Full text of "History of Coos County, New Hampshire ."

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Itibsrul HrU

BEQUEST OF
ARTHUR STANLEY PEASE

HISTORY

-OF-

Coos County,

New Hampshire,

(ILLUSTRATED.)

Land of the Forest and the Rock!

Of dark-blue Lake and mighty River!

Of Mountains, reared aloft to mock

The storm's career, the earthquake's shock.

Our own Coos forever!

— Adapted.

SYRACUSE :
W . A . F E R G U S S O N & Co.

L888.

By W. A. Fergusson & Co.

1111 JOURNA1 CO.,

i-KIN I liKS AND BINDERS,

SYRACUSE, N. Y.

TO those who have secured the preparation of this history: to those
who have so generously and liberally furnished the illustrations; to
those who have contributed their time and labor to make this a reli-
able repository of valuable information of the days of "auld Jang syne";
to those well-wishers of the enterprise whose cheering words and willing
assistance have ever been at our service; to these, and those unnumbered
ones who have extended manifold courtesies to us, we hereby express our
hearty thanks, and trust that the perusal of this volume will be a pleasure
and a satisfaction to them during long years to come. To compile even
the history of a single county requires much time, research, watchful care
and discrimination in order to record facts and not hearsay. " Out of
monuments, names, words, proverbs, traditions, records, fragments of
stone, passages of books, and the like, we doe save and recover somewhat
from the deluge of time."

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER. PAGE.

I. "THE COUNTY OF COOSS." 17

Organization— Towns Included— Extent-
Boundaries — Population, Agricultural and
Manufacturing Statistics. Etc., 1880— Loca-
tions, Grants, and Purchases— Altitudes.

II Geology 20

Rock Formations— The Age of Ice— Glacial
Drift— Upper Till— Lower Till— Champlain
Drift— Recent or Terrace Period— Modified
Drift of Connecticut River, Connecticut
Lake, to West Stewartstown — Upper Con-
necticut Valley — Karnes— Deltas.

III. Topography 26

The Water Sheds— Carriage Roads— Lumber
Roads— The Water Basins— The Streams,
Connecticut. Magalloway, Androscoggin —
Source of the Connecticut— Description and
Scenery — Second Lake, Connecticut Lake —
Tributaries of the Connecticut — Lake Ma-
galloway — Magalloway River — Androscog-
gin River— Their Tributaries— Ci >untry along
the Maine Line— Bogs and Peat Swamps.

IV. Scenery of Coos 34

Pittsburg — Crown Monument — Megantic
Mountain —Headwaters of St. Francis and
Chaudiere Rivers— Along the New Hamp-
shire and Quebec Boundary— Third Lake—
Mt. Carmel— Mt. Agizcoos— Cascades— Little
Diamond Falls— Huggins Branch— Dixville
Notch— 'The Old Man of Dixville"— The
Flume— Cascade Brook— Huntington Cas-
cade—Scenery of Errol— West Stewartstown
to North Stratford — Groveton— Stark— Mi-
lan— Lancaster— Jefferson — Randolph— Dal-
ton — Shelburne — Gorham.

Y. Indian History 40

Aboriginal Indians — Iroquois — Mohawks —
Algonquins — New England Tribes — Wig-
wams—Social Life, Government, and Lan-
guage—Food—Religion—The St. Francis In-
dians — Gen. Amherst —Rogers' Expedition —
Destruction of St. Francis Village— Retreat
and Sufferings of tin- "Rangers."

CHAPTER. PAGE.

VI. White Mountains 46

Topography— Mt. Starr Kin- Group— Mt.
Carter Group— .Alt. Washington Range-
Cherry Mountain District— Mt. Willey I.
—History— Mythology— First Yisited— Win-
throp's Account—Darby Field's Route up
the Mountains — Josselyn's Description of
Scenery— The Crystal Hills— Eater Visits-
Western Pass, or •'Notch"— First Settlemenl
— Scientific Visitors — Sceneryofthe Notch
Nash and Sawyer's Grant— "A Horse through
the Notch"— Sawyer's Rock— First Articles
of Commerce— Tenth New Hampshire Turn-
pike—Scientific Explorations— First Settlers
Among the Mountains— Nancy's Rock and
Brook— First House in the Notch— Craw-
ford's Cabin on the Summit — Summit House
— Tip-Top House — Carriage Road — Glen
House — Mt. Washington Railway— Mountain
Tragedies— ••Among the Clouds" —Signal
Station— Summer Hotels.

VII. Flants 58

Trees — Shrubs— Grasses— Introduced Plants
— Alpine Plants.

VIII. Game of Coos Counts 60

Beaver — Dams— Moose— Description, I
Etc. — Deer, Caribou, Etc. — Horns — Bear —
Wolverine — Lynx — Otter- Fisher Sable —
Raccoon — Gray Squirrel — Wild (feese and
Ducks — Ruffed Grouse or Partridge Canada
Grouse or Spruce Partridge— Wild Pigeons.

IX. Early History 72

Early Trappers and Hunters -Indian Threats
— Capture of Stark ami Eastman Powers'
Expedition — Extracts from Journal — Fort
Wentworth first Settlers Townships, and
Date of ( rrants Earlj Population.

X. Early Settlers 77

Character of Early Settlers of New Hamp-
shire — characteristics of Pioneers of < loos-
Hardships Endured Religion ami Educa-
tion Traditional stories — Improvement in
Condition -Primitive Houses. Furniture,

Contents.

CHAPTER

XI.

XH.

XIII

XI\

XV.

xvi

PAGE.

Etc.— Manners, Customs. Labor, Dress, Fare,
Etc.— Description of Early Homes, Kitchens,
Utensils, Stoves, Etc.
Bevolutionar? Period and Early Roads. . . 85
"War of the Revolution— Frontier and Scout-
ing Parties— Proposed Expedition— Conven-
tion of Towns— Orders. Receipts, Etc.— Early
Roads— Petitions Concerning Roads and New
County — Roads in 1797 and 1803 — Tenth
New Hampshire Turnpike— Jefferson Turn-
pike, Etc.
Survey and Marking of New Hampshire

and Maine Boundary 93

Boundary Surveys— Smuggling, Etc., 1812-
1815 — Boundary Commissions — " Indian
Stream Territory"— Indian Stream War-
Musters and Militia.

Resources, Attractions, Traditions.
Sports, and Policy of Coos Concern-
ing Fish and Came 106

Upper Cohos— Coos— Abenaquis— "Captain
Joe" and "Captain John— King Philip—
Metallak— Robbins and Hinds —Mountain
Ranges— Lakes— Rivers— Fish and Game—
Si „ , S e~-W( lives— Deer— Bear— Fox— Salmon
—Trout— Summer Travel-Railroad Facihties
— Protection of Forests — Sports — Game
Laws— True Legislation .
The Timber Interests of Northern Coos . 123
Spruce Belt— Hard Wood Timber— The Sugar
Maple— Other Woods— Resources and Man-
ufacture—Opportunities for Investment.
Coos County Press: Agricultural Socie-
ties; Railroads • 131

White Mountain 3Egis— Coos County Demo-
crat— Coos Republican —Prohibition Her-
ald—Independent (now Lancaster) Ga-
zette— Coos Herald. Etc.— Northern Sentinel
— Colebrook Weekly News— News and S
nel— Whitefield Blade — Coos Advertiser—
The Mountaineer. Etc.— Coos Agricultural
Society— Coos and Essex County Agricultural
i ity— Railroads: Atlantic and St. Law-
rence—White Mountains —Portland and
Ogdensburg— Upper Coos.

Masi >nry in Coos 139

North Star Lodge, Lancaster — Templar
Masonry in Northern New Hampshire-
North Star Chapter, Lancaster — Evening
Star Lodge, Colebrook — Gorham Lodge.
Gorham -White Mountain Lodge, Whitefield
—Officers of Grand Lodge, Grand Chapter
and Grand Commandi >s County.

Tin. Soldiers of Coos 16°

Public Buildings 195

CHAPTER. PAGE.

XIX. National and State Officers 199

Early Representatives —Classed Representa-
tives — Senators — County Officers.

XX. Bench and Bar 207

History of the Courts— Bench and Bar-
Northern Judicial District.

CONNECTICUT VALLEY,
DIVISION.

-LOWER

XVII.
Will.

XXI. LANCASTER ....261

Origin of Name — Charter— Names of Grant-
ees — Situation — Scenery. Etc. — Climate,
Reason of Its Pleasantness— Change of
Boundaries and Location.

XXII. Lancaster.— (Continued.) 268

First Settlements— Corn planted —Frost —
Difficulty of Travel — Canoes — First White
Woman — Supplies from Portsmouth or
Haverhill —"Samp Mortar"— ••Cars"— First
Mills — Revolution — Emmons Stockwell
•would stay"— Major Jonas Wilder— Rich
S,,il— Manure thrown away— Village Plot-
First two-story house in Coos County— First
Bridge — First Schools — Early Prices —
••Alarms During the War"— Early Settlers-
Residents, Polls, and Stock, 1793— David
Page petitions for more Land— Why '-Upper
Coos" did not elect Representative— Edwards
Bucknam granted mill privilege at North-
umberland Falls— Petition. Etc., Concerning
Taxes.

XXIII. Lancaster.— i Continued.) 276

Lancaster in 1795 and 1804 — Lancaster
Bridge Co.— Extracts from Joseph Brackett's
Diary, 1799 to 1801— Gen. Moses Hazen—
South Lancaster or "Cat Bow"— Lancaster
in 1810 —First Sabbath-School — 1820 -
1830 — Stores, Articles of Traffic, Etc.—
Freight —Mail. Vehicles. Etc. — 1810 — Ex-
tracts from A. N. Brackett's Diary — The
Great Hail Storm— Climatic and Weather
Records— Hon. John W.Weeks on Lancaster
in 1839—1840 to 1850— J. S. Brackett's Sum-
mary from 1850 to 1876— Village Streets—
1870 to 1887— Real Estate and Personal Prop-
erty— 1886.

XXIV. Lancaster.— (Continued.) -287

Brief Extracts from town Records. 1769 to
1834— First Town Meeting— First Town Clerk
—First Representative of "Upper Coos"—
Burying Field— Pound— Vote for President
and Senator— Assessment for Roads payable
in Wheat— Standard "half bushel"— Preach-
in-', Etc.— Concerning building Mills— Em-
mons Stockwell, Inn Keeper— Town Meet-

Contents.

CHAPTEE. PAGE.

ings, where held— School Districts— Meeting
House— Rev. Joseph Willard -Early Taverns
—Prices of Produce paid as Minister's Salary
— Licenses Granted -Barker's Location An-
nexed -First Fire Wards— Miscellaneous
tracts from later Town 1; Action of

Town in the Rebellion, Etc. — Centennial
Celebration — Freshets.

XXV. Lancaster. — (Continued.} 29 1

The Old Meeting House, Description of—
Pews — Pulpit— "Singers Seats" Dr
Foot Stove — Location of Meeting Hoi
Parson Willard— Members of the Congrega-
tion, Description of— Choir, Eti .

XXVI. Lancaster.— (Continued.) 299

Ecclesiastical — Early Pre a c h ing — First
Church — Confession of Faith and Covenant —
Original Members— First Pastor— "Parson"
Willard's Letter— "Parson" Willard's Dis-
missal — Other Pastors. — Orthodox Congre-
gational Church — Organization — Faith and
Covenant— Original Members -Pastors — New
Articles of Faith, Etc.— First Unitarian So-
ciety — Church Covenant — First Members-
Pastors — Prominent Men in the Church-
Officers — Ladies' Benevolent Society — Sun-
day-School — Rev. J. B. Morrison. — Methodist
Episcopal Church — Early Methodism — Or-
ganization — Pastors — Financial Condition.
— Baptist Church, Formation— Original Mem-
bers — Church Building. -St. Paul's Episco-
pal Church — Confirmation— Church Edifice
— Rectors.-— Catholicity in Coos -First Pub-
lic Service at Lancaster— Priests— Church
Building — Missions.

XXVII. Lancaster.— (Continued.) 323

Chronicles from B. I'. Kent's Diary.

XXVIII. Lancaster. — (Continued.) 333

Early Education, Etc. — The Public Library
— Schools— Union Graded School— Lancaster
Academy — Sketch of the First Principal—
•• Raising Men."

XXIX. Lancaster. — (Continued.) 342

Merchants — Manufacturers — Physicians,
Apothecaries and Druggists — Hoti

XXX. Lancaster. — (Continued.) 350

Civil List. Town Clerks. Selectmen, and Rep-
resentatives — Mails. Postoffices and Post-
masters — Lancaster Bank — White Mountain
Bank — Lancaster National Bank Lanca
Savings Bank — Siwooganock Savings Bank—
The New Cemetery— Societies, Grand Army,
Belief Corps, Etc.

XXXI. Lancaster. — (Continued. ) 359

Brief Personal Sketches— Miscellaneous.

i II upter. paq

XXXII. JEFFERSON

Name and Territory Embraced—]
Second Grants Second Charter — Petition
Incorporation— Record of First Town Meet-
ing—Names lit' Voters — Roads — J:
Taverns i:< sidi uts, Polk - and Im-

provements in 1812.

XXXIII. Jefferson.— i Continued.) 40 I

Population in 177.") 1790-1800— Scenery
ferson Hill — Traditions -Early Propri
—Col. Joseph Whippli — Early S First

Child— Pond of Safety— First White Woman
—Deborah Vieker or "Granny Stalbird"
First Communication — First Cows — Firs!
Barrel of Rum— Adino N. Brackett's Descrip-
tion of. Jefferson in 1821 — Boundaries — Pop-
ulation -Valuation.

XXXIV. Jefferson.— (Continued.) 11"

Civil List — Representatives, Town Clerks.
Selectmen. Supervisors.

XXXV. Jefferson. — i ( lontinued.) 113

Educational Interests— Action of th< Town
in Relation to Schools 1798-1827— "Old North
School-House" -School Officers— Superin-
tending Committee — Board of Education.

XXXVI. Jefferson. — (Continued.) U5

Ecclesiastical History— First Sermon -Bap-
tist Church- -Names of Early Members- Pas-
tors—Free Will Baptist Church— Mem 1
Pastors — Elder Morse — Methodism— Prog-
ress Leaders— Class — Members — Church
Organized — Pastors— Sabbath-School.

XXXVII. Jefferson.— (Continued.) 117

Miscellaneous— Cherry Mountain Slidf — Jef-
ferson Meadows Postoffices —Lumber —

Merchants— Physician — Summer Hotels and
Boarding Houses -Benjamin Hicks— Benja-
min H.Plaisted— Daniel Austin— A goodstory.

XXXVIII. KILKENNY

A.N. Brackett's Description — Settled Por-
tions Attached to Jeffi i -on.

XXXIX. ( IARROLL 427

Carroll, location of — Boundaries -Bn
Woods Soil— Pioneers, Etc.- I Early

Mills.

XL. Carroll— (Continued. | 130

First Town Record— Bretton Woods— First
dents Inventory — Non-resident Land
Owners — Highway Districts Established —
School Mi larly Births Recorded.

XLI. Carroll. (Continued.) 134

Civil List— Action in the Rebellion— Popula-
tion Relii Valuation — I

ness Interests —Hoi

Contents.

CHAPTER.

PAGE.

XLII. WHITEFIELD 447

Whitefield's Petition for Grant — The Grant
— Charter of Whitefields— Considerations for
Land Granted — Paul and Benning Went-
worth — Other Grantees — Gerrish Survey —
The First Moderator— Capt. Jonas Minot —
Samuel Minot.

XLIII. Whitefield.— (Continued.) 455

Organizing under the Grant — First Recorded
Civil Officers — Important Sale of Lands, 1795
— Col. Joseph Kimball— Proprietors' Meet-
ing, December 3, 1800 — Committee and its
Powers— Abstract of Proprietors' Records —
First Draft of Lots— Names of Grantees with
Number of Lot.

XLIV. Whitefield.— (Continued. ) ... .460

"What's in a Name" — Rev. George Whitefield

— Whitefield — Petition for Incorporation,
Etc.— First Town Meeting and Officers, 1805
— Major John Burns — Capt. David Burns,
Etc. — Col. Josepli Kimball — John McMaster

— First Innkeeper, Asa King — Col. Joseph
Colby — First Merchant, William Dodge —
First Inventory — Early Roads.

XLV. Whitefield.— (Continued.) 469

Ecclesiastical. Provisions for Religious Wor-
ship — Free Will Baptists — Congregationalists
— Adventists— Union Meeting-Honse — Meth-
odism — Young Men's Christian Association
— Catholicism — Temperance — Schools- -Soci-
eties.

XL VI. Whitefield. — (Continued.) 479

lit cords Concerning School-House, Indian
Stream Soldiers and Town House — Action of
the Town Concerning the Rebellion — Repre-
sentatives—Town Officers.

XLVTI. Whitefield.— (Continued.) 482

Physicians — Lawyers, Etc. — Merchants, Man-
ufacturers, and Mills— White Mountain Lum-
ber Co. — Present Business Interests — East
Whitefield Farmers' Club and White Mount-
ain Grange — White Mountain View House.

XLVIH. DALTON 506

Grantees — Name, Apthorp — Dalton — Tris-
tram Dalton — Petition for a Division — Moses
Blake Petitions for a Ferry — Recommenda-
tion of Bloss — Petitions for Taxing Non-
i; ( sidents — Petitions for Tax for Repairing
Roads — Petition of Walter Bloss for a Ferry
— First Settlers.

XLIX. Dalton.— (Continued.) 512

Art Authorizing First Town Meeting — First
Town Meeting — Dalton — Lands and Live
Stock, 1809— Town Officers— Town Expenses
— First Three School Districts — John's River
Bridge — Extracts from Town Records, 1810-
1884.

chapter. page.
L. Dalton. — (Continued.) 519

Early Births— Early Marriages— Early Resi-
dents— Ear Marks — Dalton in 1821 — Early
Inn Keepers— Whitefield Road— Bridge across
the Connecticut — Carriages — Mills — Resi-
dents' Names, 1849— Civil War, Action of the
Town, Etc. — Mines — Murder — Personal
Sketches.

LI. Dalton.— (Continued.) 529

Ecclesiastical. Organization of Congrega-
tional Church — Original Members — Addi-
tional Members — Action in Relation to a
Church Building— Erection of Church — Dea-
cons — Ministers — Meeting House — Parson-
age — Methodist Church.

LH. Dalton. — (Continued.) 535

Civil List, Representatives, Selectmen, Town
Clerks.

LIU. NORTHUMBERLAND 539

Origin of the Name "Northumberland" —
Township first Granted — Regranted — Incor-
porated — Soil — Rivers— Cape Horn Mountain
— Scenery — Early Population — Early Build-
ings — Charter — ■ Names of Grantees — Diffi-
culty with Woodbury.

LIV. Northumberland. — (Continued.) 542

Early Settlers — Thomas Burnside — Daniel
Spaulding — Capt. Jeremiah Eames — Early
Proprietors — Proprietors' Meetings — Action
of the Same — First Bridges — Last Meeting of
the Proprietors, 1810.

LV. Northumberland. — (Continued.) 546

Petition for Road from Couway 1780 — Report
of Committee relative to said Road 1780 —
Petition of Enoch Bartlett 1780— Petition
for a Ferry 1785— Petition for a Lottery 1791
— Petition for a New County 1791 — Petition
to Tax for a Bridge 1799.

LVI. Northumberland. — (Continued.) 549

Town Officers — Selectmen — Town Clerks —
Treasurers — Representatives — -Action of
Town on Various Matters.

LVII. Northumberland. — (Continued.) 554

Ecclesiastical— Methodist Episcopal Church
— Present Members— Ammonoosuc Lodge, I.
O. O. F. —Members— Lodge of Good Templars
— M ember s— S c h o o 1 s — Physicians — Fort
Wentworth and Revolution — Soldiers of the
War of 1812 and Mexican War — First Judge
of Probate — First Register of Probate — Bus-
iness Interests, Etc.

LVIII. STARK 562

Stark— "Devil's Slide"— "Devil's Hop-yard"
— Christine Lake and Percy Summer Club—
Soil— Minerals— Percy— Boundaries — Legis-
lative Acts— Petition for Incorporation —

( lONTENTS.

CHAPTER. PAGE.

N;unes of Grantees— Proprietors' Meeting —
Records, Etc.

LIX. Stark.— (Continued.') 570

i arly Setters— Residents in 1803— E a r 1 y
Births and Marriages— First Town Meeting
—Extracts from Records in Relation to
Schools, Roads. Etc.— Civil List.

LX. Stabk. — (Continued.) 575

Union Church — Missionaries— Schools and
Districts — Town Hall — Town Library —
Action of Town in the Rebellion — Lumber

— Business Interests— Brief Sketches.

CONNECTICUT VALLEY,— UPPER

DIVISION.

I. XI. ( OLEBROOK 583

Location, Size,Topography and General Feat-
ures — Soil — Productions — First Settlers-
Indians, Metallak and Wife— Petition for
Incorporation— Sketch of Petitioners.

LXII. Colebrook.— (Continued.) 587

Colebrook from 1796 to 1815— Road through
Dixville Notch— Whiskey Manufacture— Con-
tract of Smith & Pratt— Their Various En-
terprises — McAllaster Mills — Dagway —
Amount Invested by Smith & Pratt.

LXIII. Colebrook. — (Continued.) 590

Invoice of 1816— Residence of Tax Payers-
Number of Polls, Horses and Cattle— Taxes
of 1816— Cold Seasons of 1816 and 1817—
Burning of Cotton Factory— Rebuilding of

the Same — Roasting Pigs — John Whitte-
more.

LXIV. Colebrook.— (Continued ) 594

Education in Colebrook — The Common
Schools — Colebrook Academy — Original
Grantees— Grant of land from the State-
Mercantile Interests —Traders of former Days
and Now— Fire of July 24, 1870 -Rebuilding
of Village— Odd Fellows— Physicians.

LXV. Colebrook.— (Continued.) 600

Postoffices and Postmasters in Colebrook —
Saw-mills —Grist-mills— Starch-mills— Man-
ufacture of Potasli and Pearlash.

LXVI. Colebrook.— (Continued.) 604

The Churches of Colebrook— Organization
of Congregational Church— Creed and Doc-
trine -Pastors of the Church— The Metho-
dist Church— Sketches of Members of the
Churches— East Colebrook Church.

LXYII. Colebrook.— (Continued.) 616

Early Settlers— old Documents.

LXYIII. Colebrook.— (Continued.) 626

Civil List — Selectmen, Treasurers, Town
Clerks and Representatives—*' lusion.

PAGE.

.649

CHAPTER.

LXIX. DIXVILLE

Roads Boti Is Scenery, i
LXX. STEWARTSTOWN 651

Grants and Grantees — Pi tition i 1795) to

Assi ss Tax on Non-Residen1 Lands -Petition
to Amend Acl of Incorporation— Call for
First Town Meeting— Action of Said Meeting
— Boundaries — Second Town Meeting —
Election of First Representative First In-
ventory—Settlers before 1800— Early Times
— Hardships Endured— First Licenses— War
of 1812— Historic half-bushel— First River
Road — Earmarks — Taverns and Hoi
Corporations -Diamond and Nathan Ponds,
how named— Metallak— Janus Miner Halliard
— The Great Hail Storm— Bridges across the
Connecticut.

LXXI. Stewartstown.-- (Continued.) 659

Description, Lots, and Settlement— West
Stewartstown -Settled and Unsettled Terri-
tory — Ponds and Streams— Soil and Minerals
— Game— Horses, Cattle and Sheep— Grasses
— Grass Seed — Journeys to Portland — Roads
and Sleighs— Clothing — Potatoes — Wheat,
Oats, and other Products.

LXXII. Stewartstown. — (Continued.) 664

Settlers prior to 1800— Non-Resident Land
—Settlers Early in this Century— Settlers in
1856 — Extracts from Records giving Action
of Town on Roads, Soldiers. Etc. --Civil List:
Representatives, Selectmen, Town Clerks -
Votes for Governor.

LXXHI. Stewartstown.— (Continued.) 669

Salts and Pearlashes— Flax — Brick— Leather
— Shoes and Harnesses — Blacksmiths — Saw-
Mills— Grist-Mills-Starch Factories-Shingle
and Clapboard Mills— Planing and Wood-
turning — Machine Shops — Wheelwrights --
Furniture and House Furnishings— Woolen
and Carding Mills — Foundry and Tinsmith—
Merchants and Traders— Physicians, Etc.

LXXIV. Stewartstown.- (('ontinued.) 674

Ecclesiastical-- Congregational Church —
Organization— Names of First Membi
Pastors — Sunday-school. Christian Church -
Organization Action of the Church
Original Membership— Extracts from Records
Organization of "Union" Church —
Membership and Dal - oi l;< ci ptior E
tracts from Records and other Bistorj -Ed-
ucational Intel . 3ts- First School District. I .:■■.

LXXV. CLARKSVLLLE 689

Boundaries- Origin <<i' Xante- First Propri-
etors Early Settlers- First Town Meel
—Early Man

Contents.

CHAPTER. PAGE.

LXXVI. PITTSBURG 696

Pit1 sburg — Boundaries — First Explored —
To] » tgraphy — Lakes — Streams — Ponds —
Rocks — Minerals.

LXXYII. Pittsbdbg. — (Continued.) .700

Exploration in 1789 — Resources — First
Settlers — Permanent Settlers — Ebenezer
Fletcher — Growth of the Settlement.

LXXVIII. Pittsburg.— (Continued.) 705

Action and Report of Legislative Com-
mittees in 1824 Concerning Titles under
King Philip's Deed.

LXXIX. Pittrburg.— (Continued.) 707

Progress and Growth for the Next Decade —
Independent Government — Blanchard's Ar-
rest—Incorporation — Kimball B. Fletcher —
Tornado.

LXXX. Pittsburg. — (Continued.) 712

Legislative Action Concerning Pittsburg,
is if 1867— Action of Town in the Rebellion
—Civil List.

LXXXI. Pittsburg.— (Continued.) 717

The First Church — Religious Societies -
Schools — Agriculture — Connecticut River
Lumber Co.— Business, Etc.— Upper Con-
necticut River and Lake Improvement Co. —
Upper Coos Railroad — Advantages to Pitts-
lmrg.

LXXXII. COLUMBIA 721

Grant of Township — Signers to Petition —
Wales's Location — Boundaries — Lime Pond-
First Town Meeting- Resident Tax List —
Polls and Ratable Estate in 1810— Valuation
of Buildings in 1824— Schools— Town Offi-
cers' Fees— Politics— Cemeter

LXXXIII. Columbia.— (Continued.) 725

Pioneers. Abel Larnard — Abel Hobart—
The Wallaces — Noah Buffington — Philip
Jordan — Benjamin Jordan.

LXXXIV. Columbia.— (Continued.) 731

Mills— Pearlashes and Potash— Tanning and
Shoe-making — Cloth Dressing — Pot-
Distilleries and Starch-Mills —Ferry and
Toll Bridge— Merchants- Stores.

LXXXV.— Columbia.— (Continued.) 735

Civil List — Representatives, Town Clerks
and Selectmen — War of tl llion— -Sta-

tistics of 1S8G.

LXXXYI. Columbia.— Continued.) 738

Church History— Early Services— Columbia
Church — Christian Church— Profession of
Faith— Preachers— Church Edifice— Deacon

John Annis.

CHAPTER. PAGE.

LXXXVII. STRATFORD 744

Introductory — Woodbury — Names of Gran-
tees — Difficulty Concerning Boundaries —
Transfers Prior to 1772— Proprietors' Action
— Call for Meeting — Gov. Wentworth's De-
cision.

LXXXVIII. Stratford. -( Continued. ) 748

Stratford — Conditions of Charter — Grantees'
Names, with Number of Lot — First Settlers
— First Woman Settler — Contest of Skill-
Brief Description of Settlers and their
Families— Description and Topography of
Town— The First Settlements — Pitches Al-
lotted — Extracts From Proprietors' Records;
Concerning Mills, Town Plot, Lots and
Roads, Trouble about First Grist-Mill— First
Settlers have First Pitches.

LXXXIX. Stratford.— (Continued.) 754

The Revolution— Soldiers' Claims and Orders
—Condition of Matters, Taxes, Etc., in 1778
— Petition for Abatement and Incorporation.
1778 — First Settlers, Improvements and
Stock, 1777— Petition for a Guard, 1780—
Certificate, Burnside's Ferry, 1786— Petition
for a New County, 1791— Petition for Abate-
ment of Taxes.

XC. Stratford. — (Continued.) 759

Development, Growth and Population —
Early Officers— First Marriage— The Town
of Stratford— Call for First Town Meeting,
Etc.— Survey — Extract from Town Records
—War of 1812— Great Civil War— Stratford
Hollow; Business, Etc.— Methodist Church.

XCI. Stratford.— I Continued.) 765

Civil List: Clerks, Selectmen, Treasurers,
Representatives.

XCII. Stratford.— (Continued.) 7G7

North Stratford; Business Interests, Rail-
road, Postoiliec— Hinman's Island— Baptist
Church — Education — Hotels— Societies —
Granite State Stoek-Farm— Mills— Physi-
cians — Lawyers — Brief Personal Sketches.

ANDROSCOGGIN DIVISION.

XCI1I. BERLIN 783

Intrc idue tory— T o p o g r a p h y— S c e n e r y—
Mountains. Streams, Etc.— Tinkers Brook.
Minerals, Etc. — Act of Incorporation— Call
for First Town Meeting— Action of First
Town Meeting -Residents' Names and Ages,
1829— Residents, Stock, and Improvements
in 1830— Name* of Voters, by Decades.

XCTV. Berlin.— (Continued.) 788

Early Settlers -First House (William Ses-
sions) — Second House (The Lowes and

( '( INTENTS.

CHAPTER. PAGE,

Cates) — Simon Evans —Joseph Wheeler —
The Thompsons — Samuel Blodgett — Th<
Wheeler Daniel Davis— The Bean Family —
Joseph Blodgett- Hazen and John chand-
ler- Merrill C. Forist John V. Dustin-
Lorenzo Mason— Past and Present Business
Interests — Thomas Green -J. D. Horner &
Co. — Daniel Green — Ira and Oliver H. Mason
and other Early Traders and Manufactur-
ers — Railroad, Station Agents, Ere.

KCV. Berlin.— (Continued.) 795

Civil List: Town Clerks, Selectmen, Treas-
urers. Representatives — Extracts from Town
Records — Berlin in the Rebellion — Action of
the Town.

XCVI. Berlin.— (Continued. > 799

Ecclesiastical: Church of Christ — Forma-
tion—Original Members — Confession of
Faith — Action of Church Meetings — Pas-
tors — Progress of the Church— Young Peo-
ple's Society of Christian Endeavor — The
Sunday-School — Organization of Parish —
Church Structure — Origin, Etc., Universalist
Church — Meetings— Articles of Faith— Par-
ish Society Organized— Church Building —
Sabbath-School— Catholic Church — Priests —
Church — Parsonage — St. Paul Evangelical
Lutheran Church Parish —Member s — Pas-
tor—Second Advent Meetings.

XCVII. Berlin.— (Continued.) 804

Education— First School— First Teacher —
School Districts— Amos Mann — Berlin High

School.

XCVIII. Berlin.— (Continued, i 808

Early Roads and Bridges— First Church Or-
ganization — Unusual Phenomena — Hotels —
Burial Places— Societies— Berlin Mills — For-
est Fibre Company — Glen Manufacturing
Compauy— White Mountain Pulp and Paper
Ci impany — Physicians — Lawyers — Mercan-
tile and Business Houses. 1887 — Report of
Selectmen, 1887.

XCIX. MILAN 830

Introductory — S u r f a c e— S o i 1— G rant —
Boundaries — Pioneers — Character of Set-
tlers — Inventory for 1825— Early Convey-
ances.

C. Milan.— (Continued.) 835

Act of Incorporation — First Town Meeting-
Extracts from Town Records— -Action in the
Rebellion— Civil List: Town Clerks, s
men, Treasurers, Representatives.

CI. Milan.— (Continued.) 838

Mills— Milan Mine— Business Interests.

CHAPTER. PAi

CH. Mii.av. (Continued.) 842

( Ihurch History Mi thodism Pasti

ent Society Original Members of Methodist

Church Church Building Calvinist Baptist

Society Free-Will Bap; ty Civil

War.

CHI. Milan. (Continued.)

Physicians, Past and Present A Model Mar-
riage Certificate.

CIV. DIMMER

B lundaries Origin of Name 1
Granted Surveyed— Early and Late]

Inventory of Polls and Personal Prop-
erty, 1849.

CV. Dcmmeu (Continued. 1 859

Petition for Incorporation— Civil List: Town
Clerks, Treasurers, Selectmen, and Repre-
sentatives Schoi

CVI. SHELBURNE 867

Name -Scenery and Attractions — Bound-
aries— First Grant Names of Grantees De-
scriptions of the Original Grant.

CVII. Shelburne.— (Continued . ) 871

Early Settlers: Hope Austin — Daniel Ox-
galls— Stephen Messer— Thomas Green Sam-
uel Wheeler — Jonathan Evans — Benjamin
Clemens— Bazeleel Gates— Simeon E\
Jonathan Peabody— Jonathan Lary— Peter
Poor— Nathaniel Loiter. Etc.

CVHI. Shelburne.— (Continued.) 876

Industries "Peggy" Davis's Mittens
Transportation — Mills — First Merchant
Early Business Interests -Loads -Taverns-
Bridges.

CIX. Shelburne.— (Continued.) 880

Religion— Church of Christ- Original Mem-
bers—Free Chinch -Free-Will Baptist
Church Reform Club — Union Mei
House Schools- Teachers White Mount-
ain Stock-Farm Judge Burbank
Mine- Hotels Soldiers Town Clerks and
ctmen from 1839.

CX. GOL1IAM

Scenery and Attractions -Boundaries Shel-
burne Addition Survey First Set:
Permanent Settler Other Settlers.

CXI. Gobham. (Continued.)

Early Difficulties in Way of Settlement
The "Addition" in 1821 and lal
School \n icdote Tl shet In-

crease in Population- Commencemen
Prosperity Andrew G. and Jonathan I

First Mills Village Site in 1835 Trade,
Traffic and Boti

Contents — Index to Towns.

CHAPTER. PAGE.

CXII. Gorham.— (Continued.) 900

Act of Incorporation of Gorham— First Town
Meeting— Town Officers— Tax-payers in 1836
School Districts Formed— Extracts from
Records and Civil List.

( XIII. Gorham — (Continued.) 906

Ecclesiastical History — Free-Will Baptist
Society — Congregational Church, Society,
Pastors— Methodist Episcopal Church— Uni-
versalist Society— Catholic Church— Schools.

CXLV. Gorham.— (Continued.) 911

Railroads— Grand Trunk Railway, Shops,
and Employes — Gorham Village — Hazen
Evans— Valentine L. Stiles— Progress of Gor-
ham— Fires— Buildings— Lawyers and Phy-
sicians—Business Interests, Manufacturers,
Bank, Merchants and Tradesmen.

CXV. Gorham.— (Continued.) 921

Hotels — Societies — Postmasters — Mascot
Mine — Thirty Years Changes.

CXVI. RANDOLPH 935

First Grant — Location — Scenery— Hotels-
Lots, Ranges, Improvements— Early Settlers.

chapter. PAGE ,

CXVH. Randolph.— (Continued.) 941

Act of Incorporation— First Town Meeting
Called — Representatives— Town Clerks— Se-
lectmen— Town Treasurers.

CXVIII. Randolph.— (Continued.) 943

Schools— Church History — Organization of
"Union Congregational Society "—War
Record— Pond of Safety — Prominent Citi-
zens.

CXIX. ERROL 948

Grantees —Lumbering— Soil— Boundaries—
Umbagog Lake — Androscoggin River Im-
provement Company— Errol Dam Company
—Old Families — Petitions of Proprietors,
Action of Town, Etc.

CXX. Errol.— (Continued.) 951

Application for Call of a Town Meeting-
Call, Notification and Action of First Town
Meeting— Act of Incorporation— Warrant for,
and First Town Meeting after Incorporation
—List of Voters, 1837— Civil List.

INDEX TO TOWNS.

PAGE.

BERLIN 783

CARROLL 427

CLARKSVILLE 689

COLEBROOK 583

COLUMBIA 721

DALTON 506

DIXVILLE 649

DUMMER 854

ERROL 948

GORHAM 888

JEFFERSON 399

KILKENNY 426

LANCASTER 261

PAGE.

MILAN 830

MILLSFIELD 955

NORTHUMBERLAND 539

PITTSBURG 696

RANDOLPH 935

SHELBURNE 867

STARK 562

STEWARTSTOWN 651

STRATFORD 744

SUCCESS 955

WENTWORTH'S LOCATION 95&

WHITEFIELD 447

BIOGRAPHIES AND ILLUSTRATIONS.

PAGE.

ABBOTT, CARL 239

ALDRICH, HON. EDGAR 254

ALGER, L. W 683

ARMINGTON, W. N 237

BALDWIN FAMILY 776

BALDWIN, W. L engraving 778

BARKER, ALBERT 248

BARNARD, LEVI 211

BEDEL, COL. HAZEN engraving 637

BENTON, HON. JACOB 217

BERLIN CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH engraving 802

BERLIN HIGH SCHOOL engraving 806

BROWNS' LUMBER COMPANY 492

BROWN, A. L engraving 493

BROWN. W. G engraving 194

BROWNS' LUMBER MILLS engraving 496

BUGBEE, DR. FRANK 397

BURBANK, JUDGE R. 1 884

BURKE, EDMUND 213

BURNS, HON. WILLIAM engraving 218

BURT, CHAS. W : 247

CARPENTER, PHILIP 237

CHAMBERLIN, R. N engraving 237

COOPER, S. W 247

COOS COUNTY MAP Facing 16

COSSITT, GEO. A 217

CRAWFORDS, THE 439

DALEY, D.J 240

DREW, HON. A. W engraving

DREW, EDWIN W 682

DREW. HON. I. W engraving

DUDLEY. J. II engraving 252

EATON, GEO. R engraving

EVANS. A. 1! 233

EVERETT, R. C 209

FARRAR. WM

FLETCHER II. A 215

FLETCHER, JUDGE EVERETT

FLINT. L. T 247

FOREST FIBRE MILLS

FURBISH. II. II Qgraving.

FURBISH, H. H., RESIDENCE OF

GOVE, DR. GEO. S engravin

GOSS, II. I

14: Biographies and Illustrations.

PAGE.

GRAY, HOSEA engraving 385

GREEN FAMILY 817

GREEN, DANIEL engraving 819

GREEN, S. D 821

HANNAFORD, S. G engraving 686

HARTSHORN, G. W 257

HASTINGS, M. A 230

HAZEN. L. T engraving 498

HEYWOOD. HON. WILLIAM engraving 214

HEYWOOD. HENRY 229

HINDS, ABRAHAM 210

HITCHCOCK. J. II engraving 927

HUTCHINS, F. D 237

HUTCHINSON, HON. L. H 853

HUTCHINSON, T. H engraving 931

JACOBS. F. C engraving 687

JORDAN, HON. C. B engraving 233

KENT, R. F engraving 366

KENT, HON. H. O engraving 372

KEYSAR, JOHN engraving 694

KING, CHARLES W 498

KING. THOMAS STARR 424

LADD, HON. W. S engraving 227

LANCASTER VILLAGE IN 1826, MAP OF 282

LARY, A. G engraving 926

LOMBARD, DR. LYMAN engraving 635

LOWE, PROF. T. S. C 425

LUND, H. W 257

MARSHALL, A. J engraving 394

McGREGORY, JOEL engraving 502

MERRILL, HON. S. R engraving 640

MERRILL, S. S engraving 646

MORRISON, REV. J. B 317

NO YES, CAPT. WARREN engraving 929

PAINE. HON. S. E 815

PARSONS FAMILY 627

PARSONS, HEZEKIAH engraving 629

PARSONS, HEZEKIAH engraving 633

PARSONS, JAMES I engraving 251

PEARSON, S. A 210

PERKINS, HON. N. R engraving 421

PEVERLY, THOMAS, JR 210

PHIFPS, JAMES M 851

PHIPPS, P. A. G. W 852

PICKARD, I. H 687

RAMSAY, IRA A 249

RAY, HON. OSSIAN engraving 222

RAY, O. P 250

REMICK, S. K 648

REMICK, D. C 256

REMICK, J. W 256

ROGERS, D. A 248

ROSEBROOK FAMILY 443

ROSEBROOK, PH1NEAS engraving 444

SCRIBNER, E. W engraving 827-828

SHEAFE, JOHN L 246

SHURTLEFF, W. H 250

SMITH, FRANK engraving 392

Biographies and [llust ration;

SOULE, CAPT. GILBERT engraving 559

SPAULDING. J. II engraving 387

STEPHENSON, TURNER 212

STUART, C.J 21]

THOMPSON, ALEX engraving 396

TRUE, DR. N. T 934

TWITCHEL, ADAMS engraving 848

TWITCHELL, GEN. A. S 229

TWITCHELL, V.V

VANDYKE, GEORGE engraving 390

WEEKS FAMILY :;7s

WEEKS. HON. J. W engraving 382

WELLS. JOHN S 212

WHEELER, DEXTER , engraving 822

WHEELER, R. H " engraving B24

WHIDDEN. HON. B. F 220

WIGHT, I. C engraving

WILLIAMS. GOV.J.W 212

WILLIAMS, GEO. C 221

WILLIAMS. J. 1 221

WISWALL, B. C engraving 692

YOUNG, GEN. IRA 245

HISTORY

COOS COUNTY

CHAPTER I.

"the county of cooss."

Organization — Towns Included — Extent — Boundaries — Population, Agricultural and Man-
ufacturing Statistics, etc., 1880 — Locations, Grants, and Purchases — Altitudes.

THE act establishing ' ' The County of Cooss " was approved December
24, 1803, and took effect March 5, 1805. It contained the towns of
Dalton, Whitefield, Bretton Woods, Bartlett, Adams, Chatham, Shel-
burne, Shelburne Addition, Durand, Kilkenny, Jefferson, Lancaster, Mills-
field, Northumberland, Stratford, Wales' Gore, Cockburne, Colebrook,
Stewartstown, Piercy, Paulsburg, Mainesborough, Dummer, Errol, Cam-
bridge and Success, with a population of about 3,000 in 1803.

The General Court had a defective knowledge of the line they under-
took to make the southern boundary, for, in describing it, it is made to go
to the northwest corner of Tamworth, and from thence on the line of the
county of Strafford to the Maine line. To reach the northwest corner of
Tamworth, it had to follow the west line of Albany south the whole width
of the town, and then, to reach the north line of Strafford county, which
it was to follow, it had to go back north on the same west line of Albany
without including any land.

June 18, 1805, Nash and Sawyer's Location was annexed to Coos county,
and January 5, 1853, Bartlett, Jackson (Adams), and Hart's Location were
annexed to Carroll county. Not long after the formation of Coos county,
Chatham was annexed to Strafford county, and upon the erection of Carroll
county, Chatham was included in that county.

18 History of Coos County.

Coos was taken from Grafton, one of the five original counties of the
State — Eockingham, Strafford, Hillsborough, Cheshire. Grafton — and com-
prises all New Hampshire north of the present counties of Grafton and
Carroll. Its western boundary is the western bank of the Connecticut
river, and it extends from latitude 4S° 58' to the extreme north part of
the State, being seventy- six miles in length, with a mean width of about
twenty miles. It contains about one million acres of land. The distance
by traveled highway from the north line of Grafton county at Littleton to
the Canada line at West Stewartstown is about sixty -two miles. On the
Maine line, it is seventy-three miles from Carroll county to the iron post
on the highlands, in the wilderness on the northern boundary.

It is bounded north and northwest by Canada, east by Maine, south by
Carroll and Grafton counties, and west by Vermont.

The census of 1880 gives the total population of the county as 18,580.
By the same census we learn that in that year Lancaster has a population
of 2,721; Whitefield, 1,828; Colebrook, 1,580; Gorham, 1,383; Berlin,
1,114 ; Northumberland, 1,062 ; and Stratford, 1,016. Jefferson only wants
49 to make a round 1,000, while Stewartstown only 42. The other towns
exceeding 500 are : Milan, 892 ; Columbia, 762 ; Stark, 690 ; Carroll, 632 ;
Pittsburg, 5S1 ; Dalton, 570. The remaining towns and grants give the
following : Dummer, 464 ; Clarksville, 328 ; Shelburne, 252 ; Eandolph, 203 ;
Errol, 161; Nash and Sawyer's Location, 101; Millsfield, 62 ; Wentworth's
Location, 55 ; Cambridge, 36 ; Martin's Location, 33 ; Dixville, 32 ; Craw-
ford's Grant, 28 ; Thompson and Meserve's Purchase, 20 ; Second College
Grant, 18 ; Green's Grant, 8 ; Dix's Grant, 4 ; and Sargent's Purchase, 2.
There are in this county 1,939 farms, having a total of 139,089 acres of
improved land ; aggregate value of said farms, including buildings, fences,
etc., $4,350,042 ; implements and the machinery thereon, $192,544 ; stock,
$774,838 ; estimated value of annual farm products, $943,427. The vege-
table productions : potatoes, 623,183 bushels ; barley, 1,8^3 ; buckwheat,
43,431; Indian corn, 10,129; oats, 228,698; rye, 923; wheat, 3t,164; tobacco,
1,000 pounds; hay, 49,734 tons; orchard products, annual value, $3,979.
The number of horses raised in the county, 3,941; mules and asses, 4;
working oxen, 1,615; milch cows, 6,47-1; other cattle, 10,723; sheep, 16,832;
swine, 2,784; wool, 71,504 pounds; butter, 632,822; cheese, 36,795. The
assessed valuation of real estate and personal property is $5,911 , 552. There
are 194 manufacturing establishments, using $2,107,250 capital, paying
$336,010 annually to 1,262 operatives, and turning out products valued at
$2,490,356. The next census will show a change.

Locations, Grants and Purchases. — In addition to the towns which are
organized in this county there are the following unorganized grants, pur-
chases, locations, etc., which contain between three and four hundred inhabi-
tants, and lie mostly among wild mountains, and whose chief value is in the

Organization — Altitudes. l ! »

timber they produce and the incentive they present of romantic scenery to
the summer traveler: Bean's Purchase, Carlisle, Cambridge, Hubbard,
Webster, Chandlers Purchase, Crawford's Grant, Craw lord's Purchase,
Cutt's Grant, Dix's Grant, Ervin's Grant, Gilmanton and Atkinson Acad-
emy Grant, Green's Grant, Lowe and Burbank's Grant, Martin's Location,
Nash and Sawyer's Location, Odell, Pinkham's Grant, Sargent's Purchase,
Second College Grant, Thompson and Meserve's Purchase, Wentworth's
Location. Millsfield and Cambridge, after being organized as towns for
some years, gave up their organization.

Altitudes.— Mt. Washington, 6,293 ft.; Mt. Adams, 5,794 ft.; Alt. Jef-
ferson, 5,714 ft.; Mt. Clay, 5,553 ft.; Mt. Monroe, 5,384 ft.; Mt. Little
Monroe, 5,204 ft.; Mt. Madison, 5,365 ft.; Mt, Franklin, 4,904 it.:
Mt. Pleasant, 4,764 ft.; Mt. Clinton, 4.320 ft.; Mt, Jackson, 4,100
ft.; Mt. Webster, 4,000 ft.; Mt. Crawford, 3,134 ft; Giant's Stairs,
3,500 ft.; Boott Spur, 5,524 ft.; Boott Deception, 2,448 ft.; Carter Dome.
South Peak, 4,830 ft,; Carter Dome, North Peak, 4,702 ft,; Mt. Moriah,
4,053 ft.; Mt. Wildcat, 4,350 ft.; Mt. Kearsarge, 3,251 ft,; Mt. Moat,
North Peak, 3,200 ft.; Mt. Moat, South Peak, 2,700 ft.; Mt. Starr Kin-.
3,800 ft.; Mt. Pilot, 3,640 ft; Boy mountain, 2,278 ft,; Mt. Prospect. 2,090
ft.;Mt. Percy, North Peak, 3,336 ft.; Mt. Percy, South Peak, 3,140 ft.; Cape
Horn, 2,735 ft.; Twin Mountain station, 1,446 ft.; White Mountain House,
1,556 ft.; Fabyan's, 1,571 ft.; White Mountain notch, 1,914 ft.; base of Mt.
Washington, 2,668 f t. ; Cherry mountain, 3,500 ft.; Kandolph mountain,
3,043 ft.; Pliny mountain, 2,1-00 ft.; Mt. Eoyce, 2,600ft.; Pond of Safety,
1,973ft.; Lake of the Clouds (Blue Pond), 5,009 ft.; Jefferson mills, 1,180
ft.; Whitefield, 931 ft. ; Jewell hill, 1,467 ft.; Connecticut river at Dalton
(high water), 832 ft.; Dalton station, 866 ft.; South Lancaster, 867 ft.;
Lancaster, 870 ft. ; Groveton depot, 901ft.; Stark, 972 ft.; Milan summit,
1,087 ft.; Berlin falls, 1,035 ft.; Gorham 812 ft.; Shelburne, 723 ft.; Mt.
Ingalls, 2,520 ft.; Mt. Forest, 1,950 ft.; North Stratford, 915 ft.: Stratford
Hollow, 877 ft.; Sugarloaf, est,, 3,47o ft.; Mt. Lyon, 2,735 ft,; Dixville
Notch, 1,858 ft.; Table rock, 2,454 ft.; Colebrook, 1,030 ft.; West Stew-
artstowm, 1,055 ft.; Mt. Carmel, 3,711 ft ; Crescent mountain, 2,700 ft.;
Connecticut lake, 1,618 ft.; Mt. Dustan, 2,575 ft.; Half Moon mountain,
2,526 ft.; South hill, 2,000 ft.; South peak, Kilkenny. 3,827 ft.; Green's
ledge, 2,708 ft.

20 History of Coos County.

CHAPTER II.

GEOLOGY.

Rock Formations— The Age of Ice — Glacial Drift — Upper Till — Lower Till— Chaniplain
Drift — Recent or Terrace Period — Modified Drift of Connecticut River, Connecticut Lake, to
West Stewartstown— Upper Connecticut Valley — Karnes— Deltas.

*7~\OCK FORMATIONS.— The groups of rocks of Coos County, com-
r*A mencing with the lowest, are the Acidic and Basic of the unstratified,
X and the Azoic, Eozoic, and Paleozoic of the stratified rocks. The oldest,
or bed rock, a very coarse granite or gneiss, conceded now to be of eruptive or
volcanic origin, which varies its name with a different arrangement of the
same constituents. Ledges of these rocks present large quadrangular patches
of light-colored feldspar, varying from a fraction of an inch to three inches
in length. Quartz and feldspar, with black and white mica, and some-
times hornblende, are the constituent elements of these primitive or acidic
rocks, which are known as sienite, granite, and porphyry. These funda-
mental unstratified rocks form the vast volume of the White Mountains,
and are the oldest rocks in the State. Nowhere in New England is there a
better opportunity to read extensively in the " Book of Nature " than on
the granite pages of our wild mountains and precipitous gorges. A mere
mention of the rock formation is sufficient for our purpose here, but those
who desire to pursue the subject from a love of science, will find that Prof.
Hitchcock and his co-laborers have thoroughly and exhaustively treated it
in that great work, "Geology of New Hampshire."

The Age of Ice. — It is of great importance that the Glacial and Modi-
fied Drift periods be treated in detail, for, during the xYge of Ice, the
removal of the great ice-sheet which extended above the top of Mt. Wash-
ington, and the subsequent period, the surface, soil, and water-courses of
the county were formed, and the conditions for civilized occupancy were
prepared. It is well that all should become conversant with the causes
which have brought about these conditions, and we make no apology for
the space we have devoted to this purpose. The indications of a glacial
period arc probably as well shown in New Hampshire as anywhere in the
world. Underlying the modified drift are often found masses of rocks and
earth mingled confusedly together, having neither stratification or any
appearance of being deposited in water. These are the glacial drift or till.
This drift frequently covers the slopes or lies on the summits of the highest
hills and mountains. It contains bowlders of all sizes, up to thirty feet in
diameter, which have nearly all been carried southward from their native
ledges, and can be traced, in some instances, for a hundred miles, south-
ward or southeastward. Wherever till occurs, the ledges have mostly
been worn to a rounded form, and, if the rock be hard, it is covered with

Geology. 21

long scratches or strice, in the direction of the course taken by the bowl-
ders. Geology now refers these to amoving ice-sheet, which overspread
this continent from the north, and had formed of sufficieni thickness to
cover even Mt. Washington. This ice-sheet was so much thicker at the
north than in this latitude that its great weight pressed the ice steadily out-
ward to the south-southeast. The termination of this ice-sheet in the
Atlantic, southeast of New England, was probably like the great ice- wall
of the Antarctic continent, along which Sir J. C. Ross sailed 450 miles,
finding only one point low enough to allow the smooth white plain of the
upper surface to be seen. This extended, dazzling white, as far as the eye
could see. There was a long, continuous period of glacial action, with
times of retreat and advance, but never a complete departure and return
of a continental ice-sheet. The motion of this ice being caused by its own
weight, must have been very slow indeed Over the highlands between
the St. Lawrence river and Hudson bay the ice-sheet was three or four
miles in thickness, over Greenland very much thicker, and over the White
mountains it reached nearly or quite to the line of perpetual snow. The
till, or coarse glacial drift, was made by the long-continued wearing and
grinding of the ice-sheet. As this slowly advanced, fragments were torn
from the ledges, held in the bottom of the ice, and worn by friction upon
the surface over which it moved. This material, crushed below the ice
into minute fragments or fine powder, is called the Loiver Till. While this
was being made below the ice, large quantities of coarse and fine matter
were swept away from hill-slopes and mountain-sides, and carried forward
in the ice. As this melted much of this matter fell loosely on the surface,
forming an unstratified deposit of gravel, earth and bowlders. This deposit
is called the Upper Till. This usually is found above the Lower Till, the
line of separation being at a distance of from two to twenty feet. The
departure of the ice-sheet was attended by a rapid deposition of the abun-
dant materials therein contained. The retreat of the ice-sheet was toward
the northwest and north, and it is probable that its final melting took place
mostly upon the surface, so that, at the last, great amounts of its deposits
were exposed to the washing of its many streams. The finer particles were
generally carried away, and the strong current of the glacial rivers trans-
ported coarse gravel and bowlders of considerable size. When these streams
entered the valley from which the ice had retreated, or their currents were
slackened by less rapid descent, where the channel wasstill walled by ice,
a deposition took place, in succession of coarse gravel, fine gravel, sand and
fine silt or clay. These deposits filled the valleys, and increased in depth
in the same way that additions are now made to the bottom-land or inter-
vals of our large rivers by the floods of spring. They are called the Modi-
fied Drift, and geology gives this name to the period from the departure of
the ice sheet to the present. This modified drift occurs in almost every

22 History of Coos County.

valley of New Hampshire, and comprises the intervals, which are annually
overflowed, and the successive terraces which rise in steps upon the sides
of the valley, the highest often forming extensive plains. Dr. Dana has
given the name of Champlain Period to the time of the deposition of the
modified drift during the melting of the ice-sheet. During the Champlain
period, the ice became molded upon the surface, by the process of destruc-
tion, into great basins and valleys; and, at the last, the passages through
which the melting waters passed off, came gradually to coincide with the
depressions of the present surface. These lowest and warmest portions of
the land were first freed from the ice; and, as the melted area slowly
extended into the continental glacier, its vast floods found their outlet at
the head of the advancing valley. (In the Connecticut valley this took place
by a single channel bordered by ice- walls.) In these channels were depos-
ited materials gathered by the streams from the melting glacier. By the
low water of winter, layers of sand were formed, and by the strong cur-
rents of summer, layers of gravel, often very coarse. These layers are
irregularly bedded, here sand and there gravel accumulating, and inter-
stratified without much order with each other. These, the oldest of our
deposits of modified drift, are long ridges or intermixed short ridges and
mounds, composed of very coarse water- worn gravel, or of alternate gravel
and sand irregularly bedded, a section of which shows an arched or anti-
clinal stratification. Wherever the ordinary fine alluvium occurs, it over-
lies, or partly covers, these deposits. To these ridges geologists give the
name of Karnes. The extensive level plains and high terraces bordering
the New Hampshire rivers were also deposited in the Champlain period, as
the open valleys become gradually filled with great depths of gravel, sand,
and clay (alluvium), which were brought down by the glacier rivers from
the melting ice-sheet, or washed from the till after the ice had retreated, and
which were deposited in the same way, as by high floods at the present
time. During the recent or terrace period, the rivers have cut deep and
wide channels in this alluvium. The terraces mark heights, at which, in
this work of erosion, they have left portions of their successive flood-
plains. The Connecticut river, along the greater part of its course in this
state, has excavated its ancient high flood-plain of the Champlain period
to a depth of from one hundred and fifty to two hundred feet for a width
varying from one-eighth mile to one mile.

The exploration of the modified drift in this state was principally made
in IS 75, under direction of the state geologist, C. H. Hitchcock, by War-
ren Upham. Esq., from whose valuable report we have condensed the
above and extract the following : —

Modified Drift of Connecticut Biver, Connecticut Lake to West Stew-
art stown. — For the first four miles below Connecticut lake the river has a
rapid descent, with a southerly course. It then bends to the west and

Geology. 23

winds with a sluggish current through a narrow swamp three miles in
length, which is the first aJluvium seen on the river. Its lower end is at
the mouth of Dead water stream. One half mile farther down, at the out-
let from Back lake, the road passes over a sand and gravel plain thirty feet
above the river. This is material deposited in the Champlain period by the
tributary stream. Much of it has been excavated during the terrace peri< >< 1 ;
and till extends to the river on the opposite side in a very gentle, regular
slope.

On Indian stream there is a large extent of low alluvial land, compris-
ing several valuable farms. This consists mainly of a wide interval, from
ten to fifteen feet high, which is bordered on the east by a narrow lateral
terrace from thirty to forty feet above the river. In the next four miles
scarcely anything but glacial drift and ledges is found. The scanty por-
tions which may be called modified drift consist of very coarse, somewhat
water worn gravel, in terraces from ten to forty feet above the river, which
has probably in many places cut its channel to this depth through the till.
About the mouth of Bishop's brook considerable low alluvium occurs,
partly brought by the main river and partly by its tributary. Thence we
have a narrow width of modified drift on the north side of the river to
Hall's stream, which is bordered by an interval from five to ten feet, and
two terraces, twenty and thirty-five feet, above the river. On the south
side here, and on both sides for nearly two miles below, the river is closely
bordered by hills, and no modified drift is seen.

The portion of the river which we have now described extends south-
westerly about eighteen miles from the mouth of Connecticut lake. The
descent in this distance is 583 feet. High wooded hills border the valley,
which is destitute of modified drift for half the way. The largest alluvial
area is on Indian stream; and the highest terraces are from thirty to forty
feet above the river.

Upper Connecticut Valley. — Below West Stewartstown the course of
the river is southerly, having a descent in nearly fifty miles, to the bead
of Fifteen-mile falls, in Dalton, of only 205 feet; one-half of which takes
place in nine miles between Columbia bridge and North Stratford. Along
this whole distance the modified drift is continuous, and, including both
sides, is usually a half to a mile and a half wide. It is very simple, having
two heights, and consists of the present flood-plain, bordered by remnants
of that which filled the valley in the Champlain period. The former is
about ten feet above low water, being annually overflowed by floods of
spring. This would be called bottom-land in the western United States.
In Xew England it is commonly termed interval; but along the Connect i< ut
river it is frequently known as meadow. On all our large rivers this low-
est terrace has a firm and well-drained surface, much different from the
marshy areas bordering small streams, to which the name meadow is

24 History of Coos County.

restricted in other parts of the state. It is the most valuable portion of
these alluvial lands, having a more finely-pulverized and more fertile soil
than that of the higher terraces. The ancient flood-plain is here repre-
sented by a lateral terrace from forty to one hundred and twenty feet above
the river, usually remaining at both sides, and in many places forming
considerable plains.

From West Stewartstown to Colebrook the only alluvium of import-
ance on the New Hampshire side is the interval; but small remnants of
the upper terrace are found, especially where there is a tributary stream.
On the Vermont side the upper terrace, composed of sand or fine gravel, is
usually well shown, having a nearly constant but small elevation of forty
to sixty feet above the river, with which it slopes. It appears that this
formerly had possession of the whole valley, and that the channelling of
the river has swept it away from the area now occupied by the interval or
meadows. Portions of it still remain, entirely surrounded by the low
flood-plain. Such a plateau may be seen in Canaan, nearly opposite the
south side of Stewartstown. The upper terrace and its isolated remnant
have both a height of forty feet above the river, while the lower level is
only fifteen feet in height. Northeast from this, in Stewartstown, a rivu-
let has effected a like result on a small scale in the meadow, cutting a chan-
nel wholly around a small area which still preserves the height of the rest
of the meadow.

Karnes. — At Colebrook we find an interesting gravel-ridge or kame
portions of which remain north of the junction of Beaver brook and
Mohawk river, but most noticeably west of the village, extending nearly
a mile parallel with the river. Its height is about seventy feet above the
river, and fifty above the low alluvium on each side. Its material is the
same as that of the long kame farther south in this valley, being princi-
pally coarse, water- worn gravel, with abundant pebbles six inches to one
foot in diameter. This ridge was deposited in the glacial channel of the
river which flowed from the ice-sheet at its final melting.

We must refer to a similar cause, the slightly modified drift in Leming-
ton, just northwest from Colebrook bridge; in Columbia, the high gravel
terrace north of Sims' stream; thence for a mile southward the moraine-
like, level-topped or irregular drift, slightly modified, at about 100 feet
above the river; and the coarse drift ridge on the east side of the river a
half mile above Columbia bridge. The last is a distinct ridge, one-third
of a mile long, parallel with the river, and from fifty to seventy-five feet
above it, being from twenty-five to fifty feet above the adjoining lowland.
This may have been a medial moraine. It contains many angular rock-
fragments from two to three feet in size, and seems scarcely modified,
appearing like portions of the kames along Merrimack river.

Between Columbia bridge and North Stratford the descent is rapid and

Geology. 25

the terraces are irregular. At Columbia bridge the highest alluvial banks
are forty-eight feet above the rive), at North Stratford, 119. Where the
river now descends 101 feet the stratified drift of the valley shows a slope
of ouly thirty feet, or about three feet to a mile. After we pass this steep and
narrow portion, and enter a wide valley again where the river is compara-
tively level, we find the upper terrace falling much more rapidly, or nine
feet to a' mile. At Groveton it has again descended to a height fifty feet
above the river. As we approach Fifteen-mile falls the upper terrace slopes
very slowly down to the lower and they can scarcely be distinguished as
separate heights below South Lancaster. The wide river-pJain here rises
gradually from five to ten to perhaps twenty or thirty feet above the river.

In Stratford and Brunswick both heights of the alluvium are well
shown, the highway being on the upper terrace and the railroad on the
meadow. The former is about 100 feet above the river, and at Brunswick
springs, and for much of the way through Stratford, is from one fourth
to one-third of a mile wide. At Stratford Hollow depot the railroad has
cut through a narrow spur of this terrace, which escaped erosion by water.
Here the alluvium of the main valley has been excavated into secondary
terraces by Bog brook. In the south part of Stratford, and in Northum-
berland, the meadow or interval occupies more space than the terrace,
which has its greatest extent in the level, swampy plain west of Groveton
Junction.

Deltas. — At Lancaster the upper terrace of Connecticut river is only
fifteen or twenty feet above the interval. The only higher modified drift
has been brought down by tributaries. Part of Lancaster village is built
on one of these deltas, formed by Israel's river on its south side, fifty feet
above the terrace of the main valley. This delta sloped rapidly westward,
and formerly occupied the whole area of the village; a portion of it, twenty
feet lower than the former, remains at the cemetery, opposite the court-
house. Similar deposits also occur two miles southwest from Lancaster,
and on John's river.

Between South Lancaster and Fifteen-mile-falls the broad river-plain is
unterraced. It seems probable that a lake existed here while the original
high plain northward was being deposited. *

When this was channelled out by the river, so as to leave only terraces
as we now see them, the materials excavated were sufficienl to fill up the
lake. It would be interesting to know the depth of the stratified drift in
this basin; it is probably deeper than the height of the highest modified
drift northward above the rivar

Kame-like materials of small extent were noticed at North Stratford,

*The Connecticut river, geologists consider, left this lake by a channel which passed up the
present valley of John's river to Whitefleld, from there across to Lower Ammonoosuc below \Ving
Road, and struck its present bed at Wells River, by following down the Aimuonoosuc valley.

26 History of Coos County.

forming the high bank on the east side of the railroad, one-fourth mile
southeast from the station, and in Guildhall, about two miles north from
Lancaster bridge. A remarkable moraine of granite bowlders occurs in
Stratford, covering a large area of hillside just above the upper terrace,
one mile south from what was Beattie's station. Two miles northwest from
Groveton a ridge of till, from sixty to 100 feet above the river, projects half
a mile westerly into the valley, or half way across it, appearing like a ter-
minal moraine. Horse-shoe pond, on the northwest side of this ridge, occu-
pies a portion of a deserted river- channel. These ancient river-beds are
frequently shown by such ponds, commonly called sloughs or moats, of
which Baker's pond, near Lancaster, is another example.

CHAPTER III.

TOPOGRAPHY.

The Water Sheds — Carriage Roads— Lumber Roads — The Water Basins — The Streams, Con-
necticut, Magalloway, Androscoggin— Source of the Connectirut — Description andScenery — Second
Lake, Connecticut Lake — Tributaries of the Connecticut— Lake Magalloway — Magalloway River
— Androscoggin River — Their Tributaries— Country along the Maine Line — Bogs and Peat
Swamps.

FROM Professor Huntington's elaborate description we extract : The
extreme northern part of New Hampshire is covered by a continuous
primeval forest; and the surface of the country is broken by undulat-
ing ridges, which here and there rise to mountain heights. In these forests,
almost on the boundary of Quebec, is the source of the Connecticut river;
and in the extreme northeast corner of the state is a small lake, which is
the principal source of the Magalloway river. Scarcely anything more is
known to the dwellers on the banks of the Connecticut as to its source,
than they know of the source of the Nile. Hence a somewhat minute de-
scription will be given.

Water-Sheds — Along the water-shed that separates the headwaters of
the Connecticut and Magalloway from those of the St. Lawrence, runs the
boundary-line between New Hampshire and Quebec. Although its general
direction from Crown monument to the head of Hall's stream is a little
south of west, yet so crooked is it that in its course it runs towards nearly
every point of the compass, making the distance nearly twice as great as
it is in a direct line between these points. At Crown monument the height
of the water-shed is 2,568 feet. It descends gently for a short distance as

Topography 27

we go west, but soon rises again, until, near Lake Magalloway, it has an
elevation of 2,812 feet. The summit of the ridge here is 587 feel above the
lake just mentioned. Then, northwest of the lake, there is quite a gap,
but it soon rises again into a mountain ridge. But two miles west of the
lake is another depression: in this rises the most northwesterly branch of
the Magalloway. West of this the ridge rises again, and forms a moun-
tain range which extends west two miles to the gap near Third lake.
Extending south from this height of land is the water-shed between the
Connecticut and Magalloway. The gap at Third lake has a height of 2, 140
feet. Then there is a slight rise, and again a depression of about the same
height as the last. Then the water-shed rises again to the summit of Mt
Prospect, and an elevation of 2,62!) feet. It then descends, but continues
with varying undulations, until, near the head of Hall's stream, it spreads
out into an immense plateau.

The water-shed that separates the waters of the Connecticut from
the Magalloway, Androscoggin, and Saco rivers, runs as follows: Starting
from the boundary of Quebec, five miles southwest of Crown monument,
and not far from three miles east of Third lake, the line runs nearly south
four miles; then it turns almost directly east, and extends to Mt. Kent,
on the boundary between New Hampshire and Maine; thence it follows
the boundary to Mt. Carmel; thence it runs a little south of west, to a
point two miles south of Second lake; thence south to the Magalloway
mountain; thence it follows a ridge, west, nearly a mile; thence it
runs southwest to Mt. Pisgah ; then it bends still to the west, and reaches
its western limit near the Diamond ponds in the eastern part of Stewarts-
town; thence it runs southeast to Dixville notch; thence a little east of
south, through the western part of Millsfield; thence south through Milan,
Berlin and Randolph; thence over the White Mountains to the Notch.
Along this water-shed is some of the highest land in New Hampshire; but
there are occasional gaps where roads are, or can be, constructed. Some
of these passes are well known. Going north from the Net eh. the first is
in Randolph: the next is where the Grand Trunk railway passes; then
there is the road through Dixville notch; but north of this no carriage road
has ever been constructed, — and there are only three winter roads, and
these for lumbering purposes. The first of these roads crosses the Con-
necticut three and a half miles south of Connecticut lake, and runs south-
east. After passing the height of land, it strikes one of the brandies of
the Swift Diamond, and following this, it extends down to the Magalloway.
The second road begins at the last settlement in Pittsburg, crosses the Con-
necticut one mile north of Connecticut lake, and strikes the Magalloway
four miles south of Parmachenee lake. It is several } r ears since either of
these roads was used, but through the evergreen forests they are as dis-
tinct as when first made, — yet through the deciduous trees the underbrush

2S History of Coos County.

has so obstructed the way that it is almost impossible to pass, even on foot.
Along either of these routes there is nothing to hinder the construction of
a carriage-road, and probably along the most northern, one will never be
called for; but it may be opened again as a "tote" road when lumbering
is carried on along the Upper Magalloway. The third, a "tote' 1 road to
the Magalloway by the way of Second lake, is the one latest used, and
strikes farther up the river. (The supplies now are mostly taken from
Berlin up the Androscoggin and the Magalloway.) The water shed itself,
and the country east, is broken up into irregular groups of mountains and
hills, but no two groups have exactly the same kind of rocks. The axis of
all the higher groups is either gneiss or schist.

The Water Basins. — The northern portion of the water basin of the
Connecticut, the Magalloway, the Androscoggin and the Saco is embraced
in this section. North of latitude 45°, it embraces nearly the whole of
that of the Connecticut. West of the Connecticut river, and north
of latitude 45°, there are three nearly parallel ridges. The first,
going west, is somewhat irregular, and is cut off where Perry's
stream turns east and flows into the Connecticut. But two, — one
between Perry's and Indian streams, and the other between Indian and
HalFs streams, — are more uniform, and they have a mean height of about
600 feet above the streams. South of latitude 45°, and east of the Con-
necticut, the ridges are everywhere irregular. North Hill, in Clarksville,
rises 1,971 feet where the road crosses. South Hill, in Stewartstown, is
2,000 feet, ascending to Jackson. In Colebrook, and below, the high ridges
branching from the water-shed have generally a westerly trend. South of
Sims' stream, the ridge extends nearly to the Connecticut, as, also, the one
in Stratford, south of Lyman brook. Below North Stratford the ridges
run more to the south. In Northumberland, south of the Upper Ammo-
noosuc, they again run more nearly west, and continue thus until we reach
Dalton, where the principal ridge runs north and south.

Seven miles south of Crown monument the water-shed touches the
boundary line of Maine. The portion of the water basin of the Magallo-
way north of this is a level tract of country, penetrated by spurs from the
boundary line towards Quebec. South of the point mentioned above, the
water basin of the Magalloway occupies a large tract of country in New
Hampshire. It is everywhere broken into irregular mountain ridges, but
these have generally a southern trend until we reach the Swift Diamond
in Dartmouth College grant. South of this stream there is a high contin-
uous ridge from Dixville notch to the Magalloway; then there is a high
ridge that runs south, parallel with the stream last mentioned. The tri-
angular area embraced by the Swift Diamond, Clear stream, and the
Magalloway and Androscoggin, is a succession of hills and mountain
ridges. The high point north of Dixville notch forms the apex of the tri-

Topography. 29

angle; and Mt. Dustan is in the northeast angle. South of Clear stream
the hills are, if possible, more irregular in their contour than those north-
ward.

The Streams. — The principal streams are the Connecticut, the Magal-
loway, and the Androscoggin. Almost on the very northern boundary of New
Hampshire, and nearly on the very summit of the dividing ridge that sep-
arates the waters of the St. Lawrence from those that flow southward, there
is a small lake containing only a few square acres; and this is the source of
the Connecticut river. It has an elevation of 2,551 feet, and is only sev-
enty-eight below the summit of Mount Prospect; and so remote is it from
the habitations of men that it is rarely seen. A place more solitary is not
known in northern New Hampshire. Surrounded as it is by dense forests
of evergreen, you can see only these and the waters of the lake. Almost
the only sound that relieves the monotony of the place is the croaking of
the frogs, and this must be their paradise. A few steps to the summit of
Mt. Prospect, and we can overlook thousands and thousands of square
miles of forests in Quebec, while in the extreme distance to the northwest
can be seen the habitations of men. Southward the view is not extensive.
This lake is half a mile directly south of the boundary, and has an area of
three-fourths of a square mile, and its height is 2,038 feet. It is trapezoidal
in shape, and has its greatest width in the south, while its northern shore is
not more than a quarter of a mile in length. Its outlet is at the southeast
corner, and its width is eight feet, and its depth six or seven inches.
Besides the spruce and firs and cedars of immense size, it has a sub- Alpine
vegetation. Labrador tea, the led inn pahtstre, is found in abundance
along its shores. In early summer, before the swarms of insects come, it
is charming to stand upon its border, when not a ripple disturbs its placid
waters, and the trees are mirrored along its shores. On every side except
the south, the hills, which rise to mountain heights, approach almost to
its very shores. The Connecticut, which is its outlet, is nowhere remark-
ably rapid. About five miles from the lake it receives a tributary from the
east, the principal branch of which rises near the boundary. This stream
is nearly as large as that into which it flows. A mile and a half from
where it receives this tributary, it flows into Second lake, lis area is about
oneand three-fourths square miles, and it is two miles and three-fourths in
length, and in the widest part is a little more than a mile, and I he heighl
above the sea is 1,882 feet. It is one of the most beautiful of our northern
lakes. The graceful contour of its shores, the symmetry of its projecting
points, the stately growth of its primeval forests, (he carpel of green that
is spread along its border and extends through the long vista of the woods,
the receding hills and the distant mountains, presenl a combination of the
wild, the grand, and the beautiful that is rarely seen. Near its northern bor-
der, besides the Connecticut, it receives two t ributaries, one from 1 lie north-

30 History of Coos County.

east and one from the northwest. Its outlet is on the west side, near its
southern limit; it is forty feet in width, and has a depth of eighteen inches.
Twenty rods from the lake it has a fall of eighteen feet or more; then its
descent is quite gradual, but forms here and there deep eddies. A mile
from the lake it becomes more rapid, and rushes down between precipitous
walls of rock in a series of wild cascades, which continue for half a mile.
It receives two tributaries from the west before it flows into Connecticut
lake. Here we find a sheet of water exceedingly irregular in its outline.
Its length is four miles, and its greatest width two and three-fourths, and
it contains not far from three square miles. Its general direction is east
and west, but near its outlet it turns towards the south. None of these
lakes contain islands to any extent. Second lake has only one, and this
has two, but they are very near the southeast shore. On the west shore
of this lake the country is settled, and the grassy pastures extend down to
its border; but for the most part it is still surrounded by a primeval forest.
As many of the neighboring hills are crowned with deciduous trees, par-
ticularly the maple, in autumn, when the frost comes and these have put
on their crown of beauty, of crimson and scarlet, of yellow and gold, and
mingled as they often are with the dark foliage of the spruce and fir, we
have a scene which, in brilliancy and beauty, is rarely if ever excelled.
There is another element characteristic of this high elevation, for the lake
is 1,619 feet above the sea. It often happens, when the forest has put on
this robe of beauty, that all the neighboring heights are of immaculate
whiteness from the frozen mist that clings to every spray of the evergreen
foliage. Embraced in the picture are the blue waters of the lake, the belt
of deciduous forests, with their brilliant, gorgeous colors, the dark bands of
the evergreens, and the snow-white summits- The water at the outlet flows
over a rocky barrier, the stream falling abruptly nearly thirty seven feet.
The fall is quite rapid for two miles and a half; then the flow is more gen-
tle for about four miles; then it becomes more rapid again, and continues
thus until after it passes West Stewartstown. It is then nowhere a slug-
gish stream, and has rapids in many places until it gets below the falls of
Northumberland; then it is the most placid of streams until it reaches the
Fifteen-mile falls, which begin in Dalton. The fall from Connecticut lake
to Lancaster is 785 feet. In Pittsburg, below Connecticut lake, the Con-
necticut river receives three large tributaries, — Ferry's stream, which
rises near Third lake, and has a rapid descent, including two falls, three
and five miles from its confluence, a mile and a half from the lake; Indian
stream, which rises on the boundary, has a very rapid descent for five or
six miles, when it becomes a very quiet stream until it flows into the Con-
necticut about eleven miles from the lake; Hall's stream, which also rises
on the boundary, and is the dividing line between New Hampshire and
Quebec. Besides these there are several smaller streams. The principal

Topography. ;:i

streams from the east ai^e Cedar stream in Pittsburg, Labrador brook and
Dead Water stream in Clarksville, the Mohawk in Colebrook, Sim'sstream
and Lyman brook in Columbia, Bog brook in Stratford, the Upper Ammo-
noosuc in Northumberland, Israel's river in Lancaster, and John's river in
Dalton.

The Magalloway has its principal source in Lake Magalloway, about a
mile and a half southwest of Crown monument. This lake is one of the
most romantic in New Hampshire. It has an elevation of 2,225 feet above
the sea. Its area is not far from 320 square acres, and is surrounded by
hills that rise to mountain heights, the elevation on the northeast being 587
feet above the lake, and from its summit we look immediately down upon
it. The stream which is its outlet forms, a few steps from the lake, a
beautiful cascade some twenty feet in height. Of all the men who have
hunted in these forests, I have found only one who had ever seen this lake.
If it were within the reach of travel, it would no doubt attract many per-
sons, for in wildness and grandeur it is not surpassed. Its outlet is soon
augmented by streams both from New Hampshire and Maine.

The Magalloway, soon after it enters the state of Maine, forms one of
the peculiar streams in this northern country. It flows for a time with a
rapid current, and then for a long distance it is the most sluggish of
streams, often deeper than it is wide, while on either side there are numer-
ous ponds and bogs. Parmachenee lake, into which it flows, is about the size
of Connecticut lake. For four miles below Parmachenee the stream is very
rapid, and then, for almost the entire distance to Escahos falls, the descent
is slight. Upper Magalloway settlement lies above the falls. The
Magalloway enters New Hampshire in Dartmouth College grant.
It flows about a mile and then goes into Maine, but enters New
Hampshire again in the northeast corner of Wentworth's Location,
and flows into the Androscoggin a mile and a quarter from Umbagoglake.
Although the river is very crooked yet the water is of sufficient depth so
that a steamer runs up nearly to the Maine line, and down the Androscog-
gin to Errol dam; below this, the Androscoggin is for the most part quite
rapid, and, in the sixty-six miles of this river in New Hampshire, the fall
is 464 feet. The tributaries of the Magalloway and Androscoggin from
New Hampshire are the Little Magalloway, four and a half miles south of
Parmachenee lake, and the Swift Diamond, which has its source in the
Diamond ponds in Stewartstown, and has a tributary, the Dead Diamond,
which rises two and a half miles southeast of Second lake, and flows into
the Swift Diamond a mile and a half from its confluence with the Magal-
loway in Dartmouth College grant. Clear stream flows into the Andros-
coggin in Errol. In Gorham the tributaries are Moose and Peabody rivers,
the latter of which rises in the Great gulf between Mt. Washington and
Mt. Adams. A considerable tributary, Wild river, rises in Bean's Purchase.

32 History of Coos County.

but flows into the Androscoggin in Maine. Besides these from the west,
the Androscoggin has three tributaries in New Hampshire from the east,
the Molichewort in Errol, and the Chick walnepy and Stearns brooks in
Milan.

Country Along the Maine Line. - - The northern extremity of New
Hampshire is a mere point of upland — sterile and comparatively destitute
of lumber of value. In those townships formed from the Carlisle grant
large spruces are now standing, and the different branches of the Magal-
loway are so located as to afford for them egress without excessive expense.

The tracts on Stearns brook and Chickwalnepy river in Success, afford
good settling land. Considerable pine is still standing upon the township.
Standing upon Mt. Ingalls the eye takes in a valuable tract of this land and
the adjoining town of Riley in Maine, which, situated as they are, near the
Grand Trunk Railroad, and possessing the advantages of the Androscoggin,
besides excellent water-power, must at no distant clay be of increased value.
No better land can be found than some of that in the towns of Chatham
and Stowe, while more northerly the farms in Errol and Wentworth's
Location, possess natural advantages, which, together with those of the
rich bottom meadows on the Diamond in the second grant to Dartmouth
College, are of a high order. Although the general surface of the ground
along the line is uneven and broken, yet there are large tracts of fertile
lands which must at some period yield a handsome remuneration to their
holders. The eastern portion of New Hampshire lying north of Mt. Royce,
is drained by the Androscoggin and Magalloway rivers, the former of
which, after serving as the outlet of those great lakes extending from
Umbagog far into the wilderness to the northeast, debouches from this lake,
receiving, one mile below, tribute from the Magalloway, a stream equal in
size to the Connecticut at Hanover, which, taking its rise on the boundary
range, drains that whole water-shed north and west of Umbagog.

The soil along the valley of the Magalloway. Androscoggin, Diamond
and their branches, is rich and alluvial. The highlands are characterized
by an argillaceous formation entirely different from the granitic structures
of the White and other mountain ranges in our State. Mineral wealth
exists in the township of Riley, Success and Shelburne, and probably along
that portion of the line lying between Lake Umbagog and the Androscog-
gin, at the latter town. Spruces of fine proportions were frequently met in
large tracts north of Umbagog, while the maple, the birch, the beech, and
those other forest trees indigenous to our latitude flourish in regal lux-
uriance in the forests north. The cedar is found in great quantities on the
low lands around Umbagog. In fine, the country and its natural charac-
teristics are such as to warrant the belief that it will be at some time
reclaimed from its present state and yield ample remuneration for the labor
bestowed.

Topography. 33

Bogs and Swamps. — Bogs and peat swamps are very numerous in the
northern part of this county. These are often of greal extenl and found
in every town. Sometimes they present a broad surface, without a tree or
shrub, except along their borders, the whole surface being covered with a
luxuriant growth of grass. One of the largest of these bogs is at the head
of Bog brook, a mile and a half west of Second lake, and has an area of
fifteen or twenty acres. West of Perry stream there is another extensive
bog, directly west of the one previously described. Near the head of Perry
stream there are several, more or less occupied by shrubs and trees; here
and there a hackmatack or larch rises from the surface covered with lau-
rels, Labrador tea, and other swamp plants. North of Second lake is a very
extensive swamp where, besides the laurel, Labrador tea and larch, we fre-
quently find the cedar and alder. A short distance south of Connecticut
lake are two small open bogs, on which cranberries grow abundantly. The
peat here is not more than six feet in depth. One of the most extensive
swamps in the State is in the Dartmouth College grant. The distance
across it, north and south, is about three hundred rods, and the distance
east and west is much greater. Several interesting peat deposits exist
along the Androscoggin. One in Milan contains many well-preserved
trunks of fallen trees, principally tamarack. In Shelburne the reclamation
of a peat-swamp has been quite successfully carried on.

These bogs when drained and dressed with sand or sand and lime are
excellent soils, very productive in hay and oats. Many of them may in
this way be reclaimed, for, in time, the peat will be used as fuel and as a
fertilizer. Peat makes a valuable fertilizer. It absorbs and retains water
and ammonia, promotes the disintegration of the rocks, renders light soils
more productive, and acts valuably in other ways. Those who have experi-
mented with it, and compared its properties with ordinary stable manure,
find that it gives, in a certain quantity, an equal amount of lime and nitro-
gen and one-third more organic matter, but is deficient in magnesia, potash,
phosphoric and sulphuric acids. These elements may be given by add i ng to one
hundred pounds of fresh peat one pound of commercial potash, or five
pounds of unleached wood ashes, one pound of good superphosphate, or
one pound each of bone-dust and gypsum.

In view of the small amount and the cheapness of the materials to bring
peat to the fertilizing standard of stable manure, it would appear as if our
farmers could greatly enrich their lands at small expense.

34 History of Coos County

CHAPTER IV.

SCENERY OF COOS.

Pittsburg — Crown Monument— Megantic Mountain— Head waters of St Francis and Chaudiere
Kivers— Along the New Hampshire and Quebec Boundary— Third Lake— Mt. Carmel— Mt Agiz-
coos — Cascades— Little Diamond Falls— Hoggins Branch — Dixville Notch— " The Old Man of
Dixville" — The Flume — Cascade Brook — Huntington Cascade — Scenery of Errol — West Stewarts-
tow n to North Stratford — Groveton — Stark — Milan — Lancaster — Jefferson — Randolph — Dalton —
Shelburne — Gorham.

PROFESSOR HUNTINGTON says that the lovers of the grand, wild
and picturesque in nature, will especially delight in the primeval for-
ests of Coos county. A journey of a day and a half in Pittsburg,
from Connecticut lake through an unbroken forest, will take one to Crown
monument, which is at the extreme northeast corner of the state. It is
on the water- shed between the waters of the St. Lawrence and the streams
running south into the Atlantic, and it is so called because a monument
was placed there by the commissioners who established the boundary
between the states and the provinces. From a ridge of land 2,568 feet
above the level of the sea, where, looking northward, the land slopes
toward the St. Lawrence, and southward, toward the Atlantic, the view
must be extensive. In either direction we look over only illimitable for-
ests, except that in the dim distance, a little to the east of north, there is a
small settlement, probably at the north end of Megantic lake, — otherwise
the view embraces a boundless forest. Immediately north, the slope is
quite gradual, and, as it stretches northward, the country seems like a
plain extending to the horizon. To the northeast is Saddle mountain, with
hills and ridges, to the north w r est, Megantic mountain rises as from an
immense plain. Embraced in the view- northward are the headwaters of
the St. Francis and Chaudiere rivers, while east and west is the high ridge
that forms the water-shed. The view directly south is limited, for a moun-
tain ridge runs from the Magallow^ay directly west into New Hampshire.
To the southwest, the high ridge that encircles the basin where the many
branches of the Magalloway have their source, obstructs the view in that
direction. To the southeast there is nothing, as far as the eye can see, but
high ridges and mountain peaks, which follow each other in rapid succes-
sion until in the far distance they seem to pierce the sky.

If we should follow along the boundary between New Hampshire and
Quebec, there w~ould be many points where w r e should wish to stop and
view the grand panorama spread out before us. Two of the most remark-
able outlooks we will notice. Not far from three and a half miles south-

Scenery of Coos. 35

west from Crown monument there is a point of land 2,812 feel in height.
The distant view is not unlike that from Crown monument,but the immedi-
ate surroundings are much more grand; among the attractions is a moun-
tain lake, which lies in a depression to the west 800 feet below the sum-
mit, and it is so near that we seem to look directly clown upon it. Another
point of interest is in the vicinity of Third lake. The view northward
embraces a continuous forest, extending fifty miles or more; and in the
distance, Megan tic mountain stands massive and alone. The only habita-
tions to be seen are one or two houses in Ditton (Canada).

South, half a mile distant, we look down on Third lake. On a bright
day in early summer, when the stately forests are mirrored in its clear
waters, it presents a scene of quiet beauty that cannot be surpassed. Gen-
erally the view southward is not extensive, but on some of the higher
points we can overlook the nearer hills, and some of the peaks of the
White Mountains can be seen.

Mt. Carmel. — Mt. Carmel rises 3,711 feet above the level of the sea. It
is on the line of New Hampshire and Maine, and consists of a long ridge,
on which there are two points of nearly equal height, half or three-quar-
ters of a mile apart; from the point east there is a gradual slope for half a
mile, then the descent is almost perpendicular down to the debris formed
from the fallen rocks. Before we reach this precipitous height, there is a
ridge that branches off and runs towards the northeast; and along the east
side of this there are perpendicular walls of rock. As Mt Carmel is some-
what isolated, the view from the summit is extensive.

Immediately northward is the great basin where rise the many streams
that unite to form the Magalloway. Beyond is the ridge that forms the
boundary between the states and the provinces, and, through gaps in this,
we can see a peak far to the northeast. To the east the view is fine, while
near at hand you look down into the valley of the Magalloway. Here you
catch glimpses of the stream, and, save here and there, where the water
reflects the sunlight, the valley is a dark forest of evergreen. Eastward
from the summit of Mt. Carmel we can see far beyond the valley, and such
an array of hills, ridges, and mountain is rarely seen. Hero a mountain,
irregular in outline and broken abruptly off ; there two, similar in shape,
while beyond, and farther south, is a mountain summit that has a grace-
ful contour in its curving lines of beauty. Southward for twenty miles the
view is unobstructed down the Magalloway; then from the east, Mt. Agiz-
coos, with its bare summit, extends partly across the valley. Southward,
sixty-five miles distant from our view-point, wo can see the dim yet per-
fect outline of the White Mountains. In some respects the view to the
west and southwest is the most interesting. Here is a succession of undu-
lating ridges and hills, which, with their shadows and ever-changing color,
give a peculiar charm to the scene; then, in the midst of the forests we can

36 History of Coos County.

see the Connecticut lakes. There is not probably another mountain-peak
in New Hampshire of this height, where oue feels so entirely away from
the habitations of men. In every direction, the whole country, embracing
thousands of square miles, is one vast wilderness, except at the outlet of
Connecticut lake. From the summit of Magalloway mountain, three miles
east from Connecticut lake, there is a fine view of mountains, hills and
lakes.

Cascades. — Though not numerous in the northern part of Coos county,
there are two or three cascades that should be mentioned. On one of the
western branches of Indian stream, near the north line of the Colebrook
Academy grant, there is a cascade which, on account of its rare beauty,
deserves especial notice. It is in a deep ravine, and on either side there is
a, dense forest of evergreens. Here the extreme heat of summer is unknown,
for the coolness of the water tempers the atmosphere. The cascade has a
height of forty feet, — the first twelve feet the water is broken by jutting rocks;
for the remaining twenty-eight it flows over a ledge, which has a descent
of sixty degrees. At the top the stream is four feet wide, and at the base
twenty feet. The pure water, the white spray, the dark, moss-covered
rocks, the cool, delicious atmosphere, the shimmering light through the
trees, the mossy banks of the stream, the perfect stillness, broken only by
the music of the waters and the songs of birds, form an attractive combi-
nation.

East from Connecticut lake, and southeast from the summit of Magal-
loway mountain, the Little Diamond falls in a series of rapid, wide cascades.
The rapids extend for half a mile; and the fall in that distance is 150 feet,
with perpendicular falls of from three to ten feet. Southwest of the same
mountain there is a fall on Huggins's branch. There are rapids for half a
mile before we come to the falls; then a slope of fifty degrees and a fall of
fifteen feet; then a fall of twelve feet perpendicular; then a slope of forty-
two degrees and a fall of about forty feet, confined between nearly perpen-
dicular strata of rock, and the water finally rests in a great basin at the
base. Just below the stream turns east, with a fall of ten feet. This is a
beautiful cascade, and well worthy of a visit.

Dixville Notch is one of the most remarkable exhibitions of natural
■scenery in the state, equaling, if not surpassing the White Mountain notch
in picturesque grandeur. The angular and precipitous appearance of the
rocks, rising hundreds of feet, almost perpendicularly, on either side, is
strikingly different from the rounded and water worn appearance of most
of the crystalline rocks throughout the northern part of the United States,
and seems to come nearer to the scenery of the Alps than anything else in
New England. This notch is easy of access, being only ten miles from
Colebrook village; and although the highest point in the road through the
notch is 830 feet above that village, yet the ascent is so gradual that few

Scenery of Coos. 37

would believe they had reached so great an elevation. It surpasses most
other notches in the vertical height of its walls, one point being 560 feet
above the highest part of the road. Sonic of the highest precipitous masses
stand out in bold relief from the sides. Table rock projects 167 feet, while
the ragged, serrated edges every where form projecting points. One can
easily imagine that he sees here the turrets and spires of some ruined cathe-
dral, or the battlements and towers of castles of the medieval age; or, as
one stands on Table rock, he can imagine that a bridge once spanned the
chasm below, and that these masses of rock standing in the debris are the
ruins of piers on which it might have been built. The rock here differs in
cleavage from that of similar composition elsewhere in New Hampshire.
It splits in huge longitudinal fragments; and Nature has here quarried
posts that equal in just proportion those wrought by human hands.

On Table rock the view embraces a wide sweep of country. One can see
quite a distance in Maine, a part of Vermont, and, when clear, places in
Quebec can be recognized; and from Table rock the view down through
the Notch is always grand. After passing the height of the Notch, going
east on the right, we can see a profile, — '' The Old Man of Dixville," — which
has very fair proportions. On the left, still farther east, there is an excel-
lent representation of the walls and turrets of a ruined castle.

The " Flume " shows itself on the north side of the road, thirty or forty
rods back in the forest. It is a chasm, in granite, about fifteen feet wide
and fifteen rods long; and the stream running through it falls about thirty
feet in cascades. In one place there is a pot-hole seven feet deep, with a
diameter of four feet. The granite is divided try two vertical sets of seams
or joints, so that large columnar blocks could be taken out without quar-
rying. The excavated rock seems to have been a trap-dyke, part of which
may still be seen. Nearly opposite the Flume, but farther down the val-
ley, is "Cascade brook," a branch of Clear stream. Upon this may be
seen a series of cascades for more than half a mile. They were named ' ' Hunt-
ington cascades" by the New Hampshire Press Association. The top of the
most interesting cascade is 274 feet above its base. Here the stream is
divided by a trap-dyke two feet wide; and the water falls on each side a
distance of forty feet. The rock here is the same argillaceous schist as in
the Notch; besides there is an interesting trap-dyke, containing glassy
feldspar and basaltic hornblende, which, Dr. Jackson says, resembles more
a volcanic rock than any other found in the state. Most other notches
we can see a long distance before wereach them, hut here we have scarcely
any intimation that there is such a vast rent in the mountain until we are
almost in the very gap itself.

Errol. — In Errol there is one of the grandest outlooks in New Hamp-
shire, which can be seen while driving along the road. In the distance are
the grandest of mountain summits. After crossing the Androscoggin.

38 History of Coos County.

from Errol Dam to Upton, Me., the road winds along and over the ridge
of land between that river and Umbagog lake. As we ascend the hill the
grandeur of the scenery begins to unfold itself. On our right, and a little
south of west, is the Androscoggin, which pours along over rapids until it
rests in a quiet bay, where the river widens to receive the waters of Clear
stream. After leaving the bay, the river becomes rapid again, and pours
along between the hills, and soon is lost to sight. Westward, among the
hills, is Aker's pond, and, following up the valley of Clear stream, the
view is limited by the high ridge running through Dixville. A little farther
south we look over the hills in Errol and Millsfield, and we can see a few
peaks in Odell. To the southwest there is nearly thirty miles of unbroken
wilderness. For a distant view, I know not where the White Mountains
can be seen to such advantage as just south of this height of land; neither
do I know of any distant point where they appear so high.

On the Connecticut there are many places where the scenery is enchant-
ing. At almost every turn in the road, from West Stewartstown to North
Stratford, there is something that attracts the attention, — a mountain of
grand proportions, a hill with graceful outline, the trees, the forests, or
the river, as it runs through grassy meadows or along a wooded hillside.
There is some remarkable scenery in the vicinity of Groveton. Coming
from the south towards the village, Percy peaks will attract the attention
for their symmetrical form and color. The village itself is surrounded by
mountains. The summits of those that are farthest away are scarcely
more than ten miles distant, while Mt. Lyon, on the south, is not more
than four. Although the hills and mountains are so near, yet, on account
of the broad interval of the Connecticut, we do not feel as though the out-
look had too narrow limits, but rather that in the whole view there is a
beautiful symmetry. It is especially grand to watch the moon as it rises
above the Pilot hills, breaks through the passing cloud, and throws its
gentle light across the forests. There are hills on every side, climbing
which we have distant views. From Percy peaks, northward, we have
forests and wooded summits; southeast, the White hills rise in all their
grandeur; south, we have the long line of the Pilot hills; and, a little west
of south, we look down the valley of the Connecticut, and, in the distance,
Moosilauke rises against the sky.

The summit of the south peak is easily gained from the southeast, but
the western slope of this, as well as the north peak, is so steep that it would
require an expert in climbing to be able to reach the summit of either peak
from that direction.

Stark is a town of mountains and hills. Approaching Stark station,
either from the east or the west, the points of the mountains from the
opposite sides of the valley, project by each other so that there seems to be
an impassable barrier across the valley; but we know that the stream

Scenery of Coos. 39

must pass through the mountains, and Stark station is in the gap of 1 lie
mountain through which it passes. On the north is a perpendicular wall
of rock forming a vast amphitheatre, while on the opposite side of the val-
ley, and a little east, is Mill mountain. Although in every other din ction
surrounded by high mountains, yet, looking a little west of south, we can
see in the distance some of the high peaks of the Pilot range.

West Milan. — Here the peaks of the White Mountains begin to appear,
and besides, there is quite an array of mountains westward. In the south-
east part of Milan, near the line of Berlin, and about a mile east of the
Androscoggin, we have one of the most striking views of the White
Mountains.

In Lancaster the view is always grand. Mt. Lyon to the north, and
thence eastward the broad sweep of the Pilot range, and the group of
mountains of which Starr King is the culminating point, are so situated
that every fine sunset gives to them that deep coloring which is the charm
of mountain scenery. Most of the White Mountain peaks can be seen
from the village, but two miles east, on the road to Jefferson, to a point
between three and four hundred feet above the Connecticut, brings them
out in bolder relief, and at the same time gives a charming view of the
Connecticut valley and the village of Lancaster. FromMt. Pleasant, which
is easv of access, the view is more extended, and embraces the mountains
southward.

From Jefferson hill and thence on the road to Randolph, we get a nearer
view of the mountains. At the Mt. Adams the broad sweep of forests, reach-
ing from Israel's river almost to the summits of the mountains, gives us
one of our grandest views. From Dalton mountain we have the sweep of
the whole horizon; westward, the mountains in Vermont; the Connecti-
cut valley northward; the mountains of Stratford, Mt. Lyon, the Pilot
range, Starr King, all of the White Mountains, the chief of the Franconia
mountains, and Moosilauke, southward.

Shelburne. — The scenery is varied and lovely to those artistic enough
to appreciate it. Artists say that nowhere have they seen such rich
autumnal coloring as in Shelburne. Several picturesque spots may be
found on the Lead Mine brook, and the little flat called The ( rarden is used
as a camping ground by tourists. On the north side of Mt. Winthrop is
Moses 1 rock, so-called, sixty feet high, and rising at an angle of fifty
degrees. In the winter water trickles over it, forming a beautiful ice cas-
cade. Near by was the Granny Starbird rock, where the old doctress held
her horse by the bridle through a stormy night. It has since been split up
for railroad bridges and underpinnings. On Peabody brook, between Ked
hill and Baldcap, are Shelburne falls. In the spring they can be seen two-
thirds the length of the town, appearing like a great drift of snow. The
Falls are one of the objects of interest to summer visitors.

40 History of Coos County.

Baldcap, as its name implies, is a bare ledge at the top, and in height
ranks next to Moriah. It is easy to ascend and affords a delightful view.
A little pond of clear, cool water near the summit was christened Dream
lake by some romantic visitor.

Gorham. — The mountain scenery here is not surpassed in the whole
mountain region. At the southeast, distant but a few miles, stand Mounts
Moriah and Carter, each about 5,000 feet in height; at the west can be seen
Mt. Madison; at the northwest the Pilot range, while at the east are the
Androscoggin hills, the most prominent of which is Mt. Hayes. It is only
eight miles to the Glen House at the base of Mt. Washington.

CHAPTER V.

INDIAN HISTORY

Aborigiual Indians — Iroquois — Mohawks — Algonquins — New England Tribes — Wigwams
— Social Life, Government, and Language — Food — Religion — The St. Francis Indians — Gen.
Amherst — Rogers' Expedition — Destruction of St. Francis Village — Retreat and Sufferings of
the "Rangers."

WHEN the Europeans first landed on the Continent of America, the
Indians who inhabited the Atlantic slope, and dwelt in the valleys
of the Connecticut and St. Lawrence, in the basin of the Great
Lakes, and the fertile valleys of the Alleghany region, were composed of
two great nations and their sub-divisions. These were soon known to the
whites under the French appellation of Iroquois and Algonquins. These
nations differed in language and lineage, in manners and customs, in the
construction of their dwellings and boats, and were hereditary enemies.

The Iroquois proper, who gave their name to one division, the ablest
and most powerful of this family, were the Five Nations, called by them-
selves the Ho de-no-sau-nee, "the people of the long house.'' They com-
pared their union of five tribes, stretched along a narrow valley for more
than two hundred miles in Central New York, to one of their long wig-
wams containing many families. Among all the Aborigines of America
there were none so politic and intelligent, none so war-like and fierce, none
with such a contrasting array of virtues and vices as the true Iroquois.
All surrounding tribes, whether of their own family, or of the Algonquins,
stood in awe of them. They followed the war-path, and their war-cry
was heard on the banks of the Mississippi, on the shores of the Gulf of

Indian History. 4t

Mexico, and where the Atlantic breakers dash in Massachusetts Bay.
"Some of the small tribes were nearly exterminated by their ferocity and
barbarity. They were more cruel to the Eastern Indians than those [ndians
were to the Europeans. " The New England tribes, with scarce an excep-
tion, paid them tribute; and the Montagnais, fai north on the Saguenay,
called by the French " the paupers of the wilderness, " would start from
their midnight slumbers at dreams of the Iroquois, and run, terror-st ricken,
into the forest. They were the conquerors of the Mew World, and justly
carried the title of "The Romans of the West." The .Jesuit Father.
Ragueneau, wrote, in 1650, in his " Revelations des Hurons, " "My pen
has no ink black enough to paint the fury of the Iroquois." The tribe

which guarded the eastern door of the typical long house, was the si

active and most blood-thirsty one of this fierce family, the dreaded Mo-
hawks, to whom the Connecticut River Indians gave the appellation of
Ma-qua hogs, or Maquas— "Man-eaters." The Mohawk country proper
was west of the Hudson river, but, by right of conquest, they claimed all
the country between the Hudson and the sources of the north and easterly
branches of the Connecticut, and, by virtue of this claim, all the Indians
of the Connecticut valley paid them annual tribute.

The few tribes of the Iroquois were surrounded on all sides by the much
more numerous Algonquins, to which family all the New England trib< -
belonged, Along the valley of the St. Lawrence dwelt the Algonquins
proper, the Abinaquis, the Montagnais, and other roving tribes. Th
tribes were often forced, during the long Canadian winters when game
grew scarce, to subsist on buds and bark, and sometimes even on the
wood of forest trees, for many weeks together. From this they were
called in mockery by their bitter enemies, the Mohawks, "Ad-i-ron-daks"
tree-eaters. The New England tribes of the Algonquin family dwelt along
the sea, and on the banks of the larger streams. The Et-it-che-mi-as
dwelt farthest east in the St. Croix region. The confederation of Abina-
quis, and their kindred tribes, the Taratines, had their hunting-grounds in
the valleys of the Penobscot, Saco, and Piscataqua, and held possession of
Northern New Hampshire. The Anasagunticooks, a powerful tribe, con-
trolled the territories of the Ameriscoggin (Androscoggin). Savage, and
given to war, they dwindled away, until in 1747. they could number but
160 warriors. The Pequawkets (Pigwackets) occupied the Saco valley. In
the southeastern part of New Hampshire and northeastern Massachusetts
dwelt the Penobscot or Pawtucket tribe; while the Massachusetts occupied
the lands around the bay known by their name, and the neighboring islands.
In what is now the state of Vermont, no permanent home existed of any
Indian tribe. It was the beaver- hunting country of the [roquois, but also
claimed, and at times occupied, by the Abenaquis.

Wigwams. — The Algonquin Indians made their wigwams small and

42 History of Coos County.

round, and for one or two families only; while the Iroquois built theirs long
and narrow, each for the use of many families. The Algonquin wigwam
was made of poles set up around a circle, from ten to twelve feet across.
The poles met at the top, forming a circular frame- work, which was cov-
ered with bark-mats or skins; in the center was the fire, the smoke escap-
ing from a hole in the top. In these wigwams men, women, children, and
dogs, crowded promiscuously together in complete violation of all our
rules of modern housekeeping.

Social Life, Government, and Language. — The government of the Indian
was completely patriarchal. The only law was the custom of the tribe;
conforming to that, he was otherwise as free as the air he breathed to fol-
low the bent of his own wild will. In his solitary cabin he was the head
of his family, and his "squaw" was but his slave to do the drudgery.
Over tribes were principal chiefs called sachems, and lesser ones called
sagamores. The direct succession was invariably in the female line. The
war-chiefs were only leaders in times of war, and won their distinction only
by their valor on the war-path. The Indian language, in the language of
modern comparative philology, was neither monosyllabic like the Chinese,
nor inflecting like that of the civilized Caucasian stock, but was agglutin-
ating, like that of the northwestern Asiatic tribes, and those of south-
eastern Europe. They express ideas by stringing words together in one
compound vocable. The Algonquin languages were harsh and gutteral;
not euphonious like that of the Iroquois. Contrast the Algonquin names
A-gi-o-cho-ok, Co-os, Squa-ke-ag, Am-os-ke-ag, Win ne-pi-se-o-gee, Waum-
bek meth-na, with Hi-a-wath-a, O-no-a-la-go-na, Kay-ad-ros-se-ra, Ska-
nek-ta-da.

Food. — The Indians had fish, game, nuts, berries, roots, corn, acorns,
squashes, a kind of bean called now "seiva bean," and a species of sun-
flower, with roots like an artichoke. Fish were speared or taken with
lines, nets or snares, made of the sinews of deer, or fibres of moose-
wood. Their fish-hooks were made of the bones of fishes or of birds.
They caught the moose, the deer, and the bear in the winter season by
shooting with I tows and arrows, by snaring, or in pitfalls They cooked
their fish by roasting before the fire on the end of a long stick, or by boil-
ing in closely woven baskets, or stone or wooden vessels. They made
water boil, not by hanging over the fire, but by the constant immersion of
hot stones. The corn boiled alone was "hominy;" with beans, "succo-
tash."

Religion. — The aborigines had but a vaguely crude idea, if an idea at
all, of religion. They had no priests, no altars, no sacrifice. They had
"medicine-men " -mere conjurors— who added nothing to the mysterious
awe and superstition which enveloped the whole race. The Indian spirit-
ualized everything in nature; heard ' k aery tongues on sands and shores

Indian History. i:;

and desert wildernesses," saw "calling shapes and beckoning shadows
dire" on every hand. The flight or cry of a bird, the humming of a bee,
the crawling of an insect, the turning of a leaf, the whisper of a breeze,
all were mystic signals of good or evil import, by which he was guided in
the most important undertakings. He placed the greatest confidence in
dreams, which were to him revelations from the spirit-world, guiding him
to the places where his game lurked, and to the haunts of Ins enemies.
He invoked their aid on all occasions to instruct him how to cure the sick,
or reveal to him his enemies.

Three centuries of contact with our civilization has unchanged him,
and he is still the wild, untamed child of nature. "He will not."' says
Parkman, "learn the arts of civilization, and he and his forest must per-
ish together. The stern, unchanging features of his mind excite our
admiration from their immutability; and we look with deep interest on
the fate of this irreclaimable son of the wilderness, the child who will not
be weaned from the breast of his rugged mother.*'

St. Francis Indians. — The central metropolis of the Abenaquis Indians
was situated on the St. Lawrence river at the mouth of the St. Francis.
This was midway between Montreal and Quebec, and in easy communica-
tion with the New England frontiers. These St. Francis Indians were
strong in numbers, power, and enterprise, and the staunch allies of the
French. Here was planned expedition after expedition against the border
English settlements, and here was paid the bounties offered for scalps and
prisoners. Here, too, was a city of refuge for all the outlawed savages
driven from the English country. Among these were what remained of
the followers of Philip, Paugus, Mesaudowit, Kancamagus, and Wahawah.
From this strong protected citadel for many years went out war parties,
thirsting with revenge, to glut it in the blood of the New Englanders.
"Hundreds of people had fallen by the rifle and hatchet, burnished and
sharpened at the hearth-stones of this village " These Indians claimed the
"Cowasse" country as their own. They enjoyed the rich profusion of
game and fish of the upper Connecticut. The bear, moose, and feathered
game were of a superior quality, while from the clear, cold waters of the
streams they brought ample supplies of those delicate fish— salmon and
trout. The fertile soil yielded large crops of corn wherever their rude
planting covered the kernels. It was a select and paradisaical country,
this "Cowasse"— and no wonder that they stoutly resisted all encroach-
ments of the English or their attempts to occupy their last hold upon New-
England. Here the Indians, during the strong rule of the French in
Canada, and blest by their aid, grew fat and uumerous. Through this
country passed their trails when they carried death and destruction to the
frontier settlements of lower New Eampshire, and their jubilant cries, as
they returned laden with spoils, scalps, and prisoners, resounded along the

44 History of Coos County.

"Notch," and other defiles of the White Mountains, and among the tall
white pines of the upper Connecticut. Until the power of the French was
broken, and while the St. Francis Indians preserved their strength, no
paleface, except a captive, was allowed even a lodging, or an occupancy in
the "Coos."

After the fall of Louisburg, in 17T.S. Gen. Abercrombie was recalled to
England, and General Amherst made commander of the British forces
warring against the French and Indians in America. He took personal
command at Lake Champlain, brought order out of confusion, called for
seventeen hundred more recruits from the already depleted numbers of the
colonists, and gained success by the excellence of his judgment, his circum-
spection, and other needed qualities for winning conquests and preserving-
acquisitions. In 1750 Gen. Amherst ordered two measures of great
importance to New England. One was the construction of a military road
from Crown Point to Number Four (Charlestown) on the Connecticut
river. This improvement was of great value, and opened a large territory
to immediate settlement. The other measure was of full more importance.
It was the destruction of the chief village of the St. Francis tribe. The
daring Indian-fighter, Major Robert Rogers, with two hundred of his fam-
ous Rangers, was selected for the undertaking. A large part of this
detachment, both of officers and men, was from New Hampshire, and
chosen, by Rogers himself, for their bravery and experience. Starting
from Crown Point, they passed down Lake Champlain to Missisquoi Bay,
and there left their boats in charge of two Indians, who were to remain
until the party returned, unless the enemy discovered the boats. In such
case the guard was to follow and inform Rogers of the fact. Major Rogers
and his party, reduced by casualties to one hundred and forty-two, the 23d
of September, left the bay and struck boldly into the wilderness, but, on
the 25th, were overtaken by the Indians left in charge of the boats, with
the disheartening intelligence that the enemy had discovered them and
were in pursuit. There was no alternative but to push on, outmarch the
pursuers, destroy the fated village, return by Lake Memphremagog and
the Connecticut, and thus accomplish their object and elude their pursuers.
Lieut. McMillen was sent back across the country to Crown Point, to
inform Gen. Amherst of their situation, that he might order provisions to
be sent up the Connecticut to the Lower Coos for the use of the party,
should they live to return that way. The Rangers then, nothing daunt-
ed, continued their march through the wet, marshy ground for nine days;
sleeping nights upon a sort of hammock made of boughs to keep them
from the water. The tenth day they arrived within fifteen miles of the
doomed town. The place was reconnoitred by Rogers and two of his
officers on the 6th of October, and the Indians were discovered in the great-
est glee, celebrating a wedding. Rogers returned to his part}', and, at

Indian History. i:.

three o'clock the next morning, the Rangers advanced to within four hun
dred yards of the village. Before sunrise the attack was made by an
advance in three divisions. The surprise was so complete thai the [ndians
had no time to rally, defend, or escape. Two hundred were killed upon
the spot; twenty of their women and children were taken prisoners. I ^ay-
light revealed to the victors the horrible sight of more than six hundred
scalps of both sexes and ail ages floating from the lodge-poles of the wig-
wams. Nothing can give us a more vivid picture of the honors of an
Indian war, or the dangers besetting the early days of the pioneers of this
country. If the massacre of this village of surprised savages seem a cold
and blood-thirsty deed, the discovery of these dread trophies of savage
atrocity showed it to be but a just reprisal. All of the houses were burned,
except three, and, it was supposed, many Indians. Upon roll-call it was
found that seven were wounded and one killed. They then commenced
their march for Connecticut river. It was Rogers' intention to occupy for
a time the fort he had built in 1755, in what is now Stratford. After
marching eight days their provisions failed upon the shore of Lake Mem-
phremagog, and they separated into parties, the better to obtain game,
and made for " the mouth of the Ammonoosuck" as best they might. It
was a march for life. Twenty were killed or taken prisoners. Rogers
took one party with him by the way of Magog lake and the Passumpsic
river. Another party was to gain the upper Connecticut and follow down
that stream. Other parties took independent courses. ;: Some, after
months of weary journeying, reached the settlement, while others perished
in the wilderness. A Toledo blade, found on Meeting House hill, Lancas-
ter, no doubt belonged to one of the "Rangers." In the early settlement
of the country gnus were found on the Fifteen-mile falls, and it is sup-
posed one of the parties was overtaken by Indians here, that a tight
ensued in which several were killed, that the whites were victorious, and
that they put the guns of those who were killed in the river so they would
not be found by the Indians. One historian says that many died at the
head of the Fifteen-mile falls from exhaustion and hunger. They had in
vain tried to appease their hunger by boiled powder-horns, bullet-pouches,
leather-aprons, bark of trees, ground nuts and lily pads. There can be no
doubt that some of them even ate human flesh.

There is a tradition that relics of Rogers' " Rangers" have been found
on the north side of the White Mountains. (See Jefferson.) The party which
arrived at the Lower Coos found the fresh embers of the tires Left by the
party which Gen. Amherst had sent there with provisions, which had.jusl
a few hours before, returned to Charlestown without leaving supplies.

* According to James W. Weeks, the old settlers of Co5s had a tradition thai most of the
parlies, with Major Rogers, met at Fort Wentworth, and waited three days foi stragglers to come
in, before starting down the river.

46 History of Coos County.

Months elapsed before the scattered men were reunited at Crown Point.
Fifty of the gallant-band were reported lost. From this time the St. Fran-
cis Indians were scattered in small bands, and in different localities. Their
spirit was broken, their prestige gone. Major Rogers and his ''Rangers"
had humbled them, and as the war had made them British subjects, " they,
with silence and sorrow, permitted new coming whites to live among
them," and the whole extent of the "Cowasse" was ready for English
occupancy and settlement.

CHAPTER VI.

WHITE MOUNTAINS.

Topography — Mt. Starr King Group — Mt. Carter Group — Mt. Washington Ratige — Cherry
Mountain District — Mt. Willey Range— History — Mythology — First Visited— Winthrop's Account
—Darby Field's Route up the Mountains — Josselyn's Description of Scenery — The Chrystal
Hills — Later Visits — Western Pass, or " Notch'"— First Settlement — Scientific Visitors— Scenery
of the Notch — Nash and Sawyer's Grant — "A Horse through the Notch " — Sawyer's Rock —
First Articles of Commerce — Tenth New Hampshire Turnpike — Scientific Explorations — First
Settlers Among the Mountains — Nancy's Rock and Brook — First House in the Notch — Craw-
ford's Cabin on the Summit — Summit House — Tip-top House — Carriage Road — Glen House —
Mt. Washington Railway — Mountain Tragedies — "Among the Clouds " — Signal Station — Sum-
mer Hotels.

THE White Mountains cover an area of 1,270 square miles, bounded
by the state line on the east ; the Androscoggin river and the Grand
Trunk Railway on the northeast and north ; the Connecticut river
valley, or an irregular line from Northumberland to Warren, on the west ;
the region of Baker's river on the southwest ; the Pemigewasset river and
the lake district on the south. The Saco river cuts the White Mountains
into two nearly equal parts. Prof. Huntington groups the mountains in
ten sub-divisions : 1. Mt. Starr King group. 2. Mt. Carter group. 3. Mt.
Washington range, with a Jackson branch. 4. Cherry mountain district.
5. Mt. Willey range. 6. Mt. Carrigain and Osceola group. 7. Mt. Pas-
saconnaway range. 8. Mts. Twin and Lafayette group. 9. Mts. Moosi-
lauke and Profile division. 10. Mt. Pequawket area. The first five em-
brace all really connected with this county. These mountain groups differ
much in geological character, age, and topographical features.

1. Mt. Starr Kin'/ < ! roup is embraced in the remote portions of the towns
of Gorham, Randolph, Jefferson, Lancaster, Stark, Milan, Berlin, and the

W'niTK Mountains.

whole of Kilkenny. It is bounded by the Upper Ammonoosucand Andro-
scoggin rivers on the north and east, by Moose and [srael's livers on the
south, and the Connecticut slope on the west. The longest diameter of
this group is sixteen miles ; the greatest width thirteen miles. The shape
of the area is oval elliptical, more pointed at the north than south, and
comprises about 150 square miles. The Upper Ammonoosuc river Hows in
a broad valley in Randolph and Berlin, and thereby divides the group into

two parts. The source, called the "Pond of Safety, 1 ' is nearly! feel

above Milan water-station, and there is a depression in the ridge in the
south towards Jefferson. Geologists state that the northern portion of the
Starr King region was once a large plateau through which water has cut
the numerous valleys now found. Not less than seven streams have cut
notches into this plateau, — the three most prominent ones being from
Berlin, Stark (Mill Brook), and Lancaster. There is a central ridge through
Kilkenny, the Pilot mountain range, connected by a valle} 7 with Mt. Stan-
King in Jefferson. A branch diverges from this range to Pilot mountain
in Stark. Green's ledge and Black mountain are spurs to the east from
the Pilot range. From Mt. Starr King to Berlin Falls runs an irregularly
curved range, composed of Pliny, Randolph, and Crescent mountains, and
Mt. Forest. Mts. Starr King, Pilot, and Randolph, are the culminating
points, being in height 3,800, 3,640, and y>j"'i?> feet respectively.

2. Mt. Carter Group lies in Shelburne, Bean's Purchase, Chatham, and
Jackson. There is a heavy range from Gorham to Jackson, quite near the
Peabody and Ellis valleys, while, on the east, the slope towards the Andros-
coggin is quite gradual. Mt. Moriah is one of the most northern peaks of
this chain. Rev. T. Starr King says " Mount Moriah should be seen from
the bend of the Androscoggin, a little more than a mile north of the hotel
(in Gorham). Here its charming outline is seen to the best advantage.
Its crest is as high over the valley as Lafayette rises over the Profile House."
Mt. Moriah and Mt. Carter are separated by Imp mountain Wild river
occupies a broad valley in Bean's Purchase, trending northeasterly. The
highest part of Carter range is next Peabody river. The western slope
is much steeper than the eastern. Several tributaries How to Wild river
from the south, from the range which runs easterly to form the entire
western and southern edge of the Wild river basin. This range curves to
the north, near the Maine line, where Mt. Royce stands immediately on
the border. Some of the wildest, grandest, and most beautiful scenery of
the White Mountains is in this district.

3. Mt. Washington Range. — The main range of Mt. Washington extends
from Gorham to Bartlett, about twenty-two miles. The culminating point
is central, with a deep gulf towards Gorham, a slope on the north, formed
partially by the westerly Mt. Deception range, which also produces the
broad Ammonoosuc valley on the west, in connection with the axial line

48 History of Coos County.

of summits. There are two principal valleys on the south, the more
westerly occupying the depression of Dry or Mt. Washington river, and
the easterly passing down the slope of Eocky branch, which travels easterly
near its termination, and parallel with the Saco in Bartlett. Starting with
the Androscoggin valley, the range commences in the low Pine mountain.
In the southeast corner of Gorham this is intersected by the pass of the
Pinkham road between Randolph and the Glen House. Next, the land
rises rapidly to the top of Mt. Madison, 5,400 feet. The range now curves
westerly, passing over the summits of Adams, Jefferson, and Clay. From
the gap between Clay and Washington the best view can be obtained
of the deep abyss in which the west branch of Peabody river rises. From
Washington the east rim of the Great Gulf is easily discerned, for on it
the carriage road to the Glen House is located. From "Blue Pond," or
" Lake of the Clouds," and the height south of Tuckerman's ravine to
Madison, it is easy to imagine an elevated plateau out of Washington,
which rises, say S00 feet. Tuckerman's and Huntington's ravines have
been cut out east of Washington. Tuckerman's runs easterly, holding
the head waters of Ellis river. Huntington's commences at the southern
angle of the carriage road, at the fifth mile post, and runs towards the first.
Past Mt. Washington the main range drops to the pass of the Lake of
the Clouds, — the source of the Ammonoosuc river. The first mountain is
Monroe, then comes Mts. Franklin, Pleasant, Clinton, Jackson, and Web-
ster, as named. Mt. Webster is a long mountain with a steep side towards
the Saco, and being directly opposite the Willey House, forms one of the
chief features of the Notch. From Monroe to Webster, the east flank of
the mountains is washed by the powerful Mt. Washington river, the proper
continuance of the Saco valley, which formerly was called Dry river. This
heads in Oakes's gulf, from the east side of which two ranges run south-
erly. The western one follows the Saco to a point opposite ki Sawwer's
rock," having, in the lower part of its course, Giant's Stairs, Mt. Resolu-
tion, Mt. Crawford. Mt. Hope, and "Hart's ledge." The eastern one is
not conspicuous, and not named.

4. Cherry Mountain District. — Mt. Deception range consists of four
peaks, — Mt. Mitten, Mt. Dartmouth, Alt. Deception, and Cherry mountain.
It is separated by a considerable valley from Mt. Jefferson, and its gentler
slope lies on the northern flank towards Israel's river. The road from Fa-
byan's to Jefferson passes between Cherry and Deception. Cherry moun-
tain lias a northerly spur of large dimensions, called Owls Head, where
occurred the great slide of L885.

5. Mt. Willey Range starts from near the White Mountain House in
Carroll, and ends in Mt. Willey. Its northern terminus is low, the highest
peak being at the southern end of the range. Six granitic summits appear
before reaching the high summit of Mt. Tom, just back of the Crawford

White Mountains. i:t

House. The stream forming " Beech er's Cascade" passes between Mt.
Tom and the next summit south, which was named Mt. Lincoln, but, as
that name was already occupied by a peak in Franconia, was re-christened
Mt. Field by Prof. Huntington. From Mt. Field to Mt. Willey, the high
land is continuous, reaching an elevation of 4,300 feet. It then drops off
abruptly, and terminates. Ethan's pond, the head of the Merrimack river
waters, lies a little to the southwest of the precipice. The Field- Willey
range is directly opposite Mt. Webster, and the valley between is the most
striking part of the White Mountain notch, the head of which is formed
by Mt. Willard, only about 550 feet above the Crawford plain.

History. — The first mention of the White Mountains in print, occurs in
Josselyn's "New England Rarities Discovered," printed in 1672. This
writer, in his " Voyages," published a year or two later, gives us the best
part of the mythology of our highest hills. The story, as Josselyn tells it,
is curious enough; and its resemblance to one of the most venerable of
Caucasian traditions should seem to suggest some connection of the peo-
ple which transmitted it with the common Asiatic home of the bearded
races. "Ask them," says Josselyn, "whither they go when they dye?
they will tell you, pointing with their finger to Heaven beyond the White
Mountains, and do hint at Noah's Flood, as may be conceived by a story
they have received from father to son, time out of mind, that a great while
agon their Countrey was drowned, and all the People and other Creatures
in it, only one Poivaw and his Webb foreseeing the Flood fled to the White
Mountains carrying a hare along with them and so escaped; after a while
the Poivaw sent the Hare away, who not returning, emboldened thereby,
they descended, and lived many years after, and had many children, from
whom the Countrie was filled again with Indians." The Indians gave the
mountains the name of Agiocochook. The English name of our moun-
tains, which had its origin, perhaps, while as yet they were only known to
adventurous mariners, following the still silent coasts of New England,
relates them to all other high mountains, from Dhawala-Giri, the White
Mountain of the Himmalayah to Craig Eryri of Snowdon of Wales; but
it is interesting to find them also, in this legend, in some sort of mythical
connection with traditions and heights of the ancient continent, the first
knowledge of which carries us back to the very beginnings of human his-
tory. Dr. Belknap says that Capt. Walter Neale, accompanied by Josselyn
and Darby Field, set out, in 1632, to discover the " beautiful lakes " report
placed in the interior, and that, in the course of their travels, they visited
the White Mountains. Merrill, in 1817, after an examination of the
best authorities, concludes that Walter and Robert Neal, and others, visited
the mountains in 1631, but it is to Darby Field, of Pascataquack, that the
credit is now generally assigned of being the first explorer of the White
Mountains. Accompanied by two Indians, Winthrop tells us, Feld climbed

50 History of Coos County.

the highest summit in 1(>42. We believe with C. E. Potter that Belknap's
account is correct, and Field's first visit was in 1682. It appears that
' ' within twelve miles of the top was neither tree nor grass, but low savins,
which they went upon the top of, sometimes, but a continual ascent upon
rocks, on a ridge between two valleys filled with snow, out of which came
two branches of Saco river, which met at the foot of the hill where was an
Indian town of some 200 people. * * * * By the way, among
the rocks, there were two ponds, one a blackish water, and the other a red-
dish. The top of all was a plain about sixty feet square. On the north
side was such a precipice, as they could scarce discern to the bottom. They
had neither cloud nor wind on the top and moderate heat." Tins appears
to have been in June, and a short time-af ter he went again, with five or six
in his company, and "the report he brought of 'shining stones,' etc.,
caused divers others to travel tither, but they found nothing worth their
pains." It is passing strange that men, reputed honest, could make such
a wild report of regions that required no invention to make them attrac-
tive and wonderful. Among those who expected rich treasure from these
mountains were the proprietors, Mason and Gorges, and no discourage-
ment could lessen their hopes. The Spaniards had found riches in the
mountains of Mexico and Peru; why should not these New Hampshire
mountains prove equally rich in the precious metals ? In August, of the
same year, another party, led by Thomas Gorges, Esq., and Richard Vines,
two magistrates of the province of Sir Ferdinando Gorges, set out on foot
to explore "the delectable mountains." (Winthrop's History calls this
" Darby Field's second visit.") "They went up Saco river in birch canoes
to Pegwaggett, an Indian town. From the Indian town they went up hill,
mostly for about thirty miles in woody lands, then about seven or eight
miles upon shattered rocks, without tree or grass, very steep all the way.
At the top is a plain about three or four miles over, all shattered stones.
and upon that is another rock or spire, about a mile in height, and about
an acre of ground at the top. At the top of the plain arise four great riv-
ers, each of them so much water, at the first issue, as would drive a mill,
Connecticut river from two heads, at the N. W. and S. W., which join in
one about sixty miles off, Saco river on the S. E , Amascoggin which runs
into Casco bay at the N. E, and Kennebeck, at the N. by E. The moun-
tain runs E. and W. thirty miles, but the peak is above the rest."

There can be but little doubt that Darby Field, the first explorer, enter-
ing the valley of Ellis river, left it for the great southeastern ridge of
Mt. Washington, the same which has since been called Boott's Spur. This
was the " ridge between two valleys filled with snow, out of which came
two branches of Saco river," and it led him, as probably the other party
also, to the broadest spread of that great plain, of which the southeastern
grassy expanse, of some forty acres, has long been known as Bigelow's

White Mountains. :>1

Lawn, and the "top, 1 ' to the north, where the two ponds arc, furnished
Gorges with a part, no doubt, of the sources of his rivers.

" Fourscore miles," says Josselyn, "(upon a direct line) to the north-
west of Scarborow, a ridge of mountains run northwest and northeast an
hundred leagues, known by the name of the White Mountains, upon which
lieth snow all the year, and is a Land-mark twenty miles off at sea. It is
rising ground from the seashore to these Hills, and they are inaccessible
but by the Gullies which the dissolved Snow hath made, in these ( ! allies
grow Savin bushes, which being taken hold of are a good help to the climb-
ing discoverer; upon the top of the highest of these Mountains is a large
Level or Plain of a day's journey over, whereon nothing grows but Moss; at
the farther end of this Plain is another Hill called the Sugar loaf, t< > out ward
appearance, a rude heap of massie stones piled one upon another, and you
may, as you ascend, step from one stone to another, as if you were going
up a pair of stairs, but winding still about the Hill till you come to the top,
which will require half a day's time, and yet it is not above a Mile, where
there is also a Level of about an acre of ground, with a pond of clear water
in the midst of it; which you may hear run down, but how it ascends is
a mystery. From this rocky Hill you may see the whole Country round
about ; it is far above the lower Clouds, and from hence we beheld a Vapour
(like a great Pillar) drawn up by the Sun Beams out of a great Lake or
Pond into the air, where it was formed into a Cloud. The Country beyond
these Hills Northward is daunting terrible, being full of rocky Hills, as
thick as Mole-hills, in a Meadow, and cloathed with infinite thick Woods."
Gorges and Vines' party named these mountains the " Crystal Hills," but
their provisions failed them before the beautiful lake was reached, and
though they w T ere within one day's journey of it, they were obliged to
return home. Josselyn also says : "One stately mountain there is, sur-
mounting all the rest, about four-score miles from the sea; between the
mountains are many rich and pregnant valleys as ever eye beheld, beset
on each side with variety of goodly trees, the grass man high, unmowed,
uneaten, and uselessly withering, and within these valleys spacious lakes
or ponds well stored with fish and beavers; the original of all the great
rivers in the countrie, the snow lies upon the mountains the whole year
excepting the month of August; the black flies are so numerous thai a man
cannot draw his breath but he will suck of them in. Some suppose
that the White Mountains were first raised by earthquakes, but they are
hollow, as may be guessed by the resounding of the rain upon the level on
the top." The pond on the top in this account, may have been due to
extraordinary transient causes; it is not mentioned by the other visitors of
the seventeenth century, and has not been heard of since.

We next hear of an ascent of the White Mountains by a '" ranging
company," which "ascended the highest mountain, on the N. W. part."

52 History of Coos County.

so far, as appears, the first ascent on that side, April 29, 1725, and found,
as was to be expected, the snow deep, and the Alpine ponds frozen. Another
ranging party, which was "in the neighborhood of the White Mountains,
on a warm day in the month of March," in the year 17-i^, had an interest-
ing and the first recorded experience of a force, which has left innumer-
able proofs of its efficiency all through the mountains. It seems that this
party was " alarmed with a repeated noise, which they supposed to be the
firing of guns. On further search they found it to be caused by rocks fall-
ing from the south side of a steep mountain."

The Western Pass (Notch) of the mountains was undoubtedly known
to the Indians, but we have no account of its use by the English, till after
1771, when two hunters, Timothy Nash and Benjamin Sawyer, passed
through it. It is said that Nash, in pursuit of a moose, drove it into a deep
gorge, and expected an easy capture. The moose, however, took an old
Indian trail, which brought it safely to the other side of the mountain. A
road was soon after opened by the proprietors of lands in the upper Cohos,
and another, through the Eastern Pass, was commenced in 1771. Settlers
began now to make their way into the immediate neighborhood of the moun-
tains. The townships of Jefferson, Shelburne (which included Gorham),
and Adams (now Jackson), successively received inhabitants from 1773 to
1779, and the wilderness, if as yet far enough from blossoming, was
opened, and, to some extent, tamed.

It was now that the first company of scientific inquirers approached the
White hills. In July, 1784, the Eev Manasseh Cutler, of Ipswich, a zeal-
ous member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the Eev.
Daniel Little, of Kennebunk, also a member of the Academy, and Col.
John Whipple, of Dartmouth (now Jefferson), the most prominent inhabi-
tant of the Cohos country, visited the mountains, "with a view to make
particular observations on the several phenomena that might occur The
w; iv by which Cutler ascended the mountain is indicated by the sti earn
which bears his name in Belknap's and Bigelow's narratives, and was
doubtless very much the same taken and described by Bigelow. President
Dwight passed through the Notch in 1797, and a second time in 1803, and
his beautiful description of the scenery is still valuable and correct. He
says: "The Notch of the White Mountains is a phrase appropriated to a
very narrow defile extending two miles in length between two huge cliffs,
apparently rent asunder by some vast convulsion of nature. The entrance
to the chasm is formed by two rocks, standing perpendicularly at the dis-
tance of twenty-two feet from each other; one about twenty, the other
about twelve feet in height. Half of the space is occupied by the brook,
the bead stream of the Saco; the other half by the 1 road. When we entered
the Notch we were struck with the wild and solemn appearance of every-
thing before us. The scale, on which all objects in view were formed, was

White Mountains. :,:;

the scale of grandeur only. The rocks, rude and ragged in a manner hardly
paralleled, were fashioned, and piled on each other, by a hand operating
only in the boldest and most irregular manner. As we advanced, these
appearances increased rapidly. Huge masses of granite of every abrupt
form, and hoary with a moss which seemed the product of ages, recalling
to the mind the c Saxmn vetustum 1 of Virgil, speedily rose to a mountain-
ous height. Before us the view widened fast to the southeast. Behind us
it closed almost instantaneously; and presented nothing to the eye but an
impassable barrier of mountains. About half a mile from the entrance
of the chasm, we saw in full view the most beautiful cascade, perhaps, in
the world. It issued from a mountain on the right, about eight hundred
feet above the subjacent valley, and at the distance of about two miles
from us. The stream, which I shall denominate the ' Silver cascade/ ran
over a series of rocks, almost perpendicular, with a course so little broken
as to preserve the appearance of an uniform current, and yet so far dis-
turbed as to be perfectly white. At the distance of three quarters of a mile
from the entrance, we passed a brook known as the 'Flume.' The stream
fell from a height of 240 or 250 feet over three precipices; down the first
and second it fell in a single current, and down the third in three, which
united their streams at the bottom in a fine basin immediately below us.
It is impossible for a brook of this size to be modelled into more diversified,
or more delightful, forms; or for a cascade to descend over precipices more
happily fitted to finish its beauty. The sunbeams, penetrating through the
trees, painted a great variety of fine images of light, and edged an equally
numerous, and diversified, collection of shadows; both dancing on the
waters, and alternately silvering and obscuring their course Purer water
never was seen. Exclusively of its murmurs, the world around us was
solemn and silent. Everything assumed the character of enchantment;
and, had I been educated in the Grecian mythology, I should have be»'ii
scarcely surprised to find an assemblage of Dryads, Naiads, and Oreades
sporting on the little plain beneath our feet. As we passed onward through
this singular valley, occasional torrents, formed by the rains and dissolv-
ing snows, at the close of winter, had left behind them, in many places,
perpetual monuments of their progress in perpendicular, narrow, and irreg-
ular paths, of immense length; where they had washed the precipices
naked and white, from the summit of the mountain to the base. Wide
and deep chasms, also, at times met the eye, both on the summits and the
sides; and strongly impressed the imagination with the thought, that a
hand of immeasurable power had rent asunder the solid rocks, and tum-
bled them into the subjacent valley. Over all, hoary cliffs rising with
proud supremacy, frowned awfully on the world below, and finished the
landscape."

This incident connected with the re-discovery of the Notch is interesting.

51 History of Coos County.

On the report of its re-discovery to Governor Wentworth. he warily
agreed to grant Nash and Sawyer a tract of land if they would bring him
down a horse from Lancaster, through this Notch. By means of ropes they
succeeded in getting the horse over the projecting cliff, and down the rug-
ged pathway of the mountain torrent, and brought him to the governor.
When they saw the horse safely lowered on the south side of the last pro-
jection, it is said that Sawyer, draining the last drop of rum from his junk
bottle, broke the empty flask on the rock, and named it "Sawyer's rock,"
by which name it has ever since been known. The earliest articles of com-
merce taken through the Notch appear to have been a barrel of tobacco,
raised at Lancaster, which was carried to Portsmouth, and a barrel of rum
which a company in Portland offered to any one who should succeed in
taking it through the pass. This was done by Captain Rosebrook, with
some assistance, though it became nearly empty, "through the politeness
of those who helped to manage the affair." The difficulty of communica-
tion was often the occasion of serious want, and it was no rare thing to
suffer from scarcity of provisions.

The first person passing through the Notch to settle in the lands north-
west was Col. Joseph Whipple, who came from Portsmouth in 1772. He
brought tackles and ropes by which his cattle were brought over the preci-
pices along the way. In 1803 the legislature authorized a lottery for the
building of a turnpike through the Notch of the White Mountains, twenty
miles in extent, at an expense of forty thousand dollars. (It was custom-
ary in the early history of the country to raise money by lottery for the
general welfare. Roads were built, literary institutions founded and religious
societies aided, by such questionable means.) Tickets were issued exceed-
ing the prizes by the sum of thirty -two thousand one hundred dollars; but,
through the failure of agents, the loss of tickets, and the expense of man-
agement, only fifteen hundred dollars came into the state treasury. This
road, winding down to the west line of Bartlett through this gigantic cleft in
the mountains, presents to the traveller "some of the most sublime and
beautiful scenery which the sun, in his entire circuit, reveals to the curious
eye." In July of this year, Dr. Cutler visited the mountains a second
time, in company with Dr. W. D. Peck, afterwards Professor of Natural
History at Cambridge, Mass. In 1816 Dr. Bigelow, Dr. Francis Boott,
Francis C. Gray, and Chief Justice Shaw visited the mountains. In 1819
Abel Crawford opened the footway to Mt. Washington, which follows the
southwestern ridge from Mt. Clinton. July 31, 1820, Messrs. A. N. Brack-
et!, J. W. Weeks, Charles J. Stuart, Esq., Gen. JohnWillson, Noyes S.
Dennison, and S. A. Pearson, Esq., of Lancaster, with Philip Carrigain, and
Ethan Crawford as guide, ascended the southwestern ridge by the new
path, from the head of the Notch, and explored the summits of the whole
range as far as Mt. Washington. They took the height of the mountains

White Mountains.

with a spirit-level, and were seven days in this slow, fatiguing labor. They
must have been the first party which passed the night upon the summit.
Benjamin D. Greene, Esq., collected the plants of the southwestern ridge
in 1823, and the same year, Henry Little, a medical student, explored this
part of the mountains. In 1825, William Oakes, Esq., and Dr. Charles Pick-
ering, made, together, extensive researches of much interest. Dr. J. W.
Bobbins explored carefully the whole range in 1829, descending into and
crossing the Great Gulf, and traversing for the first time, so far as scien-
tific interests were concerned, all the eastern summits. Rev. T. Stan-
King, whose artistic appreciation and eloquent writings did so much to
bring this region into notice, came here in 1837. In 1840, a party, includ-
ing Dr. Charles T. Jackson, reached Mt. Washington on horseback by the
way of the Notch.

First Settlers. — The first settlers among the mountains came from below,
and settled Conway in 1704, Jefferson in 1772, Franconia in 1774, Bartlett
in 1777, Jackson in 1778, Bethlehem in 1790. In 1792 Captain Rosebrook
established himself and home on the site of Fabyan's, and opened the
first house for summer visitors there in 1808. Abel Crawford settled at
Bemis in 1793. Ethan A. Crawford succeeded to the Rosebrook place in
1817. But thirty years before any of these thought of making a home in this
wild region, so runs the story, Thomas Crager sought among the solitudes
of the mountain rocks, relief for a grief so intense as almost to craze him.
His wife had been executed as a witch ; his little daughter Mary, his only
child, had been carried into captivity, and after a long and unavailing
search, he went up to the mountains, and lived for a long time, where the
pure water and air of the region brought health and strength, protected
from the evil intent of the Indians by their belief in his being the adopted
son of the Great Spirit. After long years, he found his daughter among
the Indians of eastern Maine, married, and living as a squaw. Many
wild legends are told of Crager and the Indian captor of his daughter, but
the fact of his existence and residence here is all we need record.

Nancy's Brook and Nancy's Bridge take their name from a girl who
perished here in 1778. Her tragic story has so often been told, that we
only allude to it.

The First House in the Notch was the historic Willey House. It was
kept as a public house for some years, then abandoned, and again occupi< d
in 1825, by Samuel Willey, Jr., who, with his wife, five children, and two
hired men, perished in the great slide of August 28, L826. As there would
be a dozen people desirous of visiting the mountains coming to Ethan A.
Crawford's hostelry, in 1821 he most effectively advertised it. by cutting a
path, which shortened the distance, and made it easy to go up the moun-
tain. Soon after this, increased travel brought a demand for some place
jon the summit where visitors could pass the night, and Ethan constructed

56 History of Coos County.

a stone cabin, near the large spring of water, and furnished it, first with
a large supply of soft moss for beds ; and afterwards with a small stove,
an iron chest to hold the blankets, and a long roll of sheet lead, as a reg-
ister of names of visitors.

The first hotel on Mt. Washington was the old Summit House, built in
1852, by L. M. Eosebrook, N. R. Perkins, and J. S. Hall. The Tip Top
House was built in 1853, by John H. Spaulding and others. He was part
owner of that and the Summit House, and conducted them for several
years. The present Summit House was built in 1872. The old Summit
House was torn down in the spring of 1881, to give place to a new build-
ing, used as lodging rooms for the employees of the hotel.

The first winter ascent of Mt. Washington was made by Lucius Harts-
horne, a deputy sheriff of Coos county, and B. F. Osgood, of Gorham, De-
cember 7, 1858. John H. Spaulding, Franklin White, and C. C. Brooks,
of Lancaster, made the ascent February 19, 1862, and were the first to
spend the night on the mountain in winter.

The carriage road from the Glen House to the summit of Mt. Wash-
ington was begun in 1853, under the management of D. 0. Macomber, C.
H. V. Cavis being surveyor. The first four miles were finished the next
year. Financial troubles stopped the work for a time, but the road was
finally opened August 8, 1861. It is eight miles long, and has an average
grade of twelve feet in 100. The ascent is made by stages in four hours,
and the descent in an hour and a half.

George W. Lane drove the first Concord coach that ever ascended Mt.
Washington over this road, August 8, 1861.

The Glen House in Pinkham Notch, at the eastern base of Mt. Wash-
ington, is fifteen miles north of Glen station, near North Conway, eight
miles south of Gorham, on the Grand Trunk railway, and has a full and
unobstructed view of the highest peaks of the Mt. Washington range. Mt.
Washington is ascended from the Glen by the carriage road, eight miles
long. Glen Ellis Falls, and Crystal Cascade, near the Glen, are two of the
finest water-falls in the mountain. Tuckerman's Ravine is most easily
reached from the Glen House.

Pinkham Notch takes its name from Daniel Pinkham, an early resident
of Jackson. In 1821 he commenced a road through the wilderness
between two ranges of the White Mountains ; this road was about twelve
miles in length, and connected Jackson with Randolph, and in two years
time it was completed. The Notch is situated at the Glen Ellis Falls, and
the mountains here are only a quarter of a mile apart.

The Mt. Washington railway was projected by Sylvester Marsh. The
building of the road was begun in 1866, and finished in 186U.

The ascent is made by the railway from the west side, and the carriage
road from the east. The railroad is three miles long, and has an average

White Mountains. 57

rise of one foot in four, the steepest being thirteen and one-half inches to the
yard. The grade is overcome by means of cog-wheels working in a cog-
rail in the center of the track, and powerful brakes on engines and cars
insure safety. No passenger has been injured since the road was opened.
The running time is one and one-half hours, and only one car is run with
each engine.

Mountain Tragedies.— The destruction of the Willey family by a land
slide in the White Mountain Notch, occurred August 28, 1826. Frederick
Strickland, an Englishman, perished in the Ammonoosuc Eavine, in Oc-
tober, 1851. Miss Lizzie Bourne, of Kennebunk, Me., perished on the
Glen bridle-path, near the Summit, on the night of September 14, 1855.
Dr. B. L. Ball, of Boston, was lost on Mt. Washington, in October, 1855,
in a siiow storm, but rescued after two days' and nights' exposure, with-
out food or sleep. Benjamin Chandler, of Delaware, perished near
Chandler's Peak, half a mile from the top of Mt. Washington, August 7,
1856, in a storm, and his remains were not discovered for nearly a
year. Harry W. Hunter, of Pittsburg, Pa., perished on the Crawford
bridle-path, September 3, 187-1, a mile from the Summit. His remains
were found nearly six years later, July 14, 1880. On the north side of
Cherry mountain occurred the noted landslide of July 10, 1885. This was
the largest slide ever known in the mountains. Donald Walker was the
only one who lost his life. July 24, 1886, the great snow arch in Tucker-
man's Eavine, near Mt. Washington, X. H., fell, and instantly killed
Sewall Faunce, the fifteen-year-old son of Mr. Faunce, of the law firm of
Faunce & Wiggin, School street, Boston.

The first number of Among the Clouds, the first daily newspaper pub-
lished in the W 7 hite Mountains, and the only one printed on any mountain
in the world, was issued July 18, 1S77, by Henry M. Burt, of Springfield,
Mass. The paper records much that pertains to the exploration of the
W 7 hite Hills, and the development of its unexplored resources. Almost
every week something worth preserving about the mountains is printed
in its columns. It is indispensable to the enjoyment of those who
reside for the season among the mountains. When the season is fairly
open, Mr. Burt receives, by telegraph, the full list of the daily arrivals at
the principal hotels in the mountains, and publishes it in the following-
issue. Two editions are published daily, one at 1 p. m., and and one at .'•
a. m., each summer, from July to the close of the season. The afternoon
edition contains the names of the arrivals on the morning train from Faby-
an's, and on the stages from the (lien House. The publication office is
the old Tip Top House, nicely fitted up, and equipped with a steam engine
and Hoe cylinder press.

The signal station at the Summit was established in 1870. Prof. J. H.
Huntington, of the State Geological Survey, was at the head of the party

58 History of Coos County.

that spent the first winter here. The building now occupied by the ob-
servers was erected in 187*3.

For descriptions of Fabyan House, Crawford House, White Mountain
House, and Twin Mountain House, see Carroll.

The Mt. Washington Summit House, with nearly one hundred sleep-
ing rooms, is a commodious and comfortable hotel, under the manage-
ment of Col. Oscar G. Barron.

CHAPTER VII.

PLANTS.

Trees — Shrubs — Grass 3S — Introduced Plants — Alpine Plants.

THE vegetation of Coos county contrasts strongly with that of the
southern counties of the state. The somber colors of the Canadian
evergreens largely take the places of the light foliage of the deciduous
trees, and the Canadian flora occupies almost wholly the entire county to
the exclusion of the more southern or Alleghanian division.

Trees. — " Our arbor vitas is," says Prof. Gray, "the physiognomic tree
of our cold swamps at the north and in Canada.'" It is generally incor-
rectly called " white cedar," and enters as a prominent element into the flora
of Coos county, growing most abundantly along the borders of slow
streams and in swamps, and varying from thirty to fifty feet in height.
White spruce grows extensively in the region of Connecticut lake, but is
rarely found below Colebrook. The balsam fir and black spruce, growing
together in about equal numbers, give to the scenery of the White Moun-
tains one of its peculiar features. " The stiff, spiked forms of the one are
mingled with the blackish-green foliage of the other almost universally
along the mountain sides, and are the last of the arborescent vegetation
to yeld to the increased cold and fierce winds of the higher summits." North
of the mountains, they, with arbor-vitas, are the predominant evergreens.
The hemlock, so graceful when young, has its northern limit in the neigh-
borhood of Colebrook and Umbagog lake. The American larch (hack-
matack or tamarack) is chiefly found in small swamps. When the county
was first known to civilization, the Connecticut valley was filled with a
stately growth of the highly prized white pine, many of them fit for the
"broad arrow " mark of the British Crown as mast trees sacred to the

Plants. 59

King's service. Now a few specimens, occuring mostly at the head waters
of the streams, are all that remain of the original profusion. Second growths
of this tree here are of rare occurrence, even when the cleared land is
allowed to return to forest. The Canadian yew, or " ground hemlock. ** is
present in the swamps, while the savin and juniper occupy higher ground.
The red maple gives the brilliant scarlet color to our autumnal scenery.
The rock, or sugar maple, is the largest of the maples and is an important
economic factor, producing as it does maple sirup and sugar, and much
valuable timber. The beech and the sugar maple are the most common of
the deciduous trees of this county, making up most of the "hard-wood " for-
ests. The black, yellow, and canoe birches are common, the latter being-
conspicuous, high on the sides of the mountains, its white bark showing in
striking contrast with the dark trunks and foliage of the firs and spruce.
Dalton, Berlin, Gorham and Shelburne are in the red oak zone. The
American elm is native to the alluvial soil of the larger rivers, and, owing
to its majestic appearance, wherever it is found it is very prominent. The
black poplar grows quite large, has dark colored bark on the trunk, and is
much used in making "wood-pulp." A small variety of poplar, which
sometimes springs up in great abundance in cleared land, never attains
large growth.

Shrubs.— The mountain ash clings to the mountain sides and streams,
and its red berries hang brilliant in autumn. Blackberries and raspberries
are present, the red raspberry being one of the most numerous plants of
the county. The blueberry genus is well represented by the Canadian and
dwarf blue-berry, the cowberry, and the swamp cranberry. In the swamps
we often find the Canadian holly and winter berry, while on the poorer soil
of the hills the sumach matures. The alder, willow, witch hazel, high bush
cranberry, Labrador tea, common and red-berried elder, moose wood.
American yew, with currants and gooseberries are found in the localities
for which nature has fitted them.

The shrubs grow smaller and smaller as the mountains are ascended.
The mountain aster and golden rod, the white orchis, the white hellebore,
the wood-sorrel, and Solomon's seal ascend into the black growth, while
the clintonia, bunch berry, bluets, creeping snowberry, purple trilliums
keep them company and cease to grow at the same altitude.

Grasses. — "Blue joint" (Calarnogrosti</ Canadensis), is the principal
native grass, and grows luxuriantly. " Herd's grass " (P. Pratensis), not
indigenous, grows in the lumber roads throughout the county as an intro-
duced plant, and can be traced along the carriage mid on Mt. Washington
far above the limit of trees.

Introduced Plants. — The white willow of Europe, which brought to
some place in the Connecticut valley as a shade tree, has extended itself
along the river, and is as much at home in Stewartstown and Pittsburg as

60 History of Coos County.

by the borders of European streams. The Canadian plum is much culti-
vated, and grows frequently where man has never planted it. The hemp-
nettle has come in some way from the Merrimack valley through Fran-
conia Notch and made itself at home from Whitefield to the clearings
around Connecticut lake. The garden wormwood finds in the slaty con-
stituents of the soil of Pittsburg the needed elements for its life and flour-
ishes in the open air without cultivation.

Alpine Plants. — An Alpine or Arctic vegetation is found on the treeless
region of the upper heights of Mt. Washington and adjacent peaks, where
alone are found the conditions favorable to their growth. They are of great
hardihood and sometimes bloom amid ice and snow. This region which
they occupy is a windswept tract above the growth of trees and about
eight miles long by two miles wide. About fifty species are strictly Alpine
and found nowhere else in the state. About fifty other species accompany
them, and are also found at the base of the mountains and other parts of
the state. These are called " sub- Alpines," and occupy the ravines and lower
parts of the treeless region, but not the upper summits. In ascending the
mountains, the firs and spruces become more and more dwarfish, at last
rising but a few feet, while the branches spread out horizontally many feet,
and become thickly interwoven. They present an almost even upper sur-
face, strong enough to walk upon. At last these disappear giving place
to the dwarf birch, Alpine willows, Labrador tea, and Lapland rhododen-
dron, which spread out over the nearest rocks after rising a few inches
above the ground, thus gaining the warmth which enables them to live in
spite of cold and storm. On the top of the summits these are succeeded by
the Greenland sandwort, cassiope, the diapensia, azalia, Alpine bearberry,
with Arctic rushes, lichens and sedges.

CHAPTER VIII.

GAME OF COOS COUNTY.

BY HON. J. "W. WEEKS.

Beaver — Dams — Moose — Description, Food, Etc. — Deer, Caribou, Etc. — Horns — Bear —
Wolverine — Lynx — Otter — Fisher — Sable — Raccoon — Grey Squirrel — Wild Geese and Ducks
— Ruffed Grouse or Partridge — Canada Grouse or Spruce Partridge — Wild Pigeons.

EAVER.— It does not appear that the Indians ever cultivated the lands
or wintered on the Connecticut farther north than Haverhill, conse-
quently the wild animals were not so constantly beset by them in
early times as they were farther south, or on the St. Lawrence. An old

Game of Coos County. 61

writer says above the mountains was a "paradise for hunters." The
beaver inhabited this region in immense numbers. This animal, with
instinct almost human, was in shape, except the tail, like the muskrat,
but weighing twenty or twenty-five pounds. The tail, six or eight inches
long, covered with thick scales, was very strong, broad at the extremity,
and some three inches wide. It not only assisted the animal in swimming
but in sitting at his work. The beaver's tail and nose of the moose were
considered the greatest of delicacies, each being cooked in the same way
wrapped in bark or leaves, and buried in the embers of the camp-fire till
thoroughly roasted, when the skin was pulled off, and the feast commenced.
It is said that the Indians cooked the whole beaver in this manner, thus
losing the skin. The beaver was substantially exterminated prior to the
settlement of Lancaster.

With regard to the beaver marks in this section, Major Weeks said
there were dams on Martin's meadow " fifty rods long and five feet high *'
in his day. Their meadows were found in every brook ; and their canals
were cut from every pond surrounded by bogs, to the highlands. In a
pond of a few acres in the north part of Whitefield, a canal was cut
through the bog back to the high ground. This was as straight and true
as if done by a spade and line. It was twenty inches or two feet wide,
and so deep that in winter the beavers could pass to and from the pond
under the ice. Their home was on this canal from which they reached the
high ground, entering so deep down as to be below the frost. These canals
served a double purpose ; they were the means of reaching the deciduous
trees, the bark of which served them for food, and as a concealment from
their enemies. These pond-beavers had holes along their canals, below
the frost, that extended long distances and struck high land, where they
dug up to where it was dry, and made their homes. From these burrows
they could reach the pond and feed upon the roots of the cow lily, which
was a favorite food of the beaver as well as the moose. East of Lancaster
are two beaver meadows, containing a hundred acres or more, the upper
one, of thirty or forty acres, at the junction of two considerable streams,
has canals cut through it in various directions, some of them ;~lill eighteen
inches deep, and the banks of earth thrown up along the sides in some
places over two feet high These canals, unlike those cut from the natural
ponds, were for the purpose of passing from place to place under the ice,
and for storing their food, which consisted, in those artificial ponds, mostly
of the bark of deciduous trees which grew along the banks, and werecul
into pieces eighteen or twenty inches long, and sunk in the bottom of the
canal. At the extreme upper end of this pond, on the main branch, is a
mound about sixteen feet over and live feet high, with a deep trench
extending nearly around it, and a canal running directly from it across the
meadow to the opposite brook. This canal is more than twenty-five rods
long, and the mound was evidently their house.

62 History of Coos County.

I have never but once seen where the beaver were at work. This was
in the fall of 1844, in the forest in the northern part of the state, on Perry's
stream. There was a new formed dam spanning the stream, which was
fifteen or twenty feet wide at the place. This dam was three feet or more
high, composed of brush at first, with the tops down stream, then filled in
with stones, sticks, mud, and other material. It was considerably arched,
so that the pressure of the current on its center crowded the ends against
the banks and strengthened the structure. Near by was a white or river
maple, three to four inches through, cut down, and several pieces cut from
it eighteen or twenty inches long, and others partly cut. How such a mass
of sticks, stones, gravel, and mud, as composed this dam were ever con-
veyed there, is a mystery to me. When a boy, I often saw beaver cuttings
about the ponds, once lagoons, but they were always old and seemed to be
done by wandering animals ; a tree would be cut down and left Avhere it
fell. The beaver, in felling a tree, cuts around it, cutting above and below,
and tearing, or splitting out the chips, leaving the stump in the shape of
a cone, tapering to a point at an angle of about forty-five degrees.

The Moose was not destroyed before the settlement of this northern
country. The hunters killed them only to supply themselves with food
when they were unsuccessful in trapping the beaver. The large extent of
fertile soil, with its numerous streams and ponds, made this a favorite
resort for all game that roamed a northern forest, more particularly of that
strange and uncouth animal, the moose. He seems to have come down
from a former period of time. No naturalist with whose writings I am
acquainted, has given an adequate description of the habits and peculiar
characteristics of this creature. Judge Caton, who has written a most
exhaustive work on the " Deer of America," treats him as a herbivorous
animal like the common deer, when his habits are much different from the
caribou or reindeer. His long forelegs and short neck preclude his feeding
from the ground without bending them or getting on his knees ; the long
prehensile nose serving the purpose of the elephant's trunk, dropping three
inches or more over the mouth, which is wholly out of sight as you stand
beside or in front of him, with nostrils capable of being distended to an
enormous size, or of being entirely closed, yet constantly vibrating, and
usually narrowed to the merest slit when the creature is at rest. The little
deep, and villainous looking eye, with its false, transparent lid, at one time
half covering the sight, and then withdrawn, like that seen in aquatic
animals or birds, show that the moose is not a grazing animal like the deer,
and not destined to subsist on the common herbage of the forest.

I suppose the moose in the summer season feeds largely upon the twigs
and branches of deciduous trees; but their favorite food is aquatic plants
and roots Hunters, who have seen him eating, have told me that he
would wade in the mud and water up to about midside, and put his head

Game of Coos County. 63

below the surface, feel around, and, when he got hold of the righl root,
would pull it up, shake it in the water, and munch it as il floated around
him. His flexible nose was very useful to foci and bring up the favorite
roots, and the power to perfectly dose his nostrils togel her with the trans-
parent lid protecting his eyes, left those organs in perfect condition to per-
form their offices when the head was raised above the surface.

Perhaps it may not be amiss to say something of the root of the cow-
lily, which formed so important an article of food for the moose. Most
people have seen the pads and large yellow blossoms. The roots of the lily
are nearly the size of a man's arm, and lie horizontally a few inches below
1 1 ie si i rface of the mud, forming a net- work so strong that a man may walk
upon them. From appearance they last for ages, each season sending out
feederroots, leaves, and flower stalks, that fall away at the commencement
of cold weather. These roots are quite porous, are as easily cut as a potato >,
and have a pungent but not unpleasant smell. The winter food of the
moose was principally the bark of the mountain ash (which grows very
large and in great abundance upon the mountains), although I have been
told that at times they used the bark of the white maple. The moose
strikes his teeth into the bark like a set of gouges, cuts diagonally across
the wood, and upward, and gathers the bark into his mouth, as it falls,
with his long, pliable, upper lip I never saw where the bark was taken
from a tree nearer than two feet of the ground, but have seen them peeled
as high as eight or nine feet.

T have never hunted the moose, but business has led me into his imme-
diate neighborhood, where for days I would not be out of sight of his
marks on his feeding grounds. At one time I had the good fortune to be
able to study a tame one. This was a fine animal, about two years old,
not quite as large as a colt of the same age. It was perfectly gentle and
enjoyed being petted as much as a colt.

The moose were not wantonly destroyed by the respectable inhabitants
of the country, as they considered them as a never-ending supply of meat.
but by the vagabonds who always infest a new settlement. Some idea of
the vast numbers of these animals may be gained from the fact (as stated
by Edward Spaulding and Major John W. Weeks) that Nathan Caswell
took it into his head to kill a hundred moose on the crusl in one winter,
and actually did kill ninety-nine, and *Spanlding said he chased the hun-
dredth one into the Burnside meadow, in Fast Lancaster, and lost him.
Caswell lived on the noses and other nice bits, and only saved a part of the
skins. He did this upon the same principle that wolves kill sheep for mere
wickedness. It is said that the inhabitants were so incensed at this that
they refused him shelter in their houses and drove him from the settle-
ment. [This Caswell was not Capt, Nathan Caswell, the first settler and
prominent citizen of Littleton, but probably was his son. a man of roving

64 History of Coos County.

habits.] Other persons probably killed as many more, bat they increased
rapidly, and I have heard James B. Weeks say, that in 1808 or 1810,
"there came a very deep snow, and, in March, a sharp crust, so that
there were killed in Lancaster and surrounding towns as many as ninety
moose, mostly wantonly. 1 ' The few that survived this devastation moved
to safer quarters.

Among the early settlers of Lancaster who occasionally hunted the
moose were Stanley, Bucknam, and Blake. The two latter were remark-
able for their deadly aim with the long smooth-bore. Stanley was also
noted for the accuracy of his shots. At one time he killed four moose in
Cherry pond by making five shots in quick succession, and bringing down
four of the animals. Stanley owned and lived on what was later called
the Bellows place, and afterwards owned by Capt. Beattie. Bucknam
resided near the brick school-house in Lancaster, and Blake, near the
mouth of John's river.

I should not do justice to this subject if I did not speak of the manner
in which the hunters brought in their meat when they killed it at a dis-
tance from home. Whether the toboggan is a modern invention or not I
will leave for others to decide. The hunter kills a moose, takes off the
skin, spreads it out, strips the flesh from the bones, and wraps it in the
skin, which lies full length, and of equal widths (perhaps a foot and a half
wide), binds it up with thongs cut from the edge of the skin, being sure
that the thongs as they go round the pack are beneath the hair, and turns
up the neck in the shape of the dasher to the toboggan. To this he fast-
ens a withe, and lets the whole freeze, if it will. The slightest crust will
bear this toboggan, and no sled ever ran smoother.

Deer. Caribou, Etc. — When the Creator formed the animals to inhabit
the earth, lie made them to serve certain purposes in the courses of nature,
one to fill this place, another that, but, at last, when he wanted a thing of
beauty, he made the American deer, and he must have been well pleased
with the work of his hands.

Very few deer ever found their way north of the White Mountains till
the moose were substantially exterminated. In conversation, many years
ago, with Edward Spaulding and James B. Weeks upon this subject, Mr.
Spaulding, who came to the country in 1767. said, when he was a boy, a
deer used to come and feed with his father's cattle in Northumberland, and
aftera time his father killed it. Mr. Weeks said that in 1810 there weresome
deer about Cherry pond, and two or three were killed on the crust by Lan-
caster men. They must have been considered extremely rare at that time
or men would not have gone eight miles through an unbroken forest to
hunt them.

About 1818 oi- 1820 a deer was seen in the road near Prospect Farm. The
boy who saw it described the animal and there was much questioning as

Game of Coos County. 65

to what it was. From this time their increase in Lancaster and vicinity
was very rapid. They were seen about the ponds and streams, in the fields,
and their marks were in the forest. The inhabitants did not know how to
hunt them, and the deer were unmolested for a long time. A few were
killed on the crust, but their meat was worthless at that season, and pub-
lic opinion was against the killing of them for mere sport. After a time
the people learned to still-hunt and trap them in the fall, and their meat
and skins was quite a source of profit. The section with which I was best
acquainted was South Lancaster, Dalton and Whitefield. It was said that
Samuel Barker, of Dalton, killed forty with his rifle one fall, most of them
he sent to market. A farmer who lived on the farm now owned by George
P. Rowell killed fifteen one season, within a mile from home. In some
well-to-do families venison was the most common fresh meat.

The reason for the great number of deer in the locality spoken of was
probably the fact that they were not chased by hounds, for if one pursued
a deer into that region he was killed. They were chased in Vermont and
at Littleton, It will be noticed when the deer were so numerous, Lancas-
ter was well occupied by farms, and the towns south well dotted with set-
tlements. The deer, during the summer and fall, lived largely about the
clearings, feeding on the tender herbage that sprung up after the running
of the fires, or in the fields of the settlers. Whatever was palatable to a
sheep was agreeable to the deer. Growing grain, wheat or oats did not
come amiss; peas, potatoes, turnips, apples, and anything that a sheep
would eat, the deer craved, and, in some instances, they were more than
half domesticated. I will give an example: Since 1850, they would in the
spring of the year be often seen on my meadow, a mile east of the village,
as many as four at a time, but would generally disappear after the herbage
was well started, but there was a doe that remained three years in succes-
sion and raised a pair of fawns, which she kept hid in the small piece of
woods west of the river, directly below E. F. Connor's. In August the
fawns, then fine little animals, would appear with the mother. Of the
last pair she raised there, one was perfectly white, except its nose and the
back of its ears, which were tinged with red. The next March, 1854, some
hunters from Manchester, hearing of these deer, came up with their hunt-
ing shirts, their hounds, snow-shoes, long-range rifles, and all the parapher-
nalia of city sportsmen to hunt the deer we did not know what to do with.
They made their headquarters at the American House, and the next morn-
ing, after fortifying their inner man (gentleman, I mean,) and raising their
courage to a pitch necessary to so great and hazardous an undertaking,
they went up and put their dogs after those inoffensive and helpless animals.
They drove the white one up across the meadow and caught it by the side of
the road a little west of where John Jerome now lives; they took it down to
the American House in great state, and thence to Manchester. Whether

6Q History of Coos County.

the people of Manchester turned out en masse to welcome the gentlemen
back after so hazardous an enterprise I never learned. What became of
the other two deer I do not know, but they never returned to that neigh-
borhood. It will be inferred from what I have written that if the deer
could be protected from being chased by dogs in summer, and from brutal
men killing them on the crust in the winter, hundreds of these beautiful
and useful animals might inhabit every township of northern New Hamp-
shire.

The deer, as mentioned before, made its appearance in Coos about 1818
or 1820, and its increase was very rapid. About 1830, when there were the
greatest number here, the wolves came among us, and were terribly
destructive both to sheep and deer, and the farmers soon came to the con-
clusion that the deer were the cause of the wolves 1 appearance, and they
gradually withdrew their protection, and many persons killed twenty or
more in the spring, wantonly as ever dogs or wolves killed sheep. Their
numbers of course diminished, but in some localities they were numerous
till after 1850. About that time, in the fall, after the snow was on the
ground, I saw thirteen paraded on the porch of the old Cushman tavern
in Dalton, taken with hounds by a party from Massachusetts, with Tom
Jerrold, of Littleton, as guide. The deer, however, remained in consider-
able numbers long after the wolves left.

I am thoroughly acquainted with the deer in all its habits and pecul-
iarities of life. Of the fawn I would say it is the most beautiful little ani-
nal that can be imagined. It is a little larger than the common lamb,
with a pale red coat, like that of the doe in summer, ornamented with two
rows of white spots on each side, the whole length of its body. Its grace-
ful motion, its perfect limbs and its innocent and inquiring face, make it a
most interesting creature. I never saw a fawn abroad with the doe while
wearing its first or summer coat; they are hid by the mother while young
and do not follow her till August. While the deer were plenty it was not
an uncommon thing to find the fawns where the mother had left them
when they could be easily captured. I have killed a large number of deer.
but never was so mean or so unfortunate as to kill a doe while she was
rearing her fawns in summer, but I saw one that was killed in the latter
part of June, the udder of which indicated that she gave more milk in pro-
portion to her size than a cow. The quantity a doe usually gives must be
very great, as the fawns, wdien they begin to go out with her, are about
half her size. The doe and her fawns remain together the first winter, but
not after. Old bucks are seldom seen with the does or smaller deer. They
remain exceedingly quiet while their horns are growing, and often become
very fat. but after their horns harden, they feed little and range almost
continually, soon becoming thin, and their venison is not good.

Of the caribou I know little, having never seen a live one, and never to-

Game of Coos County. 67

my recollection heard them spoken of by the early settlers, but it appears
that, some sixty or seventy years ago, a herd came down from the north-
east, and spread over the northern Androscoggin country, but did not come
as far west as the Connecticut. I have never seen any of their natural
feeding grounds, on any of the Connecticut waters southwest of Second
and Third lakes. I have seen some very fine specimens of heads and horns
taken in the extreme northeastern part of New Hampshire and Maine.

Horns. — The horns of the moose, deer, and caribou are strongly related
to each other. I have noticed the horn of the deer, in all its stages, from
the time it commences rising from the head till it dies and falls off in early
winter. I will describe one taken from a buck of very large size. It was
about eight inches long and an inch and a half in diameter at the base,
where it was hard, and had taken its normal shape. About two and a
half inches from the head the first prong was sent out, and was perfectly
shaped and hard. From this point to the end the horn varied in density.
until, at the extremity, it was a mere pulp, with a very small amount of
bony substance. The second or largest prong had just begun to be formed.
Across the end it was somewhat flattened, more than two and a half
inches wide, and as thick as the horn would be when matured. When
dried, the end shrunk and shriveled like some soft vegetable, and, when cut
after drying, was nearly as porous as a sponge.

The horns of all these animals are, doubtless, extremely sensitive, for
the bucks that wear them are seldom seen while they are growing, nor
until well hardened. We seldom see horns that are damaged during
growth, still I have noticed them broken down and healed. I have also
seen where a knot had been broken off in a horn, and afterwards covered
by a new growth. The skin, or velvet, on the horn of the live animal
seems as tough as the skin on the other parts. I have seen large horns
with the ends of all the main prongs pulpy. On the final hardening of the
bony substance the skin dies and is rubbed off.

Some naturalists try to classify animals of the deer kind by their horns,
and determine their ages by the number of prongs on each; but the excep-
tions to this rule are many and marked. Edward Spaulding. who lived in
Lancaster when the moose were in their glory, told of one with horns a
foot wide and seventeen prongs on each. In the fall of 1848, on the head
waters of Hall's stream, I saw the bones of a moose of the largest size, that
had died when the horns were in the velvet. The carcass had been torn
and the horns much eaten bv the bears. These horns were about two and

a half feet long, shaped likeapalm almost from the head, and ten or eleven
inches wide in the widest place. The next February (1849) John H.

Spaulding went into that immediate vicinity and killed a bull n se, one

of the horns of which I have examined. The shaft was t wenty-one inches
long and rounded almost as perfectly as that of the deer. It was broken

6S History of Coos County.

off and rounded. About nine inches from the head was a well-rounded
and sharp prong eight inches long. At thirteen inches was another prong,
broken off when soft, leaving about four inches, and still another nearer
the end three inches long and very sharp. Judge Caton concludes that the
American moose is a separate animal from the Scandinavian elk. because
his horns are more pal mated; this moose had horns precisely like the animal
represented in Judge Caton's work. The time of moulting, or shedding
the horns, by the deer, moose, and caribou, depends much on circumstances.
I have known a buck to shed his horns in November, and 1 have heard of
one that wore a large pair of white horns in the spring. The moose seldom
carries his antlers so late as the one killed by Mr. Spaulding.

I have horns of the deer of the normal shape: Shaft seventeen inches
long, spread at points eleven inches, three prongs on each, aside from main
shaft, rounded, and very sharp. I think I have seen four prongs on a
single horn, but no more. I have another pair of horns, with the head,
taken from one of the largest bucks I ever saw. These are about an inch
and a half in diameter at the base, and nineteen inches in length. About
four inches from the head is a very sharp prong on each, one about three,
the other about two inches long. On the left horn is a small prong about
one inch long, five inches from the end of the main shaft, very sharp.
These horns are flattened to an edge on the upper side, and about two inches
wide in the widest place. The shaft is otherwise of the usual shape and
handsomely turned. I once killed a buck not one-third the size of the one
above mentioned, having well- developed horns with three or four sharp
prongs on each. I have seen a deer above the common size with only
spike horns, six inches long, nearly as sharp as the tines of a pitchfork.

The Bear. -The bear was one of the original proprietors of the soil of
this northern country, and still holds his own against all odds. The vaga-
bond hunters had much rather expend their superfluous courage on deer
and kindred animals than on such ''rough things" as bears. I would say
of "bruin" that I have known him from the little, crawling, blind cub,
not larger than a large rat, brought forth in February or the first of
March, to the old " sheep -killer " weighing four or five hundred pounds.
Each she bear produces two and sometimes three cubs, which in their
earliest stages are the most insignificant little things imaginable. They
fasten at once upon the mother, and for about two months draw their sus-
tenance from her without her partaking of any food; consequently she
comes oat of her den the last of April, or the first of May, extremely thin,
while the cubs are as large as woodchucks. These cubs follow the mother
the first season until it is time to den up in the fall, when they are driven
off and den together, and, if they survive, remain near each other the fol-
lowing season. If all the cubs and young bears lived, bears would be so
numerous that the country would be overrun with them, but I think many

GrAME OF COOS ( !OUNTY. 69

perish during their first winter, and many more in the spring, when they
first come out. I have known of several instances where they have been
found in a tarnished condition and almost helpless. They arc, when a year
old, not much larger than a collie dog, but they grow very rapidly after
vegetation starts. No animal fights for her young with more goodwill
than the bear, and woe to the man, boy, or dog, that interferes with her
cubs. I do not know of any wild animals of the same species where there
is such a diversity of size and appearance as in the black bear ; those of the
largest size being truly formidable animals, and often a terror to neighbor-
hoods. The ordinary bear lives mostly on roots, green herbs and berries,
seldom killing sheep or doing other mischief, and if let alone is as harmless
as fawns. In the early settlement of Lancaster there was one who con-
cluded to live on the inhabitants, and if he could not find what he liked in
the pastures or fields would tear off boards from the barns and walk in and
help himself to sheep or calves as best suited him. He continued his
depredations for a long time and was shot at often but to no effect. At
last, Isaac Darby trapped and killed him. He was of monstrous size. I
have had a strong passion for hunting the bear, and of some fifteen, that
I have killed in the last twenty or thirty years, only one has been of the
largest size of those old "sheep killers." This animal (I think in 1854) killed
not less than fifty sheep and many young cattle during the summer and
fall. The spring following he returned to the scene of his former depre-
dations before the stock was out to pasture, and I was requested to try my
skill on him, as all others had failed. He made it his home in the swamp
east of where Capt. Beattie now lives. On our way up to set some traps,
we met a noted hunter, and he told us in great excitement that he had
seen him, and ''he didn't care a thing about me. He was as big as a cow.
I cracked a cap on him, but my gun wouldn't go " He did not seem inclined
to go back with us, and "crack another cap," or to majjfe the distance one
foot less between him and "bruin." We trapped the bear one Saturday
night, about the 1st of May. The next day, the churches were thinly
attended, and, after a chase of several miles, " bruin " was killed. He was
as fat as a well fatted hog. I had no means of ascertaining bis weight,
but a friend of mine took these measurements: From his tail to bis nose,
six feet two inches; lying upon his back, his fore legs by bis side, and bis
hind legs stretched out like those of a man, he measured eight feet from
the end of his toes to his nose; he was twenty-two inches across his breast ;
his "arms" were twenty-one inches round near the body, and apparently
as hard as a piece of beech- wood; across the ball of his fore foot was rive and
three fourths inches; his longest nail was three inches outside the bend. His
skin made a good sized sleigh robe without tanning.

The bear is stealthy, and never approaches bis victim in a direct line, bul
in zigzag courses, as if he would pass by his prey, till sufficiently near, when

TO History of Coos County.

he darts upon it with lightning speed, and at once proceeds to eat his game
alive. He will eat decayed flesh only when reduced to great extremity by
hunger. Bears are seldom seen in the forest, as they lie close to the ground
and allow persons to pass very near them without moving. There is
no doubt but that the large male bears kill the smaller ones, and
each other, when they can. I caught a large one whose skin had been
torn in two places across the back the width of a man's hand, and length-
wise, two or three inches; it appeared as if the animal had attempted to
escape from his antagonist, which struck both paws upon his back and
tore his hide as he escaped.

Wolverine. — Among the game animals of Coos first to disappear was
the wolverine. This was the natural enemy of the beaver, and the beavers,
in order to protect themselves from its depredations, would, after freezing
weather commenced, cover their houses with a coat of soft muck that
becam3 a crust that the wolverine could not break through. I have heard
hunters complain of wolverines following their lines of sable traps and
robbing them of the bait and game caught in them. It was a rare animal
after the disappearance of the beaver, and could not exist after the destruc-
tion of the moose and deer.

Lynx. — The "bob-cat," or Siberian lynx, was common while the deer
remained, but he, with his shaggy coat, and the ugliest face that ever
stared at a human being, is gone, I trust, never to return.

Otter. — Among the first and most valuable of furred animals was the
otter, but as it was a wandering, solitary animal, living oh fish, the num-
ber was never great. There are some still remaining, but, being nocturnal
in their habits, they are seldom seen. They might live for years in our
streams and ponds and their presence only be detected by persons familiar
with their habits.

The Fisher is another of the furred animals of former days. He flour-
ished while the deer remained, but disappeared when he could no longer
eke out a cold winter upon the carcasses of the superannuated old buck,
doe, or fawns killed by hunters or the "bob-cat." This animal is of the
weasel family, of much value, and about two-thirds the size of the fox.

Sable. — Next to the beaver in importance as a furred animal was that
beautiful little creature, the sable. It was near the size of a half-grown
house-cat, but much longer in proportion, of the weasel kind, head and ear
like the fox. It lived upon what would satisfy a small carnivorous animal
of the forest. Nocturnal in its habits, it was seldom seen, except when
caught in a trap. The sable was secured by the hunters setting lines of
traps. The trappers would start from a given point and go into the woods
often several miles, and, at intervals of forty or fifty rods, make a wooden
trap which they would bait with a piece of flesh or fish, then make a cir-
cuit, and finally return to their starting point. They would pass over this

Game of Coos County. 71

line once in three or four days to secure their game and keep their traps
in order. For a long period within my remembrance sable skins have
been a very considerable source of income to the inhabitants of Coos.
They were much used to make muffs and capes for the women, in my day.
The muff of Mrs. Major Weeks was large enough to let her arms in to the
elbows, and contained more than thirty prime sable skins, and with her
cape seventy or eighty. My mother's muff contained thirty skins of choice
quality. They always bore a good price in cash. A month spent in the
fall by an experienced trapper would often secure a hundred or more. The
sable, like the fisher, was dependent on the larger game, like the moose
and deer, to carry them through our northern winters. So what was left
by the hunters ceased to thrive, and only a few remain.

The Raccoon and Grey Squirrel are only visitors of Coos. In former
times, when beech-nuts were plenty, they made their appearance in con-
siderable numbers.

Wild Geese, Ducks, Etc. — Fifty years ago wild geese were plenty about
the ponds and in Connecticut river near Lancaster. They often came in flocks
of ten or a dozen, in September, and remained till freezing weather in the
late fall. They were frequently killed by experienced sportsmeu. Black
and wood ducks were here in vast numbers, and some remained to within
a few years. They made their nests and raised their young about the
meadows, and in the fall were hunted by those who liked canvass backs
but were willing to accept black or wood in place thereof. Perhaps the
hunting was not according to the rules of sportsmen, but it filled the bag
with game. The old Dutch gun, or Queen's arm, charged with two fin-
gers of powder and an ounce of BB shot would sweep a space on a pond or
river a yard and a half wide, and kill at a distance that would strike a
modern sportsman with envy. The ducks are gone with the geese.

Grouse. — The ruffed grouse, or partridge, was found in great numbers
in all our woods, but lately they are seldom seen, even in the dee}) forests
where they are not hunted. The Canada grouse, or spruce partridge, was
quite common. Although called a game bird, it would require a strange
palate to call its flesh delicious. All naturalists in treating of the ruffed
grouse describe his drumming, but make no mention of that of the ( anada
grouse which instead of sitting upon a log and beat ing regular strokes with
his wings, making a sound like the beating an inflated ox bladder
upon a log, reaches the top of a tree by hopping from branch to
branch, then hops off and makes a drumming noise as he descends to the
ground. I will describe one I saw that much interested me. I heard what
I supposed to be the drumming of a common partridge, and went to shoot
it, butsawitwas a Canada grouse, and sat down and watched him. lie was
on the ground, his feathers standing so many ways he hardly retained the
shape of a bird. No dandy ever made a greater display. He began to

72 History of Coos County.

ascend the bushes and limbs of the small trees about, by hopping and flying
up a foot or two at a time, retaining his brustling and pompous mood.
When he was up twenty or thirty feet, he hopped off a limb and came
down almost perpendicularly making a fluttering, drumming noise as he
descended. I watched him go through this performance several times.
Thinking it a pity to spoil so much good feeling I left him to his enjoy-
ment.

Pigeons. — In my boyhood I have seen flocks of hundreds of thousands,
if not millions of wild pigeons. My father had a net and I have baited it
and caught them till I was tired. They used to breed on the mountains
in the vicinity. I once saw one of their "roosts." I was projecting a line
through the forest on the highlands between this state and Canada, some-
time in the " forties," and noticed egg shells on the ground. Looking up
we saw that in the tops of the trees every place where sticks could be placed
was occupied by a pigeon's nest. Some trees had as many as twenty or
thirty. We camped in the midst of them, and the next morning went at
least half a mile before we came to the end. Pigeons came in reduced
numbers till within a few years, but they are now gone with the other
game animals and birds; and Coos, from being the finest sporting ground
in the world, is now about the poorest.

CHAPTER IX.

EARLY HISTORY.

Early Trappers and Hunters— Indian Threats — Capture of Stark and Eastman — Powers'
Expedition — Extracts from Journal — Fort Wentworth — First Settlers — Townships, and Date
of Grants — Early Population.

T"T ARLY Trappers and Visitors.— After the exploration of Field and
|ff others (1632— 1:2) it was more than a century before we again hear of
'Hf white men within the limits of Coos county. The English were push-
ing their settlements up the valleys of the Connecticut and the Merrimack,
trappers penetrated the wilderness far above the settlements, and they
often met the Indians on these hunting excursions and evidently were on
friendly terms witli them. John and Israel Glines came here very early,
prior to 1750, several years before any expedition of discovery was sent to
explore the wilds of Upper Cohos. These men came to get a part of their
means of support, working on their land through "springtime and har-

Early History. ;:>,

vest," and then repairing to this wilderness in the autumn to gel the where-
withal to supply their families with greater com forts than were then obtain-
able from the meager soil of their rough farms.

John Glines had his camp near the mouth of the river which bears his
name, while Israel had his headquarters near the placid Connecticut,
Israel's river, and Beaver brook, where the traces of two distinct beaver
dams are still to be seen. Here he carried on his hunting and trapping
operations successfully.

Benjamin Nash, Willard, Thomas Barker, Edwards Bucknam, and
others, followed the Glineses, and the almost mythical Martin, who gave his
name to Martin Meadows. The Glineses became involved in trouble with
the Indians by shooting one of them, and left to return no more. The
later ones came, no doubt, more than once, on their hunting expeditions,
to the upper Connecticut. But the French as well as Indians were becom-
ing jealous of the extension northward of English settlements. As the
English contemplated laying out two towns in the spring of 1752, which
should embrace the lower Coos meadows, the Indians remonstrated and
threatened. It is probable, however, that their threats were not known to
all the settlers, for four young men from Londonderry were hunting on
Baker's river, in Eumney, and two of these, John Stark and Amos East-
man, were surprised and captured by the Indians, April l ; s, i 752. They
were taken to Lower Coos where two of the Indians had been left to kill
game against their return. The next day they proceeded to the Upper
Coos, from which place they sent Eastman with three of their number to
St. Francis. "The remainder of the Indians employed themselves for
some time in hunting upon a small stream called John's river." — [Stark's
Memoirs.] They reached St. Francis June 9th, when Stark joined his
companion, Eastman. They were soon after ransomed and returned to
their homes.

Powers'' Expedition. — The best known of all the expeditions to Coos,
was that of the company under command of Capt. Peter Powers, of Hollis,
N. H., Lt. James Stevens, and Ensign Ephraim Hale, of Townsend, Mass.
They commenced their tour Saturday, June 15, 1754. Starting from
Concord, they followed the Merrimack river to Franklin, the Pemigewas-
set river to Plymouth, Baker's river to Wentworth, and then crossed over
to the Connecticut, via Baker's pond. They were ten days in reaching
" Moose Meadows," which were in Piermont.

We extract from their journal: —

" Thursday, Junt 21th. — This morning it was cloudy weather, and it began (o rain, the sun
about an hour high, and we marched, notwithstanding, up the river to [ Lowe? | Amonoosuck Ri\ er,
and our course was about north, distance about live miles; and we camped here, for the River
Amonoosuck was so high we could not go over il without a canoe; for it was swift water, and
near twenty rods wide. This afternoon it cleared off fair, and we went about our canoe, and

74 History of Coos County.

partly built it. Some of our men went up the River Amonoosuck, to see what discoveries they
could make; and they discovered excellent land, and a considerable quantity of large white pines.

" Friday, June 28th. — This morning fair weather, and we went about the canoe, and completed
the same by about twelve of the clock this day, and went over the river; and we concluded to let
the men go down the river in the canoe, who were not likely to perform the remaining part of the
journey, by reason of sprains in the ankles, and weakness of body. They were four in number;
and we steered our course for the great interval about east, northeast; and we this day marched,
after we left the river, about ten miles. And the land was exceedingly good upland, and some
quantity of white pine, but not thick, but some of them fit for masts.

" Saturday, June 29th. — This morning was cloudy, but we swung our packs, and steered our
course about northeast, ten miles, and came to Connecticut River. There it came on rainy,
and we camped by the side of the-river, and it rained all this afternoon, and we kept our camp all
this night. [This was in the southern part of what is now Dalton.] The land was, this day's
march, very good, and it may be said as good as ever was seen by any of us. The common growth
of wood was beech and maple, and not thick at all. It hath a great quantity of small brooks.
This day and the day past, there were about three brooks tit for corn mills; and these were the
largest of the brooks that we saw.

"Sunday, June 307/j. — This morning exceeding rainy weather, and it rained all the night
past, and continued raining until twelve of the clock this day; and after that, it was fair weather,
and we marched up Connecticut River; and our course we made good this day was about five
miles, east by north, and there came to a large stream, which came from the southeast. This river
is about three rods wide, and we called it Stark's River, by reason of Ensign John Stark's being
iound (captured) by the Indians at the mouth of this river. [This is John's river.] It comes into
the Connecticut at the foot of the upper interval, and thence we travelled up the interval about
seven miles, and came to a large river which came from the southeast; and it is about rive rods
wide. Here we concluded to go no further with the full scout, by reason of our provisions being
almost all spent; and almost all our men had worn out their shoes. This river we caded Powers'
River, it being the camping place at the end of our journey; and there we camped by the river.
[The river they named Powers' river is Israel's river.]

"Tuesday, July 2d. — This morning fair weather, and we thought proper to mend our shoes,
and to return homeward; and accordingly we went about the same; and whilst the men were this
way engaged, the captain, with two of his men, marched up the river to see what further discov-
eries they could make, and they travelled about rive miles, and there they discovered where the
Indians had a large camping place, and had been making canoes, and had not been gone above
one or two days at most; and so they returned to the rest of the men again about twelve of the
clock; and then we returned, and marched down the river to Stark's River, and there camped.
This afternoon it rained hard, but we were forced to travel for want of provisions. This interval
is exceedingly large, and the farther up the larger. The general course of this river is from north-
cast by east as far as the interval extends. [The captain and his two men penetrated, probably,
as far as Hay Camp meadow, in the north part of Lancaster, and travelled nearly 140 miles beyond
the habitations of civilized men. At Hay Camp meadow, or below, they first fell upon the trail
of Indians, where they had, probably, been preparing canoes to descend upon the frontier settle-
ments.]

" Wednesday, July :)J.— This morning cloudy weather, and thundered; and after the sun an
hour high, it rained hard, and continued about an hour, and then we swung packs, and steered
cur course west-southwest, aiming for Amonoosuck River, and this day we marched about four-
teen miles, and camped.

" Thursday, July 4(//.-We marched on our course west-southwest, and this day we marched
about twenty miles, and camped-

" Friday, July 5th —We marched about three miles to our packs, at Amonoosuck, the same
course we had steered heretofore; and we afterwards went over Connecticut River, and looked up
Well's River, and camped a little below Well's River this night.

"Saturday, July Qth.— Marched down the great river to Great Coos, and then crossed the

Early History. 75

river below the great turn of clear interval, and there left the great river, and steered south by
east about three miles, and there camped. Here was the best of upland, and some quantity of large
white pines."

The journal is fragmentary and meagre, and the comments made by
Rev. Mr. Powers have not given us any additional light, but have rather
added obscurity to the original narrative. He says that Ihe object of the
expedition was discovery; but if Captain Powers' company was the one
referred to by Governor Wentworth in a message of May 4, 1 7.">4, and in
one of December 5, 17r>4, they certainly went to see if the French were
building a fort in the Upper Coos. As this was the only expedition fitted
out during the year that went in this direction, it is quite certain that this
is the one to which the message referred. But it is something to be able
to say that Capt. Peter Powers, with his command, was the first body of
English speaking people who camped on the broad intervals of Coos
county. It would seem as if they were not of such stuff as pioneers were
made of, for their conclusion to return seems to have been reached about
the time they saw signs that indicated a probable proximity of Indians.

Fort Wentworth. — In 1755 so little was known of the geography of the
country, that the "Coos Meadows," on the Connecticut, above Lancaster,
were supposed to be on the direct route from "Salisbury Fort " to Crown
Point, and Colonel Blanchard was to march his regiment through the "Coos
Meadows " to Crown Point. Supposing that there was to be opportunity
for a passage of the troops, some, if not most of the way, by water, by the
Merrimack, Connecticut, and other rivers, the regiment in rendezvous
were kept busily at work building batteaux for transportation of the
troops and stores, whilst Capt. Robert Rogers was sent forward to " Coos
Meadows " with his company to build a fort for the occupation of the regi-
ment, and for resort in case of disaster. Capt. Rogers executed his com-
mission, and built, or partially built, a fort on the Connecticut about three
or four miles above the mouth of the Upper Ammonoosuc river. This was
called " Fort Wentworth."* After Rogers' return, and the regiment had
spent some six weeks in building batteaux that could not be used for want
of water, Gov. Wentworth discovered his error, and ordered the regiment
to proceed across the Province to "Number Four." and then to Crown
Point by way of Albany. — Adjutant GeneraVs Report, 1866.

Settlement. — After fifteen years of war and bloodshed, by the conquest
of Canada peace came to the New Hampshire frontier. The people began,
once more, to be inspired with hope of better days.

Besides those who are known to have been on the Upper ( 'oos Meadows,
undoubtedly many trappers of whom there is no record had visited them

^Remains of this fort were to be seen but a few years ago. It was built at the narrowest place
of the Connecticut valley in that section, opposite a very high bluff on the Vermont side

76 History of Coos County.

and given glowing accounts to the lower country. At least in the years
succeeding the French war, the colonists had opportunities for exploration
they never had before. From Holland's map of this state published in
London in 1784, it would seem as if an accurate survey of the Connecticut
and Androscoggin rivers had been made for that work, or previously. The
country back of the rivers is not so well defined.

In the autumn of 1763, Emmons Stockwell, a young man only twenty-
two years old, of great muscular power and physical endurance, who had
survived the sufferings to which he had been exposed as one of Rogers' Ran-
gers, and David Page, Jr., aged eighteen, made the first actual settlement of
whites in Coos county, at Lancaster. It required an amount of nerve which
our modern youth may well admire, to plant themselves here at the beginning
of a rigorous northern winter, without prospect of food save what their
rifles provided, and separated by fifty long miles from the nearest house
of a white man. They received additions the next year, and, in 1767,
Thomas Burnside and Daniel Spaulding came with their families and set-
tled in Northumberland. Not only in these two towns but in many other
localities did the people of the old towns of Massachusetts, Connecticut,
and lower New Hampshire, make an effort to settle, or at least secure
grants, many of which lapsed. In quick succession Gov. Wentworth
made more than eighty grants in Vermont and New Hampshire along the
Connecticut. The Androscoggin and Saco valleys received the same atten-
tion, for these were the days in which townships were made.

Townships Granted. — Shelburne was chartered in 1768, and re-char-
tered in 1771. In 1770 Cockburne (Columbia) was granted; in 1771 Maynes-
borough (Berlin), Paulsborough (Milan); in 1772 Bretton Woods (Carroll),
Durand (Randolph), and Dartmouth (Jefferson), the last re-granted to M.
H. Wentworth and others, it having been granted to John Goffe in 1765;
in 1773 Durnmer, Cambridge, Success, a tract to S. Wales & Co., one to
Nash and Sawyer, and Baker's Location; in 1774 Whitefield, Millsfield,
Errol and Kilkenny. Besides these, Colebrook, Stuart (Stewartstown),
Woodbury, re -granted as New Stratford (Stratford), Piercy (Stark),
Apthorp (including Dalton), Martin's Patent, Green's Location, and Shel-
burne Addition (Gorham).

Early Population. — In 1770 there were a few people in Lancaster, some
in Northumberland. Capt. Whipple came to Jefferson in 1772 through
the " Notch." This was the condition of affairs at the beginning of the
Revolution in 177.~>. In Lancaster they had built a mill that was worked
by horse-power, and Capt. David Page had built a saw-mill on Indian
brook, but this had been burnt, and the number of inhabitants was sixty-
one; while in Northumberland there were fifty-seven; in Stratford there
were forty-one; Cockburne (Columbia) had fourteen, and Colebrook con-
tained only four. In the last town Capt. Eleazer Rosebrook was one of

Early Settlers, 77

the pioneers. The total population in 1775 of the territory afterwards
Coos county, was '227. In fifteen years it had quadrupled, being 882 in
1790. The ratio of increase was not quite so great for the next decade;
this century beginning with 2,658 inhabitants in the bounds of the county.

CHAPTER X.

EARLY SETTLERS.

Character of Early Settlers of New Hampshire — Characteristics of Pioneers of Coos — Hard-
ships Endured — Religion and Education • — Traditional Stories — Improvement in ' Condition —
Primitive Houses Furniture, Etc. — Manners, Customs, Labor, Dress, Fare, Etc. — Description
of Early Homes, Kitchens, Utensils, Stoves, Etc.

rjHARACTER of Early Settlers of New Hampshire.— -The people of
I j*\ Coos county, as well as the lower counties of the state, have a
\j personal interest in the characters and aspirations of the early set-
tlers of Xew Hampshire. It is of interest to them and their descendants
whether the early proprietors and settlers were actuated merely by a sordid
love of gain, or whether, back of the business enterprise they manifested,
there was not a design to plant on these lands the Christian religion, and
to uphold the Christian faith. Were we to believe all that was said by the
men of the Massachusetts Colony, we would pronounce them Godless, law-
less persons "whose chief end was to catch fish " Rev. James DeNor-
mandie, in his excellent " History of Portsmouth," in speaking of the long
and bitter controversy on this subject, says: "All of the proprietors inter-
ested in the settlement were of the Established Church, and it was only
natural that all of the settlers who came out with them should be zealous
in that faith. Gorges and Mason, Godf rie and Xeal, Gibbons and Chad-
bourne and Williams, and all the names appearing on the Colonial records,
were, doubtless, of this faith. Among the earliest inventories of the ( <>1
ony's goods we find mention of service books, of a flagon, and of cloths for
the communion-table, which show that provisions for worship were not
neglected, and of what form the worship was." Gorges, in defending his
company from various charges before the English Mouse of Commons,
asserts that "I have spent £20, 000 of my estate and thirty years, the whole
flower of my life, in new discoveries and sett lements upon a remote Conti-
nent, in the enlargement of my country's commerce and dominions, and
in carrying civilization and Christianity into regions of savages." In

78 History of Coos County.

Mason's will were instructions to convey 1,000 acres of his New Hamp-
shire estate "for and towards the maintenance of an honest, godly, and
religious preacher of God's word, in some church or chapel, or other public
place appointed for divine worship and service within the county of New
Hampshire ;" together with provisions for the support of a "free grammar
school for the education of youth." No better proofs could be given that
the aims of those energetic men from whom many of the citizens of Coos
county claim descent were fully as high, moral and religious, as such
enterprises have ever been.

Characteristics of these Pioneers. — Two classes of persons, with very
distinctly marked characteristics, penetrated these northern wilds. The
leaders were men of intelligence, energy, shrewdness and property.
They had two objects in view: to furnish permanent homes for them-
selves and their posterity, and to acquire wealth by the rise of their lands.
They were men of strong religious principle, and early made provision
for the preaching of the gospel. They brought cows, swine and sheep,
and were soon able to supply their tables with meat; they also had in
a short time comfortable houses and furniture. The second class were
people so poor as to need help to reach the settlements. They came on
foot, bearing all their worldly goods upon their shoulders, and, without
the aid of the more prosperous, many of these latter would have per-
ished.

The first settlers of Coos, in common with the pioneers of adjoining
counties, endured many privations, hardships, and discouragements not
known at the present day, and it is well that the present and coming gen-
erations should read of these experiences.

Living at a distance of more than a hundred miles from the coast, all
heavy articles, such as salt, iron, lead, and, in fact, everything indispensa-
ble to civilized life that could not be procured from the soil, or found in
the woods or streams, was obliged to be transported upon the backs of
men or horses, not even having the convenience of roads, and their only
guides through the forests were marked trees. They had to ford the
streams that ran across their route, which often were swollen so as to be
impassable except by swimming. The nearest mills, either for the manu-
facture of lumber or of grinding their corn and wheat into meal or flour,
was Charlestown, N. H., a distance of 110 miles, and the surrounding
country a wilderness, and in addition to all these privations, they were
surrounded by the hostile Indians, who might at any time pounce upon
them with the tomahawk and scalping-knife; thus their lives were passed
mostly in hard labor and danger. Their sleep was unsound, as they were
fearing an attack from their enemies; and, all in all, their situation was
not an enviable one. However, these early settlers seem to have been

Early Settlers. ;:>

endowed with strong and vigorous constitutions and to have cultivated a
spirit of endurance so necessary to their condition in life.

It is difficult for us to conceive the hardships of the pioneers who, a
hundred and more years ago, invaded "the forest primeval," and deter-
mined to wring a livelihood from lands upon which, at morning or even-
ing, the shadow of Mt. Washington lay. The perils of isolation, the
ravages of wild beasts, the wild wrath of the rapid mountain torrents, the
obstacles to communication which the vast wilderness interposed — every
form of discomfort and danger was apparently indicated by these grand
mountains as impervious barriers to intrusion and occupation. But the
adventurous spirit of man implanted by the Supreme Being lor his own
wise purposes— carries him into the tangled foiest, into new climates and
to foreign shores, and the great work of civilization goes on from year to
year, from decade to decade, from century to century. This spirit of — what
shall we call it? adventure? enterprise? induced whole families dming
the last century, when there was land enough within the bounds of civil-
ization unoccupied and unclaimed, to move into an unbroken wilderness.
The horses, even, of some of the settlers would not remain, and struck due
south in the direction from which they had been taken, and perished in
the forests before spring. Many pioneers would start for their new homes
in the winter, as if to get the hardest experience of their new life at first.
One couple went eighty miles on snow shoes, the husband carrying their
furniture on his back, and they nearly starved in their new place of abode.
Page's colony found the snow two feet dee]) in April, 1764. Joseph Pink-
ham and his family removed to Jackson in 1790, when the snow was five
feet deep on a level. Their hand-sled, on which their provisions,, clothing
and furniture were packed, was drawn by a pig in harness. Another
couple went a great distance in the same inclement season, the wife tiding
on a feeble horse, with a feather bed under her, and a child in her arms,
while the husband dragged the rest of their household goods over the snow.
Pluck, perseverance and persistency were the cardinal virtues of the early
settlers. Many lived for years without any neighbors for miles. The
pioneer would go miles to a mill, and carry a bushel of corn on his shoul-
der and take it back in meal. Ethan Crawford's grandfather once wenl
eighty miles through the woods to a lower settlement for a bushel of salt,
the scarcity of which had produced sickness and suffering, and returned
with it on his back. Not from the lack of salt only did these brave peo-
ple suffer; few of them owned cows, and could not even have " milk por-
ridge," or "pudding and milk." Meal and water, and dried fish without
salt was often their diet for days, when game was shy, or storms pre-
vented hunting. Sometimes, when threatened with famine, they would
send deputations thirty, fifty, and even sixty miles to purchase grain. And
we have read that in times of great scarcity, the hardy men wore a wide

80 History of Coos County.

strap of skin, which as they grew more emaciated was drawn tighter, to
alleviate if possible the horrible gna wings of hunger, in order that they
might hold out till relief came. Besides occasional famines, these families
suffered from freshets. Their rude bridges were torn up, barns and even
their houses swept off, and often when by their industry or good fortune
they had accumulated provision for the future, the bears would come down
upon them and steal their pigs, or anything else they could take.

As soon as possible after these people had made for themselves rude
habitations in which to abide, they would organize a church and establish
a school, comprising the families in a radius of six to ten or twelve miles.
The ministers would work at clearing land and hewing trees during the
week, writing their sermons by the blaze of pine knots, or preach extem-
pore (which was more often the case). The school-house was merely a
rude structure of rough logs, lighted by an occasional pane of glass placed
singly in the wall, and many had but a hole for the light, protected by
a piece of cloth or oiled paper, from the cold and rain. But the same desire
for learning was kindled and fed within these cabins as in richly endowed
and pretentious schools and institutions. The mind — the will — the hope —
and the passion for learning— is stimulated to stronger efforts — when it
has but few props and helps to climb the hill of knowledge, and many a
man has taken his place in the hall of Congress in the Nation's capital,
who was taught his "A, B, C's" in just such a school-house.

In the ''locations," or "grants," there were but few settlers, and often
there would be but one family. There is a story that a man once made
his appearance in the state legislature, and took a seat. He was asked for
his credentials as the choice of the people. "Whom could they put up
against me?" he said; "I am the only man in my town." His claim to a
seat was allowed.

There must have been a few more inhabitants in the settlement in
upper Coos, which was said to be legally warned to have training. After
the officers were chosen, there was but one soldier, and he said, " Gentle-
men, I hope you will not be too severe in drilling me. as I may be needed
another time. I can form a solid column, but it will rack me shockingly
to display."

After the first twenty rive years of settlement the settlers were for the
most part independent, self-reliant, healthy farmers, who lived upon the
produce of their own soil raised by the work of their own hands; warmed
by fuel from their own woods, and clothed from the flax from their fields
or wool from their flock. They had but little money, and but little was
needed, for their trade was carried on chiefly by barter. The mechanics
were not established in one place— but went from settlement to settlement
where they were needed, receiving for their labor the products of the farm
or loom. Prof. Sanborn says: "The primitive log-house, dark, dirty and

Early Settlers. 81

•dismal, rarely outlived its first occupant. The first framed houses were
usually small, low and cold. The half -house, about twenty feet square, sat i s-
xied the unambitious. The double-house, forty by twenty feet in dimensions,
indicated progress and wealth. It was designed for shelter, not for com-
fort or elegance. The windows were small, without blinds or shutters.
The fire-place was sufficiently spacious to receive logs of three or four feet
in diameter, with an oven in the back and a flue nearly large enough to
allow the ascent of a balloon. One could sit in the chimney-corner and
see the stars. All the cooking was done by this fire. Around it, also,
gathered the family at evening, often numbering six to twelve children.
The furniture was simple and useful, all made of the wood of the native
forest trees. Pine, birch, cherry, walnut, and the curled maple were most
frequently chosen by the ' cabinet-maker.' Vessels of iron, copper and tin
were used in cooking. The dressers, extending from floor to ceiling in the
kitchen, contained the mugs, basins and plates of pewter which shone
upon the farmer's board at the time of meals. The post of the housewife
was no sinecure. She had charge of the dairy and kitchen, besides spin-
ning and weaving, sewing and knitting, washing and mending for the
'men folks.' The best room, often called 'the square room,' contained a
bed, a bureau or desk, or a chest of drawers, a clock, and possibly a brass
fire-set. Its walls were entirely destitute of ornament. It was an age of
simple manners and industrious habits. Contentment, enjoyment and
longevity were prominent characteristics of that age. Prior to 1826, there
were nearly four hundred persons who died in New Hampshire between
the ages of ninety and a hundred and five years. Fevers and epidemics
sometimes swept away the people; but consumption and neuralgia were
then almost unknown. Their simple diet and active habits were conducive
to health.

" ' The meeting house ' was a framed building. Its site was a high
hill; its shape a rectangle flanked with heavy porticos, with seven win-
dows upon each side. Every family was represented here on the Sabbath.
The clergymen were settled by major vote of the town, and tax-payers
were assessed for his salary according to their ability. The people went
to church on foot or on horseback, the wife riding behind the husband on
a 'pillion.' Chaises, wagons and sleighs were unknown. Sometimes whole
families were taken to ' meeting ' on an ox-sled.

" Traveling was difficult and laborious. Neither men nor women were
ever idle. Books were few, newspapers were seldom seen at the country
fire-side. News from England did not reach the inland towns till five
or six months after the occurrence of the events reported. Intelligence
from New York reached New Hampshire in a week. In 1815 travel was
mostly on horseback, the mail being so carried in many places. Inns or
taverns were found in every four to eight miles. Feed for travelers' teams

82 History of Coos County.

was, half-baiting of hay, four cents; whole-baiting, eight cents; two quarts
of oats, six cents. The bar- room fire-place was furnished with a ' logger-
head,' hot, at all times, for making ' flip.' The flip was made of beer made
from pumpkin dried on the crane in the kitchen fire-place, and a few dried
apple skins and a little bran. Half-mug of flip, or half -gill 'sling,' six
cents. On the table was to be found a ' shortcake,' and the ever-present
decanter or bottle of rum.

" Women's labor was fifty cents per week. They spun and wove most
of the cloth that was worn. Flannel that was dressed at the mill, for
women's wear, was fifty cents a yard; men's wear, one dollar. Farmers
hired their help for nine or ten dollars a month — some clothing, and the
rest cash. Carpenters' wages, one dollar a day; journeymen carpenters,
fifteen dollars a month; and apprentices, to serve six or seven years, had
ten dollars the first year, twenty the second, thirty the third, and so on, and
to clothe themselves. Breakfast generally consisted of potatoes roasted in the
ashes, a ' bannock ' made of meal and water and baked on a maple chip set
before fire. Pork was plenty. If ' hash ' was served, all ate from the same
platter, without plates or table-cloth. Apprentices and farm boys had for
supper a bowl of scalded milk and a brown crust, or bean porridge, or ' pop-
robbin.' They had no tumblers, nor were they asked if they would have
tea or coffee; it was 'Please pass the mug.' "

The dress of these early settlers was very simple, and of their own man-
ufacture. The women were obliged to work very industriously in order
to be able to accomplish the many duties required of them, and they had
neither the means nor opportunity for fine clothes, but they were dressed
neatly and generally scrupulously clean. A striped loose gown with blue
and white check apron, well- starched and ironed, was considered a dress
pretentious enough to appear in any company. Many of these women
would frequently work eighteen to twenty hours a day. They would card
and spin the wool from their sheep, weave and color it (in some primitive
way), then cut and make their plain garments. Before they raised sheep,
the men wore garments made of moose-skin, and tow cloth was also used
largely for both men and women. No luxuries, no laces, no "lingerie,"
in wmich the women of to-day take so much pride. Linen and tow was
used instead of cotton, and dressed flax was to some extent an article of
export.

Hardwood was cut from large tracts of land, and burned to obtain
ashes, which the early settlers leached and boiled into salts, and carried
where they could find a market. Those that had a horse would make
what was called a "car," by pinning cross-pieces to two light poles of
suitable length, putting the horse in as into the thills of a wagon, the back
part dragging on the ground, and the load fastened on just behind the
horse. Those that had oxen, used a wide spread crotched stick like a cart

Early Settlers. 83

tongue, this they called a " go-cart." Those who had no team either drew
their load by hand, or carried it on their hacks; and the man that could
not cany a hundred pounds on his back was not fit for a pioneer. Money
was so scarce the most that could be obtained went for taxes, and for want
of it, they w T ere taken to jail. Hence poverty was the rule, and riches the
exception. In winter the snow was so fearfully deep that the few families
with their homes at some distance from each other could not keep the road
or marked ways open, and consequently great suffering often ensued.

There were almost no roads for many years. Mills were so distant that
grain was sometimes purchased at the mills and ground and brought to
their homes; most of the grinding was done with pestles in huge mortars,
manufactured from short logs of large hard wood trees, sometimes two or
three feet in diameter. Excellent crops of wheat were raised on the new
land; usually good corn, and a large amount of potatoes, which, baked in
the coal beds of their great kitchen fire-places, made many a good meal.

James W. Weeks thus describes the early homes of Lancaster : " The
kitchen was a large room, perhaps 15 by 24 feet: one door opening
directly out of doors; an immense fire-place 7 feet wide and 3 feet deep.
To this fire-place a hardwood log is brought about 3| feet long, and twenty
inches in diameter. The brands of yesterday's back log are drawn for-
ward with the long handled fire shovel, and the back log rolled into the
fire-place against the brick-work. On this another log is placed, as large
as will lie, called a back stick. The fire dogs are now set up. and en these
is laid a large stick called a fore stick, then is filled in the brands of yester-
day's back log and the old fire, together with small wood You soon have a
fire that will throw a glow and a warmth to every part of the room: a
crane of sufficient strength to hold a five pail kettle filled with water, is
hung to the left jamb; on this is a trammel with hook to take up or let
down, and other hooks on which pots and kettles may be hung when used
for cooking. A capacious brick oven is built on one side of the fire-place,
which is heated once a week, and the family baking done. The long-
handled fire-shovel, and a large pair of kitchen tongs complete the ti r< i
arrangements of the kitchen.

"There were also a dozen kitchen chairs framed with seats of elm hark
or basket stuff; a long pine table that could be moved, capable of seating-
ten or twelve; a table or board turned down againt the wall, on which to
work dough for bread.

"The family, with the exception of the small children (who had bread
and milk night and morning), took their meals at the large table in the
kitchen. At dinner the larger children came to the table with their par-
ents. The buttery and sink-room opened out of the kitchen.

"Now about the cooking utensils. Firsl was the large dinner pot, in
which the suet or berry pudding was boiled, and the bean or pea porridge

84 History of Coos County.

was made; a broad, flat-bottomed kettle, in which to fry doughnuts; a
smaller one in which to boil potatoes, etc., and a large dish kettle. Then
the gridiron; the heavy-handled frying-pan for frying meat and griddle
cakes. The Dutch oven held its own a long time, but was superseded by
the tin baker. This oven was a broad, flat iron kettle with long legs,
and an iron cover with a rim turned up about one and a half inches; there
was a ' loop ' in the middle of the cover, by which to handle it with the
tongs. To use this oven, a bed of coals was drawn forward and the oven
set over them, the biscuits put in, the cover put on, and a few shovelsfull
of coals put on the cover, and the biscuits, when taken out, were sure to
be nicely browned. Potatoes were roasted in the ashes, and the Christmas
goose was cooked by being suspended by a string that would swing and
turn before the fire, and was basted every few minutes, with a long-
handled spoon, from the dripping-pan. The first cooking stove came into
town about 1825 or 1826. The first stove of any kind that I ever saw was
in the old Court House. It was a brick structure, about 5 feet square and
2 and a half feet high, surmounted by an immense potash kettle upside
down, with a hole in the bottom, over which the smoke pipe was set.

"Adjoining the kitchen was the sanctum of the mistress of the house,
where noisy boys did not enter, except by permission. There was the
cradle for baby and the young children, and if the mother had not a little
girl of her own, ten or twelve years old, to look after the baby, she bor-
rowed one of some friend who had more than she could make useful. In
this room the mother taught and cared for the children, and made ' ole
claithes amaist as good as new.' Here was a fire-place half as large as that in
the kitchen; a bed turned up against the wall in a corner; some strong
wooden chairs; a table in the middle of the room; a desk, and a small table
or stand under the looking glass at one side of the room, on which was the
Bible and a few other books. The clock had its place here, and every hour
gave notice of the flight of time. In the more pretentious houses there
was another apartment similar to this, with some valuable furniture, with-
out a carpet, but, later, one of home manufacture covered the floor. There
was generally a small bed-room, with a spare bed, out of the way of the
noise of the kitchen, with a fire-place, which was used only on special
occasions and in case of sickness. The children occupied the second floor.
All the beds, except those of the very poor, were of feathers."

REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD AND EARLY ROADS. 85

CHAPTER XL

REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD AND EARLY ROADS.

War of the Revolution — Frontier and Scouting Parties — Proposed Expedition — Convention
of Towns — Orders, Receipts, Etc. — Early Roads — Petitions Concerning Roads and New-
County — Roads in 179T and 1803 — Tenth New Hampshire Turnpike — Jefferson Turnpike, Etc.

Revolutionary Period.

THE Indians h*ad a trail from Canada to the Penobscot river, in Maine.
After crossing the Memphremagog, they would take the Clyde river,
which would lead them to Island Pond, A r t., then cross to the Nul-
hegan river, and down that to the Connecticut, thence down this river to
the upper Ammonoosuc, and up this to some point in the present town of
Milan, where they crossed to the Androscoggin, thence down the last
named river. They were a great source of annoyance to the inhabitants
through whose settlements they passed. During the Revolutionary war,
the Indians received $11 bounty for each scalp and $55 for each live cap-
tive taken by them. The Tories were leagued with the Indians in opposi-
tion to the Revolutionists, and as the latter could get no assistance from
the government, they were obliged to rely entirely upon their own insuffi-
cient resources for self-defense. The inhabitants of both sides of the
Connecticut river united for the purpose of self -protection, chose a "com-
mittee of safety," and built forts for the protection of the women and
children. There were three built — two in Northumberland, one at the
mouth of the Ammonoosuc river, one on the Marshall farm, and one in
Stratford, in the north part of the town. Whenever the "alarm" was
given that the "Indians" or " Tories were coming," the women and chil-
dren would flee to the forts. An incident showing somewhal of the trials
and hardships to which mothers were subject in those days of tin remit tin-
fear and anxiety, is this: The young wife of Caleb Marshall, on whose
farm one of the forts was built, after providing for the safety of the most
valuable of her household goods by having them buried in the earth,
mounted her horse, and, with a child of two years and an infant of three
weeks old, went unattended through the wilderness and sparsely settled
towns to her parents in Hampstead, a distance of 160 miles, where she
arrived in safety.

The history of New Hampshire's services in the Revolution has never
been written. Other states have claimed honors that were justly hers,
and no field is more deserving the pen el' a painstaking and accurate his-
torian, or would bring a better reputation; and it is to be hoped that soon

86 History of Coos County.

some able writer will treat of this subject fully, and show that the Granite
State was not the least one of the original thirteen in devotion, ability and
sacrifice.

From the commencement of the Revolution the hardy pioneers of Coos
stood as an advance guard and picket company, not only to protect their
own settlements, but to warn and defend the lower settlements against
attacks from the north.

This document from Hammond's Town Papers shows better than any
eulogy of ours the patriotic spirit actuating them.

"Petition for Soldiers. — Whereas we the inhabitants of Lancaster, Northumberland, Guildhall
& Stratford are fully sensible of the dangers of being attacked by the Canadians which are the
worst of enemys & although some of our neighbors have Quit the ground, yet we the Subscri-
bers Do Jointly & severly promis & ingage to Stand our ground providing the Honab'le Coun-
sel 1 sees Fitt to grant our request That is this, that you will please us your petitioners so far as to
appoint Mr. Jere'h Ames of Northumberland our friend & Neighbour, Commander of our Fort
which with a great deal of fatage we have almost accomplished & likewise for him the s'd Ames
to have orders to inlist as many men as the Honab'le Cort in their wisdom will see fit, we do
ingage to inlist ourselves & obey his orders as long as he is stationed in upper Coos and Com-
mander of the Fort. / Thomas Blodgett, James Curtiss, Archippus Blodgett, Emmons Stockwell,
"July 6, 1776. \ Josiah Blodgett, Joseph Barlow, Nathan Caswell, Sam'l Nash, Abijah
Larned, Moses Quimby, Ward Bailey, James Blake, David Larned, Sam'l Page, Abner Osgood,
Dies Sawyer, Abel Larned, John Frickey, Elizer Kosbrook, Abner Barlow.

During the war, Lancaster reports 457 days' service on "alarms,"
"scouting, guiding, andforting."

Capt. Jeremiah Eames was on the frontiers here from July 5, 1776,
with fifty men and officers for some time; and from October 14, to Decem-
ber 1, 1776, with twenty-six Rangers. Again, he had command of ten men,
on a like service, from December 2, 1776, to April, 1777. A scouting party
of five men was "stationed at or near the Upper Coos" (probably at
Northumberland), from July 15, to October 1, 1779, by order of the " Com-
mittee of Safety, 7 ' under command of Lieut. Josiah Chapman.

After the capture of Col. Joseph Whipple, at Jefferson, in August, 1781,
the town of Conway raised scouting parties, consisting of Capt. James
Osgood and three men, Lieut. Ezekiel Walker and nine men, and Elijah
Dinsmore and two men. These were on duty from ten to twenty eight
days from August 16, 1781, at Conway and adjacent towns. At the same
time "The Committee of Safety" took immediate measures for the
defence of the inhabitants of that section, placing a force there, under the
direction of Col. Joseph Whipple and Col. David Page, for the protection
of the northern frontiers, consisting of forty-nine officers and men. They
were in service from August 29, 1781, to November G, 1781, and commanded
by Capt. Jacob Smith and Lieuts. Josiah Sanborn and Peter Gilman.
Sergeant James Blake's party of eleven men "for the defense of the
Upper Coos." was in service seven months and eighteen days from April

Eevolutionary Period and Early Roads. n7

13, 1782. Serg't Philip Page and five men were drafted for duty at
"Androscoggin River/' in 1782, and were in service from August 19 to
November 25, LY82.

In July. 1 77*.*, Joseph Barlow and Hezekiah Fuller were captured by
Indians at Stratford, and two families were plundered of everything valu-
able.

A party of six Indians, August 3, 1781, took four prisoners at Bethel,
Me., killed James Pettingill, at Gilead, and shot Peter Poor, in Shelburne,
besides destroying property.

No great military operations were carried on on a large scale here dur-
ing the Revolution, and no battle was fought. The nearest approach to
strategic operations is probably given in these communications from Gen.
Moses Hazen to Col. Bedell, which explain themselves.

" Albany 26th April, 1777.
" I have a favor to beg which is that you will let me have a Particular account of the Dis-
tance rout and Difficulties attending the march of a Body of men from your house or the upper
settlements on Cohaas, to St. Franciis in Canada, which I am sure you must have a perfect knowl-
edge of. I should also be glad of a plan or sketch of that Country in any rough way, even if it
was Drawn by an Indian. I leave you to gess the reason of my being so particular on this head,
assuring you only that I am anxious to see once more my own country which probably may be
the case before the end of this campaign.

"As man}- letters miscarry you will be particular careful to write by a safe opportunity as soon
after the receipt of this as you Possibly can. Direct to Col. Hazen in Camp at Head Quarters. I
hope you will not neglect the opportunity put into your hands of serving yourself and Country.

"Gen Moses Hazen
" To Colonel Bedle at Cohaas in the State of New Hampshire."

From Gen. Hazen to Col. Bedle, December 12, 1778 : —

" There has not been any expedition ever fixed upon from your Quarter, some preparation
was ordered, and magazenes provided in order that we might Take the advantage of our enemy in
case an opportunity should offer — the great difficulty which now appears to me, is that we have
no money, or at least that which we have will purchase nothing."

Convention op Towns in Coos.

" Northumberland July 10th 1779
"At a meeting of the Inhabitants of Lancaster Northumberland & Stratford to hear the

Report Joseph Peverly Esq'r and also to agree upon Sum Proper Place for the Scouting Perty to

Be Stationed, Viz — first —

"Chose maj'r Jonas Wilder moderator —
" 2d Choose Cap't Edw'ds Bucknam Clark

"3d Voted that the Place for the Scouting Party to Be stationed, at M'r James Browns In
Stratford

"4 Voted that Every man In Each town Viz. Lancaster Northumberland and Stratford to
work one Day at the fort In Stratford Immediately —

" 5 Chose Nathan Caswell Captain over these three towns for the Present

" 6 Chose Nathan Barlow Lieut

"7 Chose Dennis Standley Ensine

"8 Chose maj'r Jonas Wilder the man to go Down after men to Exeter

"9 Chose Joseph Peverly Eiq'r Capt EJw'ds Bucknam and M'r John Holdbrook a Com-

88 History of Coos County.

mittee to Give Directions to rnaj'r Jonas Wilder and draw a Purticion to the General Court to-
Send by maj'r Wilder

"10 Voted that m'r John Gamsby m'r James Blake and Mr John Holdbrook a Committee to
Plan out the fort at Stratford " — Hammond's Revolutionary Rolls.

Capt. Eames' Company's Order for Pay.

" Northumberland October 12: 1776 —
' Col'e Nicholas Gilman Treasurer for the State of New Hampshire

" Please to Pay to Capt Jeremiah Eames the whole of the wages for the time of Service in his
Company as shall be found Due on the Said Capt Eames's Roll

" John Trickey, Jon'a Willard, Abner Osgood, Samuel Page, John Page, Zebulon Colbey,
Zechariah Parker, Abijah Wright, David Brown, Ebenezer his (x) mark Kemprield, Moses Page,
Edmund Eastman, David Cunningham, Alexander Craig, Daniel Spalding, Jonathan Craford,
David Earned, Abel Larned, Abijah Larned, W T illiam Patee, James Whiting, Abel Lovejoy, John
Willoughby, Benj. Preson, Benj. Pegley, Jon'a Clark, Jacob Draper, Jonah Chaptman, Joseph
Palmer, Samuel Marsh, Edward his (x) mark Taylor, Gardner Duston, Nathan Caswell, Nathan
Barlow, Gideon Smith, William Curtiss. Thomas Blogget, Archippus Blogget, Josiah Blogget, Johc
Gibson, John Haselton, Caleb Marshall, Dill Sawyer, William Amy, James Blake, Ward Bailey,
Thomas Peverly, Benj'a Sawyer, Abner Barlow.

"Captain Eames'' Scouts. — Captain Eames's Scouting Party, from December 2, 1776, to April
15th, 1777, Head Quarters Great Coos, received for services £110, 19s. 9d. The pay was as fol-
lows: Captain, £6 per mouth; Sergeant, 48 shillings; Private, 40 shillings per month. The com-
pauy consisted of Capt., Jeremiah Eames, Serjeant, Abner Osgood, Privates, Thomas Peaverly,
Jonathan Willard, John Trickey, Haines French, William Amy, Nathan Caswell, John Gibson,.
Dill Sawyer, Abner Barlow; all serving the full time excepting the latter, whose service was one
month .

"Receipts. — State of !New Hampshire, Northumberland, 24 July, 1779. Then we the subscribers
received of Joseph Peverly the sum of twelve pounds, which sum is in full for one month's ad-
vance pay, and the sum of six pounds each as a bounty.

" (Signed,) Abraham Buee, Dav'd (x) Cunningham's mark.

"Peter Keyes, Jabed Church, Jn'o his (x) mark Martin."

" We the Subscribers have received the sum annexed to each maus name of Joseph Peverly,
Esq'r, for our travelling money from each mans place of abode to said Peverly's house— Jonah
Chapman 100 miles £10. Abraham Buell 100 miles £10. Dav'd Cunningham 100 miles £10. Peter
Keyes 100 miles £10. Jno his (x) mark Martin 80 miles £8. Northumberland, 24 July, 1779. Then
rec'd of Joseph Peverly the sum of thirty -three pounds, 6s. L- M'y, which sum is in full for one
month's advance Jonah Chapman Lt Stratford Sep 1779 Then rec'd of Joseph Peverly the
rations in full allowed for six men from July 24. to Oct'r 23d 1779 Jonah Chapman "

" Northumberland Oct'o 1, 1779. Received of Joseph Peverly fifty-eight dollars & four shil-
lings which is in full for the allowance of Rum while scouting — per Jonah Chapman

" EnlistmenU— James Hardy enlisted in Capt Jno. House's Co. of Col. Morey's Regt in July
1777 from Lancaster Eleazer Rossbrook, Josiah and Thomas Blodgett Nathan Barlow Joshua
Lamshier and Samuel Page enlisted in Capt. Whitcomb's Co in July 1777, from Lancaster,
Northumberland & Stratford. Eleazer Rossbrook enlisted in Maj Benj Whitcomb's Independent
Company of Rangers Dec 28 1776 from Lancaster. Edward Mardean, James Rosebrook,
Haynes French, and Henry Tibbetts at the same time as privates in the same company. They
served until Dec. 31, 1779. John Trickey of Northumberland enlisted in Col. Thos. Stickney's
Co from Boscawen Aug. 1, 1779 for one year."

Roads.

Roads occupied much attention of the early settlers. The Indian trails,,
kept somewhat worn in most of the distance by the hunters and trappers,.

Revolutionary Period and Early Roads. 89

were better than a trackless wilderness; yet it surprises us to see it stated
in Power's journal their company marched as many as twenty miles a
day, the same distance allowed foot soldiers as a day's march in a civilized
country. It is quite probable that Capt. Rogers cut out a road to convey
his supplies to construct Fort Went worth, in 1755. Three ways were in
existence early to reach the Upper Coos from below. One, and the princi-
pal one, was the Connecticut river, with canoes and "earns" in summer,
and on the ice in winter. Another was on the highlands, west of the
Ammonoosuc, passing by Streeters pond, in Lisbon, and the east part of
Littleton. The valley of the Ammonoosuc was the third route. The
early roads were cut about eight feet wide, and "corduroyed." They were
not much like our later roads, but the pioneers seem to have been able to
traverse them on foot, on horseback, or to drive cattle over them without
serious detriment to their progress. But these trails were unsuited to the
needs of an increasing population. In all town and proprietors' meetings,
roads was the most important subject of discussion. Little progress was
made for years. Edwards Bucknam, Timothy Nash, David Page, David
Page, Jr., of Lancaster, were appointed, March 12, 1 7 ♦ » 7 , members of a
committee to lookout and mark roads to the "Ameroscoggin," Pickwackett,
and the first settlements on the Connecticut.

At a special meeting of the governor and council at Portsmouth, March
13, 1772, a petition was presented by the proprietors of Lancaster, North-
umberland, and Shelburne, setting forth the utility of a road from Conway
to the Connecticut river, and praying His Excellency would be pleased to
order the surveyor-general of lands to mark out a proper road, and issue
such other orders as would " effectuate " the same.

Nothing tended so much to cause a demand for a new county, as the
badness of the roads between Upper Coos and Haverhill.

About 1775 the proprietors of Apthorp offered two tracts of land of
100 acres, to any one who would cut away the trees and bushes on the
most direct route between Haverhill and Lancaster line, a distance then
considered as fifty miles, and make a road passable for a one-horse wagon
containing two persons. This offer was accepted by -Moses Blake, who <lul\
executed his contract, and was deeded the two nearest lots to tin 1 mouth of
John's river.

These petitions from Hammond's Town Papers tell their own story:

" To the Honorable the Senate and House of Representatives for the State of Newhampshire
(humbly Sheweth) The Inhabitants of A Place Called LTper Cods Thai they began Setelmenl at
that Place more than twentithree Years ago and ever since have Continued their Setelment through
many Difficulties Especially on account of the Badness of the Roads through Littleton and Dal
ton which have never been properly Cleared nor bridged by which means wagons or Sleighs p
with the greatest Danger and never more than half a Load which Subjects the inhabitants of Said
Coos to very Large Expence in transporting necessary foreign articles and others in Removing with
their faraileys and Efects from Conne-tiei it Massachusetts and the Easterly pari of New Eamp

90 History of Coos County.

shire to the Same Difficulties which very much Impedes & hinders the Setelment of the Towns on
Connecticut River etc Lying above S'd Littleton & Dalton Your Petitioners beg Leave to farther
Sugjest that the Townships of Littleton aud Dalton being owned by only a few Gentlemen and
the Towns not Vested with Power nor the Inhabitants of ability to Lay out Clear bridge and make
Passable Said Road through which Your Petitioners must Pass on any Business belonging to the
Probate, or County Matters, Wherefore your Petitioners Pray Your Honors to take their Case into
Your wise Consideration and order that the Road be made Passable and keept in good Repair
through Said towns of Littilton & Dalton to the acceptance a Commitee to be appointed for that
Purp »se or by Some other way as your Honors Shall See fit and Your Petitioners Will Ever Pray
"May 10th 17d8

Inhabitants of Lancaster

"Jonas Wilder, Aamasa Grout, Jonas Baker, Joseph Brackelt, Edw'ds Bucknam, Phinehas
Hodgin, Francis Willson, John Weeks, Abijah Darby, Walter Philbrook, Samuel Johnson, Hope-
still Jenison, David Page, Emons Stockwell, Ephraim Griggs, Will'm Johnson, Jonathan Hartwell.

" Northumberland — Jer'h Eames Ju'r, Tho's Eames, Joseph Peverly, Abner osgood, J. Whip
pie, Daniel Spauiding, Abel Bennett, thomas Burnside, James Burnside.

"Stratford.— Hez'i Fuller, David Jnoson, Hetli Baldwin, Elijah Hinman, Joshua Lamken,
Archippus Blodget, Jabez Baldwin, Elijah Blodget, Oliver Lamkin, James Curtiss, Josiah Blod-
get, James Brown, Nuc >mb Blodget, Benj'n Strong, William Curtiss

" Piercy. — John Cole, Caleb Smith.

" Relative to the Formation of Coos County, 1790 To the Honourable senate and house of
Representatives of the State of Newhanipshire, to be convened at Concord on the first Wednesday
in Jan'y next,

" The petition of the select Men of the towns of Lancaster Northumberland and Stratford, for
and in behalf of the respective towns, Humbly Sheweth; That our located situation in the north-
ern part of the state is such, that it will be perticularly beneficial for us, to have Conway and ad-
jacent towns annexed to us, in the formation of the northerly County in s'd State, not only on ac-
count of the occupancy and improvement of our most advantageous road to seaport, but in order
to promote emigrants, and agriculture in this fertile & healthy territory; the promotion of which,
we humbly conceive will be of publick utility, and the state to which we owe our allegiance, will
receive emolument in proportion to the opulency of this part of the state— And your petitioners as
in duty bound will ever pray — Lancaster Dec'r 29 1790

" Edw'ds Bucknam,
"Emmons Stockwell,
"Francis Willson,

Select Men
for Northumberland,

" Joshpii Pkverly, Lancaster

" Jer'm Eames,
"Elijah Hinman,
" Jamls Brown.

and
Stratford.

Petition for a new county, 1791.

"To the Honorable the General Court of the State of New Hampshire— The petition of the In-
habitants of Lancaster in the County of Grafton

" Humbly Sheweth

" That your Petitioners live at the distance of near sixty miles from the nearest shire Town in
this County

" That a very considerable part of the Inhabitants of this part of the County live above us and
are under similar disadvantages with us,

"That the Roads to Haverhill our nearest shire Town are exceedingly bad and at some seasons
of the year impassable, Wherefore we your petitioners pray that we may be seperated from the
said County of Grafton and made a new County by a line drawn from Connecticut River between
the Towns of Concord alias Guuthwait and Littleton and on Eastward taking in the Towns of Con-
wa, Eaton &cto the Province line so call'd and we as in duly bound shall ever pray —

" Lancaster Nov'r 22nd 1791.

Revolutionary Period and Early Roads. 91

"Edw'ds Bucknam, William Bruce, Stephen Willson, Jeremiah Willcox, Emmons Stockwell,

Robert Gotam, Francis Willson, Joseph Bruce, Jonas Wilder, junur, Asaph Darby, Jonas Baker,
Jonathan Cram, Edward Spaulding, Will'm Moore, Joseph Brackett, Epbraim Wilder, .John
Weeks, Jon'a Ilartwell, Nathan Lovewell, Joseph Wilder, Samuel Johnson, Dennis Stanley, Isaac
Darby, Phinehas Bruce, Elisha Wilder, John Rosbrook, E/.ra Reves, Benj'a Twombly, Walter
Philbrook, Moses Page, John Mackintire, Abijah Darby, Bradfor Sanderson. Zadock Samson,
Jonathan Ros, Daniel How, David Stockwell, Daniel Chany, John Wilder. Jonas Wilder, Manas-
seb Wilder, Charles Rosbrook, David Page, James Twombly, Coffin Moore, Phinehas Hodgdon,
William Johnson,"

President D wight came to Lancaster on horseback in 1797. He says
the roads were good from Haverhill to Concord (Lisbon). "Here he first
found 'causeys' or 'corduroy' roads (not in good repair)." He came up
the Ammonoosuc until he reached what is now Littleton village, when
they commenced ascending the mountains of that town toward Dalton.
"The mire was often so stiff and so deep that our horses scarcely strug-
gled through it. The roots, also, the stumps, rocks, stones, and ' causeys '
multiplied upon us in almost every part of our progress." The road con-
tinued "on the same mountainous ground, and embarrassed with the same
disagreeable circumstances " until within six miles of Lancaster. Of the
Dalton mountains he says that "the height and rudeness of these moun-
tains must prove a serious obstruction to all traveling for pleasure from
the country below to the country above." Going from Lancaster through
Jefferson, via "RosebrookV and the "Notch," he makes no complaint
of bad roads, except that the first two miles of the " Notch " is so steep as
to make riding on horseback seriously inconvenient, but says from Bart-
lett to Conway they passed " through a good road.*'

This alone is sufficient to show that the communication between
" Upper Coos " and the Saco valley and points below was much easier than
with Haverhill, and shows why the people were so anxious to be united
with Conway in a new county.

In his account of his visit to Canada line in 1803, Dr. Dwight says
the roads in Stratford exhibit strong indications of a lax and inefficienl
spirit in some of the inhabitants. Through Wales Gore, between Strat-
ford and Cockburn (Columbia), the road was very imperfectly made. In
Cockburn "for so new a settlement well wrought, dry and hard." Through
Cockburn and Colebrook and Stewart the road is very good. The most
important legislation for Coos county in its early existence was the incor-
poration of the Tenth New Hampshire Turnpike from the west line of
Bartlett through the Notch of the White Hills. This was done December
28, 1803. The distance was twenty miles, and the expense of building it
$40,000. This furnished an avenue to the sea] mils, and became one of
the best paying roads in all northern New Hampshire. Until the
advent of railroads, this was the great outlet of Coos county, and the
thoroughfare over which its merchandise came from Portland, hi win-

92 History of Coos County.

ter, often, lines of teams from Coos, over half a mile in length, might
be seen going down with tough Canadian horses harnessed to " pungs " or
sleighs, loaded with pot or pearl ash, butter, cheese, pork, lard, and peltry,
returning with well assorted loads of merchandise, or filling the caravan-
saries of Crawford, Rosebrook, and others with a wild hilarity. Before
this time most of the incorporated towns were well provided with roads;
but wagons, carriages, and "one-horse chaises " could not roll along their
level surfaces with as much enjoyment to the occupant as can be taken
to-day, until about 1820.

Tbe Jefferson Turnpike, fourteen miles in length, from Lancaster
through Jefferson, Bretton Woods to the Tenth Turnpike, was incorpo-
rated December 11, 1804, and cost $18,400, and was of much value to the
"North Country."

As early as 1803 a road had been laid out from Colebrook to Hallowell,
Me., ninety miles, via Dixville Notch, Errol, etc., but for years nothing
came of it. The following by J. W. Weeks, concerning the roads of Lan-
caster is of value : —

" What seemed to impress the first settlers most was the matter of roads. Hardly a meeting
of the proprietors took place without some action upon this matter. First to look out and mark
roads. March 12, 1767, a committee was appointed, consisting of David Page, Timothy Nash,
Edwards Bucknam, and two others, to look out and mark the road to ' Picwackett (Conway), to
the Androscoggin, and to the nearest settlement on the Connecticut River.' Whether the roads
followed for many years after were marked by this committee is unknown. But roads were
marked out and the routes followed, sometimes near where the present highways run, but in many
places very different. The remains of rude bridges, corduroys and their like, mark the course of
some of them to day. The route down the river from the head of the island or ' Stockwell's
Bridge,' has evidently never been changed, but the road to Picwackett, through Dartmouth (Jeffer-
son), has been changed more than once. The first road followed close upon the bank of Israel's
river to Jefferson Mills, thence to ' Whipple's Meadow,' ^Jefferson Meadows); the next followed the
high ground, considerably west of the present road, to Jefferson Mills. These roads can still be
traced. The route to Ameroscoggin passed over the hills east of the river and connected with the
present road near Geo.W. Webster's, and passing through Jefferson, ran some twenty -five rods east
of Samuel Mardin's and William J. Chamberlain, passing near the Waumbek and high up the hill
beyond. The first road to Northumberland, after leaving North street, passed near the top of the
high bank, by the house of E. D. Stockwell, and striking the bank of the river near Capt. A. M.
Beattie's, thence following the river bank to near the Northumberland line.

" These roads or highways were rude affairs, often very crooked, and passing over high hills
for the sake of dry ground, very little attempt being made for drainage. The small streams and
swampy places were passed by ' corduroys,' that is by laying two parallel timbers lengthwise of
the road, six or seven feet apart, and covering them with cross-timbers or poles laid crosswise, cut
eight feet long. These roads sufficed for the time, as there was little transportation over them ex-
cept on horseback, and by sleds in winter. They were usually, however, wide enough and firm
enough for ox carts, and for the lumbering two-horse wagons. The use of the plow and scraper
was probably as great an event as was that of the road machine, later.

" The road down the river seems to have called forth the greatest solicitude. In all the peti-
tions for a new county from 1790 to 1805, it was set forth that the roads were nearly impassable,
as a principal cause why this northern section be set off. The road to Conway was evidently
made passable quite early. Col. Whipple was said to have come to Jefferson in 1764, and he,
without doubt, came through the Notch. Nash and Sawyer's Location was granted in 1773 r

Survey of Maine Boundary, &c. 93

for building a road through that tract, and in 1786, in petitioning the Legislature for assistance ,
it was set forth that the road was out of repair from recent freshets, indicating then- was
a road previously. At that time a committee was appointed to sell State lands and build and
repair roads. Large tracts of land were sold at extremely low prices, from time to time, and if
the road was built it did not stay built. After more than ten years a sort of settlement with the
committee was effected by the Legislature. The gentlemen got their discharge and most of the
land, but the public no road, or a very poor one. The age of turnpikes had now arrived, and in
1803 the tenth New Hampshire turnpike was chartered, twenty miles through the Notch, and
built at great expense. The following year the Jefferson turnpike was chartered, some fourteen
miles, to the Rosebrook place. This road was well laid out and splendidly built. Up Israel's
river it was straight as a line, was well drained, and worked twenty-two feet wide, in such a
manner as to seem to defy the effects of time. From the time of building these roads Coos peo-
ple had as good highways to Conway as could be maintained through the Notch, till the time
of the great freshet, in 1826.

" Prior to the four wheeled carriage, which was about 1822, the ordinary road was not much
better than a bridle-path, although passable for the chaise, ox cart and team wagon.*'

CHAPTER XII.

SURVEY AND MARKING OF NEW HAMPSHIRE AND MAINE BOUNDARY.

Boundary Surveys— Smuggling, Etc., 1812-1815— Boundary Commissions — "Indian Stream
Territory "— Indian Stream War— Musters and Militia.

THE report of the commissioners appointed by King George, in Coun-
cil of February 22, 1735, and confirmed by his order of August ...
174<), established " that the dividing line between the two provinces
(N. H. ec Mass.) shall pass up through the mouth of Piscataqua Harbor,
and up the middle of the river Newichwannock, (part of which is now-
called Salmon Falls,) and through the middle of the same, to the farthest
head thereof, and that said dividing line shall part the Isles of 'Sholes'
and run through the middle of the Harbor, between the Islands to the Sea.
on the southerly side, &c," and, in 1740, a survey was made in accordance
thereto. Again, in 1789, the line was run and marked by spotting trees,
in the then wilderness, from the head of Salmon Falls river to the High-
lands of Canada. The course of the line thus run was. north 6 degrees
east, and is the same line familiarly known to the residents tin 'icon as the
"Province Line."

In 1820, Maine, until then a portion of Massachusetts, be ante a state.
and the boundary line between Maine and New Hampshire had become so
obliterated and uncertain in its location, that in L827 the two states
appointed a commission to "ascertain, survey and mark, the line between

i»4 History of Coos County.

the States of New Hampshire and Maine, and to erect suitable monuments
to designate it as the true boundary line of said States." Hon. Ichabod
Bartlett, of Portsmouth, and Hon. John W. Weeks, of Lancaster, were
appointed commissioners for New Hampshire, and Hon. William King, and
Hon. Hufus Mclntire, commissioners for Maine. Work was commenced
October 1, 1827, at the head of Salmon Falls river, and the line run that
fall forty-seven miles, to the Androscoggin river. The next year the line
was completed to the Canada Highlands. Three stone monuments were
erected north of the Androscoggin river, and the rest of the way the line
was shown by marked or spotted trees. The spots on the trees became
effaced and destroyed by fires, by wind, and natural growth, and the clear-
ings of the settlers. For years surveyors could not follow it save by com-
pass, as for miles there were no marks in many places. Disputes arose in
consequence, and owners of wild and timber land were in doubt as to their
boundaries. To rectify this, New Hampshire and Maine, in 1S5S, created
another commission "to ascertain, survey, and mark the dividing line
between said States, from Fryeburg to the Canada line." Henry O. Kent,
of Lancaster, was appointed commissioner for this state, and John M.Wil-
son by Maine. The boundary to be established nearly all lay in an unbroken
wilderness, and extended about eighty miles in length. During the con-
tinuance of the work the weather was unfavorable in the extreme. In a
space of thirty -eight days, including the stormy weather, in a country
where supplies could not be had, with a small force, the line was run by
the commissioners personally, a series of monuments erected, and a per-
manent line between the two commonwealths established, at an expense
which must be considered economical when the magnitude and importance
of the work is considered. The survey was commenced in September,
1858. James S. Brackett and John G. Lewis, of Lancaster, were assist-
ants, and Adjutant-General Joseph C. Abbott, of Manchester, was a vol-
unteer member of the company,

The line was marked by the erection of stone monuments at all road
crossings and noticeable points where none before existed, and by retouch-
ing the old monuments. Many large and prominent trees were blazed and
marked on either side "N. H." "M.," and the names of various members
of the party were added, together with the date, " 1858."

Aside from the monuments described above, the whole course of the
line was marked by spotting the old marked trees, and all others on the
route, and by marking the spots with a double cross, thus X, and the
under brush was cleared away so as to enable one to follow the line by a
continual observance of the spots.

It is believed that the line above described is now sufficiently marked
and designated to afford a distinguishable and permanent dividing line r

Survey of Maine Boundary, ecc. :•;.

which will subserve all the purposes of the two states equally as a more
expensive system.

The treaty of L783 denned the northwest boundary of New Hampshire
as "the most northwestern head of the Connecticut rivet.'" The country
was wild and unsurveyed. The British considered that their title under
this treaty extended down to the forty-fifth parallel of latitude, and th<
real head of the Connecticut, while Xew Hampshire did not concern itself
with the subject. In 1789, however. Col. Jeremiah Eames was on a com-
mission appointed by the legislature to survey and establish the boundaries
between Maine, New Hampshire, and Lower Canada, and his journal shows
that they made the head of Hall's stream, the northwest bound of this
state, and established it by suitable monuments. Hall's stream is the north-
western branch of the Connecticut, and this survey brought all the land
between Hall's stream and Connecticut river, including the fertile valley
of Indian stream, within this state. The advantages of this region becom-
ing known, in 178!> two settlers made their homes on Indian stream.
Others followed, led hither by the richness of the soil; others, to seek in
this remote district an asylum from pressing creditors or punishment for
crime.

Smuggling, etc.— In 1*1.! this territory was the paradise of smugglers,
who could readily bring from the closely-lying Canadian settlements the
most valuable articles into the '•' States," without the slightest fear of hin-
drance from the far-off, older New Hampshire settlements.

The history of smuggling as carried on between this country and Canada
from the enactment of the embargo at the close of 18<>7, and especially
from the enactment of the more stringent non-intercourse law of 1810, to
the declaration of war in 1812, and even, to a greater or less extent, to the
proclamation of peace in 1815, is a portion of our annals almost wholly
unwritten. The upper towns of New Hampshire and Vermont, from
the close contiguity to Montreal and Quebec, the only importing cities
of Canada, afforded the most tempting facilities and the best chances
for success, while the high price of beef and cattle in the Provinces
was a great allurement to the Coos farmer whose fat herds were
almost valueless in the home market. The Federalists or opponents
of the Administration w r ere in a large majority in this section, and they
could see no harm in selling cattle at a good profit on Canadian soil, while
not all friends of the Government could resist the inducements offered.
A man, also, could readily bring hundreds of dollars of silks and satins
in his pack, and an Indian sledge in winter would carry ten times
as many of the same valuable commodities through the woods. No
one would be the wiser except the accomplice, who lived this side of the
line, and knew how r to secrete and take to market the rich goods. This

96 History of Coos County.

illegal trade attained such proportions that the United States stationed a
detachment of militia at Stewartstown to suppress it in 1812.

Canaan and West Stewartstown were often centers of wild excitement,
and, along the line, almost an incessant campaign and warfare existed,
for years, between the custom-house officers and their assistants, with
their reserve force of U. S. soldiers, and the smugglers and their friends,
both parties being armed ' k to the teeth." In these skirmishes many were
at different times killed outright; many more were missing, even on the
side of the officials, for whom dark fates were naturally conjectured; while
others, on both sides, were crippled or otherwise seriously wounded. As
nearly seventy-five years have passed since these occurrences, it is impos-
sible to accurately detail them or the motives of the actors. We find no
source of information but tradition, and that is so affected by ties of con-
sanguinity, personal feeling and partisan animosity as to render it an
unsafe guide. Eeference must be made, however, to some matters, which,
even to this day, are kept fresh in the mind of the public. In September,
1813, Samuel Beach, of Canaan, Vt., owning and operating a saw-mill in
Canada, obtained a permit to take over oxen. The officers were informed
that more cattle were taken over than were brought back, and that they
were sold to the British. One day, Oliver Ingham, United States custom
officer, instructed Lieutenant John Dennett in charge of the militia guard-
ing the line not to allow Beach to take over any more cattle. Beach soon
attempted to cross the line with a yoke of oxen, and Dennett forbade his
doing so. He endeavored to go on, however, and finally was shot dead.
Dennett was arrested by the civil authorities for murder and confined in
jail at Guildhall. He escaped the next spring, and the friends of Beach
made search for him, and in August following surprised him while cutting
wood for his camp. He was shot in the back and disabled, then brought
out of the woods, placed in a two-horse wagon and driven rapidly over the
rough roads to Guildhall, where he soon died. Many believe that he was
most inhumanly treated by his captors, and maliciously abused while on
the road to Guildhall.

The Federal Government now sent Capt. Hodson with a company of
regular soldiers to relieve the militia. Capt. Hodson soon stopped the
smuggling and the treasonable acts and utterances. He arrested Saunders
W. Cooper, one of the militia, who was a nephew of Beach, and sent him
to Windsor, Vt., to be tried for treason. He was accused of being a smug-
gler, and of having joined the militia that he might give assistance to those
desiring to aid the enemy. He was not tried, however, on account of his
youth and the close of the war, and, after his death, years later, his
widow obtained a pension for his services as a soldier. The smugglers and
their friends hated Hodson, and once, while he was at Lancaster, they
endeavored to get hold of him by arresting him for some alleged breach of

Survey of Maine Boundary, &c.

the civil law. He was aware of their object, however, and had a suffi
cient number of soldiers with him to frustrate their des gns. He tva an
. able officer, and, later, a prominent citizen of Maine

Indian Stream Territory and War.-ln 1819 the British and Ameri
can commissioners attempted to jointly establish the boundary line between
Canada and this state, but they could not agree. The American con mk
sioners held to Fames' survey and Hall's stream as the bound made by
the treaty, while the British commissioners contended for lines aTcoroW
to their construction. From the survey in 1789, the settlers Ce had
known nothing else than that they were in New Hampshire territory and

n 1" u e eLI e of 7v na f 4 ° "" 'T' acknowledged that of fcS
in consequence of this disagreement, the Canadian local authorities

Te'ritorv " TheP ^ -°f **"" ^^ ^^ ° f "**-
lemtoiy. The Provincial government of Canada at one time located a

township on this territory and called it "Drayton;" built a road from
Hall s Stream to Indian Stream, and assumed occupancy. The lawW
element before mentioned was still in large force, and'as iLas more con
venient for then personal safety to be out of the jurisdiction of American
aw, many advocated the Canadian claim. Up to this time New Ham p
shire officers had served the processes of New Hampshire courts and the
majority of the settlers were faithful to this state

In 1824 Indian Stream Territory was inhabited by about fifty-eight set

about t 7 \ r fammeS ' mad6a P ° pulatio » ° f 285 Persons Ct

about 847 acres under improvement. These settlers claimed, under certa n

Indian deeds the principal of which was that of Philip, an okTchiefof
he St. Francis tribe, dated 1790. The general government as eariy as that
toe prohAited purchases of land from the Indians; but it was daimed
that the grantors living without the jurisdiction of the United States m™de
his case an exception to the rule. By the convention of 1827 the ues
ton of the whole northeastern boundary was referred to the King of the
Netherlands, whose award in respect to this part of the line thiew t s
whole tract upon the Canada side. But, as « the head of the Connect cut "
which he adopted did not approach the highlands, the people of New
Hampshire were dissatisfied, and, as the award was rejected by the United
States, the whole question was left open to further difficulty

In 1820 the state owing to the settlers here resisting process issuing in
Coos county, of which the tract was regarded as forming a part 1, a
asserted a title and a jurisdiction, by a resolution directing the attorney
general to proceed against intruders; and again, in 1824, by an express
declaratory act, in which also it released title to every actual settler of wo
hundred acres, reserving, of course, all other portions to itself

The settlement, in 1830, numbered ninety voters, and there wasalanre
enough number of disaffected men to lead them to talk of resistance to

98 History of Coos County.

the long acknowledged authority. The two great powers had agreed, that,
until the boundary question should be settled, neither should extend their
jurisdiction over the disputed lands. The Canadian officers continued their
attempts at control, and even compelled some of the people to do military
duty in 1831. Those loyal to this state were alarmed, and applied to their
friends below for help, which was not readily forthcoming, and an inde-
pendent government was mooted. At this juncture, two Federal customs
officers threw a firebrand into this combustible mass by exacting duties
from all the Indian Stream people who brought produce into New Hamp-
shire or Vermont, thus declaring them beyond the United States. These
illegal and ill advised measures excited the people intensely, and gave the
discontented a good chance to work in the interests of Canada. A majority
of the inhabitants concluded, however, to form an independent govern-
ment to be in force until the boundary was decided. July 9, 1832, the
voters of the disputed tract met, by notification, formed the government
of " The United Inhabitants of Indian Stream Territory," adopted a con-
stitution, which created an assembly and a council. The new government
determined to resist the service of processes from New Hampshire courts.
Hon. John H. White, sheriff of Coos county, hearing of this, detailed the
state of affairs as he heard them to the secretary of state at Concord, and
asked instructions. The governor and council called for the opinion of
the attorney-general, and a copy of this, asserting jurisdiction over, and
right to, the territory, with a letter from the governor, saying the laws
should be executed in Indian Stream, was sent to Sheriff White, who thus
informed the residents and officials of Indian Stream. This was in Decem-
ber, 1834, and had its effect with the people until Alexander Rea. a justice
of Hereford, L. C, who lived near the disputed ground, and who had been
active in fomenting strife, advised resistance; under his influence, and
with the expected aid of the province, the people voted to resist the laws
of this state, and abide by their constitution and laws. March 12, 1835,
Deputy Sheriff William M. Smith, from Colebrook, attempted to arrest
C. J. Haines and Eeuben Sawyer, and was violently beaten and driven
from the Territory by several men. March 13, Milton Harvey and an
assistant were assaulted while trying to attach some property, and also
driven from the Territory. Wild reports came down to Lancaster of this
resistence; it was asserted that the Territory was organizing a military
force, had made an alliance with Indians for war, and were building a
block-house for an intrenchment, under the name of "jail."

About this time the people of Indian Stream Territory chose John
Haines to properly present their position to Col. White. He was instructed
to say that they had unanimously "resolved to abide by and support our
own constitution and laws, agreeably to our oaths, until known to what
government we properly belong, when our constitution is at an end." Col.

Survey of Maine Boundary, &c. 99

White»gave no satisfaction to Mr. Haines, saying, merely, that he would
lay the situation before the governor, and he at once wrote a letter, giving
the rumors prevalent concerning the action of the people, as well what
had been done, and asked for a detachment of militia to enable him and
his officers to properly discharge their duties. It is evident from the
names of the councillors of Indian Stream, that up to this period many of
the people had only intended to keep a neutral position, and really consid-
ered themselves under no jurisdiction, save that of their own laws, until
the boundary question should be decided, and they allotted to New Hamp-
shire or Canada. It was to prevent disorder and anarchy, not to cause it,
even if the influence of Rea had developed its formation, that the " Terri-
tory" was organized. Ebenezer Fletcher, Richard I. Blanchard, Jeremiah
Tabor and others, who were members of the Council, were never disloyal
to the United States, but they could not hold in check the lawless element
which favored union with Canada. April 18, 1835. — The assembly of
Indian Stream passed acts making it perjury to violate the oath of alle-
giance to their constitution, with a penalty of confinement in the stocks
united to disqualification as a witness in the territorial courts; also, for-
bidding any sheriff, or sheriff's officers, residing in Indian Stream, or the
United States, not appointed by the government of Indian Stream, per-
forming any official duties within the Territory under the penalty of tine
and imprisonment. This clear distinction against the United States and
in favor of Canada alarmed the American residents, and the same day they
drafted and sent a petition to Gov. Badger, asking protection from the
action of these laws. Shortly after, the majority who passed the obnox-
ious laws, also sent a memorial to Gov. Badger acknowledging that they
had kept the Canadian government informed of their acts, and begged for
favorable consideration. In June, 1835, Gov. Badger presented the case
and papers to the legislature, at Concord. This body resolved to main-
tain jurisdiction over Indian Stream Territory, and to hold its possession
until the boundary dispute should be fully settled: and authorized the
governor to render all necessary aid to the executive officers <>f Coos
county in executing the laws of New Hampshire in that Territory.

This legislation was at once communicated to Sheriff White, and by him
to the people of Indian Stream. Quiet was produced for a lime, but the
Provincial government again interfered, and the discontented began t<>
make preparations to resist the execution of New Hampshire laws, while
they allowed Canadian warrants to be served in the Territory. The afore-
mentioned Justice Rea. net content with issuing writs to be served in
Indian Stream, made various speeches urging resistance t<> American laws,
and promising help from Canada. In October, 1^».~>. William M. Smith, a
deputy- sheriff of Coos county, with Richard I. Blanchard and John M.
Harvey as assistants, attempted to serve a writ on John H. Tyler. Tyler

100 History of Coos County.

refusing to turn out property for attachment, Smith arrested him, and in
taking him away, Tyler was forcibly rescued by several of his neighbors.
Alexander Rea, on being informed of this arrest, issued a warrant against
Smith, Blanchard and Harvey, in the name of the King of Great Britain,
for attempting to serve processes not granted by Canadian courts. Blan-
chard, the only one residing in Indian Stream, was arrested on this war-
rant, October 22, 1835, by an armed posse of from twelve to fifteen men,
and taken by force from his dwelling, to be tried in Canada for doing his
duty as a deputy sheriff of the county of Coos.

As the news of this outrage was immediately spread, great excitement
prevailed in the upper towns of Coos. Clark J. Haines started at once on
horseback for Colebrook, giving notice at Clarksville and Stewartstown.
As fast as notified the men of the various towns armed and hastened to
the relief of Blanchard. Many took their arms and accoutrements as
militia men. Nearly three hundred assembled in Canaan; citizens aroused
by an outrage upon the rights of one of their number, and determined to
rescue him. Several parties started to intercept Blanchard and his captors,
and we give Blanchard's own language of the rescue: "When I was
within a mile of the house of Alex. Rea, to which place I understood they
were conveying me, we were met by a party of eight men from New
Hampshire on horseback, all, or most of them, armed. They demanded
my release from the party having custody of me, which was refused, but,
after some further talk, the party demanding resolutely my release, I was
at length released, without any force being used on either side, and I went
with the party down to the store of Parmelee & Joy, in Canaan, Vt."

The rescuing party consisted of E. H. Mahurin, J. M. Harvey, J. P.
Wiswell, J. M. Hilliard, Horatio Tuttle, I. B. Blodgett, Samuel Weeks,
Jr. , and Miles Hurlburt. At the store in Canaan mention was made of
J. H. Tyler, the former prisoner of Smith, as being one of the party in
charge of Blanchard. Ephraim C. Aldrich and Miles Hurlburt, taking
with them an advertisement offering five dollars reward for the capture of
Tyler, started in search of him, and, shortly after crossing the Canada
line, they were met by Rea, who, highly excited, ordered them off the
king's highway and his (/rounds. Rea had over a dozen men whom he
called upon to arrest Aldrich and Hurlburt. The latter drew a pistol, and
Aldrich advised Rea not to approach Hurlburt as he might shoot. Turning
to Aldrich, Rea ordered a man to take his horse by the bridle, and he
.attempted to arrest Aldrich, who drew a sword and defended himself.
Rea and his party began to throw stones, two of which hit Hurlburt with
force. He discharged his pistol, wounding Young, and as, by this time,
thirty or forty men had come up from Canaan, Rea, becoming alarmed,
ran for the woods, Aldrich pursuing him. After a short skirmish, Rea

Survey of Maine Boundary, &c. mi

surrendered, was placed in a w.-igon and taken to Canaan, where, after
being detained some hours, lie was released.

The legislature, by an act approved June L8, 1836, authorized the gov-
ernor " to appoint commissioners to repair to Indian Stream and collect
and arrange such testimony as may be obtained to rebut and explain the
charges and testimony obtained and preferred against the authorities and
inhabitants of this state by Lord Gosford, Governor of the Province of
Lower Canada." Gov. Badger appointed as members of this commission
Adjutant-General Joseph Low, Ralph Metcalf and John P. Hale, who
made a report, November 23, 1830.

As the excitement increased, and the adherents of New Hampshire
feared for their safety, Gov. Badger instructed Gen. Low "to take such
steps as might be found necessary to maintain the integrity of the state
and its laws, and, if necessary, to call out so much of the Twenty-fourth
Regiment as will enable the executive officers of the county of Coos to
execute the laws, and suppress and put down all insurrectionary move-
ments." Necessity arising, Gen. Low ordered Col. Ira Young to "detach
and order into service, and place at the disposal of John H. White, Esq.,
sheriff of the County of Coos, one captain, one lieutenant, one ensign, four
sergeants, two musicians, and forty-two privates, for three months unless
sooner discharged." This order was handed to Col. Ira Young, November
13, 1835, about six o'clock in the evening, and, as Capt. Mooney and some
men were already at Indian Stream, an express immediately sent by him
to Ensign Drew, of the Stewartstown company, with directions to collect
his force at once and report without delay. By three o'clock in the morn-
ing of the next day, about twenty men had assembled, some having trav-
eled nineteen miles on foot to join Capt. Mooney."

* Roll of Copt. Mooney'8 Company, 24th Regt. , N. H. M., serving at Indian Stream. —
James Mooney, Captain, Stewartstown; Haines French, Lieutenant, Columbia; Amos W. Drew,
Ensign, Stewartstown; Joseph Durgin, Sergeant, Northumberland; William Covel, Sergeant.
Colebrook; Robert Tirrell, Sergeant, Stewartstown; Isaac Miner, Sergeant, Whitefield; George
Hight, Sergeant, Jefferson; Privates, Asahel Aldricli, Whitefield; David Alls, Colebrook;
James H. Balch, Lancaster; Thomas Batchelder, Whitefield; Ephraim F. Bartlett, Whitefield;
Phill C. Bickford, Northumberland; Linus Blakeslee, Dalton; Arnold Bolls, Dalton; Henry Bout-
well, Dalton; William W. Brooks, Colebrook; Volney M Brown, Stratford; Jesse Carr, Jefferson;
Jesse W.Carr, Columbia: Nathan S. Carr, Indian Stream, Sub., Colebrook: Hazen Chamberlain, Cole-
brook: William Curtis, Stratford; Nathaniel G. Dodge, Stark: Ahaz S. French, Columbia; Orisa-
mus Frizzle, Colebrook; William Grimes, Dalton; Alfred Greenleaf, Jefferson; Samuel G. Grout, Dal-
ton; Horatio Grover, Colebrook; Alexander, Gullen, Sub., Colebrook or Columbia; Silas Huntoon,
"Whitefield; Duglas Ingerson, Lancaster; Enoch C. Jewell, Whitefield; Dennis .bines. Lancaster;
Abiel C. Kidder, Stewartstown: Eli Kinerson. Stratford; Leaviii Loud, Dalton; William G. by-
man, Columbia; Clark McFarland, Stark; Joseph Morrill. Jr., Whitefield; John Perkins, Lancas-
ter; William Price, Whitefield; Benjamin Stilling, Jefferson; Ira Stilling, Jefferson; Charles F.
Stone, Lancaster; John Sweat, Columbia; William Wallace, Jr., Dalton or Columbia; Asa 8.
White, Whitefield; Samuel Whittemore, Colebrook.

102 History of Coos County.

Very early, say two or three o'clock, on the morning of November 14,
1835, Captain Mooney, with a guard, accompanied deputy sheriff Blan-
chard to arrest a number against whom warrants had been issued for the vio-
lation of our laws, and who were supposed to be at Applebee's. After stop-
ping a short time at Perry's Stream, Ensign Drew crossed with twenty
men to surround the house (a large two story frame building), with orders
to keep quiet until daylight. Two horses at pasture were alarmed by the
soldiers, and ran to the house arousing the inmates by their excited snort-
ing and neighing. Emor Applebee came to the door, and going back into
the house returned with a gun, and his son, Benjamin, also armed. He
warned the officers and guard not to approach. The sheriff announced
his office and mission, and ordered them " in the name of the state " to lay
down their arms and submit; upon this they levelled their guns and said
they would shoot the first one who came near them. They were covered
at once by twenty rifles. Captain Mooney said that his instructions were
to take them alive or dead; when the elder Applebee ordered the whole
company to leave his farm ' ' in the name of the King,'' and started his wife
as a messenger to notify his associates of his peril. By this time, however,
the soldiers had cut off communication with outside parties, and Mrs.
Applebee was driven back to the house. Gen. Lewis Loomis, who had
accompanied the soldiers, now advised the Applebees that their escape was
impossible, and that it was their wisest course to surrender and go with
him to the officers, when, if they could satisfy them of the rectitude of
their intentions, they should be permitted to return. The Applebees under
his plausible diplomacy consented to do this, gave up their arms and ammu-
nition, and were made prisoners. They, with others of the malcontents
captured, were taken to Lancaster, and lodged in jail. After six months
and three days imprisonment, Benjamin was released upon his own recog-
nizance. Emor Applebee was released in the same manner after an
imprisonment of a year. The other prisoners were discharged in time,
and none were ever brought to trial.

The guns captured from the Applebees were heavily charge with powder,
ball, and large buck-shot or pistol-bullets. One gun contained seventeen
bullets, one rifle seven bullets, and the spare guns an ounce ball each, and
from seven to twelve pistol-bullets. This prompt arrest followed by others,
crushed opposition by force, but the British party continued to make
threats, and the vicious and law-escaping element of the territory labored
with them. On learning these facts, Gov. Badger issued an order calling out
more troops, if quiet was not restored, and the turbulent ones thought bet-
ter of the situation and either emigrated to Canada or quietly submitted
to .New Hampshire law.

The national government refunded the expenses incurred by the state
in this campaign, and, by this action, the militia engaged became "veteran

Survey of Maine Boundary, &c. 103

soldiers of the United States," and were granted 160 acres of government
land each. In 1819, Congress satisfied the state's claim by paying $7, <>i mi.
The next year an attempt was made to recover interest on this sum from
the year 1836, which, after being more than once refused, was allowed by
Congress in January, 1852, with a proviso that the amount should not
exceed the sum of $6,000. But, in disposing of the questions growing
out of the claims on the part of the settlers here, resort was had to the
superior court of New Hampshire. In a decision given in this court in
1810, by Chief Justice Parker, the jurisdiction asserted by the state was
affirmed, and was held to refer back, in the absence of any subsequent grant
to the period of separation from Great Britain, and consequently carried
with it all title to the lands. This decision settled the question; and the juris-
diction thus maintained was acquiesced in by Great Britain and the United
States in the Webster-Ashburton treaty made the next year, which laid
down the line as claimed by the state. The stamp of right and justice was
thus placed upon the prompt action of the New Hampshire officials.

Masters, Trainings, and Militia* — There are very few people now living
who remember the old-fashioned muster and May trainings in New Hamp-
shire. These came down from colonial days and were looked upon by young
and old as the " great days " of the year— by the old, to rehearse and keep
alive the patriotic spirit — by the young, to view the scenes of mimic war
and glory. These militia " trainings " and " musters " were the only pas-
times for the year. For days before these occasions, preparations were
made to attend by the whole country around. So, early in the morning
on these days, in carriages, on horseback, and on foot, all, save the aged
and decrepit, were seen wending their way to the training-and-muster-
fleld. Little do the boys of the present, who have picnics, excursions,
base ball, circuses, and scores of diversions, realize the poverty of pastimes
in those early days; and how they were enjoyed — almost reverenced.

Every "free, able-bodied, white male citizen of the state, resident
therein, of the age of eighteen years and under the age of forty-five years,
unless exempted by law," was liable to do military duty in the company
within whose limits he resided or into which he may have enlisted. Each

company was obliged " to meet on the third Tuesday of May annually," for
inspection and military drill, "armed and equipped as the law directs,"
and on one other day, by order of the captain. The annual regimental
muster was in September, and called by the general; and this embraced
all the companies in the regiment.

The law required that "each enrolled man should be armed with a mus-
ket with a flint lock, two spare flints, with a steel or iron ram-rod, a bay-
onet, scabbard and belt, a priming-wire and brush, a knapsack and can-
teen, and a cartridge-box that contains twenty-four cartridges."

*By Hon. B. F. Whi.I.lui.

104 History of Coos County.

The militia companies, or, as they were sometimes called, " flood-
wood companies," embraced all the enrolled men who did not enlist into
an independent company. In every regiment there was a company of
cavalry, sometimes called "troopers," a company of artillery, one or two
companies of light infantry, and a company of riflemen.

The officers were a captain, a lieutenant, and an ensign, except in the
cavalry, where the ensign was called a cornet. To each company there
were four sergeants, four corporals, one bass-drummer, and usually two
tenor-drummers and two fifers, except in the cavalry, whose music was
the bugle.

The parade-ground, or " muster-field," as it was called, was selected by
the field officers in some central portion of the "lines" of the regiment,
and " must be smooth and level and contain not less than twenty acres "
in order to give room for the evolutions of the companies in line or column
of attack. Early on the morning of muster, from all the country round,
came pouring into town, companies, officers, soldiers and citizens, young
and old, preceded only by those building booths and tents on the outskirts
of the field the night before. Joy, mirth, patriotism, and good cheer usher
in the day; veneration, the martial spirit, parade, the love of tinsel and
show, had not yet died out.

The militia, or infantry companies, were generally large and considered
the solid branch of the service. The officers were armed with a sword
with belt, and w^ore a cap with plume. The riflemen were more preten-
tious and dashing. They wore, generally, a blue coat and "pants," trimmed
with red cord or silver braid, with red cuffs and collars, and high gaiters.
Their caps were generally black velvet, with plumes. They were very
attractive, either at rest or in motion. The artillery represented strength.
Their uniform was blue, trimmed with red. They were armed with a
sword and belt, and equipped with a knapsack and canteen. They wore a
cocked hat having a black plume with red top. Their six-pound brass can-
non w r as polished to its brightest. The trappings of their horses and ammu-
nition carriage were of the gayest style known. The light infantry com-
panies were the most showy part of the regiment. Their uniform was a
black coat with white " pants." They wore high leather caps with white
plumes. Their motion was quick and effective, and they w r ere greatly
given to surprises in the evolutions of the day. They usually had from
eight to ten pioneers, armed with the necessary tools, who were in front
when marching by flank, to clear the way of all obstructions, span a ditch
or raise a tent. But the cavalry on their prancing steeds, with the gayest
of uniforms and housings, bear-skin cap, pistols, sabre, boots and spurs,
was the delight of all. The bugle-notes which heralded their movements
will never die away with those who saw that day.

The most gorgeous display of all w^as when the adjutant had formed

Survey of Maine Boundary, &c. lor.

the regiment in line, the colonel with his staff came on parade to take com-
mand, and receive the brigadier-general with his staff for review. These
officers were mounted on the gayest of chargers, and were caparisoned at
great expense in all the paraphernalia of war to excite the admiration of
the thousands who came to witness the annual display. These field officers
all wore the Napoleonic cocked hat. The colonel and staff wore a white
plume and silver trimmings. The general and his stall' wore black ostrich
plumes and gold trimmings.

After the inspection and grand review by the general, sometimes the
regiment was divided for the mimic show of war — a "mock battle" —
when the cavalry and light infantry showed their skill in quick move-
ments, the riflemen as scouts, the artillery at bombardment, and the militia
at the charge, till the waning sun and the bugle called to quarters. So
passed this day of days in "ye olden time." < >ne who was there to see
gives you this account while it is fresh in memory.

The writer lived some two miles from this enchanted ground. He had
annually heard in the distance the booming of cannon, the rolling drum, the
screaming fife and the rattling musketry, and one bright September morn-
ing he was taken to the muster and training. Sixty years have since
passed by, and yet he has never been so thoroughly enraptured as when he
reached a height overlooking the field where he could see the long line of
companies in their rich attire stretching across the field; the vast concourse
of spectators outside the line of guards, and hear the music and the voice
of command with a distinctness that was fascinating as it fell on the ears.
Farther on, just outside, he became absorbed in the cries of peddlers
hawking their wares, the baker selling his gingerbread; and passed by
booths where were sold lemonade, candy, and " new rum at four-pence a
glass. "

As the day closed and the ranks were broken, and the vast crowd were
reluctantly turning their faces homeward, squads of men, before taking a
soldier's leave, were seen around the tents, or sitting on the ground sing-
ing patriotic songs, among which was sure to be " Yankee Doodle." The
spirit, style and even the manners of the Revolution were still a possession
among the people; but, as time passed on. and new pastimes and holidays
were created, the law requiring active militia service was repealed in L851.
Under the old law there were three regiments in Coos county — the 24th,
the 41st and 42nd; and these three, with the 13th and 32nd in Grafton
county, constituted the " Eighth Brigade " of New Hampshire.

106 History of Coos County.

CHAPTER XIII.

RESOURCES, ATTRACTIONS, TRADITIONS, SPORTS, AND POLICY OF COOS

CONCERNING FISH AND GAME.*

BY COL. HENRY O. KENT.

Upper Cohos— Coos— Abenaquis— " Captain Joe" and " Captain John "—King Philip— Metal-
lak — Robbins and Hinds — Mountain Ranges — Lakes— Rivers— Fish and Game— Moose — Wolves
—Deer— Bear— Fox— Salmon— Trout— Summer Travel— Railroad Facilities— Protection of For-
ests— Sports— Game Laws — True Legislation.

UPPER COHOS.— When Col. John Goffe, of Goffstown (for whom, I
assume, was also named Goff's falls, on the Merrimack,) raised, in 1763,
under authority of Benning Wentworth, royal governor of the province
of New Hampshire, his regiment, forming a part of the force intended,
say the old commissions, " for the conquest of Canada," under command
of Gen Amherst, his corps was filled by hardy pioneers and adventurers,
ready to seek new homes on the borders of the receding wilderness. At
the expiration of service in Canada, four of his officers, with a portion of
his command, sought their homes on the Merrimack, by the Indian trail
from Champlain to the Connecticut, and across the highlands of New
Hampshire to their own river. Eeturning thus, they struck the Connecti-
cut at the broad meadows now in Haverhill and Newbury, then known in
Indian legends as the "Cohos," and returned to aid in founding the towns
referred to. As settlements extended up the stream, and broad meadows
were found and occupied on the present site of Lancaster, that region was
called the "Upper Cohos;" and later, when quaint Philip Carrigain, the
genial Irish secretary of state, whose map is even now the most desirable
authority on New Hampshire as it was, visited the more recent settlements
under the shadow of the lesser Monadnock at Colebrook, forty miles north
of Lancaster, he bestowed upon that section the title of " the Cohos above
the Upper Cohos, 1 ' the territory designated thus, being the old home of
the Coo-ash-auke Indians, and now nearly all included in the limits of
Coos county.

Cods. — The name "Coos" is derived from the Indian word "Cohos,"
of the dialect of the Abenaquis, a confederacy of tribes once inhabiting
New Hampshire, western Maine, and northerly to the St. Lawrence river.
The word is further derived from "coo-ash," signifying pines. It is known
that the Indian inhabitants of a section were generally entitled by some

*Adapted from an address delivered before the N- H. Fish and Game Association.

Resources, Attractions, Traditions, &c. L07

name descriptive thereof, and the tribe occupying this region was known
as the Coo-ash aukes, or "Dwellers in the pine tree country," from coo-
ash, pines, and auke, place. This title applied especially to the locality
and inhabitants north of the mountains and along the Connecticut valley
above Moosilauke.

The outlet of Massabesic lake is still known by its Indian name, "Cohos
brook," and the country around was once a dense forest of pines — coo-ash.
It seems probable that this name — coo-ash — was carried north by Indian
exiles from the lower Merrimack, when driven from their old abodes by
the advance of the whites, to seek, as says the chronicler, a new home
"around the head waters of the Connecticut;" and we learn, in corrobo-
ration of Indian occupancy of this section at this period, that after the
massacre at Cocheco (Dover) in 1680, instigated by Kan-ca-ma-gus, he and
his followers fled north, "and joined the bands at the sources of the Saco,
Ameroscoggin, and Connecticut" — the coo-ash region. The streams in this
section abounding in trout — their native food — all the way from the Lower
to the Upper Cohos, the territory became known as their Namaos-coo-auke,
or pine-tree fishing-place, a nomenclature transformed and perpetuated in
the modern name "Ammonoosuc," still held by three streams within this
ancient domain.

The wild and picturesque river, rushing down from the slopes of Waum-
bek Methna through the rich meadows of Lancaster to join the Connecti-
cut, is said to have borne the Indian name Sin-gra-wac; but as this word
is unknown in derivation, it is probable that the name Siwoog-an-auke,
itself a corruption of Saiva-coo-itauke, signifying "burnt pine place," is
nearer, if not the exact name, thus defined and corrected. It is easy to
believe that away back in the dusk of tradition, the country had been
despoiled by fire of its growth of pines, the legend only remaining to sup-
ply the name.

Abenaquis. — The Canadian home or head village of the Coo-ash-aukes
was at Abenaquis, or St. Francis, as their settlement is still called, on the
St. Lawrence. After the defeat of the Pequawkets by Lovewell, in 1725,
the broken remnant of that tribe retired to St. Francis; and the bands
invading or occupying our present territory were more frequently known
as the " St. Francis Indians" than by their original designations as Aben-
aqu is pv Coo -a sit -an kes.

Descendants of these broken tribes still live in the village of St. Francis.
Among those who returned to their old hunting grounds in New Hamp-
shire were two families of distinction, of which the chiefs were known as
" Captain Joe " and "Captain John." They were active in pre Revolu-
tionary days, and both took part with the colonists in that struggle. " Old
Joe" died at Newbury, in the Lower Cohos, in lsiu, and is buried in the
original cemetery of the town at the Ox Bow. Captain John led a small

108 History of Coos County.

party of Indians, enlisted from Cohos and vicinity, and received a captain's
commission. He died a violent death after peace had been restored, and
was also buried at the Lower Cohos. He was known among the Indians
as Soosiqi or Sussup, and left one son called Pial Sussup, " Pial " being the
Indian for Philip. There is some reason for the helief that this "Pial,"
son and heir of Captain John, an original Coo-ash-auke chief, who went
from the Upper Cohos to St. Francis or Abenaquis, and who returned to
aid the patriots, with a small band of Cohos Indians, was the "Philip,
Indian chief, resident in Upper Cohos and chief thereof," who gave to
Thomas Eames, of Northumberland, the now famous deed of June S, 1796,
conveying to him and his associates the present county of Coos, together
with a portion of the county of Oxford in Maine, then a part of Mas-
sachusetts, being the instrument known as the "King Philip deed."

While it is a source of regret that the descriptive and euphonious
nomenclature of the aborigines has largely disappeared from the hills and
streams of their hunting-grounds, it is a source of pleasure that it is occa-
sionally retained. Whittier, in his " Bridal of Penacook," has embalmed
in imperishable verse several of the ancient designations, two of which
pertain to the county of the Coo-ash-aukes. He says, —

" They came from Sunapee's shores of rock —
From the snowy source of Si-woo-ga-nock,
From rough Coos, whose wild woods shake
Their pine cones in Umbagog lake."

That the white settlers of modern Coos were of English origin is evi-
dent from the nomenclature of the towns, which, indeed, granted by an
English governor-general, would naturally be of English derivation.
Hence the name of the ducal and royal house of Lancaster applied to the
earlier and principal settlement, Northumberland, Percy, Dartmouth, and
Cockburne, while the name of the family manor of the Wentworths at
Bretton, in the county of York (the ancient seat being " Bretton Hall "),
is duplicated in " Bretton Woods," now Carroll, where there is reason to
believe it was the original intent to erect an American barony.

Metallak. — Before bidding farewell to the aboriginal inhabitants of
Coos, the earliest hunters when fish and game did so abound, shall I weary
your patience if I give to you the story of Metallak as it was told to me in
boyhood in the woods— Metallak, the last of the Abenaquis in Cohos, the
final hunter of the Coo-ash-aukes over the territory of his fathers ?

Sportsmen who voyage up the Magalloway, to or through Parmachene,
or over those delightful bodies of water prosaically known as the "Range-
ley lakes," hear frequent mention of the word "Metallak." It is preserved
in the name of the point once running out into Molly-chunk- a-munk, now
submerged by the accumulated waters of the "Improvement Company

J5'

Resources, Attractions, Traditions, &c. 109

in a brook running into the Magalloway, and in an island in the lower
Umbagog.

It is true that Capt. Farrar, with rare denseness of appreciation, has
bestowed the name "Metallic," in his guide-books, alike upon chief and
localities, as though the one were really a specimen of native copper, and
the other the location of mineral deposits. Yet there are those who knew
these woods and waters before the invasion of the vandals, or the days of
guide-books, and to them the old nomenclature is dear, to be perpetuated
when the days of the iconoclasts are ended. And so. despite guide-books
and modern "discoverers," we retain the memory and the name of Metal-
lak, and tell his story here.

Metallak was the son of a chief, and from his earliest youth was taught
the use of weapons and the craft of the woods. He grew up tall, lithe,
and active, the pride of his tribe, and, after its custom, took to his
wigwam the fairest fawn among its maidens. He built his lodge in the
old home of his tribe, the Coo-ash-aukes, on the waters of the Ameroscoggin,
and for her ransacked the woods for the softest furs and the choicest game.
The children, a son and daughter, came to them, and gave to the parents'
hearts the joy that is born of offspring. Years sped: the old chief by the
St. Lawrence died, and Metallak was the head of his tribe. The frown of
the Great Spirit was dark upon his people. One by one its warriors in the
woods sickened and passed away. Metallak, in his lodge on the point in
the lake, watched and mourned the down-fall of his race, and swift run-
ners told him how the stately tree of his tribe was stripped of its branches;
but his mate and his children were left to him, and he vowed to the Great
Spirit to remain on the hunting-grounds of his tribe until he should be
called to the happy hunting-grounds of his fathers. Gradually, as fall the
leaves of the forest when the winds of autumn are abroad, fell the once
mighty Abenaquis, until Metallak and his family were alone The son.
not sharing the stern feeling of the sire, as he grew older sighed for the
society of the pale faces, and left the lodge in the forest to find a home
with the new companions of his choice. The daughter had visited at St.
Francis, and had joined her fate with a young warrior of the tribe before
the great sickness that decimated them. And he, with the English goods
easy of attainment, had robed his dusky bride in garments that a white
woman might envy. She is represented as strikingly beautiful, and when
she visited her father in the wilderness he was almost awed by her charms
and her queenly attire.

About this time, while closing a moccasin, Metallak had the misfortune
to lose an eye. Time sped. The bride of his youth sickened and died— a
sad hlow for the desolate chief. She who entered his lodge when youth
was high and his tribe had a place in the land, who had with him endured
long year-- of adversity, was called, ami he was alone.

110 History of Coos County.

Mournfully he laid the body in his canoe, together with the trinkets
which in life had been dear to her, and, gliding out from the sheltered
shore, tooks his way across the narrow strait and down its course to the
broad reach of Molly-chunk-a-munk, past the whispering pines and sunny
beaches, guided by the roar of the Ameroscoggin, where he shoots his
crested waters toward the more quiet expanse of Umbagog. Entering
the rapids he sat ei^ect in the stern of his canoe — his beloved and lost com-
panion in repose before him — and with skillful hand guided the frail bark
with its precious burden through the seething waters, past dangerous rock
and whirling eddy, until it shot out upon the sunlit expanse of the lower
lake; still down, past where the river debouches on its way to the sea, to
where, in the broad expanse, rises the green island that now bears his
name. Here he dug her grave, and buried her after the fashion of his
people, and without a tear seated himself upon the mound. Night came,
but he moved not: the wolf howled from the mainland, the song of the
night wind was on the air, but he heeded not: morning came and passed,
night again and morning, and still he sat upon the grave. It was not
until the morning of the third day that he left the sacred spot. He built
him a hut near it, leaving it only to procure necessary sustenance. Years
went by, during which he was occasionally seen by the hunters and trap-
pers who visited the region; but his eye had lost its fire, and his step was
less firm than of old. In the year 1846 two hunters came across him in
the woods. It was in November, and a very rainy time. He had fallen
down, and upon a stub, thus extinguishing his remaining eye. He was
without fire or food, and upon the point of starvation. They built a fire,
collected wood, gave him provisions, and left him for assistance. With
this they returned, and carried him to Stewartstown, where he lingered a
few years, a public charge on the county of Coos. He now rests apart
from the wife he loved so well, but his name and memory linger in the
haunts of his manhood, and reference to the modern hunting-grounds of
Coos would be incomplete without the story of Metallak, — the last of his
race within our present boundaries, the last hunter of the ancient Coo-ash-
auk es."

To the story of Metallak let me append the story and the, tragedy of two
white hunters on the same grounds — the story of Robbins the murderer,
and his victim Hinds.

Where the Diamond glances down from the forests of College Grant,
entering the Magalloway under the shadow of Mount Dustin, is a farm,
originally cleared by a hunter named Robbins. He was a stern, vindictive
man, and wild stories were early abroad concerning his deeds. In the fall
of 1826, in company with several companions, — Hinds, Cloutman, and

See Colebrook.

Resources, Attractions, Traditions, &c. Ill

Hayes, — all hunters by profession, he went upon the Androscoggin waters
to trap sable. The party continued their hunt successfully until the first
snows fell, when, leaving Robbins in care of the property, his comrades
started on a last visit to the traps, extending over a line of twenty miles.
On their return the camp was found burned, and Robbins and the furs
gone. They were without provisions, and sixty miles from inhabitants,
but with great privations and suffering they were able to work their way
into the settlements. On their return they instituted a suit in the courts
of Coos county against Robbins, which was carried to a successful conclu-
sion, and execution was issued. Spring again came around, when Robbins
proposed to Hinds to hunt once more, promising to turn his share of the
proceeds towards the extinguishment of the adjudged debt. Hinds con-
sented, and taking with him his son of fifteen years, proceeded to the
hunting-grounds around Parmachenee lake. Again they were successful,
when one day, as Hinds was returning to camp, he was met by Robbins
and shot. The boy was killed by a blow from a hatchet, and Robbins was
left with the bloody spoil. The bodies were found, and a search instituted.
Robbins was arrested in the woods by Lewis Loomis and Hezekiah Parsons,
of Colebrook, after a desperate resistance, and lodged in Lancaster jail.
Having some confederate, he obtained tools and commenced preparations
for his escape. Working diligently at the window of his room in the old
Elm Tree jail, he succeeded in loosening the gratings, each day concealing
his work by hanging over it his blanket, under the pretext that the room
was cold and the window admitted air. When all was in readiness he
made his exit, and the night before his trial was to have commenced he
was missing, nor was any search successful. Public opinion was strongly
against the jailor as being in league with the prisoner, and was near mani-
festing itself in a rude manner. Strange rumors were afloat for years
concerning his whereabouts and career, but nothing definite was known
by the public of his subsequent life or final decease.*

With these narratives of the older and ruder days of Cohos, we take
leave of the past and enter upon the Coos of to-day, with its relation to
the state.

Let others tell of golden hues, that paint Italia's sky,

Of ivied tower, of ruined hall, of Tiber rolling by, —

Or proudly point to sculptured bust, and storied column rare,

In days of yore that stood within the Eternal City fair:

Let ancient courts again be viewed where pride and power held sway,

Where revelled high each prince and peer on monarch's festal day: —

Their stately walls shall erst decay, their names live but in song,

As history's lore and classic tale their memory prolong; —

Let others sing of storied lands with songs of loving praise,

But there's a fairer spot to me — home of my childhood's days —

*See Colebrook.

112 History of Coos County.

My own Coos!— thy hoary peaks sublimely towering high,
Are grander than the works of man 'neath brightest foreign sky;
Serene, sublime, unchanging, since the course of time began.
Solemn and lone amid the clouds their stately crests that span.
These are no human handiwork, to waste and pass away —
Almighty God, the architect, their grandeur his display.
When ages yet to come are lost in the vale of time gone by,
When ivied tower and sculpture rare in dust unnoticed lie,
Thy granite peaks, my own Coos, still heavenward shall tower,
Grim sentinels, untiring, set from old earth's natal hour.

Mountains.— Coos county embraces several mountain chains, notably
the Presidential range, the Waumbek Methna, or "Mountains with the
snowy foreheads " of the aborigines, the White Mountains of the tourist,
with all the attractions of savage grandeur and picturesque beauty in
nature, supplemented by the modern comforts and elegancies of palatial
hotels and palace cars; the Dixville range, stretching in desolate grandeur
across the northern section and between the waters of the Connecticut and
Androscoggin, riven by the gorge at Dixville, whose spiky sentinels rise
800 feet above the windy pass that admits to the shining levels of Errol
and the placid expanse of Umbagog; the Pilot range, unapproachable for
beauty, reaching from Cape Horn, near Groveton, to Starr King in Jeffer-
son; the Pliny range, stretching southerly across old Kilkenny and reach-
ing out toward Agiochook, with detached peaks, as Mount Carmel in the
northern wilderness; Pondicherry, rising from the meadows of Jefferson;
and the white cones of the Percy peaks on the upper Ammonoosuc, which,
from the peculiar topographical contour of the region, are visible from so
many points.

Lakes. — The lake system is on a scale of equal grandeur, although pre-
senting features of less rugged and desolate aspect, and as pleasantly lovely
as that of Winnipesauke's self, "The smile of the Great Spirit.' 1 Far up
in the everlasting woods, in solitude and sylvan loveliness, nestle the two
upper lakes of the Connecticut, joined to the lower or larger lake at Pitts-
burg, on the outskirts of civilization in this direction, the head waters of
the " Eiver of New England." On the eastern border, Umbagog, half in
Maine, gives New Hampshire the other moiety of her area, and sends down
the rushing Androscoggin, vocal with the sighing of the forests and the
winds of the far off border, to turn the wheels of the great mills at Berlin,
and fertilize the intervals of Dummer, Milan, Berlin, Gorham, and Shel-
burne. Of ponds, that may with reason be called lakes, there are many, as
the Diamond ponds in Stewartstown, Back lake in Pittsburg, Millsfield pond
in Millsfield, Trio ponds in Odell, Dummer ponds in Dummer, North and
South ponds in Stark, Success pond in Success, Pond of Safety in Ean-
dolph, Pondicherry in Jefferson, Martin Meadow pond in Lancaster, Pound
pond, Burns pond, and Blood's pond in Whitefield. and others of less area
in almost every township.

Eesources, Attractions, Traditions, &c. 113

Hi vers. — The Connecticut river receives, as tributaries from New Hamp-
shire, the Mohawk atColebrook, the Ammonoosuc at Northumberland, the
Sawacoonauk or Israel's at Lancaster, and the John's river at Dalton,
while the Androscoggin has tribute from the Diamond at College Grant,
the Magallowav at Went worth's Location, Clear stream at Errol, and Mouse
and Peabody rivers at Gorham. All these tributary streams take their rise
in the primeval forests, and many of them flow their entire distance away
from sight of man save he be the prospecting lumberman or eager spoils-
man. The lakes are all in the wilderness, while most of the bodies of
water classed as ponds are within the forest, or remote from towns or cul-
tivated lands.

Fish and Game. — These waters all abound in fish, as do the forests
around in game. While it is entirely true that the larger game, — the
moose, the bear, the wolf, — is now more rarely found, the two former still
have their abiding places in the deep recesses of the remoter hills and
denser forests, while smaller game still exists in abundance. The ponds
and streams in the older towns are not as good fishing-grounds as formerly,
and the pickerel and chub have therein, in some cases, taken the place of
the once universal trout; but the waters of the deeper woods, from spark-
ling brooks to swelling lakes, are still prolific in this admired and admir-
able fish, the trout.

I well remember, as a boy, that a fine string of trout could always be
easily taken from the bridge on Main street across Israel's river in Lancas-
ter, and that a local character, one Tinker Wade, was accustomed fre-
quently to secure a peck or more of these luscious fish by the clumsy pro-
cess of mixing powdered cocculus indicus with bran, making pellets, which
thrown at random upor; the water from this bridge, would be speedily de-
voured by the jumping trout, to intoxicate them, when they would leap
out of the water, or float upon its surface, an easy spoil to the hand or
stick of the Tinker.

The entire Cohos country, at the time of its settlement by the whites,
abounded in fish and game, and, indeed, was among the most prolific of
the hunting-grounds of the aborigines. For many years after settlers had
opened up the forest all over this extent of territory, and. indeed, after
considerable towns had sprung up therein, the game of the woods and the
fish of the streams existed in profusion, but the advance of clearings, the
lumber operations, and the century of hunting and fishing that has fol-
lowed,have materially diminished the supply and exterminated some sp< ■■ ;i< s
Of the larger game it is rare to find a moose or caribou, a wolf or a beaver.
Salmon have entirely disappeared, and trout, in many once prolific locali-
ties, seem to be vanishing as did the salmon and shad. It is only in the
secluded ponds, and in the small streams above the mills in the forests,
that trout are now taken.

114 History of Coos County.

When the settlers from the lower Cohos penetrated the wilderness
covering the present county of Coos, they found in abundance the moose,
caribou, deer, the wolf, the bear, the lynx, the otter, the beaver, the red and
cross fox, the marten or sable, the mink, the musk-rat, the hedgehog, the
woodchuck; of birds, the partridge or ruffled grouse, and pigeon; and of fish
the salmon, and perhaps the shad and trout. So common were the moose r
that it was not unusual for scores to be slain by a single hunter in a season.
The greatest destruction of this animal occurred annually in March, when
the snow was deep and had stiffened after a thaw. They were then de-
stroyed by professional hunters, who took only the skin, tallow, and nose r
which last named part, together with a beaver's tail, were favorite tidbits
to the epicures of the forest.

Later, moose were plenty around the head waters of the Connecticut,
but being hunted with dogs and on the crust, they were soon practically
exterminated. It is told that one of the Hilliards destroyed eighty in one
season, after which wholesale massacre they practically disappeared. South
of Lancaster village, and in the town limits, rise three conical peaks, —
Mounts Orne, Pleasant and Prospect, known as the ' ' Martin Meadow
hills," and south of Mounts Pleasant and Orne is a sheet of water of about
four hundred acres, known as "Martin Meadow pond;" this was a favorite
resort for moose and deer, and an unfailing rendezvous for the settler when
the family was "out of meat." This pond was in the low pine territory
extending through parts of Dalton, Carroll, Whitefield and Jefferson, in
which last named town is " Pondicherry,' , or Cherry pond, at the north-
ern base of Cherry mountain, the entire region, in the early clays, being a
favorite resort of the moose. To illustrate their abundance, I quote from
an old manuscript in my possession, written by the late Hon. John W.
Weeks : —

"An early settler, by the name of Dennis Stanley, a lieutenant in the continental army, and a
man of strong mind and perfect veracity, informed the writer that being ' out of meat,' and want-
ing a moose skin to buy a certain luxury then much used, and too often at the present day (New
England rum), went alone to Cherry pond for a supply, carrying his old gun, that had been so
much used that by turning powder into the barrel it would prime itself. He had scarcely struck
fire in his camp when he heard several moose wading from the shallow side of the pond toward
deep water. He then uncorked his powder-horn, put several bullets in his mouth, and waited until
the moose in front was nearly immersed in water. He then waded in where the water was about
one foot in depth, and took his position, not in the rear of the moose, less they should swim over
the pond, but at a right angle with their track and at easy musket shot from it. On his apearance
the moose— four in number — as he had anticipated, chose rather to wade back than to swim over,
and commenced their retreat in the same order in which they had entered the pond; that was, one
behind the other, at some distance apart. In a moment the moose that had been in the rear was
now in front in the retreat, and coming within reach, he was shot at; the powder-horn was then
applied to the muzzle of the gun, a bullet followed from his mouth with the celerity which hun-
ters only know, the second moose was fired at, the third and fourth in rapid succession, when
Lieutenant Stanley found time to give a fifth discharge at the moose in the rear. Three fell at the
water's edge, the other staggered to the top of the bank, where he fell dead."

Resources, Attractions, Traditions, &c. 115

The moose seems almost to have been an antediluvian animal, and out
of place in the highlands of New England. The long forelegs precluded
grazing from level ground, or from drinking from the level of its feet. It
could only browse on twigs and trees, sometimes inserting its teeth
through the bark, stripping it off and masticating as it raised its head. I
remember, while on the state boundary in L858, after seeing moose signs,
coming upon a mountain-ash that had been stripped in the manner indi-
cated to a height of thirteen feet from the ground. Another peculiarity of
the moose was the uncouth long upper lip, prehensile almost like a trunk,
the broad nostrils that could be tightly closed, the false lid to the eye, all
indicating the adaptability of the animal to feed under water; and. indeed,
it is their custom, as is well known, to congregate in the soft, muddy
margins of the ponds, feeding largely on lily pads and the roots of the
pond lily, which they tear up from beneath the water.

Major Weeks's manuscript gives this description of the horns of this
forest monarch : " Nothing can exceed the symmetry and beauty of the
limbs and horns of the moose. The round part of the horns, or that next
the head, is about fourteen inches in length, when it becomes palmated,
and is in some instances twelve inches broad, surmounted in one instance,
told me by Edward Spaulding, now living (1839), by 'seventeen spikes on
each horn. A horn now before me is one and one-half inches in diameter
at the base, and eight inches in length, terminating in a point. The largest
class of horns spread five feet, and weigh about two hundred pounds.

The last moose familiar to Lancaster people was one owned and kept by
Louis Annance, a St. Francis Indian, who forty-five years ago had a lodge
a mile east of the village, near the Sawacoonauk, or Israel's river. Annance
was a tame Indian, and a member of the ancient Mason's lodge at Lancas-
ter. He, however, lived in the style of his fathers: his pappooses were
strapped to boards and hung up in the lodge or carried on the back when
traveling, and the moose was kept for exhibition. *

Beaver. — There are many beaver meadows all along the Connecticut val-
ley and on the tributary streams. In 1858, while upon the eastern boundary

*The mention of the moose brings to mind the famous anecdote of Thomas Jefferson and the
great French naturalist, Buffon. Mr. Jefferson, in his "Notes on Virginia," pointed out some
errors in the published works of M. Buffon, and, when afterwards the gentlemen met in Paris,
Buffon presented Mr. Jefferson a copy of his Natural History with this remark: " When Mr. Jef-
ferson will do me the pleasure to read this, he will acknowledge that I am not in error." Mr.
Jefferson, still unconvinced, determined to demonstrate to Buffon that the Virginia deer was not
the red deer of Europe, nor the American moose the Lapland reindeer. He engaged Gen. Sullivan
to obtain for him a New Hampshire moose that he might have the stuffed skin and skeleton sent to
Paris, with the horns of a Virginia deer which he had procured. Gen. Sullivan raised a company
of twenty men and captured ainoose near the White Mountains. The cost of the bunt, tin- taxi-
dermist's bill, and the prepaid freight to Paris was $200, which the triumphant Jefferson cheer
fully paid.

116 History of Coos County.

of our state, in the apex of the triangle made by the boundary range and
the mountains on the New Hampshire line, in a little glen only sixty rods
from the iron post in the northern wilderness that marks at once the terri-
tory of Canada, of New Hampshire, and of Maine, I came upon a secluded
pond inhabited by a family of beaver. Marks of recent work were plenty:
a few trees, six inches or more in diameter, cut down by their teeth, and
chips therefrom, fresh and green, smooth-cut as by a carpenter's gouge,
w^ere scattered about. This was doubtless the last family of beaver in
Coos, and I learned a few years later that they had all been trapped and
destroyed. Lancaster was formerly a favorite haunt of the beaver, where
they were trapped in great quantities. From the manuscript of Major
Weeks I copy a description of the location of these animals, together with
some hints as to their habits

" About two miles southwest of the town centre is a large tract of
alluvial land called ' Martin meadow ' (the meadows in the present school
district No. 2), from an early hunter whose name was Martin. He
caught an immense number of beaver from Beaver brook, which mean-
ders through the meadow. Beaver dams on this brook can yet be traced,
in one instance for about fifty rods in length and near five feet in height.
There are others of less extent, yet all exhibiting extraordinary skill and
ingenuity, superior to some bipeds who attempt the erection of dams. The
banks of this brook are perforated in hundreds of places, which show the
former residences of bank beaver, a kind smaller than those wonderful
architects who build dams and erect houses several feet in diameter, with
a layer of poles through the middle which divides them into two stories, in
one of which their food for winter, consisting of bark and small poles, cut
about two feet in length, is deposited, while the other, covered with leaves,
is their resting-place during the inclement season. The entrance to both
kinds of habitation is always below low-water mark, from which point
they ascend through a subterranean passage, often several rods long, to
their dark yet comfortable abode.

The Beaver brook here referred to, from the clearing up of the land
around its sources, has much shrunk in volume, and now flows sluggishly
through the low meadows known to their owners as the bog. It enters
the Connecticut near the " brick school-house 5 ,'' near which was the resi-
dence of Edwards Bucknam, a follower of "Governor Page," the first set-
tler of the town.

Wolves were frequent in the Cohos country at the time of its settle-
ment, and did not entirely disappear until within the last thirty years. Old
residents of Laucaster have informed me that they frequently heard, thirty-
five years ago, the howl of the wolf from the woods east of the village,
not more than half a mile distant. The last wolf captured in that town
was about 1840, and by Mr. Edward Spaulding, then an old man and one

Resources, Attractions, Traditions. &c. 117

of the first white persons in town. He had set a trap on the northern slope
of Mount Pleasant, near his farm-house, and south of the village, and
repairing to it found therein a large gray wolf. The animal, by its s\ nig-
gles, was in danger of freeing himself, when Mr. Spaulding attacked him
with a stake which he carried, and succeeded in disabling and finally kill-
ing him. I well remember, as a child, the sight of the skin as shown in
the village, and the wondering interest with which I listened to the story
of the battle between the old man with his club and the gaunt monster of
the forests.

As exhibiting the numbers and ferocity of these dread animals during
the earlier settlement of the Cohos country, I give the following incidenl
told me by my mother, who had it from her great-grandfather. .John
Mann, the first settler of Orford, in the Lower Cohos, who came to that
town in 1765, commencing his first house and clearing on the Connecticut
interval, a little west of where the present homestead stands, on the broad
main street running through that pleasant village: —

Mr. Mann was engaged in clearing, and had in his employ a stalwart
negro, who is remembered by tradition as especially powerful and fearless.
Wolves abounded, and were exceedingly fierce: indeed, it was the custom
to leave the woods where choppers were engaged, each day before sun-
down On the occasion referred to, the sun going down behind the hills on
the west side of the Connecticut, and the shadows beginning to darken the
recesses of the forest, grandfather shouldered his axe, telling the negro to fol-
low him in his return to the house and security. The man was engaged on a
giant tree, and hesitated, saying that he meant to lay that low before leaving
Telling him that it was unsafe to remain, and bidding him follow. Mr.
Mann started for home, expecting the black to obey him. Arrived there, he
discovered that he was alone, but momentarily expected the arrival of the
other. Night came, but not the negro, and a great noise of wolves was
heard in the woods he had left. It would have been death to return in the
darkness alone, and through the hours of that long night, amid the howls
from the forest, he waited, powerless to help or save. With the morning
light he hastened to the spot where he left the man the day before, to find
seven wolves lying dead, a bloody axe, and the ghastly relics of thedaring
fellow who had remained at his work too long. He had been attacked by
a ravenous pack, selling his life after a terrific struggle. I have never seen
this incident in print, but I heard it in my childhood, and recently, it was
again told me, as it came from the aged pioneer who told it to his great-
grandchild in her girlhood.

Deer abounded, but are now rare. They were finally driven away by
chasing them with dogs; nor will they be plenty in the deep woods that
yet remain, if this practice is continued. Dogs follow them on the crust.
as the wolves used to pursue and exterminate them; and the more limited

IIS History op Coos County.

forest area, and the increased number of hunters in later years, have
accomplished what the wolves failed to do — driven the deer absolutely from
broad areas of our county. It is believed that where deer still remain,
hunting with firearms alone will not depopulate or drive them away, but
they fly from the lands when dogs are put upon their trail.

Deer formerly existed in vast numbers in the pine forests of Jefferson,
Carroll, Whitefield, Dalton, and the southern part of Lancaster. This abun-
dance was largely due to an agreement among the people of those towns
to keep dogs off the deer, and many dogs were killed that they might not
chase them. Another reason for the plentiful supply, aside from their natural
fecundity and increase when in a manner protected, was because they fled
from hunters and hounds used for their capture around Littleton and in the
adjacent forests of Vermont. One hunter in Lancaster took forty deer in
one season; and Mr. James B. Weeks, one year, without effort or chase,
shot fifteen from his farm on the southern slope of Mount Prospect.

The black bear was very common, and indeed is now frequently taken
in Coos. A summer rarely passes wherein one or more are not captured
on the slopes of the Pilot range and Starr King, not more than four or five
miles from Lancaster village. The animal lives on roots and weeds, with
occasional variations of diet, comprising berries, green corn, or a fat sheep
from the outlying flock. He enjoys the wild turnip and other indigenous
roots, digging them with one claw as neatly as a man would run his fore-
finger around them in mellow ground;— briefly, the food of the bear is
whatever a hog eats, with mutton extra. They seldom attack men,
unless in defence of their young.

Partridges, or ruffled grouse, were once, and until quite recently, very
plenty; just now, however, they are rare. This scarcity is attributable to
the large increase of the red fox, who preys upon him with devastating-
effect. Reynard is not now poisoned as formerly, and hence has largely
multiplied. His pelts abound in the country stores, and his tracks, after
a light snow, trace a labyrinth over every field and hillside. Partridges
have disappeared before him.

The Wild Pigeon, once also very plenty, is now comparatively rare.
Thirty years ago every buckwheat field, in the fall, swarmed with pigeons.
They had regular roosts, from which they swarmed down on the fields.
An old device was, to have a "pigeon-bed" for a decoy, with a net so
arranged as to be thrown over the bed at will, when the birds had alighted.
I have the experience of a present citizen of Lancaster, who informs me
that when a boy he caught forty dozen pigeons one autumn, from a bed
on his father's farm on Mount Prospect.

Salmon ceased in Cohos about 1808. Up to that time they came up the
Connecticut at least as far as Stewartstown, forty -five miles north of Lan-
caster, there being a notable place there known as the "'Salmon hole."

Resources, Attractions, Traditions, &c. L19

They abounded in Lancaster, and ascended the Ammonoosuc as far as
the Fabyan place in the White Mountains. Mr. Edward Spaulding, of
Lancaster, used to say that the early settlers relied as much on catching
and salting down an annual barrel of salmon, as later farmers did upon
salting down the yearly supply of pork. In the great eddy at the head of
the Fifteen-Mile falls, in Dalton, near the mouth of John's river, the loca-
tion of Captain John Stark's capture by the Indians, was a famous salmon
hole, where the noble fish apparently rested, in the somewhat cooler water
discharged by the smaller stream, after the ascent of the falls. Here people
resorted from all the region round about, as they did to Namoskeag, and
for a similar purpose. At the mouth of Isreal's river in Lancaster was a
similar salmon hole.

The first dam across the Connecticut in Massachusetts was built about
the end of the last century; but these early dams, lower and equipped with
"aprons," did not offer the obstacles to the ascent of the stream by these
vigorous fish which was presented by their successors; and so the salmon,
in lessened numbers, continued to return from the sea, until higher dams
impeded their progress.

. Recent efforts to re-stock the Connecticut and some of its tributaries
with this fish have been only moderately successful, and can never be of
practical avail until generous fish-ways are constructed at all the obstruct
ing dams.

There is little absolute certainty that shad were once common to our
waters, although at Littleton, in Grafton county, there is a record, in 1792,
of the election of "Inspectors of salmon and shad," leaving the presump-
tion that shad were then known there. If so, they doubtless came higher
up the streams.

Trout, the natural and delicious fish of New England, once peopled in
crowded abundance every stream of our hills and every pond of our valleys
They have in some places disappeared before the voracious pickerel; but
the sawdust of the lumberman is more fatal to them than the hunger of
this destroyer, or the arts of the angler. The day has passed when the
local bard could truthfully record, that

"In the silent hollows

The red trout groweth prime
For the miller and the miller's son
To angle when they 've time;''

for then, lulled, almost, by the drowsy monotone of the grist-mills, the
trout slumbered in each alder-shaded pool of all our streams.

Wherever there is a saw-mill the dust clogs the stream, and the trout
disappear from below it. For trout to propagate and multiply, clear water
is essential, with a reasonably large reach of still, dee}) water for a winter
retreat. Obstacles removed, they suddenly reappear, and rapidly multiply.

120 History of Coos County.

A few years ago an old dam on the Otter brook in Lancaster was down,
and free egress given to the waters of the stream; sawdust also ceased. A
gentleman, Hon. James W. Weeks, going his rounds on the meadow
below, saw, in a shallow pool in the grass, several trout. Procuring a
handful of shingles, by sticking them down he cut off their retreat, and,
by gradually advancing them, worked the fish upon the dry land, when he
took eighteen fine trout, half filling a Shaker pail, and weighing about one
pound apiece. These fish had come down through the broken dam on the
first opportunity, and, in the absence of obstructions and the fatal sawdust,
had multiplied and thriven. If the day ever comes when our streams are
pure, they will again be filled with this delicious fish.

The great area open to sportsmen is of course one of the attractions for
the ever increasing tide of summer travel, so-called, to the highlands of
Coos, and, in addition to the strictly pleasure or health-giving resorts, it
is a factor in the argument that brings to us the annual hegira from the
cities, enriching our immediate markets, and adding very largly to the
revenues of the state. The great caravansaries at the Crawford Notch, at
Fabyan's, at Twin Mountain, at the Glen, are well know, and receive the
annual pilgrimage of thousands; the charming location of Lancaster in the
Connecticut valley, the sunny slopes of Jefferson hill, and the " long white
street'' that always recalls to me the Alba Longa of Macaulay's muse, —

" The home of King Amulius, of the great sylvan line,
Who reigned in Alba Longa, on the throne of Aventine, — "

as it glistens in the sun along the northern slope of the Bethlehem hills,
attract other thousands, while every sunny meadow or breezy hillside
has its cottage for the reception of invalids, of pleasure- seekers, of tourists,
and of sportsmen.

A good-natured rivalry exists between some of these towns, relative to
their desirability of location, as offering greater inducements to the guest,
height above the fogs being a desideratum. Such was for years the kindly
contest between Jefferson and Bethlehem, respectively championed by that
most generous and public-spirited citizen among the men of the moun-
tains, Hon. Nathan R. Perkins, and our ever genial friend, Hon. John G.
Sinclair, who, like a new Ponce de Leon, has invaded Florida in his search
for the new fountain of perpetual youth, that bursts from plethoric pockets,
incidental to owners of orange groves and Floridian lands. The big sur-
veyor's level, always ready for duty in Nathan's front porch, persistently
shot over Bethlehem street, just saluting the crest of Mount Agassiz in
its rear, while John was always ready to demonstrate, both by plane
trigonometry and alleged plainer common-sense, that Bethlehem sat high
above her rival in the sanhedrim of the hills.

•a

Resources, Attractions, Traditions, occ. IiM

There comes to me remembrance of a day, when a crowded train of
Democratic delegates from the Gibraltar of the party in New Hampshire
was speeding on to a congressional convention at Woodsville. Sinclair, as
was usual on such occasions, was the life of the party, and joke and repar-
tee flew briskly around. Bent on the pre-eminence of Bethlehem, he assailed
Perkins and asserted its greater elevation. Facts and figures were hurled
promiscuously between them, each asserting the superior altitude of his
town. Neither receded, and the crowd, enjoying the fun, gathered closer,
when "John," who had been for a few minutes perusing a railroad cir-
cular inviting mountain travel, which chance threw in his way, exclaimed
in jubilant exultation, "This settles it; hear this!" as he proceeded to read
therefrom: "On the route toward the Androscoggin, and eight miles below
Bethlehem, lies the pleasant village of Jefferson." "Fight miles! Nate,
do you hear that? Will you give it up now?" The crowd roared, and the
altercation ended, but we much doubt if to this day Councillor Perkins
admits Jefferson to be eight miles, or eight feet, below its mountain rival.

The demands of summer travel bring increased railroad facilities. No-
where are finer trains run, than, during the season, into the lake and
mountain region of New Hampshire. The home market is exhausted of
supplies to sustain this grand incursion, and it is altogether within the
bounds of reason to estimate that a sum varying from five to eight mil-
lion dollars per annum is expended within our state limits upon the lines
of conveyance, the hotels and boarding houses, and the necessaries essen-
tial to the comfort and enjoyment of these welcome visitors. So large an
expenditure of course involves large permanent investments, requiring the
support and protection of legislative enactment. So large a revenue
should be fostered by every proper means, as ensuring to the state and its
people increased prosperity, with attendant benefits.

As the abundance of game and fish in our woods and waters is an
important factor, inducing the tide of travel toward us. with its consequent
augmentation of our revenues, it follows that it is a matter of imperative
public policy, as well as of personal inclination, to protect our forests from
destruction, and the fish and game therein from wanton waste; and in
this aspect we may here properly refer to the denudation of our woods
now progressing. Incident to the consideration of the annual cut from
lumbering operations, and the almost countless cords of wood used for
local and locomotive fuel, to supply the charcoal kilns of New Zealand,
and also to the protection of the area wherein game may thrive and fish
multiply, arises the vital question of the preservation of ourtimber supply
from spoliation, with the attendant disasters of barren lands, irregular
water supply, failure of springs, and disastrous freshets.

That the wise consideration of this question is beset with difficulties
that accumulate as investigation progresses is perhaps evident. The rights

122 History of Coos County.

of the individual to the products of the soil, natural and cultivated, that is
absolutely his, can be suspended only by an overreaching public necessity,
that perhaps is not now present. It would seem that some system, appeal-
ing at once to the good judgment and self-interest of land and timber
owners, may be evolved by discussion, whereby less waste may transpire
in cutting, while propagation by tree-planting, that may not again make
verdant the exact areas desolated, may induce new plantations, that in
their turn will restore to us the climatic, healthful, and financial advan-
tages of which we are being so rapidly deprived, and add to the game-
producing area of the state.

The relation to, and the effect of, sylvan sports upon a people are well
known, both as developing character and affording recreation, with the
consequent increased capacity for mental and physical labor.

To range the woods, to climb the mountain, to ply the oar — all these, a
love for which is transmitted from our Saxon, Norman, or Celtic progeni-
tors, is to reinvigorate brain and body, relaxed from prolonged application.
To ply the chase or throw the fly is to call out new and exhilarating desires,
to kindle new interests, and open new channels of thought or investiga-
tion, while communion with nature is always ennobling, always elevating,
and always welcome. Devoted, as too many of our people are, to seden-
tary pursuits, the active exercise of out-door life is essential alike to lon-
gevity and to the healthful action of mind and body. It follows, then, that
the greater the reasonable interest that can be awakened in healthful out-
door sports and exercise, the higher we rise above the worries and the
fatigues of life, and the greater our capacities at once for enjoyment and
usefulness.

The food supply of a people is an economic and political problem, affect-
ing not only their increased prosperity as a resultant of cheap food, but
their character, through the nature of the food assimilated and the exertion
requisite for its procurement. Hence the necessity of legislation, and also
the wisdom thereof, to properly protect fish and game, both that cheap and
healthful food may be within the reach of the poor, whose enjoyment of
the bounty of nature is as keen as that of the more prosperous, and that
they may also have the recreation attendant upon its procurement, as well
as to offer additional inducement for pleasure-seekers, tourists, and sports-
men to visit the state.

As, in a republic whose laws are properly conceived and administered,
all legislation is based upon the consent of the people, and enacted for their
benefit, it again follows that the game laws should not restrict but rather
properly extend their privileges. There are certain inalienable and natural
rights, the exercise of which, although apparently trivial, involves the
gravest political questions as to the status of the citizen ; and among these
the game laws may be given a place of prominence.

The Timber Interests of Northern Cons. 123

Decended from Saxon, Norman, or Celtic ancestors, whose vocation lay
largely in the chase, and whose sustenance was once wholly derivable from
wood and stream, occupying a territory two centuries ago a primeval
wilderness, the hunting-grounds of aborigines, coming to us as a people
by conquest and adverse occupation rather than by feudal tenure or pur-
chase, we claim the forests and the waters of our state to be free to her
people, who are all tenants in common, to enjoy the invigorating breezes
of her hills, to capture the game of her forests and the fish of her waters.

As society advances from the ruder state, the people, in consideration
of the greater advantages received from organized government and the
rule of rational law, surrender certain inherent and natural personal rights
for the greater benefits thus received, but they adhere perhaps with
increased tenacity to those rights not surrendered and still remaining.

Hence legislation relative to the fish and game within our limits should
be for their protection and increase, that the people, instead of curtailment
in the exercise of the natural right to their capture, may receive more
abundant return; that food maybe more cheap and more plenty; that the
exhilarating pleasures of hunting and fishing may be more generally and
more keenly enjoyed; and that our list of attractions for invalids, tourists,
and sportsmen may be augmented.

The true province of legislation on this subject I take to be to increase
and multiply the products of our woods and waters, protecting during the
months essential to that increase, to the end that all the people may share
properly in these added benefits.

CHAPTER XIA T .

THE TIMBER INTERESTS OF NORTHERN COOS.

BY ALBERT BARKER.

Spruce Belt— Hard Wood Timber— The Sugar Maple— Other Woods— Resources and Manu-
facture — Opportunities for Investment.

UP TO and during the first quarter of the present century, all build-
ings were supposed to require large timbers for frames, and eight
and ten inch hewed and sawn timber was the least that it was
deemed safe to use for posts and beams. The new departure, by using
balloon frames, resulted in the discovery that spruce was preferable to pine

124 History of Coos County.

for covering-boards, and the scarcity of pine soon brought sj)ruce lumber
into use for finishing. The prospective demand for spruce lumber was
foreseen by Josiah Little, of Portland, then president of the Atlantic &
St. Lawrence R. R. Co., and about 184-1 he purchased the water-power at
Berlin Falls, and turned the direction of the railroad up the Androscoggin
river. Soon after, large lumber mills were built at Berlin, and the busi-
ness of cutting and manufacturing spruce was inaugurated for the first
time in Northern Coos. The entire ' ' black growth " of that part of the
county north of the railroad, was substantially spruce. The little pine
originally growing in the valley of the Androscoggin, mostly in Errol, had
been previously cut and floated down the river by Maine lumbermen. The
head waters of that river being in Maine, the comparatively little pine
manufactured at Berlin came from that state.

The shrewdest and best informed lumbermen had a very erroneous idea
of the amount of spruce standing in Northern Coos. Lots that they esti-
mated would cut from 75,000 to 100,000, actually cut from 300,000 to 400,-
000. Spruce trees, though less in size, stand much nearer together, and
the man that could give a close estimate of standing pine to the acre,
utterly failed in his estimate of spruce, and it was only after experience
gained by actual cutting and scaling, that anything like a correct estimate
of standing spruce could be made by the most experienced lumbermen.

The state line passes through the entire length of Umbagog lake, and
crosses the Magalloway river some ten miles north of it, running through
this immense tract of spruce timber, leaving the larger portion of it in the
state of Maine. A trip to the summit of Es-cho-hos mountain (the name
is of disputed orthography, but I give that corresponding to the universa l
local pronunciation,) will give a better view of it than any other. Escho-
hos mountain rises from the Magalloway river about a mile east of the
state line, and from its summit is seen a vast tract of country extending
eastwarclly and northwardly as far as the eye can reach, covered with a
dense spruce growth, on mountain and valley alike, in its natural state.
This spruce timber belt at one time covered Northern Coos, a portion of
the province of Quebec, and the northwestern part of the state of Maine.

There are railroads on all sides of it, but none penetrate it as yet, and
only those portions of the timber standing within ten or twelve miles of
the Connecticut and Magalloway rivers, including their tributaries, are
available for market at present; ten miles being considered about as long
a haul as will ensure a profit at present prices. This distance, however,
covers nearly all of Northern Coos, and at the rate of its present destruc-
tion, the time is coming in the near future when spruce in the county will
be as scarce as pine is now. From Milan, Success, Dummer, Cambridge,
Millsfield, Dixville, Errol and Wentworth's Location it floats, or has
floated, down the Androscoggin; from Columbia, Colebrook, Stewartstowm

The Timber Interests of Northern Coos. 125

Clarksville, Pittsburg and the unsettled grants down the Connecticut : and
steam mills and the Grand Trunk railway are fast executing the same
destruction for East Stratford and Stark. On the east, Milan is largely
settled, Dumraer and Errol partially so, while the other towns are sub-
stantially a wilderness, and of little value after the spruce timber is gone,
until the manufacture of hard wood is inaugurated; there being little pros-
pect that the hardy back-woodsman will make his home there until some
such inducement is held out to him. Some of these townships are good
settling lands, but they lie too far back at present to encourage settlement .

When the spruce timber in Coos county is all destroyed, a railroad will
ex necessitate and run up the Androscoggin valley into the Maine forest
spoken of, and this will probably cause some of them to be partially
settled.

On the west, Columbia is about half settled, a range of precipitous,
ledgy hills passing through the centre of the township, which will never
make farms or be of any practical value except for the wood and timber
growing upon them. The spruce has been mostly taken off, and the pres-
ent winter that portion of Odell that was recently annexed to the town is
being cut; one man having taken a contract to put 5,000.000 feet upon the
river, at a haul of about ten miles. Others are putting in smaller quanti-
ties, aggregating as much more. Colebrook (the only town in the county
that can be called wholly settled, and probably the only town in the state,
of which every lot, with proper cultivation, will make a good farm,) has
not sufficient spruce or pine timber to supply the prospective needs of its
own inhabitants. Stewartstown and Clarksville have two or three tiers
of lots on the east end that are not as yet settled, but have been operated
to some extent by lumbermen. Pittsburg, whose territory embraces all
the remainder of the state north of Clarksville, is settled in the southwest
corner, the remainder of its vast territory being timber land, owned mostly
by the " Connecticut River Lumber Company," a New York corporation
whose policy is to "gobble up" every little tract of spruce timber that
they can lay their hands on, and that policy has succeeded far too well for
the present or prospective interests of the inhabitants. The high tariff
on foreign lumber, which is virtually prohibitory, at least, so faras Cana-
dian lumber comes in competition with the lumber of Northern Coos, tends
to accelerate the already swift destruction of the spruce lumber of this
section.

The waterway that transports this vast amount of natural wealth em-
braces the three Connecticut lakes, Perry's stream, Indian stream, and
Hall's stream, which empty into the Connecticut on the west, and Dead
Water, which empties into the Connecticut on the east side. Hall's stream
takes its rise in Canada, and for a portion of itscourse forms the boundary
hue between Canada and the United States, and though its mouth, where

126 History of Coos County.

it empties into the Connecticut, is in Vermont, much of its course is well
adapted to receive the lumber growing on the western border of Pittsburg.
Indian stream takes its rise near the boundary line, and empties into the
Connecticut a few miles east of Hall's stream. Perry's stream takes its
rise between the headwaters of Indian stream and Third lake, and, flowing
more eastwardly, empties into the Connecticut a few miles below the out-
let of Connecticut lake. Third lake lies but a few miles from the boundary
line, and a glance at the map will show that these four waterways are so
situated as to easily receive all the spruce lumber in Coos county west of
the Connecticut lakes and Connecticut river. These streams are all com-
paratively small, but by means of dams, sufficient water is retained from
the melting snows, and let out as needed, to so prolong the spring freshets
as to float out the lumber into the Connecticut the second season after it is
landed on the streams. This, however, is subject to contingencies Deep
snows and continued rains may keep the water up so as to prolong the
driving season, and a light fall of snow, or a short warm rain, followed by
hot, fair weather, may materially shorten the driving season, and soon
leave the timber high and dry upon the rocks above the water. Whenever
this takes place, the operation of driving ceases, and the timber remains
until the next spring freshet. The depreciation of the timber, thus left
over the summer, is estimated at from five to ten per cent. The Dead
Water, which takes the lumber from the east part of the towns of Stew-
artstown and Clarksville, is a small stream, and the results of driving it,
uncertain. The territory lying east of the Connecticut lakes, with the
exception of a strip bordering on the state line, which will go down the
Magalloway waters, will be hauled to the lakes. Thus it is that this vast
growth of spruce timber, intended by nature to enrich Northern Coos,
when railroad facilities for transportation should be furnished to convey
it to market in a manufactered state, is cut and transported, by a foreign
corporation, down the Connecticut to Massachusetts and Connecticut,
where its manufacture serves to build up cities and villages, while the
county of its growth receives no benefit, but does receive a serious injury
to its river farms by the prolonged high water, every spring, caused by the
flow of water from the reservoirs which the corporation has built on nearly
every stream that flows into the Connecticut. For this injury the farmers
along the river are virtually without remedy. The corporation is legally
liable to make compensation, but the farmer, to obtain it, has generally to
resort to an expensive litigation, the costs of which sometimes exceed the
amount which he eventually recovers. In contrast to this, the Berlin Mills
Company, by the manufacturing of its lumber at Berlin, has been the means
of building up a large and flourishing village, which is a permanent benefit
to the county. This company manufactures at Berlin, and has done so
since its first establishment, on an average some twenty or twenty-five

The Timber Interests of Northern Coos. 127

million feet of lumber each year, and there are two other companies al
the same place which use a large amount of spruce lumber, annually, in
making paper stock, the employees of all these com panies being largely
residents of Berlin. These manufactures all find a market by way of tin
Grand Trunk Railway. The manufactures of the lumber mills in Strat-
ford and Stark find their way to market by the same road.

The Connecticut River Lumber Company cut and drive down the Con-
necticut river, on an average, about seventy five million feet of lumber a
year. Their employees are mostly transient men from Maine and Canada,
who work in the woods in the winter and on the drive in the spring, but
few, if any, ever become permanent residents of the county.

We have thus far confined ourselves to spruce lumber, and possibly
may have, unintentionally, conveyed to the casual reader an impression
that spruce is substantially the only growth of this section. Such is not
the fact. There are small sections that have no other growth, and larger
sections having a mixed growth, while still larger sections have no spruce
at all.

In every town there is more or less cedar, which is very valuable, but,
as it can be floated down the rivers the same as spruce, and is included in
the estimates of the companies above named, it requires little further
mention. It has, however, a home value for fencing, that no other lum-
ber possesses. In Northern Coos, which is substantially free from granite,
stone fences are almost a curiosity, and cedar for posts and rails (where
rails are used), is in universal, and nearly exclusive use. When the Atlantic
& St. Lawrence, and the St. Lawrence & Atlantic railroads were first
built, cedar was exclusively used for ties, but experience soon proved that
the grain of the wood was not dense enough to hold the spikes, and they
were taken up, and spruce, hemlock, and oak substituted. But for fenc-
ing and shingles, cedar is the most valuable of any timber used.

The hard wood timber, consisting mostly of maple, birch and beech,
growing upon this section, exceeds in quantity all the soft or black growth,
and there are few, if any lots in any town that does not bear more or less
of it. This timber, being more dense than water, soon sinks, and cannot
be floated down the rivers, and, if ever manufactured, it must be done
within hauling distance of where it grows. This can be done, and will be,
whenever an outlet is found for it. It is of greater value for many pur-
poses than spruce, but the home market, as yet, is not great, and it cannot
be brought into any other, until there are railroads to convey it, and even
then little will be moved except in a manufactured state. Much of the
maple is valuable for sugar purposes as it stands. As a rule, the pioneer,
when clearing up his farm, sought out, and left standing, a "sugar
orchard," and there are few farms that have not retained them. Probably
no section of New England, with the same number of inhabitants, makes

128 History of Coos County.

more maple sugar than this. Many of these orchards produce from five
hundred to twenty-five hundred pounds of sugar annually, according to
the number of trees tapped, and the character of the season. This sugar,
over and above the home consumption, finds a ready and favorable mar-
ket everywhere. These " sugar orchards " are permanent, self -renewing,
and, if properly attended to, inexhaustible. When a tree becomes old,
and shows signs of decay, it is cut out, and others spring up to take its
place. The trees vary in size from the young sapling to trees twenty-four
and thirty inches in diameter. The young trees are of rapid growth, and
in a decade will grow from a young sapling to a tree suitable for the tap-
ping iron and the tin bucket. Another peculiarity of these sugar maples
is, that constant tapping by the present method, neither exhausts nor
injures the tree. The holes soon grow over, the tree continues as thrifty as
ever, and the tapping being done near the ground, it produces no injury
to the tree when used for timber, for it remains as clear and free from de-
fects as if no sap had ever been drawn from it. The beech, birch, and ash
have not the same faculty of producing a revenue to their owner while
standing and growing, and with the exception of natural growth, pro-
duce none. Like the maple, they are now largely used for fuel, but are far
more valuable for lumber, and the time is coming in the near future when
this value will be utilized. Hardwood lumber enters into the construction
of nearly every article that can be named, from the backwoodsman's
cabin with its rude furniture, to the palatial residence of the city million-
aire, with its wainscoting and cabinet work of oriental magnificence. The
ax of the common laborer, the various tools of the mechanics, and the
machinery of the largest manufactories, are alike dependent upon this
article for construction. It is found in the common farm wagon; the
palace cars upon our railroads, and the magnificent steamers that plough
the rough ocean. In brief, it will be difficult to mention many articles in
common use in city or country, that are not wholly or partially com-
posed of this valuable article.

Why then are the vast quantities of this valuable timber still standing
untouched upon the hillsides and valleys of this enterprising people? The
answer is obvious. It cannot be floated down the rivers, and the expense
of conveyance to' market by teams will more than eat up its market value.
A limited quantity of this lumber may be in future transported in the
log, but the great bulk of it must be manufactured near its place of growth.
[This conveyance can only be done by steam, and the means of obtaining
railroad facilities, has been, and still is, the most important question of
any that ever agitated this community. By means of promises, which they
could not or would not fulfill, the Boston, Concord & Montreal railroad,
obtained, and for many years held a virtually exclusive charter through to
Canada, and, like the dog in the fable, would neither eat the hay, nor let

The Timber Interests of Northern Coos. 129

the ox; or, in plain English, would neither build the road, nor let any one
else. But the long suffering patience of the people gave away at last, and
they rose in their might and demanded a different state of things. When-
ever the people of Northern Coos unitedly and earnestly set out to accom-
plish any purpose, they usually succeed, and they did so in this case. In
18S3 they secured to themselves a charter which they now hold and cou-
trol. This charter took effect January 1, 1884. About this time the rail-
road interests of the state became involved in litigation, which was not
settled until March, 1S87. Since then a movement has been set on foot,
which has resulted in the building, this season (1887), a road from Strat-
ford to Colebrook.* This movement will soon produce developments in
this section that will surprise every one who has not carefully studied
the subject.]

It is sometimes said that Northern Coos is destitute of water-power, but
this idea originates in a superficial view and an utter ignorance of the fad s.
On the Connecticut river between the outlet of Connecticut lake and West
Stewartstown bridge are at least four sites where sufficient power can be
obtained for the manufacture of hard wood to any extent desired. South
of there you cannot now travel ten miles in any direction without passing
one or more mills of more or less capacity. These small water-powers,
occupied and unoccupied, dot the country like dandelions in June. Some
of them may not hold out the year round (as some of the largest factories
in the state fall short of water in the dry season of summer), but suppose
the lesser of them run but six months out of twelve, while the remain-
der of the season is devoted to getting the lumber in winter, and other
pursuits in summer, and then the result will not be inconsiderable in the
product of any of the small articles of manufacture from hard wood.

But it is too late in the age to assert that this or any other section of
country is dependent upon water as a motive power. Steam has become its
competitor, even on its own ground, and it is a disputed question as to
which is the cheaper and more economical; but, for manufacture of wood,
where the refuse goes so far towards supplying fuel to feed the engine, it
is claimed that steam is the more economical, even where water can be
obtained. The extensive cotton factories of Dover are run wholly by steam,
as are the large lumber mills at Whitefield, and not only this, but they run
their own railroad miles and miles into the woods for the purpose of trans-
porting the logs to their mills. Their mills are built where they are, that
is on the railroad, for the convenience of sending away their manufactured
lumber, and whenever that railroad extends to the Connecticut lakes, little
spruce or cedar will float down the river. When that is done, the hard

-—----—-—■-- — —

* See railroads in another chapter.

130 History of Coos County.

wood timber will be worth more than the soft. It not only exceeds it in
value per thousand, but in this section it far exceeds it in quantity.

Comparatively few people have any definite idea of the growth of the
northern part, where the hard wood growth stands in its native state
undisturbed by the woodman's ax. In the settled towns much of this
growth has been cut off in clearing land and for fuel, but east of the lakes,
in the unsettled townships, are large tracts of "birds eye " maple and birch,
the trees of which are of the largest size, standing straight, smooth, and
free from knots and limbs for a half hundred feet at least. In easy reach
of this valuable timber, steam mills can be erected not only for the pur-
pose of reducing it to coarse sawn lumber, but for making the innumerable
articles that are made from it. This will be done as soon as railroad facili-
ties are furnished. The possibilities in this line are incalculable.

When the spruce was first operated, the idea attained to some extent
that it was inexhaustible; that by cutting out the large trees and leaving
the small ones, the natural growth of the small trees would supply the
vacuum. Experience has proved this idea to be erroneous. The large
spruce trees have over a century's growth upon them, and when these are
removed, the small trees grow short, knotty and knurly, and are of very
little value for timber. Especially is this the case where it is cut, as is now
the practice, down to four and five inches.

Though birch and maple, in their natural state undoubtedly attain a
very great age, they are of very rapid growth while young, and obtain
their size substantially in a short period. The writer has seen a strip of
three or four acres, on the outskirts of an old pasture, thickly covered with
birch trees from eighteen to twenty-four inches in diameter, standing
straight, smooth, and without limbs, for forty or fifty feet and holding their
bigness remarkably for that distance. Being upon the ground with the
owner, then a man between sixty and sixty -five, he was told by him that
he once cleared the land on which these trees then stood, and reaped on it
as stout a crop of rye as he ever saw growing. These trees must have
attained this remarkable growth from the seed in less than forty years.
The rapid growth of maple is also clearly demonstrated in their use for
ornamental and shade trees, where the middle-aged man may set out trees
that he can carry in one hand, and live to enjoy the coolness of their shade
and eat maple sugar made by himself from their sap.

The man who looks only at present gains and immediate returns may
see little encouraging in all this; but he who looks to the future benefit and
prosperity of the country, conscious of the fact that untold generations are
yet to follow us, and alive to the fact that all this material must necessarily
be manufactured on the spot, and that this enterprize will result in the
rapid settlement of the country, especially those portions denuded of their
spruce growth, will see a hardy, enterprizing and prosperous people cover-

Coos County Press — Agricultural Societies- - Railroads. 13 i

ing this now dense wilderness, who will continue to sustain the reputation
which New Hampshire has already acquired, of raising men capable of
competing successfully with the men of any section of any land, and that
this vision is not a mere chimera, but will be, in the near future, an accom-
plished fact.

CHAPTER XV.

COOS COUNTY PRESS; AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES; RAILROADS.

White Mountain ^E^is— Coos County Democrat — Coos Republican— Prohibition Herald —
Independent (now Lancaster) Gazette— Coos Herald, Etc.— Northern Sentinel — Colebrook Weekly
News — News and Sentinel — Whiterield Blade — Coos Advertiser — The Mountaineer, Etc. — Coos
Agricultural Society — Coos and Essex County Agricultural Society — Railroads: Atlantic and St.
Lawrence — White Mountains— Portland and Ogdensburg — Upper Coos.

Lancaster.

THE White Mountain JEgis was the first newspaper of the county.
It was issued in the spring of 1838, by an association composed
of Royal Joyslin, Richard P. Kent, Gen. John Wilson, and Apollos
Perkins, as an organ of the Whig party. Apollos Perkins was editor.
After an existence of one year it was removed to Haverhill and became
the Whig an<t JEgis. The paper was published in the old Masonic Hall
in C. E. Allen's building on Main street.

The Coos County Democrat was the next paper established; its first
issue being dated in the summer of 1838. The Democrat, like the JEgis,
was started by an association of the prominent men of its party, chief
among whom were Hon. John W. Weeks, Jared W. Williams, John S.
Wells, Hon. John H. White, and others of subsequent state reputations,
but it afterward passed under the control of Mr. Rix, until his death in
1856, when its shares were disposed of by the original holders or their rep-
resentatives. The imprint bore the names of James M. Rix and James R.
Whittemore as publishers, Mr. Rix for the first year working at the casi
in addition to preparing the editorial labors of the journal. After this year
Mr. Rix gave up the case, retaining editorial management until his death.

The Democrat was first issued from the second story of a building on
Main street, then owned by John S. Wells, now the ell of the store of
Richard P. Kent & Son. In 1851 it was removed to the store building of
JamesA. Smith. After Mr. Rix's death at the City Hotel, Huston, March 25,

132 History of Coos County.

1856, the office was moved to the " Postoffice building," now the Shannon
building, on the south side of Israel's river. Jared I. Williams, Esq., being
editor, and Joseph W. Merriam, Esq., a native of Stratford, subsequently
one of the editors of the Patriot, being assistant editor.

In 1859 the Democrat was moved to North Stratford under the control,
as editor, of Charles D. Johnson, Esq., then but recently admitted to the
bar of Coiis county. Mr. Johnson died October 29, 1860, and after his
death, the paper, as a party organ, practically ceased to have existence.
The material was purchased by sundry parties, members of the opposing
organization, and for a time the Democrat was a nondescript. Frequent
exhibitions of the internal dissensions among its owners, such as placing a
cut of a bull bottom-side up, entitled " A man overboard " at the head of
its columns by its nominal editor, followed the next week by denunciations
of said manager from the owners, characterized its last days. Ultimately,
about 1862, the material was sold to A. J. Walker, of Lunenburg, Vt.

The roster of employers and employed of the Democrat is long and hon-
orable. Hon. James M. Rix, subsequently president of the state Senate,
was a nervous, vigorous writer, and acute politician well known to the
public of the state. His death occurred from consumption, aggravated
beyond doubt by the cares of editorial and political life.

Among the Democrat employees was Edward E. Cross, of Lancaster,
who " served his time justly and legally " as an apprentice, and then assumed
management of the office as foreman. From Lancaster, Cross went to Cin-
cinnati, entering the Dollar Weekly Times office. Soon he appeared as
traveling correspondent of that paper, and for several years his letters writ-
ten from all parts of the land, under the nom de plume of " Edward Ever-
ett," were among the most agreeable matter in its columns. Charles
Francis Brown, better known as " Artemas Ward, " began his career of
letters as an apprentice in this office. From here he went to Cleveland,
Ohio, where, on the Plaindealer, he acquired his world-wide reputation as
a humorist. He died in Southampton, England, March 7, 1867. Col. Rich-
ard E. Cross, another valiant soldier of the Civil war, was an appren-
tice. Albert B. Davis, so long manager of McVicker's theater, Chicago, was
also an apprentice. It is but justice to say that under the management of
Mr. Rix, the Democrat was one of the ablest and best country newspapers in
New England. He had a brilliant mind, strong reasoning powers, and a
great taste for the preservation of local history.

In October, 1881, the Democrat was revived by F. A. Kehew, who began
its publication in Eagle block, Lancaster, and sold it in May, 1887, to Willard
C. Colby, the present proprietor, who took possession June 1st.

The Cods Republican. — This paper, next in date of issue, was estab-
lished in December, 1851. It was first published in the Town Hall build-
ing, Daniel A. Bowe, of Middlebury, Vt., for several years principal of

Coos County Press -Agricultural Societies- Railroads. 133

Lancaster academy, being editor, and David B. Allison, an old Concord
printer, manager, the two uniting in the firm of Bo we ec Allison. The
Republican was started as the organ of the party of that name. The
health of Mr. Bowe was not firm, and in the autumn of L857 he was com-
pelled to abandon business. He died the April following. Col. Allison
continued the publication until December. L858, when the establishment
was purchased by Henry O. Kent, who removed it to rooms in the Kent
building on Main street. Col. Kent says : —

" For twelve years, from December, 1S58, to October, 1870, the paper
was owned by me, and was under my direct control, save dining the period
of my absence with my regiment, when it was leased to Daniel C. Pink-
ham, Esq., then clerk of the courts for the county.

" During this time it was my endeavor to establish the concern as a
business enterprise and to labor for what I conceived the interests of jour-
nalism; I never regarded money expended for an energetic, local paper, or
for judicious advertising or job work, as a gratuity for which the proprie-
tor was to be under deep obligation, nor did the receipt of stale public doc-
uments or garden seeds, constitute utterly conclusive evidence of the emi-
nent fitness of the donor for further public advancement, — integrity and
capacity being, in my belief, equally essential requisites."

Among the apprentices under the administration of H. O. Kent, were
Henry B. Berry, afterward in the army; George H. Emerson, Henry W.
Denison, Richard H. Emerson, now of Gorham; George H. Colby, and
Harry C Hartshorn, of Lunenburg, Vt., who, with George H. Emerson,
conducted a job printing office in Lancaster for some time.

Col. Kent sold the Republican to Chester B. Jordan & Co., in October,
1870, and the office was moved to the Postoffice building. Subsequently
the "' Cods Republican Association" was formed, and assumed control of
the paper, which it conducted until it was sold in August, 1*71, to F. E.
Shaw, who soon let it go back into the possession of the association.

Chester B. Jordan, Esq., first assumed, but temporarily, the editorial
chair. On his retiring, Wesley W. Pasko, of New York, a writer for the
Press of that city, entered upon the duties, to him followed successively
Josiah H. Benton, Jr., Benjamin F. Whidden, Jonathan Smith, F. W.
Williams, W. C. Mahurin, F. E. Shaw, W. C. Mahurin again for a time
after Mr. Shaw relinquished his possession. From July. Is77. when Mr.
Mahurin vacated the editorial chair, a Miss Kingslev was editor for the
association until April, 1878, when the office was destroyed by fire.

During the next month (May) James S. Peavey removed his office from
Littleton to Lancaster, and continued the publication of the Republican
from the store opposite the old American House on Elm street, until Octo-
ber, when he moved his office to the new Eagle Hall block. In December,
18S0, Mr. Peavey sold the Republican to A. F. Rowell and C. D. Batchel-

134 History of Coos County.

der, who admitted C. L. Griffing as a partner, in September, 1881, forming
the firm of Rowell, Batchelder & Griffing, which continued until June,
1882, when Rowell and Batchelder retired. In September, 1883, C. D.
Phelps & Co. (J. H. Baird) became the owners. Soon after Mr. Baird pur-
chased the entire office, and, in 1881, the publication of the paper, which
had been the Lancaster Republican since 1881, was discontinued. The
press, type, etc., were sold at auction to F. A. Kehew, and used by him in
the Democrat office.

The Prohibition Herald, the state organ of the temperance party, was
published at the job printing office of Emerson, Hartshorn & Co., from
January 1, 1871, for one year, when it was removed to Concord. The edi-
tors were Rev. L. D. Barrows and Dr. John Blackmer.

The Independent Gazette, independent in politics, was published at
Lancaster, the first number being issued in January, 1872, George H.
Emerson and Harry C. Hartshorn, publishers; James S. Brackett, editor.
The editorial chair was soon occupied by Mr. Emerson, who conducted it
till August, 1877, when I. W. Quimby and W. F. Burns became proprie-
tors. Mr. Burns sold his interest to Joseph Roby, Jr., after a few months,
and Mr. Quimby soon became sole owner. He continued to publish the
paper (changing the name to Lancaster Gazette, January 1, 1870,) until
November 10, 1883, when he sold it to the Lancaster Printing Co., George
P. Rowell, the well known advertising agent of New York city, being the
real owner, and it was carried on under his ownership until September 25,
1885, when Mr. Quimby again became proprietor and has since been pub-
lisher. It is a bright, neat, newsy local paper, and is well worth double its
price (one dollar a year, cash in advance). Publication day, Tuesday.

The Cods Herald was a little sheet edited, printed and published at
Lancaster, in the winter of 1S56, by Charles N. Kent, then aged thirteen.
Mr. Kent, who was an amateur printer only, is now a member of the
advertising firm of George P. Rowell & Co., New York.

The Journal of Familiar Science was a quarto issued during 1870, at
Lancaster, by S. Randall & Co., druggists.

The Northern News, a sheet 8x12, was edited and published by Fletcher
Ladd, when a lad of eight years.

COLEBROOK.

The Norther u Sentinel, democratic, was established at Colebrook,
November, 1870, by James S. Peavey, who published it until the month
of April, 1872, when he was succeeded as proprietor and editor by Albert
Barker, Esq., who showed great ability. E. S. Cummings purchased it in
June, 1884.

The Colebrook Weekly News was founded in 1875 by Charles A. Bridge,
who, after a year or two, sold it to his brother, John D. Bridge.

Coos County Press — Agricultural Societies -- Railroads. 135

The above papers were consolidated in December, 1884, forming The
News and Sentinel, the Colebrook Publishing Company becoming the pub-
lishers. E. S. Cummings has been manager and editor from that date.
Independent weekly, $1.00 per year in advance.

Whitefield.

In 1876 N. A. Burnham published a small sheet, the Whitefield Blade,
for a few months. In 1S80 W. C. McCausland, an amateur printer,
established the Cods Advertiser; it was published about a year. The Coos
County News has just been started.

GORHAM.

The Mountaineer, weekly, $1.00 a year.— V. V. Twitchell began the
publication of this spicy and interesting journal in April, 1877. It very
soon attained a high reputation for humor, and a circulation which
extended to every state in the Union, and to England. Much of the lit-
erary matter, which forms quite a specialty, is written expressly for
the Mountaineer. With all these outside matters, it has kept up a rep-
utation as a good local newspaper. Mr. Twitchell has built up a fine busi-
ness, passed through one disastrous fire, and although never in robust
health, is good, we hope, for many years' editorial service.

The Messenger, an amateur paper, was published a short time in 1881,
by Fred Ingalls, who, in 1887, became associated with V. V. Twitchell in
the publication of the Mountaineer.

For Among the Clouds, see General History — White Mountain chapter.

The Cods Agricultural Society was organized in 1821, and existed four
years. For its brief life it accomplished much good. In an address deliv-
ered before this body, October 17, 1821, Adino N. Brackett shows the very
high aims of the founders of that society. He says it was formed to
"encourage agriculture and domestic manufacture." To the farmers he
says: "To draw forth your activity and your exertions, for your own
benefit, is the object of this institution. Not a cent which you contribute
is to be sent out of the county; but the whole returns to you in premiums,
the honorable reward of your industry. In addition to which, if you
raise and expend one hundred dollars for premiums, the state has in its
treasury funds to an equal amount, to be laid out in the same manner.
Thus is every inducement held out to raise and expend the sum above
mentioned. The man who pays two dollars, immediately adds other two
to the wealth of the county; and this beyond the indefinite amount which
will be accumulated by the increased activity which will exist in the
departments of agriculture and domestic manufactures." Concerning the
latter, Mr. Brackett asks: "What is the exact state of domestic manufac-

136 History of Coos County.

tures among us ? Are we principally clothed with articles of this kind ?
It is believed, that of the male population, at least three-fourths are
clothed in articles manufactured within the county or within the United
States. But the observation, if extended to the female part of society,
would not hold true to the same extent."

The Cods and Essex Counties Agricultural Society was organized in 1870,
and embraced all the towns and places in Coos county, and the tier of towns
in Essex county, Vermont, lying upon the Connecticut river, north of the
town of Concord. The object of the society is stated to be the "improve-
ment of agricultural productions, useful domestic animals, domestic man-
ufactures, and the mechanic arts." The first officers were as follows:
President, William D. Weeks, Lancaster; vice-presidents, John W. Harts-
horn, Lunenburg; Hazen Bedel, Colebrook; secretaries, Charles E. Benton,
Guildhall; George H. Emerson, Lancaster; treasurer, Henry O. Kent,
Lancaster. In addition to these, there was a large executive committee
from the various towns. List of presidents: William D. Weeks, Lancas-
ter, 1870-1; John W. Hartshorn, Lunenburg, 1872-3-1-5; Edward Spauld-
ing, Lancaster, 1876-8-9; Josiah H. Benton, Maidstone, 1877-8; J. G.
Crawford, Lancaster, 1879-80; George E. Carbee, Lancaster, 1881-2;
George P. Rowell, Lancaster, 1881; J. W. Dodge, Lunenburg, 1885-6.
The society has had successful and unsuccessful fairs, but has kept up an
organization, and at the present time is in a prosperous condition. The
officers for 1886 were: President, J. W. Dodge, Lunenburg; vice-presi-
dents, William C. Spaulding, Lancaster; L. T. Hazen, Whitefield; Sidney
B. Whittemore, Colebrook; secretary and treasurer, I. W. Quimby, Lan-
caster; executive committee, George M. Stevens, Jason H. Woodward,
George P. Eaton, Joseph Winch, H. J. Guernsey, the president, secretary
and treasurer being ex- officio members.

Patrons of Husbandry.— This order has a following of earnest and
wide-awake agriculturists, with granges in Lancaster, Whitefield, and
other towns, but has not a great numerical strength in the county.

Railroads. — Few railroads have been constructed in Coos county, and
there is not much to be said of them, but if we should write of all the
futile efforts made to obtain railroads, the hopes that have been raised and
blasted concerning the railways that were to be made, but were never
completed, there could much be written which we must omit.

Atlantic & St. Lawrence R. R.—ln 1817, while Hon. Jared W. Williams
was governor of New Hampshire, the Atlantic & St. Lawrence railroad
was incorporated. Its length from Portland to Island Pond was 119 miles,
fifty-four of which lay in this state. This was leased by the Grand Trunk
railway in 1853, at a rental of six per cent, upon the cost of construction,
or $6,003,900. In order to get possession of an existing charter covering
the ground it pledged itself to construct a branch to Lancaster. It broke

Coos County Press — Agricultural Societies -Railroads. 137

its pledge, and appeal was taken to the legislature, but a compromise was
effected by payment of sis. ik id to the citizens of Lancaster, who, after
reimbursing a few people for money spent in trying to secure the road,
used the balance, about $15,000, in building the Lancaster House. This
road was completed to Gorham in L850, the trains beginning to run regu-
larly to and from Portland on the " Fourth of July," 1851. Trains ran to
Northumberland and North Stratford from Gorham, in 1852: to Island
Pond, Vt., in 1853; connecting with the St. Lawrence & Atlantic at the
Canadian boundary in July, 1853. This road has done much to develop the
resources of the country along its line, and has created several prosperous
villages, —Gorham, Berlin Falls, Groveton, and North Stratford.

The White Mom/ fain R. R. was chartered December 15, 1848. Among
the incorporators were Royal Joy si in, R. P. Kent, James W. Weeks, W.
D. Spaulding, William Burns, Presbury West, Jr., N. D. Day, L. John-
son, T. Montgomery, John M. Gove, Morris Clark. This was an extension
of the Boston, Concord & Montreal R. R,, from Woodsville to Lancaster,
and was opened to Littleton in August, 1853; to Lancaster in November,
1870; to Groveton (51.95 miles from Woodsville) in August, 1872; to Fa-
byan's in July, 1874; to the base of the White Mountains, July 6, 1876.
This railroad was consolidated with the Boston, Concord & Montreal R. R.
in 1873, its owners receiving $300,000 in six per cent, consolidated bonds for
their interests. From June, 1884, to June, 1887, it was under the manage-
ment of the Boston & Lowell R. R., which leased the B., C. & M. road for
ninety-nine years. The Boston & Lowell, in 1887, leased it to the Boston
& Maine R. R.

Portland & Ogdensburg R. R. — A charter was granted in 1869 to build
a railroad from the west line of Maine through Conway, Bartlett, White
Mountain Notch, Carroll, Bethlehem and Littleton, with the proviso that
if it were found impracticable to build a railroad from Littleton to St.
Johnsbury, they might locate and build the road from Carroll to White-
field, Dalton, and the east line of Vermont. The road was completed to
Fabyan's from Portland August 7, L875, making a connection with the
Boston, Concord & Montreal and White Mountains roads there. De-
ciding that the road could not be built by the Littleton route, the Port-
land & Ogdensburg company constructed two and one-half miles between
Scotts and Lunenburg, Vt. , making a western connection there with the
St. Johnsbury & Lake Champlain R. R. by using the track of the Boston,
Concord & Montreal, and White Mountains roads from Fab van's to Scotts,
for which an arrangement was made and still continues. In ls77 the legis-
lature confirmed the Portland & Ogdensburg road in the right to the two
and one-half miles of road between Scotts and Lunenburg.

Upper Cods Railroad. — During all the years from the settlement of the
town to the year 1887 there was no railroad to Cole-brook, the nearest

138 History of Coos County.

point on the railroad being North Stratford, thirteen miles away. In the
legislature of 1883 a charter for a railroad was obtained from Stratford to
Pittsburg, and in April and May, 1887, a subscription for a narrow gauge
railroad was raised, stock to the amount of forty-five thousand dollars
being taken. The corporation was organized with J. H. Dudley, presi-
dent; Albert Barker, clerk; and Sherburn R. Merrill, treasurer; and
about $11,000 paid into the stock subscription, when Frank Jones, Charles
A. Sinclair and George Van Dyke offered to build a standard gauge road
through Colebrook and Stewartstown, if the people would raise a gratuity
of $25,000. This was quickly done. The old directors resigned, and a
new board, consisting of Frank Jones, of Portsmouth, J. B. Cooke, of Salem,
Mass., G. W. Armstrong, of Boston, I. W. Drew, of Lancaster, Enoch
Sweat, of Woonsocket, R. I., Charles A. Sinclair, of Portsmouth, and George
Van Dyke were chosen. Van Dyke was chosen president, Cooke treasurer,
and Sweat, general manager. It was voted that the capital stock do not
exceed $350,000.

Work at once commenced and the road was formally opened from
North Stratford to Colebrook November 29, 1S87, giving the people greatly
increased facilities for business It will be extended ten miles farther to
the Canada line, early next summer, by which time the Canadian Pacific
will be ready to touch iron with it, thus opening a new and shorter
route to Quebec It also renders practicable the utilization of numberless
water privileges on the Connecticut and other rivers, heretofore unavail-
able for manufacturing purposes, owing to the difficulties attendant upon
shipping manufactured products. Facilities for manufacturing lumber
unequalled in New England can also be found and utilized, which will
obviate largely the labor and expense of " driving" millions of logs down
the rivers to a market.

If ever a railroad proved a blessing to a section of country, this Upper
Coos railroad seems destined to become pre-eminently such. Sharp-eyed
capital will surely be attracted to Northern New Hampshire, and one need
stretch his imagination but little to people the northern valleys with thriv-
ing manufacturing villages, monuments of New England thrift and enter-
prise.

Masonry in Coos. 139

CHAPTER XVI.

MASONRY IN COOS.

North Star Lodge, Lancaster — Templar Masonry in Northern New Hampshire — North Star
Chapter, Lancaster — Evening Star Lodge, Colebrook — Gorham Lodge, Gorham — White Mount-
ain Lodge. Whitefield — Officers of Grand Lodge, Grand Chapter and Grand Commandery from
Coos county.

/\T ORTH Star Lodge, No. 8. — Lancaster is the mother of Masonry in
I N Northern New Hampshire and Vermont, these lodges owing filial
V. allegiance to her: Evening Star, Colebrook; Kane, Lisbon; Burns,
Littleton; Gorham, Gorham; White Mountain, Whitefield; Passumpsic,
St. Johnsbury; Island Pond, Island Pond. It was instituted at Northum-
berland under this ancient charter in 1797.

" To all the Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons to whom, these presents shall come.

" The Grand Lodge of the Most Ancient and Honorable Society of Free and Accepted Masons for the

State of New Hampshire, sends GREETING.

" [ L. &] Wnereas, a petition has heen presented us by Brothers George Kimball, John J.
Nath'l Adams, French, John Weeks, William Cargill, Mills De Forest, Nathaniel Wales, Thos.
Gr. Master. Burnside, Holloway Taylor, Edmund Heard, Josiah Sawyer, Jabez Parsons, James
Chamberlain, Samuel Phelps, Azariah Webb and Warren Cook, all Ancient, Free and Accepted
Masons, praying that they with such others as shall hereafter join them, may be erected and con-
stituted a regular Lxlge of Free and Accepted Misons, which petition appearing to us as tending
to the advancement of Masonry and good of the Craft.

" Know ye, therefore, that we, the Grand Lodge aforesaid, reposing special trust and confi-
dence in the prudence and fidelity of our beloved brethren, above named, have constituted and ap-
pointed, and by these presents do constitute and appoint them, the said George Kimball, John Weeks,
Mills De Forest, Thomas Burnside, Edmund Heard, Jabez Parsons, Samuel Phelps, John J. French,
William Cargill, Nathaniel Wales, Holloway Taylor, Josiah Sawyer, James Chamberlain, Azariah
Webb and Warren Cook, a regular Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons under the title and desig-
nation of the North Star Lodge, No. 8; and we do hereby appoint our said brother George Kimball,
Master; our said brother John J. French, Senior, and our said brother John Weeks, Junior Wardens
of said Lodge, hereby giving and granting unto them and their successors full power and author-
ity to covene as Masons, within the town of Northumberland, aud County of Grafton and State
aforesaid, to receive and enter Apprentices, pass Fellow Crafts, and raise Master Masons,
upon the payment of such moderate compensations for the same as may be determined, by the said
Lodge, also, hereby authorizing them in future to make choice of a Master. Wardens and other
office bearers annually or otherwise as they shall see cause, to receive and collect funds for the
relief of poor and distressed brethren, their widows or children, and in general to transact all mat-
ters relating to Masonry, which may to them appear to be for the good of the Craft, according to
the ancient usage and custom of Masons.

" And we do hereby require the said constituted brethren to attend the Grand Lodge at their
Quarterly Communications and other meetings, by their Master and Wardens, or by proxies regu-
larly appointed, also to keep a fair and regular record of all their proceedings, and to lay the same
before the Grand Lodge when required.

" And we do enjoin upon the brethren of said Lodge, that they be punctual in their quarterly
payments of such sums as may be assessed for the support of the Grand Lodge, thai they behave

140 History of Coos County.

themselves respectfully and obediently to their superiors in office, and in all other things conduct
themselves as good Masons.

"And we do herebj r declare the precedure of the said Lodge in the Grand Lodge and else-
where, to commence from the eighteenth day of December, A. L., 5797.

" In testimony whereof, we, the Grand Master and the Grand Wardens, by virtue of the power

and authority to us committed, have hereunto set our hands, and caused the seal of the Grand

Lodge to be affixed, at Portsmouth, this eighteenth day of December, Anno Domini, 1797, and of

Masonry, 5797.

"Joseph Cillet, Dept G. M.

"Moses Woodward, Sen'r ) p ^-
"Samuel Sherburne, Jun'r J '

I! J° SEP " H ™ S ? n ' r l G. Deacons.
" John Adams, Jun r )

" Rec'd the fees for this Charter,

"Samuel Adams, Gr'd Treasurer.

" Edw'd. St. Loe Livermore,

Grand Secretary.

" Recorded from the original,

' ' Edw'd. St. Loe Livermore,

Grand Secretary."

The first meeting of which we have record was held in the hall over the
Cargill store, September IS, 1793. There were present James Chamber-
lain, W. M. ; John J. French, S. W. ; Nathaniel Wales, Sect. ; Benoni
Cutler, Charles Cutler and Edwards Bucknam. The first complete list of
officers preserved is of those elected January 21, 1800: Samuel Phelps, W.
M.; Daniel Dana, S. W. ; Stephen Wilson, J. W. ; Arte mas Wilder, Treas. ;
R. C. Everett, Sect. ; Warren Cook, S. D. ; Joseph Dyer, J. D. Special com-
munications were then frequent, and much work was done. Between
January 21, 1800, the date of the last meeting in Northumberland, and
February 11, 1800, the lodge was moved to Lancaster and held its meet-
ings in a Masonic hall owned by the lodge which stood nearly on the site
of the present residence of Hon. Jacob Benton. [This building was later
moved down town, contained the postoffice under the administration of
Charles E. Allen, and is now used for business purposes. Masonic
emblems are now to be seen on the attic ceiling.]

St. John's Day was celebrated for the first time in 1801, with fitting,
although private ceremonies. In 1815 occurred the first public observance
of the day, the brethren marching to the meeting-house, listening to an
address by Rev. Dyer Burge, then repairing for refreshments to "Bro."
Benjamin Hunking's hall.

Stephen Wilson was elected Worshipful Master, January 10, 1802. He
held the office over eight years. In 1807, August 1, it was voted to
"return the charter;" but the lodge was subsequently revived, by vote of
the Grand Lodge.

In 1814, Jeremy L. Cross had become a resident of the place, and was
employed at his trade— a hatter. He had taken the degrees of the York
Eite in St. John's Lodge, at Portsmouth; E.\ A.'. September 2, 1807, F.\

Masonry in Coos. 141

C.\ April 6, 1808, M. '. M.\ July 6, 1808, and in 1813 was Junior Deacon
of that lodge. It may be presumed that he was instrumental in the reor-
ganization, which occurred in 1814. He became Senior Deacon in that
year, but took a demit October 25, 1S14. It was just previous to this time
(in 1810) that he had entered upon the broader field of Masonic labor as a
lecturer, organizer and writer, which largely occupied the remainder of
his life. The extent of his influence on the work of the York Eite may
be partially indicated by the fact that his Hieroglyphic Monitor passed
through at least sixteen editions, between the years 1819 and 1860, the
date of his death.

The custom of wearing white aprons in the lodge was adopted April 1,
1817, when it was voted that a number be procured for the use of the
members.

The communication of February 11, 1S2G, is the last recorded in the
" First Book of Records," the report being signed by Asahel Going, Sec-
retary.

The Masters to 1826 were George Kimball; James Chamberlain, two
years; James Phelps, two years; Stephen Wilson, eight years: Abel Moore,
two years; William Lovejoy, five years; Richard Eastman, one year;
James Batchelder, one year.

This lodge continued its work through the most venomous period of the
anti-Masonic crusade, but surrendered its charter in June, 1844. The ogan-
ization did not long remain dormant. While there were yet a large num-
ber of survivors of the troublous times for freemasonry, the charter was
returned to the revived lodge. This occurred in 1853. The lodge " organ-
ized with the former officers." Eliphalet Lyman, W. M. ; Ephraim Cross,
S. W. ; Charles Baker, J. W. ; Jacob E. Stickney, Sect. ; Benjamin Hunking,
Treas. ; George Ingerson, S. D.; Allen Smith, J. D.; John Savage, Tyler. In
1854 Ephraim Cross was elected Master, J. W. Barney, Sect. The lodge was
moved to rooms over R. P.Kent & Son's store, September 6, 1854, in July,
1855, to the hall over Burnside's store, and in April, 1856, to its present loca-
tion in the Town Hall building, which, in 1881, in connection with the other
Masonic bodies of the place, the lodge purchased for a permanent home.
In June, 1855, the treasurer was authorized to "procure for the lodge
twenty-nine working aprons, with appropriate insignia upon them for the
officers, also a square and compass of solid silver." The seal of the char-
ter having been lost, the Grand Lodge was asked, in May, 1856, to affix a
new one, which was done.

A donation of twenty-five dollars was voted to Bro. Annance, January
27, 1867, as he was in indigent circumstances. Annance was an Indian,
the only one admitted to this lodge, and was much respected by the crafts-
men for his Masonic virtues.

The first public installation (according to the records) took place in the

142 History of Coos County.

town hall. May 5, 1868. The set of silver jewels, now in use, were pro-
cured the next December. In June, 1880, Silas Hurlburt, the oldest and
a venerated member, disappeared mysteriously while walking near Lan-
caster, and, although a reward was offered for tidings of him, and friends
searched far and near, " no trace or semblance of him has since been seen
among men or Masons. " The Masters,from 1852, have been Eliphalet Lyman,
two terms; Ephraim Cross, two terms; Charles Baker, one term; Jared I.
Williams, two terms; James D. Folsom, two terms; Henry 0. Kent, six
years; William Burns, one term; B. F. Hunking, live terms; George S.
Stockwell, one term; Edward Savage, five terms; Frank D. Peabody, one
term; Thomas S. Ellis, two terms; Henry J. Cummings, one term; Charles
E. Mclntire, three terms; Moses A. Hastings, one term; John H. Smith.

The last return to the Grand Lodge shows that 268 members have been
made since 1855, and a membership of 132 in good standing at the date of
the report.

On the rolls of this ancient lodge are the names of the ablest, wisest
and best citizens, whose influence has been for good in both the commu-
nity and in Masonic circles. A spirit of harmony and of zeal has per-
vaded its counsels, and it is a power in the land.

Templar Masonry in Northern New Hampshire. — At the commence-
ment of the year 1857, there were but two Commanderies of Templar
Masons in the state of New Hampshire, viz. : St. John's, at Portsmouth,
and Trinity, at Manchester. All others of the old organization had become
extinct, and the Grand Commandery had returned its charter to the Grand
Encampment of the United States. A few Master Masons of North Star
Lodge being desirous of receiving and perpetuating the benefits of Chris-
tian Masonry, obtained the honors of Knighthood at Portland, Me., and
Manchester, N. H., and uniting with themselves Curtis Cleaveland, an old
Sir Knight from Burlington, Vt., who at that time was residing at North-
umberland, sent a petition to Hon. William B. Hubbard, then Grand
Master of Knights Templar in the United States, asking for a dispensation
to organize a Commandery at Lancaster, N. H. On May 8, 1857, a dis-
pensation was issued, and on May 11th, the Sir Knights met and organ-
ized a Commandery with the following officers: Jared I. Williams, Em.
Commander; LaFayette Moore, Generalissimo; George C. Williams, Capt.
General. Immediately after organization they conferred the orders of
Knighthood upon James A. Smith and James D. Folsom.

At this time there was no Chapter of Koyal Arch Masons in this juris-
diction nearer than Concord, N. H., and by consent obtained of Blazing
Star Chapter, an arrangement was made whereby Haswell Chapter of St.
Johnsbury, Vt., could confer the Royal Arch degrees upon candidates
from Northern New Hampshire. In this manner the Commandery con-
tinued work under its dispensation until November 24, 1859, when it was

Masonry in Coos. 143

organized under a charter from the United States Encampment as North
Star Commandery, No. 3, of New Hampshire. During this time it had
increased in membership from eight to fifteen. Under the charter the fol-
lowing officers were elected and installed: Jared I.Williams, Em. Com-
mander; LaFayette Moore, Generalissimo; George C Williams. Capt.
General; Henry 0. Kent, Prelate; John W. Barney, Senior Warden;
David A. Burnside, Treasurer; Henry 0. Kent, Recorder; James A. Smith,
Standard Bearer; Curtis Cleaveland, Sword Bearer; Benjamin F. Hunk-
ing, Warder, Alex. Thompson and Danforth Willey, Captains of Guard.

In I860 North Star assisted in the organization of the Grand Com-
mandery of New Hampshire. The same officers were re-elected in 1860-
61-62-63. In December, 1863, the Commandery was free from debt for
the first time since its organization. In January, 1861, a change was made
in the officers by electing George F. French, Prelate; LaFayette Moore,
Recorder; Nathan R. Perkins, Standard Bearer; Jared W.Williams, Sword
Bearer; John S. Ockington, Ezra B. Bennet, and Charles L. Plaisted,
Captains of Guard.

March, 1861, L. F. Moore having resigned as recorder, D. C. Pinkham
was elected his successor. The Commandery added to its numbers two in
1860, eight in 1863, eighteen in 1861, and three in 1865, making thirty one
Sir Knights enrolled in its ranks with a loss of one, by the death of Gov-
ernor Williams, thus having a membership of forty-five Sir Knights on the
23d of January, 1865, when the following officers were elected and installed :
Henry 0. Kent, Em. Commander; LaFayette Moore, Generalissimo; George
N. Dale, Captain General; Benjamin F. Hunking, S. Warden; T. T. Cush-
man, J. Warden; George F. French, Prelate; David A. Burnside, Treas-
urer; Daniel C. Pinkham, Recorder; Nathan R. Perkins, Standard Bearer;
James D. Folsom, Sword Bearer; Ezra B. Bennett, Warder; John S. Ock-
ington, Captain of Guard. In this year there were eleven members added
to its rolls, and one lost, by the death of George C. Williams. On January
23, 1866, the old officers were re-elected with a change of John W. Barney,
Captain General; George S. Stockwell. Prelate; James A. Smith, Treas-
urer. During this year thirteen new members were added to the roster,
and one lost by the demit of Rev. E. R. Wilkins.

In 1867 the following changes were made in the offices: Benjamin F.
Hunking, Captain General; Alexander Thompson. Treasurer; Edward R.
Kent, Warder. During this year twelve Sir Knights wore added to the roll,
and one lost, by the death of David A. Burnside. In 1868 the same officers
were re-elected. This year three were added to the roll, and twelve lost, de-
mitted to form St Gerard Commandery at Littleton, N. H. In July, 1868,
the Royal Arch Chapter was established at Lancaster. On January 1 :'.. L869,
Benjamin F. Hunking was elected Commander, and continued in office until
January, 1873. John S. Ockington was elected Recorder at this meeting.

144 History of Coos County.

and continued in this office until his death, May 6, 1884. Three Sir Knights
were added to the roll in 1868, four in 1869, one in 1870, and one in 1871,
with a loss of one by the death of James W. Abbott, and in 1872 two
names were added to the roster.

January 23, 1873, Henry 0. Kent was again elected Commander, and
continued in office until 1875. In 1872 two were added to the roll, and
three lost by demit. In 1874 seven new members were added to the Com-
mandery.

On January 23, 1S75, Edward R. Kent was elected Commander, and
continued in office until January, 1885, a continuous term of ten years,
during which period orders of Knighthood were conferred on sixty-four
Masons, with a loss from the Commandery roll by death, in 1880, of Dr.
Frank Bugbee; in 1882, of Alexander Thompson; in 1883, of Charles L.
Griswold; in 1884, of John S. Ockington, and Past Commander Benjamin
F. Hunking. In 1881 Dr. B. T. Olcott was lost by demit. In 1885 Thomas
S. Ellis was elected Commander, and re-elected in 1S86. The honors of
Knighthood were conferred on two in 1885, and seven in 1886, with a loss
in 1885, by the death of Jared H. Plaisted.

In January, 1887, the followiDg officers were chosen: Moses A. Hast-
ings, Em. Commander; Charles A. Cleaveland, Generalissimo; Thomas S.
Underwood, Captain General; Nelson Sparks, Prelate; Fielding Smith,
S. Warden; Erastus V. Cobleigh, J. Warden; James B. Morrison, Treas-
urer; Charles E. Mclntire, Recorder; Peter N. Shores, Standard Bearer;
Ira E.Woodward, Sword Bearer; Frank Spooner, Warder; Amos F. Rowell,
Willie E. Bullard, Ivan W. Quimby, Guards.

In 1886 the Commandery returned a hundred and ten acting members
in its report to the Grand Commandery. Included in this number are
many of the most influential citizens of Coos, prominent alike in the pro-
fessional and business interests of the county.

North Star Chapter, No. 16, R. A. M., Lancaster. — The history of
North Star Chapter, No. 16, Royal Arch Masons, is not a very long or
eventful one. It was instituted in Lancaster in 1868, the dispensation,
signed by Nathaniel W. Cumner, G. H. P., bearing date of July 8th of
that year. Dr. George 0. Rogers was the prime mover, and it was mainly
through his efforts that the chapter was at last successfully and soundly
established.

The charter is signed by Daniel R. Marshall, G. H. P., and bears date of
June 8, 1869, the following being the names of the charter members:
George 0. Rogers, Samuel H. LeGro, Ezra B. Bennett, E. V. Cobleigh,
J. S. Ockington, Henry 0. Kent, Edward Savage, Philo S. Cherry, Rich-
ard Hovey, Edward R. Kent, Daniel C. Pinkham.

The first convocation was held under the dispensation July 8, 1868, in
the office of Dr. Rogers, corner of Main and Middle streets, now occupied

Masonry in Coos. 145

by Dr. Wellington, at which were present companions Geo. 0. Rogers,
H. P.; Samuel H. LeGro, K.; Edward Savage, S. Grand Council named
in dispensation J. S. Ockington, H. O. Kent, Daniel Thompson, E. Y.
Cobleigh, Ezra B. Bennett, E. R. Kent. W. H. N. Prince, Alex Thomp-
son, Philo S. Cherry.

The first annual convocation was held at Masonic Hall, May 19, 1869,
at which the following officers were elected: Edward Savage, E. H. P.;
Samuel H. LeGro, E. K.; W. H. N. Prince, E. S.; Edward R. Kent, C. H.;
Chester B. Jordan, P. S. ; Daniel Thompson, R. A. C. ; Philo S. Cherry,
M. 3d A 7 .; William L. Rowell, M. 2d V.; Abner Thompson, M. 1st Y. ;
John S. Ockington, Treas. ; Alexander Thompson, Sect.; Richard Hovey,
Tyler; and who were subsequently installed by the M. E. G. H. P., D. R.
Marshall, at the special convocation held September 22. At this time the
chapter was duly dedicated.

The organization has been for the most part self-sustaining, a system
of dues, fifty cents per capita per annum, having been in vogue but a short
time, and is now on a solid financial basis, owning one-third part of the
Town Hall building, and having a handsome sum in the treasury.

The companions who have served as High Priest, since the chapter was
organized, are as follows: Edward Savage, 1870-1-2-3-4; Charles A.
Cleaveland, 1875-6-7-8-9-83; Nelson Sparks, 1880-1-2; John H. Smith,
1884-5-6-7; Ivan W. Quimby, 1887, present incumbent.

From the secretary's books we learn that 158 companions have been
exalted, and that there are now 119 in good standing, on whom grand
chapter dues are paid.

Evening Star Lodge, No. 37, A. F. & A. M., Colebrook*— The early
history of this lodge is somewhat obscure, all the actors therein having
passed away, and most of the incidents passed into oblivion. All that
remains, which is authentic and reliable, is the few facts which are to be
gathered from records and official documents. A thorough research of
what remain of these necessarily requires much time and patience, and
with all that, the results are meagre, and a source of regret that more full
and perfect records were not kept. Sufficient, however, has been obtained
to show that its early days were attended by a sharp struggle for exist-
ence. To fully realize this, it is necessary to take into consideration that
sixty-five years ago, when the lodge was established, what is now North-
ern Coos, embracing a territory of nearly 2,000 square miles, was then
little better than a dense wilderness, dotted here and there with clearings
of its first settlers, which were many miles apart, and that from these
were taken the material with which to erect the edifice. Could those old
veterans return once more among us, many a tale could they unfold of

*By R. W. Albert Barker.
10

146 History of Coos County.

how they traveled ten or fifteen miles on foot to attend the meetings of
the lodge, and returned the same way "in the wee short hours ayont the
twal " of the early morn. But they have passed away, and having no
purpose to deal in tradition or speculation, this article will deal with dry
fact gleaned from authentic records.

An extract from the proceedings of the M. W. Grand Lodge of New
Hampshire, which convened at Concord, June 13, 1821, reads as follows: —

"Petition for a new Lodge at Colebrook referred to the committee on
new Lodges."

Whether this petition was made to the Grand Master, M. W. Joshua
Darling, in the first instance, or directly to the Grand Lodge, or who the
petioners were, does not appear; but at the same communication the com-
mittee reported: " That a dispensation be granted for a new Lodge at
Colebrook, to be called Evening Star Lodge;" 1 which was accepted by vote
of the Grand Lodge. The dispensation was granted, but neither that nor
the petition appears in the record, though they are probably in the files of
the Grand Lodge.

The first record now in the archives of the lodge gives the proceedings
of the lodge as follows: —

"Records of Evening Star Lodge, (the first.) At a regular communication of the Evening
Star Lodge holden in Colebrook on Wednesday, the 5th day of September A. L. , 5821,— Brethren
present: —

"Francis Flanders, W. Master pro tern,

" Jeremiah Eames, S. Warden pro tern,

" William M. Smith, J. Warden pro tem.

' ' Lodge opened by the above brethren. No business before the Lodge. Proceeded to lecture on
the first degree. Lecture given by Worshipful Master and brethren. Lodge closed in due form.

"David L. Isiiam, Secretary."

From the above it would seem that the secretary was the only legiti-
mate officer present. But from the record of the next meeting (Oct. 10th)
it appears that Lewis Loomis was the first Master, Francis Flanders, Sen-
ior, and Jeremiah Eames Junior Deacons. At this meeting the petition of
Dr. Lyman Lombard was presented and referred, though he was not raised
until February 19, 1823. Working under dispensation, they had no
by-laws, and it would seem no regular day of meetings. The date of the
communications was as follows: September 5, 1821, October 10, 1821,
January 30, 1822, March 6, 1822, April 3, 1822, May 1, 1822, and May 30,
1822. May 30, 1822, the lodge voted to "request a letter of dispensation
for six months, unless sooner installed," and chose their Master "proxy"
in the Grand Lodge. This request for a dispensation was presented to the
Grand Lodge at the annual communication, in June, and referred to the
committee on new lodges. The committee made a report thereon which
was accepted.

The report does not appear, but the result was that on the very next

Mason in' in ( 'of>s. 147

day, June 13, 1822, a charter was granted to the petitioners, Lewis Loomis,
Francis Flanders, Jeremiah Eames, Jr., and others, constituting them "A
regular Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons under the title and designa-
tion of Evening Star Lodge, No. 37." The next meeting of the lodge was
holden July 3, when it voted to pay Lewis Loomis, W. M ., eight dollars,
advanced by him to the Grand Lodge. July 31, the only business done
was to pass a vote that the lodge be removed to the house of John Smith.
August 28, David L. Isham and Lyman Lombard were chosen a commit-
tee to petition the Grand Lodge to "install the Lodge. 1 '

The Grand Lodge convened at Colebrook on the fifteenth of < >ctober,
1822, when an oration was delivered by Bro. John L. Sheafe, the lodge
duly consecrated and the officers installed as follows: Lewis Loomis,
W. M.; Jonathan E. Ward, S. W.; Jeremiah Eames, Jr., J. W. ; Ebenezer
Blossom, S. D. ; Ezra B. Rider. J. D.; David L. Isham, Sect.; MarcenaBlod-
gett, Treas. ; William M. Smith, Tyler. There were twelve Masons present
besides the grand officers. Meetings were held regularly until January
22, 1823, when new officers were chosen as follows: Jonathan E. Ward,
W. M.; David L. Isham, S. W.; William M. Smith, J. I).; Marcena Blod-
gett, Treas ; John L. Sheafe, Sect., who were installed March lit. As to
the other officers the record is silent. Considerable work was done during
the year 1823, especially on the first degree, in which all the business of
the lodge would seem to have been done. At the annual meeting in Janu-
ary, 1824, the old officers were re-elected, but were not installed until
April 16.

June 10, 1824, David L. Isham was granted a demit, he having moved
to Connecticut. The records show that he was present at every communi-
cation of the lodge from the first in 1821, to April, 1824, when he moved
away.

In 1872 a letter was received from the Grand Secretary of Connecticut,
stating that he still resided there, upwards of ninety years of age. physi-
cally feeble, but in the full possession of his mental faculties, expressing
his affection for the lodge he helped to create, was one of its charter mem-
bers and its first secretary, a half century previous. There was not at
that time a member of the lodge that ever knew him, or had any idea that
such a man was ever a member of the lodge, but upon searching the
early records of the lodge, they found that his statement was true, and as
an appreciation of his fidelity to Masonry and faithfulness to the lodge in
its infancy, the lodge voted to send him twenty dollars. The acknowl-
edgement of its receipt was profuse in his professions of gratitude and
thankfulness for the recognition. It is safe to say that the lodge never
parted with a similar sum with greater pleasure to its members, or that
was better appreciated by the recipient. He has not been heard from
since, but it is more than probable that he now resides in those " mansions

148 History of Coos County.

above, where the Supreme Architect of the Universe presides." His
removal was a loss to the lodge of one of its most zealous members.

At the annual meeting in 1825, Ward was re-elected Master, and his
death, which occurred June 5, 1825, was another severe blow to the lodge.
A special communication was held June 7, to attend his funeral, after
which votes were passed to abandon the celebration of St. John's Day, to
pay the expenses of the funeral, and that the thanks of the lodge be ten-
dered to Rev. C. G. Thatcher for his able discourse delivered at the funeral.

The lodge continued to work, with a small attendance, up to and in-
cluding November, 1S25, the last entry in the record book being as fol-
lows: —

" In December there was not members to open the Lodge on the regular communication day.

" Lyman Lombard, Secretary."

If any records were kept in the lodge after this they were lost, but it
appears from the records of the Grand Lodge, that the lodge continued to
meet for work, and made returns to the Grand Lodge until 1828, and in
that year was represented therein by P. M. Lewis Loomis.

The next decade was one of great depression throughout the state and
few lodges did any work. A glance at the records of the Grand Lodge at
this period will not be uninteresting in this connection. In 1838 the Grand
Lodge passed a resolution requesting the Grand Secretary to make a state-
ment, showing when each lodge made returns, and report at the next
annual meeting. In 1839 the Grand Secretary made a report in accord-
ance with the resolution, which showed that twenty-seven of the fifty sub-
ordinate lodges, then on the rolls of the Grand Lodge, had done no work
for the past eleven years, that is, since 1828. Evening Star was among the
twenty-seven. Quite a number of these lodges had made no return for
the same length of time. This report was referred to a select committee,
who, in 1810, reported a list of twenty-six lodges, including Evening Star,
that had neglected to make returns to the Grand Lodge within the time
required by the Grand Regulations; whereupon it was, on motion of Bro.
Steele:-

"Resolved, That the several Lodges named in the foregoing list, for the causes assigned in said
report, be, and they hereby are, stricken from the books of the Grand Lodge, and that the District
Deputy Grand Masters be authorized and directed to procure and forward to the Grand Secretary
the several charters that have been so declared forfeited and ordered to be stricken from the Lodge
books."

Evening Star was in District No. (3, of which, for many years, Jared
W. Williams had been District Deputy, but who made no report, and
probably visited no lodges, or did any of the duties of the office. This
year Eliphalet Lyman was appointed Deputy for the Sixth District. He
made his report to the Grand Lodge in 1811, and the following extract

Masonry in Coos. 140

therefrom is an important link in the history of Evening Star Lodge.
He says: —

'• In January last I visited Colebrook, in the county of Coos, where, in June. 5822, Evening
Star Lodge, No. :J7, was duly installed; could find none of the members. [ proceeded on to
Stewartstown, where I found the last secretary, who presented me with the records of the L< dge.

On examination, I found they had not assembled for business since 1828. I procured their charter
and herewith transmit the- same to the Grand Secretary."

Thus, twenty years after the lodge was established, its charter was sur-
rendered to the Grand Lodge, where it remained dormant for eighteen
years. In this condition Evening Star stood not alone. Half the lodges
in the state were at that time in the same condition, and quite a number
remain so yet. At the annual communication of the Grand Lodge in 1S44,
the following resolution was passed: —

" Resolved, That upon petition to the Grand Master of seven or more Master Masons, in regular
standing, requesting the restoration of any charter, which has become void by surrender, or an
omission to be represented, or in making their annual returns since June, 1830, the Grand Master
is hereby authorized and requested, if he shall deem it expedient, to reinstate any such subordi-
nate Lodge under this jurisdiction by directing the Grand Secretary to restore them their charter."

In February, 1859, five members of the lodge, William M. Smith, Setli
Tirrell, Jeremiah Eames, Lyman Lombard and David B. Heath, and two
members of North Star Lodge, Hazen Bedel and James A. Pitkin, peti-
tioned the Grand Master, under the provisions of the above resolution of
the Grand Lodge, for a restoration of the charter, and were informed there
was yet due from the lodge thirty-five dollars for the charter, which must
be paid before it could be restored. The sum was paid, and on the twenty-
fourth day of March, 1859, M. W. Grand Master Moses Paul authorized
and ordered said brethren to reorganize Evening Star Lodge, No. 37, under
its old charter, and restored it to its former rank and standing under the
Grand Lodge. On the thirty -first day of March, L859, the petitioners met
at Fling's Hall in Stewartstown, all being present, and chose by ballot
Lyman Lombard, VV. M.; James A. Pitkin, S. W.; Hazen Bedel, J. W.;
and William M. Smith, Secretary and Treasurer; fixed the fees for the sev-
eral degrees at seven, three and five dollars; fixed the time of the regular
communication at one o'clock p. m., of the Thursday of the week in which
the moon fulls, in each month; received the petitions of ( >scar Worthley
and HydeC. Trask to be made Masons, and voted that Alba Holmes and
John Harrimanbe proposed to become members of the lodge. On the sixth
day of April, 1859, the Grand Master, by dispensation, authorized the lodge
to meet at Fling's Hall in Stewartstown for the present, and until a hall
could be provided at Colebrook, " provided and conditioned that immedi-
ate active measures be immediately taken and prosecuted by said lodge to
provide a hall for their accommodation and work, with as little delay as
possible at Colebrook aforesaid."

150 History of Coos County.

In accordance with said dispensation the regular communication was
holden at Fling's Hall. April 21. Alba Holmes was admitted a member,
and Lyman Lombard not being present, Alba Holmes (probably by dispen-
sation of the D. D. G. M.) was chosen Master in his stead, and officers were
installed by R.W. Jared I. Williams, D. D. G. M., assisted by P. M. Ben-
jamin F. Hunking. Worthley and Trask were entered, and by dispensa-
tion, passed, and Worthley was raised. Thus the order of the Grand Mas-
ter was complied with, and the lodge was fally restored to its former rank
and standing, which it has retained ever since. One more communication
was held in Fling's Hall when the lodge returned home to Colebrook.

The purpose of this sketch was to trace the history of the lodge only
to this point, and here it should end. An interesting chapter of its subse-
quent history might and ought to be written for the benefit of those that
shall come after us, and it is hoped that some one will set about the task
while the few remaining actors of that day remain among us.

It would be doing violence to the feelings of the present members of
the lodge, to conclude without paying a tribute to the memory of those
early members. From the first establishment of the lodge, though a time
of great and general depression in Masonry, though few in numbers, they
continued its work for many years, in a very sparsely settled region of
country, where its members, or at least some of them, had to travel on
foot from seven to ten miles to attend its meetings. After the restoration
in 1859, a few of the ancient brethren were for a few years occasionally
seen in the lodge, but they have all passed away. Even of the petitioners
for restoration, Bro. Hazen Bedel is the only survivor. Let us that remain
revere their good qualities and emulate their virtues. Their devotion to
Craft Masonry was ardent and enduring. One or two incidents in the life
of Bro. William M. Smith may be cited as an illustration of this. In
1828, when the lodge ceased work, he secured the constitution which he
safely kept until 1811, when it was surrendered to the Grand Lodge. He
was foremost in securing the restoration in 1859, and when it was accom-
plished he returned to the lodge its early records, its jewels and all its
paraphernalia which he had kept and securely guarded for twenty-one
years. No one could be more willing to give or receive instruction than
he. Being called by other business to West Stewartstown on two days of
each week, for three or four months in the summer of 1859, but not
detained by it, his genial companionship was sought. Having just entered
the portals of the lodge, and desirous of becoming familiar with the work,
by his advice a cipher was obtained, portions of which neither of us could
interpret alone. Seeking a retired place, sometimes in the old saw-mill,
sometimes ''on the brow of the hill," east of the village, or other suit-
able place where the approach of cowans or eavesdroppers could be
observed, those entire days were spent in its study, and then and there was

Masonry in Coos. 151

laid the foundation of whatever knowledge of esoteric Masonry we may
ever have attained. All honorto his revered memory.

The next regular communication was also held at Fling's Hall, May 11*,
1 s.v.i, when Worthley and Bailey were admitted members, Cunmiings initi-
ated, and Trask raised. The by-laws were "postponed until next Tues-
day, at Colebrook, for examination and correction, and to be adopted at
our next regular communication." The record continues: " It being the
annual communication proceeded to choose a Master by ballot — Chose
Alba Holmes, W. M. Chose Wm. M. Smith, Secretary. Chose Wm. M.
Smith, Treasurer."

The Master appointed James A. Pitkin, S. W. ; Hazen Bedel, J. W. ;
Oscar Worthley; S. D.; and Jeremiah Eames, Tyler. The S. W. ap-
pointed Samuel I. Bailey, J. D., and the J. W. appointed Seth Tirrell and
David B. Heath, Stewards. William M. Smith was chosen Rep.

There is no record of their installation, and probably none ever took
place. As the by-laws had not been adopted, and the record being silent
on the question, the problem as to how this came to be the annual communi-
cation, is not easily solved. The record says it was, and that is all we
know about it. There was a full attendance, and much business was
done. The petitions of Erastus W. Ingham, E. Darwin Lombard, Will-
iam S. Rolfe, Morton B. Rolfe, and Albert Barker, were read and referred,
and the lodge voted: "That the next regular communication be held at
Colebrook."'

Special communications were held at Colebrook on the 24th and 31st
of May, but at what place the record does not say. And the same may
be said of all the meetings until May, 1861. It seems that the lodge re-
turned home in accordance with the vote, and returned to stay, and has
stayed ever since. Though the record is silent, there are members now
living who have a lively recollection of the circumstances. The fact is,
there was no suitable hall in the village. Half or three-quarters of a mile
north of the village stood, and now stands, a two-story building, which
was then unoccupied, containing a hall. The building was old, out of
repair, and the snow had blown in, in large quantities in certain parts of
it, as the writer can testify, for he distinctly remembers the sensation
caused by stepping one foot into it, on the way from the anteroom to the
hall, he being then in darkness and not seeing it. This hall was secured
for one or two meetings, but the property changed hands; the pun baser
moved in, peremptorily told the Masons to "git." and they "got," being
literally turned out of doors. Fortunately there was an unoccupied build-
ing, now occupied by H. F. Jacobs, and the Masons secured it for a time.
It was not what they desired, but was all they could obtain, and they made
the best of it. And so, driven from place to place, they held all their reg-
ular meetings during that year, and did a large amount of work.

152 History of Coos County.

The first regular meeting held in Colebrook after the restoration, was
in the above named hall, June 16, 1850, at which Erastus W. Ingham, E.
Darwin Lombard, Albert Barker, William S. Rolfe, and Morton B. Eolfe
were initiated. At the regular meeting in July, Albert Barker, E. Darwin
Lombard and Morton B . Rolfe were passed. At the regular meeting in
August, Albert Barker and Morton B. Rolfe were raised, and William S.
Rolfe was "passed." September 15th Albert Barker and Morton B. Rolfe
were admitted members; the others were passed, raised, and admitted to
membership as they were able to attend. During the Masonic year of
1850, the records show a large amount of work done by the lodge, and
several irregularities, of which no notice was ever taken, but which, if
done now, would subject the lodge to censure by the Grand Lodge.

At the annual meeting, May 8, 18(30, the lodge contained seventeen
members, with several more that had taken one or two degrees. Two
were admitted to membership and one passed. Alba Holmes was chosen
W. M., and the officers were regularly installed. The present Masonic Hall
was then commenced, but it does not appear where the lodge met or that
any action was taken in regard to future meetings. The fact was, that no
suitable, safe place could be found, and no meeting of the lodge was held
during that Masonic year. Several of the brethren frequently got together
informally for the purpose of studying the work and lectures, and in this
way the interest of the members was not permitted to decline. The next
entry in the records is the annual meeting held in Masonic Hall, May 25,
1801. The work was taken up where it was left a year before, and pro-
ceeded with. Alba Holmes was elected W. M., Hazen Bedel, S. W., Albert
Barker, J. W., Frank M. Rolfe, Sect., and William M. Smith, Treas., and
they were installed by D. D. CI. M. Paddleford. William M. Smith, James
A. Pitkin and Albert Barker were chosen a committee to procure a lease
of the hall. The committee promptly attended to the duty; procured a
lease for twenty-five years at $20 per year, which was accepted, recorded,
and placed on file. The hall was a good one, but destitute of paint or fur-
niture of any kind. The lodge was without funds, and had no source of
revenue except the fees for degrees and membership. The idea of running
in debt was not entertained for a moment. The situation was not an
inviting one, but the brethren accepted it with courage and determination.
Common chairs were procured for seats, and common light stands for
pedestals, and desks for the secretary and treasurer, and the work con-
tinued. As soon as any money accrued, it was expended in furnishing the
hall, and when anything beyond this was absolutely needed, which was
often the case, a few of the brethren put their hands in their pockets
and paid for it. The lodge worked along in this way for five or six
years, when two of the members, with more persistent obstinacy than
Masonic knowledge, carried through the project of placing in the west and

Masonry in Coos. L53

south, instead of pedestals, long desks. These are well enough as desks,
but entirely out of place in a Masonic hall. They still remain there. The
next year the hall and anterooms were painted, and a little later the floors
were elegantly and handsomely carpeted. In this way the lodge got on
until a few of the members began to agitate the question of regular dues
from each member. This was coldly received at first, but finally, in 1871,
was carried by a vote of the lodge, and the by daws so changed as to estab-
lish annual dues of $:} for each member. Since then the hall has been
handsomely and elegantly fitted up ( with the exception of those desks), and
handsomely furnished, comparing favorably with other lodge rooms in the
state, and a small fund was accumulated. The lease for the hall expired
in 1886, but a new lease for twenty-five years more was secured, though
at a much larger rent.

The following vote passed January 8, 1863, explains itself, and perhaps
may be news to some of the members : —

"That the thanks of the Lodge be tendered to Thomas Mayo for the letter 'G ' which he
presented to the lodge."

The following resolutions, on the death of James A. Pitkin, were unan-
imously adopted at the regular communication, held August 27. 1863:—

"Resolced, That in the death of Bro. James A. Pilkin, this Lodge has lost a worthy member,
who has been called from his labor here to that spiritual refreshment above, where the Ashlers
are all smooth, and the Grand Artificer of the Universe presides.

"Resolved, That we are admonished by this event to diligently erect our temporal building
so as better to fit our minds as living stones for that spiritual building; that house not made with
hands, eternal, and in the Heavens.

"Resolved, That we tender to his bereaved widow and fatherless children the lenderest sym-
pathy of every member of this Lodge.

"Resolved, That the Secretary furnish to his widow a copy of these resolutions."

To these resolutions the following reply was received and entered of
record by a vote of the lodge : —

"Colebrook, Nov. 8th, 1863.
" Evening Star Lodge: —

" Thanking the Brotherhood for your kindness in furnishing me with a copy of resolutions
passed in your Lodge, you will please accept a small Photograph of Mr. Pitkin. Resp. Yours,

"E. M. II. Pitkin."

This photograph may be " laid up with the records in the archives of
the lodge," and it may have been lost. Our researches have not resulted
in finding it.

The territory over which the lodge holds jurisdiction is large, but the
larger part of it is sparsely settled. Many of the members live from five
to twenty five miles from the lodge room, and do uot regularly attend its
meetings. Quite a number have gone to other states, scattered from Flor-
ida to California and Canada, and many of these still hold their member-

151 History of Coos County.

ship, but are unable to meet with it. Others demit, which, with the
deaths, keeps the working force of the lodge small. Under these circum-
stances the spirit and stamina of the members is better shown by the
attendance on special occasions than at stated communications. At the
Masonic funeral of Bro. David B. Heath, at Colebrook, December 20, 1S69,
thirty-seven were present; of Seth Tin-ell, at West Stewartstown, Septem-
ber (>, 1S72, forty-one; of Charles H Huntoon. at Colebrook, September 1,
1870, thirty-six; and of William Hart, at Hereford, Canada, February 9,
18 1*9, thirty-eight. These were all the deaths that occurred in the mem-
bership during that decade, and the attendance embraced nearly all the
members who had not left for other states. Up to this date (July, 1887,)
there have been admitted 112. Of these there have died seventeen; demit-
ted, twenty-six; suspended for non-payment of dues, six; demits sur-
rendered and cancelled, two; number in good and regular standing, sixty-
five. Eleven of these have joined within the past twelve months, with
several more who have taken one or more degrees, and will be admitted
in due tims. Few if any lodges have existed for the same length of time
with more harmony among the members and with sister lodges than
Evening Star. No ca.se of discipline has arisen in the lodge since its insti-
tution in 1821, and no regular or stated communication has failed to be
holden since the restoration, except as above stated.

The following members have been duly elected, installed, and " passed
the chair: 1 ' Alba Holmes, William M. Smith, William S. Rolfe, Albert
Barker. Joseph E. Lombard, Edward N. Cummings, Hazen Bedel, George
S. Leavitt, William H. Shnrtleff, Henry M. Leavitt, Sidney B. Whittemore,
Marcena B. Gilkey, J. Sullivan Chase, Aaron B. Haines, and Orville C. Bum-
ford, the present Master, who lives twenty-five miles away, but has been
a constant attendant. The lodge has two Past District Deputies, Hazen
Bedel and Albert Barker, who are permanent members of the Grand Lodge
and usually attend its sessions. Most of those who have joined for a few
years past are enterprising young men, and the lodge bids fair to live long
and prosper.

Gorham Lodge, No. 73, A. F. & A. Jf., Gorham, N. H* — This lodge
was first recognized by a dispensation granted by Grand Master Aaron P.
Hughes, February 7, L862. The first meeting duly holden was on March
11, 1802, Bro. Urban Shorey, W. M. iVtthis meeting eight applications for
initiation were received, and the Tuesday on or before the full of the moon
of each month was selected as the time for each stated communication.
At a special communication on the 19th of March Mr. Moses W. Rand
was initiated— this being the first degree conferred; subsequently on March
24th, Messrs. Stephen R. Raynes, Daniel P. Evans and Stephen Gordon,

*By Alfred R. Evans.

M vsoxry in ( '<)(")s. 155

Jr.. were duly initiated as E. A. Masons. Meetings were held frequently,
and a goodly amount of work was done until June following when a char-
ter was ordered by the Grand Lodge of the state at its animal communi-
cation, and duly issued. The charter bears the date of June 1 1. 1862, and
is signed by Charles H. Bell, as Grand Master. The charter members as
named were: Urban Shorey, S-A Mathes, Charles I \ Smith. 11 F. Ward-
well, Thomas E. Fisk, William Fuller, W. A. Field. L. Walcct 1. ('. W.
Bean. The first meeting held under authority of the charter was on June
20, 1862, when the following officers were elected: Urban Shorey. W. M. ;
S. A. Mathes, S. W. ; C. C. Smith, J. W. ; T. E. Fisk, Treasurer; H. F.
Wardwell, Secretary; D. P. Evans, S. D. ; W. A. Field, J D.

Bro Shorey was re-elected as Master at the annual communication held
May 2(5, 1863, and on June 24th following the officers elected were pub-
licly installed. The exercises of installation passed very satisfactorily,
and no doubt were in many ways beneficial to the order. Bro. Shorey
served as Master till May 9, 1865, when Bro. Thomas E. Fisk was elected
W. M. and duly installed June 6th, when a public supper was served at-
tended by M. M.'s and their ladies. On May 29, 1866, Bro. Fisk was re-
elected W. M., also again elected on May 14, 1867. During this year
the question of establishing a Masonic Lodge at Milan was considerably
discussed, also the propriety of holding a part of the meetings of this lodge
at that place was considered, neither of said propositions were favorably
acted upon. Bro. Fisk continued to act as W. M. until May 2.5. 1869,
when George W. Waterhouse was elected Master. A public installation of
officers was held at the Methodist church on June 22d following, and an ad-
dress delivered by Dr. X. T. True, of Bethel, Me. On May 12, 1870, Bro.
Urban Shorey was again elected W. M., and so served until May 2, Lb7l,
when Bro. A. S. Twitchell was selected W. M. On April 23, 1872, Bro.
Emlyn W. Evans, was elected Master, and on April 8, 1878, Bro. A. S.
Twitchell w-as re-elected W. M. On April 28, 1874, Bro. Urban Shorey
was again elected W. M. and served until April 20, 1875. when Bro. Emlyn
W. Evans was elected W. M. On the evening of March 4, 187.5. the lodge
gave an entertainment and supper at Gorham House hall. The music
was furnished by Chandler's band from Portland, and remarks were made
by many members of the order. The literary exercises were in charge of
Alfred R. Evans, who had but recently received his degrees, and the entire
programme was most successfully carried out. The large hall was filled
with Master Masons and their ladies, and the occasion is often referred
to as one of rare enjoyment. On April 4, 1876, Bro. Emlyn W. Evans
was again elected W. M., and so served until April -1. 1877, when Bro.
Thomas E. Fisk was called again to the East, April 16, 187S, Bro. Asa A.
Palmer was elected W. M. At the next annual communication, on April
1, 1879, Bro. Albert Ryder was elected W. M. On January L0, L880, the

156 History of Coos County.

present Masonic Hall was properly dedicated. Rev. Bro. C. C. Mason
gave an address on Freemasonry, refreshments were served, the hall was
opened for public inspection, and, says the records, "all passed pleasantly
and harmoniously." On May 18, 1880, by virtue of a dispensation from
the Grand Master, an election of officers for the ensuing year was duly
held, and Bro. Emlyn W. Evans was again called to the East, and on
March 15, 1881, Bro. Thomas Gifford was elected Master. On the evening
of March 2 1st following,- the officers elect were publicly installed by Bro.
Thomas S. Ellis, D. D. G. M., a supper was served, music furnished, toasts
responded to and a goodly time enjoyed. March 23, 1882, Bro. Asa A.
Palmer was again elected Master, serving until March 20, 1883, when Bro.
Walter C. Libby was selected W. M., and again elected for a second term
on March 11, 1884. Bro. Nathan Stewart was selected W. M. on March
24, 1885, and is now still filling the position. The present officers of the
lodge are: Nathan Stewart, W. M. ; Rufus F. Ingalls, S. W.; Fred W.
Noyes, J. W.; Alfred R. Evans, Secretary; Charles G. Hamlin, Treasurer;
Alva B. Libby, S. D ; Fred R. Oleson, J. D. ; Charles C. Libby, S. S. ; J.
C Fothergill, J. S. ; Albert Ryder, Tyler; Walter Buck, Chaplain.

Since 1870 the membership of this lodge as reported to the Grand Lodge
has been as follows: —

No. of members April 15, 1880, 123

" 15, 1881, - - - 127

" 15, 1S82, 120

" 15, 1S83, - - 123

" 15, 1881, - 129

" 15, 1885, - 134

a a

15, 1886, - - 139

During the early history of the lodge the propriety of allowing other
societies to use the Masonic Hall was considered, and referred to the
Grand Lodge for determination. That grand body reported its disapproval
of the occupation of halls by subordinate lodges in common with other
societies.

The first lodge room was over what is now Gates & Brown's store.
After several changes and removals the order fitted up its present hall on
Exchange street. It is said to be one of the handsomest and best Masonic
halls in the state outside of the cities, and is well and beautifully furnished,
the carpet, furniture, etc., costing over six hundred dollars. The order is
in a good, healthy, flourishing condition, and numbers among its members
many of the most reliable and active men of the section. Of the nine
charter members of the lodge, five are still members. Many have received
their degrees here, who, being demitted, are now active members of lodges
in other jurisdictions, while some, although absent, still retain their mem-
bership in the mother lodge.

Masonry in Coos. 15'

Of its deeds of charity and benevolence it is not fitting for me to speak,

suffice it to say that Gorhara Lodge has not been wanting in g 1 deeds,

and that here along the sides of the high mountains as well as in the low-
valleys the memory and influence of its acts will long be felt and remem-
bered.

White Mountain Lodge, No. si;, A. F. & A. M., Whitefield*— This
lodge was chartered with the unanimous consent of North Star Lodge,
No. 8, June In, L868. The charter was granted to the following named
brothers: Ira S M. Gove, George H. Pinkham, Lauren J. Miner, Ira A.
Muzzy, Charles W. Cole, Caleb Walker, A. W. Miner, \V. B. Eutchins,
L. V. Seavey, Moses H. Gordon, William F. Dodge, A. K. Lane, G. P.
Warner. William K. Qnimby. C. K. Gile, Richard Lane, Jr., T. M. Taylor,
Charles Libbey, and five others, all except the two Lane brothers were
members at that time of North Star Lodge. The first officers elected were:
Ira S. M. Gove, W. M.; George H Pinkham, S. W.; Lauren J. Miner, J.
W. , Moses H. Gordon, Treasurer; Joel M. Sartwell, Secretary; Hazen W.
Fisk, S. D. ; Manson Bowles, J. D. ; Austin W. Miner, Tyler; Asa K. Lane,
S. S.; T. M. Taylor, J. S. ; G. P. Warner, Chaplain.

The first year the lodge had hard work to provide themselves a lodge
room and pay for fitting up, and with the best management got a small
debt on them. The records show the officers present at every meeting till
our first annual meeting, wiiich occurred May 20, 1 869, when the same
officers were again elected. At our annual communication in May, 1870,
the following officers were elected: George H. Pinkham, W. M.; L.J.
Miner, S. W. ; H. W. Fisk, J. W.; Manson Bowles, S. D. ; L. V. Seavey,
J. D.; Ira S. M. Gove, Secretary.

Bro. Ira S. M. Gove served as Master of the lodge from its organization
until May, 1870, and Brother Pinkham from then until May, 1873, when
Bro. Gove was again elected Master with Bros. W. F. Dodge and A. W.
Miner as W's. Bro. Gove served as Master one year, when Bro. Lauren
J. Miner was elected with A. W. Miner and F. C Fearon as Wardens.

The next year, 1875, Bro. H. W. Fisk was elected Master, F. C. Fearon,
S. W., and S. S. Thomas, J. W. Bro. Fisk served one year, and Bro.
Pinkham was elected again, with F. C. Fearon, S. W., Thomas M. Fletcher,
J. W., and L. D. Whitcher, Secretary. In 1877 Bro. Thomas M. Fletcher
was elected Master, S. S. Thomas, S. \V.. Horace D. Hicks, J. W.. L. I).
Whitcher, Secretary, and J. Q. A. Libbey, Treasurer. Bro. Moses H. Gor-
don had faithfully looked after the finances of the lodge from its infancy
to this time. Brother Fletcher served as Master two years. In 1879 Bro.
F. C. Fearon was elected Master, T. C Gray, S.W.. and Ira l\ Sturtevant,
J. W. In 1880 George E. Hutchins was Master, John T. Twombly, S.W..

*Bv Lauren J. Miner.

15S History of Coos County.

and Richard Rickerby, J. W. In 1881 John T. Twombly, Master, John S.
Coffin, S. YY\, CI. G. McGregor, J. W. In 1882 Bro. T. C Gray was elected
Master, Horace D. Hicks, S. W., Asa D. Hill, J. W ., and James C. Trickey,
Secretary. These officers served two years, and Bro. Gray was elected for
the third year, but declined to serve on account of a press of other busi-
ness, and Bro. H. D. Hicks was elected in his stead, and also declined, and
Bro. Ira S. Sturtevant was elected, and served as Master one year, until
1885, with J. C Trickey, S. W., J. F. Walsh, J. W., A. W. Miner, Treas-
urer. L. D. Whitcher was again elected Secretary, but declined to serve,
and L. J. Miner was elected in his stead. In 1885 James C Trickey was
elected Master, George H. Morrison, S. W., H. E. Mclver, J. W., A. W.
Miner, Treasurer, but declined, and Orin Chase was elected in his stead.
In 188G the same officers were again chosen, and are at the present time
fulfilling the duties of their respective offices.

Bro. George VV7. Libbey was the first man that was made a Mason in
this lodge, and D. J. Pillsbury the second one. Bro. Charles P. Carleton
had taken his E. A. degree in North Star previous to the chartering of
White Mountain Lodge, but North Star Lodge very courteously gave con-
sent to White Mountain Lodge to confer the other two, which they have
done from time to time ever since, Bro. Carleton being a candidate for any
of the degrees in an emergency.

During our existence we have made 110 Masons, as the records show.
Death has robbed us of ten brothers, namely: Aurin M. Chase, Caleb
Walker, John M. Gove, Lyman V. Seavey, Charles W. Cole, Hibbard
Houghton, Benjamin Calden, G. P. Warner, Manson Bowles, G. H. Pink-
ham, Charles Stahl. We have demitted six. Our first dues to the Grand
Lodge were $13.50, showing a membership of fifty-four; our dues in 1886
were $29.25, showing a membership of 117. Bro. E. W. Parker has been
Tyler since 1872, a term of fourteen years of faithful service.

The officers have been very punctual in attendance, and courteous in
manner towards the lodge ever since its organization, and many of the
brothers have attended regularly, especially Bro. A. W. Miner, who has
missed only two meetings, and is what might be called a spare hand, as he
works in every place in the lodge when an officer happens to be absent.
Bro. M. H. Gordon served as Treasurer nine years, Bro. J. Q. A. Libbey,
seven, and Bro. A. W. Miner, one. All declined to serve longer. The
lodge is in a prosperous condition now, and has money in the treasury. It
has had a good amount of work every year, and has considerable on hand
at the present time. Our relations with Burns Lodge and North Star are
the most amiable, and the latter we cherish as our foster mother, and we
esteem ourselves highly favored when we receive a visit from any of the
brothers of either lodge

In conclusion we would quote from Bro. Batchelder, D. D. G. M., Dis.

M VSONRY IX ( loos. 159

No 5. report, 1886: " Bro. James 0. Trickey isa very efficient Master, and
is assisted by intelligent and amhitious officers in the chairs.
The officers are rapidly bringing their work into conformity with the
restored work. They realize the amount of labor involved in this under-
taking, audits importance. The lodge has a fair surplus fund, and its
records are well kept. The lodge is undoubtedly in a better condition to-
day than it has been in for several years. What is better still the brethren
are determined that the progress shall continue until the lodge has a
standing such as may well be attained by faithful attention to the condi-
tions of success."

Officers of the Grand Lodge, Grand Chapter and Grand Commandery
of New Hampshire, furnished by Cods county. — Through the kindness of
George P. Cleaves, Grand Secretary of the above Masonic bodies, we are
enabled to give the following list. Bro. Cleaves says that he may have
possibly omitted some of the earlier officers in the Grand Lodge, as no
residence was entered in the records, and without that he had no guide.

Grand Lodge. — Stephen Wilson, Lancaster, Dis. Dep. Gr. Master 1823,
'24, '25, '26, '43, "44. John Wilson, Lancaster, Gr. Sword Bearer 1S24.'2:>. '26.
William Lovejoy, Lancaster, Dis. Dep. Gr. Master 1827, '30. Jared W.
Williams, Lancaster, Dist. Dep. Gr. Master 1831, "32, '33, '34, '35. '36, '37. '38,
'39. Eliphalet Lyman, Lancaster, Dist. Dep. Gr. Master 1840, '41. John
Willson, Lancaster, Dist. Dep. Gr. Master 1842 (possibly same as John Wil-
son). Jared I.Williams, Lancaster, Gr. Lecturer 1854. '55, '56, "57; Dis. Dep.
Gr. Master 1858,'59; Jun. Gr. Deacon 1860; Sen. Gr. Deacon 1861. Henry 0.
Kent, Lancaster, Gr. Sworcl Bearer I860, '61. '62; Gr. Junior Warden 1863;
Gr. Senior Warden 1864; Gr. Captain General 1865, 'HO; Gr. Generalissimo
1867; Grand Commander 1868, '69. Edward Savage, Lancaster, Gr. Captain
of the Guard 1867, '68. Thomas S. Ellis, Lancaster, Gr. Sword Bearer 1875,
'76; Grand Junior Warden 1877; Grand Senior Warden 1878; Gr. Captain
General 1879. Edward R. Kent, Lancaster, Gr. Capt. of the Guar< I 1877;
Gr. Warder 1878; Gr. Sword Bearer 1879; Gr. Standard Bearer 1880; Gr.
Junior Warden 1881; Gr. Senior Warden 1883, '84; Gr. Capt. General L885;
Grand Generalissimo 1886. Henry O. Kent, Lancaster, Gr. Lecturer. 1860,
'61; D D. G. M. 1862, '63, '66, '69. George C.Williams, Lancaster,Gr. Marshal.
1860, '61; Jun. Gr. Deacon 1862; Gr. Sword Bearer L864, '65. Urban Shorey,
Gorham, Gr. Steward 1863; D. D.G.M.1864,'65,'68. Benj. F. Honking. Lan-
caster, Gr. Lecturer 1864. '65, '66, '67. Hazen Bedel, Colebrook, D. D. G. M.
1867. Albert Barker, Colebrook, Gr. Lecturer, 1868, '69; D. D. G. M. L870,
'71. Edward Savage, Lancaster, Gr. Lecturer. L870, '71. '72/7-: D. D. G. M.
1875, '76. Thomas S. Ellis, Lancaster, Gr. Lecturer 1877, '78; D. D. G. M.
1879, '80. Mitchell H. Bowker, now Whitefield, I while at Lisbon) Gr. Lect-
urer 1881,'82; D. D.G. M. 1883,'84. Thomas C.Grey. Whitefield, Gr. Steward,
1882, '83, '84. Charles E. Mclnti re, Lancaster, Gr. Lecturer, 1885. Alfred

160 History of Coos County.

K. Evans, Gorham, Gr. Steward, 1885, 'st>, '87. Moses A. Hastings, Lan-
caster, Gr. Lecturer, 1880, '87.

Grand Chapter. — Edward Savage, Lancaster, Gr. Steward 1870; Gr.
Master of First Veil 1871; Gr. Master of Second Veil 1872. Thomas S. Ellis,
Lancaster, Gr. Steward 187'.>.

Grand Com man dery. — Jared I. Williams, Lancaster, Gr. Captain Gen-
eral 1860, '61. George C.Williams, Lancaster, Gr. Junior Warden, 1862.

CHAPTER XVII.

THE SOLDIERS OF COOS.

For what he was and all he dared,
Remember him to da_> !"

By Henry O. Kent.

URGED to prepare a chapter, which shall commemorate the men of
Coos living and dead, who took part in the great work of preserving-
Federal unity and National honor during the War of the Rebell-
ion, I consented with reluctance and approach this labor at once congenial
and exacting, with hesitation.

So lofty was the devotion of those who died, so honorable the services
of those who survived, that only the most complete and exhaustive
record can do their deeds and their memory justice, while so inadequate
are the sources of information, that many errors of omission must neces-
sarily occur, which may pain survivors or do seeming injustice to those
who are gone.

In the pages that follow, I have compiled a brief record of the service
of each organization, with a list of its membership, drawing upon the
following authorities, all that could be made available for my purpose,
supplementing this information from my personal knowledge.

I have carefully copied the names of all soldiers of Coos whose resi-
dence is there stated, from the Adjutant- General's report of 1865, revis-
ing this from the reports of the same office issued later.

Had the work authorized by the legislature of 1885 been completed,
the Soldiers' Record, now in process of compilation by the Adjutant-Gen-
eral, more information might have been obtained. Comparison has also
been made with the roster of soldiers now resident in the county, who

The Soldiers of Coos, l • ; i

served in organizations outside the state, as appears by the member-
ship of the several Grand Army posts. Time has also been spent in the
Adjutant-General's office at Concord, to perfect this record.

It is practically impossible, in a work of this character, to follow the
promotions or transfers from one command to another, and the casualties,
and therefore, only the name, regiment and company, when attainable, and
residence is given with such occasional reference to rank or transfer as
was patent, or is recollected by the compiler.

The sketches are compiled from the current publications of the war
period, the reports of the Adjutant-General, Waite's " New Hampshire
in the Rebellion," and information within my personal knowledge or
control.

With this prolix introduction, without which I should be unwilling to
assume the responsibilities of this chapter, I attempt a brief sketch of
each command, a list of such soldiers as the county furnished, as exhib-
ited by the authorities referred to. and a list of veterans now resident
among us, who served in outside organizations as shown by the rosters of
the Grand Army posts within our limits.

In every war our people have done their full share. The pioneers of
Coos were the men of the "Old French War," of Rogers' Rangers, and
of the Army of Independence. Later they responded in field and garri-
son during the war with Great Britain in 1812, they organized companies
for duty on the frontier, were called out in the "Applebee War," to sup-
press the troubles at Indian Stream, and sent valiant men in the Ninth to
follow Pierce and Ransom in the war with Mexico.

There is no priority in honor, no monopoly in patriotism. The deeds
and memory of these men should be, and are, recorded elsewhere.

At the breaking out of the war in April, 1861, there was in the state
no organized force to send to the front, or to serve as the nucleus for vol-
unteer regiments. The earlier military organization of the state — divided
into forty-two regiments, and comprising all able bodied male citizens,
between the ages of eighteen and forty-five, — ceased to be operative, about
ten years before, while in its place existed a paper system, made up of
three Major-Generals and six Brigadier-Generals, with their respective
staffs, and an enrolled but unorganized force.

There were the two military and social commands, known as the Gov-
ernor's Horse Guards and the Amoskeag Veterans, the Lyndeborough
Artillery and a few — perhaps half a dozen — other volunteer companies.
This force was invited, rather than ordered, into camp at Nashua, in the
autumn of 1860, where, with several purely voluntary organizations, it
held a three days' "muster." This was the last appearance of the old
state militia, and when the time of exigency came we were wholly unpre-
pared for immediate action.
li

102 History of Coos County.

Ichabod Goodwin, of Portsmouth, was Governor, elected in March, 1860,
his term expiring in June, 1861, and Joseph C. Abbott was Adjutant and
Quartermaster-General, having been appointed in 1855. Governor Good-
win was a retired merchant of high character and fine executive ability.
Without a soldier at his command, or a dollar with which to equip him,
he was fully equal to the emergency. Troops were raised, and on the
strength of Mr. Goodwin's personal repute and responsibility, the banks
at once proffered sufficient money to arm and forward the men. The leg-
islature, at its session the following June, endorsed and ratified his action,
but the fact remains that to his patriotism, firmness, responsibility and
executive energy, New Hampshire is indebted, both for her prompt and
credible response to the call of the President and the inauguration of
the system which raised, equipped and forwarded the succeeding com-
mands, all of which earned the gratitude of the state and reflected honor
upon it.

Nathaniel S. Berry, elected in 1861, was inaugurated Governor in June
of that year. He was succeeded in June, 1863, by Joseph A. Gilmore,
who held office until June, 1865, when Frederick Smyth succeeded to the
executive chair. During these critical years these chief magistrates exer-
cised the great powers entrusted to them generally with wise discretion,
and they were held in esteem by the soldiers of the state.

Adjutant-General Abbott found himself without arms or equipments,
.confronted by an almost appalling emergency. He was zealous and en-
titled to commendation for his labors in fitting out the earlier regiments,
which went to the front exceptionally well provided. General Abbott
resigned in the summer of 1861, and, by authority from the War Depart-
ment, raised the Seventh Infantry, going out as its Lieutenant-Colonel.
He became Colonel on the death of Col. Putnam, who was killed at Fort
Wagner, was promoted to Brigadier General, was commandant of the
city and district of Wilmington, North Carolina, and after the war a sena-
tor from that state, at Washington. He subsequently engaged in business
in North Carolina, where he died.

He was succeeded by ex-Governor Anthony Colby, as Adjutant-Gen-
eral of the state, who in turn was followed by his son. Daniel E. Colby,
who held the office until the accession of Governor Gilmore in 1864, when
Natt He L ad, afterwards Governor, was made Adjutant- General, hold-
ing the place until his accession to the chief magistracy, when the present
Adjutant-General, A. D. Ayling, was appointed.

The Colbys, father and son, were reliable, earnest men, who brought to
their duties devotion and painstaking care. General Head became at once
favorably and widely known, and his excellent administration of the office
I i;id much to do with his advancement to the executive chair.

It is an act of justice to say, that the present Adjutant- General, him-

The Soldiers of Coos. L63

self a veteran of the war, by his zeal in perfecting the invaluable records
of the soldiers of the state, and his ability in their preparation, as well as
by his general efficiency, merits recognition from New Hampshire soldiers
among the executive officers who organized, equipped, and forwarded our
forces.

The "boys" who, during the process of organization and muster, were
familiar with the State House and its officials, will not have forgottrn
Hon. Thomas L. Tullock, Hon. Allen Tenney, and Hon. Benjamin Gerrish,
consecutively Secretaries of State. Mr. Tullock died in Washington after
having long held important offices there; Mr. Gerrish died in Boston in
1885, after having been Consul at Nantes and Bordeaux, France; while
Mr. Tenney is a successful lawyer at Norwich, Conn. Neither will they
cease to remember their enthusiastic friend Hon. Peter Sanborn, the State
Treasurer, nor his flights of rhetoric. — like that in his address to an out-
going regiment, in the State House yard, when, pointing to the eagle
perched on the colors, and the proud bird on the cupola, he exclaimed:
"Boys! here are two eagles; bring 'em both back with you!" and his
address in the old Representatives Hall, to another regiment on the ' ' army
worm." Col. Sanborn, having long ago retired from public life, survives
on the paternal farm at Hampton, enjoying a vigorous and honored old age.

Elder John Hook, who sold "pies an' things" near the camp-ground,
still survives, dispensing gospel truths and "Hook's Healing Balm"
throughout the land, a devout, honest and excellent man.

Upon the reception of the proclamation of the President calling for 75,-
000 men for three months, it was determined to open recruiting offices, and
call for volunteers, and a proclamation was issued to that effect on the l(5th
of April. Recruiting offices were opened at the principal towns — that for
this county at Lancaster, April 1 6, in charge of the writer of this chapter, as
aid to the Adjutant-General. Two days later he was ordered to turn this
office over to a subordinate, and report at headquarters, Ira S. M. Gove
being left in charge. Arrived at Concord, he was commissioned by Gov-
ernor Goodwin, Assistant Adjutant-General of the state, and ordered to
repair to Portsmouth, to prepare there for the reception of recruits to be
organized into a second regiment. He held this position until the Second
Regiment had left the state, and the troops at Fort Constitution had been
nearly all discharged.

Having thus referred to the civic and military organizations, I now
propose to give a brief resume of the operations of each command, and fco
publish as full a list of soldiers from Coos as can be procured from the
sources before referred to: —

The First Infantry was raised for three months' service, and contained
no men from this county. It was organized at Concord, received an
ovation in New York on its way to Washington, and was stationed on the

ltJi History of Coos County.

Upper Potomac during its period of enlistment. It was composed of the
finest material, and was admirably officered and drilled. It was supplied,
as was the Second and Third, with "claw-hammer" coats of heavy gray
cloth, which were soon thrown aside for the easy blouse. Its field officers
were Colonel, Mason W. Tappau, who afterwards declined the colonelcy
of one of the later regiments; Lieut. -Col., Aaron F. Stevens, subse-
quently Colonel of the Thirteenth, Brigadier-General and Member of Con-
gress; and Major, Thomas J. Whipple, a veteran of the Mexican war, sub-
sequently Colonel of the Fourth, and now, honored by the community
wherein he resides, an eminent lawyer at Laconia. Col. Tappan, then
Attorney-General of the state, died about the beginning of the present
year, at his home in Bradford.

The Second Infantry. — The response to the call for three months' men
far exceeding the limit of troops called for from the state, the Governor
determined to order the surplus above the maximum of the 1st Regiment
into camp at Portsmouth, pending a decision as to their disposal. Accord-
ingly the Rope- walk, near the South mill pond, was utilized as a barrack,
and the men came into camp. In May it was found that no more men for
three months would be received, and the question of enlisting for three
years was presented The great portion of the recruits accepted the new
terms, those declining to extend their term of service being sent as a gar-
rison to Fort Constitution, at the mouth of Portsmouth Harbor, from
which they were discharged the ensuing summer.

Thomas P. Pierce, of Nashua, a veteran of the Mexican war, had been
commissioned Colonel. Declining to serve for three years, he resigned,
and Gilman Marston, of Exeter, was appointed Colonel; Frank S. Fiske, of
Keene, Lieutenant-Colonel, and Josiah Stevens, Jr., of Concord, Major. Gen-
eral Marston served through the war with distinction, was promoted as
Brigadier-General, and is now, in his hale old age, an active and eminent
lawyer at Exeter. Lieutenant-Colonel Fisk resigned after a year's service,
and is now clerk of the U. S. district court, in Boston. Major Stevens
subsequently resigned, and died at Manchester, about the time of the first
veterans' reunion, which was held in that city in 1875.

On its way to the front, the regiment, in passing through Boston, re-
ceived a magnificent welcome at the hands of the sons of New Hampshire
resident in that city. It was reviewed by Governor Andrew from the
State House, dined at Music Hall, and was paraded upon the common.

To give the record of this famous regiment would be to write the his-
tory of the Army of the Potomac, in which it served through the war, re-
enlisting at the expiration of its three years of duty. It was a nursery,
from which came many accomplished officers for other regiments, it
received and assimilated the 17th Regiment in 1863, and a great number of
recruits, and during its entire service was conspicuous for bravery, soldierly

The Soldi krs of ( '<><">s.

L65

behavior, and untiring devotion to the canst'. Its record was always right,
and its well-earned fame is beyond praise. It was mustered oul al City
Point, Va., November is, and paid off at Concord, November 26, 1865.

ROSTER.

)t. Co. C,

Ira (i. Douglass,

Lancasti r

Lancaster

Oliver P. Day, H,

3o. F,

Morrill c. Day, Co. unknown,

Milan

Claude De Vire, Co. unknown,

Errol

Lancaster

John King, B,

Milan

Edson J. Dunham, F,

Dummer

Lancaster

Joseph Greeley, F,

Dalton

Milan

Thomas Hudson, F,

( llarksville

Clark sville

Henry Johnson, F,

Carroll

Erro]

Daniel Johnson, B,

Stiwartstiiw 11

Lancaster

Robert Knight, B,

John King, F,

Errol

Simon Layne, F,

Clarksville

Stratfnrd

James Lynch, F,

Carroll

James Martin.

Lancaster

Pittsburg

Charles E. Mclntire, G,

Clarksville

Henry Martin, Co. unknown.

Martin's Grant

Colebrook

Edgar Morse, Co. unknown.

Whitefield

Samuel 0. Nutter, F,

Lancaster

John Puryea, K,

Dalton

Ira Noyes. K,

Columbia

Stratford

Alfred Poquet, unknown,

Colebrook

Stewartstown

Henry Gleason. B,

Lancaster

George Robinson, I,

Pittsburg

Benjamin Sawyer, F,

Lancaster

John Puryea, K.

Joseph Scott, F,

Carroll

Thomas Williams, I,

Lancaster

Stephen Smith, F,

Colebrook

Henry Smith, F,

Whitefield

Lancaster

Joseph Thompson, D,

Lancaster

Whitefield

Augustus M. Williams, unknown,

Colebrool

Jefferson

Levi Hicks, B,

Lancaster

George A. Rowell, A,

Stratford

Charles W. Randall, B,

Colebrook

Samuel D. Wright, F,

■ i

»i

Alfred Poquet, H,

Columbia

George Workman,

Thomas Williams.

Carroll

Dummer

Joseph Thompson, B,

Dalton

John L. York,

Milan

Lancaster

Marcout Bernabon, (',

Carroll

Fay Carleton, 15,

< 'oh brook

David S. Chandler, B,

Edwin R. Cilley, B,

Colebrook

Simon S. P. Smith, B,

Hart's Location

Ira Sweatt, B,

Hugh R. Richardson, Lt. Co. F, Capt.

Harrison D. F. Young, Co. H, Capt. Co. F,

Welcome A. Crafts, Lt.-Col. 5th,

Charles W. Fletcher, Sergeant,

Lovell W. Brackett, F,

Richard 0. Young, F,

Lorenzo D. Adley,

Arthur R. Aldrich, B,

John Barney, F.

Charles Buck, F.

George Burt, F.

Joseph Benway, F,

Samuel H. Clough, F,

Harmon Frost,

Edgar Gaines, F,

John Gilman, D,

Henry S. Hilliard, F, Capt. 5th,

William H. Tibbetts, B,

George Workman, F,

James Hagan, F,

Bernard Johnson, F,

Thomas Kenney, F,

George W. Morgan, F,

Cyrus W. Merrill, F,

William H. Gault, B,

Amasa F. Huggins, B,

Simon Merrill, F,

Patrick McCaffrey, F,

Eleazer D. Noyes, H,

Charles F. Nutter, F,

Frank F. Noyes, G,

John Ordway, F,

George Robinson, F,

William H. F. Staples, F,

Thomas J. Severance, F,

Lewis Tashro, B,

Clark Stevens, F, and Lt. H'y Art.

Lucian B. Grout, K,

Levi Witham, F,

Ira M. Wallace, F,

Gilman Aldrich, F.

Levi P. Barrows, F,

Jerome H. Brown, F,

Ebenezer Carpenter, F,

Thomas Crawford,

Jere Cronin,

The Third Infantry. — This command was organized at Concord in the
summer of 1861, and from excellent material Enoch Q. Fellows, now
living at Sandwich, a graduate of West Point, and the Adjutant of the

166

History of Coos County.

1st Regiment, was its Colonel; John H. Jackson, of Portsmouth, a vet-
eran of the Mexican war, now an inspector in the Boston custom house,
Lieut. -Colonel; and John Bedel, of Bath, also a Mexican veteran, afterward
brevetted Brigadier, who died in 1875, Major. There was no commis-
sioned officer from this county, the men being recruited and going in
without company organization.

The Third was first assigned to duty on the seaboard in the South,
serving with distinction at Hilton Head, Charleston, Fernandina, Fla.,
and other strategic points. It joined the Army of the James and took
part in the closing scenes before Richmond. Like the Second, it furnished
many officers for later regiments, and received a large number of recruits.
Its record was highly honorable; it was' engaged in desperate battles; did
garrison and fortification duty; and in all respects won fairly the high
reputation that has always been accorded to it. It was mustered out July
20, 1865.

ROSTER.

Orville E. Moulton, Sergeant.

Lancaster

Orlando Brown, I,

Carroll

Thomas Cassady, Corporal,

Charles M. Blood, I,

Lancaster

Edwin E. Jones, H, 9tb, Corporal,

Louis Beldeau,

Northumberland

Nelson B. Lindsey, Corporal, 17th H'y

Art. "

Amos C. Colby, I,

Whitefield

John W. Morse, Musician,

William Eastman, I,

<«

James Blanehard,

Andrew J. Fowler, I,

Lancaster

Frederick T. Bennett,

Freeman F. Glines, I,

WTutefield

Granville Blake,

Milan

Montraville P. Horton, I,

Carroll

Joseph Chesley,

Dummer

Kobert B. Holmes. I,

John H. Cameron,

Lancaster

Edward Hall.

Colebrook

Orland Day,

Gorham

Jonas Ingerson, I,

Whitefield

James W. Farrington,

Marshall H. King, I,

Carroll

Oscar Gaines,

Lancaster

John Kisling,

Colebrook

Charles H. Kane,

Horatio P. Lougee, I,

Whitefield

George W. Mclntyre,

Berlin

Horace M. Lindsey, I,

DeWitt C. Paine,

Milan

William W. Lang, I,

White Pilbro,

Columbia

James McCrillis,

Columbia

William Wilkins,

Lancaster

James Moulton, I,

Lancaster

Calvin 0. Wilkins,

John W. Moidton, I,

Frederick A. Wentworth,

John M. Morse, I, Sig. Service,

Jefferson

Isaac I. York,

Colebrook

Daniel W. Titus, I,

Whitefield

Ira D. Hyde,

Stark

Almon B. White, I,

Azariah L. Clark.

Whitefield

Charles McKee, K,

Colebrook

Ezra D. Clark,

William S. Morse, K,

Shelburne

Josiah S. Blood, I,

The Fourth Infantry, — This command was officered by Col. Thomas J.
Whipple, Lieut. -Col. Louis Bell, killed at Fort Fisher, January 15, 1865,
and Jeremiah D. Drew, of Salem, Major. It was a valuable and efficient
three years regiment, originally part of the force on the South Atlan-
tic coast. It had no organized body of men from this county. Its
service was at Hilton Head, Fernandina, Charleston, and in the Army of

The Soldiers of Coos.

L67

the James, before Petersburg and Richmond. It was mustered out August

27, 1865.

ROSTER.

Franklin Crawford. D,

Clarksville

Robert Calahan, D,

Colebrook

Daniel Day. Jr., F,

Pittsburg

William Chester, K,

Stewartst.iw u

Orange Fisk, H,

Lancaster

John Craver, K,

Milan

John Smith, F,

Colebrook

Francis Duquette, H,

Berlin

Louis Black, D,

Henry Dubois, K,

Milan

Charles Williams, K,

Lancaster

Michael Gero, D,

Lancaster

Thomas Flynn, K.

Gorham

Louis Grapo, G,

Milan

Henry F. Wardwell, Asst. Surgeon,

George L. Harrington, K,

Lancaster

James M. Kidder, K,

Stewartstown

Eugene Lacroix, K,

Stewartstown

Thomas H. Mayo, I,

George La Plant, K,

Milan

Peter Anderson, K,

Milan

George Peno, K,

Stewartstown

Samuel Barney, G,

James Taylor, C,

Lancaster

Joseph Brown, G,

Horace Taylor, K,

Stewartstown

The Fifth Infantry. — This command contained several Field, Staff and
Line officers, an entire Co. (B) and many recruits from this county. It
had a notable record for daring bravery, and was one of the conspicuous
regiments of the Volunteer Service. This was largely due to the person-
nel of its first commander, Col Edward Ephraim Cross, of Lancaster, who
had shared largely in the adventurous life of the southwestern frontier.
Leaving home at an early age, he had been a newspaper reporter at Cin-
cinnati and Washington, and wagoned the first printing press across the
plains to Tucson, in Arizona, where he established a paper. Engaged in
warfare with the Apache and other tribes, he subsequently took service
with the Republic of Mexico, until he came north to offer his services to
his native state in the summer of 1861. His campaigning life, and famil-
iarity with the ways of regular soldiery, gave him a position and influ-
ence that added eclat to his recruiting and procured for his regiment from
the outset, a reputation for dash and effective work.

The regiment went into camp at "Camp Jackson," at Concord, on
the bluffs opposite the lower or Federal bridge, with Edward E. Cross as
Colonel, Samuel G. Langley, late Adjutant of the Second, Lieut. -Colonel,
and William W. Cook, of Boston, Major. Colonel Cross, after a most gal-
lant and brilliant career, fell mortally wounded an Gettysburg, while com-
manding the 1st Brigade of the 1st Division of the Second Army corps,
and was buried with impressive Masonic ceremonies from the homestead
at Lancaster. A monument, erected by friends, commemorates his serv-
ices, and marks the spot of his repose, while the local post of the Grand
Army and the Relief Corps bear his name. Lieut. -Col. Langley resigned
after about a year of service, and died in Washington in 186S. Major
Cook died since the close of the war.

As with the Second, so with the Fifth, the limits of a chapter would
utterly fail to give its history. It furnished gallant officers for later regi-

168

History of Coos County.

merits, received many recruits and was always conspicuous for its bravery
and heroic work. It was in the Peninsula, Maryland, Pennsylvania and
Virginia campaigns, and its Colonel made the proud boast to the writer,
that at the disastrous charge at Fredericksburg, ' ' his dead lay nearer the
enemy's rifle pits, than those of any other regiment in the Army of the
Potomac." While a veteran of the Fifth remains, its deeds of daring,
its amateur engineering, its marches and its conflicts will be as fresh in
their memories as the rollicking strains of " One Eyed Eiley!" and their
services will have the appreciation that follows honest endeavor. The
regiment was mustered out July 8, 1805. The Surgeon of the Fifth was
John W. Bucknam, of Lancaster, a devoted and excellent officer. Dr.
Bucknam engaged in practice at Great Falls, with great success, and died
there widely esteemed.

ROSTER.

Edward E. Cross, Colonel,
Richard E. Cross, Lieut.-Col.,
Welcome A. Crafts, 2d, Lieut. -Col.
John W. Bucknam, Surgeon,
Charles M. Trask, Asst. Surgeon,
O'Niell B. Twitchell, Captain,
Edmund Brown, Captain,
Her.ry S. Hilliard, Captain,
Elijah F. Marden, Lieut.,
Nathaniel F. Low, Lieut.,
Moses W. Band, Lieut.,
Freeman Lindsey, Wagoner,
John G. Sutton, B,
Charles E. Graham, B, Musician,
Joseph B. Hanson, B, Wagoner,
Sewell R. Aldrich, B,
Isaiah W. Burbank, B,
David A. Brinington, B,
William A. Oorson, B,
James Cummings, B,
Alexander Cummings, B,
William G. Ellis,
Levi J. Corson, B.
Michael Cassady, B,
James Cassady, B,
Joseph M. Davis, B,
Michael Eagan, B,
Erastus W. Forbes, B,
John Fair, B,
Daniel Gillander, B,
Reuben Gassett, B,
Asa D. Goodwin, B,
Jacob A. Harriman, B,
Leonard W. Howard, B,
Charles A. Hutchinson, B,
Franklin M. Higgins, B,
Francis Heywood, B,
Henry W. Libbey, B,

Lancaster
it

Milan

Lancaster

Stewartstown

Du miner

Lancaster

Stewartstown

Jefferson

Randolph

Gorham

Lancaster
tt

Colebrook

Milan

Dalton

Gorham

Milan

Lancaster

Dummer

Lancaster

Gorham

Milan

Dalton

Gorham

Randolph

Lancaster

Stratford

Milan

Lancaster

Whiterield

Charles H. Linton, B,

Gorham

Louis Lapointe, B,

Lancaster

Patrick Maley, B,

Northumberland

Aurin Morse, B,

Randolph

Frederick Millar, B,

Dalton

Henry McGann, B,

Milan

N. W. Ordway,B,

Bailey A. Parker, B,

Whitefield

Eldad A. Rhodes, B, Sei'geant,

Lancaster

Francis A. Russel, B,

Milan

George H. Roberts, B,

(•

Hosea Stone, B,

Lancaster

J. S. C. Twitchell, B,

Dummer

Thomas S. Thayer, B,

Jefferson

William R. Yates, B,

Milan

Lawson A. Yorke, B,

Luther Walcott, E,

Gorham

Sylvanus Chessman, F,

Lancaster

Richard Fletcher, B,

George H. Nickerson, F,

Milton A. Adams, A,

■ ■

William Cummings, B,

Northumberland

Enoch N. Clement, A,

Lancaster

James Colby, B,

Reuben F. Carter, K,

George Delair,

Columbia

King J. Cross, H,

Joseph Derusha, A,

Carroll

John Edwards, G,

Colebrook

Joseph Hart. D, Musician,

Lancaster

Hiram Hilliard, B,

Colebrook

William F. Horn, A,

Milan

Charles Kraft, C,

JefferBon

John Malia, G,

Lancaster

Joseph P. Matthews, H, H'y Art.,

Martin McCormic, F,

Daniel Mahoney, F,

George W. Marden, A,

The Soldiers of Coos.

169

Charles D. Parrington, B,

George Ridley, E,
George A. Richards, F,
John A. Manchester. A,
Edward Sweeney,
Charles Sawyer, E,
Alvin Saunders, F,
John Sullivan, G,
Solomon Wilson, B,

Lancaster

Jefferson

Colebrook
a

Lancasti r

Jefferson

Colebrook

Lancaster

Joseph Washburn, I,
Terence Garrett,
William II. Veazie,
Portus U. Brown, B,
Samuel A. Andrews, B,
Scribner Cates, H,
1 1, orge E. ( lates, H,
Jonathan Dow, B,
Leonard W. Howard, B,

burg

I 'a 1 ton
Berlin

Gorham

Berlin
Lanca ti i

The Sixth Infantry. — This regiment was organized at Keene, in No-
vember, 1801. Gen. Nelson Converse, of Marlborough, of the old militia,
was its Colonel; Simeon G. Griffin, of Nelson, late Captain of Co. B, 2d
Regiment, Lieut. -Col.; and Charles Scott, of Peterboiough, Major. It
served in several departments, being first ordered to the Southern Atlantic
coast, at Hatteras Inlet, N. C, and Roanoke Island— it then became a part
of Burnside's corps, serving in Virginia, Maryland, Tennessee, and on the
Mississippi. It took part in the momentus battles of Antietam, Second Bull
Run, Fredericksburg, the siege of Vicksburg, and the closing scenes of the
war with the Army of the Potomac, in 180tLand '65, and was mustered out
July 22, 1 805. This was an excellent regiment, in discipline and effective-
ness. Col. Converse, its original commander, did not serve but a few
months, when Lieut. -Col. Griffin assumed command. He distinguished
himself as an officer, and received the highest promotion accorded to a
New Hampshire soldier, being Brigadier and Brevet Major-General. His
home is now in Keene, although he has large interests in ranche property
in Texas, to which he devotes considerable of his time.

John Anderson, G,
Thomas Arnold,
William H. Autum,
John C. Brooks, H,
Otto Bockel, B,
John Battis, A,
William Boyle, H,
Thomas Bemis,
John Brown, G,
Henry Black, A,
William Baker, Jr., A,
Charles Brown,
Thomas Bowman, B,
Martin Bird, G,
David F. Coates,
William Clark, C,
Frank Croft, D,
James Chaculaga,
William H. Cram, K,
William Devoe, K,
James Delaney,
Morris Daley, H,

ROSTER.

Carroll

Charles Davis, C,

Whitefield

Peter Deerin, H,

Jefferson

John Davis,

Peter Dolan,

Dalton

Walter H. Evans, E,

Henry Freeman, E,

Northumberland

John Flood, E,

George Fawkes,

Whitefield

Charles Gelherg, K.

Stark

Frank Guillette,

Dalton

William Greene, H,

Errol

Edward Gillingham, H,

Whitefield

George. V. Gam shy, B,

Pittsburg

( lalvin Hicks, K,

Columbia

William Gibson, F.

Northumberland

Francis Gallagher, D,

St- wartstown

John Henry, A,

Theodore Bagerman, K.

Dalton

Peter Hanson,

Colebrook

John Hogan,

( lolnmbia

Ephraim E. Holmes, H,

Stark

William Johnson, D,

Stratford
Northumberland

Jeffe

Milan

Stewart stown

Columbia

Colebrook

Stark

Shelburne

Stewartstown

Lancaster

Columbia

Colebrook

darks'* ille

Dalton

Lancaster

Whitefield

Jefferson
(<

Stark

170

History of Coos County

John James, C,

Stark

George Owens,

Pittsburg

Lewis King, K,

Shelburne

Eli P. Pierce, B,

Whitefleld

George King. E,

Stewartstown

Charles Paul, I,

Stark

Zor Karlson, G,

Charles Parker, F,

Lancaster

Henry Kulp, A,

Lancaster

Leon Roberts. P.

Columbia

WiUiam Kelley, C,

Stewartstown

Charles E. Rogers, H,

Lancaster

Charles Linn, F,

Stark

Frank Sullivan, A,

Whitefleld

William Lower, C,

Gorham

Linus Summers, B,

Earnest A. Leavitt, I,

Columbia

Henry Stone,

Carroll

Patrick Lakey, E,

Ralph Sullivel, C,

Stark

Henry H. Lucus, H,

Lancaster

Francis St. Peter, H,

Columbia

Joseph Lord,

Stewartstown

Charles H. Smith, H,

Northumberland

John Lanigan,

Errol

Thomas C. Sullivas, H,

John Morrison,

Carroll

John Snow, C,

Victor Levie,

Errol

Charles Sweet, Jr., I

Columbia

Francis Mack, K,

Shelburne

George Tabor, D,

Carroll

Thomas Moran, E,

Stewartstown

James Thomas, D,

Stark

John Markston, D,

Whitefleld

Richard Troy, A,

Whitefleld

James Madigan, A,

Stratford

Freeman Tyrill, B,

Gorham

John McDonnell, E,

Northumberland

James Ward, H,

Columbia

Michael Nelligan,

Columbia

Aaron Wright, I,

Lancaster

Andrew Nelson,

Colebrook

Franklin Walker, A,

William O'Niell. G,

Whitefleld

Thomas Williamson, C,

Stewartstown

John Oliver. I,

Stark

Nathaniel P. Ordway, E,

Milan

William Obeg, C,

Jefferson

The Seventh Infantry. — This command, raised under exceptional cir-
cumstances, by authority of the Secretary of War, went into camp at
Manchester in October, 1861, with Lieut. Haldiman S. Putnam, of the
Regulars, — a native of Cornish, in Sullivan county, — as Colonel, Joseph C.
Abbott, late Adjutant General, as Lieut. Col., and Daniel Smith, of Dover,
as Major.

This command, which was exceptionally well prepared by drill and
discipline for its later experience, left the state on the 14th. of January,
1862, and was sent by transport to the Dry Tortugas, Fla , where it gar-
risoned Fort Jefferson and other important works. In June it was sent to
Beaufort, S. C, and then to St. Augustine, Fla, It participated in the his-
toric attack on Fort Wagner, Charleston harbor, July 18, 1803, where its
Colonel was killed after having effected an entrance to the fort, although
our forces were afterward repulsed. It served with the Tenth Corps dur-
ing the closing scenes of the war near Petersburg and Richmond. It en-
gaged in storming and capturing Fort Fisher, near Wilmington, N. C,
and through all its arduous service, acquitted itself with great persistence,
devotion and bravery. It was mustered out July ±2, 1865, and reached
Concord early in August of that year.

ROSTER.

Charles P. Denison, A, Captain,
Ezra Carter, A,
Frederick Ingerson, A,
James S. Lucus, A,

Lancaster

Northumberland

Lancaster

Alden Lewis, A,
Philip McCaffrey, A,
John L. Meserve, A,
Cyrus Savage, A,

Lancaster

The Soldiers of Coos.

171

Charles C. Beaton, G,
Edward Carr, C,
Charles A. Cross, E,
Levi Dunham, I,
Frank Fell, H,

Lancaster

Gorham

Dalton

Whitefield

Dalton

.Julm (Ira nt, A,
Daniel T. Johnson, < '•.
James A. King, B,
Joseph Lary, H,
Thomas Wilson. A,

I . irham
Lancaster

Whitefield

The rolls of Co. A, A. G. O.. show residence "unknown" of nearly all
its members, making accuracy of compilation uncertain.

The Eighth Infantry. — This three years regiment was organized at
Manchester, served valiantly on the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, at Baton
Eouge, Port Hudson, and Sabine Pass, Texas; re-enlisted and underwent
all the hardships of battle, siege and sickness in an unhealthy climate,
being finally mustered out at Concord in January, 1865, and its veteran
battalion in October of the same year. It contained no organization from
Coos Its officers were: Hawkes Fearing, of Manchester, Colonel; Oliver
W. Lull, of Milford, who had been an Aid to Gen. George Stark, of the
state service, at Portsmouth, and who was killed at Port Hudson, Lieut. -
Col. ; and Merril B. Smith, of Concord, Major. For a time this regiment
was mounted, and known as the c 2d N. H. Cavalry.

Bichard Adams,
Matthew Agar, D,
John Adams, F,
Doric Boreasau, I,
Willington Brown, G,
Joseph Bondrie, C,
Michael Brady, C,
William Brown, F,
James F. Brown, F,
Stephen Cook, C,
Newell P. Chase, G,
John Cornet, C,
Peter Coffin, D,
Thomas Clark, D,
William Cloutman, F,
Thomas Connor, B,
William Dammings, D,
Moellor A. Dorl, D,
Patrick Duffy, D,
George Durkee, F,
Grege C. French, C,
Lewis Gutcher, C,
Joseph Gremer, D,
Louis Houll,
William B. Hetson, E,
Henry George, F,
James O'Hern, F,
John A. Holyoke, B,
William Jarvis, D,
Bartholomew Jordan, D,
John Jordan, E,

KOSTER.

Whitefield

Allen Johnson, F,

Lancaster

Stark

Edward Kelley, I,

Whitefield

Dalton

Cyril LaFaince, I,

Whitefield

Charles W. Larkin, I,

Stratford

Fargenam Levene, I,

Berlin

Jefferson

James S. Lane, H,

Lancaster

George Lansinger, D,

Gorham

Lancaster

Peter Larsen, D,

Lancaster

Dalton

Jonathan Metcalf, G,

Whitefield

William F. McCormic, D,

Dalton

Colebrook

Charles A. Myers, D,

Gorham

Berlin

William Merrill, G,

Stratford

Gorham

Charles 0. Merry, G,

Lancaster

Whitefield

Ezra S. Nourse, D,

Whitefield

Lancaster

Michael O'Flanigan, G,

Lancaster

Jefferson

Adam Osborne, C,

Gorham

Jameson Perry, G,

Pittsburg

Albert Eowell, G,

Jacob Benold, G,

Lancaster

Dalton

Joseph Shirlow, I,

Jefferson

Lancaster

Henry Sailor, C,

Jefferson

Isaac Smith, D,

Gorham

Patterson Smith,

Whitefield

Gorham

Oliver Sales. G,

Lanci

Lancaster

William 11. Veazie, G,

Dalton

Joseph G. Walcott, G,

Ira L. Westcott, C,

Dalton

Milan

William Watson. D.

( lorliaiu

Gorham

Thomas Williams, D,

Stark

Whitefield

Charles Wilson,

Jefferson

Lancaster

Charles B. Wilcox,

Stark

172

History of Coos County.

The Ninth Infantry. — This regiment was recruited more slowly than
its predecessors, and was perhaps the first that experienced to any consid-
erable extent the effect of the " bounty " system. It went into camp in
Concord in June, 1862, and left for the front August 25, under Col. E. Q.
Fellows, formerly of the Third. It was a gallant regiment and performed
heroic service. From first to last, it had many good men from the county,
and lost heavily in many engagements, notably, Antietam, Fredericksburg,
the battles of the Wilderness in 1864, and the closing conflicts of the war.
Its service was under Burnside, in Maryland, Virginia, Kentucky, Mis-
sissippi and Tennessee, and it was mustered out in June, 18(55.

John W. Titus, of Keene, was Lieutenant-Colonel, and George H.
Chandler, of Concord, Major. Colonel Fellows, as before stated, survives,
as does Col. Titus. Major Chandler became a successful lawyer at Balti-
more and died within a few years.

The original detachment from this county, in the Ninth, was raised by
Lieut. John G. Lewis and incorporated in Co. H. Lieut. Lewis was a man
of sterling qualities, tenderness of heart and personal bravery. He was
killed while leading his company in storming the Heights at Fredericks-
burg in December, 1862. His body was borne off the field at night by
Masonic comrades and given interment under the solemn rites of that
order, at Lancaster, where a suitable monument records his virtues and
perpetuates his memory.

With Lieut. Lewis was Lieut. John Edwin Mason, who had made many
friends in Coos, while preparing the county map in 1860. He was engaged
with him in the enlistments and was commissioned in the same regiment.
His connection with the soldiers of Coos warrants the insertion of his name
in this connection. He was of Manchester, served with credit through the
war, and is iioav a surgeon in the Bureau of Pensions, Washington.

The enlistments from Coos and the subsequent choice of Coos recruits
for the Ninth, was due largely to the character and zeal of Lieut. Lewis,
whose memory is held in high esteem. The service of this regiment was
varied and trying. Serving in many states and on all kinds of military
duty, being transported over great distances and engaging in the most
arduous campaigns, it won and preserved a most honorable reputation for
discipline, endurance and bravery.

John G. Lewis, H, Lieut.,
John Howe, H, Sergt.,
Frederick Morse, H, Corp.,
William H. Allen, H,
Cleveland C Beard, H,
Leonard M. Beard, H,
Azel Dinsmore, H,
Sanford Dinsmore, H,

ROSTER.

Lancaster

William H. Farnham. H,

Lancaster

Carroll

Henry Houghton, H,

Stark

Lancaster

Albert Lindsey, H,

Jefferson

Henry H. Moulton, H,

Lancaster

Northumberland

Freeman H. Perkins, H,

Henry H. Sanderson, H,

Colebrook

Lucien F. Thomas, H,

Leander A. Wilkins, H,

Northumberland

The Soldiers of Coos.

it:;

Asahel Aldrich, H,

Jefferson

Henry H. Lucas, H,

Lancaster

Abraham H. Bedell, H,

Charles Lagard, K,

•i' fferson

Austin Bedell, H,

Victor Levie. E,

Errol

John C. Brooks, H,

Dennis Murphy, K,

Jefferson

William Boyle, H,

Northumberland

James Murray, A,

Gorham

John Bondle, II, Mexican war.

Stark

Sylvester A. Newell, E,

Milan

Albert 8. Brown, K,

Dalton

Samuel F. Ordway, E,

Thomas Bowman, B,

Whitefield

John L. Ordway, E,

John W. Brown, I.

Stewartstown

Nathaniel I'. Ordway, E,

John Bradley, I,

Northumberland

.lames M. IYttengill, E,

Simon Conway, H,

Lancaster

Alfred C. Pratt, H, 6th, 17th,

and 2d, .1. fferson

George Cummings, H, 2d, 17th

and 6th, u

Paul Perkins, H,

Lancaster

William H. Cram, K,

Dalton

Willard H. Perry. G,

Dalton

Martin Connelly, E,

Randolph

Charles C. Rogers, H,

Lancaster

James Calden, I,

Jefferson

Harrison E. Round, H,

Horace J. Chandler, A.

Milan

Frederick Rhodi, G,

Northumberland

Peter Deering, H,

Northumberland

Alonzo Stillings, H,

.li ffersi m

Ira G. Douglass, F,

Lancaster

Thomas C. Sullivan, H,

Northumberland

Philip Deary, G,

Pittsburg

Charles Sweatt, Jr., I,

Columbia

Charles 0. Ellingwood, E,

Milan

John Shover, F,

Jefferson

Walter H. Evans, E,

George Tenry, F,

Lancaster

Loren E. Stalbird, H,

Lancaster

George L. Vincent, E,

Milan

Michael Gibson, E.

Clarksville

John Vrooman, E,

Jefferson

Ephraim E. Holmes, H,

Jefferson

Charles H. Warren, K.

Ereeman H. Holm