757, speak of land in the " Two-Mile Streke" adjoining the head line of Durham, owned by Theo- dore Atkinson, Mark Hunking Weut- worth, and Mrs. Mary Osburne. Jeremiah Mason of Portsmouth advertised, March 22, 1803, lot No. 2, in the Two-Mile Streak in Barrino;ton, •containing 1,000 acres. The Rev. John Adams of Durham, in his church records of the middle of last century, speaks more than once of administer- ing baptism at "y« Two-Mile ;" among others, to several of the McDaniels family. The First N. H. Turnpike Road is spoken of in 1800 as laid out across the Two-Mile Streak.
Uncle Siah's Creek or Cove. This name is familiarly given to the Downing Cove, on the Newiugtou shore, just above Patterson's Lane, from Josiah Downing who once owned the adjacent land. This cove was the upper boundary of the Rollins land in 1696. Above it. Job Clement of Dover had a grant of 110 acres the 28th, 11 mo., 1656, ordered to be laid out adjoining James Rawlins' hundred acres, and next Michael Brawn's lot at the northwest. Job Clement, November 25, 1689, con- veyed to Joseph Hill, "living in the province of Maine," 100 acres on Bloody Point side, formerly granted his father. Job Clement, deceased, 70 poles by y*" water side. Joseph Hill of Kittery, Jan., 1699, conveyed to John Downing 140 acres of land, 110 of which he bought of Job Clem- ent of Dover, 70 poles on the river, and joining Michael Brawn's lot on the N. W. side. Of the other 30 acres, 20 were granted to said Hill by the town of Dover, Ap. 2, 1694, at the head of Job Clement's land, and 10 acres he bought of George Braun Jan. 8, 1699, between the Clement land and that of Richard Carter, 30 poles by the river. When the dividing line was run Jan. 7, 1695-6, between Joseph Hill's land and that of the Rawlins family, it be- gan at a beech tree near v* waterside in ye cove, between the houses of said Hill and Rawlins, and tlience ran S. "W. by W. 240 rods to a hemlock tree. This cove, like most of the others on this shore, is now blocked up and to- tally disfigured by the embankments of the Portsmouth and Dover railway.
Unitarian Pond. This little pond was formed by enlarging the bed of
262
JLandmarks in Ancient Dover.
Coggswell's springs behind the Uni- tarian place of worship in Dover, from which it derives its name. These springs were so called from Col. Thomas Coggswell, a Revolu- tionary veteran, who formerly owned this land. They fed the brook that once ran along AVashington street, sometimes called Coffin's brook.
Upper Factory Falls. (See Co- checho Falls.)
Varney's Corner. Mentioned March 17, 1710-11, as "against Tris- tram Heard's house," in Dover. It was so called from Ebenezer Varney, who owned land at Garrison Hill, where the road turns in the direction of Rollinsford.
Varney's Creek. This name is given to Little John's creek on Whitehouse's map of Dover, from a family long established in this vicin- ity. Thirty acres, originally granted to Joseph Austin in 1G56, were laid out to " humfrie Varnie " March 11, 1666, on the N. W. side of Little John's creek, bounded S. W. by Back river, and N. N. W. by the common. It is also called CromtveU's creek, from Joshua Cromwell, whose seven children, Ap. 3, 1752, conveyed his homestead estate of 15 acres on Back river to Moses Varney, bounded north b}' the lands of Abraham Nute, John Pearl, and Nicholas Harford, easterly by the highway, and south- erly by the land of Thomas White- house, deceased. (See CromtveU's Creek and Pearl's Ferry.)
Varney's Hill. This name was given to Garrison Hill for more than a hundred years, from Ebenezer Var- ney, who acquired land here in 1696. In a petition from Paul Wentworth and others, to enlarge the bounds of
Somersworth. May 19, 1743, it is called Varney's Great Hill. It is called " Varney's Hill" on Philip Carrigan's map of N. H., in 1816, and on Whitehouse's map of Dover in 1834. (See Garrison Hill.)
Vincent's Windmill. See Mount Hungry.
Vineyard. Mentioned in 1653, in a grant to Wm. Follet and James Bunker. (See Jonas' Creek.) And again March 28, 1707, when Nicholas Follet of Portsmouth conveyed to James Bunker one half of ten acres- called ye Vineyard at the head of Johnson's creek, granted Wm. Follet and James Bunker (SeniorJ in 1653.
Wadleigh's Falls. These were the uppermost falls in Lamprey river within the limits of ancient Dover. They were originally granted by the authorities of Massachusetts Bay ta Samuel Symonds of Ipswich, togetiier with 640 acres of land, which he took possession of June 3, 1657, in the presence and with the consent of Mo- harimet, the Indian sagamore of this region. Robert Wadleigh acquired possession of these falls and had a saw-mill here as early as April 21, 1668, and in 1669 his right was con- firmed by a grant from the town of Dover of the '* uppermost falls in Lampereel river, commonly called y^ Ileland falls." They are called " the upper falls in Lamprey river" in a survey of the Dover bounds in 1701. Ezekiel Gilman of Exeter conveyed to Samuel Doe, Nov. 9, 1730, one sixteenth part of a 640 acre grant in Dover, at a place com- monly called Wadley's Falls, upon Laraperell river, lying on both sides of the river, formerly granted by the General Court of Boston to Samuel
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
26'
Siraonds of Ipswich, deceased, which sixteenth part said Gilmau had by deed from Robert Wadle}' Sept. 1, 1730. Also one sixteenth part of the saw-mill and dam upon Lamper- ell river at Wadlei/'s falls, with all privileges. Bartholomew Thing con- veyed to Joshua Brackett of Strat- ham, March 7, 1733-34, 59 acres of land at " a place called Wadli/'sffalls, otlierwise Syviond's grant.'"
Symond's grant and Wadley^s grant are repeatedly mentioned in the old records. Walter Bryant of Newmar- ket conveyed to Samuel Watson of Durham, June 22, 1751, fifty-four acres " in that tract commonly called SymoiuVs grant, being a grant of one mile square ; which 54 acres begin at a stump a little above y^ north end of y^ mill dam, by y*" side of Lani- perel river, then run south by said river," etc. And that same day Jer- emiah Folsom of Newmarket con- veyed to Samuel Watson 12 acres "■ in that grant of land commonlv called Symond his grant," adjoining the land said Watson bought of Water Bryant.
Wadleigh's Falls are in the south- ern part of Lee. A saw-mill is still in operation here, belonging to the Messrs. Glidden ; and a grist-mill, owned by Dr. Edgerly. Here also is Wadleigh's Falls post-office, with a cluster of houses that can hardly be styled a village.
Wadleigh's Plains are mentioned in the Durham records Dec. 25, 1761, and again in a deed from Joseph Smith to Nathaniel Watson, Jr., of 34 acres in the parish of Lee, on the north side of the way from Wad- leigh's mill towards Little river, run- ning east by the land John Davis
bought of Joseph Sias, Esq., about 97 rods to a spotted hemlock in a swamp on the west side of Wad- leigh's plains, so called, then southerly to the N. E. corner of John Cromit's land.
Wadleigh's path from Newmarket to Wadleigh's mill is mentioned in 1745. Benjamin Smith had 25 acres of land laid out in 1757 on the south side of Wadley's way. A road from the Spruce Hole (on Lee Hill) to Wad- ley's road is mentioned June 26, 1765. According to the Durham records, £177, 10s. were, in 1764, "■ P*^ sundry men for Building Wad- ley's Bridge."
Wakeham's Creek. This name was given to the creek below Drew's Point, on the lower side of Oyster river, from Edward Wakeham, who. May 2, 1695, bought " Oiles' old field, lying between two creeks." He was still living here July 25, 1715, when '' neighbor A-Vakeham " is spoken of in a petition from James Langley that a road might be laid out from his place to the highway, as he was penned up by Bartholomew Steven- son. Edward Wakeham and his wife Sarah were admitted to the Oyster River church Oct. 18, 1719.^ Their son Caleb Wakeham, July 8, 1757, sold Samuel Smith his " homestead plantation " of thirty-two acres, be- ginning at a small elm tree in y*^ range of y*" fence at y* Bank of y*" upland by y^ marsh in Wakehanis creek, then running S. 68 deg. W. 18 rods to the road leading from Oyster River Point to Oyster river or Durham falls, then Easterly by s*^ road to laud in posses- sion of Valentine Mathes, and b}' this land north to the channel of y^ brook or run of water between his
264
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
land and that of s"* Matbes, and through the middle of said channel to Oyster river, and up the river to Wcikelimn's creek, then to the el in tree first mentioned. Samuel Smith couve3'ed this land to Benjamin Matbes Jan. 8, 1759. It is now in the tenure of Mr, Jonathan Carr. (See Giles's creek.)
Waldron's Falls. See Cochecho Falls.
Waldron's Hill. Mentioned in the Madburv records of 1798, when a road was proposed from Pascataqua bridge to Waldron's Hill. This bill is in the central part of Barrington, where the town-bouse now stands. The old stage I'oad from Dover through Barrington was formerly called the Waldron Hill road.
Waldron's Log Swamp. Men- tioned in 1658, when Thomas Nock's land on the south side of Cajit. Wal- dron's logg swamp is spoken of. (See Nock's Marsh.) Capt. Richard Wal- dron in 1652 had a grant of two thirds of all the timber between Co- checho first falls and Bellamy Bank freshet. A mast path led into this logging swamp, afterwards known as the road to Little worth.
Waldron's Plains. These plains are in Dover, west of Gage's Hill. They are so called in 1822, when the Dover Sun announced that the Sec- ond regiment, under Col. Dudley, would parade on Waldron' s plains on tlie 13th of October, that year.
Wall's Creek. This is apparently the same as Wale's Cove, mentioned Sept. 12, 1701, when the Exeter line is stated to extend from a marked tree at Wales' cove S. and by E. to Hampton bounds. The inhabitants of the Squamscot Patent, living on
the E. side of the line running from Wall creek to Hampton bounds, were joined to the Parish of Greenland Jan. 3, 1716. {N. H. Prov. Pap., 3 : 623-4.) The name of this creek may have been derived from James Wall, a member of the Exeter Com- bination of 1639, who afterwards went to Hampton.
Warner Farm. This name is given to the tract of land in Durham bequeathed to the state of New Hampshire by the late Benjamin Thompson, in his will of Feb. 12, 1856, for the purpose of establishing thereon a College of Agriculture and the Mechanic Arts. It was so named by his father, Benjamin Thompson, Esq. (grandfather of the present writer), who purchased the greater part of it from the Hon. Jonathan Warner of Portsmouth. It was pre- viously called the Hill farm, which name is given it by Jonathan Warner himself in his deed to Benjamin Thompson, Sr. It was originally a part of a five hundred acre grant from the town of Dover to Valentine Hill, adjoining his mills at Oyster River, the 14th, 5 mo., 1651. Jon- athan Hill of Durham, great grand- son of Valentine, conveyed to Daniel Warner of Portsmouth, Dec. 1, 1763, a tract of 107 acres, " part of that land commonly called ?/<' Five Hun- dred acres., beginning at Thomas Chesley's, by y* mast road, and ex- tending up said road 96 rods," etc. Also 18 acres on y* north side of said mast road, bounded east by John Woodman's land, and north and west by Thompson's land, together with the dwelling house thereon, being the same land conveyed to said Jona- than, Feb. 23, 1757, by his father
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
265
Samuel Hill, to whom it had been conveyed, Nov. 4, 1729, by Capt. Nathaniel Hill, father of said Samuel.^ (See HilVs Five Hundred Acres.)
This land was inherited by Jona- than Warner, sou of Daniel, who also acquired 100 acres more of the Hill grant, conveyed to him by Ben- jamin Partridge May 19, 1778. Jon- athan Warner of Portsmouth, and Eliza his wife, conveyed to Benjamin Thompson of Durham, March 17, 1794, "a certain tract of land in Durham, called and known," says the deed, " by the name of the Hill farm, in two separate parcels, laying on each side, and adjoining the mast road, so called, the whole containing 220 acres, more or less, and contains the whole land conveyed by one Jon- athan Hill to my Hon** father Daniel Warner, Esq., deceased, Dec. 1, 1763, and also all the land conveyed to me by Benjamin Partridge May 19, 1778."
The tract on the south side of the mast road is described in this deed as bounded E. by Benjamin Chesley's land, S. by Oyster river, so called, W. by the lauds of John Thompson and Benjamin Chesley, and that formerly belonging to Ichabod Chesley, and N. in part by the Mast road. The other tract was bounded southerly by the Mast road, easterly by the land of Jonathan Woodman, Jr., northerly in part by the land of Timothy Em- erson, and on every other side by that of Ebenezer Thompson. This was Judge Ebenezer Thompson, father of Benjamin Thompson, Sr.
Benjamin Thompson, Esq., Dec. 8, 1828, conveyed to Benjamin
Thompson, Jr., 220 acres of land in Durham, lying on each side of the turnpike road, being the same he purchased of Jonathan Warner, Esq., March 17, 1794; also another tract of eleven acres in said Durham, bounded southerly by the mill road, so called, northerly by the river (Oyster river), and easterly by land purchased of Joseph Coe, being the same purchased of Joseph Chesley 3d, guardian of Abigail Young ; also an- other tract of five acres, purchased of Joseph Coe, bounded northerly by the mill road, westerly by the afore- said laud purchased of Joseph Ches- ley 3d, and easterly by land in pos- session of Elijah Willey ; "all which lands aforesaid," says the conveyer, " compose what I call my Warner farm, and which I have improved for many years." Certain rights were reserved by Benjamin Thompson, Sr., during his lifetime.
Warren's Brook. This brook flows through the old Warren lands in Rollinsford, and empties into Twombley's brook on the east side, a little below the Boston and Maine Railroad. Joseph Roberts sold Benj" Warren, Ap. 29, 1749, a house and quarter of an acre of land S. E. of Dr. Moses Carr's dwelling-place, which land Dr. Carr had previously purchased of Zachariah Nock and conveyed to said Roberts. James Nock also conveyed to Benj° Warren, Dec. 20, 1762, a tract of land on the southerly side of the highvs^ay from Dover to Quamphegan, begin- ning at the N. PI corner of Lt. Sam- uel Rendall's land and running E. by the highway to that of Moses
1 Samuel Hill, youngest son of Capt. Nathaniel, was Daniel Warner's brother-in-law. He married the great aunt of Benjamin Thompson, Sr.
266
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
Steveus, then S. to the road lead- ing to Fresh Creek.
Washucke. Mentioned Jan. 17, 1660, when " Wadonouamin, alias John Johnson, 3'e Indian and Saga- mere of Waslixicke and Piscataqua," for the love he bore to Englishmen, "especially to P^dward Hilton, eldest son of Edward Hilton of Piscataqua," conveyed to said Edward, Jr., all his neck of land between two branches of Lamprell river called Wasliucke^ being about six miles in length, and in some parts six miles in breadth, reserving the use, if need be, of one half of the convenient planting- ground during his natural life. This, of course, was the neck between the Pascassick and Lamprey river itself. On some maps the name of Wasliuck is still given to the Pas(;assick river. Hitchcock in his Geological Atlas, calls it Watcliet. Richard York, March 1, 1748-49, conveyed to his son Richard ten acres of laud in Ep- ping, bounded on one side by Watchick river, so called, and ou the other by land belonging to the heirs of Major Bartholomew Thing, Esq., deceased.
Watering Gut. Mentioned Ap. 25, 1699, when a highway, 4 rods wide, was ordered to be laid out " as the wa}' now goes from huckleberry hill to the Wateri7ig gxitt, and so along, as the path now goes, over the hill to the westward of Joseph Roberts his house till it comes to the cross way that leads to belemies bank." Another road, two rods wide, was laid out, Feb. 20, 1702-3, from the road to Little John's creek through to y^ watering gutt way, be- ginning at a white pine by Little John's creek road, thence running
easterly on the S. side of the gully at the S. W. corner of Thomas White- house his land, to a maple in the N. W. corner of (Thomas) Beard's lot, and so on to the S. E. corner of Sam- uel Tibbet's land, and through that to the Watering gut way. Abigail Broughton of Portsmouth conveyed to Samuel Tibbets, Feb. 4, 1709-10, one third part of a 20 acre grant to John Reyner, Jr., then in the tenure of said Tibbets, bounded east by y* path that leads from Keuney's toward Thomson's poynt, westerly by the way from tvhortleberry hill, and north running along the north side of the watering gutt swamp till it comes to a stump 4 or 5 rods from the ivateriyig gutt. The deeds of the other f of said land to Samuel Tib- bets state that it was bounded W. by " the way that leads from hurtleberry hill to the loateriyig gutt." John Tuttle and wife Mary conveyed to Nathaniel Austin Feb. 1, 1713-14, ten acres on Dover Neck bought of John Hall, bounded N. by the land of Thomas and Joseph Hall, E. by the way from Huckleberry hill to the watering gut, S. by John Canney's land, and W. by the road from Huck- leberry hill to Little John's creek. John Canney conveyed to Elijah Tuttle, March 31, 1740, ten acres on Dover Neck, on the easterly side of the road from Cochecho down to Dover Neck, bounded northerly l)y Nathaniel Austen's laud, easterly by the highway from Huckleberry hill ■ to the loatering gut, and southerly by Howard Henderson'3 land and a strip of the common fenced in by Benjamin Roberts. The Watering Gut is evidently the brook that emp- ties into Little John's creek.
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
267
Another public "Watering Place is mentioned Dec. 3, 1709, when James Mussey conveyed to Otis Pink- ham a parcel of meadow ground on the west side of Dover Neck, between the lands of John Pinkham and James Mussey, on the north side of a small gutter and the lot laid out by the town for a uiateriyig place. This is apparently the same as the Long Gut, mentioned in the division of the Calves' Pasture Ap. 18, 1722, when nine shares were measured for Otis Pinckham, " beginning att or near the Spring below John Pinckham's house — 32 Rod att the head by the Low street and 36 Rod by the water side, beginning att the Run of water that Comes from the Spring, And att ye same Time wee haue mesured 8 shares for Thomas Caney from otis Pinckham's hed Line by the Low street 33 Rod to a Stake by the fence on the west Side of s"^ street, and also 33 Rod by the waterside to a fence on the south Side of the Long Gutt soe called."
Watson's Brook. Mentioned Sept. 10, 1750, when Joshua Weeks con- veyed to his sou John Weeks of Hampton, physician, 5 acres of land in Greenland, running N. E. by a path to Watson's brook, then W. to land of Robert Goss. This land was part of Joshua Weeks' homestead, and is now owned by the heirs of Wm. Weeks. Watson's brook emp- ties into Great Bay on the west side of Mr. J. C. Weeks' farm, between that and the land of Wm. Weeks' heirs.
Watson's Falls. See Cochecho Falls.
Watson's Point. Whitehouse, on his map of Dover, gives this name to
a point on the west side of the river Cochecho, between the Gulf and the Narrows.
Webb's Creek. Mentioned in a grant to Thomas Cauney, apparently before 1650, of nine acres of marsh on the S. W. side of the Great Bay, "• bounded on y* south running into y* marsh gf George Webb's Creek. This appears to be the inlet after- wards called Canney's creek, on the shore of the Weeks land in Green- land. " Georg Webb " is mentioned as early as the 10th, 9 mo., 1643, when he was " presented for living idle like a swine." (See Branson's Creek.)
Wecanacohunt. This was the Indian name of Dover Point, men- tioned in Hilton's patent of March 12, 1629-30. It is otherwise written the 14th, 4 mo., 1641, when reference is made to the patent purchased of Edward Hilton and some merchants of Bristol, '' called Wecohannet or Hilton's point, commonly called or kuowne b}' the name of Dover or Northam." {N. H. Prov. Pap., 1 : 155.) And it is called Winnicha- hanyiat May 22, 1656, when Capt. Thomas Wio;g;in surrendered his claims to the Hilton Point lands.
The settlement at Hilton's Point was long called "Dover" in a re- stricted sense, to distinguish it from other settlements within the tovvn- ship, particularly at " Cochecho." (See Cochecho.) And here might be mentioned what was omitted in the proper place, that Dover, though ap- parently never formally chartered as a township, was recognized as a town by the General Court of Mass. in 1642. {N. H. Prov. Pap., 1 ; 162, 164, 203.)
268
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
Wednesday Brook. This is a stream of clear, sparkling water that rises at Wednesday hill, in Lee, and goes winding toward the east, — " a marvel of crookedness," — fed on its way by several springs of remarkable purity — one in particular of mineral qualities, which, perhaps, give lustre and tone to its waters. It crosses the road near Mr. George Chesley's, where it is a favorite watering-place for horses, and empties soon after into Oyster river.
This brook is mentioned Nov. 13, 1713, when Joseph Davis conveyed to Job Runnels three score acres of land " on the west side of Wensday Brook." John Willams had a grant of "three score acres in y^ woods on y* south side of Wensday swamp,'" March 19, 1693-4, laid out Jan. 2, 1712-13, " on the south side ot wens- day hrooh." Wednesday Brook is spoken of June 13, 1720, as running through a tract of land sold by James Bassford of Oyster River to Wm. Pitman and Wm. Willey, originally granted to Edward Vrin. Willey sold liis part of this land to John Laskey, May 15, 1722. It is now owned by C W. Bartlett, Esq., whose paternal grandmother was a Laskey.
A highway was laid out Oct. 12, 1787, from Wednesday brook to Joshua Woodman's land, beginning at this brook, and running along by a great hill, then over the south side of said hill to a gutter be- tween Thomas Stevenson's land and Thomas Footman's, and between their lands till it comes to Nicholas Mead- er's at the east, and by s** Meader's till it comes to the turn, then between Meader's and Smith's till it comes to Joshua Woodman's land.
Woodman's land was on the upper side of Lamprey river, in the Packer's Falls district, Durham. It is now chiefly owned by the Dames.
Wednesday Hill. This hill is in Lee, on the upper side of Lamprey river. It is east of Lee Hill, in " District No. 3." Mention is made of it Nov. 4, 1723, when 30 acres of land were laid out to Samuel Purk- ings on the south side of Wednesday hill. Capt. Nathaniel Randall's grant of 30 acres on this hill is men- tioned in the division of his estate, Ap. 25, 1750. An old tradition asserts that this hill derived its name from a skirmish that took place with the Indians in its vicinity on a Wednes- day. Another tradition says it was so named by the early surveyors, who were laying out grants of land on this hill on a Wednesday, and suspended their labors to lunch on the top. The name, however, may have been given it bv one of the early settlers in memory of some hill in England, where there are a great number of elevated places that have a similar name — derived from an Anglo-Saxon word signifying a hill or mound sacred to
" Woden, God of Saxons, From whence comes Wensday; that is Wodnesday."
Among them may be mentioned Wednesbury, and Wednesfield in Staffordshire, Woodnesborough, and Wodnesdic (now Wansdike) in Wilts, Wendeshough in Lancashire, Wend- nesham in Cheshire, etc. (See Tay- lor's Woj'ds and Places.)
Welland or Willand's Pond. This pond, 200 rods long and 120 wide, is on the line between Dover and Somersworth. The name is de- rived from Wm. Welland, whose
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
269
land, partly in Dover, and partly in Soraersworth, was at the head of this pond. He died about 1801. It was called the Great Pond as earl}' as 1650, and at a later period, CochecJio Pond. In Merrill's N. H. Gazeteer of 1817 it is called HmnpJirey's Pond. The same name is given it in the Somersworth records. It is often called Hussey^s Pond., from the fam- ilies of this name in its vicinity. It is called Messenger's Pond in 1859. (See Great Pond.) According to a survey of this pond for the city of Dover, it covers a surface of 78f acres, with a depth in some places of 65 feet. It has a steady capacity of 514,000,000 gallons of water, derived almost entirely from springs beneath the surface. This water is of excel- lent quality, as proved by repeated analyses. The Dover water-works on Garrison Hill, being partly sup- plied from this pond, an Act was passed by the N. H. Legislature Feb. 25, 1891, "to prevent the pollution of Willaiid's Pond, situate in the city of Dover and the town of Somers- worth, the water of which is used by the city of Dover for domestic pur- poses."
Welsh Cove, otherwise Welsh- man's. This cove is on the Newing- ton shore of Little Bay, between Furber's Pt. and Dame's Pt., and still retains its ancient name. It is mentioned in the Dover records the 15th, 4mo., 1646, when Thomas Lay- ton had a grant of "a plott of marsh at the head of Welshmaji's Coue." And again in 1656, when John Dam's grant of 40 acres at Welshman's Cove was laid out. (See Dame's Point.) Thomas Roberts, June 17, 1658, con- veyed to Richard Row, fisherman,
" my now dwelling-house and all my upland " (30 acres) " lying and being in Welshman's Coue in Pascataqua river."
The name of Welsh Cove appears to have been given in early times, not only to the cove itself, but to the neighboring district. Samuel Moody of Boston, Sept. 25, 1704, conveyed to Alexander Hodgdon a tract of 30 acres at or near Welch Cove., in ye town of Portsmoxdh, beginning at a white oak stump which stands 8 rods from y* little brook or freshet (the trout brook) in y'' said Hodgdon's fence, which joins to y® highwax' that leads from Welch Cove to Ports- mouth, etc., which land formerly belonged to the Rev. Joshua Moody of Portsmouth, deceased.
The origin of the name does not appear, but several of our early colo- nists were of Welsh origin, such as George Vaughan, sent over by Capt. Mason in 1631, but afterwards re- turned to England ; Thomas Roberts of the Dover Combination of 1640, Wra. Williams, and doubtless Wm. Jones. Likewise the Gilman family, prominent in the history of Exeter, from which the township of Gilman- ton, incorporated in 1810, derived its name, and from which sprang John Gilman, member of the Provincial Council in 1680, and John Taylor Gilman, governor of N. H. in 1813. And the early Vaughans of Ports- mouth (where Vaughan street still commemorates their name), among whom may be mentioned Major Wm. Vaughan, who was a member of the Council under President Cutt in 1680, and his son George Vaughan, who was appointed Lieut. Governor of N. H. in 1715. They sprang
270
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
from an ancient family in Wales, which, in their clay, furnished two members of Parliament, viz : Edward Vaughan, Esq., of Cardigan, and Lord John Vaughan of Carmarthen, both members in 1676. The Vaughan family of England, it might be added, has been freshly illustrated this very year by the elevation of the Rev. Dr. Herbert Vaughan to the archiepisco- pal see of Westminster.
Wentworth Swamp. This was part of the Great Ash swamp, between Salmon Falls river and Cochecho, where Paul Wentworth's grant of 30 acres was laid out in 1718. In his will of Feb. 3, 1747-8, he speaks of his swamp as "a little below the pitch-pine plains.'' Fourteen acres were ordered to be laid out to Thomas Wallingford, Sept. 8, 1727, " on the upper side of Indego Hill, as near to the swamp called Wentivorth sivamp as it may be." Ten acres were laid out to said Wallingford, March 3, 1728-9, on the N. E. side of Went- ivorth's swamp^ adjoining Samuel Downs' land ; and five acres more on the south side of said swamp, adjoin- ing the land of Maturin Ricker, Jr.
Wheelwright's Pond. This pond is between Lee Hill and Newtown, and is noted for an encounter with the Indians, July G, 1690, known as *'the battle of Wheelwright's pond." It is said to have taken place on the south-east side. Our scouts came upon the Indian trail near Turtle pond, and two companies, under Cap- tains Wiswall and Floyd, drove the €nemy to the borders of Wheel- wright's pond, where, after several hours' fighting on a hot July day, three officers and twelve privates were left dead on the field, with seven
others who were wounded. In the accounts of this battle one item is omitted of special interest to the people of Durham, within the ancient limits of which this encounter took place : James Smith, a volunteer from Oyster River, died of a surfeit produced by running to join Capt. Floyd's company — a rare instance of a man's voluntarily hastening to take part in a battle. His widow, the daughter of Ensign John Davis, and two of her sons, were killed by the Indians July 18, 1694.
The tivo islands in the middle of Wheelwright's pond are mentioned in Bartholomew Stevenson's will of April 22, 1718, in which he gives his son Joseph five acres of marsh, granted him by the town of Dover, on the south side of this pond, "against two islands." These islands are seldom visited except by those who go there to fish for perch and pickerel, or to gather the fragrant pond lilies which grow in profusion around their shores.
The narrows are mentioned Jan. 20, 1719-20, when Oliuer Kent's grant (in 1656) of 80 acres of upland '' near whelrifs Pond on tlie north side of the Pond, against the narrow" was surveyed anew. These narrows are a little above the source of Oyster river. The contraction of the waters here has given rise to the names of Upper and Lower pond., though really one sheet of water. The name of this pond was derived from the Rev. John Wheelwright, founder of Exe- ter, attesting the ancient claims of that township to lands along Oyster river. Richard Otis of Dover was authorized by the town, July 3, 1666, " to cut all the grass about the pond
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
-71
by Oyster river, which was known by the name of Mr. Wheelwiight's marsh."
Whidden's Creek. See Picker- ing's creek.
Whisow or Whisone, otherwise Husow or HusoNE. Mentioned March 19, 1693-4, wiien a grant was made to Henry Rice of his improvement at Whisow (or Wldsone) , with such ad- dition as will malie it 40 acres. This land was laid out " on the way going to Madbery," Dec. 9, 1699. Henry Ryce conveyed this land to Joseph Meader Nov. 30, 1702. Joseph Meader, Feb. 1, 1723-4, conveyed to Eli Demerit, Jr., a tract of 40 acres, known and called by the name of husotv (or husone). This laud is now owned by Mr. Alfred Demeritt, a descendant of the above Eli. The exact orthography of this name is uncertain. In the deed from Henry Ryce to Joseph Meader in 1702 it appears to be Whriso)te or Wisrisoiv.
Whitehall. This place, the name of which has been perpetuated to the present day, is in Rochester, but is often mentioned in the Dover records of the last two hundred years. The bounds of Ancient Dover, as defined Aug. 3, 1701, began "at y^niddle of Quamphegan falls, and so ran up the river four miles, or thereabouts, to a marked tree by the river side within a mile of Whitehall." Orders were given to Robert Coffin and his troop, Aug. 11, 1708, to march from Exeter to Kingstown, and thence to Oyster River, and there to take up their quarters the first night ; and " thence to Cochecho and soe up towards Whitehall, and so return to Cochecho and there quarter," etc. {X. H. Prov. Pap., 2: 581.) The
road to Whitehall (from Cochecho) is mentioned July 7, 1714, when Wm. Everett's grant of 100 acres on the north side of James Kid's land, near the Great Pond above Cochecha, was laid out to Thomas Downes, begin- ning at a pitch pine tree near the pond, on the west side of the road that leads to Whitehall. Ebenezer Downs, Dec. 20, 1714, conveyed to John Herd 50 acres of land, being one' half of that tract given his brother Thomas Downs by their grandmother, Martha Lord, begin- ning at a. pine tree near the Great Pond above Cochecho, on y* west side of the mast path y* leads to White Hall. Farmer and Moore's Gazeteer of N. H. (1823) says: "Between Norway plains and Salmon fall river is a considerable quantity of land, formerly called Whitehall, the soil of which was destroyed by fire in the dr}' years of 1761 and 1762, so as to be of little value for cultivation." Whitehall Sivamp is mentioned in Sept., 1814, when Betsy, widow of Stephen Wentworth, petitioned for leave to sell " land in White Hall swamp, so called." This swamp con- tains about 500 acres of low land, now covered for the most part with small wood, but in early times it was no doubt one vast forest of much wider bounds. It is about a mile be- lovy Rochester city, between the road to Dover and that to Great Falls, and now has various owners.
It is hardly necessary to say that it is an error to attribute the name of Whitehall, as some do, to Parson Hall of Rochester, who is said to have illustrated one of his sermons by referring to the numerous white birches in this swamp which lay
272
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
spread out in full view of his meet- ing-house on Haven's hill, giving rise, it is said, to the name of " Hall's white swamp." But something bet- ter than white birches once covered this vast swamp. Enormous prime- val trees grew here, that furnished masts for the royal navy, which were borne down the mast path to Coche- cho years before the Rev. Avery Hall began his ministry in Rochester. He was not installed till Oct. 15, 1766, and Whitehall was certainly so called more than sixty-five years previous. The reason why might be given in the language of Philip II of Spain, who is said to have written on a despatch from England, referring to Whitehall in London: "There is a park and palace there called Huy- tal, but why called HuytaU I am sure I don't know." Whitehall in Roches- ter, however, may have been so named in honor of the ''Committee of trade and foreign plantations at Whitehall," often mentioned in the provincial records. Whitehall palace was then the centre of authorit}', and most of the orders concerning New Hampshire and its forests, came from the above mentioned committee.
Whitehorne's Plains. These plains are along the line of Barring- ton and Nottingham, near the Lee boundary, and are often familiarly called Curt's plains, from Curtis Whitehorne, a former owner thereon. A highway across the lower side is sometimes called Whitehorne's road.
Whittier's Falls and Mills, otherwise Whitcher's. Whittier's mills, consisting of a fulling-mill, grist-mill, and a building for dressing cloth, once stood at the easterly side of Tole-End falls. Their name was
derived from Obadiah Whittier, whose widow still owned them, Jan. 7, 1718, when they were destroyed by fire, which broke out in the carding mill, operated by Moses Whittier, son of Obadiah, who at once erected new machinery and resumed the carding, fulling, and clothing business, the following month. (See Cochecho Falls.)
Wiggin's Mills. Mentioned on Chace's County map of 1856. They are at the first falls in Lamprey river above Packer's falls, and are now called Wiswall's mills. "■ Wiggin's mills " consisting of paper mill, grist- mill, and saw-mill, belonging to the estate of Moses Wiggin, were con- veyed by John Mooney, administra- tor, to Joshua Parker and Mr. T. H. Wiswall May 23, 1857. Mr. Wis- wall afterwards acquired full owner- ship. The paper-mill was burned down several years ago.
WiGWAJi Point. This name was formerly given to a high point of land on the Greenland shore, between Broad marsh and Long marsh. It is mentioned April 9, 1729, when a line of division was made between these two marshes, beginning at " a certain point of upland called Wigg- wam Point.'" These marshes origi- nally belonged to Henry Langstaffe of Bloody Point, who had 30 acres of upland adjoining, but at the above date they were owned in common by his grandson Henry Nutter and two Johnsons named John and Nathan. When the above mentioned division was made, Long Marsh, at the N. W. of Wigwam Pt., was assigned to the Johnsons, and Broad marsh to Henry Nutter. These marshes are again mentioned May 27, 1734, when
Landmarks in Aiident Dover.
273
Nathan Johnson and Samuel Nutter agreed upon a division of 5 acres, and 50 rods of upland, butting on a salt marsh called Long marshy and on Nutter's marsh called Broad marsh, and partly on Johnson's marsh. Samuel Weeks, in his will of Sept. 15, 1745, gives his son Matthias all his " right in the Long marsh, and all his flat ground from said Long marsh till it comes within four rods of the Little Pocket marsh." Wigwam Point, Long marsh, and part of Broad marsh, are now owned by Mr. J. C. Weeks.
Willand's Pond. See Welland.
Willey's Ckeek. This is a small creek that flows through Mr. Jere- miah Langley's land at Durham Point and empties into Little Bay. The name was derived from Thomas Wille or Willey, who had a " breadth " of land on the upper side of this creek before July 17, 1645. (See Bickford's Garrison.) This creek is mentioned by name as early as Nov. 2, 1686, when a road was laid out from Wille's creek to Oyster River Falls.
Another Willey's Creek is mention- ed Ap. 23, 1743, when John Johnson and wife Prudence conveyed to Sam- uel Weeks " two acres of salt marsh in Greenland, bounded on the south- east side on Wille's creek." This creek is the outlet of Willey's spring, and flows along the lower side of Canney's island. (See Canney's Is- land and Willey's Spring.)
Willey's Marsh. Mentioned Sept. 15, 1745, when Samuel Weeks in his will divides between his sons Samuel and John his salt marsh on the S. W. side of the Great Bay, commonly called Willey's marsh. This is, of course, in Greenland. (See Willey's Spring.)
Willey's Spring. This spring, said to be one of the best in Green- land, is about 50 rods from the resi- dence of Mr. J. Clement Weeks, to whose buildings the water is con- veyed by means of a hydraulic ram. It is mentioned as follows in the Dover records, v^hen Thomas Willey's grant was laid out Ap. 1, 1701 :
— "Whereas by order of Generall Court there was fooer hundred Acres of Land giuen to the inhabitants of doner (Dover) that haue marsh in the great bay, we the subscribers here of being appoynted by the Towne of doner to Lay out unta Thomas Willey his devident of vpland to his marsh, who haue according to order Laid out thirty acres to his marsh and bounded it as foUoweth, that is to say, be- ginning at the bounds of Thomas Cannies Land at a white oke tree and so thirty two Rods vpon a south line to a spring comonly Called by the name of Willey's spriyig, and so vpon a west Line one hundred forty seven Rods to a hemlock Tree, and so to a Red oak tree vpon a north Line thirty two rods, and so vpon an East line one hundred and forty four rods to the bounds of Thomas Cannies, all which land within said bounds make thirty acres, the bound trees marked T W. Laid out and bounded by vs Aprill the first 1701.
(Signed) Will furber Jn° bickford Jn° damm."
The above record proves that the Willey grant on the shore of Great Bay, now part of the Weeks lands in Greenland, lay within the bounds of Ancient Dover, being a part of the 400 acres granted to Dover between Hog- sty Cove and Cotterill's Delight.
274
Land7narks in Ancient Dover.
Sam^ Tibbets and Sam' Welle, both of Dover, conveyed to Sam' Weeks of Portsmouth, March 10, 1709-10, one third part of a tract of thirty acres of land^ and six of salt marsh, lying between Henry Langstar's marsh and a parcell formerly in pos- session of Thomas Canney, beginning at the bounds of Canney's land, at a white oak tree, and running thirty rods south to a spring commonly called Willye's Sprynge. Samuel W'eeks, in his will of Sept. 15, 1745, gives his son Matthias one acre of salt marsh running up unto a place called Willey's spring.
Willey's Way. This was a road in Newtown, mentioned in 1734 as leading to the head of Durham town- ship. It is no doubt the road spoken of March 18, 1757, when it was or- dered that the highway from Thomas Wille's land into the highway above Newtown mill should be ciianged and come out upon the line between Dur- ham and the Two Mile Streak. Thomas Willey's house was on the north side of the road coming from Mad bury. There was a Willey's bridge in Newtown, mentioned in the laying out of a road in 1740 from another road that led to Willey's bridge. It was probably across O^'s- ter river. Willey's mill in Notting- ham is spoken of March 8, 1757, when Samuel, son of Samuel Wille, sold one eighth part of it to David Glass.
WiLLiAMSviLLE. This name is given on Whitehouse's map of Dover to a settlement on the east side of the river Cochecho, near the "upper- factory dam." It was so called from John Williams, agent of the cotton factory established at this dam in
1815. (See Cochecho Falls.) Dr. Quint calls him " the father of the Dover manufacturing prosperity."
Wine-Cellar Road. This name is given to an old road in Durham, extending from the Long Marsh road across Horn's woods, where it meets Simon's Lane. It is derived from a natural cavity in the rocks, where the wood-choppers used to deposit their rundlets of cider and other " re- freshers " to keep them at a desirable temperature.
Wingate's Slip. This slip, now called Ford's layiding., is the terminus of the mast road from Madbury, on the west side of Back river. It is adjacent to the land of Mr. Ford, who has enclosed this end of the mast road, though it is a public high- way to the very river. The town of Dover voted, March 24, 1728-9, to lay out a road " from Wiiigefs Slip to the end of the township." The surveyors reported, Dec. 27, 1729, that they had laid it out "■ as the mast way then went." (See Mast Road to Madbury .) John Drew conveyed to Rebecca Kook, A p. 6, 1756, a tract of land on the west side of Back river, at y'' head of Thomas Pink- ham's land, bounded south byy* mast path running down to Wingefs slij) ; and another tract on the south side of y* mast way running down to Wingefs slip, partly bounded by the lands of John Layton and Israel Hodgdon.
Winkley's Hill. So named from the Winkley house in Dover, which stands on this hill, just above the site of the Hayes garrison, on the Tolend road.
Winkley's Pond. Tristram Heard, in his will of Ap. 18, 1734, gives his
Landmarks in Ancient Dove?'
•^is
daughter Elizabeth Koight eight acres at Fresh marsh, at WinkoVa pond, iu Dover. The only pond of this name at the present day is iu the southern part of Barriugton, not far from the Mad bury line.
WiNNicoT River. This river rises among the Hampton swamps, flows through Stratham into Greenland, and empties into Great Bay above Packer's Point. " Winecote river falls, in Greenland," are mentioned Oct. 8, 1665, when the selectmen of Ports- mouth ordered a highway to be laid out from these falls east to Sam' Haines' house, and thence to the highway to Han)pton. Ebenezer Johnson conveyed to Joshua Weeks, May 23, 1713, "one sixteenth part of a sawmill called the Lower mill on Winicott river." This was probably the '^ tide mill" mentioned on Mer- rill's map of Greenland in 1806. The same map, however, mentions a sawmill and gristmill on the Win- nicot river, near the road to Exeter, which, though np the river from the tide-mill, is loiver in the sense of being southward. This is no doubt the '■'■Johnson's mill" mentioned in the laying out of the road to Exeter, March 6, 1710-11.
Wiswall's Falls and Mills. See Wig gin's Mills.
WoLF-PiT Hill. This hill is men- tioned in early times as on the west side of Beard's creek, in Durham, and apparently on the south side of Stony brook. The number of wolves in N. H. induced the Government, March 16, 1679-80, to offer a bounty of 40' for each one killed in the prov- ince. In 1692 a bounty of 20^ was ordered to be paid by each town. Tho^ Edgerly of Oyster River, " for
killing a woolfe," was paid that sum Feb. 10, 1695-6. The selectmen of Portsmouth reported i o the govern- ment, March 17, 1692-3, that nine wolves had been killed " tliat winter," of course within that township. " Considering the Publick damage done in this province by wolves," it was voted by both Houses, May 17, 1716, that 50s. be paid out of the public treasury for the killing of every grown wolf, besides tlie bounty given by each town. (Prov. Pap.., 3 : 644,) As late as March 17, 1764, the town of Durham voted to give six pounds, new tenor, for every grown wolf killed within the township, and in 1767 four shillings were paid Elijah Drew for killing one. {Dur- ham Records.)
Wolf-pits were by no means un- common in former times. Audul)on, the great naturalist, relates that when he was in Ohio, the farmers there took wolves by means of a pit. The Wolf-pits or traps, in the heart of the Lynn woods, in the old ox pasture between Blood Swamp and Glen Lewis Dam, have recently been pur- chased by Mr. Chase of Lynn, Mass. These pits, which date from the first settlement of that place, are described as circular, the sides walled, eight or nine feet deep, small at the top, and widening towards the bottom.
WooDCHUCK Island. This island, so called on Wliitehouse's map of Dover, is in the Cochecho river, below the mouth of Fresh creek. It now belongs to Mr. Henry Paul of RoUinsford. It formed part of Som- ersworth after the incorporation of that town, and fell to RoUinsford when the latter townsliip was cliar- tered in 1849, After the road to
276
landmarks tn Ancient Dover.
Eliot was laid out, the land below, including Woodchuck island, was restored to Dover.
Woodman's Creek. This name is sometimes given to Beard's creek, in Durham. (See Brown's Hill.)
Woodman's Ledge. This ledge rises up from Langley's heath on the shore of Wheelwright's pond, afford- ing a point of vantage for fishermen.
Woodman's Point. This name is given to Long Point on Chace's atlas of 1857. It is on the Newington shore, and formed part of the land given to Nicholas Woodman by his grandfather, Nicholas Pickering, in 1807. (See Zong Point.)
Worster's Island. This island is in the Salmon Falls river, below Great Falls, opposite Indigo Hill. It was probably formed by deposits from Worster's brook, the mouth of which is directly opposite, on the Berwick side. The name was derived from Moses Worster or Wooster, who is spoken of July 2, 1709, when he con- veyed to Timothy Wentworth part of his privilege on Wooster' s river. It is mentioned March 27, 1736, when part of Moses Stevens' division of the common lands was laid out " in an island lying by Salmon falls river, commonly called Wooster's Island., lying partly against Capt. Paul Went- worth's land, and partly against Sam- uel Downs' land. Said island con- tains 3f acres." Moses Stevens and his wife Hannah (daughter of John Thompson, Sr., of Oyster River), Nov. 16, 1738, sold this island to Paul Wentworth for twenty pounds. Paul Wentworth, in his will of Feb. 3, 1747-8, gives his nephew Paul Brown his lot at Indigo Hill, lying between Eben and Samuel Downs' lands, and " also the island, lying
near the easterly end of said lot, commonly known by the name of Wooster's Island." This island now belongs to the Great Falls Manufac- turing Company.
Yard Codntry Way. Mentioned July 18, 1734, when 20 acres of land were "- laid out for a parsonage in the parish of Summersworth, beginning at a black oak standing about half a mile S. W. of the beginning of the Yard Country ivay, so called, where it leaves the Rochester road." As this way lead near the Pear Yard mentioned in 1793 (see Pear Yard District), it may have derived its name therefrom ; the species of pear tree found there being, it is said, as long-lived as the white oak. Some suppose this road so called from the old lumber yard at Mast Point, but as the Yard Country Wa}' is stated to have its beginning " where itleaves the Rochester load," this derivation is doubtful. The name, however, may refer to some tract once reserved as a nursery "■ for masts, yards., and bowsprits." (See N. H. Prov. Pap., 18: 143.)
Zackey's Point. This name, de- rived from Zachariah Trickey, is given to Trickey's Point May 8, 1846, when Nathaniel P. Coleman conveyed to Ruel J. Bean part of the farm formerly owned by Capt. Samuel Shack ford, adjoining Pascataqua river, reserving the right of pass-way in the common wheel patii on the south side of the field wall, and the privilege of going to the cove near Zackey's Point or Zackey's Point Cove. This point is on the Newing- ton shore, and is now owned by Mr. Valentine M. Coleman, son of the above Nathaniel. (See Trickey's Point and Cove.)
ADDENDA.
Ambler's Islands. (See p. 8.) Only one island is mentioned by John Am- bler, Jan. 10, 1739, when he con- veyed to ICphraim Libby of Kittery several parcels of land, and with them " y* Island belonging to my Home Place in Durham."
Broadway Brook. So called in a report of the city government of Dover in September, 1892, concern- ing an appropriation "• for the pur- pose of constructing the Broadioay Brook sewer." This is the brook that flows through the Dam}:), and is otherwise called the Harit brook, be- cause it traverses the so-called '' Ham field " in the upper part of its course. It rises among the springs at the southwesterly side of Garrison Hill, and is the first brook that empties into the Cochecho river on the north- erly side, below Dover Landing. (See the Dxtmp.)
Butler's Point. This point is on the south side of Beard's creek, at the mouth — that is, between the creek and Oyster river, at their confluence. It was originally a part of Wm. Hil- ton's land, which he conveyed to Francis Mathes in 1645. His right was probably forfeited, for this land seems to have been granted anew to Valentine Hill, who conveyed it to Patrick Gimson (Jameson) May 11, 1659, describing it as on the north side of Oyster river, bounded east by the creek. Jameson conveyed it to Thomas Mighill (Mitchell) " some-
time of Oyster River," July 29, 1669. Mitchell sold it to John Webster, of Newbury, Mass., Dec. 29, 1670. Webster, however, must have had an earlier title, for his first conveyance of this land was made to George Chesley Oct. 16, 1669. Another con- veyance was made May 10, 1710. After George Chesley's death, all his land in this vicinity (88 acres) was laid out anew, at the request of his widow Deliverance and of Capt. James Davis, whose first wife, Elizabeth, seems to have been a Chesley.
This survey was made May 21, 1711, "beginning at a poynt of Land at the creek's mouth next belo the falls on the north side of Oyster river, running northward towards Jonathan AVoodman's," etc. This point is now owned by Mr. Albert Young, a direct descendant of the above George Ches- ley, through his mother, whose first husband was Francis Butler, whence the name of Bailer's Point.
Clay Point. In addition to what has already been said in tliis work about Clay Point (see p. 43) might be oriven a fuller account of the An- drews deed, proving that it was on the eastern shore of Dover Neck, not far from the Sheep Pasture on Huckle- berry Hill, and below the old road at the lower side of Mr. Reyner's upper lot, apparently on the shore of the Varney land : — .ledediah Andrews, of '•Salsbury," Mass., Jan. 5, 1669, conveved to " Mr. John Rcvuer of
278
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
Dover, in y* cotintie of Pascattaq, in y* Jurisdiction of the Massachusetts Colony, Minister," his late dwelling house on the eastern side of Dover Neck, with three acres of land on which it stood, granted him by the town, and laid out in March, An° Sa- lutis 1659, bounded E. by y^ highway w*' goeth betweene it & y* land of s** Reyner, N. by Mr. Reyner's upper lott, W. by y* sheep pasture, and S. by Mr. Roberts his lott." — "Alsoe three acres of land, less or more, granted b}- y^ Toune of Dover, and laid out to Ralph Twanily, lying and being neer thereunto, situated two & twentie pole square at a poynt called Clay poynt, between the house lott of Thomas Roberts and the land of y* s"^ John Reyner, below y* high- way above mencioned, which was given to and possessed by y' s** Twamly as a house lott, and sold by him to me."
This was tlie Rev. John Re^'ner, a native of Yorkshire, P^ng., who first settled in Plymouth, Mass., where he remained eighteen years. He came to Dover in 1656, and here died Ap. 22, 1669. According to Dr. Quint, his house stood four rods east of the highway, fourteen rods below the old fortified meeting-house on Dover Neck, where his cellar can still be traced. The estimation in which he was held by his parishioners is shown bv the large grant of land made him near the streamlet still known as Reyner's brook, in the upper part of Dover.
Coffin's Woods. These once noted woods, a part of the old Peter Coffin estate in Dover, once covered a large tract of land on the south side of the Cochecho river, now traversed by the
Boston and Maine R. R., and covered by numerous streets and residences adjacent. Coffin's Orchard, still re- membered by many people, was in the very heart of the present city of Dover, extending from Washington St. beyond Orchard St., which de- rived its name therefrom.
Demeritt's Brook. This brook is so called where it traverses the old Demeritt land in Madbury, not far from Mr. Alfred Demeritt's. It for- merly had sufficient water power to run a mill. (See Demerit's Mill, p. 58.) Where it crosses the lower highway from Durham Village to Dover it is now called the Gerrish brook, from the adjacent Gerrish land, formerly Chesley's. The bridge across it at this place is in Mud- bury, near the Durham line. It afterwards flows through the Jones land and empties into Johnson's creek.
Dover Garrisons. In addition to the Dover Garrisons enumerated pp. 61-64, is "Mr. Pike's Garrison," mentioned Nov. 13, 1696 {Prov.Pa})., 2:246.) This was the Rev. John Pike, who came to Dover in 1678, and here died March 10, 1710. He lived on Dover Neck, perhaps in the " min- ister's house,'" it was voted to erect in 1669. "The garrison about y^ ministry house on Dover Neck " is mentioned May 11, 1697. {Do. 17: 656.)
" Capt. Tuttle's Garrison" is mentioned Nov. 13, 1696 {ProiKFap., 2 : 246.) This was John Tuttle, who was Captain of the military forces of Dover proper from 1692 till 1704. His dwelling-house and homestead lands, according to his will of Dec. 28, 1717, were on Dover Neck,
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
279
"between Nutter's land and Hilton's Point."
Drew's Garrison at Otster River. (See p. 182-3.) According to the probate records at P^xeter, Thomas and Francis Drew were both killed by the Indians in 1694. Mar}', widow of Thomas, was appointed adminis- trator of his estate July 30, 1694. Letters of administration upon the estate of Francis Drew were first granted to his brother John Nov. 16, 1694. But it is furthermore stated that " Whereas Thomas Drew, sur- viving son and eldest unto y^ afore- said Francis deceased, is now return- ed from captivity out of the hands of the Indian Enimie, and claimes the administration upon his father's es- tate," his claim was granted Nov. 16, 1696. The above John Drew is no doubt the one killed by the Indians "by the Little Bay" — Pike says, Ap. 27, 1706. Belknap says the garrison was near, but not a man in it. The women, however, put on hats, gave the alarm, and fired away so briskly that the Indians fled. This shows that there was a second Drew's gar- rison at Oyster River.
Hodgdon's Hill. This hill is in Madbury. It is crossed by the lower road from Durham village to Dover, near the house now belonging to the heirs of the late Stephen Jenkins, but formerly owned by Peter Hodg- don, from whom this hill derived its present name.
Log Hill Spring. This spring was once noted in Dover for the cool- ness and excellence of its never fail- ing water. It is at the foot of the old Log Hill, on land now owned by Mr. S. H. Foye, in the rear of his dwelling-house on Washington St.
It was on the very shore of the old bed of the Cochecho, which here made a deep bend before the cut was made to straighten it for the benefit of the Portsmouth and Dover R. R. This road, cross! ug the Cochecho, traverses Log Hill, a short distance east of the spring. The outlet of the spring was formerly into the river itself, and so cold was the water that this part of the stream was avoided by bathers. Log Hill Spring is still accessible. The old path from Major Waldron's Log swamp terminated at Log Hill, whence the logs were rolled down to the mill-pond.
Narrows. The Narrows in the Pas- cataqua river below Boiling Rock, mentioned on page 155, must not be confounded with the Narrows further below, between Peirce's island and Trefethen's island.
Penelope's Cove. This cove is on the western shore of the Salmon Falls river, in the southeastern part of Rochester, not far above the Dover line. It derived its name from Pen- elope, wife of Aaron Tibbetts.
Pomeroy's Cove. (Seep. 210.) The name of this cove has been ascribed to Richard Pomeroy, but on what grounds does not appear. No Pom- eroys belonged to the Dover Combi- nation of 1640, or are to be found in the earliest rate-lists. Leonard Pom- eroy is mentioned in 1622 as oue of the associates of David Thomson for col- onising the Pascataqua region, but it does not appear that he came here. Joseph Pomry was here before 1674, in which year his estate was admin- istered by his widow Elizabeth. {Coun- ty Records, Exeter.) Pike records the marriage of " Rebecca Pommery, widow," to " Clement Rummeril,"
28o
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
Sept. 6, 1687. And a "Wm. Pom- rey " is mentioned as serving in gar- rison in 1697. {Prov. Pap., 2 : 246.)
Portsmouth. (See p. 210.) Capt. John Smith's map of New Enghand in 1614, gives the name of Hull to the site of the present city of Ports- mouth, and the name of Boston to York, Me.
The Pound. Mentioned Oct. .3, 1734, when Joseph Twamley, aged 73 years, or thereabouts, testified that be " wel knows v" lands Ivino- in Dover a little below Cochecho falls w"'' are call*^ Sheffield's lands, and have been so accounted for more than 60 years last past, & y* he wel knows 3'' there was a highway or cart path w'''^ run from y^ Publick high- way down between Tobias Hanson's fence and where the Poxmd now is, along by y* place where Joseph Han- son's house now is, unto s*^ Sheffield's lands for more than 60 years last past, & he wel knows y" s** way was always kept open & improved by Every Body y* had occasion to use it." According to the Historical Memoranda (No. 282) in the Dover Enquirer, Tobias Hanson lived where is now the Edmund J. Lane house, on Central Avenue ; and Joseph Hanson lived where the Drew house is, on Hanson St. William Sheffield, whose lands are mentioned above, had also a grant at Oyster river. (See Meader's Neck and RoyalVs Cove.)
The Pound is again mentioned Sept. 5, 173.5, when Eliphalet Coffin conveyed to Joseph Hanson two acres of land in Dover, bounded S. by y" highway y' leads to Littleworth, W. by David Watson's two-acre home lot, N. by " Leah's field, as is so called," and E. by " a small gore
claimed by Mr. Richard Waldron y' lyes over against V pound : — being the very same land where Tristram Coffin, father of Eliphalet, formerly lived." An orchard on it is men- tioned. These two acres, with an orchard thereon, are mentioned in P^liphalet Coffin's will of Jan. 15, 1734-5, proved in 1736. The above- named Tristram was the son of Peter Coffin. Dr. Quint supposes Tris- tram's garrison to have stood near the house of the late Gov. Martin, and the second Tristram's house to have been near the residence of the late ©r. Thomas H. Cushing.
Richardson's Hill. This name is given to the eastern slope of the "• Falls hill" in Durham village, from the Richardson house near the top, formerly a public house. "• Capt. Joseph Richardson's tavern " is men- tioned in the Durham records July 8, 1793. He had previously served in the Revolutionary war. (See Falls Hill.)
Rivers. Going from Newmarket to Dover, the Boston and Maine R. R. crosses the Pascassick river just after leaving Newmarket village. At this point Follefs brook empties into the river, and the neighborhood called Hallsville is to be seen at the left. The next stream crossed by the rail- way is Lamprey river., here spanned by the so-called Diamond bridge. This is in the Packer's Falls district, before arriving at Bennefs crossing., where trains from opposite directions often pass each other. Farther on, between the %o-cii\\e*\ Mill-road cross- ing and the Durham station, the rail- way crosses the fresh part of Oyster river., here contracted to a mere brook. Beyond the Madbury station
Landmarks in Ancient Dover
281
it crosses the Bellamy^ and, just be- fore entering Dover city, tlie river Cochecho^ otherwise Cocheco.
Rochester Hill. Tliis name is sometimes given to Haven's Hill, in Rochester, around which the first set- tlers of the town gathered, and here built a meeting house in 1731.
Senter's Swamp. (See page 231.) Henry Senter's name is signed to a Dover petition of 1685. {Prov. Pap., 1: 561.)
Stephen's Point. (See p. 239-40.) Those who are fond of ascribing an Indian origin to the names of places, such as Herod's Cove, SioadderCs Creek, etc., will be glad to know, in connection with Stephen's Point, oth- erwise Stephen Jethro's or Jether's, that an Indian named Peter Jethro is mentioned in 1676. (See Prov. Paj)., 1 : 358, 360.)
Stony Point. This name is given to a point on the west side of Back
river, between the mouth and the Three Creeks.
Upper and Lower Weir. The former is mentioned Jan. 22, 1770, when it was voted to build a new bridge '"■ over the upper ware, so calledi next below Capt. Tho' W^ Waldron's mills at Cochecho, below y* lower falls." This weir, of course, was at the lower bridge in the city proper, at the foot of Washington St. The Loiver Weir, or Ware, as it was usually called, was, it is said, at or a little below the foot of Young street.
Swadden's Creek. (See p. 248-9.) Philip Swadden was in N. H. as early as 1633. (Prov. Pap., 1 : 72.)
Wild-Cat Road. This road leads from Waldron's Hill, Barrington, to the district derisively called "France," and thence to Leathers City. Wild- Cat Hill is about half a mile from Barrington Post Office.
282
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
A List of the Lots in Franklin City, with the Names of their respective Owners when first laid out :
Levi Dearborn. Benjamin Butler. Richard Hart. Thomas Beck. Tobias Tuttle. Timothy Pinkham. William K. Atkinson. Benjamin Moore. Isaac Waldron. Timothy Winn. Mark Simes. Moses Little. Benjamin PIaskell. Samuel Carter. Richard Hart. Isaac Waldron. Cogswell & Pinkham. Joseph Smith, Dover. Thomas Cogsw^ell, Jr. Nathaniel Williams. Jeremiah Stickney. James Mc Clary. Moses Canney. Nathaniel Williams. Francis Cogswell. Greenleaf Cilley. Edward J. Long. William K. Atkinson. Joseph Parsons. David Stone. Thomas Leavit. Samuel Hill.
Abner & William Blasdell. Cogswell & Pinkham. John Locke. Carr Leavitt. Cogswell & Pinkham. Samuel Storer. John Dearborn. James H. McClary. Cogswell «fe Pinkham. Isaac Waldron. Cogswell & Pinkham.
|
1. |
John Rindge. |
44. |
|
2. |
Cogswell & Pinkham. |
45. |
|
3. |
Daniel French. |
46. |
|
4. |
Charles Pierce. |
47. |
|
5. |
Isaac Waldron. |
48. |
|
6. |
William Robie, Jr. |
49. |
|
7. |
William K. Atkinson. |
50. |
|
8. |
Edward Gove. |
51. |
|
9. |
Thomas Ham. |
52. |
|
10. |
Samuel Sherburne. |
53. |
|
11. |
Nathaniel White. |
54. |
|
12. |
Edward Swain. |
55. |
|
13. |
Samuel Hill. |
56. |
|
14. |
William K. Atkinson. |
57. |
|
15. |
Nathaniel Upham. |
58. |
|
16. |
Moses Canney. |
59. |
|
17. |
Joseph Tilton. |
60. |
|
18. |
William Cogswell. |
61. |
|
19. |
Thomas Pinkham, Jr. |
62. |
|
20. |
Thales G. Yeaton. |
63. |
|
21. |
Samuel Sherburne. |
64. |
|
22. |
Capt. Joseph Smith. |
65. |
|
23. |
Stephen Davis. |
66. |
|
24. |
Samuel Sherburne. |
67. |
|
25. |
John P. Gilman. |
68. |
|
26. |
Richard Hart. |
69. |
|
27. |
Cogswell & Pinkham. |
70. |
|
28. |
Aaron Wingate. |
71. |
|
29. |
Thomas Furber. |
72. |
|
30. |
Richard Dame. |
73. |
|
31. |
Noah .Jewett. |
74. |
|
32. |
Moses Little. |
75. |
|
33. |
Cogsw:ell & Pinkham. |
76. |
|
34. |
Samuel Tenney. |
77. |
|
35. |
Andrew Simpson. |
78. |
|
36. |
Ballard Pinkham. |
79. |
|
37. |
Abner Greenleap. |
80. |
|
38. |
Isaac Lord. |
81. |
|
39. |
Joshua Hartford. |
82. |
|
40. |
Ezra Hutchings. |
83. |
|
41. |
Andrew Simpson. |
84. |
|
42. |
Nathaniel White. |
85. |
|
43. |
Nathaniel Clough. |
86. |
Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
283
87. Moses L. Neal.
88. James Tisdell.
89. Richard Dame.
90. Ephraim Blasdell.
91. Samuel Hill.
92. Thomas Johnson.
93. Ebenezer Grummet.
94. Samuel Sherburne.
95. Thomas Johnson.
96. Richard Hart.
97. Cogswell & Pinkham.
98. William Robie, Jr.
99. Cogswell & Pinkham.
100. WiLLiAJvi K. Atkinson.
101. Isaac Waldron.
102. Nathaniel White.
103. Isaac Waldron.
104. Nathaniel Folsom.
105. Andrew Simpson.
106. Benjamin Deaiiborn.
107. Ebenezer Smith.
108. Clement Jackson.
109. Samuel Tennet.
110. Cogswell & Pinkham.
111. Moses Canney.
112. Cogswell & Pinkham.
113. Thomas Beck.
114. Moses Canney.
115. Ebenezer Chadwick.
116. Moses Canney.
117. Cogswell & Pinkham.
118. James Tisdell.
119. Cogswell & Pinkham.
120. Richard Hart.
121. Ebenezer Parsons.
122. Ebenezer Smith.
123. Andrew Simpson.
124. Coffin D. Norris.
125. Josiah Bartlett.
126. Ephraim Drew.
127. Cogswell & Pinkham.
128. Cogswell & Pinkham.
129. James Laighton.
130. Greenleaf Cilley.
131. Cogswell & Pinkham.
132. Nathaniel White.
133. Nathaniel White.
134. Jonathan Cilley. '
135. William Hooper.
136. Moses Canney.
137. Samuel Sherburne.
Only one house remains to perpetuate the memory of Franklin city. This was conveyed to John T. Emerson by Ballard Pinkliam July 20, 1821. The bill of sale, still extant, specifies it as a " dwelling house on the Franklin Pro- priety, so called, being the house I lately lived in," etc. This house was taken up Oyster river in a gundelow and became the residence of Mr. Emerson, whose descendants still own it. It is the first house on the right side of the turnpike road, below Beard's creek.
284 Landmarks in Ancient Dover.
ERRATA.
Page 13, 2d col., line 28, for " trackt " read tract.
" 40, 1st col., line 19, for " Matthew Giles " read Matthew Williams, who, according to the early records, seems to have been a man of unfortunate propensities.
" 67, 2d col., line 30, for " Dureseme " read Duresme.
" 88, footnote, for " asigner " read a signer.
" 92, footnote, for " G. W. Tuttle " read C. W. Tuttle.
" 147, 2d col., line 39, for "A point " read A brook.
" 151, footnote, ^Nicholas Medar appears to have been the grandson of WiUiam FoUet.
" 198, 1st col., line 39, for " shore " read share.
" 213, footnote, "Union Parish" should be Parish of Unity, which is men- tioned in Humphrey Chadbourne's will of May 25, 1667.
•' 225, 1st col., line 29, " ahove Hook Island Falls," should be below them.
The accompanying Map of the Landmarks in Ancient Dover has been specially prepared in accordance with this work by Harry E. Hayes, A. B., B. S. of Boston, Mass. — but of Ancient Dover ancestry — a graduate of Harvard University, and of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. On a map of this size only the chief Landmarks, of course, could be given, but the situation of the remainder can be easily found by reference to the text.
The plan of Franklin City has been reduced from the original plan, drawn by Benjamin Dearborn of Portsmouth.
That of the Moat is from a drawing made about fifty years ago by an author- ized land-surveyor.
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